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Congratulations to ASDA’s Legislative Liaisons of the Year
Four Legislative Liaisons from across the country were presented with ASDA’s Legislative Liaison of the Year Award at ASDA’s Annual Session in Denver, CO. One was presented with the National Legislative Liaison of the Year Award. Here’s what they had to say about advocacy and why dental students should get involved.
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Bree Zhang, Columbia ’26
LL of the Year, Districts 1-3
“To me, advocacy is a way to initiate change. Oral health is like an iceberg, and advocacy tackles levels of dentistry that might not be “visible” on the surface but deeply affect our profession and our patients.”
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Hannah Dailey, Alabama ’25
LL of the Year, Districts 4&5
“Advocacy means being a voice for your profession. It is about promoting oral health, supporting patients, and reaching for a broader goal of improving dental access to care. Advocacy is having a seat at the table and using that to make a difference.”
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Mallory Obenauf, Iowa ’25
LL of the Year, Districts 8&9
“As future experts in our field, it is our responsibility to be our patient's voice at both the local and national levels. By getting involved in advocacy while we are still in dental school, we are creating connections that will benefit our patients today and in the future.”
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Zach Trost, Midwestern-AZ ’26
LL of the Year, Districts 10&11
“Advocacy's strength of purpose is found in a unified pursuit of what is in the best interest of people's health, the health of the dental profession, and the education of the dental student. Fulfilling that purpose requires the knowledge, experience, and vision from all members to be brought to the table. Then we can act powerfully in the true best interest of those we will represent.”
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Julissa Quinonez, Southern Illinois ’24
2023-24 National Legislative Liaison of the Year
"We are all fortunate to have a career in a profession that has institutions in place to protect and improve it. We have an incredible opportunity to learn and become involved with these changes. I urge other students to use their voices to advocate for matters that will affect their future as providers and the patients they serve. Many things will change in dentistry over the years; be sure it's the change you want to see. Your voice matters."
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ASDA joins organized dentistry in tax policy support
On February 19, ASDA, along with 8 other dental organizations, sent a letter to leaders in the Senate in support of certain tax policies that would directly support small business dental practice owners, dentists, and dental students. H.R. 7024, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024, passed the House of Representatives on January 31, 2024. It’s now in the Senate for consideration.
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Advocacy Brief Challenge
Answer this question for a chance to win:
How many bills does ASDA currently support on ASDA Action?
The first 5 people to email advocacydept@ASDAnet.org with the correct answer will win.
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World Oral Health Day is March 20. The FDI World Dental Federation is beginning a three-year campaign themed, “A Happy Mouth Is …” Explore World Oral Health Day resources at wohd.org/resources.
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House of Representatives passes Action for Dental Health Act of 2023
On March 7, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Action for Dental Health Act of 2023, which is a program that provides funding for the Health Resources and Services Administration’s oral health workforce grant program. Through these grants, local communities reduce barriers to care with the new funding through 2028.
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Why does it matter? ASDA has supported this legislation since it was first introduced in 2018 in an effort to improve the dental workforce and access to oral healthcare. On July 18, 2023, ASDA sent a letter with other dental organizations urging House leaders to support the bill. ASDA’s B-11 Oral Health Literacy policy supports efforts to improve oral health literacy. | | |
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Artificial Intelligence discussions continue circulating dental and healthcare spheres
Various new studies and papers continue to explore the world of artificial intelligence and its use in healthcare. A recent paper from the Qualcomm Institute discusses the lack of a standardized approval process for AI products. Another study aimed to understand the “awareness, understanding, and attitudes” towards digital technology in the dental field.
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Why does it matter? One of ASDA’s newest policies adopted at the 2024 House of Delegates, our H-15 policy, supports the ethical use of artificial intelligence in dental settings and encourages its members to engage in responsible AI practices.
Join us on March 19 for ASDA’s webinar, “Hype or Reality? The Actual Impact of AI in Dentistry,” presented by ADSO. Register here.
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Fluoridation bills in two states go in opposite directions
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In Kentucky, House Bill 141 would remove the state requirement for water fluoridation. Instead, local municipalities and water districts could choose to participate in water fluoridation programs. The House State Government Committee approved the proposal in a 16-1 vote. Now, the bill will go to the House floor for consideration.
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- In New York, the Albany Common Council unanimously approved a measure to add fluoridation to the city’s water supply. The council voted 12-0 in favor.
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Why does it matter? ASDA’s I-1 policy encourages the fluoridation of community water supplies at optimal levels as determined by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. | | |
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West Virginia House passes bill related to Medicaid dental coverage
House Bill 4933 passed in the West Virginia House of Representatives that, if enacted into law, would exclude the cost of purchasing dentures from counting towards the $1,000 yearly limit on dental coverage for adult patients enrolled in West Virginia’s Medicaid program. No members voted against the bill. Now, the bill goes to the West Virginia Senate for consideration.
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