Kiplinger includes dentist among its list of “30 of the best jobs for the future.” To create the list, Kiplinger created its list by looking at fields with high earnings and growth potential. In a slideshow on its website, Kiplinger discusses each profession on the list, noting for dentist that an increasing number of Americans are regularly seeking dental care given the association between oral health and overall health. In addition, Kiplinger says dentists’ “career prospects also benefit from the aging population, with people increasingly keeping their real teeth longer.”
An Urgent Reminder: Register for INSPECT by January 1, 2019
Dentists who hold a Controlled Substance Registration (CSR) must register with INSPECT, Indiana’s tool to address the problem of prescription drug abuse and diversion, by January 1, 2019. Click here to create an INSPECT account before January 1, 2019. There is no cost to register.
Why do I have to register?
Passed during the 2018 legislative session to combat the growing drug epidemic in Indiana, Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 221 changes how practitioners who hold a controlled substance registration (CSR) must use INSPECT.
Much attention has been given to a provision in the statute that will require dentists, beginning in January 2021, to begin running INSPECT reports on patients before prescribing an opioid or benzodiazepine. However, the provision requiring all practitioners who dispense or prescribe controlled substances to register with INSPECT goes into effect on January 1, 2019.
What else do I need to know?
There is no cost to register. Dentists can create an account at: Indiana INSPECT
Once registered for an account, dentists may perform searches of the INSPECT data base prior to prescribing opiates or other drugs to their patients. The requirement for a report prior to prescribing begins in 2021.
The law affects all practitioners, including dentists, who hold a controlled substance registration (CSR).
Practitioners who live in an area that lacks Internet access may apply for a waiver that exempts them from the requirement.
Don’t miss the opportunity to renew your IDA membership. In just three easy steps you can get a great professional start to 2019 and access all the benefits that IDA offers to its member dentists. Click here to visit our membership renewal page.
Republicans were big 2018 midterm election winners in Indiana. Not only did Republican Mike Braun win by a better than expected margin in his U.S. Senate race, Republicans also maintained their supermajority in the state legislature, and swept all statewide offices. Indiana’s U.S. House delegation remains seven Republicans and two Democrats, but welcomes two new members, representatives-elect Greg Pence of Columbus and Jim Baird of Greencastle, who replace retiring members Todd Rokita and Luke Messer respectively.
Representative Denny Zent won reelection to his third term in the Indiana Legislature by an over 75% margin. Overall, there are 67 House Republicans and 33 House Democrats. Notable changes are the loss of Hal Slager of Schererville from the House Public Health Committee who was replaced by Chris Chyung, the first Asian-American elected to the Indiana General Assembly.
In the Senate, Mike Delph was defeated by Democrat JD Ford, who is the first openly gay state senator in Indiana. Despite this seat change, Indiana Senate Republicans maintain a 40-10 majority. Leadership in the House has changed. Senate Republicans formally elected state Sen. Rod Bray of Martinsville as the President Pro Temp in their first caucus following the election.
Contact Dentists Needed
Election results are formally certified this week. If you know a newly elected member of our Indiana General Assembly, please consider becoming a contact dentist. We need you to be the voice of your profession at the Statehouse and in Congress.
If you have any additional questions or would like to get more involved in IDA advocacy, email Ed Popcheff at ed@indental.org for information on getting started.
Last week the Indiana Dental Association received calls from concerned members about an Indiana State Board of Dentistry (ISBD) second notice of CE audit for their 2014-2016 dental and hygiene license renewal. This was confusing since the first notice was sent in fall of 2016, two years ago.
One of the main activities the IDA does for members is monitoring regulations and regulators. Upon hearing from our members, we contacted the ISBD, the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency and IDA members who were being audited to gather information on this reopened audit process.
IDA learned that, due to increased staffing levels at the ISBD, the previously closed audit process for the 2014-2016 licensing period was reopened. A total of 685 dentists and hygienists were audited for the license period.
The second notices were sent to 85 Dentists and 56 Hygienists for them to respond to the ISBD by October 1 to provide proof of continuing education.
The ISBD’s next step is to mail certified letters to those who do not respond to the second notice. If no response if received by the board of dentistry, they will take action at the December 2018 board meeting.
If you received an email or letter it is imperative that you respond.
[su_note note_color=”#ffbc66″]This is a great reminder to all licensed dental professionals to keep your records for the required three years from the end of the licensing period. For instance, CE records for the licensing period ending 2016 must be retained until March 2019. CE records for the current licensing period, which ends March 2018, must be retained until March 2021.[/su_note]
The Indiana Dental Practice Act clearly states it is the individual licensee’s responsibility to maintain CE records for three years.
Please note that these audits are being conducted by the ISBD, not the IDA. We are simply relaying the background information regarding why some dentists and hygienists are receiving notices and the urgency for a prompt response to the ISBD.
