Let's stroll down memory lane for a moment and recall the old black-and-white movie Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. You may remember that the picture features Jimmy Stewart as a small-town everyman pushed squarely into the limelight of Washington politics. The naive, idealistic, patriotic young politician — after being sent to Washington as a junior senator from an unnamed state — matures in wisdom, fights political corruption within his state's political machine, and guards American values as a moral hero. It's a nice story.
By now you may be thinking, "What in the world does this have to do with dental hygiene?" Well, I'm glad you asked. On March 21, 2006 — you, our members — are invited to join your ADHA Board of Trustees in our nation's Capitol for Lobby day 2006. Participants will take part in the excitement that's inherent in the democratic process, but also get the opportunity to discuss the ADHP with our federal legislators and their staff members. Dental hygiene has a great story to tell, and I hope you can join us.
Lobby Day 2006 promises to be the premier advocacy event for ADHA in 2006. I'm so grateful for the enthusiastic support shown by our members for our ADHP report language that is pending before Congress. The ADHA's efforts in Washington, D.C., have taken a dramatic leap forward over the last year — with officers and staff visiting with lawmakers, related health-care associations, and agencies such as the Health Resources and Services Administration. We've enjoyed a productive relationship with our colleagues in the oral health community, such as the American Dental Association and the American Dental Education Association, in supporting issues of mutual interest.
The general registration period for the event has just begun. A limited number of spaces will be available, so please act quickly to ensure your participation. For more details, please download the registration brochure from the Member Resources area of the ADHA Members site or contact the ADHA Division of Governmental Affairs at extension 225 or ADHA Email.
