Points to Ask Dental Hygienist Programs<\/strong><\/h3>\nNow that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in Merrifield VA, you can begin the process of comparing schools and programs. As we discussed at the start of this article, a number of students start by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Possibly they search for several online alternatives also. Even though these are important initial points to consider, there are a few additional questions that you should address to the programs you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have furnished a list of questions to help you with your evaluation and ultimate selection of the best dental hygienist school for you.<\/p>\n
Is the Dental Program Accredited?<\/strong> There are a number of good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are intending to become licensed or certified, then accreditation is a prerequisite in almost all states. In order to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam, your dental program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the education you receive is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Merrifield VA employers frequently prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And finally, if you are applying for financial aid or a student loan, usually they are not offered for non-accredited programs.<\/p>\nIs Sufficient Clinical Training Included?<\/strong> Clinical or practical training is an essential component of any dental training program. This is true for the online college options as well. Many dental hygienist colleges have partnerships with local dental practices and clinics that furnish clinical training for their students. It’s not only essential that the college you enroll in provides enough clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you ultimately want to work in. For 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 Merrifield VA dental practice that focuses on dental care for children.<\/p>\nIs There an Internship Program?<\/strong> Verify if the dental colleges you are evaluating sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective method to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They make it easier for students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students develop professional relationships in the Merrifield VA dentistry community. And they look good on resumes too.<\/p>\nIs Job Placement Support Furnished?<\/strong> Many students that have graduated from dental hygienist colleges require help obtaining their first job. Ask if the schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Colleges with higher job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Merrifield VA dental profession as well as large networks of contacts where they can place their students for employment or internships.<\/p>\nAre Classrooms Small?<\/strong> Ask the schools you are interested in how big typically their classrooms are. The smaller classes usually provide a more intimate atmosphere for learning where students have increased access to the teachers. Conversely, large classes often are impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If practical, find out if you can attend a few classes at the Merrifield VA dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between students and instructors before making a commitment.<\/p>\n <\/strong>What is the Total Cost of the Program?<\/strong> Dental hygiene schools can fluctuate in cost dependent on the duration of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include costs for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of schools, remember to add all of the expenses related to your education. Most schools have financial assistance departments, so make sure to find out what is offered as far as grants, loans and scholarships in the Merrifield VA area.<\/p>\nAre the Classes Convenient?<\/strong> Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must make sure that the assistant or hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you continue working while acquiring your education and must attend classes near Merrifield VA in the evenings or on weekends. And even if you choose an online college, you will still be required to schedule your clinical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up practice is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family issues.<\/p>\nAttending Dental Hygienist School near Merrifield VA?<\/h3>\nMerrifield, Virginia<\/h3>
Merrifield is located in eastern Fairfax County at 38\u00b052\u203223\u2033N 77\u00b014\u203235\u2033W\ufeff \/ \ufeff38.87306\u00b0N 77.24306\u00b0W\ufeff \/ 38.87306; -77.24306 (38.873144, \u221277.242994).[4] It is bounded by I-66 on the north, the Capital Beltway on the east, Arlington Boulevard (U.S. Route 50) on the south, and Nutley Street (Virginia State Highway 243) on the west. Neighboring communities are Oakton to the west, the town of Vienna to the north, Dunn Loring to the northeast, Idylwood and West Falls Church to the east, Annandale at the southeast corner of Merrifield, Woodburn and Mantua to the south, and the city of Fairfax to the southwest. Downtown Washington, D.C., is 13 miles (21\u00a0km) to the east.<\/p>
As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 11,170 people, 4,396 households, and 2,725 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 4,107.2 people per square mile (1,585.6\/km\u00b2). There were 4,534 housing units at an average density of 1,667.1\/sq\u00a0mi (643.6\/km\u00b2). The racial makeup of the CDP was 54.67% White, 5.94% African American, 0.25% Native American, 29.94% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 5.00% from other races, and 4.11% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 12.91% of the population.<\/p>
There were 4,396 households out of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.7% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.0% were non-families. 25.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 3.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.06.<\/p>
In the CDP, the population was spread out with 19.4% under the age of 18, 10.3% from 18 to 24, 42.7% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 6.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.3 males.<\/p><\/div>\n