Learners gain energy, insight in DEI work at SNDA conference

Students and staff attended the Student National Dentist Association conference this July in New Orleans, gaining connections and insights about diversity, dentistry and more. 

SNDA seeks to “promote, aid and support the academic and social environment of minority dental students,” according to the organization’s website. Learners at the School of Dentistry were drawn to the organization due to its emphasis on mentoring students from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. 

“I joined SNDA because it aligns with my passions for making a difference in my community and promoting equality in the profession of dentistry,” explained Mitchell Hruska, DDS ’25. “SNDA has a strong presence on our campus through both social and professional events, and it promotes meaningful change while fostering a sense of community.” 

Sofia Park, DDS ’25, similarly, “wanted to have that community” and “learn about other students’ cultural backgrounds,” while Euphrosyne Daoutidou, DDS ’25, appreciated the “commitment to meaningful community involvement, with emphasis on engaging with minority communities that are often underrepresented in dentistry.” 

For Dallin Giron, DDS ’25 SNDA provides those same benefits, as well as “a platform for networking with fellow dentists,” as well as “workshops, lectures and seminars that enhance our knowledge and skills beyond the traditional dental curriculum.” 

The annual conference gave five dentistry students the opportunity to participate in a research poster session, meet with vendors, network with other learners and dentists and experience professional development. The conference invigorated and inspired the learners, who came back ready to implement new programming and put what they learned to work. 

Of particular interest to the students was a professional development session that separated men and women to explore issues of race, gender and bias within the profession and beyond. “It was really empowering,” reflected Park on the session for women in dentistry. “I was inspired by all the other women in dentistry who broke through in a field that’s male-dominated, and doesn’t have many minority women.” 

Hruska was similarly impacted by the “Men talking Men” session. “This conversation provided significant insight into issues both known and unknown to me, as a white person,” he reflected, particularly recalling the discussion of the “angry Black man” stereotype. “Talking to one another and giving each other a place to speak about these issues is important to the overall success of our school and its ability to prepare dentists to treat our community. The conference made me aware of the barriers to success that many students face in dental school that I had never previously considered.” 

Giron enjoyed the overall atmosphere, the research presentations and the ability to explore new cultures, including those unique to New Orleans. “Having these experiences enables me to become more culturally competent and see patients through a more holistic perspective, ultimately becoming a more relatable and personable provider,” he said. Giron looks forward to implementing what he learned about diversity, equity and inclusion, community outreach and the need for continuous learning opportunities in his own studies and in the school’s SNDA chapter. 

Daoutidou enjoyed “talking to other students about their programs and dental school experiences,” which “provided the opportunity to network with fellow peers and learn.” 

Learners returned to the school eager to start a new semester and tackle new challenges based on what they discovered. Park hopes to bring the example of larger SNDA chapters back to the School of Dentistry, implementing new programming and “bringing the energy back” that she felt on the trip. Hruska looks forward to putting in the hard work of investing in diversity and justice work at the school, “working to remove the unfair burden that many students face.” Giron looks forward to capitalizing on the connections he made through networking opportunities. And Daoutidou hopes to continue breaking barriers for patients and fellow learners.

“The biggest thing I will take with me is the role I play in creating an environment where people who are underrepresented feel supported and welcomed in a historically white, male space,” she said. “I will show up to support people within their needs and boundaries while putting respect, belonging and sense of community at the forefront. It’s always a good reminder that inclusivity is a priority—for both my coworkers and my patients, in advocating for their care and comfort.” 

Joel Mixon, director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, left the event similarly inspired and energized.

“It was exciting to be in the presence of so many students who were dedicated to the mission of SNDA,” he said. “Before heading to the convention I did a little research and found that James Holley, III, my hometown dentist and the first Black Mayor of Portsmouth, VA was instrumental in the formation of SNDA. It was quite an honor to see what he and others had accomplished over the past 50 years. I was able to leave with some great ideas and look forward to working closer with our own SNDA members to move forward with programming and creating a sense of community and belonging.”