House Judiciary Committee passes the Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act

The House Judiciary Committee on Feb. 28 unanimously passed H.R. 372, the Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act of 2017.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/house-judiciary-committee-passes-the-competitive-health-insurance-reform-act

ADA asks Secretary Price to exempt dentists from Part D requirement

The ADA is asking Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price to re-examine the Affordable Care Act's requirement that dentists and other providers who write prescriptions to Medicare beneficiaries with Part D coverage must be enrolled in or opted-out of Medicare Part B prior to Jan. 1, 2019, in order for the prescription to be covered by the beneficiaries' Part D plans.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/ada-asks-secretary-price-to-exempt-dentists-from-part-d-requirement

A.T. Still University names new dental school dean

A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health announced Feb. 24 it named Dr. Robert M. Trombly as dean, effective July 1.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/at-still-university-names-new-dental-school-dean

Florida Dental Association Foundation studies link between Mission of Mercy events and emergency department use

In 2014, more than 163,000 Floridians visited the hospital emergency rooms for a dental issue, resulting in charges of more than $234 million, according to the U.S. Health and Human Services Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/florida-dental-association-foundation-studies-link

Indian dentist, student receives Dr. Ray Bowen Student Research Award

A master's degree dental student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry is the winner of the 2017 Dr. Ray Bowen Student Research Award.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/indian-dentist-student-receives-dr-ray-bowen-student-research-award

Honor World Oral Health Day on March 20

World Oral Health Day is celebrated globally every year on March 20 to highlight the importance of keeping your mouth healthy whether you are young or old.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/honor-world-oral-health-day-on-march-20

Dental Quality Alliance Conference to foster collaboration in quality measurement

ADA members interested in pursuing common goals of quality improvement are encouraged to attend the conference at the Association's Chicago headquarters May 12-13.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/dental-quality-alliance-conference-to-foster-collaboration-in-quality-measurement

JAMA Pediatrics study that finds no benefit of preventive dental care for some kids raises questions

The conclusions of a Feb. 27 online article in JAMA Pediatrics on early preventive dental care for children may have raised more questions than the researchers answered, some dental experts say.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/jama-pediatrics-study-that-finds-no-benefit-of-preventive-dental-care-for-some-kids-raises-question

EPA denies petition to ban adding 'fluoridation chemicals' to water supplies

The health benefits of fluoride include "having fewer cavities, less severe cavities, less need for filings and removing teeth, and less pain and suffering due to tooth decay," the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Feb. 17.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/epa-denies-petition-to-ban-adding-fluoridation-chemicals-to-water-supplies

Dental coalition urges House to support the Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act

The Organized Dentistry Coalition on Feb. 24 expressed its "strong support" of H.R. 372, the Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/odc-urges-house-to-support-the-competitive-health-insurance-reform-act

CareCredit acquires Citi Health Card portfolio

ADA members who use Citi products for their patient financing will soon be moved over to CareCredit.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/carecredit-acquires-citi-health-card-portfolio

Oklahoma MOM event donates $1.3M in dental care

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/oklahoma-mom-event-donates

Memphis dentist among 2017 Presidential Leadership Scholars

Dr. Christina Rosenthal can add another item to her list of accomplishments.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/2017-presidential-leadership-scholars

Get the scoop on ADA-sealant sealant guidelines

Dentists can hear directly from an author of ADA-developed sealant guidelines.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/get-the-scoop-on-ada-sealant-guidelines

March JADA looks at phentolamine mesylate use after dental care

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/jada-looks-at-phentolamine-mesylate-use

Help get dental patients out of the ER and into a dental chair

Dental professionals interested in strategies for directing dental patients from the emergency department to a dental home are invited to attend a one-hour webinar at noon Central time on March 8.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/help-get-dental-patients-out-of-the-er-and-into-a-dental-chair

ADA, others ask Congress to avoid cuts to nondefense discretionary programs

The Association and more than 660 organizations are urging Congress to avoid making cuts to nondefense discretionary programs.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/ada-ask-congress-to-avoid-cuts-to-nondefense-discretionary-programs

Register for ADA Standards Committee on Dental Products meeting

Dental professionals with an interest in standards development are invited to a March 20-22 meeting in San Francisco.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/ada-standards-committee-on-dental-products-plan-2017-meeting

