Agency finalizes rule on patient records

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration announced Jan. 4 that it has finalized a rule governing the confidentiality of patient records associated with substance use disorders.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/agency-finalizes-rule-on-patient-records

ADA Foundation announces three Give Kids A Smile grant recipients

The ADA Foundation said Jan. 25 that three organizations will receive funding as part of its 2018 Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) Continuity of Care Grants.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/ada-foundation-announces-three-give-kids-a-smile-grant-recipients

Study: Dental benefits can help employers improve workforce, their bottom line

Employers whose employees regularly use their dental benefits will see fewer claims for major treatment — resulting in lower premiums for employers and reduced out-of-pocket costs for employees— according to a new study conducted by The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/study-dental-benefits-can-help-employers-improve-workforce-their-bottom-line

FDA recommends single-dose packaging to reduce opioids abuse

Silver Spring, Md. — In an effort to curb the prescription opioid abuse epidemic, the Food and Drug Administration on Jan. 30 announced it is looking to change how manufacturers package their products so that health care providers can have better options for prescribing opioids.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/fda-recommends-single-dose-packaging-to-reduce-opioids-addiction

March 1 deadline for reporting HIPAA breaches involving fewer than 500 people

The deadline for reporting Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act breaches involving fewer than 500 individuals to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' Office for Civil Rights is March 1.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/march-1-deadline-for-reporting-hipaa-breaches-involving-fewer-than-500-people

Registration commences Feb. 14 for Hawaiian annual meeting

ADA 2018 – America's Dental Meeting will be held Oct. 18-22 in the capital city of Honolulu, at the Hawaii Convention Center. The New Dentist Conference will run concurrent to the annual meeting from Oct. 18-20.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/registration-commences-feb-14-for-hawaiian-annual-meeting

From private practice to academia

Gainsville, Fla. — Dr. Bonita Wynkoop had been in private practice for more than 20 years when she found an opening to pursue something she always wanted to do: teach.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/from-private-practice-to-academia

Dental community remembers Navy dentist as 'a shining star'

The untimely Jan. 3 death in this Chicago suburb of a Navy dentist with a passion for public health dentistry and serving others has sparked an outpouring of condolences from many in the dental community.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/dental-community-remembers-navy-dentist-as-a-shining-star

Laurel Road 2018 rates may offer more student loan refinancing savings

ADA members refinancing their student loans through Laurel Road, the student loan refinancing program endorsed by the ADA, may save more money with new rates that went into effect in the New Year.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/laurel-road-2018-rates-may-offer-more-student-loan-refinancing-savings

ODC comments on proposed changes to Medicare Parts C, D

The Organized Dentistry Coalition has filed comments on the proposed changes to the enrollment requirements for Medicare Part C and Part D following the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' Nov. 16 announcement that it planned to rescind certain Medicare Part D and C requirements for providers.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/odc-comments-on-proposed-changes-to-medicare-parts-c-d

New infographic chronicles dental opioid prescription rates

Dentists accounted for 6.4 percent of all U.S. opioids prescriptions in 2012, according to information presented in a new infographic from the ADA Health Policy Institute.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/new-infographic-chronicles-dental-opioid-prescription-rates

ADA resources can help dentists with scaling, root planing claims

This is the sixth in a series featuring answers and solutions for dentists when it comes to the world of dental benefits and plans. The series is intended to help untangle many of the issues that can potentially befuddle dentists and their teams so that they can focus on patient care.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/ada-resources-can-help-dentists-with-scaling-and-root-planing-claims

1000 Smiles readies for another year of Caribbean service

Dr. Sherwin R. Shinn is leading the call for much-needed volunteers to continue the mission of Great Shape!'s 1000 Smiles project.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/1000-smiles-readies-for-another-year-of-caribbean-service

Report: E-cigarette use among teens may raise risk of smoking

Young people who use e-cigarettes are at an increased risk of using conventional cigarettes, and nicotine intake from e-cigarettes is comparable to conventional cigarettes, according to a report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine released Jan. 23.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/ecigarette-use-among-teens-may-raise-risk-of-smoking

FTC hosting free online events to mark Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week

