ADA policy on genetic testing aims to protect patients from limited dental coverage

Dental benefit providers are called to demonstrate that any genetic tests used to determine eligibility for benefit coverage of specific oral health services are scientifically valid in a resolution the ADA House of Delegates adopted in October.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/ada-policy-on-genetic-testing-aims-to-protect-patients-from-limited-dental-coverage

Association revises Constitution and Bylaws for first time since 1940s

The ADA House of Delegates approved the Association's first revisions to its Constitution and Bylaws since the 1940s.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/association-revises-constitution-and-bylaws-first-time-since-1940s

Decoding Dental Benefits new series to demystify dental plans

Chances are, a fair amount of the time dentists spend at their practices every week has little to do with their clinical training — and everything to do with their patients' dental benefits plans.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/decoding-dental-benefits-new-series-to-demystify-dental-plans

New dentist members on ADA councils get voting privileges

To ensure they have a more "meaningful representation," the House of Delegates voted Oct. 23 to give new dentist members voting privileges on councils.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/new-dentist-members-on-ada-councils-get-voting-privileges

Sleep-related breathing disorder treatment outlined in new policy

Dentists are the only health care provider with the knowledge and expertise to provide oral appliance therapy, according to Resolution 17H-2017 passed by the ADA House of Delegates at ADA 2017 – America's Dental Meeting.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/sleep-related-breathing-disorder-treatment-outlined-in-new-policy

Leaders in evidence-based dentistry honored

The ADA/AADR Evidence-Based Dentistry Faculty & Practice Awards annually recognize dentists and researchers who make significant contributions to implement and advance evidence-based dentistry. The organizations presented the awards on Thursday during a joint reception. The awards are supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Colgate

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/leaders-in-evidence-based-dentistry-honored

New ADA president challenges dentists to "lead the change"

As he addressed the House of Delegates during his Oct. 23 installation, new ADA President Joseph P. Crowley invited ADA members to unleash their idealism and elevate dentistry to new heights.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/new-ada-president-challenges-dentists-to-lead-the-change

December webinar to help dentists collect what they produce

Dentists sometimes have patients concerned about financing treatment plans, even though many practices have policies, programs or systems in place to help the patient.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/december-webinar-to-help-dentists-collect-what-they-produce

$295 million settlement reached in Stericycle class action

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois on Oct. 26 granted preliminary approval for the settlement.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/295-million-settlement-reached-in-stericycle-class-action

ADA commends White House for declaring public health emergency on opioids

The American Dental Association issued a statement Oct. 27 commending President Donald Trump for declaring a public health emergency on the opioid crisis.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/ada-commends-white-house-for-declaring-public-health-emergency-on-opioids

Organized Dentistry comments on HHS strategic plan

Washington — The Organized Dentistry Coalition has recommendations for how the U.S. Department of Health and Human can best serve the oral health and well-being of Americans.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/organized-dentistry-comments-on-hhs-strategic-plan

December webinar to help dentists collect what they produce

A Dec. 7 one-hour webinar called GPS Managing Finances Webinar: How to Collect What You Produce has been designed to help dentists make sound business decisions when it comes to helping patients finance treatment.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/december-webinar-to-help-dentists-collect-what-they-produce

Texas A&M dental school dedicates site for new clinical facility in Dallas

Texas A&M College of Dentistry dedicates new clinic and education building in Dallas.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/texas-a-m-dental-school-dedicates-site-for-new-clinical-facility-in-dallas

Helping patients quit tobacco

It was 1999 when Dr. Susan Morgan read a study in the Journal of the American Dental Association where about 59 percent of patients surveyed said that dental professionals should offer tobacco cessation services.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/helping-patients-quit-tobacco

Delegates in Atlanta affirm programs without dues increase

ADA member dues for 2018 will remain at $532, the same rate as in 2017, following action Oct. 23 in the House of Delegates.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/delegates-in-atlanta-affirm-programs-without-dues-increase

Dr. Crowley installed as ADA president

Dr. Crowley and the new and returning ADA officers and trustees were installed in their offices during proceedings of the House of Delegates, gathered this week at the ADA’s 158th annual meeting in Atlanta.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/dr-crowley-installed-as-ada-president

Webinar to help dentists understand, create Medicaid compliance plan

ADA members seeking to better understand what a Medicaid compliance plan is and why their practice needs one can register for a free webinar.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/webinar-to-help-dentists-understand-medicaid

Webinar to explore loan repayment options for dentists

ADA members interested in learning about loan repayment options for dentists can attend a free webinar.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/webinar-to-explore-loan-repayment-options-for-dentists

Dr. Jeffrey M. Cole is ADA president-elect

In balloting Monday at the House, Dr. Jeffrey M. Cole, of Wilmington, Delaware, was voted president-elect.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/dr-jeffrey-m-cole-is-ada-presidentelect

New survey highlights ‘unusual’ flossing habits

The survey of 1,005 adults, released in October, found that most Americans say they have used the following items to remove food between teeth: fingernails (61 percent), folder paper or cards (40 percent), cutlery (21 percent), safety pins (14 percent) and strands of hair (7 percent).

