I have been looking for a post secondary school to get my Dental assistant certificate, but how do I know which is the best school. Of course they each say that they are the Top school, but how do I prove it??
2006-06-12 18:58:32 · 4 answers · asked by krystalsisson 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Primary & Secondary Education
I would recommend the following:
1) Do a survey of some of the best dentists in the San Diego Area.
2) Do a survey of some of the students currently enrolled in the program.
Based on my personal experience, I've found both of the above to be pretty effective. Professionals are well aware of the best programs because they tend to work with a lot of the programs' graduates and have a good take on how well they were taught in school. And the students, who are 3 to 4 years into the programs (or close to graduation), are very aware of the pros and cons of their programs and what the competition in other schools are like. Visit the schools, and get permission from the departments to sit in a couple of the advanced classes. Before or after the class, talk to the students. You'll be surprised at how candid they are.
Criteria to determine in putting together your surveys are:
-- Is the equipment that is used to teach in these schools the latest and greatest in technology? or is it something that was used 10 years ago?
-- What are the credentials of the professors. Have they been in academia for their entire professional career, or do they have experience as practitioners (the latter is VERY important, because that means what they teach is grounded in reality)
-- Is the curriculum well-rounded? Meaning does it provide a good foundation of basic courses/knowledge, as well as courses focusing on specialized or advanced topics.
-- Is there any assistance with helping you get placed in good jobs.
-- Do you know where you want to work once you graduate or at least the type of working atomosphere you prefer? If you do, find out which programs/schools these professionals got their training from.
Good luck!
2006-06-12 19:25:16 · answer #1 · answered by Bay Area Gal 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simply ask various dentists their opinion on which dental assistant school has put out the best assistants.
2006-06-12 19:27:58 · answer #2 · answered by Nelson L 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends what you think is better. In my opinion, the less money owed in student loans, the better. I know a few people who have went to trade schools, bryman, united Concordia, etc to be dental assistants and their student loans are outrageous. a lot of community colleges offer the classes for cheaper and also ROP has them. The ROP classes are extremely cheap and a friend of mine that went through them has no problems getting well paying jobs.
2006-06-12 19:06:06 · answer #3 · answered by B26 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would call around to dentist offices and see what they say...They would know best!
2006-06-12 19:23:47 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