Description:

The Oregon Legislature meets annually, passing bills affecting dentistry: from scope of practice to dental practice ownership; from the creation of new midlevel providers to public health initiatives and Medicaid funding. State regulatory agencies then interpret those laws, sometimes adding additional administrative requirements and burdens on dental practices. Oregon dentists can play a critical role in shaping these policies; ensuring such policies are in the best interest of the profession and your patients. This discussion will provide an overview of the current state of political affairs and dentistry, with a look towards what is expected in the future. Most importantly, this discussion will empower Oregon dentists with tools to better engage and influence dental policy in the state.

Learning objectives:

• Identify the basics of the Oregon legislative process and corresponding regulatory agency policy making
• Understand current and future legislative efforts affecting Oregon dentistry
• Build tools to directly engage in the Oregon political process

Jen Lewis-Goff

Jen Lewis-Goff is the Associate Executive Director at the Oregon Dental Association. She oversees the organization's legislative and regulatory efforts. Under Lewis-Goff's leadership, the association has successfully passed legislation increasing scope of practice, increased provider liability protections and reduced regulatory burdens on providers. Lewis-Goff has a master's degree in Public Administration and has worked in Oregon politics since 2007. A self-declared policy wonk, Lewis-Goff enjoys diving into the small details of healthcare policy with the goal of improving overall population health. Lewis-Goff resides in Beaverton with her husband, two young children, and two cats.

Oregon Health & Science University is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.