June 2011

MDA Committee on Governmental and Insurance Affairs

The MDA did things differently at their May 20th Committee on Governmental and Insurance Affairs (CGIA) meeting. The MDA gave student member(s) voting rights and added “Student Update” to the agenda for the first time. These changes indicate the MDA is listening to and giving students a louder voice in legislative initiatives.

In a room filled with influential Michigan dentists, like the new MDA president Dr. Connie Verhagen, it was only a third of the room’s attendants who voted to rank the priority on six MDA House of Delegates Resolutions. While neither the current nor immediate past president of the MDA are voting members, it was our student voice that was there to act as a tie breaking vote as one out of seven voting members. What does our voice influence? Our votes went to prioritize between issues such as Non-Covered Services and Statutory Regulation of Mobile Dental Facilities. These rankings will then be used to determine the amount of resources and time to be devoted to each resolution by the MDA.

Ranking of MDA House of Delegates Resolutions

1. Non-Covered Services (Resolution 36H-09)
2. Expansion of Healthy Kids Dental (Resolution 16H-11)
3. Public Act 161 (Resolution 19H-11)
4. Statutory Regulation of Mobile Dental Facilities (Resolution 15H-10)
5. Mandate for State Oral Health Director (Resolution 14H-10)
6. Dental CT (Resolution 12H-11)

Legislative Update

House Bill 4389 pass on May 24th and gives immunity from liability for volunteer dentists.Michigan Dental of Community Health (MDCH) budget will include $1.5 million to expand Healthy Kids Dental to Mason, Ocean, Newaygo, and Muskegon counties.

ASDA representatives represent you

Stay informed on issues affecting dentistry nationally and locally through updates and events. Start by committing to attend this year’s State Lobby Day and follow the link to the right to provide your availability.