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Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Trotwood OH, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, many students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they look for some online options as well. Although these are relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Trotwood OH employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential part of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist schools have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you select provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Trotwood OH dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental programs you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best way to receive hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges need help getting their first job. Find out 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 Trotwood OH dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Smaller? Check with the programs you are interested in how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more personal setting for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Trotwood OH dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But along with 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 programs, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Trotwood OH area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and must go to classes near Trotwood OH at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
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