What is National ASDA?
Mission Statement
The American Student Dental Association is a national student-run organization that protects and advances the rights, interests and welfare of dental students. It introduces students to lifelong involvement in organized dentistry and provides services, information, education, representation and advocacy.
Vision Statement
To advance the dental profession by developing exemplary leaders and inspiring member advocacy.
What is Organized Dentistry?
Organized dentistry refers to the combined efforts of all the organizations that work to positively contribute to the dental profession including but not limited to the ADA, ASDA, and state and local dental societies. Through organized dentistry, every voice can be heard, acknowledge, and contribute to the progression of the dentistry into the future. Organized dentistry also aims to better serve the public and our patients through advocacy efforts and addressing key issues that limit people’s access to dental care.
Structure of ASDA
National
National ASDA is the voice of the entire dental student population across the nation. Their job is to bring the concerns of dental students to the forefront with the hopes of implementing change in the dental profession, specifically from a student perspective. The House of Delegates is the governing body ASDA and consists of two Delegates from each school who vote on resolutions that represent the opinions and views of dental students.
District - District 7
ASDA is broken down into eleven districts, with each school participating in ASDA being grouped into one district each. Each district has their own leadership team led by a Trustee as well as their own set of bylaws. The goal is to facilitate collaboration, networking, and communication between schools, districts, and to the national leaders.
Local - Marquette ASDA
Each district consists of 5-7 schools grouped by geographic location. Each school is responsible for communicating the initiatives set forth at the district and national levels to their respective chapter members. All chapters also has their own set of bylaws, leadership teams, and host their own events, initiatives, activities and resources for their members to enjoy. Chapters in each district communicate and work together for the greater good of their district, national ASDA, and dental students across the nation!
ASDA District Breakdown
Marquette is located in District 7 along with the other dental schools from Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky including UIC, Midwestern-IL, SIU, Indiana, Kentucky, and Louisville.