Dear DrBicuspid Member,
In a report that surprises no one who sees older adults in their practice, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported this week that less than 30% of U.S. adults 65 years and older had dental insurance in 2017. The research looked at dental insurance status, economic status, and more.
But that wasn't the only new research released this week. A study published by JAMA Network Open on May 31 found that almost 81% of antibiotics prescribed by U.S. dentists for infection prophylaxis before appointments were unnecessary. The researchers examined data from more than 91,000 commercially insured patients to make this determination.
These new studies may not be focused on the same topic, but it's wrong to think they are separate issues. The median age of patients in the antibiotics study was 63 and some were much older, for instance. More widely available and affordable care with reasonable reimbursement would likely mean practices could see more patients. In turn, those patients may have better oral and systemic health.
Also this week, we took a look back at the California Dental Association's 2019 CDA Presents meeting in Anaheim, CA. Our exclusive video covers four trends that emerged from this year's meeting.
Many practices want to become more environmentally conscious, but they don't know where to start. That's where Dr. Lisa Knowles comes in. She spoke with DrBicuspid.com about sustainable dentistry at the CDA Presents meeting.
