FEATURE FIND

As I peruse Practicon’s Fall 2012 catalog, hot off the press with 410 new products, there are scores of products I’d like to offer up as “Feature Finds”.  But our IT person advises me that blogs are preferably fairly short and sweet, not pages and pages long.  So I’ll try to be brief---but it’s difficult!

If you have received a Practicon print catalog, please check pg 85 to see the new design and colors of Vented ECOtips.  If you shop with us on-line, go to www.practicon.com to see Vented ECOtips.  An earth-friendly high volume evacuator tip, ECOtips are made from renewable paper.  They are high performance and a great alternative to plastics.  Engineered for outstanding durability, function, and stiffness, Vented ECOtips are made in the U.S. under strict ISO standards from FDA-approved materials.  Food-grade coating on the paper tips virtually eliminates moisture absorption and fraying during use.  Order ECOtips, either vented or solid, to further the “green” efforts in your office.

BE AWARE OF NEW HIPAA RULES

As predicted in 2012, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a final ruling in January 2013 which broadens patient privacy and security protections beyond those of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) of 1996.  Highlights of the voluminous new ruling include: stricter enforcement of HIPAA regulations; expansion of most HIPAA regulations to include business associates, e.g., accountants, lawyers, practice management consultants, and various other contractors who may receive protected patient health information; restrictions on disclosures about treatment for which the patient personally has paid in full; expansion of patients’ rights to receive electronic copies of their own health records; expansion of the definition of “health information” to include genetic information; specifications of breaches concerning the release of protected data which must be reported to the HHS Office for Civil Rights; and so on.  For more details about the new ruling, go to the HHS website or to the Federal Registry website, www.federalregister.gov.

NEW ADA MEMBER BENEFIT: ETHICS HOTLINE

In early 2013, the ADA publicized a new benefit for members: a toll-free hotline to address ethics issues and questions.  Members who have questions concerning ethics matters can call the ADA, 312-440-2500,  or go on-line to www.ADA.org to get the hotline toll-free number.  The toll-free number will allow the caller to be connected to the hotline staffed by CEBJA (Council on Ethics, Bylaws,and Judicial Afairs) volunteers to receive input on the issue in question within two to three days.  If the matter requires a faster response, that will be available if at all possible.  While legal advice will not be given, answers will include the next step or resource the caller may access to find a solution to ethical dilemmas.  This service may be helpful for new dentists in particular.  For more information, check on line at ADA.org or call the ADA office.  Current information on the website indicates the service began in early spring, 2013.

WATER FLUORIDATION STILL A HOT TOPIC

Despite the fact that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) named Community Water Fluoridation (CWF) one of the top 10 public health achievements of the 20^th century, there continues to be challenges across the U.S. to CWF’s efficacy.  Overwhelming evidence continues to show the benefits of water fluoridation.  Tooth decay continues to be the most common chronic childhood disease, and CWF reduces childhood tooth decay by 29% according to the U.S. Task Force on Community Preventive Services.  CWF benefits people of all ages, from children to seniors, healthwise and financially.  The CDC reports that CWF saves $38 in preventable dental treatment for every $1 invested in Community Water Fluoridation.

For additional information on key studies and facts on the effectiveness and safety of CWF, peruse these web sites:  www.fluoridescience.org       www.cdc.gov/fluoridation/index.htm      www.ada.org/4378.aspx