LETTERS Dear Members, I
want to personally thank each of you who came to Dental Day at the Capitol in early March. Seeing so many Missouri dentists, team members, and students meeting with lawmakers was something to be proud of. As your Executive Director, I am deeply grateful for the time you took to advocate for your profession.
Our staff and lobby team work every day to represent dentistry at the Capitol (and beyond), but nothing replaces the impact of dentists speaking directly with lawmakers about patient care, running a practice, and the realities of our profession. Your voice car- ries credibility that no one else can provide.
At a leadership event the same afternoon following Dental Day, I said something I truly believe: no one but the MDA advocates for your profession. And we will fight for you—and we will win. The strength of that
advocacy comes from members like you who show up, share your experiences, and build relationships with lawmakers.
Another way we help ensure dentistry con- tinues to win at the Capitol is MODentPAC. Thank you to the many members who sup- port it (you can see a list of those on page 16). While there are many names on this list, I am sad to notice there are fewer than the last time we published it. I wish I could say it doesn’t matter, but it truly helps us make progress in our advocacy work—that is the truth of it.
Your investment helps ensure dentistry has a seat at the table with policymakers who shape decisions affecting patient care and private practice. If you have not yet contrib- uted—or would like to increase your support, use the QR code by the list of contributors or simply call the MDA office. We can answer
any questions and help you make a one-time donation or set up monthly contributions.
Finally, please mark your calendar now for the next Dental Day at the Capitol: Wednes- day, March 3, 2027. We hope you will plan to attend—and consider inviting a colleague to join you. A personal invitation helps create the connections and sense of inclusion that make events like this successful.
Thank you again for representing Missouri dentistry so well.
Vicki Wilbers MDA Executive Director
You can apply for Medicare three months before the month you turn age 65?
Just log onto
SSA.gov and apply for Medicare benefits. Coverage generally starts the first day of the month in which you turn age 65. Once you receive your Medicare ID card, you can then apply for a Medicare Supplements and Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan.
Call MDIS for help with Medicare benefit questions.
ISSUE 1 | SPRING 2026 | focus 7
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