Resolved, that the American Student Dental Association encourages all dental schools to enact written leave of absence policies and procedures for students who are pregnant, postpartum, or parenting in accordance with Title IX of the US Education Amendments of 1972 including, but not limited to:

1. Reasonable accommodations—including but not limited to excusing absences, rescheduling exams, and extending deadlines for clinical responsibilities—as necessary for:
   1. The perinatal period and its various demands on the mother
   2. Postpartum recovery and maternal-infant bonding
   3. Paternity leave encouraging father engagement and bonding
   4. Pediatrician visits and other required and recommended health care needs for children 
2. Alternatives for students returning from leave of absence to complete any missed clinical or academic work, including options that would allow the student to be reinstated to the same status upon when the leave began, and allow the student to determine the most suitable alternative for their individual circumstances
3. Recommendations and information about resources for postpartum and parenting students, such as lactation facilities and local child care centers
4. Contact information for the dental school or parent institution’s Title IX Coordinator, and be it further

Resolved, that the current ASDA Statements of Position or Policy, Section E-6 – Leave of Absence be amended as follows:

It is recognized that circumstances or opportunities may arise which demand or legitimately necessitate a temporary interruption in a dental student's course of education and training. Such circumstances include, but are not limited to, the recommendation of a physician or counselor providing treatment to the dental student, death, illness or infirmity of a close family member, financial distress, professional obligations, and other family tragedies.

Under these circumstances, it expected that a reasonable attempt will be made by the dental school to approve requests for leave of absence, and that such requests will be judged by the same criteria and considered without discrimination among students. It is also expected that when necessary and appropriate, accommodations be made to facilitate a student's continued participation in the program of study, providing that the cost of such accommodations is reasonable, and do not infringe on the rights of others, and be it further

Resolved, that the newly adopted policy be distributed in Spring 2016 to all deans of all dental schools, as well as offices of academic affairs, clinical affairs, and student affairs.