Awards, Students

UNC Student National Dental Association Named Chapter of the Year

The UNC School of Dentistry chapter of the Student National Dental Association (SNDA) was named Chapter of the Year at the recent 43rd Annual SNDA National Convention. Three chapters – small, medium and large – each won this honor. UNC’s chapter won the distinction for medium SNDA chapters.

“It was a great honor for us to receive this award and we couldn’t be happier!” said Leilah Langston, DDS Candidate 2016 and 2014-15 president of UNC SNDA. “Our members show such a commitment to service and, because of an amazing executive board and dedicated members, we were able to put together numerous community service activities, social events and fundraisers throughout the year. I am sure the organization will continue to grow and do great things over the years to come!”

The UNC SNDA is involved in the local community in many ways. The group provides oral health instruction biannually to school-aged children through its “Lessons in a Lunch Box: Health Teeth Essentials and Facts about Snacks” program and pioneered SNDA CAARES, a clinic in Durham where members provide care to underserved adults. The group also reaches out to aspiring dental students through its SNDA Impressions Program, which is held biannually and introduces participants to the UNC School of Dentistry.

“Our SNDA chapter makes a difference in the oral health and lives of so many members of our community,” said School Dean Jane Weintraub. “This is truly a wonderful and well-deserved recognition of their efforts.”

Chapters considered for the SNDA Chapter of the Year distinction are evaluated on their leadership and accomplishments with regard to community service, chapter activity, attendance at events and overall member involvement. Groups considered in the medium chapter category have 25-40 dues-paying members.