ASDA partnered with our local SNDA and ADEA chapters to host SNDA’s Annual
Impression conference. We were in charge of the Simulation Lab portion of the event
where we had 130 pre-dental students practice drilling on Learn-a-preps and pour up
a model of a typodont tooth. There were dental student volunteers from different
classes walking around and talking to the pre-dental students. Several pre-dental
students got a chance to have one-on-one conversations with UCSF dental students
and exchange experiences. This is the goal of our pre-dental events because we
believe that the most valuable advice is usually passed on with personal interactions.
​
We introduced a new part to the simulation lab experience this year by creating a
small Dental toolkit exhibit, where we placed our dental kits on display for each
specialty. We had a kit for Operative, Crown and Bridge, Prosthodontics,
Endodontics, and Periodontics. Pre-dental students were able to see what kind of
instruments we use in simlab and ultimately in clinic, this allowed them to gain
another perspective on what dental school is about. Photos and videos were
encouraged and several predental students enjoyed looking at the kits. We also had
a few volunteers stationed here to answer any questions as well as provide a quick
overview on how each set of instruments were utilized.

“One book review characterizes Mary Otto's Teeth as a story with familiar villains - the culpable parties
that created and maintain the striking gap in dental care need between the rich and poor. Mary
Otto's UCSF presentation was not at all a tale of villains, replete with blame hurling and finger
wagging. While making no excuses for powerful forces that perpetuate inequality, what she placed
front and center of her calm, measured story telling was the suffering and inhumanity of dental pain
with no clear path to relief. In focusing on people who deserve our empathy, Mary Otto more
powerfully motivated us to advocate for change.” – Dr. Benjamin W. Chaffee, DDS MPH PhD, Division
of Oral Epidemiology & Dental Public Health

“The interdisciplinary event hosting Mary Otto was a wonderful way for students and faculty to have a
discussion about oral health inequality in America. Very few schools have had the opportunity to have
discussions such as these and I believe the event was incredibly informative and thought-provoking.
I’ve learned so much from Mary Otto’s book, but even more so from meeting her in person. I see these
issues in a new light, particularly after starting clinic and opening up these conversations. I’m
absolutely hoping for more opportunities like these in the future.” – Priyanka Srivastava, D3
​
"Mary Otto's quietly and humbly delivered talk underscored the overlooked and urgent nature of oral
healthcare inequalities; her careful and sensitive reporting on stories told by those affected by today's
health care system was illuminating. As a young and inexperienced dental student, it was incredibly
informative to have light shed on the issue of nationwide disparity in oral health care." - Wesley Kao,
D1