IDA UPDATE
Indiana Dental Association | September 2021
COVID Vaccine Boosters Not Yet Approved
In August it was announced that COVID vaccine boosters would be offered this fall, but the FDA and CDC have yet to issue approvals for booster shots. IDA will keep members informed on booster recommendations and guidance as new information arises.
IDA Welcomes Kate Ewing and Katherine Matteson
Kate Ewing
Last month the IDA welcomed Kate Ewing as the newest member of the central office staff. Kate is 2021 graduate of Ball State University and replaces Janelle Kramer, who is now the executive director of the Indianapolis District Dental Society.

Kate will be serving as receptionist and will be the first voice you hear when calling the IDA office. She will also assist with continuing education support and other administrative duties.
Katherine Matteson
Katherine Matteson began her work as the IDA's Director of Volunteer Engagement earlier in September. Katherine will be responsible for IDA board coordination, ADA Delegation activities, volunteer management and recruitment and general office support.

Katherine is a graduate of the University of Missouri and is currently pursuing a master's of health administration at Des Moines University. Her past work includes practice management and recruiting at various health care centers.
Don't Let the K Names Confuse You...
We're not trying to confuse our members. We just happened to hire three great employees with similar names. Below are staff members Kathy, Kate and Katherine, along with their titles.
Ethics and Opioids Publication Coming Soon
An upcoming self study publication produced by the IDA will allow members and their staff to meet two important continuing education requirements.

Ethics and Jurisprudence will allow dentists and hygienists to meet their two-hour CE requirement for training in Ethics, Professional Responsibility and Indiana Statutes and Rules governing the practice of dentistry and dental hygiene. All Indiana dentists and hygienists are required to receive this CE before their March 1, 2022, license renewal.

Opioid Abuse and Prevention will allow dentists who wish to renew their controlled substance registration (CSR) to meet the two-hour CE requirement in opioid prescribing before the March 1, 2022, CSR renewal deadline.

The publication, planned for release in September, will be mailed to all IDA members free of charge. The cost for the accompanying quiz and completion certificate are as follows:

  • Ethics: $30 for members, $50 for hygienists, $200 for non-members
  • Opioids: $30 for members, $200 for non-members.
A Two Minute Survey Can Save You $50
A two-minute survey can save you $50: The IDA's Midwest Dental Assembly Subcommittee is asking members to take a moment to help create a well-balanced conference that fits the needs of you and your team.

Those who take the survey can use promo code SURVEY to take 10 percent off the registration fee online if the survey is completed by tomorrow, Friday, September 17.

The average savings for registration for one dentist and two team members is $50. The 2022 MDA will be held May 20-22, 2022, in Fort Wayne.
Upcoming CE Opportunities
The IDA is offering numerous live and virtual CE opportunities for members:

Help Northwest Indiana Dental Society With Fundraiser
The Northwest Indiana Dental Society is hosting a 5K run/walk for oral cancer awareness on Saturday, October 9, in Crown Point. All IDA members are welcome and encouraged to participate.

Runners and walkers who want a t-shirt should register for the event by September 24. The deadline for late registration is September 30. No on-site registration will be available.

Prizes and medals will be awarded for various categories. Click the image on the left or the link below to learn more.
Listen to Podcast With Plan Forward
Giving patients a membership option allows them to proactively manage their healthcare to improve health outcomes, decrease the need for emergency visits, and reduce overall healthcare costs. ​

This summer our Presidential Pearls podcast series featured Plan Forward founder and CEO Megan Lohman speaking with Dr. David Wolf. The Plan Forward software platform, developed in Indiana, enables dentists to easily offer customized membership plans to uninsured patients.