Introduction: Oral Health Education and trends have changed with the advent of electronic media that is highly accessible.  These factual and evidence based “Oral Health” postings presented by HSDA students will benefit the local communities greatly by dispelling the vast array of misinformation on social media platforms.  Topics can include but are not limited to:

  • Oral health education tips
  • Oral and systemic health connections
  • Diet and lifestyle choices that affect oral health
  • Careers in Dentistry
  • Common myths in dentistry
  • Pediatric / Geriatric Oral Care

The HDA and JHDA are welcoming applications to select up to 10 HSDA Chapters from around the country to partake in the 2025 E.P.I.C. Challenge. 

Complete submissions must be made by March 31, 2025 to be eligible for consideration. Complete form submission here.

Rules:

  1. Chapters must submit a letter (letter template) stating commitment for the 4-month period (April 1st, 2025 to August 1st, 2025) with signatures of student officers and the HSDA Faculty Advisor.  The letter will include that all posts have proper education, ethical, and consents if necessary to post original and non-repeated material with the HDA logo and logo of the sponsor, Care Credit.  This submission will be made to [email protected]. Once selected as a participating HSDA Chapter, logos and additional links will be provided.
  2. Top 3 HSDA Chapter submissions will be recognized and awarded at the Annual Meeting and provided a travel stipend of $500/chapter.  At least one student representative must be present at the 2025 HDA Annual Meeting to provide a summary of their E.P.I.C. postings and be eligible for the top 3 award prize money. (1st place = $1,500, 2nd place= $1000, 3rd place= $500).
  3. Chapters will use the Instagram platform to post at least 3 monthly educational posts to encourage their local community to learn and better utilize dental services.  ONE OF THE POSTINGS MUST BE IN SPANISH EACH MONTH.  Educational posts can include original videos, songs, illustrations, and or animations. The QR codes for the postings will be submitted August 1st through the [email protected] email as part of the digital portfolio (at least 12 postings) to be used for project assessment and fulfillment of the program requirements.  If chapters do not meet the above criteria, they will not be eligible to receive the funding.
  4. All selected HSDA Chapters for the 2025 cycle that complete and satisfy the aforementioned requirements will receive $500 dollars and recognized at the 2025 HDA Annual Meeting.
  5. The most impactful HSDA chapter based on likes, creativity, and comments judged by the JHDA Committee, will be eligible up to an additional $1,500 dollars to be presented at the 2025 HDA Annual Meeting.

 

Make a digital difference today!  #SOMOSHDA.