{"id":13814,"date":"2018-04-05T19:05:10","date_gmt":"2018-04-05T19:05:10","guid":{"rendered":""},"modified":"2018-04-05T19:05:10","modified_gmt":"2018-04-05T19:05:10","slug":"alexandria-va-22301","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oralpreventionedu.info\/dental-hygienist-schools-near-me\/virginia\/alexandria-va-22301","title":{"rendered":"Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Alexandria VA 22301"},"content":{"rendered":"

How to Select a Dental Hygienist Program near Alexandria Virginia<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"AlexandriaPicking the right dental hygienist school near Alexandria VA<\/strong> is an essential initial step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But before you can make your choice, you need to assess and compare your school options. There is far more to performing your due diligence than picking the school with the least expensive tuition or enrolling in the college that is nearest to your residence. There are other significant issues to consider as well, such as the school’s reputation and accreditation. 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 accomplish. Naturally with the longer training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will explore all of these issues and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are analyzing<\/a> later in this article. But first, let’s look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs provided<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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The Job of a Dental Hygienist<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"AlexandriaWhen contrasting the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the most significant difference is probably that the hygienist works more independently. Dental assistants work with and in support of the Alexandria VA practice and the dentists. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting area. They examine each patient’s teeth and gums and report their findings to the dentists. They also may carry out basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s duties can include:<\/p>\n