Senate targets corporate dentistry; cloud computing aids HIPAA compliance

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

The investigation of the Small Smiles dental chain for Medicaid fraud by the U.S. Department of Justice and the eventual settlement it reached has been a big story in dentistry. Years later, the repercussions of the investigation appear to be far from over.

Two U.S. Senators, Charles Grassley (R-IA) and Max Baucus (D-MT), have issued a 1,500-page report that could impact not only the Small Smiles dental chain, which operates 63 "Smiles"-branded dental centers in 21 states, but other corporate-owned entities like it. Their recommendation that these entities be excluded from Medicaid could result in sweeping changes in the types of practices available to Americans for oral care. Read more.

Over in the Cosmetics Community, DrBicuspid.com spoke with the new president of the American Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Gayle Glenn, to get her perspective on changes in a profession that was once overwhelmingly male-dominated. While women are still staking out their place, her term will focus more on ensuring that her colleagues adapt to technological developments. Learn more about her goals as president in the latest edition of the Leaders in Dentistry series here.

Finally, a host of companies are working to serve the needs of the modern dental practitioner, and they're using technology to do it. CloudDDS is one of these companies, and it is rolling out a new service that, by its estimate, could trim 25% from the operational budget of dental practices while simplifying HIPAA compliance. Find out how by clicking here.