Student Organizations
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Alliance for Inclusion
Description:
The Alliance for Inclusion (AI) originally was created to fill a void at Detroit Mercy Dental. With numerous groups aimed to unify races and religions, there was no organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals and their allies. Since its founding however, AI has transformed into a group open to any compelled to make Detroit Mercy Dental an atmosphere where all are included, regardless of social category. With service activities and educational outreach, we aim to make Detroit Mercy and the community a more welcoming environment by eliminating discrimination, misconceptions and ignorance.
Mission:
To raise awareness and promote inclusion of LGBT and similarly secluded groups at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry and the surrounding community through education and community service.
Contact:
allianceforinclusion@gmail.com.
Social Media:
Facebook: /UDMAI
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Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity - Alpha Nu Chapter, Detroit Mercy
Alpha Omega is an International Dental Fraternity whose main focus is philanthropy. Our values include friendship, integrity, professionalism, friendship, helping those in need, and creating opportunities for students. Alpha Omega at University of Detroit Mercy has various events, both social and philanthropic, throughout the year. Our mentorship program in which students are paired with alumni members has been a great experience, as well as the dental mission trips in which our members have the option to participate. We encourage you to join us and to help us make a difference in the world by sharing our blessing of being involved with dentistry.
Alpha Omega was founded in Baltimore, Maryland in 1907 by a group of dental students originally to fight discrimination in dental schools. Today, with its headquarters relocated to Warrendale, PA, it is primarily an educational and philanthropic organization. There are chapters and members in cities and dental schools in the United States, Canada, South America, Europe, Israel, South Africa and Australia/New Zealand. Alpha Omega represents about 15,000 dentists worldwide.
Alpha Omega is responsible for the formation of both dental schools in Israel; The Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dentistry and the Tel Aviv University Goldschlager School of Dentistry.
The Alpha Omega Foundation was also responsible for dispersing almost $250,000 this past year for projects in Israel and worldwide.
Lectures, seminars and study groups are promoted by local chapters for member continuing education and similar programs are available from chapters in all parts of the world. Alpha Omega recently was the co-sponsor of an educational project in Hungary. The goals of this program were to improve the community dental health awareness of dental educators in Hungary and to field-test home-care instructional classes for the public schools. This was similar to a project done several years ago in Morocco.
Dues are paid annually which includes membership into Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity.
To join contact one of the officers of the fraternity.
Website
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American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD) – Detroit Mercy Chapter
Mission
To provide community awareness to future dental professionals and engage students in dialogue about current dental public health issues. To specifically focus on oral health awareness, prevention, and service in Detroit and the surrounding areas. We wish to create programs and events structured in a regular schedule to make an organized and lasting effect on our community.
Contact
Social Media
Facebook: /detroitmercyaaphd
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American Dental Education Association (ADEA)
ADEA is a national organization for dental educators and students, residents, and fellows who are interested in dental education.
At Detroit Mercy Dental, it is composed of dental and dental hygiene students and residents who are interested in dental education. Membership is FREE. Therefore, if you are considering becoming a dental educator in the future, join ADEA.
ADEA offers many leadership and networking opportunities at the local or national level. Join and become the voice of dental education!
To find out more information: www.adea.org
Members receive the following benefits:
- Every student, resident, and fellow enrolled at an ADEA Member Institution can belong to ADEA for free.
- Gain access to valuable awards and scholarships.
- Increase your awareness about academic dentistry.
- Develop Leadership skills that you can apply throughout your entire career.
Mission Statement
The mission of the American Dental Education Association is to lead individuals and institutions of the dental education community to address contemporary issues influencing education, research, and the delivery of oral health care for the improvement of the health of the public.
Lunch n' Learns will be held in the upcoming year, as well as opportunities to do community work in schools to inform students K-12 of the great rewards in becoming dental professionals. Also in the works is a plan for UDM students belonging to ADEA to become mentors to the dental and dental hygiene classes under them in hopes to encourage students to become educators after dental school.
