Conn. dentist turns entrepreneur, Calif. expands dental coverage; Israel ends fluoridation

Dear DrBicuspid Member,

When it became difficult for Dr. Greg Schwab to continue serving his patients, he sought to use his expertise in a way that would allow him to stay connected with dentistry. After examining different opportunities, Dr. Schwab has transitioned from practicing dentistry to acquiring practices, keeping him involved in what he is passionate about. Read our interview with Dr. Schwab here.

Covered California will offer new family dental plans to those who enroll in health insurance coverage in 2015. All individual health insurance plans sold through the exchange will include pediatric dental benefits for those younger than 19. Read Features Editor Donna Domino's complete coverage here.

Under the direction of its Health Minister, Israel ended water fluoridation on August 26. The decision was criticized by the Israeli Dental Association and ends a practice that has served 70% of the country and had been in place since 1970. Read Associate Editor Rob Goszkowski's report here.

Blood and saliva tests can accurately predict the recurrence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-linked head and neck cancers, according to a recent study in JAMA Otolaryngology -- Head & Neck Surgery. Finding HPV DNA in both blood and saliva samples after treatment accurately predicted recurrence 70% of the time. Read more here.

With California and other insurance exchanges offering pediatric dental benefits as part of their healthcare plans in 2015, will this mean more pediatric patients in your practice area? If so, will you change anything about how you conduct and market your practice? Let me know.

Monday is Labor Day in the U.S. Enjoy your long weekend. Our newsletters next week will be on Tuesday and Thursday, with Thursday's including coverage of CDA Presents in San Francisco.