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Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Clarksville TN, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, many prospective students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they search for some online alternatives as well. Although these are significant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Clarksville TN employers typically desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Enough Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary component of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you enroll in offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Clarksville TN dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental programs you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal way to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the programs you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Clarksville TN dental community in addition to large networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Smaller? Check with the schools you are interested in how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Clarksville TN dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private 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 comparing the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so make sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Clarksville TN area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while acquiring your education and have to attend classes near Clarksville TN at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
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