Why OIG Did This Review – The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) is the designated Federal agency that oversees State Medicaid Fraud Control Units (MFCU). – This MFCU fiscal year (FY) 2025 annual report … Read More
Utah Governor Spencer Cox has signed legislation that allows hygienists to practice at hospitals without general supervision from a dentist. Hygienists in Utah are currently authorized to practice in certain public health settings without dentist supervision, including residences, schools, nursing … Read More
Adults living in rural communities with limited access to dental care, in addition to gaps in Medicaid dental coverage, are more likely to rely on hospitals for emergency dental care, according to a new study. Often, the costly and ineffective … Read More
WASHINGTON, March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — New research from Texas A&M University College of Dentistry (A&M Dentistry), sponsored by Delta Dental, and published in the Journal of Public Health Dentistry, finds that adults living in rural communities—particularly covered by Medicaid … Read More
California, Alaska and Missouri are the three states with the highest number of dental professional shortage areas, with 1,231 shortage areas combined. Here are five key statistics about the workforce and shortage areas in these states, using the latest data … Read More
The ADA supports legislation reintroduced in the U.S. Senate that would extend federal support for oral health initiatives nationwide. In a March 17 letter to Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., the ADA thanked him for introducing the Promoting Dental Health Act, … Read More
The current administration is placing a new emphasis on potential fraud in Medicaid. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS’) current efforts are focused on Minnesota and four other states (three with Democratic governors – California, Maine, and New … Read More
There has been a flurry of legislation affecting dental professionals in 2026. Lately, it seems like states are granting and restricting several aspects of dentistry. There are so many changes circulating that it often seems the public is unaware of … Read More
A dental health program visited two schools recently, reaching 395 students. Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation’s Land of Smiles stopped at Cantrall Elementary School and Laketown Elementary School to educate pre-kindergarten through third-grade students about oral hygiene, nutrition and regular … Read More
Dr. Scott Miller knows exactly what it costs to fit a patient with dentures, place a crown or extract a tooth. A standard, non-surgical extraction costs $92.39. Recently, Miller treated a patient who needed 23 teeth removed. The extractions alone … Read More
An Alamo City institution is adding a new award to its collection. Roadrunners, we see you moving up. The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) announced on Tuesday, March 10, that its School of Dentistry made its … Read More
The ADA is supporting newly introduced federal legislation aimed at ensuring that state dental insurance reform laws apply to self-funded dental plans. The Improving Dental Administration Act was introduced March 12 by Reps. Jeff Van Drew, D.M.D., R-N.J., and Herb … Read More
Dental leaders are considering alternative ways to bring more dental assistants into the state after one of only two dental assistant programs in the state paused its enrollment, NBC affiliate WCYB reported March 11. Mountain Empire Community College said earlier … Read More
The Utah Legislature recently passed a bill allowing hygienists to practice at hospitals without general supervision from a dentist. Hygienists in Utah are currently authorized to practice in certain public health settings without dentist supervision, including residences, schools, nursing homes, … Read More
Along with brushing and flossing, good dental insurance goes a long way towards keeping your teeth healthy. Since 2016, Money’s editorial team has spent thousands of hours researching and vetting the best dental insurance providers and coverage. We’ve evaluated the … Read More
ALBANY, N.Y. (WRGB) — The New York State Dental Association is pushing for changes to make dental insurance work better for patients. The group is advocating for a “dental loss ratio,” similar to the medical loss ratio required under the … Read More
El Paso-based Texas Tech Hunt School of Dental Medicine is launching an oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program. High Desert Oral and Facial Surgery in El Paso, Texas, committed $250,000 to establish the High Desert Oral and Facial Surgery Endowed … Read More
Texas is again aggressively investigating and prosecuting dental and orthodontic fraud, particularly regarding Medicaid billing. In fact, in 2025 Attorney General Ken Paxton stated that the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) is heavily targeting pediatric dental chains that use “paper-only” … Read More
DSOs are eyeing new opportunities for scalable growth this year, while also continuing to invest in initiatives that have brought them success in the past. Here are three key trends driving DSO growth this year: Artificial intelligence Becker’s has reported … Read More
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WVVA) – Ahead of the State of the Union, Senator Tim Kaine highlighted the healthcare crisis facing Virginians, pointing to Medicaid cuts and expiring ACA tax credits as threats to vulnerable patients. Kaine held a briefing with Dr. … Read More
