From the Operatory to Capitol Hill: Why Advocacy in Dentistry Matters
Last month, I had the opportunity to join a group of general dentists in Washington, D.C., for AGD’s Hill Day. This was my second time attending, and I walked away feeling energized, inspired and more committed than ever to being a voice for our profession.
As dentists, we spend so much of our time focused on the clinical side — patient care, procedures, running a practice, etc. But, behind the scenes, decisions are being made in state houses and D.C. that impact how we’re able to do our jobs. Things like insurance reform, workforce policies and public health funding aren’t just buzzwords — they shape the care we can, or sometimes can’t, provide.
During Hill Day, I had the chance to sit face-to-face with legislators and tell them what it’s like to be in the operatory — the challenges we face and how certain policies trickle down to affect access, affordability and quality of care for our patients. It was empowering, and it reminded me that if we don’t speak up for our profession, someone else will — and they may not have the full picture.
I left with the strong belief that advocacy is something every dental professional should be part of, whether it’s by attending events like Hill Day, getting involved in local dental societies or even just donating to the advocacy efforts of organizations like AGD. You don’t need to be a policy expert to make a difference; you just need to care about the future of our profession and the health of our patients.
Some tips to consider as you get started:
1. Get to Know Your Legislators
Building relationships is the foundation of advocacy. As important members of our communities, we can start by identifying our local, state and federal officials and introducing ourselves as both constituents and healthcare providers. A quick email, phone call or meeting request to share key issues affecting dentistry and patient care can make a lasting impression.
2. Participate in Organized Lobby Days or Advocacy Events
AGD’s Hill Day offered me and other AGD members the opportunity to meet with lawmakers and staff as a coordinated approach that included talking points and specific requests, making it easier to speak confidently about the issues that matter most.
3. Invite Legislators to Visit Your Practice
Bringing policymakers into your dental office can be one of the most effective ways to show them what’s at stake. Seeing firsthand how legislation affects care delivery, safety standards or small business operations can make a big impact and personalize the profession’s priorities. Invite them to talk with your team and your patients. These are important perspectives.
4. Stay Informed, and Speak Up
Get involved in AGD’s advocacy network, or sign up for alerts to track legislative developments and respond quickly when your voice is needed. Sending a letter, signing a petition or sharing a social post during a key vote takes only a few minutes but adds strength to the collective message.
5. Attend AGD’s Virtual Advocacy Conference
AGD offers great opportunities to learn from leaders in the field on issues impacting our work and the best ways for you to advocate for the profession. AGD hosts a Virtual Advocacy Conference each year that includes almost seven hours of FREE CE credits for AGD members. This year, the conference will be held Nov. 21–22, and I encourage you to attend.
Being part of AGD’s Hill Day and other AGD efforts showed me that change happens when we show up, share our stories and speak with authenticity. I’m proud to have been there, and I encourage my colleagues to consider joining this movement. Together, our voices are stronger — and our impact goes far beyond the dental chair.
As dentists, we spend so much of our time focused on the clinical side — patient care, procedures, running a practice, etc. But, behind the scenes, decisions are being made in state houses and D.C. that impact how we’re able to do our jobs. Things like insurance reform, workforce policies and public health funding aren’t just buzzwords — they shape the care we can, or sometimes can’t, provide.
During Hill Day, I had the chance to sit face-to-face with legislators and tell them what it’s like to be in the operatory — the challenges we face and how certain policies trickle down to affect access, affordability and quality of care for our patients. It was empowering, and it reminded me that if we don’t speak up for our profession, someone else will — and they may not have the full picture.
I left with the strong belief that advocacy is something every dental professional should be part of, whether it’s by attending events like Hill Day, getting involved in local dental societies or even just donating to the advocacy efforts of organizations like AGD. You don’t need to be a policy expert to make a difference; you just need to care about the future of our profession and the health of our patients.
Some tips to consider as you get started:
1. Get to Know Your Legislators
Building relationships is the foundation of advocacy. As important members of our communities, we can start by identifying our local, state and federal officials and introducing ourselves as both constituents and healthcare providers. A quick email, phone call or meeting request to share key issues affecting dentistry and patient care can make a lasting impression.
2. Participate in Organized Lobby Days or Advocacy Events
AGD’s Hill Day offered me and other AGD members the opportunity to meet with lawmakers and staff as a coordinated approach that included talking points and specific requests, making it easier to speak confidently about the issues that matter most.
3. Invite Legislators to Visit Your Practice
Bringing policymakers into your dental office can be one of the most effective ways to show them what’s at stake. Seeing firsthand how legislation affects care delivery, safety standards or small business operations can make a big impact and personalize the profession’s priorities. Invite them to talk with your team and your patients. These are important perspectives.
4. Stay Informed, and Speak Up
Get involved in AGD’s advocacy network, or sign up for alerts to track legislative developments and respond quickly when your voice is needed. Sending a letter, signing a petition or sharing a social post during a key vote takes only a few minutes but adds strength to the collective message.
5. Attend AGD’s Virtual Advocacy Conference
AGD offers great opportunities to learn from leaders in the field on issues impacting our work and the best ways for you to advocate for the profession. AGD hosts a Virtual Advocacy Conference each year that includes almost seven hours of FREE CE credits for AGD members. This year, the conference will be held Nov. 21–22, and I encourage you to attend.
Being part of AGD’s Hill Day and other AGD efforts showed me that change happens when we show up, share our stories and speak with authenticity. I’m proud to have been there, and I encourage my colleagues to consider joining this movement. Together, our voices are stronger — and our impact goes far beyond the dental chair.