Dr. Amber Lawson Named Vice Chair of ADA Council on Government Affairs
MARIETTA, October 13, 2026 –The Georgia Dental Association (GDA) announced today that Dr. Amber Lawson has been named Vice Chair of the American Dental Association’s Council on Government Affairs, which helps shape the ADA’s federal legislative and regulatory priorities.
Lawson, who has served on the Council since October 2024, will begin her one-year term as Vice Chair at the conclusion of the ADA House of Delegates on October 13, 2026. She will advance to Chair on November 2, 2027, for a one-year term.
The Council on Government Affairs plays a key role in the ADA’s advocacy on federal issues affecting dentistry, oral health and patient care. Its responsibilities include recommending federal legislative and regulatory policies, working with federal agencies on dental programs and issues affecting the profession, and helping keep state and local dental organizations informed about government actions affecting dentistry and oral health.
“Dr. Lawson has been a strong advocate for dentistry in Georgia, and we are proud to see her take on this important national leadership role,” said GDA president Dr. Peter Shatz. “Her experience and understanding of the issues facing dentists and their patients will bring an important perspective to the ADA’s advocacy efforts.”
Lawson served as President of the Georgia Dental Association in 2025 and has been actively involved in organized dentistry and advocacy throughout her career.
“I am honored to serve in this role and help shape policies that support dentists and advance oral health. Advocacy gives dentists and the patients we serve a strong voice in Washington. It also protects the dentist-patient relationship so that treatment decisions are guided by a dentist’s clinical judgment and each patient’s needs, free from interference by outside forces.”
In her new leadership role, Lawson will help bring the perspective of Georgia dentists to national discussions on policies affecting the profession and patient care.