Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Choose the Right One Near Gainesville Virginia
A critical first step to start your new profession in preventive dentistry is to enroll in the ideal dental hygienist college near Gainesville VA. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. Picking the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home is not the ideal way to come to a decision. There are other crucial issues to consider also, for instance the college's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist generally must spend anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate most often earned by dental assistants in about a year. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the more extensive education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will cover all of these concerns and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools 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 role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. 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 room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's duties can include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients regarding oral hygiene
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Education Options
Due to the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Gainesville VA dental practices are usually required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually every state. They are offered in trade and technical 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 dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Schools
Selecting an online dental hygienist program can be a viable option for obtaining your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Gainesville VA home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition costs than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can usually be performed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything required to receive the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this mode of education, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the best option for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Gainesville VA, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of potential students start by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Perhaps they look for several online options also. Although these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Gainesville VA employers often prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital part of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist programs have associations with local dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you choose offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Gainesville VA dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental programs you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the best way to obtain hands-on, clinical 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 create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need help getting their first job. Find out if the schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Gainesville VA dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Smaller? Ask the programs you are interested in how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more personal environment for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes can be 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 teachers and students before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant expenses 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 analyzing the cost of schools, don't forget to add all of the costs related to your education. Most schools have financial aid departments, so make sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Gainesville VA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must confirm that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that fit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and must attend classes near Gainesville VA at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still have 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 emergencies.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Gainesville
Choose the Right Gainesville Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist program is essential if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are numerous options available to obtain your education and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs usually obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require about 2 years of studies before they enter the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Gainesville Virginia.
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