Member Resources:

Professional Issues Adopted Resolutions

2011
Resolution Number: 303-2011 Inclusion of Dentistry as a STEM Designated Degree Program

2010
Resolution Number: 302-2010 E-7 Revised ASDA Student Code of Ethics

Resolution Number: 325-2010 Inclusion of Dentistry as a STEM Designated Degree Program 

2009
Resolution Number: 301-2009 Addition to the ASDA Code of Ethics — Reporting Violations
 
Resolution Number: 303-2009 Collaboration of ASDA and SPEC

Resolution Number: 304-2009 Continuation of the ASDA Professionalism and Ethics Task Force

Resolution Number: 305-2009 Revision of the ASDA Code of Ethics

Resolution Number: 309-2009 Strategic Collaboration with Special Interest Groups 

2008
Resolution Number: 301-2008 Community Health Center Externships/Internships

Resolution Number: 302-2008 Supporting the ADA's CDHC Initiative as a Solution for Access to Care Issues

Resolution Number: 304-2008 Board Meeting Calendar

Resolution Number: 305-2008 June 22 Deadline Change

Resolution Number: 307RC-2008 Addressing Access to Care through Recruitment Activities Targeted toward Underserved Populations

Resolution Number: 310-2008 ASDA Professionalism and Ethics Task Force 

2007
Resolution Number: 300RC-2007 Council Chairs and Council Members at Large

Resolution Number: 303RC-2007 Continuing Updates on Dental Insurance Networks 

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Resolution Number: 303-2011

Title: Inclusion of Dentistry as a STEM Designated Degree Program

Reference Committee Assignment: Membership and Professional Issues

Sponsor(s): Council on Professional Issues

Financial Impact: None

RESOLUTION

Resolved, that ASDA contact the Department of Education (DOE) and the United States Citizen and Immigration Service (USCIS) to request that dentistry be added to the STEM degrees.

Action:The Chair moves Resolution 303-2011 with a recommendation to adopt with a yes vote

House Action: Adopted by the House

Resolution Number: 302-2010

Title: E-7 Revised ASDA Student Code of Ethics

Reference Committee Assignment: Governance & Professional Issues

Sponsors: Council on Professional Issues

Address Strategic Plan Goal(s): #1: Effective Advocacy for Students and Patients

Financial Impact: None

Board of Trustees Comments: Board recommends a YES vote

Reference Committee Comments:

Background: The ASDA Code of Ethics is the moral foundation upon which ASDA is built, and each member of our organization agrees to uphold the standards within the code. At the 2009 Annual Session, the House of Delegates passed Resolution 305-2009 asking the ASDA Council on Professional Issues to review and update our Code of Ethics. The Council also incorporated the revised language passed in Resolution 301-2009; therefore, be it

RESOLUTION

Resolved, that ASDA adopt an updated E-7 policy of the ASDA Code of Ethics to read as follows:

PREAMBLE

The right of a dentist to professional status rests in the knowledge, skill, and experience with which she/he serves her/his patients and society. Every dentist should strive to continuously improve his/her knowledge of ethics in order to help achieve higher levels of patient care. These foundational ethical values will serve as a guideline throughout the dentist’s career, from pre-doctoral student to fully credentialed professional.

The American Student Dental Association (ASDA) recognizes the importance of high ethical standards in the dental school setting. Therefore, the Association believes students should conduct themselves in a manner reflecting integrity and fairness in both the didactic and clinical learning environments. The code outlined below relates most directly to the dental school environment. To gain a more expansive understanding of ethics in practice, please see the ADA Code of Ethics.

The following is the ASDA Code of Ethics:

1. Dental Student conduct
   1. All dental students are obligated to maintain high standards of moral and ethical behavior and to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. This applies to the classroom, clinic, laboratory, and other institutional facilities; externships, community service, or meetings of professional organizations. 
   2. Ethical and professional behavior by dental students is characterized by honesty, fairness, and integrity in all professional circumstances; respect for the rights, differences, and property of others; concern for the welfare of patients, competence in the delivery of care, and preservation of confidentiality in all situations where this is warranted. 
   3. All dental students are obligated to report unethical activity and violations of the honor code to the appropriate body at the school. 

