ASDA members are encouraged to become involved in their state dental association early in their career. Many associations offer free or reduced membership fees, volunteer/leadership opportunities and funded activities for students. Here are a few ways you can get involved:

1. Become a member. Find your state dental association's website and get familiar with their mission and priorities. After you've done your research, contact their staff to ask any questions you might have about membership. Once you're ready, sign up.



2. Participate in House of Delegates. During ASDA's Annual Session, two students from each chapter serve as delegates in the House of Delegates meetings to set policy and elect officers for the association. Similarly, state dental associations that allow voting student delegates will usually have an ASDA chapter president serve as the student delegate. The ASDA chapter vice president or president-elect can serve as the alternate delegate.



3. Submit a resolution. Students are encouraged to submit resolutions, most often changes to policy or recommendations for initiative, to their state dental association if the opportunity is available. ASDA members should adhere to ASDA's Current Statements of Position or Policy found at ASDAnet.org/statementsonpolicy.aspx.



4. Attend State Lobby Days. State lobby days often feature meetings with state legislature to discuss issues affecting dentistry. It is likely that several student members will one day practice in the state which they attend dental school. This early participation will help orient students to their state association, as well as their specific state's legislative issues. Students can communicate their future plans to practice in the state in which they lobby proving to the state association their commitment to the community.



5. Seek a volunteer role with a state or local dental association. A great place to start is by requesting to serve on a council, committee, task force or state political action committee (PAC).   



6. Attend local events. Many associations offer free or reduced registration fees for students. Networking with local member dentists may open doors to meeting new mentors or future employers.

Download ASDA's how-to guide for building the idea relationship between ASDA chapters and state dental associations for more suggestions. You can also watch this video about state dental associations featuring Dr. Alex Barton, Virginia '13, 2012-13 vice president.

Check out the recommended books featured on ASDA's "Developing Your Leadership Skills" webpage, including:

• "How to Win Friends & Influence People" by Dale Carnegie
• "Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us" by Daniel Pink
• "5 Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni
• "The 10 Things I Wish Someone Would Have Told Me" by Katherine Smith Dedrick

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