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Subjects to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Wethersfield CT, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, many students start by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Possibly they search for some online alternatives also. Even though these are important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Wethersfield CT employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have associations with local dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you enroll in offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Wethersfield CT dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are evaluating have an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective means to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students create professional relationships in the Wethersfield CT dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require help getting their first job. Find out if the colleges you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Wethersfield CT dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Smaller? Check with the schools you are reviewing how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate setting for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Wethersfield CT dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, don't forget to add all of the costs related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid departments, so be sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Wethersfield CT area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near Wethersfield CT in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
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