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Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Colorado Springs CO, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, many potential students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they search for several online alternatives also. Although these may be relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Colorado Springs CO employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary component of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you choose offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Colorado Springs CO dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental schools you are evaluating sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective way to obtain hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need help obtaining their first job. Find out if the programs you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Colorado Springs CO dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Small? Find out from the programs you are reviewing how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate atmosphere for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Colorado Springs CO dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also have an impact. 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 colleges, don't forget to include all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Colorado Springs CO area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and have to attend classes near Colorado Springs CO at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
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