Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Colleges<\/strong><\/h3>\nNow that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Dumfries VA, you can begin the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the start of this article, a number of prospective students begin by checking out the location and the cost of the colleges. Maybe they search for several online options as well. Although these may be important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are comparing in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.<\/p>\n
Is the Dental Program Accredited?<\/strong> There are a number of good reasons why you should only select an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are planning to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in nearly all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the education you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Dumfries VA employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited programs. And finally, if you are requesting a student loan or financial aid, often they are not offered for non-accredited colleges.<\/p>\nIs Enough Practical Training Included?<\/strong> Clinical or practical training is an important portion of any dental training program. This applies for the online college options as well. A number of dental hygienist schools have associations with regional dental practices and clinics that provide practical training for their students. It’s not only important that the college you select offers adequate clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately would like to work in. As an example, if you have an interest in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local Dumfries VA dental practice that focuses on dental services for children.<\/p>\nIs There an Internship Program?<\/strong> Find out if the dental schools you are looking at have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective method to receive hands-on, practical experience in a real dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop working relationships in the professional dental community. And they look good on resumes also.<\/p>\nIs Job Placement Assistance Provided?<\/strong> Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist schools need assistance landing their first job. Check if the colleges you are looking at have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Dumfries VA dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can position their students for employment or internships.<\/p>\nAre Classes Small?<\/strong> Ask the schools you are interested in how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate atmosphere for training where students have increased access to the instructors. On the other hand, large classes can be impersonal and offer little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can sit in on a couple of classes at the Dumfries VA dental hygienist school that you are leaning toward so that you can witness first hand the degree of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.<\/p>\n <\/strong>What is the Total Expense of the Program?<\/strong> Dental hygiene colleges can fluctuate in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the colleges and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school equipment, materials and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of programs, remember to add all of the expenses associated with your education. The majority of schools have financial assistance departments, so be sure to ask what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Dumfries VA area.<\/p>\nAre the Classes Convenient?<\/strong> Before selecting a dental hygienist school, you need to confirm that the assistant or hygienist program offers classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you continue working while getting your education and have to attend classes near Dumfries VA at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online program, you will still have to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while addressing your concerns, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should have to miss any classes because of illness, work or family issues.<\/p>\nAttending Dental Hygienist School near Dumfries VA?<\/h3>\nDumfries, Virginia<\/h3>
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.6\u00a0square miles (4.1\u00a0km\u00b2), all of it land. The town is situated 78 miles north of the state capital, Richmond. It is 25 miles\/40\u00a0km south of central Washington, D.C.[4]<\/p>
The history of Dumfries began as early as 1690 when Richard Gibson erected a gristmill on Quantico Creek. A customhouse and warehouse followed in 1731, and many others cropped up along the estuary by 1732. The Town of Dumfries was formally established on 60 acres (240,000\u00a0m2) of land at the head of the harbor of Quantico Creek, provided by John Graham. He named the town after his birthplace, Dumfries, Scotland.[5]<\/p>
After much political maneuvering, the General Assembly established Dumfries as the first of seven townships in the county. Dumfries received its charter on May 11, 1749, making it the oldest continuously chartered town in Virginia.<\/p>
The Ceremonial Seal of the Town of Dumfries embodies elements of its heritage, from the period of 1651, when the first patents were issued to colonists, who following the Potomac recognized the value of a snug harbor in Quantico Creek. Thus the foundations for the establishment of a town, which in 1749 received its charter from the Colonial government in Williamsburg, Virginia.<\/p><\/div>\n