Latvian Dental Students’ Association

The Latvian Dental Students’ Association (LDSA) is a non-profit organization that has represented the interests of Latvian dental students at both the national and international levels since 2007. The association actively involves future dental professionals from higher education institutions across Latvia creating an environment that fosters professional development, knowledge enhancement and collaboration among students.

Our goals

• To support the development of professional skills among dental students and young dental professionals
• To encourage students’ proactivity and initiative
• To promote scientific activity and student involvement in research
• To represent Latvian dental students at the international level
• To organize public educational projects and raise awareness of oral health among the Latvian population
• To organize extracurricular events that contribute to students’ well-being and quality of life

An important part of LDSA’s activities is international cooperation. The association is a full member of the European Dental Students’ Association (EDSA) and the International Association of Dental Students (IADS). LDSA appoints an EDSA delegate who represents the interests of Latvian dental students at the European level, as well as an IADS delegate who represents Latvian students within the global dental student community.

Through this cooperation, Latvian students have the opportunity to participate in international congresses, professional exchange programs, working groups, scientific projects and various educational initiatives, while building connections with peers from around the world.

In addition to supporting students’ professional development, LDSA actively contributes to public health promotion. Association members organize a variety of educational activities:

• In cooperation with the Latvian Association of Periodontologists, a gum health screening program is organized, during which patients receive periodontal health assessments and education about gum diseases.
• Every year an Oral Health Week and a children's drawing competition are organized to educate young children about the importance of oral hygiene.
• Since 2025, LDSA has participated in the “Knowledgeable and Safe” initiative, where visitors are educated about the prevention of dental injuries and appropriate actions to take in the event of dental trauma.
• The association also regularly visits schools and preschool educational institutions throughout Latvia, introducing children to proper toothbrushing habits, the importance of a healthy diet and the necessity of regular dental check-ups through interactive activities.
• Informative materials on current topics in dentistry and oral health are regularly published on social media, helping improve public knowledge and awareness of oral health.

These activities help build long-term awareness of the importance of oral health and promote a preventive approach to dentistry.

The association provides dental students with opportunities to expand their knowledge beyond the formal curriculum and to explore topics that are important for professional growth but are not covered within their study programs. Various lectures, workshops, masterclasses and other educational activities are organized, enabling students to gain both practical and theoretical knowledge while becoming familiar with current developments across different fields of dentistry.

Experts from various dental specialties and other industry professionals are invited to lead these events, sharing their knowledge, experience and practical advice. This collaboration gives students the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and acquire valuable insights that complement their academic education.

LDSA is a place where academic studies meet the professional environment, international experience and an active student community. The association offers opportunities not only to enhance professional knowledge but also to develop leadership skills, organizational abilities and international networks, all of which provide a strong foundation for a future career in dentistry.