In Tooth Talk’s new installment of Dentist in Congress, Sarah and Peter sit down with Representative Brian Babin of Texas to discuss his work on the Resident Education Deferred Interest” (REDI) Act, H.R. 1554, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. Rep. Babin gives his views on what it is like being a dentist in Congress and the unique skills dentists bring to public service.

On this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter sit down with April Kates-Ellison and Christine Chico of the ADA’s Client Services Department, to talk about the ways the department assists members as well as state associations. April and Chris walk Tooth Talk listeners through the ways that their department can help dentists through all stages of their career.

On this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter sit down with the ADA’s Director of Congressional Affairs, Chris Tampio, to discuss new approaches to lobbying the ADA’s priorities in the 116th Congress. Chris discusses the current state of play in Congress, both from a political and policy perspective. He also details the behind the scenes activities of the congressional affairs team and their often unrecognized direct effect on federal policies that could impact dentistry.

In this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah is joined by guest host Baker Howry, Lead Project Assistant for the ADA’s DC office, to talk with Peter Aiello, the ADA’s Manager of Grassroots and Digital Advocacy, about the importance of getting involved. We also learn a little more about Peter’s background in political campaigns and how encouraging members of Congress to support an issue is like persuading voters to vote for your candidate: it takes a story and a personal touch.

In this episode of Tooth Talk Sarah and Peter are joined by Natalie Hales and Megan Mortimer to debrief about the 2019 ADA Dentist and Student Lobby Day. Megan and Natalie were Tooth Talk’s reporters in the field as they interview dentists, students and state constituent staff attendees to get their take on Lobby Day, advocacy, and the future of the Tooth Party!

In Tooth Talk’s latest installment of our Dentist in Congress series, Sarah and Peter sit down with Georgia Representative Drew Ferguson to discuss what it is like to be in Congress; his hometown of West Point, GA; and all things Georgia Dawgs. Rep. Ferguson also shares how he went from being a rural dentist, to small town mayor and now a member of Congress. Discussing his work on the House Ways and Means Committee and his appointment as Chief Deputy Minority Whip, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

In this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter sit down with the dean of North Carolina dental politics, Dr. Gary Oyster, as he discusses the importance of dentists getting involved in the political process. Drawing on his long-standing leadership experience in the North Carolina dental community, he shares his thoughts and tips on how dentists can use advocacy, relationship building, and events to play a more active role in improving the oral health of our country.

In this episode of Tooth Talk from the halls of Congress, Sarah and Peter sit down with Representative Mike Simpson of Idaho, to learn what it is like to be a dentist serving in Congress. We learn about the path Congressman Simpson took from Blackfoot, Idaho to Washington D.C., his work on the House Appropriations Committee, and his feeling on the signing into law of The Action for Dental Health Act which he introduced. Rep. Simpson also provides advice to dentists thinking of running for office.

In this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter sit down with Dr. Jane Grover, Director of the ADA’s Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention, to talk about what the Council is working on including community water fluoridation and emergency department referral programs. We also start to dig into how the Action for Dental Health Act, a new law geared towards improving oral health, will impact programs and how our dentists can take advantage of these programs.

In this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter brush up on their science skills as they sit down with the Vice President of the ADA Science Institute, Dr. Marcelo Araujo. From the ADA Seal of Acceptance to dentists’ role in detecting and preventing oral cancer, Dr. Araujo dives into the ADA’s extensive scientific research and proven work to create opportunities for better oral health care for all.