Be part of dentistry's voice in Madison

A political action committee (“PAC”) is an organization formed by business, labor, or other special-interest groups to raise money and make contributions to the campaigns of political candidates it supports. PACs allow individuals that support the same issues to combine their financial support to candidates into a significant single donation.

The Wisconsin Dental Political Action Committee (WIDPAC) is a voluntary, nonprofit, unincorporated group of dentists whose goal is to support state candidates who have demonstrated concern and support for the dental profession and the oral health of the people of Wisconsin. Relationships developed through WIDPAC help position the WDA as a trusted, dental-positive resource for state lawmakers and create a political environment where dentists are asked about, listened to and valued for their public policy views.

State government plays a vital role in how you practice dentistry every day. From taxation, insurance and regulation to scope of practice, workforce and licensing, the Legislature makes decisions affecting every aspect of the dental profession in Wisconsin.

WIDPAC exists to help safeguard against counter-productive legislation and to ensure that the Wisconsin Dental Association has a constant, prominent presence at the State Capitol. When lawmakers in Madison address issues affecting the practice of dentistry – including the dental workforce shortage, dental insurance reform, Medicaid reimbursement and more – WIDPAC is hard at work making your voice heard.

WIDPAC is supervised by a diverse committee of WDA member dentists that reports directly to the WDA Board of Trustees. Current committee members include:

• Dr. Emily Eckdahl (Brookfield), chair
• Dr. Timothy Cooper (Stevens Point) – Treasurer
• Dr. Edward Chiera (Beloit) – Secretary
• Dr. Russell Christian (Mt. Horeb)
• Dr. Colleen Greene (Milwaukee)
• Dr. Peter Hehli (Appleton)
• Dr. Pat Tepe (Verona) – WDA Legislative Advocacy Committee Chair
• Dr. Chris Hansen (Two Rivers) – WDA President-Elect
• Dr. Christopher Johnson (Eau Claire) – WDA President
• Dr. Tom Reid (Madison) – WDA Vice President

    Additionally, all WDA past-presidents are invited to participate on the WIDPAC committee.

WIDPAC is governed by a set of bylaws and supervised by a diverse committee of WDA member dentists that reports directly to the WDA Board of Trustees. PAC support is determined by the WDA’s Government Services team and approved by members of the WIDPAC Board.

WIDPAC support is based on a variety of factors, including candidates’ support of our legislative issues, key committee assignments, bill sponsorship and co-sponsorship, and sustained constituent relationships.

Federal and state law prohibits associations and other organizations from using member dues for political contributions.

Legislative advocacy is one of the most important things WDA does for member dentists, and dues dollars support this in a number of ways. They support our legislative office and talented government services staff in Madison. They allow the WDA to work with a highly respected and experienced contract lobbying firm. They support events like the WDA’s biennial Legislative Day and component legislative nights, and they support research and the development of position papers and other materials to help communicate WDA’s policy views.

These are all essential parts of advocacy, but they work better with a strong WIDPAC. By law, that depends on the voluntary, separate contributions of WDA members. Dues do not and cannot go to candidates.

The Wisconsin Dental Association provides funding for all administrative expenses incurred by WIDPAC, including professional staff and office facilities. Therefore, 100% of your WIDPAC dollars go directly to candidates seeking state office who support the dental profession and oral health in Wisconsin.

WIDPAC combines the resources of political funds, legislative expertise, and Wisconsin dentists to approach legislators on matters of vital concern through a well-organized, well-informed, united front. Often WIDPAC is able to support candidates in legislative districts where effective political participation by dentists might not be possible. However, WIDPAC encourages dentists to remain active with local campaigns.

Joining WIDPAC is completely voluntary – it’s a great way to support and be involved in advocating for your patients and profession.

Wisconsin law requires that PAC contributions come from individuals only – your contribution must come from a personal account and not a business or organization.

PAC contributions are not tax-deductible.

WIDPAC is not affiliated with any party and gives to both Democrats and Republicans every year. Decisions for support are based on the individual candidates and their views and records with regard to organized dentistry, regardless of affiliation.

The association does not endorse candidates for office. 

Click here to see the candidates WIDPAC has supported so far in 2023 and 2024.

A WIDPAC board member, dentist or WDA staff member is typically responsible for delivering WIDPAC campaign contributions to candidates. Campaign contributions are usually delivered at a campaign fundraiser, a campaign office, or at a personal meeting with the candidate.

With unrestricted giving, funds are kept in one large account and used at the discretion of the WIDPAC Board. Contributions go to state-level candidates – on both sides of the aisle – who are proven supporters of oral health, as well as those in leadership positions.

The direct giver option keeps your money entirely in your control. Your contribution goes into a non-interest bearing account and – upon your approval – is disbursed to specific state candidates.

No. Campaign contributions made to candidates are not intended to influence their positions on legislative issues. However, a contribution can make a difference in successfully electing a candidate to office who shares our concerns for the dental profession and the oral health of the people of Wisconsin. Contributions also help gain access to elected officials making it easier to establish longstanding relationships.

PACs are legal, highly regulated and publicly reported. All PACs have the same $5,000 contribution limit. PACs, including WIDPAC, are overseen by a board and allocate funds through a careful and established budget process.

WIDPAC operations are transparent and compliant with all applicable laws. Because they are regulated by the Wisconsin Ethics Commission, PACs are considered the most transparent form of political involvement. In Wisconsin, PACs are required to file campaign finance reports in January and July of each year. PACs that give to candidates or ballot referenda must file a pre-primary and pre-election report due eight days before the primary or general election.

PAC finance reports are available on the Wisconsin Ethics Commission website.

Yes. WIDPAC has a proven track record of success. WDA legislative victories made possible by WIDPAC include the authorization of Expanded Function Dental Auxiliaries in the state, the addition of $20 million in the 2023-24 State Budget to train more dental professionals at Wisconsin technical colleges, a historic 40% dental Medicaid increase and more.

You can participate in WDA advocacy by attending the biennial WDA Legislative Day in Madison, attending component legislative events, getting involved in the WDA Legislative Advocacy Committee or simply by joining WIDPAC. For more ideas, contact WDA Director of Government Services Andrew “Gus” Gustafson at agustafson@wda.org or by calling 414-755-4130 (direct) or 608-514-4319 (cell).

WDA Director of Government Services Andrew “Gus” Gustafson is happy to help. Contact Gus at agustafson@wda.org or by calling 414-755-4130 (direct) or 608-514-4319 (cell). You can also call the general number for the WDA’s Madison office, 608-250-3442 or email WIDPAC@wda.org.