In an effort to address the opiate epidemic, the Indiana General Assembly passed legislation to phase in a mandate to check the INSPECT prescription management program.

Individual practitioners have until July 1, 2021 to make electronic health records interoperable to check records when prescribing an opioid or benzodiazepine prescription. Emergency departments and pain management clinics must comply by July 2019 and hospitals by July 2020.

INSPECT is a valuable tool that allows doctors to know when they are being “shopped” by patients seeking opioids. It serves as a warning system if a patient is abusing the doctor’s prescribing authority. Representatives from the Governor’s office stated that only 40 percent of all prescribers are with INSPECT. Please do your part. Register early and use it often.

For more information and instructions on how to register, visit http://www.in.gov/pla/inspect/2381.htm

The ADA’s Seventh District, Indiana and Ohio, share appointments for important leadership positions at the American Dental Association. Nominations are open for two upcoming positions:

ADA Council on Communications – The District seat on the ADA Council on Communications moves to Indiana this fall, with a four-year term that begins in October 2018. Nominations are currently being received. The position will be filled by the IDA Board of Trustees at its May 19, 2018, meeting.

ADA Trustee – The District position on the ADA Board of Trustees shifts to Indiana in October 2020, however, the IDA House of Delegates will elect its trustee over a year in advance at the 2019 IDA Annual Session. Notice of the position is being announced now to allow candidates to consider their interest.

For additional information about either of these positions, or to place your name in nomination, contact IDA Executive Director Doug Bush at doug@indental.org.

by Dr. Thomas M. Murray, IDEA Chair

After four years of research, IDEA chooses SOLMETEX as endorsed amalgam separator provider.

Indiana Dental Enterprise Associates (IDEA) has been tracking and researching amalgam separators and the proposed federal regulations for the better part of four years. One minute, federal regulations were a definite; the next minute, not so definite. Now that this regulation has been finalized, IDEA is prepared to endorse a quality, easily installed, and easily maintained product—the Hg5 by Solmetex. This decision was based on the IDEA Board’s four years of thoroughly evaluating various amalgam separators on the market.

The decision of which amalgam separator to endorse was based on the many features specified in the federal regulations. First and foremost in these considerations was efficiency of the separator. There has been a wide assortment of amalgam separators on the market which met the ISO standards of 99% efficiency. After narrowing those down, IDEA Board members moved on to the other required features as well as the features that would most benefit IDA member dentists. Among these considerations were:

• Ability to directly view the “trap” in which the filter is housed
• Ease and cost of installation
• Ease in disposal of wastes
• Frequency of disposal
• Cost of the amalgam separator
• Cost of disposal of wastes
• Ease of maintenance of the separator
• Safety in handling
• Tracking records

After sifting through multiple potential vendors and reviewing their products, IDEA’s decision of which product to endorse was obvious. The Solmetex Amalgam Separator addresses all of the Federal regulations and provides the highest level of benefits for IDA dentists.

FREE Collection Container & Recycle Kit

Regulations are always a tough pill to swallow but, the good news for you is IDEA has already done the research for you. And if you act early, you can get a free NXT Hg5 Collection Container with Recycle Kit with your purchase of a Solmetex NXT Hg5 Amalgam Separator. This is a retail value of $338. Check out the Solmetex website for more details.

For more information regarding Solmetex, or to take advantage of this  limited time offer, visit the Solmetex website.

What is IDEA?

How much time do you spend in researching a product before you buy? Depending on the complexity of the product, it could be as little as several hours to several months. That’s where IDEA can help. IDEA Board is composed of IDA members who possess a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience in scrutinizing products and services you might need in your practice. Before a product receives the IDEA “thumbs up”, it is presented to the IDEA Board for thorough review. The Board studies the viability of the product, verifies the dependability of the vendor and reviews acceptance in other states as well as with the ADA. They then negotiate the best rates for the product or service. It is then and only then that IDEA takes a vote to endorse a given product or service. Next time you’re in need of a product or service for your practice or home, save yourself the time and energy by considering an IDEA endorsed product. Visit indental.org/IDEA

IDA Has a New Office

Central Office to Relocate Downtown

On April 7, the Board of Trustees voted unanimously to accept a purchase offer on the IDA Central Office building and enter a lease arrangement for a new headquarters in downtown Indianapolis.

The IDA moved to its current location on the south side of Indianapolis in October 2012. While it has served the needs of the Association nicely, when remodeling options were explored, several issues were identified. IDA’s high use of meeting space triggered more stringent business/assembly codes that would require the addition of a sprinkler system. There were also code concerns related to an upstairs meeting room that was added after the building was original constructed.

“We were going to have to make significant improvements to stay in our building long term,” explained Executive Director Doug Bush. “Instead, the Board elected to sell the building and search for a new home.”

The IDA has signed a five-year agreement to lease space on the third floor of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing building, located on the corner of West Street and Indiana Avenue, on the IUPUI campus.

