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Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Waterbury CT, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many potential students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they search for some online alternatives also. Although these may be significant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to make 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 ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college 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. Waterbury CT employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital component of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have associations with area dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you choose provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Waterbury CT dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges 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 form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the colleges you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Waterbury CT dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Find out from the programs you are looking at how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Waterbury CT dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as 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 substantial costs 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 comparing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Waterbury CT area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Waterbury CT in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
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