Selecting the ideal dental hygienist program near Fairfax VA is an essential first step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your selection, you must examine and compare your school options. There is far more to performing your due diligence than picking the college with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your residence. There are other important factors to consider also, for instance the program’s accreditation and reputation. Dental hygienists generally earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from two to three years to complete. Obviously with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will talk about all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let’s explore the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.

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The Job of a Dental Hygienist

When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Fairfax VA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the first person a patient encounters when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient’s gums and teeth and present their findings to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based 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 care
• Taking X-rays and developing film
• 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 must also pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam as well as any state licensure examinations. When they have completed these requirements they are regarded as fully licensed and may add the “RDH” designation to their names, standing for Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Education Options

As a result of the increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Fairfax VA dental offices are usually 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 dental practices or dentists.

Online Dental Hygienist Classes

Selecting an online dental hygienist college can be a good alternative for getting your education. Just remember that the program will not be totally online, since there will be a clinical portion to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be provided by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Fairfax VA home or anywhere else on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental programs make education much more accessible. Many may even offer lower tuition costs than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced as well. The clinical training can typically be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online school is the ideal option for you.

Questions to Ask Dental  Hygienist Schools

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Fairfax VA, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we covered at the opening of this article, many potential students start by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Possibly they look for several online options also. Even though these are relevant initial factors to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the programs you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have provided a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and final selection of the right dental hygienist school for you.

Is the Dental College Accredited? There are several valid reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are planning to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Fairfax VA employers frequently prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not obtainable for non-accredited schools.

Is Enough Practical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is an essential portion of every dental training program. This is true for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist schools have associations with local dental offices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It’s not only important that the college you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the program you enroll in offers clinical rotation in a local Fairfax VA dental office that specializes in dental services for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental colleges you are evaluating have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the best 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 develop professional relationships in the Fairfax VA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require assistance getting their first job. Check if the colleges you are reviewing have job placement programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Fairfax VA dental community as well as broad networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.

Are the Classes Smaller? Find out from the programs you are interested in how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate setting for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If feasible, find out if you can sit in on a few classes at the Fairfax VA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the level of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.

 What is the Entire Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene programs can fluctuate in cost dependent on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other variables, for instance the reputations of the colleges and whether they are public or private also have an impact. But in addition to 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 schools, remember to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Fairfax VA area.

Are the Classes Accessible? Before enrolling in a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while receiving your education and have to go to classes near Fairfax VA at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still need to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should have to miss any classes because of work, illness or family responsibilities.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Fairfax VA?

Select the Right Dental Hygienist College near Fairfax VA

Choosing the ideal dental hygienist course is important if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, 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 acquire your formal training through dental programs at community colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools normally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists typically require about two years of studies before they enter the job market. When obtaining a degree you can choose 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 better prepared to make the appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to commence your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Fairfax VA.

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