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Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Ridgefield Park NJ, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many potential students start by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they search for some online alternatives as well. Although these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the programs you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite 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 establish that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Ridgefield Park NJ employers typically desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a vital part of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you enroll in provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Ridgefield Park NJ dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental programs you are considering have an internship program. Internships are probably the best method to obtain hands-on, practical 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 develop professional relationships in the Ridgefield Park NJ dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges need assistance getting their first job. Find out if the programs you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Ridgefield Park NJ dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Smaller? Find out from the schools you are interested in how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate environment for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Ridgefield Park NJ dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant 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 schools, don't forget to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Ridgefield Park NJ area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and need to attend classes near Ridgefield Park NJ in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
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