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Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in New Springfield OH, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they search for several online alternatives as well. Even though these are important initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should address to the programs you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. New Springfield OH employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important component of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist programs have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you choose provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local New Springfield OH dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are exploring sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the best way to get hands-on, practical 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require help getting their first job. Ask if the schools you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the New Springfield OH dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Check with the schools you are looking at how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate environment for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the New Springfield OH dental hygienist school 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 Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools and if 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 expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of schools, don't forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the New Springfield OH area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and have to go to classes near New Springfield OH at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
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