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Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Colchester VT, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, many students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online options as well. Although these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the programs you are reviewing in order to make 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 ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Colchester VT employers typically desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an essential component of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. 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 essential that the college you enroll in offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Colchester VT dental office that focuses on dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental schools you are evaluating sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the best means to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They help 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 Help Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools need help landing their first job. Check if the colleges you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Colchester VT dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are Classes Small? Check with the schools you are interested in how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate environment for training where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Colchester VT dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other significant 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 analyzing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance offices, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Colchester VT area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while getting your education and have to attend classes near Colchester VT in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
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