March 16, 2018 Sexual harassment situations permeate the news headlines today. Sexual harassment is a relevant topic that all successful organizations must address. It can greatly decrease employee morale, reduce productivity and even generate costly lawsuits. In order to ensure that each AAWD member is treated with respect and dignity, Dr. Karyl Patten, AAWD Immediate Past President, recently led a committee to establish and implement an official position statement for the organization. The AAWD Board approved the official statement on March 16, 2018: The American Association of Women Dentists both supports and promotes equality and compassion in the workplace, universities, and professional gatherings of any type or size. AAWD upholds a person’s right to work in an environment free of discrimination, harassment, or hostility. This statement can be found in the AAWD Policy and Procedures Manual.
August 28, 2018 The American Association of Women Dentists supports the use of fluoride products and recognizes the importance of fluoride in cavity prevention in both children and adults. Approved methods of receiving fluoride include but are not limited to community water fluoridation, topical fluoride application and fluoride supplements as recommended by a licensed dentist to prevent tooth decay.
December 10, 2018 The American Association of Women Dentists supports long-term legislative solutions for the growing student debt crisis. AAWD encourages expansion of loan repayment opportunities for working in National Health Service Corps appropriate sites and underserved areas. Advocacy measures should include federal graduate student loan programs, loan forgiveness, faculty loan repayment, tax deductibility of interest on student debt, tax exemptions for scholarships and stipends, and reduction of student loan interest rates.
January 21, 2019
The American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD) recognizes the safety and important of providing preventative, diagnostic, and restorative treatment throughout a patient’s pregnancy and would like to highlight the following:
- Delaying treatment during pregnancy may result in more complex issues, especially in dental emergencies;
- Pregnant patients have increased risk for certain oral conditions and therefore should be counseled on proper oral care throughout pregnancy; and
- Working alongside a patient’s obstetrician to coordinate care in a safe and comfortable manner is recommended.