First-year DDS student Seohyun Chung has been named a Council of Wellness Associate for the American Student Dental Association (ASDA), a highly coveted role earned through a competitive application process. The first-year DDS student cares deeply about people, particularly when it comes to the intellectual and emotional health of dentists.
Data from the American Dental Association inspired Chung to apply after he learned about the growing need to proactively support a healthier future for dentists, particularly those aged 44 and younger.
Comprised of five members, the council promotes emotional, physical, intellectual, occupational, and environmental dimensions of wellness. Although he is passionate about each area, Chung believes intellectual and emotional health are closely connected. He notes that intellectual well-being fuels curiosity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning—qualities essential to dentistry.
At the same time, Chung emphasizes that emotional wellness sustains intellectual growth. “Stress, imposter syndrome, and burnout can severely limit students’ confidence and performance,” he said. “I am passionate about fostering open conversations about mental health and creating strong, foundational support networks where students feel safe, understood, and encouraged.”
Chung is honored to represent the IU School of Dentistry (IUSD) in this role and hopes to cultivate a positive culture that encourages his IUSD peers to challenge themselves academically without compromising their well-being. He plans to develop initiatives that reflect the council’s five areas of focus and looks forward to creating programs that support dental students beyond IUSD.
“I am proud to be part of an institution that recognizes wellness as essential to developing well-rounded healthcare professionals,” Chung said. “I aim to amplify these values on a national level.”
Through his work, he hopes to set people up for long-term success. “By helping establish a strong foundation of support now, I hope to positively impact students’ future professional and personal lives,” Chung added. “I am committed to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and supporting my peers in becoming not only skilled clinicians, but resilient, well‑rounded professionals.”
Chung is grateful for the encouragement and support of ASDA national leader Darius Warner, as well as IU ASDA President Jackson Miller and President-elect Zachary Pruitt. He also thanks Dr. Sylvia Frazier-Bowers for her guidance and support.