Finding My Voice: From Dental Student to Endodontic Advocate
By Daniel Carney, DDS
In March 2023, I attended my first “Advocacy Day” hosted at the Colorado State Capitol. My fellow dental school classmates and I felt that advocating for our profession was important as a general concept, but had little idea as to what exactly we could contribute as students. We showed up at the Colorado Dental Association’s invitation excited, but distinctly intimidated. I had gone over the briefs sent about the various legislative goals and bills, but felt inadequate when sitting in a room full of former leaders of the CDA and ADA. These people had not only practiced dentistry for decades, but also had been involved in shaping the very legislative efforts we were there to discuss. I listened to leaders go over the instructions and tips, and decided it would be best for everyone if I followed the lead of the more experienced dentists and simply nodded my head at their talking points. That dream was promptly squashed as these dentists informed us that we students would take the lead and discuss the proposals with every single legislator we met. And—much to my relief—the conversations went well. The legislators showed great interest and even when they disagreed, they welcomed our views. The efforts that day directly benefitted my patients and increased their access to care in Colorado. That day gave me much more confidence to continue advocating and making my voice heard. For the first time in my life, I was directly involved in the legislative process, and it sparked a passion for advocacy. I continued participating in events planned by the CDA and ADA, and it gave me confidence to contact my representatives for other matters I find personally important.
Luckily, I find myself still surrounded by experienced practitioners who prioritize advocating for endodontics and our patients. Having the President of the American Association of Endodontics as your division director has been an incredible experience. Dr. Noblett supported our efforts to continue advocating by allowing our department to participate in the Minnesota Dental Association’s “Dental Day” at the State Capitol this previous February. Eight endodontic residents (and their fearless leader Dr. Noblett) spent the day discussing bills and bonds, and the MDA said it was the most endodontists—or future endodontists in our case—they’d ever had. I asked Dr. Noblett why residents and endodontists alike should participate in advocacy, and he said, “It is critical that the voices and concerns of students and young practitioners be heard and there are no better messengers to articulate them than the students themselves. Having a student presence adds emphasis and impact to our message regarding the challenges facing dental care in the future.”
In an age of rampant misinformation, our roles as specialists and clinicians call for our participation in the public and legislative spheres. We can support the AAE’s strategic goal to “advocate for evidence-based and patient-centered endodontic care” and lend our voice to legislative processes. I’m so glad to have been mentored by dentists and endodontists who value advocacy efforts and encourage my participation, no matter my experience level. I’d encourage AAE members—residents and practitioners alike—to reach out to their local AAE section or state dental association and find out how they can be.