ADVOCACY IS IT DEAD IN VIRGINIA? Dr. Bruce Hutchison

ADVOCACY- IS IT DEAD IN VIRGINIA?

WHERE WILL THE PROFESSION OF DENTISTRY GO?

Bruce Hutchison, DDS, VDA PAC Chair

The GOOD news – the Virginia Dental Association’s political engagement is still one many other organizations look to as a model for how to effectively advocate for one’s profession in Virginia. The VERY BAD news – special interest enemies

are catching up and rest assured our adversaries are taking notice of VDA

PAC’s steady financial decline. Some startling numbers:

• 10 years ago, VDA PAC raised $371,000 – this year we are only on pace for $250,000. This is a 35% decrease in the VDA PAC fundraising efforts!!! Have your problems with insurance companies decreased 35% over the last 10 years? • 10 years ago, VDA PAC spent $319,500 helping candidates in races across the Commonwealth – this year we will do less than $135,000.

This is a 58% DECREASE!

Meanwhile the cost of elections continues to skyrocket as out of state interests and other groups pour money into the state. VDA PAC should be spending MORE and not

LESS!! • 10 years ago, our PAC cash balance was $766,000 – currently it is $566,000. This is a 26% decrease in our critical reserves available should we face a major legislative fight in the years ahead. I can assure you the chance of such a fight has only increased in recent years – especially on the mid-level provider and scope of practice fronts.

This past August eight VCU dental

students volunteered their time to call VDA members who had not yet given to VDA PAC. They made hundreds

of calls. Most weren’t answered. The ones that were answered said it wasn’t a convenient time to talk. What does it take to get VDA members, members of the greatest profession, to contribute to their own success and to their own cause? We appreciate their efforts very much. I am so proud of these students and, frankly, so ashamed that my fellow dentists wouldn’t return the calls. We should be leading by example for those who follow. Is this the example of what we want? These students are bright and full of energy. I trust our profession is in good hands in the future. I hope we can leave them with a fighting chance. Bottom line – threats are increasing

while the financial health of VDA PAC

is declining. Adversaries no doubt view the lack of PAC participation as weakness and apathy in our ranks – and TRUST me they are looking at it constantly. We MUST TURN this trend around immediately. EVERYONE needs to participate in VDA PAC and challenge all your colleagues to do the same! Please visit https://www.vadental.org/vda-pac to make a contribution today. Contact Laura Givens at givens@vadental.org with questions.

VDA PAC CONTRIBUTION UPDATE

Component

% of 2021 Members Contributing to Date 2021 VDA PAC Goal

Amount Contributed to Date

Per Capita Contribution % of Goal Achieved

1 (Tidewater) 34% $45,500 $29,025 $285 64%

2 (Peninsula) 3 (Southside) 4 (Richmond) 5 (Piedmont)

35% $27,500 $16,475 $300 60% 33% $14,000 $8,095 $261 58% 27% $67,750 $49,285 $314 73% 34% $30,000 $20,675 $276 69% 6 (Southwest VA) 42% $25,250 $15,800 $295 63% 7 (Shenandoah Valley) 30% $30,000 $22,155 $295 74% 8 (Northern VA) 27% $135,000 $80,115 $276 59%

TOTAL 33% $375,000 $241,625 $288 65%

TOTAL CONTRIBUTIONS: $241,625 2021 GOAL: $375,000 WE NEED YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO RAISE

$133,375

VCU dental students joined VDA members and staff for a bowling get-together at River City Roll in Richmond on August 4, 2021. The event was held to express the VDA’s appreciation to the several students who volunteered to reach out to VDA members asking for support of the VDA PAC.