Civic engagement has always mattered, but for dentistry the stakes are rising. From insurance reform and access to care to workforce shortages and reimbursement, many of the issues that shape day-to-day practice are decided in city halls, state legislatures and Congress. Dentists have a front-row view of how these policies play out in real life and that insight is powerful to the entire dental community.
That’s why dentists serving in government deserve attention and others to follow their lead. They’re showing how clinical expertise can translate into credible advocacy, better policy and more informed decisions that affect dentists and patients alike. Their experiences demonstrate that when dentists have a seat at the table, dentistry isn’t just talked about, it’s better understood.