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Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Coralville IA, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online alternatives as well. Although these are relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. In order 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 training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Coralville IA employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not available for non-accredited programs.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary component of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist programs have associations with area dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you enroll in offers 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 are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Coralville IA dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental schools you are evaluating have an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective 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 create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance getting their first job. Check if the schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Coralville IA dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Smaller? Check with the colleges you are evaluating how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal setting for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Coralville IA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also have an impact. 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 comparing the cost of colleges, don't forget to add all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Coralville IA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and have to go to classes near Coralville IA at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
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