Dear reader,
Are you fascinated by the intersection of health care and science? Do you love working closely with people? A career as a licensed dental hygienist may be right up your alley! As an education reform expert, I’m delighted to showcase the exceptional dental hygiene programs offered right here in Richmond.
With demand for dental services continuing to grow rapidly, now is an opportune time to pursue training in this stable, well-compensated field. Let’s explore some of Richmond’s best accredited dental hygiene programs at the certificate, associate‘s, bachelor‘s and advanced graduate level.
Understanding Dental Hygiene Career Paths
Before surveying specific Richmond-based programs, let’s briefly overview the dental hygiene profession.
As a licensed dental hygienist, you will:
- Work chairside to perform prophylactic dental cleanings
- Take x-rays and support dental exams and procedures
- Provide preventive oral health education to patients
- Document patient health histories and dental records
- Follow health and safety protocols for infection control
Most dental hygienists work on a full-time schedule within dentist practices. However, with the right advanced certifications, dental hygienists can also find rewarding careers in public health clinics, hospitals, educational institutions and correctional facilities.
The median salary for dental hygienists is $76,220 nationally. With more than 15,480 practicing dental hygienists in Virginia, competition for jobs varies across the state. Rural and lower-income areas often report staffing shortages.
PPthoughts on Education Reforms for Dental Hygienists
Recent years have seen a crop of reforms focused on strengthening the dental hygiene talent pipeline.
Many states now allow dental therapists and advanced practice dental hygienists to provide basic services, improving access and affordability. Educational approaches have also evolved, boosted by a $38 million federal investment. Current best practices include:
- Entry-level bachelor’s degree programs
- Interprofessional education with nursing/dental students
- Enhanced technology/simulation training
- Curriculum integration across biological sciences
- Emphasis on public health competencies
These changes modernize dental hygiene training for today’s team-based health care environment. Richmond-area programs have implemented many leading reform practices. Let‘s look at schools advancing dental hygiene education!
Spotlight: Top Dental Hygiene Programs in Richmond, VA
From career college certificates to master‘s programs, Richmond offers varied dental hygiene training styles. Here are some of my top picks in the region:
1. J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
J. Sargeant Reynolds offers an exemplary Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene. What makes their program stand out?
Program Highlights
- 5 semester, 70 credit hours
- 24 students admitted annually
- $5,980 total tuition (at 2021 rates)
- 5 to 1 student-faculty ratio
- 94% 5-year job placement rate
Reynolds has implemented many leading dental hygiene training reforms:
- Interprofessional education via nursing program
- State-of-the-art simulation training technology
- Curriculum spanning biological sciences and communications
- 300+ hours of clinical experience
Reynolds also shines when it comes to accessibility and student outcomes. The dental hygiene program boasts 100% accreditation and strong National Board Dental Hygiene exam pass rates consistently above 95%.
Admissions Requirements: High school diploma or GED, completed application, minimum 2.3 GPA, entrance exam
2. Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry
VCU offers a top-tier, entry-level Bachelor of Science degree program spanning 4 years with courses across both general education and dental hygiene topics.
Distinguishing features of this program include:
- 94-100% first-time pass rate on National Board exams
- 500+ hours of patient care experience
- Opportunity to participate in faculty research
- Emphasis on ethics and professional identity growth
- Curriculum includes psychology, management and research methodology
VCU dental hygiene graduates praise the program’s evidence-based practice training and clinical knowledge depth. They felt thoroughly prepared to pass state licensure exams.
Many grads pursue specialties and leadership trajectories. VCU provides solid academic footing for these advanced careers via their Master of Science in Dental Hygiene program. With full-time and part-time tracks, RDHs can earn an advanced degree specializing in education, public health, research or administration.
Admissions Requirements: Competitive entry, 90+ college credits in prerequisite courses preferred
3. Centura College
Centura College offers an accelerated career training path via their 60 credit, 16 month Dental Assisting diploma program.
This certificate program appeals to students eager to launch their dental career quickly. Ideal for recent high school graduates, key program metrics span:
- Condensed 16 month schedule
- Classes meet weekdays or evenings
- Choose AM or PM clinical sessions
- Just $17,929 program cost
- Certification exam pass rate above 95%
- 84% graduation rate
Centura College has an excellent reputation for job placement services, connecting graduates with dental offices recruiting assistants. This credential also marks a starting point for bridging into a longer-term dental hygiene program.
For immediate employment, Centura College offers an affordable fast track minus college-level course requirements.
Admissions requirements: High school diploma or equivalency
Launch an Exciting New Dental Career in Richmond!
Dear reader, I hope this overview fires your enthusiasm for the dental profession! With excellent projected career growth and competitive salaries, dental hygiene offers stable yet flexible work improving community health outcomes every day.
Richmond features multiple accredited dental hygiene programs preparing students through a progressive, tech-enabled curriculum. From certificate programs you can complete in little over a year to graduate studies to advance your clinical expertise, there are fantastic options to suit your career goals.
Reach out and visit schools that catch your interest. I’m happy to offer personalized guidance around applying and choosing between these exceptional local training institutions. Feel free to get in touch with any questions!
Wishing you all the best,
[Your name] Education Reform Expert