LDAWard Blackwell, M.J.LDA Executive Directorfrom the executive directorquick glance at my To Do list reminds me of one reasonA the LDA is a good place to be: it never gets boring!With so much going on at the LDA, it’s hard for anymember to stay abreast of everything. However, thefollowing “headlines,” direct from my To Do list, might giveyou a better idea how your dues dollars are being spent.School-based private practice is the hottest issue atthe moment. On one side are some <strong>Louisiana</strong> dentists whostate they are expanding access to care by treating Medicaideligiblechildren in public schools. On the other side aredentists who treat Medicaid children in their offices andbelieve the school-based program has numerous, potentiallycatastrophic flaws. The LDA Board created a task force tostudy this issue and work with the State Board of Dentistry(LSBD) on new laws or regulations, which appear to beneeded. The potential language of any new law or regulationare largely the focus of current efforts, in addition topreparing materials for the LDA House of Delegates (HOD)to use in its deliberations when it meets on April 4 in NewOrleans.General supervision limits for Federally QualifiedHealth Centers (FQHCs) will also be discussed in theHOD. FQHCs are federally chartered non-profit entities. Anumber of meetings have already been held to hear theirrequest to have the same exemption from the 20-day peryear limit on hygienists practicing under general supervisioncurrently afforded to public institutions and schools.2009 Appropriations for dental Medicaid, Donated<strong>Dental</strong> Services and community water fluoridation have beenthe focus of LDA lobbying the past few weeks, includingmeetings with the DHH Secretary and a presentation for theHealth and Human Services Subcommittee of the HouseAppropriations Committee.Meetings of government agencies take place yearround, unlike the Legislature. The LDA has representativesprotecting dentists’ interests at meetings of the LSBD,Patients Compensation Fund, Prescription MonitoringProgram, LA Health Care Commission, Workers CompAdvisory Council and more.Hygienists wanting to administer nitrous oxide legallyhave continued to press their case. The LDA is keeping thedialogue flowing with LDHA, but not specifically with amind to changing the LDA’s position on this issue.Headline News and Honey-Do’s?Balanced billing prohibition for institutionalproviders is an issue on which the Insurance Commissionerwill simply not relent. The LDA is continuing efforts withother groups to ensure this unfair provision never becomeslaw in <strong>Louisiana</strong>, thereby setting a disastrous precedent.LSUSD’s Rural Scholars Program received a vote ofsupport from the LDA in communications with DHH. Thisprogram provides scholarship support for dental studentswho commit to practicing in underserved areas.LADPAC/DAPPAC checks totaling nearly $67,000 weredelivered to 68 legislators so far this year.Local dental association installation dinners are agreat opportunity for discussion of important issues, andeach one was attended by either LDA President Dr. MartyGarrett, President-Elect Dr. Charlie Foy and/or myself.The New Orleans <strong>Dental</strong> Conference/LDA AnnualSession is in final preparations for a much larger crowd,great speakers and exciting new activities. A meeting thisawesome only happens with lots of planning, especiallywhen combined with meetings of the HOD, Past Presidents,Board of Directors, LADPAC, LSUSD Alumni, etc.The LDA Alpine Lecture Series concluded with greatreviews for the Squaw Valley facilities and speakers, but lowattendance and laments about poor weather.The LDA Summer Conference program has beenfinalized with speakers on risk management, imagingtechnology, veneers and orofacial pain management. And,all the familiar fun, food and luxurious accommodations ofTops’l Resort will be offered with no price increase.ADA CERP Recognition allows the LDA’s CE to be usedfor AGD fellowships, etc. but requires a complex renewalevery 4 years, which the LDA just completed.GKAS programs that provided dental education,products and/or services to more than 2,600 kids statewidereceived support and PR coordination from the LDA.“Lunch & Learn” programs at LSUSD have beenconducted by LDA and/or LDS five times this school year.The LDA Senior <strong>Dental</strong> Students Reception on March13, our most crucial and effective member recruitmentevent, featured great food, fun and prizes.My column in the Journal can only be so long, unlike myTo Do list, which has plenty more on it. If you want to seethe rest, stop by the LDA… or just wait till next issue!16 LDA Journal
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