Membership Issue
Dental Student
Perspectives
ORGANIZED DENTISTRY
IN STUDENT LIFE
The Pennsylvania Dental
Association has maintained a
strong relationship with dental
students, providing them with
many resources to aid in their
transition from dental school to
practice. In fact, each year PDA
partners with the ADA to host the
“ADA National Signing Day,” an
event that provides senior students
the opportunity to sign up for
membership and learn more about
how it can help them succeed as
new dentists. With the help and
support from the American
Student Dental Association (ASDA)
leaders, we are able to have an
active presence in student affairs.
Students are introduced to the
many perks, benefits and what to
expect of organized dentistry.
There is more to dentistry than just clinical skills. Dentists need to
be familiar with patient management, insurance policies, effective
business modalities, etc… There just simply isn’t enough time to
learn all this in 4 years. That is why it is critical for us to turn towards
organized dentistry to stay informed and educate ourselves,
whether we are recent graduates or more seasoned dentists.”
– Unsa Malik, Class of 2020
University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
I expect that organized dentistry will provide me a network to learn and
improve as a recent graduate, and give me a voice in order to help my
profession. Joining organizations like the PDA and ADA, and educating recent
graduates on the power of a united group is necessary in order to protect our
profession! Organized dentistry can also help alleviate the ongoing problem
of student debt and the burden it puts on recent graduates.”
– Thomas Riccardi, Class of 2020
University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
Upon graduation from dental school, I anticipate getting involved in organized dentistry across all three levels.
The camaraderie that I have observed firsthand between PDA members as a dental student is inspiring and reflects
well on the intangible benefits of joining a dental association such as this. Membership would allow me to develop
stronger connections with fellow practicing dentists in my area, which, as a new dentist with an open mind, could
provide me with valuable knowledge toward the operation of my own future practice and lay the foundation for
lifelong friendships among colleagues.”
– William Manolarakis, Class of 2021
University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
MARCH/AP RIL 2019 | P EN N SYLVAN IA DEN TAL JOURNAL
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