It is recognized that circumstances or opportunities may arise which demand or legitimately necessitate a temporary interruption in a dental student's course of education and training. Such circumstances include, but are not limited to, the recommendation of a physician or counselor providing treatment to the dental student, death, illness or infirmity of a close family member, financial distress, professional obligations, and other family tragedies.

Under these circumstances, it expected that a reasonable attempt will be made by the dental school to approve requests for leave of absence, and that such requests will be judged by the same criteria and considered without discrimination among students. It is also expected that when necessary and appropriate, accommodations be made to facilitate a student's continued participation in the program of study, providing that the cost of such accommodations is reasonable, and do not infringe on the rights of others.

The American Student Dental Association encourages all dental schools to provide alternatives for students returning from leave of absence to complete any missed clinical or academic work, including options that would allow the student to be reinstated to the same status upon when the leave began, and allow the student to determine the most suitable alternative for their individual circumstances.