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Pitt Dental Medicine Student Organizations

The School of Dental Medicine cooperates with national dental student organizations and Pitt Dental-based groups providing myriad opportunities for extracurricular activity throughout their academic career. In addition to social activities, these organizations provide forums for interaction among students with common interests and professional goals.

National Student Organizations

American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD)

The Pitt chapter of AADMD helps provide dental treatment to the special needs population in both preventative and restorative means. We also help educate our fellow classmates on how to better interact with patients who have special needs.

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)

The mission of the AAPD is to advocate policies, guidelines and programs that promote optimal oral health and oral health care for children. The AAPD serves and represents its membership in the areas of professional development and governmental and legislative activities. It is a liaison to other health care groups and the public.

American Association for Dental Research (AADR)

Membership in the Pittsburgh AADR section is open to qualified faculty, alumni, students, and persons with allied interests. Research reports in the fields of biological sciences, oral health, and dental materials are presented by members and guests. Meetings are open to all interested persons.

American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD)

The Pitt chapter of AAPHD is a national organization dedicated to improving oral health for all through development and support of oral health promotion and disease prevention. Our student chapter aims to enhance exposure and create interest in public health dentistry among students at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine through SCOPE volunteer activities and discussion of public health topics.

American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD)

The AAWD student chapter is committed to AAWD's mission - to be the recognized resource for connecting and enriching the lives of women dentists. With only 18% of practicing dentists women, there are still unique issues including balancing work, family, indifference and differences. Benefits of membership include educational and networking opportunities, receptions, study clubs, and a mentorship system. Pitt AAWD's events include socials, Kennywood days, and SCOPE opportunities.

American Dental Education Association (ADEA)

Through ADEA you can learn about post-graduate education, how to apply to residencies and how to be active participants in our dental education. We have SCOPE events planned at Birmingham clinic through collaboration with our colleagues in the Pharmacy School.

American Student Dental Association (ASDA)

ASDA is the largest student dental association in the country. The American Student Dental Association is a national 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. Pitt’s ASDA chapter not only lobbies for pertinent dental issues on the state and national level including barriers to care, student debt, midlevel providers, and licensure, but hosts chapter events such as bi-yearly picnics, Steel City Dental conference, vendor fairs, winter formal, Lunch and Learns, and Pre-dental events. ASDA provides many leadership opportunities to both elected officers and members on the Chapter, Regional, and National Level. ASDA provides a great scope of opportunities to its member and we invite you to become part of this well-respected and influential student organization.

Dentist Anesthesiologist Club for Students (DACS)

Started by a dental anesthesiology resident and a dental school senior, the University-sanctioned organization serves to educate, expand and advance the profession of dental anesthesiology. DACS activities include the Introduction to Dental Anesthesiology/ Clinical activities such as administering Nitrous oxide, advanced local anesthetic injection techniques/ starting IV/ Discussion about most commonly used anesthetics/ Applying to dental anesthesiology programs, Practice opportunities for dentist anesthesiologists / Introduction to selective courses in dental anesthesia and more.

Hispanic Dental Association (HDA)

The Hispanic Dental Association is a national, non-profit 501(c)3 organization comprised of oral health professionals and students dedicated to promoting and improving the oral health of the Hispanic community and providing advocacy for Hispanic oral health professionals across the United States. HSDA is an organization committed to serving the dental needs of the Hispanic population. Our SCOPE Category A events include monthly volunteer events at the Birmingham Free Clinic for Spanish Speakers and a variety of events at the Family House, Shadyside Nursing and Rehab, and the Run Shadyside 5K. We hold help sessions for labs such as waxing, amalgam and FPD, and a review session for the Dental Anatomy practicals. Every year, during the recess between the spring and summer semesters we take 10 second and third  year students on a week long dental mission trip to Gracias, Honduras. One of our most popular events is the Hispanic Food Sale Fundraiser we hold in the fall semester.

National Student Research Group (SRG)

This student organization is composed of students interested in research in those areas of interest to the dental profession basic sciences, dental sciences, and behavioral sciences. The SRG encourages student interaction with research by increasing awareness of research opportunities, facilitating communication between faculty and students, and providing educational opportunities for student research interests. The SRG is affiliated with the National Student Research Group, one of 20 scientific groups comprising the International and American Associations for Dental Research. Meetings are schedule throughout the school year. The SRG also offers a mock practical to first year students to prepare them for gross anatomy.

