Coming Soon...

Dr. Genie Ochi (Class of 2025) revitalized the previously inactive Student National Dental Association (SNDA) chapter from the ground up. Dr. Ochi first joined the Student National Dental Association (SNDA) during her first year, after an inspiring conversation with Dr. Raven Reese (Class of 2021), who was then a fourth-year dental student and the president of the Student National Dental Association.

She spoke passionately about the potential and importance of SNDA, although the chapter at UT was not very active at that point. The inactivity stemmed from the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and other unknown factors, but Dr. Ochi saw an incredible opportunity to breathe new life into the organization.

From the moment she joined, Dr. Ochi felt a strong responsibility to revamp the chapter and make SNDA a powerful presence on campus and in the community. With a full-force commitment to programming and outreach, she worked to put SNDA’s name back on the map. Through service initiatives, mentorship programs, and community engagement, she rebuilt the chapter’s foundation and made a lasting impact.

That drive didn’t fade with time; it only grew stronger. In Dr. Ochi’s third year, she was honored to serve as vice president, and by her fourth year, she took on the role of president. Under her leadership, SNDA became the most active organization on UTHSC’s campus, despite the rigorous demands of academic and clinical life. They didn’t just stop there; they made waves far beyond our campus.

Dr. Ochi spearheaded Impressions Day, a cornerstone program that hosted over 80 prospective dental students, inspiring the next generation of dental professionals. She worked closely with the Moving Forward Committee to advance outreach and inclusion within the dental school, mentored students through the Bright Smiles Mentorship Program alongside Mrs.Jackson, and guided elementary through high school students toward discovering dentistry through the Our Future Is Now initiative alongside Dr. Christiansen.

UT’s SNDA Chapter efforts were recognized on a national level when they were honored as one of the top three medium chapters of the year at the 52nd Student National Dental Association National Convention in Las Vegas!