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GREAT SUCCESSES IN 2024
Earlier this year the ADA published their “20 Wins in 2023”, these included legislative wins, debuted the ADA Forsyth Institute, held the 1st ADA Health and Well-being Summitt and many more. (See graphic on page 10)
The Utah Dental Association has already had some Great Successes in 2024.
2024 UDA Convention
• Over 4,000 dentists, dental hygienists, assistants, office staff, spouses, and guests attend the 2024 UDA Convention held in February.
• Presentations included Periodontics, Autoimmunity, Medical Emergencies, Implants, Insurance Coding, Team Building, Communication and many others.
• 155 Exhibiting Companies were available to see the newest and greatest technology available to dentists.
Please plan to attend the 2025 UDA Convention, to be held on January 23 & 24, 2025.
UDA Advocacy Days were held at Roseman University Dental School and University of Utah School of Dentistry.
• UDA Leadership and staff presented on the importance of advocacy and working with legislative leaders in accomplishing and protecting dentistry in Utah and the nation.
ADA National Signing Days were held at both Utah Dental Schools in February.
• Presentations were shared by UDA Leadership and ADA Staff explaining the benefits of ADA/UDA membership.
• These events give D4 dental students the opportunity to ask questions about ADA/UDA membership and see what Organized dentistry is doing for each of them.
The UDA Spring Seminar was held in St. George, Utah in March.
• Spring Seminar gives attendees 6 hours of CE, while enjoying the warm weather of Southern Utah.
Please plan to attend the 2025 UDA Spring Seminar, to be held March 21, 2025.
2024 Utah Legislative Session
• The Utah Dental Association worked especially hard on House bill 58 this year.
• This bill deals with pathways for licensure for foreign trained individuals. This includes many licensed professions, not just dentists.
• The members of the UDA were able to share their concerns with their respected Representatives and Senators, this created a way for the UDA to assist in the drafting of the bill to continue to protect the public and dentists in Utah.
• The process of establishing effective and balanced pathways for foreign trained dentists to gain licensure in Utah is ongoing. UDA staff, UDA member dentists, along with representatives from DOPL are currently meeting and working towards this goal.
• Another small win for Utah Dentists during the legislative session was the extension of timely filing for insurance claims from 90 days to 120 days. This change is included in SB 31. The UDA is continuing to work toward extending this filing period even longer.
Dr Val Radmall, Rep. A. Cory Maloy, Bo Wood, Carolyn Dennis
Photo: Image licensed by Ingram Image
IMPROVING OUR ABILITY TO SEE A BRIGHTER FUTURE ASSOCIATION
Twenty years ago, I purchased my first hard-tissue laser, captivated by the sales pitch that promised painless dental work without anesthesia and no microfracturing of enamel unlike traditional burs. As a novice dentist, I eagerly embraced this new technology, ready to revolutionize my practice.
Initially, I struggled preparing cavities efficiently. The laser seemed slow, and I began to suspect that the salesman had oversold its capabilities. However, I soon realized that the issue was not the laser, but my ability to see what it was actually doing. I couldn’t see the laser’s effects on the tooth. In order to see the laser’s interaction with tissue, I needed much higher magnification. Loupes with 6x magnification transformed my laser experience. I could now accurately monitor the laser’s effect, and could adjust my distance easily for optimal cutting. My initial expectations from the sales pitch became true. I now had a laser dentistry practice.
A new microscope helped me see even better, magnifying even larger, and further revolutionized my new laser dentistry practice. Not just laser procedures, but all procedures and other aspects of my dentistry were affected by magnified vision through a microscope. Intricate details became clear and allowed me to better understand and address each tooth’s needs. My confidence and satisfaction as a dentist got a huge boost.
Today, I can’t imagine practicing without my laser or my microscopes. Many of my patients love the minimal need for anesthesia, the almost-immediate recovery, and the accurate treatment planning I can provide by using great equipment..
My laser and magnification journey mirrors my life experience as a dentist. In the beginning, I believed dentistry was an ideal career and believed the sales pitch. After facing challenges, I began to question whether the profession was all I expected.
The number one thing that changed my perspective was Involvement in organized dentistry (being a member of the UDA, etc.). I found leaders who created initiatives aimed at improving the profession and saw how collective efforts could drive progress. Engaging with UDA helped me navigate the complexities of running a practice and take advantage of much of what the American Dental Association (ADA) had to offer.
In April 2024, I flew to the national ADA Student and Dentist Lobby Day in Washington, D.C. Collaborating with dental students, and meeting with our congress members, we advocated for issues like student loan reform, dental school faculty concerns, and dental insurance practices involving non-insurance covered services. The power of collective action to achieve our goals was massive.
Soon, you will have the opportunity to engage with organized dentistry when the UDA holds CQI meetings across the state. I encourage you to attend, bring questions, and share suggestions on improving our profession in Utah. By working together, we can enhance our vision for the future and ensure the best possible outcomes for dentistry.
Let us continue to collaborate and support each other in advancing our profession. Together, we can shape a brighter future for dentistry in Utah and we can see the true value that our profession has to offer.
Dr Rodney Thornell UDA President Elect
Thank You to our 2025 UDA Convention Sponsors
Photo: Image licensed by Ingram Image
1. Do you have or have you considered an exit strategy?
2. How long do you plan on being a practice owner? If your health allows, would you like to continue practicing after that point?
3. Do you know what your practice is worth today? How do you know? When was your last Practice Valuation done?
4. Have you met with a financial planner and have a documented plan? Have you established a liquid financial resources target that will enable you to retire with your desired lifestyle/level of income?
UDA HEALTH AND WELLNESS PLAN
Many of you may have noticed that there has been a significant push at the national level for better access to resources to help improve the health and wellness of the dentists throughout the nation. The reason for this is multifold but as a whole the overall state of health and wellness amongst our profession is declining. The American Dental Association has asked each of the state dental associations to create and oversee a health and wellness plan to better facilitate that. At the state level, we have recently put together a health and wellness committee which currently consists of four dentists (two of which include the state dental director as well as a UDA board member), one dental student, a member of the UDA Alliance (spouse of a UDA dentist), and an associate director for the UDA. We currently are in the process of drafting a health and wellness plan to improve our awareness as dental students and dentists in the state and to provide resources for anyone that could benefit from them.
