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Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Kennewick WA, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they look for several online options as well. Although these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in virtually 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 guarantee that the training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Kennewick WA employers typically desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not available for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. Most dental hygienist programs have relationships with regional dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you select offers adequate 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, make sure that the college you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Kennewick WA dental office that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are evaluating sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal way to get hands-on, practical experience in a professional 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 Kennewick WA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require help obtaining their first job. Check if the colleges you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Kennewick WA dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Smaller? Check with the schools you are looking at how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate environment for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Kennewick WA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost based 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 public or private 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 textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, remember to add all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid departments, so be sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Kennewick WA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and have to go to classes near Kennewick WA at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
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