Dental Hygiene Colleges
How to Select the Best One Near Staunton Virginia
Choosing the ideal dental hygienist school near Staunton VA is an essential initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. However, you need to evaluate and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. Choosing the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your home is not the right way to come to a decision. A dentistry school's accreditation and reputation are also significant factors and should be considered as well. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to accomplish. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the more extensive education of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will discuss all of these issues and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs available.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Staunton VA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient's gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities may include:
- Removing tartar, stains and plaque
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients about oral hygiene
- Taking X-rays and developing film
- Removing sutures and applying fillings
Dental Hygienist Training Options
As a result of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Staunton VA dental offices are generally 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 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 practical component to the training as well. Some programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs
Selecting an online dental hygienist school might be a viable option for obtaining your education. Just remember that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the comfort of your Staunton VA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while attending college, online dental classes make education a lot more obtainable. Some may even have lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened also. The practical training can usually be performed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you may find that enrolling in an dental hygienist online school is the right option for you.
Subjects to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Staunton VA, you can begin the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of potential students begin by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Perhaps they search for some online options as well. Even though these may be important initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.
Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a prerequisite 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 instruction you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Staunton VA employers frequently desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, often they are not obtainable for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a vital portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. A number of dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It's not only imperative that the college you enroll in offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Staunton VA dental office that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Find out if the dental colleges you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the best means to receive 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 develop professional relationships in the Staunton VA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs need assistance landing their first job. Find out if the colleges you are researching 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 Staunton VA dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classes Smaller? Ask the colleges you are reviewing how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate environment for learning where students have increased access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes often are impersonal and offer little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Staunton VA dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.
What is the Overall Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can fluctuate in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial expenses 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 comparing the cost of colleges, remember to add all of the costs related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid offices, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Staunton VA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and have to go to classes near Staunton VA at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family emergencies.
Find Out More About Training to Become a Dental Hygienist in Staunton
Choose the Best Staunton Dental Hygienist School
Picking the right dental hygienist program 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 many alternatives available to acquire your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal education through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools normally obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require approximately two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning a degree you can choose to go to 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 as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Staunton Virginia.
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