Open Wide - The Official Blog of The Chicago Dental Society

Statement on Pediatrics study: Access to dental care among children in Medicaid/CHIP programs

noreply@blogger.com (Keri Kramer) — Tue, 24 May 2011 20:56:00 +0000

The journal Pediatrics published a study yesterday that found children enrolled in Medicaid/CHIP programs face serious problems accessing dental care in Cook County. The study compared children enrolled in Medicaid/CHIP to children covered by private insurance. (See Reuters coverage of the study.)

Illinois State Dental Society (ISDS) and Chicago Dental Society (CDS) agree with the central finding of this study that there are disparities in access to dental care for children in Medicaid/CHIP.

The societies also agree with the study that a significant barrier to access for Medicaid patients is the low reimbursement rate for dental services. Illinois, in fact, has among the lowest funding rates in the nation for critical dental procedures.

ISDS and CDS also point to the crisis state of the dental safety net in Cook County as further complicating this issue. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, there are only 168 community-based dental clinics left operating in Illinois. That is just one dental clinic for every 8,400 children enrolled in Medicaid.

The Chicago Department of Public Health has shuttered nearly all its dental clinics in the city, while Cook County Department of Public Health closed half of its dental programs in the suburbs. The few suburban dental clinics remaining do not accept Medicaid/CHIP for dental care.

In light of these developments, ISDS and CDS have made access to care in the metro Chicago area a focus of their efforts. ISDS leads Bridge to Healthy Smiles, a coalition of oral health care advocates and community groups with a mission of bringing dental care to millions of low-income families throughout the state. A cornerstone of their efforts has been increasing Medicaid acceptance.

CDS has advocated at the county level to increase the dental services budget. These efforts have been rewarded with a promise from Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle to allocate $1 million to improving dental care access.

Both societies support dental clinics and community programs through the work of their foundations, the ISDS Foundation and the CDS Foundation.

Illinois State Dental Society counts more than 6,600 Illinois dentists and 1,000 dental hygienists as members. Through communication, education, and legislation, ISDS represents the dental profession and improving dental health across the state. ISDS is a state society of the American Dental Association.

Chicago Dental Society represents more than 4,000 dentists in the metro Chicago area, organizes the annual Midwinter Meeting, and advocates for improving oral health for all. The society is the largest local affiliate of the Illinois State Dental Society and the American Dental Association.

Please note: The study incorrectly states that any dentist can be reimbursed by Medicaid for providing emergency services to a Medicaid patient. Per the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, this is not true. Only dentists who have signed up to accept Medicaid patients may bill for services.

Dentists selling patients on unnecessary treatment

noreply@blogger.com (Keri Kramer) — Fri, 06 May 2011 16:21:00 +0000

Last night, CBS 2 Chicago’s investigative reporter Dave Savini ran a segment on how dentists purportedly are over-treating their patients to make up for lost income in this tough economy. The basis for this claim was two patients who had complaints against their dentists, along with commentary from another dentist who said that he has personally noticed a surge in this unethical behavior.

The Chicago Dental Society, an association of 4,000 dentists in the metro Chicago area, considers this segment weak journalism. To stretch two people's negative experiences--without any supporting research--into a condemnation of an entire profession that is in fact dedicated to improving people’s health is sensationalism. The only takeaway message that CDS agrees with from this piece is that patients should seek a second opinion about treatment if they have concerns.

CDS encourages patients to find a dentist they are comfortable with and establish a trusting relationship. There are many personalities in the dental profession—patients should seek one that is match for their needs. A strong dentist-patient relationship is vital to maintaining good oral health.

Those who would like to weigh in on the piece can post comment on the CBS 2 Chicago website or at their Facebook page.

We're reposting this entry to the CDS Facebook page as well.

CE from virtual reality meeting now available on demand

noreply@blogger.com (Keri Kramer) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 20:57:00 +0000

On April 20, dental professionals from around the world joined CDS online for our first foray into virtual reality meetings.

