Curious about how dentistry intersects with the broader world of public health? Our Exploring Public Health in Dentistry Interview Series offers an inside look at the diverse career paths available in dental public health—from research and policy to advocacy and community-based care. This series connects predoctoral dental students with real-world stories, challenges, and opportunities that shape oral health at the population level. Whether you’re charting your future career pathways or simply exploring what’s possible, these interative sessions help you weave public health into your evolving dental career.

These virtual sessions are recorded and made vailable for on-demand access through the AIDPH Academy platform. The intent is to foster connections between students and experienced public health professionals, offering insights into real-world applications and inspiring career exploration.

Benefits to Predoctoral Students:

• Gain foundational knowledge about dental public health careers.
• Learn actionable strategies for pursuing a career in dental public health.
• Connect and network with peers and leaders in dental public health.
• Access flexible, on-demand learning tailored to busy student schedules.

The Colloquium Student Aid experience invites dental students to gain real-world experience by participating in the AIDPH Colloquium through staff support and session attendance. Students assist in professional conference execution while gaining exposure to all of the conference offerings. Student Aids can attend all conference programming, networking events, and a tailored pre-conference training session on conference roles and career development through professional conferences. This immersive experience equips participants with the skills to engage in professional environments effectively. Applications will open near the end of 2025 for the 2026 experience.

Benefits to Predoctoral Students:

• Develop event planning and organizational skills.
• Participate in dynamic learning sessions and networking opportunities.
• Enhance resumes with professional conference experience.

The ROOTED seminar series offers a deep dive into rural oral health through the lens of resilience and community connection. Designed for dental and hygiene students, this live and asynchronous virtual series introduces the real-world challenges and opportunities facing rural oral health systems, highlighting populations that are often underserved, including veterans, Indigenous communities, people with disabilities, and school-based populations. ROOTED seminar series is hosted through the AIDPH Academy and features leading voices in oral health, public health, and rural practice. Each session includes presentations, interactive discussions, and real-world application opportunities framed through an asset-based approach to rural care. By participating, students not only expand their understanding of rural health equity, but also build skills that translate directly into clinical practice and advocacy.

Benefits to Predoctoral Students:

• Deepen understanding of oral health challenges in rural settings.
• Earn a certificate to bolster residency applications and professional profiles.
• Learn from experienced rural practitioners and public health leaders.
• Engage in interdisciplinary dialogue and expand your professional network.

AIDPH’s unique Flash Mentoring Series links predoctoral dental students with oral health professionals in our network and other national leaders in dental public health, industry, and clinical practice for brief but impactful group mentorship sessions. These conversations are designed to offer focused career guidance, answer your career questions, and open doors to new possibilities—all in under an hour. Hosted every other month, this exclusive opportunity is available to students enrolled in our Career Foundations pathway. Ready to take the next step in your professional journey? Register for Career Foundations through the AIDPH Academy.

Benefits to Predoctoral Students:

• Build connections with experienced professionals.
• Receive personalized career advice in a supportive setting.
• Gain inspiration and direction for pursuing dental public health careers.

The 2025 AIDPH Federal Service Immersion Program (FSI) is a week-long experiential learning initiative this September that provides dental public health professionals and students an opportunity to visit federal agencies in Washington, D.C. It is designed for individuals who want to build their personal and professional capacity in advocacy, public health, federal service, and/or government. The program includes in-person site visits to various agencies where participants can engage with leaders to learn about the role and operations of different federal agencies.

Benefits to Predoctoral Students:

• Build professional networks with key stakeholders in federal health sectors.
• Gain firsthand exposure to public health initiatives at the national level.
• Enhance career readiness with insights into federal service opportunities.