Individuals who are interested in becoming dental hygienists can complete degree programs at one of several Virginia schools. Examples of schools that offer this training include Northern Virginia Community College in Annandale, which offers an associates degree, and Old Dominion University in Norfolk, which offers bachelor's and master's degrees in the field. Virginia Western Community College in Roanoke also offers an associates degree program in dental hygiene. Associates and master's degree programs typically last two years, while bachelor's degree programs last four years. Master's degree programs are designed for hygienists who want to assume leadership roles in the health care field. Old Dominion University also offers an accelerated bachelor's-to-master's degree program for undergraduates who want to advance more quickly.
To get into an undergraduate Virginia dental hygiene training program, individuals typically must complete prerequisite courses with a satisfactory grade, such as health science, English composition, algebra, biology and chemistry. They also might need to submit recommendation forms or complete a certain number of hours of observation at a dental facility. In addition, applicants might have to submit standardized test scores or past transcripts. Programs might require students to take the Health Occupation Basic Entrance Test as well.
Dental hygiene training in Virginia prepares students to be licensed. After graduating from a dental hygiene program that is accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation, an individual must complete the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and pass state clinical exams for licensure to practice.
Classes in a Virginia dental hygiene training program cover topics such as oral anatomy, oral radiology, head and neck anatomy, management of emergencies and pharmacology. Students also study general and oral pathology, periodontics, practical materials, nutrition, microbiology, pain management and psychology. Bachelor's or master's degree programs additionally cover research methods in the health sciences, dental hygiene theory, administrative leadership and community oral health planning. Master's degree programs additionally allow students to complete a research thesis or project on a particular aspect of the field.
Virginia dental hygiene training program students also complete clinical experiences at various sites to gain hands-on experience working with patients. For example, Old Dominion University students can get hands-on training at the campus dental hygiene care facility, Portsmouth Naval Hospital, the American Red Cross Dental Clinic, the Hampton Veterans' Administration Medical Center and even regional public health departments. Virginia Western Community College students also can complete clinical experiences with clients of the Bradley Free Clinic, Roanoke Valley Health Department and Lynchburg Free Clinic.