The School of Dental Medicine cooperates with national dental student organizations and Pitt Dental Medicine based groups providing myriad opportunities to students for extracurricular activity throughout their academic career. In addition to social activities, these organizations provide forums for interaction with other students who share common interests and professional goals.
For more information about student organizations at the University of Pittsburgh, or starting a student organization, please visit Pitt's Student Organization Resource Center (SORC). All student organizations at Pitt Dental Medicine must be registered and re-registered annually through SORC. More descriptions of each club can be found on SORC's ExperiencePitt.
National Student Organizations
Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
AGD is a professional association that exclusively represents the needs and interests of general dentists. AGD’s mission is to “advance general dentistry and oral health through quality continuing education and advocacy.
American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD)
The Pitt Dental Medicine chapter of AADMD (Special Needs Club) 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. The Pitt Dental Medicine Chapter is the Pediatric Dental Medicine Club.
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 Dental Education Association (ADEA)
All Pitt Dental Medicine students are registered members of 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. The Pitt Dental Medicine Chapter offers SCOPE events and residency/career panels through the year.
American Student Dental Association (ASDA)
ASDA is the largest student dental association in the country. All predoctoral students at Pitt Dental Medicine are members of ASDA. 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 picnics, vendor fairs, winter formal, and pre-dental events. ASDA provides many leadership opportunities to both elected officers and members on the Chapter, Regional, and National Level.
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.
National Student Research Group (SRG)
The SRG is composed of graduate and professional students at the School of Dental Medicine 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 scheduled throughout the school year.
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.
Student Professionalism and Ethics Association in Dentistry (SPEA)
The Student Professionalism and Ethics Association in Dentistry is a national, student-driven association that was established to promote and support students’ lifelong commitment to ethical behavior in order to benefit the patients they serve and to further the dental profession.
Pitt Dental Medicine Student Groups
ARTiculators
Asian Dental Student Club
CMDA at Pitt Dental
Cosmetic Dentistry Club at Pitt
Delta Sigma Delta
Dental Anesthesia Club for Students (DACS)
Dental Middle Eastern North African Club
Dental Sports Dentistry Club
Dentistry and Beyond
Digital Dentistry Club
Dinkodontics
Endodontics Club
Implantologie
Lefty Club
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Club
Orthodontics Club
Parkinson's Pals
Periodontics Club
Singulum
Smile with Pride
Sorriso Luminoso Society (Italian Club)
South Asian Student Society
Street Dentistry Club
Student Executive Council for the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine (DSEC)
Tastebuds
Tau Sigma Military Dental Club
Toothpacers
Wisdom Open
Women in Dentistry
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.