The American Association of Orthodontists is recognizing Larry Tadlock, DDS, with the James E. Brophy Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Tadlock is head of the Orthodontic Department and a clinical professor at the Texas A&M School of Dentistry in Dallas. He … Read More
Two controversial bills being proposed in Virginia seek to expand who is legally allowed to perform dental cleanings. They’re aimed at addressing a shortage of dental hygienists and helping people get preventive cleanings before they develop bigger, more expensive dental … Read More
Star Quinn moved to Kingsport, Tennessee, in 2023, the same year the state began covering dental costs for about 600,000 low-income adults enrolled in Medicaid. But when Quinn chipped a tooth and it became infected, she could not find a … Read More
CHICAGO, Feb. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), representing over 11,000 pediatric dental specialists, has formally submitted comments on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Fluoride Preliminary Assessment Plan and Literature Survey (Docket No. EPA-HQ-OW-2025-3823). The … Read More
Three whistleblowers should collect nothing from Texas’ $236 million Medicaid fraud settlement with Xerox because information they provided was previously known to investigators, a lawyer for the state argued to an appeals court Thursday. Trying to claw back the $48 … Read More
Despite expanding its coverage of dental procedures for Medicare beneficiaries with certain medical treatments, many clinicians don’t participate in the program. Dental experts told DrBicuspid what needs to happen for the tide to turn. Dentists said reimbursements need to be … Read More
If you’re interested in providing access to high quality, comprehensive medical and health care services to Medicaid recipients in the state, you can apply to be a member of the Medicaid Advisory Committee formerly known as the Medical Care Advisory … Read More
Here are six emerging trends for dental leaders to know regarding artificial intelligence, staffing, insurance and patient care: 1. AI adoption: Several DSOs have added AI technology in recent weeks to enhance patient care and improve operational efficiency, including DECA … Read More
The ADA Foundation has launched a new grant program to support state dental associations and their affiliated foundations as they assist dentists impacted by natural disasters. States may be eligible to receive a grant of up to $25,000 from the … Read More
American Dental Association President Richard Rosato, D.M.D. found a receptive audience when he shared the concept behind the ADA’s Oral Health 2050 Initiative while participating in a panel discussion at the 2026 Dental VIP Summit. Taking place Feb. 18 in … Read More
The ADA submitted a response to the Department of Health and Human Services’ request for information on artificial intelligence adoption in clinical care. The Association emphasized that while AI offers transformative potential, its adoption in dental practices requires investments, particularly … Read More
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into what he called “likely the largest breach in U.S. history,” following a data breach that compromised the sensitive information of approximately 4 million Texans. The breach occurred over nearly three … Read More
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Texas Attorney General is calling it the largest data breach in U.S. history, and letters are already going out to those affected. That includes people right here in the CSRA. The breach involves Conduent Business … Read More
Dr. Todd Gray, chief dental officer for Sun Life U.S. including DentaQuest, recently joined TeamSmile’s Board of Directors, reinforcing both a personal and professional dedication to improving oral health for all. amSmile is the nation’s premier advocacy group that partners … Read More
LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – The Dental Depot is a pediatric dentist office with a unique railroad theme, and Pediatric Dentist Dr. Scott Worley says it serves a significant purpose. “Going to the dentist can be intimidating for anyone, especially … Read More
Parkland College will soon expand its dental hygienist program and dramatically increase access to community dental care, thanks to $3.5 million in federal funding secured by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). The funding, part of the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations … Read More
Continued margin compression, outside people trying to get in between dental teams, and insurance companies denying care and delaying payments are a few of the burdens facing dental leaders. Prioritizing alignment, culture and honesty with staff and patients is key … Read More
Three new standards are available for review and comment from the American Dental Association’s Standards Program by March 22. • Proposed ANSI/ADA Standard No. 216, Dentistry — Endodontic Irrigants and Medicaments: This document classifies endodontic irrigants and medicaments used temporarily … Read More
The dental workforce is seeing big shifts this year as the industry faces increased dentist retirement and additional hiring challenges with dental assistants. Here are five workforce trends to know: 1. Dental assistant hiring and retention is getting a negative … Read More
A Texas state Medicaid leader said her office is taking steps to address potential Medicaid fraud, following a letter from the governor pushing for stronger enforcement. Last month, Gov. Greg Abbott directed state officials to investigate potential Medicaid fraud in … Read More
