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What to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Yonkers NY, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, many potential students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they look for some online alternatives also. Although these are important initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost 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 establish that the training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Yonkers NY employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not available for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a necessary portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you enroll in offers sufficient 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, check that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Yonkers NY dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental programs you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal means to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a professional 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 Yonkers NY dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools require assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the programs you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Yonkers NY dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Small? Find out from the schools you are interested in how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Yonkers NY dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also come into play. But besides 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 examining the cost of colleges, don't forget to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Yonkers NY area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Yonkers NY at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family emergencies.
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