In this session, attendees will understand just how easy it is to advocate – in some cases, it only takes a minute! Attendees will walk away feeling empowered to advocate for issues that impact the future of our profession using quick and easy techniques that can be implemented immediately. This session will include an ASDA Action tutorial, a review of the Advocacy Certificate Program, steps to hold advocacy events at their chapter, and more.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
- Discover ways ASDA advocates for the profession.
- Discover easy ways students can advocate for themselves.
- Highlight big advocacy victories in the past few years (ie: ELSA).
- Learn how easy ASDA Action is to use.
Omar Taha; East Carolina '24; Legislative Coordinator, Districts 4&5
Omar Taha is a 3rd year dental student. He graduated from East Carolina University with his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and decided to continue his dental education at ECU as well. Omar serves as the national ASDA Legislative Coordinator for Districts 4 & 5. His passion for advocacy stems from his childhood dream of being a lawyer. Now, Omar can combine his passions for law and dentistry in an effort to bring positive change to our profession.
Cesar Zapata; Texas-Houston '24; Legislative Coordinator, Districts 8&9
Cesar Zapata is a 3rd year dental student at the University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston and is the national ASDA Legislative Coordinator for Districts 8 & 9. He graduated from Rice University with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and cell biology and enjoys playing in a mariachi band in his free time. Cesar hopes to demonstrate how ASDA advocates for the profession of dentistry and encourage dental students to become more involved in ASDA’s advocacy efforts.