
Advocacy week was another success in the year 2014. Our chapter collaborated with the South Carolina Dental Association (SCDA) to host lunch and learns during the week to keep our members updated on current issues important to dental students and the future of the dental profession. The SCDA aided our chapter in scheduling informative speakers as well as providing lunch for our members. Dr. Bruce Hutchinson from ADPAC spoke about the benefits of organized dentistry, the achievements of ADPAC, and where we are headed in the future. Ms. Annie Wilson, the lobbyist for the SCDA, spoke about the benefits of the SCDA, new issues concerning Medicaid, and the current efforts into increasing effective communication.
During this week we also conducted an ADPAC/DenPAC drive. 56% of our members signed up for both Political Action Committees. Even more impressive was the D1 class with 79% of their class signed up for both ADPAC and DenPAC! In addition, we held a raffle for an iPad mini for students that participated in all Advocacy Week events. Finally, we have to give a big thanks to our Senior and Junior Legislative Liaisons Katherine Rutland and Jonathan Fryml for coordinating such a successful week for our members!