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Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Centennial CO, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, many potential students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they search for some online options as well. Even though these are relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Centennial CO employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist schools have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you select provides sufficient 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, check that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Centennial CO dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are evaluating sponsor 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 create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges need assistance landing their first job. Ask if the schools you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Centennial CO dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Check with the colleges you are interested in how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Centennial CO dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, don't forget to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Centennial CO area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and have to attend classes near Centennial CO at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still have 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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