Dental Hygiene Courses
How to Enroll In the Right One Near Richmond Virginia
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist program near Richmond VA is an important initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. However, you must examine and compare your school options before you can make your final choice. There is far more to doing your due diligence than selecting the school with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your home. There are other important factors to take into account also, including the college's reputation and accreditation. A dental hygienist generally must invest anywhere from two to three years to complete an Associate Degree, in contrast to a certificate typically earned by dental assistants in about a year. And consequently there is a higher cost associated with the more extensive training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will talk about all of these considerations and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Description
When contrasting the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Richmond VA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the first person a patient sees 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. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the additional responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Richmond VA dental practices 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 practical aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.Online Dental Hygienist Programs
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist college might be a viable option for receiving your training. Just remember that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be available via your personal computer in the comfort of your Richmond VA home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental classes make education much more obtainable. Many may even have lower tuition fees than their on-campus counterparts. And added expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The clinical training can usually be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to get the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this style of learning, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the best option for you.
Points to Cover With Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Richmond VA, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, a number of students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they search for several online alternatives as well. Even though these may be significant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of important reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the instruction you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Richmond VA employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not provided for non-accredited colleges.
Is Plenty of Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an essential part of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with regional dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only important that the program you select offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Richmond VA dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental colleges you are looking at sponsor internship programs. Internships are probably the most effective way to get hands-on, clinical experience in a real dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students establish working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Offered? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist programs require help landing their first job. Ask if the programs you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Richmond VA dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Small? Find out from the colleges you are looking at how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal setting for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Richmond VA dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost depending on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are public or private also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when examining the cost of schools, don't forget to include all of the costs related to your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Richmond VA area.
Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and have to attend classes near Richmond VA at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online program, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.
Learn More About Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Richmond
Choose the Best Richmond Dental Hygienist School
Picking the right dental hygienist course is crucial if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several alternatives offered to obtain 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 programs typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes on-campus or online. Whichever mode of training you choose to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the ideal choice. And as a result, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Richmond Virginia.
Richmond Dental Hygienist Colleges | Richmond Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me