Legislative action is a sophisticated enterprise.
Backroom deals and cash payoffs are fine depictions of political power in the movies. But they are ineffective in today's highly complex interaction between oral health and public policy. Three recent examples of the work of the California Dental Association's Government Affairs Council demonstrate the range of approaches that are needed to be successful. A mass-action campaign drew attention to the needs of underserved Californians and demonstrated dentists' willingness to help. Education, including visiting model programs, provided information legislators require to understand complex issues. Tightly niched grass-roots contacts from key constituents demonstrated not only interest but informed engagement.
Robert J
RJ
Hanlon
D002140:California; D019058:Community Networks; D035881:Compensation and Redress / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003729:Dental Care; D006267:Health Education, Dental; D006285:Health Planning; D006291:Health Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007879:Legislation, Dental; D016365:Liability, Legal / Q000191:economics; D008507:Medically Underserved Area; D017057:Medically Uninsured; D009909:Oral Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D017664:Uncompensated Care