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What to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Bridgetown OH, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Maybe they search for some online options also. Although these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in nearly all states. In order 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 instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Bridgetown OH employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a vital portion of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist programs have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you select provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Bridgetown OH dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are considering have internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal way to get hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help 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 too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require help obtaining their first job. Check if the schools you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Bridgetown OH dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Small? Ask the programs you are reviewing how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Bridgetown OH dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also have an impact. But besides 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 examining the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so make sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Bridgetown OH area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Bridgetown OH in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, 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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