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Why should I join?

Here are just a few reasons that you should join ISDS . . .

• Numerous Benefits
• Practical continuing education programs at discounted rates
• Representation before state and federal governments
• Assistance with governmental red tape
• Award winning publications – local, state and national
• Journal of the American Dental Association
• Illinois Dental News
• ADA News
• Illinois State Dentists’ Sourcebook
• Local component newsletters
• Free legal, professional analysis of managed care contracts
• Quality, competitive-rate insurance programs
• Access to proven financial planning services, patient financing for services
• Access to preferred rates on member credit cards
• Access to processing of patient credit card purchases
• Access to a proven, effective record-keeping system
• Discounted exam gloves, masks and disinfectant
• Discounted office supplies
• Reduced cellular service plans, phones and accessories
• Free dental films library
• Electronic claims processing program
• C.E. credit tracking service for a reduced cost
• Dental Placement Service allows members to advertise in IDN
• Free National Children’s Dental Health Month activities for your office
• Relief Assistance – financial assistance at times of extreme difficulty
• Most important - Camaraderie

What has the Illinois State Dental Society done for me as a dentist?

The Illinois State Dental Society has been successful over the years in passing many pieces of legislation that directly affect dentists in their practice. They include:

• Prohibition against clinical interference by non-dentists - Allowing clinical interference by a non-dentist is grounds for discipline under the Act.
• Created the Dental Care Patient Protection Act - Provides for the regulation of dental managed care plans by the Department of Insurance and the Department of Public Health.
• Expansion of Auxiliary Duties – Allowing a dental hygienist under the supervision of a dentist to administer and monitor nitrous oxide plus perform local anesthesia upon completion of a training program approved by the Department. In addition, allowing dental assistants to do coronal polishing and sealants after completing a state approved training program.
• TMJ – After three years of intense fighting and negotiations, ISDS was able to reach an agreement on this bill requiring insurers to offer TMJ coverage as an optional benefit.
• Dental Practice Act Sunset – ISDS was successful in extending the sunset date for the Dental Practice Act as well as making numerous technical changes and some substantive changes that will make the Act better for dentistry.
• Tort Reform – This bill was signed into law on March 9, 1995. This bill consisted of comprehensive changes to the way civil lawsuits will proceed against health care providers. The bill featured a $500,000 cap on non-economic damages indexed to inflation for all civil lawsuits, including medical malpractice cases.
• Service Occupation Tax requirement for dentists who deal with dental labs – This legislation allows dentists who subcontract work out to dental labs to avoid their use tax liability if: the labs have paid or will pay use tax on their cost price of any tangible personal property transferred as part of the service provided to the dentist, and if the lab certifies that fact in writing to the dentist.
• Kid Care and Medicaid Rate Increase – The CHIP legislation that was enacted by Illinois will enable children to receive additional health care benefits. ISDS worked to educate the General Assembly on the problems of lack of access due to the terrible level of reimbursement that is not paid to dentists in the children’s Medicaid program. ISDS worked with the Governor’s task force liaison and the Department of Public Aid to increase the table of allowance rates paid to dentists.

What can’t be listed are all the hundreds of bills that have been introduced that would erode the practice of dentistry and your profession. Becoming a part of organized dentistry is your way of ensuring that you have a voice when laws or regulations are introduced that could have a major impact on your livelihood.