Registration open for correctional health care meeting

Register for the National Commission on Correctional Health Care’s annual conference, scheduled for April 29-May 2 in Atlanta.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/registration-open-for-correctional-health-care-meeting

Oklahoma dentist runs 7 marathons in 7 days — on 7 continents

Dr. Patel, 50, was one of 33 participants in the 2017 World Marathon Challenge, seasoned runners who ran 26.2 miles every day Jan. 23-29 in Sydney, Australia; Punta Arenas, Chile; Miami, Florida; Union Glacier, Antarctica; Madrid, Spain; Marrakech, Morocco; and Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/oklahoma-dentist-runs-7-marathons-in-7-days-on-7-continents

Greater Cleveland Dental Society’s Give Kids A Smile event draws special guest

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/greater-cleveland-dental-societys-give-kids-a-smile-event-draws-special-guest

Famed dental researcher Dr. Paul Keyes dies

Dr. Paul H. Keyes, an innovative researcher and educator who garnered national fame and sparked dental community debate after developing a first-of-its-kind nonsurgical therapy for gum disease, died Feb. 7. He was 99.


from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/famed-dental-researcher-dr-paul-keyes-dies

Waterpik Water Flosser first in its class to earn ADA Seal

Consumers for the first time can use a powered interdental cleaner that carries the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/waterpik-water-flosser-first-in-its-class-to-earn-ada-seal

Check out series on top dental claims concerns

The ADA Council on Dental Benefit Programs has dusted off an ADA News series on the most common questions regarding dental claim adjudication and re-published it online.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/check-out-series-on-top-dental-claims-concerns

Just the Facts — February 20, 2017

Dental coverage availability

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/just-the-facts-february-20

Snapshots of American Dentistry — February 20, 2017

Sources of gross billings

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/snapshots-of-american-dentistry-february-20-2017

Waterpik Water Flosser first in its class to earn ADA Seal

Consumers for the first time can use a powered interdental cleaner that carries the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/waterpik-water-flosser-first-in-its-class-to-earn-ada-seal

Stop, it's smile time

Give Kids A Smile event 2017

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/stop-its-smile-time

Organized Dentistry Coalition supports eliminating "use it or lose it" rule

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/organized-dentistry-coalition-supports-eliminating-use-it-or-lose-it-rule

Tricare dental expansion begins May 1

The Tricare Dental Program that covers many nonactive duty military members and their family members is set to begin a new contract May 1, following the military's agreement with United Concordia.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/tricare-dental-expansion-begins-may-1

Meet an author of ADA-developed sealant guidelines

Dentists are invited to hear directly from an author of ADA-developed sealant guidelines Feb. 22 during a Facebook Live event.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/meet-an-author-of-ada-developed-sealant-guidelines

HPI: Oral surgeons are 'consistently' highest earning specialists

Oral surgeons are consistently the highest earning dental specialists while periodontists are the lowest earning dental specialists, according to the ADA Health Policy Institute.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/hpi-oral-surgeons-are-consistently-highest-earning-specialists

ADA urges Congress to repeal McCarran-Ferguson

The Association submitted written testimony to the House Judiciary Subcommittee's Feb. 16 hearing on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law, urging legislators to support H.R. 372, the Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act of 2017.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/ada-urges-congress-to-repeal-mccarran-ferguson

FDA: Some skin antiseptic product labels to incorporate allergy warnings

Rare but serious allergic reactions have resulted from the use of skin antiseptic products containing chlorhexidine gluconate, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in a safety announcement Feb. 2.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/fda-some-skin-antiseptic-product-labels-to-incorporate-allergy-warnings

March 29 webinar to cover safe uses, handling of medicines

The ADA is hosting a webinar March 29 from 2-3 p.m. Central time on How to Discuss Safe Use, Storage and Disposal of Medicines including Opioids with Your Dental Patients.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/march-29-webinar-to-cover-safe-uses-handling-of-medicines

Office for Civil Rights announces $3.2 penalty

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights said Feb. 1 that it had finalized a $3.2 million civil money penalty against the Children's Medical Center of Dallas following multiple alleged Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act violations between 2009-13.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/office-for-civil-rights-announces-3-2-penalty

Two Kentucky programs receive oral health grants

Two Kentucky dental programs have received oral health grants from Avēsis Incorporated, a Phoenix-based subsidiary of the Guardian Life Insurance Co.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/two-kentucky-programs-receive-oral-health-grants

