Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges<\/strong><\/h3>\nNow that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Mount Union PA, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of potential students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they look for some online options as well. Even though these are relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.<\/p>\n
Is the Dental Program Accredited?<\/strong> There are several valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Mount Union PA employers frequently prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not available for non-accredited programs.<\/p>\nIs Sufficient Practical Training Included?<\/strong> Clinical or practical training is an important portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have relationships with regional dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It’s not only imperative that the program you select offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Mount Union PA dental office that specializes in dental services for children.<\/p>\nIs There an Internship Program?<\/strong> Verify if the dental colleges you are exploring sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the best method 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 create professional relationships in the Mount Union PA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.<\/p>\nIs Job Placement Support Provided?<\/strong> Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help landing their first job. Ask if the colleges you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Mount Union PA dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.<\/p>\nAre Classrooms Smaller?<\/strong> Ask the colleges you are looking at how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Mount Union PA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.<\/p>\n <\/strong>What is the Entire Expense of the Program?<\/strong> Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of programs, remember to include all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Mount Union PA area.<\/p>\nAre the Classes Accessible?<\/strong> Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and need to go to classes near Mount Union PA at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.<\/p>\nAttending Dental Hygienist School near Mount Union PA?<\/h3>\nMount Union, Pennsylvania<\/h3>
Mount Union is a borough in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, approximately 44 miles (71\u00a0km) southeast of Altoona and 12 miles (19\u00a0km) southeast of Huntingdon, on the Juniata River. In the vicinity are found bituminous coal, ganister rock, fire clay, and some timber. A major Easter grass factory is located in the northern quadrant of the borough limits; until May 2007, the facility was owned by Bleyer Industries.[3] The population was 2,447 at the 2010 census.<\/p>
Mount Union was largely influenced by industry. It was at one time the world's largest producer of refractory material (silica brick), with three plants\u00a0\u2013 General Refractories, United States Refractories, and Harbison Walker. The refractory business in Mount Union lasted from 1899 to about 1972, with limited production into the early 1990s. Other industries included two tanneries, a tanning extract plant, coal yards, an explosives and munitions plant (Aetna), and foundry and machine shops.<\/p>
Mount Union was the northern terminus for the narrow gauge East Broad Top Railroad, connecting to the Main Line of the Middle Division of the Pennsylvania Railroad (now Norfolk Southern). The EBT maintained a large dual-gauge yard and coal cleaning plant in Mount Union and supplied coal to the Refractory plants. The EBT ceased operations in 1956 but the track is still in place and owned by the railroad. From 1998 to 2010, the Mount Union Connecting Railroad attempted to reactivate the EBT main track through Mount Union and rehabilitated it, but only a couple cars were serviced and none moved over the EBT trackage.<\/p>
The Mount Union Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994, with 300 significant historic structures, buildings, and homes.[4] The population tally in 1900 was 1,086 which rose to 3,338 in 1910.<\/p><\/div>\n