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Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Mahwah NJ, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many prospective students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Possibly they look for several online options as well. Even though these may be 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. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Mahwah NJ employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary portion of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Mahwah NJ dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental schools you are considering sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective way to obtain hands-on, practical 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require help obtaining their first job. Find out if the programs you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Mahwah NJ dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Find out from the colleges you are reviewing how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate environment for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Mahwah NJ dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also come into play. 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 expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Mahwah NJ area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and have to go to classes near Mahwah NJ at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still have 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 due to illness, work or family emergencies.
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