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Oct 25, 2023

What if Dentistry Was Disorganized?

This editorial from 1931, written at the front end of the Great Depression, gives us much to contemplate.1 After all, as members of the dental profession, we continue to have a public to serve emerging from the Covid-19 Pandemic. We are entrusted by society with the right to self-regulate.

Oct 25, 2023

Pain, Pills and New Perceptions

The beauty of dentistry and medicine, in general, is the ever-present evolution and growth of evidence-based practices guided by novel understanding. The advancement of knowledge allows our “practice” of the healing arts, to be refined continuously to better serve our patients and customize treatment modalities for maximized efficacy in rendering patient care.

Alert: Help Congress Create Medicare Dental that Works

Aug 23, 2021
On August 23, 2021, the ADA’s Legislative Action Center sent a very important Medicare dental alert to all ADA members.

Congress is currently in talks to design a new dental benefit in Medicare. Dentists need to be front and center to help determine how the Medicare dental benefit can work best for dentists and Medicare patients. Otherwise, Congress may create a program that is significantly underfunded and an administrative nightmare. Why must you act soon and contact your members of Congress?
 
  • The ADA calculates that the Medicare Dental Coverage Act of 2021 is underfunded which will limit the reimbursement paid to dentists and/or reduce the dental benefit available to seniors.
  • Medicare Part B was created for physicians, not dentists. Dental care is significantly different than medical care and necessitates its own designated program.
  • The Medicare Dental Coverage Act of 2021 will not get dental care to seniors most in need. Low income seniors will not be able to afford the cost sharing requirement.

As the leading advocates for oral health, let Congress know that a separate Medicare dental program is necessary.

Take Action Now
  • Tell Congress not to include Medicare dental in Part B.
  • Tell Congress to support the ADA’s Medicare Part “T” program creating a dental benefit for seniors below 300% of the Federal Poverty Limit.
  • Tell Congress to appropriately fund the Medicare Part T program so that dentists are reimbursed at adequate levels to create a robust provider network.

For more details, see the ADA’s webinar — “Congressional Medicare Dental Benefit Proposal: What is it and where is it going?”