Helping students grow into tomorrow's leaders in dentistry
Our many student organizations offer students a variety of local, regional and national professional development and social activities, as well as opportunities to take on local, regional and national leadership roles.
Student Testimonials
"Participating in the American Student Dental Association has opened many doors, both personally and professionally. 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." - Jessica Arland, dental student
Student Organizations
American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD)
AAPHD’s mission is to provide leadership in promoting oral health and disease prevention. The College of Dentistry’s student chapter works to bring awareness to current public health issues in the field of dentistry that affect the patient base at the college and in the greater Lincoln and Nebraska communities. The chapter provides opportunities for students to learn more about public health via national AAPHD events and community outreach.
American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD)
AAWD’s goal is to be the leading resource for advancing, connecting and enriching the lives of women dentists and women who are pursuing dental careers. AAWD offers a variety of programs and services that benefit the special needs of women dentists and students.
American Dental Education Association (ADEA)
The ADEA chapter for students, residents and fellows promotes knowledge of and interest in academic careers; advances ADEA’s mission, strategic directions, key priorities and initiatives; promotes membership in ADEA; and prepares students, residents and fellows for local and national leadership positions.
American Student Dental Association (ASDA)
ASDA is a national student-run organization that protects and advances the rights, interests and welfare of dental students. ASDA connects students on local and national levels and gives them the training they need to be better leaders. Members are offered professional development, personal development, leadership and networking opportunities at the local, district and national level.
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Student Association (AAPI)
The AAPI Student Association is an interprofessional network whose mission is to facilitate meaningful connection and cultural exchange between students who identify as AAPI or are interested in learning about the AAPI community. The organization aims to hold and promote events in four broad program categories related to AAPI interests: social programs, professional development programs, service-/community-oriented programs, and advocacy programs.
College of Dentistry Christian Medical Society (CMDS)
CMDS is a fellowship of thousands of Christian dentists, physicians, dental and medical missionaries and dental and medical students committed to living their faith through the healing professions. This chapter has regular weekly meetings for fellowship, prayer and study as well as social events. All Christians, including faculty, staff and students, are invited to participate.
Student Alliance for People of All Abilities (SAPA)
SAPA is a UNMC multidisciplinary interprofessional student interest group devoted to outreach and education about working with individuals that have varying motor, emotional and cognitive abilities. They hold monthly meetings and organize events to fulfill their mission. All health care professionals are certain to encounter individuals with disabilities and SAPA is dedicated to making these interactions as positive and beneficial as possible.
Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association (SADHA)
SADHA is the national organization of dental hygiene students. Leading the way as a unified force, the ADHA works to support dental hygienists throughout their career lifecycle and advance the dental hygiene profession by developing new career paths, expanding opportunities for care, and providing the latest training and information. Members are offered professional development, personal development, leadership and networking opportunities at the local and national level.
Student Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (SCAAPD)
The purpose of the SCAAPD is to initiate and promote a better understanding and appreciation of dentistry for children among dental students. The ultimate objective is to foster a relationship between dental students and the pediatric community through educational presentations, interactions with pediatric faculty and private practitioners, and volunteer dental projects.