Richard A. Weinman, DMD “GDAPAC is vital to the work we do at the GA Capital. It doesn’t buy votes from the legislators, but it does get us access to them. In my long experience representing the GDA, we (lobbyists and dentists) have rarely had any problem getting a meeting with a legislator. At that point, it’s up to us to present our issues.” GDA 2024 President, Jamie Mitchell, DMD “Unfortunately, dentistry can be influenced outside the operatory in an arena where we are at the mercy of non-dentists. We need to maintain a strong relationship with key legislators in order to protect and promote our profession. Our contributions to the PAC are necessary to ensure we have a voice under the Gold Dome. Please be generous.” GDA 2024 President-Elect, Amber P. Lawson, DMD “I do all I can to ensure my patients receive the best care possible. I invest in training, my team, equipment, and materials to provide patients the care they deserve with the best experience possible. The one thing I can’t physically control is the legislation that dictates how I can deliver that care. That is why I give to the PAC. Being involved in organized dentistry allows me to have a voice in the future of our profession. Advocacy is our greatest strength.” Ben W. Jernigan, Jr., DMD “Forty-five years ago, when I first started practicing dentistry in Georgia, our profession was mostly left alone politically. We had a battle with anti-fluoridationists, but political action by our association was not a very high priority because we didn’t often have political issues that affected our profession. My, how things have changed in all those years! I feel that now our profession is constantly being affected by political activity. Agents who want to change our profession take a political approach. We have to be constantly vigilant and proactive. Our GDAPAC contributions allow us to be “at the table” so that our voice is heard. I think it is one of the most important reasons to be a member of the GDA, and supporting our member dentists politically through GDAPAC allows our voice to be heard and respected.” Why I Give to the PAC | 37 Nov 2024
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