Dental Hygienist Schools Near Me in Merrifield VA 22081 - Train to Become a Dental Hygienist

How to Pick a Dental Hygienist Program near Merrifield Virginia

Merrifield VA dental hygienist with patient Choosing the ideal dental hygienist school near Merrifield VA is an important first step toward beginning your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your choice, you need to analyze 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 nearest to your residence. There are other crucial issues to take into account as well, including the program’s reputation and accreditation. Dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, as compared to a certificate usually earned by assistants, and can take anywhere from 2 to 3 years to accomplish. Naturally with the more extensive training of a hygienist comes more expense. We will cover all of these considerations and supplemental questions that you should be asking the dental hygienist schools you are reviewing later in this article. But first, let’s review the roles of dental hygienists and the training programs available.

The Role of a Dental Hygienist

Merrifield VA pediatric dental hygienist with patient When comparing the role of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is probably that the hygienist works more on their own. Dental assistants work with and assists the Merrifield VA dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also supporting the practice, work with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are often the first person a patient sees when called from the waiting room. They examine each patient’s gums and teeth and report their results to the dentists. They also may perform basic procedures. Based on state law, a hygienist’s duties may include:

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

In order to be licensed in nearly all states, dental hygienists must graduate from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA) accredited dental hygiene program. They also must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam as well as any state licensing exams. When they have completed these requirements they are regarded as fully licensed and can add the “RDH” designation to their names, standing for Registered Dental Hygienist.

Dental Hygienist Education Options

Because of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists employed in Merrifield VA dental offices are often required to hold an Associate Degree in dental hygiene rather than a certificate. These programs can require anywhere from two to as long as three years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly every state. They are offered in trade and vocational schools as well as community colleges. And in addition to classroom studies learning the fundamentals of dental hygiene, there will be a practical component to the training as well| Many programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Online Dental Hygienist Colleges

attending dental hygienist school online in Merrifield VA Selecting an online dental hygienist college might be a good option for obtaining your education. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible by means of your personal computer in the convenience of your Merrifield VA home or elsewhere on your laptop or tablet. For those continuing to work while going to school, online dental classes make education much more accessible. Many may even have lower tuition fees than their traditional counterparts. And supplementary expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be lessened as well. The practical training can usually be completed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to get the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this method of learning, you might find that attending an dental hygienist online college is the best choice for you.

Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs

teeth cleaned by Merrifield VA dental hygienist Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Merrifield VA, you can begin the process 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. Possibly they search for several online alternatives also. Even though these are important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the programs you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.

Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost 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 guarantee that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Merrifield VA employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not offered for non-accredited programs.

Is Sufficient Clinical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is an essential component of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the college you enroll in provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Merrifield VA dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Verify if the dental colleges you are evaluating sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective method to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop professional relationships in the Merrifield VA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.

Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require help obtaining their first job. Ask if the schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Merrifield VA dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.

Are Classrooms Small? Ask the schools you are interested in how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate atmosphere for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Merrifield VA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.

What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of schools, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Merrifield VA area.

Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Merrifield VA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.

Attending Dental Hygienist School near Merrifield VA?

Merrifield, Virginia

Merrifield is located in eastern Fairfax County at 38°52′23″N 77°14′35″W / 38.87306°N 77.24306°W / 38.87306; -77.24306 (38.873144, −77.242994).[4] It is bounded by I-66 on the north, the Capital Beltway on the east, Arlington Boulevard (U.S. Route 50) on the south, and Nutley Street (Virginia State Highway 243) on the west. Neighboring communities are Oakton to the west, the town of Vienna to the north, Dunn Loring to the northeast, Idylwood and West Falls Church to the east, Annandale at the southeast corner of Merrifield, Woodburn and Mantua to the south, and the city of Fairfax to the southwest. Downtown Washington, D.C., is 13 miles (21 km) to the east.

As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 11,170 people, 4,396 households, and 2,725 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 4,107.2 people per square mile (1,585.6/km²). There were 4,534 housing units at an average density of 1,667.1/sq mi (643.6/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 54.67% White, 5.94% African American, 0.25% Native American, 29.94% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 5.00% from other races, and 4.11% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12.91% of the population.

There were 4,396 households out of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.7% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.0% were non-families. 25.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 3.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the CDP, the population was spread out with 19.4% under the age of 18, 10.3% from 18 to 24, 42.7% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 6.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.3 males.

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Find the Right Dental Hygienist School near Merrifield VA

Selecting the ideal dental hygienist course is imperative if you intend to take the National Board Dental Hygiene exam or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are several options offered to receive your training and it takes a fairly short amount of time to become a dental hygienist. You can obtain your formal education through dental programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs usually obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists normally require about 2 years of studies prior to entering the job market. When pursuing a degree you can elect to attend classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of training you decide to pursue, by asking the questions provided 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 Merrifield VA.