Other Information

Special Programs and Services

Simulation Laboratories

Two state-of-the-art laboratories allow students and practicing dentists to learn the latest in dental procedures under close-to-actual clinic situations. One is a simulation laboratory with 84 stations; the other is a benchtop laboratory with 100 stations. They help students to transition easily from pre-clinical studies to the actual treatment of patients. They also allow students experiencing problems in the clinic to go back to simulation and correct their deficiencies. Each station is complete with hand pieces, water sprays, operator and assistant instruments, lights, mannequin heads that closely match the clinical situation. In addition, the laboratory contains TV monitors and other equipment to aid in the educational process.

Externship Program

Beginning in the summer between the third and fourth years of the Program in Dentistry, students have the opportunity to expand dental knowledge and/or clinical skills in hospitals and dental schools around the country. Externship opportunities allow students to be exposed to areas of interest and other specialties.  The externship program is a tremendous learning experience that provides lasting benefits for all participants.

Student Government

In recognition of the need for an instrument to provide a forum for student debates, and opinion, and to provide an orderly method of dialogue between administration, faculty, and student body, the students of the LSUSD are members of the Student Government Association (SGA).

SGA consists of an elected Executive Council: president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer.  Additionally, SGA has one elected representative from each class in addition to president, vice president, secretary and treasurer of each class in the dental, dental hygiene, and dental laboratory technology programs.  Elections are held annually in April. First-year class elections are held within a reasonable time following the start of the academic year.  Temporary officers will serve until formal elections.

Honorary and Professional Groups

Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) Student Fellow Track Program/Affiliate of the Louisiana Academy of General Dentistry - The Fellow Track program is a student-driven organization dedicated to life-long learning.  AGD student members may earn up to 50 hours of continuing education credits toward their AGD Fellowship awarded after graduation.  The Fellow Track program sponsors continuing education classes and lunch and learns on a variety of subjects of interest to dental professionals.

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) Student Chapter - is an affiliate of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.  The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), founded in 1947, is the not-for-profit professional membership association representing the specialty of pediatric dentistry. Its 10,800 members put children first in everything they do, and at the highest standards of ethics and patient safety. Pediatric dentists provide care to millions of our nation’s infants, children, adolescents, and persons with special health care needs, and are the primary contributors to professional education programs and publications on pediatric oral health.  The AAPD, in accordance with its vision and mission, advocates optimal oral health for all children. It is the leading national advocate dedicated exclusively to children’s oral health. The AAPD Student Chapter serves as an interest group for students to learn more about pediatric dentistry. 

American Dental Education Association (ADEA) - devoted to the advancement of dental education, research and service. Student members receive benefits such as: ADEA Connect, the Dental Education Community Network, heightened visibility in academic industry, learning and professional development resources, award opportunities, education debt management material, and industry resources including a free subscription to the online version of ADEA’s renowned Journal of Dental Education.  Representatives from LSUSD are selected to serve on the Council of Students of the American Dental Education Association as the national voice and advocate for all students in the dental education community.

American Student Dental Association (ASDA) - is a national student-run organization that protects and advances the rights, interests, and welfare of dental students.  It represents students with a unified voice and provides information, education, advocacy, and services.  The association introduces students to lifelong involvement in organized dentistry and provides services, information, education, representation, and advocacy. Membership in ASDA is open and all pre-doctoral dental students are automatically enrolled. Executive Council positions are available with opportunities for committee chair positions and committee members.

C. Edmund Kells Honor Society - is a local honor society established in 1971 at LSUSD is named for New Orlean’s most famous dentist, Dr. Kells.  He is known as the first US dentist to take intraoral radiographs on a living person. The Kells Society is composed of students who excel academically throughout their dental school career. 

Delta Sigma Delta Professional Dental Fraternity and Psi Omega Professional Dental Fraternity - LSUSD offers membership in professional dental fraternities to promote the high ideals and standards of its profession; to advance the professional knowledge and welfare of its members; and to provide a medium through which its members, with a common interest, can develop everlasting friendships. Annual dues are assessed.

Muslim Students Association (MSA) - the organization is dedicated to build unity through diversity and education.  They aim to facilitate informative programs for people of all backgrounds, levels of knowledge and piety to learn about Islamic traditions and beliefs. MSA hopes to foster a tolerant, vibrant, and diverse community to provide representation for Muslim students and their interests at LSUD as well as actively engage the surrounding communities through education and civil service. 

Omicron Kappa Upsilon (Theta Kappa Chapter) - is a national dental honor society. Members, elected from the top 20 percent of the graduating class, show potential for professional growth and serve as examples among their peers. 

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) Interest Group - the organization is to help dental students learn more about the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery and to facilitate information about preparing to enter into a career in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Sigma Phi National Dental Hygiene Honor Society - the purpose of Sigma Phi Alpha is to promote, recognize, and honor scholarship, leadership, and service among dental hygiene graduates. Four students are chosen from the top 10% of the class.

Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association (SADHA) - is an affiliate of the American Dental Hygienist’s Association (ADHA). In addition to learning about the ADHA and benefits of being involved with professional membership, students participate in professional meetings and discussion groups locally, regionally, and nationally.  SADHA also celebrates National Dental Hygiene Month and provided various philanthropic activities throughout the year. 

Student National Dental Association (SNDA) - is the student organization of the National Dental Association.  SNDA was established in 1970 to promote, aid, and support the academic, moral, ethical and social environment of minority students. The SNDA is committed to the improvement of the delivery of dental health to all people, with an emphasis on minorities and the underserved.  It strives to establish opportunities for its members to develop stronger alliances amongst one another, all students, and develop a sense of community in the dental schools. SNDA is dedicated towards the enrollment and advancement of underrepresented minority and disadvantaged students within the field of dentistry.  The organization provides dental education, access to care information, and community service through various outreach efforts, with emphasis on the minorities and the undeserved.  Officers are elected and act as delegates to the SNDA’s House of Delegates.  

Student Professionalism and Ethics Association in Dentistry (SPEA) - is a national, student driven association that was established to promote and support a student’s lifelong commitment to ethical behavior in order to benefit the patients they serve and further the dental profession. 

Institutional Affiliations

The hospitals and other health-related institutions listed below are affiliated with the School of Dentistry for the training of students, postgraduates, and residents:

• Children’s Hospital, New Orleans
• University Medical Center-New Orleans
• Southern Regional Research Medical Center (Chabert)
• Veteran’s Affairs Hospital, New Orleans
• Veteran’s Affairs Hospital, Baton Rouge
• Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center
• Ochsner Clinic Foundation
• Carolina Center for Oral and Facial Surgery

Chemical Dependency Policy

Alcohol abuse and the illegal use or abuse of other drugs are associated with health, safety and social problems. Students may obtain assistance for alcohol and/or drug problems voluntarily through the LSUHSC Campus Assistance Program (CAP) or through an outside provider. School of Dentistry administration may formally refer a student to CAP for a substance abuse evaluation. Any student who refuses formal referral for evaluation and/or treatment for chemical dependency or who is unsuccessful in a treatment program for chemical dependency is subject to suspension from the School of Dentistry by the Dean. If a student returns to school after obtaining treatment for chemical dependency, the student will be given the opportunity to sign a Continuation of Enrollment Agreement with the School of Dentistry, which outlines continued compliance with chemical dependency treatment recommendations. Failure to comply with the terms of this agreement may result in termination from the School of Dentistry.