Introduction
Dentistry and hygienist school are two very different educational paths that can lead to successful careers in the dental field. Dentistry school provides a more comprehensive education that covers all aspects of dental care, while a hygienist school focuses primarily on preventive care and education. Both programs can be expensive to attend, but the cost should not be the only factor one considers when deciding. The time commitment required to complete each program is also significant, so a learner should consider their personal schedule and workload when deciding. This essay argues that the dentistry course is better than the hygienist study because, despite being time-consuming and costly, it has wide benefits in terms of medical practice and high salaries.
Cost
Dentistry
The expenses for attending Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) dentistry program can be divided into multiple categories and are higher than those of a hygienist’s study. The first category is tuition and fees, which for in-state residents is $38,890 per year and for out-of-state residents is $57,336 per year (School of Dentistry). The second category is room and board, which is estimated to be $12,492 annually (School of Dentistry).
The third category is books and supplies, estimated at $1,872 per year (School of Dentistry). The fourth category is personal expenses, which are estimated to be $3,872 per year (School of Dentistry). The fifth and final category is miscellaneous expenses, which are estimated to be $2,064 per year (School of Dentistry). These are high costs for the course that someone should be prepared to meet before committing to the course.
Hygiene
The cost of attending hygiene school at VCU can be broken down into several categories. First, the tuition and fees are associated with taking classes and being a student at the school. Second, there are the costs of living expenses, such as housing, food, and transportation (Qualifying as a food safety practitioner). Finally, there are the costs of materials and supplies necessary for the program, such as textbooks, uniforms, and dental supplies.
The tuition and fees for the hygiene program at VCU are $20,890 per year for in-state students and $34,070 per year for out-of-state students (Qualifying as a food safety practitioner). The living expenses will vary depending on the individual student’s situation, but a reasonable estimate for these expenses is $10,000 per year (School of Dentistry). Materials and supplies are estimated to cost $1,500 per year. Assuming a student attends school for four years and lives off-campus, the total cost of attending the hygiene program at VCU would be $86,760 for in-state students and $140,280 for out-of-state students.
Time
Dentistry
The time inputs required by learners attending the Dentistry school at VCU are significantly greater than those of the hygienist course. The first two years of the program are spent completing didactic coursework. This coursework is very demanding and requires much time and effort.
The last two years of the program are dedicated to completing clinical rotations. During this time, students must complete various rotations in different dental specialties (School of Dentistry). This is a very time-consuming process, but it is essential for gaining the clinical experience needed to be a successful dentist.
After graduation, dentists must complete a one-year residency program. This program allows dentists to gain more experience in treating patients. It is a very demanding program, but it is essential for becoming a licensed dentist.
Hygiene
Completing the hygiene program at VCU demands a substantial time commitment. The program is four years long, and students are expected to complete all coursework and clinical requirements within that time frame. In addition, students in the program are expected to complete a certain number of hours of clinical experience each week (Qualifying as a food safety practitioner). The time required to complete the program will vary depending on the student’s schedule and workload, but it is typically between 40 and 50 hours per week.
After completing the hygiene program at VCU, graduates will be eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE). Passing this exam is necessary to become a licensed dental hygienist in Virginia. The NBDHE is a multiple-choice examination covering various topics related to dental hygiene.
Examination
Dentistry
The American Dental Association (ADA) offers the examination, which Prometric administers. The cost of taking the NBDHE is $400 for members of the ADA and $600 for non-members (Food Safety and Hygiene Officer: Training, Job Description & Duties). The examination is offered four times per year, and the ADA determines the date and location of the examination.
Hygiene
After passing the NBDHE, dental hygienists can apply for a license from the Virginia Board of Dentistry. The license costs $100, and it must be renewed every two years (School of Dentistry). Virginia’s dental hygienists must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years to renew their licenses (Food Safety and Hygiene Officer: Training, Job Description & Duties). The cost of continuing education varies depending on the type of coursework chosen, but it typically ranges from $50 to $300 per credit hour.
Profit
Dentistry
The expected benefits of attending the School of Dentistry at VCU include receiving a world-class education, becoming a licensed dentist, and having the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of dentistry. The school is accredited by the American Dental Association and is ranked as one of the top dental schools in the United States. Students who attend a dentistry school can expect to receive a high-quality education that will prepare them for a career in dentistry.
Dentistry school graduates at VCU are eligible to take the National Dental Examining Board exams, which are required for licensure in all 50 states. After passing the exams, dentists can practice dentistry in the state where they are licensed. The specialization options available at Virginia Commonwealth University are also very beneficial.
Students can choose to specialize in a particular area of dentistry, such as orthodontics, periodontics, or oral surgery. This allows them to receive training in a specific area and become an expert. The average starting salary for dentists is $142,000 per year. The average salary for dentists in the United States is $161,000 annually. The average salary for dentists in Virginia is $170,000 per year.
Hygiene
The returns after studying dentistry are generally high in terms of practice and earnings. The average salary for dental hygienists in Virginia is $33.46 per hour (How much is Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) dental school program?). The average salary for dental hygienists in the United States is $33.60 per hour (How much is Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) dental school program?).
Dental hygienists in Virginia can expect to earn a salary that is slightly above the national average. The job outlook for dental hygienists is very positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of dental hygienists will grow by 11 percent between 2018 and 2028, which is much faster than the average for all occupations (How much is Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) dental school program?). The increasing demand for dental care, the aging population, and the expansion of dental insurance coverage will all contribute to this occupation’s growth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is better for a learner to invest in dentistry, which might take more time and money, but has exceeding benefits as opposed to being a hygienist. There are many factors to consider when deciding whether to attend dental school or hygienist school. Both programs can lead to well-paying careers, but differ in time commitment, cost, and focus.
Dental school is typically more expensive and time-consuming than a hygienist school, but it provides a deeper and wider education. A hygienist school focuses primarily on disease prevention and patient education, but it can be completed in a shorter time frame. Ultimately, deciding which program to attend should be based on the individual student’s goals and preferences.
Works Cited
“Food Safety and Hygiene Officer: Training, Job Description & Duties.” Learn. Web.
“How Much Is Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) Dental School Program?” Bestaccreditedcolleges.org, Best Accredited Colleges, Web.
“Qualifying as a Food Safety Practitioner.” CIEH, Web.
“School of Dentistry” Programs & Admissions – VCU School of Dentistry, Web.
Zawacki, Andrea. “12 Reasons a Dental Hygienist Career Could Be Right for You.” Carrington College, Web.