2009 News Archive

Grim news about the global financial crisis dominates headlines. This ADA News series will feature first-hand reports about what dentists from around the country are being confronted with and how they are navigating through difficult times.

The pressures of a recessionary economy combined with increasing numbers of people facing financial and job losses could potentially lead to more malpractice claim against dentists, risk management experts say. They recommend dentists effectively manage financial communications with patients to minimize exposure to such allegations.

Honolulu—Maximize your hard work in Hawaii by earning extra hours of continuing education credit before you go.

Washington—The American Dental Education Association has received a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to create academic-community partnerships that will improve the lives of children who lack access to dental care.

Washington—The Association's health reform message to policy makers focuses on "a relatively small government investment" toward "significant improvement in the oral health of Americans."

Washington—On July 27, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expected to rule on a classification for encapsulated amalgam.

Miami—What makes the ADA New Dentist Conference unique—the blend of continuing education, networking and leadership development—was readily apparent during the event's opening hours April 30.

Between now and July 1, water suppliers nationwide will be supplying consumers with annual Water Quality Reports or Consumer Confidence Reports.

Huntington Beach, Calif.—Women for World Health seeks a dentist to join a multi-specialty medical mission to Laos Sept. 12-25.

St. Paul, Minn.—In signing a higher education bill May 16, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty brought to a close a two-year debate over what have come to be known as "midlevel providers" and established a new dental team member, the dental therapist, to provide care to underserved populations.

Centralia, Ill.—A trip to the Caribbean typically signals an escape from the office and the daily routine. For Dr. J. Franklin Whipps, a visit to Ambergris Caye, near the world-famous Belize Barrier Reef, means working Monday through Friday with a team of volunteers to deliver much-needed dental and medical care to area residents.

I was posed a question by a fellow colleague: "What does membership in organized dentistry mean?" There are a bunch of answers I could have chosen to spit out, but did not. I paused and eloquently diverted his attention to the perplexing status of the United States economy—as one could imagine, this conversation went on for a while.

Washington—The nation's dental leaders came to the nation's capital to lobby Congress on issues important to the profession, more than 100 here for their first Washington Leadership Conference.

Miami—The Committee on the New Dentist bestowed four awards May 2 during the ADA 23rd New Dentist Conference.

Washington—New Jersey dentists went to Capitol Hill May 13 to thank Rep. John Adler (D-N.J.) directly for offering legislation during the Washington Leadership Conference to exclude small health care practices from the FTC's Red Flags rule.

The U.S. Congress passed House Resolution 204 congratulating the American Dental Association for its 150 years of service May 13 during the Washington Leadership Conference.

Washington—They Give Kids A Smile year round and the day—and this night the stars came out. Over the past six years, GKAS has expanded to encompass year-round programs while at the same time keeping its special day of observance in February.

Washington—ADPAC is committed to revitalizing the network of grassroots dentists who "form relationships that matter with their elected officials," Dr. Roger Triftshauser told the nation's dental leaders at the Washington Leadership Conference.

Washington—The nation's dental leaders came to the nation's capital to lobby Congress on issues important to the profession, more than 100 here for their first Washington Leadership Conference.

Miami—The ADA presented or participated in more than 30 scientific presentations and informational sessions during the International Association for Dental Research's 87th General Session & Exhibition here April 1-4.