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.

On October 12, 130 dental students from across the eastern United States descended on Washington, D.C. for a 3-day advocacy event. The Mid-Atlantic Advocacy Academy was a first-of-its-kind, multidistrict collaboration for ASDA, with students in attendance representing 18 dental schools. Highlights of the conference included discussions on the opioid epidemic and licensure reform, as well as plenty of opportunity for students to mingle, network and explore our nation's capital. Sam Caruso, a third-year dental student and the chapter president at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine especially appreciated the session on licensure reform: "Soren's speech was not only informative, it was a call to action for dental students to use their body of organized dentistry to seek change proactively." Saxon Day, a first-year student at Penn added, "The conference was incredibly fun and informative. I met a number of dental students from other schools and learned a lot about issues that dental students are currently facing and will face in the future." Overall the conference was a booming success. Another first-year student, Rachel Hoagburg, emphasized: "the advocacy academy gave me an opportunity to educate myself about the current issues ASDA is supporting and the importance of having a voice in our education." We look forward to many more conferences like this in the coming years, knowing that dental students return to their schools better prepared with the knowledge and tools necessary to address the issues that impact our education and profession."

Have additional questions about this event? Contact the Council on Advocacy.  
Advocacy Month 2018 is underway

Webinar
Join ASDA on Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. CST for the Combating the Opioid Epidemic webinar. You will hear from a panel of experts on how different fields are addressing the issues. Take advantage of this opportunity to examine the crisis and discuss solutions.  

Voter Challenge
With more than 600 likes, Abdullah Al Qaraghuli, Buffalo '21, won the contest with his " Why I'm a dental voter" post. 


ASDA releases licensure reform video  

As a dental student, you may be interested in advocating for the removal of live patients from clinical licensure exams. However, it can be challenging to know where to start. Watch this video for an easy-to-follow roadmap to reform. 
from Washington
Election: 2018 

The country has elected new leaders. As dental student advocates, it is important to learn about these lawmakers to have a better understanding of how to work with them over the next two-six years. 

House of Representatives
Democrats will regain the majority in the 116th Congress with 223 representatives to 197 Republican representatives with twelve races yet to be called. Five dentists were elected to Congress, including the first Democrat dentist, Dr. Jeff Van Drew.
  • Rep. Mike Simpson will serve an eleventh term in Idaho's 2nd Congressional District.
  • Rep. Paul Gosar was elected to serve a fifth term in Arizona's 4th District. 
  • Rep. Brian Babin was elected to serve his third term in Texas' 26th District. 
  • Rep. Drew Ferguson was reelected to a second term in Georgia's 3rd District. 
  • Dr. Jeff Van Drew was elected to serve his first term in New Jersey's 2nd District. 
     
To learn more about the dentist members of Congress, read the September issue of the Advocacy Brief.

Senate
Republicans will maintain the majority with 51 senators to 45 Democratic senators with three races yet to be called.

ASDA celebrates legislative accomplishments

Action for Dental Health Act 

On October 11, the Senate unanimously passed the Action for Dental Health Act. Next, the bill will head to the House for reconciliation. As detailed in the June issue of the Advocacy Brief, the bill would allow organizations to qualify for oral health grants administered by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). 

This is a significant legislative victory for ASDA. Once passed, the bill has the opportunity to reduce barriers to care for patients in your state. 

SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act 

On October 24, President Trump signed the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act into law. As discussed in the September issue of Advocacy Brief, the bill authorizes research, grants and other programs to combat the opioid crisis.

This is another important win for ASDA. While the bill includes several principles ASDA and the ADA advocated for during ADA Dentist and Student Lobby Day, ASDA will continue to work with Congress to help address this crisis.  
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.