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Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Bennington VT, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of students start by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they search for some online options also. Even though these are significant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the programs you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning 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 college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Bennington VT employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a vital portion of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with local dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you choose provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Bennington VT dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental schools you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective means 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 create professional relationships in the Bennington VT dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist programs need help landing their first job. Ask if the colleges you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Bennington VT dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Check with the colleges you are reviewing how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal environment for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Bennington VT dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can vary in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and if 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 expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when examining the cost of programs, remember to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Bennington VT area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while getting your education and need to attend classes near Bennington VT at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
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