News Articles

This CDA Journal collection includes an update on efforts to integrate dental coverage in the Medicare program, a review of recent data on the number of patients who seek dental care at hospital emergency departments and other articles. 

Seeking specialized advice from risk management experts is essential for addressing the complexities of running a dental practice and managing employee dynamics. Collaboration with TDIC’s Advice Line analysts contributes to the long-term viability, success and prosperity of the dental practice.

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.

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.

Dentists and X-ray machine registrants must properly document occupational exposure to radiation and maintain those records in anticipation of periodic inspections. In California, dental offices are to be inspected every five years and may be scheduled for an on-site inspection. 

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.

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. 

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. 
 

Through The Dentists Insurance Company, CDA continues to hear from concerned members who have received non-renewal notices from their business owner insurance carriers. As insurance companies discontinue offering policies that dentists in California rely on, members can count on their CDA benefits for support.

A new Los Angeles city ordinance requires employers who hire and retain freelance workers within the city to provide a written contract and timely payment among other things and also established certain rights for freelance workers. 

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. 

Each month, CDA highlights a student from one of California's seven dental schools. Get to know Narges Mirjalili of Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry's class of 2024.