|
Student Activities and
Organizations
F. Harold Wirth
Ceremony
During the F. Harold Wirth Ceremony held
in the fall, first-year dental, dental hygiene,
and dental laboratory technology students pledge
to conduct themselves honorably and
professionally. The students write a
professional honor code which they recite during
the ceremony. Each student signs the
professional honor code and receives an F.
Harold Wirth pin.
White Coat
Ceremony
Second-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 (SGA)consist 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.
Current
SGA and Class Officers
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 Dental Education
Association
(ADEA)
The American Dental
Education Association is devoted to the
advancement of dental education, research and
service. ADEA is the premier association serving
the allied, predoctoral, and postdoctoral dental
education community. Members receive the Journal
of Dental Education and Bulletin of Dental
Education. Representatives from the dental school
are selected to serve on the Council of Students
of ADEA 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. More
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. More
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. | 
