IDA President Dr. David Wolf has convened a Workforce Task Force. The group will examine Indiana's dental workforce to pinpoint shortages, both in terms of geographic areas of the state and specific positions within dental offices. The Task Force will also address problem areas and areas for mitigation across the state by engaging with key stakeholders at the academic and governmental level.

Members of the Task Force include:

Dr. David Wolf, IDA President

Dr. Steve Hollar, IDA President-Elect

Dr. Greg Phillips

Dr. Will Hine

Dr. Brenda Valliere

Hannah Maxey, Ph.D

Dr. E. Angeles Martinez Mier

Dr. John Williams

Dr. Matt Kolkman

The ADA Center for Dental Benefits, Coding and Quality (CDBCQ) has updated its reference guide and provided links on resources to help dental offices with dental benefits, coding, credentialing, quality and Medicaid concerns.

Click the button below to view a PDF of the reference guide.

Have you heard of Next Level Jobs? The State of Indiana created this program several years ago as a way to help employers fill in-demand jobs throughout the state.

Included among the job fields for NextLevel Jobs are dental assisting and dental lab techs. As an employer, you may qualify for reimbursement of up to $5,000 in training expenses per employee, with a maximum of $50,000.

IDA will be following up on this program in the coming weeks and months to share more about the eligibility and training requirements for both employers and employees. In the meantime, the link below includes more general information about Next Level Jobs.

In July, IDA Director of Governmental Affairs Ed Popcheff announced plans to leave IDA to develop his own public affairs practice. Ed began working at IDA in 1995 and worked to advocate for Indiana's dentists, including Medicaid reimbursement increases, fluoridation efforts, and relief from excessive and intrusive regulation attempts.

Ed’s last day with IDA was August 1. A search for his replacement has already begun, with the goal of having someone in place by the fall in preparation for the 2021 Indiana Legislative Session.

We thank Ed for his many years of faithful service to the IDA and its members!

In 2019, the Indiana General Assembly passed legislation requiring prescriptions for controlled substances to be filed electronically. This new requirement takes effect on December 31, 2020.

IDA leadership has had meetings with staff of the Indiana Board of Pharmacy and INSPECT in an attempt to clarify the implementation of the new e-prescription rule. We will update members on the guidance we receive as soon as possible.

In addition, IDEA is vetting two e-prescription services this week and will share details with members once decisions are made. Our intent is to make compliance with the e-prescription requirement as affordable and convenient as possible.

IDA will be hosting a special online workshop in November to help dentists and office managers navigate the ins and outs of opting into Medicaid.

Being a Medicaid Provider in an Era of Accountability is a five-hour workshop on Friday, November 13. Cost is $25 for member dentists and their teams and $50 for non-member dentists. The workshop will take place online and is worth 5 LIVE CE credits in Practice Management.

Buying or selling a practice, hiring an associate, or looking for a job? ADAPT makes it easy.

Not quite sure what you’re looking for? ADAPT will help you narrow down your options to find the right practice or dentist that meets your goals and preferences.

ADAPT isn’t just another listing service. Instead they offer a customized experience to find like minded dentists or practices. A dedicated personal ADAPT advisor guides you through every step so you feel confident knowing you made the right choice.

The result? A more successful transition for you, your staff, and your patients.

A Pennsylvania dentist is looking for equipment donations for a clinic in San Luis, Honduras. The clinic is in need of two sets doctor/assistant stools and an autoclave. They also are looking for a Nomad x-ray unit. Equipment is needed by the third week of September. To donate, contact Dr. E. William Waring, Jr., at 717-873-0767.