The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine’s (SIU SDM) Alexandra Nash has been appointed as an editorial board contributing editor by the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) for 2018-19. Nash received the appointment at the January meeting of the ASDA Board of Trustees.
“I am thankful for this appointment, and look forward to representing both my class and school on a national level,” said Nash, a Lebanon native.
Nash was elected in August 2017 to a four-year term as the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) Representative for the SDM Class of 2021. Later in the fall 2017 semester, the SDM’s fourth-year representative asked if Nash would be interested in writing for ASDA’s print publication, Contour, and she eventually wrote two articles. After thoroughly enjoying the experience, she asked a then-contributing editor about becoming more involved, and he encouraged her to apply for the contributing editor position.
Nash completed an application process consisting of several essay questions focused on her leadership concepts and the skills she possesses to be an editorial board member, including past experiences that equipped her for the job. She also submitted three pieces featuring different writing styles.
Nash is now one of five contributing editors on the editorial board that is also comprised of the editor-in-chief and two electronic editors. Contributing editors are responsible for recruiting and contacting authors for publications, and writing articles as needed along with various other duties.
Nash is looking forward to working with and learning from her fellow editors, as well as dental students across the country to both uncover and share hot topics within the profession. “While all of my fellow classmates are enrolled in ASDA, I would like to boost our local chapter’s involvement and excitement for ASDA and organized dentistry,” she said. “I plan to increase communication with other chapter leaders to fulfill these goals.”
Dedication to giving back to both her community and her profession is a motivational force for Nash. “I can see myself getting involved with both the American Dental Association (ADA) and Illinois State Dental Society (ISDS) after graduation,” she said. “I have had opportunities to volunteer and actively participate as both a dental student and dental assistant through events such as Give Kids A Smile Day and Illinois Mission of Mercy.”
“While many dental students have the opportunity to become involved in the local chapters of their professional organizations, fewer are able to become active on the national level,” said SDM Dean Bruce Rotter, DMD. “Fewer still are availed the opportunity to enter leadership at the national level. Accepting such a position places Alexandra in a select group of dental students.
“The opportunities she will have will help to build her experience level, exposure and credibility within the profession. I have every confidence that she is up to the task. Her involvement also positively reflects on the School of Dental Medicine. She has the opportunity to become yet another successful student ambassador for the School.”
The ASDA is a national student-run organization that attempts to protect and advance the rights, interests and welfare of students pursuing careers in dentistry. It introduces students to lifelong involvement in organized dentistry and provides services, information, education, recreation, representation and limited amounts of advocacy.
ASDA was established to connect, support and advance the needs of dental students. ASDA represents 90 percent of all students from 66 U.S. dental schools. Since 2011, dental student membership has averaged more than 19,000.
Photo: Alexandra Nash, SIU School of Dental Medicine first-year student.