The Tooth, the Whole Tooth, and Nothing but the Tooth

Here is a smattering of a some of the more interesting articles from the past few weeks related to dental news and commentary from varying perspectives:

Patients, Insurance, and Costs

There have been several articles recently commenting on the intersection of Medicare, Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, and emergency room visits for dental care. Health Canal focused and MedicalXpress discussed a study that found that more than two percent of all ER visits are related to non-traumatic dental conditions. http://www.healthcanal.com/oral-dental-health/65841-dental-coverage-for-patients-with-medicaid-may-not-prevent-tooth-related-er-visits.html; http://medicalxpress.com/news/2015-08-access-dental-low-income-americans-exception.html.

In looking at coverage sign-ups, the Steamboat Today noted that in Colorado, 25% percent of individuals in the northwestern part of the state did not opt in for dental coverage due to the cost.. http://www.steamboattoday.com/news/2015/sep/01/medicaid-enrollment-surges-northwest-colorado-unin/ .

The Street recently published an article attempting to break down the economics and offered tips to the public for saving money related to dental care. http://www.thestreet.com/story/13268237/1/how-to-drilling-down-on-dental-costs-save-on-your-next-trip-to-the-dentist.html.

Modern Healthcare offers a look at the growth of a small dental insurance company from an economic and preventative care standpoint.  http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20150825/NEWS/150829929.

For practices near our country’s southern border, this may be interesting. The Arizona Capital Times has a short article about seniors travelling to Mexico for dental care.  http://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2015/09/01/facing-rising-dental-costs-seniors-head-to-mexico/.

Procedures and Technology

The U.S. News and World Report just published a story on “The Evolution of Dental Implants” written by Dr. Steven Moss where the article describes procedures, new technology, and patient options to the public.  http://health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/articles/2015/08/31/the-evolution-of-dental-implants .

Statasys released news of its new 3D dental printer.  http://3dprint.com/93289/objet-30-dental-price/.

As a last note, WTAE in Pittsburg has a story about a local dentist using paper clips during root canals. http://www.wtae.com/news/pittsburgh-dentist-admits-using-paper-clips-for-root-canals/35019798 .

If you have questions or need further information on any of these topics, please contact us directly at rmartin@hallboothsmith.com

Compiled by: David Younker, Esq.