July/August 2016
Journal of the Georgia Dental Association
Ben W. Jernigan Jr., DMD 148th President Georgia Dental Association
HELPING CLENTS NAVIGATE THE EVER CHANGING LANDSCAPE OF DENTALANDSCAPE PRACTICE OWNERSHIP Oberman Law Firm is comprised of a team of individuals possessing the knowledge, expertise and experience to address the myriad of regulatory, business and ethical issues facing the health care industry today. We can help you piece it all together so you can focus on what really matters, your practice.
Practice Sales & Acquisitions Joint Ventures OSHA/HIPAA Compliance Employment Law Partnership Agreements Lease Negotiations Dental Board Defense Associate Contracts Intellectual Property
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OBERMAN LAW FIRM 2 • July/August 2016
147 Lee Byrd
Loganville, Georgia 30052
770.554.1400
www.obermanlaw.com
GDACONTENTS features
july/august 2016 • volume 35, no. 6
The GDA needs your storiesarthritis of “My rheumatoid was diagnosed and treated how regular early, and now I’m able dental to createcare beautiful art pieces again.” changed your patient's — Lainie life. Smith
11 ACA REGULATIONS & YOU
Read how new Affordable Care Act rules impact your practice.
20 PRESIDENT BEN JERNIGAN Welcome President Jernigan and learn about his goals.
24 FEDERAL OVERTIME RULE
Is your practice impacted? See who is covered and what steps to take.
26 SYMPATHY TO OXFORD, MS Town loses four dentists in crash.
becauseisawmydentist.com
28 LAW DAY 2017: GET READY Have a say in how laws are made.
departments 9 CONVENTION & EXPO Save the date for 2017!
11 THE PRACTICE
Tools and tips to help you manage your business.
13 FINDING SUCCESS
Helping you achieve personal and professional growth.
14 SEEN & HEARD
Members making news and news for GDA members.
Tell Your Patient Stories for the GDA's “Because I Saw My Dentist” Campaign “Because I Saw My Dentist” showcases powerful stories of real people whose lives have been changed because they regularly see their GDA-member dentist. We know that dentists have the expertise and experience to diagnose and prevent disease, build confidence, and help people live richer, fuller lives. We are starting the next phase of the campaign, and need your patient stories. How have YOU changed a patient's life for the better? Email Carol Galbreath at carol@gadental.org and tell us! We would love to hear about pediatric patients as well as adult patients.
34 LAST PAGE
Member commentary, letters, comments and more each issue.
in every issue 4 5 5 7 30
Calendar of Events Benefits Plus+ Savings Contact GDA Staff Editorial Classifieds
July/August 2016
Journal of the Georgia Dental Association
Cover: Dr. Ben Jernigan Jr. was sworn in as GDA president on July 17th. He graduated in 1976 from the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry. Read about his goals for the year starting on page 20.
Ben W. Jernigan Jr., DMD 148th President Georgia Dental Association
July/August 2016 • 3
GDA ACTION (ISSN 0273-5989; USPS PE-590290) The official Journal of the Georgia Dental Association is published 10 times per year. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to GDA Action, 7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Road N.E., Suite 200, Building 17, Atlanta, GA 30328. Dr. Kumar Patel, GDA Editor 3417 Canton Road, Suite 401 Marietta, GA 30066 drkay71@gmail.com Ms. Delaine Hall GDA Managing Editor 7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NE Suite 200 Bldg 17, Atlanta, GA 30328 delaine@gadental.org Dr. Ben Jernigan, GDA President 315 West Ponce De Leon Avenue, Suite 340, Atlanta, GA 30030 president@gadental.org. Mr. Frank Capaldo, GDA Executive Director 7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NE Suite 200 Bldg 17, Atlanta, GA 30328 frank@gadental.org ______________________________ GDA ACTION seeks to be an issuesdriven journal focusing on current matters affecting Georgia dentists and patients accomplished by disseminating information and providing a forum for commentary. Closing date for all editorial and advertising materials: First of the month preceding the publication month. Subscriptions: $17 of GDA membership dues is for the journal; all others, $75 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Atlanta, GA. Š Copyright 2016 by the Georgia Dental Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. Publication of any article or advertisement should not be deemed an endorsement of the opinions expressed or products advertised. The GDA expressly reserves the right to refuse publication of any article, photograph, or advertisement, and illustrate, reduce, or revise any article submitted.
