GDA’s government affairs team joined students from the Dental College of Georgia for their second annual trivia night at Savannah River Brewing Co. Started in 2024, trivia night provides an opportunity for dental students to learn about dental health policy and GDA’s recent advocacy initiatives, and it celebrates ASDA’s Advocacy Month.  

The event began at 7 PM with a reading of the rules. Groups of 4 students had the opportunity to participate in 3 grueling rounds of 4 questions on the most challenging dental trivia in the state of Georgia. The final question offered students the opportunity to wager points, Jeopardy style, in one final bid to win it all.  

Q1 (answers at the bottom of the article): According to Georgia Board of Healthcare Workforce, how many net new hygienists were added to the dental workforce between the 2020-2021 and 2024-2025 biennia? (correct answer may be +/- 200)? 

In between questions, Jon and Janelle offered commentary on the rationale behind trivia questions. Several related to community water fluoridation and asking and answering them provided an opportunity to comment on history and current events. The end of fluoridation in Florida and Utah continues to raise concerns about potential bills that may be filed during the 2026 legislative session. Most Georgians, over 8.8 million, with access to water from community systems receive the benefits of fluoridated water.  

Q2 (answers at the bottom of the article): Scientists at King’s College London are exploring the use of what material for the promotion of enamel repair? 

Questions also tackled issues related to the future of dentistry by exploring new technologies and systems that will influence the future of dentistry in Georgia. Several questions explored the makeup of the dental workforce and its distribution, giving Jon and Janelle a chance to comment on topics ranging from dental education to loan repayment programs. Others referenced activities and initiatives being explored by others states and organizations such as the Association for Dental Safety’s recent commitment to fill gaps left by the dissolution of CDC’s Division of Oral Health.  

Several questions also explored dentistry’s relationship with popular culture, including a certain aspiring elf dentist from a holiday classic and UFO conspiracies birthed in the wake of a presidential dental emergency. In the end, the result was an evening of fun and education.  

Q3 (answers at the bottom of the article): Georgia has an ongoing study committee considering the elimination of its state income tax. The state switched from a graduated personal income tax to a flat rate in which year? 

If you think networking with current and future dentists sounds like a great time, join us on January 30, 2026, at 4:00 PM for a GDA Block Party. The event will be at Savannah River Brewing Co. Enjoy a night of fun and connection with current and future colleagues. To get involved with GDA’s advocacy initiatives, consider becoming a contact dentist, donating to GDAPAC, and attending LAWDay 2026.  

Register Here

Answers 

A1: 1,137 (937 to 1,337) 

A2: Keratin (Wool or Hair were also accepted)  

A3: 2024