Issues and Legislative Priorities

In This Section

There are a number of key issues that ASDA has taken a stance on. Visit the links below to learn more and see what ASDA has done to advocate on your behalf. ASDA’s Council on Advocacy hosted a webinar to help outline the importance of advocacy, the key issues and how you can get involved. Watch it today!

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.

Vaping

E-cigarettes, vaping, and other smoking alternatives are becoming increasingly popular as a “safer” alternative to traditional tobacco or cigarettes. ASDA believes more research is needed at this time to determine the long-term effects of these products.