Calls To Action
About the Dental Advocacy & Health Affairs Department (AHA)
The AHA empowers dental professionals to shape the systems that affect their work by driving policy change, elevating public awareness, and advancing member support.
CORE FUNCTIONS
Legislative and Regulatory Affairs
Public Affairs and Media Relations
Member Services and Dental Benefits
Leadership Development and Member Engagement
Health Policy and Strategic Insight
Stakeholder and Institutional Relations
Through proactive communication and collaboration, we strengthen the visibility and voice of the dental profession in New Jersey while offering practical resources that help members advocate for themselves, solve challenges, and contribute meaningfully to organized dentistry.
We ensure members feel supported and never alone when navigating professional or policy-related issues, aligning with NJDA’s commitment to organized strength and individual support.
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Legislative and Regulatory Affairs
We lead NJDA’s advocacy efforts at the state level, monitoring legislation and regulations that impact dentistry. This includes proactive lobbying, policy development, coalition building, and direct engagement with elected officials and regulatory agencies.
Focus Areas: Legislative tracking, regulatory analysis, testimony coordination, coalition partnerships.
Legislative Tracker
The topics we focus on fall between four pillars of advocacy: Insurance Reform, Workforce, Licensure, Health Equity/Social Justice.
*There are other pieces of legislation that we are monitoring, many may not see any movement at all. Also, legislative movement is very reactive to state and national issues, so if you want to remain aware of recent legislation, political activity and other important actions, considering contributing to NJDPAC as well as signing up for our Call to Action Platform.
Regulatory
The NJDA is committed to working on behalf of our members to represent the interests of dentists before state governing bodies. NJDA representatives attend meetings of the New Jersey Board of Dentistry and keep members informed of changes that may effect how dentists practice or run their businesses in New Jersey.
View Recent Regulatory Updates
Dental Benefits
Public Affairs and Media Relations
We shape the public narrative around oral health and organized dentistry by producing strategic media campaigns, managing NJDA’s public platforms, and preparing members to serve as credible spokespeople. Our work enhances the visibility of the profession and strengthens its voice among policymakers and the public.
Channels: Podcasting, Press releases, op-eds, media interviews, social media, and digital advocacy.
Member Services and Dental Benefits
Need Help? We’re Here for You.
As an NJDA member, you have access to responsive, individualized support for challenges related to insurance, licensure, practice management, and more. Whether you're seeking guidance, need help troubleshooting an issue, or want us to research something on your behalf, we’re here to support you.
We work directly with members and, when needed, connect you with trusted internal and external experts—so you feel informed, supported, and empowered every step of the way.
How to Reach Us
Click here to submit an inquiry form and tell us about the issue you’re facing. We’ll review your request and call you back within 24 hours.
Prefer to call? Reach us at 732-422-2709. If we’re unavailable, leave a detailed message—or fill out the form—and we’ll get back to you within one business day.
Please note: While we may not be able to answer every question, we will do our best to guide you to the resources and support you need. Also, this service is for members only.
Frequently Asked Questions (Practice)
Leadership Development & Member Engagement
We cultivate NJDA’s leadership pipeline by identifying emerging voices, offering training and mentorship, and facilitating involvement through councils and committees. This work builds a strong, representative foundation for NJDA’s future governance and advocacy efforts.
Key Activities: Council and Committee Staffing, training sessions, committee onboarding, and succession planning.
Goal: Recruit individuals interested in advocacy.
Health Policy & Strategic Insight
We provide NJDA leadership with relevant policy research, data analysis, and oral health trend insights that inform decision-making and strategic planning. This ensures NJDA remains proactive on emerging issues and responsive to changes in the healthcare landscape.
Supports Leadership Through: Issue briefs, internal policy memos, oral health data tracking, national benchmarking.
Stakeholder & Institutional Relations
We foster and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders—including academic institutions, state agencies, healthcare associations, and community organizations—to ensure NJDA’s voice is included in broader policy and professional development conversations. These relationships also serve as strategic assets for NJDA leadership.
Supports Leadership Through: Cross-sector collaborations, advisory participation, joint initiatives, and thought leadership positioning.
