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Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Concord NH, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they search for some online options as well. Even though these are significant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement 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 establish that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Concord NH employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have associations with local dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you choose offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Concord NH dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify 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 establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need help obtaining their first job. Ask if the colleges you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Concord NH dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Smaller? Ask the colleges you are looking at how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal environment for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Concord NH dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other substantial costs 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 examining the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. Most colleges have financial aid departments, so be sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Concord NH area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and have to attend classes near Concord NH at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
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