Antitrust questions
ADA asks FTC for guidance on economic issues in light of inquiry on quality-based competition

Washington—The Association in a policy communication with the Federal Trade Commission called for further antitrust guidance on provider collaborations while cautioning against "unnecessary, unhelpful, untimely" government regulation of health care quality information. Go to full story.

Association seeks indefinite delay on FTC Red Flags Rule

Washington—The ADA is urging the FTC to indefinitely postpone the effective date of the Red Flags Rule for dentists while reconsidering its applicability to them overall. The Rule requires financial institutions and creditors to develop a written plan to prevent and detect identity theft. Go to full story

CODA: Resolution urges changes

San Antonio—In accepting the final report of the Task Force on the Commission on Dental Accreditation in June, the ADA Board of Trustees noted the impact of the task force's benchmarking study that explored best practices in more than 20 accrediting agencies and placed CODA in perspective within the arena in which it operates. Go to full story.

NYC dental clinics closure opposed

Albany, N.Y.—A proposed closure of New York City dental clinics in the name of economy "displays a disregard for the city's most vulnerable populations," the president of the New York State Dental Association charged in a statement. Go to full story.

ViewPoint
That's what it's all about

One recent evening, I was cleaning out some files in my office and ran across a folder that I keep little notes in. The notes have been written by me or my staff to remind us of the funny things that happen in the office. I had not seen this file for quite a while and took a moment to glance through it. One note in particular brought back a bright memory, and I would like to share the story with you. Go to full editorial.

Illinois State Dental Society starts search for new executive director

Springfield, Ill.—The Illinois State Dental Society is seeking a new executive director. Robert Rechner, who currently holds the position, has announced he will complete his tenure at the ISDS in late 2009. Mr. Rechner has served 29 years as the ISDS executive director. Go to full story.

HOD adopts whitening resolution amid safety concerns for patients

San Antonio—Concerns about safety issues regarding unlicensed providers working in teeth-whitening businesses has prompted the ADA House of Delegates to adopt Resolution 73H-2008, which commits the ADA to supporting the education of the public on the importance of consulting a licensed dentist to determine if whitening/bleaching is an appropriate course of treatment. Go to full story.

House amends CAPIR bylaws

San Antonio—Amending the ADA Bylaws regarding the duties of the ADA Council on Access, Prevention and Interprofessional Relations, the ADA House of Delegates reinforced the council's role to work with internal and external groups to evaluate public health trends, recommend policy and improve access to care, said Dr. Lindsey A. Robinson, council chair. Go to full story.

New FDI executive director
Dr. David Alexander draws on dental practice, military dentistry, public health and industry experience to lead global organization

Ferney-Voltaire, France—With one of the largest memberships within the FDI World Dental Federation, ADA member dentists have an important role in the organization that serves as the international voice of dentistry. Go to full story.

House approves plan for podcasts

San Antonio—In Resolution 29H-2008, the House of Delegates approved a plan for the ADA to produce a year-long series of video podcasts for the public on a variety of oral health topics. "Our younger patient demographics—young adults and teenagers—are not typically receiving information from traditional mainstream media," said Dr. David Dodell, a consultant on the project and a past member of the Council on Communications, the agency developing the podcasts. Go to full story.

2008 public affairs, legal and legislative resolutions
HOD directs Association to lobby Congress for ban on soda pop

San Antonio—The following are public affairs, legal and legislative-related resolutions adopted by the 2008 House of Delegates during the ADA annual session in October. Go to full story.

ADA House eyes survey reportage, dental care and benefit issues, policy language

San Antonio—The following are among dental benefits, practice, science and health resolutions the 2008 House of Delegates adopted during the ADA annual session in October. Go to full story.

ADA members elected to FDI council at world dental congress
Drs. Kathryn Kell, Greg Chadwick to serve three-year terms

Stockholm, Sweden—Dr. Kathryn A. Kell, a general dentist in Davenport, Iowa, was elected the North American Regional Organization's representative to the FDI World Dental Federation council during its annual congress here in September. Go to full story.