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Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Plum PA, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they search for some online alternatives also. Although these may be important initial factors 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. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final 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 program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Plum PA employers often desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary part of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist programs have partnerships with area dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you choose provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Plum PA dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are considering have internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective means to get 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 develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs 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 higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Plum PA dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Small? Check with the programs you are interested in how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate setting for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, large classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Plum PA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall 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 factors, for example the reputations of the schools and if they are private or public also come into play. But along with 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 equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of programs, remember to add all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Plum PA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and have to go to classes near Plum PA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
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