The Federal Trade Commission is honoring Tax Identify Theft Awareness Week, Jan. 29-Feb. 2, by featuring a series of free events to help consumers and businesses reduce their chances of being victimized.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/ftc-hosting-free-online-events-to-mark-tax-identity-theft-awareness-week

Association's endorsement program changes name to ADA Member Advantage

ADA Business Resources, the Association's managed endorsement program, is now called ADA Member Advantage.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/associations-endorsement-program-changes-name-to-ada-member-advantage

NYU gets NIH grant to study oral cancer pain

New York University researchers will use a $3.7 million, five-year grant to study proteases and neuronal signaling responsible for oral cancer pain, the university said in a Jan. 23 news release.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/nyu-gets-nih-grant-to-study-oral-cancer-pain

Practitioner/general dentist sought for recognition committee

The Council on Dental Education and Licensure is seeking nominations to fill the vacancy of the practitioner/general dentist position on its Committee on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Interest Areas in General Dentistry.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/practitioner-general-dentist-sought-for-recognition-committee

February JADA examines dental role in facial transplants

Dental professionals can play a critical role in facial transplants, especially in cases that involve the maxilla, mandible and associated teeth, according to research in the February issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/february-jada-examines-dental-role-in-facial-transplants

ADA, CVS announce three-year oral health initiative

The Association announced Jan. 22 it is collaborating with CVS Health in a three-year initiative that gives the ADA a continuous in-store and digital presence to help put millions of dental patients on a path to better overall health.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/ada-cvs-announce-three-year-oral-health-initiative

Congress reauthorizes CHIP, ADA thanks dentists for their grassroots efforts

Washington — Congress has reauthorized the Children’s Health Insurance Program for six years as part of a stopgap spending bill that will keep the government running until Feb. 8.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/congress-reauthorizes-chip-ada-thanks-dentists-for-their-grassroots-efforts

Dental professionals invited to ADA standards committee meetings

Interested dental professionals are invited to the upcoming ADA meetings where they will help develop dental standards.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/dental-professionals-invited-to-ada-standards-committee-meetings

ADA appoints members to dental specialty commission

The ADA announced Jan. 11 the members of a new commission established to oversee the decision-making process for recognizing dental specialties, an effort to reduce potential or perceived bias and conflict of interest in the process.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/ada-appoints-members-to-dental-specialty-commission

Just the Facts — January 22, 2018

Not busy enough

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/just-the-facts-january-22-2018

Share your Give Kids A Smile photos with us

Give Kids A Smile program coordinators are encouraged to have their cameras ready to capture the festivities of their events.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/share-your-give-kids-a-smile-photos-with-us

Snapshots of American Dentistry — January 22, 2018

Advanced program enrollment by gender

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/snapshots-of-american-dentistry-january-22-2018

ADA book offers guidance for treating opioid users, safe prescribing

The ADA Practical Guide to Substance Use Disorders and Safe Prescribing helps dental practitioners identify and treat patients with drug addiction, prevent drug diversion and properly manage and prescribe controlled substances.


from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/ada-book-offers-guidance-for-treating-opioid-users-safe-prescribing

From burping pigs to underground death fights, an endodontist answers a calling in filmmaking

Canton, Mass. — A proud movie buff, Dr. Eric Weinstock particularly loves creative writing and paying attention to dialogue or song lyrics.


from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/from-burping-pigs-to-underground-death-fights-an-endodontist-answers-a-calling-in-filmmaking

ADA, CVS announce three-year oral health initiative

The Association announced Jan. 22 it is collaborating with CVS Health in a three-year initiative that gives the ADA a continuous in-store and digital presence to help put millions of dental patients on a path to better overall health.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/ada-cvs-announce-three-year-oral-health-initiative

IRS says it won’t penalize companies who don’t pay tax on time

Washington — The Internal Revenue Service said Jan. 17 that it won’t impose penalties on companies that don’t pay the medical device excise tax during the first three quarters of 2018

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/irs-says-it-wont-penalize-companies-who-dont-pay-tax-on-time

