Oral Pathology Puzzler: Do You See What I See?

DENTISTS. Legal action has been initiated to assure inappropriate records won’t be attributed to employee dentists and ensuring proper billing and business practices will be followed.

POLICIES have been developed that pertain to anesthesia and teledentistry. These will help state legislatures formulate statutes that will be appropriate for their states and their dental practice acts.

OTHER AREAS where direction was given to the ADA by the House of Delegates are: • Continuing advancements in our profession through research and science. • Increasing the value of membership with additional member services. • Promoting Inclusion and diversity efforts by opening doors for those who go into dentistry and help direct the profession by participating in the ADA. • Advocating and advising on a variety of other legal and political issues. • Helping to improve access to oral care and outcomes.

The ADA has a budget of over $140,000,000. How those resources will be used and allocated is decided by the House of Delegates. By writing, discussing, and voting on resolutions the House directs exactly what issues we will influence and the direction the ADA will take. Through active representation we impact ADA programs and positions that will benefit our local state and region. We can direct the services that are most utilized and how they can be improved. If there are unmet needs, we can direct resources to meet those needs.

Unfortunately, our representation is in jeopardy. Because of the high number of Utah dentists that did not renew membership last year, Utah will be losing a Delegate. That will not only impact our State but also our region. As a smaller state, we are already fighting an uphill battle to address issues specific to our region. We cannot afford to have even less input. Our national district has provided high level, national leaders, but that can only continue if we have votes and representation. Every Utah dentist who joins the ADA/ UDA allows us to have more say in issues that affects us every day and help determine what the future holds for our profession.

Thank you for stepping up and supporting your profession through membership in the ADA/UDA. If you know someone who hasn’t joined, encourage them to join, help get them going. It is only by everyone participating that we create a united voice. That is how we can make a difference. Case History: A 39 year old male reported lesions developing a few days after an office visit. During that visit, 3 different attempts were made for a crown impression (yes, it was an appointment with a dental student but we’ve all been in the same situlation at some point). No previous occurrence noted by the patient. Some pain and tendereness noted.

Which of the following represents the best diagnosis for the clinic findings: a) Aphthous ulcers b) Traumatic ulcers c) Erythema migrans d) Pseudomembranous candidiasis e) Intraoral herpes simplex

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Brent A Larson DDS ADA Delegate and proud member of the ADA/UDA

Text to: 801 -261 -5315

1. Include your First and Last Name 2. Your interests to get involved:

a) House of Delegates - Governance b) UDA Action Committee - Publications c) UDPAC Committee – Legislation d) I know my legislators – Name them & connection e) I’d be willing to be a Collaborative Dentist