Iowa 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