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Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Exeter NH, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of potential students start by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they search for several online options as well. Even though these are relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. 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 college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Exeter NH employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary portion of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you choose offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind 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 school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Exeter NH dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental programs you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are probably the best method to receive hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help 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 too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require help landing their first job. Find out if the colleges you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Exeter NH dental profession as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Small? Find out from the schools you are interested in how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate environment for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Exeter NH dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also have an impact. But along with 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 examining the cost of programs, remember to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Exeter NH area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near Exeter NH at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, 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 due to illness, work or family issues.
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