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Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Lyndhurst NJ, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, many students start by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they look for several online alternatives as well. Even though these are relevant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist program 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 virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Lyndhurst NJ employers often desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have relationships with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you choose offers sufficient 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, make sure that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Lyndhurst NJ dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental programs you are considering have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective way to get hands-on, clinical experience in a real 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 too.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs require assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the schools you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Lyndhurst NJ dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Check with the colleges you are evaluating how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Lyndhurst NJ dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to 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 examining the cost of programs, remember to add all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Lyndhurst NJ area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to attend classes near Lyndhurst NJ at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, 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 have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
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