Each month, CDA spotlights a student from one of California’s seven dental schools. Get to know Leopold Samba of UCSF School of Dentistry’s class of 2026.

CDA’s experts answer members’ questions about adding a new dentist or utilizing locum tenens and the accompanying considerations for the dentist’s working relationship with dental benefit plans. 

The June collection of the Journal of the California Dental Association provides insights into the latest advancements in AI technology and their potential impact on dentistry and dental professionals, while also inspiring new ideas and innovations in the field. 

Following recent settlements against providers who violated HIPAA Privacy Rule, CDA encourages its members to utilize an array of tools and resources to achieve compliance

The age-1 dental visit is a critical first opportunity for dentists to identify disease early and manage caries using conservative, nonsurgical techniques, as well as to educate the parent or caregiver about good pediatric oral health habits.

Cal/OSHA’s COVID-19 Prevention Non-Emergency Regulations took effect Feb. 3, replacing the most recent version of the emergency temporary standards that California dentists have been complying with since May 2022.

California employers still can choose to mandate COVID-19 and flu vaccination for their workers with some potential exemptions. A recent California appeals court decision provides guidance for employers who choose to do so.
 

For the first time since 2019, California dental students were able to meet in person with legislative staff and have a meet-and-greet with Assemblymember Jim Wood, DDS, at the state Capitol as part of CDA’s Grassroots Advocacy Days.
 

Recent graduates of a California dental school or board-approved dental assisting or dental hygiene educational program who meet eligibility requirements can apply for up to $5,000 through the CDA Foundation’s Webb Family Grant to support their education or training expenses.

Eligible California dentists can once again apply through CalHealthCares for up to $300K in either an educational loan repayment or practice support grant up to $300,000 in exchange for making a Medi-Cal service commitment.

CDA encourages dentists to review continuing education requirements as the dental board resumes conducting C.E. audits. Common C.E. deficiencies include failure to complete a mandatory C.E. course, the minimum required units for license renewal or a course from an approved provider.

The new year always brings new laws for employers in California, and 2023 is no exception for dental practices. The laws run the gamut of employment concerns. Many took effect Jan. 1, while others allow a grace period to fully comply. Many affect employers of every size.

Qualified California small businesses and nonprofit organizations that incurred costs for providing COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave between Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2022, can apply now for up to $50,000 through the state's relief grant program. 

On behalf of members, CDA has filed a legal action against Delta Dental of California in San Francisco Superior Court. The action challenges Delta Dental’s adjustments to Premier and PPO provider agreements effective Jan. 1, 2023.

The CDA Foundation this week announced a new partnership with the state’s Office of Oral Health to administer the state’s Community-Based Clinical Education grant and pilot a new CDA Cares clinic model throughout the state.
 

Whether you are in the process of deciding if you should contract with dental plans or need assistance managing existing dental plans, rely on CDA’s resources and experts for advice and education.

CDA member-dentists can use their voice in two important ways to support dental plan reform and CDA’s advocacy efforts this year: (1) Tell your legislator to support two CDA-sponsored bills that address loopholes in dental plan standards and regulations; and (2) Tell us how your patients’ coverage is disrupting care.
 

CDA encourages its members to take a proactive approach to employee meal and rest break compliance. Doing so requires an understanding of the regulations involved and communicating with employees about them.

CDA will host two in-person gatherings in San Diego and Ontario in late March that are especially geared toward early-career dentists who want to define or refine their career goals, but dentists in any stage of practice with an eye on the future are invited to attend. 
 

In a victory for California dentists and their patients, Gov. Newsom has signed CDA-sponsored legislation that will help dental offices communicate the details of dental plan coverage to their patients. Plans also will be required to disclose whether a patient’s plan is state or federally regulated.

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.