2 minute read
Critical Relationships
We Must Protect the Dental Profession
Attending Dentists’ Day on the Hill in 1988 (from l to r): Dr. Bob Downey, Mrs. Carol Nissen, Dr. Larry Nissen, Mrs. Jerilyn Bird, Dr. Jim Antoon, Dr. Curt Hill, Dr. Jerry Bird and Dr. Victor Apel.
By James Antoon, DMD
Sometime after Christmas in 1998, Dr. Bob Downey invited me and three other local dentists, Drs. Jerry Bird, Larry Nissen and Curt Hill,to drive to Tallahassee with him and discuss the Florida Dental Association’s (FDA) legislative priorities with legislators. I met Bob when he was the mayor of Indian Harbour Beach, and I was in high school. He invited students to city hall to encourage us to consider careers in public service. Later, when I received my “white coat” at the University of Louisville, the dean shook my hand and told me he had spoken to Dr. Downey and would be watching me closely. Twelve years later, I was on
a long road trip, learning why it was important to stay involved in organized dentistry and why relationships with decision-makers were critical to the future of our profession and the well-being our patients.
The following year, we learned that a Senate committee chair would not give our lobbyist an audience to discuss a priority scope of practice bill. Dr. Downey took us to the senator’s office. The chief of staff, an old friend of his, gave him a warm welcome. Within a few minutes we were sitting with Sen. Patsy Kurth. She told us that she was overwhelmed by other professions, pulling her in different directions but knew that Dr. Downey acted in his patients’ best interests. She then supported our issue in committee.
On another visit, the FDA was faced with losing our health insurance due to expenses and limits on premium hikes. We needed a waiver from the insurance commissioner to continue providing coverage to FDA members and their families and employees. The commissioner had opposed our request. Bob made a call and we assembled at Commissioner Bill Nelson’s office. We were warmly greeted, and the FDA president and Bob explained our situation. We received the waiver.
There were many similar events in those first years. Neither the senator nor the commissioner belonged to the same political party as Dr. Downey, but both knew him personally and respected his dedication to dentistry and our (their) community. He was the perfect legislative contact dentist (LCD).
On the way home one year, Bob told us he was retiring and that his health would prevent him from attending future events in Tallahassee. He charged us with supporting local candidates and developing friendships with leaders in both parties. Larry and Carol Nissen, Jerry and Jerilyn Bird, Curt and Dana Hill and I have attended nearly all the past 23 Dentists’ Day on the Hillevents. Jerry took up the task of scheduling with legislators. Larry led the FDA through difficult times and befriended many in the Legislature. Carol, Jerilyn, Dana and the Alliance of the FDA have raised money, secured lodging and food, and helped us gain access to legislators.
Bob died in 2010. His service to dentistry and our community continues through the work of those he mentored. He would be proud of our current and past LCDs and tell all of us to stay involved.
