Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Choose the Best One Near Merrifield Virginia
A critical first step to begin your new profession in preventive dentistry is to choose the ideal dental hygienist college near Merrifield VA. However, you need to assess and compare your school options prior to making your final choice. Selecting the program with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your home is not the best way to come to a decision. There are other crucial issues to consider also, for instance the program's reputation and accreditation. Dental hygienists typically earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to complete. Obviously with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will cover all of these factors and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are evaluating later in this article.
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Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Merrifield VA, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, many potential students start by looking at the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they search for several online options as well. Although these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the schools you are looking at in order to arrive at an informed decision. Toward that end, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in almost all states. To qualify 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 education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Merrifield VA employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not available for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a necessary portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist programs have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you choose provides sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the program you select offers clinical rotation in a local Merrifield VA dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental programs you are considering sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective means to get hands-on, practical 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 form professional relationships in the Merrifield VA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Support Provided? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges need help obtaining their first job. Find out if the schools you are considering 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 Merrifield VA dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classrooms Small? Find out from the programs you are looking at how large typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal setting for learning where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Merrifield VA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can fluctuate in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, such as the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also come into play. But along with 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 equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of colleges, don't forget to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial aid offices, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Merrifield VA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to make sure that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and have to go to classes near Merrifield VA at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
Find Out More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Merrifield
Enroll in the Right Merrifield Dental Hygienist School
Enrolling in the right dental hygienist course is essential if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of options offered to obtain your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require roughly two years of studies before they enter the work force. When pursuing a degree you can choose to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Merrifield Virginia.
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