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Elizabeth Helwig ’07 (Harding Township, N.J.) has moved one step closer to realizing her childhood dream of a medical career. The biology major completed the two-week intensive Gateway to Dentistry program at University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey’s (UMDNJ) Dental School in Newark.
“Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to enter the health professional field,” says Helwig, who is captain of the swim team and owner of six school records. “Dentistry provides an opportunity to interact with patients while providing a service; it is a field I find very fascinating.”
The hands-on program allowed Helwig and other participants to gain practical experience by drilling, waxing, and placing sealants on models. They also took impressions and made plaster molds of one another’s teeth. Admissions counselors gave the students tips on the application process, and current dental students offered their perspectives on student life. They also observed classes and met with dental specialists.
“Elizabeth was a true pleasure to have in the program, participating with much enthusiasm and curiosity,” says Jeanette DeCastro, director of student advisement and support programs.
In addition to UMDNJ, Helwig has applied to University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, New York University, University of Connecticut, Harvard University, Tufts University, Boston University, University of North Carolina, University of Florida, and University of Maryland.
Completing the Gateway to Dentistry program will be an added benefit in her application to UMDNJ. The school selected her for one of the program’s 30 available spots from a pool of over 300 applicants. Helwig met with admissions counselors and professors, noting that the Gateway experience influenced her decision to apply to UMDNJ.
“I believe they took students they [thought] could be good candidates for one of their dental classes,” she says. “The Gateway program was an opportunity to see the dental field, interact within a [professional] school environment, and determine if dental school is the right career path.”
Helwig also will complete a one-week program later this summer at University of Pennsylvania. The course will include lectures by dental professionals and a simulation lab. She is eager to gain more hands-on experience and have a chance to observe Penn’s dental program.
Last summer, Helwig spent two months in London serving an internship with two dentists from Australia and Scotland. The experience increased her interest in dentistry.
Helwig believes Lafayette has prepared her well for dental school, and she is grateful to have had the opportunity to study abroad.
“Being a biology major, I have taken enough background courses in the science field to succeed in dental school,” she says. “The first two years of dental school are little clinical work and mostly didactic work. With a strong science background, I should be prepared. Also through Lafayette I was able to travel to London and do an internship at a dental office. This was an amazing experience and really helped solidify my decision to enter the dental field.”
As a member of the swim team, Helwig was named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll in 2004 and 2005. She also is a two-time member of the All Patriot League first team. She has been named to the Dean’s List for five semesters and is a member of Delta Gamma sorority. She is a graduate of Madison High School.
During the January interim, fellow biology major Alexandra Schmidt ’07(East Brunswick, N.J.) also completed the Gateway to Dentistry program at UMDNJ.