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Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Menomonie WI, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online alternatives also. Even though these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Menomonie WI employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an important part of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist schools have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you choose offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Menomonie WI dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental schools you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best way to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges need assistance landing their first job. Ask if the programs you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Menomonie WI dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Small? Check with the programs you are looking at how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate setting for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Menomonie WI dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, remember to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Menomonie WI area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and must attend classes near Menomonie WI at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.
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