Government Affairs Council
Mission Statement
To support and advance the interests and the strategic plan of CDA by implementing CDA policy through state legislation, regulation, or administrative action, and to raise the profile and level of understanding of the dental profession in these arenas.
Primary Duties
- To initiate legislation on behalf of CDA that implements CDA policies and/or resolutions.
- To review legislation introduced by others and to evaluate its effect on the practice of dentistry and Californians’ oral health and to establish CDA positions on such legislation.
- To monitor and assess the activities of state regulatory boards and agencies as to their potential impact on dentistry and Californians’ oral health and to take appropriate action based on CDA policies and resolutions.
- To lobby and negotiate on CDA's behalf on legislative or regulatory proposals pending before the State Legislature, the Governor's Office, or state regulatory boards or agencies while maintaining the intent and integrity of CDA policies and/or resolutions.
- To evaluate the implementation and administration of previously enacted legislation.
- To convey information regarding the Council’s activities to CDA membership through a system of verbal and written communications.
- To make recommendations regarding candidates for appointment to state boards, commissions and committees.
- Appoint workgroups as necessary to assess specific issues as required.
- To review matters referred to the council by the House of Delegates, the Board of Trustees or other CDA councils or workgroups.
Powers
In addition to any duties assigned to it by the Board of Trustees and the House of Delegates, the Government Affairs Council shall have the authority on behalf of CDA to negotiate and take positions on legislation or regulations proposed or established by the state of California. All negotiations shall be pursued in such a manner as to reflect the intent and integrity of its membership, California Dental Association policy or resolution.
Time Requirements
Council meetings (per year): 3 one-day meetings and a 2-day meeting
Annual Legislative Conference Workgroups or subcommittees: Serve as necessary
Qualifications, Special Skills and Knowledge
- Should be able to commit enough time to read and evaluate periodic communications or mailings, including but not limited to legislative bills and proposed regulations, from the Public Policy Division and provide feedback to Council chair and staff as required.
- Should have or be willing to develop bipartisan political relationships.
- Should be able to represent CDA’s position on legislative and regulatory activities to CDA members and the public regardless of personal views.
- Knowledge of the Dental Practice Act and dental law and ethics.
Composition
The Government Affairs Council shall be composed of 15 members.
Terms of Office
The term of office for at-large members shall be two years. The tenure shall be three terms.
| Current Council Members | Component |
| Jean L. Creasey, DDS, Chair | Butte-Sierra District |
| Thomas W. Campbell, DDS | Napa-Solano |
| Santos Cortez, Jr., DDS, Chair | Harbor DS |
| Peter A. DuBois | |
| John P. Ducar, DDS | Western Los Angeles |
| James E. Mertzel, DDS | San Fernando Valley |
| Ned L. Nix, DDS | Santa Clara County |
| Gabrielle D. Rasi, DDS | Sacramento District |
| Donald M. Schinnerer, DDS | Contra Costa |
| Andreia M. Silvera, DDS | Western Los Angeles |
| Andrew P. Soderstrom, DDS | Stanislaus DS |
| Thomas H. Stewart, DDS | Kern County |
| Carol G. Summerhays, DDS | San Diego County |
| Ariane R. Terlet, DDS | Berkeley |
| James D. Wood, DDS, Guest | Redwood Empire |
| Staff Support: Dean Chalios, VP of Public Policy 916.554.4989 dean.chalios@cda.org |