TDMR has been asked to inform its readers that a new association of dentists is in the process of being formed. The new association is to be called the United States Dental Association.
Among the founding members of the new organization are Drs. Juan Villarreal and Robert Anderton. Dr. Villarreal is the founder of TDMR, author of “Truth Decay” and owner of Harlingen Family Dentistry and its six sister clinics. He was a leader in fighting back against unfounded allegations of Medicaid fraud in orthodontic billings against Texas dentists by HHSC and its OIG. Dr. Anderton, also a practicing lawyer, served from 1999 to 2001 as the President of the American Dental Association (ADA) and also is a past President of the Texas Dental Association and Dallas County Dental Society. He represented numerous dentists involved in the Medicaid orthodontic debacle.
The new association is being formed for the following purposes:
- to provide direct advocacy for dentistry,
- to provide up-to-date information on TSBDE proposed rules and disciplinary procedures including due process,
- to monitor and participate not only in Medicaid and MCO activities but PPO and private insurance programs, and
- doing real-time advocacy regarding state legislative actions.
For instance, Dr. Anderton will be attending the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners meeting being held tomorrow in Austin. The TSBDE at this meeting will be proposing and/or approving 27 new rules affecting all practicing dentists in Texas. A huge percentage of dentists, under the current administrative notification process, have little or no knowledge of these changes and essentially have been denied the opportunity to provide their input regarding these rules. At the same time, new rules are also being proposed by Texas HHS regarding dental radiation machines.
These are issues the new association will be monitoring and attempting to improve for the benefit of all dentists.
Drs. Villarreal and Anderton invite all dentists and those serving dentistry who are interested in more information and participating in these activities to join them.
To find out more and register your support, let TDMR know by emailing us at info@tdmr.org.
Time is of the essence as new rules dictated by the Texas Dental Practice Act, Texas HHS, Medicaid, and the MCOs are being formed now and the Legislature will be meeting again in 10 short months.