Penn dental school names new dean

The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine announced March 29 it named Dr. Mark Wolff as its new dean, effective July 1.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/penn-dental-school-names-new-dean

CDEL seeks scholarship applicants for Institute for Teaching and Learning

Association members interested in pursuing a career in academia can apply for a tuition scholarship to attend the Academy for Academic Leadership's Institute for Teaching and Learning.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/cdel-seeks-scholarship-applicants-for-institute-for-teaching-and-learning

Open Payments review, dispute period April 1-May 15

Dentists can review their Open Payments System data online from April 1–May 15 to see if it is accurate.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/april/open-payments-review-dispute-period-april-1-may-15

ADA, ADAF scientists present work at national conference

ADA and ADA Foundation researchers presented original scientific abstracts and other works March 21-24 during the 47th annual meeting and exhibition of the American Association of Dental Research.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/ada-adaf-scientists-present-work-at-national-conference

'I show kids they can make it out'

Growing up in Chicago's underserved South Side, Dr. Ogbonna Bowden remembers watching many of his classmates talk with their hands covering their mouths to hide stained teeth or put their heads down on their desks during class while in pain from toothaches.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/i-show-kids-they-can-make-it-out

Leading a concerted effort to improve oral health

This is the sixth in a series featuring graduates of the ADA Institute for Diversity in Leadership and how these dental leaders continue to affect their communities.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/leading-a-concerted-effort-to-improve-oral-health

ADA offers support for ‘Good Samaritan’ bill

Washington — The Association offered its support for legislation that would limit the liability of volunteer health care professionals, including dentists, when treating victims during a disaster.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/ada-offers-support-for-good-samaritan-bill

ADA offers opioids prescribing recommendations in FDA comments

The Association March 16 filed comments with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration offering ways the agency can improve opioid prescribing for dentistry.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/ada-offers-opioids-prescribing-recommendations-in-fda-comments

New spending bill earmarks $4 billion for opioids

President Donald J. Trump on March 23 signed a $1.3 trillion spending bill that will keep the government running through Sept. 30 and includes $4 billion in funding for the nation's opioid crisis.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/new-spending-bill-earmarks-4-billion-for-opioids

Accidental activist: life changes lead dentist to speak on opioid harms

The knock that changed Dr. Sharon Parsons life came early. It came around 3 a.m. on Sept. 21, 2015. There are no good knocks at 3 a.m. This one brought news that forever changed her life: her oldest son, Sean, overdosed on heroin and was dead at 27.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/accidental-activist-life-changes-lead-dentist-to-speak-on-opioid-harms

ADA adopts interim opioids policy

The Association on March 26 announced a new interim policy on opioids that supports prescription limits and mandatory continuing education for dentists.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/ada-adopts-interim-opioids-policy

April JADA examines opioids and dentistry

The April issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association focuses on the subject of opioids and dentistry.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/april-jada-examines-opioids-and-dentistry

Survey: More Americans want to visit the dentist

Americans are still not seeing their dentist as much as they would like, according to a survey from Delta Dental Plans Association.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/survey-more-americans-want-to-visit-the-dentist

FDI: 'Say Ahh' on World Oral Health Day

FDI World Dental Federation is asking the public to "Say Ahh" and consider how their oral health is connected to their general health and well-being on March 20, World Oral Health Day.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/fdi-says-say-ahh-on-world-oral-health-day

6 tips for boomers preparing for retirement

Many dentists who are actively planning for retirement in the next 5 to 10 years are members of the baby-boomer generation.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/6-tips-for-boomers-preparing-for-retirement

ACE Panel Report offers insight into dental techniques, products

A report from the revamped ADA Clinical Evaluators Panel was released in March and features insight for dental professionals on the topic of posterior composite restorations.


from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/ace-panel-report-offers-insight-into-dental-techniques-products

Industry Watch: Air Techniques appoints digital product manager

Air Techniques stated Jan. 2 that Robert Meehan accepted the role of digital products manager. Mr. Meehan will be in charge of the ProVecta X-Ray line and the CamX Camera line.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/air-techniques-appoints-digital-product-manager

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts expands national network of providers

In the wake of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts' February announcement that it has expanded its national network — making it one of the largest dental networks in the country — the ADA Council on Dental Benefit Programs is reminding dentists of the many resources the ADA has when it comes to signing network contracts.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/blue-cross-blue-shield-of-massachusetts-expands-national-network-of-providers

