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What to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Astoria NY, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of prospective students start by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they search for several online options as well. Even though these are important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Astoria NY employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an important portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have associations with area dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you enroll in offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Astoria NY dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best method to obtain 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 form professional relationships in the Astoria NY dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the programs you are researching 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 Astoria NY dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Small? Find out from the colleges you are reviewing how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Astoria NY dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, remember 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 grants, loans and scholarships in the Astoria NY area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and need to attend classes near Astoria NY at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family emergencies.
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