DENT-IL-PAC, the political action committee of the Illinois State Dental Society, allows dentists to collectively contribute to the campaigns of candidates it supports. Consequently, when acting as a group, individual dentists have significant impact on the political process. DENT-IL-PAC is non-profit and bi-partisan, with the goal of influencing the political process for the good of dentistry and patients. A Board of Directors oversees DENT-IL-PAC’s activities.

State and federal governments are a constant, sometimes intrusive presence in the dental office. With issues such as unsupervised practice by hygienists, patient protection, amalgam waste disposal, HIPAA regulations, and excessive state and federal regulations, we need lawmakers in the Illinois General Assembly and U.S. Congress who understand dentistry and oral health care. DENT-IL-PAC and ADPAC (the American Dental Association’s political action committee) are dentistry’s best hope of electing these individuals.

In addition to making political contributions, DENT-IL-PAC maintains a statewide contact dentist system so that every politician in the state has a personal friend in dentistry. DENT-IL-PAC hosts legislative receptions and legislative contact days, furthering the relationship between legislators and dentists.

DENT-IL-PAC dues are $100. Of this, $40 is sent to the ADA’s political action committee ADPAC.

DENT-IL-PAC also has a booster club for those members who wish to contribute on a higher level to the Society’s legislative program. Members are leaders of the profession who are personally and financially committed to insuring that dentistry’s voice is heard in the Illinois legislature. Membership in Governor’s Club is $200, of which $40 goes to ADPAC.

This special membership category is offered to dentists and their spouses, if the spouse is not also a dentist. The membership fee is $200 for the individual dentist, and $100 for the spouse. Both the dentist and spouse are considered to be members of DENT-IL-PAC’s Governor’s Club and ADPAC, as $40 will automatically be forwarded to the ADA’s political action committee.