If you couldn't join us, you can still benefit from the meeting.

Now through October 20, any dental professional can register for free to watch the recorded presentations. Watch any lecture from the comfort of your home or office and still earn CE credits.

Each one-hour course awards one hour of CE. Speakers include:

Damon Adams, DDS: Ceramic Materials
Derrick Booker: The Virtually Plaque-free Patient
Barry Freydberg, DDS: Sleep Apnea
Ronald Jackson, DDS: Posterior Composites
Denis Lynch, DDS: Managing Xerostomia
Martin Nager, DDS: Periodontal Clinical Update

Dental Crisis in DuPage County Worsens

noreply@blogger.com (Keri Kramer) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 16:16:00 +0000

Last month, the Chicago Tribune reported that DuPage Community Clinic would be closing its dental program at the end of June. An article published recently in the Daily Herald suggests that DuPage County Health Department was working on ways to accommodate a surge in new dental patients.

But for the Chicago Dental Society, concerns remain about how the low-income residents of DuPage County will access needed dental care. CDS offers the following statement.

Dental Crisis in DuPage County Worsens, Says Chicago Dental Society
Few options for dental care to thousands of low-income residents once treated at DuPage Community Clinic

Chicago Dental Society, an association of dentists in the metro Chicago area, expresses concern that low-income residents will have few options for dental care after DuPage Community Clinic ends its dental care program.

The clinic treats approximately 1,500 patients a year and is one of the few in the metro Chicago area that can provide comprehensive dental care, such root canals and crowns, in addition to fillings, extractions and cleanings. According to clinic records, a team of 30 volunteer dentists provided $500,000 in care in 2010.

Plans to close the dental program on June 30, 2011, were announced last month.

CDS is very concerned about where these patients will go for care after the program ends. The only option in the county at this time is the DuPage County Health Department, whose staffing may not yet be able to handle such a huge influx of patients.

CDS calls upon the clinic to ensure that patients are transferred appropriately to ensure continuity of care and, if the clinic must close, that the dental equipment once used at the clinic be moved to another site where it can continue to be used. CDS also impresses upon county officials to allocate resources to help the Department of Health meet the dental needs of county residents.

Chicago Dental Society is an association of 4,000 dentists in Cook, Lake and DuPage Counties and advocate for improving oral health care for all. The society is the local affiliate of the American Dental Association and Illinois State Dental Society.

CDS hosts its first-ever virtual reality meeting on April 20

noreply@blogger.com (Keri Kramer) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 17:15:00 +0000

Instead of our usual regional meeting in Oak Brook, CDS is hosting its first-ever virtual reality meeting on April 20. Registration for this meeting is free to all participants, whether you're a member or not.

If you're not sure what a virtual reality meeting is like, watch this quick video that explains how it works.

You can participate in the meeting from the comfort of your home or office while earning CE credits. Each one-hour course awards one hour of CE. Speakers include:

Damon Adams, DDS: Ceramic Materials
Derrick Booker: The Virtually Plaque-free Patient
Barry Freydberg, DDS: Sleep Apnea
Ronald Jackson, DDS: Posterior Composites
Denis Lynch, DDS: Managing Xerostomia

Tron suit not required to participate.

Martin Nager, DDS: Periodontal Clinical Update

There's also an exhibit floor where you can interact with salespeople in real time and visit booths for the chance to win prizes like an iPad or Kindle.

Registration is open now.

Midwinter 2011: Getting Iso-Active

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 18:50:00 +0000

Midwinter 2011: Introducing Archtek's Toothpaste Tablets

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 16:04:00 +0000

Archtek introduces the Toothpaste Tablet at the Midwinter Meeting:

The Toothpaste Tablets were awarded Top Innovative Consumer Product for 2011 by Dental Advisor Magazine.