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/new-survey-highlights-unusual-flossing-habits

Forsyth Institute receives $5.4 million NIH award

Cambridge, Mass. — The Forsyth Institute announced Oct. 5 that researchers have received a $5.4 million award from the National Institutes of Health to pursue “revolutionary research” of microbes living in the mouth and body.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/forsyth-institute-receives-54-million-nih-award

ADA weighs in on HHS strategic plan

Washington — As the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services develops its strategic plan for fiscal years 2018-22, the ADA is offering recommendations on how the agency can best enhance the oral health and well-being of Americans.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/ada-weighs-in-on-hhs-strategic-plan

Dr. Kathryn Kell among winners of 15th annual Shils Awards

Philadelphia — The Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund, a nonprofit organization dedicated to leadership in health care, awarded FDI president and former ADA trustee Dr. Kathyrn Kell a Shils award Oct. 10.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/dr-kathryn-kell-among-winners-of-15th-annual-shils-awards

AAPD issues first evidence-based guideline on silver diamine fluoride use

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry announced Oct. 11 that it issued the first evidence-based guideline on the use of silver diamine fluoride to treat caries in pediatric and special needs patients.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/aapd-issues-first-evidencebased-guideline-on-silver-diamine-fluoride-use

Doctor-patient relationship key to success in dental care

Dr. Joseph P. Crowley discusses dental benefits, Find-a-Dentist, more

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/doctor-patient-relationship-key-to-success-in-dental-care

Snapshots of American Dentistry — October 16, 2017

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/snapshots-of-american-dentistry-october-16-2017

To increase dental care access, Bay Area dentist starts nonprofit

Oakland, Calif. — Dr. Daniel Nam was looking for a different way to increase access to dental care, especially for those who are uninsured or underserved, in the Bay Area when he received an email from an Alameda Dental Society colleague, Dr. Sharine Thenard.


from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/to-increase-dental-care-access-bay-area-dentist-starts-nonprofit

New technology

New technology: Dr. Cherae Farmer-Dixon, dean, at the Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, watches as fourth-year student Malcolm Shealer demonstrates the Microsoft Hololens during the Sept. 22 Health 2020 Future of Health Town Hall and Innovation Showcase in Washington, D.C.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/new-technology

Rebuilding after the hurricanes: Practitioners seek assistance at recovery symposium

Houston — More than 60 dentists, physicians and veterinarians affected by Hurricane Harvey and Irma met with experts and officials who can help them restore and reopen their practices during a Sept. 23 symposium.


from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/rebuilding-after-the-hurricanes-practitioners-seek-assistance-at-recovery-symposium

New Alliance of the ADA president will ‘build on strong foundation’

Following a year of changes that included a new interactive website and an organizational overhaul, the Alliance of the ADA is preparing for a new year with a president who has proved she’s willing to go the distance in her new role.


from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/new-alliance-of-the-ada-president-will-build-on-strong-foundation

Champion for expanding access to care earns 2017 Norton M. Ross Award

Dr. Paul Casamassimo muses that his attraction to dentistry as a profession “may be genetic,” considering his father and sister are dentists.
But DNA alone can’t account for Dr. Casamassimo’s accomplishments in the field, such as authoring or editing more than 350 publications; providing direction for pediatric dentists all over the world through his research; and mentoring and training hundreds of pediatric dental students.


from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/champion-for-expanding-access-to-care-earns-2017-norton-m-ross-award

American Optometric Associations visits ADA

Working together: ADA President-elect Joseph P. Crowley (left) and American Optometric Association President Christopher J. Quinn pose during AOA’s Oct. 12 visit to ADA Headquarters in Chicago. The day’s agenda included the ADA-AOA’s ongoing partnerships to repeal the McCarran-Ferguson antitrust exemption for health insurance and to address dental and vision plan issues such as noncovered services through federal legislation. AOA also talked with Health Policy Institute staff about AOA’s plans to launch their own think tank.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/american-optometric-associations-visits-ada

St. Louis Dental Center team donates dental treatment to military veterans

St. Louis Dental Center team donates dental treatment to military veterans

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/st-louis-dental-center-team-donates-dental-treatment-to-military-veterans

