What is Policy?
It is one of EDSA's aims to defend the interests of European dental students and inform our members about EU organisations and politics in relation to dentistry. As an international association, we are in an optimal position to influence decisions taken on at all levels, collaborating with different organization from European bodies to national and local organisations.
Who Is the EDSA Policy Officer?
The EDSA Policy Officer supports the Association's policy-related work by coordinating the development, review, and renewal of policy papers. The role also involves identifying relevant topics, encouraging student participation, and collaborating with the EDSA Board, other Officers, students, and relevant stakeholders. The aim is to ensure that EDSA's policy work reflects the perspectives of dental students and remains relevant to the issues affecting them.
Our Goals and Priorities
The main goals of the Policy Officer are to develop and maintain EDSA policy papers, review and renew existing papers, identify topics that matter to dental students, and create opportunities for students to contribute their perspectives. The role also supports evidence-informed discussion, the development of policy recommendations, and collaboration on shared priorities within EDSA and with relevant partners.
EDSA Policy Papers
EDSA policy papers set out the Association’s position on specific topics and help communicate its priorities and recommendations. They can support advocacy, inform discussions with relevant stakeholders, and provide a reference for EDSA’s work. Policy papers need to be reviewed periodically to ensure they remain relevant: some may require targeted updates, while others may need substantial revision or complete renewal.
Policy Café
EDSA Policy Cafés are interactive, student-centred discussions on policy topics relevant to dental students and the Association’s work. They provide an opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, explore different perspectives, and discuss challenges in an open and inclusive setting. Policy Cafés are not lectures; student participation is central to the discussion.
Before each Policy Café, EDSA usually shares a post on its Instagram account featuring QR codes. Students can scan the question-submission QR code to share their questions, thoughts, and perspectives in advance. These contributions help shape the discussion around the issues that matter to students. The same post also includes a QR code linking directly to the online session via Zoom. No prior policy knowledge is required—students are encouraged to bring their questions, experiences, and ideas. Insights from Policy Cafés may also inform future EDSA policy papers and recommendations.
Collaboration, Connections, and Policy Making
Policy work is collaborative. The Policy Officer works with the EDSA Board and other Officers, listens to dental students and national student associations, and may engage with external experts, partner organisations, and other relevant stakeholders where appropriate. Bringing together different perspectives helps ensure that EDSA’s policy work is inclusive and informed by student experience.
How to Get Involved and Get in Touch
Students can contribute by suggesting topics they believe deserve attention, sharing their experiences and questions, participating in Policy Cafés, and responding to opportunities to provide input. Student perspectives help identify priorities and shape meaningful discussions and policy work.
Contact the EDSA Policy Officer: policy_officer@edsaweb.org
View EDSA Policy Papers below.
