Levin on practice approach; CDA Presents: MICRA reform, ergonomics, and the ACA

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

In the challenging new dental economy, it's more important than ever that dentists take a more business-like approach to running their practices, according to Dr. Roger P. Levin. Before implementing new management systems and growth strategies, practice leaders need to know exactly where they stand. One of the most useful analytical tools for dental businesses is a SWOT analysis, which defines the practice's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

For almost 40 years, malpractice insurance premiums in California have remained stable because of a cap on noneconomic damage awards due to the Medical Injury Compensation Reform Act (MICRA) of 1975. But a new ballot measure threatens to quadruple the award limit and possibly put prescribers in a difficult ethical situation. DrBicuspid.com spoke with Dr. Daniel G. Davidson, past president of the past president of California Dental Association (CDA), about the measure and what dentists are doing to prevent its passage.

Dental professionals should make regular exercise and good posture part of their daily routines to avoid back and neck problems, according to a presentation at last week's CDA Presents conference. Read Features Editor Donna Domino's article here and start saving your back.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) will have far-reaching impact on dental insurance, dentists, and patients, according to another presentation at CDA Presents. More low-income children and adults will be covered, and insurers will scrutinize claims to see if dentists are following established protocols for improved outcomes. Read more here.

Did you attend CDA Presents in San Francisco? If so, what were your impressions? If not, I hope you'll let us know what you liked, and didn't like, about our coverage. We'll be bringing you more coverage over the next several days, and we're in the planning stages for our coverage of the American Academy of Periodontology 100th Anniversary Annual Meeting later this month.