CHICAGO-- Academy of General Dentistry members and staff attended the 2007 Annual Meeting of the National Conference of State Legislatures Aug. 6-9 in Boston.
The academy represented general dentistry to more than 9,000 state legislators, legislative staff and state and government officials.
Legislative and Governmental Affairs Council chair Myron Bromberg, DDS, along with AGD staff, worked with members to convey the AGD's core purpose and agenda to more than 400 state legislators and hundreds more legislative staff from every state and scores of government officials.
"This meeting was a key opportunity to strengthen AGD's advocacy efforts,"
said Dr. Bromberg. "It was an ideal setting for us to reach a large number of key legislators at once."
AGD member and Massachusetts AGD President Raymond Martin, DDS, MAGD, was also present to represent the AGD and inform booth visitors of recent advocacy efforts.
"Attending this meeting and talking with lawmakers about general dentistry was very beneficial to me, as well as the organization," said Dr. Martin.
"Hopefully, as we work to promote the AGD's position on issues that matter
to general dentists, legislators will take notice and act in the interest of their state's residents."
Exhibiting alongside fellow organized dental associations such as the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons allowed the AGD to share ideas with other professional organizations also trying to inform representatives of the importance of oral health care.
"Participating in the conference gave us an opportunity to talk to and network with legislators about the AGD and its role in encouraging dentists to pursue continuing education," said Dr. Bromberg. "That has always been an emphasis of the AGD, and it's important to communicate that life-long learning ultimately helps the public receive better care."
The AGD made its mark on hundreds of legislators, establishing rapport with
them and enhancing the organization's name recognition.
"This three-day event was a continuous encounter with state representatives and senators from the entire nation," said Dr. Martin. "We had the opportunity to communicate the fact that general dentists are affected by, and care about,
legislation impacting their practices. That type of in-person interaction is invaluable."
For more information about the AGD, visit Academy of General Dentistry.
