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Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Bristol TN, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of students start by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they search for some online options also. Even though these are important initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are reviewing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Bristol TN employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a vital component of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist colleges have associations with local dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you enroll in provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Bristol TN dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental programs you are looking at sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective method to obtain 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 build professional relationships in the Bristol TN dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs require help landing their first job. Find out if the colleges you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Bristol TN dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Find out from the programs you are interested in how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate atmosphere for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Bristol TN dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But in addition to 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, remember to add all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid departments, so make sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Bristol TN area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and need to go to classes near Bristol TN at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
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