GDAEVENTS Wed, August 24: Welcome Back Event, The Dental College of Georgia. Sat, August 27: Special Smiles Dental Screening Event, Warner Robins. ___________________________________________________________ Mon, Sept 5: GDA Office Closed for Labor Day Holiday. Thur, Sept 8: GDA Officer Visit to Central District, The Brickyard. Fri, Sept 9: Northern District Diversity in Dentistry CE, Brio. Sat, Sept 10: GDA Board of Trustees Meeting, Atlanta. Mon, Sept 12: Northern District Executive Committee Meeting, GDA Office. Fri, Sept 16: Southwestern District Fall Meeting/CE, Dr. Marvin Fier. Sat, Sept 17: Central District Family Tailgate at Mercer University. Sept. 16-17: Georgia Dental Society Fall Meeting, Lake Lanier. Fri, Sept 23: Georgia Dental Insurance Services Board Meeting, GDA Office. Sat, Sept 24: Class of 2020 Family Day at Augusta University. ___________________________________________________________ Tue, Oct 4: GDA Officer Visit to Eastern District, Washington. Oct 13-15: ADA Fifth District Caucus, Birmingham, AL Oct 19-24: ADA Annual Session, Denver, Colorado (Oct 19-22 CE; Oct 20-21 Exhibit Hall; Oct 20-24 House of Delegates Oct 21-22: GDA Expanded Duties Course, Dr. Becky Weinman Wed, Oct 26: GDA Officer Visit to Northwestern District, Tellus Museum. Sat, Oct 29: GDIS Board Meeting, GDA Office. ___________________________________________________________ Wed, Nov 2: Western District Legislative Reception & Officer Visit. Tue, Nov 8: Eastern District Legislative Reception (Augusta). Thur, Nov 10: Southwestern District Legislative Reception (Albany). Tue, Nov 15: Eastern District Legislative Reception (Athens). Thur, Nov 17: Southwestern District Legislative Reception (Valdosta). Mon, Nov 21: GDA Officer Visit to Northern District, 103 West Nov 24-25: GDA Office Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday. Tue, Nov 29: Central District Legislative Reception. ___________________________________________________________ Thur, Dec 1: Southeastern District Legislative Reception & GDA Officer Visit, Savannah Golf Club. Sat, Dec 3: GDA Board of Trustees Meeting, GDA Office. Sun, Dec 4: GDA House of Delegates Meeting, Atlanta. Wed, Dec 7: Northwestern District Legislative Reception, Cartersville. Mon, Dec 26: GDA Office Closed for Christmas Holiday. ___________________________________________________________ Mon, Jan 9:
4 • July/August 2016
Opening Day of 2017 Georgia Legislative Session.
