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Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Brentwood TN, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they look for several online alternatives as well. Although these are relevant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the schools you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Brentwood TN employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential component of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. Most dental hygienist colleges have relationships with local dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you select offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Brentwood TN dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal way to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance obtaining their first job. Check if the schools you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Brentwood TN dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Find out from the programs you are looking at how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate environment 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 attend a few classes at the Brentwood TN dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid departments, so be sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Brentwood TN area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and need to attend classes near Brentwood TN at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still need 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 because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
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