Advocacy & PAC
Register for Dental Day at the Capitol
Join us Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City! Materials will be provided and a briefing will be held to ensure you're prepared to advocate for the dental profession! If you have questions prior, contact Halie Payne. View our Flickr album for a 2024 event recap.
Are you giving to MODentPAC? These dollars help build relationships to move MDA’s legislative agenda forward.
MDA Advocacy
Legislative Team & LRC
Your MDA legislative team is comprised of staff members, lobbyists and the Legislative and Regulatory Committee.
MDA Lobby Team
Halie Payne is the MDA Director of Professional Affairs available to answer any questions about MDA priorities and help you understand the MDA’s viewpoint.
Nikki Strong is a full-time registered lobbyist for Gamble & Schlemeier, and joins Jorgen Schlemeier as one of the MDA lead lobbyists at the Capitol. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the healthcare sector as the past Executive Director and lead lobbyist for the Missouri Healthcare Association.
Grace Riley is also a registered lobbyist, assisting Nikki and Jorgen with lobbying work. She is part of our legislative public relations team helping to connect with legislators with MDA’s agenda. She has been instrumental in our work for the OPA EFDA program whereby dentists are meeting with JCAR members (legislators) about this new healthcare worker and the pilot project.
These team members join Vicki Wilbers, MDA Executive Director and Jorgen Schlemeier, longtime lead lobbyist for the MDA in advocacy efforts on behalf of Missouri dentists.
MDA Legislative & Regulatory Committee
Dr. Mike Berry, Chair
Dr. Ashley Popejoy (GSDS)
Dr. Jared Gerhardt (GKCDS)
Dr. Erick Jansson (CDS)
Dr. Anna Nine (SWDS)
Dr. Adrienne Lynn (NEDS)
Dr. David Mattingly (NWDS)
Dr. Dennis Nguyen (SEDS)
Dr. Danielle Riordan (GSLDS)
Dr. Jon Copeland (MDA President, Ex-Officio)
Vicki Wilbers (MDA Executive Director, Ex-Officio)
Halie Payne (MDA Professional Affairs Director, Staff Liaison)
Legislative History
Visit the Legislative History to see MDA legislative work across the years (dating back to 2007). Under each year you will see the legislative or regulatory topic, related bill language and links, and in plain speak, a summary of the effect on the profession of dentistry, as well as any additional resources.
ADA Advocacy
Learn More, Take Action
Take action on critical legislation affecting oral health and dental care.
Find current ADA policies and recent accomplishments.
Stay updated on featured issues.
Give to ADPAC ... and more!
ToothTalk Podcast
From molars to Medicare, bicuspids to bipartisanship, canines to the campaign trail - brushing up on all the dental news in Washington DC and around the country. Don't miss new episodes every 2nd and 4th Mondays. Subscribe now!
