6 Best Dental Hygienist Schools in Virginia

When it comes to medicine, dental hygienists have made quite the name. Some dental hygienist schools in Virginia have been carefully curated in this article, alongside requirements and procedures for beginners, not just in dentistry but in medicine generally.

Dental hygienists are highly sought-after because they are not just needed just for oral health but for general health. As you know, good oral/dental health translates to good health overall.

Dental hygienists are specialists when it comes to solving problems such as cavities or gum disease can impair your ability to eat and speak properly, and cause pain and bad breath.

Many people may not realize that poor dental health can have a profound, negative effect on areas outside of the mouth, including your heart.

As a dental hygienist, staying connected to your profession is essential for a rewarding career. This is easy when you are a member of your professional organization, such as the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), which is easy through technology.

To get to this point, you have to go through processes, which involve getting a previous degree in science. However, you can choose to study medicine first before specializing in dentistry.

These medical schools in the US for different specialties could serve as a start. There are dental hygienist schools in Florida and dental hygienist schools in Arizona. Also, these medical schools are easy to get into, you might want to see them.

Requirements For Dental Hygienist Schools in Virginia

These requirements cover both international and resident students. To get into any dental hygienist schools in Virginia, you will need the Virginia:

  1. You will need to complete their ADEA AADSAS Application. Apply through the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS).
  2. An official college transcript
  3. A well-written essay by you
  4. Submit three (3) letters of Recommendation through AADSAS. Two letters from life science professors who have had the candidate as a student, and one letter from a dentist practicing in the U.S. or Canada who knows the candidate’s professional abilities through shadowing or volunteer work
  5. DAT scores. A DAT score more than three years old at the time of application will not be considered.
  6. You will need to work as a job shadow dentist. You will be asked for proof of your job shadowing hours.
  7. An application fee, in addition to possible supplemental fees.

Average Cost of Dental Hygienist Schools in Virginia

The average cost of dental hygienist schools in Virginia costs about $155,500  for in-state public schools, and $270,300 for private schools, over the four years dental program.

Tuition, fees, as well as indirect charges, are bound to change due to inflation and what program in dentistry. All costs are subject to inflation.

Best Dental Hygienist Programs in Virginia

You can find the following programs in Dental Hygiene in some dental hygienist schools in Virginia.

  • Dental Hygiene to BS in Dental Hygiene Post Licensure & Dental Hygiene to BS in Health Sciences Virginia Western Dental School
  • Dental Hygiene Program at Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Dental Hygiene Program at Northern Virginia Community College – Medical Education Campus
  • Dental Hygiene Associate Degree Program at Virginia Peninsula Community College
  • Fortis’ Dental Training Program at Fortis College

How to Become a Licensed Dental Hygienist in Virginia

These requirements vary according to state. To become a licensed dental hygienist in Virginia, you will need:

  1. A D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree from a university-based dental education program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
  2. To pass Part I and Part II of the written National Board Dental Examination (NBDE). NBDE Part I and Part II are being discontinued and replaced by the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE). Either way, you will need to pass the two to get into dental hygienist schools in Virginia.
  3. To take the clinical examination. States like Virginia’s boards of dentistry rely on regional testing agencies to administer a clinical examination.

dental hygienist schools in Virginia

Dental Hygienist Schools in Virginia

  • VCU School of Dentistry
  • Virginia Western Dental School
  • Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Northern Virginia Community College – Medical Education Campus
  • Virginia Peninsula Community College
  • Fortis College

1. VCU School of Dentistry

This school is one of the dental hygienist schools in Virginia that utilize and uses all the required resources and technologies to provide a unique, hands-on educational experience to students in dentistry.

It offers advanced dental education, graduate research, and dental hygiene programs. And they are known to operate by the standards established by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association (CODA).

As a student, you will have access to clinical materials and studies to cutting-edge biomedical research. They oftentimes collaborate with National Cancer Institute-designated VCU Massey Cancer Center, research, which is present throughout our school.

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2. Virginia Western Dental School

The Dental Hygiene program at Virginia Western Community College prepares you to work in several settings such as private practice, hospitals, universities, and community clinics.

Unlike other dental hygienist schools in Virginia, they prepare and open you up to other career opportunities such as public health, research, and teaching. This is made possible through the ADHA found there.

They also have Transfer Agreements for Students who graduate from Virginia Western with an associate degree and a minimum grade point

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3. Virginia Commonwealth University

The Virginia Commonwealth school of dentistry offers two years of study focusing on basic and dental sciences, dental hygiene science and theory, community health, and preclinical and clinical experiences.

Here, just like every other dental hygienist school in Virginia, after successful completion of the program, the graduates are eligible for national, regional, and state board licensing examinations. The Dental Hygiene Program at Virginia Commonwealth University is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

You will also have the unique opportunity to work in integrated clinical settings alongside DDS students as well as with faculty members from dental hygiene, dentistry, and specialty areas to gain invaluable experiences as you learn and practice.

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4. Northern Virginia Community College – Medical Education Campus

The students of the Dental Hygiene program are prepared to complete the national board exam and pass state clinical exams for licensure to practice as a Dental Hygienist.

Just like typical dental hygienist schools in Virginia, after successful completion of the Dental Hygiene program, you will be eligible to take the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination and professional licensure examinations leading to becoming a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH).

As graduates, you are allowed to pursue a career in a variety of settings. This includes private practice settings, specialized areas of dentistry, government agencies, dental education, public health, and marketing.

5. Virginia Peninsula Community College

This school is quite different from other dental hygienist schools in Virginia. Their Dental Hygiene program gives students the experience they need to serve area patients as they learn.

Suppose you are enrolled in the associate degree program. In that case, you will likely enjoy the benefit of small class sizes and hands-on experience in Thomas Nelson’s state-of-the-art facility at the Historic Triangle campus in Williamsburg. Thomas Nelson’s Dental Hygiene program prepares students for the National Board and Southern Regional Board Examinations.

Under the strict supervision of expert faculty, students provide affordable dental services for members of the community.

6. Fortis College

This is a school that offers both dental assisting and dental training programs. The school help students acquire the skills and knowledge they need to demonstrate the competency required for relevant licensing and getting started in their dental career.

There, unlike other dental hygienist schools in Virginia, you will be part of all the activities under the supervision of professionals. They have a  comprehensive curriculum presented by experienced and dedicated faculty who are committed to helping students reach their educational goals.

Through a balance of traditional classroom instruction, small-group discussion, and real-world skill development, the students can acquire the skills necessary to demonstrate competence in a variety of dental office procedures and laboratory techniques.

Dental Hygienist Schools in Virginia-FAQs

[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h3″ question-0=”How Long Does it Take to Become a Dental Hygienist in Virginia?” answer-0=”It takes approximately 3 to 4 years to become a dental hygienist in Virginia. ” image-0=”” count=”1″ html=”true” css_class=””][sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h3″ question-0=”What is The Salary of a Dental Hygienist In Virginia?” answer-0=”A dental hygienist earns about $100,000 in a year, and about $40 to $60 per hour.” image-0=”” count=”1″ html=”true” css_class=””][sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h3″ question-0=”How Many Dental Hygienist Schools are in Virginia?” answer-0=”There are about 7 to 8 dental hygienist schools in Virginia. However, Virginia has a lot of dental assisting programs and schools.” image-0=”” count=”1″ html=”true” css_class=””]

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