For more on ASDA action at UFCD, check out the UF chapter’s Instagram.
University of Florida College of Dentistry, or UFCD, students are stepping up as national and regional leaders in organized dentistry.
Six UFCD students have recently been appointed to prominent leadership roles within the Florida Dental Association and the American Student Dental Association, or ASDA. It’s a responsibility that allows DMD students to advocate for their peers’ interests, take charge of wellness and continuing education initiatives, and represent the Gator Dentist Nation on a broader stage.
“We have some dental students who’ve gone above and beyond in leadership at UFCD,” said Matya Kaye, a second-year UFCD dental student and ASDA’s national communications associate. “These students are serving as members of the District 5 ASDA cabinet, as national ASDA leaders and as members of committees with the Florida Dental Association.”
Regionally, District 5 ASDA comprises chapters across Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Puerto Rico.
These appointments place UFCD students in highly selective company. By securing influential leadership roles at the state, regional and national levels, these students are distinguishing themselves as the future faces of dental medicine.
third-year, DMD Class of 2028
Matya Kaye
ASDA national communications associate
In this role, I help create graphic designs and communication materials for ASDA’s national social media and outreach efforts.
Why are you proud to represent the Gator Dentist Nation?
Advocating for dental students is a meaningful way to strengthen our profession, support the next generation of dentists and uphold the trust our patients place in us.
Third-year, DMD Class of 2028
Emile Karam
ASDA District 5 chief financial officer
In this role, I secure sponsorships, develop budgets for district events and collaborate closely with the district trustee and leaders from local ASDA chapters to advance initiatives that support dental students across our district.
Why are you proud to represent the Gator Dentist Nation?
Because I am able to advocate for the rights, interests and well-being of my fellow dental students. ASDA provides a strong sense of camaraderie and the opportunity to build meaningful professional relationships.
second-year, DMD Class of 2029
Ryan Walsh
ASDA District 5 pre-dental chair
In this role, my goal is to inspire the next generation of dentists before they ever step into dental school. By connecting students with mentorship, leadership and meaningful opportunities, I hope to help them see themselves not just as future clinicians, but as future leaders of our profession.
Why are you proud to represent the Gator Dentist Nation?
UF has shown me that great dentists do not just excel clinically. They lead, advocate and lift others along the way. I am excited to represent that mindset throughout District 5 and help strengthen the next generation of dental professionals.
second-year, DMD class of 2029
Diana Derylo
ASDA District 5 wellness chair
In this role, I’ll be responsible for promoting mental, physical and emotional well-being across the district. This will entail hosting virtual wellness sessions, organizing wellness programming at the District 5 conference and leadership retreat and guiding local chapter wellness chairs in their own initiatives. I’ll also collaborate with the marketing and design teams to create engaging wellness content and help promote National ASDA Wellness Month this September.
Why are you proud to represent the Gator Dentist Nation?
It allows me to bring UFCD’s culture of student support and self-care to a broader stage, showing that well-supported students become the compassionate clinicians our patients deserve.
fourth-year, DMD Class of 2027
Isabella Menendez
Florida Dental Association LEAD (Leaders Emerging Among Dentistry) committee representative; ASDA District 5 advocacy chair
In this role, I educate and engage dental students on legislative and regulatory issues affecting organized dentistry, while serving as a liaison between local chapters, District 5 and ASDA’s national advocacy initiatives. Through the Florida Dental Association’s LEAD program, I help promote grassroots advocacy, so student voices have a direct hand in shaping the future of dentistry.
Why are you proud to represent the Gator Dentist Nation?
I’m excited to advocate for my classmates while building collaboration, leadership and service across District 5.
second-year, DMD Class of 2029
Caroline Fetty
Florida Dental Association student consultant for the conventions and CE committee
In this role, I’ll have the opportunity to provide a student perspective on future continuing education initiatives. I’m grateful for the strong partnership between ASDA and the FDA and for their shared commitment to connecting dental students to such valuable opportunities.
Why are you proud to represent the Gator Dentist Nation?
I’m incredibly grateful that the committee values student voices, and I’m looking forward to representing the Gator Dentist Nation while learning from such an outstanding team of dental professionals.