Presidents

Dear Colleagues,

As I meet with dental professionals from across the country, I am asked, “What is the ADA doing to help?” on the issue of dental insurance. Dental insurance is one of the most frustrating issues for dentists. And as doctors, we want our patients to get the most value possible for the dental insurance premiums they pay.

Well, I have good news to share. The American Dental Association has committed $5 million in support of a statewide ballot initiative—Question 2 in Massachusetts—that would require dental insurance companies to spend at least 83% of premium dollars collected on dental services or refund the difference to patients, as opposed to insurance companies using the money for executive salaries or other administrative costs.

This type of percentage requirement—called a medical loss ratio (MLR)—is already in effect in Massachusetts for medical health insurance. Voting yes on question 2 would establish the same type of requirement for dental insurance in that state as well. The ADA is proud to join with the Massachusetts Dental Society to help support this measure, and we are asking for your support as well. Please consider financially contributing to the campaign to support a YES vote on Massachusetts Question 2.

Why? Because if we win in Massachusetts, it will be a watershed moment for patients and dentistry, setting a precedent that could herald future change for dental insurance across the country.

Dental insurance companies will oppose our efforts and try to scare voters. They may claim that by voting yes, dental insurance premiums will likely have to increase. Our campaign needs the resources to counter this negative messaging so the public realizes that voting yes will hold the dental insurance companies accountable when it comes to the hard earned dollars patients have paid in premiums.

Dental plans should serve patients first and foremost, and the companies that offer them should welcome transparency and accountability, rather than hide from it.

I encourage everyone across the country who wants to see dental insurance companies held accountable for spending premium dollars collected on actual patient care to stand with us and financially contribute to this campaign here.

Your contribution to Massachusetts Dental Care Providers for Better Dental Benefits can set the stage for dental insurance change one state at a time. Check out www.voteyeson2fordental.com for more information on the ballot measure.

Every dollar contributed is important. ALL dentists, dental team members and patients are the beneficiaries of this initiative. We are a dental family standing together to protect and advocate for our patients.

Sincerely,
Cesar R. Sabates, D.D.S.
President, American Dental Association

Dear Colleagues:

As a child, I watched my father go the extra mile to take care of his patients and give back to our community as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. I couldn’t have known it then, but his example was shaping what would become one of my personal guiding principles and my professional philosophy: Of those to whom much is given, much is required.

I’ve carried this belief with me throughout my career, following my father’s footsteps and always looking for ways to give back. Twenty-five years ago, I had my first opportunity to work with Dental Lifeline Network, which provides free, comprehensive dental care for the elderly, those who are medically fragile, or people with permanent disabilities. Working with DLN and its flagship program Donated Dental Services (DDS) has offered me a firsthand look at the positive effect that our profession has on the people in our communities who need our care, and for many reasons, have gone without.

Through DDS, I recently worked with Gloria, who sacrificed her own health while she served as the primary caretaker for both her husband, who suffers from cancer, and her mother, who has a disability. Today, after 13 surgical procedures, Gloria’s oral health and function have been restored.

To me, Gloria’s story—and that of the 165,000+ people DDS has served since its inception in 1985—demonstrates that our impact as dentists goes far beyond what we might consider all in a day’s work. Imagine what patients feel when they leave our care. When they are able to live without pain, to enjoy a meal, and to smile with confidence, we have made an improvement on a fellow human being’s quality of life. And that is the true work of a dentist.

With 7,000 patients currently on the national DDS waitlist, there is a great opportunity for ADA dentists to make a difference. Will you see one? It's easy—DLN screens patients, coordinates appointments, and handles all the paperwork. You determine the treatment plan and see patients in your office on your own schedule.

Click here for more information about volunteering with Dental Lifeline Network. You just may change a life.

Thank you,

Cesar R. Sabates, D.D.S. President, American Dental Association

Dear Colleagues,

You may have seen recent news coverage about a number of health organizations calling for mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for health care workers. You might have wondered—what is the ADA’s stance?

The ADA strongly encourages dental professionals to be vaccinated for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. The ADA is not calling for mandated vaccination.

ADA policy, “Infection Control in the Practice of Dentistry (Trans.2012:470; 2019:266)” recommends vaccination in accord with what the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends. Currently, the CDC doesn’t recommend mandated COVID-19 vaccination for health care professionals. In the future, if the CDC changes its recommendation, the ADA will be sure to share this news so you and your dental team can ensure you are following all applicable rules and regulations. For more information on current CDC guidelines specifying which immunizations are recommended for healthcare workers, including those in dental practices, please visit ADA.org (member log in required), and be sure to follow rules and regulations applicable to your location or employment situation.

The ADA was a staunch advocate for inclusion of dental professionals in Phase 1A of COVID-19 vaccine distribution, and we were successful. The CDC included us in the Phase 1A recommendation with final authority resting with individual states to prioritize populations to be offered the vaccine. Once eligible to receive the vaccine, many of you shared your own photos of being vaccinated.

Dentistry is a science and evidence-based profession, so I wanted to share some data with you. The ADA Health Policy Institute (HPI) surveyed dentists and found nearly 90 percent (89.8 percent) of dentists reported being fully vaccinated for COVID-19, while 93.4 percent of dentists reported receiving at least one dose. Clearly, dental professionals are doing their part to limit the spread of the virus, but we must keep at it.

As we continue to hear about rising infection rates due to the Delta variant, I want to repeat to you what I noted in my December 2020 message: Dentists are essential health care providers whose leadership, counsel, and example will go a long way in building vaccine confidence in our nation. Let’s do our part to move public health forward. If you haven’t already been vaccinated, please get vaccinated and encourage your team members and patients to do the same.

Let’s take our shot to help end this pandemic!

Daniel J. Klemmedson, D.D.S., M.D.