Drilling Down: Essential Dental Reads from MLMIC
Navigating the sheer volume of information in the dental field can feel overwhelming. How do you cut through the noise to find the insights that truly impact your daily practice? At MLMIC, we understand this challenge. That’s why we’re bringing you a hand-picked selection of vital articles, offering clear, concise summaries and direct links to the most relevant industry news and analysis. Consider this your go-to resource for staying sharp and well-informed.
Let’s take a look at our curations for the month of December.
The American Dental Association Provides Essential Tips for New CDT Codes in 2026
The American Dental Association is urging dentists to avoid claim denials by adhering strictly to the literal descriptions of the new CDT 2026 codes, emphasizing that all procedures must be coded exactly as performed. Common mistakes include misusing the D7210 code for routine extractions (which should often be D7140), incorrectly applying scaling and root planning codes (D4341/D4342) for a “difficult” cleaning without a periodontal diagnosis or inappropriately billing for procedures considered integral to a primary treatment, such as certain endodontic irrigation or root canal obstruction access (D3331). The fundamental rule remains: Code for what you do, and if no exact code exists, use the unspecified code with a clear narrative.
Key Statistics for Dental Leaders
New data highlights financial and staffing challenges for dental leaders, showing that the average net income for general practice dentists dropped by over $17,000 in 2024. Simultaneously, the U.S. currently has 7,439 dental professional shortage areas, and the number of dental assisting program graduates continues to decline, suggesting a growing strain on the dental workforce.
Triglycerides-to-HDL Cholesterol Ratio (Ty/HDLc) as a Potential Periodontitis Biomarker
This systematic review consolidated evidence from seven observational studies across diverse global populations to examine the relationship between the Triglycerides-to-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol ratio (Ty/HDLc ratio), a novel metabolic biomarker, and periodontitis. Given the known bidirectional association between metabolic health issues such as obesity and diabetes and periodontal health, the review sought to determine if this simple, routinely measured ratio could serve as a practical risk indicator. All included studies consistently demonstrated a positive association between a higher Ty/HDLc ratio and increased periodontitis prevalence and/or severity, suggesting the ratio holds promise as an indirect, cost-effective, and easily calculable biomarker for assessing periodontal risk. The review concludes by recommending future research focus on confirming the temporal relationship and establishing definitive, gender-specific cut-off values for clinical application.
Self-Care for the New Dentist
Whether you are a seasoned dentist or just starting to practice, self-care is an important part of your career. This article emphasizes the critical need for dental professionals, who often experience emotional depletion from constant patient care, to actively prioritize their own well-being through self-care. The author, a new dentist, shares that her methods for disconnecting and caring for her mental health include engaging in mindless hobbies like jigsaw puzzles and utilizing resources such as the free Talkspace Go app for ADA members to practice guided breathing and emotional wellness lessons.
As we conclude this edition of MLMIC’s dental news, we hope these curated articles have offered valuable insights and kept you informed about the dynamic world of dentistry. Our goal remains to empower your practice by bringing you the most relevant industry research and developments.
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This document is for general purposes only and should not be construed as medical, dental or legal advice. This document is not comprehensive and does not cover all possible factual circumstances. Because the facts applicable to your situation may vary, or the laws applicable in your jurisdiction may differ, please contact your attorney or other professional advisors for any questions related to legal, medical, dental or professional obligations, the applicable state or federal laws or other professional questions.