ADA scientist offers expertise at international standards meeting

The ADA in January was one of six U.S. representatives at a workshop aimed at helping promote and inform the use of medical device regulations and standardization processes in developing countries.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/ada-scientist-offers-expertise-at-international-standards-meeting

Florida Give Kids A Smile attended by Jaxson de Ville

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/florida-give-kids-a-smile-attended-by-jaxson-de-ville

Maryland office helps underserved children for Give Kids A Smile

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/maryland-office-helps-underserved-children-for-give-kids-a-smile

Sponsors help Give Kids A Smile thrive

In 2002, Drs. Jeffrey Dalin and B. Ray Storm held the first Give Kids A Smile event in a soon-to-be-demolished dental clinic in St. Louis, with only 15 patient chairs.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/sponsors-help-give-kids-a-smile-thrive

Two hospitals in eastern Pennsylvania work together for Give Kids A Smile

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/two-hospitals-in-eastern-pennsylvania-work-together-for-give-kids-a-smile

GKAS in Exeter, N.H., serves 13 children

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/gkas-in-exeter-nh-serves-13-children

ADA 2017 registration just around the corner

Save the date. Registration for ADA 2017 – America's Dental Meeting in Atlanta will open May 10 at 9 a.m. Central time.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/ada-2017-registration-just-around-the-corner

ADA Health Policy Institute joins Twitter

The ADA Health Policy Institute is the latest ADA department to join the conversation on Twitter.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/ada-health-policy-institute-joins-twitter

Advanced Dental Leadership program registration deadline Feb. 28

The Advanced Dental Leadership program through King's College London is designed for undergraduates, postgraduates, dental assistants and receptionists — any dental personnel who has contact with the public.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/advanced-dental-leadership-program-registration-deadline-feb-28

New and Emerging Speaker Series applications due in June

The submission period for the ADA's New and Emerging Speaker Series at ADA 2017 – America's Dental Meeting is open.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/new-and-emerging-speaker-series-applications-due-in-june

In interview, Sen. John Glenn reveals he almost pursued dentistry

Sen. John Glenn, who in 1962 became the first American to orbit the Earth, came close to becoming a dentist.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/in-interview-sen-john-glenn-reveals-he-almost-pursued-dentistry

Work begins on assessment tool that can alert dentist to increased caries risk

Dental professionals with practical and specific knowledge about caries risk assessment are encouraged to join a working group with ADA Standards Committee volunteers who are developing a standardized predictive caries risk assessment tool.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/work-begins-on-assessment-tool-that-can-alert-dentist-to-increased-caries-risk

GKAS event at Washington office serves 15

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/gkas-event-at-washington-office-serves-15

Volunteers needed for 2017 Mission of Mercy in Pennsylvania

Organizers of a June Mission of Mercy in Pennsylvania are looking for volunteers to donate their time and talent for the two-day charitable dental event.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/volunteers-needed-for-2017-mission-of-mercy-in-pennsylvania

Mobile app helps dentists measure sound levels in the office

Dentists have a new way to help reduce the chance of occupational noise-induced hearing loss with an app released Jan. 17 from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/mobile-app-helps-dentists-measure-sound-levels-in-the-office

GKAS in Brownsburg, Indiana, treats 20 children

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/gkas-in-brownsburg-indiana-treats-20-children

ODC supports bill to repeal medical device tax

The Organized Dentistry Coalition is urging Congress to repeal the "burdensome excise tax" on medical devices.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/odc-asks-congress-to-repeal-medical-device-tax

Lucy Hobbs Project to honor six women in dentistry

The Lucy Hobbs Project announced on Feb. 2 the six women — including three ADA leaders — it will honor at its annual celebration to recognize dentists who set new benchmarks in their profession.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/lucy-hobbs-project-to-honor-six-women-in-dentistry

ADA President-elect Joseph Crowley attends Give Kids A Smile event in Ohio

The Van Wert Smiles location of the Dental Center of Northwest Ohio hosted the 2017 Give Kids A Smile Ohio kick off in partnership with the Ohio Dental Association Feb. 3, providing 47 children with free dental care, according to a news release.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/ada-president-elect-joseph-crowley-attends-give-kids-a-smile-event-in-ohio

VCU provides comprehensive care during GKAS

She's only 5 but already April Rodriquez knows what's it's like to be in dental pain.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/vcu-provides-comprehensive-care-during-gkas

