Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Enroll In the Best One Near Chesapeake Virginia
A critical first step to begin your new vocation in preventive dentistry is to enroll in the ideal dental hygienist college near Chesapeake VA. But before you can make your selection, you must examine and compare your school options. Picking the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home is not the ideal way to make your decision. There are other important factors to take into account also, such as the college's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from two to three years to earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the longer education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these factors and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Duties
When contrasting the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Chesapeake VA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are frequently the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Educating patients about oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Because of the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Chesapeake VA dental practices are generally 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 clinical aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Training
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program can be a viable alternative for obtaining your training. Just remember that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible via your personal computer in the convenience of your Chesapeake VA home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Some may even charge lower tuition fees than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can often be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything needed to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the right option for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Chesapeake VA, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, many students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they search for several online options also. Although these are important initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the colleges you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Chesapeake VA employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a vital portion of any dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have relationships with local dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you choose provides adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Chesapeake VA dental office that specializes in dental services for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental schools you are considering have internship programs. Internships are probably the best way to receive hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for 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 as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help landing their first job. Find out if the schools you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Chesapeake VA dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Check with the colleges you are evaluating how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate atmosphere for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a couple of classes at the Chesapeake VA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can fluctuate in cost based on the duration of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and if they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of colleges, don't forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Chesapeake VA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you need to confirm that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and must go to classes near Chesapeake VA at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Chesapeake
Enroll in the Right Chesapeake Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the right dental hygienist program is important if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many alternatives available to receive 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 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 job market. When earning a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Chesapeake Virginia.
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