01 May 2022

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Dentists, dental students advocate together in Washington

ADA, American Student Dental Association host first in-person Lobby Day since 2019

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“We are always at our strongest when we come together — united in shared passion and purpose and in our advocacy.”

ADA President Cesar R. Sabates, D.D.S., was all smiles at the podium at the Washington Hilton March 21 as he welcomed dentists and dental students to the first in-person ADA Dentist and Student Lobby Day since 2019.

“Your work here matters,” Dr. Sabates said. “Think about those you hope to inspire. Think about those you hope to serve. And those whose lives will change for the better tomorrow — because you are here today.”

More than 400 dentists and dental students gathered for the ADA’s and American Student Dental Association’s signature advocacy event. Over a three-day period, attendees discussed a range of advocacy items and the best way to advocate for those issues with lawmakers.

“Today we are here to learn more about the issues and how to meet with members of Congress,” said Justina Anigbo, ASDA president and third-year dental student at the Indiana University School of Dentistry. “We want you to be able to tell your story and why these issues are important to you.”

Among the issues students and dentists planned to discuss were two dental insurance reform bills, the Dental and Optometric Care Access Act and the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act; two student loan reform bills, the Resident Education Deferred Interest Act and the Student Loan Refinancing Act; and the Medicaid Dental Benefit Act.

With the average dental student owing more than $300,000 after graduation, student loan reform was something many dental students and new dentists could relate to. Participants shared their personal stories of borrowing and repaying loans, and they also offered advice on how to effectively convey these stories with lawmakers.

“The best thing to do when you're in these meetings is really just talk about how it's affecting you," said Elizabeth Tramontana, a fourth-year dental student at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. "There's a lot of numbers, there's a lot of nuances, but just explain to them that these are the decisions that I'm making because of the debt that I am faced with. I wanted to do a residency, but I felt like I couldn't, I wanted to go on this mission trip, but I felt like I couldn't. Because I need to start working to pay back these loans.”

Read the full article at: www.ada.org