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Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Fairfield OH, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they look for some online alternatives also. Even though these may be important initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. 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 program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Fairfield OH employers frequently prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary portion of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you enroll in provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Fairfield OH dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental programs you are considering have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best way to receive hands-on, practical 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 build professional relationships in the Fairfield OH dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require help getting their first job. Ask if the schools you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Fairfield OH dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Small? Ask the schools you are evaluating how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Fairfield OH dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the costs related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Fairfield OH area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to attend classes near Fairfield OH at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family emergencies.
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