I’ve always felt a strong sense of duty to serve, whether it be my fraternity, my country, or, most recently, my profession. This year, I had the opportunity to represent the Dental College of Georgia at the American Dental Association’s Lobby Day in Washington, D.C., as a first-year dental student. I was joined by seven upperclassmen - Tristan Pugh, Aws Al Tibi, Arezoo Kalan, Anna Parviainen, Wes James, Danijela Lazic, and Haley Harden. We arrived in the capital on Saturday, March 29th, and spent the afternoon taking in the city’s history, landmarks, and stunning cherry blossoms. Standing at the Lincoln Memorial and gazing at the Capitol building set the tone for what would be a fantastic long weekend.

Sunday was dedicated to preparation. We attended breakout sessions led by experts in policy and advocacy, discussing key issues like community water fluoridation, student loan deferment during residency, and restricting insurers from dictating prices for services they don’t cover. That afternoon, we networked with several dental organizations, like the Academy of General Dentistry, the American College of Dentists, the International Association for Dental Research, and many others. That evening, the ADA hosted a welcome reception where we had the chance to connect with dental students and practicing dentists.

On Monday, we had the privilege of meeting with Georgia’s U.S. Senators, Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, alongside several dedicated Georgia dentists and GDA Health Policy Manager, Jon Hoin. We shared our stories, addressed the financial realities of dental education, and advocated for preventive care and insurance reform. That night, the GDA graciously hosted our group for dinner at the Unconventional Diner. It quickly became the highlight of the trip — not just because of the incredible chicken parmesan I had, but because of the conversations I shared with Drs. Benson, Shirley, and McCullough. Hearing their stories, their advice, and their perspective on the evolution of dentistry helped me envision the kind of provider and leader I hope to become. Their mentorship left a lasting impression

On Tuesday morning, Wes and I joined Dr. Brett Kessler, ADA President, on his annual “Kessler Run” to the Lincoln Memorial. As the sun rose over the National Mall, Dr. Kessler took a moment to reflect on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose iconic “I Have a Dream” speech was delivered on those very steps. He reminded us that advocacy is about more than policy - it’s about standing up for what’s right, lifting our communities, and being agents of change, just as Dr. King was. It was a powerful and grounding way to begin our final day in Washington. Later in the day, we took our advocacy to the House side of the Capitol, meeting with Representatives Andrew Clyde, Richard McCormick, Rick Allen, and Barry Loudermilk. With many dentists returning home, we students took the lead. It was empowering to take the helm in those meetings and speak directly with lawmakers about the real challenges and hopes of the next generation of dentists.

While the meetings and networking were the heart of the experience, one moment stands out as particularly surreal. As Wes and I returned to the airport, we were abruptly stopped while crossing Pennsylvania Avenue - only to watch the presidential motorcade pass right in front of us! It was a perfect, unexpected finale to a truly unforgettable trip. I returned to Augusta feeling energized and more motivated than ever to stay engaged in organized dentistry. As a future Army dentist, I recognize how vital it is to understand the intersection of healthcare and policy - and how important it is to advocate for our patients. I’m already looking forward to returning next year, hopefully with my wife by my side to share in the experience.