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Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Port Hueneme CA, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of prospective students start by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they look for some online alternatives as well. Although these may be relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost 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 establish that the training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Port Hueneme CA employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an important component of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with area dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you enroll in provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Port Hueneme CA dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental schools you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best means to obtain 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 create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require help landing their first job. Check if the colleges you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Port Hueneme CA dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Ask the schools you are looking at how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, larger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Port Hueneme CA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so be sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Port Hueneme CA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must go to classes near Port Hueneme CA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
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