Tooth Talk

Curious how dentistry shapes national policy? Join Peter, Sarah, and special guest Dr. Steve Brown as they dive into dental advocacy, fluoride debates, convention insights, and how legislation like the “Big Beautiful Bill” impacts practices. Learn how you can take action to protect your profession and patients—plus, hear a few laughs about pig suits and Basset hounds along the way! With special guest: Dr. Steve Brown

Do you know how student loan reform is affecting dentistry and the oral health workforce? ADA advocates are working on several bills to address workforce shortages and student loan reform, like debt cancellation, refinancing, and interest deferments. Congressional Lobbyist Megan Mortimer and the New Dentist Committee's Dr. Sean Aiken, talk about how these programs are impacting the decisions of students and new dentists, and what the future of student loan reform looks like. Tune in to Tooth Talk and join the conversation! With special guests: Dr. Sean Aiken, New Dentist Committee and Megan Mortimer, ADA Congressional Lobbyist

On this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter sit down with Chad Olson, Director of State Government Affairs at the American Dental Association, to discuss the recent surge of MLR legislation in State Houses. How does MLR fit into the 50 Labs of Democracy? MLR, or Medical Loss Ratio, refers to the percentage of your insurance premiums that are mandated to go to care rather than administrative costs. In the medical field, MLR is governed by the Affordable Care Act. Chad helps explain the reasons that it is important that this be extended to include dental insurance. With special guest: Chad Olson; Director, State Government Affairs, American Dental Association

On this episode of Tooth Talk Sarah and Peter sit down again with ADA Sr. Vice-President of Government Affairs, Mike Graham, to discuss the results of the Midterm Election. Diving into the ADA and Mass Dental's big win on the Massachusetts ballot question and trying to make sense of what turned out to be an exciting Midterm, Sarah, Mike, and Peter break down some of the results, what it means for dentistry, and the approach of the government affairs department in the 118th Congress. With special guest: Mr. Mike Graham, Sr. Vice-President, Government and Public Affairs

The ADA and the state dental societies have been working with state and federal legislatures and insurance companies over the years to promote broad ranging solutions to the various hurdles patients face with respect to financing their oral health care. In fact, something exciting is happening in Massachusetts on this topic. The Massachusetts Dental Society is engaged in a ballot question that will establish how much of the premiums collected by dental insurance companies have to be paid for care. Hear how a patient-friendly policy is being taken directly to voters at the polls this November. Brian Monteiro, Director, Governmental Affairs & Public Relations at the Massachusetts Dental Society and Dr. Andrew Tonelli, current Chair of the Boston District Dental Society, member of MDS Government Affairs Committee and the spokesperson for the Massachusetts Dental Care Providers for Better Dental Benefits share how dentists are supporting better benefits for their patients in the Massachusetts. Individual dentists from across country can support this effort and can find more information about it here: VoteYESon2forDental.com. With special guests: Dr. Andrew Tonelli, current Chair of the Boston District Dental Society and Brian Monteiro, Director, Governmental Affairs & Public Relations at the Massachusetts Dental Society

In this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter discuss how dentists are advocating at the federal, state and local levels to make sure dental insurance is fair for all parties involved. Hear which dental insurance reforms are happening and how with the ADA's Paul O'Connor, Senior Legislative Liaison in the Department of State Government Affairs and Dr. Mark Vitale, chair of the Council of Governmental Affairs at the American Dental Association, chair of the ADA State Public Affairs Oversight Workgroup and the past President of New Jersey Dental Association. This episode explains the different insurance reforms dentists care most about and how collaboration with state and local dental societies have a big impact on change. They discuss how different dental insurance reforms will help improve patient care and how dentists can join these advocacy efforts. With special guests: Dr. Mark Vitale, Chair, Council of Governmental Affairs, American Dental Association and Paul O'Connor, Senior Legislative Liaison, Department of State Government Affairs

On this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter provide their in-depth look into this year's Senate midterms. In a year where the Republicans are heavy favorites to take control of the Senate, your hosts take a state by state look at how those pieces are falling into place and whether the Democrats have a chance to buck trends and hold on to the Senate.

On this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter go over everything you need to know about the 2022 Midterm elections. From the coast to coast redistricting fight, the wave of retirements, and the historical trends, by the end of this episode, you will be an expert in this year's elections! That is till it all changes in two weeks--hang on for a wild ride.

On this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter sit down with the ADA's new Executive Director, Dr. Raymond Cohlmia. In this introduction, Dr. Cohlmia talks about why he got into dentistry, his leadership philosophy, and why advocacy is important for the ADA.

