Advocacy

Advocacy Graphic

CCDS Advocacy on Your Behalf

CCDS advocates for you, your practice, and the oral health of the community.  Here is what we've been doing:

  • Successfully advocated for Central Coast dentists to receive the CV-19 Vaccine from SLOPHD and SBPHD
  • Secured and distributed masks to Central Coast dentists
  • Successfully advocated for preventive oral health/dental care to resume 
  • Successfully advocated for the Santa Maria City Council to add fluoride to the city water supply
  • Successfully advocated for, and opened, Tolosa Children's Dental Center for underprivileged children
  • Successfully advocated to implement a smoke-free city ordinance in the city of San Luis Obispo – the first in the country!

 

A Strong Foundation for Advocacy Efforts

ADA House of Delegates and Policy Adoption

The American Dental Association (ADA) House of Delegates plays a crucial role in shaping the major policies that guide the dental profession. The ADA's lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill and with the Administration are highlighted yearly, showcasing the association's dedication to protecting dentists and patients alike. Some of the accomplishments in 2022 include working with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to improve access to dental surgeries in hospital operating rooms and supporting a successful ballot measure in Massachusetts to establish a medical loss ratio in dentistry.

State-Level Advocacy and the Department of State Government Affairs

The ADA Department of State Government Affairs supports state dental associations and ADA members in identifying and addressing legislative and regulatory trends that may impact the dental profession. This department works closely with state-level organizations, such as the California Dental Association, to ensure that dentists' voices are heard and that oral health remains a priority.

Local Dental Societies and Community Involvement

Local dental societies, like the Central Coast Dental Society, play a vital role in advocating for oral health in their respective communities. These organizations work in tandem with the CDA and ADA to promote oral health initiatives, provide resources for dentists, and ensure that dental professionals have the support they need to thrive in their practice settings.