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Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Narragansett RI, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, many students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online options as well. Even though these may be significant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Narragansett RI employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist colleges have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you enroll in offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Narragansett RI dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are looking at sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best way 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 develop professional relationships in the Narragansett RI dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need assistance getting their first job. Find out if the programs you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Narragansett RI dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Small? Find out from the colleges you are interested in how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more personal environment for training where students have increased 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 few classes at the Narragansett RI dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can vary in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include expenses 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 related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance departments, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Narragansett RI area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and need to go to classes near Narragansett RI at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family emergencies.
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