Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Select the Right One Near Augusta Maine
Choosing the right dental hygienist school near Augusta ME is an essential first step toward starting your new career in dentistry. However, you need to assess and compare your school options before you can make your final selection. There is far more to performing your due diligence than picking the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence. There are other important factors to consider as well, including the school's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the longer training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these considerations and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are analyzing later in this article.
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Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Augusta ME, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of potential students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they look for several online options also. Even though these are relevant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Augusta ME employers typically desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a vital component of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist programs have partnerships with local dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you select provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Augusta ME dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal way to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students form professional relationships in the Augusta ME dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs need assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the programs you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Augusta ME dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Small? Find out from the programs you are evaluating how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal environment for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Augusta ME dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether 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 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 include all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Augusta ME area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while acquiring your education and must go to classes near Augusta ME in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Augusta
Choose the Best Augusta Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist program is crucial if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous alternatives offered to receive your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require approximately two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Augusta Maine.
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