Dental groups debate DHATs; ADA asks FDA for bleaching rules

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

Several leading U.S. dental organizations -- including the ADA and the Academy of General Dentistry -- have taken their opposition to Alaska's dental health aid therapist (DHAT) program to Capitol Hill.

In hearings before the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs last week over legislation that would prevent the DHAT program from expanding into other states, ADA president Ron Tankersley, D.D.S., argued that allowing DHATs to perform extractions poses safety issues. But those on the other side of the issue -- including more than two dozen other dental groups -- maintain that the program is safe, effective, and provides a much-needed service to underserved populations in Indian country. Read more.

Meanwhile, the ADA is asking the FDA to begin classifying tooth-bleaching chemicals, citing safety concerns related to the sale and use of tooth-whitening treatments in nondental settings. Read more.

In clinical news, with kidney disease rates on the rise -- and a parallel presence of severe periodontitis in those with end-stage renal disease -- a series of recent studies point to the need for dental professionals to familiarize themselves with the challenges of treating patients on hemodialysis. Read more.

And over on the Second Opinion page, Dr. Sheri Doniger looks at the pros and cons -- mostly pros -- of using Twitter to stay in touch with your patients, while Dr. Alan Goldstein argues that implementing a no-show policy takes courage, but the payoff is well worth it.

Finally, round two of the first annual DrBicuspid Dental Excellence Awards is now under way. Starting today and running through December 18, you can vote for your favorite nominees in 13 categories. Click here to start casting your votes today!