House passes resolution aimed at better serving Medicaid population

Creating better working relationships between state dental associations and their respective state dental Medicaid agencies is the goal of a resolution passed in October by the ADA House of Delegates.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/house-passes-resolution-aimed-at-better-serving-medicaid-population

Survey: Third-party payer issues can cause midnight headaches

This is the 21st story 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/november/survey-third-party-payer-issues-can-cause-midnight-headaches

Congress finalizes Action for Dental Health legislation

The Action for Dental Health Act, legislation aimed at improving oral health and access to oral health care, passed Congress Nov. 28.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/congress-finalizes-action-for-dental-health-legislation

ADA urges Senate to vote on updating FDA drug monograph

The ADA is asking Senate leaders to call for a floor vote on the Over-the-Counter Drug Safety, Innovation and Reform Act — legislation that would reform the Food and Drug Administration's system for regulating over-the-counter drugs and open a pathway for products with two active ingredients.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/ada-urges-senate-to-vote-on-updating-fda-drug-monograph

Rep. Drew Ferguson appointed House chief deputy whip

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise announced Nov. 27 that he has appointed Rep. Drew Ferguson, R-Ga., to be the Republican chief deputy whip for the 116th Congress when it convenes in January.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/rep-drew-ferguson-appointed-house-chief-deputy-whip

December JADA spotlights dental prescribing patterns of opioids

Dentists' contribution to opioid availability matters, especially as abuse of the drug has become widespread in the U.S. But there is a lack of research that investigates dentists' prescribing patterns of opioids, according to the cover story of the December issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/december-jada-spotlights-dental-prescribing-patterns-of-opioids

Teeth: Now available in text message

Talking teeth? Now they can be sent easily through text message in emoji form.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/teeth-now-available-in-text-message

HPI: Patient volume, busyness is increasing

According to the ADA Health Policy Institute, more than a third of dentists experienced an increase in patient volume in 2017 compared to 2016.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/hpi-patient-volume-busyness-is-increasing

DQA to host Dec. 5 webinar on quality measurement

The Dental Quality Alliance (DQA) is sponsoring a Dec. 5 webinar from noon to 1 p.m. CST that will identify, recognize and emphasize the importance of quality measurement and improvement as it relates to dental practice.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/dqa-to-host-dec-5-webinar-on-quality-measurement

Comments invited on application to recognize dental anesthesiology as specialty

The National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards is inviting public comment on an application for specialty recognition requesting that dental anesthesiology be recognized as a dental specialty.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/comments-invited-on-application-to-recognize-dental-anesthesiology-as-specialty

Hopeful hometown heroes

In an effort prepare students from these underserved areas to return as dental professionals to their hometown or another underserved community, The Ohio State University College of Dentistry created the Commitment to Access Resources and Education Program, or CARE. The program educates students and reduces their education debt loads to facilitate their ability to practice in communities where the earning potential is lower.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/hopeful-hometown-heroes

Submitting images, case materials for dental examinations easier

It’ll soon become easier for dental professionals to submit digital images and case materials that can help better develop and administer dental examinations.


from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/submitting-images-case-materials-for-dental-examinations-easier

ADA Success program brings speakers, experts to guide future dentists

From finding a job to understanding employment agreements, dental schools and dental societies seeking to provide guidance and support for dental students can reach out to ADA Success, which offers a series of programs on topics most relevant to students today.


from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/ada-success-program-brings-speakers-experts-to-guide-future-dentists

Why bother with evidence-based dentistry? ADA has the answer — free and fast

Dr. Elliot Abt has heard the same question repeatedly from participants of ADA Center for Evidence-Based Dentistry workshops: what resources exist to get more information on evidence-based dentistry?


from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/why-bother-with-evidence-based-dentistry-ada-has-the-answer-free-and-fast

Full house for EBD workshop

Evidence-based dentistry workshop focus is on learning to conduct and publish systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/full-house-for-ebd-workshop

Helping veterans navigate care: Community Dental Health Coordinators pitch in

Nearly 200 veterans received dental care and the opportunity to establish a dental home at a clinic in Dover, NJ.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/helping-veterans-navigate-care

Just the Facts — November 19, 2018

Dentists in solo practice

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

International graduates of advanced dental education programs

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

Dental benefits resolution creates task force to strategize advocacy

proved a resolution relating to dental benefits that seeks to “minimize interference of dental benefit carriers into the doctor-patient relationship.”


from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/dental-benefits-resolution-creates-task-force-to-strategize-advocacy20181116t113135

FDA vows to strengthen compliance for electronic nicotine products, calls for banning menthol in cigarettes, cigars

In an effort to curtail youth tobacco use, the Food and Drug Administration announced Nov. 15 plans to strengthen the agency's compliance policy for electronic nicotine delivery systems products that are flavored by requiring they be sold in age-restricted locations in person and improving age verification processes for online.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/fda-vows-to-strengthen-compliance-for-electronic-nicotine-products

