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Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Northborough MA, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, many prospective students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they search for several online options also. Although these are important initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly 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 ensure that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Northborough MA employers often desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a vital part of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have associations with area dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you enroll in provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Northborough MA dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are looking at have an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective means to receive 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need help getting their first job. Check if the programs you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Northborough MA dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Ask the programs you are interested in how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal environment for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Northborough MA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools 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 colleges 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 examining the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Northborough MA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and need to attend classes near Northborough MA at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
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