What is Legislative Advocacy?
Advocacy is the deliberate process of influencing legislators who make decisions on issues that affect you, your family and your profession. If FDHA members spend time introducing themselves to their local Representative and Senator, the strength of the profession would grow significantly! Now is the time to speak up about the benefits and needs of our profession. Now is the time to take action.
Tips on Preparing for a Visit with Your Legislator
How to find your legislators.
- Go to www.myflhouse.gov; click on “Representatives” and then “Find Your Representative”. Enter your address in the space provided and click on “Find Your Elected Officials”.
- Go to www.flsenate.gov, click on “Senators” and “Find Your Legislators”. Enter your address and it will give you the name of your Senator. DO NOT CLICK ON “Email Senator”. This takes you to a form and it will likely not be answered!
- Please copy all when emailing. B.C.C. administrator@fdha.org.
Contacting a Legislator to request an appointment or on behalf of legislation you want them to support or oppose.
- Email the legislator and copy their legislative aide (or aides).
- Introduce yourself as an RDH, RDH student and a constituent.
- If you are asking for an appointment for Capitol Days - provide a timeframe of when you will be in Tallahassee and that you want to discuss the FDHA legislative priorities with them. Provide your contact information so they can easily reach you by email or text.
- If you’re sending them a letter in support of legislation, know the bill number, the sponsor and a little about the bill. Use your personal experiences to explain why a legislator should support this bill.
To advocate for the 2025 Priority – Authorizing Dental Therapists in Florida
Please personalize the letter as much as possible to what you have seen with your practice.
Sample letters
Key points to Consider Mentioning
Dental hygienists are many times the first contact a person has for dental issues. Good oral health is important to total overall health. Share a personal story - about someone you provided care to, a need in the community, or the reason you wanted to be a hygienist. Be concise and to the point; 2 - 3 minutes total. Offer yourself as a resource to them and their staff on dental issues.
Rules of Conduct
Remain positive even if you receive negative feedback. Be positive and persuasive, dress for success or wear your lab coat. Always thank the legislator and/or his/her staff for meeting with you and for his/her service to the state in general.
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