News

It is not uncommon for dental insurance companies to audit and/or subject contracting and, at times, non-contracting dentists to audit and/or utilization review procedures. These activities are conducted by both publicly and privately funded third-party payers. Dentists who have gone through these audit/review procedures have reported a wide range ... [continue reading]

Thomas Jefferson said, “We in America do not have a government by the majority.  We have a government by the majority who participate.”  A recent report from ADPAC, the American Dental Political Action Committee, stated that 31 percent of dentists are not registered to vote.  That’s nearly one in three of our ... [continue reading]

Dental offices that accept patients with Medicaid or CHIP are now required to post taglines in multiple languages and nondiscrimination notices in their offices, on their websites and in significant publications and communications. This requirement is part of a new rule within the Affordable Care Act that prohibits health care entities that ... [continue reading]

The Dental OPTIONS program, a partnership between the Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Dental Association, will be temporarily operated on a limited basis starting in July 2016.  The Ohio Department of Health, which provides annual operational funding for the program to pay for patient coordination and lab expenses, is evaluating the ... [continue reading]

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently awarded 16 oral health grants to clinics in Ohio, for a total of $6,489,094. The goal of the grants is to increase access to oral health services and improve oral health outcomes. The grants are for existing health clinics, and recipients must create a plan to add at least one full-time ... [continue reading]

The American Dental Association has launched a new webpage dedicated to third-party payer issues. It is a one-stop shop for members looking for resources on plan participation, legislative matters and how the association can help members navigate various dental benefit issues. The webpage, ADA.org/dentalplans, includes informative videos, ... [continue reading]

In an "ADA News" article, the American Dental Association is advising dentists to be cautious when entering into contracts containing auto renewal provisions. The ADA has received several calls recently related to contracts with a hazardous waste/infectious waste pickup company. A number of dentists “have contacted the ADA to report ... [continue reading]

The ODA Foundation has created a new scholarship in memory of ODA past president Dr. Ralph E. "Jim" Snelson - the Forward Ever Scholarship. Snelson always had a focus on creating a positive future for the profession of dentistry and organized dentistry. When he served as president of the ODA, his slogan was “Forward Ever, Backward ... [continue reading]

The Ohio Dental Association Foundation has recently teamed up with Kroger Community Rewards to create a new way for dentists to support the foundation, without having to spend any extra money. Dentists, students, residents and spouses can now support the Foundation simply by shopping at Kroger. The ODA Foundation receives donations from Kroger ... [continue reading]

With the support of the Kellogg Foundation, Universal Health Care Action Network (UHCAN) Ohio and the Ohio Dental Hygiene Association, State Sen. Peggy Lehner recently introduced a bill that would allow midlevel dental providers in Ohio.  Advocates state these dental therapists would help solve the access to care problem in areas of the state ... [continue reading]