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Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Norton Shores MI, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, a number of prospective students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they look for some online options also. Although these may be relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the schools 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 final selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Norton Shores MI employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential component of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist programs have partnerships with local dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you choose provides sufficient 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 college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Norton Shores MI dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental programs you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are probably the best way 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 also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require help getting their first job. Check if the colleges you are looking at 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 Norton Shores MI dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Small? Find out from the schools you are reviewing how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Norton Shores MI dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can fluctuate in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of programs, don't forget to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Norton Shores MI area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and have to attend classes near Norton Shores MI in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still be required 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 because of illness, work or family emergencies.
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