2. Patient Autonomy (“self-governance”)
   1. Informed Consent and Refusal
      1. Students should conduct a thorough discussion with every patient. This must be repeated whenever there are substantive changes or additions to the treatment plan. Discussion should include:
         1. Diagnoses 
         2. Treatment Plan 
         3. Prognosis 
         4. Risks/Benefits 
         5. Alternatives
            —The discussion should be in understandable terms and enable a reasonable patient in the patient’s position to make an informed decision regarding care, except in emergencies, when risks are unknown, commonly known or the patient waves the right to disclosure. 
      2. Students should inform the patient of the consequences of not accepting treatment. The patient has a right to an informed refusal which should be honored by the student. 
      3. The student should make sure to allow time to answer any and all questions the patient may have to the best of their ability 
   2. Patient Confidentiality
      1. Should follow HIPAA Guidelines. 

3. Nonmaleficence (“do no harm”) and Beneficence (“do good”)
   1. The student should conduct him/herself with veracity (truthfulness). He/she should always act in a manner that promotes the welfare of patients and avoids harm to the patient. 
   2. Treatment plans should be determined according to patient needs as opposed to unmet requirements of the student. 
   3. No procedures should be started without instructor authorization, and all procedures should be evaluated by the instructor upon completion. 
   4. Referrals to residents, specialists, or staff members should be made when the complexity of the case exceeds the student’s ability to meet the standard of care. The referring student should inform the patient who will be responsible for dental maintenance and the reason for referral. 
   5. Students should exercise discretion in treating family members due to problems associated with medical history disclosure, confidentiality, objectivity, and professionalism. 
   6. Students are encouraged to participate in community outreach programs in order to improve the dental health of the public. 
   7. Students should advocate access to care for patients who are unable to receive care due to physical or mental disability or financial hardship. 

4. Justice (“fairness”)
   1. Ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, or infectious disease status should not influence whether or not a patient is accepted by a student to receive care. Furthermore, all patients should be treated with the same level of compassion, kindness and respect. 
   2. Students must not discriminate against patients in high-risk behavior groups. 
   3. The student should not cheat, plagiarize, forge, or falsify official records, patient charts, or examinations. 
   4. The student should not participate in activities involving theft and/or vandalism of school or student property. 
   5. Sexual harassment between colleagues, between health care provider and patient, and between students and faculty or residents is unacceptable and must be reported. 
   6. Students must report suspected abuse/neglect of patients to an appropriate instructor. 
   7. Students should exercise respect when working with human cadavers. 
   8. Controlled substances
      1. Students have the responsibility of protecting the integrity of the profession by reporting any suspicions of unethical behavior. 
      2. Students must never perform dental procedures while in an impaired condition, regardless of the source of the impairment. 

5. All members of the American Student Dental Association must comply with the ASDA Code of Ethics 

Action: Placed on Consent Calendar

House Action: Adopted by the House

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Resolution Number: 325-2010

Title: Inclusion of Dentistry as a STEM Designated Degree Program

Reference Committee Assignment: Governance & Professional Issues

Addresses Strategic Plan Goals: 1) Effective Advocacy for Students and Patients

Financial Impact: None

Sponsors:	Dan Hammer (Pacific), First Delegate, National Member-at-Large
	Mohammad Faizan Ali (Pacific), Chapter International Student Representative

Reference Committee Comments: The Chair moves the substitution of 325RC-2010 for 325-2010, with a recommendation to adopt 325RC-2010 with a yes vote.

Board of Trustees Comments:

Background: International students on F-1 nonimmigrant visa status who have been enrolled on a full-time basis for at least one full academic year in a college or University certified by U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) are eligible for 12 months of optional practical training (OPT) to work for a U.S. Employer in a job directly related to the student’s major area of study following graduation.

In April 2008, United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) introduced a new rule which allows International F-1 Students who have completed a science, technology, engineering or mathematics degree (STEM) to extend their OPT from 12 months to 29 months. Dentistry is currently not included under STEM Degrees. The inclusion of Dentistry as a STEM degree will be beneficial for two reasons. First, this will help retain qualified oral healthcare professionals in the US and help address the access to care issue. Second, it allows for greater diversity within the American dental profession causing an increased knowledge base that gives American Dentistry a competitive advantage for dental advancements globally; therefore, be it

RESOLUTION

Resolved, that the Council on Professional Issues and Governance organize efforts to add Dentistry as a STEM Designated Degree Program. This can be completed by having ASDA Leadership contact sevis.source@dhs.gov with STEM Code Change Request in the subject line. Within the letter the organization name, phone number, organizational affiliation, the code(s) you would like to see added (51.0401) and the rationale for the addition would be included. These change requests will be reviewed by ICE in conjunction with the Department of Education and other advisors for approval.

