(l-r) Dean Hutter, Rushil Dang AS15, John Barrett DMD 17 and Dr. Joseph Calabrese show off the winning trophy
On Saturday, January 31, 2015, the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) American Student Dental Association (ASDA) Student Debate Team won the Sixth Annual ASDA District 1 Dental Student Debate, held for the first time at the Yankee Dental Congress (YDC).
Besides GSDM, the schools represented in District 1 ASDA included Harvard University School of Dental Medicine, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, and University of New England College of Dental Medicine. This marked the first year that the Debate was held during the YDC and all five District 1 dental schools competed in the event.
With over 500 in attendance, the GSDM Debate Team, comprised of students John Barrett DMD 17 and Rushil Dang AS 15, took home the first place trophy after defeating the University of New England in the final round of the debate. The decision was close in a debate about whether or not dental schools have a responsibility to train students in subjects beyond clinical education, such as becoming future dental educators or researchers. The trophy was presented to the winning GSDM team by American Dental Association President Dr. Maxine Feinberg.
The Dental Student Debate—started by ASDA six years ago—was sponsored by Crest Oral-B, Eastern Dental Insurance Company, and Massachusetts Dental Society. This year the debate was moved, along with YDC Student Night, to Saturday during the YDC. The schedule change enabled students to have a dedicated time to attend the YDC, where they visited the exhibits and participated in student activities. At the Dental Student Debate, representatives of the ADA and New England state constituent dental societies were on-hand to answer students’ questions about their careers after dental school. A keynote address was also given by ADA Dr. Jonathan Shenkin, Clinical Associate Professor of Health Policy & Health Services Research and Pediatric Dentistry.
Students then cheered on their classmates during the debate, and afterwards, enjoyed the annual Yankee Student Reception that featured light appetizers, drinks and a DJ.
“Congratulations John and Rushil for doing such an outstanding job in representing our School,” said Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter. “I’m also very proud of the members of our ASDA Chapter who worked tirelessly in helping to organize this year’s debate, and all of our students who came out to support the GSDM Debate Team.”