A message from President Sydney Shapiro

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we all have been personally and professionally challenged. We've lost loved ones and were isolated in times we needed connection most. Each day came with uncertainty. Yet, we have come out of this year stronger than ever before. While the 50th year of our association was different than we anticipated, it showed ASDA's strength and commitment to our members. I am so grateful for the opportunity to have served as your president and am proud of ASDA's achievements this past year.

Student debt reform
ASDA's advocacy efforts have always been at the forefront of our association. When licensure exams were cancelled for the class of 2020, members shared concerns about student loan deferments. ASDA successfully advocated for deferred interest on federal student loans for dental students while in dental school or residency, and deferred monthly payments on student loans for all health care professionals. We continue to advocate for student debt reform with refinancing options, interest free-deferment and incentives for health care workers in disadvantaged communities.

Licensure reform
The cancellation of licensure exams drove ASDA to meet with the American Dental Association, the American Dental Education Association, the American Association of Dental Boards and the regional testing agencies to advocate for students. In early April, the ADA announced the expedited release of the DLOSCE in response to the pandemic. The regional testing agencies also announced the expedited release of their manikin-based examinations. These were huge victories in response to years of ASDA's licensure reform efforts.
 
More than 500 students attended ASDA's Licensure Update Town Hall. The Board of Trustees and ASDA staff also worked with local leaders on ASDA's first national grassroots licensure campaign. Leaders sent letters to all fifty states, Puerto Rico and Washington DC requesting the acceptance of these alternative exams.
 
While the reality of non-patient-based alternatives seemed like a distant goal just a year ago, forty-three states accepted non-patient-based alternatives as an initial pathway to dental licensure for the class of 2020. It was remarkable to see years of ASDA's advocacy efforts lead to this. Since our efforts must continue, the Board of Trustees appointed a licensure task force to work towards permanent reform. I look forward to using this momentum to effect permanent change and eliminate the single-encounter, live-patient based examination.

Other advocacy achievements
ASDA had other advocacy achievements that should be noted:
  • ASDA advocated to ensure the timely graduation of international advanced standing dental students.
  • We transitioned from Engage to ASDA Action, which allows members to take grassroots advocacy action and receive text alerts.
  • We collaborated with over forty associations within organized dentistry to advocate for the dental profession and our patients.
  • After lobbying for reform of the McCarran-Ferguson Act since 2018, portions of the act were repealed in January, eliminating the antitrust exemption for health insurance companies. This year has shown the power of unity in advocacy efforts.
Wellness milestones
This year, through ASDA's Wellness Initiative, we gave students the tools to maintain wellness, combat burnout and cope with stress. Members connected in a virtual 'glow-in-the-dark' yoga class at our Virtual Leadership Conference and shared how they incorporate #BeWellASDA into their lives on Instagram.
 
Racial injustices
In addition to the challenges of the pandemic, this past year brought to light the racial injustices in our country. ASDA collaborated with the Student National Dental Association, the ADEA Council on Students, Residents and Fellows and the Hispanic Student Dental Association to stand in solidarity with our Black students and with all students against racial injustices.
 
In response to a directive from the 2020 House of Delegates, the Board appointed a task force to launch ASDA's Diversity and Inclusion Initiative. I am grateful to serve on this task force, identifying ways to implement programming to highlight diversity, equity and inclusion.

The power of the ASDA community
ASDA is a student-run organization, and dental students are at the center of our mission. I am inspired by the ways our leaders and staff respond to members' needs in uncertain times. Thank you to all of our members for making this community stronger.
 
From my first Annual Session in 2017, I knew being part of ASDA was being part of something bigger than myself. This year, despite our separation, our community remained strong. More than 700 students came together for ASDA's first Virtual Leadership Conference for a weekend of networking, learning and growth. We joined webinars and chapter idea exchanges to navigate the challenges of the pandemic, advocated together and held virtual social events. During the most isolating times of the pandemic, I felt connected to my fellow ASDA members. Thank you for strengthening our community and our profession.
 
Thank you to Columbia ASDA, District 2, ASDA staff and the Board of Trustees for your support and guidance during my term. I am grateful to have served with all of you.
 
This is not how we anticipated celebrating ASDA's 50th anniversary. But in ASDA's 50th year, we have seen the power of this community, the impact of advocacy and the importance of wellness. We also saw how ASDA's policy directs our actions. You have the opportunity to use your voice to influence the future of this association. Share your passions and leave your legacy in ASDA. Keep building the community that makes ASDA so strong. You are the future of our association, and I am looking forward to seeing ASDA continue to grow through its next fifty years.
 
It has been an honor to serve as your president this year. Thank you for this opportunity and for being part of this community.

Sydney Shapiro, Columbia '21