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.
Sample invitation letter to MOC for visiting the school (DOC)
The 2026 Congressional Schedule template (PDF)
Available the week of May 18, 2026:
Dental school visit toolkit (PDF)
Recorded webinar for the toolkit
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.
If you have any questions about hosting a member of Congress, please contact Peter Aiello at govtpol@ada.org.