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What to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Gorham ME, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, many prospective students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they search for several online alternatives also. Although these are important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in almost 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 establish that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Gorham ME employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary part of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist schools have partnerships with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you enroll in offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Gorham ME dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental programs you are considering have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best means to obtain hands-on, practical 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 Gorham ME dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges need help getting their first job. Find out if the programs you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Gorham ME dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Small? Check with the colleges you are looking at how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal environment for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Gorham ME dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial 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 analyzing the cost of programs, remember to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance offices, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Gorham ME area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and need to attend classes near Gorham ME at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, 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 need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
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