Dental student is all smiles when it comes to starting her bright career (April 2023)

Gateway student Kiara London knew she wanted a career where she could make a difference in the lives of others. But she also didn’t want a demanding job that would require her to work around the clock or be on call. 

“I knew I always wanted to help people, but I didn’t want to do something where I was in the front lines and always there,” she says candidly.

Her desire to have a work-life balance and her passion for giving back helped her decide on a future in the dental field. And she immediately knew Gateway’s Dental Assistant technical diploma program was the place to start.

“I chose Gateway because I attended a smaller high school and I liked the one-on-one relationship with the instructors since I got that in high school. At Gateway, you don’t have to go through 10,000 students to talk to your instructors and I really appreciated that,” Kiara notes.

The program’s average class size is 18 students, meaning everyone receives that same level of attention and the ability to practice hands-on skills using professional equipment, like digital radiography, electronic records and expanded materials, in a lab that feels like the “real world.”

As Kiara mentions, “In this environment, you are set up like you are actually in a dental office. When you first walk in, you see our receptionist area. Then you come in and you have chairside, so it’s set up just like you’re in an operatory at the dentist. Even in our radiographs, there’s a chair and you see the X-ray machine as well.”

In addition to the mix of lab work and lectures, Kiara is also gaining vital experience in clinicals. 

She says, “Currently I’m working with a general dentist for my clinical portion of this… this program has really prepared me, I know the next steps when I am working right alongside the dentist.”

And she’s had the opportunity to do some clinical work with the Boys & Girls Club of Kenosha as well, helping volunteer dentists with oral evaluations and fluoride varnish applications, during a popular Health and Wellness Fair that’s held annually.

Kiara achieved her educational goal and graduated in May of 2023. She hopes to enter into oral surgery as a surgical assistant and is confident Gateway gave her the tools to succeed. 

“Gateway has prepared me to be successful… I was able to apply everything I learned here, build amazing friendships and learn how to work with other people outside of just class. 

“Gateway has definitely prepared me for my future, and I am super grateful and appreciative of that.”