Licensure Reform

The current system of licensure exams with the use of a live patient is controversial and flawed. Learn about ASDA's efforts for reform. 

Barriers to Care

Barriers to care include anything that limits or prevents people from receiving adequate health care, like financial hardship or geographic distance. See how you can help to reduce these barriers for patients in your community.

Dental Student Debt

ASDA considers the growing student debt crisis a top priority and advocates for financially sustainable, long-term solutions.

Midlevel Providers

Midlevel providers have not completed a four-year course of post-collegiate education, yet may be allowed to perform irreversible procedures on the public. ASDA does not believe midlevel providers are the solution to addressing barriers to care. Learn more about ASDA's efforts to protect patients by opposing midlevel legislation.

Vaccinations

As the connection between oral and systemic health strengthens, it is important for dental students to understand how vaccinations play a critical role in stopping communicable diseases. Dental students and dentists will play a vital role in explaining evidence-based medicine to patients and advocates of the anti-vaccinations movement.

 

Water Fluoridation

ASDA encourages the fluoridation of community water supplies at optimal levels as determined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

Opioids

Learn what steps ASDA is taking to educate dental students and influence policy relating to the U.S. opioid epidemic. 

Dentistry and Health Care

Many patients are able to receive care because of Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. ASDA is working to ensure oral health care provisions remain in Federal and state health care policies. 

Amalgam

ASDA stands behind the scientific studies that show dental amalgam as a safe, affordable and durable material that is used to restore teeth.