Advocacy Activity

CAO advocacy activities focus on educating lawmakers and the public about issues that impact member orthodontists, patients and public health.

Legislator Outreach

Each year, CAO’s Legislative Committee and a cadre of member volunteers hold informational and advocacy meetings with legislators from critical policy committees. Legislators learn from members about orthodontic practice and how potential legislation may impact their practices and patients.

Key Activities
  • Informational meetings with policy committee legislators
  • Education about orthodontic practice realities
  • Impact analysis of proposed legislation
  • Member volunteer coordination

Public Outreach

CAO ensures that policymakers, staff, and the media stay informed of the orthodontists’ perspectives during public discussions about patient health and safety. We provide Policy Resources like those found on the website and engage in public education that supports our advocacy goals by submitting letters to the editor and publishing articles in State Capitol-related publications, like this article in Capitol Weekly.

Communication Channels

Traditional Media
  • Letters to the editor
  • Op-ed articles
  • Press releases
  • Media interviews
Legislative Channels
  • Capitol Weekly articles
  • Policy briefs
  • Committee testimonies
  • Stakeholder coalitions

Advocacy Day

CAO hosts a focused Advocacy Day annually to connect CAO members with key legislators. Members have the opportunity to meet with their local legislative officials and share information about their practice and CAO’s positions on legislation impacting patient health and safety. Our meetings focus on CAO’s Priority Legislation which the legislative committee determines in early March.

Event Highlights

Meeting Format
  • One-on-one legislator meetings
  • District-based groupings
  • Priority legislation focus
  • Practice impact discussions
Preparation
  • Pre-event briefings
  • Talking points provided
  • Legislative update materials
  • Member coordination

Want to Get Involved?

Join our advocacy efforts and make your voice heard

Watch Lobby Day Video

See highlights from our recent advocacy events

2025 Advocacy Focus

Priority Legislation

11 Bills Active legislative priorities

Committee Meetings

25+ Legislative outreach sessions

Member Volunteers

50+ Active advocacy participants

Upcoming Events

March 2025

Legislative Priorities Meeting

Legislative Committee determines priority bills

Spring 2025

Annual Advocacy Day

Legislative Committee determines priority bills

Get Involved

Questions?
advocacy@cao.org
(916) 443-1943