ADA asks Congress to prioritize CHIP, repeal medical device tax

Washington — As Congress works to finalize a continuing resolution that will keep the government running until the end of 2018, the ADA is asking legislators to include two provisions important to dentistry: a six-year reauthorization of the Children’s Health Insurance Program and a two-year moratorium on the 2.3 percent excise tax imposed on the sale of medical devices.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/ada-asks-congress-to-prioritize-chip-repeal-medical-device-tax

ADA formally comments on proposed changes to Medicare Parts C, D

The ADA filed comments Jan. 12 on the proposed changes to the enrollment requirements for Medicare Part C and Part D.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/ada-formally-comments-on-proposed-changes-to-medicare-parts-c-d

ADA advocacy highlights from a busy 2017

From repealing burdensome Medicare regulations to working to include dentistry in the various pro-business tax reform provisions, 2017 was a busy year for the Association's Washington office.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/ada-advocacy-highlights-from-a-busy-2017

Laurel Road 2018 rates offer more student loan refinancing savings

ADA members refinancing their student loans through Laurel Roadmay save more money with new rates that went into effect in the new year.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/laurel-road-2018-rates-offer-more-student-loan-refinancing-savings

Dentist studying periodontal disease in elderly receives research award

A dentist and Ph.D. candidate studying periodontal disease in the elderly is the inaugural recipient of the ADA Foundation Dentsply Sirona Research Award for Dual Degree Candidates.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/dentist-studying-periodontal-disease-in-elderly-receives-research-award

Straighten out coordination of benefits with ADA resources

This is the fifth in a series featuring answers and solutions for dentists when it comes to the world of dental benefits and plans. The series is intended to help untangle many of the issues that can potentially befuddle dentists and their teams so that they can focus on patient care.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/straighten-out-coordination-of-benefits-with-ada-resources

Invisalign dispute disrupts orthodontists’ workflow

Atlanta — Dr. Susan Podray, an orthodontist in the suburbs of Atlanta, feels like she and her patients are “caught between two companies.”

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/invisalign-dispute-disrupts-orthodontists-workflow

Washington State Dental Association dentists file complaint against state Delta Dental

Seattle — Five provider dentists of Delta Dental of Washington who are also on the Washington State Dental Association’s board of directors filed a complaint in early January with the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner against Delta. The five allege that the third-party payer misled state regulators when it completed a corporate reorganization in 2013.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/washington-state-dental-association-dentists-file-complaint-against-state-delta-dental

Become a 'life-long learner' at evidence-based dentistry workshop

Recognizing the vast amount of dental-related research available at the fingertips of plugged-in dentists, Dr. Belok said he attended a workshop in 2017 hosted by the ADA Center for Evidence-Based Dentistry that gave him an overview of how to effectively sift through the science and use the best of it in patient care.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/become-a-lifelong-learner-at-evidence-based-dentistry-workshop

Penn dental school unveils renovated clinic

The University of Pennsylvania dental school celebrated Jan. 11 the opening of the Robert I. Schattner Clinic, a 10,000-square-foot space that features 74 dental operatories, including four dedicated to digital radiography.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/penn-dental-school-unveils-renovated-clinic

Benevis, Kool Smiles to pay $23.9 million in settlement with Department of Justice

Washington ¬— Dental management company Benevis and more than 130 of its affiliated Kool Smiles clinics will pay $23.9 million, plus interest, to resolve allegations from the U.S. Justice Department that they knowingly submitted false claims for payment to state Medicaid programs for medically unnecessary dental services performed on children insured by Medicaid, according to a DOJ news release.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/benevis-kool-smiles-to-pay-239-million-in-settlement-with-department-of-justice

ADA Wellness Survey reveals dentists’ ergonomic issues

The ADA Council on Dental Practice’s Dental Wellness Advisory Committee conducted a 2015 survey to study the well-being of dentists.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/ada-wellness-survey-reveals-dentists-ergonomic-issues

Feb. 14 webinar to address nonopioid strategies for managing pain

The ADA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are hosting a joint webinar Feb. 14 from 10-11 a.m. Central time on nonopioid strategies for pain management in order to decrease reliance on prescription opioid pain relievers following dental surgery.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/feb-14-webinar-to-address-nonopioid-strategies-for-managing-pain

