Advocacy Certificate Program

In This Section

ASDA advocacy is vital to the protection and welfare of dental students and the dental profession. Whether you’re new to advocacy or an advocacy expert, the Advocacy Certificate Program will help you become a lifelong advocate.

Earn points by participating in various advocacy initiatives listed below. The person with the most points at the end of the program earns the Excellence in Advocacy Engagement Award.

Congratulations to Luke Andreasen, Nebraska, ‘26, for receiving this award in the 2024-25 program!

*Now Open* 2025-26 Certificate Program

The 2025-26 certificate program runs from March 3, 2025 - February 1, 2026.

Submit your points here.

Advocacy Month 2025: The Chapter Challenge

Throughout November, the chapters whose members collect the most points in the Advocacy Certificate Program will win $150 to put towards a future advocacy event. One winner from each of the following regions will be awarded:

Districts 1-3
Districts 4&5
Districts 6&7
Districts 8-10
Districts 11-13

An additional winner from a “New Chapter” category will also receive $150. Eligible chapters are those at dental schools that have opened since 2015. Chapters cannot win more than one category.

Already recorded points this year? Don’t worry! All points recorded in the 2025-2026 program will count towards the Chapter Challenge.

The Program

Identifies key advocacy initiatives that will help you become proficient in advocacy. These initiatives include attendance at local advocacy events, lobbying at Capitol Hill, participation in advocacy webinars and contributing advocacy content to ASDA publications.
Awards an electronic certificate to students that have completed the established requirements as listed below.
Expects members of the program to inspire and mobilize fellow dental students in advocacy initiatives.
Highlights your commitment to advocacy on your resume or in interviews.

How to Participate

Members must earn at least eight points to earn the certificate.
Don’t just stop at 8 points! The highest point earner will receive ASDA’s Excellence in Advocacy Engagement Award.

Submitting Points

You must earn points in at least three different categories to be recognized.
All points must be submitted by the established deadline to national ASDA. ASDA will verify your engagement in national initiatives. We are confident you will report local events accurately.

Submit your points here.

Rules and eligibility

Predoctoral members are eligible to participate in the ASDA Advocacy Certificate Program. Students must earn 8 points during the specified timeframe to earn the certificate.

Keep ASDA members updated on your Certificate Program progress by using #ASDAadvocacy on social media.

Questions? Email advocacydept@asdanet.org.