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Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Branford CT, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they search for several online alternatives as well. Although these are relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Branford CT employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an important portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist colleges have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you select provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Branford CT dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental programs you are exploring sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best method to receive hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students form professional relationships in the Branford CT dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need assistance landing their first job. Ask if the colleges you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Branford CT dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Smaller? Ask the programs you are reviewing how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Branford CT dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also come into play. But along with 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 examining the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so make sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Branford CT area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and have to go to classes near Branford CT at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, 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 because of work, illness or family issues.
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