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Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Louisville KY, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they search for several online alternatives as well. Although these may be significant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the schools you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Louisville KY employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a vital portion of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have relationships with regional dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you select offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Louisville KY dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are exploring sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal means to get hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need help obtaining their first job. Ask if the programs you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Louisville KY dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Small? Ask the schools you are reviewing how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have greater 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 few classes at the Louisville KY dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, don't forget to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Louisville KY area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to go to classes near Louisville KY in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
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