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What to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Oswego NY, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they search for several online alternatives also. Even though these may be relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are comparing in order to make 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 Program Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, 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. Oswego NY employers frequently prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential part of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have partnerships with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you enroll in offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Oswego NY dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental schools you are looking at sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the best method to get hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need assistance obtaining their first job. Check if the schools you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Oswego NY dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Check with the programs you are reviewing how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate environment for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Oswego NY dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools 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 commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, remember to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Oswego NY area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and must go to classes near Oswego NY at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
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