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Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Saratoga CA, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, many prospective students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they look for some online options also. Even though these are significant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, 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 establish that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Saratoga CA employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important portion of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist programs have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you enroll in offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Saratoga CA dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental programs you are exploring sponsor 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 form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools 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 Saratoga CA dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Smaller? Ask the programs you are interested in how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to 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 one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Saratoga CA dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can fluctuate in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other substantial 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 examining the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so make sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Saratoga CA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and have to go to classes near Saratoga CA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
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