ADEA Annual Session highlights access, leadership and social change
Students, faculty and staff engaged in networking, research sharing, presenting and learning this year’s American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Annual Session and Exhibition.
Held March 21-24 in Montreal, Canada, the event invited educators, learners and practitioners together under the theme “Bridging Pathways, Advancing Access." More than ten faculty engaged in presentations, shared posters or attended symposia, and a number of staff and students participated as well.
Simbiat Taiwo, DDS ’28, attended the conference and a pre-session program for her role in ADEA’s Student Leaders for Social Change, along with Yu Sun, DDS ’27. “There were so many opportunities to learn new things, and the range of topics was especially valuable,” Taiwo reflected. “Some addressed issues that are immediately relevant to me as a student, while others focused on my future role as a provider. Hearing presenters speak so passionately about their work made each session engaging and inspiring and added to my own excitement for continued learning opportunities and involvement in the field.”
Ryan Lim, DDS ’28, found the experience particularly meaningful having recently began treating patients in the clinics. “It opened my eyes to the emphasis that should be placed not just on the technical aspects of dentistry, but also on how we think about patient care, access and our role within the community,” he said. He particularly enjoyed a presentation on outreach as “shared governance,” particularly when working with Indigenous communities and embracing cultural humility. “That presentation reframed something simple but profound for me: sometimes the most meaningful care we provide isn’t about doing more in less time, but being fully present in the time we give.”
Lim found himself motivated, thanks to being “surrounded by students who are passionately engaged and actively thinking about the future of dentistry in a bigger picture sense.” He had the opportunity to engage with learners from other dental schools and consider ways of being intentional as a provider. “I’m coming back from the conference with a refreshed mindset, not just focused on what I’m learning in classes, but also how I want to apply it and how I want to show up for my patients.”
Miranda McKee, BSDH ’26, appreciated the “extraordinary opportunity to not only collaborate and socialize with other dental professionals from around the world, but also choose topics I wanted to learn more about.” She enjoyed sharing knowledge with fellow Dental Hygiene students, leaders across the field, DDS learners and residents and graduate students. “Experiences like this are extremely important in order to encourage cross-professional collaboration and education,” she reflected.”
Rachel Katkar, admissions office coordinator, joined representatives from Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Harvard School of Dental Medicine and University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry in a panel conversation titled “Challenges and Opportunities in International Dental Education: An ADEA CAAPID Conversation.” She provided an overview of the state of international dental applications, which are increasing exponentially.
“I hope people take away from the presentation the unique and creative ways schools are engaging international dental applicants and students,” she reflected. “Each of these come with challenges of their own but ultimately, international dentists are gaining additional programs where they can apply for licensure to become practicing dentists in the United States.” Katkar also concluded her role as Chair of the ADEA CAAPID Advisory Group, receiving an award in recognition of her leadership.
Katkar wrote a poem reflecting on the experience; an excerpt is below.
My presentation full
Standing room only
I am in my element
Wielding facts and figures
Alongside wit and charm
My image like Mrs. Claus
in my white Gopher sweater
Smiling and laughing
While giving the gift of information
My favorite gift to give