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Topics to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Lakewood CO, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, many students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online alternatives also. Although these are important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Lakewood CO employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Enough Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist programs have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you enroll in provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Lakewood CO dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly 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 develop professional relationships in the Lakewood CO dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs need assistance obtaining their first job. Check if the colleges you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Lakewood CO dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Small? Ask the schools you are looking at how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate atmosphere for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Lakewood CO dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant expenses 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 programs, don't forget to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Lakewood CO area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to attend classes near Lakewood CO at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
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