Exhibit Floor Day 2 in Review

noreply@blogger.com (Ambar Mentor) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 22:13:00 +0000

Exhibit floor is winding down for the day - but we had a great time meeting new friends and learning about the latest innovations in dentistry. Check out our photo summary. See you tomorrow!

The Sports Dentistry Side of Your Practice with Dr. Douglas Lambert

noreply@blogger.com (Ambar Mentor) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 21:57:00 +0000

Athletic dental injuries are on the rise and according our recent survey of member dentists, basketball and hockey top the list of sports that cause the most dental injury to patients.

Dr. Douglas Lambert taught a course on sports dentistry this morning. He tells us about the most recent trends in this field and how dentists should prepare for dental emergencies.

Roundup of New Kids Products

noreply@blogger.com (Ambar Mentor) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 18:04:00 +0000

Children sometimes need a little encouragement - and some fun - to make brushing and flossing a daily habit. This year's Midwinter Meeting brings several new kid-focused dental products to dentists and consumers. From electronic toothbrushes and irrigation systems to toothbrushes covered with toys and cartoons, here's a look at the latest dental treats for kids on the exhibit floor.

Midwinter 2011: Meeting with Hu-Friedy and Nevi

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 16:45:00 +0000

We met with Iris Garberina of Hu-Friedy and she introduced us to Nevi, the company's mascot.

Forensic Dentistry - Dispelling the CSI Myth

noreply@blogger.com (Ambar Mentor) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 16:21:00 +0000

A critical part of the Midwinter Meeting are the hundreds of continuing education courses being offered to dentists and dental professionals.

Dr. Anthony "Rick" Cardoza is leading a class on forensic dentistry this morning. Because of forensic fare on popular television shows, Dr. Cardoza wants to set the record straight on how this practice works with the legal system. He took a moment to chat us before class began.

Midwinter 2011: Under Armour performance mouthwear

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 15:59:00 +0000

Meetup Wrap-up

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 15:43:00 +0000

Dr. Lipscomb and Dr. Jablow presented two social media Meetup sessions during the first day of Midwinter 2011. Covering a wide array of platforms from Facebook to Twitter to Foursquare to tactics like QR codes to extend your practice's word-of-mouth marketing, each session presented insight into the social media side of dentistry.

CDS would like to send thanks to Dr. Bicuspid for helping bring the doctors to Midwinter 2011 to share their expertise. Attendees asked a variety of questions ranging from how to get an entire practice involved with social media to promote the business and attract attention from new customers to how to deal with negative comments on review websites like Yelp or Google listings.

Stay tuned to the CDS Facebook page for more insight from the Meetup sessions.

3D Imaging on Wheels

noreply@blogger.com (Ambar Mentor) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 22:20:00 +0000

We were intrigued by this big van in the middle of the exhibit floor.

Turns out, its a mobile imaging unit that provides 3D scans for treatment planning, owned and operated by Deborah Vessell. She tells us about the service and how it helps dentists.

Welcome to Midwinter Meeting 2011!

noreply@blogger.com (Ambar Mentor) — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 17:35:00 +0000

The Midwinter Meeting kicked off this morning and we're ready to bring you updates on the latest showings, interviews with local dentists, and updates from our two Meet Up events today. More from us soon, but for now check out the line of folks ready to enjoy the day.

See you at Midwinter tomorrow!

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 21:59:00 +0000

We're setting up camp at McCormick Place West for the 146th annual Midwinter Meeting.

If you're attending and a twitter user, follow CDS, our hashtag (#CDS2011) or our list of attendees for a more in-depth look at Midwinter.

The image for this post comes courtesy of Chicago's RedEye from their February 23 edition. Click the image to view the full-sized version on CDS' flickr account.

Hope to see you there–safe travels!

Join CDS and Dr. Bicuspid for the 2011 Midwinter Meetup

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 17:05:00 +0000

Do you wonder how social media tools like Facebook and Twitter can benefit your practice?