To find out more about the value of the ADEA Student Membership please visit: http://www.adea.org/about_adea/Membership%20Information/Pages/StudentMembership.aspx
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Periodontal Instrumentation and Patient Management course: This is a new joint venture between the hygiene and dental students, specifically geared to bridge the gap between perio pre-clinic and perio clinic knowledge before entering clinic. Second year dental hygiene students get together with second year dental students to share knowledge and practice instrumentation. The course will address skills such as proper scaling techniques, selecting the appropriate instruments for specific cases, calculus detection methods, and collaborative dentistry skills between the dental and hygiene student. Practice sessions are held in simulation lab. Also, clinical cases are reviewed during this course to help students in the process of diagnosis and treatment planning. Hygiene and Perio faculty join the students as during these extra-curricular sessions as mentors and each group of dental students are paired with a hygiene student in small group sessions to facilitate more productive learning.
- Dentinspiration: The goal of this program is to familiarize pre-dental students with the dental school and to create a relationship among students who are in the application process with the dental school so that they may have access to resources and contacts throughout the application process. Following the observation students will also have the benefit of receiving a mock interview that will be run by dental students in ADEA. There were 30 students selected for the program and they were paired with a volunteer faculty mentor to observe twice a month in the dental school’s clinic. All participants received a HIPAA lecture and were required to pass the quiz as well as fill out an application. Also, our chapter participates in ADEA GoDental fair, having a representative at Detroit Mercy booth to meet with prospective students.
Contact
Social Media
Facebook: /udmsdadea
Youtube: UDM ADEA
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American Student Dental Association (ASDA)
The American Student Dental Association or ASDA is a national student-run organization that protects and advances the rights, interests and welfare of dental students. It introduces students to lifelong involvement in organized dentistry and provides services, information, education, representation, and advocacy. Detroit Mercy ASDA strives to convey the power and importance of organized dentistry through our on campus presence, outreach, and advocacy.
Students are auto enrolled at our school, therefore membership dues are included in tuition. Due to this, we have a lot of events all throughout the year so students can get the most out of their dental school experience.
Our chapter has monthly meetings (dates can be found on the academic calendar) where you can learn about legislative issues affecting dentistry and upcoming events. Some of our events include our free dental clinic with St. Vincent de Paul, ping pong tournaments, mouth guard clinics, Pro-Am golf tournament, vendor fair, The Caries Free Press, and more.
ASDA Mission Statement
The American Student Dental Association is a national, student-run organization that protects and advances the rights, interests, and welfare of students pursuing careers in dentistry. It introduces students to lifelong involvement in organized dentistry and provides services, information, education, representation and advocacy.
- To provide the students a venue through which their concerns about dentistry as a profession can be voiced.
- To provide lunch and learns that the students will be interested in and will want to attend.
- To provide after school activities for fun and a sense of belonging to something more.
Goals
Delegates attended the ASDA Annual Session and will attend the QUAD regional meeting in January. For the upcoming year, we are planning lunch and learns, fundraisers, social and philanthropy events, bi-monthly newsletter publications, benefits presentations, etc.
Dues are automatically billed through the student life fee.
To join, go to www.asdanet.org or contact one of your school representatives.
Website
Social Media
Facebook: /UDMasda
Instagram: @detroit.mercy.asda -
American Student Dental Hygiene Association – Detroit Mercy Chapter
Mission
To provide education and preventative services to the public and those that are underserved.
