MUSC ASDA held its annual National Advocacy Week during the week of November 12-16, 2012. It began with a session for the first year students from Dr. Daniel West, a recent graduate of the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine, regarding Dentistry 101. Dr. West described the intricacies of dentistry outside of the classroom. He explained the tripartite infrastructure of the American Dental Association and, more importantly, how the benefits trickle down all the way to the student. He explained the significance of Organized Dentistry and its role in the future of the dental profession. The second day was a meet-and-greet with SC State Representative Peter McCoy. The entire student body got to participate in a Q&A session about the concerns facing the MUSC Dental Student, both financially and professionally. The session opened the door for Dean Jack Sanders to open discussions with the SC Budget Committee regarding a positive financial outcome for future student tuition. The third and final day was a talk from Dr. Bruce Hutchison, SC ADPAC District Representative, and Dr. Hal Fair, SC ADA District Representative. They focused on ADPAC and the significance of being active, even at the student level. We want to congratulate the freshman class for obtaining the highest participation in our ADPAC/DenPAC drive, with 52 members of their class of 72 students. Total ADPAC membership totaled 159 students for the 2012-2013 school year. Thank you to the MUSC ASDA Legislative Committee for your help in hosting awareness events! Also, many thanks to all the sponsors, including: South Carolina Dental Association, American Dental Political Action Committee, and MUSC Dental Student Alumni Council. We look forward to a strong, positive, professional experience at State Lobby Day on April 10, 2013.

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