ODA MEMBERS ADDRESS WORKFORCE, INSURANCE AND FLUORIDATION ISSUES WITH LEGISLATORS
ODA member dentists and dental students meet with Rep. Brian Lorense (R-Powell) at the 2026 ODA Day at the Statehouse.
At the 2026 ODA Day at the Statehouse, about 80 dentists and residents and 45 dental students met with their state senators and representatives on May 20.
“When dentists speak with one voice at the Statehouse, legislators listen,” said ODA President Dr. Kyle Bogan. “Day at the Statehouse gave our members a direct line to Ohio’s policymakers, and this year’s turnout sent a clear message that the ODA is engaged, informed and ready to lead on the issues that matter to our profession and the patients we serve.”
Day at the Statehouse is the ODA’s most important grassroots advocacy initiative, where dentists have the opportunity to educate their legislators on issues important to dentistry.
“I decided to attend ODA Day at the Statehouse because I believe it is the single most impactful way I can help positively influence how we practice dentistry in Ohio,” said Dr. Bryan May, a general dentist in Logan. “If dentists do not bring our message, beliefs and needs to legislators, we essentially abdicate that voice to someone else, and the result can be potentially devastating.”
May added that “Day at the Statehouse is one of the most beneficial aspects of being an ODA member. When you fully grasp the number of people involved and the effort the ODA puts into advocacy, it becomes clear that no individual dentist could come close to having this kind of impact alone. Day at the Statehouse not only yields results, but also helps build relationships and educate an ever-changing legislative body.”
Attendees met with 74 legislative offices during this year’s event. Over 100 offices were contacted, and dentists will follow up with those offices that were not able to schedule a meeting during Day at the Statehouse to provide information or schedule a meeting in their district in the coming weeks.
“ODA Day at the Statehouse is my favorite event in organized dentistry for so many reasons,” said Dr. Audrey Grammel, a general dentist in Canal Winchester. “First and foremost, I love seeing the impact of our grassroots efforts. I truly believe this is one of the best ways for dentists to get involved and create meaningful change. I also enjoy staying informed about the issues affecting dentistry at the Statehouse. Another huge part of why I enjoy this event is the camaraderie. The small groups visiting each official really get to know one another during the walks from the Athletic Club and throughout the breaks during the day. It truly feels like organized dentistry is a family. This year in particular, it was amazing to see so many dental students attending. Watching them connect with and learn from more seasoned dentists made me very excited for the future of dentistry.”
Dr. Jack Felton, a general dentist in Tiffin, said he thinks it’s very important for dentists to advocate for what their needs are.
“Our legislators have a lot on the table,” he said. “If we don’t advocate for what we need or explain it, things could get lost, misrepresented, overlooked. Especially when you’ve already established a relationship to explain the issues, they can be complicated and I don’t know how legislators can know everything about everything. They need our help to educate them so they can make the best decision. Most legislators when you speak to them, they’re very commonsense and want to do what’s right.”
Attendees were asked to discuss several issues important to dentistry at this year’s Day at the Statehouse:
- The oral health benefits of community water fluoridation.
- Dental insurance reform.
- Workforce shortages.
- The dangers of allowing dental therapists to practice in Ohio.
“The meetings themselves went very well,” Grammel said. “I always enjoy educating legislators and their staff on the dental impact of their decisions, both from the perspective of providers and constituents. It is rewarding to have productive conversations and help them better understand the issues affecting dentistry and patient care across Ohio. I truly feel that Day at the Statehouse is one of the greatest benefits of ODA membership. It gives us the opportunity to directly influence legislation that impacts dentists throughout the state and advocate for both our profession and our patients.”
Felton attended meetings with another dentist and dental student.
“It’s just amazing how the three of us can all add different points but we’re all on the same page, and I think that really goes a long way to show legislators how united we are,” he said. “It’s pretty cool when you sit in there with different people, we all are right on the same page right together, we all just pick up and add a comment and it really flows nicely.”
Felton said both of his legislators are also patients of his, which makes it a no brainer to attend and have discussions with them because he already has a great relationship with them. He said both of his legislators thought the issues they discussed seemed like common sense.
“Legislators are hearing from the other side, and they often have more money and more power, so we have to stand up and speak up,” he said.
Before meeting with legislators, attendees had the opportunity to participate in a Zoom meeting, watch a recorded video and attend legislative briefings where the ODA lobbying team presented details on the topics they were asked to discuss with their legislators and tips on how to have these conversations.
“Dentists need to be aware of how easily new laws, or even small changes to existing ones, can affect both the delivery and business of dentistry,” May said. “The Ohio House and Senate can see significant turnover, and even someone with good intentions might sponsor a bill that dramatically affects our practices and our patients. While the ODA’s ability to stay on top of these issues is first-class, we should recognize the incessant effort it requires. If you cannot attend Day at the Statehouse, or if the concept seems awkward or undesirable to you, please remember that you can still help by contributing to ODPAC, which supports pro-dentistry candidates. Every dollar helps!”
If you would like to serve as a contact for a legislator in your area throughout the year, please contact Eric Richmond, director of legal and legislative services, by calling (800) 282-1526 or emailing eric@oda.org. ODA members can make a contribution to the Ohio Dental Political Action Committee (ODPAC) by clicking here.
