Advocacy and Legislation

AGD Advocacy Conference

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On March 10 & 11 approximately 75 AGD dentists gathered in Washington, D.C. for the second annual advocacy conference.  The purpose of the conference is to increase dentists’ knowledge of the legislative and lobbying process; to specifically lobby for bills critical to dentistry and the AGD, and finally, to teach skills that participants can take home and reteach to colleagues.  Leon Stanislav, TN AGD Legislative Chair, and Roy Thompson, incoming Legislative Chair represented Tennessee. 

 

Day one began with featured guests detailing the intricacies of working legislation through Congress.  Specifics of highlighted bills were reviewed and afternoon was spent role-playing legislator visits and honing our lobbying skills and comfort level in this environment.  On the second and final day, we had an awards breakfast in which two Representatives were recognized for their role in moving important dental legislation through Congress.  Following breakfast each dentist spent time with Senators and Congressman and their staff to discuss legislation. 

The following legislation was highlighted:

Childrens’ Dental Health Improvement Act of 2007 (HR1781/SB  ) – provides grants and incentives to dentists to practice in underserved areas and increase access for low income children

Meth Mouth Bill – relates to improved education within the dental community and among teens on the oral implications of methamphetamine use.

Deamonte’s Law – provides grants to expand pediatric training programs among low income children – named after the 12 year Maryland boy (Deamonte Driver) who died last year due to an untreated abscessed tooth.  This case has legislators realizing more than ever the correlation between oral health and overall health.

Title VII Health Professionals Funding – working to restore cuts made in the grants over the last three years (down by 50%)

SCHIP Reauthorization Bill – will be coming before Congress in 2009 – the goal of dentistry is to have children’s dental care included on some level in this bill.

Not discussed with legislators but a topic at the conference was the outlook for universal health care or the new model for health care that may come out of the 2008 Presidential election.  We discussed the pros and cons of dentistry being included in a universal care program.  The opinions range far and wide on this subject but the one certain goal is that organized dentistry wants to be at the table when discussions and planning begins.  Inclusion in the planning process is the only way our patients and our profession can both be served.

Count on the fact that the AGD is involved in advocacy related to dentistry and specifically general dentists.  Your AGD is at work for you!

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Leon Stanislav and Roy Thompson following the speaker at AGD Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C.

 

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Leon Stanislav and Roy Thompson with Dr. Jim Richerson, AGD Past President, in front of the Capitol Building.

  

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The Supreme Court building behind the Capitol.

 

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 Roy Thompson and Leon Stanislav outside Senator Corker's office prior to their legislative visit.