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Subjects to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Durango CO, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many potential students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they look for some online options as well. Even though these may be relevant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost 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 ensure that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Durango CO employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist colleges have associations with local dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you choose offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Durango CO dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental schools you are exploring sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the best way to receive hands-on, clinical 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 establish professional relationships in the Durango CO dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs need help getting their first job. Ask if the colleges you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Durango CO dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Small? Ask the schools you are interested in how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Durango CO dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also have an impact. But in addition to 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 materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of programs, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. Most colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Durango CO area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to attend classes near Durango CO at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
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