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Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Newington CT, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of potential students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they look for several online options as well. Although these are important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually 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 establish that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Newington CT employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an important component of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you select offers 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 have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Newington CT dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental schools you are looking at have an internship program. Internships are probably the best way to get hands-on, clinical 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 working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require help getting their first job. Check if the schools you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Newington CT dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Smaller? Ask the programs you are looking at how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal setting for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Newington CT dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense 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 whether they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other substantial expenses 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 schools, don't forget to add all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Newington CT area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and have to attend classes near Newington CT in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family emergencies.
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