Peter and Sarah sit down with ADA President, Dr. Dan Klemmedson, and ADA's Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs, Mike Graham. We discuss Congress' proposed expansion of Medicare to include dentistry, ADA's alternative proposal to care for seniors in need, and the importance of dentists advocating on this issue. Thank you for listening and please sign up for Action Alerts at www.ADA.org/ActionCenter.

On this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter chat with Dr. Jessica Meeske, Chair Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention, about health equity. Dr. Meeske shines a light on this important topic by discussing what it means to have equity in dental care, Medicaid, and the steps her council is taking to bring this issue to the ADA and the dental profession.

On this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter talk about the effects of McCarran Ferguson repeal with George Slover, Senior Policy Counsel with Consumer Reports. Bringing his expertise on an issue he has worked on since his time as a Congressional staffer, George provides insights into the effects of the repeal of the healthcare antitrust exemption.

In this two-part episode, Peter and Sarah welcome Mike Graham, ADA’s Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs to give highlights and accomplishments of 2020. In the second part of the show, We discuss the incoming Congress. Thank you for listening and Happy Holidays- see you in 2021.

Well nobody's perfect. On this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter wrap up the 2020 Election. They talk about what they got right, and moreover what they got wrong, and what the political future may hold.

In this second installment of Tooth Talk's Election Prediction specials Sarah and Peter break down the House- literally. We go over “toss up” House races, dentists running for Congress, early voting, polling, and predictions. As a reminder all opinions are our own.

This episode of Tooth Talk is the first in Sarah and Peter’s Election Prediction specials. For this first installment, the duo tackle the Senate. They go over the hot races, what the two special elections mean for the Senate, and share what has surprised them the most. Sarah and Peter’s opinions are their own, and they would love to hear yours. Email the show at toothtalk@ada.org.

In this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter sit down with the leadership of the American Student Dental Association (ASDA). ASDA President Sydney Shapiro and Vice-Presidents Aditi Desai and Gerry Scannell discuss ASDA and organized dentistry’s role in the student experience. They also touch on mentorship, the importance of advocacy, and the effects COVID-19 has had on their post-school practice decisions.

On this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter are joined by Dr. Tricia Quartey, who practices in Brooklyn, N.Y. and Dr. Alexandra Malebranche, who practices in Philadelphia P.A. In this episode, we hear the perspective from the doctors’ journey as women of color in dentistry, and their thoughts on social justice, race, and public health.

On this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter sit down with Dr. Chad Gehani, the 156th President of the American Dental Association, to learn about the issues facing dentistry today during the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr. Gehani shares the steps the ADA has taken to help dentists get back to practicing. From a reopening tool kit, to all of the legislative and grassroots actions, Dr. Gehani shines a light on all the ADA does for the profession.

On this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter sit down with Dr. Colleen Greene. Dr. Greene is a public health dentist from Wisconsin with a unique perspective on social justice, dentistry, and public health. We also get her personal story, which is compelling and not to be missed. We usually keep Tooth Talk “light”, but like everyone else have been deeply affected by the murder of George Floyd. Appropriately, this show is more serious in nature. We hope you are safe and well and know you will enjoy hearing from Dr. Greene.

On this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter sit down with Dr. Bruce Hutchison of Virginia to discuss the challenges and strategies of reopening a practice as Virginia dentists head back to work. From barriers for reception areas to temperature checks at the door, Dr. Hutchison walks us through all the steps and small details that change the way to run a practice for the foreseeable future.

On this light hearted episode of Tooth Talk Sarah and Peter talk quarantine routines, current advocacy efforts, and ask each other some of the questions going around the Web for virtual meet ups. We hope this episode is a welcome break from the news of the day. Please be safe out there.

We’re Back! Now that they got the hang of social distancing, Tooth Talk returns with this all-new episode. The world has changed and COVID-19 has had a huge effect on dentistry. Sarah and Peter welcome back Mike Graham, Sr. Vice President of Government Affairs, to discuss the steps that the ADA is taking to help protect dentists and patients during this global pandemic. Mike dives into various legislative packages and the CARES Act stimulus bill to help listeners better understand the new aid packages and resources available to dentists.

On this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter dive into the Super Tuesday election results. Sarah walks us through the House and Senate races, and their implications for November and the new Congress. Peter takes us through the state of the Presidential primary results and the wild swings we saw from Friday to Super Tuesday.

