Two CDA-sponsored bills introduced this month, including one authored by Assemblymember Jim Wood, DDS, continue CDA’s legislative efforts to hold dental insurance plans accountable and move toward more meaningful dental coverage.

Legislation introduced this month tackles California’s dental assistant workforce shortage on two fronts – both by updating scope of practice and creating new pathways to licensure, including by shortening the current required on-the-job training.

Every month, CDA highlights a student from one of California’s seven dental schools. Get to know Andrew Galang of California Northstate University’s class of 2025.

Every month, CDA highlights a student from one of California’s seven dental schools. Get to know Andrew Duong of California Northstate University’s class of 2026.

Local dental societies and dentists have successfully launched dental assistant training programs to provide effective, accelerated training to the labor force in their areas. Some of these utilize CDA’s Dental Assistant Training curriculum. Learn more about these local programs and CDA’s upcoming Smile Crew CA Dental Assistant Training Bootcamp. 

Dentists are uniquely positioned to be part of the solution to reducing the harm of the current opioid/fentanyl crisis. Along with limiting the distribution of prescription opioids, dentists can take an active role in community efforts to raise awareness and increase access to naloxone.

Every quarter, CDA publishes a Practice Health Check focusing on a different topic related to the business side of dentistry. Dental plan benefits are the focus in the fourth quarter of 2023. CDA members are invited to take the Q4 Practice Health Check evaluating one key question.

Every quarter, CDA publishes a Practice Health Check focusing on a different topic related to the business side of dentistry. Employee meal and rest breaks, leaves of absence, and other employment matters are the focus during the first quarter of 2023. CDA members are invited to take the Q1Practice Health Check consisting of just three questions.

Every quarter, CDA publishes a Practice Health Check focusing on a different topic related to the business side of dentistry. HIPAA compliance, specifically patients’ access to their records, is the focus in the second quarter of 2023. CDA members are invited to take the Q2 Practice Health Check consisting of just three questions.

Every quarter, CDA publishes a Practice Health Check focusing on a different topic related to the business side of dentistry. Patient financial management is the focus in the third quarter of 2023. CDA members are invited to take the Q3 Practice Health Check consisting of just three questions.

The IRS has warned that predatory businesses offer filing assistance for large fees to businesses that are not actually eligible to claim Employee Retention credit. Dentists should consult with a trusted tax preparer or advisor before claiming this credit.

Dentists and other authorized prescribers across the U.S. will be required under a new federal law to complete eight hours of instruction on treating and managing patients with opioid and other substance use disorders prior to renewing or obtaining a DEA registration.

Dentists and dental professionals should watch for the updated oral health assessment form and be ready to complete section 2. State law requires every child in public school in California to have this assessment completed by May 31 of their first year in school.

The collection’s discussions, review articles and guidance cover all aspects of running a dental practice, from creating an annual business plan to achieve practice success to fostering employee engagement and retention and understanding the practice evaluation process.

Dental practices must print and display in the workplace two revised posters issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. One poster pertains to lactation accommodation and the second to the Employee Polygraph Protection Act. 
 

Obtaining proper, legal consent for nonverbal adults is of paramount importance in the dental practice. By becoming familiar with local laws, employing effective communication strategies, involving caregivers and advocate, and maintaining documentation, dentists can provide ethical care for a vulnerable population. 

Effective communication and a basic understanding of the Americans with Disabilities Act are important tools to reduce risk and improve care for patients with special needs. One call to TDIC’s Risk Management Advice Line illustrates how AwDA violations might occur when practice protocols are not in place. 

Space sharing — that is, sharing space or renting an operatory in an established dental office — may be a viable option for dentists in various stages of their career if the terms are carefully considered by both parties and all proper steps are taken.

The CDC recommends that individuals receive their flu vaccination in September or October. Some cities and counties in California mandate that certain health care workers, including workers in dental offices, receive the flu vaccine. 
 

The July 2023 collection of the Journal of the California Dental Association focuses on forensic odontology: the application of dental knowledge to the field of law enforcement and death investigations.
 

Important new and ongoing services for Medi-Cal Dental patients include language translation and free transportation to and from their appointments. Learn about all the services available, as well as assistance and training to help dentists establish and provide care for Medi-Cal Dental patients. 

CDA Presents in Anaheim May 18-20 will feature opportunities to learn from CDA’s experts and earn C.E. credit. 

In another legislative victory for California dentists and their patients, Gov. Gavin Newsom last night signed the latest CDA-sponsored bill strengthening dental plan coverage requirements and transparency. 
 

Identity or treatment plan mistakes can occur in any dental practice. Research by TDIC’s analysts reveals the most commonly occurring elements are referral slip errors, performance or production pressure and staffing shortages. Prevention requires a proactive approach.

A coalition of health care organizations including CDA has filed a ballot measure for the November 2024 election to protect and expand funding for California’s Medi-Cal program, improving access to care for generations to come.