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Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Johns Creek GA, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many potential students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they search for some online alternatives also. Although these may be important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. In order 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 get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Johns Creek GA employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a vital component of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with area dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you choose provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Johns Creek GA dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental schools you are considering have an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal method 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 Johns Creek GA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools need help landing their first job. Find out if the colleges you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Johns Creek GA dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Small? Ask the programs you are looking at how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Johns Creek GA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Johns Creek GA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and need to attend classes near Johns Creek GA at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.
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