The Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (LLUSD) American Student Dental Association (ASDA) chapter recently reached a major milestone, earning the title of “Chapter of the Year” at this year’s Western Regional Conference. ASDA President Joshua Tsai, D4 and Advisor Jacob Love, MA, shared what sets their chapter apart and what this recognition means for the LLUSD community.
Each district presents five awards at the conference. While LLUSD knew they would be recognized, the specific honor remained a surprise until the announcement. The chapter credits its achievement to a strong culture of collaboration—connecting with peers across other chapters, tackling challenges together, organizing fundraisers, and managing events that strengthen community bonds.
Tsai emphasized the value of active communication, especially through group chats, which has successfully fostered teamwork and creative problem-solving. When he stepped into office, his goals included increasing student events, securing external resources to benefit members, and prioritizing student wellness. By setting a target of at least one event per month, and introducing wellness-focused challenges, Tsai and his leadership team helped cultivate an enthusiastic, highly engaged chapter.
Advisor Jacob Love, MA, assistant director, Admissions and Student Affairs, highlighted the exceptional teamwork he has observed throughout the year. He noted that the executive committee and committee members consistently centered decisions around what would benefit the chapter as a whole. “In my second year serving as advisor for our ASDA Chapter, I have observed a stronger presence of third-year students in leadership, coupled with exceptional D2 involvement and an increase in D1 leadership driven by purposeful outreach, marketing, and intentional development of new ASDA members,” Love said. “All of this contributed to a special sense of community—students coming together with a shared goal to uplift one another, support fellow students, serve LLUSD well, and positively impact the broader dental community. This is a really special group.”
When asked about the initiatives he was most proud of, Tsai pointed to the chapter’s summer social. Despite a limited budget, the team worked together to create decorations and games from existing materials, showcasing their creativity and resourcefulness. He also highlighted the recent Game of Crowns event, which brought in more than 300 participants—including many D4 students—showcasing the chapter’s commitment to teamwork and creating meaningful experiences.
For chapters looking to grow, Tsai’s advice is simple: ensure leaders are genuinely excited and willing to lead by example. He encourages resourcefulness—build what you need, collaborate closely with vendors for products and educational opportunities, and tap into the strength of your community network. He credits LLUSD’s strong sense of community—rooted in care for students and a shared connection to faith—as a foundational part of their chapter’s success.
Tsai’s favorite memory from the year was the chapter’s Christmas party, where leaders gathered for games, laughter, and friendship. Looking ahead, he hopes to see the LLUSD ASDA chapter continue to expand its events and provide an even richer experience for members. He envisions increased collaboration with other schools and starting events that help students build professional connections beyond their own campus.