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Arab American Student Dental Group
Goals of Organization:
The Arab American Student Dental Group will focus on joining Arab American dentists, regardless of religious affiliation or background, in order to provide services to Arab communities outside of the school. Such services would include educational lectures given to communities on the importance of dental care and maintenance, on ways to be compliant patients that are willing to work with their dental healthcare providers to achieve stable oral health, and on ways to understand the function of insurance and fees. Patient education is one of the main goals of this group. Other goals would be to help current students that are interested in staying within their community as a healthcare provider form helpful networks with practicing dentists that have experience in that area, as well as to provide help to foreign trained Arab dentists that are interested in pursuing US dental degrees.Focuses:
* Educating local Arab communities on dental healthcare
* Help students form networks
* Raise cultural awareness of different Arab communities -
Asian Student Association
Mission
The goal of our association is to provide an inclusive platform for cultural exchange.
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Canadian Students Association
Not limited to Canadian students. Activities include approximately one event per month (social/lunch & learns, etc.).
Mission
Providing networking and social opportunities for students to connect and prepare themselves for future practice in Canada.
Social Media
Facebook: Join Group
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Chaldean Student Dental Association
Coming soon. -
Christian Dental Association
Our Mission
The Christian Dental Association exists to motivate, educate, and equip dental and dental hygiene students to glorify God by:- living out the character of Christ in their homes, classrooms, clinics, communities, and around the world;
- pursuing professional competence and Christ-like compassion in their daily work;
- influencing their families, colleagues, and patients toward a right relationship with Jesus Christ;
Our Methods
In order to bring about our desired vision we:- Organize monthly meetings centered on growth in Christ as it relates specifically to the student dentist
- Hold on-campus Bible studies
- Get involved with local community outreach projects
- Coordinate and send students and dental professionals on short term mission trips
Our Vision
That Christ would be exalted and treasured in Detroit Mercy, the Detroit Metro area, and to the ends of the earth.
Our Core Values
We strive to fulfill our mission by our commitment to be:- Christ-like
- Controlled by the Holy Spirit
- Committed to Scripture
- Communing in Prayer
- Compassionate
- Competent
- Courageous
- Culturally Relevant
Our Statement of Faith
(While each of us holds fast to additional beliefs important to our relationship with God, the following statement outlines the tenets that provide a foundation for our fellowship and participation in the Christian Medical & Dental Associations.)I believe:
- In the divine inspiration and final authority of the Bible as the Word of God;
- In the eternal God revealed in Holy Scripture as Father, Son and Holy Spirit;
- In the unique Deity of Jesus Christ, God's only Son, whose death and resurrection provide by grace through faith the only means of my salvation;
- In the transforming presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
Social Media
Facebook: Join Group
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Delta Sigma Delta International Professional Fraternity
Producing dentists with character and people skills while being top notch health care professionals.
Meetings are held monthly in the Delta Sigma Delta room on campus.
Mission Statement
Delta Sigma Delta became the first Fraternity in the field of Dentistry. Founded in 1882, the objective of Delta Sigma Delta is "to keep high the standards of Dentistry by inculcating in the minds of dental students and practitioners a spirit of Fraternal cooperation leading toward scientific, ethical, and professional progress."
Annual events
Delta Sigma Delta is the host of the Dental School's annual Halloween party, ski trip, and Haiti Mission Trip.
Website
Contact
Social Media
Facebook: Join Group
Dues are paid annually which includes lifetime membership into Delta Sigma Delta Fraternity.
To join contact one of the officers of the Fraternity.
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Dental Outreach & Community Service (DOCS)
The Detroit Mercy Dental Outreach & Community Service is a student organization that operates a free student-run dental clinic a few Saturdays a month. Our clinic is a full-service dental clinic capable of providing comprehensive care, where DS1-DS4 students are all welcome to volunteer. We also work with Wayne State University School of Medicine and School of Pharmacy students, to host collaborative events where our students provide oral cancer screenings, OHI and smoking cessation, and have under-served patients from their free clinics referred to us for free dental care.
Mission Statement
To provide free care to the under served population in Detroit mainly through our free student-ran dental clinic, and through collaborative events with students of other medical professions.
