ASDA Request to DHS Results in Change: Dentistry Added to STEM Designated Degrees
The American Student Dental Association submitted a formal request to the Department of Homeland Security regarding the addition of dentistry to the STEM designated degree program. On May 19, ASDA was informed that the DHS approved the addition of dentistry to the list of currently suggested codes they maintain.
Chicago, IL, May 28, 2011 --(PR.com)-- The American Student Dental Association submitted a formal request to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding the addition of dentistry to the STEM designated degree program. On May 19, ASDA was informed that the DHS approved the addition of dentistry to the list of currently suggested codes they maintain per the requirements of the Interim Final Rule.
Including dentistry as a STEM designated degree program supports American-trained international dental students. Currently, international dental students have 12 months to seek additional technical training post-graduation. Individuals with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) degrees have a 17-month extension of the student visa to seek additional technical training. Addition of dentistry to STEM gives international students 29 months to obtain a job.
Dan Hammer, University of the Pacific ’11, has been a proponent of this change since he started dental school. He was a driving force in rallying ASDA and his fellow members to move forward with the request.
“ASDA’s mission is to ‘protect and advance the rights, interests and welfare of dental students.’ I’m proud to be a part of an organization that stands behind its members,” said Hammer. “This is true advocacy in action.”
Mohammad Faizan Ali, University of the Pacific ’11, is an ASDA member from Indore, India. “This change will affect the lives of many American-trained international dental students. Thanks to ASDA’s efforts, [we’ll] have more opportunities to choose from. It’s a dream come true.”
This change has been communicated to all ASDA members and dental school deans. For more information, visit www.asdanet.org or the Student and Exchange Visitor Program website.
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Including dentistry as a STEM designated degree program supports American-trained international dental students. Currently, international dental students have 12 months to seek additional technical training post-graduation. Individuals with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) degrees have a 17-month extension of the student visa to seek additional technical training. Addition of dentistry to STEM gives international students 29 months to obtain a job.
Dan Hammer, University of the Pacific ’11, has been a proponent of this change since he started dental school. He was a driving force in rallying ASDA and his fellow members to move forward with the request.
“ASDA’s mission is to ‘protect and advance the rights, interests and welfare of dental students.’ I’m proud to be a part of an organization that stands behind its members,” said Hammer. “This is true advocacy in action.”
Mohammad Faizan Ali, University of the Pacific ’11, is an ASDA member from Indore, India. “This change will affect the lives of many American-trained international dental students. Thanks to ASDA’s efforts, [we’ll] have more opportunities to choose from. It’s a dream come true.”
This change has been communicated to all ASDA members and dental school deans. For more information, visit www.asdanet.org or the Student and Exchange Visitor Program website.
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Contact
The American Student Dental Association
Cheryl Graf
312-440-2847
www.asdanet.org
Cheryl Graf
312-440-2847
www.asdanet.org
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