The School of Dental Medicine cooperates with national dental student organizations and Pitt Dental-based groups providing myriad opportunities for extracurricular activity throughout their academic career. In addition to social activities, these organizations provide forums for interaction among students with common interests and professional goals.
For more information about student organizations at the University of Pittsburgh or starting a club please visit Pitt's Student Organization Resource Center (SORC). All student organizations at Pitt Dental Medicine must be registered and re-registered annually through SORC.
National Student Organizations
Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
AGD is a professional association that exclusively represents the needs and interests of general dentists. AGD’s mission is to “advance general dentistry and oral health through quality continuing education and advocacy.
American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD)
The Pitt Dental Medicine chapter of AADMD (Special Needs Club) helps provide dental treatment to the special needs population in both preventative and restorative means. We also help educate our fellow classmates on how to better interact with patients who have special needs.
American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)
The mission of the AAPD is to advocate policies, guidelines and programs that promote optimal oral health and oral health care for children. The AAPD serves and represents its membership in the areas of professional development and governmental and legislative activities. It is a liaison to other health care groups and the public. The Pitt Dental Medicine Chapter is the Pediatric Dental Medicine Club.
American Association for Dental Research (AADR)
Membership in the Pittsburgh AADR section is open to qualified faculty, alumni, students, and persons with allied interests. Research reports in the fields of biological sciences, oral health, and dental materials are presented by members and guests. Meetings are open to all interested persons.
American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD)
The Pitt chapter of AAPHD is part of a national organization dedicated to improving oral health for all through development and support of oral health promotion and disease prevention. Our student chapter aims to enhance exposure and create interest in public health dentistry among students at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine through SCOPE volunteer activities and discussion of public health topics.
American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD)
The AAWD student chapter (Women in Dentistry Club) is committed to AAWD's mission - to be the recognized resource for connecting and enriching the lives of women dentists. With only 18% of practicing dentists women, there are still unique issues including balancing work, family, indifference and differences. Benefits of membership include educational and networking opportunities, receptions, study clubs, and a mentorship system. Pitt AAWD's events include socials, Kennywood days, and SCOPE opportunities.
American Dental Education Association (ADEA)
All Pitt Dental Medicine students are registered members of ADEA. Through ADEA you can learn about post-graduate education, how to apply to residencies and how to be active participants in our dental education. The Pitt Dental Medicine Chapter offers SCOPE events and residency/career panels through the year.
American Student Dental Association (ASDA)
ASDA is the largest student dental association in the country. All predoctoral students at Pitt Dental Medicine are members of ASDA. 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. Pitt’s ASDA chapter not only lobbies for pertinent dental issues on the state and national level including barriers to care, student debt, midlevel providers, and licensure, but hosts chapter events such as picnics, vendor fairs, winter formal, and pre-dental events. ASDA provides many leadership opportunities to both elected officers and members on the Chapter, Regional, and National Level.
Hispanic Dental Association (HDA)
The Hispanic Dental Association is a national, non-profit 501(c)3 organization comprised of oral health professionals and students dedicated to promoting and improving the oral health of the Hispanic community and providing advocacy for Hispanic oral health professionals across the United States. HSDA is an organization committed to serving the dental needs of the Hispanic population. Our SCOPE Category A events include monthly volunteer events at the Birmingham Free Clinic for Spanish Speakers and a variety of events at the Family House, Shadyside Nursing and Rehab, and the Run Shadyside 5K. We hold help sessions for labs such as waxing, amalgam and FPD, and a review session for the Dental Anatomy practicals.
National Student Research Group (SRG)
The SRG is composed of graduate and professional students at the School of Dental Medicine interested in research in those areas of interest to the dental profession basic sciences, dental sciences, and behavioral sciences. The SRG encourages student interaction with research by increasing awareness of research opportunities, facilitating communication between faculty and students, and providing educational opportunities for student research interests. The SRG is affiliated with the National Student Research Group, one of 20 scientific groups comprising the International and American Associations for Dental Research. Meetings are scheduled throughout the school year.
