Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Find the Best One Near Chesapeake Virginia
A critical first step to start your new career in preventive dentistry is to pick the ideal dental hygienist college near Chesapeake VA. However, you need to analyze and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. Picking the training with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your home is not the ideal way to make your decision. There are other important issues to take into account as well, such as the program's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Obviously with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will discuss all of these factors and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are looking at 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 comparing the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Chesapeake VA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Teaching patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Chesapeake VA dental offices are usually 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 almost 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. Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Classes
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college may be a great option for receiving your education. Just remember that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the comfort of your Chesapeake VA home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending college, online dental classes make education far more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition costs than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The clinical training can usually be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything required to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist program is the ideal option for you.
Subjects to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Chesapeake VA, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the start of this article, many prospective students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they look for some online options as well. Although these are important initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the colleges you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in virtually 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 establish that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Chesapeake VA employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a necessary portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. A number of dental hygienist colleges have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you select offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Chesapeake VA dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental colleges you are considering sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal means to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students create professional relationships in the Chesapeake VA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs need assistance landing their first job. Ask if the programs you are looking at have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Chesapeake VA dental profession in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Ask the schools you are interested in how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a few classes at the Chesapeake VA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can experience first hand the level of interaction between teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost dependent on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to 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 include all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of colleges have financial aid offices, so be sure to check out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Chesapeake VA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and have to go to classes near Chesapeake VA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Chesapeake
Pick the Best Chesapeake Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist program is essential if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several options offered to receive your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning a degree you can choose to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the best choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Chesapeake Virginia.
Chesapeake Dental Hygienist Programs | Chesapeake How To Become A Dental Hygienist