Association of Black Aspiring Dentists
Made for the Future of Underserved Dentists
Born at the University of Pennsylvania, the Association of Black Aspiring Dentists (ABAD) was created to close the gap in representation and opportunity within oral healthcare. We are the first student-led organization at Penn committed to building a future where diversity isn’t an initiative—it’s the foundation of dentistry itself.Through mentorship, education, and outreach, ABAD turns potential into practice. Our members gain hands-on guidance from dental professionals, collaborate with local schools to advance oral health education, and engage in open conversations on innovation, ethics, and mental well-being in healthcare.
Our Impact
Founded near Penn Dental Medicine, ABAD transforms ambition into action through immersive experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world care. We bring oral health education to underserved communities and create spaces where students can learn, lead, and grow together.Our programs extend beyond mentorship—helping members navigate the dental school journey with confidence and persistence. Through workshops, shadowing opportunities, Impressions Day initiatives, and coalitions with Black student spaces and professional networks on campus and abroad, ABAD ensures every student feels supported and seen. Each initiative affirms our belief that compassion and competence must coexist in every area of healthcare.
Strengthening Communities Through Dentistry
With Black dentists representing less than 3% of the profession, ABAD refuses to accept the status quo. We are redefining the field by turning advocacy into action—broadening access, dismantling inequities, and modeling empathy and integrity at every level of care.Our work extends beyond Penn—from free dental education initiatives to collaborations across Philadelphia that restore confidence and promote well-being one smile at a time. ABAD also drives dialogue on oral health policy, mental wellness, and technology equity—pushing for representation not just in clinics and classrooms, but in research, innovation, and leadership.We envision a future where cultural competence is taught as rigorously as clinical skill, where every patient encounter acknowledges the whole person, and where the next generation of dentists inherits a profession more inclusive, compassionate, and just than the one before it. ABAD is more than an organization—it is a movement rewriting the future of dentistry so that every patient, and every aspiring dentist, is seen, supported, and cared for.
*Introduction to Dentistry Scholar Program at the University of Pennsylvania:
One of many Nationwide Academic Enrichment Programs made for aspiring pre-dentals from underserved communities.
Building a More Inclusive Healthcare System
Igniting ambition | Cultivating expertise | Transforming global oral health through bold representation and opportunity
Virtual Dental Assistant Academy: Empowering Future Dental Professionals
Empowering Change Through Education: While access to dental education remains a barrier for underserved communities worldwide, the Virtual Dental Assistant Academy created by the ABAD Team offers a transformative, free curriculum designed to shatter systemic inequities. By fostering skills, confidence, and opportunity, this initiative equips aspiring dental professionals to uplift their communities, bridging the gap between talent and access.Together, we’re redefining oral healthcare, one empowered professional at a time. Your journey here is more than learning—it's contributing to a global movement of equity, compassion, and impact.LINK
Visit our Blog Page!
EST: 12/01/2024
Copyright © 2024 Association of Black Aspiring Dentists - All Rights Reserved.
Our Blog created to inform, empower, and motivate
Understanding Wisdom Tooth Extraction: A Guide for Black and Underserved Communities
"For many, wisdom teeth are a rite of passage — a defining moment in oral healthcare that often comes with anxiety, misinformation, and challenges in access to care. While 85% of individuals will require wisdom tooth removal at some point, Black and underserved communities often face additional barriers to receiving timely, safe, and effective treatment...."
"The path to becoming a dentist is rigorous but rewarding, and for Black high school students and underserved youth, it can also be a powerful act of representation and change..."
Blueprint for Black Aspiring Dentists: A High School Guide to Success
Navigating New Beginnings: A Comprehensive Guide for International Dentists in the U.S.
"For international dentists arriving in the United States, the journey toward building a career in dentistry is as exhilarating as it is daunting. Balancing hope with the challenges of adaptation, these professionals face a unique set of hurdles — from navigating visa complexities to mastering application processes...."
Join Our Team!
Explore New Horizons: Immerse yourself in the exciting world of dentistry and uncover valuable insights!
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More of our blogs posted on our Medium page (the Me icon)
Learn More About the Team
EST: 12/01/2024
Copyright © 2024 Association of Black Aspiring Dentists - All Rights Reserved.
About the Association of Black Aspiring Dentist's Team...
About Our Founder
Alaa Elhiraika, a passionate University of Pennsylvania undergraduate, is driven by a commitment to transform dentistry. As a first-generation Sudanese-American, Alaa has experienced the profound impact of access to healthcare and representation firsthand. Guided by a vision to inspire and uplift Black and underserved pre-dental students, Alaa founded the Association of Black Aspiring Dentists (ABAD) to foster equity, mentorship, and opportunity in the field of dentistry.
Our Purpose
ABAD is committed to fostering knowledge, skills, and opportunities for students eager to explore the field of dentistry. By promoting mentorship, educational initiatives, and meaningful discussions about oral health, we strive to inspire future dentists to lead with empathy and make a lasting difference in their communities.
ABAD Executive Board!
HABIBA | VP
Hi! I’m Habiba and I'm a sophomore at Penn. I'm passionate about dentistry and aspire to be an orthodontist. I joined the Association of Black Aspiring Dentists to support and uplift the Black community in healthcare.
PARIS | VP
Hi! I’m Paris, a sophomore student-athlete at Penn, passionate about dentistry and representation. I joined the Association of Black Aspiring Dentists to empower and support our community in pursuing careers in healthcare.
Have an Inquiry? All questions will be directed to our Penn Email!
EST: 12/01/2024
Copyright © 2024 Association of Black Aspiring Dentists - All Rights Reserved.