Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Choose the Right One Near Arlington Virginia

The most important first step to begin your new profession in preventive dentistry is to select the ideal dental hygienist program near Arlington VA. But prior to making your choice, you need to analyze and compare your school options. Choosing the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home is not the ideal way to come to a decision. A dentistry college's accreditation and reputation are also crucial issues and should be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And therefore there is more expense associated with the longer education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these issues and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are assessing later in this article. But first, let's look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.

It Takes Just a Few Minutes to Start Your Dental Hygienist Career Below

Dental Hygienist Job Functions

When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Arlington VA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:

• Removing plaque, tartar and stains
• Applying fluoride treatments
• Polishing teeth and applying sealants
• Teaching patients about oral care
• Taking and developing X-rays
• Removing sutures and applying fillings

To qualify for licensing in almost all states, dental hygienists must have graduated from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA) accredited dental hygiene program. They must also pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination in addition to passing any state licensure examinations. When they have fulfilled these requirements they are deemed fully licensed and can add the "RDH" designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Degree Options

Because of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Arlington VA dental practices are often required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually every state. They are offered in trade and vocational schools as well as community colleges. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a practical aspect to the training as well. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Online Dental Hygienist Training Programs

Choosing an online dental hygienist program can be a viable option for getting your training. Just remember that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Arlington VA home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition rates than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The practical training can often be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this mode of education, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the ideal option for you.

Questions to Ask Dental  Hygienist Schools

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Arlington VA, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online options also. Although these are important initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist college for you.

Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Arlington VA employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not offered for non-accredited schools.

Is Enough Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential component of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. Most dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the college you select provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Arlington VA dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental schools you are considering have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective way to obtain 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need help getting their first job. Check if the schools you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Arlington VA dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.

Are Classrooms Small? Ask the colleges you are evaluating how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Arlington VA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.

 What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can vary in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also come into play. 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 examining the cost of schools, remember to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid offices, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Arlington VA area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Arlington VA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.

Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Arlington

Enroll in the Best Arlington Dental Hygienist School

Selecting the right dental hygienist program is important if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several options available to obtain your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require about 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. 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 selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Arlington Virginia.
 

best dental hygienist colleges local cost dental hygiene courses near me 2 year dental hygiene courses near me top dental hygiene programs local best dental hygiene schools in my area 2 year dental hygiene courses local cost dental hygiene colleges online best dental hygiene colleges near me accredited dental hygiene degrees in my area good dental hygiene courses in my area

 

Arlington Dental Hygienist Schools | Arlington Dental Hygiene Schools