SNDA Kicks Off an Eventful Year
Around 50 pre-doctoral students attended the kick-off meeting of the Student National Dental Association (SNDA) on Monday, August 21, 2012. The SNDA is an organization dedicated to advancing underrepresented minority students in dentistry and helping the underserved.
Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter welcomed the students to the meeting and talked about some of the many benefits SNDA membership offers students, including the opportunity to travel to national meetings such as the recent Multicultural Oral Health Symposium co-hosted by the National Dental Association, Hispanic Dental Association and Society for American Indian Dentists in Boca Raton, Florida.
“This is such a worthwhile cause and a great way to get involved in the community,” Dean Hutter said. “SNDA is really here to help everyone through dental school and that’s how it should be.”
Current SNDA leaders Brittney Barrow DMD 14, Lindzy Goodman DMD 14, and Wyatt Traina DMD 14 ran the meeting and also introduced new members to SNDA’s new faculty liaison and GSDM Director of Diversity & Multicultural Affairs Dr. Larry Dunham.
Ms. Barrow said, “I have high hopes for propelling the organization this year. We are looking forward to recruiting new students, including minorities.” She also asked for ideas for an event to coincide with World AIDS Day in December, something SNDA has wanted to implement for some time, and encouraged students who are interested in leadership positions within SNDA to volunteer.
Students learned about the many opportunities available through SNDA, such as helping acquaint new students to the School of Dental Medicine, community service, national travel opportunities, and SNDA’s most popular fundraiser, the annual Student-Faculty Basketball Game.
If you missed the meeting, SNDA representatives will be holding a membership drive in the School lobby in the coming weeks. You can also register online by choosing Student National Dental Association BU Chapter (SNDA) from the drop down menu and sending your Confirmation of Payment to Treasurer Karina Vergara. Follow SNDA on Facebook to stay posted on upcoming events.