Monday, Jun 1, 2020

Harbor Dental Society Leaders Advocating for You and Dentistry

Harbor Dental Society had a productive Virtual Grassroots Advocacy Day held May 21, 2020 that set the record as the first Virtual Leg Day for CDA.

In attendance Harbor Dental Society leaders: Harbor President Dr. Veronica Greene; Legislation Chair Dr. Gary Glasband; Immediate Past President Dr. Santos Cortez; Leadership Development Chair Dr. Belinda Balais; Membership Chair Dr. Phil Melnick; Dr. Aarti Shah, Director and Harbor Past President, Dr. Michael Smolen, Past Ethics Chair, CDA Trustee for Harbor Dr. Max Martinez with Harbor staff Janet Garcia, along with CDA staff Marissa Allen, Dharia McGrew, Mary McCune, Todd Roberson, and Zachary Corbo.

Elected Officials:

Senator Ben Allen (D) - Santa Monica (SD 26) w/ Staff, Jennifer Chase

Senator Lena Gonzalez (D) – Long Beach (SD 33)

Assembly Member Patrick O’Donnell (D) – Long Beach (AD 70)

Advocacy issues due to the COVID-19 impact on Dentistry and Governor Newsom's State Budget cuts were discussed by Harbor leaders with the legisators.

• Reverse the proposed cuts to Prop 56 funds for Medi-Cal
• Call for Dental Benefit Plans and Insurance provider networks to offer financial relief
• Urgent Request to fulfill the need of PPE for dentists

Last, but certainly not least, Harbor leaders discussed with the legislators about the immediate needs for dental offices to have access to PPE.

CDA's Major Issues and Priorities summary has been updated to reflect current activities related to legislative efforts, including economic relief from dental plans, impacts of the revised state budget, direct-to-consumer orthodontic protections, the MICRA repeal ballot measure, improving access to care, flavored vaping/tobacco ban and dental plan transparency. The summary can be found on cda.org

Want to get involved?

The Harbor Dental Society Legislative Committee helps lead grassroots advocacy efforts and relationship building with elected officials to strengthen the voice of the dental profession in the legislative process. The committee calls upon multiple volunteer leaders who can participate in grassroots activities, which include:

• Organize meetings with our legislators

• Stay informed and keeping members informed

• Attend a fundraiser

• Attend community events hosted/attended by legislators

• Write or call your legislators

Feel free to contact Harbor Dental Society Office for details on how you can get involved and make a difference. Email: Kristin@Harbordentalsociety.org Tel. 562.595.6303