REACHUS PERSONAL SERVICES + MERCEDES-BENZ: (866) 628-7232 or www.gadental.org UBS (wealth management): (404) 760-3000 or www.gadental.org WHIRLPOOL (appliances): (866) 808-9274 or www.gadental.org
HEALTH PLANS + GEORGIA DENTAL INSURANCE SERVICES (group and individual medical and vision coverage) with BLUECROSS BLUESHIELD OF GEORGIA (800) 432-4357 or www.gadental.org
PRACTICE SERVICES + BANK OF AMERICA PRACTICE SOLUTIONS: (800) 497-6076 or www.gadental.org
GDA EXECUTIVE OFFICE 7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Road NE Suite 200 Building 17 Atlanta GA 30328-1655 (800) 432-4357 or (404) 636-7553 GDA Fax: (404) 633-3943 GDIS Fax: (404) 634-6099 Do you have questions about Georgia Dental Insurance Services coverage? > Michele Amatulli, x-127 michele@gadental.org Do you have questions about dues or your membership status? > Katherine Torbush, x-126 katherine@gadental.org Do you have questions about “Because I Saw My Dentist”? > Carol Galbreath, x-119 carol@gadental.org
CARECREDIT (patient financing): (800) 300-3046 x-4519 or www.gadental.org CLAIM-X (insurance claims management): (866) 886-5113 or www.gadental.org THE DENTAL RECORD (patient form kits): (800) 243-4675 or www.gadental.org iMEDICOR (HIPAA secure email provider): (800) 432-4357 or www.gadental.org LANDS END OUTFITTERS (staff apparel): (800) 990-5407 or www.gadental.org LEGALSHIELD (prepaid legal plans and ID theft restoration): (904) 573-2232, (407) 529-8030, or www.gadental.org OFFICITE (custom practice websites): (877) 484-7187 or www.gadental.org TRANSFIRST (check/credit card acceptance): (800) 538-1601 or www.gadental.org TRANSWORLD SYSTEMS (debt recovery): (404) 538-6099 or www.gadental.org UPS (shipping services): 1-800-MEMBERS or www.gadental.org
BUSINESS INSURANCE + GEORGIA DENTAL INSURANCE SERVICES (800) 432-4357 or www.gadental.org • GREATER GEORGIA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY (life insurance) • GUARDIAN (disability coverage) • THE HARTFORD (property and casualty coverage) • THE HARTFORD (workers’ compensation coverage) • JOHN HANCOCK (long term care coverage)
Do you have questions about GDA Action or advertising? > Delaine Hall, x-104 delaine@gadental.org Do you have questions about governmental affairs/LAW Day? > Scott Lofranco, x-103 scott@gadental.org Do you have questions about Medicaid, PeachCare, or insurance issues? > Stephanie Lotti, x-108 stephanie@gadental.org Do you have questions about continuing education courses? > Joanne Singletary, x-128 joanne@gadental.org Do you have questions about Integrity Dental Buyers Group? > Lisa VanZandt, x-105 lisa@gadental.org
• MEDICAL PROTECTIVE (professional liability coverage)
July/August 2016 • 5
Is Your E-Mail HIPAA-Compliant? Yahoo
Gmail
No
No
No
Transmission Security (encryption) HIPAA 164.312(e)(1)
No
No
No
Audit Controls HIPAA §164.312(b)
No
No
No
3rd-Party Verification & Authentication HIPAA §164.312 (a)(2)(i)
No
No
No
Emergency Access Procedures HIPAA §164.312 (a)
No
No
No
Utilizes the “DIRECT” Federal Protocol (MU2)
No
No
No
Check if your provider supplies these features: Automatic Log Off
HIPAA §164.312 (a)
Outlook
HIPAA Facts, and Why HIPAA Compliance is Critical WHY
In 1996, the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was passed into law. The purpose of the law is to protect individuals’ identifiable health information, also known as Protected Health Information, or PHI.
WHO WHAT
if the law’s broken?
Anyone, except the patient, with access to patient health information is responsible. Violations can result in fines ranging from $50,000–$1.5 million. A HIPAA Privacy Rule infraction can also be considered a criminal act, and lead to prosecution by the Department of Justice–with jail time ranging from 1 to 10 years.
Many products on the market today are secure, but may not meet the standard of HIPAA compliance. Incorporate a secure, HIPAA-compliant messaging protocol designed to protect your practice from federal violations.
E-Mail Compliance for $22.50/mo. GDA endorsed service provider iMedicor’s iCoreExchange is a HIPAAcompliant secure messaging hub. GDA members receive a 35% discount on subscriptions. Learn more at www.imedicor.com, or by calling iMedicor at 888-810-7706.
