The University of Michigan School of Dentistry encourages students to participate in student organizations to further their philanthropic, social, and cultural development.
Browse the list below for a brief overview and contact information for all the student organizations.
LIST OF STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
WHO WE ARE
The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) is the second largest dental association in the U.S. with over 38,000 total members. AGD at UM serves the needs and represents the interests of dental students, to support educational needs and goals, to foster camaraderie among the members, and to encourage continued membership in the AGD.
CONTACT
Contact Information: All dental students, including D1-D4 students and AGD/GPR residents, are invited to join. Please contact Laura Hanselman (lahansel@umich.edu) for more information.
Academy of LDS Dentists
WHO WE ARE
The Academy of LDS Dentists is an organization of dental professionals who are dedicated to serving mankind. Its mission is to promote dental education among professionals and the general public; to promote and facilitate dental service by its members, providing manpower and expertise in dental care delivery; and to procure and distribute equipment, supplies, and educational materials to aid in patient treatment and educational pursuits.
We seek to accomplish this in a family centered environment which embraces the standards and values of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, allowing members to enjoy a rich fellowship based on common ideals and philosophies. We embrace the philosophy that it is better to teach someone how to do something than to just provide a service.
Specific objectives, goals, and approaches may vary from time to time according to recognized needs and available resources.
CONTACT
We welcome all who are interested to join the LDS Academy chapter at UMSOD!
Visit https://academyofldsdentists.com/
Alpha Omega
WHO WE ARE
Alpha Omega is a worldwide dental society that strives to promote the profession of dentistry and foster high standards of scholarship, leadership, and character. It was founded in 1907 by Jewish dental students to combat undemocratic policies towards minority groups in graduate schools. As a proponent of diversity, today our members include persons of many ethnicities and religions, with active chapters in six continents. The University of Michigan's Alpha Omega (Chi Chapter) is comprised of dental students, graduate students, and faculty. Opportunities include academic help sessions, philanthropic events, mentor and externship programs, international dental aid trips, and social functions with AO alumni and students from across the country. Membership in this organization is open to all predoctoral dental students, please feel free to reach out with any questions about the organization with the contact information below.
CONTACT
Jing Zhang (jyiz@umich.edu))
Deneen Wang (dnwang@umich.edu)
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
WHO WE ARE
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) chapter at the University of Michigan is dedicated to the promotion of a better understanding and appreciation of dentistry for infants, children and patients with special needs. Its primary mission is to facilitate the sharing of oral healthcare to the children of Michigan. AAPD participates in several events throughout the year: Give Kids a Smile Day, Ann Arbor Trick-or-Treat Parade, children-centered service events, and social and networking opportunities. Connect with us on IG at @umichaapd!
CONTACT
Membership in this organization is open to all predoctoral dental students and hygiene students at the University of Michigan. If you are interested in joining or have questions, please contact Jigar Patel (pjigar@umich.edu) and and Omair Hasan (omairh@umich.edu).
American Dental Education Association (ADEA)
WHO WE ARE
ADEA- the voice of dental education. Our mission is to lead individuals in the dental education community to address contemporary issues influencing education, research, and the delivery of oral health for the overall health and safety of the public. As the University of Michigan Student Chapter our goal is to provide opportunities for students to engage in discussions about dental education, develop an understanding of strategies applied in educational settings and become leaders in advancing the education of fellow professional colleagues. Since ADEA is a national organization there are opportunities to interact with other schools and dental professionals throughout the country. This group is open to anyone that is interested.
The objectives of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry Chapter are as follows:
- To support the Core Values, Mission, and Strategic Direction of ADEA in the programs conducted.
- To provide effective student input into both dental and allied dental education.
- To promote the advancement of dental education by providing student input into and involvement with ADEA's activities.
- To stimulate students to assume roles in dental and allied dental education and research.
- To work in partnership with other student organizations to promote their involvement in the advancement of dental education.
CONTACT
We have fulfilled these objectives in the past through oral surgery/perio/board preparation workshops, residency forums, national annual conferences, lunch and learns, one-on-one mentoring with faculty, and much more.
