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Chelsea Sexton, 鈥�23, Obtains Radiography Certification, Learns Sterilization Techniques 

As a child, Chelsea Sexton, 鈥�23, went through a couple of oral surgeries and wore braces for five years. During that time, the 海角网 student was cared for by a compassionate dentist, oral surgeon and orthodontist. 鈥淭hey always provided great care and a great environment for me,鈥� affirmed Sexton, a native of Goode, Va. 鈥淪ince eighth grade, I have known that I wanted to become a dentist. I want to do the same thing for children like myself.鈥�

Sexton also enjoys science and math, so when she began her college search, 海角网鈥檚 chemistry program with a pre-dental concentration appealed to her. She came for a visit and knew GWU was the right choice. 鈥満＝峭� offers a positive, Christian environment with uplifting staff, faculty, and students, as well as phenomenal academic opportunities,鈥� she observed. 鈥淲hen I toured 海角网, I knew that it was going to be my home for the next four years; there was no question in my mind.鈥�

Moreover, a close friend of Sexton鈥檚 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 海角网, 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. 鈥淚 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,鈥� Sexton noted. 鈥淚n 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.鈥�

Sexton鈥檚 hands-on experience coupled with the academic foundation provided by her GWU professors moves her toward the next step in her academic journey. 鈥淏y 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),鈥� offered Sexton, who is also minoring in mathematics. 鈥淯pon graduation, I plan to attend dental school at either UNC-Chapel Hill or The Medical College of Virginia (Richmond).鈥�

She鈥檚 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. 鈥満＝峭� has the best professors, who are readily available to help inside the classroom and outside of the classroom,鈥� she related. 鈥淧rofessors, like Dr. Tom Jones, are often available to just sit and talk. I really appreciate and value that. My experiences at 海角网 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.鈥