Joined by more than 1,200 dentists and dental students, members of the West Virginia University School of Dentistry visited Washington, D.C., for the 8th annual American Dental Association Dentist and Student Lobby Day. The three-day event, March 30 to April 1, is an opportunity for participants to learn about policies affecting dentistry, advocate for the profession and oral health, and network with peers.
Members of the American Student Dental Association at WVU who attended Lobby Day were Keerthana Arjuna, Adrian Coalson, Kaitlyn Crist, Camryn Irvin, Jaclyn Montag, Lucas Pintirsch, Hannah Stapleton and Christopher VonScio.
During their visit, the WVU students met with Sen. Jim Justice, Rep. Carol Miller and representatives for Sen. Shelley Moore Capito and Rep. Riley Moore. They also had the opportunity to attend breakout sessions, an expert panel, keynote addresses, networking receptions and strategy meetings. The goal of the event is to empower dentists and dental students with the skills and knowledge essential for effective advocacy and to cultivate a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of policy decisions and the well-being of their constituents and the dental community at large.
Key issues focused on by the students and dentists included community water fluoridation, the Dental and Optometric Care Access Act and the Resident Education Deferred Interest Act.
The American Student Dental Association is a national student-run organization that protects and advances the rights, interests and welfare of dental students. Membership benefits include access to valuable resources across a variety of needs, including career support, licensure, health and wellness, scholarships and finances, and more.
At WVU, all Doctor of Dental Surgery students are members of the school’s ASDA chapter.
-WVU-
jw/4/23/25
CONTACT: Jessica Wilmoth
Director of Marketing and Communications
WVU School of Dentistry | WVU Dental
