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.
Dec 09, 2019•25 min•Ep. 29
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 unsu...
Nov 25, 2019•24 min•Ep. 28
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.
Nov 11, 2019•21 min•Ep. 27
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.
Oct 28, 2019•28 min•Ep. 26
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.
Oct 14, 2019•26 min•Ep. 25
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.
Sep 23, 2019•31 min•Ep. 24
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.
Aug 26, 2019•29 min•Ep. 22
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.
Aug 12, 2019•38 min•Ep. 21
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.
Jul 22, 2019•37 min•Ep. 20
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.
Jul 08, 2019•26 min•Ep. 19
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.
Jun 24, 2019•39 min•Ep. 18
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.
Jun 10, 2019•23 min•Ep. 17
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.
May 27, 2019•27 min•Ep. 16
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.
May 13, 2019•30 min•Ep. 15
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!
Apr 22, 2019•52 min•Ep. 14
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 w...
Apr 08, 2019•29 min•Ep. 13
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.
Mar 25, 2019•24 min•Ep. 12
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...
Mar 11, 2019•34 min•Ep. 11
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.
Feb 25, 2019•24 min•Ep. 10
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.
Feb 11, 2019•21 min•Ep. 9
The ADA Foundation is the charitable arm of the American Dental Association who’s vision -- "Investing in better oral health for all. Together." -- has been helping them to do good across the country and world. Through their flagship Give Kids A Smile program, which helps to treat and improve the oral health of over 5 million underserved children a year due to cutting-edge research that helps to improve oral health technologies. On this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter sit down with Dr. Bi...
Jan 28, 2019•21 min•Ep. 8
In this second season opener of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter sit down with Dr. Jeffrey M. Cole (@potada155), 155th President of the American Dental Association, to discuss his vision for his term, which began in October. Dr. Cole highlights the significance of advocacy to the profession, the value a new generation of dentists is bringing to dentistry, what he sees as future ADA priorities, and on a personal note, reveals what cartoon character he likens himself to.
Jan 14, 2019•23 min•Ep. 7
On this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter share interviews from the ADA’s Annual Meeting in Hawaii. This special episode includes chats with Dr. David Watson, Chair-Elect of ADPAC, about how he found his way into dentistry; Dr. Nipa Thakkar, Chair of the New Dentist Committee about the role the committee plays in advocacy and the ADA; and Dr. Bill Calnon, President of the ADA Foundation, for a special preview of our upcoming episode with him where we discuss the role of the ADA Foundation....
Dec 24, 2018•20 min•Ep. 6
A practicing general dentist for almost 40 years, Dr. Tommy Harrison works hard to ensure that his home community of Katy, Texas has access to quality dental care. As a member of the ADA and the chair of ADPAC, he understands the importance of dentists speaking with one voice united in Washington and around the country to advocate for dentistry and America’s oral health. This episode of Tooth Talk provides a special inside look at the ADA, ADPAC, and competitive races around Texas.
Dec 10, 2018•26 min•Ep. 5
Lobbying often gets a bad rap. However, in this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter pull back the curtain to show how lobbying is a vital and transparent part of the ADA’s efforts to support dentists and oral health. Joined by Megan Mortimer and Natalie Hales, two Congressional Lobbyists in the ADA Washington, D.C. office, they explore how lobbying works, recent wins for dentistry, and how current events could shape the future of the ADA’s lobbying efforts. Perhaps most importantly, Megan and...
Nov 26, 2018•25 min•Ep. 4
On this episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter help make sense of the regulatory and legislative frameworks that impact dentistry. Navigating everything from the EPA to HHS, they sit down with the ADA’s Director of Legislative and Regulatory Policy, Janice Kupiec, to understand how laws are enacted through federal regulatory agencies. Also serving as the Director of the Council on Government Affairs, Janice shares how ADA members can have their voice heard in the regulatory process and how to sh...
Nov 12, 2018•18 min•Ep. 3
On this special extended episode of Tooth Talk, Sarah and Peter dig into the midterm elections and what may happen on Election Day. Providing an insider’s look into ADPAC supported races and contested House and Senate races, this is one episode you won’t want to miss as you head to the polls!
Nov 05, 2018•45 min•Ep. 2
For the first episode of Tooth Talk, hosts Sarah Milligan and Peter Aiello sit down with the ADA’s Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs, Mike Graham. As one of the nation’s leading health care organizations, the ADA plays an important role in shaping the future of the nation’s oral health, supporting dentists, and representing dentistry as a whole. The ADA’s Washington, D.C. staff share how they work to advocate for oral health through legislation and lobbying efforts and how d...
Oct 22, 2018•19 min•Ep. 1
Coming soon from ADPAC and the American Dental Association - Tooth Talk. Discussing everything from molars to Medicaid, bicuspids to bipartisanship, and canines to the campaign trail, Tooth Talk covers the most important dental news in Washington, D.C. and around the country.
Oct 13, 2018•1 min•Ep. 1
