The California Dental Association (CDA), the largest statewide dental association in the United States, announced today that it has implemented the Lawson S3 Enterprise Financial Management suite and Lawson Business Intelligence. The organization is using the Lawson solutions to replace its disparate finance applications with a central, consolidated system that will help it increase efficiency and focus more resources on growing its membership. Lawson Professional Services managed this implementation.

CDA, based in Sacramento, Calif., has more than 25,000 members representing over 70 percent of dentists practicing in the state. The organization, comprised of five entities including an insurance company, was using two separate general ledger applications. This burdened accounting with several manual processes and did not provide the up-to-date financial data that management needed to run each business unit as efficiently as it needed. To help improve efficiency, CDA wanted to consolidate its various applications into a central general ledger system.

“We chose Lawson because we needed a solution that could better accommodate the intricacies of our various business groups, yet was robust enough to grow right along with us,” said Bob Spinelli, CFO for CDA. “The Lawson solutions will help us distribute more frequent, timely reports to senior management so they have a heightened awareness of the fiscal health of their particular business.”

The S3 Financial Management Suite will help CDA improve transparency of business processes and reduce costs by standardizing the chart of accounts and company structures. It includes core financial functions that are necessary to run a business, such as general ledger, which is integrated with accounts payable, accounts receivable and cash management tools. This helps support more efficient invoice processing. The organization also uses Lawson Business Intelligence for customized reports and distribution. This deeper view into key data will help provide CDA leaders with a more complete view of information, allowing them to analyze operational processes faster, make decisions, and enter those decisions back into operational systems to help capitalize on business opportunities.

“The insurance industry today is facing growing demand to be profitable, and many insurers are turning to solutions like Lawson to help eliminate inefficient administrative processes,” said Dave Siebert, general manager for Lawson Services Industries. “Lawson solutions are designed to meet the industry-specific needs of organizations like CDA, and provide tools for gathering, analyzing and sharing financial and operational information that is vital to the success of the business.”

About Lawson Software

Lawson Software provides software and service solutions to 4,500 customers in equipment service management and rental, fashion, food & beverage, healthcare, manufacturing & distribution, public sector (United States), service industries, and strategic human capital management across 40 countries. Lawson Software is a global provider of enterprise software, services and support to customers primarily in three sectors: services, trade and manufacturing/distribution. Lawson’s solutions include Enterprise Performance Management, Human Capital Management, Supply Chain Management, Enterprise Resource Planning, Customer Relationship Management, Manufacturing Resource Planning, Enterprise Asset Management and industry-tailored applications. Lawson solutions assist customers in simplifying their businesses or organizations by helping them streamline processes, reduce costs and enhance business or operational performance. Lawson is headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., and has offices around the world. Visit Lawson online at www.lawson.com. For Lawson’s listing on the First North exchange in Sweden, Remium AB is acting as the Certified Adviser.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that contain risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements contain statements of intent, belief or current expectations of Lawson Software and its management. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the potential results discussed in the forward-looking statements. The company is not obligated to update forward-looking statements based on circumstances or events that occur in the future. Risks and uncertainties that may cause such differences include but are not limited to: uncertainties in uncertainties in the software industry; uncertainties as to when and whether the conditions for the recognition of deferred revenue will be satisfied; increased competition; general economic conditions; the impact of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations; continuation of the global credit crisis; global military conflicts; terrorist attacks; pandemics, and any future events in response to these developments; changes in conditions in the company’s targeted industries and other risk factors listed in the company’s most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Lawson assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information contained in this press release.

CIGNA Corporation (NYSE:CI) and Humana Inc. (NYSE:HUM) have formed an alliance to better serve employers who provide health care benefits for their employees and retirees (see also <http://www.newsrx.com/library/topics/CIGNA-Corporation.html> CIGNA Corporation).

The new alliance will blend CIGNA’s consultative approach and single point of contact for clients with Humana’s industry-leading group Medicare Advantage products and services and strong name recognition. Clients will benefit from a simplified management structure, additional geographic offerings, and a cost-effective solution that addresses the full range of benefit needs for their employees and retirees. Employees will benefit from CIGNA’s health and wellness programs and award-winning quality and service, and retirees will benefit from the scale and breadth of Humana’s Medicare offerings. The alliance will address the needs of employees as they approach retirement by offering a coordinated solution through the employer.

“By bringing together the capabilities of two strong companies, we’re offering market-leading solutions and creating differentiated value for our clients in these uncertain times,” said Sam Srivastava, CIGNA’s president of Government Segments. “Through this alliance, we can expand CIGNA’s portfolio, while Humana is able to expand its distribution to a larger base of employer customers for its Medicare Advantage plans. It’s a winning blend for employers and their retirees who will have access to broad-based, affordable coverage from two companies widely recognized for their service excellence.”

