SNDA named 2025 National Small Chapter of the Year

The Zeb F. Poindexter Chapter of the Student National Dental Association at UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry has been recognized as the 2025 National Small Chapter of the Year.

The award marks the second time the School of Dentistry has won the SNDA National Small Chapter of the Year, having received it just last year, and the organization seeks to use the accolade to enhance the mission of the SNDA in Houston.

Members of the chapter attended the 53rd Annual SNDA National Convention in July, where they were presented with the award in front of their peers from other chapters across the country.

“Winning National Small Chapter of the Year for a second year in a row shows not only our school, but also prospective students, that while we may be small, we are mighty,” said Nicole Akukoro, third-year dental student and president of the SNDA chapter, speaking about the win at the SNDA Interest Meeting on Aug. 19.

“We may not have the largest membership or the most resources, but the community we’ve built on campus, along with the support of our faculty and alumni, has proven once again that we’re capable of achieving big goals.”

The SNDA promotes, aids, and supports the academic and social environment of minority students. The association strives to establish opportunities for its members to develop stronger alliances amongst one another while developing a sense of community, aiding in the advancement of minority students within the field of dentistry.

The organization’s annual Impressions Day stood out as the chapter’s cornerstone event for outreach and engagement.

A student-led event, Impressions Day introduces predental students from diverse backgrounds to hands-on experiences that showcase the clinical training, academic environment, and community involvement at the School of Dentistry.

“Having out biggest staple at Impressions Day was definitely a moment that solidified our impact,” said Alhagie Jallow, past president of the SNDA chapter. “We had record numbers sign up and thus had to have a lot of volunteers and activities to make it fulfilling to the attendees.”

“The planning we did in the weeks leading up to the event all came to be worth it as we received amazing feedback.”

The chapter believes that events like these not only help them achieve the national recognition, but also grows awareness for outside organizations to sponsor future endeavors. The organization hopes to build on last year’s growth and offer more engagement opportunities for its members.

Akukoro says that her vision for the organization extends beyond adding another trophy to display, but rather to use the influx of national recognition to inspire prospective minority students to apply to the School of Dentistry and make a difference as SNDA members.

“Being part of SNDA has been one of the most invaluable parts of my dental school journey,” she said. “Dental school is undeniably challenging, but through this organization I’ve found not only encouragement, but also a strong sense of community and camaraderie that makes the difficult days easier.”

“My true goal is that one day, we won’t just be recognized as the Small Chapter of the Year, but as the Medium or even Large Chapter of the Year, reflecting the growth and reach of our organization.”

Students interested in joining the School of Dentistry’s SNDA chapter can contact [email protected]. SNDA hosts monthly meetings and has opportunities to network with other members through various Lunch and Learns, as well as socials throughout the upcoming semester.