13 April 2026

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Pitt Dental Medicine Student Leader Receives Recognition at ADEA 2026

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Alexis Distefano (DMD Class of 2027) has been named the 2026-27 Chair for the ADEA Council of Students, Residents, and Fellows (COSRF).

She served as the COSRF Administrative Board Chair for the 2025-2026 school year, and was elected as Chair last March (March 2025) in National Harbor, Md.

Additionally, she assumes her place on the ADEA Board of Directors as Board Director for Students, Residents and Fellows representing the COSRF. Her role as Board Director will continue until March of 2027.

"I am incredibly humbled and honored to begin serving as Board Director for the ADEA Council of Students, Residents, and Fellows. In this role, I will oversee council operations and represent student interests on the ADEA Board of Directors. This organization has helped shape me as a student, patient provider, and future oral health professional; in addition to advocating for student experiences, I am excited to participate in a collective effort to advance the present and future of dental education. I am indebted to my Pitt Dental Family for the unwavering support and mentorship, and hope to make you all proud!" 

Distefano also presented her poster: “Cultivating the Coaching Mindset in Dental Education.” The purpose of her study was to evaluate the impact of a faculty development workshop centered on cultivating a coaching mindset for dental and oral health professions educators across the U.S. She examined participants' perceptions of skills and techniques that they acquired through the workshop in support of their growth as dental educators.

Pitt ADEA Chapter Recognized

The Pitt Dental Medicine ADEA Chapter received the 2026 ADEA Chapter of the Year Sponsor Award from the ADEA COSRF. This recognition awards $1000 to the authorized chapter that goes above and beyond in advancing oral health education and student engagement. Nominees for the award are evaluated on program excellence, collaboration, advocacy, innovation, and leadership. 

Source: https://www.dental.pitt.edu/