2025 Day on the Hill
Read what 2025 Day on the Hill participants shared following the event:
“As a first-time attendee of the Day on The Hill event, I did not know what to expect. Will I be prepared to present issues and advocate for the specialty? Will my legislators be receptive or even meet with me to discuss these issues? I must say, the OMSPAC staff and previous attendees did an excellent job at preparing me for this event. There was no shortage of information or suggestions on how to present the issues. That day began as a bright beautiful morning in Washington, D.C., and culminated with three great meetings, two of which I had positive discussions with my state’s senator and representative. I encourage anyone looking to contribute to the specialty beyond the clinical setting to attend this event. It was a great experience!”
– Jeffrey S. Brown, DMD
“In the spring of 2025, I had the opportunity to serve the OMS specialty by volunteering to represent our specialty to ensure that our elected legislators understand how their support of projected legislative action could benefit our specialty and those citizens in need that we serve by providing oral and maxillofacial surgical care. I learned long ago that face-to-face contact with our elected senators and congressional representatives and their aides has the most effect in getting our representatives to procure legislation that serves the needs of our patients and our profession. Please consider taking the opportunity to be active in influencing the congressmen and congresswomen and senators that serve in your district and state to see it our way.”
– James Q. Swift, DDS, FACS
“It was a wonderful experience that made me feel like my voice was truly heard. It also highlighted the importance of AAOMS advocacy and allowed me to see exactly where my efforts were making an impact.”
– George D. Kirby, DDS, MD
“If you have never attended Day on the Hill, go for it. After 20 years in practice, I finally went. As a regulator, I cannot lobby in-state, and I let that be my excuse. It was welcoming and focused: clear briefings and substantive meetings where staff listened when we tied policy to real patients. The mix of seasoned surgeons and residents added real value. I left with new connections and a seat at the table. Your voice will be heard.”
– Robert G. McNeill, DDS, MD, MBA
“Attending this year’s Day on the Hill was an invaluable experience. It provided a unique opportunity to engage directly with policymakers and advocate for the future of oral and maxillofacial surgery. The event not only deepened my understanding of the critical issues facing our field but also empowered me to contribute to meaningful conversations that could shape policy decisions. Additionally, it allowed me to network with other residents and surgeons, strengthening our collective voice in advocating for the specialty. The camaraderie among colleagues and the shared commitment to advancing our profession made it an inspiring and motivating experience.”
– An Qi Wu, DDS, MD
“This was my second year attending Day on the Hill. It is truly an incredible opportunity to not only connect with your colleagues, but also advocate for the future of our profession. The programming is designed to make first-time attendees feel confident speaking with legislators by providing informational sessions about the bills and the meeting process. I would encourage every OMS to make this event an annual priority!”
– John V. Law, DDS
Resident, University of Kentucky College of Dentistry
“Day on the Hill was an incredible experience. I got the opportunity to educate our lawmakers on the scope of our specialty and the impact we have on our patients. Creating this foundation then allowed me to advocate for the important issues that our specialty faces and ways we can promote change.”
– Jared M. Wingerter, DMD, MD
Resident, University of Tennessee Medical Center
