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Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Baldwin PA, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they look for several online options as well. Even though these may be significant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. 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 program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Baldwin PA employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a vital portion of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist schools have relationships with local dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you select offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Baldwin PA dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental colleges you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the best way to receive hands-on, practical 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 build 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 colleges require help landing their first job. Check if the schools you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Baldwin PA dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Small? Ask the colleges you are looking at how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal environment for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Baldwin PA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost depending 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 private or public also have an impact. But besides 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 comparing the cost of schools, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Baldwin PA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Baldwin PA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
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