Water fluoridation on the ballot

Voters favored water fluoridation in one U.S. city on Nov. 6, but chose to stop fluoridation in two others.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/water-fluoridation-on-the-ballot

Army dental chief loves learning

Falls Church, Va. — U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Shan K. Bagby is the 28th chief of the Army Dental Corps and the deputy chief of staff for support, G-1/4/6, at Army Medical Command. He currently oversees personnel, logistics, information technology systems, civilian human resources and talent management for Army medicine.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/army-dental-chief-loves-learning

ADA clarifies social media post by SmileDirectClub

The ADA will continue to monitor social media while moving ahead with efforts to educate professionals and the public about direct-to-consumer dentistry after a social media post by clear aligner company SmileDirectClub incorrectly stated that its product was approved by the ADA, according to the Association.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/ada-clarifies-social-media-post-by-smiledirectclub

California health care system awarded for reducing pneumonia by focusing on oral health

A California health care system received an award for reducing non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia by increasing the quality and frequency of oral care during their hospitalization.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/california-health-care-system-awarded-for-reducing-pneumonia-by-focusing-on-oral-health

Arizona attorney general files suit against Benco for alleged anticompetitive behavior

Phoenix — Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich filed an antitrust and consumer fraud lawsuit in October against dental supply company Benco for alleged anticompetitive and deceptive acts that the attorney general said stifled competition in the Arizona dental industry and harmed Arizona consumers.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/arizona-attorney-general-files-suit-against-benco-for-alleged-anticompetitive-behavior

Two dental companies agree to $5.1 million settlement for alleged fraud

Indianapolis — A whistleblower dentist aided the federal and Indiana state government in securing a $5.1 million settlement from two dental firms after the companies allegedly engaged in various types of Medicaid fraud, as well as other transgressions, from 2009-13.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/two-dental-companies-agree-to-51-million-settlement-for-alleged-fraud

Help build healthy smiles during National Children's Dental Health Month

The Smile Builders are ready to get to work as National Children's Dental Health Month approaches in February.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/help-build-healthy-smiles-during-national-childrens-dental-health-month

NJ dentists donate care to veterans

Reaching out to dentally underserved and uninsured veterans, a group of New Jersey dental practices opened their doors Nov. 3 to donate their time and skills to treating this population.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/nj-dentists-donate-care-to-veterans

House of Delegates approves more succinct dental licensure-related policies

The ADA House of Delegates Oct. 22 approved a resolution that outlines a more succinct policy on licensure-related matters in an effort to make its position on the subject clearer.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/house-of-delegates-approves-more-succinct-dental-licensure-related-policies

FDA issues nutrition label guidance

Washington — The Food and Drug Administration on Nov. 2 issued new guidance to help manufacturers comply with two final rules updating the Nutrition Facts label.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/fda-issues-nutrition-label-guidance

Tricare retiree dental program leaving Delta Dental, moving to federal plan

Beginning Nov. 12, the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program will replace the Tricare Retiree Dental Program.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/september/tricare-retiree-dental-program-leaving-delta-dental-moving-to-federal-plan

ADA Member Advantage-endorsed backup, recovery system unveils product for retiring, transitioning dentists

The Digital Dental Record, a managed online data backup and recovery solution endorsed by ADA Member Advantage, announced Nov. 1 a new product that allows dentists to store and access their patient records data for up to 10 years after a patient’s last visit.

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

Comments sought on proposal to make commercial entities ineligible for CERP recognition

The Commission for Continuing Education Provider Recognition is seeking written comments through Jan. 31, 2019, on a proposal to make commercial entities no longer for ADA Continuing Education Recognition Program, or CERP, recognition.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/comments-sought-on-proposal-to-make-commercial-entities-ineligible-for-cerp-recognition

Member dentists elected to Congress

Voters elected five ADA members to Congress Nov. 6.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/member-dentists-elected-to-congress

Duo recognized in Hawaii for Give Kids A Smile volunteerism

The ADA Foundation feted two people who have made extraordinary commitments to Give Kids A Smile during the ADA Foundation Give Kids A Smile Reception at the Hilton Hawaiian Village on Oct. 20 during ADA 2018 – America's Dental Meeting.


from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/duo-recognized-in-hawaii-for-give-kids-a-smile-volunteerism

Consortium publishes infection control tactics

All dental personnel should obtain education in infection prevention and control based on federal standards, according to the ADA and a consortium of organizations dedicated to the cause.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/consortium-publishes-infection-control-tactics

FDA issues alert about issue with EpiPens

Some EpiPen, EpiPen Jr. and authorized generic versions of the product may not easily slide out of their carrier tubes, which could block quick access to the device in an emergency, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration said Nov. 2.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/fda-issues-alert-about-issue-with-epipens

House of Delegates elects ADA officers, trustees

In balloting Oct. 22 at the House, Dr. Chad P. Gehani, of Queens, New York, was voted president-elect.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/house-of-delegates-elects-ada-officers-trustees

Beyond Veterans Day: Illinois dentist provides care to disadvantaged vets

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/september/beyond-veterans-day-illinois-dentist-provides-care-to-disadvantaged-vets

Snapshots of American Dentistry — November 5, 2018

Satisfaction with mouth and teeth differs between adults with Medicaid dental benefits and those without

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

Just the Facts — November 5, 2018

The number of dentists in solo practice has dropped in the past decade

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

Kids learn 'tooth' about oral health through dentist's series of books

A moment of serendipity while in dental school helped Dr. Jeanette Courtad create a momentous project decades later to promote oral health among kids and expectant mothers — a book series called "Toothful Tales."