We look forward to organizing more events and increasing participation from the student body in the future. Please contact Akaash Pisipati (akaashp@umich.edu) for more information.
American Association of Public Health Dentistry
WHO WE ARE
The University of Michigan’s AAPHD student chapter strives to improve the oral and systemic health of the community by utilizing the student body’s diverse interests and skills. The chapter values interprofessional collaboration, promoting public health dentistry in the community, learning from public health experts, and hosting lively discussions on public health research.
Our chapter has ongoing collaborations with local organizations such as the Health Unit of Davisison Avenue (HUDA) Clinic in Detroit, the Department of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Diabetes at Domino’s Farms Medical Center, and the Delonis Homeless Shelter in downtown Ann Arbor. Our members are able to participate first-hand with dental health education, preventative measures, and clinical experiences in the greater Southeast Michigan community.
Our chapter looks for opportunities that allow underclassman to interact with upperclassmen, dental students to interact with dental hygiene, and dentistry to interact with other forms of medicine. The group provides experiences that not only benefit the patient’s health, but that allow students to grow into well-rounded and compassionate providers.
CONTACT
All dental students and dental hygiene students are welcome to join! If you are interested in learning more, please contact us at aaphd.umich@gmail.com.
American Association of Women Dentists
WHO WE ARE
Welcome to the University of Michigan School of Dentistry chapter of the American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD UMSoD). The mission of the national AAWD is to be the recognized resource for connecting and enriching the lives of women dentists. Our group includes pre-doctoral students, post-doctoral residents, and faculty members who engage in educational, extracurricular, and enrichment activities to develop the networks of support, mentorship, and friendship with other female dental students and professionals.
We host Lunch &Learns, Dentist Panels, Suture Workshops, Sim Lab Help Sessions, Social/Service Events, and Mentorship/Assisting Opportunities!
AAWD is guided by the following core values: We are PRISMATIC (Passion, Respect, Integrity, Service, Mentoring, Advancement, Teamwork, Inclusiveness, Collegiality)
CONTACT
All dental students are welcome to join. Contact AAWD executive board officers. For more information, please contact Sindhu Kannappan (ksindhu@umich.edu) and Katie Rathke (krathke@umich.edu)
American Student Dental Association (ASDA)
WHO WE ARE
The University of Michigan American Student Dental Association (UM-ASDA) is a student-run organization that protects and advances the rights, interests, and welfare of dental students. It introduces students to lifelong involvement in organized dentistry and provides services, information, education, representation and advocacy. UM-ASDA provides an avenue for students to get involved in local and national politics, community service and outreaches, local chapter lunch and learns, CE courses, and fun social activities. The benefits from becoming a member are not limited to the local chapter, but extend nationally to include: externships, leadership positions, national leadership conference, district leadership conference, and a Lobby Day trip to Washington D.C. for student representatives, and more!
CONTACT
Visit: https://www.umichasda.net/ Mollie Falchook (falchook@umich.edu) and Rylee Miller (Ryleemil@umich.edu)
Asian Student Dental Organization (ASDO)
WHO WE ARE
The Asian Student Dental Organization of University of Michigan School of Dentistry is a cultural interest organization that is open to all students. This organization promotes and celebrates cultural diversity of the Asian continent, creates opportunities to bring together dental students and professionals in Michigan, and serves the Asian and Pacific Islander communities in regards to dental health.
CONTACT
For more information please contact Rutvi Patel rutvidp@umich.edu
Biomimetic Restorative Dentistry Study Club (BRDSC)
WHO WE ARE
This organization serves to provide a resource for dental students to foster a better understanding of the principles of biomimetic, advanced adhesive and minimally invasive dentistry and it's utilization in restorative techniques that mimics the biomechanics of a natural tooth.
