Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Find the Best One Near Palo Alto California
A critical first step to launch your new career in preventive dentistry is to choose the right dental hygienist program near Palo Alto CA. However, you need to analyze and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. There is far more to completing your due diligence than choosing the college with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your residence. There are other crucial factors to take into account also, including the school's reputation and accreditation. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to finish. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the more extensive training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these issues and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are reviewing later in this article.
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Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Palo Alto CA, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they look for some online options also. Even though these may be important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Palo Alto CA employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you choose offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Palo Alto CA dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are looking at sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best method to get hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop professional relationships in the Palo Alto CA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the schools you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Palo Alto CA dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Small? Ask the colleges you are reviewing how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal setting for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Palo Alto CA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Palo Alto CA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to attend classes near Palo Alto CA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Palo Alto
Enroll in the Right Palo Alto Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist course is important if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several alternatives available to receive your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When earning a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Palo Alto California.
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