New Jersey Dental Group Defrauds Medicaid

New Jersey Dental Group Defrauds Medicaid

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 20 November 2012 16:40

A New Jersey dental company allegedly defrauded Medicaid out of more than $181,000.

The state Comptroller’s Office filed the claim against an East Orange dental group. The claims state that Anicia Cruz-Sledge took over the Gentle Dental Group in 2007 because her husband suffered from a medical condition prohibiting him from working in his dental practice.

Cruz-Sledge then proceeded to make Medicaid charges using her husband Edward's name. She even hired someone—Carl McGloster—who had been disbarred from participate in Medicaid in an attempt for him to take the place of her husband.

McGloster issued 290 prescriptions and 63 were for controlled dangerous substances, according to the reports. The prescription came from the prescription pad of Edward Cruz-Sledge.

Anicia Cruz-Sledge also admitted to posing as a dental assistant and hygienist without being licensed to do so. In addition, she hired two other dentists who weren’t approved to provide services to patients.

New Jersey stopped the Medicaid payments to Gentle Dental earlier this year and looks to recoup $1.3 million. The state is also seeking $510,000 from McGloster for the improper Medicaid claims. McGloster allegedly wrote 427 prescriptions to Medicaid patients, even though he wasn’t allowed to partake in the program.

Lack of Knowledge May Result in More Mouth Cancer Cases

Lack of Knowledge May Result in More Mouth Cancer Cases

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 27 November 2012 11:04

Not being educated about mouth cancer could lead to a major problem.

The number of people impacted by mouth cancer has risen drastically in recent years. A recent survey indicated that a lack of knowledge about the causes and risk factors for oral cancer may be why the amount of cases has gone up so much as of late.

The survey was conducted by the British Dental Health Foundation.

About two out of three people said they would alter their lifestyle and change their diet if the changes would lower the risk of developing mouth cancer. One out of three people said they would make changes to their life if they were more educated about mouth cancer. And about 90 percent of the people surveyed said they did not think they were at any risk for mouth cancer.

The reason for many of the responses in the survey is simple: people just don’t know enough information about mouth cancer. It’s unfortunate because mouth cancer kills more people than cervical and testicular cancer combined.

To avoid the risk of oral cancer, it’s best to visit the dentist on a regular basis. That way, any irregularities in the mouth will be noticed before it’s too late.

New Book States Flossing Serves No Purpose

New Book States Flossing Serves No Purpose

Written by Dentistry TodayTuesday, 27 November 2012 12:35

Utilizing dental floss may be a waste of time, according to a new book.

Ellie Phillips, author of Kiss Your Dentist Goodbye, claims that flossing provides no benefit with regards to preventing tooth decay. Phillips, who was one of the first female dentists to train at Guy’s Hospital London, proposes certain types of mouthwash for the function that she claims flossing doesn’t accomplish.

She suggests using a certain mouthwash to eat away at the bacteria, then another mouthwash after brushing and a third mouthwash to protect and strengthen teeth. Phillips also recommends chewing gum containing xylitol, which has proven to lower the risk of decay.

Phillips’s book likely will create controversy based on the recommendations of many other dentists, who for years have been saying that people should floss regularly. In Phillips’s favor, however, there isn’t an overwhelming amount of research to suggest flossing is 100 percent effective in eliminating tooth decay.

Other dentists would argue that in instances when dental floss doesn’t work, it may be an issue with the person utilizing the floss. The person may not be doing so correctly, making the flossing process useless.

While flossing benefits may be up for debate, there isn’t much debating about the controversy this book is sure to cause.