The Bald Truth: The Dental Politics Podcast

DIGRN Presents: Dr. Bob Dee & Kerri Friel on Two Interstate License Portability Compacts

Description In this powerful episode of The Bald Truth: Dental Politics Podcast, Dr. Bob Dee sits down with dental hygiene professor and examiner Kerri Friel to discuss the controversial push to eliminate clinical hand skill exams in favor of license portability compacts. They explore why these exams are essential to protect patient safety and professional integrity, and how private equity interests may be shaping this debate. Kerri offers a candid perspective from years of testing hygienists, highlighting real exam failures, clinical risks, and what’s at stake for both the profession and the public. Highlights  Dr. Bob confronts the misconception that examiners profit from licensing exams, while Kerri shares emotional real-world stories—like seeing a Cavitron burn on a patient’s tongue—that reinforce the need for hand skill testing. The conversation dives deep into differences in dental school experiences, the threat of written-only OSCEs, the role of private equity in pushing licensure reforms, and concerns about lowering standards under the new DDH compact. Personal Passions Kerri is deeply passionate about protecting the public and maintaining clinical competency in dental hygiene. Dr. Bob remains a fierce advocate for transparency, ethical testing, and preserving dentistry as a respected profession—not a trade. Podcast Vision This podcast aims to spark honest, policy-driven conversations about the future of dentistry, unmask hidden influences, and give voice to the professionals on the front lines of care and education. Takeaways Hand skill testing remains a vital gatekeeper for patient safety. The move toward license portability must not come at the cost of clinical standards. Both dentists and hygienists must resist pressures to reduce licensure rigor in the name of convenience or cost savings—especially when those pressures originate outside the profession. ___________________________________________________________________ Disclaimer for Dentistry in General Radio Network The Dentistry in General Radio Network (the "Network"), a division of Dentistry in General, LLC, provides podcast programming featuring independently selected guests by individual podcasters. Any guest appearance, documents, information, products, services, or opinions expressed on the Network’s podcasts are solely those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Dentistry in General, LLC, its owners, affiliates, podcasters, or employees. The Network, Dentistry in General, LLC, their affiliates, podcasters, owners, agents, and employees do not assume responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information, materials, documents, products, or services shared or referenced by podcast guests. Listeners must independently verify information presented, exercise professional judgment, and conduct appropriate due diligence before acting upon or implementing recommendations provided on the Network. Information shared by guests or podcasters should not be interpreted as professional, medical, legal, or financial advice, unless explicitly stated by a qualified professional. By accessing or engaging with the Dentistry in General Radio Network content, listeners expressly agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Dentistry in General, LLC, its affiliates, podcasters, owners, agents, and employees from and against all claims, liabilities, damages, costs, or losses arising out of or resulting from reliance upon information or materials shared by guests or podcasters. Dentistry in General, LLC and its podcasters reserve the right to edit, remove, or decline to broadcast any content or material at their sole discretion. Use of podcasts or materials provided through the Dentistry in General Radio Network constitutes acceptance of these terms and acknowledgment of this disclaimer.

ADA Resolution Supports Dr. Ayer’s Lawsuit Against Zelis

This ADA resolution calls for full support of Dr. Dennis Ayer’s federal antitrust lawsuit against Zelis and several major insurers accused of colluding to suppress out-of-network reimbursement rates. Backed by the Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act of 2020, which repealed McCarran-Ferguson’s antitrust exemption for health and dental insurers, this case may become the first real test of that law’s enforcement power. Dr. Ayer’s lawsuit alleges that insurers used shared pricing data through Zelis to systematically underpay dentists for services delivered outside their networks. If proven, this conduct violates Section 1 of the Sherman Act. The ADA resolution urges action—not just in words, but through financial backing, legal collaboration, and expert data support from the ADA Health Policy Institute. Delegates are being asked to vote in favor of a resolution that would: Equip Dr. Ayer’s legal team with ADA analytics and testimony; Advance fair dental reimbursement and transparency for patients; Push the DOJ and FTC to enforce federal antitrust law under CHIRA. This isn’t just about one case—it’s about using the tools Congress gave us to finally challenge collusive pricing practices that harm dentists and patients alike.

Transparency in Dental Practice Ownership and Corporate Control: Why the ADA Must Set the Standard

This resolution calls on the American Dental Association to adopt a national policy requiring dental offices to clearly disclose who owns and controls the practice. Patients are often unaware when multiple offices are controlled by the same private equity group or corporate entity. This resolution doesn’t ban business models—it simply brings transparency to the front desk, the website, and public listings. The ADA Board of Trustees wants to refer this to individual states. But patient rights shouldn’t depend on your ZIP code. National leadership starts with national policy. This is about trust, ethics, and accountability. It's time for the ADA to lead.