Student National Dental Association (SNDA)
The Student National Dental Association addresses the needs and concerns of minority dental students. The organization serves as a support group for minority students and works to provide a national communications network among students as a means of improving the health-employment distribution among minority and ethnic groups. SNDA works closely with the National Dental Association and strives to educate and involve members in the social, moral, and ethical obligations of the dental profession. The University of Pittsburgh chapter actively pursues the organization's goals and is heavily involved in the recruitment of minority students. Social activities for members and service to the school and dental community are among the many areas addressed by the local SNDA chapter.
Student Professionalism and Ethics Association in Dentistry
The Student Professionalism and Ethics Association in Dentistry is a national, student-driven association that was established to promote and support students’ lifelong commitment to ethical behavior in order to benefit the patients they serve and to further the dental profession.
Pitt Dental Medicine Student Groups
Asian Pacific American Dental Student Association (APADSA)
APADSA is actively involved in community outreach and volunteer programs such as Ronald McDonald House, Habitat for Humanity, the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, and much more. Members also enjoy being part of an organization that includes peer mentorship, academic assistance, and group social functions outside of school.
Christian Medical and Dental Association
Dentist Anesthesiologist Club for Students (DACS)
Started by a dental anesthesiology resident and a dental school senior, the dental student organization serves to educate, expand and advance the profession of dental anesthesiology. DACS activities include the Introduction to Dental Anesthesiology/ Clinical activities such as administering Nitrous oxide, advanced local anesthetic injection techniques/ starting IV/ Discussion about most commonly used anesthetics/ Applying to dental anesthesiology programs, Practice opportunities for dentist anesthesiologists / Introduction to selective courses in dental anesthesia and more.
Delta Sigma Delta Fraternity
Delta Sigma Delta is an organization of dental students and dentists brought together with the common goal of promoting excellence in the dental profession. Professional fraternities have strong faculty support because of the high standards required for the establishment of a chapter on a campus. A good scholastic average is an important criterion for membership. These fraternities feature professional and educational programs as well as the usual social functions, and have active Graduate Chapters. We hope to remain active within our community through continued volunteer programs, SCOPE opportunities and even mission trips.
Dental Student Executive Counsil (DSEC)
The purpose of DSEC is to serve the greater student body of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. DSEC will review student organizations’ requests to host and organize activities, to include continuing education opportunities, student life activities, and service projects, whenever such an activity would involve a financial component. If requested by the greater student body, or its representatives, the Dental Student Executive Council may host and organize activities for the students of the School of Dental Medicine at large, or disperse any non-earmarked funds to student organizations in conjunction with the Office of Student Affairs and SORC.
Digital Dentistry Club
The Digital Dentistry Club is a student interest group focused on dental innovation and gaining exposure to recent technological advancements within oral health care. Formed in Spring 2022, the club has monthly meetings, a newsletter, hosts guest lectures, and offers hands-on demo sessions centered around CAD/CAM software, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence.
Endodontics Club
Middle Eastern North African Club (MENA)
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Club
Orthodontics Club
We are a social and academic club for students interested in orthodontics based out of the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine in Salk Hall. Activities include journal reviews, case presentations, and opportunities for research with orthodontic residents.
Periodontics Club
The main focus of the Perio Club is to expose students to the Perio profession, provide more interaction with the Perio Residents, and offer interaction with Periodontists in the Pittsburgh area. The club conducts numerous educational seminars throughout the year.
Singulum
Smile with Pride
South Asian Student Society (SASS)
Sports Dentistry Club
Street Medicine (Street Dentistry Club)
Tau Sigma Military Dental Club
The Tau Sigma Military Dental Club is for military-sponsored dental students and serves as a source of information for its members, to prepare them for their active duty commitment. In addition, the club supports the charitable cause of helping Pittsburgh-area homeless veterans.
Dental Hygiene Student Groups
Student American Dental Hygienists' Association (SADHA)
As a student member, you receive all the benefits of full ADHA membership, plus additional opportunities for personal and professional development. Later, when you make the transition from student to professional, you can count on the continued support of ADHA and your fellow members every step of the way.
Sigma Phi Alpha, Chi Rho Chapter - Dental Hygiene Honor Society
Information is available by contacting the Dental Hygiene Program.