To be an effective chapter leader, it is important that you have all the necessary tools to run your chapter. This section provides the nuts and bolts you need to get started. Please note: some links are to documents you can download and others are to web pages on ASDA's site.
Chapter Handbook: This handbook provides information on ASDA's structure, membership and communication strategies, leadership roles and position descriptions, chapter activities, advocacy, working with state dental societeis, and managing your chapter's finances. Hard copies of this handbook are mailed to each first and second delegate in the fall. Below are PDFs of the entire handbook and each section individually:
Chapter How-To Guides: ASDA developed guides on various topics to assist our chapters. These guides provide the steps involved in organzing an event and project ideas from other ASDA chapters. Below are PDFs of each of the guides:
Chapter Fundraiser for ASDA Post-Doctoral Specialty Guides: ASDA is discontinuing the printing of our three post-doctoral guides, which contain comparative information about general practice residencies, advanced education in general dentistry and eight specialties. While supplies last, we will offer boxes of these guides to chapters at a discounted rate so that you can sell them to raise money for your chapter. If you are interested, please complete the order form.
Position Descriptions: Download sample position descriptions for the various leadership positions at your chapter. Be sure to share these descriptions with the people serving in these positions so they understand their responsibilities.
Information Drive: Each February, ASDA holds an information drive to collect updated contact information on our members from the chapter leaders. Chapters earn incentives based on participation and quality of the data received. Information on how to participate is sent to all chapters in January.
Legislative How-To's: Learn how to organize legislative activities, such as an ADPAC drive, a state lobby day, meet and greet, and letter-writing campaign.
Awards: ASDA offers numerous awards to our chapters, individuals, and faculty. Learn more about each award and the application criteria.
ADPAC: ADPAC has a new lunch & learn program. Visit the ADPAC page for instructions. Here’s a powerpoint template for the presentation. Contact one of our LGN leaders if you have questions.
Give Kids A Smile: Each year on the first Friday in February, thousands of the nation's dentists and their dental team members provide free oral health care services to children from low-income families across the country, as part of the ADA’s Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) program. Visit ADA's website for more information or to register a program.
Organizational Structure: This diagram shows the structure of ASDA and how the Board, Councils, Editorial Board and other national leaders work together.
National Leadership Directory: Find contact information for all ASDA national leaders, including the Executive Committee, Board of Trustees, Council Chairs, etc.
Contact ASDA: Contact a member of the ASDA central office staff or the Executive Committee.