ADA raises concerns over dental insurer’s acquisition of dental practices

The ADA is raising concerns over a Wisconsin dental insurer’s acquisition of a chain of dental practices. Read More

ADA opposes small business tax hike

Sends Grassroots Alert, coalition letter to Senate Read More

ADA leaders: Continue covering preventive services, fluoride

Open letter written to insurance groups Read More

ADA provides recommendations on Medicaid provisions in reconciliation legislation

Association calls for preserving adult dental benefits, continuity of coverage Read More

ADA objects to surgeon general’s water fluoridation comments

The ADA is strongly opposing comments made by the Louisiana surgeon general about community water fluoridation, calling them “dangerously irresponsible.” Read More

Bill would ensure health insurance covers needed treatment

Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act would protect individuals with congenital anomalies, birth defects Read More

ADA highlights coalition’s warning on Medicaid cuts

The ADA is joining a coalition calling on Congress to reject a proposed budget resolution that would likely impose significant cuts to the Medicaid program. Read More

CDC’s Division of Oral Health gutted amid federal restructuring

ADA announces affiliation with private practice dental group

Academy for Private Dental Practice to help enhance support of dentists Read More

ADA joins broad coalition urging Congress to protect Medicaid

Says funding cuts would have “disastrous effect” on Americans, economy, health care system Read More

ADA offers discounted access to Talkspace Therapy

Users receive confidential sessions, messaging with licensed therapist Read More

Debunking dental trends

How to talk with patients about separating myth from fact Read More

What are the standards for AI use in dentistry?

ADA offers guidance on responsible use of technology Read More

Viruses surge nationwide

ADA encourages dentists to remain vigilant on infection control Read More

ADA asks CMS to allow consumers to use tax credits for dental care under certain Affordable Care Act plans

New ACA Regulations include no significant changes to dental insurance market Read More

Judge orders EPA to address impacts of fluoride in drinking water

ADA says community water fluoridation is safe Read More

PRO-HEAL Act addresses ongoing dental shortage

Bill would expand health care provider pipeline grant programs Read More

Action Alert seeks support for HSA eligibility for over-the-counter oral health care products

New bill makes oral health’s connection to overall health clear, ADA says Read More

States experience Medicaid wins

Victories include reimbursement rate increases, centralized credentialing Read More

Dental clinic operator sentenced for role in $6M pediatric fraud scheme

Medicare Just Got a Little Easier: Three Things to Know

After significant advocacy efforts from the American Dental Association (ADA), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced a proposed rule to rescind certain Medicare Part D and C requirements for providers. Read More

New Online Medicaid Complaint Form

The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) implemented a new online Medicaid Complaint Form on June 1. Read More

CODA Proposed Changes to Hygiene Standards — Your Voice Was Heard!

On Friday, Aug. 3, the CODA Commissioners voted to defeat the proposed motion to change the dental hygiene standards. Read More

Controlled Substances Heard in House and Senate

Legislation to limit opioid prescriptions, a high priority for the governor, awaits both Senate and House committees. Read More

FDA-Supported Student Loan Legislation Heard in Committee

The student loan legislation would encourage dentists to practice as Medicaid providers for the underserved. (VIDEO) Read More

False Comparison: Dental Therapists vs. Nurse Practitioners

Advocates proposing dental therapist legislation in Florida have compared dental therapists to nurse practitioners and physician assistants. This is a false comparison. Read More

Controlled Substances Passes First Senate Committee

Dental Therapist Bill Changed to a Study

On Monday, Jan. 29, the House Health Quality Subcommittee approved an amendment to HB 683 that removed the original language of the bill and replaced it with language to study the “affordability, access and delivery of dental care.” (VIDEO) Read More

Dental Student Loan Repayment Program Bills Still Awaiting Second Hearing

Dental Therapist Study Postponed

On Tuesday, Feb. 6, the House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee temporarily postponed CS/HB 683 by Rep. Daniel Perez (R-Miami). (VIDEO) Read More

Dental Student Loan Repayment Program Legislation Approved in Senate Committee

Controlled Substance Legislation Heads to Senate Floor

Dental Student Loan Repayment Program Legislation Passes Last Committee

The Dental Student Loan Repayment Program Legislation awaits to be heard by the Senate and the House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee. Read More

