By Jennifer Goodrum, CDA Director of Government Relations From the Winter 2017 Journal of the Colorado Dental Association In 2017, budget issues will continue to be a hot topic for Colorado, as state spending continues to be heavily constrained by TABOR. Federal policy changes, especially those that impact funding for federally financed programs like Medicare, Medicaid, CHP+ and the state …
FAQ: Does My Dental Assistant Need to Register as a Surgical Technician?
From the Winter 2017 Journal of the Colorado Dental Association Dentists who provide care in hospitals or surgical centers and wish to have their employee dental assistants present during cases performed in these settings may be asked to have their dental assistants complete a state registration process. Hospitals and surgical centers are required to confirm the state registration status of …
Federal EPA Issues Final Rule Requiring Use of Amalgam Separators
From the Winter 2017 Journal of the Colorado Dental Association On Dec. 15, the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a final regulation regarding the handling of dental amalgam waste. The new federal rules will require most U.S. dental offices to use a qualifying amalgam separator and comply with industry best management practices (BMPs) to reduce amalgam waste. Dental offices …
New State Board Recordkeeping Rules
From the Winter 2017 Journal of the Colorado Dental Association As regularly shared with CDA members over the last year, the Colorado Dental Board extensively revised state rules regulating dentists. Nearly all dental board rules were reviewed in this process, including recordkeeping rules for dental practices (Rule IX). These new rules took effect on June 30, 2016. While laws and …
New, Revised and Deleted CDT Codes for 2017
From the Winter 2017 Journal of the Colorado Dental Association The CDT Code Maintenance Committee approved 11 new codes for 2017. Thirty-seven codes were revised for 2017, though only five code revisions were substantive. One CDT code was deleted. View these revisions. Please make note of these additions and deletions to ensure timely processing of claims. While 2017 CDT code …
2016 Election Outcomes for Dentistry
By Jennifer Goodrum, CDA Director of Government Relations From the Winter 2017 Journal of the Colorado Dental Association Thanks to all CDA members who participated by voting in the 2016 election. Your voice and actions are a vital part of dentistry’s influence both at the state and national levels. The 2016 election produced several outcomes, both expected and unexpected. Following …
The Power of Storytelling
By Greg Hill, J.D., CDA Executive Director From the Winter 2017 Journal of the Colorado Dental Association I have always enjoyed telling a good story. As I approached my 40th birthday a half decade ago, I wrote a series of blog posts titled “Forty Stories I Love to Tell,” in which I recounted some of my favorite stories I inevitably …
FDA Bans Use of Powdered Gloves
On Dec. 19, the Federal Register published its final rule on powdered surgical and exam gloves. The FDA has elected to ban powdered gloves, citing that the products are an adulterated product and unsafe for use. This ban takes effect Jan. 18, 2017. The ban’s effective date also applies to those who already have purchased and are using powdered gloves. These …
Medicaid Announces Changes to Orthodontic Billing Policies
In October, Health First Colorado (formerly known as Colorado Medicaid) hosted an orthodontic stakeholder meeting and announced plans to revise the payment methodology for orthodontic services delivered to Medicaid patients. Currently, Health First Colorado pays the full fee for orthodontic services at the time care is initiated. The program plans to transition to a system of multiple payments and incorporate …
National Children’s Dental Health Month Focuses on Trusting Tap Water
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM), and for 2017, the theme is “Choose Tap Water for a Sparkling Smile.” The annual ADA public health observance brings together oral healthcare professions to educate about the benefits of putting down sugary beverages and instead choosing to drink fluoridated tap water. The ADA has created a variety of colorful posters—available in …