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/kids-learn-tooth-about-oral-health-through-dentists-series-of-books

Laurel Road offers student loan refinancing savings, positive experience

Dr. Hall, who completed a general practice residency program and worked as an associate dentist for two years, was paying off his Stafford subsidized, unsubsidized and Grad PLUS loans with an average interest rate of 6.9 percent.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/laurel-road-offers-student-loan-refinancing-savings-positive-experience

'Network of angels' helps New York veteran get his smile back

When disabled Navy veteran Ken Carr wrote an email to the ADA about six months ago asking for help in finding dental care, the Holtsville, New York, man said he was in a "desperate place."

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/network-of-angels-helps-new-york-veteran-get-his-smile-back

Get ready for ADA FDI World Dental Congress 2019

It's been more than 20 years since the FDI World Dental Federation has held its annual meeting in conjunction with the ADA annual meeting.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/get-ready-for-ada-fdi-world-dental-congress-2019

2018 House of Delegate actions include dues increase, new policies

The ADA House of Delegates Oct. 22 approved a $22 dues increase for 2019 but decided against a special assessment of $58, instead urging the Board of Trustees to use reserve funds to pay for the remaining year of a three-year pilot project for the Find-A-Dentist campaign.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/2018-house-of-delegate-actions-include-dues-increase-new-policies

ADA president to members: Dentistry needs leaders like you

During his opening address to the House of Delegates on Oct. 22, ADA President Jeffrey M. Cole issued a call to action to dentists everywhere: "What difference will you make?" he asked.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/ada-president-to-members-dentistry-needs-leaders-like-you

Dentists can play role in helping patients stop smoking

November is an apt time for dental professionals to talk with patients about quitting smoking and the dangers of tobacco and nicotine on their health.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/dentists-can-play-role-in-helping-patients-stop-smoking

Mississippi police seek help in cold case

Law enforcement are seeking dentists' assistance in identifying a woman who had extensive dental work.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/mississippi-police-seek-help-in-cold-case

Application process open for ADA speaker of the House

Members interested in running for ADA speaker of the House in 2019 can go on ADA.org to find the information necessary to file for candidacy.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/application-process-open-for-ada-speaker-of-the-house

Join ADA for $0 national dues through end of year

Dentists interested in seeing what ADA membership is about can sign up for $0 national dues for the rest of 2018.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/join-ada-for-$0-national-dues-through-end-of-year

Some Enchanted Evening opens annual meeting with brilliance

A surprise onstage appearance by the Hawaiian youth baseball team that won the 2018 Little League World Series epitomized the collaborative excellence.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/some-enchanted-evening-opens-annual-meeting-with-brilliance

Three recognized for leadership in Evidence Based Dentistry

When evidence-based dentistry was still an emerging concept, Dr. Richard Niederman was at the forefront, said his colleague, Dr. Parthasarathy Madurantakam.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/three-recognized-for-leadership-in-ebd

If anyone needs convincing that dental benefits and coding are among the most crucial nonclinical topics on the minds of dentists.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/dental-benefit-coding-ce-bring-light-to-ada-resources

GKAS sparks smiles at Hawaii school

Inside the cafeteria, a stereo system played the beloved “Frozen” song “Love is an Open Door”.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/gkas-sparks-smiles-at-hawaii-school

Harnessing the power of storytelling

Unique CE, compelling speakers kick off New Dentist Conference

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/harnessing-the-power-of-storytelling

Local dentists pitch in to ensure course at ADA 2018 continues

An hour before a course on caries management was supposed to start workshop organizers realized an essential tool for participants was missing.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/local-dentists-pitch-in-to-ensure-course

Nonprofit asks dentists to donate care to ‘One Vet’ for Veterans Day

As Veterans Day approaches, Dental Lifeline Network, with the support of the ADA, is asking dental teams to donate care to veterans with special needs.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/nonprofit-asks-dentists-to-donate-care

2018 Dental Office Design winners selected

The DODC recognizes dental facilities that most effectively express the practice philosophy of its practitioners and demonstrate a thoughtful assembly of design characteristics associated with state-of-the-art dental office.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/2018-dental-office-design-winners-selected

The challenges of second year

If the first year of dental school is a crash course in the basics of dentistry, then second year is all about the preclinical laboratories that help prepare the students for next year's clinics as well as developing organizational and time-management skills.

from ADA News RSS https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2018-archive/november/the-challenges-of-second-year