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Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Reidsville NC, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, many prospective students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they search for several online options as well. Although these may be important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the programs you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Reidsville NC employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you select provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Reidsville NC dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental schools you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best means to get hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish professional relationships in the Reidsville NC dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance getting their first job. Ask if the programs you are researching have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Reidsville NC dental community in addition to large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Check with the programs you are interested in how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate environment for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Reidsville NC dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other significant 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 programs, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Reidsville NC area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and need to attend classes near Reidsville NC at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.
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