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Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Piney Green NC, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, many students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they look for several online alternatives as well. Although these may be significant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition 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 education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Piney Green NC employers typically desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary portion of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist colleges have relationships with local dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you select provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Piney Green NC dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental colleges you are evaluating have an internship program. Internships are probably the best method to receive 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 form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need assistance landing their first job. Check if the colleges you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Piney Green NC dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Small? Ask the schools you are looking at how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate environment for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Piney Green NC dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost dependent 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 costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Piney Green NC area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and have to go to classes near Piney Green NC in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, 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 because of illness, work or family emergencies.
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