The Council on Professional Issues serves the association as a resource on community engagement, dental outreach and other pandemic/epidemic implications that may arise. Additionally, the council is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives among dental students.

The council comprises one Chair, two Council Associates, and two Board Liaisons.

  • The council chair supervises and directs the activities of the council and facilitates council meetings.
  • Council associates serve as members of a council and participate in all council activities.

2025-26 Council on Professional Issues

  • Council Chair: Dominique Vickers, Tufts ‘26
  • Council Associate: Benjamin Hung, Maryland ‘26
  • Council Associate: Jalen Rusen, Arizona ‘27
  • Immediate Past President: Samarth Setru, Pennsylvania ‘25
  • Board Liaison: Colby Dean, Tufts ‘26
  • Board Liaison: Miguel Ortiz Gonzalez, Meharry ‘26
  • Staff Liaison: Sarah Murphy, MNA, CAE
Required meetings for Council on Professional Issues Chair
Required meetings for Council on Professional Issues Associates
Position Descriptions

Council on Professional Issues Chair

Term Length: Annual Session 2025 - Annual Session 2026
Eligibility Requirements

  1. Must be an active predoctoral member at the time of application and throughout the term of office.
  2. Must be able to attend all required meetings and conference calls when necessary.
  3. Will complete projects or resolutions assigned by the House of Delegates or Board of Trustees.
  4. Must be able to complete assignments and responsibilities by the established deadline.
  5. Experience serving on the Council on Professional Issues is strongly preferred.

Estimated Time Commitment

Estimated time commitment is 4 hours/month which includes council calls and action items. Certain months may require more time such as planning for Service Month, planning for D&I week, reviewing Dentistry in the Community Grant applications, and reviewing Community Builder of the Year nominations.

Required Meetings
Please refer to the PDF schedule listed above for all required meetings for the Council on Professional Issues Chair.

Responsibilities

Community outreach strategy

  • Bridges the gap between local, district and national community engagement or outreach leaders.
  • Develops resources for chapters to utilize for community engagement or outreach initiatives.
  • Works closely with staff to establish annual community outreach objectives.

Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

  • Supports and encourages equity for all students within dental education.
  • Work with staff to develop and implement educational programs and resources that raise awareness about unconscious bias, cultural competency, and the benefits of diversity in the dental profession.
  • Encourage communication and collaboration with dental schools, dental associations, and policymakers to foster an inclusive environment within the dental profession.

Council management

  • Supervises the activities of the Council on Professional Issues.
  • Approves all council meeting agendas and minutes.
  • Mentors council associates.
  • Assists with orientation and transition of new council members.

 

Council on Professional Issues Associate

Term Length: Annual Session 2025 - Annual Session 2026
Eligibility Requirements

  1. Must be an active predoctoral member at the time of application and throughout the term of office.
  2. Must be able to attend all required meetings and conference calls when necessary.
  3. Will complete projects or resolutions assigned by the House of Delegates or Board of Trustees.
  4. Must be able to complete assignments and responsibilities by established deadlines.

Estimated Time Commitment

Estimated time commitment is 3 hours/month which includes council calls and action items. Certain months may require more time such as planning for Service Month, planning for D&I Week, reviewing Dentistry in the Community Grant applications, and reviewing Community Builder of the Year nominations.

Required Meetings
Please refer to the PDF schedule listed above for all required meetings for the Council on Professional Issues Associates.

Responsibilities

  • Bridges the gap between local, district and national community engagement or outreach leaders.
  • Develops resources for chapters to utilize for community engagement or outreach initiatives.
  • Works closely with staff to establish annual community outreach objectives.
  • Supports and encourages equity for all students within dental education.
Annual Report
2024-25 Council on Professional Issues Annual Report