b'YOUR ACADEMY AT WORKAdvocacy CornerThis new regular feature aims to share how the Academy is working to advocate on behalf of the specialty. Defining advocacy for a diverse membership is a difficult task but hearing from individual members about what they are doing to support periodontics helps provide a better understanding of this important concept. Dr. Adam Saltz from Maine shared his thoughts on advocacy. What does advocacy mean to you? What tools do you use when advocating on behalf of periodontics?Advocacy happens wherever and however itI build genuine relationships with those in my community. I meet with needs to. Theres no right way to give voice tostudents, clinicians, educators, hygienists, and policymakers to better issues that matter to you, your patients, or yourunderstand their concerns and ways I can improve them as a clinical profession at large. It is increasingly less aboutperiodontist and rising leader in organized dentistry. I use social media conventional lobbying and more about grass-rootsto stay connected and rally greater interest around problems as they reform through education, community outreach,surface. This enables participating organizations to stay proactive rather and leadership.than reactive in their advocacy efforts. I enable those who want to get involved, to get involved. Nothing is more upsetting to me than seeing What, if any, are local initiatives yousomeone sit on their potential.participate in to advocate on behalf of periodontics? How can members become more involved with local advocacy?I serve as an assistant clinical professor atVolunteer!!! Get outside your practice. Start with one group, something the University of New England and curriculumsimple. Come engaged and motivated to participate. The rewards you will consultant at Kansas City University. Inreap personally and professionally might surprise you!these roles, I can directly impact the future of periodontics by reinforcing its importanceHow does your work relate back to the larger scope of the AAP?throughout dental school. Students see theThe AAP places emphasis on being a true partner in advancing oral and transformative value of interdisciplinary careoverall health. Their efforts also positively change public perceptions of with treatment planning workshops, hands-onperiodontal and implant surgery. My work mirrors that on the local and modules, digitized workflows, and chairsidestate levels and in education. By instilling value in our specialty among training. I also oversee several study clubs forschools and study clubs, the next generation of dentists will continue to dentists, hygienists, and office staff alike. I canprovide long-lasting, comprehensive care to patients. influence how periodontists are utilized in my area to provide the most comprehensive treatment for patients. As vice president of the Maine DentalAre you a periodontist in the Maine, New Association, I am uniquely positioned to advocateHampshire, or Vermont area interested in for best practices for other periodontists acrossbeing involved on the grass-roots level of a the state, while monitoring for different workforce,regional community?licensure, or anesthesia issues. Use the Membership Directory to contactDr. Adam Saltz today! AAP Periospectives| 22 https://members.perio.org/directory/members'