I mistakenly thought a patient’s delinquent account was sent to collections. The account is several years overdue and the patient has not received any statements from my office for years. What are my options?

Billing

As a rule, you may attempt to collect upon a delinquent account at any time. However, there are a number of considerations that may affect what you decide to do in any particular situation. In the specific situation described: Consider the amount involved and whether there is an ongoing relationship with the patient. If it… Continue Reading I mistakenly thought a patient’s delinquent account was sent to collections. The account is several years overdue and the patient has not received any statements from my office for years. What are my options?

What do dentists need to know about how patient bankruptcies may impact their collections on unpaid bills?

Billing

In the United States, bankruptcy laws serve the dual purpose of providing a fresh start to individuals who cannot pay their debts and providing creditors with an orderly method to recover at least a portion of the amounts owed them. Types of bankruptcy cases There are three major types of bankruptcy under the Bankruptcy Code,… Continue Reading What do dentists need to know about how patient bankruptcies may impact their collections on unpaid bills?

Why did the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend a new level for community water fluoridation?

Fluoride

Sources of fluoride have increased since the early 1960s. At that time, drinking water and food and beverages prepared with fluoridated water accounted for nearly all of an individual’s fluoride intake. Today, water is just one of several sources of fluoride. Other sources include dental products such as toothpaste and mouth rinses, prescription fluoride supplements,… Continue Reading Why did the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend a new level for community water fluoridation?

How does fluoride benefit children and adults?

Fluoride

Fluoride has significant health benefits for children and adults. Tooth decay is often problematic for middle-aged and older adults, especially decay around the roots resulting from a receding gumline. Dental caries (cavities) is a disease that can be acquired at any point in a person’s life.  Early studies showed that water fluoridation reduced the amount… Continue Reading How does fluoride benefit children and adults?

Can there be too much fluoride in water?

Fluoride

The National Research Council released a statement in March 2006 addressing the levels of naturally-occurring fluoride in drinking water. The report concludes the EPA’s maximum natural fluoride goal of 4.0 milligrams per liter be lowered to protect the public’s health. The EPA is reviewing the new assessment of fluoride along with other information (e.g., analytical… Continue Reading Can there be too much fluoride in water?

Does fluoride occur naturally in water? What if my water system has naturally-occurring fluoride above 4.0 mg/L?

Fluoride

Fluoride can occur in drinking water naturally as a result of the geological composition of soils and bedrock. Community water systems are required to ensure that levels of fluoride in their drinking water are less than 4.0 ppm in order to be in compliance with EPA drinking water regulations. If your water system has naturally-occurring… Continue Reading Does fluoride occur naturally in water? What if my water system has naturally-occurring fluoride above 4.0 mg/L?