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What to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Manchester NJ, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of prospective students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they search for some online options also. Even though these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. 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 school 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. Manchester NJ employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential part of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have associations with area dental offices 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 subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Manchester NJ dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental schools you are considering sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal means to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They make it easier for 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 also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs require assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the schools you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Manchester NJ dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Smaller? Find out from the schools you are looking at how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, larger classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Manchester NJ dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant 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 colleges, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Manchester NJ area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Manchester NJ at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
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