House Committee Moves Forward Revised Controlled Substances Legislation

The House Health & Human Services Committee passed CS/HB 21 by Rep. Jim Boyd (R-Bradenton) with a strikeall amendment on Wednesday, Feb. 21. The underlying premise of the bill remains the same, which is to limit the prescribing and dispensing of controlled substances. Read More

Controlled Substances Bill Approved by the House

Legislation to limit the prescribing of controlled substances is approved by the House, awaits the Senate. Read More

Dental Student Loan Repayment Program Legislation Not Approved This Year

Legislation filed this year to help incentivize dentists to practice in underserved areas failed to pass the full Legislature. Read More

Legislation to Create Dental Therapists in Florida Fails to Get Support

This session proved to be a year where false comparisons and distortion of information took center stage as individuals and national organizations lobbied the Legislature to change Florida’s dental workforce. Read More

New Law Limits Prescribing of Controlled Substances

CS/CS/HB 21 was signed into law by the governor on March 19 and becomes effective on July 1, 2018. This law adds a new continuing education requirement along with limits on prescribing opioids. Read More

New! Mandatory Opioid Course for Florida-Licensed Dentists

All licensed dentists must take a two-hour continuing education (CE) course on opioid training by Jan. 31, 2019. Read More

Board of Dentistry Meets in Tallahassee

On May 18, 2018, the Board of Dentistry covered topics such as the new opioid legislation, dental therapists, restorative function, and more. Read More

What You Need to Know About Dental Therapists

This past legislative session, the Florida Dental Association (FDA) was successful in defeating legislation that would have allowed a high school graduate with three years of dental therapy training extract permanent teeth, perform partial root canals and administer local anesthesia under the general supervision of a dentist. Read More

Implementation of New Controlled Substances Legislation

As of July 1, Florida’s new law (HB 21) on the prescribing of controlled substances took effect. To make sure you are up to date on what you need to know, here’s a brief summary. Read More

AHCA Announces Prepaid Dental Contracts Under Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Program

The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) announced its intent to award contracts to MCNA Dental, DentaQuest of Florida and Liberty Dental Plan of Florida to provide dental services under the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) program. The dental plans will each provide services statewide. Read More

Board of Dentistry Meets in Orlando

On Nov. 17, 2017, the Board of Dentistry heard presentations about laser therapy, hygiene, and a dental sedation center. Read More

Dr. Paramore's Update on New Opioid Law

FDA President Dr. Jolene Paramore provides an update on the new opioid legislation and awaits the next Board of Dentistry meeting. (VIDEO)

Opioid Basics, FAQs and the BOD Rule

Read the basics required by the opioid legislation passed during the 2018 Legislative Session, frequently asked questions to assist in clarifying issues that surface when implementing new legislation, and the recently finalized and approved Rule 64B5-17.0045, Standards for the Prescribing of Controlled Substances for the Treatment of Acute Pain. Read More

Board of Dentistry Meets in Tampa

On Aug. 25, 2018, the Board of Dentistry covered topics such as the radiography program and restorative function dental auxiliary proposals, anesthesia, hygienist supervision levels and the recent opioid legislation. Read More

Board of Dentistry Meets in Lake Mary

On Nov. 16, 2018, the Board of Dentistry covered topics such as anesthesia rules, the BOD budget and restorative function dental auxiliary proposal. Read More

Here's the 4-1-1 on Dental Therapy

Florida has become a targeted state for dental therapy legislation. Here's the information you need to know about what that means. Read More

Dental Therapy Bills Filed

Legislation has been filed to license dental therapists in Florida. The Florida Dental Association (FDA) is opposed to dental therapy legislation. Florida does not need another licensed dental professional. Read More

Recent Email Outreach from Pew Regarding Dental Therapy

This week you may have received an email from The Pew Charitable Trusts regarding a proposal to introduce a new licensed provider to Florida, called a dental therapist. This communication did not come through the Florida Dental Association (FDA), nor did the FDA provide member emails to this entity. Read More

