Student Resource Center
Resources for ADEA Students, Residents and Fellows
This page provides essential tools, guides and documentation designed to support ADEA student leaders, COSRF representatives and chapter members. These resources aim to keep you informed, organized and well-equipped to lead effectively and advance your chapter’s mission.
ADEA Council of Students, Residents and Fellows (ADEA COSRF) Membership Handbook
A comprehensive overview of the ADEA Council of Students, Residents, and Fellows (COSRF), including its structure, responsibilities, key timelines, and core initiatives.
ADEA Membership Benefits
Students, residents and fellows enrolled at ADEA Member Institutions are eligible for complimentary individual membership.
Learn more by visiting the ADEA Membership Benefits for Student, Resident & Fellow page.
Shaping the Future of Dental Education
Stay in the know about student-focused programming, including national initiatives, leadership development opportunities, and networking events.
ADEA Student Leaders for Social Program
The ADEA Student Leaders for Social Change (ADEA SLSC) engages dental students from across the United States and Canada in a partnership for action, dialogue and collaboration.
Critical ADEA SLSC components include:
- Professional development and learning opportunities for students, offered by the ADEA Access, Success, and Impact arm;
- Active engagement around topics of effective and ethical leadership, problem-solving and access to mentors and sponsors;
- Development of an individualized leadership plan with resources;
- Exploration of leadership issues related to inclusive excellence, oral health disparities, and serving under resourced communities; and
- Avenues for supporting and fostering self-care, balance and well-being.
ADEA Academic Dental Careers Fellowship Program
The ADEA Academic Dental Careers Fellowship Program (ADEA ADCFP) offers dental, allied dental and advanced dental students the chance to become more involved in academia. Enjoy structured mentoring and insight into what an academic career involves.
To date, over 400 students have completed the program—representing over 40 U.S. and Canadian academic dental institutions.
Interested in learning more about ADEA ADCFP? Contact ADEA Office of Learning at adcfpliaison@adea.org.
Chapter Toolkit
A practical guide for chapter leaders offering detailed strategies, templates and recommendations for establishing and sustaining strong ADEA Chapters. This resource supports program planning, member engagement and alignment with ADEA’s mission.
Join an ADEA Chapter
Participate in an ADEA Chapter at your school to connect with peers, access leadership opportunities, and help shape the future of oral health education.
To learn more, please visit the ADEA Chapters for Students, Residents and Fellows page.
Chapter Registration
Chapter registration is open annually and is a critical step for maintaining active status within the ADEA network. Registering your chapter ensures access to exclusive resources, funding opportunities, leadership development programs, and national events.
Be sure to complete the Annual Chapter Registration by Sept. 30 to stay connected and eligible for chapter awards and initiatives.
Chapter Awards
The ADEA Chapter Awards are designed to recognize and honor outstanding efforts by ADEA Chapters for Students, Residents and Fellows. This recognition system celebrates innovation, impact and excellence across different dimensions of chapter activity, motivating chapters to strengthen programming and student engagement in academic dentistry
All ADEA-recognized chapters in good standing are eligible to apply. Chapter-level Designations and Distinguished Chapter Awards are presented annually at the ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition.
Chapter-level Designations
Chapter-level Designations (Bronze, Silver and Gold) recognize the growth and achievements of ADEA Chapters as they progress from establishing a strong foundation to becoming leaders in innovation and advocacy.
Chapters pursuing a designation must demonstrate achievement across four developmental pillars:
- Programmatic Impact – Delivering chapter events that build awareness of dental education careers and foster belonging among members
- Community Engagement – Extending impact beyond the chapter through cross-chapter collaboration, district communication, contributions to the broader ADEA community and community service
- Leadership Presence – Demonstrating leadership within the chapter and broader ADEA network through consistent communication, advocacy efforts, mentorship and collaboration that models effective student leadership
- Visibility – Demonstrating an active and intentional online presence (via ADEA Connect, social media or other platforms) that promotes chapter achievements and shares resources with the ADEA network
Distinguished Chapter Awards
Distinguished Chapter Awards (Innovation, Community Impact, Chapter Achievement and ADEA Chapter of the Year) honor ADEA Chapters that demonstrate exceptional vision, innovation and leadership in advancing oral health education.
Unlike the tiered designations, these awards highlight chapters that go above and beyond in specialized areas of excellence.
Award Categories
- Innovation | $350
- Community Impact | $350
- Chapter Achievement | $500
- ADEA Chapter of the Year (Sponsor Award) | $1,000
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.
For a comprehensive overview of leadership opportunities, download the ADEA COSRF Membership Handbook (PDF).
Learn more by visiting the Student Leadership information page.
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 Jan. 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.
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 Jan. 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.
ADEA offers a variety of scholarships to support the academic and professional development of students, residents and fellows pursuing careers in dental education. These competitive awards recognize academic excellence, leadership, community service and a commitment to advancing oral health.
Scholarship opportunities are available annually, with detailed eligibility criteria and application instructions provided for each award. Students are encouraged to explore available scholarships and apply early to be considered.
Visit the ADEA Scholarships, Awards, and Fellowships for Students to view current opportunities and deadlines.
ADEA hosts a wide range of student-focused webinars throughout the year that are designed to inform, inspire and support your journey in dental education. Webinars feature experts, faculty and student leaders covering topics such as academic success, specialty exploration, leadership development and preparing for residency.
These sessions provide valuable insights and interactive opportunities for learning and networking beyond the classroom.
Recordings and registration links for upcoming webinars are available on the ADEA Webinars platform.