Student National Dental Association (SNDA)

The Student National Dental Association addresses the needs and concerns of minority dental students. The organization serves as a support group for minority students and works to provide a national communications network among students as a means of improving the health-employment distribution among minority and ethnic groups. SNDA works closely with the National Dental Association and strives to educate and involve members in the social, moral, and ethical obligations of the dental profession. The University of Pittsburgh chapter actively pursues the organization's goals and is heavily involved in the recruitment of minority students. Social activities for members and service to the school and dental community are among the many areas addressed by the local SNDA chapter.

 

Pitt Dental Medicine Student Groups

Asian Pacific American Dental Student Association (APADSA)

APADSA is actively involved in community outreach and volunteer programs such as Ronald McDonald House, Habitat for Humanity, the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, and much more. Members also enjoy being part of an organization that includes peer mentorship, academic assistance, and group social functions outside of school.

Delta Sigma Delta Fraternity

Delta Sigma Delta is an organization of dental students and dentists brought together with the common goal of promoting excellence in the dental profession. Professional fraternities have strong faculty support because of the high standards required for the establishment of a chapter on a campus. A good scholastic average is an important criterion for membership. These fraternities feature professional and educational programs as well as the usual social functions, and have active Graduate Chapters. We hope to remain active within our community through continued volunteer programs, SCOPE opportunities and even mission trips. Finally, Delta Sigma Delta, Sigma Chapter is proud to host the Annual Regional Meeting in Pittsburgh this year to continue building a strong network between our colleagues from neighboring schools.

Incis-oars (Rowing Club)

We row each Wednesday from 5:30-7pm. The season starts in May and ends in the end of September. Dinner and drinks are provided after practice. We participate in 2 rowing competitions each year. The rowing team is a great way to relax during the summers and enjoy the Allegheny River while learning a new skill.

Orthodontics Club

We are a social and academic club for students interested in orthodontics based out of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in Salk Hall. Activities include journal reviews, case presentations, and opportunities for research with orthodontic residents.

Pediatric Dentistry Club

The University of Pittsburgh Pediatric Dentistry Club (Pedo Club) is comprised of dental students looking to expand their knowledge of adolescent dental care. The goal of the club is to provide students with the opportunity to discuss various pediatric cases, learn more about careers involving pediatric dentistry, and volunteer in the local
community. As first and second year dental students and members of the University's Pediatric Dentistry Club, you will have the opportunity to participate in the nationally recognized Give Kids A Smile program, attend lunch-and-learns discussing career options and various interesting pediatric cases, and learn how to interact with children overall. You will also be given the opportunity to earn over 30 hours of pre-approved category A SCOPE credit by volunteering at events such as the Pittsburgh Toy Lending Library and with the Adopt-A-Block program. As third and fourth year students, you can earn class I Pediatric credit by participating in events such as the After School Health Education Club, CMU Children's School Health Fair, and GKAS Children's Museum of Pittsburgh. Whether you are looking to specialize in pediatric dentistry or simply want to see what the pediatric world is all about the University's Pediatric Dentistry Club is the place for you!

Periodontics Club

The main focus of the Perio Club is to expose students to the Perio profession, provide more interaction with the Perio Residents, and offer interaction with Periodontists in the Pittsburgh area. The club conducts numerous Lunch and Learn sessions throughout the year. The club is still in its infancy, but SCOPE opportunities are possible, as are sponsorship events.

Sports Dentistry Club

The Sports Dentistry Club focuses on the dentistry involved with oral trauma and concussions. We offer several SCOPE opportunities including helping with the local YMCA and Boys and Girls Club throughout the year. The club hosts tailgates for the Pitt football games as well as Pittsburgh Pirate games (member perks apply). The club also invites guest speakers and hosts the Class Cup sports competition between each dental class.

Student Professionalism and Ethics Club (SPEC)

SPEC meets once a month to discuss ethical scenarios that occur with the walls of SDM. The scenarios are completely anonymous. The club members include both students and faculty. Meetings are always open to anyone that wants to join. Up to 3 SCOPE lecture credits can be acquired.

Tau Sigma Military Dental Club

The Tau Sigma Military Dental Club is for military-sponsored dental students and serves as a source of information for its members, to prepare them for their active duty commitment.  In addition, the club supports the charitable cause of helping Pittsburgh-area homeless veterans.

 

Dental Hygiene Student Groups

Student American Dental Hygienists' Association (SADHA)

As a student member, you receive all the benefits of full ADHA membership, plus additional opportunities for personal and professional development. Later, when you make the transition from student to professional, you can count on the continued support of ADHA and your fellow members every step of the way.

Sigma Phi Alpha, Chi Rho Chapter - Dental Hygiene Honor Society

Information is available by contacting the Dental Hygiene Program.