CONTACT
All dental students and residents are invited to join. Please contact Clayton Blackwell blackwcw@umich.edu and Paridhi Kimble paridhik@umich.edu
Bridge of Disciplines
WHO WE ARE
Bridge of Disciplines (BD) is a project-based organization that aims to diversify the learning process through student-led, sustainable entrepreneurial initiatives involving interdisciplinary collaborations in academic, professional, and clinical avenues!
BD has several current projects with opportunities to participate in patient care, dental counseling, shadowing, and oral hygiene education. For more information on each project, visit us at https://www.bridgeofdisciplines.com/CONTACT
Contact Information:
| Annie Corso | anncorso@umich.edu |
| Joni Cheung | cheungjw@umich.edu |
| Vanessa Mitchell | vamitche@umich.edu |
| Tommy Lau | tommylau@umich.edu |
| Peter Martone | pmartone@umich.edu |
Christian Dental Association
WHO WE ARE
Mission statement/history: The Christian Dental Association (CDA) is a student group that exists to motivate, educate and equip Christian dentists to glorify God in all that they do. We strive to create an atmosphere where all feel welcome to come and learn about various topics with a focus on how Christianity relates to our daily lives and our future dental careers. We seek to accomplish this through many different avenues, including weekly/monthly Bible studies, mission work, lunch and learns with outside speakers, and various social events. The CDA is a division of the Christian Medical and Dental Association.
Who can join/how to join?: Any dental student interested in fellowship with Christians and learning more about Christ is welcome at any of our events. To join our listserv and receive info about upcoming Bible studies and events please contact us by email!
CONTACT
To learn how to get involved or for more information, feel free to email any of our leaders: lahansel@umich.edu, bowker@umich.edu, or murrellt@umich.edu.
You can also learn more at the Christian Medical and Dental Association website.
Cosmetic Dentistry Society
WHO WE ARE
The Cosmetic Dentistry Society (CDS) is an organization established to foster continues learning for dental students in the areas of cosmetic dentistry, leadership, and philanthropy. The organization will host guest speakers, informational sessions, and workshops primarily focused on esthetics. This group is open to all dental and dental hygiene students who are interested in expanding their knowledge of esthetic dentistry. Philanthropic efforts will be geared towards Give Back a Smile, a program that helps restore smiles for victims of domestic and sexual violence.
CONTACT
Leo Marquez leom@umich.edu
Delta Sigma Delta (DSD)
WHO WE ARE
Delta Sigma Delta (DSD) is the oldest and largest international co-ed professional dental fraternity in the world. The “Alpha Chapter” was founded at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1882. DSD prides itself on a commitment to academics, community involvement, and excellence in the field of dentistry. It offers members a chance for mentorship with older students, networking opportunities with practicing dentists, and to learn about the profession through various philanthropic and social events.
CONTACT
Contact Information: All dental students are welcome to pledge DSD - if interested, please contact Korin Fletemier at korinf@umich.edu for more information.
Dental Student Business Association
WHO WE ARE
The Dental Student Business Association (DSBA) is focused on educating dental students regarding the business of private practice dentistry, debt management, and other business topics relevant to dentistry in an effort to promote a successful transition from student to business owner. Our members learn about these topics primarily through lectures given by a wide variety of business and dental professionals.
CONTACT
Please contact Chieme Nwachukwu (chieme@umich.edu) or Vanessa Mitchell (vamitche@umich.edu) for more information.
Dental Students for Sustainability (DSS)
WHO WE ARE
Our mission is to educate and engage dental students to integrate sustainability into the dental profession and create an atmosphere of sustainability at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. The goal of our group is to investigate and potentially implement sustainable solutions in the dental school and provide students the knowledge and tools to carry sustainable practices into their personal and professional lives.
CONTACT
For more information please contact Molly McKenzie at mkmckenz@umich.edu
Give Kids a Smile
WHO WE ARE
The American Dental Association began the Give Kids a Smile initiative nationwide in 2003 as a way for the dental community to provide underserved children with free dental services. With the aid of the Washtenaw District Dental Society, the University of Michigan’s dental clinics transform for one Saturday each March for the goal of educating and treating the children of Michigan—with an emphasis on establishing a permanent dental home for both parents and children.
