Student Activities & Organizations

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White Coat Ceremony
First-year dental students participate in the White Coat Ceremony to introduce students to the importance of the high ethical standards of the dental profession. The ceremony marks the students entrance into the practice of dentistry through their first patient contact and the assumption of patient responsibilities. During the ceremony, students receive a white clinic coat and recite the LSU Health Sciences Center School of Dentistry Professional Oath.

Recognition Ceremony
A recognition ceremony, in addition to graduation, is held at the end of each academic year to recognize the graduating class. Friends and family are invited. Merit and achievement awards and special honors are announced and presented. Doctoral hoods and degree medallions are presented.

Student Government Association
Members of the Executive Council of the Student Government Association consists of one elected representative from each class, class presidents, the elected president, vice president and secretary-treasurer of the student body, and the Dental School year book editor. Elections are held annually in April. The Student Government Association conducts class officer elections each spring. First year class elections are held in October with temporary officers serving until that time.

The Student Government Association provides a forum for student debates and opinions, and provides a method of dialogue between faculty and student body. The Student Government Association has a bipartisan function in serving also as the local Chapter of the American Student Dental Association and therefore upholds and supports the objectives of the American Student Dental Association.

The Student Government Association sponsors several annual events.

American Association of Dental Schools (AADS)
The American Association of Dental Schools is devoted to the advancement of dental education, research and service. Members receive the Journal of Dental Education and Dental Student News. Representatives from the dental school are selected to serve on the Council of Students of the American Association of Dental Schools as the national voice and advocate for all students in the dental education community.

American Student Dental Association (ASDA)
The American Student Dental Association is a branch of the American Dental Association. ASDA was established in 1971 to represent, serve, and support the needs and interests of dental students. A yearly membership fee is assessed to all dental students. Two delegates at each dental school chapter serve as voting members in the ASDA House of Delegates. Each student receives official publications from these associations and is welcome to attend all scientific sessions sponsored by them. Other professional benefits are also available to the student through membership in the ADA and the ASDA including the opportunity to purchase several types of insurance protection plans that cover instruments and equipment.

LSUHSC School of Dentistry Alumni Association
The president of the Student Government Association, the senior class presidents from the dental, dental hygiene and dental laboratory technology programs, in addition to the two student representatives for the American Student Dental Association, serve as student representatives on the LSUHSC School of Dentistry Alumni Association Board of Directors to represent student interests to the LSUHSC alumni.

American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD)
The American Association of Women Dentists is open to all dental students interested in the activities of women in dentistry. The Louisiana chapter (LAWD) meets during the school year and sponsors both educational and social programs. Annual dues are assessed.

Student American Dental Hygienists' Association (SADHA)
The Student American Dental Hygienists' Association is a branch of the American Dental Hygienists' Association. In addition to learning about the ADHA, students participate in professional meetings and discussion groups locally, regionally, and nationally. Each student receives official publications from these associations and is welcome to attend all scientific sessions sponsored by them. Other professional benefits are also available to the student with membership in the ADHA and the SADHA. A faculty advisor for the Dental School chapter is designated each year.

Sigma Phi Alpha
Sigma Phi Alpha is the national honor society of the dental hygiene profession. Students elected to membership must rank high in scholarship and character and exhibit potential qualities for future growth in the profession.

Delta Sigma Delta and Psi Omega
Dental students are offered membership in professional dental fraternities to promote the high ideals and standards of its profession; to advance the professional knowledge and welfare of its members; and to provide a medium through which its members, with a common interest, can develop everlasting friendships. Annual dues are assessed.

Omicron Kappa Upsilon
Omicron Kappa Upsilon is a national dental honor society founded for the purpose of encouraging scholarship and advancing the ethical standards of the dental profession. Members, elected from the top 20 percent of the graduating class, show potential for professional growth and serve as examples among their peers.

C. Edmund Kells Honor Society
C. Edmund Kells Honor Society, named after a pioneer in dentistry, is a student group established in 1971 to honor dental students who have distinguished themselves academically and clinically. Their peers in the Society select students based on scholarship and professionalism. One faculty member is also selected each year to honorary membership.

Intramural Athletics
Students have the opportunity to participate in intramural flag football, basketball and softball. The student designated "athletic director" is in charge of organizing schedules, maintaining and purchasing equipment, and setting up the field for games. Competition is between dental classes and between other schools in the health sciences center.

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