Contact
Social Media
Instagram: @detroit.mercy.docs
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Fit Club
We are a group of dental students committed to providing weekly workouts and monthly events that motivate our dental family to be proactive about their physical fitness. From charity 5k's and stair climbs to obstacle course racing and even a future triathlon, we participate in a broad range of events that will get you excited to push yourself to the next level! The club is open to all Detroit Mercy Dental School affiliates whether you want to participate in the weekly workouts or join us for bigger community events.
Mission
To promote personal achievement, camaraderie, and community through fitness
Contact
fitclub.detroitmercy@gmail.com
Social MediaFacebook: Join Group
Instagram: @detroitmercyfit -
Hispanic Student Dental Association
We encourage any and all students to join HSDA! HSDA is a small organization within Detroit Mercy Dental that strives to serve the Hispanic population of Detroit through the preparation of dental students in treating Hispanic patients and through bi-annual oral health screenings held in Mexicantown, the largest Hispanic populated area in Detroit.
Mission
As the leading voice for Hispanic oral health we provide service, education, advocacy, and leadership for elimination of oral health disparities in the Hispanic community.
Website
Contact
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Korean Student Dental Association
Mission
To create a stronger Korean community/network and share our culture with the student body.
Social Media
Facebook: Join Group
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Muslim Student Dental Association
Mission
Promote awareness of the religion of Islam and foster a community at the School of Dentistry.
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Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Society
The Dr. Robert Bruce MacIntosh Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Society at Detroit Mercy Dental serves as a student organization for dental students who have an interest in pursuing a career in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Our primary goal is to expand the knowledge and exposure of the field to our students through participation in case discussions, guest lectures with practicing Oral Surgeon and Residents, journal clubs, clinical workshops, application Q&A sessions and prepping for the NBME exam. Involvement in our organization will help raise interest and awareness in this specialty as well as guide our students in obtaining their goal of becoming Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
Social Media
Facebook: Join Group
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Outdoors Club
Mission
To promote natural wellness, peace, openness, acceptance, and love while enjoying the peace and serenity of the Outdoors.
Social Media
Instagram: @dmdentaloc
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Pediatric Dental Club
The University of Detroit Mercy Pediatric Dental Club is comprised of dental students that are looking to expand their knowledge of pediatric dental care. The goal of the Pediatric Dental Club is to provide students with the opportunity to discuss difficult pediatric cases, learn about upcoming advancements in pediatric dentistry and volunteer in our local community.
We are determined to provide our members with educational opportunities outside of the classroom and encourage them to explore opportunities in pediatric dentistry through community involvement. Whether you are looking to specialize in pediatric dentistry or simply want to see what the pediatric dental world is about, Pediatric Dental Club is the place for you!
Mission
To raise awareness in the community to the importance of primary teeth. We do our best to teach kids and their parents the importance of brushing and taking care of their baby teeth as well as their permanent teeth.
Social Media
Facebook: Join Group
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Periodontal Implant Study Club
We exist to better understand the nuts and bolts of implants.
This club is for anyone who is intrigued by implants, wanting to place, and restore them after graduation. We hold group meetings and host guest speakers in the evening after class and clinic.
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Persian Dental Society
Coming soon. -
Sleep Medicine and Orofacial Pain
Mission:
To educate dental students on how to treat sleep apnea in their practice.
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Student Government Association
Description:
The role of Student Government at Detroit Mercy Dental is to encourage the involvement of dental students, dental hygiene students, faculty, and staff in order to foster a unified dental school.
Student government holds meetings each semester as an effort to bring all of the organizations and class officers together. These meeting dates can be found on the Detroit Mercy Dental academic calendar.
Our goal is to cultivate student leadership and act a reservoir for funding and event planning. Student Government is responsible for sponsoring a number of school wide events including the Annual Summer BBQ, Talent Show, and our formal Dinner Dance. We strive to promote participation from the entire School of Dentistry family.
