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Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Lemoore CA, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of potential students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they search for several online alternatives also. Even though these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually 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 ensure that the instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Lemoore CA employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an important component of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist colleges have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you select offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Lemoore CA dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are probably the best means 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 working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools need help getting their first job. Ask if the programs you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Lemoore CA dental community in addition to large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Small? Ask the colleges you are looking at how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate setting for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Lemoore CA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, remember to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance departments, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Lemoore CA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and need to attend classes near Lemoore CA at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.
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