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Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Smyrna TN, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, many students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Possibly they search for some online options also. Although these may be important initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the programs you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement 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 training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Smyrna TN employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an important component of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist programs have relationships with local dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you choose offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Smyrna TN dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental schools you are considering have internship programs. Internships are probably the best method to get hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop professional relationships in the Smyrna TN dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need assistance landing their first job. Ask if the schools you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Smyrna TN dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Ask the schools you are looking at how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal environment for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Smyrna TN dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other substantial costs 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 examining the cost of schools, don't forget to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Smyrna TN area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and need to go to classes near Smyrna TN in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still have 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 due to work, illness or family emergencies.
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