Advocacy & PAC

Your MDA legislative team is comprised of staff members, lobbyists and the Legislative and Regulatory Committee. 

MDA Lobby Team

Halie Payne is the MDA Director of Professional Affairs available to answer any questions about MDA priorities and help you understand the MDA’s viewpoint.

Nikki Strong is a full-time registered lobbyist for Gamble & Schlemeier, and joins Jorgen Schlemeier as one of the MDA lead lobbyists at the Capitol. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the healthcare sector as the past Executive Director and lead lobbyist for the Missouri Healthcare Association. 

Grace Riley is also a registered lobbyist, assisting Nikki and Jorgen with lobbying work. She is part of our legislative public relations team helping to connect with legislators with MDA’s agenda. She has been instrumental in our work for the OPA EFDA program whereby dentists are meeting with JCAR members (legislators) about this new healthcare worker and the pilot project.

Dr. Mike Berry, Chair 
Dr. Ashley Popejoy (GSDS)
Dr. Jared Gerhardt (GKCDS)
Dr. Erick Jansson (CDS)
Dr. Anna Nine (SWDS)
Dr. Adrienne Lynn (NEDS)
Dr. David Mattingly (NWDS)
Dr. Dennis Nguyen (SEDS)
Dr. Danielle Riordan (GSLDS)
Dr. Jon Copeland (MDA President, Ex-Officio)
Vicki Wilbers (MDA Executive Director, Ex-Officio)
Halie Payne (MDA Professional Affairs Director, Staff Liaison)

Visit the Legislative History to see MDA legislative work across the years (dating back to 2007). Under each year you will see the legislative or regulatory topic, related bill language and links, and in plain speak, a summary of the effect on the profession of dentistry, as well as any additional resources.

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