By Leah Schulz, D.D.S., CDA President From the Autumn 2023 Journal of the Colorado Dental Association My kids question why I am the CDA president. Without exaggeration, I answer their question of “why” I do this role every time I have a CDA-related meeting, conference, seminar, summit, etc., which can sometimes be four-to-five times per week. While asking me “why,” my …
Dentistry for Your Family, From Our Family
By Becky O’Guin, CDA Director of Communications From the Autumn 2023 Journal of the Colorado Dental Association Many of us in this industry have both a “work family” and a family at home. In some cases, siblings or generations practice together. In rare cases, work and home families are one in the same. Meet the Watana/Iritani family and their unique …
CDA Past President Dr. Brett Kessler Elected as the New American Dental Association President-Elect!
Brett Kessler, D.D.S., will assume the ADA presidency in 2024 The CDA is proud to announce that its very own Dr. Brett Kessler was elected today, Oct. 10, as the new president-elect of the ADA at the ADA House of Delegates Meeting in Orlando, FL. Passionately challenging the status quo but staying true to the ADA’s mission and values, CDA …
Hygiene Education Expansion in Colorado
The need for more dental hygienists continues to be a factor for dental practices in Colorado. The CDA has been actively attending information sessions and gathering information on this important topic. In 2022, there were four programs each graduating 24-26 hygienists per year (with Concorde having two graduating cohorts every other year) – so there were 100-125 hygienists graduating each …
Medicaid Provider Rate Review Advisory Committee Hears CDA’s Testimony
On July 24, the CDA attended the Medicaid Provider Rate Review Advisory Committee (MPRRAC) meeting to speak on the vital importance of increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates for the 24 most meaningful dental codes in terms of utilization. Dr. Leah Schulz, Dr. Jeff Lodl, Dr. Garry VanGenderen and CDA Executive Director Molly Pereira testified at this meeting concerning which codes were …
The Three Top Reasons You Should Switch to ePrescribing for All Medications
By Robert McDermott, CEO/iCoreConnect As of July 1st, Colorado dentists are required to electronically prescribe Schedule II, III and IV controlled substances. Naturally, one of the top reasons for switching to an ePrescribing solution is compliance with state and federal regulations. However, there are three important reasons for you to extend ePrescribing to the rest of your prescriptions. 1. Improve …
Thinking about Becoming a Mentor?
Attention CU Dental School Alumni and Colorado Dental Community: Have you been thinking about sharing your knowledge and experience with current dental students? Students need the skills to grow and broaden their professional networks, someone they can turn to for guidance and advice, and the resources they need to begin their career search or residency application process. The relationship is …
Dental Assistant Scope Expansion Explored
At the CDA Annual Meeting, dentists heavily discussed and debated an increased scope of practice for dental assistants in reaction to the workforce shortage. In fact, a CDA task force has been studying the merits and risks of this idea for the past year. Resolution 32-23-HS was created by the CDA House of Delegates in June, which directs the CDA …
Legislative Deep Dive: Dental Insurance Transparency Bill (SB23-179)
By Jennifer Goodrum, CDA Lobbyist From the Summer 2023 Journal of the Colorado Dental Association The CDA’s priority bill for the 2023 legislative session, SB23-179, is now law. SB23-179 passed with a broad majority of legislative support. It was signed by Gov. Polis on June 2 and takes effect on Aug. 6. SB23-179 does several important things: Defines a Dental Loss …
2023 Legislative Wrap Up
Colorado’s General Assembly adjourned its annual 120-day session on Monday May 8, having considered a total of 617 bills with 472 bills ultimately becoming law. This was one of the more contentious sessions in recent memory with bitter divides between and within political parties. The Democrats had a near supermajority in both the Senate and the House but had to work …
