UNC’s ASOD-Global (Adams School of Dentistry) Program works in partnership with the UNC Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, UNC Global Affairs, and other Health Sciences schools to make global interests a priority within the school and University. ASOD-Global’s primary aim is to preserve and strengthen Carolina’s ability to work with partners around the world to educate students. This includes offering ‘Short Term Experiences in Global Health’ (STEGHs) for dental students to experience global health care in countries around the world.
Ronald Strauss, DMD, PhD, the Adams Distinguished Professor of Dentistry, who is also a professor of social medicine, founded the STEGHs Global Project.
Since 1987, 529 dental students have participated, to learn how other regions and countries grapple with global health challenges.
This summer, the program has 47 dental students visiting 10 countries around the world, to further cultural understanding and facilitate the transfer of contemporary clinical skills. The countries include Brazil, India, Mexico, Malawi, Uganda, Ghana, Japan, Moldova, Nepal and Turkiye.
From May 26 – June 6, Strauss was the faculty advisor for four dental students (class of 2026) who traveled to Malawi to experience global health care. They included Claudia Lemon, Seyi Ojo, Folane Zeleke and Jean Okonkwo. Malawi’s Dr. Jessie Mlotha was host nation faculty.
A summer in review is currently being planned for students to share their experiences.
Strauss also serves as the Faculty Director of the CFAR OCE Office (Office of Community Engagement) with the UNC Center for AIDS Research (CFAR). Each spring since 1987, he has directed and taught the campus-wide “HIV/AIDS Course.”