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Dental Health Check is a production of Baylor College of Dentistry, and represents the best in public dental education online. Dr. Linda Niessen explores major topics in dental health and education in this weekly, syndicated broadcast.

Dental educators sharpen advocacy skills

Ann McCann, associate professor and director of planning and assessment in academic services, was one of 14 fellows of the American Dental Education Association’s Leadership Institute. The group completed its yearlong program during ADEA’s annual Legislative Workshop April 21-23 in Washington, D.C.

During the workshop, fellows sharpened their advocacy skills to effectively promote the importance of funding dental education programs with federal lawmakers. Representing 11 states and Puerto Rico, the fellows conducted 45 visits with their senators and representatives or their staff members.

“One of the most important things dental educators can do is to become strong advocates for legislative initiatives affecting dental academia and the profession,” said Dr. David Johnsen, ADEA president and dean of the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. “I know those who do can make a lasting difference and help ADEA achieve success.”

The fellows also learned about federal policy and the legislative process as well as the association’s legislative priorities. They were briefed on the federal budget and appropriations process, formulation of health policy, primary care (including the importance of dentists and dental hygienists) of underserved populations, and federal health professions and research programs important to dental education. In addition, congressional staff members presented updates on legislation such as the Patients’ Bill of Rights, Children’s Dental Health Improvement Act and Dental Health Improvement Act as well as the reauthorization of the National Health Service Corps and Community Health Centers.

“It was very exciting to spend a day on Capitol Hill where so many important decisions are made. Becoming familiar with the legislative issues, setting up appointments and meeting with legislators were all quite a challenge,” McCann said. “I’m sure I will be able to use these new skills to benefit the college and dental education.”

The ADEA Leadership Institute is designed to develop the nation’s most promising dental and allied dental faculty to assume leadership positions in dental education and higher education. Fellows are required to develop a project with national scope. McCann’s project included interviews with the academic deans of dental schools to identify the strategies they used to meet the new competency-based accreditation standards.