Student Organizations

All students are free to join University organizations. For those who wish to hold an appointed or elected office there are certain University rules one must follow. Check your eligibility by reviewing the University of Florida's Student Guide section on Student Organizations. The official College of Dentistry student organizations are listed below.

Alpha Omega (AO

Alpha Omega (AO) is the oldest international dental organization. Primarily an educational and philanthropic organization, AO is represented by chapters and members in cities and dental schools in the United States, Canada, South America, Europe, Israel, South Africa and Australia/New Zealand.

The objectives of the fraternity are to promote the profession of dentistry, to establish a spirit of fellowship and to develop high standards of scholarship among its members.

Although Judaism is one of the founding principles, AO is a nonsectarian organization and many of its members are not Jewish.

American Student Dental Association (ASDA)

Established in 1971, the American Student Dental Association has addressed the needs of dental students nationwide for almost 30 years. It is the nation’s largest organization of dental students with a membership that boasts about 86% of all students. ASDA enjoys a close, fraternal relationship with the ADA yet maintains a political and financial autonomy; it is an association administered by and for the students. The ASDA’s governing body has a national president, two vice-presidents, ten trustees from the ten national regions and twelve consultants who represent students on the education, hospitals, insurance, legislation, minority affairs, national board examinations, practice management and public health committees, to name but a few. These same consultants represent ASDA on the corresponding councils of the ADA. The House of Delegates is made up of two students from each school, the ASDA president and president-elect. These two delegates hold a voting seat at the national convention where the issues of importance are decided.

Christian Dental Society (CDS)

The Christian Dental Society is a fellowship and service organization that functions to provide oral health care to those in need. For over a century, CDS has been a leader in dental missions worldwide. The local CDS Chapter strives to provide its members with fellowship and the local community with dental outreach programs.

Dentistry College Council (DCC)

Each dental class elects four students to serve on the Dentistry College Council. DCC's motto is: “Serving the College, the University and the Community.” The college council initiates several events each year including Gator Expo, the homecoming float, Mighty Molar 5K run, Club Expo and the student directory.

In addition, the DCC is in charge of student elections. Each year during the summer semester, students are nominated to serve as class officers and as members of five standing committees of the college:

Admissions Committee
Clinical Affairs Committee
Curriculum Committee
Student Affairs Committee
Student Performance Evaluation Committee

Students are elected for one-year terms but may be reelected by their class in subsequent years. After students are nominated, a ballot is printed for each class and students are given a specified time period during which they may vote. The ballots are counted by at least two members of the DCC and the results posted.

L.H. Taylor Society for Women Dentists

The L. H. Taylor Society for Women Dentists was named after the first female dental graduate and was organized in 1991. The purpose of the club is to provide opportunities for educational enrichment and support among group members; to assist in the advancement of dental education through interaction between students, faculty, and other professionals; to create a socially interactive atmosphere where members may share experiences and ideas; to educate dental students by having guest speakers who can provide practical information regarding business and patient management. Each class of students has elected student governement officers which includes: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Historian.

Hispanic Student Dental Association (HSDA)

The objectives of the HSDA are: to promote a viable academic and social environment and to contribute to the welfare of Hispanic dental students; to provide a voice for the Hispanic dental students at the University of Florida College of Dentistry; to educate and involve its members in the social, moral, and ethical obligations of the profession of dentistry; to promote the oral health to all people with an emphasis on the Hispanic community; and to stimulate interest and encourage entry of Hispanics into oral health careers.

Student National Dental Association (SNDA)

The SNDA was founded in 1972 in Nashville. The organization is affiliated with the National Dental Association which was the first organized form of dentistry in the United States. The goals of SNDA are to promote oral health in minorities as well as provide support for academic and professional success of its members.

Dental Fraternities

There are three active professional fraternities at the University of Florida College of Dentistry: Delta Sigma Delta, Alpha Omega, and Psi Omega. Membership in fraternities is purely voluntary and provides community and University services as well as professional and social activities.