Selecting the right dental hygienist college near Chantilly VA is an essential initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you must assess and compare your school options. There is far more to completing your due diligence than picking the program with the lowest tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence. There are other significant factors to consider also, such as the program’s accreditation and reputation. Dental hygienists typically 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 longer training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will talk about all of these issues and supplemental questions that you need to be asking the dental hygienist programs you are evaluating later in this article. But first, let’s review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.

[campusexplorer header_text=”Find Dental Hygienist Schools Near You!” aos=”75346615″ concentration=”2D77CE61″ tracking=”DENTHYG”]

The Duties of a Dental Hygienist

When comparing the duties of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Chantilly VA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are typically the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient’s gums and teeth and present their results to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s duties may include:

• Removing tartar, stains and plaque
• Administering fluoride treatments
• Applying sealants and polishing teeth
• Instructing patients about oral hygiene
• Taking X-rays and developing film
• Removing sutures and applying fillings

In order to be licensed in almost 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 Examination as well as any state licensing exams. After they have fulfilled these requirements they are deemed fully licensed and can add the “RDH” designation to their names, signifying Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Training Options

Because of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Chantilly VA dental practices are often 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 offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Dental Hygienist Online Training

Choosing an online dental hygienist school can be a good alternative for getting your education. Just remember that the classes will not be completely online, since there will be a practical portion to your training. But the balance of your classes will be provided by means of your desktop computer in the comfort of your Chantilly VA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental programs make education a lot more obtainable. Many may even offer lower tuition fees than their on-campus competitors. And supplementary expenses such as for books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can usually be completed at an area dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything necessary to get the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the dedication for this method of education, you may find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the right option for you.

What to Ask Dental  Hygienist Schools

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Chantilly VA, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the beginning of this article, many students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Perhaps they search for some online alternatives also. Even though these are important initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.

Is the Dental School Accredited? There are several important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going 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 ensure that the instruction you get is of the highest quality and comprehensive. Chantilly VA employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not available for non-accredited programs.

Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an important component of every dental training program. This holds true for the online college options also. Many dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It’s not only important that the college you choose offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the college you select offers clinical rotation in a local Chantilly VA dental office that specializes in dental services for children.

Are Internships Available? Ask if the dental programs you are looking at sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal method to receive 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 build working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes as well.

Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most graduating students of dental hygienist schools need assistance getting their first job. Check if the colleges you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with high job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Chantilly VA dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.

Are Classrooms Smaller? Ask the programs you are interested in how big on average their classes are. The smaller classes tend to offer a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, larger classes tend to be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Chantilly VA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in in order to experience first hand the amount of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.

 What is the Total Expense 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 factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other significant costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as commuting and textbooks as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of programs, remember to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial aid departments, so be sure to check out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Chantilly VA area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while receiving your education and must attend classes near Chantilly VA at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online program, 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 due to illness, work or family emergencies.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Chantilly VA?

Enroll in the Ideal Dental Hygienist School near Chantilly VA

Picking the ideal dental hygienist course is important if you wish to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are several options available to acquire your training and it takes a relatively short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal training through dental programs at junior colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When earning a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate selection. And as a result, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Chantilly VA.

More Great Cities in Virginia

Business Results 1 - 10 of 669

Chantilly Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

25 Reviews

General Dentistry

Phone:

14100 Robert Paris Ct, Chantilly, VA 20151

Whitney Jarrell, DDS - Westfields Dental

44 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

3903 Fair Ridge Dr, Ste 214, Fairfax, VA 22033

Smiles For Centreville

20 Reviews

Cosmetic Dentists, Orthodontists, Pediatric Dentists

Phone:

14245-P Centreville Sq, Centreville, VA 20121

David T Babington, DDS

2 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

3910 Centreville Rd, Chantilly, VA 20151

Allure Dental

21 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists

Phone:

171 Elden St, Ste 2C3, Herndon, VA 20170

Reston Dental Care

14 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists, Orthodontists

Phone:

11345 Sunset Hills Rd, Reston, VA 20190

Mark A Grimes, DDS

2 Reviews

General Dentistry

Phone:

4437 Brookfield Corporate Dr, Chantilly, VA 20151

Centreville Dental Care

5 Reviews

General Dentistry

Phone:

13880 Braddock Rd, Ste 109, Centreville, VA 20121

South Riding Cosmetic & Family Dentistry

13 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists, Endodontists

Phone:

43063 Peacock Market Plz, Ste 125, South Riding, VA 20152

Paradise Smiles of Chantilly

11 Reviews

General Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentists, Teeth Whitening

Phone:

4090 Airline Pkwy, Ste A, Chantilly, VA 20151

 

The post Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Chantilly VA 20151 appeared first on Train to Become a Dental Hygienist.