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Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Concord NC, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many students start by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Possibly they look for several online options also. Although these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Concord NC employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential component of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have associations with regional dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you choose provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Concord NC dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental schools you are considering have an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective way 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 professional relationships in the Concord NC dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need help obtaining their first job. Check if the colleges you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Concord NC dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Small? Check with the programs you are interested in how big typically their classes are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate environment for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Concord NC dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Concord NC area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and have to attend classes near Concord NC in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
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