CONTACT
Participation is open to the entire UMSoD community. If you are interested in volunteering or have questions about the event, please contact: Tommy Lau (tommylau@umich.edu)
Hispanic Student Dental Association (HSDA)
WHO WE ARE
As the leading voice for Hispanic oral health we provide Service, Education, Advocacy, and Leadership for the elimination of oral health disparities in the Hispanic community. We are the only national organization of dental professionals dedicated to promoting and improving the oral health of the Hispanic communities across the United States.
The University of Michigan's HSDA student chapter participates in 8 unique summer volunteering events at migrant farm communities throughout Michigan. At these sites, we educate families on proper oral hygiene techniques, gum disease and caries prevention in both Spanish and English. Students also participate in national/regional conferences, dental Spanish classes and other volunteering events throughout the year as well as Lunch and Learn meetings, hands-on courses, and networking activities.
CONTACT
Check out the HSDA at Michigan Facebook Page and Umich-HSDA Instagram Page for more information or contact Denise Curado (dcurado@umich.edu) and Said Al-Jazaeri (msaljaza@umich.edu) for more information.
Jewish Student Dental Association
WHO WE ARE
The Jewish Student Dental Association is an inclusive and welcoming community for Jewish, as well as non-Jewish students within the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. This club will serve to provide a safe space and community for students to practice their faith and to cultivate connections with fellow dental students, alumni, local dentists, and Jewish community members/leaders. JSDA also seeks to raise awareness surrounding Judaism and antisemitism.
CONTACT
Contact information: jsdaumich@gmail.com, mpstein@umich.edu, makhanib@umich.edu
Muslim Student Dental Association
WHO WE ARE
The Muslim Student Dental Association is an organization serving Muslim dental and dental hygiene students and anyone interested in learning about the Islamic faith and culture within the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. We engage in religious, social and community activities with efforts of promoting the field of Dentistry, supporting educational and intellectual pursuits of dentistry and continue to promote the goals of Muslim students in the School of Dentistry, and thus serve our faith as best we can. Our efforts coincide with that of the School of Dentistry, in facilitating a better environment for Muslim dental and dental hygiene students on campus, educating both Muslims and people of other faith about the religion of Islam, allowing the building of bridges and understanding in our diverse community through dental services and activism.
CONTACT
Mohamed Kazbour (President) (kazbour@umich.edu)
Houd Mashrah (Vice President)(mashrahh@umich.edu)
Lara Harp (Community Outreach Chair) (harpl@umich.edu)
Hadil El Chehouri (Community Outreach Chair) (hadilc@umich.edu)
Said Al-Jazaeri (Social Chair) (msaljaza@umich.edu)
Mina Alobaidy (Social Chair) (mdalobai@umich.edu)
Michigan Dental Student Research Group
WHO WE ARE
The Michigan Dental Student Research Group (MDSRG) is affiliated with the American Association of Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR) National Student Research Group (NSRG) and functions as a self-governing local student research group chapter. The MDSRG is established for the expressed purpose of fostering a scientific community at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry whereby students interested in enriching their dental education through research have the support to do so.
CONTACT
Christina Jones (President) (cejone@umich.edu)
Jylian Underwood (Vice President)(jylianu@umich.edu)
Emily Zhu (Secretary/Treasurer) (emzhu@umich.edu)
Sienna Perry(Lunch & Learn Chair) (skperry@umich.edu)
Oral Surgery Student Association
WHO WE ARE
The Oral Surgery Student Association (OSSA) is a student-run organization that aims to provide students who are interested in oral surgery and/or orofacial surgical techniques with resources to explore the specialty further. We hope to foster this interest by engaging students with guest speakers, informational sessions, study support, and opportunities to explore surgical techniques. This group is intended for those who wish to pursue an oral surgery residency as well as those who wish to practice general dentistry but would like to learn more about the surgical management of patients.
CONTACT
Contact Jack Sherwood (jhsherwo@umich.edu) or Aya Fattah (ayams@umich.edu) for more information.
