News

Dentists can plan ahead to leave a lasting legacy on the profession of dentistry by naming the ODA Foundation as a beneficiary in their wills. “I feel that naming the ODAF in one’s will is a great way of supporting the Foundation for ongoing years without dipping into a retirement fund,” said Dr. Sam Fick, an ODA Foundation ... [continue reading]

There are three really important aspects to a successful advocacy program: (1) effective professional lobbyists who educate policymakers on issues important to dentists and their patients on a daily basis, (2) an effective grassroots program where dentists regularly interact with their elected officials and build relationships based on trust and ... [continue reading]

Today's dental marketplace is increasingly competitive, driving dentists to seek out new ways to market their practices and attract new patients. However, there are several regulatory and legal restrictions on dental marketing capabilities that dentists must consider before engaging in a campaign. State regulations and the profession’s ... [continue reading]

The newest version of the American Dental Association's "CDT 2015: Dental Procedure Codes" book takes effect Jan. 1, 2015, and is available to be ordered now. It contains 16 new and 52 revised procedure codes including new codes for post-operative visits, sealant repair, evaluation for deep sedation or general anesthesia and missed appointments. ... [continue reading]

We have a contagion loose in America that spreads faster than Ebola – and presents a greater risk.  That pathogen is fear.  Together with its primary symptom (panic), fear grips a population, spreading like wildfire fanned by the incessant media coverage.  The end-stage result is irrational behavior and poor ... [continue reading]

The other day, my children were re-watching one of our favorite family movies “School of Rock” with the very funny Jack Black. There are so many lines that are laugh-out-loud funny, but my favorite one is an exchange that Jack Black has with a faculty member at a prep school: “Those who can teach, teach. Those who can’t ... [continue reading]

I just returned from America’s Dental Meeting 2014 in San Antonio where I had the honor of serving as an alternate delegate from Ohio and the Seventh District in the ADA House of Delegates. I was impressed by the ADA’s effort to become a strategically driven organization much like we did at the ODA a few years ago. My hat is off to Dr. ... [continue reading]

Legislation offering a comprehensive solution to improving access to dental care in underserved areas of Ohio is expected to go before the Ohio Senate following election season. House Bill 463 is strongly supported by the Ohio Dental Association and cleared the Ohio House of Representatives 95-0 this summer. The legislation, which was introduced ... [continue reading]

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a rule that would mandate the use of amalgam separators. The proposed rule would require dentists to install an ISO 11143 compliant amalgam separator, which would be certified to remove at least 99 percent of mercury from amalgam process wastewater. It would also require dentists to comply with ... [continue reading]

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) recently reclassified hydrocodone combination products (HCPs) as Schedule II substances. Schedule II substances have tighter restrictions. This change went into effect Oct. 6. Schedule II prescriptions can only be written for a single dose supply, and dentists who are not registered as Schedule II ... [continue reading]