It was another unforgettable 2024 Professional Advocacy Conference at the Hamilton Hotel and on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C February 27-28. Starting at the AAOPAC Reception on Tuesday night, AAO members were joined by 15 U.S. senators from both sides of the aisle who met with their constituents and connected informally with AAO members and residents attending the conference.
On Wednesday, 120 AAO members attended over 60 meetings with Congressional offices on Capitol Hill where AAO federal policy priorities were discussed and advanced, including the need for an in-person visit to precede mail-order orthodontic treatment models, solutions to ease the burden of student loan debt (REDI Act), and the increase of FSA limits.
We’d like to recognize and thank all the NESO members, including new National Advocacy Network leadership, who were able to join us this year in Washington, DC!
Christina Aponte NY (CAL), John Callahan (AAO President-elect), Meghann Dombroski, Tyler Eatchel, Matthew Evers (CAL Team: ADA & Dental Specialty State Liaison), Dennis Hiller (AAO Speaker), Aseel Ismail, Ashley Jarkowski, Benjamin Levenson, Philip Mansour (Chair, COGA), Andrew Nardone, Zachary Nessel, Yuna Park, Amanda Segel, Michelle Skelton, Kenneth Webb (NESO Trustee).
Advocacy Conference programming included two panels that featured NESO (and NAN) leadership. The 2024 Residents’ Panel, led by CONYM representative to AAOPAC and COGA, Dr. Michelle Skelton, featured orthodontic residents Dr. Jenna Schneider (NAN), Dr. Matthew Evers (NAN), Dr. Justina Anigbo, and Dr. Gregory Pavlos as they discussed the future of the practice of orthodontics and the value of advocacy, starting with resident programs. Participants also learned about the value of the NAN, why it is important to get involved, and specific ways 5 NAN members contribute to AAOPAC and AAO Advocacy success in their respective state.
See a full recap of the 2024 Professional Advocacy Conference