The ADA’s Community Dental Health Coordinator (CDHC) program, launched in 2006 to provide community-based prevention, care coordination, and patient navigation to connect people who typically don’t receive care from a dentist. Listen to CDHC Gena Riley discuss how she is removing barriers and connecting students in rural and urban areas to dental care in Delaware.

On this episode of Tooth Talk, guest host Megan Mortimer, Congressional Lobbyist, and Peter sit down with Nicole Catral Senior Manager, Social Responsibility and Philanthropy at the ADA. Nicole talks about the realignment of the ADA Foundation and the creation of her new division. She also dives into the ADA’s Give Kids a Smile program by providing a history of the program, its future goals, the dentists that volunteer their time to participate, and stats on the number of kids seen through the program.

On this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter sit down with Alexandra Abboud, Governmental Affairs Liaison for the Florida Dental Association and Matt Rossetto, Director of Government Services for the Wisconsin Dental Association. The four dig into the differences between state and federal lobbying, different approaches to advocacy, and the important role dentists play in shaping the laws that govern their practice. With their effervescent personalities and extensive knowledge, Alexandra and Matt are a “can’t miss” episode!

On Tooth Talk’s first episode of 2020, Sarah and Peter celebrate the 75th anniversary of community water fluoridation by sitting down with Ms. Tooka Zokaie, the ADA’s Manager for Fluoridation & Preventive Health Activities. Ms. Zokaie talks about her role at the ADA and the benefits of community water fluoridation, as well as the science behind it. She also walks us through some of the myths and facts surrounding fluoride and dives deeper into the ADA’s other preventive health activities.

In Tooth Talk’s final episode of 2019, Sarah and Peter look ahead to the 2020 elections and what the state of the race looks like as the calendar turns. Your hosts give their predictions on the 2020 Senate races, as well as how current events and recent retirement announcements may shape the House races. Sarah and Peter also share where our own dentist members of Congress stand in their reelection bids.

On this episode of Tooth Talk Sarah and Peter welcome back Mike Graham, ADA Senior Vice-President of Government and Public Affairs, with an update on the issues the ADA Washington team is working on. Mike talks about the political climate in Washington, where our issues are in the current environment, and the successes in 2019. Mike also provides his outlook on 2020 from the Congressional session to the Presidential Election.

On this reflective and somber episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter talk with Dr. Matt Neary of New York about his experiences as a forensic dentist. Dr. Neary recounts the incredible work that he and the dental team at the NYC Medical Examiner’s Office did after the tragic events of September 11th and the calling they all felt to ensure that families had answers. Some may find this episode difficult and discretion is advised, but we felt it necessary to tell this story and highlight these unsung heroes.

Tooth Talk turns 1! On this special birthday episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter reflect on the first year of the show. They highlight what they have learned, their favorite episodes, and what's next for the show. Join us in wishing Tooth Talk a very happy birthday.

On this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter sit down with the Chief Executive Officer of “the other ADA”, the Australian Dental Association, Damian Mitsch. Damian highlights some of the similarities between issues facing dentists in Australia and their counterparts in the U.S. The three also discuss Australian politics—from the structure of their Parliament to mandatory voting—as well as what advocacy and lobbying look like in Australia.

On this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter report live from ADA 2019 in San Francisco, sitting down with Dr. Craig Armstrong, 15th District Trustee and former Chair of the Council on Government Affairs (CGA). Dr. Armstrong discusses what led him to dentistry and how he got started in organized dentistry, as well as where he sees the profession heading in the future. He also talks about his goals as a Trustee and his proudest achievements on CGA.

In this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter talk with new dentist and ADPAC fellow Dr. Michelle Szewczyk of Detroit. Dr. Szewczyk talks about her journey through dental school and the challenges faced by new graduates. She also shares her perspective on the importance of advocacy and the role of organized dentistry, as well as what she learned during her summer in Washington D.C.

In Tooth Talk’s last installment of our Dentist in Congress series, Sarah and Peter sit down with Arizona Congressman Paul Gosar. Rep. Gosar talks about his time in Congress, his unusually direct path to the House of Representatives, and his work across the aisle. In addition to discussing his love of his home state of Arizona, he also addresses some of the criticism he faces.

In Tooth Talk’s latest Dentist in Congress installment, Sarah and Peter sit down with the newest member of the dental caucus, New Jersey Congressman Jeff Van Drew. Rep. Van Drew talks about his journey to Congress from small-town mayor, to the New Jersey State House, and finally the halls of Congress, and the effect it has had on his governing philosophy. Rep. Van Drew also discusses his work on the Natural Resources Committee and other issues he is passionate about.

