The Alliance Attends the Washington Leadership Conference

As an Alliance member there is no short supply of opportunities to enhance your leadership skills, in fact last month several Alliance members were able to attend the 2012 Washington Leadership Conference.

Linda Lowe, Gigi Kudyba, Jerilyn Bird, Carol Reitz, Debbie Torbush, Doug Torbush, Jenny Zehner, Janine Bethea and Judith Worsley

Gigi Kudyba, on her first trip to the Washington Leadership Conference

I attended my first WLC this past May. I did not know what to expect but having attended many Georgia LAW days, I know the importance of visiting with legislators and discussing important issues. I was relieved to learn that I would be paired up with the Georgia dental representatives and Alliance member Dr. Janine Bethea. The meeting began late on Monday to learn about the current legislative issues that were impacting the dental profession nationally. We reviewed HR 436 and S 17 a bill to repeal the excise tax on medical devices; HR 4818 a bill to help consumers receive the full value of their dental coverage; S 1878/HR 4091 "Coordination of Pro Bono Medically Recommended Dental Care Act"; a senate companion bill to HR 1150 to repeal the McCarran-Ferguson law; concerns about community fluoridation; and military dental concerns.   

The following morning after listening to Dr. Calnon speak on the "state of dental concerns" and republican/democratic speakers issues concerning dentistry and a polling expert on the upcoming election, we headed off to the various legislators offices to discuss the issues.  I first met with Senator Chambliss at the Russell Building offices and then enjoyed riding the underground train legislators use to get to the House buildings to meet with Congressman Graves and Gingrey.  I thought being a newbie I would just listen to the lead Georgia dental representatives and learn the ropes but I found myself contributing details about the impact the bill would have on dentistry and found the Georgia dental representatives very knowledgeable on the issues. In between our meetings we had an exciting lunch.  Apparently there was an unattended bag or purse and the entire room was cleared for security purposes.  I immediately checked to see if I had my purse with me!  Before leaving Washington, Dr. Janine Bethea and I attended a fundraiser for Senator Gosar, a dentist from Arizona seeking re-election.  He spoke at our legislative function at conference in Tempe, AZ.  So nice to support dentists who understand the concerns of dentistry.

Thanks to all the alliance members who attended WLC!  

-Gigi Kudyba, AADA Representative to ADA CGA

If you are interested in serving in a leadership position with the Alliance, or in honing your skills please contact us at AADA@AllianceADA.org for the next opportunity.

For more about the conference visit the ADA website.