from ASDA
Advocacy event spotlight   

It's time to stop reinventing the advocacy wheel. Rather than plan an event from scratch, learn from the leaders that have planned successful advocacy events at other chapters.

Texas-San Antonio Popsicles and Politics Drive  

Our first annual Popsicles and Politics drive allowed members to beat the Texas heat and come out to register for ADPAC, the American Dental Political Action Committee. In order to encourage students to attend, we handed out Steel City Popsicles, which allowed us to chill out after a long day of classes and educate our members about what ADPAC is and how it affects our profession. We discussed important issues such as licensure, reimbursement rates and student loan repayment programs, just to name a few. San Antonio ASDA found that this low-stress type of event encourages students to engage in substantive conversation about topics that are not typically taught in the classroom. A big shout-out to ADPAC for providing the funds to make this event possible. This event is perfect for any chapter that wishes to jumpstart advocacy at their school, as it allows members a unique, enjoyable environment to learn about and register for ADPAC and understand the important work that is done by them.

Have additional questions about this event? Contact the Council on Advocacy.  
ASDA celebrates 2018 advocacy accomplis hments 

2018 was a busy year for ASDA advocacy. From the passage of the Action for Dental Health Act to the Advocacy Molar Bear visiting nearly every ASDA chapter, students got engaged and made a difference. Take a few moments to review the year's successes! Click the infographic to the right to learn more about how ASDA fights for you. 

Become an ASDA Advocacy Certificate holder before it's too late

If you participated in advocacy efforts this past year, you may qualify for the ASDA Advocacy Certificate. 

The Certificate Program helps students become lifelong advocates. ASDA members earn points by taking part in advocacy initiatives and then submitting the final score sheet by Feb. 1, 2019. Students that meet the criteria will receive a certificate and an ASDA advocacy lapel pin. 

Learn more about the certificate program. Contact Keely O'Sullivan Kurtz, manager of advocacy and policy, with questions. 
Attend AADR Advocacy Day on February 26

The AADR National Student Research Group (NSRG) is a student-run organization that promotes enriching dental education through research. AADR Advocacy Day is the optimal time for you to communicate with lawmakers about the important role dental, oral and craniofacial research plays in society. Learn more about NSRG and AADR.
from Washington
Senate introduced bill to amend McCarran-Ferguson Act 

What's the issue? 

On Dec. 19, Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), introduced S. 3782, the Comprehensive Health Insurance Reform Act. The bill would amend the McCarran-Ferguson Act to enforce federal antitrust laws against health insurance companies engaged in anticompetitive conduct. 

Why is it important?

ASDA has partnered with the ADA to advocate for senators to introduce this bill since the House of Representatives passed their version in March 2017.

Unfortunately, the bill was not enacted before the end of the 115th Congress. ASDA will continue to advocate for this issue in the 116th Congress.

Next step:
from the states
Michigan governor signs dental therapist bill

What's the issue?
On Dec. 16, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder signed SB 541 into law. It creates criteria for a dental therapist to become licensed in Michigan, which include completing 500 hours of supervised clinical practice under the direct supervision of a dentist and having a written agreement with a supervising dentist allowing them to practice.

Why is this important? 

Michigan becomes the eighth state to add dental therapists to the dental team. ASDA students and dentists from Michigan worked together to fight this legislation. ASDA will monitor the implementation of this law and keep you updated on its implications.

As outlined in ASDA's C-2 policy, the dentist is the only dental provider that should perform the following functions: examinations, diagnosis, treatment planning and surgical/irreversible procedures.

Next step: 

Read more about the bill's progression in the Nov. 2017 issue.  
Advocacy Brief shares news about ongoing issues and legislation that are of interest to dental students and organized dentistry. Inclusion of items does not imply their adherence to ASDA policy.