Orofacial Pain Student Association
WHO WE ARE
The Orofacial Pain Student Association aims to provide students interested in Orofacial Pain with the resources to explore and learn more during their time as a dental student. Orofacial pain is a specialized field of healthcare focused on the diagnosis, management, and treatment of a wide range of painful conditions affecting the head, face, and oral region. This specialty encompasses a thorough understanding of various disorders, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, neuropathic pain, headaches, and other Orofacial Pain syndromes. Orofacial Pain specialists work to alleviate suffering, improve quality of life, and enhance overall well-being for patients through a combination of clinical expertise, research, and collaboration. We as a group hope to foster this interest by engaging students with informational sessions, guest speakers, and overall exposure to the Orofacial Pain field.
CONTACT
Please contact Lara Harp (harpl@umich.edu) for more information.
Orthodontics Club
WHO WE ARE
The Orthodontics Club is a student-run organization which supports the interests of dental students seeking more knowledge and experience in the field of orthodontics. Through the organization, members will have the opportunity to shadow orthodontists, attend lectures given by orthodontists, establish mentorship with upperclassmen and orthodontic residents, and be active in the academic and clinical community.
CONTACT
Tommy Lau (tommylau@umich.edu)
Scholars Program in Dental Leadership (SPDL)
WHO WE ARE
SPDL is a book club focused on leadership qualities of the aspiring dentist. The group has monthly meetings where we enjoy a roundtable discussion on a portion of the current book we are reading through. Examples of books read in the last 2 years include: “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey, “Setting the Table” by Danny Meyer, and “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. Dues are $15 per semester to cover the cost of the book.
CONTACT
Maggie Rathke (rathkem@umich.edu)
Elizabeth Horn (elizhorn@umich.edu)
Special Care Dentistry Association
WHO WE ARE
The University of Michigan chapter of the Special Care Dentistry Association (SCDA) serves as a resource to oral healthcare professional students interested in serving patients with special healthcare needs through education, opportunities, and networking. We hope to increase access to oral healthcare for these patients through the recognition that every practice has patients with special needs. Our goal is to improve our abilities to evaluate, manage, and include these patients in various professional practice settings.
CONTACT
President: Andrew Chen(ccandrew@umich.edu)
Vice President: Deneen Wang (dnwang@umich.edu)
Student American Dental Hygienist Association
WHO WE ARE
To provide a supportive environment for dental hygiene students to expand their professional development and promotion of oral health for the public through community service, leadership, education, and advocacy.
CONTACT
contact: kayglass@umich.edu
Student Endodontics Association
WHO WE ARE
SEA is a student-run organization that provides a space for DDS students to engage in endodontics-focused experiences. Our goal is to expose students to this niche of dentistry in order to explore its potential to be integrated into general practice. We also aim to provide unique opportunities for those pursuing specialty in order to broaden their knowledge and strengthen their application.
CONTACT
President: Clarence Cochran II (cclarenc@umich.edu) and
Vice President: Michael Bankes ( bankes@umich.edu)
Student Implantology Association
WHO WE ARE
SIA is a student-run organization providing an environment for DDS/DH students to develop a better understanding of dental implantology. We wish to facilitate more exposure to this field of dentistry for students to explore and implement into general or speciality pracitce.
CONTACT
Lindsay Fisher (lindsfis@umich.edu) or Vanessa Mitchell (vamitche@umich.edu)
Student National Dental Association
WHO WE ARE
The Student National Dental Association (SNDA) originated from concerned dental students at Meharry Medical College in 1970. Since it's inception, SNDA plays an integral part to increase underrepresented student populations in dental schools as well as promote the access of dental health services to underserved communities.
The University of Michigan chapter of the SNDA is rich in tradition. Our mission is to foster a community of belonging, academic success, and professional development among students of color. In addition, UM-SNDA thrives to remain active on a national level. This chapter plans to continue its commitment to the national organization by participating at the national conventions, providing leadership at the national level, and recruiting alumni to future conventions.
