As I rode in the passenger’s seat on my way to Wisconsin Dells on a foggy early morning last November, I thought excitedly about the weekend to come. I was on my way to the Wisconsin Dental Association House of Delegates and was looking forward to the discussions and debates that would impact the future of dentistry in Wisconsin.
Among the many items of business was the passing of Resolution 39-H 11/2016 which reinstates WDA Legislative Day as an annual event.
Last year was the first year in many that Marquette University School of Dentistry D2 and D3 students did not travel to Madison to lobby for dental-related issues before state legislators. In the past, all D2 and D3 students, as well as about 75 dentists from across the state would converge on Madison for a day of learning about the issues, learning how to lobby and meeting with state legislators to discuss bills that would directly impact dentists, students and patients. WDA Legislative Day was initially moved to an every-other-year event due to minimal member dentist participation and to help reduce the WDA budget.
After much discussion, including information from WDA Director of Government Services Matt Rossetto about the efficacy of students and dentists lobbying every year, the delegates voted to once again fund an annual Legislative Day.
Dental students will be able to attend twice during their time at dental school. Here’s where you (that means you, who are reading this) come in. When else do you get the undivided attention of your legislator to explain issues that are near and dear to your heart? The answer is never. So, take advantage of this opportunity. Come prepared on March 22 to let your voice be heard at the state Capitol. Ask your mentor, protégé or colleague to join you and work together on behalf of dentists statewide. You’ve been given a voice, now is your time to use it!
Advocacy is so important that the WDA House delegation of dentists and students voted to spend thousands of dollars to support it. How can you become an advocate for your profession? Get involved with organized dentistry. Come prepared to Legislative Day. Actively recruit a colleague to attend with you.
Above all, remember to use your voice. The WDA House of Delegates increased your opportunities to use it, now go and make a difference with it. REGISTER NOW!
-Emma Roy, Marquette University School of Dentistry, Class of 2018
