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What to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Hilo HI, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of potential students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they look for several online options as well. Even though these may be significant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program 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. Hilo HI employers often desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a vital portion of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have associations with area dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you choose provides sufficient 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, verify that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Hilo HI dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental programs you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the best means to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish professional relationships in the Hilo HI dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require assistance landing their first job. Check if the programs you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Hilo HI dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Small? Check with the programs you are looking at how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate environment for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, 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 Hilo HI dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, remember to add all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid departments, so be sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Hilo HI area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while acquiring your education and must go to classes near Hilo HI at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.
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