My View: A wake-up call from the future for dentists

New study finds U.S. fluoride exposure linked to better adolescent cognitive performance 

A new study finds typical childhood fluoride exposure is linked to modestly better teen cognitive performance with no later cognitive harm.

Board of Trustees Approves 2026 Budget 

ADA-led coalition urges CMS to fill chief dental officer vacancy, strengthen oral health leadership

An ADA-led coalition is urging CMS to appoint a new chief dental officer and keep the position within the Office of the Administrator.  

3 things you missed in government this week

ADA News is providing a roundup of government happenings you may have missed this week.

New study finds U.S. fluoride exposure linked to better adolescent cognitive performance 

A new study finds typical childhood fluoride exposure is linked to modestly better teen cognitive performance with no later cognitive harm.

ADA urges Senate Finance Committee to include oral health in national health cost reforms 

The ADA outlined priorities for addressing cost drivers and improving oral health care access in a letter to the Senate Finance Committee.

ADA Member Advantage launches new ADA Rewards World Elite Mastercard

Cardholders will earn bonus points and have access to World Elite Mastercard benefits.

ADA calls for oral health integration in federal chronic disease care coordination efforts 

The ADA is urging lawmakers to include oral health in efforts to modernize care coordination for chronic disease prevention and treatment. 

Dear ADA: Out-of-network providers

This ADA News series aims to address dentists' dental insurance challenges.

ADA begins discussions with other groups to advance dental licensure exams

The organizations will explore best practices and potential innovations to enhance national exam standards.

ADA seeks feedback on oral cancer recommendations

The ADA Living Guideline Program is continuing its work to advance recommendations for the early detection and management of oral cancer.

Revised CDT codes you should know for 2026

CDT 2026 boasts 60 code changes, including 14 revisions.

ADA seeks participants to help develop new standards

The ADA Standards Program is seeking interested parties to help develop new standards addressing dental materials, tools and technology.

Florida Combined Life drops policy limiting same-day scaling and root planing following ADA advocacy

Florida Combined Life is dropping its policy that limited same-day scaling and root planing to only two quadrants.

ADA opposes Delta Dental’s acquisition of Cherry Tree Dental

ADA leaders expressed opposition to Delta Dental of Wisconsin’s proposed acquisition of Cherry Tree Dental.

3 things you missed in government this week

ADA News is providing a roundup of government happenings you may have missed this week.

ADA-supported coalition urges robust FY 2026 funding for health workforce programs

The Health Professions and Nursing Education Coalition is urging Congress to strengthen federal investments in the health workforce.

CMS highlights medical-dental integration in 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule 

CMS released its final rule for the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, announcing policy updates that take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

ADA urges Congress to maintain CDC tobacco prevention funding

The ADA is urging adoption of the Senate’s proposed $246.5 million funding level for the CDC's Office on Smoking and Health.

Limited Time Best Card Offer for ISDS Members

Nearly 400 of our members are already saving, but many more could benefit from this special offer!

Bloomington's Community Health Care Clinic is Filling a Need for Adult Dental Services in Central Illinois

The services of the Dental Clinic are certainly something to celebrate. Operating as an extension of the Community Health Care Clinic, the Dental Clinic offers adult dental services through a free clinic model powered by resources, volunteers, and community partners.

Dr. Ben Youel Elected Second Vice President of the American Dental Association

Dr. Ben Youel, D.D.S., was recently elected at the ADA House of Delegates Meeting at SmileCon in Washington, D.C. on October 27.

Sexual Harassment Training Requirement

All Illinois employers are required by law to train employees on sexual harassment prevention by December 31 every year. The Illinois State Dental Society offers an “On Demand" Sexual Harassment Prevention Course that can be provided to employees to meet the employer’s requirements.

Actions taken at this year's Annual Session by the House of Delegates

Below is a summary of the actions taken at this year's Annual Session by the House of Delegates.

Attention: Medicaid Providers!

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (DHFS) has been sending emails to Medicaid providers to confirm their enrollment with the Medicaid system, a process known as “revalidation.”

Dr. Stacey Van Scoyoc Announces Candidacy for 8th District Trustee to the American Dental Association

Slate of ISDS Officers: 2025-2026

These candidates are running for ISDS elective office for the 2025-2026 term.

ISDS Announces 2025 Scholarship Winners

Each year, the ISDS Foundation’s scholarship selection process shines a spotlight on the next generation of dental leaders—students whose curiosity, compassion, and insight promise to reshape the future of oral health in Illinois.

ISDS Foundation Awards $27,000 to Help Illinois Dental Schools

The ISDS Foundation’s Dental Education Endowment Fund: “Our Legacy, Our Future” program earmarked $9,000 from its endowment’s earnings for each dental school in Illinois in 2025.

Governor Signs Electronic Insurance Claims Law

ISDS-backed legislation enhances transparency in insurance coverage and gives providers more flexibility in meeting electronic claims submission requirements.

In Memoriam

Each August, we pay tribute to those member dentists we have lost in the past year. Their passion, expertise, and commitment to caring for their patients will be deeply missed.

Dental Practice Act Modernized and Reauthorized Through 2030 and Signed by the Governor

ISDS secured long-term stability and meaningful updates to the Dental Practice Act, ensuring Illinois dentists can continue to practice under modern, profession-forward standards. The Governor recently signed the legislation, and it is now in effect.

Announcement of 2025 Community Grant Winners for the Illinois State Dental Society Foundation

The ISDSF distributes Community Grants each year in various amounts to applicants residing in the State of Illinois and to such projects that benefit the people of Illinois.

The ISDS Foundation Supports Dental Student Table Clinics

Research competitions for all classes from D1-D4 are conducted each year at Illinois dental schools. Students work on projects with professors and graduate students and present posters and oral explanations of their projects.

Session Overview: ISDS Secures Major Wins for Dentists in 2025 Legislative Session

While you focus on patient care, ISDS is hard at work in the legislature, ensuring that lawmakers understand the real-world challenges faced by dentists and their patients.

Having Financial Hardships Due to Natural Disasters?

Announcing This Year's ISDS Annual Session Events & Registration!

Join us for the 161st ISDS Annual Session in Peoria, Illinois! Registration is NOW OPEN!

Nearing the End of Session

Progress on Key Legislative Priorities The Illinois General Assembly will adjourn the 2025 legislative session on Saturday, May 31. As we enter the final stretch, ISDS continues to advocate for legislation that protects patients, strengthens dental practices, and supports the profession.

ADA Find-a-Dentist helps patients find you

Increase your visibility and stand out by keeping your profile updated. Profiles that feature photos, email addresses, website links and other key details will stand out to patients searching for a new dentist.