Idaho Oral Health Alliance

06/14/2026

New CDT 2027 Code for Pediatric-to-Adult Transition Services

The American Association of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) announced that a new “transition code” was officially approved at the Code Maintenance Committee (CMC) meeting for CDT 2027. This code supports pediatric-to-adult transition services for patients with special health care needs. It recognizes the additional time and effort required to successfully prepare patients and their families and caregivers for the transition and to identify an appropriate adult provider.
Effective January 1, 2027, pediatric dentists are strongly encouraged to include the new transition code (D9998) on treatment records and claims forms when offering transition services for patients with disabilities. Please refer to the AAPD’s Policy on Transitioning from a Pediatric to an Adult Dental Home for Individuals with Special Health Care Needs for additional guidance on transition.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recognizes the importance of transitioning patients with special health care needs (SHCN) to an adult dental home as they reach the age of majority. Finding a dental home1 to address their special circumstances while providing all aspects of oral ca...

06/10/2026

Improving Oral Care More than Halves Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia Risk

A landmark trial presented by the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) at Global 2026 shows that improving oral hygiene for hospital patients can reduce the risk of non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) by 60%

The study, involving over 8,000 patients, is the only multi-centre randomised controlled trial (RCT) in a hospital setting to evaluate this approach and the largest RCT in this setting to date. The proportion of patients receiving oral care increased from 15.9% in the control to 61.5% in the in...

06/07/2026

ECHO Idaho Oral Health in Primary Care Series Report, Recordings
The 8-part webinar series wrapped up in April and was widely praised. The on-demand version of the series is available for $85 and includes continuing education credit. Click on the link below to register and create an ECHO Idaho account. For a copy of the final report on the series, contact Jennifer Wheeler, IOHA executive director, at [email protected]

This series will equip healthcare providers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively assess, identify, and provide preventive care for common oral health issues in order to enhance patient care and reduce the burden of oral health diseases in Idaho.

06/03/2026

On-Demand CED: Shaping Smiles, Preventing Cancer
Join this on-demand learning series designed to empower dental professionals in the fight against HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers. This free course, by the American Cancer Society and partners, covers everything from HPV basics to best practices for incorporating HPV vaccinations in your practice. 4.0 CDE Available. CDE credits are provided by NNOHA. This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with ADA CERP standards.
Register with the link below!

06/01/2026

The dental assisting program at DTECH within the Boise School District, invites community members to support the program by participating on the Technical Advisory Committee or as a volunteer with students.
Program instructor, Shannon Kay, also seeks dental practices for student placement.
The high school program offers a blend of classroom instruction and clinical experience including chairside assisting, radiography, infection control, and office procedures.
To volunteer for any of these Treasure Valley opportunities, contact Shannon Kay, [email protected]

05/31/2026

Webinar Lineup: Hypertension and Pre-Medication Guidelines

Join CareQuest Institute and leading experts for engaging webinars on a wide range of topics. Each 60-minute webinar, which ends with an interactive Q&A session, is eligible for 1 free CE credit.

· June 4 — Medication Safety
· June 25 — Pre-Medication Guidelines

Live Webinars Join leading experts and researchers as they explore some of the most pressing topics facing oral and overall health today. CareQuest Institute webinars are free and available as recordings for your convenience. Upcoming Webinars Medication Safety in Dentistry: Providing Comprehensive....

05/29/2026

The ISDA Annual Session is June 11-13, in Boise. In addition to the continuing education and special events, the Flossy 5K is back!

05/28/2026

Idaho Summer Special Olympics Needs Volunteers for May 29th

Volunteers are needed for the Healthy Athletes screening day.

The event will be held at Nampa High School, in the main gym.
Volunteer shifts are 2-6 p.m. and 5-9:30 p.m.

With support from Delta Dental of Idaho, dentistry volunteers will be able to use intraoral cameras and computers for screenings.

Customized take-home kits for the athletes will also be created and distributed. Dental professionals and other volunteers are needed. Sign up with the link below or text Dr. Brooke at 208-859-8449 with questions.

04/20/2026

Webinar: Timely Guidance on Fluoride Supplements. Join CareQuest Institute and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry for a webinar on March 26 from 5–6 p.m. MT that will examine clinical indications for fluoride supplementation, address common access barriers, and discuss opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration between dental and medical providers.

Join leading experts and researchers. CareQuest Institute webinars are free and available as recordings for your convenience.

04/15/2026

Two weeks away!
Join us for the 2026 Idaho Rural Health Conference located at The Riverside Hotel in Boise, Idaho! April 29th-30th