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Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Redmond OR, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they look for several online alternatives also. Even though these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Redmond OR employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a vital component of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist colleges have relationships with local dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you select offers 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, confirm that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Redmond OR dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental schools you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are probably the best way 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 build professional relationships in the Redmond OR dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the programs you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Redmond OR dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Smaller? Ask the schools you are reviewing how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Redmond OR dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost based on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other substantial costs 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 examining the cost of programs, don't forget to add all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Redmond OR area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and must go to classes near Redmond OR at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
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