Our Washington team proudly attended the Pediatric Oral Health Advocacy Conference (POHAC) 2026 in Washington, D.C., hosted by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This annual conference brings together pediatric dentists, residents, and leaders from across the country to advocate for policies that improve access to oral health care for children, particularly those from underserved communities. Participants engaged in educational sessions on current legislative priorities and developed skills in effective advocacy and communication.

A highlight of the conference was the opportunity to meet with congressional representatives on Capital Hill to discuss key issues impacting pediatric oral health. During our meetings, we emphasized the importance of supporting the HRSA Title VII funding which plays a vital role for dental faculty loan repayment. We also advocated for the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA) (S. 1677 / H.R. 3277), legislation that would expand coverage for medically necessary dental care for individuals with congenital anomalies, and highlighted the urgent need to restore critical federal oral health infrastructure. These discussions reinforced our shared commitment to improving access to high-quality oral healthcare for all children and ensuring a stronger, more equitable future for pediatric dentistry.

This experience also emphasized the importance of advocacy as an extension of clinical practice and empowers us to continue to be active voices for children and families we serve.

Sincerely,
Dr. Esteban Chaidez & Dr. Jasmeen Kaur

WA State Pediatric Dentistry Residents