ASDA Prepares for a Busy Year Ahead

The Ohio State chapter of the American Student Dental Association (OSU ASDA) is an active and vibrant part of student life at the College of Dentistry.
OSU ASDA students

The Ohio State chapter of the American Student Dental Association (OSU ASDA) is an active and vibrant part of student life at the College of Dentistry. We spoke to this year’s president, Mike Andes (pictured above, third from left), about OSU ASDA’s plans for the school year.

Q)   How long have you been in ASDA, why did you join, and what about it do you find most rewarding?

A)   I have been in ASDA since I was an undergrad. Once entering dental school I signed up right away because I knew the benefits that ASDA could offer. I joined for the leadership and networking opportunities. ASDA has allowed me to travel all over the country meeting and connecting with dental students and dentists allowing me to learn and grow as a future practitioner. With my position as president, the most rewarding part is knowing that I play an essential role in educating and growing my peers as leaders and future dentists.

Q)   What are you most excited about as it relates to ASDA this upcoming year?

A)   This year, the ASDA executive board adopted the mantra of “increasing the value of an ASDA membership.” We want the ASDA membership to be something people look forward to every year. We are developing the first ever OSU ASDA leadership summit. Presenters from all over the country will educate students about dental school, life after dental school, finances, recent advancements in dental technology, and many other topics. This conference is meant to allow those of our members who are not able to attend larger conferences (due to the cost incurred by our chapter) to experience what these conferences are like and gain knowledge otherwise not included in a dental school curriculum.

Q)   OSU ASDA won Most Pre-dental Members and Best Pre-dental Committee this past year. Do you have your sights set on particular awards this year?

A)   Every year our focus is making each of our committees the best they can be which, in turn, will make our chapter the best it can be. In the past, we have been fortunate to have established an incredibly successful Pre-dental Day and have committee chairs that are passionate about giving back to the pre-dental members. We were not chasing this award or recognition, but rather we were just trying to do our part in giving back to the pre-dental students who are in positions that are all too familiar to us. As a chapter, we have our sights set on being ASDA’s ideal chapter, which means we have served our members well and given them everything they deserve. As such, we hope to be not only the best pre-dental chapter but also have the greatest community and outreach initiatives, the greatest health and wellness committee giving, and many others.

Q)   Anything else you’d like to share?

A)   I would like alumni to know that this year we have had incredible success as a chapter. The executive committee has been very passionate about giving back to our members and our committee chairs have risen to the occasion. If alumni would like to meet with our chapter or set up an event I would be happy to get in contact with them (andes.32@osu.edu). We are always looking for opportunities to connect with current dental professionals! Go Bucks!

Dental Emergency Care Clinic

Monday-Thursday
7:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Friday
7:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

Student Dental Clinics

Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Ohio State Dental Faculty Practice

Monday-Friday
7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Upper Arlington Dental Clinic

Monday
7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Tuesday-Thursday
7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Friday
7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.