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Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Albany OR, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online alternatives also. Although these are significant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the programs you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Albany OR employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist schools have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you enroll in provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Albany OR dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental colleges you are evaluating have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective means to receive hands-on, clinical 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 create professional relationships in the Albany OR dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need assistance obtaining their first job. Find out if the schools you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Albany OR dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Check with the colleges you are evaluating how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Albany OR dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to find out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Albany OR area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near Albany OR in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
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