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What to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Reston VA, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the opening of this article, many potential students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they search for several online alternatives also. Although these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite 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 establish that the instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Reston VA employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential part of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with area dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the program you select 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, verify that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Reston VA dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental colleges you are considering have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best way 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 create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools need help obtaining their first job. Find out if the programs you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Reston VA dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Small? Check with the programs you are evaluating how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Reston VA dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private 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 textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to ask what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Reston VA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to go to classes near Reston VA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still be required 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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