Tragedies prompt new sedation rules; a duck with a machine gun?

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

Confusion in Colorado and patient deaths in Illinois have prompted dental boards in those states to move closer to ADA guidelines on sedation regulations. Other states, meanwhile, are charting very different courses. Read more.

In other news, another proposed amendment to a healthcare reform bill being debated in the U.S. House of Representatives could set the stage for dental benefits to become mandatory in health insurance policies available to everyone -- adults as well as children. Read more.

AAOMR meeting

The annual American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (AAOMR) meeting takes place next month in Louisville, KY, and as incoming president Dr. Allan Farman notes in his latest Talking Pictures column, the program features a number of luminary speakers covering the latest innovations in 3D surface modeling; temporomandibular joint imaging, diagnosis, and management; and more.

Among the invited lecturers at the AAOMR conference is Dr. Alex Ruprecht, who will use wit and wisdom to illustrate how the specialty has evolved over the last 40 years since he first became a radiologist. He'll also answer the burning question: Why does that duck have a machine gun?

And over on the Second Opinion page, Dr. Sheri Doniger reminds us that, as caregivers, taking care of ourselves has to be a priority too, while our newest Coaches Corner contributor, Dr. Alan Goldstein, shares his secrets on what it takes to be an effective leader.