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What to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Fishers IN, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, many students start by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they look for some online alternatives as well. Although these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite 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 establish that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Fishers IN employers frequently prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a vital component of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist colleges have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you choose offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Fishers IN dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental schools you are looking at sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective means to obtain hands-on, clinical 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 create professional relationships in the Fishers IN dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need help obtaining their first job. Ask if the colleges you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Fishers IN dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Small? Check with the schools you are reviewing how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Fishers IN dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other substantial costs 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 schools, don't forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Fishers IN area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Fishers IN in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, 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 because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
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