Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Find the Best One Near Gainesville Virginia
Picking the ideal dental hygienist program near Gainesville VA is an important initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you must analyze and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than selecting the training with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your residence. There are other important factors to consider as well, including the program's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist usually 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. Obviously with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will cover all of these issues and additional questions that you need to 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 provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When contrasting the job 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 in support of the Gainesville VA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Polishing teeth and applying sealants
- Instructing patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Gainesville VA dental offices are normally 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 finish and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly 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 component to the training as well. Many programs also sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist college might be a viable alternative for getting your education. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the convenience of your Gainesville VA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending school, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Many may even have lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The clinical training can typically be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to receive the appropriate education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you might find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online program is the ideal choice for you.
Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Gainesville VA, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the beginning of this article, a number of potential students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they look for some online options as well. Although these are relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the programs you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition 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 ensure that the instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Gainesville VA employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited programs.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an important part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist colleges have associations with area dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you enroll in provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Gainesville VA dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are exploring sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best way to receive 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 create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools need assistance getting their first job. Find out 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 Gainesville VA dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for internships or employment.
Are the Classes Smaller? Check with the colleges you are evaluating how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally offer a more intimate environment for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can attend a couple of classes at the Gainesville VA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of schools, don't forget to add all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Gainesville VA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while receiving your education and need to attend classes near Gainesville VA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
Learn More About How to Become a Dental Hygienist in Gainesville
Pick the Best Gainesville Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist course is imperative if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are numerous options available to receive your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools generally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require approximately 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can elect to go to classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the right choice. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Gainesville Virginia.
Gainesville Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me | Gainesville Dental Hygienist Programs