Student Life
Students at the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine enjoy many opportunities to enrich their educational experience through participation in a robust array of student organizations:
American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD)
The AAWD is the leading resource for advancing, connecting and enriching the lives of women dentists. Katherine Boente presently serves as the student contact and Drs. Kathy Shafer and Sara Whitener serve as the faculty sponsors.
American Student Dental Association (ASDA)
ASDA protects and advances the rights, interests and welfare of dental students across the nation. Jacob Bleyer presently serves as the student contact.
Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA)
The Christian Medical & Dental Associations (CMDA) is made up of the Christian Medical Association (CMA) and the Christian Dental Association (CDA). CMDA provides resources, networking opportunities, education and a public voice for Christian healthcare professionals and students. Blake Ferando and Alexander Boerckel presently serve as the student contacts and Dr. Sue Rieken serves as the faculty sponsor
Endo Study Club
As the name suggests, the Endo Study Club helps students study endodontics in a collaborative manner. Dr. Charles Poeschl serves as the faculty sponsor.
National Student Research Group (NSRG)
The American Association for Dental Research / National Student Research Group (NSRG) is a student-run organization whose main purpose is to foster an environment in every dental school whereby students interested in enriching their dental education through research are encouraged to do so. Nick Varney presently serves as the student contact and Dr. Asha Eapen serves as the faculty sponsor.
Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine Student Council
The SIU SDM Student Council represents the student body and serves to promote the general welfare of the student population; to provide the proper and adequate management of the student affairs; and to clarify the necessary and proper obligations and responsibilities to fellow professional students. The Student Council provides a means whereby all students may come together in mutual endeavor for the betterment of the SIU SDM. Student Council also serves as the collective official voice of the student population of the SIU SDM. Kasey Kirchner presently serves as the student contact and Dr. Cornell Thomas serves as the faculty sponsor.
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. Dr. Toni Roucka serves as the faculty sponsor.
Delta Sigma Delta (Delts)
Delta Sigma Delta is an organization of dentists and dental students brought together with the common goal of promoting excellence in the dental profession. Rachel Anderson presently serves as the student contact and Dr. Tyler Crews serves as the faculty sponsor.
Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU)
OKU was founded in 1914-admission and membership being limited to those dental students who have distinguished themselves by excellence in scholarship, while demonstrating exemplary traits of character and potential qualities for future professional growth and attainments. Dr. Debra Dixon serves as the faculty sponsor
Psi Omega (Psi-O)
The objectives of Psi-O are to maintain and advance the high standards of dentistry by instilling in its members the spirit of fraternal cooperation; and to exert its influence for the advancement of the dental profession in its methods of teaching, of practice, of research, of ethics and of jurisprudence. Tucker Smith and Eric Safranski serve as student contacts and Dr. John Hatton serves as the faculty sponsor.
Tau Sigma (Tri-Service) Military Dental Club
The Tri-Service club presently includes current and former military members from all branches of the military. The aim of the organization is to create a sense of familiarity amongst our members here on campus; prepare members for transition from student to service member; and obtain insight from members previously in the military. As the name suggests, service is a large goal of the club. The organization is presently involved in a program aimed to provide dental care to homeless veterans. Song Lim and Mikal Bell presently serve as the student contacts and Dr. Jeffrey Banker serves as the faculty sponsor.
Xi Psi Phi (Zips)
Xi Psi Phi is noted for promoting intellectual, moral and fellowship virtues among dental students and after they enter the practice of their profession. The ZIPs are well known for their College and Alumni Chapter functions and community involvement to promote dental health and goodwill. Brandon Yeager presently serves at the student contact and Dr. Keith Dickey serves as the faculty sponsor.
