Despite all the chaos at the Capitol , particularly during budget negotiation time , lawmakers and their staff remember that we were there . They remember we have issues , and they call us with questions or concerns on health-related matters long after the event is over . They think of us fondly every time they open their desk drawer and find the dental hygiene kit with toothpaste , a toothbrush and floss that we left behind that day . The rapport we build with them on our annual lobby day at the Capitol cannot be overstated .
For the more than 115 members , spouses and dental students who attended PDA ’ s annual Day on the Hill on June 4 , it was a day of camaraderie and collective purpose . No other dental organization plans a day in which its members and affiliated parties stand united , figuratively and literally , to advocate for issues impacting your practice and patients .
Attendees first met at the Radisson Hotel in Camp Hill for breakfast while PDA ’ s lobbyists gave a briefing on PDA ’ s legislative issues and the political climate in Harrisburg . Buses then transported everyone to the Capitol .
The day began with a rally and press conference on the steps of the main Rotunda , followed by legislative visits targeting House and Senate Leaders and key committee members . At the rally we focused on the issue of restoring funding in the Donated Dental Services ( DDS ) program , which links volunteer dentists and labs with patients who are disabled , medically-compromised or elderly , and cannot afford the cost of dental care . PDA President Dr . R . Donald Hoffman delivered opening remarks and was followed by Rep . Thomas Murt ( R-Montgomery ), sponsor of legislation to restore funding , and DDS volunteer dentists Dr . John Maynard and Dr . Jill Carre . Both dentists spoke eloquently about the patients they were able to help , all of whom had significant medical problems that could only be treated if they had their dental problems resolved . Earlier in the day , Hollie Stevenson from Dental Lifeline Network ( which operates the DDS program ), presented an award to Dr . John Maynard for his years of service as a DDS volunteer .
After the rally , participants separated into pre-assigned teams to attend legislative meetings that PDA ’ s lobbyists scheduled in advance . They were asked to speak about two of PDA ’ s legislative priorities : assignment of benefits legislation and a restoration of the state ’ s funding in the DDS program . We also thanked legislators for passing some of PDA ’ s other legislative goals , most notably a bill promising caps on non-covered services and a bill requiring coverage of general anesthesia services for vulnerable dental patients . Our visits were primarily with members of key committees which have first
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