We can boast of the many dental hygiene schools in Virginia. Do you also know that In Virginia, there were 4,240 dental hygienists working as of the most recent count in 2014?
One of the reasons more professionals are considering pursuing a career as a dental hygienist is that this field will experience higher-than-average growth for at least the upcoming ten years.
In Virginia, there are numerous public institutions from which students can choose if they want to become dental hygienists.
Several colleges in the state offer dental hygiene associate’s degree programs, and a few also offer bachelor’s and/or master’s degree programs in the subject.
Despite the fact that some dental hygienist certification programs are accessible, most aspirants require at least an associate’s degree in dental hygiene before they can obtain state licensure.
These professionals can advance in their careers and/or take on more challenging tasks thanks to their bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Also Read: Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Arizona
Are there Dental Hygiene Schools in Virginia
Below, you’ll find information on Virginia’s top accredited dental hygiene schools,
1. Virginia Commonwealth University
2. Old Dominion University
3. Northern Virginia Community College
4. Wytheville Community College
5. James Madison University
6. ECPI University – Richmond South, VA
7. ECPI University – Roanoke, VA
8. Regent University
9. Central Virginia Community College
10. Thomas Nelson Community College
11. Virginia Western Community College
12. Liberty University
13. Longwood University
14. Hollins University
15. Strayer University – Virginia
Read Also: Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Alabama
How much do Dental Hygiene Schools cost in Virginia?
On the low end of the scale, an associate’s degree will cost around $4,370, but you could spend as much as $54,980.
Going to a university for your associate degree will typically cost more, but transferring credits is simpler if you decide to pursue a master’s degree is simpler.
The price to earn a bachelor’s degree can range from $17,930 to $99,610.
Many people start working on an associate degree and later decide whether they want to continue their education because a master’s degree can cost as much as $80,170.
Also Read: Best Dental Hygiene Schools In Missouri
What are the Requirements for Dental Hygiene Schools in Virginia
You must complete an accredited dental hygiene program if you want to pursue dental hygienist training in Virginia (VA).
You need a high school diploma or its equivalent for entry into programs, and depending on the institution, you might also need to pass entrance exams and go through an entry interview.
There may also be a need for legal and medical clearances.
Also Read: Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Michigan
What are the Best Dental Hygiene Schools in Virginia
Finding the ideal program with a high graduation rate, affordable tuition, and small class sizes can be challenging.
These issues have therefore informed the creation of this ranking. Each school receives ranking based on these specific criteria using information from the National Center for Education Statistics and program websites.
1. Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia, is home to Virginia Commonwealth, an above-average public university.
With 18,734 undergraduates enrolled, it is a sizable institution.
Additionally, the acceptance rate for the Virginia Commonwealth is 91%. Business, psychology, dental hygiene and health teacher education are also all well-liked majors.
Virginia Commonwealth alumni earn a starting salary of $34,400 after graduating 66% of students.
2. Old Dominion University
In Norfolk, Virginia, there is a public university- Old Dominion. 14,740 undergraduate students receive admission, making it a sizable university.
The acceptance rate for Old Dominion is 95%. Liberal arts and humanities, psychology, dental hygiene and criminology are also popular majors.
Old Dominion graduates earn a starting salary of $35,500. 53% of them graduate.
3. Northern Virginia Community College
In the vicinity of Washington, D.C., in Wakefield, Virginia, is Northern Virginia Community College, a public university.
It is also a sizable university with 15,551 undergraduate students. The acceptance rate for Northern Virginia Community College is 100 percent.
Liberal arts and humanities, business, health sciences, dental hygiene and social science research methods are also well-likeable majors.
Alumni of Northern Virginia Community College earn an entry-level salary of $33,200, with graduation rates of 34%.
4. Wytheville Community College
In Wytheville, Virginia, there is a public college- Wytheville. 802 undergraduate students receive admission, making it a small school.
100% of applicants are also accepted in Wytheville. Liberal arts and humanities, health professions, dental hygiene and nursing are popular majors.
Alumni from Wytheville go on to make a starting salary of $22,600, with graduation rates of 44% of students.
5. James Madison University
James Madison University operates in a unique way. They take pride in conducting a groundbreaking academic investigation emphasising active learning.
Their friendly professors also have the talent for inspiring meaningful intellectual advancements in their students.
Their students are supported and given challenges. The Madison Experience also includes a stunning campus and neighbourhood, exciting opportunities outside of the classroom, and enduring friendships.
Here, there’s always something to do. Our students experience a better quality of life at JMU thanks to caring professors and eager classmates. improved learning, improved careers, improved lives
6. ECPI University – Richmond South, VA
From the moment you set foot on campus at ECPI University, our encouraging faculty and staff are committed to your success.
Their accelerated, flexible programs are also made to fit your schedule and continue our tradition of practical, student-centred education, which is an efficient way to develop skills.
The success of our students is our top priority at ECPI University, which includes employer partnerships and student support services.
7. ECPI University – Roanoke, VA
From the moment you set foot on campus at ECPI University, our encouraging faculty and staff are committed to your success.
Their accelerated, flexible programs are also made to fit your schedule and continue our tradition of practical, student-centred education, which is an efficient way to develop skills.
The success of our students is our top priority at ECPI University, which includes employer partnerships and student support services.
8. Regent University
The best Christian university in America is Regent University, which enrols more than 11,000 students both on campus in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and online.
In more than 150 fields of study, including business, communication, counselling, cybersecurity, divinity, education, government, law, nursing, healthcare, dental hygiene and psychology, the university offers associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees.
