TAPD Report – November 2024

Exciting Highlights and Upcoming Events for Texas!

The Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recently hosted its Annual Sedation CE course and Pedi-Pac fundraiser in Austin this September, achieving the highest turnout for both attendees and vendors yet! Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to the success of these events.

Save the Date for these 2025 Events (more details to be shared at tapd.org):

• TAPD Lobby Day & Winter Board Meeting (In-person): January 27, 2025, in Austin
• Winter Live Webinar (Virtual): February 22, from 9 am to 12 pm
  • Dr. Stephen Schalk: “Navigating Mixed Dentition with Clear Aligners: Effective Treatment Planning, Biomechanics, and Communication” (2 hours)
  • Dr. Alex Otto: “Unleashing the Power of AI in Dentistry” (1 hour)
• April Team/Leadership Focused CE (In-person): April 25, 2025, in Dallas (6 hours)
• Fall Doctor Focused Sedation CE (In-person): September 26, 2025, in Austin (8 hours)

Advocacy Update:


We are thrilled to announce a significant victory in our advocacy efforts! TAPD successfully challenged DentaQuest’s downloading practices for multi-surface posterior restorations. Thanks to our supportive membership, we were able to demonstrate to Texas HHSC that this practice violated the state’s Medicaid policy, resulting in our members being reimbursed for previous incorrectly paid claims.

Currently, TAPD is addressing DentaQuest’s recent announcement regarding their plan to stop credentialing new providers and facilities in Texas. TAPD believes that restricting credentialing will jeopardize access to care for Texas children who need the care and supervision of a pediatric specialist most. They will continue to advocate vigorously for members and the patients and communities they serve.

Submitted by Alexandra Otto.