Government Relations
PADPAC Essential to Successful 2023-24 Legislative Session
One of the primary reasons dentists join PDA is for the outstanding advocacy we provide . But to be effective advocates we need a strong political action committee ( PAC ) to support legislators who support dentistry .
Please donate to PADPAC when you pay your 2023 membership dues ! One of the best ways for you to help your profession , dental practice and patients is to contribute to PADPAC . Your PADPAC donations gives PDA the ability to open doors and build relationships with legislators , who in turn introduce , support , and help move dentist-friendly legislation .
Due in part to a strong PAC , PDA has been able to achieve several significant legislative victories over the years , including :
• Limiting retroactive reviews
• Prohibiting caps on non-covered services
• Coverage for general anesthesia services
• Reinstating funding for the Donated Dental Services program
These victories , which positively reshaped the dental landscape , are only possible because PADPAC donations give us the ability to work more closely with legislators who support our position on laws and regulations that impact your ability to practice dentistry . When you contribute to PADPAC you are investing in yourself and your future ability to practice in Pennsylvania . The legislative game will go on whether we play it or not . In politics you are either at the table or on the menu . If we want to be at the table , in order to win we have to play and play effectively . The most effective way to play is to contribute to PADPAC .
We ’ re gearing up for a new legislative session starting in early 2023 . NOW is the time to contribute to PADPAC , either when you pay your membership dues for 2023 or by making a direct contribution ( see below for more details ). This is our opportunity to build a “ war chest ” worthy enough to take on our opponents . And while every dollar counts , we ask that you contribute using a personal check or credit card , which can be used for PDA ’ s lobbyists and volunteer leaders to attend fundraisers and legislators ’ election campaigns .
You don ’ t have to contribute all at once . We know that making personal contributions ( hard dollars ) is a sacrifice . We take that sacrifice very seriously by only spending your hard-earned dollars where necessary . The truth is , we need hard dollars to win . In order to compete with the insurance lobbyists , one of the most formidable opponents in Pennsylvania politics , we need hard dollars to support those elected officials who believe in you and support you . If you don ’ t want to make a lump sum contribution you can make monthly contributions , which may be easier or more convenient for you . Each and every contribution makes a big difference in strengthening your PAC and allowing us to have greater access and more decisive input into various campaigns . The larger our PAC the more decisive imPACt we can have on issues that are important to you .
New Club Level for PADPAC Contributions
PADPAC is excited to announce a new contribution level that will help broaden the base of our already strong efforts . Thanks to the vision of PDA President Dr . Nancy Rosenthal , a New Dentist contribution level has been established , with a minimum contribution of just $ 60 per year .
New Dentists are defined as those who have been in practice for 10 years or less .
Dr . Rosenthal has prioritized building PADPAC and believes recruiting new dentists to the PAC is crucial to our success in achieving PDA ’ s advocacy goals .
Now is the time to join PADPAC and take an interest in the legislation that affects you and your practice ! Keeping PADPAC strong will help PDA remain the trusted voice of dentistry in Pennsylvania .
If you do your part , we will do ours . Together we can be unstoppable . 2023 can be a big year for dentistry – but only if you contribute to your PAC .
If you have any questions about making a contribution to PADPAC , please contact John Basial at jpb @ padental . org or ( 800 ) 223-0016 , ext . 108 . You can also contribute online by visiting : https :// www . padental . org / padpac
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 7