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Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Wausau WI, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, many potential students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they look for several online options also. Even though these are relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program 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. Wausau WI employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist colleges have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you select offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Wausau WI dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best means to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish professional relationships in the Wausau WI dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools require assistance landing their first job. Check if the schools you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Wausau WI dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Small? Ask the colleges you are interested in how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal environment for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Wausau WI dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost based on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Wausau WI area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and must attend classes near Wausau WI at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, 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 illness, work or family responsibilities.
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