Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Pick the Right One Near Highland Springs Virginia
The most important first step to launch your new career in preventive dentistry is to choose the right dental hygienist college near Highland Springs VA. However, you need to assess and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. Selecting the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home is not the right way to make your decision. There are other crucial factors to take into account also, for instance the program's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about half that time. Obviously with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will discuss all of these considerations and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let's review the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the job of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Highland Springs VA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients about oral care
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Education Options
As a result of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Highland Springs VA dental practices 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 complete 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 aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Choosing an online dental hygienist college can be a viable alternative for receiving your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the comfort of your Highland Springs VA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition rates than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The practical training can often be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed 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 college is the right option for you.
What to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Highland Springs VA, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, a number of students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they look for several online alternatives as well. Although these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are comparing in order to make 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 best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in almost 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 ensure that the training you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Highland Springs VA employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an important portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist programs have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you select provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. For 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 Highland Springs VA dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are considering sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the best means to obtain hands-on, practical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need assistance obtaining their first job. Ask if the colleges you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Highland Springs VA dental community in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Small? Find out from the schools you are looking at how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate setting for learning 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 monitor a few classes at the Highland Springs VA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene training can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of colleges, don't forget to add all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial aid offices, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Highland Springs VA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and have to go to classes near Highland Springs VA at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online college, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Highland Springs
Enroll in the Best Highland Springs Dental Hygienist School
Selecting the right dental hygienist course is important 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 a number of options available to obtain 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, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these programs typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require approximately 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the appropriate selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Highland Springs Virginia.
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