Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Staff Contact:

Andrea J. Burney, APR

Director of Public Relations

Chad E. Adams

Public Relations & Marketing Specialist

STUDENT SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT - May 2007

Chantal Dalton

Dental Hygiene

Danville Community College student Chantal Dalton of Danville was on a smooth track to graduating and a rewarding career. However, her life was turned upside down when she was severely injured in a car accident last fall. Despite many challenges, she managed to continue college and will graduate on time in May 2007.

“On November 23, 2006, Thanksgiving Day, I broke my back in a car accident. I had to go to Duke University for treatment and it took three months to heal,” says Dalton, 23. “I went to class wearing a back brace. It was very tough for me to see patients and to meet class requirements.

“With the help of my faith, family and friends, I stuck with the Dental Hygiene program despite my struggles. The Dental Hygiene faculty also worked with me and encouraged me to continue,” she adds.

After she receives her Associate of Applied Science Degree, Dalton plans to continue her education at Old Dominion University’s Distance Learning site at DCC where she will earn a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences with a minor in management. She wants to be the first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree and make her family proud. That family includes her mother Sharon, father Rodney, brothers Daniel (who is also a DCC student) and Mathew, and sister Skye.

When facing struggles, Dalton says she often receives inspiration from her deceased grandfather, who wanted her to live a successful life. Dalton says she wants to make him proud also by continuing her education.

“I used to work in the tobacco industry every summer,” says Dalton, a 2002 Dan River High School honor graduate. “Since I was eight years old, I worked for my grandpa (on his farm) until I was about 18. But because of tobacco buy-outs, the tobacco industry is helping workers learn another skill. I wouldn’t have been able to attend college if it wasn’t for the tobacco (Revitalization) scholarship that I received at DCC.”

Dalton chose the community college because it was affordable, offered transferable credits to four-year colleges and universities, and it was convenient.

“Originally, I planned to go into the textile industry program,” Dalton continues. “But after Danville lost both the tobacco and textile industries, I decided to pursue dental hygiene.”

Her interest in the program developed after she worked in a dentist’s office in the summer of 2004. She enjoys the one-on-one interactions with people and wants to further her career by earning a bachelor’s degree while working as a dental hygienist. Her goal is to return to DCC as a clinical instructor working at the college’s proposed new Health Sciences Building.

“I chose my major because I have always been interested in science,” Dalton explains. “Dental Hygiene is a great career because I get to incorporate what I have learned to help others to improve not only oral health, but systemic health.”

Dalton has worked at Nature’s Essentials part-time for the past four years. She is a member of the Student American Dental Hygienist Association; volunteers with Little Life; and is a member of Central Boulevard Church of God. She is also an avid runner and has competed in state cross country competitions.

“Chantal was out of class for only two weeks when she broke her back and had several challenges to overcome,” says Lynn Turner, DCC Site Coordinator of the Dental Hygiene Program. “She was able to adjust her sitting position, adapt how she held instruments, and maintain her posture to make herself comfortable when treating patients to complete class requirements.”

“I have had to overcome a lot of hurdles to finish the Dental Hygiene program on time,” Dalton admits. “It’s a very challenging curriculum, but if you work hard, you can make it through. I feel that the program prepares students by giving them the skills and knowledge they need to reach their dreams and make a difference in the community.”

DCC offers the Dental Hygiene program in cooperation with Virginia Western Community College. A student may complete this Associate of Applied Science Degree program without moving from the Danville area. Classes are offered every two years with the next section scheduled to start in fall semester 2007.

For more information about the Dental Hygiene program, contact Lynn Turner, Site Coordinator, at 434.797.6427; toll free: 800.560.4291, ext. 6427; or the site clinic at 434.791.5353.