Carla Jones to lead Student National Dental Association
Carla Jones is going into her final year at the School of Dentistry with an important new title and role – president of a national organization for dental students.
The fourth-year dental student becomes president of the Student National Dental Association (SNDA) in July when the organization holds its annual convention online. She was voted president-elect at the national convention last summer in Washington, D.C. after candidates seeking executive board positions answered questionnaires and made speeches to the assembled delegates.
Carla Jones
Founded in 1972, the SNDA promotes and supports the academic and social environment of minority students in dental schools while advocating for diversity in the dentistry profession. It establishes opportunities for members to develop a sense of community, to explore leadership opportunities and to serve disadvantaged communities. SNDA has about 400 members and 120 mentors, and nearly 1,800 of its former members are dental school graduates.
A graduate of East Lansing (Mich.) High School, Jones attended North Carolina A&T State University, where she majored in biology and first became aware of SNDA, which has a related organization for undergraduate students considering dentistry. Her connection to SNDA grew quickly once she began the admissions process for the U-M dental school. “I remember being swarmed by SNDA members during my interview day in 2016,” she said. “They were so welcoming, and the support never stopped. Now, as a local U-M student member for three years, I cherish the time I spend with fellow SNDA members socially. I enjoy the mentorship and community service, and appreciate the academic resources. It is such an honor and privilege to represent such a prestigious organization.”
Faculty member Dr. Todd Ester, the dental school’s Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and advisor to the SNDA chapter, said he is impressed with Jones’ determination to seek the national office. “Carla is an excellent student academically who possesses a gift for leadership,” Ester said. “She was a very active student leader during her undergraduate years at North Carolina A&T and she has continued to evolve in effective leadership during her tenure here at the School of Dentistry.”
Jones decided to run for SNDA president after serving as recording secretary of the national executive board for a year. “Being involved in things has always been a part of my life,” she said. Growing up that meant church, sports and “Jack and Jill,” an organization that educates and encourages growth in children. At North Carolina A&T, she held positions in the residence hall association and was president of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society. During dental school, she has been secretary of the U-M chapter of SNDA and Fundraising Chair of the U-M chapter of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Through those various positions, she said she learned about teamwork, the importance of organization skills, how to encourage and delegate to co-leaders, and the need to accept and learn from constructive criticism.
Jones said her priorities as she leads the organization are reflected in an expression she shared with delegates during her election speech last year: “Your network determines your net worth.”
She said her top priority will be extending networking opportunities for members beyond the traditional connections found at the annual convention. Likely through Facebook or other social media, this “Bridge” program would improve connections between SNDA members but also with dentists in the National Dental Association and other professional organizations. A related proposal is for a Residency Fair to match students with dental school or hospital residency programs. Jones also wants to formalize a process for matching students with mentors, using a questionnaire that would allow mentee and mentor to select the best fit for each. Another focus is strengthening the SNDA’s ties with the Undergraduate Student National Dental Association, whose members are undergraduates interested in dentistry.
Jones, who wants to join a pediatric dentistry residency after graduating next spring, said her experience with SNDA has already been extremely positive, even before she expands her horizons as president. She wants to share the value and benefits of the organization with incoming members on a national level. “It is my home and place of comfort within my school,” she said. “The amazing support system, scholarship opportunities and networking have been invaluable.”
Jones is at least the fourth U-M dental student to lead the SNDA. Others include Carlos Smith (DDS 2007), Imani Lewis (DDS 2007) and Karra Evans (DDS 2015).
Ester notes that another dental school alumna, Dr. Sheila Armstrong (DDS 1990) of Detroit, is the current president of the National Dental Association. “The SNDA and the NDA are both in very capable hands,” Ester said, adding, “Go Blue!”
