March is a month dedicated to celebrating the professionals who keep our smiles bright and healthy. From National Dentist Day, where we honor the dedicated dentists who care for our teeth, to Dental Assistants Recognition Week, acknowledging the critical team in the dental office, this month is packed with opportunities to show gratitude. We also observe World Oral Health Day, a global effort to raise awareness about the importance of oral hygiene.

 Thank you to all the dental professionals who work tirelessly to ensure our oral health is at its best! 

How Your Dentist Could Save Your Life

Cavities are far from the only condition oral health professionals can detect.

JOURNALS, REPORTS & WHITE PAPERS

A New Medicare Agenda—Moving Beyond Value-Based Payment and the Managed Care Paradigm

A new perspective on Medicare suggests that the current focus on value-based payment (VBP) is failing to reduce costs and adding unnecessary bureaucracy. Instead, experts propose reforming Medicare by addressing high prices, improving clinician-led care, and expanding patient benefits, such as dental and vision coverage. Read more about this new approach and how it could transform Medicare.

To Do Good and Refrain from Harm

Carlos S. Smith, DDS, MDiv; and Lisa Simon, MD, DMD
This study explores the availability of dental benefits within Medicare Advantage plans, analyzing enrollment data and geographical disparities across counties. It sheds light on how dental coverage varies and impacts access to care.

Tracking Progress on the Implementation of the Global Oral Health Action Plan 2023–2030

This report describes the status of the global oral health targets as at late 2024, constituting a baseline assessment, using data provided by Member States and other relevant sources. From this foundation, the WHO secretariat will report on progress every three years until 2031, in accordance with the mandate outlined by the Resolution on oral health (WHA74.5).

Economic Outlook and Emerging Issues in Dentistry

Read the report from the Health Policy Institute and the American Dental Association: Insights from Data from Q4 2024, plus: A Look Ahead into 2025

2025 Dental Salary Survey Report

This fifth annual report distills the perspectives and experiences of more than 3,500 dental professionals from many walks of life. More than a quarter (28.1%) of respondents are industry veterans with upward of 30 years’ experience; 22% are newer entrants to the field with tenures under 10 years.

AROUND THE WORLD

Oral Health Equity for Global LGBTQ+ Communities:
A Call for Urgent Action

Access to health care, including oral health, is a fundamental right of every person, regardless of their gender, race, financial status, or sexual orientation. However, gender and sexual minorities face disproportionately higher risks of structural stigma, discrimination, and persecution, which significantly hinder their access to and utilization of healthcare including dental services.

Dr. Terri Dolan Spills the Tea on AI in Dentistry

27:09 minutes

In this episode, Dr. Terri Dolan, Chief Dental Officer at Overjet, discusses the impact of AI on patient care, provider workflows, and dental education. With nearly 40 years in the field, she shares insights on how AI is shaping dentistry, tackling provider burnout, and transforming dental education. Tune in for a fascinating conversation on the future of dentistry and technology!