Our current focus falls into one of the following four categories:
1. Dentists who are currently healthy and well. It is imperative that we continually assist these dentists to maintain this state, it is easy to fall out of it into one of the below
categories, often without the provider realizing that it has happened. Our goal is to provide resources to help keep dentists that are in a good place in that place.
2. Dentists who are experiencing burnout, overwhelm, or lack of fulfillment in life. The number of dentists that slide into this category continues to increase more and more each year. Early recognition and intervention can help drastically reduce the amount of time and the severity that comes from these different types of symptoms. Often dentists get quite far down this path before recognizing that there might be a problem and reaching out for help.
3. Dentists who are experiencing anxiety and depression. We will be reaching out to licensed professionals that will have an expertise in understanding and helping other healthcare professionals in order to provide the proper assistance that dentists experiencing these conditions will benefit from. If these symptoms have progressed severely enough that you have considered harming yourself, there is a 24 hour hotline you can access through dialing 988.
4. Dentists with substance abuse concerns. With licensing to prescribe different controlled substances, often healthcare providers turn to addictive, mind-altering substances to numb the pain and help get them through the day. We want to help dentists know that there is a way out and there is help available through a confidential program that is already set up in the state of Utah known as the Utah Professionals Health Program. https://uphp.utah.gov/#
The ADA has been working hard to get resources available for dentists throughout the nation. These resources can be found on their website. https://www.ada.org/en/resources/practice/wellness They have also teamed up with the Mayo Clinic to allow all ADA members access to the Well-Being Index. Through quickly answering several questions, you can immediately get a score as to what your well-being is and see where that sits in relation to nearly 600 other dentists that have answered the same questions. This can be accessed through the ADA’s website also
We are just at the beginning stages of the process of putting together the health and wellness plan for the dentists in the state of Utah but are excited for the value that it will provide to every dentist in the state. We are currently working with the different areas of the UDA in order to help raise awareness and make resources more accessible to each of you. We look forward to providing a column in each of the future issues of the UDA Action as well as being able to help your individual districts needs. We would love any input from dentists around the state that you feel would be of benefit as we put this plan together and into action! Please reach out to Becky at the UDA. becky@uda.org
Jaren Argyle, DMD
UDA Health and Wellness Chair
Photo: Image licensed by Ingram Image
PRACTICE
A MENTOR, A FRIEND AND AN EXAMPLE
Every once in a while, an event comes along that changes how you look at things. In the same way, once in a while someone comes along that changes you personally. That is how I feel, and I am sure I am joined by many of you, about the life and example of Peter Knudson.
Dr. Peter Knudson passed away recently, and his passing has given us all a time to reflect and remember. I can’t think of Peter without smiling ~ and I can’t remember a time spent with Peter when he wasn’t smiling! Peter was always a true joy to be around, and I have been trying to put into words some specifics as to why we feel that way…… He inspires us all with his accomplishments as he practiced as an orthodontist for over 50 years. While maintaining a busy practice, he found time to be on the Brigham City Council, then served as Brigham City Mayor, then a Utah State Representative and ultimately served as a Senator in the Utah State Legislature. In his young years, he served in the US Army, and as a member of the Utah National Guard. He served as a missionary for his church and ultimately found a beautiful young woman that was every bit his equal ~ his sweet “Georgie.” He and Georgie raised four children and always kept family a priority.
Peter’s educational journey is inspiring as well! He attended the University of Utah and Utah State University before heading to University of the Pacific for dental school. Following dental school, he completed his orthodontic training at Loyola in Chicago and a residency in Staten Island, New York. Peter received the Distinguished Service Award from the Utah Dental Association and was given the Honorary Alumnus Award from the University of Utah School of Dentistry. He is a lifetime supporter of organized dentistry, an important example for each of us.
Where I became closely involved with the then Senator Knudson was in the process of the creation of the University of Utah School of Dentistry. For the school to be created, an act of legislation creating a new college at the U of U was needed. This required broad support from the legislators, and Peter was key advocate in educating leaders of the State on how a school of dentistry in Utah would be an asset for the profession and would lead to better oral health care for underserved populations. Peter joined with other key legislators and leaders in the dental community and the University of Utah in this effort. Some in the community and the profession felt threatened by the thought of a dental school in Utah, and Peter not only had the correct vision, but he also helped others understand that vision and the benefits of a dental school in Utah.
It has been said that one of Peter Knudson’s talents was making connections with people. Never was this more evident than in his diligent efforts bringing people together to create the School of Dentistry. Something I learned from Peter in this process was humility. Peter unified people around a good cause and contin-
ually deflected the credit to the group and away from himself personally. When you were around Peter, he focused on you and asked questions about what was important in your life…. never focusing on himself. Refreshing!
As I have been recently contemplating those who we elect to lead us in our community and nation, I have felt that we need more “statesmen and stateswomen” rather than politicians. That’s when it hit me…..Peter Knudson was a “statesman” in every sense. He brought people together and helped individuals and groups who disagree to find common ground. He lifted all around him and inspired us to be our best. We absolutely need more people like Peter in our lives.
We will miss Peter tremendously, but we are all better because of him. My thanks to Peter for how he has made a difference in my life personally and made a valuable positive difference for all of us in our profession and community. We will definitely remember to “keep smiling” and know that somewhere, Peter is still smiling with us.
James H. Bekker, DMD ADA Delegate
20 Wins IN 2023
Together, we accomplished so much in 2023, from advancing legislation and scientific research to delivering new resources to help you thrive. Explore these top moments at ADA.org/wins
Debuted the ADA Forsyth Institute, combining the ADA Science and Research Institute (SRI) and the Forsyth Institute into one world-class research organization driving innovations to propel dentistry forward.
