The UNMC College of Dentistry’s chapter of the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) has made a profound difference in students' lives.
ASDA is a national student-run organization that protects and advances the rights, interests and welfare of dental students. This year, when faced with COVID-19 pandemic-related challenges, the UNMC chapter took the organization’s mission to heart and offered their members new opportunities to become better leaders and dentists.
"One of our greatest accomplishments was holding a week of virtual events focused on diversity and inclusion," said Logan Kludt Lawrence, a third-year dental student and ASDA chapter president. "We reached out to every College of Dentistry student organization to get as many voices involved as possible, and every student organization partnered with us and held an event."
The kick-off session for the diversity and inclusion week, held in February, featured students in the UNMC College of Dentistry Advanced Standing Program who shared their stories about their journeys to dental school. Other sessions included: ADEA provided information about working with translators, the Student Alliance for People of All Abilities (SAPAA) gave a lesson on American Sign Language, and the Christian Medical and Dental Society (CMDS) gave a presentation about integrating religion into dentistry. Additionally, the Student National Dental Association (SNDA), an organization that supports the academic and social environment of minority students, held their first meeting to introduce others to their organization.
In April, ASDA held a "Wellness Week" where they offered virtual events on different aspects of wellness.
"Some of the topics we focused on were the importance of mental wellness and showing gratitude. We encouraged students to reflect on their lives and what’s most important to them," Logan said. "We also shared mental health resources, emphasized that it’s common to seek help and made sure our members know we are here for each other."
Importantly, ASDA offers members opportunities to advocate to advance the rights, interests and welfare of all dental students.
"This past year, my position as ASDA chapter president-elect has given me a seat at negotiating tables," said Benjamin Kincaid, a third-year dental student. "I have been involved in advocating for mannequin-based licensure exams for students during COVID-19 and speaking on behalf of students to lower annuals fees for new dentists to join the NDA."
Each year, ASDA offers their members opportunities to get involved in community outreach. While this year outreach was more challenging, ASDA found creative ways to keep helping others. They held the "Mr. Molar" male beauty pageant and raised $3,000 for the Nebraska Transition College, a nonprofit helps young adults with disabilities gain independence in Lincoln, collected 500 food items for the Lincoln Food Bank, and made paper flowers for local nursing homes.
Additionally, ASDA has an elementary school outreach program to teach children about the importance of dental hygiene and they host events for pre-dental students to answer their questions about dental school and the application process.
ASDA also offers a wealth of professional development opportunities at the national, district and local level.
"Participating in ASDA has opened many doors, both personally and professionally," said Jessica Arland, a first-year dental student. "At this year’s leadership conference and annual session, I gained valuable knowledge, insight and resources relative to networking, legislature, leadership, dental economics, work-life balance and my future practice ownership, to name a few."
Importantly, ASDA offers their members a close-knit community where together they can grow into tomorrow’s leaders in dentistry.
"I’ve met so many extremely qualified and talented dental students from across the country. Without ASDA, I wouldn’t have these connections," Logan said.