“CIGNA and Humana are driving innovation through this unique alliance,” added Thomas Liston, Humana senior vice president of senior products. “We are excited that CIGNA will be exclusively supplementing its retiree offerings with Humana’s Medicare Advantage plans, enabling CIGNA to offer a cost-effective, one-stop solution.”

Humana is recognized for its best-in-class Medicare products and services, comprehensive health and wellness solutions and the scale and breadth of its Medicare offerings. CIGNA brings a broad commercial product portfolio, nationally recognized health and wellness programs, and award-winning service to the alliance. The Group Medicare Advantage alliance products are expected to be available beginning July 1, 2010, subject to regulatory approvals. Under the terms of the alliance, CIGNA and Humana will coordinate services and share financial results equally.

According to Srivastava, retirees who opt for an affordable Medicare Advantage plan through the alliance can be confident that it has been carefully tailored to meet their needs and will provide access to clinical programs that can enhance their quality of life and help improve or maintain their health.

CIGNA will continue to independently offer its comprehensive suite of group and individual retiree pharmacy solutions, commercial group medical plans that supplement Medicare, and its Arizona Medicare Advantage HMO health plan, in addition to its full array of commercial medical, dental, pharmacy, disability and behavioral plans.

Humana will continue to independently offer its comprehensive array of commercial and Medicare Advantage health, pharmacy and supplementary benefit plans for employer groups, government programs and individuals. About CIGNA CIGNA (NYSE:CI), a global health service company, is dedicated to helping people improve their health, well being and sense of security. CIGNA Corporation’s operating subsidiaries provide an integrated suite of medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy and vision care benefits, as well as group life, accident and disability insurance, to approximately 46 million people throughout the United States and around the world. To learn more about CIGNA, visit www.cigna.com. To sign up for email alerts or an RSS feed of company news, log on to http://newsroom.cigna.com/rss/. Also, follow us on Twitter: @cignatweets and visit CIGNA’s You Tube channel at http://www.youtube.com/cignatv About Humana Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is one of the nation’s largest publicly traded health and supplemental benefits companies, with approximately 10.3 million medical members and 7.2 million specialty members. Humana is a full-service benefits solutions company, offering a wide array of health and supplemental benefit plans for employer groups, government programs and individuals.

Over its 49-year history, Humana has consistently seized opportunities to meet changing customer needs. Today, the company is a leader in consumer engagement, providing guidance that leads to lower costs and a better health plan experience throughout its diversified customer portfolio.

Keywords: Consumer, Finance, Financial, Health, Health Policy, Human Resources, Insurance, Investing, Investment, Managed Care, Medicare, Medicare and Medicaid, Professional Services, Seniors, Wellness, CIGNA Corporation.

Tuesday, I wrote about saving money on dental costs by checking out one of five schools for dental assistants and hygienists as well as the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (www.startribune.com/dollars). The savings on exams, cleaning, scaling, sealants and whiteners at the hygienist/assistant schools are significant — about 75 percent compared with the cost to see a dentist in private practice. In addition to the Twin Cities schools mentioned, there are dental hygienist programs on campus at Lake Superior College in Duluth (1-218-733-5939), Minnesota State Community and Technical College in Moorhead (1-218-299-6560), Minnesota State University in Mankato (1-507-389-2147), Rochester Community and Technical College in Rochester (1-507-280-3169) and St. Cloud Technical College in St. Cloud (1-320-308-5919).

Not everyone has the extra time it takes to visit a dental school. Here are more options to save on your dental bill:

Online coupons

Some dentists do marketing and advertising to attract patients. Check the Valpak coupons that come in a blue envelope by mail or at www.valpak.com under “health.” Last week four Twin Cities dentists offered deals, including an exam for about $75. Moneymailer.com had a $99 offer for X-rays, evaluation and cleaning under the “professional” category. Groupon.com recently had a cleaning and exam special for $59.

Low-cost dentists

Go to tinyurl.com/y8un6y2 for a list of some dental clinics in Minnesota that provide services to patients on public care programs, or that offer services at reduced cost. Services, hours and costs at the clinics vary. If you’re unemployed or in financial difficulty, you also can check with your regular dentist about lowering fees before calling the clinics, which might require a longer wait. Call 1-800-950-3368 for a clinic near you if you don’t have a computer.

Insurance

Whether you are considering insurance privately or through an employer, ask these questions: Is there a waiting period? (Some plans require you to be on the plan for a year before major work can be done.) What percentage do you pay for a specific procedure? (The policy could cover as little as 50 or as much as 100 percent of the cost of the procedure.) What’s the maximum coverage in a year? (Many plans have a limit, such as $1,000 per calendar year.) What’s the deductible? (You might be responsible for the first $250 or so.) What’s excluded? (Orthodontia often is not covered.)