[su_quote]”My favorite member benefit: I have a virtually unlimited dental knowledge base through colleagues!” Dr. Mark Mihalo, Northwest Indiana Dental Society[/su_quote]Most members say they are likely to refer membership to their colleagues. As an active member, you know first-hand the value your membership provides. Member-Get-A-Member is the ideal opportunity to share your success by encouraging your nonmember colleagues to join ADA/IDA.
Incentives
You will be rewarded with a $100 gift card for each new, active member you recruit (up to five members or $500 in gift cards!) Or you may decline the incentive and ADA will contribute $100 to the ADA Foundation. Any ADA member dentist is eligible to participate. More details available at the ADA website>>>
Just tell the dentists you recruit to include your name on their applications. Then visit the recruiter’s form to tell us who you recruited by entering your name and ADA number, and the name of the potential member.
Recruitment Tips
Tell the story about why you’re a member. The ADA and your state and local dental societies provides lots of value to you. Why did you join?
Provide examples. A positive testimonial can be one of the strongest tools when recruiting new members.
Focus on their needs. Ask questions about their career goals, and based on their answers, identify and highlight the benefits of greatest value. This makes the conversation feel more like colleagues sharing solutions, and less like a sales pitch.
Close with a plan of action. Offer to email them instructions for joining online or give them a hard-copy membership application. Be sure they have your name so they can include it on the application!
Follow up. Touch base in a few weeks to see if they joined or have any questions. If they haven’t joined, this follow-up can serve as a gentle reminder. And if they have, it’s a nice opportunity to welcome them to the ADA.
Take the time to say thanks. Send them a short message thanking them for considering ADA membership and supporting dentistry. You might consider inviting them to an upcoming component meeting, charity care event or other gathering.
A growing ADA means greater recognition for the dental profession, more resources and support for members, and a louder voice in Washington and in state capitols across the country.
[su_button url=”Member Get a Member” target=”blank” style=”3d” background=”#201b9f” size=”14″ text_shadow=”1px 1px 1px #000000″ desc=”Member-Get-a-Member>>>”]ADA Member-Get-a-Member[/su_button]
IDA finances are strong, so said Blue and Co., when the CPA firm presented their annual audit report to the IDA Board of Trustees on Saturday, September 15.
“2017-18 was an exceptional year from a financial perspective,” said IDA Treasurer Tom Blake. “We finished the fiscal year with an increase in total net assets of $417,000. The IDA has 566 days of cash on hand, a very strong financial position.”
The increase in assets was primarily driven by an excellent return on reserve fund investments, as well as the profitable sale of the Central Office building.
Ironically, the building sale that set the stage for a profitable year tightened cash flow, explained Executive Director Doug Bush. “We moved from a building that was bought and paid for, into a new building that we lease. That transition increased reserves, but the new rent bill created a significant increase in operating costs.”
According to Dr. Blake, the new expense is being paid for by harvesting a portion of the return on reserve fund investments and using them for operations.
“We felt it would be unfair to ask members for a dues increase when we had more money in the bank,” said Dr. Blake. “Last spring the House of Delegates approved a strategy that allows us use a portion of reserve fund returns to assist with operations. Basically, we are using the reserve fund like an endowment. We use it to assist with day to day expenses, without dipping into the principal.”
“We are receiving a dividend from years of prudent financial management,” said Dr. Blake. “That’s good for our members.”
pictured above: The IDA Board meets at the new IDA Central Office on Saturday, September 15, 2019.
Option to Add Vision coverage through Anthem Coming Soon
Beginning January 1, 2019, IDA Trust participants will have the option to enroll in vision coverage through Anthem’s Blue View Vision plan. This benefit will be 100% member-paid and Trust members can choose whether or not to participate.
Anthem Blue View Vision plan members will have access to one of the nation’s largest vision network, enabling them to find an eye care professional that’s close to home or work. They will also have access to buying eyewear at various locations such as many private practice doctors, local optical stores, and national retail stores including:
Many of these stores have night-time and weekend hours, making them quick and convenient options. The Blue View Vision plan also provides the option to receive covered benefits outside of the Blue View Vision network.
Anthem’s Blue View Vision offers two plans, highlighted below:
Anthem wants you to be able to get your eye care and eyewear when you need it — at a price you can afford. You’ll save time and money by using an eye doctor or optical retail store that’s in the network. And when you use your benefits at a network provider, you can include the following options at no additional cost:
Factory scratch coating on standard/basic eyeglass lenses
UV-blocking Transitions® lenses for covered dependents under age 19
Impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses for covered dependents under age 19
Additional Savings
With Blue View Vision, you can save beyond your benefits through in-network providers. If you buy an eyeglass frame that costs more than your allowance, you’ll save 20% off the balance. If you use your contact lens benefit to purchase conventional contact lenses and your cost is higher than your benefit allowance, you’ll get 15% off the balance. Plus, you get:
35-40% off extra pairs of glasses anytime, from any network provider
High-quality progressive lenses and anti-reflective coatings at different price levels, so you can control how much you spend
Negotiated savings on other popular lens options and treatments
20% off other upgrades, accessories and nonprescription sunglasses
Working together for your total health
When you are covered by both Anthem’s health and vision plans, your doctors can work together to keep you at your healthy best. For example, if your eye doctor notices signs of diabetes or high blood pressure during your eye checkup, he or she can share that information with your primary care doctor. This helps your doctors get a better picture of your overall health.
