The American Student Dental Association supports appropriate initiatives and legislation to improve and foster the oral health of vulnerable populations. These populations include, but are not limited to:

• Older adults
• Children
• Racial and ethnic minorities
• Deaf or hard of hearing people
• People experiencing speech/language barriers, spectrum of blindness, physical or intellectual disabilities
• Veterans
• Low income or individuals experiencing homelessness
• Rural populations
• Birthing persons
• Individuals who have experienced or are experiencing abuse or trauma
• Individuals with mental health or substance-related disorders
• Immunocompromised individuals
• Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, androgynous, asexual (LGBTQQIAA+) individuals
• Undocumented immigrants and refugees

The Association encourages constituent and component dental societies to support state and local initiatives and legislation to improve the oral health of these and other vulnerable populations. The American Student Dental Association encourages dental and allied dental programs to educate students about the oral health needs and issues of these and other vulnerable populations.