In this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter talk politics with ADA interns Abby McDonough, a Senior majoring in Political Science at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and Nate Turner, a Senior majoring in Political and Computer Science at the Ohio State University. Covering both the conservative and liberal standpoints, the four discuss generational differences in political views, how politics is perceived, and the upcoming 2020 Election.

On this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter sit down with the ADA’s Executive Director, Dr. Kathleen O’Loughlin, to talk about her unconventional path to dental school, life as a dentist, and her multi-city/multi-profession lead up to the ADA. Dr. O’Loughlin touches on being the ADA’s first female executive director, and issues that face the profession.

On this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter sit down with Dr. Dave Preble, Sr. Vice President, Practice Institute, to talk about the role of the Practice Institute in dentistry. Dr. Preble explains how the department has an important role in standards development, advocating for the dental profession through the delivery of dental resources, programs, products, and services related to the professional life and well-being of dentists.

In Tooth Talk’s new installment of Dentist in Congress, Sarah and Peter sit down with Representative Brian Babin of Texas to discuss his work on the Resident Education Deferred Interest” (REDI) Act, H.R. 1554, and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. Rep. Babin gives his views on what it is like being a dentist in Congress and the unique skills dentists bring to public service.

On this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter sit down with April Kates-Ellison and Christine Chico of the ADA’s Client Services Department, to talk about the ways the department assists members as well as state associations. April and Chris walk Tooth Talk listeners through the ways that their department can help dentists through all stages of their career.

On this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter sit down with the ADA’s Director of Congressional Affairs, Chris Tampio, to discuss new approaches to lobbying the ADA’s priorities in the 116th Congress. Chris discusses the current state of play in Congress, both from a political and policy perspective. He also details the behind the scenes activities of the congressional affairs team and their often unrecognized direct effect on federal policies that could impact dentistry.

In this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah is joined by guest host Baker Howry, Lead Project Assistant for the ADA’s DC office, to talk with Peter Aiello, the ADA’s Manager of Grassroots and Digital Advocacy, about the importance of getting involved. We also learn a little more about Peter’s background in political campaigns and how encouraging members of Congress to support an issue is like persuading voters to vote for your candidate: it takes a story and a personal touch.

In this episode of Tooth Talk Sarah and Peter are joined by Natalie Hales and Megan Mortimer to debrief about the 2019 ADA Dentist and Student Lobby Day. Megan and Natalie were Tooth Talk’s reporters in the field as they interview dentists, students and state constituent staff attendees to get their take on Lobby Day, advocacy, and the future of the Tooth Party!  

In Tooth Talk’s latest installment of our Dentist in Congress series, Sarah and Peter sit down with Georgia Representative Drew Ferguson to discuss what it is like to be in Congress; his hometown of West Point, GA; and all things Georgia Dawgs. Rep. Ferguson also shares how he went from being a rural dentist, to small town mayor and now a member of Congress. Discussing his work on the House Ways and Means Committee and his appointment as Chief Deputy Minority Whip, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

In this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter sit down with the dean of North Carolina dental politics, Dr. Gary Oyster, as he discusses the importance of dentists getting involved in the political process. Drawing on his long-standing leadership experience in the North Carolina dental community, he shares his thoughts and tips on how dentists can use advocacy, relationship building, and events to play a more active role in improving the oral health of our country.

In this episode of Tooth Talk from the halls of Congress, Sarah and Peter sit down with Representative Mike Simpson of Idaho, to learn what it is like to be a dentist serving in Congress. We learn about the path Congressman Simpson took from Blackfoot, Idaho to Washington D.C., his work on the House Appropriations Committee, and his feeling on the signing into law of The Action for Dental Health Act which he introduced. Rep. Simpson also provides advice to dentists thinking of running for office.

In this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter sit down with Dr. Jane Grover, Director of the ADA’s Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention, to talk about what the Council is working on including community water fluoridation and emergency department referral programs. We also start to dig into how the Action for Dental Health Act, a new law geared towards improving oral health, will impact programs and how our dentists can take advantage of these programs.

In this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter brush up on their science skills as they sit down with the Vice President of the ADA Science Institute, Dr. Marcelo Araujo. From the ADA Seal of Acceptance to dentists’ role in detecting and preventing oral cancer, Dr. Araujo dives into the ADA’s extensive scientific research and proven work to create opportunities for better oral health care for all.