The Council on Professional Issues serves the association as a resource on community engagement, dental outreach and other pandemic/epidemic implications that may arise. Additionally, the council is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives among dental students.

The council comprises one Chair, two Council Associates, and one Board Liaison.

  • The council chair supervises and directs the activities of the council and facilitates council meetings.
  • Council associates serve as members of a council and participate in all council activities.

2024-25 Council on Professional Issues

  • Council chair: Gabriela Rodriguez, LECOM ’25
  • Council associate: Shivani Iyer, Pennsylvania ’26
  • Council associate: Dominique Vickers, Tufts ’26
  • Board Liaison: Michelle Chiang, Los Angeles ’25
  • Staff liaison: Abbie Treado
Position Descriptions

Council on Professional Issues Chair

Term Length: Annual Session 2024 - Annual Session 2025
Eligibility Requirements

  1. Must be an active predoctoral member at the time of application and throughout the term of office.
  2. Must be able to attend all required meetings listed below and conference calls when necessary.
  3. Will complete projects or resolutions assigned by the House of Delegates or Board of Trustees.
  4. Must be able to complete assignments and responsibilities by the established deadline.
  5. Experience serving on the Council on Professional Issues is strongly preferred.

Estimated Time Commitment

Estimated time commitment is 4 hours/month which includes council calls and action items. Certain months may require more time such as planning for Week of Service, reviewing Dentistry in the Community Grant applications, and reviewing Community Builder of the Year nominations.

Meetings
Must attend and actively participate in the following meetings:

  • April 13-14, 2024: In-person Spring Council Meeting (Chicago, IL)
  • September 21-22, 2024: Fall Council Meeting (Virtual)
  • February 28 - March 2, 2025: In-person ASDA Annual Session (Kansas City, MO)

National leaders must participate fully (whether it be virtual or in-person) in council business via email, meet deadlines, and attend all council calls.

Funding for required in-person meetings includes: transportation to/from meetings, meals, hotel accommodations, a per diem based on the length of the meeting and reimbursement for baggage fees.

Responsibilities

Community outreach strategy

  • Bridges the gap between local, district and national community engagement or outreach leaders
  • Develops resources for chapters to utilize for community engagement or outreach initiatives
  • Works closely with staff to establish annual community outreach objectives.

Council management

  • Supervises the activities of the Council on Professional Issues.
  • Approves all council meeting agendas and minutes.
  • Mentors council associates.
  • Assists with orientation and transition of new council members.

 

Council on Professional Issues Associate

Term Length: Annual Session 2024 - Annual Session 2025
Eligibility Requirements

  1. Must be an active predoctoral member at the time of application and throughout the term of office.
  2. Must be able to attend all required meetings listed below and conference calls when necessary.
  3. Will complete projects or resolutions assigned by the House of Delegates or Board of Trustees.
  4. Must be able to complete assignments and responsibilities by established deadlines.

Estimated Time Commitment

Estimated time commitment is 3 hours/month which includes council calls and action items. Certain months may require more time such as planning for Week of Service, reviewing Dentistry in the Community Grant applications, and reviewing Community Builder of the Year nominations.

Meetings
Must attend and actively participate in the following meetings:

  • April 13-14, 2024: In-person Spring Council Meeting (Chicago, IL)
  • September 21-22, 2024: Fall Council Meeting (Virtual)

National leaders must participate fully (whether it be virtual or in-person) in council business via email, meet deadlines, and attend all council calls.

Funding for required in-person meetings includes: transportation to/from meetings, meals, hotel accommodations, a per diem based on the length of the meeting and reimbursement for baggage fees.

Responsibilities

  • Bridges the gap between local, district and national community engagement or outreach leaders
  • Develops resources for chapters to utilize for community engagement or outreach initiatives.
  • Works closely with staff to establish annual community outreach objectives.

 

Annual Report
2023-24 Council on Professional Issues Annual Report