Student Leaders

Student Leadership

Student leadership is at the core of ADEA’s mission to advance dental education and elevate the voices of students, residents and fellows across the country.

Through national, district and chapter roles, student leaders help shape ADEA’s programming, guide peer engagement and represent the future of the profession.

Meet Your Leaders

The ADEA Council of Students, Residents and Fellows (COSRF) national leadership is structured into two main boards:

COSRF Administrative Board

The COSRF Administrative Board is composed of nationally elected student leaders who guide the strategic direction of the ADEA Council of Students, Residents and Fellows. The Board represents the collective student voice within ADEA, advises on student programming and policy and serves as a key liaison to ADEA leadership and staff.

COSRF Executive Board

The COSRF Executive Board includes District Commissioners and Liaisons who provide regional leadership and direct support to ADEA Chapters. District Commissioners oversee chapter activity within each district and serve as the primary point of contact for chapter leaders.

Liaisons serve in specialized roles that focus on communications, programming and advocacy efforts. Together, they facilitate communication across institutions, support chapter development and ensure student voices are represented in national conversations.

Leadership Opportunities

Interested in taking the next step? Learn how to run for office, apply for national committees or get involved in key initiatives that allow you to grow professionally and make an impact on dental education.

These roles are appointed by the Administrative Board and play a vital role in advancing the mission and initiatives of the organization.

Here are some examples below:

• ADEA Annual Session Program Committee (ADEA ASPC) Student Representative
 
• ADEA/ASDA Representative on the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
 
• ADEA Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (ADEA AADSAS^®) Task Force Student Representative
 
• ADEA Postdoctoral Application Support Service (ADEA PASS®) Task Force Student Representative

Elections

Leadership transitions within the ADEA COSRF Administrative Board and Executive Board, (including District Commissioners and Liaisons,) occur through an annual election and appointment process.

Nominations are accepted in advance of the ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition and must be submitted by January. 31.

All nominees are required to complete and submit a Candidate Information Form to the COSRF Vice Chair by the deadline. Candidates for elected positions—including Board Director, Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Member-at-Large, and District Commissioner—will present remarks to the Council before voting takes place at the COSRF Business Meetings during the ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition.