Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools<\/strong><\/h3>\nNow that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Bethel MN, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, many potential students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they search for some online alternatives also. Although these are important initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.<\/p>\n
Is the Dental College Accredited?<\/strong> There are a number of good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Bethel MN employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.<\/p>\nIs Enough Practical Training Provided?<\/strong> Practical or clinical training is a necessary part of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have associations with local dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It’s not only imperative that the school you enroll in offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want 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 Bethel MN dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.<\/p>\nAre Internships Available?<\/strong> Find out if the dental programs you are exploring sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective method 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 professional relationships in the Bethel MN dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.<\/p>\nIs Job Placement Assistance Provided?<\/strong> Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require help landing their first job. Ask if the schools you are looking at 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 Bethel MN dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.<\/p>\nAre the Classes Small?<\/strong> Ask the schools you are looking at how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal setting for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Bethel MN dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.<\/p>\n <\/strong>What is the Total Expense of the Program?<\/strong> Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of programs, don’t forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Bethel MN area.<\/p>\nAre the Classes Convenient?<\/strong> Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and have to go to classes near Bethel MN 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 making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.<\/p>\nAttending Dental Hygienist School near Bethel MN?<\/h3>\nBethel University (Minnesota)<\/h3>
Bethel University is a private, evangelical Christian, liberal arts university located primarily in Arden Hills, Minnesota. Founded in 1871 as a Baptist seminary, Bethel currently enrolls more than 6,000 students in its undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs.[4] It is affiliated with Converge, formerly known as the Baptist General Conference, and is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities.[4]<\/p>
Bethel University began in Chicago, Illinois, as a seminary for Baptist immigrants from Sweden. In 1871, John Alexis Edgren opened a school for Swedish Baptist immigrants in the basement of First Swedish Baptist Church in Chicago.[5] In 1914, now under the support of Baptist General Conference, the seminary merged with Bethel Academy and relocated its campus to Saint Paul, Minnesota. In 1931, the Academy became Bethel Junior College. The addition of a four-year liberal arts college program created Bethel College and Seminary in 1947. The school relocated from St. Paul to Arden Hills, Minnesota in 1972. Beginning in 2004, the institution changed its name to Bethel University.[6]<\/p>
The university offers degree programs through four different schools. The College of Arts and Sciences is its traditional undergraduate program, Bethel offers bachelor's degrees in 88 majors and 43 minors, as well as 11 pre-professional programs. The College of Adults & Professional Studies offers associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and a number of certificate programs. Through its graduate school, Bethel offers ten master's degrees, including a physician assistant program, as well as a doctorate in educational leadership. Bethel also offers a number of graduate certificate programs and licenses.[4]<\/p>
The school's seminary, called Bethel Seminary, is located primarily on the Arden Hills campus. It also has a location in San Diego and offers a number of fully online programs.[7] It offers Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees, along with several Master of Arts and certificate programs.[8]<\/p><\/div>\n