How to Pick the Best Dental School for You
Congratulations on your decision to become a dental assistant. This is a rewarding career that is expected to experience a job growth rate of 19%, which is much higher than other career fields. In addition to a growing job market, dental assistants do not need a high-level degree to enter the field and you can expect to make, on average, $18.59 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
If you have a heart to help people and enjoy the idea of cleaning teeth, taking x-rays, and providing care throughout dental procedures, this may be a great career avenue for you. However, it is vital that you choose the RIGHT dental school to attend.
There are many dental schools out there to choose from, which means you will need to do your research to find out which school is best for you and your needs. Remember, if you limit your choices, you may miss out on important opportunities to gain additional skills and training.
Florida Career College offers students the opportunity to train to become a dental assistant. Our program staff want to help you make the right choice when it comes to a qualified vocational training program. Below, we will provide you with some tips to help you pick the right dental assistant school.
If you want to become a dental assistant, consider enrolling in FCC’s Dental Assistant Program. The program can be completed, and you can earn your diploma in as little as 10 months.
RESEARCH WHAT IS REQUIRED TO BECOME A DENTAL ASSISTANT
While an advanced degree is not required to become a dental assistant, there are requirements that you must meet. It is important for you to take some time and research what your state’s dental assistant requirements are. You will find that some states share the same requirements, and some have varying requirements.
REVIEW THE DIFFERENT PROGRAMS: ONLINE VS. HANDS-ON LEARNING
Once you know what the requirements are for your state, you can then start to review the various programs that are offered. As you start to explore options, you will find that different vocational schools offer various certifications, and some carry different accreditations. It is vital that you choose the right school to meet your needs.
Another decision you will be faced with is whether you should attend online or in person. While an online option does sound nice, how much can you really learn from the Internet? Of course, learning basic terminology online is easy and taking support classes is possible, but you do not want to miss out on the hands-on training.
A dental assisting program should include hands-on clinicals and labs that allow you to hold the dental tools, learn how to operate them, and more. These skills are invaluable and not something that can simply be learned online.
ASSESS YOUR SCHEDULE AND WHAT IS BEST FOR YOUR EDUCATION
Graduating from a dental assisting career program is your dream and you want to make sure that dream becomes a reality. As you look for a program, consider what your schedule is like and what your long-term goals are.
Once you know these two things, you should look for a program that can meet your needs. For example, if you work during the day, you would need a program offered at night or on the weekends. There are programs out there that cater to students’ needs and it is a good idea to find one that will align themselves with your goals.
TAKE A TOUR OF THE SCHOOL & TALK ABOUT YOUR OPTIONS
A tour of the school is in order once you have compiled a list of potential programs. This is your opportunity to see the school and talk to staff, instructors, and students. Take advantage of this opportunity because you can learn a lot.
LOOK FOR JOB PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE
Dental assistants are in demand however, it is always nice to find a school that offers job placement assistance. Even if you have a couple of interviews lined up, a career services team can assist you in spicing up your resume, interview practice, and more.
FLORIDA CAREER COLLEGE CAN HELP YOU TRAIN TO BECOME A DENTAL ASSISTANT
Training to become a dental assistant is the first step towards a great and rewarding career. Florida Career College offers a dental assistant program that can be completed in as few as 10 months. The program boasts smaller classes, so that you can learn and practice the skills you need to be successful in your role as a dental assistant. Students also have the opportunity to complete on-the-job training with a 170-hour externship.
If you are ready to speak with someone about taking the next steps towards a great career, contact Florida Career College today!
