Dental Assistant program graduate Abigail Sheehan found that her real-world experience through academic service learning helped lay the groundwork for a career in dentistry she continues to pursue today.

"I got to work at the Boys & Girls Club Health and Wellness Event. We were put into groups where I helped about 70 kids learn about proper brushing. Other groups helped teach about flossing and nutrition’s importance with oral health. We had two doctors come in too, and we did free dental exams where we were able to assist those doctors," says Abigail.

"That experience made me see that there’s a need for people in my line of work, which helped me realize I want to specialize in pediatric dentistry and work with folks with special needs. Being able to help people, especially kids in need – I would love to do that."

Service learning provides students the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom in a real-world setting, many times to local non-profit groups. Instructors help to facilitate these experiences where students gain even more knowledge about the career they will enter, plus community partners gain needed services cost-free.

Since graduating from Gateway with her Dental Assistant technical diploma, Abigail has gone on to a pre-dentistry program in the area, but her original passion for the field spurred from her time at Gateway.

"I started the dental assistant program not knowing what to expect. I grew up with a lot of dental issues, so I was always interested, but the faculty made this subject so interesting. I think it’s super fun, and here at Gateway, I had my eyes opened to dentistry."

Between excellent faculty and unique learning opportunities at Gateway, Abigail gained the skills she wanted and the knowledge she needed to take her next career steps.

"Gateway's faculty members were so enthusiastic, just like me, and they were so knowledgeable too. I love the way they taught. I didn’t know what to expect, but the faculty made the difference," says Abigail.

"And service learning let me see all sorts of real-world work situations, which was eye-opening. Getting that experience with patients showed me that this was a need to be met, and I’m working toward building a career to meet that need today."