New law limits PE involvement in dentistry care decisions
Fluoride is back in the headlines thanks to a new study that counters claims of fluoridated water's negative impact on IQ. In fact, the results point to the opposite effect. Plus, we take a look at how digital communication benefits patients.
If you're in the holiday mood, there's a new movie that features a trip to the dentist on Christmas Eve.
VR for dental patients. Startup Paperplane Therapeutics raised $1.06 million to make virtual reality games to help patients cope with pain and anxiety.
Rethinking dental training. In an episode of "The Podcast by KevinMD," dentist Lincoln Harris argues that dentists need to train more like pilots to be adequately prepared for high-stress situations.
Palate expander popularity. Palate expanders are reportedly growing in popularity among pre-teens.
Surprising factors hurting profitability. Beware of issues, like unrefunded insurance credit balances and inaccurate tracking of insurance write-offs, that can sneak up on you and hurt the bottom line.
Dental employee accused of theft. A former employee is accused of stealing more than $600,000 from a dental practice in South Carolina.
New California laws limit PE involvement in health care
Senate Bill 351 and Assembly Bill 1415 are now law in California. Under the first law, private equity firms are not allowed to influence or control dentists' and physicians' clinical decision-making. Under the second law, the state's Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA) has expanded oversight to scrutinize health care transactions involving private equity firms, hedge funds and MSOs.
Why it matters: Private equity firms are interested in dental practices, but new legislation limits how they can be involved in health care deals. That's a big win. (Quarles)
Digital communication and confident dental patients
Digital communication has become a mainstay in dentistry. It can be a powerful tool that helps dentists shape the patient experience, but they need to know how to use it. An article for Programming Insider delves into how transparent, consistent and accessible digital communication can educate patients, reduce their anxiety and boost their overall confidence in moving forward with care.
Why it matters: The way dentists communicate with patients outside of the office impacts patient anxiety and trust. (Programming Insider)
More research on fluoride and brain function
Scientists published a new study that examines how recommended fluoride amounts in drinking water impact cognition. In contradiction to claims that the mineral lowers IQ, this study found that fluoride had no negative impact on cognition. It found that children exposed to fluoridated water had higher academic performance. While the results do not mean fluoride is responsible for better brain function, there is a correlation.
Why it matters: Research like this contributes to evidence of fluoride as a public health benefit as the fluoridated water debate continues. (New Atlas)
- The latest in full-arch implant rehabilitation
- Dentists' role in tackling antimicrobial resistance
- Is dentists' job satisfaction in peril?
- Kornberg School of Dentistry to develop clinic for rural health
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Dental Bite is curated and written by Carrie Pallardy and edited by Lesley McKenzie.