Awarded a $130,000 grant from the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation to conduct research on saliva testing to monitor and predict the exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease in pediatric patients.
ADA Chief Economist Marko Vujicic, Ph.D., testified at the Senate’s first oral health hearing in a decade, about the state of oral health in the U.S. to address policies around health disparities.
Held the 1st ADA Health and Well-Being Summit bringing Tripartite stakeholders and industry experts together to support developing wellness programs for the dental community.
With the help of ADA’s State Public Affairs program, over 100 bills have been filed by 34 state dental societies looking to improve dental insurance in their state to benefit patients and dentists.
Continued fighting for improved access to care, advocating for expanded payment codes at hospital outpatient and ambulatory surgical centers so patients can avoid surgical center billing limitations that previously denied or delayed treatment.
Our “ Dental Sound Bites™” podcast won 3 national awards, surpassed 100,000 downloads and continues to bring you real talk on the biggest issues facing dentists today.
Our ADA Member App now has over 26k downloads, offering a career path quiz and expanded career resources, dental licensure support, mentorship opportunities and more.
Created ADA.org/FMLA , a central resource on Federal and State policies covering employment leave to support dentists needing time away from the practice.
We’re now on TikTok! Follow us @americandentalassoc
Increased the Laurel Road student loan refinancing discount and added a free loan consultation benefit from GradFin.
Connected 9,000+ dentists and dental professionals at SmileCon® 2023 with 300+ CE offerings, wellness sessions, speakers and networking opportunities.
Developed Artificial Intelligence (AI) standards to assure that future uses of AI and AI-based products support high quality dental care and patient safety.
Strengthened our Tripartite during the 70+ cross-country visits made to state and local dental societies and schools by ADA leaders.
Supported improving children’s dental health via 1,265 Give Kids A Smile® events nationwide.
Scientific discoveries from The Journal of the American Dental Association attracted broad attention, being cited by the media over 3,000 times.
ADA Spokespersons provided science-based oral health nformation to hundreds of media outlets, including CNN , Good Morning , The Today Show and more.
Added new member discounts from Threadfellows, Compliancy Group and Avid Traveling!
Saved 115,000 dentists’ time on paperwork by using the ADA’s Credentialing Service, powered by CAQH®
Published a new clinical practice guideline exploring management of acute dental pain in children to support your evidence-based treatment decisions.
CONVENTION
DYNAMITE OR DINOSAUR? STATE OF LIVE CONVENTIONS….
Live dental meetings have been a part of our professional culture since the founding of the ADA in 1859. The UDA was organized in 1891 and we have been meeting ever since. Of course the nature of meetings have changed over the decades as needs of dental offices have changed, but the opportunity to meet with professional colleagues periodically has always been something that was beneficial and eagerly anticipated. Our “modern” UDA convention started in 1985 at the Hotel Utah with the addition of vendors and more speakers. Traditionally the benefits of live conventions include opportunities for learning (continuing education) with our team, networking with our professional peers and others in the dental industry, product education, product purchasing at convention prices, association business and a lot of fun.
Times seem to be changing, judging by declining attendance at dental meetings nationwide -even in Utah. Since the worldwide pandemic we just went through, live dental meetings are struggling to return to “preCOVID” levels of attendance. There are many explanations being attributed to this slow return to “normal,” but as time drags on we begin to wonder if there is more to the phenomenon. During COVID we necessarily did a pivot to virtual meetings to avoid person-to-person contact and found in the process that it was easy to sit at home in our jammies and meet our CE needs; state licensing boards changed the rules temporarily to accommodate the pandemic. It has been observed that younger generations of dentists seem to gravitate to YouTube and podcasts to satisfy their thirst for knowledge, and are less likely to join and receive the benefits of organized dentistry, including live meetings. As attendance at conventions wane exhibitors are less willing to spend money to attend a meeting and exhibit their products. It becomes a self defeating proposition at that point and meetings risk becoming “dinosaurs,” eventually facing the threat of extinction?
So far we are fortunate in Utah to be regaining ground since COVID, yet we still face some of the same challenges outlined above. Our meeting is unique among dental conventions and is offered as a benefit of membership. We feel it is a “dynamite” meeting giving a lot of bang for the buck. It remains one of the least expensive means of bonding
as a dental team while receiving top notch continuing education over two days. It is a great way to network with peers and others in the dental industry. Hands-on workshops offered at very nominal fees are expanding at our Utah meeting and they are much more effective than YouTube education. We attract a large variety of exhibitors and vendors that you can learn from while exploring new products and shopping at the convention. And we try to have FUN. As we search for ways to keep our meeting relevant for all Utah dental teams amid changing times we need your help.
What You Can Do:
1) Please provide honest input on what would provide the best experience for you and your team at future meetings; we need your suggestions and we will listen (dotty@uda.org or bosey@aol.com)
2) Put the upcoming meeting date in your calendar right now, then plan around it so you can attend with your team. Remember: 23-24 January 2025 at the Salt Palace
3) Register early, starting in October 2024. Registered workshops fill up quickly and you don’t want to be left out.
4) If you are passionate about CE and meeting planning, consider volunteering to serve on the UDA Convention Committee. Call Dotty (801-261-5315) or Jerald (801-891-3911) for more info.
I hope you plan to attend our upcoming “DYNAMITE“ 2025 Convention! See you there…
Jerald Boseman, DDS
UDA Convention Coordinator
THE CHANGING WORLD OF DENTAL STAFFING
Dentistry, like many industries, is facing staffing challenges, even crises. Whether a practice is recruiting new staff members or working to build a stronger team, these challenges can have a direct effect on practice production and performance and create frustration and stress. While there are no guaranteed solutions to the staffing challenges dental practices face today, the following strategies can be taken to foster positive results when it comes to recruiting and retaining an excellent team.
Recruiting.
