Week in Review: Opioid distributors under fire | Another lawsuit targets Delta Dental | Excellence Awards voting opens

As 2019 winds down, there is no question that opioid addiction and its horrible consequences have been one of the biggest news stories of the year. The state of Michigan has just stepped up the battle in the opioid crisis in a big way by filing a lawsuit against four major opioid distributors. It will be very interesting to see the results of this action and how other states will follow suit. Of course, we will be keeping up with any news regarding next steps and will keep you updated.

Speaking of news, Delta Dental keeps being a part of it -- and it has not been in a good way at all in recent weeks. A dentist in Mississippi has filed a class-action suit against Delta Dental plans and the Delta Dental Plans Association, accusing the largest dental insurer in the U.S. of fixing prices and conspiring to reduce the amounts paid to clinicians.

As you might remember, the ADA recently filed its own class-action suit against Delta Dental. The ADA also came out with a strong statement against vaping this week as well, calling for a total ban on any products that have not been approved for tobacco-cessation purposes by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Finally, let's end the week with a couple of fun activities.

First, we would be honored if you would take a few moments and submit your vote for one of the various products within the 10 categories comprising this year's DrBicuspid Dental Excellence Awards. Your vote could make the difference in which company is recognized at the Chicago Midwinter Meeting in February as the "best of the best."

Second, how about playing a game with us? The "Would You Rather" game is sweeping the country, and we have a dental-themed version of the game that you can play in the practice (or with your family). Among the questions to debate is, would you rather buy all used underwear or all used toothbrushes? Think carefully before answering.

On behalf of the entire DrBicuspid.com team, I wish you and your family a wonderful and blessed holiday season.