Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Enroll In the Right One Near Stratford Connecticut
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist school near Stratford CT is an essential first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you need to assess and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than picking the program with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your residence. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also important factors and must be taken into account as well. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And consequently there is more expense associated with the longer training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these concerns and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are assessing later in this article.
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Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Stratford CT, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, a number of potential students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they search for several online options also. Even though these are significant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should 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 help you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Stratford CT employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an important portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist colleges have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you enroll in offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Stratford CT dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental schools you are considering have internship programs. Internships are probably the best method to receive 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 create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need assistance getting their first job. Check if the colleges you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Stratford CT dental community in addition to large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Ask the colleges you are looking at how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate setting for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Stratford CT dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools 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 equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so make sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Stratford CT area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and must go to classes near Stratford CT in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Stratford
Choose the Best Stratford Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the right dental hygienist course is important if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous options available to acquire your education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose to attend 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 best choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Stratford Connecticut.
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