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What to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Addison IN, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many students start by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they search for several online options as well. Even though these are relevant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Addison IN employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary portion of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with local dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you select provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Addison IN dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental schools you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are probably the best method to obtain 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 develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance landing their first job. Find out if the schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Addison IN dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Small? Ask the colleges you are interested in how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate environment for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Addison IN dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, don't forget to add all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid offices, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Addison IN area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and must go to classes near Addison IN in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
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