In the vibrant landscape of dental education, emerging leaders like Claudia Larochelle stand out for their dedication, vision, and commitment to excellence. Recently, Larochelle, a third-year dental student at the University of Detroit Mercy (UDM), was elected National ASDA Vice President at the 2024 American Student Dental Association Annual Session in Denver, Colorado. Notably, this position has not been held by a UDM Dental student for nearly three decades, underscoring the significance of the achievement.
The American Student Dental Association (ASDA) was established in 1971 and is the largest national organization dedicated to giving a voice to dental students. Each U.S Dental School has its respective ASDA chapters, which convene annually at ASDA’s Annual Session. Two delegates from each ASDA chapter serve as the voice of their constituent at the Annual Session, where the national leadership for the coming year is elected, and actions in the form of resolutions are proposed. The result of passed resolutions leads to policy statements on behalf of ASDA on issues such as dental education, licensure, dental associations, dental school deans, etc. This year’s session, held on February 24 in Denver, Colorado, witnessed Larochelle’s ascent to National Vice President.
Larochelle’s journey to leadership with ASDA began long before she stepped foot into dental school. Elected as class president of her student body for the duration of high school, Larochelle is no stranger to leading and inspiring those around her. Larochelle also served as vice president of her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, at the University of Michigan during her undergraduate years. Upon joining the dental school, it would be no surprise that Larochelle would immediately take on multiple committee roles within the University of Detroit Mercy’s ASDA Chapter. Larochelle showcases her pursuit of growth as she took on the secretary role at the University of Detroit Mercy’s ASDA Chapter during her second year of dental school and the advocacy director role at the District 6 level. As a third-year dental student, Larochelle serves as the University of Detroit Mercy’s ASDA Chapter President and now National Vice President of ASDA.
Larochelle’s journey to leadership within ASDA symbolizes her passion for dentistry and her unwavering commitment to serving her fellow students. As a third-year dental student, she has already demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the dental profession.
In her acceptance speech, Larochelle articulated her vision for the future of ASDA and the dental community. She emphasized the importance of unity, shared purpose, transparency, and integrity in leadership. These values, she believes, are essential for fostering collaboration, driving positive change, and advancing the interests of dental students nationwide.
Larochelle’s leadership philosophy resonates deeply with her peers and mentors alike. Her dedication to leading by example and prioritizing integrity in all endeavors sets her apart as a beacon of inspiration for future dental professionals. By championing these values, Claudia aims to empower her fellow students to navigate the complexities of dental education and emerge as compassionate, ethical, and proficient practitioners.
As National ASDA Vice President, Larochelle will play a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s direction for the coming year by advocating for the needs of dental students and fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity. Her leadership will undoubtedly impact the dental community, paving the way for a brighter, more collaborative future.
We can’t wait to see Larochelle’s bright future as she takes on her new role as National ASDA Vice President.
