The West Virginia University School of Dentistry chapter of the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) has been selected as runner-up for the organization’s Gold Crown Chapter Award. The award winners were announced during the ASDA Annual Session this spring.
The Gold Crown Awards program recognizes the efforts of chapters across the U.S. to support ASDA’s mission through student-led programming. By addressing six categories – member engagement, community service, advocacy, health and wellness, member communications and professional development and leadership – chapters demonstrate the strengths and values that their members bring to ASDA.
To be selected for the Gold Crown Chapter Award, chapters must excel in all six categories. The winner was selected from 11 district finalists representing 63 dental schools. WVU is part of District 7 along with all other schools located in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio.
In their submission, ASDA leadership at WVU highlighted activities and initiatives Doctor of Dental Surgery students participated in throughout the previous year.
To increase member engagement, the group focused on fostering a sense of community for incoming and returning students. Various activities included an ice cream social, exercise classes, professional headshots and a field day competition.
Working to serve the local community, the students especially enjoyed engaging with residents at Rosenbaum Family House. They prepared a meal for the residents and learned more about their journeys. Located on the WVU Health Sciences Campus, the facility houses individuals experiencing a medical crisis in their family.
As part of their advocacy efforts, the students hosted lunch and learn sessions and other educational activities throughout the year that culminated with an Advocacy Trivia Night. The event created a fun learning environment, increasing the students’ confidence to engage in advocacy efforts.
Recognizing the importance of balancing academic demands with personal wellness, the group participated in a series events addressing the multi-dimensions aspects of well-being. Lunch and learn sessions included topics such as burnout, financial wellness and ergonomics. They also engaged in outdoor activities, cooking classes and reading challenges. The variety of offerings were designed to emphasize the importance of integrating wellness into daily life, ensuring a sustainable approach to personal and professional success.
The annual Career Fair is one of the most successful initiatives that fosters professional and leadership development among ASDA members and other students within the school. The event provides an invaluable opportunity for dental students to engage with potential employers, network with professionals and gain insights into career opportunities.
Through social media, the group enhances member communication to help meet the goals of the other Gold Crown Award categories. Utilizing the chapter’s Instagram account, @westvirginia.asda, members are kept informed of upcoming events and engaged with various ASDA activities.
Watch the WVU chapter’s video submission on YouTube.
All Doctor of Dental Surgery students invited to participate in the school’s ASDA chapter.
Photo at top: WVU ASDA leadership members Keer Arjuna, Chris VonScio and Jaclyn Montag represented the School of Dentistry at the national organization's annual session where the group was announced as runner-up for the Gold Crown Award.
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jw/6/17/25
CONTACT: Jessica Wilmoth
Director of Marketing and Communications
WVU School of Dentistry | WVU Dental