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Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Redwood City CA, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students start by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Possibly they look for some online options also. Even though these are relevant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning 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 program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Redwood City CA employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not available for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential component of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you select offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Redwood City CA dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are evaluating sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal method to get 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 professional relationships in the Redwood City CA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges need help obtaining their first job. Ask if the colleges you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Redwood City CA dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Small? Find out from the schools you are evaluating how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Redwood City CA dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs 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 colleges and if they are public or private also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other significant costs 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 comparing the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Redwood City CA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and need to attend classes near Redwood City 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 making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
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