Category: ODA Today

This month, House Bill 463 will go into effect.  HB 463 was developed from a series of recommendations by the 2013 ODA House of Delegates aimed at improving access to quality, comprehensive dental care by focusing on delivery system enhancements and workforce development.  The bill was unanimously approved by the Ohio General Assembly ... [continue reading]

ODA's director of legal and legislative services, Keith Kerns, has announced he is leaving the ODA to take over as the new executive director of the Ohio Optometric Association (OOA). Kerns has worked at the ODA for more than 13 years and has had a monthly column in the “ODA Today” during much of that time. In announcing his decision, ... [continue reading]

There has been an increasing amount of talk around the country concerning dentists being audited by third-party payers. While some of the situations that have prompted this talk are applicable in Ohio, many are not. For example, much attention has been focused on Medicaid Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs) in other states, and particularly ... [continue reading]

A major dental company is actively running ads on television promising to “fix dentistry.”  Their implication is that the current practice of dentistry is broken.  They attempt to paint the profession as dishonest and devious.  Their characterization of dentists in private practice is that we are not responsive and do ... [continue reading]

There are two “givens” in my life ... now! The first one is: I WILL WALK THROUGH HOT COALS TO PROTECT MY GRANDCHILDREN The second one is: I WILL GIVE MY OPINION ABOUT MY GRANDCHILDREN’S WELFARE ... NO MATTER WHAT THE CONSEQUENCES ARE I realize many of you can relate to the first edict but may be uncomfortable with the second one. ... [continue reading]

Dear Granola Mom, Hello, it’s me, Dr. Kara, your friendly, compassionate pediatric dentist. I write to you today in support of fluoride, dental sealants and radiographs as beneficial components of your child’s overall dental care plan. I am grateful that you have sought care in my office.  I am here to listen to your concerns, and ... [continue reading]

This editorial, reprinted with permission, originally appeared in the November issue of the Oklahoma Dental Association Journal. This article was submitted to the ODA Journal anonymously to protect the identity of the author. April 29, 2011, was a very special day in my life. No, it’s not my birthday or anniversary. It’s not my ... [continue reading]

I recently took a course on dental coding from a dental consultant who discussed a conversation he had with a top level insurance executive. He said that the executive stated that so long as dentists continue to sign up in ever-increasing numbers to his preferred provider organization dental insurance plan, he saw no need to increase the ... [continue reading]

Starting April 1, certain business entities, including some dentists, will be required to hold a terminal distributor of dangerous drugs license in order to possess, have custody or control of, and distribute dangerous drugs that are compounded or used for the purpose of compounding. In accordance with a recent legislative change, entities ... [continue reading]

Ohio Dental Association membership dues must be paid by March 31 for the 2015 membership year in order to continue receiving exclusive member benefits. Any member who did not pay their dues by Jan. 1, 2015, is considered past due. Dentists who have not already renewed their membership should do so as soon as possible so that membership benefits, ... [continue reading]