ADA urges CMS to include dental data in Medicaid IT standards
The ADA commented on CMS’ Medicaid Enterprise Systems IT Standards initiative, asking that dental data and technology be built into new standards for state Medicaid systems….
Key Takeaways
- Dental systems capture data differently, so medical-only standards may not fit your practice.
- Many practice management systems lack ONC certification and may not support FHIR interfaces.
- Pushing CMS to adopt CDT and SNODENT keeps your coding and claims workflows intact.
- ODIN-based exchange could let Medicaid patients’ dental records follow them between providers.
- Fewer duplicate X-rays and faster prior authorizations are the practical payoff for practices.
ADA raises concerns about proposed accreditation rule changes
The ADA told the U.S. Department of Education that proposed changes to accrediting agency recognition rules could affect dental education, workforce supply and patient safety.
Key Takeaways
- Regulatory delays in the education pipeline could worsen dentist shortages in underserved communities.
- CODA accreditation underpins federal student aid eligibility, so changes may affect recruitment.
- Loss of Grad PLUS and a $50,000 borrowing cap already squeeze dental student finances.
- Barring subject-matter experts from voting on standards could weaken clinical training quality.
- State licensure rules naming CODA mean any transition needs a multiyear implementation plan.
400 laws and counting: dental advocacy is driving change
Dental advocates have helped pass 400 dental insurance reform laws nationwide, with 18 states enacting 33 new laws so far in 2026 and more expected this fall.
Key Takeaways
- Assignment of benefits, virtual credit card and network leasing laws now cover over half of states.
- Check your state’s new rules on virtual credit card fees and payer network leasing.
- Reform momentum favors practices that document payer transparency and accountability problems.
- ADA State Public Affairs grants fund the society advocacy that produces these laws.
- Membership in organized dentistry directly supports the lobbying behind these changes.
