Advocacy in action | A message from the Dean

One of the unique opportunities we have as Americans is the ability to petition our state and federal legislators, advocating for resources to improve our communities and states to create a better lived experience for ourselves and neighbors. Sometimes that advocacy is about improving water systems, highways or safe school zones. For us as healthcare professionals, it is often about health care. Two weeks ago, we participated in the University of Minnesota’s and the Minnesota Dental Association’s Days at the Capitol where students, faculty, alumni and MDA members advocated on behalf of the School of Dentistry.

As the only dental school in the state, and the only one between Wisconsin and the Pacific Northwest, our graduates impact the oral health of a significant portion of Minnesotans and beyond. Even before our students graduate, their impact on Minnesota’s oral health is significant through our Outreach sites and the Mobile Dental Clinic. This is why we believe that our proposed renovations will Transform Minnesota Dentistry.

These renovations will modernize our clinics, improve the patient experience and workflow, better integrate emerging technologies, provide building infrastructure upgrades and expand preclinical education. I am thankful to the MDA and its members for adding our legislative request to their priorities, and for advocating for dental insurance reform on the behalf of our practicing colleagues. The proposed Dental Loss Ratio legislation would ensure that 85% of a patient’s premium would apply toward direct patient care. This was a great legislative collaboration.

I am also thankful to our regents, students, residents and faculty who came to St. Paul to speak with legislators.

If you have not yet done so, please reach out to your legislator to express the importance of these renovations. You can also become a UMN Advocate to do your part to increase funding for the University, including for this project.