6 • July/August 2016
888-810-7706
EDITORIAL: I BOUGHT THE COMPANY
By Dr. David Bradberry GDA Editor
“All of [us] are working together now to carry out achievable goals that will make our association better. We are on the move, and I cannot wait to see what happens next.”
DR. DAVID BRADBERRY Phone (770) 977-8644 drbradberry@bellsouth.net DR. KUMAR PATEL GDA Editor 2016-2017 Phone (770) 429-1545 drkay71@gmail.com
You may be of an age to remember a commercial for the Remington shaver starring company owner Victor Kiam. In it, he exclaims of the shaver, ''I liked it so much, that I bought the company!" That is a ringing endorsement if I ever heard one. I have not bought the company, exactly, but I have bought into a new vision of our shared professional organization, and that is why this is my last editorial. Technically, I am no longer your editor. During the GDA Convention & Expo in July, I resigned my post with one year remaining out of five to run for the position of Georgia Dental Association vice president. My resignation was accepted, and I won the election. At the same convention, Dr. Kumar Patel of Marietta was elected as your editor for the remaining one year of this term. He will do an excellent job over the next year, and was gracious enough to allow me to write one last editorial for this journal. When I started this journey as your editor, I did so as what I considered to be an outsider. That is, I was a long-time GDA member (26 years) but I was not involved at any level: district, state, or ADA. I was involved with my specialty organization, but I was more of an observer of our GDA. So, when I became GDA editor four years ago it was a big leap for me. I determined that I as learned about how to be involved, I would share what I learned with my "silent majority" colleagues and we would all walk the path together. Along the way, I became so energized about the vision of where our organization is headed, I signed up as a district officer, too, ultimately serving as Northwestern District president over the last year. (I admit that I have done a lot of leaping in the last few years. My spouse and practice might be slightly relieved I will be holding only one office.) What energizes me? We are on a firm financial foundation and the numbers
are there to see, shared with complete transparency at every member meeting. We are enlisting health policy and legislative advocates and partners at every level in a way that emphasizes goodwill, science-based knowledge, and patient-centered goals. We continue to grow in stature as the go-to oral health authority in the state. What else? Our new education and training department is going to create tremendous value for members by offering the business and practice knowledge we want and need. And anyone who has seen the "Because I Saw My Dentist" campaign ads knows how consumer opinions are being shaped regarding the value of dental care delivered by a dentist. We are also looking closely at how our governance structure operates and determining where gaps exist, so that we can fix them to become even more efficient and effective. All of our departments and volunteers and staff members are working together now to carry out achievable goals that will make our association better. We are on the move, and I cannot wait to see what happens next. Thank you for traveling along with me through this column. I hope you took away some good souvenirs, like realizing that your personal involvement is important. There is room for everyone to have their say at the association. There are districts right now looking for you to serve on a committee, or even in the officer chain. There is room at LAW Day. There is room on the last page of this journal for your letters and comments. There is a place for you at our convention, in our CE courses, and at our volunteer events. You—yes, you—have a role to play. Buy into our vision and make it yours, too.
July/August 2016 • 7
Dental practice financing Working together to help you achieve your goal
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8 • July/August 2016 05.15_Allproduct_GDAl_8.5x11_flyer_1.indd 1
5/15/15 3:14 PM
GDA ANNUAL CONVENTION & EXPO If you could not join the GDA at the Convention & Expo that WOWED attendees this July ... SAVE THE DATE! ANNUAL CONVENTION JULY 20-23, 2017 THE OMNI RESORT AMELIA ISLAND, FLORIDA
"This year's meeting was one of the best our team has attended, and we have been to 15 of these!" Harris Gignilliat, Exhibitor
July/August 2016 • 9
Your benefits It’s more than just investing.
