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Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Diamond Bar CA, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online alternatives also. Although these may be important initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Diamond Bar CA employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. Most dental hygienist colleges have relationships with local dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you choose offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Diamond Bar CA dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental schools you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective means 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require assistance obtaining their first job. Check if the colleges you are researching 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 Diamond Bar CA dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Smaller? Check with the colleges you are looking at how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Diamond Bar CA dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance 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 expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of schools, remember to add all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Diamond Bar CA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while acquiring your education and must go to classes near Diamond Bar CA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.
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