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Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Cheshire CT, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, many prospective students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they search for some online alternatives as well. Although these may be relevant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in almost 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. Cheshire CT employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential part of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist programs have relationships with local dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you select provides 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, verify that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Cheshire CT dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal 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 build professional relationships in the Cheshire CT dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need help obtaining their first job. Find out if the programs you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Cheshire CT dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Small? Check with the schools you are reviewing how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal setting for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Cheshire CT dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools 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 expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so be sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Cheshire 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 particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and have to attend classes near Cheshire CT at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
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