Comments sought on nonsurgical caries management

ADA members are invited to share their expertise and insight on the use of nonsurgical treatments for caries management.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/comments-sought-on-nonsurgical-caries-management

Consequences for HIPAA violations remain even when business closes

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Civil Rights announced Feb. 13 that a receiver appointed to liquidate the assets of a medical records company agreed to pay $100,000 out of the receivership estate to settle potential violations of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/consequences-for-hipaa-violations-remain-even-when-business-closes

Industry Watch: Dental Health Products donates $2,500 to Every Smile Counts Day campaign

Dental Health Products announced Feb. 20 that it donated $2,500 to the Every Smile Counts Day campaign, an event set up by the Dental Lifeline Network that provides volunteer dentists and labs with supplies and funding.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/dental-health-products-donates-2500-to-every-smile-counts-day-campaign

Industry Watch: Dentsply Sirona acquires Cleverdent

Dentsply Sirona announced Jan. 18 that it purchased Cleverdent. Based in Münster, Germany, Cleverdent is known for developing the ClasenUNO, a dental mirror and high volume evacuation tip.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/dentsply-sirona-acquires-cleverdent

Drive research at ADA Foundation Volpe Research Center

The ADA Foundation Volpe Research Center is seeking input and ideas from ADA members in generating and developing materials and technologies that enable ADA dentists provide state-of-the-art, precision care.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/drive-research-at-ada-foundation-volpe-research-center

Dummies make learning easier

In November 2017, the ADA News launched Becoming a Dentist, a series of stories that follow three dental students at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry — Dan Yang, LaShonda Shepherd and Ben Horn — during their journey of becoming dentists. The first story, which introduced the students, ran in the Nov. 6 ADA News.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/dummies-make-learning-easier

FDA: Don't use compounded drugs from Cantrell Drug Company

Health care professionals should not use drug products produced by Cantrell Drug Company of Little Rock, Arkansas, including opioids and antibiotics, because of "serious deficiencies" in the company's compounding operations, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in a March news release.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/fda-dont-use-compounded-drugs-from-cantrell-drug-co20180319t071208

First timers

Students and children celebrate during the Touro College of Dental Medicine at New York Medical College and the Ninth District Dental Association's Feb. 16 Give Kids A Smile event.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/first-timers

Get on track with head and neck cancer in series at ADA 2018

A head and neck cancer track at ADA 2018 – America's Dental Meeting offers dental professionals ways to learn about their role in cancer screening, biopsy and management.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/get-on-track-with-head-and-neck-cancer-in-series-at-ada-2018

Government affairs

Federal dental service leaders meet with the ADA Council on Government Affairs in Washington to discuss legislative and regulatory issues during the council's March 1-3 meeting.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/government-affairs

Henry Schein donates health care supplies to nine dental schools

Henry Schein announced March 6 it is donating $265,000 in health care products to nine dental schools in support of the schools' oral health outreach missions to underserved communities in the U.S. and globally.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/henry-schein-donates-health-care-supplies-to-nine-dental-schools20180319t074138

Infection control courses abound at ADA 2018

Five continuing education courses at ADA 2018 – America's Dental Meeting will attempt to answer these infection control questions in an age when microbes and viruses are a part of everyday life and found in our air, soil, water and in and on our bodies — and especially prevalent in the dental care environment.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/infection-control-courses-abound-at-ada-2018

Just the Facts — March 19, 2018

Average first-year tuition

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/just-the-facts-march-19-2018

Keep up-to-date on HIPAA with ADA kit

Dentists can find it daunting to understand which Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act regulations apply to practices and then how to implement HIPAA programs that are right-sized for the practice.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/keep-up-to-date-on-hipaa-with-ada-kit

Medical Music Group looking for new members

Medical Music Group, a symphony orchestra and chorale, is searching for health care professionals who can play musical instruments or sing.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/medical-music-group-looking-for-new-members

Mouthguard among ADA Seal-accepted products

In 2015, CustMbite Athletic Mouthguard (MVP & PRO) earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance and became the first athletic mouthguard to receive the Seal.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/mouthguard-among-ada-seal-accepted-products

