Author: Jackie Crowe

This month, House Bill 463 will go into effect.  HB 463 was developed from a series of recommendations by the 2013 ODA House of Delegates aimed at improving access to quality, comprehensive dental care by focusing on delivery system enhancements and workforce development.  The bill was unanimously approved by the Ohio General Assembly ... [continue reading]

Ohio law has long provided incentives for health care professionals to provide free care to indigent patients. In December, Gov. John Kasich signed two pieces of legislation that will enhance volunteer opportunities. House Bill 320, introduced by State Rep. Ron Young (R-Leroy Township) and passed by the legislature on Dec. 4, 2014, extends ... [continue reading]

House Bill 463, The Ohio Dental Care Modernization Act promoted by the ODA, was signed into law by Gov. John Kasich last month after unanimous approval from the legislature. Among its many provisions to promote increased access to comprehensive dental services, the new law offers additional incentives for new graduates to practice in the ... [continue reading]

A strong grassroots political network is essential to any organization hoping to impact public policy decisions. The leadership of the Ohio Dental Association recognized this years ago and has placed political advocacy as one of its high priorities in order to protect the interests of dentists at the Statehouse and in the halls of Congress. The ... [continue reading]

The 2014 Ohio Dental Association Annual Session has much to offer new dentists — a CE discount, a course designed specifically for new dentists, an evening reception and the Exhibit Hall. The 2014 Annual Session — ODA Live — will be Sept. 11-14 in Columbus. This year’s Annual Session also features a course aimed specifically at new ... [continue reading]

Recent actions by the federal government will again impact dentists treating patients who have health care benefits through Medicare. This time it involves prescriptions for medication for Medicare Part D drug plan covered patients. As reported in the June 16, 2014 “ADA News,” “the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services [CMS] published ... [continue reading]

In April, over 100 Ohio Dental Association member dentists and 50 dental students visited Columbus to meet with legislators and discuss the legislative issues of importance to dentistry as part of the annual ODA Day at the Statehouse. Their participation could not have come at a better time. The legislature is nearing completion of its work before ... [continue reading]

Have patients been asking about "oil pulling?" Oil pulling is an ancient folk remedy that has recently been touted by various blogs, websites and news outlets as having many oral and general health benefits. Some dentists in Ohio have reported that patients are beginning to ask about this health trend. The practice involves swishing a tablespoon ... [continue reading]

Are you an Ohio dentist or fourth year dental student looking for assistance with dental school student loan debt? If you are practicing in Ohio (or plan to), you may be eligible to participate in the Ohio Dentist Loan Repayment Program (ODLRP), but your application must be postmarked by March 14, 2014. To qualify, dentists must be willing to ... [continue reading]

Despite passing two comprehensive overhauls of Ohio’s prescription drug regulations last legislative session, the Ohio General Assembly continues to aggressively pursue legislative solutions to Ohio’s opioid problem.  This fall, members of the House of Representatives introduced at least 12 separate bills aimed at addressing opioid abuse and ... [continue reading]