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Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Augusta GA, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of students start by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Possibly they search for some online options also. Although these are important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually 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. Augusta GA employers often desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an important portion of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist programs have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you select provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Augusta GA dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental programs you are considering have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective means to obtain 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 Augusta GA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools require help obtaining their first job. Find out if the schools you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Augusta GA dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Smaller? Check with the schools you are reviewing how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal environment for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Augusta GA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and if 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 costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, remember to add all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Augusta GA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and need to attend classes near Augusta GA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
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