The ODA department of governmental affairs keeps abreast of all legislative and regulatory issues that affect dentistry on the state and national level. As such, the department is an active advocate for the advancement and protection of the interests of ODA members and their patients in the political arena.

Recently, the ODA successfully:

• Reformed the laws governing dental malpractice to protect dentists from frivolous lawsuits
• Retained funding for the adult dental Medicaid program when it was faced with elimination
• Created the dentist student loan repayment program to help Ohio's access to care problem and assist recent dental graduates with their student loan debt
• Expanded and strengthened the state's volunteer immunity protections for dentists who donate their time and services to those less fortunate
• Changed the law to allow properly trained certified dental assistants to polish the clinical crowns of teeth and place pit and fissure sealants
• Reformed the dental licensure laws to promote freedom of movement for dentists
• Expanded representation on the Ohio State Dental Board
• Reformed and streamlined the dental assistant radiographer process.

These accomplishments are possible because the ODA represents approximately 80 percent of all Ohio dentists. Your commitment to organized dentistry only increases the odds for success. Complete a membership application online now and help your colleagues form the future direction for dentistry.