Members' e-mail addresses will be used solely to communicate FDA business and will not be provided to any outside parties.
The Florida Dental Association's Official Electronic Newsletter
November 2008
In This Issue:
- November Member Voices Survey Question
- October Member Voices Results
- APD Begins Implementation of New Medicaid Waiver Program
- FDHF Approves FCAT Oral Health Practice Materials Pilot Program
- Senior Dental Education Program Promotion Underway
- FDA to Present to UFCD Seniors
- Remember To Vote!
- ADA Selects President-elect
News Bites Archives
November Member Voices Survey Question
If it were possible to pay your Florida Dental Association (FDA) dues online with a credit card, would you take advantage of that option?
We want to hear from you! Take the survey and let us know.
October Member Voices Results
Here’s what you said last month:
The October Member Voices survey asked: “How has the recent economic downturn affected your practice?”
- 71 percent of members who responded said their practice had become less busy.
- 68 percent of members who responded said some patients have considered delaying elective procedures.
- 37 percent of members who responded said they have decided not to make any major revisions and/or order new equipment for the practice.
- 5 percent of members who responded say there has been no change.
Thank you, members, for your participation. Your opinion counts!
APD Begins Implementation of New Medicaid Waiver Program
Effective Oct. 15, the Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) implemented the legislatively-mandated Medicaid tier waiver program. In 2007, the Florida Legislature required the APD to create four new Medicaid developmental disability waivers called tiers. Each established tier is associated with a benefit cap. Individuals are assigned to a tier based upon the level of services they require, their living situation and other relevant factors.
Tier 4 coverage does not provide dental service. It is akin to the Family Supported Living (FSL) Waiver which never covered dental. Thus, this new system does not impact covered dental care for anyone who was enrolled in the FSL waiver. However, if anyone now is placed in Tier 4 who was not in the FSL previously, they no longer will have dental coverage through the Med Waiver system and will rely upon the Medicaid program.
If you are providing care to developmentally disabled patients under the Med Waiver system, seek prior authorization first. Prior authorization is needed to determine that the patient is not enrolled in Tier 4, and for those enrolled in Tiers 1-3, that funds are still available under the individual’s capped benefit. For more information, call 1-866-APD-CARES or visit www.apdcares.org.
FDHF Approves FCAT Oral-health
Practice Materials Pilot Program
The Florida Dental Health Foundation (FDHF) Board approved a $10,000 grant to provide oral-health practice materials for the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) to selected third-grade classes in the Pinellas County school system. The Channing Bete Company, a well respected publisher of health-education materials, will create the FCAT oral-health practice workbooks, teachers’ guide, questions and answer sheet. Dr. Diane Piper, FDA school resource dentist for Pinellas County schools, will be working with the FDA to initiate this groundbreaking program.
Senior Dental Education Program Promotion Underway
Promotion is underway for the first in a series of five oral-health education and prevention programs targeting the vulnerable elderly. The first session will be held at Safety Harbor Resort and Spa on Friday, Nov. 14. FDA staff, working with associations representing nursing homes, assisted-living centers and community-based senior programs, sent promotional materials and registration forms to prospective attendees. The three-hour program will be presented by FDA Immediate Past President Dr. Nolan W. Allen, an advisor to the American Dental Association Oral Longevity Program, and FDA Director of Dental Care and Health Bob Macdonald. Other presentations will be scheduled after the new year in Palm Beach, Orange, Duval and Okaloosa counties. Program funding is provided by grants from the FDHF and Renaissance Dental.
FDA to Present to UFCD Seniors
FDA Director of Dental Care and Health Bob Macdonald and FDA Associate General Counsel Don Dennis will address the University of Florida College of Dentistry (UFCD) senior class Friday, Nov. 7 on topics related to dental-benefit programs and legal issues when operating a dental practice. The event is part of the dental students’ practice management curriculum under the direction of UFCD faculty member, Dr. Nick Minden. This annual event is sponsored by the FDA to promote the benefits of organized dentistry to students.
Remember To Vote!
Don’t forget to vote Tuesday, Nov. 4. For a list of Florida Dental Political Action Committee/Dentists Political Action Committee supported candidates, visit the FDA Web site at www.floridadental.org.
ADA Selects President-elect
After a strong campaign and the tireless efforts of volunteers throughout the state, Dr. Don Cadle was not elected American Dental Association (ADA) president-elect at the recent 2008 House of Delegates meeting in San Antonio, TX. Dr. Cadle is a past-president of the Florida Dental Association (FDA) and served for four years as our 17th District Trustee to the ADA Board of Trustees. The FDA continues in its support of Dr. Cadle and his future pursuits. Dr. Ron L. Tankersley of Newport News, VA will serve as the ADA’s new president-elect.