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Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Des Moines WA, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of potential students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they look for some online alternatives also. Even though these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in almost 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 instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Des Moines WA employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a vital component of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist schools have partnerships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you enroll in provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Des Moines WA dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental programs you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal means to receive hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students create professional relationships in the Des Moines WA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges need assistance landing their first job. Ask if the programs you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Des Moines WA dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Small? Find out from the colleges you are reviewing how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate setting for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a few classes at the Des Moines WA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other substantial costs 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 programs, don't forget to include all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Des Moines WA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must go to classes near Des Moines WA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still need 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 because of illness, work or family issues.
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