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What to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Titusville FL, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they search for several online options as well. Even though these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Titusville FL employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist programs have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you enroll in provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Titusville FL dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental programs you are evaluating sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective way to get hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students create professional relationships in the Titusville FL dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need help landing their first job. Find out if the colleges you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Titusville FL dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Small? Find out from the programs you are reviewing how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate atmosphere for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Titusville FL dental hygienist college 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 Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance departments, so make sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Titusville FL area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must go to classes near Titusville FL in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
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