Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Fincastle VA 24090 - Train to Become a Dental Hygienist

How to Select a Dental Hygienist College near Fincastle Virginia

Fincastle VA dental hygienist with patient Selecting the right dental hygienist college near Fincastle VA is an essential initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you must assess and compare your school options. There is far more to doing your due diligence than picking the school with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the school that is nearest to your residence. There are other significant factors to take into account as well, including the program’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 finish. Obviously with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more cost. We will discuss all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist programs you are assessing later in this article. But first, let’s look at the duties of dental hygienists and the training programs offered.

The Duties of Dental Hygienists

Fincastle VA pediatric dental hygienist with patient When comparing the job of a dental assistant to that of a hygienist, the main difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Fincastle VA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the practice, work with the patients more on an individual basis. They are often the initial person a patient encounters when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient’s teeth and gums and present their findings to the dentists. They may also perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities can include:

Removing plaque, tartar and stains
Applying 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 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 in addition to passing any state licensure examinations. Once 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 Education Options

Because of the additional responsibility as compared to an assistant, dental hygienists working in Fincastle VA dental practices are usually 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 finish 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 component to the training as well| Many programs also offer internships with local dental practices or dentists.

Dental Hygienist Online Training

attending dental hygienist school online in Fincastle VA Choosing an online dental hygienist college might be a great option for obtaining your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a practical component to your training. But the rest of your classes will be available by means of your personal computer in the comfort of your Fincastle VA home or anywhere else on your tablet or laptop. For those working while attending school, online dental programs make education a lot more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition rates than their on-campus counterparts. And added expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The clinical training can typically be completed at an area dental office or in an on-campus lab. With both the clinical and online training, everything necessary to obtain the appropriate education is provided. If you have the discipline for this method of education, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the right option for you.

Topics to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools

teeth cleaned by Fincastle VA dental hygienist Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Fincastle VA, you can start the procedure of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, a number of students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they search for several online alternatives also. Even though these may be important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should ask of the colleges you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. Toward that end, we have supplied a list of questions to assist you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.

Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only enroll in an accredited dental hygienist college. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a condition in virtually all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps ensure that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Fincastle VA employers typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited programs. And last, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not provided for non-accredited programs.

Is Enough Practical Training Included? Practical or clinical training is a vital component of any dental training program. This holds true for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist programs have associations with local dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the school you choose provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, check that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Fincastle VA dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental schools you are considering have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective 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 create working relationships in the professional dental community. And they are attractive on resumes also.

Is Job Placement Support Provided? Most students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools require assistance landing their first job. Find out if the colleges you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates are likely to have good reputations within the Fincastle VA dental community as well as extensive networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.

Are Classrooms Small? Check with the colleges you are looking at how large on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more intimate setting for training where students have greater access to the teachers. Conversely, bigger classes often are impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If practical, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the Fincastle VA dental hygienist school that you are most interested in so that you can witness first hand the level of interaction between students and teachers before making a commitment.

What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also come into play. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include costs 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 costs associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial aid departments, so be sure to find out what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the Fincastle VA area.

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

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Fincastle VA?

Fincastle, Virginia

The town of Fincastle was originally settled by Scotch-Irish and German immigrants from Pennsylvania who arrived in the region in the mid-18th century. John Miller erected a sawmill which became the nucleus of the early village of Fincastle. In 1770, Botetourt County was separated from Augusta County and Miller's home was selected as the meeting place for the court. Two years later, Israel Christian donated 45 acres of land and laid out the streets and lots for the new town of Fincastle. The town's name was selected to honor George, Lord Fincastle, the eldest son of Virginia's Lieutenant Governor, Lord Dunmore.[4] In 1773, the first log courthouse was built on the designated court square at the center of Fincastle. Around the same time, a brick church was constructed on land donated by Israel Christian to serve as the established (Anglican) house of worship for the town. The church closed after the disestablishment of the Anglican Church in Virginia during the American Revolutionary War and was later occupied by Presbyterians who rebuilt the structure to its present Greek Revival style.[5] By the early-19th century, the village grew into an important regional center of commerce, especially for the wool industry, aided by the construction of taverns, hotels, and shops. A second courthouse was erected in 1818 and replaced by a third, a larger brick structure of Greek Revival style in 1850. This courthouse continues to serve Botetourt County today, having been rebuilt after a disastrous fire in 1970.

The Bowyer-Holladay House, Breckinridge Mill, Fincastle Historic District, Greenfield, Hawthorne Hall, Prospect Hill, Santillane, Wheatland Manor, and Wiloma are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[6]

As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 359 people, 129 households, and 83 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,480.8 people per square mile (577.5/km2). There were 142 housing units at an average density of 585.7 per square mile (228.4/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 89.69% White, 7.52% African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 1.67% from other races, and 0.56% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.95% of the population.

There were 129 households out of which 27.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.9% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.9% were non-families. 32.6% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 3.04.

The location could not be found.

Pick the Right Dental Hygienist Program near Fincastle VA

Picking the right dental hygienist program is crucial if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene examination or, if mandated in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several alternatives offered to acquire your education and it takes a relatively short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental programs at community colleges, technical institutes, trade schools and vocational schools. Graduates of these schools typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require approximately 2 years of studies prior to entering 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 right selection. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Fincastle VA.