Category: ODA Today

I was being interviewed this week by a reporter about how dental practices were returning to seeing patients. She wanted to know how “the average person” was feeling about going to the dentist. Considering that, even pre-COVID-19, only slightly more than half of the people in the country see the dentist on a regular basis, wondering ... [continue reading]

I think the words “unprecedented times” have been used ad nauseam. As a collective brethren, we have probably all shared the same emotions during this global pandemic. Like the stages of grief, I feel we have all gone through stages of “handling.” This time my little column won’t do justice to all the things I have to ... [continue reading]

I couldn’t have been more than 5 years old. Our family home was in the “Valley.” For those of you who aren’t familiar with Cincinnati’s geography – the Mill Creek runs through a valley between some of our “Seven Hills” and ultimately empties into the Ohio River. In the early ’50s the ... [continue reading]

Like many of you, I have been shocked, angry, dumbfounded, frustrated, scared and quite uncertain of the direction our country is being taken. Throughout the coronavirus pandemic and as soon as we prepare to reopen our practices after helping to flatten the curve, our country bears witness to yet another string of unarmed Black Americans having ... [continue reading]

The mantra “a patient doesn’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” gained a new level of significance with the onset of the current pandemic.  Never before has the public been more attuned to the protocols, process and procedures in the intimate confines of the dental office.  The notion of trust ... [continue reading]

I would like to commend the selfless workers of the dental profession during this pandemic. As the medical professionals are lifesaving and help to direct the ultimate safety of our society, we all owe gratitude to them. Although general dentists and dental specialists are not included in the first line of health care workers, their need can be ... [continue reading]

The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the world. It has directly or indirectly affected all mankind (womankind too). We have a responsibility; we can and will do whatever is necessary, and as effective as practical, to provide for our patients, staff, and our families while keeping in mind, and in practice, the latest information we have on the ... [continue reading]

Representative Bill Roemer (R-Richfield) recently introduced legislation that would require dental insurers to pay for a portion of expenses related to dentists' additional PPE costs in light of the current COVID-19 pandemic. House Bill 681 requires that health benefit plans that provide coverage for dental care services “shall provide a ... [continue reading]

Representative Jon Cross (R-Kenton) recently introduced House Bill 623, which would permit Ohioans to take a temporary state income tax deduction for out-of-pocket dental expenses. ODA president Dr. Sharon Parsons expressed appreciation for Representative Cross’ willingness to introduce the tax deduction bill. She pointed out that “while ... [continue reading]

The Ohio Dental Association recently launched a radio and digital advertising campaign about seeing a dentist in our post-COVID world. The radio ad explains how regular dental care ensures that we have good oral health and good overall health. It also discusses some of the new safety measures that may be in place at dental offices in Ohio. The ad ... [continue reading]