Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Find the Best One Near Fairfax Virginia
The most important first step to start your new profession in preventive dentistry is to choose the ideal dental hygienist school near Fairfax VA. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. Choosing the school with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your home is not the ideal way to make your decision. A dentistry school's reputation and accreditation are also crucial issues and must be considered as well. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about half that time. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the prolonged education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these considerations and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When contrasting the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Fairfax VA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are typically the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying 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 Training Options
Due to the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Fairfax VA dental practices are usually required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to finish 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 practical aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Online Dental Hygienist Colleges
Selecting an online dental hygienist school may be a great option for obtaining your training. Just remember that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Fairfax VA home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Many may even offer lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And added 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 online and clinical training, everything required to get the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this style of education, you might find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the best choice for you.
What to Cover With Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Fairfax VA, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of prospective students start by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they search for some online options also. Even though these are significant initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Fairfax VA employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not obtainable for non-accredited colleges.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a vital component of every dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist colleges have relationships with regional dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the school you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Fairfax VA dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental programs you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective way to receive hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop professional relationships in the Fairfax VA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require assistance obtaining their first job. Check 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 Fairfax VA dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Smaller? Ask the colleges you are reviewing how large typically their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more personal environment for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, larger classes can be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Fairfax VA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before making a commitment.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private 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 commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. The majority of colleges have financial assistance offices, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Fairfax VA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist college, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and have to attend classes near Fairfax VA at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Fairfax
Enroll in the Best Fairfax Dental Hygienist Program
Enrolling in the ideal dental hygienist program is imperative if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous options offered to receive your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs typically earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require approximately 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the right selection. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Fairfax Virginia.
Fairfax Dental Hygiene Schools | Fairfax Dental Hygienist Programs Near Me