METLIFE ADDS TWO NEW ON-LINE QUALITY RESOURCE GUIDES TO ITS ADA APPROVED CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM

METLIFE ADDS TWO NEW ON-LINE QUALITY RESOURCE GUIDES TO ITS ADA APPROVED CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM

NEW YORK, March 31, 2008

MetLife announced today the availability of two new on-line Quality Resource Guides to its self-study dental continuing education program. The new guides, (1) Computer-based Patient Records in General Dentistry and; (2) Dentistry and Biofilms, are a part of MetLife’s Quality Initiatives Program, and are approved for fulfilling licensing requirements, where applicable, by the American Dental Association (ADA) under its Continuing Education Recognition Program. They are also approved by the Academy of General Dentistry. MetLife’s series of continuing education materials can be viewed on-line or downloaded at www.metdental.com.

The MetLife Quality Resource Guides are authored by professionals who hold prominent positions in the dental community. The newest additions are:

(1) Computer-based Patient Records in General Dentistry, written by Titus Schleyer, DMD, PhD, an internationally known researcher in the field of dental informatics and Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Dental Informatics at the University of Pittsburgh. In this guide, Dr. Schleyer summarizes survey results that focus on dental practitioners’ experience with a computer-based patient record system, and compares four popular computer-based patient records against a composite of ten dental records from a variety of sources. Additionally, a comparison of the usability of four computer-based patient records is presented to give the reader a sense of what to expect when using the software. Regardless of the stage a dental practice finds itself with computer-based patient records, dental professionals using the guide will find advice and insights in dealing with the selection of a computer-based patient record system, the role of staff in selecting a computer-based patient record system and the training necessary for success.

(2) Dentistry and Biofilms, developed by Milton Robert Wirthlin, Jr., DDS, MS, Clinical Professor, Emeritus for the School of Dentistry at the University of California, San Francisco. As biofilms affect almost all aspects of oral health and dental care, from infections initiated by biofilms that develop into dental caries and periodontal disease to the contaminations of waterlines in dental units, these microorganisms cause dentists consistent problems. This guide presents the biological basis of biofilm formation and discusses their role in infection control and pathogenesis of dental diseases. A practical list of guidelines is presented for the clinician to battle biofilms in dental practice.

MetLife is the largest commercial dental carrier, administering dental benefits for nearly 21 million individuals. The continuing education offerings are part of MetLife’s Quality Initiatives Program and were developed as a result of needs assessment. MetLife’s Dental Advisory Council, comprised of practicing and academic dentists, as well as corporate benefit representatives, serves as the oversight committee for the MetLife Quality Initiatives Program and members meet regularly to assess the educational needs identified by dentists who participate in the MetLife Preferred Dentist Program.

"Continuing education is important and helps dental providers keep in tune with clinical and professional developments in the field so that patients continually benefit from the latest evidence-based research," said Alan Vogel, DMD, national dental director for MetLife. "With feedback and input from participants in MetLife’s Preferred Dentist Program and others in the dental community, MetLife’s Dental Advisory Council aims to provide essential education offerings."

MetLife's Quality Initiatives Program is open to both MetLife participating and non-participating dentists. Continuing education credits are free to dentists and office staff participating in the MetLife Preferred Dentist Program as a benefit of participation. Non-participating dentists can access MetLife continuing educational offerings at no charge. There is a nominal fee if a non-participating dentist would like to obtain educational credits.