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Issues to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Columbia SC, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of prospective students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they look for some online alternatives as well. Even though these are important initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the programs you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in almost 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 instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Columbia SC employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a necessary component of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program 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 have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Columbia SC dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental schools you are exploring have an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective method to get hands-on, practical 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 form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the colleges you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Columbia SC dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Find out from the schools you are looking at how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more personal setting for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Columbia SC dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other substantial 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 examining the cost of colleges, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Columbia SC area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Columbia SC in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.
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