In talking to more than 10,000 dental professionals in one year, Dr. Louis Malcmacher found that there were many misconceptions and misunderstandings by dentists about their state dental boards. Join Dr. Malcmacher, an internationally known lecturer, author, and dental consultant, on Oct. 17 to find out why this relationship is so important – and why so many dentists have not taken advantage of this strategic connection.  As a constituent leader, you will be educated on:Why the relationship between dentists and state dental boards is so important. Some of the reasons you may want to know the members of your state dental board.Why so many dentists aren’t familiar with their state dental board.The best way to create a relationship with members and staff of your state dental board.

“The Relationship Between Dentists and Their State Dental Boards”

The number of board members varies from state-to-state, but the average is between 9-11 members.

The rest of dental boards are made up of dental hygienists, dental assistants and members of the public.

Considering dentists only make up part of board, that’s not very many dentists to get to know!

It’s easy to find a friend among the state dental board members.

80% of all state dental boards have at least one AGD member serving (41 states).

In at least two states, AGD members make up 50% or more of the state dental board (Alaska and Wyoming).

Some good news about AGD’s representation on state dental boards:

But there are missed opportunities Ten states have no AGD members on their state dental board.

Of the 41 states with an AGD member serving on the state dental board, 37% have only one AGD member serving (19 states).

AGD members make up ONLY 15% of all dental board members.

More dental stats can be found here.

Dental Boards vs. state dental organizations

• State dental organizations represent:• General dentists• Dental specialists• There may be a conflict between what these groups

want – among each other and with the state dental board.

• There are many more general dentists than specialists.

• Examples: AGD, ADA, AAPD, etc.

• State dental boards represent:• The public• The goal is to “protect the public”• Example: Alabama Board of Dental Examiners

Why don’t more dentists know about the state dental board?

• Dentists are not familiar with who is on the board.

• There is a certain “fear factor” among dentists to contact either dental board members or the executive staff of dental boards.

• Dentists are not familiar with the dental board procedures or process.

What are the barriers to creating relationships with state dental board members?• YOU are the only barrier in creating a relationship with a

state dental board member! You can fix this by:

Attending state dental board meetings.

Creating relationships with those on the board.

Getting people you know (or yourself!) appointed to the state dental board.

• Sometimes there are turf wars among specialists and general dentists.

Why is this relationship so important?

1. State dental boards know the dental practice act in your state – this may or may not be true.

2. State dental boards know about and are discussing emerging issues, like Botox®, teeth whitening, etc.

3. State dental boards understand the dental team model.

4. State dental boards will be the ones creating rules to address access to care issues, including mid-level providers.

The Dental Practice Act

1. The state dental board has to interpret the state dental practice act.

2. Get to know the relevant rules, regulations and statutes in the state dental practice act.

3. Do not assume that the state dental board members know what is in the state dental practice act. They often rely on the executive team or the state lawyers.

Dental boards have access to information that is important to dentists:

Emerging Issues in Dentistry

State dental boards are discussing these emerging issues:

Botox® and dermal filler treatment

Sleep apnea

Teeth whitening

Mid level providers

Access to care issues

Dental team issues

Access to Care issues*

1. State dental boards will be the ones creating rules to address access to care issues, including mid-level providers.

2. Access to care is a very hot item on every state board agenda.

3. Just about every issue can be tied into access to care.

SO – you need to be involved!

* Next month’s webinar will be on this subject. Register here.

Again, dental boards have access to information that is important to dentists:

Overcoming ObstaclesThere may be obstacles in trying to meet state dental board members and staff:

•Some may have opposing views on important issues:

Botox®

Teeth Whitening

Access to Care

•Non-general dentists may not be supportive.

•Your dental viewpoint may be in opposition to their “protect the public” viewpoint.

BUT, all of these obstacles can be overcome by creating relationships.

1. Attend Board meetings

a) Find out when they are

b) Find out what’s on the agenda

2. Learn who the board members are and what/where they practice – find commonalities

3. Don’t be shy – just walk up and meet them

4. Find out the nomination/election process of board members in your state

5. Get an AGD member appointed to the state dental board

How do you overcome the obstacles and create the relationship?

1. Attend Board meetings

a) Find out when they are – go to websites

b) Find out what’s on the agenda

c) Find out how to put items on the agenda

Attend Board Meetings

Find Commonalities

1. Learn who the board members are and what/where they practice – find commonalities

2. Take a board member to lunch

3. Take a board executive team member to lunch

1. Find out the nomination/election process of board members in your state

2. Use AGD advocacy efforts to submit names to the process of election of board members

Learn the Nomination/ Election Process

1. Get an AGD member appointed to the state dental board

2. It is not what you know, it is who you know.

3. You have friends and patients who are politically active – use these contacts.

Get an AGD Member Appointed

1. Find out who the members of your board are.

2. Attend a board meeting and get a feel for how they run.

3.Find out what issues the board is dealing with.

4. Go up and introduce yourself before the meeting starts, at a break, or after the meeting.

5. Take a board member to lunch

6. Find out what the dental board is doing.

7. Get involved.

Marching Orders:

“The Relationship Between Dentists and Their State Dental Boards”

Thank you for participating!

Questions? Comments? Contact AGD Advocacy at advocacy@agd.org.