Michigan, others receive NIDCR grants to study caries risk, prevention

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry is a recipient of two National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research grants totaling $18.3 million to expand research into predicting caries risk in young children and assessing the efficacy of silver diamine fluoride.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/michigan-others-receive-nidcr-grants-to-study-caries-risk-prevention

The ADA Health Policy Institute will host “The State of the Dental Care Market” webinar at 11 a.m. CDT on Nov. 1

The ADA Health Policy Institute will host “The State of the Dental Care Market” webinar at 11 a.m. CDT on Nov. 1.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/the-ada-health-policy-institute-will-host-the-state-of-the-dental-care-market-webinar

FDA finalizes guidance on the prohibition of distributing free samples of tobacco products

Silver Spring, Md.—The Food and Drug Administration announced Oct. 11 that it has finalized guidance on the prohibition of distributing free samples of tobacco products.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/fda-finalizes-guidance-on-the-prohibition-of-distributing-free-samples-of-tobacco-products

Social media webinar scheduled for Nov. 9 to help dentists market their practices

Dentists might have a winning personality, but if they aren’t posting on social media channels, they could be missing out on recruiting more patients into their chairs.

That is why the ADA is hosting a webinar Nov. 9 from 2-3 p.m. on how dentists can use social media such as Facebook and Snapchat to market their practices.


from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/social-media-webinar-scheduled-for-nov-9-will-help-dentists-market-their-practices

Discovering group practice subject of Las Vegas conference

Las Vegas — Those who believe that practicing in a group setting is more or less the same as being in a solo practice should roll the dice again.

That is the idea behind BIG IDEA 2018: Discovering Group Practice, a Jan. 31, 2018, conference at Bally’s Las Vegas Hotel and Casino, presented by the ADA Council on Dental Practice in conjunction with the American Academy of Dental Group Practice Expo ’18.


from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/discovering-group-practice-subject-of-las-vegas-conference

Nitrous oxide still in shortage

Washington — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration still considered nitrous oxide as being in shortage as of Oct. 10.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/nitrous-oxide-still-in-shortage

ADA Foundation names new executive director

The ADA Foundation Board of Directors announced Oct. 10 that it has named Nick Falco as the ADA Foundation's new executive director, effective Oct. 16.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/ada-foundation-names-new-executive-director

ADA, ADA Foundation mobilize to help Puerto Rico's dentists

The ADA and ADA Foundation have teamed together to lead a unified effort to help the dentists of Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria's devastation of the island.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/ada-ada-foundation-mobilize-to-help-puerto-ricos-dentists

Veterans Day: From bomber pilot to dentist, Dr. Kasper says it's a wonderful life

A little more than 550,000 of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II are still alive. One of them is Dr. Robert Kasper, 95, who ran a private dental practice in Detroit for more than 30 years and retired in the mid-1980s.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/veterans-day-from-bomber-pilot-to-dentist-dr-kasper-says-its-a-wonderful-life

American Academy of Periodontology publishes proceedings on cone-beam computed tomography

When to use and when not to use cone-beam computed tomography for certain periodontal related procedures and implants is the topic of proceedings published by the American Academy of Periodontology in October.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/american-academy-of-periodontology-publishes-proceedings-on-cone-beam-computed-tomography

Health Volunteers Overseas' Peruvian project seeks oral and maxillofacial surgeons

Dr. Frost, a member of the ADA Foundation International Programs Committee, is the director for a new Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO) oral health project at the Craniofacial Center of the Hospital Regional Docente Las Mecedes in Chicalayo, Peru.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/health-volunteers-overseas-peruvian-project-seeks-oral-and-maxillofacial-surgeons

ADA collaboration seeks to help streamline credentialing process for dentists

In an effort to reduce administrative burdens for dentists, the ADA and the Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare (CAQH) are partnering to help streamline the credentialing process for dentists and participating organizations, such as payers, hospitals and employers.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/ada-collaboration-seeks-to-help-streamline-credentialing-process-for-dentists

ADA member dentist among authors of national report on opioids epidemic

An estimated 2.5 million Americans struggle with opioid dependence, according to the National Academy of Medicine.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/ada-member-dentist-among-authors-of-national-report-on-opioids-epidemic

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to commence transition to new Medicare cards

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services mailed letters Oct. 5 to all fee-for-service Medicare providers about its work to assign new numbers — known as Medicare beneficiary identifiers or MBIs — and issue new Medicare cards to all people with Medicare commencing in April 2018.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/centers-for-medicare-medicaid-services-to-commence-transition-to-new-medicare-cards

ADA asks Congress to include one-time surgical procedures in response to opioid crisis

