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Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Dover OH, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they look for several online alternatives as well. Although these are important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. In order 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 get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Dover OH employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a vital portion of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. Most dental hygienist schools have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you enroll in offers 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 college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Dover OH dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental schools you are evaluating sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective method to get hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish professional relationships in the Dover OH dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require assistance getting their first job. Find out if the programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Dover OH dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Ask the schools you are looking at how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate setting for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Dover OH dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant 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 analyzing the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Dover OH area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and must go to classes near Dover OH at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still have to schedule your clinical 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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