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Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Bakersfield CA, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of students start by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they look for several online options also. Even though these may be relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Bakersfield CA employers often desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital part of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist programs have associations with local dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you select provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Bakersfield CA dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal method to get hands-on, clinical experience in a real 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 Bakersfield CA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need assistance getting their first job. Check if the programs you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Bakersfield CA dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Small? Check with the schools you are evaluating how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate environment for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Bakersfield CA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also come into play. 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 materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Bakersfield CA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to go to classes near Bakersfield CA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.
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