Pre-Dental Student Chapters help you:

• Build meaningful connections with aspiring women dentists, dental students, and dental professionals
• Gain leadership experience that strengthens your dental school applications
• Bring mentorship, networking, and educational programming to your school or local area
• Explore dental school pathways through panels, Q&As, and professional connections
• Create a supportive community for future women dentists before dental school begins

Starting a chapter means shaping your future in dentistry — and helping others begin their journey with support, confidence, and connection.

Become an AAWD Member

AAWD offers a Pre-Dental Student membership for undergraduate students preparing for dental school. Interested members can join through the membership application.

Gauge Interest at Your School or in Your Area

Identify students who may want to join or serve in leadership roles. Reach out personally, introduce the idea, and gather an initial list of interested students. For regional chapters, this may include students from multiple schools, pre-health programs, or nearby communities.

Host an Interest Meeting

A short, informal gathering helps you share AAWD’s mission, explain the chapter structure, and begin forming your core leadership team.

Step 1: Review the Start-Up Requirements

Make sure you understand the eligibility criteria, required documents, and leadership structure. Gather any questions to discuss with your Chapter Mentor.

Step 2: Elect Your Officers

Elect at least three officers: President, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer. All officers must be active national AAWD members.

Step 3: Develop Your Chapter Bylaws

Use AAWD’s AAWD Pre-Dental Student Chapter Bylaws Template to outline your chapter’s structure, officer roles, elections, membership expectations, and meeting schedule.

Step 4: Create Your Activity Plan

Outline your chapter’s goals and plan for meetings, events, mentorship, service, and community engagement. Use AAWD’s AAWD Pre-Dental Student Chapter Activity Plan Template to guide your planning.

Step 5: Ensure All Members Join AAWD National

All Dental Student Chapter members must join AAWD National to participate. Join AAWD: Membership Application

Step 6: Submit Your Application

Send your final roster, officer list, and bylaws to AAWD through the AAWD Pre-Dental Student Chapter Application Form.

Once your application is submitted:

• You’ll receive a confirmation email
• AAWD reviews your roster, officers, and bylaws
• If anything needs clarification, the Membership Team will reach out
• When approved, your chapter becomes an official AAWD Pre-Dental Student Chapter and is added to the directory

Do all members need to join AAWD National?

Yes. Every student who participates in the chapter must be an active AAWD member.

Do we need a Faculty Mentor?

Yes. A Chapter Mentor is required for all Pre-Dental Student Chapters and must be an active AAWD member.

Can our chapter include students from multiple schools?

Yes. Pre-Dental Student Chapters may be school-based or organized across a local or regional area.

How much does it cost to run a chapter?

There are no additional fees paid to AAWD to operate a chapter beyond required national membership dues for participating members. Many chapters begin with little to no operating costs by hosting virtual meetings, informal networking events, or university-sponsored gatherings. Chapters that choose to organize larger events, collect local dues, or fundraise may use those funds to support programming, meeting expenses, or community initiatives based on their goals and local needs.

Where can I find more FAQs?

For the full FAQ list, download the Pre-Dental Student Chapter Starter Guide.