ASDA’s mission statement reads “The American Student Dental Association is a national student-run organization that protects and advances the rights, interests and welfare of dental students.” Oxford English Dictionary defines student as “a person who is studying at a university or other place of higher education.” Oxford English Dictionary defines dental as “relating to teeth.” Due to the definition of “dental” and “student” by the Oxford English Dictionary, and the use of “dental student” in ASDA’s mission statement; therefore, be it
Resolved, that the American Student Dental Association Bylaws Article III. Membership, Section 1. ‘Categories’ be amended to read:
Section 1. Categories
- Predoctoral Membership
membership is available to a dental student enrolled in a predoctoral program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, beginning with the first full membership year following enrollment in dental school. Upon graduation, a predoctoral member maintains membership status until the end of the membership year.
- Predental Membership
membership is available to a person seeking enrollment in a predoctoral program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, who resides within the United States and its possessions, and who is not eligible for predoctoral membership. Upon enrollment into dental school, a predental member maintains membership status until the end of the membership year.
- International Dental Student Membership
International dental student membership is available to dental students currently enrolled in a dental school outside the United States and its possessions that is listed in the World Directory of Dental Schools compiled by the FDI World Federation.
- Dental Therapy/Dental Health Aid Therapist Student Membership
Students enrolled in a dental therapy or dental health aid therapy program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, beginning with the first full membership year following enrollment. Upon graduation, a dental therapy/dental health aid therapist member maintains membership status until the end of the membership year.
- Dental Hygiene Membership
Students enrolled in a dental hygiene program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, beginning with the first full membership year following enrollment. Upon graduation, a dental hygiene member maintains membership status until the end of the membership year.