E-3 School Closings (1985, revised 1989, 1990, 1991, 1998, 1999, 2016, 2019)

Policy Number: E-3

Policy Category: Dental School Admin Policies and Student Government

In the event of the closing of a dental school, students in their final year must be provided a proper and humane transition with a specific phase-out action to protect their rights. ASDA's position is that it is the responsibility of the school to protect its students in the following ways:
  1. Assurances that the same standards of high-quality education under which students were accepted will be maintained.
  2. Assurances that the school will continue to meet accreditation standards as set by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
  3. Assurances that all reimbursements will be made by the dental school for any classes, supplies and materials paid for and not provided to the student.
  4. The ASDA President will contact the school's Dean to obtain their personal assurance that a phase-out committee will be established immediately to enforce the phase-out plan. This committee will be composed of student, faculty and administration representatives.
  5. Assistance in transfers or relocation.
  6. Advice and support in seeking legal counsel.
  7. The immediate disclosure of pertinent closing information to the students as it becomes available.
  8. All attempts should be made to ensure students in their final year or those who meet graduation requirements are able to graduate from their matriculated institution. 
In addition, in the event of an impending dental school closure, a letter will be sent to that state's legislators at the request of the school's delegates, to explain the health and economic impact of a dental school's closure. Chapter delegates will be provided with resources that may be available from the central office including information about the circumstances of prior school closings.

Finally, an announcement will be sent to all first delegates requesting their assistance in:
  1. Finding temporary and permanent housing for transferring students
  2. Providing mentors to assimilate transferring students to the new academic and clinical environment; and
  3. Updating membership information so transferring students can receive their benefits and publications in a timely manner.