Last year, UBS and GDA celebrated 13 years together. As a wealth management provider for the GDA, we have helped many members with leadership and advice beyond investing. GDA member benefits include – Complimentary financial planning (a $5k–10k value) – 401(k) retirement savings plan designed exclusively for GDA members at a group discount rate – Advisory and investment program offered at group discount rate – Retirement planning guidance, including a retirement income replacement system – Lending capabilities with competitive interest rates – Free access to UBS global investment research Wile Consulting Group UBS Financial Services Inc. Harris Gignilliat, CRPS®, CIMA® Senior Vice President–Wealth Management 3455 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1700, Atlanta, GA 30326 404-760-3301 harris.gignilliat@ubs.com ubs.com/team/wile GDA and UBS Financial Services Inc. are not affiliated. Depending on your needs, we can help you implement your retirement strategies through both our brokerage and advisory capabilities. Financial Planning services are provided in our capacity as a registered investment adviser. As a firm providing wealth management services to clients in the U.S., we offer both investment advisory and brokerages services. These services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate contracts. For more information on the distinctions between our brokerage and investment advisory services, please speak with your Financial Advisor or visit our website at ubs.com/workingwithus. Chartered Retirement Plans 1 7/1/16 2:13 PM and CRPS® are registered service marks of the College for Financial Planning®. CIMA® is a registered certification mark of the Investment Management Consultants Association, Inc. SpecialistSMGA-JUL-2016.pdf in the United States of America and worldwide. ©UBS 2016. All rights reserved. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC. 7.00_Ad_7.5x4.875_AX0412_GigH IA1601691 Exp. 4/15/17
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CM
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10 • July/August 2016
THE
PRACTICE
Affordable Care Act Access and Notice Requirements By Scott Lofranco, GDA General Counsel The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently published a final rule (Rule) under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that will affect dental practices across the country. The Rule, which went into effect on July 18, 2016, will also require dental offices that are covered by Section 1557 to comply with additional notice provisions. These notice provisions are scheduled to take effect on October 16, 2016. The American Dental Association (ADA) has sent a written request to the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) seeking an extension of the implementation deadlines, exemptions for dentists in small practice settings, and that the most burdensome regulations be limited to dental offices with 25 or more employees. However, it is the author’s understanding that the ADA has not received a response as of the date of this writing. I. BACKGROUND ON SECTION 1557 OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT Section 1557 of the ACA protects individuals from discrimination in health care settings based on race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex, including discrimination based on pregnancy, gender identity, and sex stereotyping. The OCR is the federal agency that is responsible for the enforcement of Section 1557. In additional to government enforcement/penalties, there is also the potential for civil liability for dentists and dental practices that violate these provisions. II. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1.) What Types of Dental Practices Are Covered By Section 1557? Section 1557 applies to all dentists and dental practices, regardless of staff size, that receive certain types of government funds (e.g., Medicaid or CHIP). It also applies to dentists and dental practices receiving “meaningful use” payments pursuant to the Medicare and Medicaid Electronic Health Records Incentive Program. However, Section 1557 does not apply to dentists or dental practices that accept reimbursement under Medicare Part B, including Durable Medical Equipment or DME that is payable under Part B.
