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Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Bothell West WA, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many prospective students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they search for some online options also. Even though these are significant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost 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 training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Bothell West WA employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a necessary component of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you enroll in offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Bothell West WA dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are exploring have an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective means to receive hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students form professional relationships in the Bothell West WA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help obtaining their first job. Check if the colleges you are considering 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 Bothell West WA dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Small? Ask the colleges you are interested in how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Bothell West WA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, don't forget to add all of the costs related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid departments, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Bothell West WA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while getting your education and need to go to classes near Bothell West WA at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
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