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Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Berkeley CA, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they look for some online alternatives as well. Even though these are important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going 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 ensure that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Berkeley CA employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a vital component of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with area dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you select 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, verify that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Berkeley CA dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental schools you are exploring have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective method to receive hands-on, practical 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 develop professional relationships in the Berkeley CA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the programs you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Berkeley CA dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Check with the programs you are interested in how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal environment for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Berkeley CA dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other substantial costs 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 schools, don't forget to include all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Berkeley CA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and need to go to classes near Berkeley CA 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 making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.
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