Regent University is one of only 23 institutions nationwide to receive a “A” rating for its comprehensive liberal arts core curriculum and is ranked among the top national universities (U.S. News & World Report) (ACTA).
9. Central Virginia Community College
A public university called Central Virginia is situated in Lynchburg, Virginia.
It is a small university with 1,143 undergraduate students enrolled. The acceptance rate in Central Virginia is 100 per cent.
Popular majors also include nursing, emergency medical technician, dental hygiene and liberal arts and humanities (EMT Paramedic).
Additionally, Alumni from Central Virginia graduate 37% of students, with a starting salary of $23,700.
10. Thomas Nelson Community College
In the Norfolk Metropolitan Area of Hampton, Virginia, there is a public college called Thomas Nelson. It is a small university with 1,991 undergraduate students enrolled.
The acceptance rate at Thomas Nelson is 100 percent.
Liberal arts and humanities, social science research methods, dental hygiene and business are also popular majors.
Alumni of Thomas Nelson University graduate at a rate of 32% and go on to make a starting salary of $23,500.
11. Virginia Western Community College
In Roanoke, Virginia, there is a public university called Virginia Western CC. It is a small university with 1,654 undergraduate students enrolled.
The acceptance rate for Virginia Western CC is 100 percent. Liberal arts and humanities, natural sciences, dental hygiene and business are popular majors.
Alumni of Virginia Western CC graduate 40% of students and also go on to make an average starting salary of $24,800.
12. Liberty University
At Liberty University, they prioritize creating Christ-centered men and women who are equipped with the principles, know-how, and abilities to make a difference in the world.
We provide generous scholarships and financial aid, more than 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in fields ranging from zoology to aeronautics, as well as exciting opportunities to serve, worship, and have fun.
Everything you require to thrive as a student and get ready to use your career to impact people for Christ is available on our first-rate campus.
13. Longwood University
Students come to Longwood caring about a lot of things. What they do about it makes them a Lancer.
Lancers are engaged members of their communities from all walks of life who think bigger than themselves and want to do the hard work of shaping the world as they follow their own path to more than 100 different degree options.
The heart of a Longwood education is Civitae, our curriculum that challenges students to find interconnected ideas, think deeply about issues our country is wrestling with and develop creative solutions to problems.
They have also taken what’s typically the most boring and disconnected part of your college education and made it work to make actual sense and give you the foundational skills that employers look for – from creative problem-solving to effective communication.
14. Hollins University
Our website can help you navigate the many facets of the Hollins experience by providing details on academics, campus life, career preparation, and athletics, a virtual tour, and links to our social media accounts.
In addition, our office of admission is prepared to respond to your inquiries and invite you to visit our campus so you can observe a class, tour our residence halls, and interact with students and faculty.
We are eager to assist you in learning more about Hollins, whether it be online or in person.
15. Strayer University – Virginia
Strayer University uses an innovative approach to provide students with an exceptional educational experience and a long-term dedication to their success to enable them to realize their personal and professional goals.
Our accreditation or certification by three reputable organizations gives your degree credibility and recognition.
And to help you succeed after graduation, we’ve incorporated 10 skills that employers value into the curriculum of our bachelor’s program.
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How much do Dental Hygienist make in Virginia?
Between 2019 and 2029, dental hygienist employment is expected to grow by 6% nationally, which is faster than average, according to the BLS. According to the U.S.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental hygienists, made an average yearly salary of $77,230 in 2019. (BLS).
The mean income for workers in Virginia was $79,370, which was higher than the average income nationwide.
How do I become a Dental Hygienist in Virginia?
Candidates who want to become dental hygienists in Virginia must complete the following steps, with licensure controlled by the state’s Board of Dentistry:
- complete a dental hygienist education program that has been approved Take into consideration any additional
- optional dental hygienist requirements for the National
- Board Dental Hygiene Examination with flying colours
- Pass a Clinical Exam from a Regional Provider With Approval To become a licensed dental hygienist,
- contact the Virginia Board of Dentistry. Keep Your Virginia Dental Hygiene License Current
Best Paying Dental Hygiene Jobs in Virginia with Salary
- Hospital’s dental hygienist earns $70,000-$89,000 per year
- A dental hygienist in Dental offices earns $50,000-$66,000
- Nursing home dental hygienist earns $65,000-$82,000
- Personal facility dental hygienist earns $37,000-$40,000
- Schools and institutions dental hygienist earns $63,000-$80,000
- medical facilities dental hygienist earns $36,000
Frequently Asked Questions
Following two years of study concentrating on basic and dental sciences, dental hygiene science and theory, community health, and preclinical and clinical experiences, the Dental Hygiene Program, which was established in 1969, requires two years of liberal arts study with a minimum of 60 semester hours.
Virginia Dental hygienists must obtain a license from the Board of Dentistry. Candidates must pass a clinical exam, the dental hygiene examination given by the Joint Commission on Dental Examinations, and be graduates of an accredited dental hygiene program to obtain this license.
two dentists’ assistants
No dentist may at any time employ more than two dental hygienists who work remotely by 54.1-2724 of the Code of Virginia.
Conclusion
You must actively participate in practical training exercises that cannot be finished online in dental hygiene school.
You can anticipate finishing a lot of your courses in a traditional classroom setting as a result.
However, your classroom will probably resemble a dental clinic and contain many of the same tools and equipment that you will use once your education is over and you have a job.
Many colleges and universities will let you finish your core educational courses—like English and mathematics—online if you prefer to move through the program more quickly.
References
- Niche.com – 2023 Best Colleges with Dental Hygiene Degrees in Virginia
- Collegegazette.com – Best dental hygiene schools in Virginia