Give Kids A Smile 2026 Kicks Off in Houston
On February 6, nearly 200 children in Houston received free dental care as part of the national ADA Foundation Give Kids A Smile kickoff event. This annual program aims to improve access to dental services for children in need, emphasizing the importance of early oral health care.
Understanding the ADA Seal of Acceptance
The ADA Seal of Acceptance has been a trusted symbol for nearly 100 years, helping consumers make informed choices about dental products. This seal assures that the product has met ADA criteria for safety and efficacy, guiding users toward effective oral health solutions.
EPA Accelerates Review of Fluoride in Drinking Water
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced an accelerated review of fluoride levels in drinking water. The American Dental Association (ADA) is encouraging its members to contact the EPA to provide input during this important evaluation, highlighting the role of fluoride in dental health.
Federal Funding Secured for Oral Health Investments
On February 3, President Donald Trump signed a $1.2 trillion bipartisan spending bill, effectively ending the partial government shutdown. This funding package includes investments that secure support for oral health initiatives across the country, reinforcing the importance of dental care in public health policy.
Guidance on AI Use in Dental Publishing
The American Association of Dental Editors and Journalists (AADEJ) has released 17 consensus statements to guide the use of artificial intelligence in dental publishing. These guidelines emphasize the importance of accuracy and transparency, ensuring that AI enhances editorial quality without compromising integrity.
ADA Urges CMS to Maintain Transparency in Medicare Advantage Dental Benefits
The ADA advocates for strong oversight of Medicare Advantage supplemental dental benefits. The association urges the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to maintain transparency and accessibility, ensuring beneficiaries receive clear and comprehensive information about their dental coverage.
February JADA Examines the Burden of Severe Periodontitis
The February issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) highlights severe periodontitis as a continuing public health challenge in the U.S. The cover story draws attention to the prevalence and impact of this condition, stressing the need for continued research and effective treatment strategies.
2025: A Strong Year for ADA Advocacy
The ADA reports numerous advocacy achievements throughout 2025, reinforcing its role in advancing dental care policies nationwide. These wins reflect the association’s commitment to supporting dental professionals and improving access to oral health services.
Upcoming Code Maintenance Committee Meeting
The Code Maintenance Committee will convene on March 13 to review proposed changes to the Current Dental Terminology (CDT) codes for 2027. Members will vote to accept, amend, or decline these changes, impacting how dental procedures are documented and billed.
Key Takeaways
- Initiatives like Give Kids A Smile continue to provide essential dental care to underserved children.
- The ADA Seal of Acceptance remains a critical guide for consumers choosing dental products.
- Ongoing regulatory reviews, such as the EPA’s fluoride assessment, highlight evolving public health considerations.
- Federal funding and advocacy efforts strengthen oral health infrastructure and policy support.
- New guidelines on AI in publishing promote accuracy and transparency in dental journalism.
- Maintaining clear access to Medicare Advantage dental benefits is a priority for the ADA.
- Research on severe periodontitis underscores its significance as a public health concern.
- Upcoming CDT code revisions will influence dental documentation and billing practices.
Staying informed about these developments can help dental professionals and patients alike navigate the evolving landscape of oral health care and policy.