{ legislative & regulatory }


It’s just one day, but oh, the importance!


by VICKI WILBERS, MDA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR I


t’s only Monday, and already it’s been a long week for your dental insurance administrator who does battle on the phone trying to change the reimburse-


ment method for the insurance carrier who continually opts to reimburse you through a virtual credit card payment (VCC). This costs the dental practice time and money, and the administrator knows it and wants to have a form of payment that doesn’t cost the practice money just to receive compensa- tion for work completed. Should be simple, right? Not exactly. This is the third time in two weeks it has taken hours on the phone to make a change, and insurance companies will do this again on another group plan and/ or another set of patients the next week. It’s a never-ending battle, and it’s time to stop this ridiculous process.


This is just one example of consistent insur- ance disruptions to your dental practice, and the MDA needs your help to become a pow- erful advocate so you can see positive change.


We are asking you to be present at the MDA Dental Day at the Capitol. It is YOU, the dentist — whether small business owner, employee, associate … whatever your practice type — who legislators want to hear from. Without a doubt, this face-to-face interac- tion between dentists and legislators con- tributes to successful advocacy. Legislators want to know what you (or your insurance administrator) are experiencing.


Yes, this is one day in a series of 364 other days where you could make contact, but this ONE DAY OF PHYSICAL PRESENCE is needed each year to demonstrate the magnitude of the problem and to show the


14 focus | FALL 2023 | ISSUE 3


number of providers who insist on change. If insurance reform affects all dentists, then all dentists are needed to tell their stories. And when you come in numbers to the legislator’s workplace, it makes a memorable difference. On this one day, I promise, we will make it simple.


To begin, make it a point right now to attend MDA Dental Day at the Capitol on Wednes- day, March 6, 2024 by marking the day off on your calendar (make sure to communicate with staff and patients accordingly). The long-term reward is worth the short-term absence. We will make it simple for you to navigate because we will build it all for you with the tools and materials needed to help you talk to your legislators about the MDA agenda and the issues affecting your practice.


Dental Day at the Capitol is ONE DAY we ask for your actual presence at the Missouri State Capitol, where you can come to:


 Advocate for MDA’s agenda to make important changes to your practice;


 Unite with other colleagues that are do- ing the same;


 Meet and build relationships with your legislators;


 Visit a spectacular Capitol;  Meet your lobbying team, and;  Make a difference.


As noted, Dental Day is on Wednesday. Why on a Wednesday, right in the middle of your busy practice week? Because typically it is the day of the week when most legislators are in the building, giving us the best chance for success. During this one day, appoint- ments are pre-scheduled for you with your representative and/or senator. Appointments


can start as early as 8:30 a.m. and most of the time,


appointments are completed by 2 p.m. You should plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before your first scheduled visit with your legislators to allow time to park and make your way through security and up to the MDA home base on the third-floor rotunda. There you can pick up your packet and get briefed on the agenda and materials before your appointment. Other dentists, dental students or MDA staff may join you as well for support.


Your one day might also include lunch with a legislator (if pre-planned) or colleagues, touring the Capitol if you desire, and photos we hope you post to social media to reinforce our story and dental priorities. Typically, you can return home that day in time to tuck your kiddos in bed or have dinner with your significant other, or even fit in a workout. This one day is a refreshing change from your daily routine, that in turn will enhance your daily routine in the future. It’s an invest- ment in your profession.


I assure you the MDA lobbying team will be there to brief you on the priority agenda items. We supply detailed maps of Capitol, legislative lists, talking points with explana- tion of the bills, leave behinds for legislators, restaurant listings, and answers to your questions. It’s our ONE DAY of DENTISTRY FOCUS for YOU THE MEMBER. Please join us and make a difference!


For more details on the power of advocacy by the MDA on your behalf in years past and for developing news and agenda items for the future, visit modental.org/advocacy.


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