Organized dentistry describes the tripartite of dental advocacy though which many different groups work together —
at the local, state, and national levels — to improve and advance the dental profession. Dr. Stephanie Sandretti has been involved in all three levels of advocacy and remains an active member in organized dentistry.
Congrats to those of you who recently matched! The stress of that process has, hopefully, subsided and now it’s time to think about what happens next. This time of your career is critical. Staying involved in organized dentistry can provide that extra support you need.
Three weeks ago, I packed my bags and flew across the country to attend the ADA FDI World Dental Congress. I had the honor of being chosen as one of ASDA’s student delegates to attend the meeting, and I was eager to represent dental students in the broader organized dentistry community.
My first involvement with organized dentistry happened when a dentist from the Great Houston Dental Society (GHDS) invited me to Texas Mission of Mercy. I took on the opportunity, which opened the door for other community service outreach that provided free dental care for veterans and underserved populations. These experiences reminded me that we have the potential to generate a positive impact on others’ lives, even with the smallest amount of help we can provide. Together with our mutual passion and skills, we were able to improve the health of our community. Without this cooperation and guidance, none of this would have been possible.
I still remember the first ASDA event I attended. It was the District 2 meeting during fall 2014. Since Stony Brook’s ASDA chapter was hosting and that’s where I attend undergrad, it made sense for me to go. To be completely honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Despite the fact I had been a predental member of ASDA for two years, I hadn’t attended any district events. However, by the end of the meeting, I was motivated to do more with my membership. I had officially caught “ASDA Fever.“
My name is Lydia Lancaster, a third year student at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and the humbled recipient of the ASDA Ryan Turner Memorial Scholarship. I write to tell you today that anyone can be a leader. Yes, including you.
My path to organized dentistry is a winding one. Born and raised in a farming community in Southeast Missouri, I was a small-town girl with big dreams of pursuing a career in health care. After high school, I moved to Memphis, Tenn., where I attended Rhodes College, a small liberal arts college. Those four years taught me to be a lifelong learner and a contributing citizen of the world, especially in the form of service.
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Happy New Year! Read on for 10 ways that ASDA made a difference in the lives of dental students this past year. Comment on this post and tell us what you’d like from ASDA in 2014.
