| News affecting dental benefits |  |
| Industry News |  |  |
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- Calif. bill would authorize study of midlevel providers
A bill before the California Legislature would authorize the state to study the costs and benefits of allowing midlevel providers to perform certain dental services. A growing number of children in the state don't have access to dental care, and demand is likely to increase as the health care reform law is implemented. At least one state dental organization supports the bill, but others say midlevel providers do not have appropriate training to perform irreversible procedures. DrBicuspid.com (free registration)
(1/25)     
- Adults on Medicare, Medicaid struggle to pay for dental care
A gap in government health care programs leaves many adults seeking dental care in hospital emergency departments. Medicaid programs in 10 states offer no dental benefits for adults, and most other states offer limited care, according to the American Dental Association. Medicare does not cover cleanings, fillings, extractions or dentures, a program spokeswoman said. "What this does is funnel everyone to the ER, which is the most expensive place to get health care," emergency department physician Alan Sorkey said. USA TODAY
(1/19)
| Oral Health | | |
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- Study: Some dentists overprescribe antibiotics for children
Dentists might be prone to overprescribing antibiotics for children, a survey of pediatric and general dentists found. When presented with hypothetical scenarios, dentists surveyed tended to say they would prescribe the drugs when guidelines indicate they are not necessary. "There's a lot of defensive dentistry practiced by people who see kids," said Dr. Paul Casamassimo, spokesman with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, who was not associated with the study. "In the scheme of things, I don't think it's a major issue," he said. Medscape (free registration)
(1/20)
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Advance your career with NADP webinars on demand
Did you miss a 2011 NADP Webinar you wanted to attend? Take advantage of NADP On-Demand Webinars featuring valuable presentations focusing on topics such as generational selling tactics, creating the ultimate customer experience and measuring network value. With NADP’s On-Demand Webinars, insightful content is available 24/7. Register in the On-Demand section of the NADP Webinar page.
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NADP presents "Dental Networks strategies to increase your competitiveness" Feb. 23
Join Dr. Roma Virani, FLMI - VP, Dental Division, Coalition America, Inc. Feb. 23 at 2:00 pm Eastern for an overview on in-network and out-of-network cost management solutions designed to sharpen your competitive edge. During this hour-long presentation, you will learn more about recent trends in cost management, differences between in- and out-of-network solutions, race to 100K network providers and how cost management solutions can benefit you. This NADP webinar is sponsored by Coalition America, Inc. and is free to attendees who register via NADP's Webinar page.
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About 200 U.S. communities have stopped adding fluoride to their water supplies in an effort to save money, but CDC figures show that each dollar spent on fluoridation saves an estimated $38 in dental treatment expenses. "In the years ahead, removal of fluoride from drinking water will almost certainly cost taxpayers millions of dollars in increased Medicaid expenditures," writes Jane Brody. 
