Choosing the ideal dental hygienist school near Springfield VA is an important initial step toward starting your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you must evaluate and compare your school options. There is far more to performing your due diligence than picking the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the college that is closest to your home. There are other important issues to take into account also, for instance the college’s reputation and accreditation. Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to complete. Obviously with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will cover all of these issues and additional questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist schools you are assessing later in this article. But first, let’s explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.

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The Duties of Dental Hygienists

When contrasting the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Springfield VA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the initial person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine every patient’s teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Depending 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 hygiene
• Taking and developing X-rays
• Applying fillings and removing sutures

In order to be licensed in nearly all states, dental hygienists must have graduated from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA) accredited dental hygiene program. They also must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam in addition to passing any state licensure examinations. When they have completed these requirements they are considered fully licensed and may add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Training Options

As a result of the added responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Springfield VA dental practices are generally required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to complete 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 aspect to the training as well| A number of programs also sponsor internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Dental Hygienist Online Programs

Choosing an online dental hygienist school may be a great option for getting your training. Just remember that the classes will not be totally online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be provided via your personal computer in the comfort of your Springfield VA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to college, online dental programs make education far more obtainable. Many may even have lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And additional expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting 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 required to obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this mode of learning, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist program is the right choice for you.

What to Cover With Dental  Hygienist Schools

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Springfield VA, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, many prospective students start by checking out the cost and the location of the schools. Maybe they search for some online options as well. Although these may be relevant initial factors to consider, there are several additional questions that you should address to the schools you are comparing in order to arrive at an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.

Is the Dental College Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in nearly all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the education you receive is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Springfield VA employers typically desire or require that new hires are graduates of accredited schools. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, frequently they are not available for non-accredited colleges.

Is Enough Clinical Training Provided? Practical or clinical training is an important portion of every dental training program. This applies for the online college options also. A number of dental hygienist schools have relationships with area dental offices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It’s not only imperative that the school you enroll in offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Springfield VA dental practice that specializes in dental treatment for children.

Are Internships Available? Verify if the dental programs you are looking at have an internship program. Internships are probably the best method to receive 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 form working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Help Offered? Most graduating students of dental hygienist colleges need help obtaining their first job. Ask if the colleges you are researching have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Springfield VA dental community in addition to extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.

Are the Classes Smaller? Ask the schools you are interested in how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more intimate environment for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Springfield VA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in so that you can experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.

 What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost based on the duration of the program and the amount of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other substantial 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 comparing the cost of programs, don’t forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance offices, so make sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Springfield VA area.

Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that accommodate your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while getting your education and have to go to classes near Springfield VA at nights or on weekends. And even if you select an online college, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should have to miss any classes due to work, illness or family responsibilities.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Springfield VA?

Find the Best Dental Hygienist School near Springfield VA

Selecting the right dental hygienist program is imperative if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are many alternatives offered to receive your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these programs usually receive an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require roughly 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When earning a degree you can choose to attend classes online or on-campus. 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 by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Springfield VA.

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