Bans of fluoride in drinking water proliferate across US | Small insurers, enrollees could bear brunt of MA changes | Physicians fill need for dental care for low-income patients
Hundreds of communities across the country in recent years have stopped adding fluoride to drinking water or prevented its addition. The CDC says water fluoridation provides better protection from tooth decay than use of store-bought products alone, resulting in significant savings in dental care costs.
Health care providers, particularly those in small or rural systems, are likely to feel the effects of the CMS' decision to lower base payment rates and implement other changes in the Medicare Advantage program for the 2025 coverage year, while supplemental service providers could cut back on their offerings, according to industry expert Paul Keckley. Enrollees could see fewer available plans and premium increases, Keckley notes, adding that the change does benefit behavioral health and data privacy protections.
Primary care physicians are integrating oral health care into medical checkups for patients who lack access to dentists at Denver Health in Colorado. Such programs have grown over the past decade with the support of federal and private funding.
Addressing gum disease within three months of a procedure for atrial fibrillation, or irregular heartbeat, may reduce the risk of AFib returning, according to a study in the Journal of the American Heart Association. Researchers found that patients who were treated for severe gum inflammation were 61% less likely to experience a return of AFib symptoms than those who were not treated for gum disease. Patients whose AFib returned had more severe gum disease than those who did not have a recurrence.
Although many dentists prescribe steroids for temporomandibular joint pain or aggressive toothaches, there are pros and cons to using steroids and there may be more optimal choices. Dentist Pamela Maragliano-Muniz interviews pharmacist Tom Viola about treatment options.
View the 2024 CONVERGE Prospectus for marketing opportunities designed to promote your brand to dental benefits industry leaders. Marketing options include Discovery Zone exhibit booths and sponsorships. Download the Prospectus today or contact Director of Meetings and Events Jeremy May or Exhibit Hall Manager Shayne Leatherwood for more information.