Why the ADA Should Withdraw from the NCOIL DLR

In this video, we break down why the ADA House of Delegates should vote yes on the resolution to withdraw from the NCOIL Dental Loss Ratio (DLR) model. The issue is simple: the NCOIL model creates loopholes that allow insurers to report false or misleading DLRs — and the ADA’s name is still attached to it. That’s a problem for patients, dentists, and state-level advocacy. Even though the House passed clear policy on DLR in 2024, the Board wants to wait until 2028 to make changes. We believe that’s too long to wait while insurers benefit from a flawed framework. This resolution: Withdraws ADA support from the NCOIL model now Reaffirms that ADA policy should be set by the House — not outside groups Ensures future DLR agreements get House review before they’re adopted If you care about integrity, transparency, and protecting the ADA’s credibility, this vote matters. Watch to learn more.

DIGRN Presents: The Bald Truth - From Punishment to Recovery: Inside the Massachusetts Dentist Diversion Bill.

Description In this powerful episode of The Bald Truth: The Dental Politics Podcast, Dr. Alan Budd joins Dr. Abe Abdul for a deeply personal and policy-driven conversation that challenges how the dental profession addresses mental health and substance use. Together, they explore the journey from shame and discipline to hope and healing through a groundbreaking Massachusetts law: the Diversion Program Bill. This episode dives into the very real struggles faced by dental professionals, how a void in support systems led to devastating consequences, and how years of perseverance, advocacy, and unity among colleagues led to transformative change. Highlights Dr. Alan Budd opens up about his lived experience with substance use disorder and how a now-defunct support program once helped save his life and career. As he shares, "It's a thousand-pound phone to pick up when you have to reach out and say, 'I'm human, and I can’t manage this alone.'" The podcast details the years-long effort to bring back a diversion pathway that offers confidential support instead of public punishment. Dr. Abe Abdul outlines the legislative battle, honoring advocates like Representative Chan and Dr. Jeff Loewenstein. They underscore the importance of programs like Dentists Concerned for Dentists and the newly launched URAMP, which provide a lifeline for dental professionals struggling silently. With personal anecdotes, practical advice, and a call to action, the episode is a rare blend of vulnerability, legislative insight, and professional inspiration. Personal Passions Dr. Alan Budd speaks not just as a policy advocate but as someone who’s walked the path of recovery. His passion for helping colleagues stems from a real understanding of isolation, fear, and resilience. He is deeply involved with the National Council of Dentist Health Programs, championing mental health access and support across all 50 states. Dr. Abe Abdul’s drive to protect dental professionals and the communities they serve is rooted in his immigrant background, recognizing how a single dentist can anchor an entire neighborhood. Their shared passion for healing over punishment threads throughout the episode. ___________________________________________________________________ Dentistry in General is an exclusive online community for dentists and dental students, fostering meaningful conversations, professional support, and collaboration. Visit our website to learn more about: Our Online Community: Engage with fellow dentists and students on Facebook to discuss clinical cases, navigate non-clinical challenges, and build lasting connections.  Disclaimer for Dentistry in General Radio Network The Dentistry in General Radio Network (the "Network"), a division of Dentistry in General, LLC, provides podcast programming featuring independently selected guests by individual podcasters. Any guest appearance, documents, information, products, services, or opinions expressed on the Network’s podcasts are solely those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of Dentistry in General, LLC, its owners, affiliates, podcasters, or employees. The Network, Dentistry in General, LLC, their affiliates, podcasters, owners, agents, and employees do not assume responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information, materials, documents, products, or services shared or referenced by podcast guests. Listeners must independently verify information presented, exercise professional judgment, and conduct appropriate due diligence before acting upon or implementing recommendations provided on the Network. Information shared by guests or podcasters should not be interpreted as professional, medical, legal, or financial advice, unless explicitly stated by a qualified professional. By accessing or engaging with the Dentistry in General Radio Network content, listeners expressly agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Dentistry in General, LLC, its affiliates, podcasters, owners, agents, and employees from and against all claims, liabilities, damages, costs, or losses arising out of or resulting from reliance upon information or materials shared by guests or podcasters. Dentistry in General, LLC and its podcasters reserve the right to edit, remove, or decline to broadcast any content or material at their sole discretion. Use of podcasts or materials provided through the Dentistry in General Radio Network constitutes acceptance of these terms and acknowledgment of this disclaimer