WSDA Advocacy

From safeguarding the dentist/patient relationship to strengthening the dental safety net for adults in the state, the WSDA's issues and priorities are aimed at protecting the public and ensuring that organized dentistry has a sustainable, single voice

The Washington State Dental Association Political Action Committee (DentPAC) is a state-level PAC formed to fund candidates and political causes that support the goals of organized dentistry.

Donate to DentPAC

The Washington State Dental Association Political Action Committee (DentPAC) is a state-level PAC formed to fund candidates and political causes that support the goals of organized dentistry. Campaign contributions are made to statewide and legislative candidates and ballot initiatives, such as fluoridation measures. DentPAC also provides information and training on political affairs affecting dentistry.

DentPAC does not make contributions based on a candidate's party affiliation. The sole reason to fund candidates is to build a positive relationship with them, one that allows access to voice dentistry's position on legislation that affects the profession. The DentPAC Board determines contribution levels upon advice of WSDA's lobbyists, staff and Grassroots dentists who are familiar with candidates. Dentists have learned that their contribution through DentPAC speaks for the profession, even if they might individually oppose the candidate's views on other issues not related to dentistry.

DentPAC is funded from a $100 annual allocation from each member’s dues and from voluntary contributions and governed by a 9-member Board of Directors appointed for two-year terms by the WSDA Board of Directors.

DentPAC Board of Directors

Dr. Christopher Dorow
Dr. Christine Kirchner
Dr. John Lo
Dr. Brady McDonald
Dr. Cynthia Pauley, Chair
Dr. Amy Winston

The Washington State Dental Association operates one of the most robust grassroots lobbying networks in the state. Grassroots dentists are dentists who follow dental legislative issues and are willing to communicate the positions of organized dentistry with legislators through in person meetings, phone calls, and emails.

This is dentistry's most effective tool in influencing the outcome of legislation that will impact the way you practice, protect the public's health, provide the highest quality oral health care and run your business!

Start on the path of effective dental lobbying as a grassroots dentist. There is no obligation, participate as little or as much as you like.

The following are examples of how grassroots dentists participate in the legislative process.

• Writing a personal letter to or calling a legislator about a bill during the annual session;
• Visiting your district's senator and representatives in Olympia during WSDA’s Dental Action Day;
• Conducting a dental office tour for a legislator;
• Volunteering in a legislator's election campaign;
• Volunteering to present a campaign contribution from DentPAC;
• Contributing to a legislator's campaign; and
• Becoming a "friend" of a legislator by hosting a fundraising event.