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What to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Lawrence OH, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, many students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they search for some online alternatives as well. Although these are important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the programs you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly 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 establish that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Lawrence OH employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, often they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a vital portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist programs have relationships with local dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Lawrence OH dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are considering have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal means to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs need help landing their first job. Ask if the colleges you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Lawrence OH dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Check with the schools you are interested in how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more personal environment for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Lawrence OH dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount 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 expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting 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 aid offices, so be sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Lawrence OH area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near Lawrence OH at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.
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