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Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Kent WA, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Maybe they look for several online alternatives also. Although these may be significant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the education you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Kent WA employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not provided for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an important component of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have associations with local dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you select offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Kent WA dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental colleges you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal method to obtain hands-on, clinical 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 form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need help landing their first job. Ask if the schools you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Kent WA dental community in addition to large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Small? Find out from the schools you are evaluating how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate setting for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Kent WA dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other significant 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 analyzing the cost of programs, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial assistance offices, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Kent WA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must confirm that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and must go to classes near Kent WA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
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