IDA UPDATE
Indiana Dental Association | January 2022
In This Issue

  • Legislative Update: Dental Insurance Reform Bill Moves to Full Senate 
  • Join the IDA on Monday for Dental Day and Zent Fundraiser
  • Dental Licenses Renew in 40 Days
  • IDA Offers Last-Minute CE Opportunities
  • Opt In to IDA Member Texts
  • Volunteer Your Skills With the IDA, ADA
  • Join HPI’s Monthly Poll of Dentists
  • Bank of America Practice Solutions Offering 1.89% Interest
  • McMillen Health Seeking Focus Group Participation
  • IDA Hosting Indy Fuel Hockey Night
  • Nominate Dental Stars for IDA Awards
Upcoming Events

IDA Winter 2022 Board of Trustees Meeting
Saturday, January 22, 8 a.m.
IDA Central Office

Dental Day at the Capitol/Zent Fundraiser
Monday, January 24

E-Learning Series: Yes You Can! Pediatrics
Thursday, February 3, noon
Legislative Update:
Dental Insurance
Reform Bill Moves to Full Senate
SB 136, authored by Sen. Andy Zay (R–Huntington), passed out of the Senate Insurance and Financial Institutions Committee on Monday by a 7-1 vote. It passed second reading in the Senate earlier this afternoon. The next step will be for the bill to receive a vote in the full Senate, most likely on Monday afternoon, January 24.

SB 136 seeks two things: It would prohibit insurance company PPOs from dictating reimbursement rates for procedures not covered by their plans (Non-Covered Services). Forty-one states have already approved Non-Covered Services legislation, and we hope to make Indiana #42. The bill would also require insurance companies to allow dentists to “opt out” of provider network contracts that are leased to other insurance companies.
All IDA members are asked to contact their state senators before Monday’s vote. Please encourage them to vote "yes” on SB 136. IDA’s Dental Day it the Capitol is scheduled for the same day (see below). You are encouraged to attend Dental Day to show support for the bill.

While we feel optimistic about Senate passage, we anticipate strong opposition from the insurance industry in the House. Please watch for future updates regarding when to reach out to your House of Representatives member to ask for support for SB 136.
Join the IDA on Monday for Dental Day, Zent Fundraiser
It's not too late to register for Monday's Dental Day at the Capitol. This annual event is your opportunity to participate in the legislative process and to learn the ins and outs of advocating for your profession. Participants will also be able to hear debate on SB 136, the Dental Insurance Reform bill (see above).

At 3:30 on Monday, the event will move to the IDA Central Office for a fundraiser for Dr. Denny Zent, a retired endodontist and State Representative for Indiana Congressional District 51. Dr. Zent is a life member of the IDA and will be running for reelection in November. He is the only dentist currently serving in the state legislature and has been key to sponsoring and voting for legislation that is supportive of the dental profession.

Visit our website to learn more and to register for Dental Day.
Dental Licenses Renew in 40 Days
All Indiana dentists and hygienists must renew their licenses by March 1, 2022. The State of Indiana is encouraging all professionals to renew their licenses online instead of paper, and the online process has migrated to the Access Indiana system.

If you don't have a current Access Indiana account, you will need to create a new one. The sign up procedure also includes a verification process using a text to your cell phone or an email.

If you haven't already renewed your license, we recommend beginning the process as soon as possible in case you need to seek account or login assistance from the state.
IDA Offers Last-Minute CE Opportunities
Dentists and hygienists are required to earn 20 and 19 hours, respectively, of CE before their Indiana license renewal. Below are last-minute opportunities to fulfill your required hours.

IDA On-Demand Webinars (includes a wide range of topics)

Get a head start on your 2022-2024 CE hours by attending our Midwest Dental Assembly or other CE events in the upcoming year. Click the links below for more details.
Opt In to IDA Member Texts
The IDA is excited to announce a new member communication tool: We are adding texting as an option for sharing important information with our members. We anticipate sending 1-3 texts per month, and members have the option of narrowing text messages to specific topics, including advocacy, events, new dentist information, and insurance.

Click the link below to complete the quick opt in form.
Volunteer Your Skills With the IDA, ADA
The IDA and ADA rely on the time and expertise of dentist volunteers to make our organizations run smoothly. There are currently multiple openings for IDA and ADA leadership positions, as well as numerous spots on IDA committees and subcommittees. Click the link below to learn more. The deadline to apply for all positions is Friday, March 18.
Join HPI’s Monthly Poll of Dentists
The ADA Health Policy Institute (HPI) is continuing its monthly polling of dentists to assess the economic impact of the pandemic and other emerging issues in dentistry. Dentists can register now to join a monthly survey panel to help HPI assess the current conditions in dental practices and public health settings, and shape the response to support dentists.

Dentists from all practice types, specialties and geographic regions are encouraged to participate to help HPI get the most comprehensive view of the state of dentistry in 2022.
Bank of America Practice Solutions Offering 1.89% Interest
IDA vendor partner Bank of America Practice Solutions is offering a 1.89% interest rate for two years on select financing.

This low-interest loan may be used for establishing or acquiring practices, building remodels, relocations, loan consolidations, loan payoffs, and more. Click the image on the left to learn more.
McMillen Health Seeking Focus Group Participation
McMillen Health, a nonprofit health education organization based in Fort Wayne, is seeking dentists willing to take part in interviews or focus groups to determine the oral health needs of people with disabilities.

To learn more, click the image on the left, or email Megan Wilkinson at mwilkinson@mcmillenhealth.org.
IDA Hosting Indy Fuel Hockey Night
Nothing says fun like dentistry and hockey. Join the IDA Dental Practice and Education committee for Indy Fuel Hockey event for members and dental students on Friday, January 28. The IDA has reserved the Party Deck rink side at 5:30 to begin the pregame tailgate. Your seat, food and drink and door prizes are all included with your $25 reservation.

Details:
Friday, January 28
5:30 p.m. Party Deck | 7 p.m. Game Start
Indiana Farmers Coliseum
1202 E 38th St, Indianapolis
Parking: $10 per vehicle, paid on site
Nominate Stars for IDA Awards
If you know individuals who have done an outstanding job promoting, practicing or volunteering for the field of dentistry, nominate them for an IDA Award. These awards are presented during the IDA Midwest Dental Assembly and honor dentists, volunteers and dental professionals for their hard work and dedication.

All nominations for IDA Awards are due by March 1, 2022. Click the link below to visit our awards page and nomination form.