TEAM 1500, a coalition of independent healthcare providers, has asked general dentists to drop their American Dental Association memberships if a controversial proposal is adopted.
Here's what you need to know:
1. TEAM 1500, which focuses on equal access to healthcare, opposes Resolution 37, an ADA proposal concerning guidelines for sedation dentistry.
2. The proposal was brought to a vote last year, however, it was deferred. It will be voted on by ADA delegates that attend the association's convention in October 2016.
3. Last year, TEAM 1500 released an economic impact study, which suggested Resolution 37 will almost double the current fees for sedation dentistry. TEAM 1500 says the cost of a standard teeth cleaning with oral sedation will rise to an average of $500.
4. The resolution will lead to "higher fees, fewer qualified dentists and a difficult time accessing safe, affordable oral sedation treatments," according to Dean Rotbart, a financial journalist who leads TEAM 1500.
5. TEAM 1500 estimates that more than 10,000 general dentists will drop their ADA memberships if this new proposal is adopted.