Posted on Sep 19, 2018 07:29 pm by Mackenzie Schneider, ASDOH ’20
This past Saturday was my first time attending the House of Delegates in Tuscon held every year by the Arizona Dental Association (AzDA). A constituent of the American Dental Association (ADA), the ADA is divided into the Southern Arizona Dental Society (SADS), Northern (NADS), and Central (CADS). Dentists from all of Arizona connect at HOD once a year for 2 days of continuing education, exhibitions and yearly agenda setting. Overall it was a really memorable experience. It was great to see so many dentists who are passionate about their field come together to discuss, debate, and work to find compromises and solutions to current problems. The format of the meeting was very formal and punctual. After a call to order by the Speaker of the House, certain resolutions were called into motion. Each council under the AzDA presented their concern and everyone had a chance to vote. The Council on Dental Education and Council on Government Affairs had the most relevant topics that pertained to us as dental students.
I encourage all students to attend this event in the future because it is important to understand the power of the student voice.
As students, our role is to bring in a fresh perspective and ensure that the decisions made continue to benefit our future, since we make the future of dentistry. I had the chance to vote on the floor. For example, continuing to spend money on ADA member magazines and booklets is not beneficial, and being able to speak against this issue was empowering. I encourage all students to attend this event in the future because it is important to understand the power of the student voice. It is beneficial to see how meetings like this are run and how decisions are made. Furthermore, it provided networking opportunities that allowed those of us who attended to meet the current ADA President and hear about his current projects and plans. I would strongly encourage every student to take advantage of this incredible opportunity. 📷 -Mackenzie Schneider, ASDOH ’20
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