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 …
Goodbye Paper CE Forms, Hello New Online CE Portal
The ADA and CDA have streamlined how you keep track of your continuing education (CE) credits. Gone are the days of recording your courses on a paper form. Now, you can track your CE and access your transcripts all in one place, using the new online Member CE Depository! (You will need your ADA number and ADA website password to …
The CDA Give Kids a Smile Gets a Facelift
2017 marks the 15th anniversary of Give Kids a Smile (GKAS), held during National Children’s Dental Health Month, and in Colorado, the CDA’s program in conjunction with the CU School of Dentistry is getting a bit of a makeover. The program traditionally held at the CU School of Dental Medicine will forego its one-day GKAS clinic and turn instead to …
It’s Dues Time: Did You Receive Your Statement?
Dues statements for your 2017 tripartite membership in the American Dental Association, Colorado Dental Association and local component have been sent out to members. If you haven’t received yours, contact CDA Director of Membership Erica Carvin at 303-996-2842 or erica@cdaonline.org. To pay your dues, log on to the CDA website.
CDA Encourages Important Dental Benefit Reforms
In recent months, the CDA has been working hard to address some practices by dental plans that do not serve the best interest of patients. Several dental or dental-related regulations have been up for review through state Division of Insurance (DOI) processes. Since September, the CDA has given input on seven sets of DOI regulations. In its comments, the CDA …
Federal EPA Issues Final Rule on Amalgam Separators
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 qualifying amalgam separators and comply with industry best management practices (BMPs) to reduce amalgam waste, including a restriction on discharging scrap amalgam into drains and limitations on certain …
