Dear DC Dental Society Members,

 For many of us March cannot come quickly enough as we anxiously look forward to a change in the weather. With this change brings opportunities to connect with fellow DCDS members. In spite of the frigid temperatures in February, I am proud to report that DCDS members had an extremely strong showing at our second-ever Speed Networking event. The atmosphere was positive as new relationships were created and old ones rekindled. Given the success of the event consideration may be given for a repeat event in the Fall, so stay tuned.

 Advocacy continues to be our main focus going forward. DCDS testified before the DC Council four times over the past month during the annual series of performance oversight hearings on: the Department of Health Care Finance, the agency that administers DC’s Medicaid program; the Board of Dentistry; the Department of Health; and the Department of Insurance, Banking and Securities, which has regulatory authority over dental insurance. DCDS is advocating for a number new public polices to make it easier for you to practice in the District. If implemented, these changes would have a big impact, including:

 To ease the shortage of dental hygienists, creating a pathway to licensure for internationally trained dentists and dental hygienists;

• To increase the supply of qualified dental assistants, establishing a training program in DC high schools to graduate Level 2 Dental Assistants;
• To align with our neighboring states, authorizing dentists to administer Botox and other FDA-approved neurotoxins in treatment;
• To ensure you are more fairly compensated, increasing addition fees for dental care under Medicaid and enabling you to easily opt out of payments from dental insurance companies by virtual credit cards;
• To expand access to care, establishing a dental loss ratio in the District that limits the percentage of premiums that dental insurance companies may hold for their overhead expenses.

 I invite all members to support our advocacy efforts on these and other policy matters. An easy first step is to attend the monthly meetings of the Board of Dentistry, which you can join virtually. The meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month and begin at 9:00 AM. By attending you can amplify the policy recommendations of DCDS. The next meeting of the Board of Dentistry will be held on March 18. Additionally, the Public Policy Committee is forming a new Insurance Subcommittee. Please reach out to me or DCDS headquarters to get involved.

 Additionally, our monthly meeting is quickly approaching. On Thursday March 5^th Dr. Dana Marzocco will present ”Implant Complications and Preventive Strategies from a Restorative Point of View.” This will take place on the rooftop of our office building at 2001 K St NW Washington DC starting at 6:00 PM. A recording of this presentation will be made available to all members by Monday, March 9. This lecture is a wonderful opportunity to bring a non-member colleague for free as your guest. Reach out and show them what a special group we really are.

 We are stronger together and always looking to expand our outreach to non-member dentists in the District. If you identify a colleague that you feel may benefit from a DCDS membership please contact the society at info@dcds.org. We are more than happy to connect with them.

 As always, we are here to support you. If there are issues or concerns you are encountering in your practice, please reach out to me or the DCDS staff. Chances are you’re not the only member experiencing those challenges and we’re here to help. I look forward to an invigorating Spring and catching up with you at our upcoming events.

Warm Regards,

 Kim Menhinick, DDS, MS, FICD

President 2026-2027