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Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Euclid OH, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many potential students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they look for some online options as well. Although these are relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Euclid OH employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital component of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you enroll in provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Euclid OH dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental schools you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective method to receive 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 develop professional relationships in the Euclid OH dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need assistance getting their first job. Ask if the programs you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Euclid OH dental community in addition to large networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Smaller? Check with the schools you are interested in how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal environment for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Euclid OH dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also come into play. 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 comparing the cost of programs, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Euclid OH area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Euclid OH at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
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