UCSF ASDA Advocacy

UCSF ASDA's Book of the Month

September's Book of the Month

Each month we will bring awareness about a specific subject to educate and inform our members through these readings.

The E-4 Sensitivity to Diversity policy states that "sexist, discriminatory, or insensitive language and practices are unacceptable." As future providers, it is our professional duty to stay informed about our profession and current events.

Together, we can make a bright and equal future for our profession and for the patients we will one day serve.

Buy the Book of the Month!

July's Book of the Month

Meet our Legislative Liaison!

Mariam Abusharar '26
Legislative Liaison

The UCSF ASDA Legislative Liaison works hard to promote advocacy on behalf of dental students, dental providers, and patients through promoting legislative events. These events serve to inform members of ASDA's policies on current issues such as licensure reform, student debt, barriers to care and midlevel providers. Through advocacy we can better serve our dental students and patients in the state of California. Some great ways to get involved are by attending the National and State Dental Student Lobby Days, and District 11 APHA Academy.

ASDA Annual Session 2023

Lobby Day 2018

Advocacy Events

As future dentists, it is our responsibility to protect and progress our profession. ASDA works on a local, district, and national level to inform dental students about current events and issues that can affect our career.

Lobby Day is one of ASDA's biggest events occurs during Advocacy Month in November. This unique experience gives ASDA members the opportunity to meet with lawmakers and staff to discuss the issues that will impact the education and training of dental students. Students receive a full day of training on the policies and bills that are up for discussion.

During Advocacy Month, the Molar Bear travels to each school's ASDA chapter to help student's get informed and involved with advocacy.

Molar Bear - ASDA's Advocacy Mascot

Annual Session: Fifty and FORWARD

This year's Annual Session will be held on February 18-21, 2022 in Louisville, KY. Our board members and members will be flying over for a weekend filled with dental expos, chapter training breakouts, joint district caucuses and more!

UCSF ASDA and BLM

We will not be silent. We must speak out and stand together in demanding equality, respect, and justice. We are listening and willing to engage alongside you. You are not alone in this fight. We stand together as one community.

Current Issues in Dentistry

Issues of concern to dental students evolve with time and ASDA members guide what ASDA focuses on each year. Here is a list of some of the issues at the forefront of ASDA's activity.

Dental Student Debt

Licensure Reform

Vaccinations

Opioids

Vaping

Dental Student Debt

According to ADEA, the average debt per graduating senior is $285,184. Such a high level of debt can jeopardize a new dentist's ability to choose their preferred career path. You've already started investing in your future, but discover what ASDA is doing to make a difference and how you can help the cause.