Dental plans

An alternative to insurance, dental plans offer members discounted fees at a wide network of dentists, but few of us have heard of them. At www.dentalplans.com (1-888-632-5353), an individual pays about $105 per year or $160 for a family plan. Sample discounted prices, according the site, include $25 for a routine checkup (usual fee $56), four bite-wing X-rays $33 (usual fee $70), a white, one-surface filling $75 (usual fee $175) and a crown $624 (usual fee $1,190). Check to make sure your dentist participates in the plan. There is a 30-day cancellation policy and no waiting periods, deductibles or maximums. Orthodontia is included in some of the plans, including those underwritten by Cigna and Aetna. When I called earlier this week and said that I wasn’t quite ready to join, I was offered a 20 percent discount if I signed up immediately.

Socotto P. Garcia was brushing her 17-month-old son Daniel’s teeth when she noticed something wasn’t quite right.

“The color looked a little different on one of the front teeth,” Garcia said. “I started looking to see what was wrong with that tooth.”

Tuesday morning, the Garcia family decided to take Daniel to the Wilson County Health Department to see what was wrong with the tooth.

Turns out little Daniel has a cavity on the back of that front tooth, said Valerie Brock, child public health nurse, after examining him.

The Wilson County Health Department has a new dental screening and fluoride varnishing program called “Into the Mouths of Babes,” which allows parents to bring in children as young as 6 months old to have a dental screening and fluoride varnish applied to the teeth.

The program, which is funded by the state, is for children up to 3 1/2 years of age and the treatments are suggested to be given every six months. The program started March 8.

“Getting the varnish is just like having a fluoride treatment at the dentist,” said Kay Long, child health coordinator. “We just put a very small amount of the varnish on the teeth and it sticks to the teeth until parents brush it off the next day.”

Long said the varnish tastes like bubble gum and the procedure doesn’t hurt the child.

“Children do make a fuss,” Brock said. “But it’s only because they don’t want you to go into their mouth.”

Brock said Daniel cried because he didn’t understand what she was doing.

“His father held him and comforted him,” she said.

Long said the sooner parents bring their children get the varnish, the fewer cavities they will probably have. She said studies show children receiving the procedure have fewer cavity-related treatments in a dental office than children who do not receive the treatment.

Brock said it also helps children to continue into adulthood with dental care when they start early.

Health department officials are trying to get more parents educated about why it is important for children to have regular dental check-ups.

“You would be surprised to know how many children don’t see the dentist,” Long said. “Statistics say 40 percent of children who start kindergarten have cavities.”

Long said many times children come to the health department for their well child check-ups needed to enter school and she finds their teeth and gums are in bad shape.

One reason very young children get cavities is because parents put babies to bed with a bottle.

“Milk has sugars in it and when a baby falls asleep with milk in his mouth, the sugar from the milk sits on the teeth,” Long said. “Toddlers also have sugary drinks in their sippy cups. All of those things cause cavities.”

Access to dental care for some parents is out of reach, Long said.

“There are not many pediatric dentists and only 25 percent of North Carolina dentists participate in Medicaid,” Long said. “So many children don’t get to see the dentist.”

It is not necessary for a child to receive any other health department services to get the dental screening services.

But the parent or guardian of the child must be present when the child gets the varnish.

“It is important that the person who cares for the child be here so they can learn first-hand about cavity prevention and what they can do,” Long said.

Appointments are not necessary. Walk-ins are welcome.

In a rented room between a Southwest Side auto body yard and a scrap metal facility, Francisco Rendon allegedly performed dental work on willing patients, despite not having a dentist’s license, authorities said.

Inside the two-room space next door to Courtesy Metals in the 3700 block of South California Avenue, Rendon clandestinely ran a dentist’s office equipped with syringes, painkillers and dentures, according to Chicago police.

The makeshift dental office in the Brighton Park neighborhood, steps away from a metal scrapping machine called the “Bone Crusher,” was free of frills.

Instead of sitting in a traditional reclining dentist’s chair, patients sat in a leather office seat, according to police reports. The reports said that Rendon, 49, worked on teeth using something similar to a power tool usually used for polishing metal and that patients spit into a garbage can instead of a sink. Rendon told police he had a dental license he said he had earned in Mexico.

That seemed to be enough for his clientele, police said. Officers arriving to investigate an anonymous tip found five persons waiting to be treated. Rendon did not have the proper credentials to practice in the United States and no business license from the city.

Rendon was arrested Thursday and charged with misdemeanor providing medical service without a license, said police Cmdr. David Jarmusz said.

Repeated attempts to reach Rendon, who lives in the rented space, were unsuccessful Friday. The owner of Courtesy Metals, who did not want his name used, said he did not know what his renter was up to, saying the Mexican national only had friends visit.

