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Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Canton MI, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they search for some online alternatives also. Although these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly 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 education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Canton MI employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist schools have associations with local dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you enroll in provides sufficient 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, make sure that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Canton MI dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental schools you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal method to obtain hands-on, practical 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 form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools require assistance getting their first job. Check if the schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Canton MI dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Small? Ask the schools you are looking at how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Canton MI dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other substantial expenses 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 analyzing the cost of programs, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so make sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Canton MI area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to go to classes near Canton MI in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
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