STUDENT NATIONAL DENTAL ASSOCIATION
University of Michigan

ABOUT

The Student National Dental Association (SNDA) has had a longstanding goal for over 40 years to promote, aid and support the academic and social environment of minority students. SNDA strives to establish opportunities for its members to develop stronger alliances amongst one another while developing a sense of community, aiding in the advancement of minority students within the field of dentistry.

MISSION

DIVERSITY

  • Promote and encourage an increase of minority enrollment and retention in dental schools

BUILD COMMUNITY

  • Contribute to the welfare of dental students
  • Educate and involve its members in the social, moral, and ethical obligations of the profession of dentistry
  • Promote a viable academic and social environment for minority students

COMMUNITY SERVICE AND OUTREACH

  • Commit to the improvement of dental health care delivery to all people, with an emphasis on minorities and the underserved
  • Provide time and skill in assisting programs within the greater community which require some measure of dental expertise

MENTORSHIP

  • Guide those looking to pursue a career in dentistry and provide them with resources, programs, mentors and networks to help assist their journey.

BACKGROUND

The Student National Dental Association (SNDA) originated from concerned dental students at Meharry Medical College in 1970. Since it's inception, SNDA plays an integral part to increase underrepresented student populations in dental schools as well as promote the access of dental health services to underserved communities.

The University of Michigan chapter of the SNDA is rich in tradition. Our mission is to foster a community of belonging, academic success, and professional development among students of color.

In addition, UM-SNDA thrives to remain active on a national level. This chapter plans to continue its commitment to the national organization by participating at the national conventions, providing leadership at the national level, and recruiting alumni to future conventions.

RESOURCES

UM-SNDA Instagram

Diversity Equity and Inclusion
Website for the Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiatives taken on by the University of Mich School of Dentistry

Student National Dental Association (SNDA)
The student national association of the NDA to promote, support, and encourage a promising academic and social environment for minority dental students.

National Dental Association (NDA)
The national association to represent the concerns of ethnic minorities in dentistry, to elevate the global oral health concerns of underserved communities, to enhance educational and financial opportunities, and public policy awareness, for its members, and to recruit underrepresented minorities into the profession through advocacy and mentorship.


2019 SNDA CONVENTION IN WASHINGTON DC

CALENDAR

KING'S FEAST

A annual event that has been hosted by our chapter over the last 4 decades to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In our Sunday’s best and over a banquet style dinner accompanied by a guest speaker and great music, we connect with past, present and future members of our SNDA chapter, network with UMICH SOD alumni, faculty and staff and have a ball dancing the night away.

King's Feast 2016

JAMAICA OUTREACH

HealthCare International originated in 1991 when Dr. Noel Brown, a graduate of New York University College of Dentistry (NYUCD), started the outreach as a community service to Jamaica, his country of birth. He realized that in rural areas of the island there were communities with little or no access to health care, because of distance to the nearest clinic or lack of finances to receive the necessary care.

Prior to starting HealthCare International (HCI), Dr. Brown had traveled to Jamaica with a volunteer group, to provide dental care to indigent communities and schools in the rural areas of Jamaica. However, this group was not able to serve his community, and he recognized the great need there. Dr. Brown contacted dentists with whom he was acquainted, including faculty at NYUCD and members of the Student National Dental Association (SNDA) to join him on a one-week volunteer mission to Jamaica.

Dr. Moses Page Snead, an Oral Surgery Faculty from NYUCD at the time, accompanied the students on the first and subsequent trips to Jamaica. The NYUCD students were the first participants in HCI's outreach. It was realized that senior dental students would be able to enhance their clinical experiences in Restorative Dentistry and Oral Surgery, while working in this environment.

The cost of the outreach was financed by the individual students at that time. Dr. Brown contacted the Rotary Club of May Pen for assistance, and they viewed this as an avenue through which they could serve and assist the community more. The Rotary club agreed to assist.

To honor Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy, HCI choose the week of his birthday to serve the Jamaican people.

As the group grew larger the logistics of workers arriving in time at the various outreach stations in Jamaica became more difficult. It was then decided that a central location for all members of the outreach team was necessary. The Versalles Hotel in Clarendon was chosen because of its location and the security provided.

Earlier groups of volunteers consisted of dental care only. As we have grown, the volunteer team now consists of various specialties, such as Dentists, Medical Doctors, Surgeons, Anesthesiologist, Nurses, OB/GYN and Optometrists.

Over the years, HCI has donated computer equipment, training and books to schools and libraries, and has been instrumental in securing medical treatment in the USA for patients who were unable to have such treatment in Jamaica.

PROFILE FOR SUCCESS

Profile For Success is a six week residential program for college juniors, seniors, and recent college graduates. The program is free to all participants. Profile For Success Website

Profile For Success

ADVISORY BOARD

Blake Bufford, DDS

DEI Graduate Student Staff Assistant

bbufford@umich.edu

Todd Ester, DDS, MS

Faculty Advisor

tvester@umich.edu