Dental Hygiene Degree Programs
How to Pick the Right One Near Wolf Trap Virginia
The most important first step to start your new career in preventive dentistry is to enroll in the right dental hygienist school near Wolf Trap VA. But prior to making your choice, you must evaluate and compare your school options. Selecting the college with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the school that is closest to your home is not the ideal way to come to a decision. A dentistry college's reputation and accreditation are also crucial issues and should be taken into account as well. Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to accomplish. Obviously with the longer training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will cover all of these factors and additional questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let's look at the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.
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Dental Hygienist Job Functions
When comparing the role of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Wolf Trap VA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the first person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient's teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist's responsibilities can include:
- Removing plaque, tartar and stains
- Administering fluoride treatments
- Applying sealants and polishing teeth
- Educating patients about oral care
- Taking and developing X-rays
- Applying fillings and removing sutures
Dental Hygienist Degree Options
Because of the added responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Wolf Trap VA dental practices are generally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to complete and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually every state. They are offered in trade and technical schools as well as community colleges. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a clinical aspect to the training as well. A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.Dental Hygienist Online Colleges
Selecting an online dental hygienist program might be a great alternative for receiving your training. Just remember that the classes will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Wolf Trap VA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending college, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Many may even charge lower tuition costs than their traditional competitors. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced as well. The clinical training can usually be performed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to receive the proper education is provided. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the best option for you.
Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Wolf Trap VA, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. 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. Possibly they search for several online alternatives also. Even though these are important initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the programs you are reviewing 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 ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Wolf Trap VA employers typically desire or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not available for non-accredited programs.
Is Enough Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is an important portion of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options also. Most dental hygienist schools have partnerships with area dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It's not only essential that the school you select offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Wolf Trap VA dental practice that specializes in dental services for children.
Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental colleges you are exploring sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly 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 create professional relationships in the Wolf Trap VA dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes also.
Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist schools need help landing their first job. Ask if the schools you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Wolf Trap VA dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.
Are the Classrooms Small? Ask the schools you are looking at how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a few classes at the Wolf Trap VA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before enrolling.
What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the amount 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 in addition to the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of programs, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance offices, so be sure to find out what is offered as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Wolf Trap VA area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you need to verify that the hygienist or assistant program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while acquiring your education and have to go to classes near Wolf Trap VA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.
Learn More About Studying to Become a Dental Hygienist in Wolf Trap
Enroll in the Right Wolf Trap Dental Hygienist School
Picking the ideal dental hygienist course is important if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of options offered to receive your education 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 community colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these schools typically receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require approximately two years of studies prior to entering the job market. When obtaining a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided in this article you will be better prepared to make the ideal selection. And as a result, you will be ready to start your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Wolf Trap Virginia.
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