Last month, I joined a group of general dentists in Washington, DC, for the Academy of General Dentistry’s (AGD) Hill Day. This is my second time attending, and I walked away feeling energized, inspired, and more committed than ever to being a voice for our profession.
Dr. Divya Mudumba.
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 in DC that impact how we 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.
AGD advocates met with key members of Congress and their staff to discuss the critical issues facing general dentists, such as workforce shortages, oral health literacy, and dental school loans. 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 the 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.
As dental professionals, here are some tips for getting started:
- Get to know your legislators.
- Participate in advocacy or lobby days, either locally or nationally.
- Invite legislators to visit your practice.
- Stay informed, speak up, and share your experiences.
Being part of this effort 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.
Dr. Divya Mudumba is the practice owner of Smileworks Family Dentistry and Palmer Smiles in western Massachusetts. Mudumba is actively involved with dental associations at the local and national levels. She is a graduate of the Boston University School of Dental Medicine.
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