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Student Members of the American Dental Hygienists' Association (SADHA)
Student Members of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, or SADHA, is a category of membership within the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. ADHA is an association dedicated to the advancement and promotion of dental hygiene. ADHA is the association of your profession.
You have taken a significant step in your future and have chosen to enter an important role in the oral health care profession. Whether you have just started school, or are close to graduation, SADHA is your critical link to the dental hygiene profession.
You are the primary driving force in your association and the essential foundation upon which the future of dental hygiene is based.
Benefits of Student Membership in ADHA
As a student member, you are provided with invaluable opportunities to preview your career as a dental hygienist. Your affiliation with ADHA will help secure the success of your future in dental hygiene.- Scholarships - The ADHA Institute for Oral Health offers a variety of scholarship programs and research grants for students seeking careers in dental hygiene.
- Recognition in Your Field - Membership in ADHA provides opportunities for professional growth and recognition. Leadership opportunities are available at every level of membership.
- Countless Networking Opportunities - Join over 35,000 of your colleagues who have made the commitment to dental hygiene and to ADHA. Members at the state and local levels meet regularly to discuss ideas, information and to share experiences.
- Employment Assistance - ADHA offers national advertising and employment reference materials to assist students upon graduation.
- Job Security - Once you’ve found a job, ADHA is right there helping to monitor legislative efforts to impact government activities that affect the practice of dental hygiene.
- Financial Security - ADHA provides members with affordable professional liability insurance, as well as group health, automobile, term life and disability insurance. You are also eligible to apply for a student MasterCard.
- Continuing Education - ADHA helps you stay abreast of the issues affecting the dental hygiene profession. Student Members are eligible to receive a 25% discount on self-study continuing education programs. Students will also receive information about the ADHA’s Annual Session.
After graduation...
Upon graduation from an accredited program in dental hygiene, you will be eligible to become an Active Member of ADHA. Active Membership will entitle you to all the benefits you received as a student, and many more.
The following services were designed especially for you, the dental hygiene professional:- Countless educational programs, workshops and conferences to keep you informed of changes and advancements in your profession, and to help keep your license current.
- State constituent and local component member services and benefits.
- Representation of your professional opinions in legislative action affecting your patients as well as your profession.
- Group insurance policies at competitive rates.
- Innovative self-study and continuing education programs.
Membership in your professional association demonstrates your commitment to excellence and the highest standards of preventive oral health care.
SADHA at the University of Detroit MercyDuring the past several years Detroit Mercy has had 100% membership of its students in SADHA. This is noteworthy since SADHA membership is not mandatory at Detroit Mercy.
Structure
A dental hygiene faculty member serves as the SADHA advisor each year. Four student officers are elected that include the President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The President and Secretary are second year dental hygiene students and the Vice-President and Treasurer are first year dental hygiene students. Periodic business meetings are held with the membership.
Fundraising Detroit Mercy SADHA raises funds to support their activities by participating in the Michigan Dental Hygienists' Association (MDHA) Fall Snack Sale. Other fundraising endeavors in the past have included a bagel sale, bake sale, and dental picture frames.
School and Community Service
SADHA members participate in the School of Dentistry Open House, National Childrens' Dental Health Month and National Dental Hygiene Month activities.
SADHA members may participate in community service projects. In the past SADHA members have participated in Habitat for Humanities, the Diabetes Walkathon, and the Macomb District Dental Hygienists' Society Heartfelt Project.
Professional Development and Networking
Detroit Mercy SADHA is assigned to the Macomb District Dental Hygienists' Society (MDDHS) local dental hygiene component. The dental hygienist members of MDDHS provide professional mentoring for the Detroit Mercy students. MDDHS has sponsored informational lunches for SADHA members and community service projects. They also offer financial support for SADHA members to attend professional activities.
All members of Detroit Mercy SADHA attend the Michigan SADHA Day. This professional networking meeting is for all SADHA members from the 12 dental hygiene programs across the state. Each year a different dental hygiene program hosts the meeting.
