Why I Showed Up: My First CDHA Local Lobby Day
Blog post description.I brought my experience as a practicing dental hygienist—and a few nerves—to CDHA’s Local Lobby Day. Here’s how I prepared, what I learned, and why I hope more hygienists will get involved. Featured image: The four-person group photo from inside the office.
CAREERADVOCACYLOCAL LOBBY DAYDHBCCDHA
EmilyWall, RDH, AS, AA, Professional Educator with WaterPik
10/10/20265 min read
Why I Showed Up: My First CDHA Local Lobby Day
I spend a lot of time talking about the changes I would like to see in dental hygiene. Better recognition of our clinical expertise. Fewer barriers to providing care. Policies that support prevention and help patients access the services they need.
But when the opportunity came to participate in the California Dental Hygienists’ Association’s Local Lobby Day, I had to ask myself: was I willing to step outside my comfort zone and bring those conversations to a legislative office?
On October 9, I joined three fellow hygienists to meet with two representatives from Senator Roger Niello’s office.
I was nervous. I went anyway. And I came home feeling encouraged, more informed, and ready to participate again.
Why I Chose to Participate
As a practicing registered dental hygienist, I see how decisions about our profession affect everyday patient care.
We collect clinical information, explain what we find, recommend care, and help patients understand how to improve their oral health. We also navigate policies and limitations that influence how that care is delivered.
Those experiences give us something valuable to contribute when changes are being considered.
I chose to participate because I care about where our profession is headed and what that means for our patients. I also wanted to better understand the process. It’s easy to have an opinion about what should change. Learning how to help move a proposed solution forward takes involvement.
I didn’t arrive as a legislative expert. I arrived as a clinician who had something to share and plenty to learn.
Getting Ready: Turning Opinions Into Talking Points
Preparing for Lobby Day began with CDHA’s orientation and reviewing the materials provided for our meetings.
I went through the legislative priorities, talking points, information about California dental hygiene practice, and background on the Sunset Review process. Then I worked on organizing my thoughts into something I could explain clearly.
That preparation helped me move from “this is frustrating” to “here is the barrier, here is how it affects patient care, and here is why a change would help.”
I thought about questions we might be asked and how to explain our work to someone who doesn’t spend their day in a dental office. I also prepared reference sheets so I could stay focused if my nerves got the best of me.
I wanted to communicate thoughtfully, connect our priorities to patient needs, and make good use of the time we were given.
Four Hygienists With Different Experiences
One of the most meaningful parts of the day was participating alongside colleagues whose careers brought different perspectives to the conversation.
Ellen, a retired RDH, shared experience from private practice, dental hygiene education at Sacramento City College, and community public health.
Faye brought her perspective as a practicing RDHAP serving underserved communities and people in assisted living.
Cindy, a licensed RDH, full-time faculty member at Carrington College’s Sacramento Dental Hygiene Program, and president-elect of the Sacramento Valley Dental Hygienists’ Association, contributed her experience in education and professional leadership.
I brought the perspective of a currently practicing clinical RDH.
Together, we discussed three CDHA legislative priorities and asked for Senator Niello’s support as proposed legislative language and changes move forward.
Our different experiences helped us explain how these issues reach across practice settings. Each of us had something to add.
What the Experience Was Actually Like
Once the conversation began, I felt more comfortable.
We were explaining work we know, sharing challenges we encounter, and discussing ways to better serve our communities. The representatives listened, and I left feeling that our perspectives were valued.
That was an important reminder: no one can be an expert in every profession or every issue. Lawmakers and their staff need to hear from people who understand the day-to-day realities.
Across California, other CDHA members were having similar conversations in their own communities. Our meeting was one part of that larger effort.
Afterward, we joined a Dental Hygiene Board of California webinar about the Sunset Review process. It gave me another opportunity to listen and learn about discussions affecting our profession.
By the end of the day, I had a better understanding of how much continued attention and participation this work requires.
A Lesson That Reached Beyond My Profession
The day also felt meaningful as the mother of a high school senior.
My son, James, has a high school graduation requirement to attend two public board meetings, with an opportunity for extra credit if he prepares and offers public comment. He has already attended a local school board meeting and is interested in attending a larger public meeting, possibly at our state Capitol.
As I explained to my boys what I was doing and why, I told them that identifying a problem is a starting point. Creating change also requires considering solutions, understanding the process, and getting involved.
I admitted that I was nervous.
As I was straightening my collar before leaving, James said:
“You got this, Mom. You’re going to do great. Just talk to them how you’re always talking to us.”
That encouragement stayed with me.
His school is asking him to experience civic participation, and I had an opportunity to model it through my own profession. I hope both of my boys find issues they care about and feel willing to contribute—even when doing so feels unfamiliar.
What I Learned—and Why I Hope You’ll Join Us
I came home understanding that confidence can grow through participation. I didn’t need to have every answer before walking through the door.
I also saw the value of bringing different voices together. Clinical practice, education, public health, and RDHAP care each offer experiences that help explain why a proposed change matters.
Do I want to work toward more than the three priorities we discussed? Absolutely. But change takes time, preparation, relationships, and people willing to keep showing up.
After sharing about the day on social media and tagging Senator Niello’s account, I was encouraged to see the account like several posts and even shared one to its story. It felt like another opportunity for our message to reach people beyond the meeting.
To my fellow California hygienists: we all have something to contribute to preserving and advancing our profession.
Connect with CDHA or your local component. Learn about an issue. Attend a meeting. Ask how you can help. Consider offering public comment when an issue matters to you.
Your everyday experiences in patient care belong in these conversations.
I’m still learning, too. This was my first Local Lobby Day, and I’m glad I took that first step.
I hope you’ll join us.
-Emily Wall, RDH, AS, AA
Proud Member of ADHA, CDHA, and SVDHA
Gallery
A few more moments from CDHA’s Local Lobby Day at Senator Roger Niello’s district office at Rancho Cordova City Hall, where we met with two members of his staff to discuss dental hygiene legislative priorities.
Joining me were Cindy, president-elect of our local CDHA component, the Sacramento Valley Dental Hygienists’ Association, and a dental hygiene educator at Carrington College; Faye, a practicing RDHAP who provides care in underserved communities and assisted living facilities; and Ellen, a retired RDH who continues to lend her voice and experience to our profession. Ellen’s career spans private practice, dental hygiene education at Sacramento City College, and community public health.
I was grateful to join these colleagues, bringing my perspective as a currently practicing clinical RDH. Together, we shared different experiences and a common commitment to advancing our profession and improving patient access to care.