The practice should identify where to place advertising and then create the right advertising for each placement. Online sites are often good places to advertise, but many ads are dull and boring. The job advertisements should be more than a statement that says you’re looking to fill a certain position. The ad should be unique and create the right impression in the mind of the job seeker. In addition to a paycheck, staff members today typically want a work environment where they have a sense of purpose, feel that the leadership cares about them, can develop collegiate relationships with coworkers, and have the opportunity to grow and develop. The ad should offer an upbeat, interesting narrative that describes an exciting culture – a high-performing practice that offers excellent customer service in a team-based supportive environment with opportunities to learn and develop new skill sets, and the chance to make a difference in patients’ lives.
Phone screening.
views, but in today’s environment, practices don’t have the luxury of waiting to offer a candidate the position only to watch them accept a job in another practice.
Onboarding a new hire. New hires will need to understand and be indoctrinated into the practice’s culture. One innovative concept is to identify a staff member who will partner with the new hire for the first 6 months to answer questions, be of help, and act as a mentor. This can help the new person feel welcome and eliminate resistance to the new hire from other staff members. Have a team member help onboard the new hire can promote better teamwork and collegiality.
Creating an environment where people want to stay
There are many things a practice can do to create an enjoyable environment for its employees, like filling the staff room refrigerator with goodies, bringing in lunch, going out to dinner, having gift card giveaways, or offering extra time off. The practice could also design bonus systems that include “stay” bonuses. An incentive for employees to “stay” with the practice, such bonuses can be paid at intervals of 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20 years with escalating amounts. While stay bonuses may sound expensive, the cost of a stay bonus is far less than the cost of replacing a team member. In fact, the author’s firm estimates that the loss of a team member can cost a practice $50,000 to $100,000 in lost production. Maintaining a happy team long-term is beneficial for long-term high production.
Leadership.
A phone screening interview helps to determine whether the practice wants to offer a candidate a live interview. The phone screening is an opportunity to politely filter out candidates who either are unqualified or don’t seem to be a right fit for the practice. It also allows the practice to gather key information about a candidate in preparation for a potential live interview.
Live interview.
During the live interview, let the candidate do most of the talking. The initial part of the interview should include questions that encourage the candidate to express themself. This will help you get to know the person and whether or not they’ll fit well in the practice. Be prepared to present an offer at the first interview by considering the following:
• Would you want to work with this person?
• Do they bring energy, enthusiasm, and excitement to the interview?
• Do they have the skill set that is required for the job?
• Are they growth oriented?
In the past, jobs were often offered only after two or three inter-
In corresponding with experienced dental consultants, the author has found that today’s dental team members generally want a fun and enjoyable work environment, the opportunity to gain experience and develop their skills, the feeling that they are contributing, and coworkers that they think of as friends. In one example of the importance of leadership, a senior doctor of a practice that was exceptionally productive, efficient, and enjoyable, retired, and sold his practice to a new doctor. Unfortunately, this relatively young doctor had poor leadership skills, and within a brief time, half the staff resigned. The new doctor was uninterested in continuing the good leadership practice of the previous doctor, cut all staff activities to reduce overhead, and made several other leadership blunders.
It is important to remember that no one is perfect, and this applies to the next person you hire. Great leaders work every day to build their team to be just a little bit better day after day after day. Following the recommendations outlined above will go a long way toward building an exceptional team.
Roger Levin, DDS Compendium
Photo: Image licensed by Ingram Image
The Give Kids A Smile® (GKAS) program extends a compassionate hand to underserved children, offering them free oral health care. The program was launched nationally by the American Dental Association (ADA) Foundation in 2003. In Utah, dedicated volunteers unite to provide oral health education, screenings, and preventive and restorative services. Throughout the month of February, dental and dental hygiene schools across Utah hosted events, fostering engagement and awareness in oral health education along with delivering oral health care treatments.
GIVE KIDS A SMILE
Roseman University College of Dental Medicine hosted an event that made a significant impact. Faculty, students, and staff provided dental exams and cleanings to a record 827 children, and they provided vouchers for further treatment to those in need. The cost of the dental work provided at the event and through the vouchers distributed totaled over $744,000.
“Give Kids a Smile 2024 at Roseman College of Dental Medicine exceeded all expectations! Our goal was to provide children in the community with meaningful oral health care on the day of the event and to establish a dental home for long-term, comprehensive care. We were thrilled to serve 827 children and their families, which was a record-breaking number for us! We hope the continued success of this annual event makes a difference in the oral health of vulnerable children in our community here in Utah.” Ryan Moffat, DDS, Director of Public Health Sciences, Roseman University of Health Sciences, College of Dental Medicine
At an event co-sponsored by the North and South Salt Lake Districts of the Utah Dental Association, 80 dentists, 20 dental hygienists, and hundreds of community volunteers converged to provide care to around 400 children. The event was hosted by the University of Utah School of Dentistry in collaboration with the Utah Valley University Dental Hygiene Program. Students from these programs were able to assist the volunteer doctors delivering care. Vouchers were given to children whose dental treatment was unable to be completed that day.
Fortis College Dental Hygiene program hosted an event where they provided comprehensive care for 105 children. Services included x-rays, cleanings, fluoride varnish, and sealants. 80 children also received an examination by a dentist.
Weber State Dental Hygiene school extended their outreach by
delivering cleanings, sealants, and exams to 150 kids from three local elementary schools. Any required dental work was skillfully carried out by the dedicated team at Midtown Community Health Center.
Utah Tech University Dental Hygiene program and Special Olympics joined forces to offer dental screenings to 42 children and 14 Special Olympics athletes.
Utah College of Dental Hygiene worked with Community Health Connect to provide comprehensive dental care for 80 children at their event. Each child received a preventive dental cleaning. Other services included x-rays, cleanings, fluoride varnish, sealants, fillings, and extractions.
Collectively, these events made a significant impact by offering preventive oral health services to over 1,500 children during the month of February. They played a crucial role in extending dental care to underserved areas, ensuring the well-being of young individuals across Utah. We eagerly await the continued impact of these events in the future. If you’re interested in attending or volunteering in the future, connect with a dental or dental hygiene school or professional organization in your area for more information and opportunities to contribute.