CONTACT
http://media.dent.umich.edu/one-pagers/snda/Syrian Student Dental Association (SSDA)
WHO WE ARE
At the Syrian Student Dental Association (SSDA), we are dedicated to cultivating an inclusive community that celebrates Syrian culture, while also promoting cross-cultural understanding. Through educational workshops and engaging events, we aim to raise awareness about Arabic language and culture in dentistry. Our goal is to equip our members with the skills to effectively communicate with Arabic-speaking patients by teaching common dental terms in Arabic, fostering respectful and trustful relationships. By embracing our heritage and embracing diverse perspectives, we aspire to enrich both our University of Michigan community and the global society.
CONTACT
CoPresident: Philip Alkhouri(alkhouri@umich.edu)
CoPresident: Yahya Tajour (ytajour@umich.edu)
CoVP: John Ballouz( jgba@umich.edu)
CoVP: Hasan Khaliq( hkhaliq@umich.edu)
Secretary: Adam Jazaerly ( adamjaz@umich.edu)
Treasurer: Inshal Haque ( inshalh@umich.edu)
Events and Outreach: Hadil El Chehouri ( hadilc@umich.edu)
Social Chair: Lara Harp ( lharp@umich.edu) and Laura Bazzi ( bazzihl@umich.edu)
Schoolwide Student Council
WHO WE ARE
The Student Council is responsible for communicating among individual students, various organizations throughout the dental school community, and between students and faculty. This communication is designed to stimulate interaction between students and faculty members. Student Council members are selected by general class election. To achieve these goals the Student Council attempts to conceive, plan, and execute appropriate projects for the good of the dental school community and the profession as a whole. Some of the activities in which Student Council has participated include faculty-student mixers, a “Welcome Back” reception, Dental Health Day, and a mouth guard program.
CONTACT
| President | Michelle Steinberg | mpstein@umich.edu |
| Vice-President | RayJ Jackson | raylj@umich.edu |
| Secretary | Jigar Patel | pjigar@umich.edu |
| Treasurer | Afriti Chinoy | afchinoy@umich.edu |
| Dental Hygiene Rep | Taylor Morgan | taylmo@umich.edu |
| ITDP Rep | Divya Makhija | makhija@umich.edu |
Class of 2024
CONTACT
| President | Karim Tabbaa | ktabbaa@umich.edu |
| Vice President | Leo Merle | lmerle@umich.edu |
| Treasurer | Hussain Ali | husali@umich.edu |
| Secretary | Di Xie | xiedi@umich.edu |
Class of 2025
CONTACT
| President | Elise DeConinck | elisecd@umich.edu |
| Vice President | Sarah Carter | sarmcart@umich.edu |
| Treasurer | Afriti Chinoy | afchinoy@umich.edu |
| Secretary | Clara Kim | clarakim@umich.edu |
Class of 2026
CONTACT
| President | Javier Bonamego | jbonameg@umich.edu |
| Vice President | James Bennett | bennej@umich.edu |
| Secretary | Monica Fan | fanmonic@umich.edu |
| Treasurer | Brennan Metzler | Brmetz@umich.edu |
Class of 2027
CONTACT
| President | Said Al-Jazaeri | msaljaza@umich.edu |
| Vice President | Sara Aldahabi | saraalda@umich.edu |
| Secretary | Stacy Vo | stacyvo@umich.edu |
| Treasurer | Jackson Watkins | danejw@umich.edu |
Dental Hygiene Class of 2024
CONTACT
| President | Brittney Nasir | nasirb@umich.edu |
| Vice President | Rita Hannosh | ritahan@umich.edu |
| Secretary | Emily Honjas | ehonjas@umich.edu |
| Treasurer | Alison Honjas | ahonjas@umich.edu |
Dental Hygiene Class of 2025
CONTACT
| President | Freeha Ahmad | fareehaa@umich.edu |
| Vice President | Aminah Asif | aasif@umich.edu |
| Secretary | Manaal Zubair | mzubair@umich.edu |
| Treasurer | Nabeeha Ahmad | nabeehaa@umich.edu |