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Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Brooklyn NY, you can start the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they search for some online alternatives as well. Although these may be significant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, 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. Brooklyn NY employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary portion of any dental training program. This applies 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 imperative that the school you select offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like 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 Brooklyn NY dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal method to receive hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build professional relationships in the Brooklyn NY dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs need assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the programs you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Brooklyn NY dental community in addition to large networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Small? Ask the colleges you are reviewing how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal setting for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Brooklyn NY dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for instance 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 costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of colleges, don't forget to include all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Brooklyn NY area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and must go to classes near Brooklyn NY in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
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