Wonder no more! Together with DrBicuspid.com, CDS is hosting a Meetup on the first day of the Midwinter Meeting–Thursday, February 24. We invite you to register for one of the two sessions to be held in Room W474A, the press conference room in McCormick Place's West Building.

We're bringing dentists together with two noted experts to discuss how social media can affect--and help--your dental practice.

Dr. Jason Lipscomb (@SocialMediaDent) and Dr. Marty Jablow (@jablow) will both share their insight and expertise in working social media into dental practices.

In addition, attendees will be entered in a prize drawing to win a copy of Dr. Lipscomb's book, Social Media for Dentists.

Register today for one of the sessions and leave a question or two in the comments that we can pass along to the experts before the event.

CDS drops the puck with the Chicago Wolves for Children's Dental Health Month

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 17:34:00 +0000

Chicago Wolves mascot Skates knows the importance of dental health, that's why he stopped by CDS member Dr. Mark Humenik's office for a check-up and thorough cleaning.

CDS and the Chicago Wolves have teamed up to celebrate Children's Dental Health Month in February by offering CDS members and their patients discounted tickets to all February Wolves games—with Saturday, February 5 as "Children’s Dental Health Awareness Night". Visit CDS.org/Wolves to download a flyer to order your tickets today and read our tips on what to do in event of a dental injury. You can also use our Dentist Finder to schedule your next check up–just like Skates did.

The Cook County Board is talking about access to dental care!

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 20:42:00 +0000

Facts like these prompted them to inventory their existing dental services:

· More than 1.4 million Cook County residents are registered for government healthcare - nearly half of the state’s public aid population.

· It is estimated that one-third of Illinois’ underserved population lives in Cook County.

· There is just one clinic for every 15,700 uninsured children on public aid. There are thousands more children who don’t qualify for public aid that lack access to dental care.

· In Chicago, 64 percent of third graders have experienced cavities and 36 percent have untreated cavities.

· Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) dental clinics offer only basic dental care referring specialty procedures to Stroger Hospital Oral Surgery or University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry where patients can wait another two to three months for treatment.

· Between 2005-2009, Cook County closed half of its dental clinics, leaving just four clinics in Bridgeview, Ford Heights, Maywood and Rolling Meadows. This resulted in the majority of the county’s population having no access to dental services.

· In 2000, the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) served close to 11,900 dental patients. In 2009, fewer than 5,000 patients were treated.

· There are no county operated dental clinics in the City of Chicago.

· The average wait time for initial and follow-up visits is two to three months.

· The average wait time for emergency care is three weeks.

Read more about the Cook County Board’s discussion here. https://www.cds.org/for_your_practice/professional_news_articles/bridges.html

National Museum of Dentistry Features Toothy Toys Throughout the Ages

noreply@blogger.com (Ambar Mentor) — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 21:44:00 +0000

Super heroes, princesses and cartoon characters, all do their part to help attract kids to good...dental hygiene habits?

USA Today shares information on “Open Wide! Toothy Toys That Made Us Smile,” an exhibit at the National Museum of Dentistry in Baltimore showcasing toys used to attract the attention of and promote proper hygiene to kids from the 40s to today.

So what’s changed since the Golden Era? It’s unlikely that many kids today will want a Hopalong Cassidy cowboy toothbrush as the Disney Princesses and Spider-man are the hygiene ambassadors—emblazoned on toothbrushes and more—for today’s children.

The attraction is more than just a feature of toys: Museum director Jonathan Landers says that the exhibit is meant for kids and adults to enjoy together and that each of the toys is accompanied by information that explains its role, as public-health messages about oral hygiene progressed over time.

How do you encourage your young patients to brush, floss, and take care of their teeth? Toys, treats? Has that changed over time? Let us know in the comments.

Red Flags Rule Update

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 17:48:00 +0000

The U.S. House of Representatives Dec. 7 passed legislation exempting certain businesses, including dental practices, from the Federal Trade Commission’s Red Flags Rule. The Senate had already passed an identical bill the week before; the bill now awaits President Obama’s signature, which is expected by the end of the month.

