Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Pick the Right One Near Storrs Connecticut
The most important first step to start your new profession in preventive dentistry is to choose the right dental hygienist school near Storrs CT. However, you need to examine and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. Choosing the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence is not the best way to come to a decision. There are other significant factors to take into account as well, such as the college's reputation and accreditation. Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to finish. Naturally with the lengthier training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will talk about all of these considerations and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are looking at later in this article.
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Topics to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Storrs CT, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many prospective students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they search for some online options as well. Although these may be significant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite 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 guarantee that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Storrs CT employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an important portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist schools have associations with local dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you select provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Storrs CT dental office that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are evaluating sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the best means to get 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 Storrs CT dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools require help obtaining their first job. Ask if the programs you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Storrs CT dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Ask the programs you are reviewing how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate environment for training where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Storrs CT dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Storrs CT area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Storrs CT in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
Find Out More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Storrs
Enroll in the Best Storrs Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist course is crucial if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several alternatives available to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools usually obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Storrs Connecticut.
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