Each month, an ADEA Connect Ambassador is highlighted based on their contributions to their peers via ADEA Connect. Learn more about ambassador responsibilities in the ADEA Connect Ambassador Overview.
Andrew Halverson is the Community Ambassador for the ADEA Student Member Community and ADEA COSRF District Commissioners and Liaisons Community. Read more about Mr. Halverson and his professional experience below.
Say Hello to Andrew Halverson!
Rising Third-year Dental Student
Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine
What professional tips or advice would you like to share about your profession?
As an Advanced Dental Therapist in Minnesota prior to returning to dental school, I had great exposure to the dental profession and working in underserved communities. As I enter clinic as a dental student, the best advice I can give is to be a “forever student” of dentistry and receptive to learning even more. While I learned a lot in didactic courses, each day on the clinic floor is an opportunity to learn from my colleagues and faculty how to further develop and enhance my clinical skills with patients. I’ll say the same thing when I graduate dental school; the learning does not end here!
What is your #1 reason for becoming an ADEA member?
As an ADEA member in dental school, I am able to learn, connect with other dental students and faculty, and expand my understanding of the important role current and future dental students play in educating the next generation of dental clinicians. ADEA has laid the foundation and fostered professional relationships I know will support me as I move into my dental career and beyond.
What has been the most rewarding experience of your career?
Having attended dental school during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, I have witnessed the adaptability and innovation at play in the field of dental education. I feel fortunate to attend an institution where the teamwork needed to adapt to an ever-changing environment is strong all while maintaining the importance of the dental student education experience.
How has ADEA Connect been useful to you?
ADEA Connect has served as a communication tool to those in the ADEA community I know, and those I have not had the opportunity to meet, yet. ADEA Connect is a wonderful platform to make others in the dental education community informed of what is happening within the Council of Students, Residents, and Fellows (COSRF). I have benefited by having this resource, that's only a click away, to generate interest and involvement in both ADEA and COSRF.
What is your favorite hobby or place to travel?
Traveling is one of my favorite activities in life. My most memorable trip was to Dublin, Ireland over St. Patrick’s Day to celebrate my birthday (which is on St. Patrick’s Day)!