I hope all of you had the chance to attend at least a portion of the Hinman meeting this year. As usual, it was a wonderful event with great speakers and an unbelievable exhibit hall! Personally, I was able to catch Dr. Gordon Christensen and nationally known nutritionist Dr. Tieraona Low Dog. They were both exceptional! Also, one of my goals this year was to strengthen the bonds and communications with the Hinman Society. GDA’s Executive Director, Kristen Morgan, and I were honored to have a meeting with Hinman leadership that included their President, Dr. Troy Schulman, President-Elect Dr. Slade Lail, and Hinman Executive Director, Lynn Leidel. It was a fantastic meeting with robust conversation as to how we can collaborate moving forward.
March saw the close of the 2024 legislative season and the GDA had a good year. Our tele-dentistry bill passed through both houses with flying colors and was sent to the Governor’s office for signing. We were able to quash a potential bill that would have removed mandated fluoride in the state water supply, and we made strides toward helping Medicaid. We have much to do to prepare for the 2025 legislative session and a priority is assuring that our contact dentist program flourishes.
I know that news of the second dental school was surprising to everyone including our colleague and friend, Representative Lee Hawkins. Even with unexpected setbacks, we have to stick together as an organization in order to keep our voices strong for not only this issue, but the ones to come. If we fail to stay united as a dental community, then we will surely suffer. To quote Pink Floyd from the song “Hey You,” “Together we stand, divided we fall.”
We have much to be thankful for, but the work never stops. Please stay involved and engaged. If I or any member of leadership can be of service, never hesitate to reach out.
Cheers.
Jamie Mitchell, DMD
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