Statewide Medicaid Managed Care: Continuity of Care Provisions

The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) contracts with Medicaid health and dental plans to provide services to health plan enrollees in the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) program. AHCA recently entered into new contracts with health and dental plans. As part of those contracts, the ACHA achieved program changes that greatly benefit enrollees and providers. Read More

Continuity of Care Period Extended for Recipients in Regions 9, 10 and 11 for MFC Services, EIS and Child Health Services TCM

The Agency for Health Care Administration (ACHA) contracts with Medicaid health and dental plans to provide services to health plan enrollees in the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) program. Read More

Dental Therapy Legislation Failed to Get Support

The Florida Dental Association (FDA) would like to thank everyone who contacted members on the Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee and asked them to VOTE NO on SB 684 and SB 686 by Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg), which would have authorized licensure for dental therapists. Read More

Statewide Task Force on Opioid Drug Abuse

On Monday, March 18, the Senate Health Policy Committee approved SB 1658 by Sen. Wilton Simpson (R-Spring Hill). Read More

FDA-supported Bills on the Move

The 2019 Legislative Session started on Tuesday, March 5 and FDA-supported bills are moving through the committee hearing process. On Monday, March 4, three FDA-supported bills unanimously passed out of the Senate Health Policy Committee. Read More

FDA Opposes Dental Therapy Legislation

The FDA opposes legislation filed to create dental therapists in Florida, which includes SB 684 and SB 686 by Sen. Brandes, HB 649 by Rep. Plasencia and HB 471 by Rep. Fernandez-Barquin. Read More

Board of Dentistry Meets in Gainesville

On Friday, Feb. 15, the Board of Dentistry covered topics such as the Dental Sedation Workshop, and revisions and modifications to several rules. Read More

Govenor Announces Task Force on Opioid Abuse

On Monday, April 1, the governor announced the creation of a Statewide Task Force on Opioid Abuse and the re-establishment of the Office of Drug Control within the Executive Office of the Governor to address Florida’s substance abuse crisis. Read More

Dental Student Loan Repayment Program

On Tuesday, April 9, SB 716 by Sen. Ed Hooper (R-Palm Harbor) passed unanimously out of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. Read More

Dental Student Loan Repayment Program

On Friday, April 26, the Senate considered CS/SB 7078 by Sen. Gayle Harrell (R-Stuart), which includes several different health care policy issues. Read More

Continuing Education for Dentists on Controlled Substances

FDA-supported legislation passed in HB 549 by Rep. Tyler Sirois (R-Merritt Island) that will require dentists to take a two-hour continuing education (CE) course on the safe and effective prescribing of controlled substances during licensure renewal. Read More

FDA's Priority Legislation Approved by the Legislature

The Florida Legislature approved the FDA’s priority legislation that reinstates the dental student loan repayment program and expands the Donated Dental Services (DDS) program in CS/HB 843 by Rep. Ana Maria Rodriguez (R-Doral). Read More

Are You Interested in Becoming a BOD Member?

Did you know there currently are two open positions on the Florida Board of Dentistry (BOD)? A dentist position and a consumer position are both vacant. Read More

FDA Applauds Signing of Dental Care Access Legislation

This week, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law HB 843, which will reestablish a dental student loan repayment program for dentists who practice as Medicaid providers serving low income patients in designated rural and underserved areas. Read More

Information on Nonopioid Alternatives for the Treatment of Pain Pamphlet

House Bill 451, Nonopioid Alternatives, was approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis and became effective on July 1. Read More

Non-DEA License Holders are Now Required to take a Two-hour Opioid Prescribing Course

New legislation requires all dentists, regardless of DEA licensing, to take a two-hour continuing education (CE) course on the safe and effective prescribing of controlled substances during licensure renewal. The license renewal deadline is Feb. 29, 2020. Read More

Florida Board of Dentistry Meets in Orlando

On Friday, May 17, the Florida Board of Dentistry (BOD) covered topics such as an interstate licensure compact, an anesthesia inspection program, sterilization rules and a proposal for RFDA for dental assistants. Read More

Dental Therapy Legislation Filed

Legislation has been filed again to create a new dental licensed provider called a dental therapist. Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) has filed SB 152. Read More

Florida Board of Dentistry Meets in Jacksonville

On Friday, Aug. 23, the Florida Board of Dentistry (BOD) covered topics such as a petition for variance of waiver of rule that requires only a dentist employ another dentist, as well as updates to the sterilization and anesthesia rules. Read More

