Enforcement of this rule, which is to improve patient access to their electronic health information, is expected to commence on this date. For more information see “Information Blocking Rule Q&A.”

Senate Bill 501, which changed requirements to hold general anesthesia and sedation permits, took effect. Any holder of a general anesthesia, conscious sedation or oral conscious sedation for minors permit is required to apply for a new permit once their current permit expires after Jan. 1, 2022. Implementing regulations and permit applications became available in August 2022. See the news article for more information.

Overview of the payment arrangements to consider once an Associate begins providing treatment in a dental practice. 

Use this form to obtain verification and proof of vaccine status for each employee's confidential personnel file.

Resources to educate patients and the public about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines and to offer vaccination for influenza and COVID–19. Included are flyers, talking points to address vaccine hesitancy, social media posts and sample language for promoting in-office vaccinations.

Answers to members' questions about Delta Dental’s announced contractual changes announced for Jan 1. 2023.

Contains a list of legally required forms, regulatory and billing considerations as you prepare for your new associate.

Explains employer obligations and employee rights, eligibility requirements among mandated leaves of absence for pregnancy and baby bonding leaves. California has multiple programs and laws that provide employees time off and wage replacement during pregnancy, maternity/paternity leave, and baby bonding.

Information regarding the requirements to comply with the No Surprises Act which became effective January 1st, 2022.  The No Surprises Act is an effort to protect individuals and provide transparency related to health care costs. Instructions as well as samples of the required notification and the Good Faith Estimate are included.

Checklist of recommended steps when recruiting and hiring new employees.

Tips and guidelines for the practice owner who wishes to establish a team bonus.

Understanding plan policies for coordinating payment of benefits when enrollees or policyholders have more than one dental benefit policy. Explanation of CA law pertaining to coordination of benefits.

With inevitable rising costs and continued staff shortages, it is critical to have a system for managing your practice’s overhead expenses to help offset the impact inflation has on your practice.

This sample letter should be customized and printed on office letterhead to notify a Third Party Payer when a temporary dentist will be filing in for a dentist on a leave of absence.  Commonly used in Locum Tenens, Disability Leave, Maternity Leave and other situations in which a licensed dentist who is not currently practicing at the office will temporarily be performing treatment on patients on behalf of a licensed dentist that is currently practicing at the office.

Provides best practice preparation and checklists for conducting performance evaluations. Includes sample form to document an evaluation of an employee's performance.

Recommended weekly training plan and tasks. Record patient chart numbers, discussion notes and signatures to document completion of all tasks.

Sample questions and note taking material for use during an interview with a potential Dental Assistant candidate. 

Trainer/Doctor Notes allow the trainer and doctor to make confidential notes regarding progress and prepare for weekly progress discussion with trainee.

California-specific application to help evaluate a candidate’s experience and skills, and information on obtaining authorization for reference checks. 

CDA has developed two options for use when advertising positions for untrained dental assistants. 

CDA recommends the use of an offer letter in conjunction with a verbal offer of employment.

Questions the practice owner should consider before hiring a new dental assistant for on-the-job and online training. 

Best practices for developing a job description outlining required qualifications, expectations and job duties for every employee. Includes sample descriptions for key positions in the dental practice.

CDA recommends the use of a job offer letter in conjunction with a verbal offer of employment.

This resource provides information on the state law regarding refund demands from a benefit plan when a patient's coverage has been retroactively terminated.  Includes a sample letter to dispute a refund request from a benefit plan after the plan has paid for services rendered.

An overview of the sales and use tax dental practices are required to collect and pay.