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Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Oneonta NY, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they look for several online alternatives also. Although these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. In order 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 training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Oneonta NY employers frequently desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a vital portion of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you enroll in provides 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, confirm that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Oneonta NY dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are exploring have an internship program. Internships are probably the best method to get 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 are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance landing their first job. Find out if the schools you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Oneonta NY dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Check with the schools you are reviewing how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal setting for training where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Oneonta NY dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private 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 textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, remember to add all of the costs associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Oneonta NY area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Oneonta NY in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
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