Dental Hygiene Programs
How to Find the Right One Near Suffolk Virginia
Selecting the ideal dental hygienist school near Suffolk VA is an important first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. However, you must analyze and compare your school options prior to making your final selection. Selecting the program with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your residence is not the ideal way to come to a decision. A dentistry school's reputation and accreditation are also crucial issues and must be taken into account as well. 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 a year. And therefore there is a higher cost associated with the prolonged training of a hygienist as compared to an assistant. We will explore all of these issues and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let's look at 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 assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Suffolk VA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are usually the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing stains, tartar and plaque
- Applying fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Instructing patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Due to the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Suffolk VA dental practices are generally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from two to as long as three years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in almost 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 sponsor internships with local dental practices or dentists.Dental Hygienist Online Classes
Enrolling in an online dental hygienist program may be a great option for obtaining your education. Just remember that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be accessible by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Suffolk VA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those working while going to college, online dental classes make education far more obtainable. Many may even have lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And added expenses such as for commuting, books and school supplies may be lessened as well. The practical training can usually be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to get the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this mode of learning, you may find that attending an online dental hygienist program is the best option for you.
Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Suffolk VA, you can begin the procedure of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, a number of potential students start by looking at the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they look for some online alternatives also. Even though these are significant initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you should address to the programs you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have included a list of questions to help you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many good reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition 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 receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Suffolk VA employers often desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, often they are not offered for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is a vital portion of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist colleges have relationships with local dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only important that the school you enroll in provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the college you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Suffolk VA dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are exploring have an internship program. Internships are probably the most effective means to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students create professional relationships in the Suffolk VA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Help Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need assistance obtaining their first job. Check if the programs you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Suffolk VA dental profession as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.
Are Classes Small? Find out from the schools you are looking at how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate environment for training where students have greater access to the instructors. Conversely, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Suffolk VA dental hygienist college that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the degree of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.
What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost depending on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also come into play. But along with the tuition there are other significant expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of programs, don't forget to include all of the expenses related to your education. Most colleges have financial aid departments, so make sure to check out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Suffolk VA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and have to attend classes near Suffolk VA at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family issues.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Suffolk
Enroll in the Best Suffolk Dental Hygienist School
Choosing the right dental hygienist course is important if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are a number of alternatives available to receive your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can receive your formal training through dental hygienist programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools usually earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require about 2 years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you elect to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the best choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Suffolk Virginia.
Suffolk Dental Hygienist Degree | Suffolk Dental Hygienist Schools Online