ADA advocacy helps students and dentists shape the future of oral health. Invite members of Congress to your practice or dental school to make an impact.
When policymakers see firsthand how dental teams are trained and how care is delivered, the importance of oral health becomes real. These in-office visits highlight the challenges you face, the innovations you’re advancing, and the critical role dentistry plays in overall health helping drive smarter, more informed decisions in Congress.
Open your doors. Share your story. Help shape the future of oral health policy.
When should I invite my member of Congress to visit my dental school?
Visit the Congressional calendar to find out when your member of Congress is likely to be in the district instead of Washington, D.C. Find out availability for venue space on-site first before offering dates your school can accommodate a visit and public event. The member of Congress has a scheduler who can coordinate best days and times for a visit.
How do I engage student partners like ASDA, ADEA or others?
The first step is informing these groups and asking for their input. You may ask outside organizations to take part in your event but remember this is your event.
What if my member of Congress declines my invitation?
Determine if it is a scheduling capacity issue or if the member of Congress does not have an interest at this time. Inquire if there is a better time to host an event if the times offered do not work. Seek ADA’s advice for facilitation of the event should roadblocks occur.
What if they offer a staff member to attend instead of the member of Congress?
That is a determination best made by the students and the school if the impact of the visit will be the same. One option is to tell the organizer that dental students will meet with any staff individually, but the member of Congress is the preferred participant to tour the school at this organized event and all staff are welcome to join.
How do we decide advocacy issues to discuss?
Contact your state dental association for guidance. Ask yourself a few questions. What is important to my dental education? What could the government do better for dental schools? What do we wish lawmakers knew about dental school? These will shape the issues you will discuss. You are also always welcome to ask the ADA Government Affairs staff for issues you can cover.
Can we post our event on social media or have our school contact media about this campus event?
First, discuss the options you wish to pursue with the member of Congress’ Communications Director or the contact assisting you with your event. Ask if the member’s staff will be promoting it anywhere and if your school lead/Dean etc. will be able to offer any quotes in their promotion. (Confirm with your school prior to sharing information.) Then, discuss with your school’s communications and marketing teams to discuss options in messaging to the public by your school. Finally, confirm during the event coordination that photos and social media are approved for the member of Congress. It could result with restrictions like a photo only/no live video event. All details on permissions should be determined prior to the onsite event and not day of visit.
What is a good time to invite somebody to tour my practice?
Visit the Congressional calendar to find out when Congress is not in session. Also, if you participate in any community-based events, clinics or charitable organizations, consider inviting the member of Congress to one of those experiences outside of the dental office.
Should the member of Congress meet my patients our should the visit be after office hours?
The member of Congress may only expect to meet with the dentist and the dental team. If the timing of the meeting occurs during regular office hours when patients are scheduled, they may have an opportunity to engage with patients. It is not required for a successful onsite visit but could be helpful if your patients are agreeable prior to the visit.
How should my dental team participate in this event?
This is up to you and your team. It would be helpful to demonstrate the structure and needs of the workforce your office requires and how the care roles differ based on each team member. If you have any new equipment to demonstrate and that may require specific personnel, it should be determined in advance of the visit. If your practice has any residency programs this would be an important example to show the vital role funding has in training the future workforce in your area.
How long should the tour/meeting take and what is the best format for engaging with the member for best demonstration of our key advocacy issues?
On average, depending on the event or setting, event should take 30 minutes to 1 hour. Determine the availability with the scheduler or other staff member to meet expectations.
Is there a protocol on providing thank you gifts for visiting my office?
Due to federal ethics rules prohibiting the acceptance of gifts tied to official duties, a thank you note would be the most appropriate action.
Can I post pictures with the member on my website or social media?
Discuss the options you wish to pursue with the member of Congress’ Communications Director or the contact assisting you with your event. Ask if the member’s staff will be promoting it anywhere before or after the event and if you are restricted from sharing anything from your meeting.
How do I contribute to the member of Congress’ reelection campaign and find out if the ADPAC contributes to this person? Is it appropriate to discuss campaign support?
Political or campaign-related matters may come up during your meetings. In the unlikely event the conversation turns to financial campaign support you should not engage on that. Advocacy and political contributions should remain separate and distinct. Campaign contributions should never be connected to policy positions or acts undertaken in the official capacity of a member of Congress or their staff. In no circumstance should political contributions be tied to supporting a specific policy position represented by the American Dental Association.
If you are interested in supporting a member of Congress’s campaign or would like to know whether ADPAC has contributed to that individual, that information is publicly available at: Campaign finance data - FEC.gov. Please contact ADPAC staff. They can provide information about ADPAC’s support of federal candidates and answer any related questions.
Is there a protocol on providing thank you gifts for an office visit?
Due to stringent federal ethics rules, most gifts are prohibited. A thank you note would be the most appropriate action.
If you have any questions about hosting a member of Congress, please contact Peter Aiello at govtpol@ada.org.