The ADA submitted a statement to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions recommending that the federal response to the opioid crisis.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/ada-asks-congress-to-include-one-time-surgical-procedures

Ins and outs of treating older patients focus of toolkit

Dr. Gregory Folse grew up in Southern Louisiana — Bayou Country — occasionally accompanying his grandfather, a physician, on house calls, driving down dirt roads to visit older adults, many who had special needs.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/ins-and-outs-of-treating-older-patients-focus-of-toolkit

West Virginia University dental school and Center for Research and Education in Technology celebrate opening of clinic

The West Virginia University School of Dentistry and the Center for Research and Education in Technology celebrated the opening of the CRET Innovation Center Sept. 21 in Morgantown, West Virginia, a state-of-the-art dental clinic which will provide fourth-year students an educational experience to learn the latest in dental digital technologies while providing oral health care to people living in West Virginia.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/west-virginia-university-dental-school-and-center-for-research-and-education-in-technology-celebrat

Products that remove plaque, halt bad breath earn ADA Seal

Several oral health care products, including battery-operated water flossers and an alcohol-free rinse, have earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance this year.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/products-that-remove-plaque-halt-bad-breath-earn-ada-seal

Oral Health America honors Rep. Lewis, Sen. Brown

Breaking down barriers to health equity is the theme of Oral Health America's 2017 advocacy week, and that's just what the conversation covered during the organization's Oct. 3 ceremony honoring Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., and Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/oral-health-america-honors-rep-lewis-sen-brown

University of Pacific dental students win Student Ethics Video Contest

Three dental students from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry with a video called “Ethical Loupes” won the 2017 Student Ethics Video Contest.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/university-of-pacific-win-student-ethics-video-contest

Congressional dentists express ‘strong support’ for ADAF Volpe Research Center agreement

Four dentists in Congress expressed their ongoing support for the cooperative venture between National Institute for Standards and Technology and the American Dental Association Foundation’s Volpe Research Center.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/congressional-dentists-express-support-adaf-volpe-research

ADA, others ask Congress to extend children's coverage

The ADA, Children's Dental Health Project and more than 100 stakeholders want federal legislators to know: The oral health community is united in calling upon Congress to take action and to extend the Children's Health Insurance Program for at least 5 years.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/ada-others-ask-congress-to-extend-childrens-coverage

VA selects Delta Dental, Met Life to offer private dental plans to veterans

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs announced Sept. 28 that it has selected Delta Dental of California and MetLife to once again offer private dental insurance plans as part of the VA Dental Insurance Program.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/october/va-selects-delta-dental-met-life-to-offer-private-dental-plans-to-veterans

ADA Foundation distinguishes GKAS award recipients

The president of the Hawaii Dental Association’s Young Dentist Group and the head of Premier Dental Products Co. are the recipients of the ADA Foundation’s Smile Champion Awards for Give Kids A Smile, the Foundation announced in September.


from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/ada-foundation-distinguishes-gkas-award-recipients

American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons joins project to reduce opioid abuse

Parsippany, N.J. — The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons joined a research project in September with Pacira Pharmaceuticals and Aetna in a national program aimed at reducing the amount of opioids prescribed to patients undergoing third molar extractions.


from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/american-association-of-oral-and-maxillofacial-surgeons-joins-project-to-reduce-opioid-abuse

Dr. Joe Crowley’s core values are close to home

ow many people are lucky enough to love the place they’ve called home since they were born? Lucky enough to grow up knowing the neighbors because they shopped at your dad’s store and later, knowing them as their dentist — and finding that being called “Joey” by patients who’ve watched you grow up made perfect sense.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/dr-joe-crowleys-core-values-are-close-to-home

Get ready for Give Kids A Smile 2018

The ADA Foundation is reminding Give Kids A Smile program coordinators to register their events by Nov. 6 to be eligible to receive donated product kits.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/get-ready-for-give-kids-a-smile-2018

Help Atlanta family violence victims during ADA 2017

Atlanta – Two local philanthropic organizations will benefit thanks to the Alliance of the American Dental Association’s service project at ADA 2017 – America’s Dental Meeting, and ADA members are invited to join in the effort.


from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/help-atlanta-family-violence-victims-during-ada-2017

Just the Facts — October 2, 2017

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/just-the-facts-october-2-2017

New dentist nominees sought for ADA 10 Under 10 Awards

Do you know of new dentists making an impact in their community?
The American Dental Association is seeking nominations through Dec. 31 to recognize 10 new dentists who are demonstrating excellence in their work and inspiring others.


from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2017-archive/september/new-dentist-nominees-sought-for-ada-10-under-10-awards