The Fulcrum Podcast

Episode 20 – 2026 GENERAL ASSEMBLY: VDA SUPPORT AND OPPOSITION

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Document Type

Podcast

Publication Title

The Fulcrum Podcast

Abstract

In this episode, Ryan Dunn and Paul Logan recap a successful Lobby Day and discuss legislation the VDA supports and opposes, including efforts to protect community water fluoridation, maintain adult Medicaid dental benefits, and strengthen the dental workforce. The episode also highlights VDA-backed bills to expand the VCU School of Dentistry, expedite pathways for internationally educated dentists to become hygienists, and certification for dental assistants to perform scaling and polishing. Throughout the conversation, Ryan and Paul emphasize how member involvement is vital in shaping and protecting the future of dentistry in Virginia.

HOST: Ryan Dunn is the CEO of the Virginia Dental Association. Ryan has played major roles with four national and statewide associations while also spending time working on Capitol Hill. When he’s not talking all things dental, he’s talking about his family and baseball–and sometimes both at the same time. 

GUEST(S): Paul Logan of the Virginia Dental Association. Paul focuses on member advocacy, developing resources for dental students and early career dentists, and working with a broad array of stakeholders to elevate and address Virginia’s dental workforce needs. Paul currently serves on the executive committee of the Coalition for Modernizing Dental Licensure and the College Board of J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Outside of work, he’s trying to keep up with his three- and six-year-old daughters.

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

VDA Action Alert on Medical Malpractice

VDA Action Alert on Workforce

Sign up for VDA Text Alerts

Johns Hopkins Study - Evaluating the Effectiveness of Periodontal Expanded Function Dental Assistants

EPISODE CREDITS:

Producer: Paul Logan

Host: Ryan Dunn

Guest(s): Paul Logan

Post-Production/Editor: Shannon Jacobs

Subscribe, share, and send your feedback and topic ideas to thefulcrumpodcast@vadental.org.

Music in this episode is from Epidemic Sound

The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this podcast are for general information only, and any reliance on the information provided in this podcast is done at your own risk. This podcast should not be considered professional, medical, or legal advice.

Publication Date

2-3-2026

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