Here are six dental industry updates that took place in California in February:
1. A California dentist charged with several counts of sexually assaulting patients was found not guilty for two of the counts.
2. The California Dental Association sponsored multiple bills related to assignment of benefits, network adequacy and virtual credit cards.
3. The California Dental Association highlighted updates and changes to the Dental Practice Act, affecting dental permits, dental practice staffing and dental assistant scope of practice.
4. Irving, Texas-based U.S. Oral Surgery Management added Kern Oral & Facial Surgery & Rejuvenating Beauty in Bakersfield, Calif., and Rancho Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Murrieta and Hemet, Calif.
5. A bill was introduced in California to prevent private equity groups and hedge funds from interfering with the healthcare decisions of dentists.
6. Cal Dental USA partnered with XSport Mouthguards and former NFL player Tiki Barber to expand the use of mouthguards to help prevent Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy.