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American Dental Association announces policy changes to combat opioid epidemic
The American Dental Association (ADA) (Chicago, IL) announced a new policy on
opioids, supporting mandates on prescription limits and continuing education. The three policy changes are:
- The ADA supports mandatory continuing education in prescribing opioids and other controlled substances.
- The ADA supports statutory limits on opioid dosage and duration of no more than seven days for the treatment of acute pain, consistent with the CDC evidence-based guidelines.
- The ADA supports dentists registering with and utilizing Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) to promote the appropriate use of opioids and deter misuse and abuse.
“As president of the ADA, I call upon dentists everywhere to double down on their efforts to prevent opioids from harming our patients and their families,” said ADA President Joseph P. Crowley, D.D.S. “This new policy demonstrates ADA’s firm commitment to help fight the country’s opioid epidemic while continuing to help patients manage dental pain.”
Most opioids prescribed to patients in the U.S. are written by physicians and other medical professionals for management of chronic (long-term) pain. Dentists with an appropriate license may also prescribe opioids, and do so most often for management of acute (short-term) pain such as severe tooth decay, extraction of teeth and root canals. In 1998, dentists were the top specialty prescribers of opioid pain relievers, accounting for 15.5 percent of all opioid prescriptions in the U.S. By 2012, this number had fallen to 6.4 percent.
For more information on how the ADA is working to combat opioid abuse, visit www.ADA.org/opioids.
Aspen Dental to open office in NY
Aspen Dental Management Inc (Syracuse, NY) announced it will open a new Aspen Dental-branded practice in Hudson, New York on March 29. The new dental office is led by Dr. Aldo Lomanto. Lomanto and his team will provide dental services ranging from dentures and preventive care, to general dentistry and restoration.
Cornerstone Dental Specialties unveils new app and endo fellowship
Cornerstone Dental Specialties (CDS) (Irvine, CA) announced it would release the Cornerstone Dental Specialties app, CDS Connect. The app will reportedly change the way the DSO’s clinicians communicate within their network, manage their schedules, drive education, and manage their supply chain. The app will be the main platform Cornerstone will use to drive efficiency and support scale. Additionally, the company will offer The CDS Endodontic Fellowship, a paid private endodontic fellowship program. The fellowship program is designed to help the recently graduated endodontist make the final transition into clinical practice. The 16-month process will “allow clinicians the opportunity to hone their skills and make the transition from academia to private practice.” The company plans to unveil these new offerings at the upcoming annual meeting of the American Association of Endodontists (AAE).
Delta Dental names new VP
The Delta Dental Plans Association (Oak Brook, IL) named Joseph Dill as its VP of dental science and network strategy. Dill was most recently VP of professional services and dental director for Delta Dental of Virginia.
HHS taps CVS Caremark VP to oversee drug pricing effort
HHS Secretary Alex Azar selected CVS Caremark VP Daniel Best to lead the agency’s push to curb drug prices, a source familiar with the matter told Politico. As leader of HHS’ effort to lower drug costs, Best will manage daily tasks associated with the initiative. He currently oversees industry relations for CVS’ Medicare Part D arm. He joined the company in 2011 when CVS acquired Universal American’s Part D business.
Great Expressions Dental Centers speaks out against oral cancer
Great Expressions Dental Centers (GEDC) (Southfield, MI) launched the Speak Out Against Oral Cancer campaign to help lower the risk of being diagnosed with oral cancer. As part of the campaign, the company released some basic tips to help the public avoid the disease. Participating GEDC offices are also providing free Advanced OralID Cancer Screenings for every patient who visits in April. Additionally, as part of its commitment to funding research for a cure, GEDC will make a monetary donation to the Oral Cancer Foundation.
Dental implants and prosthesis market worth $13.01B by 2023
According to a new market research report, “Dental Implants and Prosthesis Market by Type (Dental Implants, Bridge, Crown, Abutment, Dentures, Veneers, Inlay & Onlays), Material (Titanium, Zirconium, Metal, Ceramic, Porcelain Fused to Metal), Type of Facility, and Region – Global Forecast to 2023,” published by MarketsandMarkets, the Dental Implants and Prosthesis Market is expected to reach $13.01 billion by 2023 from an estimated $9.50 billion in 2018, at a CAGR of 6.5%. The key factors driving the growth of this market include the growing geriatric population and corresponding dental disorders; rising incidence of tooth decay and edentulism across the globe; growing dental tourism in emerging markets and increasing government expenditure on oral healthcare. Titanium dental implants accounted for the largest share of the Dental Implants Market in 2017. By price, premium implants accounted for the largest share of this market in 2017. Dental bridges held the largest share of the Dental Prosthesis Market in 2017.
