I remember my first Advocacy Academy, hosted by the Arizona Dental Association (AzDA). I was nervous about participating in my first ASDA legislative event. I had never considered myself interested in politics before dental school; in fact, the topic made me uneasy. So why did I get up on a Saturday morning to come to this event? As I sat there for an hour or so intently listening to our lobbyist explain several pieces of dental legislation, as well as the strategy behind AzDA’s stance for each one, I realized I was not the only one entranced by this process. I looked around the room and my fellow dental students from the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health and Midwestern-Arizona also were honed in on our speaker. And that’s when I realized why I was here with my peers: because we are passionate and we care. It didn’t matter that this was my first time at a legislative event. There is a place for everyone in advocacy. Attending Advocacy Academy during my D1 year provided answers to the questions I had about legislation related to our profession. These realizations have helped me form my own voice as a dental student and gave me hope that I can be a lifelong advocate for my profession. Here’s my take on three commonly asked questions around advocacy:
My advocacy experiences so far have encouraged me to attend the 2019 ADA Dentist and Student Lobby Day. Legislation is just one way dental students can show their passion, but it also is one of the most effective ways to make positive change for our futures. Still not sure where to get started with advocacy? Here are a few things you can do:
~ Christine Nguyen, Arizona ’21, Chapter Legislative Liaison via Tumblr Why you should get involved in advocacy
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