Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Pick the Best One Near Atlanta Georgia
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program near Atlanta GA is an essential initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. However, you must analyze and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. Selecting the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence is not the right way to make your decision. A dentistry school's reputation and accreditation are also significant issues and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the more extensive training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these issues and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing later in this article.
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Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Atlanta GA, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, a number of students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they search for several online alternatives as well. Even though these are relevant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should address to the schools you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly 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 instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Atlanta GA employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential component of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you enroll in offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Atlanta GA dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective method to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop professional relationships in the Atlanta GA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require help landing their first job. Find out if the programs you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Atlanta GA dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Smaller? Find out from the schools you are evaluating how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Atlanta GA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also come into play. But besides 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 schools, remember to add all of the costs associated with your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Atlanta GA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and must go to classes near Atlanta GA at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
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Enroll in the Best Atlanta Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the right dental hygienist course is important if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of alternatives available to obtain your education 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 junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately two years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the best choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Atlanta Georgia.
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