10 ADA policy updates in 2020

From changes made to address the issues facing the dental community during the COVID-19 pandemic to revisions implemented to support federal insurance patients and address patients' smoking, below is a list of 10 times the American Dental Association updated policy in 2020.

  1. The ADA adopted an interim policy stating dentistry is essential healthcare to help guide advocacy amid the pandemic.

  2. The ADA amended its teledentistry policy, saying the practice "has the capability to expand the reach of a dental home to provide needed dental care to a population within reasonable geographic distances and varied locations where the services are rendered."

  3. The ADA adopted an interim policy expanding the scope of dentists, saying they should work to administer vaccine and diagnostic testing, triage medical patients and perform ancillary medical procedures during COVID-19 case surges.

  4. The ADA adopted policy stating dentists with the appropriate knowledge and skills should be allowed to administer vaccines.

  5. The ADA adopted policy advocating for giving dentists a tax credit for the first $10,000 of services provided under Medicaid.

  6. The ADA updated its policy on dentists administering diagnostic testing, saying they should screen patients for conditions that could complicate dental care or put the patient and dental staff at risk.

  7. The ADA changed policy to say the federal Medicaid match for dental care should be expanded to 90/10 or better.

  8. The ADA amended policy to further support the Children's Health Insurance Program.

  9. The ADA adopted a new policy on e-cigarettes and vaping, saying it supports legislative efforts to ban the products' sales.

  10. The ADA adopted a policy on dentists' role in preventing tobacco use, advising them to routinely screen patients for tobacco and non-tobacco nicotine use and provide preventive services.

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