news-category: Academics Gardner-Webb Student Assists Dentist with Various Procedures During Internship By Office of University Communications On October 5, 2020 Chelsea Sexton, ’23, Obtains Radiography Certification, Learns Sterilization Techniques As a child, Chelsea Sexton, ’23, went through a couple of oral surgeries and wore braces for five years. During that time, the Gardner-Webb University student was cared for by a compassionate dentist, oral surgeon and orthodontist. “They always provided great care and a great environment for me,” affirmed Sexton, a native of Goode, Va. “Since eighth grade, I have known that I wanted to become a dentist. I want to do the same thing for children like myself.” Sexton also enjoys science and math, so when she began her college search, Gardner-Webb’s chemistry program with a pre-dental concentration appealed to her. She came for a visit and knew GWU was the right choice. “Gardner-Webb offers a positive, Christian environment with uplifting staff, faculty, and students, as well as phenomenal academic opportunities,” she observed. “When I toured Gardner-Webb, I knew that it was going to be my home for the next four years; there was no question in my mind.” Moreover, a close friend of Sexton’s family is Dr. Carole Roberts, a dentist who is a GWU alumna and member of the Board of Trustees. Roberts not only inspired Sexton to choose Gardner-Webb, she gave her an opportunity to participate in a summer internship. Sexton assisted Roberts in various procedures: extractions, fillings, dental appliance deliveries including crown placements, and limited and comprehensive exams. “I also obtained my radiography certification through a summer course, so I am able to take X-rays, and I sterilized instruments and patient rooms in the dental office,” Sexton noted. “In doing so, I had the opportunity to expand my dental and oral knowledge tremendously. I learned how to take impressions and pour models, so that dental appliances such a crown, retainers, or dentures could be made by a lab. I learned how to take panoramic X-rays, bitewing X-rays, and periapical (whole tooth) X-rays.” Dr. Carole Roberts with Chelsea Sexton Sexton’s hands-on experience coupled with the academic foundation provided by her GWU professors moves her toward the next step in her academic journey. “By majoring in chemistry with a pre-dental concentration, I have the opportunity to take many biology courses, as well as anatomy, and physics, so that I will be well prepared for the Dental Admissions Test (DAT),” offered Sexton, who is also minoring in mathematics. “Upon graduation, I plan to attend dental school at either UNC-Chapel Hill or The Medical College of Virginia (Richmond).” She’s still deciding whether to be a general dentist or specialize in pediatrics. Whatever path she chooses, Sexton is grateful to her GWU professors for helping her develop the skills she needs for academic and personal success. “Gardner-Webb has the best professors, who are readily available to help inside the classroom and outside of the classroom,” she related. “Professors, like Dr. Tom Jones, are often available to just sit and talk. I really appreciate and value that. My experiences at Gardner-Webb have taught me how important it is to manage my time wisely, get plugged into the right study groups, and to go to my professors when I need extra help or encouragement.” Learn more about Gardner-Webb’s Pre-Professional pathways.
News Article Gardner-Webb Online Bachelor’s Programs in Preschool and Elementary Education Start in March Experienced Educators Prepare Students to be Leaders in Their Profession BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Gardner-Webb University Online offers bachelor’s programs in birth-kindergarten, elementary, and elementary education for teacher assistants. Courses are taught by educators who have practical experience teaching children in pre-K through sixth-grade classrooms. All three fully-online programs will start on March 7, and applications are […] Office of University Communications | February 13, 2025
News Article Gardner-Webb’s American Sign Language Program First in North Carolina For More Than Four Decades, GWU Graduates, Like the Team of Educators at Central Piedmont, Have Pursued Careers to Serve the Deaf and Hard of Hearing BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—As the first college in North Carolina to offer a Bachelor of Arts program in American Sign Language (ASL), Gardner-Webb University is an established leader in the […] Office of University Communications | February 7, 2025
News Article Gardner-Webb University, Cleveland Community College and Cleveland County Schools Receive Over $1.2 Million from the Golden LEAF Foundation Funding Creates Healthcare Education Pathway to Address Regional Health Workforce Shortages BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—The Golden LEAF Foundation announced Feb. 6 that Gardner-Webb University and community partners, Cleveland Community College (CCC) and Cleveland County Schools, have been awarded funding through the Community-Based Grants Initiative totaling over $1.2 million to create a Healthcare Educational Pathway. Leaders from […] Office of University Communications | February 7, 2025