Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Select the Best One Near Newport News Virginia
Selecting the right dental hygienist school near Newport News VA is an important initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you need to evaluate and compare your school options. There is much more to completing your due diligence than choosing the program with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence. There are other crucial factors to consider also, such as the college's accreditation and reputation. A dental hygienist usually must spend anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the more extensive training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. 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. But first, let's look at the training programs offered.
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Dental Hygienist Training Options
Because of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Newport News VA dental offices are often required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require 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 community colleges as well as trade and technical schools. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a clinical component to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.
Online Dental Hygienist Colleges
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school may be a good option for obtaining your training. Just keep in mind that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Newport News VA home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to school, online dental programs make education much more obtainable. Some may even charge lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can often be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to obtain the proper education is provided. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist school is the right option for you.
Questions to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Newport News VA, you can start the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, a number of students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they search for some online options also. Although these are relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the schools you are comparing in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. 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 Exam, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Newport News VA employers typically prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not offered for non-accredited schools.
Is Sufficient Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary component of any dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have associations with local dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the college you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Newport News VA dental office that specializes in dental care for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are probably the ideal means to receive 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 form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.
Is Job Placement Assistance Furnished? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need help getting their first job. Check if the programs you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Newport News VA dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Smaller? Ask the schools you are interested in how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal setting for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Newport News VA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.
What is the Total Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But besides the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of schools, remember to include all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid offices, so be sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Newport News VA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and need to go to classes near Newport News VA at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Newport News
Enroll in the Best Newport News Dental Hygienist Program
Choosing the right dental hygienist program is essential if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several alternatives offered to receive your training 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, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs typically earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require approximately 2 years of studies before they enter 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 provided in this article you will be in a better position to make the best selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Newport News Virginia.
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