The ADA, FDA and volunteer members from NEDDA work tirelessly to influence public policies affecting the practice of dentistry and the oral health of the American public. It is important that dentists take action at the local level to ensure that our voices are heard. Here are a few ways of making that happen:

  • Stay informed - for up to date information click here.

  • Attend Dentist's Day on the Hill -For more information click here.

  • Become a Legislative Contact Dentist (LCD) - The Legislative Contact Dentist (LCD) network represents a strong political force behind organized dentistry. It is comprised of Florida Dental Association (FDA) member dentists who are actively involved in building and strengthening their relationships with state legislators and other policy-makers.For more information click here.

Answering the Call to Advocate: My First Dentists’ Day on the Hill with FDA 
By Dr. Amber Sun, DDS – Pediatric Dentist, Little Love Pediatric Dentistry / St. Augustine, FL

 


Dr. Amber Sun pictured 4th from R with fellow NEDDA DDOH attendees pictured L-R: Drs. Ryan McAlpin, Tom Brown, Merlin Ohmer, Kris Harth, Ryan Johnson, Andy Brown and Bethany Douglas

“For more than 25 years, Florida Dental Association (FDA) member dentists have proudly traveled to Tallahassee to advocate on behalf of organized dentistry.” That message resonated deeply with me and inspired me to join the advocacy group for the first time in 2025.

This year marked my inaugural Dentists’ Day on the Hill, where I had the privilege of marching alongside colleagues, mentors, and dental students. Although it was my first time in Tallahassee, I was no stranger to dental advocacy. As a dental student, I participated in ADA Lobby Day in Washington, D.C.—an experience that opened my eyes to the power of organized dentistry. Later, as a young practicing dentist, I took part in the ODA Day at the Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio, where I first witnessed how impactful face-to-face conversations with legislators could be. While seasoned dentists focused on issues such as Medicaid funding, dental insurance reform, and community water fluoridation, dental students were encouraged to advocate for student loan repayment and management programs.

Looking back, I’m struck by how many of those same issues persist today. This consistency highlights the enduring need for advocacy and a unified voice to safeguard our profession. With the recent opposition to community water fluoridation voiced by the Florida Surgeon General, now more than ever, dentists must stand together to defend science and evidence-based dentistry—the foundation of our daily practice.

Participating in Dentists’ Day on the Hill was both heartwarming and empowering. The FDA did a fantastic job preparing us with a detailed legislative briefing and hosting a dinner and networking event that brought us together with intention and purpose. I felt genuinely supported as a first-time attendee.

I was especially fortunate to be grouped with FDA Trustee Dr. Tom Brown and NEDDA President Dr. Bethany Douglas. When I felt nervous about speaking in front of legislators, Dr. Douglas offered words of encouragement that stayed with me:
“This is my fifth year lobbying, and I still get nervous when speaking. If that makes you feel better, you’re not alone.” That moment reminded me that advocacy doesn’t require perfection—it simply requires presence, passion, and persistence.

One of the most memorable moments of the day was watching Dr. Merlin Ohmer place a pin on the map at State Representative Kiyan Michael’s office- a simple yet powerful symbol that our collective voice truly matters. In our day-to-day dental practices, we often feel like we’re drawing individual dots, one by one, on paper. Advocacy connects those dots, bringing our shared efforts into focus and revealing the true impact we have on our communities.

I left Tallahassee inspired, empowered, and deeply grateful for our strong profession and passionate colleagues. This first step in advocacy won’t be my last and I encourage every dental professional, at every stage of their career, to find their voice and join the FDA advocacy movement.