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Topics to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Parkersburg WV, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they search for some online options as well. Although these may be important initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are reviewing 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 college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite 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 training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Parkersburg WV employers frequently prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a necessary component of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the school you enroll in offers enough 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, verify that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Parkersburg WV dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental schools you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are probably the ideal method to get 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 develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require assistance landing their first job. Ask if the colleges you are considering have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Parkersburg WV dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Smaller? Ask the schools you are interested in how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal environment for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a few classes at the Parkersburg WV dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also come into play. But besides the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, don't forget to add all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so be sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Parkersburg WV area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and have to attend classes near Parkersburg WV in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still be required 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 work, illness or family emergencies.
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