The ADA estimates the average cost for a community to fluoridate its water ranges from 50 cents per year per person in large communities to $3 per year per person in small communities. The CDC has concluded that every $1 spent on water fluoridation saves $7-$42 in oral health treatment costs, depending on the size… Continue Reading How much does community water fluoridation cost?
The National Cancer Institute has repeatedly stated that fluoridated water does not pose a detectable risk of cancer in humans. Researchers studied this relationship in the United States during a 36-year period. They examined millions of patient records and found no relationship between the two.
All formulas, either concentrates or ready-to-feed, have some fluoride, but most infant formula manufacturers develop their products to ensure low levels of fluoride. A study by the ADA confirmed that fluoride concentrations in commercially available infant formulas are very low. It is not possible to remove this small amount of fluoride by filtering or boiling… Continue Reading Is there fluoride in infant formula? Should I try to remove fluoride from infant formula?
According to the CDC, bottled water products labeled as de-ionized, purified or distilled have been treated in such a way that they contain no or only trace amounts of fluoride, unless they specifically list fluoride as an added ingredient. Other bottled water products (such as spring water) can contain fluoride that is added or naturally… Continue Reading Does bottled water contain fluoride?
The dentist owns the records, but the patient owns the information contained in the records. As such, the patient has a right to examine and/or obtain a copy of their records at any time. Statute 146.83, Patient Access to Health Care Records provides a patient (or person authorized by the patient) has the right to… Continue Reading Who ‘owns’ a patient’s dental records?
Examinations and X-rays are important tools a dentist uses to assess and maintain a patient’s oral health. Exams must be done at least once a year by a dentist for patients being seen by a dental hygienist without the dentist present. State statute doesn’t dictate how often exams must be performed if the dentist is… Continue Reading If I go for a cleaning twice a year, does the dentist have to examine me each time?
X-rays are often a part of dental exams, and while there is no statutory direction as to how often a dentist must take X-rays, or perform a thorough exam, there is a general liability issue. Dentists should take X-rays in a “reasonable” time span to justify that he or she didn’t disregard a patient’s oral… Continue Reading Are there laws about how often X-rays must be taken & exams performed in the dental office?
The WDA strongly encourages dental patients to ask about the cost of treatment prior to having the procedures done. A variety of factors help determine the cost of procedures (which are not standardized across offices), such as where in the state the practice is located, dentist and staff training, overhead costs and whether the office… Continue Reading How do I know how much my treatment will cost?
Many think if they don’t have dental insurance, they can’t visit the dentist. Those who plan accordingly can realize long-term savings that routine dental exams and cleanings provide when problems are detected early. Personal household budgeting is an effective way to save for dental care. Just like people budget for gas and groceries, heat and… Continue Reading Do I need dental insurance to see the dentist?
If you visit a dentist, he or she must first examine you to determine if teeth whitening is appropriate for you. The Wisconsin Dentistry Examining Board says, “It is essential that a dentist examine and diagnose a patient before proceeding with teeth whitening or delegating that procedure to anyone within a dental office.” The Wisconsin… Continue Reading Is it legal to perform teeth whitening services in malls, salons and places other than a dental office?