What is Oral Health Day, and how can you participate?

AzDA’s Oral Health Day provides an opportunity to participate in the legislative process, meet face-to-face with legislators in your districts, and build lasting relationships that help Arizona dentists and the patients you treat. It's also a terrific way to meet and connect with new colleagues and get an insider's view on how dentistry is shaped by the legislative process.

Whether you're a seasoned veteran who knows Arizona legislators on a first-name basis or you've never been to the Arizona Capitol before, if you're a dentist practicing in Arizona, we would love to have you participate.

If you're in the latter category, you might feel that you can't be of any value to AzDA or to our state legislators, but that's not correct.

The truth is, you don't need to be a professional orator or familiar with our legislators to participate in AzDA's advocacy efforts. We need your voice and expertise as a clinician. Remember, that most legislators are not and were not healthcare providers, so they need a dentist's guidance and advice on legislation that affects dentistry in this state. And don't worry, we discuss talking points over breakfast and lunch, and you'll visit legislators as a group (not one-on-one), so you'll never feel "put on the spot."

AzDA Executive Director Dr. Regina Cobb shared, "Dentists just need to share their expertise and experience as healthcare providers. We (AzDA's Advocacy Team) can provide all the advice, encouragement, and guidance dentists will need to feel prepared to confidently speak to our legislators. And the truth is, Arizona representatives and senators love to hear actual experiences (real stories) from dentists. They often make the difference in whether legislation passes or fails."

 

If you're interested in learning more about Oral Health Day and how you can participate click here.

When and where is Oral Health Day?

It is held each year in January or February and will be at the Arizona State Capitol, 1700 W. Washington, Phoenix, AZ 85007. Typically, the day kicks off at 8am sharp.

Why we need you to join us

It's tempting to feel you have no influence over proposed state legislation that affects how you practice dentistry. That’s not true. When our Arizona legislators see dentists showing up in force in favor or disfavor of legislation, they take notice. Furthermore, legislators want to hear from subject matter experts in the healthcare profession. They want to hear from doctors—they want to hear from you.