July 2023

Teague Dentistry would like to wish everyone a healthy and happy summer!!!  It's hard to believe that we are at the halfway point of 2023!  Dr. Teague is currently planning a trip to the 16th District Caucus meeting in Norfolk, Virginia.  The American Dental Association's 16th District is composed of representatives from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.  This meeting will mark Dr. Teague's 15th year representing North Carolina in this fashion... and is in preparation of the ADA's annual House of Delegates which will be held this fall.

May 2023

Three years of COVID...it's actually hard to comprehend that COVID began that long ago, as well as the extent of the drastic, and sometimes bewildering, nature of the accompanying changes that followed. 

For us at Teague Dentistry, the changes meant, first and foremost, astronomical increases in the costs of all supplies and equipment, especially personal protective equipment. Glasses and masks, for instance, increased in costs from 300-600%. Likewise, with so many people leaving the workforce, our costs to retain and employ our exceptional staff has risen 27% since pre-COVID levels. The inflation rate of 13.5% over the last 2 years (7% in 2021, and 6.5% in 2022) is another unwelcome and contributory factor in rising costs for us all. 

It has been over 3 years (March 2020) since we at Teague Dentistry have increased our fees. Unfortunately, due to the economic factors listed above, we have instituted a 12% increase to our fee schedule. We understand the financial burdens that many of us face in prioritizing our discretionary spending, however, we are committed to maintaining the highest level of care possible, as we have done for you, our patients, for the last 32 years. We sincerely thank you for your understanding and for allowing our office to provide your care. 

February 2023

Dr. Teague will soon be heading to Washington, DC, to visit with our state's legislators at the ADA's Annual "Dentist and Student Lobby Day."  This year's topics for discussion include student debt, dental Medicaid benefits, and insurance companies dictating fees on non-covered services.  Dr. Teague feels especially committed to supporting the "Enduring Lasting Smiles Act" (S. 754/ H.R. 1916).  The Enduring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA) is bipartisan legislation designed to support the restoration and reconstruction of the dentitions of children born with craniofacial birth defects.  1 in 33 children born in the United States are affected by some form of birth defect.  Craniofacial anomalies such as cleft lip and/or palate or hypodontia (the absence of teeth) can be devastating to a child's ability to breathe, speak, or eat.  Unfortunately, many insurance companies, while covering the initial corrective surgeries, will deny or delay follow-up or longer-term corrective procedures to restore form and function for these children, claiming these procedures to be cosmetic in nature.  ELSA would require all insurance plans to cover medically necessary services resulting from a congenital anomaly or birth defect, including reconstructive, dental, orthodontic, and prosthodontic services.  The bill specifically exempts cosmetic services.

CONGRATULATIONS, DR. TEAGUE!!

Dr. Teague was recently featured in the Annual Report for Benco Dental Company. Benco Dental is one of the country's leading suppliers of dental products and equipment to the dental profession. Dr. Teague was one of four dentists selected nationally and was recognized for his efforts in "Leadership and Advocacy" relative to the COVID-19 vaccination of the dental profession. A portion of the article reads, "Nobody in the North Carolina dental community was surprised that Dr. Teague emerged as one of the strongest and most relentless voices advocating to prioritize dental professionals for vaccinations. A former president of the North Carolina Dental Society, he has a lifetime of awards and service demonstrating his dedication." 

To read the full article, please click the link provided and scroll to page 8: Benco Dental Annual Report