Three GSDM Students Attend AAWD Conference

The Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) was again well represented at a nationwide conference of leading dentists in the field. Haley Harris DMD 20, Julia Hadley DMD 18 and Laura Callan DMD 20 attended the American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD) Annual Conference on Amelia Island, Florida from September 22-23, 2017. The conference is designed to bring together women leaders who are either practicing or retired dentists and dental students to meet, share ideas, learn about practice management, balance in work and home, and to create a community.

The Annual Conference for AAWD also helps dental professionals and dental students earn CE credit. Specifically, the three of GSDM students attended lectures on how to effectively communicate with different personalities in the office; the use of Botox to treat TMD and Myofascial Pain; Effective Insurance Negotiation; and Motivational Interviewing: Achieving Sustainable Behavior Change. The trio also attended an awards dinner to celebrate the new board members of AAWD, women who won research awards; and other students nominated for awards.

Other lectures available included “Leadership, Wealth and Balance for Women in Dentistry”; “CEREC Implant Crowns in a Day”; and “How Laser Frenectomies Affect Breastfeeding.” The ultimate goal is to create an environment for communication between similar minds, and a stronger practice and life.

“I think it is important for students to go to AAWD events in order to be a part of organized dentistry, but also to meet and have conversations with similar women in dentistry who are facing the same challenges as you,” said Laura Callan DMD 20.

The GSDM chapter of the American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD) offers students the opportunity for personal and professional growth through association and collaboration with women in the profession, while supporting the goals of the national chapter to aid in the advancement of women in dentistry and to promote the fundamentals of good oral health.  Additionally, AAWD works to develop mentoring relationships between its members and faculty. Julia Hadley DMD 18 is the GSDM AAWD chapter President, Laura Callan DMD 20 serves as the Secretary, and Haley Harris DMD 20 is the current GSDM AAWD Community Outreach Chair.

“Thank you to our AAWD chapter members who represented GSDM at the Conference. The work of the AAWD for our women students and faculty is invaluable and continues to impress me and our School community,” said Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter.