Students named to national ASDA leadership roles

Two dental students from UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry have been selected to serve in national leadership positions with the American Student Dental Association for the 2026-27 term.

Two dental students from UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry have been selected to serve in national leadership positions with the American Student Dental Association for the 2026-27 term.

Hunter Walker, a second-year dental student, was elected as District 10 trustee, and Tanvi Gupta, a first-year, was appointed as an editorial board contributing editor.

Walker’s election took place during ASDA’s Annual Session, while Gupta’s appointment was made during the association’s Board of Trustees meeting in January. Both selections reflect a competitive national process and highlight the students’ leadership and professional engagement within organized dentistry.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to step into organized dentistry and to use my voice to help shape the future of our profession,” Walker said. “I’m continually inspired by the caliber of dental students in our country and honored to both learn from and represent this group of leaders.”

As District 10 trustee, Walker will serve on ASDA’s Board of Trustees and represent dental students from Texas and neighboring states, including Louisiana and New Mexico. In this role, he will help guide the strategic direction of the association, contribute to policy discussions, and support initiatives that advance ASDA’s mission.

Gupta was selected as an editorial board contributing editor from a highly qualified pool of national candidates. In the position, Gupta will assist with ASDA publications and contribute to the organization’s communications and educational outreach efforts throughout the year.

ASDA leaders expressed appreciation for UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry’s continued support of student involvement at the national level and praised the school for fostering leadership development among its students.

Founded in 1971, ASDA represents nearly 25,000 dental students nationwide and serves as a leading advocate for dental education, professional development, and student leadership.