Choosing the ideal dental hygienist college near Chesapeake VA is an important initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you need to examine and compare your school options. There is much more to completing your due diligence than picking the training with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is nearest to your residence. There are other important issues to consider as well, including 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. Naturally with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will talk about all of these issues and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist colleges you are looking at later in this article. But first, let’s explore the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided.

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The Function of a Dental Hygienist

When contrasting the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is undoubtedly that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and assists the Chesapeake VA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, deal with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient’s teeth and gums and present their results to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s duties can include:

• Removing stains, tartar and plaque
• Administering fluoride treatments
• Polishing teeth and applying sealants
• Teaching patients regarding 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 Examination as well as any state licensing examinations. After they have fulfilled 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 increased responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Chesapeake VA dental practices are normally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in virtually 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 practical component to the training as well| Some programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Dental Hygienist Online Training

Choosing an online dental hygienist program can be a great alternative for obtaining your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be completely online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible via your desktop computer in the convenience of your Chesapeake VA home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental classes make education a lot more accessible. Many may even have lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And added expenses for items like commuting, books and school supplies may be reduced also. The clinical training can typically be completed at a community dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to obtain the proper education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this style of learning, you might find that enrolling in an online dental hygienist college is the best option for you.

Questions to Ask Dental  Hygienist Colleges

Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Chesapeake VA, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, many students start by checking out the location and the cost of the schools. Possibly they search for some online alternatives as well. Even though these are important initial considerations, there are a few additional questions that you need to ask of the schools you are reviewing in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have furnished a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist college for you.

Is the Dental College Accredited? There are a number of valid reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in virtually all states. In order 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. Chesapeake VA employers frequently prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not offered for non-accredited programs.

Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a necessary part of every dental training program. This applies for the online school options as well. Most dental hygienist programs have relationships with regional dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It’s not only important that the school you enroll in offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently would like to work in. For example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, confirm that the program you choose offers clinical rotation in a local Chesapeake VA dental office that specializes in dental treatment for children.

Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental colleges you are exploring sponsor internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal means to get hands-on, practical experience in a real 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 Chesapeake VA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.

Is Job Placement Support Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist colleges require help obtaining their first job. Check if the programs 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 Chesapeake VA dental community as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.

Are the Classes Small? Check with the colleges you are looking at how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes tend to provide a more personal setting for training where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, larger classes often are impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Chesapeake VA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the level of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.

 What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can vary in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for instance the reputations of the schools and whether they are public or private 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 materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of schools, remember 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 offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Chesapeake VA area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that accommodate your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while receiving your education and need to attend classes near Chesapeake VA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you select an online school, you will still be required to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up policy is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Chesapeake VA?

Select the Ideal Dental Hygienist Program near Chesapeake VA

Picking the ideal dental hygienist program is imperative if you want to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As we have covered, there are a number of options available to obtain your training and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental programs at junior colleges, trade schools, vocational schools and technical institutes. Graduates of these schools generally earn an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists usually require roughly two years of studies prior to entering the work force. When obtaining a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by addressing the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Chesapeake VA.

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