DDS Students Attend New Dentist Conference
The North Carolina Dental Society (NCDS) sponsored ASDA members from the UNC School of Dentistry to attend the annual ADA Conference on the New Dentist held from June 24-26, 2004 in San Diego, California. The NCDS has made it possible for students to attend this conference in each of the past few years. The conference focuses on both new dentists (those who have been in practice less than 10 years) and on dental students, and promotes involvement in organized dentistry at local, state and national levels. The entire weekend was structured around activities that allowed dentists and students to gain a greater appreciation for how important organization within dentistry is, and what they can do to be involved in their respective dental societies and organizations.
The Committee on the New Dentist conference allowed students and new dentists from around the country to network and share ideas, experiences and resources. Attendees had opportunities to ask questions of ADA and dental society leaders about many topics and issues including: student loan consolidation, accreditation processes, state and national board exam changes, insurance litigation and mentoring programs. Participants also were able to attend workshops on topics ranging from integrating multi-disciplinary treatment to tax strategies for practice management to pediatric patient treatment.
Dentists and students from North Carolina were able to share the success of the mentor program, and the benefits they have experienced from organized dentistry and involvement of the state dental society with the ASDA program at the UNC School of Dentistry. Whether at evening open houses or the San Diego Zoo, many state and local delegates inquired about ways in which they can implement or improve their own relationship as a dental society with their respective dental school.
For more information about joining the UNC chapter of the American Student Dental Association please contact Jed Lambert or Brad Picot, or to participate in the NCDS sponsored mentor program please contact Jason Pollei. You may also visit the ASDA website at www.asdanet.org and the North Carolina Dental Society website at www.ncdental.org.