SADHA member representatives attend the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) District V meeting and SADHA conference each year. The conference provides an opportunity for interaction between students and active registered dental hygienists from Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio. It is also a great opportunity for students and SADHA advisors and ADHA members to share ideas.
SADHA members also serve as student representatives to both the ADHA and MDHA House of Delegates. They have also attended the MDHA President's Summit and Leadership conferences.
Professional Presentations are planned by Detroit Mercy SADHA to educate students on topics of interest. Outside or in-house speakers are invited to provide presentations on subject areas such as powered toothbrushes, tooth whitening, stress management or any other topics suggested by SADHA members. Usually one professional presentation is held each term and is open to all SADHA members.
Purpose of SADHA
- Get the students familiar with the structure and function of the ADHA.
- Encourage students to become active members of the ADHA
- Promote oral health of the public.
- Expand professional knowledge.
- Maintain professional communication.
Benefits of being an SADHA member:
- Access to information
- Journal of Dental Hygiene
- Access Magazine
- Scholarships
- Recognition in your field
- Countless networking opportunities
- Employment Assistance
- Financial Security
- Continuing Education
ADHA Goals
- Improve public's oral health.
- Advance the art and science of dental hygiene by ensuring access to quality oral health care.
- Increase awareness of the cost-effective benefits of prevention.
- Promoting the highest standards of dental hygiene education, practice, and research.
- Representing and promoting the interests of dental hygienists.
- Promote the dental hygiene profession as a integral component of health care.
SADHA Annual Dues
$45.00, due December 31st.
Membership runs annually from January 1st - December 31stQualifications for Membership
May be any Dental Hygiene student enrolled at the University of Detroit Mercy, School of Dentistry who possesses a satisfactory scholastic standing.
Properly turn in the application for membership and dues on or before the due date.
Meetings
Monthly meetings are held for the members at times and dates that are TBA.
ADHA National Web Site: www.adha.org
Other Associations
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Student National Dental Association (SNDA)
The Student National Dental Association/Student National Dental Hygiene Association is an auxiliary of the National Dental Association, founded in 1914, and is the largest and oldest organization of minority oral health professionals in the world. The SNDA originated from dental students at Meharry Medical College in 1970 and put together the foundation of what would become the largest minority student organization in the United States. SNDA integrates minority students with minority dental health practitioners, with the goal of improving the health manpower distribution among the minority population as defined by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Membership Dues
$25 annually
Major Events
Impressions Program, Lessons in a Lunchbox, Blessings in a Bookbag, Ladies High Tea, Taste of Diversity, Oral Cancer Walk, Jamaica Mission Trip
Mission
Promoting and encouraging the increase of minority enrollment and retention in dental schools. Educating its members in the social, moral, and ethical obligations of the profession of dentistry. Promoting a viable academic and social environment for minority students. Committing to the improvement of the delivery of dental health to all people, with an emphasis on minorities and the underserved
Website
Contact
Social Media
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/166736986689121/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/snda.udm/
Impressions Program
We are now accepting applications for the 2018 Impressions Program hosted by the Student National Dental Association Chapter at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry!
Mission
National Dental Association and Student National Dental Association are committed to educational programming that informs underrepresented minorities on how to better prepare now to become doctors in the future.
The mission of the Impressions Program was designed to provide an introduction to dentistry by:
- Revealing inside details of admissions criteria details
- Introduction to the DAT Kaplan prep materials
- Hands on activities
- Tour of the Dental School
- Mock interviews
- Q&A with dental student panel
- Establishing mentorship with dentists in the local community
2018 Program:
Date: November 17, 2018
Location: University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry
Time: 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.Applications for 2018 Impressions Day are closed.
Questions? Please contact sndaudm@gmail.com.
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Student Research Group (SRG)
Mission
Promote extracurricular learning in dentistry and its specialties through research.
Social Media
Facebook: Join Group