Every day, 76,000 lobbyists present issues to the legislative branch of the U.S. government on behalf of public interest, business, equality and justice. How do dentists insure that their voices stand out among the chatter?

Mike Graham answers that question in his discussion with Chuck Cohen during the latest Benco Dental Driving Dentistry Forward podcast.

The American Dental Association’s Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs has fought for issues important to organized dentistry for 25 years – serving in various positions in the ADA’s Washington Office. He advocates daily for the association’s more than 163,000 member dentists on Capitol Hill.

“When you represent almost two thirds of dentists in the country, that’s impactful, and members of Congress know that … you really do represent what [they] think and feel.”

Mike Graham, ADA Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs.

And while there is strength in those numbers, Graham said it’s possible for one person to spur positive change.

Two years ago, dentists prompted the discussion on opioid abuse with the passage of a powerful ADA policy, he explained. Most recently, a dental groundswell spurred the resolution to expand dental care eligibility for U.S. Veterans that’s headed to the House of Delegates’ virtual meeting in October.

Find out the details in Benco’s latest Driving Dentistry Forward podcast:
https://www.benco.com/driving-dentistry-forward-podcast/

After viewing this videocast, you’ll know…

• what prompted 150,000 ADA members to produce 600,000 emails to their local representatives in Congress,
• how Friday piano singalongs in the halls of the Rayburn House Office Building fortified bipartisanship,
• whether the “Tooth Party” leans red or blue, and
• how a $5-per-hour internship can change the course of a career.

Want to hear from Dentistry’s Most Influential People?

Every other Thursday, hosts Chuck Cohen and Rick Cohen welcome top influencers in the world of dentistry to share the moments that shaped their careers, changed their outlooks and inspired them to action.

Where better to begin than with Incisal Edge magazine’s 32 Most Influential People in Dentistry, including international dentists, industry icons, legislators and legends. 

Graham, ranked among the Top 10 of those influencers, has served as a gubernatorial appointee for two Maryland governors; worked for a U.S. Senator from Maryland; a Maryland Congressman; and a Maryland state representative. He retired as a Commander in the United States Navy, following his service in Iraq.

Don’t want to miss an episode? We’ll post a new interview every other week, so subscribe today by visiting this link: benco.com/driving-dentistry-forward-podcast.

Join Benco Dental Managing Directors and Founders of Incisal Edge magazine Rick Cohen and Chuck Cohen today, and every other Thursday to follow.

Tune in today! https://www.benco.com/driving-dentistry-forward-podcast/