Sumiton Dental

03/03/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/173KGwy75Z/

Spring Break is a Great time to get dental check ups!

02/25/2026

SB81 Stalled in Senate Banking and Insurance Committee by Committee Leadership by Michele Huebner, Executive Director
ALDA's Dental Loss Ratio legislation (SB81) has the commitments of enough Senate Banking and Insurance Committee members to pass out of committee this week. Despite this overwhelming support for SB81, Committee Chair Shay Shelnutt will not allow the committee to vote.
Senate Majority Leader and Committee Vice Chair Steve Livingston is also opposed to our legislation and supporting Shelnutt’s decision to not give us a vote.
Interestingly, Senator Shelnutt was the sponsor of our 2025 Dental Loss Ratio legislation and required ALDA to negotiate an agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield in order to move the legislation forward into committee. After negotiating an agreement with Blue Cross late in the 2025 session, we entered into the 2026 legislative session with the agreed upon language, and then had to negotiate additional amendments with Blue Cross. Though we met every request of Senator Shelnutt, he still will not allow a committee vote on SB81.
At this time, we need every Alabama dentist to contact Senator Shay Shelnutt and Senator Steve Livingston with this message:
Support SB81 and allow it to be voted on in your Committee, and subsequently in the Alabama Senate!
Senator Shay Shelnutt: (334) 261-0794
Senator Steve Livingston: (334) 261-0858
If their voicemail is full, call the Senate main number (334-261-0800). Tell Senate staff their voicemail is full, and that you need to get in touch with them. Senate staff will adjust the system to allow your call.
A special thank you to our 2026 bill sponsors Senator Larry Stutts (SB81) and Representative Phillip Rigsby (HB212). We appreciate their support!
TOGETHER, WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

02/20/2026

With Dr. Emery M. Cole Family Dentistry – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

02/06/2026

https://www.drbicuspid.com/dental-specialties/periodontics/article/15815839/gum-disease-germ-may-be-linked-to-breast-cancer

Scientists report that a gum disease-linked bacterium may be found in breast cancer tissue and spread through the mammary ducts or blood, speeding the growth of tumors.

02/04/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18EXgoy7W7/

The American Heart Association’s Healthy Smiles, Healthy Hearts™ initiative is dedicated to bridging the gap between oral and heart health care.

01/22/2026

WaterPik THEN Brush!

Here's how to make your oral hygiene routine more effective.

01/21/2026

The AAE and AAOMR have released their first major update to CBCT use guidelines in a decade, reflecting how AI, digital navigation, and modern imaging protocols are reshaping ...

01/15/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CEAUeGXRj/

Support your LOCAL Private Dentist! We are in your neighborhood because we care for you & your family's health!

Dental workforce shortages are critical

Alabama has one of the nation’s lowest dentist-to-patient ratios - Many rural areas rely on aging dentists who are nearing retirement

This is a CRISIS - 24 Alabama counties are at risk of significant loss of dental services in the very near future

15 counties have between 50-100% of their dentists age 60+
4 counties have 100% of their dentists age 60+
3 counties have no dentists

We risk losing our dental graduates to other states, because…

Student debt is approaching $300k – High student debt + low reimbursement rates make staying in Alabama difficult when other states offer higher pay and more stability
Alabama’s dental insurance environment is unfavorable for building and maintaining a successful practice
Alabama needs policies that encourage young dentists to replace retiring providers, keeping quality care accessible statewide

01/14/2026

I bet it has to do with someone's love for sugar! (metabolic dz, brain fog, chronic inflammation)

Tooth loss may be tied to cognitive decline in older adults, possibly harming brain regions involving memory, even if good nutrition is maintained.

12/30/2025

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026!

We are out of the office until Monday January 5th.

06/09/2025

Currently Our Office is OPEN but we have NO internet or phone services due to the Storm Saturday. We are open & seeing scheduled patients, if you have an Emergency, please come to the office directly. Please email [email protected] for communication today.