“We will be within walking distance of the IU School of Dentistry and the State House,” explained Bush. “Additionally, the space is ‘move in ready’, allowing us to move with minimal disruption to IDA operations.”

Closing date on the sale of the building is scheduled for May 25, the week following the IDA Annual Session. “We are still in the ‘due diligence’ period with the buyer so we cannot yet discuss terms of the sale,” explained Bush. “While we are confident things will proceed as planned, the sale is not final until the closing date.”

“We plan to move the week of May 21 and be fully operational at our new location by the end of that week.”

Central Office phone numbers and email addresses will remain unchanged. The new mailing and street address will be 550 W. North Street, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46202, effective May 23, 2018.

by Mr. Jay Dziwlik, Assistant Executive Director

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Headlines and quotes about the opioid epidemic are hard to miss.

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“Indy lawmaker turns to law and order approach to fight opioid epidemic. Sen. Jim Merritt was key in passing more than 15 pieces of legislation this year dedicated to fighting the opioid epidemic through an emphasis on treatment and prevention.” Indianapolis Star Oct 2017

“Opioid overdoses kill nearly 5 people every hour, CDC says.” CBS News March 6, 2018

“In just one year, overdoses from opioids jumped by about 30 percent.” CDC March 6, 2018

“We have an emergency on our hands. The fast-moving opioid overdose epidemic continues and is accelerating. The largest regional increase occurred in the Midwest, which saw a 69.7 percent jump in opioid overdoses.” CDC Acting Director Anne Schuchat

“In 2016, 1,526 Indiana drug related deaths; a 23% increase over 2015.” CDC December 19, 2017

In light of the statistics and as potential prescribers of scheduled drugs for their patients, Indiana Dentists and the Indiana Dental Association are concerned and taking action.

IDA is responding to the crisis in a variety of ways.

IDA and its members are involved in the dialogue….

IDA Immediate Past President Dr. Jay Asdell has been selected to serve on the Indiana Attorney General’s Prescription Drug Abuse Task Force, whose mission is to significantly reduce the abuse of controlled prescription drugs and to decrease the number of deaths associated with these drugs in Indiana.

IDA Director of Government Affairs Ed Popcheff, members of the Council on Government Affairs, and IDA contact dentists have been interacting with Indiana lawmakers on proposed opioid related legislative changes. IDA is working to create common sense legislation in the area of informing patients of the dangers of scheduled drug prescriptions; utilization of the Indiana INSPECT online prescribing database and continuing education requirements to insure all prescribers are well informed.

The IDA is educating Indiana dentists and dental staff….

IDA is constantly providing timely, affordable educational sessions you can apply the very next day in practice. Several continuing education courses have included “Drugs, Bugs and Dental Products; What to Prescribe!” by Dr. Peter Jacobson and “Less Pain Fewer Opioids” presented by Dr. Don Teater during the IDA Annual Session 2018.

The American Dental Association offers over 20 online webinars and continuing education seminars on opioids and opioid prescribing. Check them out at ADA.org.

The IDA created the Dental Prescription Reference Guide…

This newly revised and updated pocket sized prescription guide is an aid to dentists in prescribing medication for the treatment of dental patients. The extensive section on pain management and prescribing of opioids provides peer reviewed guidance to helps dentist treat their patients. The 70+ page guide provides references on anxiety, bacterial, viral and fungal infections, soft tissue management, prophylactic antibiotic coverage, pediatric dosing, and many other dental specific topics common to oral health and treatment of patients. You can order your guide online at indental.org/drugbook.

The Indiana Dental Association and Indiana Dentists will continue to protect their patients and do their part in the midst of this crisis.

We are very excited to present our new IDA Member Advantage Program! The Indiana Dental Association and Office Depot have formed a new partnership to bring your practice a cost-saving solution to your office supply needs. As an IDA Member you are entitled to special discounts of up to 80% that can be used online or at any Office Depot / Office Max retail store.

As a “Total Business Solution”, Office Depot can help you with more than just office supplies. You can also save on your technology and IT services, janitorial & break room supplies, office, lobby and reception furniture, and all your brand identity printing needs, like business cards, envelopes, appointment cards and logoed merchandise. This partnership will save you money and provide further value to your membership in the IDA.

Save Money and Help Your Association

In addition, a percentage of everything you spend with Office Depot will be donated back to the IDA. This will help keep your membership dues low, fund special projects, and help in maintaining our mission to support dentists, to promote professionalism, and to improve oral health in the state of Indiana.

What’s Next?

In the coming days a representative from Office Depot will be calling your Office Manager to explain the program benefits, how it can meet your cost-saving objectives, and get your office signed up with a free new account. Because you are very busy, we do not want to take up your time with the initial process. However, we do ask that you let your Office Manager know we will be calling and ask them to please listen to the offer and sign up your practice.

Get a FREE Keurig Brewer

As an introductory incentive, we will be highlighting an opportunity for your practice to get a free Keurig Coffee Brewer for your office. (Or use it as a staff incentive!)

