2024 Dental Days at the Capitol

• Before the Event

  What: Attendees will receive a comprehensive policy and legislative briefing on oral health issues that may affect dentistry. The VDA Government Affairs team will be on hand to assist you in scheduling meetings with your legislators while you're in Richmond.

  Why it’s important: Being well-informed about issues impacting dentistry empowers you to advocate effectively with legislators, engage with your patients, and take advantage of opportunities to educate the general public.

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• Thursday Evening

  What: Dentists and legislators from across Virginia are invited to an evening reception at the Omni Hotel, featuring heavy hors d'oeuvres and cocktails. The VDA's legislative reception is a must-attend event for Virginia's 140 state legislators, and they are eager to engage with and hear from our members.

  Why it’s important: This marks one of the most opportune moments in the year to introduce yourself and enlighten lawmakers about the crucial issues confronting dentistry. If they're not hearing from you, they may be swayed by someone else who doesn't have your best interests in mind. Your engagement is key in ensuring your perspective is heard and understood.

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• Friday Morning

  What: Following an early morning policy breakfast featuring a keynote address from a special guest legislator (To Be Determined), VDA members will don their lab coats and take a brief stroll up the street to the new General Assembly Building. There, they will engage in meetings with legislators and their staff.

  Why it’s important: Legislators and their staff have demanding schedules, but they pay attention to constituents who make an effort to be present. Each year, there is proposed legislation that could potentially complicate the practice of dentistry. It is crucial for lawmakers to comprehend the implications of such proposals from the dentists residing in their districts. Your active participation ensures that your concerns are heard and understood.

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• Friday Afternoon and Saturday

  What: The VDA House of Delegates, along with its Committees and Councils, will convene to establish the agenda for the association in the upcoming year. We encourage you to consider signing up to serve as a Delegate for the 53rd Session of the 2024 VDA House of Delegates. Registration opens at 10:00 am on Friday and 8:30 am on Saturday. For any inquiries, please reach out to Lynn Wisman at wisman@vadental.org.

  Why it’s important: We will be examining various issues impacting dentistry, including a report from the VDA's Dental Workforce Council. All VDA members are invited to attend the VDA House of Delegates meeting to voice their opinions and stay informed about the issues as we collectively chart the course forward. Your participation is valued as we navigate the path ahead.

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• After the Event

  What: Our work isn’t over! We will continue updating members as the session moves forward and send out action alerts to make it easy for you to educate lawmakers on oral health issues and to thank them when they support good policies.  

  Why it’s important: Virginia will have a 60-day legislative session, and bills move fast. Every contact we make with lawmakers can make a difference. 

  Bottom Line: Whether you can only join us for one event at Dental Days or for all three days, you can make a difference in the future of dentistry in Virginia.

   

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