Organized dentistry
Dental lobbying
Direct contact with lawmakers and officials to influence dental policy, a narrower activity than advocacy that is subject to registration and disclosure laws in many places.
Dental lobbying is the act of trying to influence lawmakers on dental issues. Cornell's legal reference defines lobbying as the act of attempting to impact or sway governance, such as policymaking, legislation, administrative action or other ballot issues.
Groups in organized dentistry employ lobbyists or run member programs. Lobbying is a narrower activity than dental advocacy, which includes public education and research. Federal and state laws require registration and disclosure for many lobbyists.
Rules differ for each level of government and for each type of group. Anyone who plans to lobby should learn the laws that apply. See organized dentistry for the groups involved. This entry is a general definition only.