Recently, two American Student Dental Association (ASDA) annual meetings took place and Pitt Dental Medicine students were there to shine!
The 2026 ASDA District 3 Annual Meeting, “Anchoring the Future: Diving Deep Into Dentistry," took place at the Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Md., from January 30 to February 1.
Pitt Dental Medicine students attended presentations from experts in various dental specialties and learn more about organized dentistry.
The Pitt Dental Medicine Chapter received the following awards:
- Algorithm Achiever Award: the chapter with the most social media involvement.
- Outstanding Advocacy Initiative: the chapter with the most successful advocacy events, largely due to third-year DMD student KayLeen Conklin’s Donuts and Democracy, Student-Faculty Debate, ASDA Certificate program raffle for Lobby Day and Molar Bear Challenge.
- Outstanding Fundraiser Initiative: the chapter with the most notable initiative to fundraise. ASDA was successfully able to host our first vendor fair since Steel City along with our clothing sale, and educational seminars to fundraise towards Mandiball.
- National Advocacy Certificate Program Award: the chapter with the most successful advocacy events in the district. Pitt ASDA won $150.
- Canned Food Drive Award: The school that donated the most canned food the district. Pitt ASDA won $100!
Additionally, some outstanding individuals were acknowledged with awards and recognitions.
Natalie Deal, first-year DMD student and Pitt ASDA D1 representative, received the Budding Leader Award. This award recognizes the importance of developing leadership skills and introducing students to lifelong involvement in organized dentistry early in a dental student’s career. The award is presented to a D1 or D2 student who has demonstrated a commitment to leadership development within their chapter or community and demonstrates strong potential for future involvement in ASDA leadership)
Nabaa Abdel Okhowa, ASDA president and third-year DMD student, received the Blooming Leader Award. This award recognizes a D3 or D4 student who has proven to be a valuable mentor and who has encouraged other students to grow as student leaders in their chapter while cultivating involvement in district and national ASDA events.
The 2026 ASDA Annual Session. “Currents of Growth” took place in Minneapolis, Minn., from February 6-8.
At the event, Nabaa Abdel Okhowa served as a delegate reviewer and on the education reference committee. In this capacity, she made recommendations on resolutions presented by the house of delegates. She also was elected as District 3 Trustee national position, which previously has not been fulfilled by a Pitt student. In this role, she will represent the 6 dental schools comprising district 3, serve on the board of trustees, and organize various events, including a conference for the members of district 3.
“Our ASDA chapter at Pitt Dental Medicine worked tirelessly this year to create meaningful programming that engaged our entire student body. Through the dedication of our advocacy, community outreach, Mandiball, and fundraising committees, we provided numerous opportunities for students to network, advance their professional development, and come together for signature events, such as our annual Mandiball Formal.
I am truly honored to represent ASDA at Pitt Dental Medicine and to bring home these awards on behalf of our chapter. This recognition reflects the hard work, collaboration, and commitment of our entire team.
I am also excited to continue strengthening our involvement in ASDA and to represent our district on a national level in my upcoming role as District 3 Trustee.
I hope we all can take pride in what our chapter has accomplished this year. Together, we have truly achieved so much!”
—Nabaa Abdel Okhowa, Pitt ASDA President