The ADA fights for the overall objectives of dentists and the dental profession. However, ASDA concentrates its efforts on students. Whether you are an undergrad or a dental student, ASDA constantly strives to positively affect dentistry, dental education, and the process of becoming a dentist. A few of ASDA’s current initiatives include:
Developing a national licensing examination - Rather than individualized state or regional exams this would allow dentists to move freely throughout the country without having to take boards in each new state. Out of state dental students are significantly impacted by the current set up because many times the boards they take during dental school do not apply to the state in which they would like to live.
Promoting Access to care for under-served populations - ASDA is currently lobbying for SCHIP. This is an insurance program that covers children who are not being cared for by the current health care system. If approved the program will provide federal funding for children’s medical and dental needs.
Reducing debt burdens for dental school graduates - ASDA is lobbying for increased debt reduction measures. This would be provided in three forms: tax breaks for dentists serving under-privileged areas, tax deductions on loan repayments, and reducing the federal loan rate.
How does ASDA impact students?
Strength comes in numbers, 87% of dental students throughout the nation are members. Just by joining ASDA, students are improving the future of their profession. When students lobby in Washington D.C. it is for all ASDA members. The larger the organization is, the more impact ASDA can have.
ASDA also provides a subscription to both ASDA News (monthly) and ASDA Mouth (quarterly). This will keep students up to date on current information in the field of dentistry. It will also provide applicants with information that can help them during interviews. ASDA Mouth is a dental journal devoted to dental advances, health, and betterment.
The 2007-2008 dental school guide is available for pre-dental students. This guide provides statistics for all dental schools, application advice, and profession information such as incomes, specialties, and residencies.
ASDA provides discount services through credit cards, car insurance, car rental programs, and much more.
For pre-dental students, membership in ASDA looks great on an application when it comes time to apply. It shows initiative and dedication to the field of dentistry. It will help any student be more knowledgeable about dental school and the field in general.
The American Student Dental Association is the student version of the ADA. Until recently membership consisted primarily of doctoral students, but this year ASDA has extended its membership to include undergraduate students as well.The purpose of ASDA is for future dentists to become an integral part of their own career as dentists. ASDA is the beginning of organized dentistry. Organization has given dentistry the ability to flourish into the great profession that it has become. The benefits that organized dentistry renders has compelled many undergraduate students to pursue a career in oral health care. For example, patient interaction, lifestyle, income, and a shortened workweek are all direct results of organized dentistry.
Additional benefits for pre-dental students provided by the University of Michigan’s chapter:
HIPAA Certification - Universal safety procedures and precautions certified. This affords students the opportunity to observe in the clinics.
Service - Opportunities to work at the School of Dentistry’s community service events which include Give Kids a Smile Day and Taft Clinic
Lunch n’ Learns through the dental school sponsored by vendors like Crest, Sonicare, and Colgate
ASDA Pre-Dental T-Shirt
Profile through Michigan’s ASDA website - an opportunity for students to promote themselves in dental community before they apply
