On Feb. 27, 2024, CDPHE issued interpretation on shielding for dental imaging. None of this is new information or guidance, however, due to the increased number of articles on this topic nationally, the department issued guidance. (In January of 2020 the Colorado Board of Health adopted the requirements in place now related to the use of protective apparel or shielding …
X-Ray Rectangular Collimation Rule Rescinded
On Feb. 21, 2024, the Colorado Board of Health adopted the request to rescind the requirement for rectangular collimation, mainly due to lack of market availability. Rectangular collimators will not be required by the state but the Board of Health does support the recommendations for their use if practices voluntarily implement them. This rule change will go into effect in …
CDA Discontinues Laboratory Pad Program
The CDA has discontinued its laboratory pad program due to declining utilization by dental offices. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Please check with your dental software provider regarding lab work orders. Many if not all the major providers include this option within their programs. We also encourage you to check with your dental lab – they may …
Continuing the Family Tradition of Giving to Veterans
By Jordan Rutherford, D.D.S From the 2024 Winter Journal of the Colorado Dental Association Our brave men and women put their lives on the line to defend the freedoms that our founding fathers gave us. The best way that I have found to uplift, encourage, thank and bless our veterans is to give them a day of free dentistry in …
COMOM Volunteer Creates New Smile
By Becky O’Guin, CDA Communications Director From the 2024 Winter Journal of the Colorado Dental Association Dentists have many reasons for volunteering their unique skill set to people who cannot afford to go to the dentist. For Dr. Nate Kunzman the reason is gratefulness for the gift he has and the feeling he gets when he steps away from the …
Recruiting and Retaining Top Talent in a Zero-Unemployment Industry
By Kim McGuire From the 2024 Winter Journal of the Colorado Dental Association Today’s dental industry, like many other industries, is facing an interesting challenge: too few people to do the jobs that are available. While I don’t have a crystal ball, I do know what some peak performing practices in Colorado are doing to recruit and retain great team …
Record Keeping: Friend or Foe? Part II Records Management
By Richard L. Murray, Jr. Esq. and H. Candace DeLapp, D.D.S. From the 2024 Winter Journal of the Colorado Dental Association “It was his story against mine, but of course, I told my story better.” Humphrey Bogart as Dixon Steel – In a Lonely Place (1950) These words still hold true today and your records provide the basis for your …
Navigating Student Debt as a New Dentist: Strategies for Managing Your Financial Future
By Darren Royal From the 2024 Winter Journal of the Colorado Dental Association As you embark on your journey as a newly minted dentist, it’s essential to address the financial challenges that come with graduating from dental school with substantial student debt. The debt levels for new dentists are significantly higher than the average student, and it’s crucial to have …
FAMLI Program update
By Pam Brockhaus, CDA Chief Financial Officer From the 2024 Winter Journal of the Colorado Dental Association As of Jan. 1, 2024, employees can begin applying for benefits under the FAMLI Act. Employers and employees began contributions to the program in 2023. Employees apply for benefits directly from the state. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment has a wealth …
Dentist Dedicated to Helping Migrants and Refugees
By Becky O’Guin, CDA Director of Communications From the 2024 Winter Journal of the Colorado Dental Association Dr. Steven Combs retired from private practice eight years ago, but still manages to work several Fridays a month at local surgery centers treating refugee children. This is not new work. When he had a private practice in Nebraska, he would dedicate his …
