by Aspen Dental provides free Day of Service for veterans; creates “A Taste of the Future” video
As part of this year’s Healthy Mouth Movement, Aspen Dental-branded practices across the country opened their doors to provide a free Day of Service for veterans on June 27. Furthermore, practices are bringing free dental care to veterans in underserved communities via the MouthMobile. This fully-equipped dental practice on wheels will visit 28 communities in 21 states before the end of 2015.
To spread the word about these opportunities to as many veterans as possible, Aspen Dental-branded practices have worked closely with local organizations that share similar missions.
U.S. VETS Phoenix, a nonprofit that provides comprehensive services for homeless and at-risk veterans, hosted this year’s first MouthMobile community-giving event at its center in Phoenix. Thanks to the organization’s assistance, the MouthMobile was able to provide care for 40 local veterans over two days.
U.S. VETS teamed up with local practices again to connect veterans with the free Day of Service on June 27, maximizing the opportunity that was available.
“The dental care has been outstanding,” said James Pitts, U.S. VETS Phoenix Outreach Coordinator. “This care means these veterans are no longer in pain due to deficient dental care, and they are very proud of their new smiles.”
Aspen Dental also announced a new campaign titled: “A Taste of the Future.” Aspen chose a well-known director and organization friend, Danica Patrick, to create a video that would spark conversation about the serious subject of oral health in a way that is light-hearted, surprising and funny. The video used a food truck, hidden cameras and unsuspecting, hungry customers to give people a glimpse in to what their future might look like if they don’t take care of their mouth. The video is available on the Aspen Dental YouTube channel, titled “Danica Patrick’s Food Truck Prank.”
Great Expressions honors top-performing dentists
Great Expressions Dental Centers (GEDC), recently honored their top-performing dentists at their fifth annual “Top Gun” awards. More than 300 GEDC doctors, clinical partners, special guests and vendors came together to honor doctors for their superior performance, providing care and leadership over the past year. The award ceremony was held in Las Vegas at Aria Casino & Resort and a private Glitter and Glow party at Aria’s Liquid Lounge on May 22 and 23.
The “Top Gun” ceremony honors top-performing doctors based on patient care, dedication to mentorship programs and philanthropic efforts. GEDC honored all doctors who attended including special recognition for Dr. Amirta Marajh (Tampa, Fla.) who received the Best Aesthetic Case; Dr. Jacob John (Middletown, N.Y.) who received Best Multi Discipline Restorative Case; and Dr. Shervin Ardalani (Riverview and Brandon, Fla.) who received Best Orthodontic Case.
In addition, Dr. Robert Brody (Miami, Fla.) received the Power of One Award, a new award this year that represents the impact one person can make at work and in the lives of his or her patients. Dr. Zenon Kossak (Livonia, Mich.) received the Humanitarian Award for providing a full mouth rehab on a cancer patient. Prior to the rebab, the patient had issues with their mouth, including trouble eating.
“The ‘Top Gun’ awards were created to acknowledge our top-performing doctors for their outstanding leadership at Great Expressions,” said Richard Beckman, chief executive officer of Great Expressions Dental Centers. “These doctors continuously seek ways to provide unmatched care to our patients and those less fortunate. We’re honored to be able to work with them and honor their hard work.”
In addition to honoring doctors for their hard work and contributions to the community, awardees and other attendees enjoyed team building, learning how to overcome adversity by listening to motivational speaker Jim Abbot and a special performance by Vanilla Ice. Top sponsors of the event include Benco Dental, Care Credit, Dental Science LLC, DSG Group Practice Solutions Dental Laboratory and Henry Schein Special Markets. Additional sponsors include: AOA, GC America, Invisalign®, KaVo Kerr Group, Midmark, Nobel Biocare, Ormco, Pan-Am Dental Incorporated and VATECH.
Heartland Dental now supporting additional offices in several states
Heartland Dental announced it now supports existing offices in the following locations: Alexandria, La.; Scottsboro, Ala.; Stevenson, Ala.; McColl, S.C.; and Fairhope, Ala. Heartland Dental also now supports newly opened offices in the following locations: Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Oldsmar, Fla.; and Tucson, Ariz.
New California budget reverses Denti-Cal rate cuts
The California Dental Association (CDA) (Sacramento, CA) announced the California state budget agreement that was signed on June 16, 2015 reverses the 10 percent rate cuts for Denti-Cal providers that were enacted in 2013. The reversal of the rate cut takes effect July 1, 2015. CDA warns that the rate increase is likely to be tied to a “tenuous funding stream,” which raises questions for the association about the sustainability of the rates. Governor Jerry Brown announced a special legislative session scheduled to begin June 19 to discuss more sustainable funding for healthcare programs, including Denti-Cal.
AL Supreme Court rules teeth whitening is the domain of dentists
On June 5, 2015, the Alabama Supreme Court (Montgomery, AL) affirmed a lower court ruling that prevents non-dentists from providing teeth-whitening services in the state. A group representing two non-dentists had sued to overturn a provision in Alabama’s Dental Practice Act that requires teeth-whitening services be performed by a dentist. The lawsuit argues the Alabama law is overly broad, is in violation of due process, and unreasonably favors dentists, eliminating competition for teeth whitening services. No one has ever been harmed through the application of teeth-whitening products by non-dentists, attorneys argued. However, the final ruling insists that there are numerous actual or potential health and safety risks associated with teeth whitening.
ADA names new director of scientific information
The American Dental Association (ADA) named Ruth Lipman, PhD as its new director of scientific information. Lipman will be responsible for the review and distribution of scientific information provided to ADA members, helping them stay connected with the most recent dental research and information. Lipman was previously the chief science and practice officer for the American Association of Diabetes Educators (Chicago, IL).
ADA: CDC statistics show need for increased access to dental care
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (Atlanta, GA) released a report showing the high prevalence of dental caries among U.S. adults. Ninety-one percent of Americans over 20 have had cavities at some point in their lives, and 27 percent of adults over 20 have untreated caries. It also noted the disproportionate rates of disease among some minorities is particularly disturbing and underscores the need for greater outreach to these underserved populations. In response to this issue, the American Dental Association (ADA) (Chicago, IL) launched Action for Dental Health, a nationwide, community-based movement to provide care now to people who already suffer from untreated disease, strengthen and expand the public/private safety net, and increase dental health education and disease prevention. To read the ADA’s response to this report, visit www.ada.org
