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Topics to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Plainfield CT, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many potential students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they search for several online options as well. Although these are important initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in almost 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 instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Plainfield CT employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital portion of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you select provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like 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 Plainfield CT dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental programs you are considering have internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective method to get hands-on, clinical 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 form professional relationships in the Plainfield CT dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need assistance getting their first job. Ask if the schools you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Plainfield CT dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Small? Find out from the colleges you are evaluating how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate environment for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Plainfield CT dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other significant 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 colleges, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Plainfield CT area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and have to go to classes near Plainfield CT at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
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