August 6, 2014 The ADA has learned that the federal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is now reviewing an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed rule to reduce the amount of dental amalgam that dental offices release into wastewater systems. Following the OMB’s review (assuming OMB approval, usually within 90 days) EPA will publish the proposed rule for comment. This …

August 6, 2014 The governor’s office is seeking applicants for a vacant position on the Medical Services Board (the state board that oversees the Medicaid program across many professions). While a dentist has served in the past, currently no dentist serves on this board.  Having a dentist would provide good expertise, given the ongoing changes to Medicaid dental benefits. The …

August 6, 2014 A recently passed bill, HB14-1283, requires all dentists with a DEA registration to register with Colorado’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) by Oct. 31. The PDMP is a secure, online database created in 2005 that provides objective information about patients’ controlled substance prescription records to assist Colorado healthcare providers in offering appropriate treatment to their patients. If …

June 6, 2014 Dr. Brett Kessler became the CDA’s 128th president on June 6 at the CDA House of Delegates meeting.  Having served the CDA as an officer for the past four years, it is an honor to have Dr. Kessler lead the association and organized dentistry in Colorado. Dr. Kessler has a private practice in the Stapleton area of Denver.  …

June 6, 2014 On Friday, June 6, Gov. Hickenlooper signed HB 1227, the Sunset Review of the Dental Practice Act, into law.  The revised Dental Practice Act will be in effect as of July 1, however, several changes must still undergo rulemaking.  The CDA will keep members posted as these modifications take effect.  The Sunset Review is a process where …

March 16, 2014 The Colorado Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (CAPD) has created a program to make it easier for dentists and hygienists in dental health professional shortage areas to communicate with a pediatric dentist.  This program is called Pedo Connect.  The goal of this program is to ensure that all children in Colorado, no matter of their location, have access …

March 16, 2014 Good news! Beginning March 1, 2014, children who have either Medicaid or CHP+ benefits will have continuous coverage for 12 months, even if their family’s income or household size changes. Continuous coverage for Medicaid and CHP+ children can help greatly streamline eligibility checks for providers, and eliminate eligibility and billing problems caused by changing coverage. It also …

April 1, 2014 Colorado’s limited adult Medicaid benefit is now available. Qualifying adults are able to visit a dental practice or clinic that is already enrolled in Medicaid and can accept Medicaid payments. The adult dental benefit allows Medicaid enrolled clients, age 21 years and over, to receive a number of basic dental services currently offered to children such as …

March 16, 2014 On Feb. 19, nearly 200 CU dental students came out to have burritos and hear why organized dentistry matters to them from members of the CDA New Dentist Committee. As an education initiative, the CDA Membership Council organized a Lunch and Learn event at the CU School of Dental Medicine. Speakers for the program included Dr. Carol …

March 16, 2014 All dentists are invited to attend the CDA Annual Session and House of Delegates meeting.  At this meeting, current topics affecting the profession will be discussed, and delegates can voice their opinions and vote on matters brought up by CDA members.  No experience is necessary to attend and new delegates are always welcome.  The meeting takes place …