Live ADA seminars to tackle dentists’ biggest insurance issues

The ADA News’ “Dear ADA” series is coming to dentists live through free, virtual seminars hosted by the American Dental Association. Read More

Dentists file class action lawsuits against Delta Dental in four states

California attorney general reaches settlement with Aspen Dental over corporate practice claims

Aspen Dental allegedly exceeded its business management and administrative services role. Read More

ADA urges FDA to reconsider proposed pathway for flavored e-cigarette authorizations

The ADA is urging the FDA to revise portions of its proposed guidance on flavored electronic nicotine delivery systems. Read More

HHS Office for Civil Rights extends compliance deadline for digital accessibility final rule to May 2027

The regulation applies to dental practices that receive federal financial assistance. Read More

HHS Office for Civil Rights Extends deadline for compliance with final rule on digital accessibility to May 2027

The regulation applies to dental practices that receive federal financial assistance. Read More

ADA seeks input on proposed CMS rule on interoperability, prior authorization

The ADA will host a call May 21 to collect feedback from dental stakeholders to help inform its response to CMS about the rule. Read More

Comply by May 11 with final rule on digital accessibility

The regulation applies to dental practices that receive federal financial assistance. Read More

ADA Member Advantage endorses HP for technology solutions

The endorsement provides ADA members with exclusive access to advanced technology solutions and significant cost savings. Read More

ADA council addresses orthopedic guideline on dental care for prosthetic joint patients

The orthopedic guideline’s primary recommendations on antibiotic prophylaxis align with the ADA’s own clinical practice guideline from 2015. Read More

May JADA evaluates ability of automated testing platform to detect HPV in saliva

The study compared the abilities of an automated testing platform and conventional testing techniques to detect HPV. Read More

Education Department finalizes student loan rule implementing 2025 law

The U.S. Department of Education released a final rule updating federal student loan regulations under Title IV of the Higher Education Act. Read More

Colorado enacts dental insurance reform targeting network leasing practices 

Gov. Jared Polis signed House Bill 1070 into law, establishing new requirements for dental insurance network leasing practices in Colorado. Read More

Organized Dentistry Coalition calls for protection of federal oral health infrastructure

The ODC is calling for continued support of federal oral health programs within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Read More

ADA urges FTC Healthcare Task Force to scrutinize dental insurance markets, improve transparency 

The ADA is calling on the Federal Trade Commission to more closely examine competition and transparency in dental insurance. Read More

ADA selects firm to conduct governance and organizational health evaluation

The ADA has selected Vista Cova, a consulting firm with extensive experience in nonprofit and association management. Read More

ADA 2026 Scientific Session to tackle real clinical challenges faced by dentists

The CE program will bring together leading experts to provide actionable insights. Read More

You Ask, We Answer: Does water fluoridation present unusual safety concerns for water facility operators?

The ADA News is delving into many questions explored in Fluoridation Facts through conversations with experts. Read More

US Olympic & Paralympic Committee seeks dentists to join volunteer network

The committee is seeking dentists to join its volunteer network to provide free basic dental care to eligible athletes. Read More

Guide offers resources, data dentists can use to encourage HPV vaccination

The latest action guide from the National HPV Vaccination Roundtable outlines steps dentists can take to help prevent oropharyngeal cancer. Read More

Health organizations press Congress to boost Indian Health Service funding

The AI/AN Health Partners sent letters to House and Senate appropriators urging increased funding for IHS in fiscal year 2027. Read More

ADA releases updated sedation and anesthesia guidelines

The guidelines reflect current, evidence-informed standards to support consistency, preparedness and patient safety across the profession. Read More

ADA seeks feedback on recommendations for using salivary tests in oral cancer detection

The ADA Living Guideline Program is accepting comments through May 1. Read More

Oklahoma strengthens noncovered services protections in new law

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt signed into law a bill clarifying that dental insurance companies may not set fees for services they do not cover. Read More

New research reaffirms recommended fluoride levels do not negatively affect IQ

A recent study found no evidence that water fluoridation is negatively associated with adolescent IQ or adult cognitive functioning. Read More