Education, Networking, and More at IDEAS24

Earn up to 19 CEUs at IDEAS24 on May 2-4 in Coralville. Hear from nationally renowned speakers, take advantage of networking events, and enjoy the carnival-themed exhibit hall.
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Dueling Pianos on May 3

All IDEAS24 attendees are invited to Dueling Pianos on Friday, May 3 starting at 8:00 PM. Register today and join us this and other social events at IDEAS24!
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Insurance Reform Signed Into Law

On April 10 Governor Kim Reynolds signed HF2400 into law. This historic piece of legislation will go into effect on July 1 and provides protections to dentists from network leasing agreements and virtual credit card claim payments. This is the first piece of dental insurance legislation signed into law in Iowa since 2010.
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IDPAC Needs Your Support

While the IDA’s presence at the Iowa Statehouse continues to grow, we need to ensure we can continue to build relationships with key legislators. Our BEST advocacy tool is IDPAC. By contributing to IDPAC, you are investing in our advocacy work and the future of dentistry in Iowa. Help us continue protecting your ability to practice and serve your patients.
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Welcome to the Iowa Dental Association

The Iowa Dental Association (IDA) is the premier professional association representing dentists in the state of Iowa. In existence since 1863, the IDA is home to over 1,800 Iowa dentists, which represents approximately 80% of the licensed dentists in the state.  

All IDA member dentists are not only members of the IDA, but also the American Dental Association (ADA) and their local district society.

IDA’s mission is to encourage the improvement of the health of the public, to promote the art and science of dentistry, and to represent the interests of the members of the dental profession and the public which it serves.  

In the News

A Note from IDA President, Dr. James Larsen

Apr 8, 2024
Greetings IDA members:
 
As we come to the end of a very busy year for the Iowa Dental Association, I would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season!
 
IDA Legislative Report:
IDA's legislative team, led by Government Affairs Director Josh Carpenter and IDA Lobbyists Sara Allen and David Adelman, has been working hard at the Iowa Statehouse. Based on feedback from legislators, our priority for increased reimbursement for Dental Medicaid services has shifted to primarily focus on children's Medicaid for the upcoming session.
 
The IDA Legislative Committee is also exploring several insurance reform priorities including ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) notification, limits on virtual credit cards, and network leasing agreements.
IMOM:
IMOM 2023 in Waterloo was a tremendous success! We served 1,081 patients and provided 5,921 dental procedures totaling $955,252 in free dental care. A huge thank you to the steering committee, IDA staff, sponsors, and countless volunteers. Many state legislators also attended and observed IMOM in action and were impressed with the magnitude of care and compassion shown by the dental community.
ADA House of Delegates:
Congratulations to Dr. Sara Stuefen, as she was elected to become our next 10th District Trustee to the ADA! It has been many years since an Iowa Dentist held the Trustee position, and we know Dr. Stuefen will do an excellent job.
 
I was honored to be one of Iowa’s five delegates to the ADA House of Delegates (HOD). This year’s HOD dealt with many proposals, including the creation of a comprehensive policy for the freedom of movement for licensed dentists to move to different states and supporting and bolstering the strategic forecasting system.
The South Dakota Dental Association, a member of the 10th District, introduced a resolution for establishing a DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine) standard for dental imaging.The goal is to eliminate proprietary policies and permit dentists to share digital images, including CBCT and other scans, across different software platforms seamlessly.
 
Iowa Dental Board:
The state of Iowa is reorganizing licensing boards, including the Iowa Dental Board. We are anticipating final organization details soon.
The New Dentists Committee:
This committee, led by Dr. Lauren Daufeldt as its senior co-chair, has done a great job with events and encouraging membership and camaraderie amongst our early career members. The IDA hosted an event in Iowa City on October 6 that was well attended by both dental students and member dentists.
 
I encourage all of you to get involved with your district dental society and take advantage of the benefits the IDA and ADA have to offer. Through theIDA-endorsed companiesprogram, you will find great opportunities that can help benefit you and your office. I want to thank you for your membership and support. Your local dental society, IDA, and ADA are essential for every dentist’s future, and the proper care for our patients.
 
TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER!
 
A big thanks to the IDA Executive Director, Laurie Traetow, and her team, and the IDA Board of Trustees for doing such a great job leading and supporting our goals. Spend precious time with family and friends during this holiday season and recharge your batteries with rest!
 
Best wishes in 2024!
 
James A. Larsen, DDS
President, Iowa Dental Association 2023-2024

Published 12.26.23

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