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Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in East Lyme CT, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they look for some online alternatives as well. Although these are relevant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly 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 education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. East Lyme CT employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary portion of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist schools have associations with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you select provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local East Lyme CT dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are looking at have an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal method to obtain hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need assistance obtaining their first job. Check if the colleges you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the East Lyme CT dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Smaller? Check with the programs you are evaluating how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the East Lyme CT dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, remember to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so be sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the East Lyme CT area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to attend classes near East Lyme CT in the evenings 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 procedure is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
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