WHAT IS ASDA?

 

Half a century ago, a cohort of dental students collaborated to establish the foundation of what has since matured into the prestigious American Student Dental Association (ASDA). Functioning as a nationally recognized, student-led entity, ASDA is dedicated to safeguarding and championing the rights, interests, and overall well-being of dental students. Serving as a conduit for fostering enduring engagement in organized dentistry, ASDA offers an extensive spectrum of services, information, education, representation, and advocacy. Presently, ASDA serves as a pivotal nexus, facilitating connections among students at both local and national levels, while concurrently providing essential training to cultivate their leadership and professional aptitude within the field.

Learn about the History of ASDA

Delving into the rich history of the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) provides a profound insight into the evolution of this esteemed organization. Unraveling the historical tapestry of ASDA unveils its foundational principles, milestones, and the unwavering commitment of dental students throughout the years. Understanding the historical journey of ASDA serves as a source of inspiration, fostering a deeper appreciation for the collective efforts that have shaped it into the influential force it is today.

MISSION

“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.” - ASDA

VISION

“To advance the dental profession by developing exemplary leaders and inspiring member advocacy.” - ASDA

ASDA’s Governing Structure

The framework provided by this resource is essential for executing the association's business efficiently. It serves as a guide, directing leaders to relevant sources of information and aiding them in becoming proficient in all aspects of ASDA. This invaluable tool supports leaders in navigating their individual paths of leadership within the organization, enabling them to develop expertise and contribute effectively to the overall success of ASDA.

National

National ASDA is an organization created to speak for dental students. They are dedicated to addressing and advocating for their concerns within the dental profession. The House of Delegates, ASDA's governing body, includes two Delegates from each dental school, the Board of Trustees, and a large group of committees overseeing many aspects of ASDA.

District | District 7

ASDA is organized into eleven districts, with each participating school allocated to a specific district. The different districts have their dedicated leadership team led by a Trustee and are governed by their own set of bylaws. The overarching objective is to foster collaboration, networking, and communication among schools, districts, and national leaders, thereby enhancing cohesion and synergy within the ASDA community. LASDA is part of District 7.

Local | LASDA

The local ASDA Chapter has the responsibility of disseminating the initiatives articulated to its respective chapter members. Our chapter serves as the Student Government Association of our dental school. Chapters within each district strategically collaborate, synergizing their efforts for the collective advancement of their district, the overarching national ASDA, and the expansive dental student community on a nationwide scale.

Louisville Students Serving on the National ASDA Leadership

Vice President
Judd Burns | 2024

Council Associate
Alizey Ayesha | 2024

Video Production Manager Joshua Montgomery | 2025

Legislative Coordinator (Districts 6&7)
Tamara Kapetanovic | 2024

WHAT IS DISTRICT 7?

ASDA District 7 represents one of thirteen districts spanning the United States, strategically organizing dental schools into regional clusters based on geographic proximity. The primary objective of this district-based framework is to foster collaboration, facilitate networking opportunities, nurture leadership development, advocate for pertinent issues, and drive progress in effecting transformative change within the dental profession. This structured approach is designed to amplify the collective voice of each dental school at the national level of the American Student Dental Association (ASDA). Specifically, District 7 encompasses all dental schools situated in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Wisconsin. To further enhance coordination and representation, District 7 maintains a dedicated cabinet comprising students from each of the seven educational institutions within our district.

Who makes up District 7?

Louisville Students Serving on the District 7 ASDA Leadership

Immediate Past Trustee
Judd Burns | 2024

Vendor Relations Coordinator
Alex Wolfe | 2024

Chief of Staff of Membership
Holly House | 2024

Wellness Chair
Kierra Dages | 2025

Events Coordinator
Brianna Gill | 2024

Wellness Chair
Tamara Kapetanovic | 2024

Social Media Director
Becca Miller | 2024

Robert Baldau
Assistant Treasurer |2024

Photo/ Video Production Coordinator
Sarika Polcum | 2024