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 Maya Morad ([email protected]) 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/
Alliance For Inclusion
WHO WE ARE
Alliance for Inclusion (AFI) aims to educate dental students, staff, faculty, and professionals, as well as the community at large, about diversity issues in hopes of encouraging awareness, mentoring students, as well as providing perspectives in treating a diverse patient population.
The Purpose of Our Organization:
To provide a safe and supportive environment for diverse dental students, with a focus on the LGBTQ+ community, advocating for their rights, and providing resources to help make their dental education a positive experience.
To promote diversity and education of issues in dentistry and medicine as a means to improve patient care and dentist sensitivity to patient needs.
CONTACT
RayJ Jackson ([email protected])
Nina Hardy ([email protected])
Muskaan Sachdeva ([email protected]
Nabighah Azim ([email protected]
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 ([email protected]))
Deneen Wang ([email protected])
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
WHO WE ARE
he 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 Samhita Sunkara ([email protected])) and/or Sarah Jobe ([email protected]).
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 ([email protected]) 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, and Washtenaw Community Health. 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 Amy Chang at [email protected].
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, 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 Nina Hsu [email protected] and Nikta Kheiri [email protected]
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 leadership positions, the National Leadership Conference, a district leadership conference, a Lobby Day trip to Washington D.C. for student representatives, and more!
CONTACT
Visit: https://www.umichasda.net For any questions, contact ( [email protected])
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 Shraddha Ramnath [email protected]
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 | [email protected] |
| Joni Cheung | [email protected] |
| Vanessa Mitchell | [email protected] |
| Tommy Lau | [email protected] |
| Peter Martone | [email protected] |
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: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected].
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.
CONTACT
For additional information, questions, or concerns please contact: Emily Jiang (President)- [email protected]
Alexandra Emeigh (Vice President) - [email protected] .
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 Michael Bankes at [email protected] for more information.
Dental Student Business Association
WHO WE ARE
DSBA educates and empowers dental students with the hard and soft skills necessary to become successful dental professionals. This club is relevant for anyone interested in effectively managing the course of their career, whether as an associate, an owner, a partner, or all the above. Our events include career-oriented Lunch & Learns with highly experienced speakers, relevant hands-on workshops, and valuable networking opportunies. Specific topics include managing debt, signing associate contracts, how to read financial statements, how to craft a resume and cover letter, what it takes to do your own startup, leadership skills to manage a team, skills required to become a fee for service practice, and more!
CONTACT
Please contact Chris Xiao ( [email protected]) or Diane Baek ( [email protected]) 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 Oak Gar Moe at [email protected], or Molly McKenzie at [email protected].
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: Samhita Sunkara ([email protected]) or Sarah Jobe ([email protected])
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 ([email protected]) and Said Al-Jazaeri ([email protected]) 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: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
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
Houd Mashrah (President)([email protected])
Lara Harp (Vice-President) ([email protected])
Michigan Dental Student Research Group
WHO WE ARE
The Michigan Dental Student Research Group (MDSRG) mission is to build a vibrant research community, enhance student scientific development, and provide a learning environment whereby students/trainees interested in enriching their dental education through research have the tools and support to do so. MDSRG is associated 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.
CONTACT
Christina Jones (President) ([email protected])
Evans Brown (Vice President)([email protected])
Emily Zhu (Secretary/Treasurer) ([email protected])
Sienna Perry(Lunch & Learn Chair) ([email protected])
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 ([email protected]) or Aya Fattah ([email protected]) 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 ([email protected]) 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
President: Matthew Woods ([email protected])
Vice President: Elise DeConinck ([email protected])
Periodontics Study Club
WHO WE ARE
The Periodontics Study Club is an organization for students interested in simply learning about the field or those interested in pursuing a career in periodontics. Through lunch and learns, networking events, social events, and speaking events, our mission is to create a community that helps its members learn about the field of periodontics, how to be successful in pursuing a career in periodontics, along with several other topics related to this field of dentistry.
CONTACT
Anamika Gautam ([email protected])
Andrew Klump ([email protected])
Brennan Metzler ([email protected])
Nick Mazzara ([email protected])
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 ([email protected])
Elizabeth Horn ([email protected])
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, volunteering, and networking. These are patients with systemic diseases, issues of aging, multiple medications, cognitive and physical disabilities, and many other special needs related circumstances. 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, as well as to increase oral healthcare professional students confidence and knowledge in providing care for this community.
CONTACT
President: Jacob Bommarito( [email protected])
Vice President: Anna Cheong ( [email protected])
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: [email protected]
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: Michael Bankes ([email protected]) and
Vice President: Javier Bonamego ( [email protected])
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 ([email protected]) or Vanessa Mitchell ([email protected])
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([email protected])
CoPresident: Yahya Tajour ([email protected])
CoVP: John Ballouz( [email protected])
CoVP: Hasan Khaliq( [email protected])
Secretary: Adam Jazaerly ( [email protected])
Treasurer: Inshal Haque ( [email protected])
Events and Outreach: Hadil El Chehouri ( [email protected])
Social Chair: Lara Harp ( [email protected]) and Laura Bazzi ( [email protected])
Xi Psi Phi (ZIPS)
WHO WE ARE
Xi Psi Phi is an organization focused on promoting camaraderie and academics within our dental community. This is an organization that prioritizes the well-being of dental students through various social and networking activities, while providing academic resources to ensure success within didactic classes and clinics.
CONTACT
CoPresident: Dah Youn Baek([email protected])
CoPresident: Matthew Le ([email protected])
Co Vice-President: Amy Chang([email protected] )
Co Vice-President: Sonia Bhakkad ([email protected] )
Secretary: Anna Cheong ( [email protected])
Secretary: Monica Fan ( [email protected])
Secretary: Brigitte Phung ( [email protected])
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 | Abby Puckett | [email protected] |
| Vice-President | Said Al-Jazaeri | [email protected] |
| Secretary | Maria Thanasas | [email protected] |
| Treasurer | Brennan Metzler | [email protected] |
| Dental Hygiene Rep | Hannah Gilson | [email protected] |
| ITDP Rep | Mishti Sharma | [email protected] |
Class of 2024
CONTACT
| President | Karim Tabbaa | [email protected] |
| Vice President | Leo Merle | [email protected] |
| Treasurer | Hussain Ali | [email protected] |
| Secretary | Di Xie | [email protected] |
Class of 2025
CONTACT
| President | Elise DeConinck | [email protected] |
| Vice President | Sarah Carter | [email protected] |
| Treasurer | Afriti Chinoy | [email protected] |
| Secretary | Clara Kim | c[email protected] |
Class of 2026
CONTACT
| President | Javier Bonamego | [email protected] |
| Vice President | James Bennett | [email protected] |
| Secretary | Monica Fan | [email protected] |
| Treasurer | Brennan Metzler | [email protected] |
Class of 2027
CONTACT
| President | Said Al-Jazaeri | [email protected] |
| Vice President | Sara Aldahabi | [email protected] |
| Secretary | Stacy Vo | [email protected] |
| Treasurer | Jackson Watkins | [email protected] |
Dental Hygiene Class of 2024
CONTACT
| President | Brittney Nasir | [email protected] |
| Vice President | Rita Hannosh | [email protected] |
| Secretary | Emily Honjas | [email protected] |
| Treasurer | Alison Honjas | [email protected] |
Dental Hygiene Class of 2025
CONTACT
| President | Freeha Ahmad | [email protected] |
| Vice President | Aminah Asif | [email protected] |
| Secretary | Manaal Zubair | [email protected] |
| Treasurer | Nabeeha Ahmad | [email protected] |