Action:

House Action: The House referred 325-2010 to the Council on Professional Issues. The Council shall report back to the 2011 House of Delegates.

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Resolution Number: 301-2009

Reference Committee Assignment: Governance and Professional Issues

Title: Addition to the ASDA Code of Ethics — Reporting Violations

Addresses Strategic Plan Goals: #1 Dental Education, Professional Issues and Student Advocacy

Financial Impact: None

Sponsors:	Anahita Taraporewalla	Southern California
	Gregg Chan	Southern California
	Tristan Galloway	Southern California
	Pearl Ambrosio	Southern California
	Andrew Seymore	Southern California

 

Reference Committee Comments: 

Board of Trustees Comments: The Board recommends a yes vote.

Background: The ASDA Code of Ethics is the moral foundation upon which ASDA is built, and each member of our organization agrees to uphold the standards within the code. A vital part of any ethics code or code of conduct is to report violations of such code to the appropriate body. The reporting of conduct that violates the code of ethics ensures the protection of the patients, as well as the integrity of the institution.

As students in an academic setting, the appropriate body to which to report these violations would be the administration at the school in attendance.

Therefore be it

RESOLUTION

Resolved, that the following statement be added to section E-7 of ASDA’s Current Statements of Position or Policy, to sub-head 1, part D, of the ASDA Code of Ethics:

Report unethical activity and violations of the honor code to the appropriate body at the school.

Action: Placed on the Consent Calendar

House Action: Adopted by the House on the Consent Calendar

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Resolution Number: 309-2009

Reference Committee Assignment: Governance and Professional Issues

Title: Collaboration with National Organizations

Addresses Strategic Plan Goals: 

Financial Impact: None

Sponsors: Dustin Janssen, Baylor College of Dentistry

Reference Committee Comments: 

Board of Trustees Comments: 

Background: During the 2006 annual session ASDA adopted resolution HOD 301RC-2006 titled Promoting Diversity and Collaboration in ASDA. This resolution gave nationally recognized special interest groups speaking seats on ASDA’s House of Delegates. The purpose of this was to create intercommunication between organizations that would allow further communication and information distribution. The purpose of this resolution is to continue to foster these relationships.

Therefore be it

RESOLUTION

Resolved, that ASDA develop a task force to identify potential collaborative efforts with national organizations who have a developed national structure including, but not limited to, the Student National Dental Association, the Hispanic Student Dental Association, the Society of American Indian Dentists Student Chapter, the American Dental Education Association Council of Students, and the National Student Research Group, and be it further

Resolved, that this task force investigate the best means of working with these organizations and develop a plan to do so prior to December 1^st 2009.

Action: Placed on the Consent Calendar

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Resolution Number: 301-2008

Title: Community Health Center Externships/Internships

Financial Impact: Minimal

Reference Committee Assignment: Governance and Professional Issues

Sponsors:	Name:	Chapter:
	T.C. Hardy	Tufts University

Reference Committee Comments: 

Board of Trustee Comments: Board recommends a yes vote

Therefore be it

RESOLUTION

Resolved, that the Council on Professional Issues shall investigate the best methodology to collaborate with Community Health Centers across the United States to initiate externship/internship programs and this information be made available, and promoted, to the ASDA membership, and be it further

Resolved, that the Council on Professional Issues shall Report to Board of Trustees at the second Leadership Conference of the 2008/2009 ASDA year and this information be distributed to the House of Delegates at the 2009 Annual Session.

Action: Placed on the Consent Calendar

House Action: Adopted by the House on the Consent Calendar

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Resolution Number: 302-2008

Title: Supporting the ADA’s CDHC initiative as a solution to access to care issues

Financial Impact: None

Reference Committee Assignment: Governance and Professional Issues

Sponsors:	Name:	Chapter:
	Edgar Radjabli	Maryland
	Tessa Modiri	Maryland
	Andrew Pakchoian	Maryland
	Brian Kirkwood	Maryland

Reference Committee Comments: 

Board of Trustees Comments: 

Supports Strategic Plan Goals: #3 Advocacy for patients

Therefore be it

RESOLUTION

Resolved, that ASDA support the ADA in its commitment towards developing solutions to the access to care issue, including consideration of the CDHC model and be it further

Resolved, that the ADA be apprised of ASDA’s desire and willingness to be part of the ongoing dialogue on the issue.

Action: The Chair moves the adoption of resolution 302-2008, with a recommendation to vote yes.