Susan Hofer, a spokeswoman for the state department of Financial and Professional Regulation, which oversees the licensing of hundreds of professions, said unlicensed dentists pose a threat to consumers. Unlike an unlicensed home contractor, who might damage property, an unlicensed dentist might be dangerous to a patient’s health, she said.

The department has received 30 complaints concerning unlicensed dentistry in the past 16 months, she said.

Last week, a dentist and his assistant in downstate Macon County were criminally charged after he was accused of allowing his assistant to perform unauthorized dental work.

Burgeoning consumer demand for dental implants has prompted dentists nationwide to add implants to their practices, and some have mounted aggressive advertising campaigns to promote implants to consumers. But how can patients objectively evaluate the qualifications of a dentist to perform implant surgery?

Today, the American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID, www.aaid.com), the leading professional society for dental-implant practitioners, advised consumers interested in implants that in-depth practitioner training and experience are critical for successful outcomes, and prospective patients should inquire about a dentist’s implant qualifications (see also <http://www.newsrx.com/library/topics/American-Academy-of-Implant-Dentistry.html> American Academy of Implant Dentistry).

“It can be a difficult decision to undergo surgery to insert dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth,” said AAID President Joel Rosenlicht, DMD. “Many practitioners, including general dentists, are well qualified to provide implant treatment, based on their extensive experience and in-depth training. However, beware of those who simply attend a weekend implant seminar.”

Rosenlicht further explained it is impossible for a dentist to become proficient at implant surgery over the course of a single weekend. “Regardless of whether a dentist is a specialist or a general practitioner, attending a weekend session isn’t enough. There is a higher level of risk with the procedure if the dentist hasn’t had extensive, specific training and experience in placing and restoring dental implants.”

He added that implant surgery is precise and very predictable, but it is an invasive procedure that requires excellent surgical skills. “In most cases, the surgery won’t be successful unless patients have sufficient bone mass in the jaw to secure the implant. So rigorous training and extensive experience are critical factors when judging if a patient would be a good candidate for implants.”

Garcia was brushing her 17-month-old son Daniel’s teeth when she noticed something wasn’t quite right.

“The color looked a little different on one of the front teeth,” Garcia said. “I started looking to see what was wrong with that tooth.”

Tuesday morning, the Garcia family decided to take Daniel to the Wilson County Health Department to see what was wrong with the tooth.

Turns out little Daniel has a cavity on the back of that front tooth, said Valerie Brock, child public health nurse, after examining him.

The Wilson County Health Department has a new dental screening and fluoride varnishing program called “Into the Mouths of Babes,” which allows parents to bring in children as young as 6 months old to have a dental screening and fluoride varnish applied to the teeth.

The program, which is funded by the state, is for children up to 3 1/2 years of age and the treatments are suggested to be given every six months. The program started March 8.

“Getting the varnish is just like having a fluoride treatment at the dentist,” said Kay Long, child health coordinator. “We just put a very small amount of the varnish on the teeth and it sticks to the teeth until parents brush it off the next day.”

Long said the varnish tastes like bubble gum and the procedure doesn’t hurt the child.

“Children do make a fuss,” Brock said. “But it’s only because they don’t want you to go into their mouth.”

Brock said Daniel cried because he didn’t understand what she was doing.

“His father held him and comforted him,” she said.

Long said the sooner parents bring their children get the varnish, the fewer cavities they will probably have. She said studies show children receiving the procedure have fewer cavity-related treatments in a dental office than children who do not receive the treatment.

Brock said it also helps children to continue into adulthood with dental care when they start early.

Health department officials are trying to get more parents educated about why it is important for children to have regular dental check-ups.

“You would be surprised to know how many children don’t see the dentist,” Long said. “Statistics say 40 percent of children who start kindergarten have cavities.”

Long said many times children come to the health department for their well child check-ups needed to enter school and she finds their teeth and gums are in bad shape.

One reason very young children get cavities is because parents put babies to bed with a bottle.

“Milk has sugars in it and when a baby falls asleep with milk in his mouth, the sugar from the milk sits on the teeth,” Long said. “Toddlers also have sugary drinks in their sippy cups. All of those things cause cavities.”

Access to dental care for some parents is out of reach, Long said.

“There are not many pediatric dentists and only 25 percent of North Carolina dentists participate in Medicaid,” Long said. “So many children don’t get to see the dentist.”

It is not necessary for a child to receive any other health department services to get the dental screening services.

But the parent or guardian of the child must be present when the child gets the varnish.

“It is important that the person who cares for the child be here so they can learn first-hand about cavity prevention and what they can do,” Long said.

Appointments are not necessary. Walk-ins are welcome.