ADA Institute for Diversity in Leadership seeks applicants for 2018-19 program

The American Dental Association Institute for Diversity in Leadership is accepting applications through March 16 for its 2018-19 class.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/ada-institute-for-diversity-in-leadership-seeks-applicants-for-2018-19-program

U.S. News & World Report: Dentistry, orthodontics rank among best jobs

U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking of the “100 Best Jobs” placed dentists and orthodontists both in the top-five, according to results published Jan. 10 on its website.



from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/us-news-world-report-dentistry-orthodontics-rank-among-best-jobs

Survey: Embedding dental benefits in medical plans is on the way

A new survey finds that 96 percent of health care executives believe that the embedding of dental benefits in medical plans is "already happening or will happen eventually."

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/survey-embedding-dental-benefits-in-medical-plans-is-on-the-way

ADA continues opposing medical device tax, awaits IRS guidance

Washington — The ADA continues to advocate for Congress to repeal the excise tax on medical devices.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/ada-continues-opposing-medical-device-tax-awaits-irs-guidance

Known internationally as ‘T. Bob’, Dr. Davis receives 2018 ADA Humanitarian Award

In recognition of more than four decades of service, which includes a continuing commitment to Latin America and his community in Texas, the ADA has selected Dr. Thomas Bobby Davis as the 2018 ADA Humanitarian Award recipient.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/2018-ada-humanitarian-award-recipient-known-internationally-as-t-bob

Addressing a 'critical human need': Community comes together to open dental clinic for uninsured

The demand for dental care was clear to Onslow Memorial Hospital before it appeared on the radar of Onslow Community Outreach, a nonprofit based in Jacksonville that oversees the dental clinic, in addition to a shelter, soup kitchen, Christmas program and medical clinic.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/addressing-a-critical-human-need-community-comes-together-to-open-dental-clinic-for-uninsured

'Breaking new ground' in standards development

A guide that spells out a standard and interoperable way to send periodontal claims electronically is now in circulation due in large part to the ADA's involvement in its development.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/breaking-new-ground-in-standards-development

Dental students prove their mettle with first cadaver

The first-year dental students at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry are excited. Prior to today, many, if not all, have never seen a human cadaver.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/dental-students-prove-their-mettle-with-first-cadaver20180104t153743

Just the Facts — January 8, 2018

Children with public dental benefits

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/just-the-facts-january-8-2018

Snapshots of American Dentistry — January 8, 2018

Dental care utilization from 2000-2015

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/snapshots-of-american-dentistry-january-8-2018

Lawsuit seeking fluoridation ban moves forward

A federal judge in December denied the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's motion to dismiss a lawsuit that seeks to ban the fluoride additives used in community water fluoridation.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/lawsuit-seeking-fluoridation-ban-moves-forward

Revisions sought for standard related to clinical terminology

Dental professionals are invited to review and suggest revisions to a diagnostic code set developed in part by the ADA.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/revisions-sought-for-standard-related-to-clinical-terminology

January JADA looks at dentists' knowledge of HPV, oropharyngeal cancer

The more dental health professionals know about human papillomvavirus prevention activities, such as the HPV vaccine, the better suited they are to be a "line of protection against HPV and cancer," according to research published in the January issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/january-jada-looks-at-dentists-knowledge-of-hpv-oropharyngeal-cancer

Exploring Cuba while earning CE

ADA members interested in exploring and experiencing Cuba, while earning continuing education credits, are encouraged to sign up for the New Travels in Cuba…New Adventures in Endodontics CE program and trip.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/exploring-cuba-while-earning-ce

ADA members save 10 percent on baggage service

From transporting luggage and golf clubs to bicycles and sports equipment, ADA members receive 10 percent off baggage services through Ship Your Luggage.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/ada-members-save-10-percent-on-baggage-service

Reading and Writing and Oral Health

Recognizing the importance of school-based oral health, the ADA Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention's Prevention Subcommittee in December published a new webpage, ADA.org/OralHealthInSchools.

from ADA News RSS http://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/january/reading-and-writing-and-oral-health