News Articles
Survey on hand pain in dental students discussed in CDA Journal collection
The latest collection of the Journal of the California Dental Association explores several topics beginning with a case study on a survey about hand pain in dental students. Dentists can earn C.E. through this collection.
CDA-sponsored bill signed into law, improves dental plan disclosures for dentists, patients
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.
California court rules employer did not discriminate against worker in COVID-vaccination termination case
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.
Thinking of bringing on a virtual assistant in the dental practice? That’s an option, but proceed with caution
HIPAA does not prohibit the use of virtual assistants, including those who work outside of the U.S. However, as HIPAA-covered entities, dentists and the business associates they contract with are responsible for ensuring assistants are trained to safeguard patient information.
Adding a new dentist or utilizing locum tenens? Here’s how to inform benefit plans and submit accurate claims
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.
Eligible California dentists, RDHs can apply by Sept. 15 for educational loan repayment
Licensed general and pediatric dentists in California who practice in a federally designated health professional shortage area can apply for educational loan repayment through the California State Loan Repayment Program. Applications reopen in July 2024.
More than money: Weighing the risks and benefits of patient refunds
When offering refunds to dental patients, it is essential to have clear policies and procedures in place. Refund policies should be communicated clearly to patients, so they understand under what circumstances refunds will be offered and what documentation may be required.
Scammers impersonating dental board staff target California dentists
Several CDA members have contacted CDA in the last week to report receiving calls from a scammer who is posing as a Dental Board of California official for the purpose of fraudulently collecting sensitive personal information and payment.
Herman Ostrow dental student takes control of her future through positive thoughts and affirmations
Each month, CDA highlights a student from one of California's seven dental schools. Get to know Somkene Okafor-Okwuego of Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry's class of 2026.
Forensic odontology and bite mark analysis: CDA Journal reviews the debate
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.
Settlement requires SmileDirectClub to change refund policy for U.S. consumers
The online orthodontics company SmileDirectClub must remove certain conditions from its refund policy for U.S. customers and release more than 17,000 customers nationwide from those provisions in the company’s nondisclosure agreements as a result of a lawsuit settled last week.
Dentists can use CDA’s new Practice Health Check to evaluate patient financial management
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.