In this edition:

• 🍁 Canadian dentists not enrolling in plan

• 📖 IL law would required coverage of previously authorized treatment

• 🤳 Scary TikTok trend has dentists concerned

• 🗳️ ADA supports workforce bill

• And more!

IL House requires coverage of previously authorized treatment

Illinois state lawmakers are moving to ban dental insurance companies from denying coverage for procedures they’ve already approved.The state House of Representatives passed a bill with broad bipartisan support Tuesday banning insurers from denying claims for procedures it already gave prior authorization.

Dentists say they’ll submit a treatment plan to a patient’s insurance company before performing a potentially expensive procedure. When they submit the claim to be reimbursed for their work, an insurance company will then deny that claim. “This is unfair and it’s not transparent to the patient and we want this to be changed,” said Dr. Larry Osborne, a dentist from Decatur.

If the bill becomes law, insurance companies would still be able to deny a claim if the treatment is vastly different from the plan originally submitted, if a patient’s benefit limit is reached or if circumstances changed making the treatment no longer necessary.

Dentists not enrolling in Canadian dental plan

A new Canadian dental care program has launched, aiming to provide free dental care to millions. While many Canadians have signed up, a significant gap exists as dentists are hesitant to participate. Concerns include unclear details, extra paperwork, and insufficient compensation. Some dentists are concerned that patients may have unrealistic expectations about the free services offered.

The government acknowledges the challenges and is working with dentists to address their concerns. Negotiations are ongoing, and both sides recognize the need for compromise. Patients who want to participate in the program may face challenges finding a dentist who has opted in, potentially requiring them to switch providers.

TikTok trend horrifies dentists, Prosthodontists

A dangerous new trend is emerging on TikTok where people with no dental training are offering veneers, a cosmetic dental procedure. These self-proclaimed "veneer technicians" are giving unsuspecting clients veneers after only two days of training, a woefully inadequate amount compared to the eight years of education required for dentists. This practice has been met with horror and outrage by the dentistry community, with experts warning of significant danger. Veneers require removing enamel, a procedure that can cause serious damage to people's mouths, including tooth and nerve damage, if done incorrectly.

These unqualified "technicians" are targeting people who cannot afford proper dental care and are looking for a cheap alternative. Scammers are taking advantage of this situation by advertising veneers at significantly lower prices than what licensed dentists charge. However, the potential consequences of these cheap veneers can be far more expensive to fix in the long run.

This is not the first time unqualified people have offered dangerous cosmetic procedures on social media. Last year, there was a trend of DIY braces that could also lead to serious dental problems. Experts warn that people should only get dental procedures from licensed professionals. They recommend that people who cannot afford dental care look into residency clinics at universities, which offer high-quality services for a fraction of the price of private care.