Two HPU Students Elected to National Leadership Positions with Dental Association
Two High Point University students who are part of the Workman School of Dental Medicine’s inaugural class were elected to national leadership positions with the American Student Dental Association (ASDA). Pictured are Caroline Bateh and Mark Sadek after they were elected during the ASDA’s annual session on Feb. 7 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
HIGH POINT, N.C., Feb. 23, 2026 – Two High Point University students who are part of the Workman School of Dental Medicine’s inaugural class were elected to national leadership positions with the American Student Dental Association (ASDA).
The ASDA is a student-run organization that protects and advances the rights, interests and welfare of dental students in the United States. It includes more than 23,000 members from more than 70 dental schools.
Mark Sadek, who will earn his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from HPU in 2028, was elected as the ASDA’s Speaker of the House during its annual session on Feb. 7 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The national leaders were chosen by the House of Delegates, which represents 76 U.S. dental schools. The speaker presides over all House of Delegates meetings, instructs delegates on rules and procedures, and informs delegates and members about the resolution process.
“Receiving this honor means everything to me,” said Sadek, who is from West Palm Beach, Florida. “To be able to represent HPU on the highest level and put our school on the map gives me hope to know that one day HPU dental will be the best dental school in the nation. Being the face of more than 23,000 dental students will build me up to be strong in will and in advocacy. I strive to make every voice heard and bring hope to areas they were once lost.”
Like Sadek, Caroline Bateh joined the Workman School of Dental Medicine in the fall of 2024 as part of its inaugural class of 60 students. She was elected to the ASDA’s District 4 Board of Trustees at the organization’s annual session in Minneapolis.
“To me, this role is a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between our dental schools and the evolving world of organized dentistry, ensuring our voices are heard as we navigate the future of our profession,” said Bateh, who is from Jacksonville, Florida. “I believe we are at our best when we come together as a unified community to reach our shared goals, supporting one another not only in our collective mission for organized dentistry but in our individual journeys toward success. I look forward to representing the Workman School of Dental Medicine as ASDA District 4 Board of Trustee with professionalism and unwavering dedication.”
In September, the Workman School of Dental Medicine officially moved into a new three-story, 77,500-square-foot-building that is located on a section of HPU’s campus known as the Innovation Corridor. The facility features state-of-the-art simulation labs, innovative learning spaces and a fully functional dental office to help prepare dental students to treat patients after they graduate.Caroline
“This is a historic moment for the Workman School of Dental Medicine,” said Dr. Ali Shazib, dean of the dental school. “Mark and Caroline are exemplary advocates, prioritizing the needs of our profession and ensuring access to care. Being elected among over 70 dental schools and committing to such a high level of service exemplifies the leaders we aim to cultivate through our CARE curriculum. I am immensely proud of our faculty, staff and community.”
“This is an exciting moment for us at HPU as two of our inaugural class have an opportunity to be nationally recognized among our peers and are willingly committed to our profession,” said Dr. Kimberly Werth, assistant dean student and professional success and assistant professor. “It speaks to their ability to be impactful leaders. We are all so very proud of them.”