You can get more information on the free brewer program at the IDA website, or by calling the IDA central office at 800-562-5646 .

Don’t want to wait for a phone call?

Register for your IDA discount account at the Office Depot Business Solutions website . You will be able to place your credit card order online immediately. (IDA discounts will only be applied if you register using this link.)

Prefer a net 30 invoice account? Download the Advantage Program application and return it to Christopher Michaels, IDA’s Office Depot Business Development Manager, or give Christopher a call at 260-242-3171.

Income protection. Yes, it’s a real thing. It’s a way to continue to earn an income even if you’re too sick or hurt to work. The monthly benefits it provides work much like a “paycheck,” and best of all, you’re in charge of deciding how to use those benefits. So, as a member of the Indiana Dental Association, why wouldn’t you want to protect your income?

As an IDA member, you can purchase individual Disability Income (DI) insurance at a discounted rate through Principal® to keep your most valuable asset – your income – protected.

This coverage provides you with monthly payments that work like a paycheck when you can’t work due to a disabling illness or injury.

What can you expect from your disability insurance coverage:

• 10% premium discount¹
• Up to $17,000 in monthly benefits
• Tax-free benefits since premiums are paid with after-tax dollars
• Portable policy – it goes with you if you ever change employers (discounts go, too)
• Non-cancelable, guaranteed renewable coverage – so long as premiums are paid, only you can cancel your policy

Still have doubts? Maybe, like others, you’re concerned that income protection (or disability insurance) isn’t right for you. Just make sure that thinking is not based on these common misconceptions:

“I’m invincible, right?”
Well, no one can predict the future. But fortunately you can prepare financially for the unexpected.

“I’m covered with disability insurance through work.”
You’re fortunate…but, make sure you have enough coverage and that it works for you.

“I can rely on savings.”
That’s one strategy, but being too sick or hurt to work likely isn’t what you’re saving for. Wouldn’t you rather not have to dip into those savings if the unexpected happens?

“I’d rather spend my money on other things. Disability insurance just costs too much.”
I get that. It’s not fun to spend money on insurance. But you’ll thank yourself down the road if you need it. Plus, a policy can be customized to fit your needs and budget. In many cases, it can cost less than a daily cup of premium coffee.

Bottom line:

Almost everyone who earns a paycheck needs income protection, with a few exceptions:

1. Are you close to retirement?
2. Do you have enough cash savings and liquid assets to last several years?

If neither of those apply to your situation, you may benefit from talking to a financial representative about income protection. It could be an easier conversation than you think.

Take the first step:

To apply for coverage and receive a personalized proposal, contact me.

Let’s connect:

Ashley Hudgins
317.687.3677
ashley@INDental.org

1 10% Association discount based on sex-distinct rates.

Disability insurance from Principal® is issued by Principal Life Insurance Company, Des Moines, IA 50392-0002, www.principal.com

Disability insurance has exclusions and limitations. For costs and coverage details, contact your Principal representative Ashley Hudgins, 800-417-6424.

[su_note note_color=”#ffdd66″]IDA’s newly endorsed office supplies provider, Office Depot, will send a FREE Keurig Brewer to any IDA member who orders $100 or more of break room supplies.³ [/su_note]

2 Keurig Brewers to choose from

FREE K140 Brewer

The Keurig K140 Commercial Brewer is great for offices of 15 or less. It brews in under one minute at the touch of a button and is ideal for small volume use. Features include:

• Faster brewer speed
• Automatic On/Off Function
• Energy-Saving Mode
• Refillable Water Reservoir
• 3 Cup Sizes

The K140 is yours free when you purchase $100 in break room products.³

FREE K150 Brewer

The Keurig K150 commercial brewing system if a fully programmable brewer with an interactive touch-screen that allows for customizable brew experience. Ideal for medium volume use. Features include:

• NSF Certified
• Available Direct Water Line Plumbing
• Multilingual Brewing Instructions
• Faster brewer speed
• Adjustable Temperature
• Automatic On/Off Function
• Programmable
• Energy-Saving Mode
• Quiet Brew Technology

The K150 is yours free with a $150 purchase of break room products.³

4 Simple Steps to Receive your FREE Keurig Brewer:

1. Register online for your Office Depot / Indiana Dental Association Member Advantage Program Account (click here to register). If you prefer to purchase your supplies and receive an invoice, complete the Advantage Program application and return it to Christopher Michaels. (click here to download application)
2. Download the Office Depot break room mini catalog (click here to download catalog).
3. Purchase $100 worth of products from the break room mini catalog and receive a FREE K140 Brewer; or
   
   Purchase $150 worth of products from the break room mini catalog and receive a FREE K150 Brewer.
   
   Make note of your order confirmation number.
4. Complete the brewer request form and return to Christopher Michaels at christopher.michaels@officedepot.com (click here to download request form).