In This Section

Wellness Month 2026 Webpage Banner (1)

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. 

Explore 

  • New to ASDA’s five dimensions of wellness? Learn more about how they work together to support your well-being here. 


See it in Practice  

  • Take a look at ASDA’s Instagram throughout the week to see how ASDA members are encouraged to prioritize their physical wellness.


Try it out  

  •  Take screen breaks every 30 minutes. | Set a hydration goal and stick to it. |Keep a consistent sleep schedule. | Take a short walk between tasks or on your lunch break.| Spend time outdoors each day.  

  • Looking for more? Find more physical wellness tips here.


Share 

  • 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. 

Explore 

  • New to ASDA’s five dimensions of wellness? Learn more about how they work together to support your well-being here. 

 

See it in Practice 

  • Take a look at ASDA’s Instagram throughout the week to see how ASDA members are encouraged to prioritize their emotional wellness.

 

Try it Out 

  • Make time for something you enjoy each day. | Make time to connect with friends, family or classmates. | Take a few minutes to practice deep breathing or another stress-management technique. | Set aside time to unplug and recharge. | Talk to someone you trust when you need support. 

  • Looking for more? Find more emotional wellness tips here.


Share 

  • 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. 

Explore 

  • New to ASDA’s five dimensions of wellness? Learn more about how they work together to support your well-being here. 

 

See it in Practice 

  • Take a look at ASDA’s Instagram throughout the week to see how ASDA members are encouraged to prioritize their intellectual wellness.

 

Try it out 

  • Learn a new skill just for fun. | Try a puzzle, crossword or brain teaser. | Have a conversation with someone who has a different perspective. | Explore a new podcast or documentary. | Try cooking a new recipe or exploring a new cuisine. 


  • Looking for more? Find more intellectual wellness tips here.  

 

Share 

  • 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. 

Explore 

  • New to ASDA’s five dimensions of wellness? Learn more about how they work together to support your well-being here.  

 

See it in Practice 

  • Take a look at ASDA’s Instagram throughout the week to see how ASDA members are encouraged to prioritize their occupational wellness.

 

Try it Out 

  • 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. 

 

  • Looking for more? Find more occupational wellness tips here.

 

Share 

  • 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. 

 

Explore 

  • New to ASDA’s five dimensions of wellness? Learn more about how they work together to support your well-being here. 

 

See it in Practice 

  • Take a look at ASDA’s Instagram throughout the week to see how ASDA members are encouraged to prioritize their financial wellness.

 

Try it out 

  • Track your spending for a week. |Review your subscriptions and recurring expenses. | Plan meals and make a grocery list before shopping. | Learn more about your student loans and repayment options. | Have a no-spend day. 

  • Looking for more? Find more financial wellness tips here.

Share 

  • Ready for a challenge? Check ASDA’s Instagram Story on Wednesday for this week’s financial wellness challenge, share your response and see what other ASDA members would choose. 

 

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.