Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) leaders met this week in the nation’s capital to discuss legislative issues impacting dentistry and ways to protect oral health care. As part of the two-day event, approximately 30 general dentists representing the AGD participated in a group that volunteered to discuss issues affecting their profession and patient care with lawmakers.

This year, during the event, AGD presented the Legislator of the Year award to U.S. Representative Jeff Van Drew, DMD, (R-NJ) for his ongoing support of issues impacting oral health and dentistry in Congress. “We are truly grateful to have an exceptional leader, colleague and friend like Congressman Van Drew,” said AGD President Chethan Chetty, DDS, MAGD. “As a dentist and experienced legislator, he has a unique understanding of dentistry and legislative processes and has provided wonderful support to AGD and our members.”

Texas Congressman Brian Babin, DDS, the key sponsor of one of AGD’s top legislative priorities this year, addressed the group and discussed the Resident Education Deferred Interest Act (REDI Act) and other legislative initiatives underway in this year’s Congress. Former Congressman and dentist Drew Ferguson from Georgia also spoke to the group and shared tips to make their legislative efforts effective. Both guests reminded attendees about the importance of remaining active on legislative and policy issues as dentists have an important understanding of the impact on their practices, the profession, and most importantly the health of their patients.

During this year’s meetings, AGD members asked legislators for support on the following:

1. Resident Education Deferred Interest Act (REDI Act) – This bill allows borrowers in medical or dental internships or residency programs to defer student loan payments until the completion of their programs. (Read the bill)

2. Action on Dental Health Act – Passed by overwhelmingly by the House in March 2024, this bill reauthorized funding for U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for oral health workforce grant program. (Read the bill)

3. Oral Health Literacy Act – The AGD has signed on with other oral health organizations to advocate for continuing funding for the oral health literacy program developed by the HRSA. This bill requires HRSA to conduct a public education campaign to increase oral health literacy and awareness, targeting children, pregnant women, parents, older adults, people with disabilities, and racial and ethnic minorities. (Read the bill)

AGD’s Hill Day is an annual event and part of the organization’s year-round outreach efforts to help lawmakers and regulators understand how major decisions impact oral health care. The face-to-face meetings on Capitol Hill allow general dentists to share their personal stories and expert insights and create valuable connections with those who make the nation’s laws.