Mixing Dentistry and Politics: Lawrence and Jim Hughes

“I was eight or nine years old and just a huge Ohio State fan. The way the clinic was positioned next to the stadium then, I could see into the south end every time I leaned over to wash my mouth out,” laughs Representative Hughes, who credits having a dentist for a brother with helping to shape some of his thoughts on policy from insurance payment windows to scope of practice issues.

His close relationship with his brother may have also informed Representative Hughes’ choice of food and beverages. He remembers looking on as his brother, in dental school at the time, put a tooth in a glass of soda and watched the acids begin to dissolve the tooth. Representative Hughes has only had one cavity in his life. “That made an impact on me,” he said.

“Growing up, I always liked woodworking, biology and other mechanical things. What really appealed to me was the artistic part of dentistry, where you see a broken tooth and picture in your mind how you're going to fix it.” --Lawrence Hughes, ’77 DDS

People are often surprised about his breadth of knowledge of the issues facing dentists, but Representative Hughes’ undergraduate degree in business administration from Ohio State and Juris Doctorate from Capital University Law School contribute to his understanding. “People often forget that dentistry is a business that needs to make payroll and have enough accounts receivable coming in.”  He thinks other legislators should spend time in clinics observing and talking with doctors and dentists to learn about the challenges they face. “It would give them a firsthand view of what dentists and doctors experience every day.”

Representative Hughes’ long legislative career follows in his late father Lawrence Hughes, Sr.’s footsteps. The senior Hughes was a member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the 66th District from 1969-1982. Both sons fondly recall when a bill came to the house floor that many deemed averse to the dental profession. As their father stood to speak on the bill, some worried he wouldn’t know what to say. Those who knew the senior Lawrence said, “Don’t worry. His son’s in dental school. He’s got this.” And he did; the legislation failed.

In addition to being a member of the legislature, the former state senator and current state representative is also a practicing attorney and partner for the Columbus law firm Isaac Wiles. It was only natural for Representative Hughes to follow his father’s lead into politics. But for Dr. Hughes, dentistry made more sense. “Growing up, I always liked woodworking, biology and other mechanical things. What really appealed to me was the artistic part of dentistry, where you see a broken tooth and picture in your mind how you're going to fix it.”

Dr. Hughes’ practice, located in Columbus’ Clintonville neighborhood, has thrived for nearly 40 years. Despite his focus on dentistry, Dr. Hughes maintains a healthy interest in the family business of politics. And while he is quick to minimize his role, Dr. Hughes is also an elected official, serving on the Republican Central Committee for Dublin, Ohio’s fourth ward. He enjoys getting to know people who seek the Republican Party’s endorsement as they run for office, and encourages others in the profession to get involved, as well. “There are many opportunities to donate to campaigns, walk in a candidate’s parade, or meet with representatives and get our message out.”

As for the younger Hughes brother, Representative Hughes will try out a new government role as he runs for a seat on the Franklin County Common Pleas Court in November—his dentist and brother, Dr. Hughes, undoubtedly campaigning by his side