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Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Franklin TN, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they look for some online alternatives as well. Although these are significant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the colleges you are reviewing in order to make 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 best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Franklin TN employers often desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you select offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Franklin TN dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental programs you are considering have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective means to obtain hands-on, practical 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 look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs require assistance landing their first job. Ask if the schools you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Franklin TN dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Small? Check with the colleges you are interested in how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate setting for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Franklin TN dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, don't forget to add all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Franklin TN area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and have to attend classes near Franklin TN at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
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