Dental Hygiene Schools
How to Choose the Best One Near Greenville South Carolina
The most important first step to start your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to select the ideal dental hygienist program near Greenville SC. But before you can make your choice, you must assess and compare your school options. Picking the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence is not the right way to make your decision. There are other important factors to take into account also, for instance the school's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist usually must invest anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the longer training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these considerations and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are assessing later in this article.
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Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Greenville SC, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, many students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they look for several online options also. Even though these may be significant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are reviewing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, 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 receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Greenville SC employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an important component of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options also. Many dental hygienist schools have associations with area dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you choose provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want 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 Greenville SC dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental programs you are considering sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the best means to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build professional relationships in the Greenville SC dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need help landing their first job. Find out if the programs you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Greenville SC dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Smaller? Find out from the schools you are reviewing how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate setting for training where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Greenville SC dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can fluctuate in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also come into play. But along with 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 equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Greenville SC area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, 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 Greenville SC in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes due to illness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Greenville
Enroll in the Best Greenville Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the right dental hygienist course is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several alternatives offered to acquire your education and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs normally receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When earning a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the best selection. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Greenville South Carolina.
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