By Kim Miller, RDH, BSDH
CAMBRA Codes
In 2014, revisions of the American Dental Associations' Current Dental Terminology (CDT) Code book will include three specific new codes for Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA). These new codes are designed to identify a patient's caries risk status (low, moderate, and high). Of course, the hope is that, now that these codes have been established and endorsed by the ADA, dental insurance companies will develop plans that will ideally provide coverage for performing caries risk assessment.
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Other columns by Kim Miller
- Air Polishing, Pregnant Patients, and Keeping 'Warm'
- Suction mirror, sharpening
- Flossing just got fun and brushing just got better!
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This is great news for those of you already practicing CAMBRA. If you are not yet utilizing CAMBRA in your practice, this is a great time to gear up and get started. If you're not sure how to initiate a CAMBRA program in your office, you can find some of the most comprehensive information on this topic at www.carifree.com/dentist. Also available at CariFree.com is the book "Balance" by Dr. Kutsch and Robert Bowers, which outlines current literature and practical techniques for lowering a patient's caries risk. Additionally you might want to visit www.ineedCE.com and take the three-unit CE course by Michelle Hurlbutt, RDH, MSDH, titled "CAMBRA: Best Practices in Dental Caries Management." A Google search for CAMBRA will pull up any number of sites and articles with helpful information.
These new codes mention "using recognized assessment tools," which you can find by visiting www.ada.org and searching CAMBRA risk assessment tool. The forms approved by the ADA are downloadable.
New 2014 ADA CDT Cambra codes
- D0601 caries risk assessment and documentation, with a finding of low risk
- Using recognized assessment tools
- D0602 caries risk assessment and documentation, with a finding of moderate risk
- Using recognized assessment tools
- D0603 caries risk assessment and documentation, with a finding of high risk
Elevate Oral Care
Elevate Oral Care is a start-up company located in Palm Beach, Fla. The managing members have more than 90 years combined
The company's initial product line, which is available only through professionals or on their website, addresses the needs of patients who are at moderate to high risk for developing oral diseases, specifically caries. The Just Right 6 Month Anticavity Kit for kids in the age range of two to six was developed to ensure that very young patient get a great start on good oral health.
Each Just Right kit contains:
- A 6-month supply of toothpaste in a pump dispenser that delivers a pea-sized dose (0.25 g) for just the right amount of fluoridated toothpaste without waste or excess
- Two Just Right children's toothbrushes with soft bristles, small heads, and large handles to encourage proper bushing technique
According to the manufacturer and independent laboratory tests, the proprietary formula of the Just Right toothpaste delivers superior fluoride uptake when compared to other leading brands.
In addition, Elevate Oral Care offers Epic 100% Xylitol Gum and Mints. My research revealed the gums currently available on the market sweetened with xylitol have .17g
to .85g of xylitol per piece. Epic gum on the other hand has just over 1g per piece with no added sweeteners of any kind. Epic mints contain .5g of xylitol each. The gum is available in peppermint, spearmint, cinnamon, and fresh fruit. The mints are offered in cinnamon, fresh fruit, and peppermint. The containers are BPA free and the products are kid-safe, non-GMO, and gluten-free. Visit www.elevateoralcare.com and order some for yourself and your patients.
DuraShield CV 5% Sodium Fluoride Clear Varnish by Sultan
This next generation of fluoride varnish contains 5% sodium fluoride and, according to the manufacturer, the non-drip formula stays on the brush, making it easy to apply. It's virtually invisible on the patients' teeth and does not discolor. It requires only a two-hour wear time vs. the average four to six.
The unit dose package is unique and easy to use as you apply either the watermelon or strawberry flavored varnish. Visit www.sultanhc.com to learn more or order directly from your dealer.
As always, email me your comments and suggestions at [email protected].
KIM MILLER, RDH, BSDH, is the co-founder of PerioFrogz.com, an information-based website providing free current oral-systemic research summaries and patient education downloads. Kim is also a coach with Inspired Hygiene, delivering customized hands-on training. She speaks internationally, writes articles and webinars, and enjoys clinical dental hygiene. Kim lives in Arizona and welcomes you to contact her at [email protected].
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