Utah Department of Health & Human Services, Primary Care and Rural Health Website https://ruralhealth.utah.gov/news/give-kids-a-smile/
Photo: Image licensed by Ingram Image
STAFFING AND WORKFORCE ISSUES?
At out last Utah Dental House of Delegates a resolution passed that reads as follows; Whereas, The Utah dentists are concerned about staffing and workforce issues:
Be It Resolved that the Utah Dental Association form a taskforce to study the process and requirements it would require in Utah, to allow qualified assistants to expand dental functions.
The American Dental Association, as of September 2023, published an article entitled “Dental Assistant Requirements for Coronal Polishing.” In the article, under Utah it reads: A dental assistant in the state of Utah may perform basic supportive dental procedures under the supervision of a licensed dentist.
All dental assistants must have a current CPR or Basic Cardiac Life Support(BCLS) certification.
So, if you want to be a dental assistant in our state you must agree to perform your duties under the supervision of a licensed dentist and be CPR certified. Although this simple entry is great, for an individual that wants to get exposer to the dental field, it sometimes creates consequences leading assistants to move away from dentistry toward other professional fields that can offer them more opportunity and compensation.
If we are concerned with staff and workforce issues, we need to look deeper than just wanting more employees and hoping
ASSOCIATION
our current employees do not leave. Personal growth through education often leads to better self-worth and can be a driving force to enter or to stay in a particular occupation. Just as we all attended institutions with high standards where periodic accreditation processes are performed, expanded duty dental assistant programs should expect the same. Individual competency should be assessed through some type of exam and thus a certificate of proof of that competency. If an individual goes through these steps, the pay gap that currently exists in most offices between dental assistants and the rest of the staff (front office, hygienist, and associates) should have some closure. Not only might this help retain employees but help provide better access to care for those people living in our state.
Yes, this has the potential to have all sorts of consequences. Our taskforce is to evaluate the pros and cons of offering an expanded duty path as well as defining what specific duties require more than in office training and then make recommendations of our findings to the UDA board.
Several individuals have already made themselves available to be a part of our task force. If you have specific concerns or insights, please provide us this information for consideration as we move forward. We are trying to represent all Utah dentists and how this could impact the people living in our state.
Dr Rich Fisher
UDA Treasurer
Please send comments or requests to be on the taskforce to becky@uda.org with the subject line of Assistant Taskforce.
HAVE YOU SEEN THE UDA WEBSITE?
Recently a few modifications have been made to www.uda.org
1. Health & Wellness
Health & Wellness has been added to the main task bar. This section will continually be updated with resources and information regarding health and wellness. Currently it includes links to ADA resources and the Utah Professional Health Program.
2. 2025 UDA Convention & Spring Seminar
Information will soon be added to these pages with speaker information and vendor opportunities. These are located under the Meeting & Events category.
3. Other CE Opportunities
Also new under Meeting & Events is a category for other CE
Opportunities. Information regarding other CE Opportunities presented by Local districts, other State Dental Associations and ADA Sponsored CE Events will be listed here.
4. 2024 CQI Dates
These dates have been set and are listed under the Save the Date Category. Please plan to attend one of these meetings. New information will be presented to help you in your daily practice as well as an opportunity to meet with other dentists in your local area.
What other items would you like to see on the UDA Website? Send us a text 801-261-5315 and let us know.
UDA Staff
ADA FILES AMICUS BRIEF FOR INSURANCE REFORM IN
US SUPREME COURT
ERISA misinterpretations in need of legal review
The American Dental Association (ADA) filed an amicus (friend of the court) brief to the United States Supreme Court seeking review of a decision from the U.S. Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals concerning the overly broad application of so-called ERISA preemption of state statutes directed to administrative aspects of self-funded health care plans. Last year, the Tenth Circuit decided against the state of Oklahoma and, in doing so, took a very expansive view of ERISA preemption despite the recent Supreme Court decision in Rutledge v. Pharmaceutical Care Management Association that makes it clear ERISA preemption is not extensive The ADA brief supports the state of Oklahoma’s position that state laws such as the one it passed should not be preempted by ERISA.
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) regulates the administration of employee benefit plans, including dental care. However, some insurance carriers administering self-funded plans argue that since ERISA is a federal law, it supersedes, or ‘preempts’ state insurance laws that protect
patients and providers. In the Amicus brief, the ADA and other health care providers ask the Supreme Court to review a case to clarify a lower court’s ruling to stop insurers from taking an unfair advantage of ERISA’s authority and to comply with the state laws officials pass and enforce in the US.
“We believe that the Supreme Court should consider this case because the Appellate Court’s opinion appears to introduce confusion and inconsistency in an area the Supreme Court recently attempted to clarify and make uniform in a different case,” said Linda Edgar, D.D.S., president of the American Dental Association. “The ADA and numerous health care organizations urge the Court to take the opportunity to reemphasize its holding in Rutledge before other lower court decisions further muddy the waters,” Dr. Edgar said.
The amicus brief, which was submitted along with a coalition of health care provider organizations, will support the Petition for Certiorari, which seeks Supreme Court review of
Practice Transition Specialists
“Randon Jensen from CTC Associates handled the transition for our practice and did an amazing job. Randon was an experienced, settling influence during the entire process. He provided a thorough, data based practice valuation as well as timely advice to me and the new dentist on all relative matters up through and including the closing. In short, his services were well worth the fee, and I would highly recommend him to anyone considering a practice sale or transition.”
–Dr. Tom Johnston
randon jensen
marie chatterley
larry chatterley
a decision from the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. The coalition believes the 10th Circuit’s decision takes an overly expansive view of ERISA preemption and conflicts with the Supreme Court decision, Rutledge v. Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, that appropriately limits the reach of the federal ERISA statute’s preemption.
The American Dental Association, The American Optometric Association, American Association of Orthodontics, American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, The Association of Dental Support Organizations, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and other groups believe that it is in the best interest of patient protections and providers that state laws requiring third-party payors must honor the laws passed in their state if not directly associated with plan administration.