Nassau County GKAS highlights dental care access challenges for kids with special needs

Patients with physical, medical, developmental or cognitive conditions require special consideration when receiving dental treatment, said Dr. Joseph Brofsky, pediatric dentistry section head at Cohen Children's Medical Center.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/nassau-county-gkas-highlights-dental-care-access-challenges-for-kids-with-special-needs

New grant program spurs international volunteerism

The ADA Foundation is launching a new grant program for international dental volunteer projects, designed to support established U.S.-based nonprofit organizations that are working to improve access to oral health care in underserved communities outside the U.S.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/new-grant-program-spurs-international-volunteerism20180319t070957

Nominations for clinical research award sought

The ADA is accepting nominations for the 2018 Norton M. Ross Award for Excellence in Clinical Research.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/nominations-for-clinical-research-award-sought

Oral cancers highlighted for April awareness

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month and a good time for dental professionals to consider their role in screening head and neck cancers and making referrals when appropriate.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/oral-cancers-highlighted-for-april-awareness

Periodontitis may lead to increased cancer risk

Severe periodontitis may lead to an increased risk of cancer, according to a study published Jan. 27 by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/periodontitis-may-lead-to-increased-cancer-risk

Phishing attacks teem in tax season

The threat of a cyberattack through phishing is omnipresent, but phishing attacks may take advantage of the season. For example, according to a February cybersecurity newsletter from the U.S. Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights, phishing attacks regarding tax refunds are common during tax season.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/phishing-attacks-teem-in-tax-season

Protecting athletes' teeth during Facial Protection Month

April is National Facial Protection Month and an apt time to remind dental professionals about their role in helping protect patients from facial injuries while participating in sports.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/protecting-athletes-teeth-during-facial-protection-month

Snapshots of American Dentistry — March 19, 2018

Affiliation with dental service organizations by dentist age

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/snapshots-of-american-dentistry-march-19-2018

Industry Watch: Sterngold hires director of technical, education department

Sterngold announced Jan. 5 the hiring of Robert Vasile to be director of the technical and educational department.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/sterngold-hires-director-of-technical-education-department

Study: Periodontal disease can increase risk of precancerous lesions associated with stomach cancer

An increase in oral bacteria associated with periodontal disease could contribute to an individual's risk for stomach cancer, according to a study published in the November 2017 issue of the Journal of Periodontology.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/study-shows-periodontal-disease-can-increase-risk-of-precancerous-lesions

ADA, CDC work together to clarify handpiece infection control recommendations

Responding to an urgent request from the ADA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released information regarding infection control for dental handpieces.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/february/ada-persuades-cdc-to-revise-handpiece-infection-control-recommendations

39 percent of U.S. dentists participate in Medicaid or CHIP for child dental services

According to the ADA Health Policy Institute, 39 percent of U.S. dentists participate in Medicaid or Children's Health Insurance Program for child dental services.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/more-than-a-third-of-all-us-dentists-participate-in-medicaid-or-chip-for-child-dental-services

'Big Idea' conference on group practices draws crowd

The ADA Big Idea 2018: Discovering Group Practice conference in Las Vegas on Jan. 31, held immediately before the American Academy of Dental Group Practice's annual meeting, was attended by more than 100 people learning how to create, expand and/or refine their own group practices.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/big-idea-conference-on-group-practices-draws-crowd

CDC reports ‘cluster’ of dental professionals diagnosed with lung disease

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported March 9 on a cluster of a patients composed of dentists and dental workers treated at a specialty clinic in Virginia with chronic, progressive lung disease.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/cdc-reports-cluster-of-dental-professionals-diagnosed-with-lung-disease

ADA helps develop dental chapter in national fire protection code

A chapter that can help dentists protect patients has for the first time been published in an edition of the National Fire Protection Association's Health Care Facilities Code.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/ada-helps-develop-dental-chapter-in-national-fire-protection-code

Build a winning team through team building track at ADA 2018

Assembling and developing the right staff are integral components in creating a successful dental practice.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/build-a-winning-team

Misleading explanation of benefits statements highlight need for standardization

This is the ninth in the Decoding Dental Benefits 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/march/misleading-explanation-of-benefits-statements-highlight-need-for-standardization

