ADA HIGHLIGHTS
We recently attended the 146th Annual Session of the ADA, held this year October 6-9, in Philadelphia.
The Convention Center was the site of four days of scientific programming, including some 260 different CE courses, covering the latest clinical, practice management and personal development topics. Attendees also had the opportunity to visit the Marketplace, where over 700 exhibitors were showing the latest products and services.
In addition to experiencing the latest in scientific and educational offerings, along with the industry exhibits, ADA attendees also were able to once again enjoy the “ADA Distinguished Speaker Series”, sponsored by Johnson and Johnson. This year’s Series featured General Colin Powell, former Secretary of State and Katie Couric, Co-Host of NBC’s “Today” show.
The exhibit floor featured many new products and services from a large number of exhibitors. Here are just a few of the highlights:
**Sunstar Butler’s latest addition to an expanding line of oral pain management productsnew “Protect” Desensitizing Solution. According to the company, the unique triple action method of “Protect” provides immediate and long lasting relief from general and chronic dentin sensitivity for up to six months.
**DentalEZ Group introduced three new “Solara” handpieces, a unique combination of high-power, light-weight and revolutionary elliptical shape. “Solara” Series handpieces are sleek, extremely versatile, and allow for easy access and maneuverability.
**Dentsply Caulk announced the release of “Aquasil Ultra” and “Regisil Rigid” both in the new “digit” targeted delivery system. The “digit” targeted delivery system allows the efficiency and effectiveness of two top-rated impression materials with the benefits of a small mixer with huge convenience. According to Dentsply, this delivery system allows dentists to mix, dispense and place materials with less effort and less waste.A release date for Canada is still to be confirmed.
**The ADCPA (Academy of Dental Certified Public Accountants) released a study of the impact of CareCredit on US dental practices. Financial reports were collected from 37 dental practices located in 12 different states, the majority of practices being General Dentistry practices.
Among the key findings:
–Practices without a patient financing program increased gross annual production by 4.1% versus 25.3% for practices enrolled in CareCredit;
–Practices without a program decreased their Accounts Receivable Aging by 3.8% versus a decrease of 37.7% in practices using CareCredit;
–On average, practices that offer the CareCredit program experienced:
–25.3% increase in number of “procedures completed” in relation to “procedures planned”;
–21% gain in the total dollar amount of procedures;
–98% increase for implant services;
–75% increase in acceptance of oral surgery;
–71% increase in acceptance of restorative treatment;
–41% reduction in the average outstanding payment.
These are just a few of the highlights from our attendance at this year’s ADA meeting. Be sure to mark your calendar for next year’s Annual Session, taking place October 16-19, 2006 in Las Vegas!
