{ from the editor } by Douglas Wyckoff, DDS • Editor


Taking the Middle Road W


e are now on the heels of another national general election. An election that covered all facets of our


lives — national, state and local. We have voted for those who will lead us and proposi- tions and amendments that will guide us. I do not know about you, but one of my favorite days is the day after the election. A day I know I will not see any political ads on TV nor receive any campaign messages in the mail!


Our political process at times seems so long and drawn out. I have always wondered why when political reform is discussed, they do not talk about shortening the amount of time allowed to campaign for office. Another realm that should be corrected is the mat- ter in which vote counts are totaled. In our modern-day technology, why is it taking days to tally votes? You would think with a push of a couple buttons we should be given results in just a few moments.


Elections tend to bring out the best and worst in people. Political bantering between opponents and even voters can get very heated. We have all seen this with the most recent election and at times it gets embar- rassing. We have seen the lines divide us on all levels and it really is time for it to stop. We all must be respectful of each other and our beliefs, even when we do not agree.


I am not intending on this editorial be- ing one in which I try to persuade you into thinking one side is better than the other. Red, blue, left, right, Republican, Democrat, conservative, liberal or whatever other third party you want to insert here; they’re all just labels. I have personally been all over the board in my life with where I have stood in my political beliefs. I have always tried to do what I think is best for myself, my business and family. That sometimes means I just don’t line up with one way of thinking.


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Similarly, in our dental profession we must think more along the lines of not being asso- ciated with one certain party or group. This is especially true when it comes to many of our dental issues we bring forth that require legislative efforts on the state and national level. We must be able to speak to both sides of the aisle when we try to gain support on issues important to our practices. On the national level, especially with the ADA and ADPAC, they refer to it as the “Tooth Party.” This is something we must keep in mind. We must have open doors to communicate ef- fectively with the legislators in Jefferson City and Washington, D. C., and if we just lean toward one party or the other, it will hamper our success. We all must work together toward the common good for our profession. What happens outside of that is completely up to you but, within the confines of our association’s work, we must take the middle road.


The MDA has one of the best legislative teams in the state. From our lobbyists to our Legislative and Regulatory Committee, we have the finest individuals around. They spend an inordinate amount of time working on our behalf speaking to our legislators in- dividually and within their committees. Time spent that allows you and I to still maintain our practices.


Over the years, we have done a pretty good job with members donating to MODentPAC. Decreasing membership and some apathy has caused our donated dollars to dip in recent times. We must continue to fund our PAC at our highest and even higher as our legislative agendas continue to grow. If you have donated to our PAC, thank you. I would ask that you increase what you have given in the past. If you have not given, it is time to start. You can give lump sum donations or make a monthly contribution. All of this can be done by contacting the MDA office.


I am challenging everyone to give at least $100 per month. If you are able, give more. We all must give to ensure that we continue to get the support we need in the legislature. If you have questions about giving, contact Halie at the MDA office or any Board of Trustee member and your questions will be answered. Let us make 2025 the best year of giving ever for MODentPAC.


Contact Dr. Wyckoff at editor@modental.org.


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