The brief explains how the 10th Circuit’s overly broad interpretation of ERISA preemption reintroduces the very confusion that the Rutledge decision eliminates. The regulation of insurance and health care quality are parts of the historic powers reserved for the states and not the federal government. If states cannot enforce laws regarding how health care is provided and paid for, then no one can.
“Unless the 10th Circuit’s decision is addressed, ERISA plans will continue to take the position that they are not subject to pro-patient and pro-provider state laws,” said Dr. Edgar. “This leaves consumers lacking protection and vulnerable to potentially abusive practices of insurers.”
The amicus brief supports the Supreme Court’s elimination of the confusion and inconsistency in the area of ERISA preemption the Court accomplished in the Rutledge decision. It supports states’ traditional authority to regulate health care and insurance.
For more information on the topic visit ADA. org/ERISA
ADA News
June 12, 2024
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Background:
TALKING POINTS ON SUPREME COURT AMICUS BRIEF
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA)
On June 12, a group of health care providers led by the American Dental Association (ADA) filed an amicus (friend of the court) brief in the United States Supreme Court asking it to accept a review of a decision from the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit concerning so-called ERISA preemption of state statutes directed to administrative aspects of self-funded health care plans. The brief argues that the Supreme Court should take up the case because the Tenth Circuit decision is directly at odds with the Supreme Court’s holding in Rutledge v. Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, that appropriately limits the reach of the federal ERISA statute’s preemption of state law.
Key Messages:
• It is in the best interests of patients and health care providers for third-party payors to follow state laws directed to patient health and safety, which ERISA plans have said in the past they are exempt from.
• The ADA filed an amicus brief asking the Supreme Court to consider the appeal of a 10th Circuit decision that ignored the Supreme Court’s clarification and explanation of the limits on ERISA preemption of state law, especially in the areas of public health and safety.
• Last year, the Tenth Circuit decided against the state of Oklahoma and, in doing so, created confusion by holding, in effect, that ERISA preemption is broader than the Supreme Court said it was in the Rutledge case. The ADA brief supports the state of Oklahoma’s position that the Supreme Court should accept the case for review so that it can overturn the Tenth Circuit’s erroneous interpretation of the law as pronounced by the Supreme Court.
• Without reversal, the Tenth Circuit decision will create the same confusion over ERISA preemption that the Rutledge case finally clarified. ERISA plans will continue to argue that they are not subject to state laws such as assignment of benefits, non-covered services, and “claw back limit” statutes.
• The fact is the Supreme Court’s Rutledge decision made it clear beyond argument that the scope of ERISA preemption is far more narrow than the lower courts have applied in the past. The 10th Circuit ignored Rutledge by trying to ‘distinguish’ Rutledge from its case. This is why the ADA and other providers are challenging the 10th Circuit’s decision.
Additional Messages:
• The ADA has been advocating on this issue already for many years. With the help of state dental societies, we have been expressing to both federal and state elected leaders that the Federal preemption of state laws should not include preemption of laws that are unrelated to plan management and assets – the original intent of ERISA preemption.
• As a result of those conversations, the ADA learned that as long as there was any ambiguity on the subject of ERISA preemption, legal action would be the fastest action to resolve the preemption issue with state insurance law compliance after learning how many states did not know how to move forward.
• The issue concerns states’ traditional authority to regulate health care and insurance. ERISA preemption may properly apply to various plan features such as who is covered in a ERISA plan or what benefits are included.
• The American Dental Association filed the amicus brief with the support from: The American Optometric Association, American Association of Orthodontics, American Academy of Pediatric Dentists, The Association of Dental Support Organizations, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and other groups who believe that it is in the best interest of patient protections and providers to advocate for clarification of preemptions under ERISA.
• We hope to hear if the Supreme Court will take this case within the typical review process of 45 to 60 days after all briefs have been filed.
• For all the latest information from the ADA visit ADA.org/ ERISA
American Dental Association
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PRACTICE
21st CENTURY DENTAL-GRAMMING
Back in 1997, I remember when the social media platform Six Degrees was launched with the theory that individuals were connected within six degrees of separation anywhere in the world. It was great in theory, and though its stint lasted only 4 years,Citation1 its influence surely set the stage for the influx of newer social media platforms into the next century.
Friendster and Myspace followed in 2002 and 2003, respectively, with LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, Reddit, and Twitter following in 2003–2006.Citation1 However, it was not until 2007 when YouTube developed its partnership program, which provides an income-based profit for YouTubers, that the world was introduced to the social media influencer. Citation1 With the launch of Instagram in 2010 and its “stories” feature in 2016, the explosion of TikTok in 2017, and platforms such as BeReal in 2022,Citation1 it has often been difficult to keep up with the new and everchanging photo-sharing apps, chat programs, and video-story platforms. So, have recommendations for marketing and utilizing social media changed over the course of multiple decades?
Let us go back about one decade ago. In 2012, DentistryIQ published a practice management articleCitation2 about the importance of integrating social media into marketing for dentists. Examples such as Facebook and Twitter (now known as X) as well as LinkedIn were provided as optimal marketing instruments to help promote dental practices.Citation2 The author presented the following findings from A.C. Nielsen reports, Crowdspring (a crowd-sourcing marketplace), and a Zoomerang study of small and medium businesses on the influence of social media in marketing:
1. 80% of all American adults used an online social network.
2. More than half of small and medium businesses gained clients through social networks, particularly through Facebook.
3. 64% of Twitter and 51% of Facebook users were more likely to purchase products or services from small and medium businesses.
