Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools<\/strong><\/h3>\nNow that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Pennington AL, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, many potential students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they search for some online alternatives also. Although these may be relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.<\/p>\n
Is the Dental Program Accredited?<\/strong> There are several good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. To qualify 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 training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Pennington AL employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not provided for non-accredited schools.<\/p>\nIs Sufficient Clinical Training Provided?<\/strong> Clinical or practical training is a vital component of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist programs have relationships with local dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the program you enroll in offers adequate 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, verify that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Pennington AL dental office that specializes in dental services for children.<\/p>\nIs There an Internship Program?<\/strong> Find out if the dental schools you are looking at sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the best way to get 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 develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.<\/p>\nIs Job Placement Support Provided?<\/strong> Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require assistance landing their first job. Check if the schools you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Pennington AL dental community in addition to large networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.<\/p>\nAre Classrooms Small?<\/strong> Ask the colleges you are evaluating how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate setting for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Pennington AL dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.<\/p>\n <\/strong>What is the Overall Cost of the Program?<\/strong> Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also have an impact. 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 comparing the cost of colleges, don’t forget to add all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Pennington AL area.<\/p>\nAre the Classes Accessible?<\/strong> Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and must go to classes near Pennington AL in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.<\/p>\nAttending Dental Hygienist School near Pennington AL?<\/h3>\nPennington, Alabama<\/h3>
As of the census[7] of 2000, there were 353 people, 142 households, and 103 families residing in the town. The population density was 188.6 people per square mile (72.9\/km\u00b2). There were 197 housing units at an average density of 105.3 per square mile (40.7\/km\u00b2). The racial makeup of the town was 64.31% White, 34.84% Black or African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.57% from other races.\n<\/p>
There were 142 households out of which 35.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.2% were married couples living together, 15.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.8% were non-families. 26.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.98.\n<\/p>
In the town, the population was spread out with 28.6% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 28.6% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.6 males.\n<\/p>
The median income for a household in the town was $32,917, and the median income for a family was $44,375. Males had a median income of $33,438 versus $16,250 for females. The per capita income for the town was $14,022. About 13.7% of families and 20.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.8% of those under age 18 and 10.8% of those age 65 or over.\n<\/p><\/div>\n