On Tuesday, March 7, 2017, Representative John Scibak of the 2nd Hampshire District of Massachusetts presented a lecture entitled, “Dental Advocacy: From Fillings to Filings,” as the second part of the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine’s (GSDM) Patient Seminar Series. Drs. Cataldo Leone and Yoshiyuki Mochida, have been leaders in the organization and presentation of the Patient Seminar Series. Rep. Scibak spoke to the GSDM community about legislative initiatives and advocacy related to rare diseases affecting dental, oral and craniofacial structures. He has worked with various patients and their families from his constituency to help raise awareness of the marked dental, medical, economic and social impact of those oral-related diseases dentists may encounter only rarely.
Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter was in attendance, as was Jake Sullivan, Assistant Vice President of Government and Community Affairs at Boston University and Jim Curley, Director of State Relations for Boston University. Following the presentation, Representative Scibak toured GSDM with Dr. David Russell. He was then treated to gifts from GSDM, as well as a luncheon in the Dean’s Conference Room attended by Dean Hutter, Dr. Michelle Henshaw, Dr. Mochida, Jake Sullivan, Jim Curely, Kate Cone, Staff Director for Representative Scibak’s office, and John Barrett DMD 17.
Criss and Ann Quigley, the first presenters during our Patient Seminar Series, are constituents in Representative Scibak’s district. This mother-daughter duo spoke about their struggles with Dentinogenesis Imperfecta (DI) Type II, a rare genetic disease found in about .013% of the population, which is currently not covered by insurance. They approached Representative Scibak about introducing legislation mandating insurance coverage. Annually, since 2007, Representative Scibak has introduced House Bill 581, For legislation to provide health insurance coverage for certain medically necessary functional repair or restoration of craniofacial disorders, but it has yet to pass.
“Anyone can influence policy makers in the policy-making process, but you have to get involved to have a voice,” said Representative Scibak.
In his presentation, Representative Scibak detailed the behind-the-scenes work of the House of Representatives; how bills are introduced, how bills are passed, lobbying vs. advocacy, and how dentists can play a key role in making changes in policy. Just this session, over 6,000 bills were filed, so understanding the process is key in affecting change for public individuals and politicians.
“Voting is important. Participating is important. If you really feel committed to what you’re doing and what you practice, as dentists and dental students, then it’s important for you to get involved,” he added.
Representative Scibak was first elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives in November of 2002. He was appointed House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Public Service, which worked on throughout the 2011-2012 legislative session to address several complex matters through both legislation and the budget process. In early 2015, Representative Scibak was appointed as House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development. In 2016, he was appointed as Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education where he continues to help further strengthen higher education throughout the Commonwealth.
Rep. Scibak has long been an effective and determined champion for equal access to affordable, comprehensive healthcare. Throughout his career, Representative Scibak has dedicated many years to the areas of research and administration in health care and human services. Since his election, Representative Scibak has been unwavering in his commitment to disabled persons, infant and youth services, veterans’ benefits, and access to quality education and healthcare.
In addition, Representative Scibak has been actively involved in the development and passage of significant legislation. As House Chair of the Legislative Oral Health Caucus, he has educated colleagues on the veritable link between oral health and overall health as well as highlighted the importance of increasing access to oral health care in order to reach the most vulnerable individuals. His efforts were critical in helping to secure passage and enactment of an omnibus oral health bill which strengthens the state’s oral health care infrastructure and creates new vehicles for oral health care professionals to reach out to under-served populations.
“On behalf of the entire GSDM community, I offer our most sincere appreciation to Representative John Scibak for his fine presentation today,” said Dean Hutter. “It is key as dental professionals to understand all facets of the healthcare system, and we learned that today.”
For more photos from this event please check out our Facebook album.