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What to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Fort Leonard Wood MO, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many potential students start by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they search for several online options also. Although these are important initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Fort Leonard Wood MO employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not available for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential part of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you select provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Fort Leonard Wood MO dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are looking at have an internship program. Internships are probably the best means 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 create professional relationships in the Fort Leonard Wood MO dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools need assistance obtaining their first job. Check if the programs you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Fort Leonard Wood MO dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Small? Find out from the programs you are evaluating how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate setting for training where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Fort Leonard Wood MO dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But along with 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 materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Fort Leonard Wood MO area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to attend classes near Fort Leonard Wood MO at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.
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