year advocacy battle against the proponents of dental therapy? By the turnover of legisla- tors and changes in legislative leadership posts over time. The KDA no doubt devel- oped political relations and good will, but after years of a stalemate, a compromise— demanded by the legislature—was perhaps the only way they saw for the dentists to not lose everything. Like most compromises, some will say it goes too far, while others will argue it doesn’t go far enough.


We in Missouri are in the eye of this storm, in large part due to the statistics I gave you for our dentist-to-population ratio and lack of dentists in some counties. While our cur- rent state legislature and its leaders look to the MDA as the authority on dentistry and dental-related issues within Missouri, in the next legislative session beginning January 2019, 50 percent of the legislators and all of the leadership will turn over, thanks to term limits. With more than 100 other PACs and associations all competing for the ear of these new legislators, how will MODentPAC and the MDA fair in the future? Suc- cess depends upon the actions the MDA, MODentPAC and—most importantly—our members take now.


Remember and act upon these three points:


1. Contribute to MODentPAC regularly. It is an essential investment in your livelihood.


2. Get to know your state Representative and Senator.


3. Consider making personal campaign contributions to those who run for office in the districts where your home and office are located.


Reread the three issues I listed at the begin- ning of this column. If allowed to remain un- checked, what seems like the fantasy of today often becomes the reality of tomorrow. f


Contact Dr. Rapini at president@ modental.org or 314-517-0135.


Did You Know?


The cost of your Medicare Insurance …


Is influenced by your income before and during retirement?


Both Medicare Part B and Part D are indexed by five different categories of income and your income tax return filing status. It’s called Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount or IRMAA and can be very significant.


Contact MDIS. We are well versed in Medicare and Medicare Supplement Plans and can help.


Honest Answers


Practical Solutions Personal Service


800-944-7550 • mdis4dds.com


CENTRAL BANK IS THE ENDORSED LENDER OF THE MISSOURI DENTAL ASSOCIATION and is now offering


LONG-TERM FIXED RATE LOANS CALL TO SPEAK WITH OUR LENDER TODAY!


Leslie Tanner, CPA Vice President


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e:leslie.tanner@centralbank.net NMLS# 525946


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