KDA Today

KDA Today

For Immediate Release

Date: Dec 28th, 2015
Contact: Richard A. Whitehouse
Phone: 800-292-1855
Email: info@kyda.org

Meet the Bevins

The title of this article may sound like a new TV show. But, coming soon, organized dentistry in Kentucky will have another chance to make a first impression.

In a year where electoral politics has played out like a bad reality TV show, the real reality remains that the only constant is change. We have a new administration as well as a new legislature coming in 2016. With that, comes the potential for a new direction, if we are properly prepared and engaged.

Our message in working to amplify our voice in public policy matters must be that we are stronger together in organized dentistry. It is very easy to create walls between dentists from Pikeville to Paducah, between general practitioners and specialists, solo practitioners and those in group practices, Medicaid and non-Medicaid providers, etc. But, that’s not a strategy for success in the public policy arena.

It may be a tendency ingrained deep in the DNA of all human beings to spot differences in others and protect themselves based upon some perceived risk. But, as more evolved beings, we can rise above this instinct to recognize when danger truly exists and when it does not. Sometimes, the inability to rise above instinct and differentiate between real and perceived risk is the greatest threat to survival. That is true with organizations as well as with individuals. If we are to succeed in promoting our public policy agenda, we must work together as organized dentistry. This means reaching out to those we may have not worked with before - and not being afraid of change.

At the recent ADA Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., Executive Director Dr. Kathleen O’Laughlin reminded us that ours is an organization in transition - not unlike the profession itself. She called upon everyone to move from an “exclusive” organization to more of an “inclusive” organization. We best begin to do that by setting aside those things that make us different and coming together for the common purpose of organized dentistry. It is our common interest in serving others that should bring us together as we present our issues to elected officials and policy makers.

As you know, Kentucky has elected a new governor and this means there will be more change coming. KDA President Dr. Dennis Price and Government Affairs Committee Chair Dr. David Narramore and I recently attended a small breakfast roundtable event of thirty people. Special guests for this event included Governor-elect Matt Bevin, Senate President Robert Stivers, and Minority Floor Leader Representative Jeff Hoover. This was a rare opportunity to speak with these leaders about important issues – and dentistry was especially well represented. We have been assured a seat at the table as discussions directly impacting the dental profession take place. Now is truly the time for organized dentistry to come together with one voice. This important step must be backed up with the combined resolve of all practitioners to improve delivery of oral healthcare, if we are to make any headway in the public policy arena. We need to channel the collective energies of this profession to become more engaged in the process of policymaking that directly impacts the lives of dentists and other stakeholders in delivering healthcare services to Kentucky citizens. These issues include improving access to care, addressing deficiencies in the current Medicaid delivery system, and preventing illegal and unsafe practices. We must re-examine the issues of non-covered services and oppose efforts to place dentists in a subordinate role in the delivery of oral healthcare decision-making. Look for regular updates on these issues in this column as well as in KDA eXPRESS.

If we seize the opportunities presented by changed circumstance, whether it’s a change in administrations or the evolution of dental practice itself, we stand a better chance of advancing the profession of dentistry and ensuring access to quality care in Kentucky despite the increasing complexity of today’s political environment. But, if we allow ourselves to falter, we will fail.

KDA President, Dr. Dennis Price and I have also been visiting component societies around the commonwealth in the last few weeks. He regularly reminds these audiences that neither he nor I are the KDA. Rather, the KDA is comprised of and represents every member who supports this organization, which was created to advocate on behalf of the dental profession.

I hope we can encourage all dentists to become part of organized dentistry and for all of us to move forward with a singular purpose of advancing the profession by improving access to oral healthcare. Let the recognition of recent changes in the Kentucky political landscape give dentists across the commonwealth renewed purpose to participate in the political process. Know that the KDA is actively working on your behalf.

As we enter the holiday season and begin to think about resolutions for 2016, allow me to suggest a few on behalf of organized dentistry.

ü Renew your KDA membership today!

ü Get at least one non-member colleague to join KDA!

ü Get at least one non-member colleague to join KDA!
(This was not a typo – YOU are the most effective recruitment tool.)

ü Contribute to political action committees that advocate on your behalf like KDPAC and ADPAC!
(These contributions get us a seat at the table. And, we need a seat at the table.)

ü Attend the 2nd Annual KDA Legislative Day in Frankfort!
(Date to be announced, soon.)

ü Take advantage of all there is to offer at the 2016 Kentucky Annual Meeting on March 3-6, 2016!
(SPOILER: It’s going to be bigger and better than ever!)

Generally, resolve to get active in organized dentistry through the KDA!

This is not the time to sit idly by and change the channel.

P.S. On behalf of the KDA staff and my family, thanks for a great year! We wish you peace and prosperity in 2016.

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