Find Your Balance. Champion Your Wellness
September 2026 marks ASDA’s 10th Annual Wellness Month celebration. This year’s theme, Find Your Balance. Champion Your Wellness, invites members to reflect and take action toward a healthier, more balanced student experience. All month long, ASDA will spotlight the five wellness dimensions, including the newly recognized financial wellness dimension. ASDA will share resources, Wellness Wednesday prompts and inspiration from fellow students.
2026 Wellness Month Schedule & Resources
Each week, ASDA will highlight one of the five dimensions of wellness while providing opportunities to hear from fellow students, share wellness tips and explore dimension-specific resources.
Week 1 - Physical Wellness
Physical wellness is all about taking care of your body, so you feel your best. Your physical well-being plays an important role in your overall health and affects how you take on the demands of dental school and beyond.
Taking care of yourself physically is important because your health matters. It’s not just important for your success as a dental student, but for your overall well-being.
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ASDA’s asking members to join the conversation this week! Check our Instagram Story on Wednesday for this week’s wellness question or challenge, share your response for #WellnessWednesday, and see how other ASDA members are responding.
Week 2 - Emotional Wellness
Emotional wellness is about understanding and expressing your feelings, managing stress, and building healthy relationships. It involves practicing self-acceptance, maintaining a positive outlook, and recognizing when you may need support.
Dental school can be stressful and overwhelming. If you’re struggling, you don’t have to handle it alone. Reach out to someone you trust and ask for help getting connected to the right resources.
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ASDA’s asking members to join the conversation this week! Check our Instagram Story on Wednesday for this week’s wellness question or challenge, share your response for #WellnessWednesday, and see how other ASDA members are responding.
Week 3 - Intellectual Wellness
Intellectual wellness is about keeping your mind engaged and curious. It involves exploring new interests, engaging in creative and mentally stimulating activities, and finding opportunities to learn outside the classroom.
Dental school keeps you learning every day, but intellectual wellness goes beyond the classroom. By making time to explore your interests and try something new, you can keep your mind engaged and support your overall well-being.
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ASDA’s inviting members to join the conversation this week! Check our Instagram Story on Wednesday for this week’s wellness question or challenge, share your response for #WellnessWednesday, and see what other ASDA members have to say.
Week 4 - Occupational Wellness
Occupational wellness is about finding purpose, satisfaction and fulfillment in your work. It involves developing meaningful relationships, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, building skills and finding opportunities to grow in your career.
As a dental student, your career is a big part of your life, but it doesn't have to be your whole life. Finding balance, building supportive professional relationships and making time for interests outside of school can help you feel more engaged and fulfilled both now and in your future career.
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Try something new outside of your usual responsibilities. | Reflect on what you enjoy about your work or studies. | Make time for hobbies and interests outside of school or work. | Celebrate your accomplishments, big and small. | Connect with someone who can offer career advice or a new perspective. | Explore a career path or area of dentistry that interests you.
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Join ASDA in the conversation this week! Check our Instagram Story on Wednesday for this week’s wellness question or challenge, share your response for #WellnessWednesday, and see how other ASDA members are participating.
Week 5 - Financial Wellness
Financial Wellness is ASDA’s new wellness dimension this year. Financial wellness is about understanding and managing your money so you can support your current needs and reach your future goals.
Managing finances during dental school can feel overwhelming, especially while balancing tuition, living expenses and everyday responsibilities. Financial wellness isn’t about having unlimited money, it’s about understanding your financial situation, setting goals, and making a plan that works for you.
Follow ASDA on Instagram (@dentalstudents) and be part of the conversation as insights and ideas are shared to help every member champion their wellness journey.
Wellness Month is supported by ADA Insurance, brokered by Alliant.
Learn more about how Alliant can support your financial wellness.
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Resources shared in conjunction with ASDA's 5 Dimensions of Wellness and ASDA Wellness Month are for general informational and educational purposes only. They are not medical, mental health, financial, legal or other professional advice, and using them does not create a professional relationship of any kind.
This information may not reflect the most current research or guidelines. Before making decisions about your health, well-being or finances, please talk to a qualified professional or trusted advisor who knows your situation.
ASDA does not endorse any third-party products, services or providers referenced in these resources. You use these materials at your own risk, and ASDA and its officers, directors, employees and volunteers are not responsible for any loss or harm that results.
These resources are for ASDA members only and are not intended for the benefit of, or reliance by, patients or other third parties.