Dental Tribune U.S. Edition

AGD members visit with lawmakers to advocate for general dentistry News DENTAL TRIBUNE | July 20114A Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) member dentists attended the AGD’s annual Government Relations Conference recently in Washington, D.C. The members and guests went to the nation’s capital to discuss advocacy and lobbying issues that affect their practices and patients. More than 60 AGD members from across the country and representa- tives from the National Dental Associa- tion and American Orthodontic Society attended the event. During the two- day conference, attendees met with legislators from both political parties to discuss topics including alternative dental health care providers, the lack of practicing dentists on Institute of Medicine (IOM) panels, and the Dental Coverage Value & Transparency Act’s Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) provisions, among others. A total of 145 appointments were made with various representatives in Washington, D.C. The meetings took place April 12 and 13. “It is events like the Government Relations Conference that demonstrate AGD members’ ability to come togeth- er and change the face of dentistry in the eyes of our elected leaders,” said AGD President Fares Elias, DDS, JD, FAGD. “It is imperative that we maximize every opportunity to com- municate member needs and educate our elected officials about how their actions affect our practices and our patients.” Conference attendees had the opportunity to hear presentations from Morton Kondracke, a local journal- ist for more than 30 years, executive editor of Roll Call, and a regular con- tributor to public affairs programming; and JP Paluskiewicz, deputy chief of staff and health policy advisor to Rep. Michael Burgess, MD (R-Texas). Paluskiewicz oversees the congress- man’s legislative agenda and acts as chief advisor in all public policy issues. Rep. Paul Gosar, DDS (R-Ariz.) — a special guest due to his dual role as politician and dentist — spoke about encouraging dialogue within the pro- fession and with elected officials, the success of the 1099 repeal, and many other opportunities for change. Rep. Gosar sponsored the Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act (H.R. 1150) in an effort to repeal the McCar- ran-Ferguson Act, a federal law that exempts the insurance business from most federal regulation. “Rep. Gosar’s attendance at the conference was extremely valuable and provided a fresh perspective on the issues we all face as dentists,” said Myron Bromberg, DDS, chair of the AGD’s Legislative & Governmen- tal Affairs Council. “His insight and guidance surely will help advance our efforts to advocate for general dentists across the country.” Additionally, in recognition of his outstanding legislative achievements throughout the past year, Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) received the Legislator of the Year Award. Sen. Leahy also has been a strong leader in a cause that is very important to the AGD: The repeal of the McCarran-Ferguson Act. “Being a part of this event not only furthered my interest in advocacy issues, but it helped the AGD get its messages to key stakeholders,” said Bettina Laidley, DMD, FAGD, presi- dent of the Vermont AGD, who attend- ed for the presentation of Sen. Leahy’s award. “I’m glad that Sen. Leahy’s efforts were recognized in this way, as he has made significant contributions for our state.” DT (Source Academy of General Dentistry) AD From left: Dr. Myron Bromberg, chair of the AGD’s Legislative & Governmental Affairs Council, and Dr. Fares Elias, AGD president, greet Rep. Darrell E. Issa (R-Calif.) during the AGD’s 2011 Government Rela- tions Conference. (Photo/AGD)