Treating patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities

A recent ADA Morning Huddle emphasized the importance of finding a dental home. The Orange County Register article specifically focused on patients with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). New this year, ASDA’s Council on Professional Issues began an initiative to regularly highlight at-risk populations for the next few months. This months’s focus is on special needs dentistry, particularly, treating IDD patients. For a better look into this population, I interviewed Katie Kline, an IDD hygienist from Orchard Park, New York.

The Council on Professional Issues presents the National Outreach Initiative

The Council on Professional Issues is excited to announce the start of the National Outreach Initiative. Outreach is a crucial component to many chapters within ASDA. Because of its importance, the Council on Professional Issues would like to bring attention towards community service. Outreach promotion has become a goal for ASDA and we will be promoting awareness for underserved populations. Promotion will occur through publications, blog posts and chapter spotlights. The goal is to educate students on these at-risk communities. The National Outreach Initiative will also include Service Week, featuring social media takeovers displaying successful outreach events.

A magical close to an incredible year


As I booked my travel for Annual Session 2017 it suddenly hit me! My term as Vice President was quickly coming to a close. The year has been booked with countless meetings, phone calls, and travel opportunities. The thought of it actually coming to an end never really crossed my mind. Serving as a member of the Executive Committee has added an extremely unique layer to my dental education. Prior to dental school I would have never considered myself a politically savvy person, or even someone with a strong awareness for policy. But now I had a reason. I wanted to make sure that if I desired to be a leader for students, I would be well informed with a strong voice.