From Sunday, March 30, 2025 to Tuesday, April 1, 2025, representatives from Georgia Dental Association joined over 900 other dentists to advocate for their patients, profession, and practice. The annual American Dental Association Dentist and Student Lobby Day began with detailed briefings on national issues of note, and it closed with meetings on The Hill. Advocacy efforts focused on key issues including community water fluoridation, dental student debt, and dental insurance reform. 

Sunday

The event opened with sessions exploring advocacy in our nation’s capital city. Attendees had the opportunity to select 2 of 4 opening panels:

1. Congress Decoded: Introduction to Capitol Hill and Advocacy
2. The Future of Medicaid: Protecting Benefits in a Changing Landscape
3. Making Your Mark: A Conversation with the ADA New Dentist Committee
4. Fluoride Advocacy: Defending Public Health at the State Level

Sessions offered both basic information and detailed insights into the policy landscape of key issues relevant to both federal and state level advocacy. Some of the information from these sessions is now included in our policy resources page.

The evening concluded with a reception that gave participants the opportunity to debrief and catch up with friends from around the country. Sporting golf attire with a Masters flair, Georgia’s group of Dental Students were on theme, “Hometown Throwdown,” and looking sharp.

Monday

Monday began with further inspiration and orientation. Addresses from Dr. Brett Kessler, the president of the ADA, and Dr. Betsy Shapiro, the interim executive director of the ADA, emphasized that oral health care is essential and that dentistry is a part of every health care conversation. Dr. Kessler memorably commented that, “Oral health is health- it’s time to put the mouth back in the body.”

ADA’s legislative staff reviewed the issues, and then attendees had the opportunity to observe a pair of fireside chats with Representative Herb Conaway, MD, (NJ-03) and Representative John Joyce, MD, (PA-13). During that time the ADA Foundation also shared the vision and mission of the new Give Veterans a Smile program, launched in 2024, which encourages dentists to provide pro bono oral health care to underserved veterans. The morning concluded with an educational sketch about the best way to meet with members of congress.

Lunchtime brought an opportunity for Georgia’s delegation to discuss and coordinate upcoming Hill meetings. Dentists and dental students attending this year share a passion for advocacy, and many volunteered to join additional meetings to gain experience and stand in solidarity with their colleagues. By the end of the weekend, everyone in Georgia’s delegation would have the opportunity to advocate on the Hill.

After lunch came the first round of meetings. The first 2 conversations were with senate staff members in the offices of Senator Raphael Warnock and Senator Jon Ossoff. Often, meetings like this are handled by staff members in congressional offices, but they are still important. They help to direct the attention of key personnel to important legislation and put a human face on the people impacted by legislation or the lack thereof.

The day concluded with a gathering and dinner for members of Georgia’s delegation. Dinner was at the excellent Unconventional Diner, where dishes including French Dip Poutine, Pot Roast Rendang, and Meatloaf (with a Sriracha glaze and Gruyère) are the norm. Good food and good company made the evening one to remember. 

Tuesday

The final day of the event was a whirlwind tour of the remaining legislative offices who scheduled visits. After 10 more visits to Georgia legislators in the United States House of Representatives, the team prepared to board their planes home. To those who attended, the trip felt fruitful and educational. One dental student, Tristan Pugh, said that he felt that, “Now more than ever, with the future of oral public health on the line, it is imperative that we stay involved to provide a voice for our underserved communities.” Meanwhile, Dr. Tom Jagor appreciated that both sides of the aisle welcomed the ADA’s initiatives, even in a challenging political climate. 

Which Offices Did We Talk To?

Our Georgia dentists and students sat down with staff, and sometimes legislators in the following congressional offices.

• Senator Jon Ossoff
• Senator Raphael Warnock
• Representative Austin Scott
• Representative Andrew Clyde
• Representative Brian Jack
• Representative Nikema Williams
• Representative Sanford Bishop
• Representative David Scott
• Representative Rich McCormick
• Representative Lucy McBath
• Representative Rick Allen
• Representative Barry Loudermilk

A special shoutout is in order for Representatives Bishop and Allen who personally met with us.

What Did We Talk About

Georgia’s group aimed to:

1. Introduce new and returning legislators to the American Dental Association
2. Advocate for the REDI Act (H.R. 2028 and S. 942), a bill that would allow dental and medical residents to defer payments and prevent the accrual of interest on students loans for the duration of their program
3. Advocate for the DOC Access Act (H.R. 1521), a bill that would create a federal rule preventing dental insurance companies from setting fees for noncovered services, closing a loophole in existing federal law
4. Discuss community water fluoridation (CWF) to combat misinformation, remind policymakers that CWF has over 80 years of experience demonstrating it is safe and extremely cost-effective, and seek an appropriation for a rigorous NIH investigation into alleged links between fluoride and IQ. An NIH study on low level fluoride exposure would provide policy makers with definitive, high-quality data to reinforce sound public health decisions on fluoride safety 

I Want to Get Involved in Advocating for My Profession

Normally, the last paragraph in these blog posts encourages members to get involved with GDA’s ongoing legislative advocacy. To get more involved in advocating for dentistry in the state of Georgia, consider attending LAW Day, signing up as a contact dentist, or donating to GDAPAC. But conversations about federal and state policy interaction go beyond advocacy in Georgia. Fortunately, the tripartite includes the legislative advocacy team at the American Dental Association (ADA). To get more involved in advocacy at the federal level check out the ADA’s Legislative Action Center page today.