Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools<\/strong><\/h3>\nNow that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in South Portland ME, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, many prospective students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they search for several online alternatives as well. Although these may be significant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best 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 school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, 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. South Portland ME employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not available for non-accredited schools.<\/p>\nIs Sufficient Clinical Training Included?<\/strong> Clinical or practical training is an important component of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have associations with local dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It’s not only important that the college you select provides 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 choose offers clinical rotation in a local South Portland ME dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.<\/p>\nIs There an Internship Program?<\/strong> Ask if the dental colleges you are considering sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best means to obtain hands-on, practical 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 create professional relationships in the South Portland ME dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.<\/p>\nIs Job Placement Assistance Provided?<\/strong> Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools need assistance getting their first job. Check if the colleges you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the South Portland ME dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.<\/p>\nAre the Classrooms Small?<\/strong> Check with the schools you are evaluating how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate environment for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the South Portland ME dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.<\/p>\n <\/strong>What is the Total Cost of the Program?<\/strong> Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of programs, don’t forget to add all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the South Portland ME area.<\/p>\nAre the Classes Accessible?<\/strong> Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while getting your education and need to go to classes near South Portland ME at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, 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 have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.<\/p>\nAttending Dental Hygienist School near South Portland ME?<\/h3>\nSouth Portland, Maine<\/h3>
South Portland is a city in Cumberland County, Maine, United States, and is the fourth-largest city in the state, incorporated in 1898. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 25,002. Known for its working waterfront, South Portland is situated on Portland Harbor and overlooks the skyline of Portland and the islands of Casco Bay. Due to South Portland's close proximity to air, marine, rail, and highway transportation options, the city has become a center for retail and industry in the region.<\/p>
Despite the name, South Portland was never part of the city of Portland, but rather part of Cape Elizabeth. It broke off in 1895. However, both Cape Elizabeth and Portland were once part of Falmouth. Cape Elizabeth, and by default, South Portland, broke away from Falmouth in 1765. South Portland is a principal city of the Portland \u2013 South Portland \u2013 Biddeford metropolitan area.<\/p>
South Portland was first settled in 1630, and it grew to become a small residential community with many farms. The village was raided by natives in Father Rale's War (1724). In 1858, the City of Portland purchased land near the Fore River for the Forest City Cemetery. On March 15, 1895, it was incorporated as a town after it broke away from Cape Elizabeth, based on a disagreement on a future source of public drinking water. Three years later South Portland became a city, destined to receive its drinking water, like Portland, from Sebago Lake, while Cape Elizabeth used wells or other local sources.<\/p>
On South Portland's waterfront is Fort Preble, which is a military fort established in 1808 to protect Portland Harbor. It was in operation during several American conflicts, including the United States Civil War, World War I, and World War II. Near Fort Preble is Spring Point Ledge Light, which was constructed by the federal government in 1897 to mark a dangerous rock ledge.<\/p><\/div>\n