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Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in South Boston MA, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of potential students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they look for several online options as well. Even though these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. South Boston MA employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist schools have partnerships with area dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you enroll in provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind 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 enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local South Boston MA dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are evaluating sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best way to receive hands-on, clinical 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 develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs require assistance getting their first job. Ask if the schools you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the South Boston MA dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Small? Find out from the colleges you are evaluating how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the South Boston MA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of colleges, don't forget to include all of the costs associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the South Boston MA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near South Boston MA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
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