House Action: Adopted by the House

House Action: Adopted by the House on the Consent Calendar

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Resolution Number: 304-2008

Title: Board Meeting Calendar

Financial Impact: 

Reference Committee Assignment: Governance and Professional Issues

Sponsors: Board of Trustees

Reference Committee Comments: The Reference Committee recommends a yes vote.

Board of Trustees Comments: Board recommends a yes vote

Supports Strategic Plan Goals:

Therefore be it

RESOLUTION

Resolved, that Article VII ,§ 2 of the Constitution of the American Student Dental Association be changed in the following manner, such that it reads:

“Section 2. Board of Trustees

The full Board of Trustees will meet five (5) formal times per year: (1) immediately following the Annual Session; (2) fall; (3) winter; (4) spring; (5) immediately before the Annual Session., including immediately following the Annual Session at the beginning of their term and immediately before the Annual Session at the end of their term. Cancellation of any meeting requires a two-thirds majority vote of the Board of Trustees.”

Action: Placed on Consent Calendar

House Action: Adopted by the House on the Consent Calendar

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Resolution Number: 305-2008

Title: June 22 Deadline Change

Financial Impact: 

Reference Committee Assignment: Governance and Professional Issues

Sponsors: Board of Trustees

Reference Committee Comments: The Reference Committee recommends a yes vote.

Board of Trustees Comments: Board recommends a yes vote

Supports Strategic Plan Goals:

Therefore be it

RESOLUTION

Resolved, that Part V, § 1, subsection E of the Bylaws of the American Student Dental Association be changed in the following manner, such that it reads:

“E. Election

and be it further

Resolved, that Part V, § 5, subsection E of the Bylaws of the American Student Dental Association be changed in the following manner, such that it reads:

“E. Election

and be it further

Resolved, that Part IX, § 1 of the Bylaws of the American Student Dental Association be changed in the following manner, such that it reads:

“Section 1. A proposal to amend the Constitution and Bylaws must be presented by at least three (3) Delegates from different Chapters or by an ad hoc committee. This proposal must be presented in writing to the Secretary of the Association by June 22 January 15. Should June 22 January 15 fall less than sixty (60) days in advance of the opening date of the Annual Session, a deadline of 60 days prior to the opening of Annual Session will be observed. On receipt of a proposed amendment, the Secretary shall forward a copy to each Chapter. The proposed amendment may be amended by the House of Delegates.”

Action: Placed on Consent Calendar

House Action: Adopted by the House on the Consent Calendar

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Resolution Number: 307RC-2008

Title: Addressing Access to Care through Recruitment Activities Targeted Towards Underserved Populations

Financial Impact: None

Reference Committee Assignment: Governance and Professional Issues

Sponsors: Reference Committee on Governance and Professional Issues

Reference Committee Comments: The Reference Committee recommends a yes vote.

Board of Trustees Comments: 

Supports Strategic Plan Goals: #3 Advocacy for patients (access to care and care related volunteer service)

Therefore be it

RESOLUTION

Resolved, that the Council on Professional Issues investigate methods of promoting Dentistry as a career during ASDA outreach programs.

Action: The Chair moves substitution of resolution 307RC-2008 for 307-2008, with a recommendation to adopt 307RC-2008 with a yes vote.

House Action: Adopted by the House on the Consent Calendar

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Resolution Number: 310-2008

Title: ASDA Professionalism and Ethics Task Force

Financial Impact: Minimal

Reference Committee Assignment: Governance and Professional Issues

Sponsors:	Name:	Chapter:
	Michael C. Meru	Southern California
	Anahita Taraporewalla	Southern California
	Gregg Chan	Southern California
	Tristan Galloway	Southern California
	Pearl Ambrosio	Southern California

Reference Committee Comments:

Therefore be it

RESOLUTION

Resolved, that ASDA form a Professionalism and Ethics Task Force, and be it further

Resolved, that the Council on Professional Issues determine the composition of this task force, and be it further

Resolved, the task force shall investigate existing data regarding current research in the field, ethical violations within dental education, as well as any additional data determined to be pertinent, and be it further

Resolved, that the task force produce a document summarizing data gathered, any information regarding current efforts to combat ethical violations, and to formulate a plan that ASDA can enact to assist in preventing future ethical violations.

