Together we can drive the agenda forward
We advocate for adequate and sustainable investments in biomedical research with a specific focus on the need for increased resources for dental, oral, and craniofacial research within the federal agencies. We collaborate with our partners in the dental and oral health community, and participate in various medical and science coalitions to advance our agenda.
Our Government Affairs team sets an annual federal agenda and coordinates the advocacy activities of the organization. It is the grassroots participation of our membership, however, that truly impacts policy decisions within the federal government.
All members of the dental, oral, and craniofacial research community should engage with their elected officials regularly, but at least on an annual basis, to communicate the important biomedical advances that are being made and how federal programs impact their constituents.
AADOCR Advocacy Day
Each spring, AADOCR brings together dental educators; researchers; students; and other patient advocates to the nation’s capital to meet directly with members of Congress. In April 2024, AADOCR partnered with the Friends of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (FNIDCR) and the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) to deliver a unified message to federal policymakers about the vital role of dental, oral, and craniofacial research and federally funded oral health programs.
Advocacy Toolkit
View AADOCR advocacy resources, including briefing materials, fact sheets and guides for interacting with members of Congress. We encourage our members to utilize these materials in preparation for and/or during interactions with elected officials and their staff.
Friends of NIDCR
The AADOCR is continuing the activities of the Friends of National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (FNIDCR) after the latter ceased operations at the end of 2015.
The Friends of NIDCR Patient Advocacy Council is comprised of non-profit organizations who work together to 1) support oral health research and NIDCR and 2) transfer oral health research from bench to bedside.
Advocacy Updates
Stay up-to-date with the latest news in government affairs and science policy news by reading updates in the News section of the AADOCR website.
See AADOCR’s communications to Congress and government agencies championing AADOCR members and the field.
The AADOCR actively partners with coalitions and peer organizations over the course of the year to advocate for research funding and programs and to amplify the role of dental, oral, and craniofacial research as part of the broader public health and health research community.
Opportunities
This public policy fellowship provides a unique learning experience both in Washington, DC and through grassroots efforts at the Fellow’s local university or institution.
This year the AADOCR National Student Research Group (NSRG) along with the Government Affairs Committee (GAC) would like to recognize a student for outstanding contributions in advocacy for oral health research by awarding The Student Advocate of the Year Award.
Interested in taking action or learning more about advocacy efforts?
