Student Leaders for Social Change

Program Overview

The 2026 ADEA SLSC will bring 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.

Unlike prior years, the revised 2026 program will span 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 time to build deeper connections; broaden their leadership capacity; and engage with 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 engaged in leadership roles;
 
• Desire to enhance their leadership abilities informed by the principles of inclusive excellence, social responsibility, resilience and well-being; and
 
• Aim to serve as social change agents within their institutions, communities and the broader oral health profession through academia, research and more.

Program Components

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

• Identify and apply leadership theories, strategies and practices to enhance their leadership skills.
 
• Engage in dialogue with educators and leaders who embody principles of social change and who can serve as possibility models for careers in academia, research and community leadership.
 
• Explore leadership approaches rooted in inclusive excellence, social responsibility, resilience and well-being.
 
• Network with peers and professionals while critically examining oral health disparities, structural barriers and 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 20, 2026, and Saturday, March 21, 2026, in Montréal, Canada, prior to the 2026 ADEA Annual Session & Exhibition.

 Virtual Sessions & Online Modules

Synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities will take place in April, June and July 2026.

 Culminating Session

The program will conclude with a two-day, in-person event in early August 2026 at the ADEA headquarters in Washington, DC, which will include final presentations by each participant, networking activities and a service-learning opportunity.

Selection Process

Dental school deans and allied dental program directors may nominate up to two (2) students to be considered for participation in the 2026 ADEA Student Leaders for Social Change (SLSC) program.

Dental school deans and allied dental program directors will receive an email from ADEA regarding the call for nominations, along with a link to the online nomination form. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, and will undergo a screening process.

In mid-October, a select number of nominated students will receive an invitation via email to complete an application form. Submitted applications will be reviewed by a Selection Committee to determine the 2026 program participants. Notifications will be sent to all applicants by Monday, Dec. 1, 2025.

Please note: Submitting a nomination does not guarantee a student's participation in the program.