Adoption is key challenge when introducing new dental technology, experts say

After new dental technology has gone through testing and approvals, developers still face the challenge of getting their product adopted.

Highlighting the Facts About Community Water Fluoridation

Liz Lense, DDS, and Scott L. Tomar, DMD, discuss public water fluoridation science at Smilecon 2025

ADA honors award winners at Changemakers Celebration

The ADA honored this year’s award winners during the second Changemakers Celebration at SmileCon 2025.

SmileCon session explores pathways to dental practice ownership

An educational SmileCon session provided attendees with comprehensive insights on the various avenues to dental practice ownership.

The link between added sugars and oral health

A SmileCon session focused on how dietary choices — particularly added sugar intake — affect both oral health and overall well-being.

ADA graduates last Leadership Institutes class

The last class of the ADA’s Leadership Institutes graduated in August, but the work of participants continues.

Dental professionals give back to veterans during SmileCon 2025

Dental professionals from around the country came together to assemble 500 health and comfort kids for underserved veterans.

ADA Humanitarian Award winner improves access to care in rural Missouri

William Kane, D.D.S., founded Smiles of Hope Dental Clinic in March 2010 to help address access-to-care issues in rural Missouri.

SmileCon Opening Session unites dentists around leadership, shared purpose

Hundreds of dentists convened for the SmileCon 2025 Opening Session, which kicked off the meeting with empowerment and inspiration.  

HysensBio wins dentech pitch competition with peptide that appears to regenerate dentin

HysensBio — a clinical-stage biotechnology company — is the winner of this year’s Pitch Competition at ADA Forsyth dentech 2025.

Dentech discussion centers on dental-medical connections

During a discussion on dental-medical integration, the panelists agreed: Oral health care is essential and linked to overall health.

An oral-systemic focus for optimal patient care

An Oral Systemic Focus for Optimal Patient Care - Smilecon 2025 panel discussion

The art of managing fluoride misconceptions

CE session addressed including the importance of high-dose fluoride applications in pediatric dentistry and managing fluoride hesitancy.

Oral care considerations for patients using semaglutide, similar medications 

A growing number of popular prescription medications including Ozempic and Wegovy also affect patients’ oral health.

ADA launches ADA Credit Union

The ADA announced the launch of ADA Credit Union— a new financial resource created in collaboration with BCU.

SmileCon 2025 kicks off in Washington, D.C.

One of dentistry’s most anticipated events of the year is here. SmileCon 2025 returns Oct. 23-25 in Washington, D.C.

Inspiration, celebration take center stage at SmileCon

Three events will help shape the SmileCon 2025 experience: Opening Session, Friday Night Fest and the Dental Central tailgate.

ADA president highlights oral health as essential during dentech keynote

Oral health is essential to overall health, ADA President Brett Kessler, D.D.S., told the audience of ADA Forsyth dentech 2025.

ADA treasurer offers deeper dive into building sale

ADA Treasurer Cody Graves, D.D.S., M.B.A., sent e-newsletters detailing the decision behind the sale of ADA headquarters in Chicago.

Be true to your school

A number of dental schools will hold alumni receptions during SmileCon for former students to reminisce, talk shop and discuss future goals.

New Law Inspired by Illinois Jaw Cancer Patients’ Struggle Closes Health Insurance Gaps

Too many Illinoisans struggle to receive the medical care they need, including those with health insurance,” said Gong-Gershowitz (D-Glenview). “SB3305 ensures that patients who need crucial jaw surgery, which often includes cancer patients, can get the care they need.”

Donate to the $50,000 challenge!

An anonymous donor has generously offered to match all donations with a contribution of their own, dollar-for-dollar, up to a total of $50,000.

Ransomware on the Rise: Steps to Protect Your Practice and Systems from Cyber Disruption

When a cyberattack hits, your practice comes to a screeching halt. A compromised system can mean no access to schedules, billing or patient records. Learn how to proactively protect your systems, prevent cyber incidents and responsibly respond to a ransomware attack.

ISDS Foundation Announces the 2024 Scholarship Winners

The Illinois State Dental Society Foundation is thrilled to announce the winners of this year's scholarship program. After carefully considering and evaluating numerous applications, we are proud to award scholarships to the following outstanding individuals.

ISDS Foundation Awards $24,000 to Help Illinois Dental Schools

The ISDS Foundation’s Dental Education Endowment Fund: “Our Legacy, Our Future” program earmarked $8,000 from its endowment’s earnings for each dental school in Illinois in 2024. The ISDS Foundation Board requested a “wish list” from each dental school administration and asked them to identify where these requested funds would be most needed for each educational program to succeed and most visible to those donating to the endowment. Below are the monies that will be awarded at this year’s ISDS Annual Session and where the monies were used.

Announcement of 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. Priority was given to proposals that have measurable improvement goals, show strong community support for the project, and are innovative. The grant program attracted the interest of 17 worthwhile organizations actively working to expand access to oral health care services to needy individuals around the state. This year, $50,000 in grant monies were awarded to 12 organizations for projects designed to provide access to dental care and increase oral health awareness and education.

ISDS Finishes 2024 Legislative Session Championing Successful Initiatives

The Illinois State Dental Society celebrated a landmark legislative session this year, championing successful initiatives that enhance the practice and access to dental care across our state. Notably, our victories include advancing DIY teeth straightening regulations, safeguarding essential insurance coverage for jaw injuries, and defending against the licensure of dental therapists.

Registration Now Open for 2024 Dental Auxiliary Fall Courses!

Don't miss this FREE three-part webinar series!

You asked, we listened. Insurance is the key to your practice. ISDS serves as your dental insurance advocate!

Annual Session Announcements!

We Did It! Final Push for Patient Protections!

IDFPR has officially opened the license renewal portal for dentists and dental hygienists!

Call for Resolutions!

Interested in submitting a resolution? Please contact House of Delegates Secretary Eric Larson at elarson@isds.org

Protect Your Practice from Cybersecurity Risks Now!

Information Concerning Change Healthcare Cyberattack

ISDS understands the trickledown impact this cyberattack has had on dental practices – particularly on payments and explanations of payment (EOP) – and wants to help our members navigate through the receiving and recording of payments from dental benefit/insurance companies correctly in the meantime.

Call for Presenters: Illinois Oral Health Conference: July 24-25, 2024

Seeking Proposals! Illinois Oral Health Conference: July 24-25, 2024

The Illinois State Dental Society Foundation Announces the 2023 Community Grant Awards

The grant program attracted the interest of 19 worthwhile organizations actively working to expand access to oral health care services to needy individuals around the state. This year $75,000 in grant monies were awarded to ten organizations for projects designed to provide access to dental care and increase oral health awareness and education.

Dental Insurance Reform Takes Center Stage in ISDS’s 2024 Legislative Agenda

The Illinois State Dental Society (ISDS) is gearing up for the 2024 legislative session with a primary focus on dental insurance reform, teledentistry, and changes to the state's Medicaid program. Here's an overview of what's in store:

Policy Update: Proposed Anesthesia Rule Changes

As we enter Springfield's spring legislative session, we closely monitor legislation and activity at every level. Recently, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) introduced new rules that could change the Illinois Dental Practice Act, specifically regarding licensing for anesthesia. We want to keep you in the loop about these proposed changes and update you on the latest action.