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What to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in El Centro CA, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many potential students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they look for some online options as well. Even though these may be important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, 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 education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. El Centro CA employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary component of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist schools have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you choose provides adequate 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, check that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local El Centro CA dental office that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental schools you are considering have 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 form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need assistance getting their first job. Check if the schools you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the El Centro CA dental community in addition to large networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Smaller? Find out from the schools you are looking at how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a few classes at the El Centro CA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can fluctuate in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public 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 programs, don't forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the El Centro CA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and must attend classes near El Centro CA at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.
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