FDA OFFICES > Governmental Affairs Office

Rusty Payton, Director of Governmental Affairs, Ext 406
E-mail: rpayton@floridadental.org

Christine Mortham, GAO Receptionist/Secretary, Ext 400
E-mail: cmortham@floridadental.org

Mary Edenfield, Governmental Affairs Assistant, Ext 402
E-mail: medenfield@floridadental.org

Ron Watson, Lobbyist, Ext 403
E-mail: rwatson@floridadental.org

Joe Anne Hart, Lobbyist, Ext 405
E-mail: jahart@floridadental.org

This department coordinates the FDA’s state legislative activities by lobbying, monitoring and responding to bills affecting dentistry. It coordinates all interaction with state officials and agencies that regulate or otherwise affect dentistry. It assists the ADA with national advocacy issues affecting dentistry. This department also coordinates FLADPAC and DENTPAC activities, the Legislative Education and Action Program, Legislative Contact Dentist Program and Dentists’ Day on the Hill.

Programs/Projects:
o State executive and legislative branch relations and lobbying
o Bill development and rule analysis
o State agency liaisons
o Legislative Contact Dentist Program
o Legislative Education and Action Program
o Dentists’ Day on the Hill
o ADA Grassroots Program for Florida
o Specialty Group Forum 		Staff support for:
 o Legislative Action Committee
 o Council on Governmental Affairs
 o Political Action Committees