4. 60% of small businesses spent less than $100 on social media marketing.Citation2
The article further outlined how to improve website traffic, increase search engine queries, and maximize audience-friendly content.Citation2 One of the most important learnings from this article was that dentists need to understand how to best utilize social media for their practice and how the reach of one post, for example, can grow exponentially through shares and retweets. Jumping forward to the present day, the number of social media users projected globally in 2024 is 5.17 billion, and these numbers are having a powerful effect on businesses like dental practices.Citation3 For example, a recent study in Spain found that 41% (208/503) of surveyed patients chose their dentist from the dental practice’s social media. Additionally, of the surveyed patients who reported changing dental practices (23%), 86.4% (102/118) indicated dental practice social media influenced
their decision.Citation4 The study also suggested a heavier shift in social media influence on patients changing dental practices in 2021–2022 compared to earlier years when social media was less prominent.Citation4
With the widespread use of social media today, we see the rise of social media influencers, including in the dental field. Citation3 These influencers may primarily be a blogger, YouTuber, podcaster, TikToker, and so on, or create content for a variety of social media platforms.Citation3 According to influencermarketinghub.com,Citation3 influencers can be categorized by their number of followers: 1) mega-influencers have more than 1 million followers on at least one social media platform, with some charging up to $1 million for services such as a social media post promoting a business, product or service; 2) macro-influencers have 500,000 to 1 million followers on various social media platforms; 3) micro-influencers have 10,000 to 50,000 followers on one social media platform, with 21% of these influences earning an average of $50,000 annually; and 4) nano-influencers have less than 1,000 followers but tend to be experts or involved in highly specialized fieldsCitation3 such as dentistry. For fun, I searched to see what information I could find on dental industry influencers in 2023. Typing “dentistry” in the search function of any social media platform or internet search engine produced a myriad of dentistry-related social media posts, dental podcasts, dental practice websites, photos of dental community events and resources on oral health education. Multiple searches displayed lists of top influencers ranging from mega-influencers down to the nano-influencers, and it was interesting to see how each influencer utilized their social media.
Despite the glam effect, potential profitability, and free professional networking, some considerations should be taken seriously prior to engaging the services of a social media influencer for dental practice marketing. The Journal of the American Dental Association published in 2022 a “Q & A” regarding an ethical dilemma of engaging a social media influencer in exchange for financial compensation as a way to increase patient engagement. Citation5 The authors quoted the California Dental Association Code of Ethics, stating that “a dentist who compensates or gives anything of value to a representative of the press, radio, television, or other communication medium in anticipation of, or in return for, professional publicity must make known the fact of such compensation in such publicity.”Citation5 Furthermore, the authors expanded on the unethical behavior of quid pro quo if the influencer received free services or products in exchange for a positive review post or video.Citation5 Additionally, dentists utilizing social media should ensure patient autonomy, health information and privacy are maintained, as mandated by the HIPAA privacy rule. Patient consent should also be obtained before using their images.Citation5 Next, the authors stated that the provider must maintain nonmaleficence (do no harm), veracity (truthfulness), as influencers have a large sway with their followers, and beneficence.Citation5 The authors emphasized that
the influencer should focus on promoting patient health and education rather than selling services and products.
Lastly, justice (fairness) should also be maintained with the influencer, meaning that any coupons, incentives, rebates, or certificates with their name should not be offered as an incentive for a patient to change dental practices.Citation5
In addition to state laws and regulations overseeing marketing and advertisement, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 2019 published guidelines for making disclosures for social media influencers who endorse products or services.Citation6
Social media has been around for decades and appears to be here to stay, so now may be the time to think about ways to further integrate social media into your practice. Consider the financial cost-savings, potential professional networking opportunities beyond local and regional levels, and ways patients can further benefit from factual patient education outside the office – this is the power of social media.
Whether you decide to utilize a social media platform for practice marketing or join the influencer craze yourself, you may feel like you are treading uncharted waters. During these times of unfamiliarity, review your state’s laws and regulations on advertising, disclosures, and endorsements, revisit the FTC website for updates on guidelines for social media influencers, and continue to
practice the ethical standards we set forth as dental professionals. Marisa Kawata Watanabe, DDS, MS cda
References
1. Samur A, Christison C. The history of social media in 33 key moments as of April 6, 2023. Hootsuite Blog Strategy; 2023. https://blog.hootsuite.com/ history-social-media/. Accessed October 15, 2023.
2. Hutson S. The growing importance of social media for dentists as of December 13, 2012. DentistryIQ; 2012. https://www.dentistryiq.com/practice-management/marketing/article/16362062/the-growing-importance-of-social-media-for-dentists. Accessed October 15, 2023.
3. Geyser W. What is an influencer? – social media influencers defined [updated 2023] as of March 24, 2023. Influencer MarketingHub; 2023. https:// influencermarketinghub.com/what-is-an-influencer/#:~:text=An%20influencer%20is%20someone%20who,with%20his%20or%20her%20audience Accessed October 15, 2023.
4. Freire Y, Sanchez MG, Suarez A, Joves G, Nowak M, Díaz-Flores García V. Influence of the use of social media on patients changing dental practice: a web-based questionnaire study. BMC Oral Health. 2023;23(1):1–2. doi:10.1186/s12903-023-03078-9.
5. Nichols K, Pappas R. The #ethics behind social media influencers in dentistry. JADA. 2022;153(10):1010–1011. doi:10.1016/j.adaj.2022.07.008.
6. Federal Trade Commission. Disclosures 101 for social media influencers as of November 2019. Federal Trade Commission business.ftc.gov; 2019. https:// www.bulkorder.ftc.gov/sites/bulkorder.ftc.gov/files/publications/1001a_influencer_guide_508_8_10_23.pdf. Accessed October 17, 2023.
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ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE INTEGRATION OF ARTIFICAL AND AUGMENTED INTELLIGENCE IN DENTISTRY
Navigating the landscape and preparing for the future.
