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Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Somers NY, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, many potential students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they look for several online alternatives also. Even though these are significant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Somers NY employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist schools have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you enroll in offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Somers NY dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are looking at sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal method to obtain 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 look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help obtaining their first job. Ask if the colleges you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Somers NY dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Find out from the colleges you are looking at how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Somers NY dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, 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 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 comparing the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid departments, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Somers NY area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Somers NY in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
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