We are excited to be able to offer you this vision coverage through Anthem and the IDA Trust. In the near future, you will be receiving additional information on how to elect coverage. In the meantime, please contact the IDA Insurance Services team at 800-417-6424 with any questions.
Consider the IDA Trust
If you are not yet a member of the IDA Insurance Trust, now is a great time to consider joining. Contact the IDA Insurance Services team for your personalized quote and information on becoming a member.
The IDA Insurance Trust a multiple employer welfare arrangement. The multiple employer welfare arrangement may not be subject to all of the insurance laws and regulations of Indiana. State insurance guaranty funds are not available for the IDA Insurance Trust.
IUSD grant increases oral health services in shortage areas
IU School of Dentistry awarded $1.6 million grant to increase oral health care services in shortage areas
Dr. Elizabeth Simpson (seated) provides guidance and mentorship to fourth-year dental students Joseph Rietow and Jordan Booth at The Jane Pauley Community Dental Center, a community-based dental clinic caring for underserved populations. Dr. Simpson is a volunteer adjunct faculty member of the IU School of Dentistry. All fourth-year Indiana University dental students rotate through community centers in the state to learn about dental public health and access to care issues for low-income populations.
The Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) has awarded the Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD) a $1.6 million grant to address oral health care workforce shortages in underserved communities.
The grant, “Strengthening the Oral Health Workforce in Indiana through an Innovative Community-Based Dental Education Model,” is a collaboration among IUSD, the Bowen Center for Health Workforce Research and Policy at the Indiana University School of Medicine, and the Indiana State Department of Health/State Oral Health Director.
“This exciting project further deepens the dental school’s commitment to IUPUI’s Strategic Plan goal of community engagement, while teaching our students about dental public health issues to better serve the people of Indiana,” said Dean John N. Williams.
“The aim of the grant is to create sustainable, high-quality oral health services that increase access to high-quality care for populations living in designated Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (Dental HPSAs),” said Dr. Tamara Button, IUSD’s director of community-based dental education and the grant’s principal investigator.
Through this grant, IUSD will expand its community-based dental education program beginning this fall, in which fourth-year dental students work in two-week rotations to provide dental care at a community clinic in a Dental HPSA, Dr. Button said.
“The community rotations will be taken to a new level of innovation by integrating fourth-year dental students into inter-professional teams that will address two of Indiana’s key health priorities: childhood obesity and substance use disorders, specifically opioid abuse, in a culturally competent manner,” Dr. Button said.
Fourth-year dental students begin their two-week community-based rotations on Monday, Aug. 27, 2018, at the following Indiana locations:
Eskenazi Health Center, Cottage Corner, Indianapolis
Eskenazi Health Center, Grassy Creek, Indianapolis
Eskenazi Health West 38th Street, Indianapolis
The Jane Pauley Community Dental Center, Indianapolis
HealthLinc Community Health Centers, Valparaiso and Michigan City
Matthew 25 Health and Dental Clinic, Fort Wayne
Wabash Valley Health Center, Terre Haute
IU’s dental students also will rotate through the new Stone Family Center for Health Sciences in Evansville in October 2018.
The HRSA funding is a four-year grant beginning Sept. 1, 2018, and ending Aug. 31, 2022. HRSA has granted $1,592,502, and IUSD is matching the grant with $709,096, for total funding of $2,301,598.
Members of the IDA Insurance Trust have recently elected four new Trustees for the 2019 renewal period.
Congratulations to:
Dr. Jay Asdell, North Central
Dr. Jason Flannagan, IDDS
Dr. Megan Keck, IDDS
Dr. Catherine Periolat, Isaac Knapp
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Dr. Jay Asdell
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Dr. Jason Flannagan
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Dr. Megan Keck
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Dr. Catherine Periolat
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All Trustees are nominated and elected by the participating employers of the IDA Insurance Trust. All Trustees are active participants in the MEWA and reside in the state of Indiana and volunteer their time to help administer the IDA Insurance Trust to get the best coverage and rates for participants of the coverage.
The IDA Trust offers a financially sound health insurance option that is governed by a board of your peers. For more information on becoming a member of the Trust, contact the IDA Insurance Services team at trustquestions@indental.org, 800-417-6424 or visit the new website, www.idainsurancetrust.com.
The IDA Insurance Trust a multiple employer welfare arrangement. The multiple employer welfare arrangement may not be subject to all of the insurance laws and regulations of Indiana. State insurance guaranty funds are not available for the IDA Insurance Trust.
Louisville, KY 