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Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Clayton OH, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the start of this article, many prospective students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they search for some online alternatives also. Although these may be relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in almost 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 instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Clayton OH employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary part of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have relationships with regional dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you select offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Clayton OH dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental programs you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best means to receive hands-on, clinical 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 develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help landing their first job. Ask if the colleges you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Clayton OH dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Smaller? Ask the colleges you are looking at how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate environment for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Clayton OH dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also come into play. But along with 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 analyzing the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Clayton OH area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and have to attend classes near Clayton OH in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still have to schedule your clinical 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 issues.
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