Students represent at the 2026 SNDA National Conference

Students from the School of Dentistry recently attended the Student National Dental Association (SNDA) National Convention in Richmond, Virginia. The annual conference brought together dental students, faculty and oral health professionals from across the country to focus on leadership, professional development, clinical excellence, advocacy and advancing health equity. For more than 50 years, SNDA has promoted, aided and supported dental students from underrepresented backgrounds nationwide.

Throughout the conference, University students participated in educational workshops, networking events, keynote presentations and mentoring opportunities designed to strengthen their skills and prepare them for successful careers in dentistry. “Their engagement reflects the School of Dentistry's commitment to developing compassionate, culturally responsive leaders who are dedicated to improving oral health in their communities,” said Joel D. Mixon, director of the Office of Inclusive Excellence.

Muhammad Mir, DDS '27, said that one of his favorite parts of the convention was meeting colleagues who were from different backgrounds, but who still shared a common purpose. “We had a similar vision for increasing diversity in dentistry,” he said. “I was surprised at how many meaningful conversations I had with people whose experiences were very different from my own, yet whose goals for the profession were so similar.”

For Evelyn Tjoanda, DDS '27, one of the biggest takeaways was realizing that dentistry is about so much more than clinical skills. “I especially enjoyed hearing practicing dentists speak honestly about the transition after graduation and how every day in dentistry is an opportunity to continue learning and growing,” she said. Connecting with students and dentists from diverse backgrounds and schools reminded me how valuable mentorship, collaboration and community are in our profession, and I’m grateful to be part of a profession that supports one another."

Simbiat Taiwo, DDS '28, was able to connect with a bigger picture of support that SNDA represents. “At the convention, I could really see how much SNDA as a whole organization provides so many opportunities for future dental students and doctors,” she said. “Those opportunities can present themselves through mentorship, scholarships or simply just being a space for us to gather and uplift one another.”

The next SNDA convention, the group’s 55th annual event, will be held in Chicago, with final dates to be announced. The four-day event will include continuing education, competitions, networking and community celebrations.

In addition to this gathering, there are regional opportunities to participate through SNDA chapters, which span dental schools across nine geographic regions nationwide. Our School of Dentistry is region six, which includes Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. Participating institutions include Creighton University School of Dentistry, LECOM School of Dental Medicine, University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, University of Minnesota School of Dentistry and University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Dentistry.