2008 News Archive

When a dentist decides to join a dental/preferred provider organization, dental health maintenance organization or discount dental plan, he or she enters into a contractual relationship with the dental insurance carrier. Although insurance carrier contracts vary widely, most have key common provisions and related documents.

In preparing the 2009 budget proposal, says Dr. Edward Leone Jr., ADA treasurer, the Board of Trustees focused on programs valuable to the membership while managing rising costs.

Wake up! This is your conscience. The study and practice of dentistry has forced you to meet me countless times in your career. Overall, we have endured a constructive relationship. I preach, you listen; usually.

The ADA Board of Trustees at its June meeting approved the Council on Ethics, Bylaws and Judicial Affairs question-and-answer informational document on the American Association of Dental Examiners' new Guidelines on Unprofessional Conduct Involving Sexual Boundary Violations.

Baltimore—The Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry celebrated its 12th anniversary June 13 with the opening of three new exhibitions.

Do coding right the first time with the new Current Dental Terminology 2009/2010 book and CDT Companion: Your Guide to Dental Coding.

The ADA News received an EXCEL silver award for excellence from the Society of National Association Publications for news writing for newspapers with more than 50,000 circulation.

Washington—Dentists have steadily reduced their already minimal contribution to environmental mercury over the past decade, the Association told Congress at a July 8 hearing "assessing state and local regulations to reduce dental mercury emissions."

Washington—Members of Congress July 8 sharply questioned Association policy and the ADA witness at an oversight hearing "assessing state and local regulations to reduce dental mercury emissions."

ADA President Mark J. Feldman commended "very encouraging news" from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that reports increasing access to optimally fluoridated drinking water.

Beijing—Learn the latest developments in research and explore the wonder of China's capital city—both ancient and modern, by attending the International Conference of Frontiers of Dental and Craniofacial Research here Nov. 1-3.

The average net income of owner oral and maxillofacial surgeons was $389,970 in 2005, according to a new report published by the ADA Survey Center.

Louisville, Ky.—The Kentucky Dental Association reports enactment of "a very special bill" requiring children to have a dental examination before entering school. Nine other states and the District of Columbia require or grant authority to require such examinations, according to the ADA Department of State Government Affairs.

The ADA has launched new, colorful brochures that cover topics from how to handle a child's dental emergency to oral health tips for new moms and babies.

Georgetown, Texas—MEDICO, the Medical, Eye & Dental International Care Organization, seeks volunteer dentists for upcoming mission trips to rural areas of Honduras Aug. 2-9 and Sept. 6-13.

The ADA Standards Committee on Dental Products has approved for circulation and comment proposed revisions to two American National Standards Institute/ADA Specifications.

Kansas City, Mo.—On a late-spring visit to the metro area, the president of the United States descended the stairs of Air Force One to present a President's Volunteer Service Award to UMKC dental student Ashley Knight.

Kansas City, Mo.— Volunteering is just an opportunity to help someone improve their quality of life if I can, dental student Ashley Knight told the ADA News after receiving a service award from President Bush.

New Orleans—Helping thousands of rural Americans receive much-needed dental care through Mission of Mercy projects has earned Dr. Terry Dickinson the Rural Health Practitioner of the Year award.