Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Select the Best One Near North Druid Hills Georgia
Choosing the right dental hygienist program near North Druid Hills GA is an essential first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you need to evaluate and compare your school options. There is far more to performing your due diligence than choosing the program with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also crucial factors and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And consequently there is more expense associated with the more extensive training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these factors and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are looking at later in this article.
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Topics to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in North Druid Hills GA, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they look for some online options also. Although these are relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the programs you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. North Druid Hills GA employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not available for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist programs have partnerships with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local North Druid Hills GA dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental programs you are looking at have an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal means to receive hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build professional relationships in the North Druid Hills GA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require assistance landing their first job. Find out if the colleges you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the North Druid Hills GA dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Small? Find out from the colleges you are looking at how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal setting for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the North Druid Hills GA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also have an impact. But along with 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 examining the cost of programs, remember to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the North Druid Hills GA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and have to attend classes near North Druid Hills GA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still need 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 because of illness, work or family issues.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in North Druid Hills
Choose the Best North Druid Hills Dental Hygienist Program
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program is crucial if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of options available to obtain your education and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about two years of studies before they enter the work force. When earning a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the best selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in North Druid Hills Georgia.
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