Students
Student Organizations American Student Dental Association Even with the impact of COVID-19, the college’s American Student Dental Association remained active with many virtual events. They hosted a bingo night for ASDA members to log on, hang out and win some prizes! Treyon Grant also led the organization in a virtual paint night. The organization had students sign up, pick up their individually portioned paint supplies, then log on to paint together and interact from home.
Once restrictions began to lift, ASDA partnered with student council for an end-of-the-year bash. They invited various vendors, and had food provided at Scissortail Park. They were able to donate $800 to Good Shepherd Ministries from their fundraising events. ASDA have already been active in recruiting new members from the first-year dental class and have held their annual Leadership Summit, which was very successful. At the Leadership Summit, participants heard from seven leading professionals about the importance of leadership in dentistry and how to better prepare themselves as leaders in the future.
The ASDA Miles for Smiles 5K event went virtual and is an annual fundraiser to raise money and awareness for Good Shepherd Ministries. Good Shepherd Ministries serves the Oklahoma City community by providing medical and dental care for those in need. For this virtual event, participants signed up, laced up, and ran a 5K on their favorite track or trail. The ASDA National Leadership Conference was virtual and ASDA members could sign up for the three-day conference for educational offerings and networking opportunities. Throughout the conference there were three general sessions, six sponsored symposium sessions, and 20 breakout sessions. The student organization was able to have their annual Loupes Fair in person for dental students and dental hygiene. This in an event that allows students an opportunity to try different loupes and lights from the different vendors, and purchase those products they like for clinic. The event was held in one of the clinics for students to experience loupes in a clinical setting. The Pre-Dental Prep Day was held virtually. Students were able to log in and talk with current ASDA members about what dental school is like as well as getting tips and insights about the application process. It is a great opportunity for those pre-dental students who are wanting to get more information and make sure they are on the right career path.
58
Diversity Council
The Diversity Council is committed to promoting events and opportunities that will further the academic advancement and success of minority and underrepresented students at the college while weaving and enhancing cultural and diversity acceptance in the student body and breaking down stereotypes including, but not limited to, those those associated with race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, religion, etc. The main purpose of Diversity Council is to foster social justice and advocate for minority and underrepresented students, all while educating and learning to celebrate and accept each other for our differences. In this past year, the Diversity Council held multiple lunch and learns to celebrate cultural heritage months and holidays, including Native American Heritage Month, Lunar New Year, Dia De Los Muertos, Diwali, Black History Month, and Women's History Month. They
Th e U n i v e r s i t y o f O k l a h o m a C o l l e g e o f D e n t i s t r y / 2 0 22 M a g a z i n e