With the integration of both augmented and artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry, our profession is entering a new era. AI has valuable clinical and nonclinical applications that can improve patient outcomes and streamline office workflows. AI is consistent and can automate administrative tasks, allowing providers more time for patient-facing responsibilities. In addition, AI can validate claim attachments and has the potential to expedite the claim reimbursement process.1 AI use in the dental office can offer numerous benefits when used by providers as a tool to improve the patient experience and patient outcomes. AI should not replace critical thinking or professional judgment, and it is our responsibility to proactively evaluate this rapidly evolving technology using the American Dental Association’s Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct (ADA Code).2
The introduction of the ADA Code states, “the dental profession holds a special position of trust within society.”2 As dental care professionals, one of our privileges is to help patients achieve optimal health, and the dentist-patient relationship is crucial in this endeavor. This relationship is built on trust and is formed over time. AI can provide a neutral second opinion that could increase case acceptance for new graduates or associates who have had less time to establish relationships with their patients. AI use related to the patient experience in the age of health care consumerism will need to be researched further, but results of initial studies seem to be favorable. A study from an AI software company noted, “the idea that AI can improve accuracy and objectivity in dental care seems to resonate with patients.”3
The 5 principles of ethics—Patient Autonomy (“self-governance”), Nonmaleficence (“do no harm”), Beneficence (“do good”), Justice (“fairness”), and Veracity (“truthfulness”)2 —are crucial for guiding ethical decision making in both clinical and nonclinical applications of AI.
• Patient Autonomy: Dental care professionals should provide clear explanations of how AI arrives at specific diagnoses and treatment recommendations, empowering patients to understand and evaluate the basis of their treatment decisions. Data privacy is important, and dental providers should respect patients’ decisions and perspectives on AI use and obtain consent when AI is used.
• Nonmaleficence: Dental care professionals should vet and validate AI systems to minimize the risk of errors, misdiagnosis, or inappropriate treatment. Although AI can enhance diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficiency, it should never compromise patient safety. Dental care professionals must continually evaluate the benefits of AI implementation against potential risks and exercise caution in relying solely on algorithm outputs. In cases involving AI errors or discrepancies, dentists must establish clear protocols for accountability. AI, as a digital tool, can assist dental care providers with diagnosis, but it should never replace the judgment and expertise of licensed dental care professionals.
• Beneficence: AI technologies should be leveraged to improve patient outcomes, enhance treatment efficacy, and optimize delivery of care. Dental care professionals should commit to continuing education and training, including ethics training, on AI technologies as well as promoting research and development.
• Justice: Large language models can magnify algorithm bias, and dental care professionals must work to assess AI training model data sets to ensure transparency and a fair and equitable outcome for all patients. As AI algorithms are developed and implemented, their potential impact on underserved populations and marginalized communities must be considered. AI-driven interventions should improve equity and not worsen existing disparities.
• Veracity: Dental care professionals have a duty to provide accurate information to their patients regarding the capabilities, limitations, and potential risks associated with AI technologies. Transparency in AI algorithms is critical to fostering trust and accountability with industry stakeholders, patients, and providers. Dental care professionals should provide clear explanations of how AI arrives at specific diagnoses and treatment recommendations, and how data are collected and used in AI systems.
As dental care professionals who abide by the ADA Code, we stand at the forefront of shaping the future. This includes creating standards and guidelines for the responsible and ethical integration of AI into dentistry. The ADA Standards Committee on Dental Informatics Working Group 13.8: Augmented Intel-
Photo: Image licensed by Ingram Image
ligence, chaired by Dr. Robert Faiella, published a white paper on AI and dental imaging 1 and is developing standards and technical reports. Through continued collaboration with stakeholders and abiding by the ADA Code, we can proactively align innovation and ethics to advance dental practice and improve patient health.
Meredith A. Bailey, DMD, MBA JADA
References
1. American Dental Association Standards Committee on Dental Informatics Working Group 13.8. American Dental Association SCDI white paper no. 1106: dentistry—overview of artificial and augmented intelligence uses in dentistry.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
American Dental Association, 2022 https://www.ada.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/ada-org/files/resources/practice/dental-standards/ada_1106_2022.pdf
Date accessed: May 31, 2024
2. Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct: With Official Advisory Opinions Revised to March 2023. American Dental Association.
AI would make patients trust their dentist more, survey shows. Forbes, December 11, 2023 https://www.forbes.com/sites/debgordon/2023/12/11/ai-would-make-peopletrust-their-dentist-more-new-survey-shows/?sh=5e150ad92d61
Date accessed: March 1, 2024
WELL-BEING INDEX AVAILABLE TO ALL ADA MEMBERS TO SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH
This risk assessment tool invented by Mayo Clinic available at no cost
The Well-Being Index, an anonymous validated assessment, resource and measurement tool developed by the Mayo Clinic to address clinician distress and well-being, is newly available at no cost for every ADA member.
Our Services:
Successfully connecting the dentist’s present with their future
PARTNERSHIP GUIDE
THE TRUSTED PARTNERSHIP PROCESS Clear. Consistent. Complete.
When the time is right, The Trusted Partnership Process provides a clear, consistent path to help you form your partnership while considering all the important elements that need to be addressed.
o Conceptual Partnership Planning
o We help you visualize what your future partnership looks like, set achievable goals and devise strategies that help you achieve those goals.
o Trusted Practice Valuation Analysis
o Your practice will be analyzed by independent, 3rd party, Certified Valuation Analysts with dental industry experience. Their findings are fair, reliable, and respected by banking institutions. This analysis leads the financial process for all parties.
o Interview Alignment
o We conduct an interview process with you and your future partner to uncover what you hope to accomplish in forming the new partnership. What are your biggest concerns, what are your biggest opportunities to take advantage of and what strengths do you hope to maximize for future practice success.
o Dental Advisory Connection
o We work closely with your team of professionals to ensure that you’ve planned for every aspect of the transition and mitigated the most common risks.
Lender / Bank
CPA
Attorney
Financial Planner
Other Consultants
o Practice Purchase Agreement
o We work with you and your future partner to create the offer letter that will guide the purchase agreement that clearly outlines what is being bought and sold.
o Partnership Operating Agreement
o We work with you to outline the Operating Agreement and function of the partnership including these important elements listed below:
Forming & Joining the Partnership
Compensation outline
Decision Making
Risk Mitigation
Management/Leadership
Exiting the Partnership Options
Non-compete or employee agreements
o Vision Alignment & Partnership Completion
o For the final stage of the process, our team will engage with advisors from both sides and ensure that the proper documents are created and signed and that a successful partnership is completed.