Action: Placed on Consent Calendar

House Action: Adopted by House on Consent Calendar

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Title:   Council Chairs and Council Members at Large

Addresses Strategic Plan Goals:   #7 – Governance Changes

Financial Impact:   None

Reference Committee Assignment:   Governance and Professional Issues

Sponsors:  Board of Trustees

Board of Trustees Comments: 

Reference Committee Comments:   Committee recommends a yes vote on resolution 300RC

Background:  The strategic plan was set in place to provide a framework for the future of ASDA.  The Board of Trustees believes that in order to better utilize the skills and talents of our national leaders it is advisable to rename the consultant position as Council Chair.  This would include additional responsibilities such as chairing the Council for a specific area.  This would allow the national leader to direct their duties more conveniently and also allow the association to utilize the leader’s knowledge and expertise more effectively. 

Therefore be it

RESOLUTION

Resolved, that Part V, Section 8 of the Bylaws be replaced with the following:

Section 8.  Council Chairs

A. Council Chairs

Active members of the Association may be appointed to serve as Chairs of Councils dedicated to various areas affecting dental student needs and interests.

B. Duties and Responsibilities

C. Qualifications

D. Selection

E. Term of Office

The term of office for each Council Chair will be determined by the Board of Trustees.

F. Vacancy

If a vacancy arises in a Council Chair position, the Board of Trustees may elect an Association member by simple majority vote to fill the position.

G. Removal from Office

If a Council Chair does not satisfactorily fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the position, the Board of Trustees may, by two-thirds majority vote, remove that Council Chair from office.

and be it further

Resolved, that Part V, Section 9 of the Bylaws be replaced with the following, and the remaining sections renumbered:

Section 9. Council  Members-at-Large

A. Council Members-at-Large

Active predoctoral members of the Association may be appointed to serve as members of the Association’s Councils or Task Forces without holding a position that makes them an ex officio member.

B. Duties and Responsibilities

C. Qualifications

D. Selection 

E. Term of Duty

The term of duty for each Council Member-at-Large will be from the date of their appointment until the close of the following Annual Session.

Action: The Chairman moves the substitution of 300RC-2007 for 300-2007.

House Action:   The resolution was adopted by the House of Delegates.

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Resolution Number:  303RC-2007

Title:   Continuing updates on Dental Insurance Networks

Financial Impact:   none

Reference Committee Assignment:   Governance and Professional Issues

Sponsors:	Brant Arnold, 1st Delegate,	Alabama,	5
	Eric Peterson, 2nd Delegate,	Alabama,	5

Reference Committee Comments:   Committee recommends a yes vote on resolution 303RC

Board of Trustees Comments:                                                

Supports Strategic Plan Goals:

Background:  Over the past decade, insurance networks covering medical and pharmaceutical insurance have been gaining a monopoly in the fields of medicine and pharmacy.  More and more physicians are having their autonomy as doctors reduced by insurance companies who have been continually trying to consume a larger and larger patient base.  The problem with this is that they consume the patients, convince doctors to join their insurance network, and once a majority of physicians are in the network, the insurance company begins to dictate prices.  Typically, this dictation of prices means that reimbursements for doctors are reduced.

This situation is one of the major reasons that physician’s salaries continue to decline year after year while the cost of delivering health care continues to rise.  Many times, physicians even find themselves having to consult with insurance companies (a third party) before delivering the care that they think is best for their patients. 

The 2006 Resolution HOD302RC, “Investigation into how Insurance Networks affect Practicing Dentists,” addressed how insurance networks impact dentistry.  The response to that resolution was a Panel Discussion planned at this year’s Annual Session to help introduce this issue to the ASDA delegation.  This is a good start, however, there needs to be a consistent, yearly update to the interaction between practicing dentists and insurance networks.  If we just have a Panel Discussion this year, and don’t continue to address this issue on a yearly basis, ASDA delegations over the next few years will eventually become uninformed in regard to this huge topic that is affecting dentists out in practice.  This interaction between dentists and dental benefit plans is dynamic and requires continued updates via panels/forums, breakout sessions, article/series of articles in the newsletter, etc.  The purpose of this resolution is to make sure that the issues underlying this year’s Panel Discussion stay in front of future ASDA delegations so that they stay informed on this topic just as this year’s delegation will be.

Therefore be it

RESOLUTION

Resolved,  that the Council on Professional Issues continue to provide updated information about the effect of dental provider plans on the dental profession, and be it further

Resolved,  that the Council on Professional Issues analyze the results of the Dental

Benefits Panel Discussion and decide on the best methods to continue educating ASDA members on this issue, and be it further

Resolved,  that the council findings be reported to the 2008 House of Delegates.

Action:   The Chairman moves the substitution of 303RC-2007 for 303-2007.

House Action:   The resolution was adopted by the House of Delegates.