DCG students earn national recognition for advocacy efforts

The Dental College of Georgia’s chapter of the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) has earned national recognition for its advocacy efforts. 

At the 2024 ASDA Southeastern conference in Nashville, Tennessee, AU’s chapter won the Gold Crown Award, which recognizes chapters for member engagement and value, community service, advocacy, health and wellness, professional development and leadership. The chapter also earned the Outstanding Advocacy Involvement Award. 

“We had a very audacious goal this year to increase our chapter’s involvement in advocacy,” said Kellie Soafer, chapter president. “We implemented new initiatives at the DCG. These included lunch-and-learns about advocacy, a voter registration drive, education about student disability and life insurance through ASDA/ADA, and encouraging involvement with State and National Lobby Days. This award was given due to our hard work.” 

In addition to the overall chapter awards, the ASDA also recognized Soafer for her leadership.  

The ASDA is a national student-run organization that protects and advances the interests of dental students. All DCG students are considered members of the AU chapter. AU ASDA hosts yearly vendor fairs, a formal, golf tournament and more.