Student Leaders for Social Change

Program Overview

The ADEA SLSC brings together a cohort of second- and third-year predoctoral dental students and all levels of allied dental students from across the United States and Canada.

The program spans six months (March–August) and is delivered through a hybrid format that includes in-person sessions, synchronous and asynchronous online instruction and independent learning.

This structure provides participants with various opportunities to build deeper connections, broaden their leadership capacity and engage with subject matter experts across oral health, higher education and related health professions.

Target Audience

The ADEA SLSC is tailored for second- and third-year predoctoral dental students and all levels of allied dental students who are:

• Established in their academic routines and actively serve in leadership roles;
• Eager to enhance their leadership abilities informed by continuous personal and professional growth, reflective self-awareness, ethical principles and social responsibility.
• Motivated to serve as social change agents within their communities and institutions to drive positive impact in oral health through academia, advocacy, research and related professional avenues.

Program Components

Over the course of five sessions (two in-person and three virtual), participants will do the following:

• Explore and apply leadership approaches grounded in principles such as adaptive collaboration, capacity building, asset-based development, relational trust and informed action to enhance their leadership skills and goals.
• Engage in dialogue with educators and leaders who contribute to social change and can serve as possible models for careers in academia, advocacy, research and community leadership.
• Network with peers and professionals while critically examining oral health disparities, structural barriers and action-oriented and data-informed strategies for improving access to and quality of oral health care.

Program Structure

 Opening Session

The program will begin with a day-and-a-half in-person event on Friday, March 12 and Saturday, March 13, 2027, in Chicago, IL prior to the 2027 ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition.

 Virtual Sessions and Online Modules

Synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities will take place in April, June and July 2027.

 Closing Session

The program will conclude with a two-day in-person event in early August 2027 at the ADEA headquarters in Washington, DC, which will include a final presentation by each participant, informative content sessions, networking activities and a service-learning experience.

Selection Process

Dental school deans and allied dental program directors may nominate up to two students to be considered for participation in the 2027 ADEA Student Leaders for Social Change (SLSC).

Dental school deans and allied dental program directors will receive an email from ADEA announcing the call for nominations with a link to the online nomination form. Nominations will be accepted through Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, and will undergo screening.

In late October, a select number of nominated students will receive an email invitation to complete an online application form. The Selection Committee will review submitted applications to determine the 2027 program participants. Notifications will be sent to all applicants by Friday, Dec. 11, 2026.

Please note: Submitting a nomination does not guarantee a student’s participation in the ADEA SLSC.