The Colorado Dental Board recently emailed dental licensees regarding SB16-009, a 2016 bill that made a technical fix to a longstanding state law on fee splitting by dentists. Information was provided to members about SB16-009 in an April eNews article, as well as the recently published summer 2016 Journal of the Colorado Dental Association. A few additional questions have been generated by members, however, following the dental board’s communication. The CDA wants to make sure dentists have the most up-to-date information on this new law.

In coming weeks, you will hear more about a Colorado ballot initiative the CDA is supporting. This initiative proposes a tax increase on tobacco products. Smokeless tobacco products would be taxed at 22% of the manufacturer list price, and cigarettes would incur a $1.75 tax per pack. If passed, this initiative is estimated to raise anywhere from $192 million to $315 million for tobacco cessation, research and other healthcare-related programs, including those that would greatly improve access to dental care.