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Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Bergenfield NJ, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, many potential students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Possibly they look for some online options as well. Even though these may be important initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should address to the programs you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually 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 ensure that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Bergenfield NJ employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential component of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have partnerships with area dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you select offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Bergenfield NJ dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental schools you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective method to obtain 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 create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help obtaining their first job. Check if the schools you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Bergenfield NJ dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Check with the colleges you are evaluating how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate environment for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Bergenfield NJ dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary in cost based on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if 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 expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the costs related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance offices, so be sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Bergenfield NJ area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and need to attend classes near Bergenfield NJ in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.
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