ASDA is aware of the issues you face as a dental student during these difficult times. We continue to monitor the developments around COVID-19 and are respecting the guidelines and mandates from the federal government and the CDC. Our first priority is the health, safety and well-being of everyone.
ASDA remains focused on COVID-19 ramifications that are affecting dental students. We have been in contact with the American Dental Association (ADA), American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and American Association of Dental Boards (AADB) about the following issues:
- The postponement of graduation and clinical examinations aimed at protecting the health and safety of everyone
- Concern about loans and losing the loan deferment period due to the postponement of several licensure exams
ASDA is advocating for regional testing agencies and state dental boards to endorse a licensure process involving a manikin-based assessment along with a diagnostic skills assessment, available for fourth year dental students when schools re-open.
ASDA is also recommending testing agencies and state boards consider providing 2020 graduates of CODA-accredited programs with preliminary licensure, allowing graduates adequate time to prepare for a clinical examination. Please review the correspondence that has been distributed to the ADA, ADEA, AADB, Dental School Deans, Regional Testing Agencies and State Dental Boards.
ASDA sent a letter to House and Senate leaders, encouraging them to consider deferring interest on federal student loans for dental students while in dental school, or a residency and deferring all monthly payments on federal student loans for all health care professionals, including dentists, without penalty. Please review the letters.
Regarding future national meetings, the ASDA April 3-5, 2020 Spring Council and Board meeting has been postponed until a later date. ADA Dentist and Student Lobby Day has been cancelled. We will refund registrations that we received for this meeting.
Please check our website for updates on these issues. ASDA continues to advocate on your behalf.
Regards,
Sydney Shapiro
President
American Student Dental Association