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Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Germantown MD, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of prospective students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they look for some online options as well. Even though these are important initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Germantown MD employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have partnerships with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you choose offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Germantown MD dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental colleges you are considering have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly 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 professional relationships in the Germantown MD dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs need assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the colleges you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Germantown MD dental community in addition to large networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Ask the programs you are reviewing how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Germantown MD dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also have an impact. 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 materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, remember to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Germantown MD area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near Germantown MD at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
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