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Advocacy for Dentists: From Challenges to Change

Date: 1/30/2027 | Time: 1:00-2:00 PM | Room Location: Rose
CE Credits: 1 | PACE Subject Code: 555

This interactive educational workshop examines the intersection of dentistry and public policy. Participants will learn how challenges faced by dental professionals connect to legislative and regulatory frameworks. The session provides strategies and practical communication tools to help dental professionals effectively convey scientific data, clinical insights, and patient care needs to policymakers and regulatory bodies. 

Educational Objectives: 

By the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

  • Understand the basic principles of persuasion as they apply to presenting healthcare data, patient needs, and the professional landscape.
  • Connect your personal story into your advocacy on behalf of patients and the profession.
  • Glean strategies from other successful advocacy campaigns.
Chad Olson

Speaker: Chad Olson

Chad Olson is the senior director of state government affairs at the American Dental Association. He leads a team that identifies state legislative/regulatory trends impacting the dental profession, and provides public policy advice that complements and enhances component dental associations’ and member dentists’ efforts. He and his team cover topics that include dental insurance reform, workforce policy, and access to care. Prior to coming to the ADA, he spent more than ten years with Delta Dental. During that time, he helped formulate Delta Dental’s health care reform strategy leading up to and following the passage of the Affordable Care Act, and served as a spokesperson on behalf of the Association to DC-based and national media. He also managed the Association’s political action committee administration and fundraising efforts. Chad received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Arizona State University and is a Health Insurance Associate designate from America’s Health Insurance Plans.