It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Dental Hygienist Career Below
Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Franconia PA, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of students start by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they search for several online alternatives also. Although these are significant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, 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 instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Franconia PA employers typically desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential component of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have associations with local dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you enroll in provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Franconia PA dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental schools you are considering sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the best method to receive hands-on, clinical 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 establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need assistance landing their first job. Check if the schools you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Franconia PA dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Small? Check with the colleges you are interested in how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Franconia PA dental hygienist college 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 Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include expenses 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. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Franconia PA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Franconia PA at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Franconia