DENPAC

During the 89th Legislative Session, TDA strongly opposed Senate Bill 2653. The bill would have banned community water fluoridation statewide, eliminating one of the most effective public health measures in preventing tooth decay.

Adding fluoride to public water systems at the optimal level remains a safe, effective, and equitable strategy for preventing tooth decay across all populations. TDA will continue to defend and preserve this important public health measure.

We are grateful to Dr. Shailee Gupta who testified on behalf of TDA against SB 2653 before the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.

Dr. Claude Stephens on the importance of DENPAC: “You are either at the table or on the menu. DENPAC is our ticket to the big table.”

Dr. Stephens is a member of the Sixth District Dental Society and their DENPAC Representative.

Mark your calendars! We’re only five months away from the 2027 TDA Legislative Day! Join us Wednesday, February 17, 2027 at the Texas Capitol in Austin.

We need YOU, the oral health care expert, to come share your knowledge with legislators before they act on legislation that will impact you, your patients, and your profession.

More details to come!

Dr. Brad Crump on the impact of DENPAC: “DENPAC makes sure the voice of dentistry is being heard at the State Capitol.”

Dr. Crump is a member of the Dallas County Dental Society and former DENPAC Representative for DCDS.

This just in: The Texas Toothline has arrived in your inbox! This email newsletter serves as your monthly update from the front lines of Texas dental advocacy, courtesy of DENPAC!

To learn more about DENPAC, please visit denpac.org

TDA blocked harmful legislation introduced in the 2025 legislative session that sought to remove equal payment methods for dentists treating patients outside their insurance network. This uniform payment standard preserves fairness, transparency, and patient choice, allowing Texans to select the dentist of their choice without facing surprise costs or reduced coverage.

TDA’s legislative agenda includes not only shepherding our bills through the legislative process but also playing defense against bills that would be harmful to organized dentistry. The TDA team was able to work with the bill author to stop a bill that would have negatively impacted patients and dentists from receiving a committee hearing. TDA has a legislative team with decades of experience and valuable working relationships with legislators and staff in the Texas Capitol that pays off.

We are grateful to the bill author, Rep. Philip Cortez, who pulled the bill down after hearing concerns from the TDA legislative team!

Dr. Duke Ho on why he supports DENPAC: “I see it as my responsibility to give to DENPAC to protect the profession I love.”

Dr. Ho is a member of the Greater Houston Dental Society and Past President of the TDA.

Dr. Melissa Uriegas recently attended an event for Representative Janie Lopez, who has represented HD 37 in the Rio Grande Valley since 2023. Rep. Lopez serves on the powerful House Appropriations Committee and has been a good friend to TDA and a champion for oral health matters at the Texas Capitol.

TDA has member dentists in almost every legislative district with a personal connection to their legislators. We refer to those members as “key contact dentists”—members who volunteer their time and resources to help advance TDA’s legislative and regulatory agendas. These key contacts may be asked to reach out to the legislator in their district when legislative issues affecting dentistry arise. And because these key contacts have already established a relationship with their legislator, they are more effective at influencing and achieving success.

Pictured: Rep. Janie Lopez, Gov. Greg Abbott, Dr. Melissa Uriegas

Dr. Matt Roberts on the value of DENPAC: “I’ve had a front row seat to Texas politics for over 20 years. Without a doubt, DENPAC has made every success possible.”

Dr. Roberts is a member of the Brazos Valley Dental Society and Chair of TDA’s Council on Legislative, Regulatory, and Governmental Affairs (CLRA).

We are DENPAC! 🌟🏛️🦷💪

💭DENPAC leadership met virtually this weekend for our annual officer training and marketing meeting! Our team is inspired and energized about strengthening DENPAC to preserve the future of organized dentistry and advocate effectively for oral health care!

📸Top row: Dr. Scott Morse, Ms. Staci Rives, Dr. Michael Najera, Dr. Dan O’Dell, Dr. Debrah Worsham
2nd row: Dr. John Purdy, Dr. Rob Neal, Dr. Rich Potter, Dr. Tommy Harrison, Mr. Jess Calvert
3rd row: Dr. Melissa Uriegas, Dr. Ed Wentz, Dr. Joey Cazares, Dr. Ralph Cooley, Dr. Jon Vogel
Bottom row: Ms. Janet Hooten, Dr. Mark Peppard

🔗To learn more about DENPAC, please visit denpac.org