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Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Ferndale MI, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many potential students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they look for several online alternatives as well. Although these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to make 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 right dental hygienist college 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 planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly 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 establish that the instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Ferndale MI employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a necessary component of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist colleges have relationships with local dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Ferndale MI dental practice that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental colleges you are considering sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal way to receive 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 establish professional relationships in the Ferndale MI dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Ferndale MI dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Small? Find out from the programs you are looking at how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Ferndale MI dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, remember to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance offices, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Ferndale MI area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and have to go to classes near Ferndale MI at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
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