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Topics to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Bloomfield CT, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they look for several online alternatives also. Although these may be relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist college 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 intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Bloomfield CT employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential component of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have partnerships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you select offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Bloomfield CT dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental schools you are considering sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective means to get hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish professional relationships in the Bloomfield CT dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance getting their first job. Check if the programs you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Bloomfield CT dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Small? Find out from the colleges you are looking at how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate environment for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Bloomfield CT dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of programs, remember to add all of the costs related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance offices, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Bloomfield CT area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to 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 must attend classes near Bloomfield CT at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
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