Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Find the Right One Near Annandale Virginia
Selecting the right dental hygienist school near Annandale VA is an important initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. There is much more to completing your due diligence than choosing the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence. There are other crucial issues to consider also, including the school's reputation and accreditation. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete. And consequently there is more expense associated with the longer education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these issues and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the most significant difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Annandale VA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are frequently the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Teaching patients regarding oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Because of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Annandale VA dental offices are generally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually every state. They are offered in community colleges as well as trade and technical schools. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a clinical aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Training
Choosing an online dental hygienist college might be a great option for receiving your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Annandale VA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending college, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Some may even have lower tuition rates than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The clinical training can usually be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to receive the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this mode of education, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the best option for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Annandale VA, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, a number of potential students start by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online alternatives also. Although these are relevant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Annandale VA employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a necessary component of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have associations with local dental offices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you select provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Annandale VA dental office that focuses on dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the best means to get hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help getting their first job. Check if the schools you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Annandale VA dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classrooms Small? Find out from the colleges you are reviewing how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more personal atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Annandale VA dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other substantial 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 comparing the cost of colleges, remember to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Annandale VA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to go to classes near Annandale VA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Annandale
Choose the Right Annandale Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the right dental hygienist course is essential if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous options offered to receive your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs typically earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the best choice. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Annandale Virginia.
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