Impressions
To PAC or not to PAC ? by Dr . Stephen T . Radack III , Editor
I remember asking myself that question year after year early in my career when the invoice for the PDA dues arrived in the mail . I was a brand new dentist with a mountain of debt from dental school and then purchasing my practice . Why would I need to donate to PADPAC ? At that point in my life I had never contributed to any political candidate . What if I don ’ t personally like the politics of the legislator the PAC contribution is going to ? I was in my own little bubble in Erie and was not concerned about much outside that bubble !
I can say that at every Erie County Dental Association and Ninth District Dental Society meeting I attended there were several more seasoned members who advocated for political action committee ( PAC ) contributions and the importance of the PAC . PADPAC had no bigger cheerleader than Dr . Bill Trice , former PDA president and ADA vice-president . He was involved in the PAC well into his 80s and never missed an opportunity to let every member know they should be contributing . The PAC was dentistry ’ s way of getting access to legislators and lobbying for issues that were important not only to the profession , but the dental health of the citizens of the commonwealth .
OK , Bill I hear you , but what about ADPAC ? The contribution for the PAC included both PADPAC and ADPAC ( a smaller percentage ) on the dues statements , but members would also receive solicitations from ADPAC as well as PADPAC during the year . The first time I was exposed to stronger encouragement to contribute to the PACs was at both the PDA and ADA Houses of Delegates in 1994 . There always existed a “ friendly ” competition among the delegations and trustees to achieve contributions from 100 % of the members of the delegation . Knowing the results would be announced to the entire house near the close of the meeting the trustee was usually very convincing of the importance of that contribution !
The more I became involved in organized dentistry and the higher I went up the PDA ladder I began to see the importance of the PACs and contributions to them differently . As a member of the PDA Board of Trustees , one gets to take a closer look behind the scenes of how things work , especially hearing from our lobbyist on a routine basis . I had the chance , as many members did over the years , to attend PDA ’ s Day on the Hill at the Capitol in Harrisburg , even leading the delegation when I was president . This was PDA ’ s chance as a group to interact with our legislators and advocate for our initiatives . It is always eye opening to educate your legislators on an issue and see them realize why we are advocating so strongly for it . What is also eye opening is seeing all the other groups at the Capitol doing the same thing for their issues or even lobbying against you !
On a much larger scale is ADA ’ s Lobby Day in Washington , DC . Being able to get face to face with both your member of Congress and senators to lobby for dentistry ’ s legislative priorities is very humbling and powerful . I remember years ago when we had a bus caravan from the hotel to the steps of the U . S . Capitol to lobby for Congressman Charlie Norwood ’ s Patients ’ Bill of Rights . Charlie was a dentist and getting this law passed was important to everyone .
Over the years PDA and ADA have had many legislative victories . Take a look at the latest one in executive director Ward Blackwell ’ s recent Front St . 411 where he notes the recently passed law that will allow up to 3 hours of continuing education for pro bono care . Unfortunately many of the bills we have lobbied for have not passed ( assignment of benefits is one of the most recent ). Many issues we lobby for have the very strong insurance lobby advocating against us . Obviously our PAC will never be as large as those insurance PACs , but it highlights the importance that any contribution , no matter how large or small , will help . The PDA Board of Trustees recognizes this and recently instituted the “ New Dentist ” club giving level for those members in their first 10 years of practice . The minimum contribution is only $ 60 ($ 5 per month !)
I encourage every member to read this issue of the PDJ , which is our annual advocacy issue , and educate yourself to what dentistry is supporting . Also pay attention to the section on PADPAC and the importance of giving to the PAC and what your contribution can do . When that dues invoice comes this year , consider a contribution to PADPAC and support dentistry ’ s efforts on “ The Hill .”
As I close , I confess that I don ’ t know where this year has gone . It seems like I just sat down to write the November-December 2021 editorial . What a difference a year makes as we have seen a return to pre-pandemic normalcy in most areas of life . As we rush towards the end of the year , I wish you the happiest of holiday seasons and hope you slow down a bit and enjoy the meaning of the season no matter what you celebrate , and may you all have the opportunity to spend time with your loved ones . Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2023 !
— STR3
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 5