Washington, D.C. was hit by a snowstorm February 5-6, which affected travel to and from the capitol. National Dental Student Lobby Day was scheduled for February 8-9. After careful analysis by the ASDA Board of Trustees, it was decided to conduct the training session as scheduled on Monday, February 8. Many students were unable to make it to D.C. because of travel delays or cancellations. Of the record-breaking 363 registered attendees, 161 students made it to the capitol. After a success and informative training day, the students were prepared to go to the Hill on Tuesday, February 9. Unfortunately, late Monday night it was announced the federal government would again be closed on Tuesday. The ASDA and ADEA leaders were prepared for this news, however, with a backup plan - conduct a letter-writing campaign. The LGN drafted a letter template for chapters to use to address the members of Congress they were scheduled to meet with on Tuesday, and the issue leave behinds (SLID and HR 855/S 616) were available to attach for background information.
For those unable to attend the meeting, emailing your members of Congress is the quickest and easiest way to tell them about the issues important to dental students. Look up their email on the House and Senate websites, use the letter template as the body of the email and attach the leave behinds about the issues.
Even though we weren't able to storm the Hill, Congress should still hear what's important to dental students and the issues that matter to you, your colleagues, and the profession.
Check out the recap and photos on ASDA's blog.
Appointments
Don't know who your members of Congress are or how to contact them? Go to http://house.gov and http://senate.gov to get their current contact information.
Click here for a list of congressional staff roles. Click here for useful information about Congress, Congressional meetings, as well as a glossary.
Issues
The 2 issues ASDA and ADEA have agreed to lobby on are Student Loan Interest Deduction and H.R. 855 and S. 616 - Enhancing Safety in Medicine Utilizing Leading Advanced Simulation Technologies to Improve Outcomes Now Act of 2009. Please review the "leave behind" documents for background information.
SLID Leave Behind
H.R. 855 and S. 616 Leave Behind
ADA Resource
Dental Student Loan Repayment Programs & Resources This new resource was developed by the ADA to help dental students and new dentists explore repayment program options. The listing includes national programs, state programs, and a resources section.