The Red Flags Rule requires financial institutions and creditors to develop a written plan to prevent and detect identify theft. An exemption for dental practices may save your practice hundreds of dollars in implementation costs to review and understand the identity theft rules and train your staff on compliance. In fact, the American Dental Association estimates the nationwide savings associated with this exemption to be $72 million for dental offices alone.

The legislation’s passage was a result of the work of an ADA-led coalition of 28 dental, medical and business groups. Find more information about the Red Flags Rule here.

Reflecting on CDS Midwinter Meeting 2010 – see you in February 2011?

noreply@blogger.com (Ambar Mentor) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 19:54:00 +0000

Now that Chicago has seen some lasting snowfall, it really does feel like the 146th Midwinter Meeting is getting closer. Have you registered yet?

As we prepare for the upcoming Midwinter Meeting, February 24 – 26, 2011, we’d like to reflect upon MWM 2010 with some thoughts from attendees. Dentists, hygienists, vendors and everyone in between has found each MWM to be a great resource for continuing education, product announcements and networking—why do you attend MWM?

View the video above for some thoughts from a few of our fans, then join us on Facebook to let us know why you attend the Midwinter Meeting.

Red Flags update

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 17:29:00 +0000

The U.S. Senate acted unanimously yesterday to exempt certain businesses — including dental practices — from the Federal Trade Commission's Red Flags Rule. The legislation was offered by Senators John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mark Begich (D-Alaska).

Legislative action now heads to the House where dentist/Rep. Mike Simpson (R-Idaho) and Reps. John Adler (D-N.J.) and Paul Broun (R-Ga.) are expected to lead the charge in passing the Senate bill during Congress's lame-duck session.

Get more information about the Red Flags Rule from the American Dental Association.

CDS saddened by death of Michael Stablein, 2010 president

noreply@blogger.com (Rachel) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 17:33:00 +0000

Chicago Dental Society President Michael J. Stablein, DDS, PhD, died Sunday, Nov. 14, in Mexico City. He was 61.

Dr. Stablein was an active member of organized dentistry since his graduation from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry in 1978. Dr. Stablein was elected treasurer of the Chicago Dental Society in 2006, and rose through the offices. His term as president began Jan. 1, 2010.

For more information about Dr. Stablein's accomplished career and his family, click here.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, Nov. 20, at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 991 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Michael Stablein Memorial Fund, 5530 West Montrose Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60641.

At the CDS offices, expressions of sympathy are coming in from Dr. Stablein's friends around the world. Representatives of the Northwest Indiana Dental Society and the Journées Dentaires de Nice sent their condolences to all members of the Chicago Dental Society and the Stablein family.

From the Associazione Italiana Odontoiatri:
On behalf of the Associazione Italiana Odontoiatri, AIO, and its President, Dr. Salvatore Rampulla, I would like to express my sincere and heartfelt condolences to his wife, Dr. Caroline Scholtz, his children Michael, Gabriela, Andrew and Amelia, as well as to his friends from the Chicago Dental Society and from all over.
Michael has been appreciated for his human qualities and his professional capacities. Michael has been a friend. We all will miss him and keep shared moments in our minds.
Dr. Gerhard Konrad Seeberger
Dr. Salvatore Rampulla

California dentist Ben Tarsitano sent the following note:
Dr. Michael Stablein was my friend and colleague. For those of you who never met Michael, you really missed a prince of a man who represented the absolute best in dentistry and life. For those of
us who knew him, we are saddened but we have his memory.

From Dr. Orlando Monteiro da Silva, President-elect of the FDI World Dental Federation and President of the Portuguese Dental Association:
There are no words to be written or said. As I am unable to personally express to all CDS colleagues and to Dr. Stablein's family my condolences for the sad news, please accept in this way my heartfelt respects. I'll always keep in mind Michael's image of sympathy, kindness and integrity.