Henry Schein donates health care supplies to nine dental schools

Melville, N.Y. — Henry Schein announced March 6 it is donating $265,000 in health care products to nine dental schools in support of the schools’ oral health outreach missions to underserved communities in the U.S. and globally.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/henry-schein-donates-health-care-supplies-to-nine-dental-schools

Updated version of ADA's premier resource on fluoridation available

Dental professionals who have questions about water fluoridation can turn to the updated 2018 edition of "Fluoridation Facts," which was released in March, for answers.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/updated-version-of-adas-premier-resource-on-fluoridation-available

New ADA Foundation grant program spurs international volunteerism

The ADA Foundation is launching a new grant program for international dental volunteer projects, designed to support established U.S.-based nonprofit organizations that are working to improve access to oral health care in underserved communities outside the U.S.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/new-grant-program-spurs-international-volunteerism

Federal dental service leaders meet with ADA leaders in Washington

Government affairs: Federal dental service leaders meet with the ADA Council on Government Affairs in Washington to discuss legislative and regulatory issues during the council’s March 1-3 meeting.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/federal-dental-service-leaders-meet-with-ada-leaders-in-washington

Registration open for conference on correctional health care

Dental professionals who want to learn more about correctional health care issues are invited to a conference in Minneapolis April 21-24.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/registration-open-for-conference-on-correctional-health-care

ADA resources abound when it comes to signing contracts

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/ada-resources-abound-when-it-comes-to-signing-contracts

New guide to help complete claim forms correctly

If a dentist has ever wondered when to report a tooth or an oral cavity on a claim, The ADA Practice Institute has the answers in a new publication called “The ADA Guide to Dental Procedures Reported with Area of the Oral Cavity or Tooth Anatomy (or Both).”



from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/new-guide-to-help-complete-claim-forms-correctly

Oklahoma Mission of Mercy donates $1.15 million in dental care

Dental professionals and volunteers donate over $1.15 million of dental care to underserved patients during the Oklahoma Mission of Mercy.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/oklahoma-mission-of-mercy-donates-115-million

ASDA election

The American Student Dental Association announced Feb. 26 it elected its 2018-19 national officers.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/asda-election

ADA's 10 Under 10 award winners

The ADA announced March 6 the recipients of its inaugural 10 Under 10 awards, which recognize 10 new dentists who demonstrate excellence in their work, community and inspiring others.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/adas-10-under-10-award-winners

Emergency department referral models focus of webinar

Dental professionals can learn more about successful emergency department referral models at a no cost webinar presented by the ADA Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/emergency-department-referral-models-focus-of-webinar

Just the Facts — March 5, 2018

Dentists by practice type

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/just-the-facts-march-5-2018

Serve abroad with Health Volunteers Overseas

Port-au-Prince, Haiti — Dr. Richard L. Cohen’s international volunteerism with Health Volunteers Overseas has turned into a family affair.


from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/serve-abroad-with-health-volunteers-overseas

ADA CDHC program instrumental in success of Arizona nonprofit

Pima, Ariz. — In a crowded workshop during the Arizona Dental Hygiene Convention in 2015, MiQuel McRae couldn’t help but feel isolated when the group leader went over some facts.


from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/february/ada-cdhc-program-instrumental-in-success-of-arizona-nonprofit

ADA Member Advantage-endorsed backup, recovery system unveils enhanced solution

DDS Safe from The Digital Dental Record, a managed online data backup and recovery solution endorsed by ADA Member Advantage, announced in January an enhanced version of its backup system that could help dentists restore their information even faster.


from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/february/ada-member-advantage-endorsed-backup-recovery-system-unveils-enhanced-solution

Nominations sought for prestigious ADA research award

The ADA is accepting nominations for the 2018 Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Dental Research.


from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/february/nominations-sought-for-prestigious-ada-research-award

Free webinar to focus on utilization management reviews, compliance audits

The ADA will present a free webinar, A Carrier’s Perspective on Compliance Audits and Utilization Management, on March 20 from noon to 1 p.m. Central Daylight Time.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/march/free-webinar-to-focus-on-utilization-management-reviews-compliance-audits

Traveling to annual meeting? Things to try, eat, do when in Oahu

Honolulu – If the cold temperatures this winter are getting to you, consider that the daytime high temperatures in Hawaii in October average in the 80s.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/february/traveling-to-annual-meeting-things-to-try-eat-do-when-in-oahu