Student Organizations

To explore the dental student organizations for the ECU School of Dental Medicine, please visit our The Pirate Experience website.

Art and Aesthetic Dentistry (AAD)

The organization is dedicated to using the art of dentistry to enhance student learning and growth, blending aesthetic dentistry, art, and cosmetic dentistry in a fun and educational environment. As a special interest club of the AACD, it aims to develop students’ visual and hand-motor skills while fostering attention to detail in dentistry. Through diverse artistic platforms such as painting, sketching, waxing, photography, pottery, and social events, the club bridges the gap between art and dental education. By inviting speakers from the AACD and practicing aesthetic dentists from throughout the world, it provides valuable insights and expertise. The club seeks to support the school’s mission with recurring after-hours and weekend events to teach cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry tips, tricks, and techniques.

Dental Student Government

The purpose of the Dental Student Government is to provide a self-governing body that represents the students of the School of Dental Medicine and guide in all academic, social, and other affairs. Its function is to accommodate the needs and address the concerns of the student body and will facilitate communication between and among students, faculty, and different organizations throughout the dental school community. The DSG works to devise, develop, and implement projects that will work towards the advancement of the good of the SoDM community and the profession overall.

ECU American Association of Public Health Dentistry (AAPHD)

The purpose of AAPHD is to create awareness of public health dentistry among future dental professionals and to manifest these practices in the community through service. Membership benefits of this organization include opportunities to attend guest speaker events, explore the public health Dentistry specialty, connect with likeminded dental students, and engage with the community.

ECU American Student Dental Association (ASDA)

The ECU American Student Dental Association is a student-run organization that protects and advances the rights, interests, and welfare of dental students. It introduces students to lifelong involvement in organized dentistry and provides services, information, education, representation and advocacy. All students at ECU’s School of Dental Medicine are ASDA members.

ECU Hispanic Student Dental Association (HSDA)

The Hispanic Student Dental Association (HSDA) Chapter aims to create a unified voice for oral health students and faculty and seeks to promote and advance the oral health issues of the Hispanic community in Greenville and Eastern North Carolina.

ECU SoDM Military Club

The mission of the ECU School of Dental Medicine Military Club is to provide support, mentorship and resources to military dental students, veterans, future military personnel, and military dependents. To aid in the mental and physical adaptations required to transition from life as a civilian to life as a military dentist, provide information for aspiring dental students interested in pursuing a career in military dentistry, and improve the surrounding community through volunteer service.

ECU Student National Dental Association (SNDA)

The Student National Dental Association (SNDA) has had a longstanding goal for over 40 years to promote, aid and support the academic and social environment of minority students. SNDA strives to establish opportunities for its members to develop stronger alliances amongst one another while developing a sense of community, aiding in the advancement of minority students within the field of dentistry. SNDA provides great opportunities to hone leadership skills on both a national and local level.

Interdisciplinary Oral Medicine Study Club (IOMSC)

The purpose of this organization is to integrate medicine and dentistry in order to promote optimal health in the patients we see by increasing professional and public awareness of the field of Oral Medicine and by educating health professional students on advances, patient care, and research in Oral Medicine. The organization will seek out opportunities and activities including, but not limited to, observations of various postgraduate programs (primarily in hospital settings), case presentations and discussions, participating in research activities, attending professional conferences, and guest speakers.

LGBTQIA+Dental

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Study Club at ECU

The mission of this organization is to facilitate understanding of oral and maxillofacial surgery as a dental/medical specialty, and to educate interested students on the kinds of procedures and research that an oral and maxillofacial surgeon will be expected to perform. The organization’s goals include educating students on the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery, facilitating CBSE preparation, pursuit of externships, and the application process in preparation for applying to an oral maxillofacial residency, educating students on oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures, and presenting opportunities to students interested in OMS-Anesthesia that will help them navigate their decision on whether they should specialize.

Orofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Medicine Club

The Orofacial Pain and Dental Sleep Medicine Club at ECU School of Dental Medicine is a dynamic student organization dedicated to advancing knowledge and expertise in orofacial pain management and dental sleep medicine. Our club fosters a collaborative environment where students can explore the latest research, techniques, and treatments in these specialized fields through seminars, workshops, and hands-on experiences. We aim to empower future dental professionals with the skills and understanding necessary to address the complex needs of patients suffering from orofacial pain and sleep-related disorders.

Prenatal Oral Health Club

The mission of this club is to connect pregnant women in Greenville and their children to dental care they need. This will include educating both health team providers as well as their patients on the safety and importance of dental treatment during pregnancy. The ultimate objective is to promote oral health and health care for both mothers and children and to foster relationships between dental students, pregnant women, and medical providers through educational presentations, referral partnerships, and patient education resources.

SoDM Running Club

Our organization’s mission is to connect dental students via physical fitness. Community engagement and fundraising to support the community are also key parts of our mission. Membership benefits include increasing the wellbeing of ECU School of Dental Medicine students via organized running. All levels are welcome – there is a space for everyone here!

Special Care Dentistry Association (SDCA)

Special Care Dentistry Association (SCDA) is a unique international organization of oral health professionals and other individuals who are dedicated to promoting oral health and wellbeing for people with special needs.

Sports Dentistry Club at ECU

The purpose of this organization is to give dental students interested in Sports Dentistry the opportunity to work with local athletic departments and/or on-staff dentists to learn what it’s like to be the official dentist of a sports team. Sports dentistry is the branch of sports medicine dealing with prevention and treatment of dental injuries and oral diseases associated with sports and exercise. Members may attend a variety of seminars, along with games and/or practices, to gain experience and insight on the field.

Student Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (SAAPD)

The mission of this organization is to promote a better understanding and appreciation of dentistry for children among dental students at East Carolina University. In addition, we strive to promote oral health and oral health care for children and to foster relationships between dental students and the professional and lay communities through educational presentations, screenings and public health dental service projects supported by the ECU School of Dental Medicine in Greenville and the ECU School of Dental Medicine Community Service Learning Centers throughout North Carolina.

Student Professionalism and Ethics Association (SPEA)

The Student Professionalism and Ethics Association in Dentistry is a national, student-driven association that was established to promote and support students’ lifelong commitment to ethical behavior in order to benefit the patients they serve and to further the dental profession.

Student Research Group

The Student Research Group at the East Carolina School of Dental Medicine plays a vital role in fostering a culture of inquiry and innovation among dental students. The group advocates to create opportunities for students to engage in research, enhance their critical thinking skills, and contribute to advancements in dental science. This advocacy also includes executive participation in faculty meetings and ECU’s Celebration of Research and Scholarship (CORAS). Involvement in research and club events not only enriches students’ academic experiences, but also prepares them to be leaders in the dental profession, capable of integrating evidence-based practices into patient care.

Women in Dentistry (WID)

The mission of this organization is to create a supportive environment for the advancement of East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine female dental students through mentorship and collaboration, to facilitate professional growth through collaboration and service, and to empower all women to succeed in their endeavors.