FROM ASDA
Thank you for making Advocacy Month a success!
  • The Molar Bear visited 64 of ASDA's 66 chapters
  • More than 200 members submitted 815 points towards advocacy certificates in the Month of November
  • More than 50 students tuned in to learn about ASDA's stance on midlevel providers and hear from two midlevel provider experts
Congratulations to Columbia's ASDA chapter for being selected by ASDA's Council on Advocacy as this year's winner of the Molar Bear Video Competition. They did an excellent job educating viewers about ELSA, the Dental Health Act, DOC Access Act, REDI Act and more. Check out their video on Instagram. 
FROM Washington
The House releases articles of impeachment against Trump

What's the issue? 
On Tuesday, Dec. 10 the House of Representatives announced the two articles of impeachment against President Trump: abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. The House is expected to vote on the articles by the end of next week. 

Why is this important?
As dental student advocates, it is important to have an understanding of how the impeachment proceedings work. Review the impeachment flowchart to learn more about the process. Chart information was sourced from the History, Art & Archives of the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate webpages.  

ASDA supports efforts to end youth vaping

What's the issue? 
ASDA is a  supporting organization of the bipartisan Congressional Caucus to End the  Youth  Vaping Epidemic. This caucus serves as a forum in Congress to discuss solutions to better protect American youth from the dangers of vaping and nicotine addiction. In November, ASDA received a request to sign onto a letter urging President Trump to finalize guidance on flavored e-cigarettes in the market.
Why is it important?
Vaping has not been proven to be a safe alternative to cigarettes or other tobacco products. ASDA is in support of additional research on the effects of vaping. As a health care provider, it is important for you to be aware of this outbreak and the impact it may have on your patients.  

Next steps
FROM the states
California will accept the ADEX exam 

What's the issue? 
On Nov. 15, the California Board of Dentistry voted to accept the ADEX exam as a pathway to licensure in the state. In 2016, the legislature passed a bill to add the ADEX exam pending review of the state's Office of Professional Examination Services (OPES). OPES completed their review and found the exam met "professional guidelines and technical standards." According to a press release from ADEX, "the development of the licensure application process will take approximately 4-6 months to implement."  

Why is this important? 
Prior to this decision, California only accepted WREB as their clinical licensure exam.  Adding ADEX as another licensure pathway will increase portability for students graduating from California dental schools or practicing dentists looking to move to California. ADEX is now accepted in 46 of the 50 states.


Wisconsin expands eligibility for loan repayment 

What's the issue? 
On Sept. 25, Gov. Tony Evers signed a bill to expand loan repayment eligibility under the Physician and Dentist Loan Assistance Program and the Health Care Provider Loan Assistance Program. Dentists who work in charitable clinics can now receive up to $50,000 for three years. Previously, only dentists that worked rural or health shortage areas were eligible for repayment. 

Why is it important? 
As listed in ASDA's  F-4 policy, the association supports opportunities for loan repayment. Expanding eligibility for repayment can reduce barriers to care in Wisconsin. 


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.