Power of Policy
“If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu”
The mission of ASDA is to empower policy changes for our protection and welfare as well as the future of dentistry. Not only do we represent 90% dental students internationally, but we have formed Political Action Committees to educate lawmakers effectively through ADPAC (national) and DENPAC (TX state).
The WHy?
“Democracy only works for those who know how to be involved”
This is not a hobby for the politically-driven; this is your future. Regardless of your involvement, we have worked too hard to allow uninformed policy decisions impact our practice and patients!
The How?
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$5 for ADPAC, $10 for DENPAC
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Volunteer for National Lobby Day (April 2018) and State Lobby Day (March 2019)
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Attend legislative events and stay informed through ASDA Engage, AGD Capitol Connections, and more!
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Join ADA, ADPAC, TDA, DENPAC and more!
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ADPAC and DENPAC obtain donations from dentists and *ahem* dental students across the nation to support candidates who understand the importance of dentistry and, ultimately, work in the interest of patients. This is the most effective method of advocacy because having a lawmaker in office who truly cares about oral healthcare will improve dental issues in the long-term!
While we know much more about oral healthcare than politicians as individual students, organized dentistry ensures our knowledge and experiences influence those crucial decisions that can make or break our nation. Organized dentistry creates a network of dentists to support one another and create the best environment for patients, especially in times of increasing student debt and political turbulence in healthcare. Simply being a member of any dental organization protects our profession since more members mean more impact!
The yikes!
“Are you paying attention?”​
Without advocacy, DSOs (Dental Service Organizations) can overturn the Dental Practice Act, allowing corporations to own clinics rather than a dentist. Midlevel providers, supported by both DSOs and Hygiene lobbyists, could replace dentists due to lower costs and less student debt. Insurance companies would tell you how much to charge patients. DSOs would dictate treatment based on net profit, rather than science and ethics. And lawmakers could make you pay extra taxes because we make enough.
Basically, there is a lot at stake.
We are advocating for several different issues within our state of Texas and events affecting us on a national level.
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