District 10 Conference
Every January, ASDA District 10 holds an annual session over one weekend for all schools in the district. There are also optional Friday activities if you want to start the weekend early. All ASDA members including our pre-dental students are welcome. We expect more than 300 students again this year. We hope to see you there!
National Leadership Conference
In school, dental students receive in-depth training in general and specific areas of dentistry — including treatment options and patient care. Upon graduation, they leave with the technical skills needed to be good dentists. However, the “life skills” they need to be successful business owners, team leaders and people managers may not always be developed. The National Leadership Conference provides leadership training to dental students across all years. Attendees can create customized schedules based on their personal knowledge, experience and interests, in order to benefit them as dental students and future practitioners, as well as leaders in organized dentistry.
Annual Session
ASDA’s Annual Session brings together student leaders from all 66 U.S. dental schools. Highlights of this meeting include an exhibit fair to meet vendors and make valuable contacts; prominent speakers within dentistry addressing hot topics; awards recognizing the achievements of our chapters and our members; the business meeting of the House of Delegates; and elections of our national leaders. The meeting culminates with a celebration at the themed gala. This meeting is the high point of the ASDA year!
National Student Lobby Day
During National Dental Student Lobby Day, students visit Capitol Hill to advocate on behalf of themselves and their patients. 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 and future dentists.
Among other things, dental schools and their students represent innovation, scientific research, education and jobs. Additionally, a dental student’s narrative can be highly influential. Persuading decision-makers requires making a connection, and using the human touch that was honed in dental clinic could prove invaluable. Real issues, such as finding a job after graduation or paying off substantial student debt are both compelling and validate a need for action.
National Dental Student Lobby Day attendees receive a full day of training on the issues and policies that are up for discussion with lawmakers and their staffs. ASDA works to ensure all dental students are prepared to discuss these issues at length with anyone from a legislative aide, to the chief of staff, or to the Congressperson themselves.