Being kissable for Valentine's Day

Bad breath, kissing and Valentine's Day may be on the minds of patients in the coming weeks.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/being-kissable-for-valentines-day

Freeze affects three regulations that impact dentistry

In response to the White House's memorandum freezing all new or pending federal regulations, the ADA has determined that three of these regulations are rules that impact the dental profession.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/freeze-affects-three-regulations-that-impact-dentistry

GKAS event provides dental care to 16 children in Colonial Heights, Va.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/gkas-event-provides-dental-care-to-16-children-in-colonial-heights-va

ADA Business Resources endorses Cyracom for interpretive services

ADA Business Resources announced in February that it endorsed CyraCom as the interpretive services provider for ADA members.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/ada-business-resources-endorses-cyracom-for-interpretive-services

Connecting potential patients with ADA members

Utilization initiative launches first phase, updates Find A Dentist tool

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/copy-of-copy-of-connecting-potential-patients-with-ada-members

$2.2 million to settle possible HIPAA breach

A life insurance company in Puerto Rico will pay the federal government $2.2 million for possibly violating the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act after a USB data storage device containing electronic protected health information was stolen.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/2-2-million-to-settle-possible-hipaa-breach

ADA: Use 2012 version of dental claim form

Every dentist should be using the 2012 version of the ADA Dental Claim Form to avoid delayed payment and claims processing problems, according to the Association.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/ada-use-2012-version-of-dental-claim-form

Biomaterials scientist, CAD/CAM researcher earns ADA 'new investigator' award

A Boston University prosthodontist and researcher whose research aims ultimately to integrate porcelain-fused-to-metal restorations to the computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing system has been named the 2016 honoree of the John W. Stanford New Investigator Award.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/biomaterials-scientis-cadcam-researcher-earns-ada-new-investigator-award

Popular practice resolutions

The New Year is traditionally a time for new beginnings, fresh starts and resolutions that might be too broad or too vague to define — like lose weight, exercise more, be a better person. That is likely why only a small percentage of people are still actively working on or keeping their resolutions by June 1.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/popular-practice-resolutions

Give Kids A Smile’s 15th anniversary brings bright grins

The children receiving dental treatment Friday did not care that it was Give Kids A Smile's 15th anniversary or that leaders of the ADA, ADA Foundation, officials and sponsors commemorated the occasion by ringing the opening bell at the Nasdaq stock market that morning in Times Square.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/give-kids-a-smiles-15th-anniversary-rings-in-bright-grins

Six hundred children in Louisville screened on Give Kids A Smile Day

University of Louisville dental students joined the Give Kids A Smile Day effort Feb. 3 by screening 600 public school children for dental decay and notifying parents and guardians of the findings, according to a news release from the university.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/600-children-in-louisville-screened-on-give-kids-a-smile-day

VCU School of Dentistry packs the house for GKAS

The VCU School of Dentistry hosted its annual Give Kids A Smile Event Feb. 3 with more than 100 dental students, dental residents, faculty members, hygiene students and staff working together to provide a wide range of services to some 200 area children.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/vcu-school-of-dentistry-packs-the-house-for-gkas

ADA leaders attend Army All-American Bowl

A group of ADA and military leaders attend the Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio and toured the Brooke Army Medical Center.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/ada-leaders-attend-army-all-american-bowl

Just the Facts — February 6, 2017

General dental practices were about as likely as specialty practices to have patients covered by public assistance in 2015.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/just-the-facts-february-6

Give Kids A Smile events kick off today

Today marks the 15th anniversary of the ADA Foundation's Give Kids A Smile program, and dental professionals from coast to coast are mobilizing to provide free oral health services to 300,000 children and adolescents from underserved families.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/give-kids-a-smile-events-kickoff-today

ADA Catalog discounts at Midwinter Meeting

The ADA Catalog team will be at the 152nd Midwinter Meeting hosted by the Chicago Dental Society Feb. 23-25 to take orders for catalog items such as the CDT 2017 manual, patient education brochures and the HIPAA and OSHA Compliance Kit.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/ada-catalog-reps-will-be-at-midwinter-meeting

ADA lobbies for Indian Health Service funding

To maintain current oral health care services for American Indians and Alaska Natives, the ADA is requesting Congress grant the Indian Health Service the "highest funding levels possible" in the final Interior Appropriations bill.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/february/ada-lobbies-for-indian-health-service-funding