ER visits for kids’ tooth pain are rising
More kids are going to the ER with tooth pain, and oral health policy changes could worsen that trend. We also get to know the Gen Z workforce and check out a government report that digs into market concentration among dental insurers.
Plus, check out the world record for the most teeth. A man in Malaysia has 42 teeth, according to Guinness World Records.
Kids heading to the ER with dental pain. CBS News spotlighted the growing trend of pediatric patients ending up in the ER with dental problems. Policy changes, including Medicaid cuts and roll back of fluoride water treatment, could further fuel this trend.
A push for NY dental insurance reform. The New York State Dental Association (NYSDA) is pushing for transparency into dental insurance company spending and the possibility of a dental loss ratio rule.
Principal policy change. The ADA published insight into its efforts to communicate with Principal dental insurance company regarding a recent policy change. Principal notified dentists that it now requires additional documentation for periapical radiographs.
AI for missing teeth and treatment planning. An AI algorithm could help orthodontists build treatment plans for patients with missing permanent teeth.
UChicago takes dental care mobile. As part of a research study, the University of Chicago Medicine is providing free, mobile dental care to the South Side of Chicago and the city's south suburbs.
Meet the Gen Z workforce
Gen Z is expected to become nearly a third of the workforce by 2030, according to a new article from Dental Economics. Tapping into that generation's talent requires employers to understand what they look for in a workplace. Dental practices that provide feedback, offer creative perks and prioritize mental health for employees may find success in managing Gen Z talent.
Why it matters: Building a workplace culture that works for Gen Zers can help dental practices recruit and retain new talent. (Dental Economics)
Hygienists' role in flagging medications' impact on the mouth
Dental hygienists are at the frontlines of patients' oral health. They are well-positioned to recognize changes in the mouth related to medication use. Medications such as SSRIs and statins can lead to oral side effects and systemic imbalances. Dental hygienists trained to recognize these signs can alert patients and discuss possible lab testing or supplementation, Stacy Weisman, MS, RDH, OMT, writes for Dentistry IQ.
Why it matters: Dental hygienists have the opportunity to proactively educate patients and improve their health outcomes by recognizing how medication is impacting the oral cavity. (Dentistry IQ)
GAO: Dental insurance market concentration
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) conducted a study to analyze the market concentration of private dental and vision insurance across the country. The GAO found that the three largest insurers' market share in the dental market ranged from 37.9% to 97.5% across each state. The GAO notes that this highly concentrated private health insurance market may reduce competition in the market.
Why it matters: Dental insurance is an important factor influencing how patients access oral health care. (GAO)
- Tips for good dental office management
- New WHO guidelines: Environmentally friendly oral care
- NJ woman arrested for practicing dentistry without a license
- Alabama dentist faces prison for arson, insurance fraud
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Dental Bite is curated and written by Carrie Pallardy and edited by Bianca Prieto
