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Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Lawrence NJ, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they search for some online alternatives also. Even though these may be important initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the programs you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several 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 condition in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Lawrence NJ employers often desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary component of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. Most dental hygienist schools have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you select provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Lawrence NJ dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental colleges you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal way to get 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 are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance landing their first job. Ask if the schools you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Lawrence NJ dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Small? Ask the programs you are reviewing how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate environment for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Lawrence NJ dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of practical 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 costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of schools, don't forget to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid offices, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Lawrence NJ area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Lawrence NJ at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
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