2.) My Dental Practice Falls Under Section 1557. What Happens If I Do Not Comply with These Requirements? If the OCR finds a violation by a covered entity, that entity will be required to take corrective actions and may also be required to pay compensatory damages. Additionally, the OCR may refer the matter to the Justice Department for additional enforcement proceedings. Section 1557 also provides individuals and entities with the right to initiate a lawsuit in federal court against a covered entity for discrimination. Finally, an individual may also file a grievance with the dental practice if that practice has a grievance procedure in place. The law requires covered practices with 15 or more employees to implement a grievance procedure. 3.) As to the Provisions That Went Into Effect on July 18th, What Am I Required to Provide? (1) For Individuals with Limited English Proficiency (LEP): Covered entities must take reasonable steps to provide meaningful access to each individual with LEP eligible to be served or likely to be encountered in your dental office by providing language assistance services free of charge. Such reasonable steps may include oral language interpretation or written translation. Video remote interpreting services may be used, but are subject to additional quality requirements. Covered entities must use “Qualified” interpreters and translators, the costs of which must be incurred by the practice and cannot be charged to the patient. Furthermore, the patient may not be required to bring his/her own interpreter or translator to the appointment. These “Qualified” interpreters or translators can be staff or non-staff members. If your practice is covered by HIPAA, then any non-staff interpreters or translators will be considered business associates, and you will need to ensure that the necessary agreements are in place to ensure HIPAA compliance.
PRACTICE
Continued on page 19
Find tools and tips for managing your business in this column and on The Practice page at www.gadental.org. July/August 2016 • 11
The safest place for your special needs* patients? In an O.R., of course. *Intense fears and phobias • Severe gag reflexes Medically compromised • Developmentally disabled High liability Put your most stressful and unprofitable cases in the absolute best of hands: Dr. David Kurtzman at his regional Sleep Dentistry practice. • 25 years of hospital dentistry Find out more: • Hospital residency trained • General anesthesia administered by an MD HospitalDentistry.org
Dr. David Kurtzman, DDS, FAGD 770-980-6336 | dkdds@drkurtzman.com
Do your patients suffer from any of these symptoms? Head Pain
Forehead • Temples Migraine-type Sinus-type
Ear Ear pain • Ringing in ears Dizziness • Vertigo
Eyes
Jaw
Pain behind eye Blood-shot eyes Sensitive to light
Clicking, popping jaw joints Pain in cheek • Limited opening
Teeth
Neck
Clenching/grinding at night Looseness and soreness of back teeth
Lack of mobility/stiffness Neck pain • Tired/sore muscles Arm/finger numbness
Visit us online at w w w.tmdatlanta.com to download a referral form and learn more about our services! Manoj Maggan DDS, DABDSM, DABCP, DAAPM, FICCMO, FAACP
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Center for TMJ Therapy
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12 • July/August 2016
If your patients have any of these symptoms and are not responding to treatments, they may be suffering from a TMJ disorder. Problems within the jaw can produce a myriad of symptoms that, at first glance, might appear to be totally unrelated to the temporomandibular complex. Our dedicated team of professionals have years of training and are happy to assist you in the diagnosis and treatment of possible craniomandibular/ temporomandibular disorders.
Multiple procedures per visit Root Canals General Dentistry Implants Surgery Perio
“The doctor’s safety net.”
FINDING
SUCCESS
Customer Service That Tries Harder By Charles Marshall
I found the exact computer I wanted online, but I needed to know one thing before I hit the “purchase” button: Did the company also sell the extended-life battery for this model? If they did, then they automatically had an instant, add-on sale. I called the company and told the person answering the phone that I had a question. The girl taking my call told me she couldn’t answer my question—she could only take my order. “I understand,” I replied. “You’re not in the customer service department. You’re set up to take orders only, but this is a question about something I’d like to order to go with the computer I want to buy.” Again she replied with, “I’m sorry, sir. We don’t take questions here. You can only place orders here.” I think it’s important to point out that, at this point in the conversation, I hadn’t even told her what my question was. And it was plain she had no interest in hearing it. “Well, is there anyone else there that can answer just one question for me?” I asked. “It’s a real easy one,” I added, hoping that would help. After playing a couple more rounds of it-can’t-be-done with her, she finally transferred me to her supervisor. After talking to the supervisor for half a minute, I could see that the order-taker apple hadn’t fallen far from the supervisor tree. I got pretty much the same attitude and perspective as I had from the first lady I had spoken with. Can I let you in on a customer service secret? You will never be able to find an answer for your customer if: 1) You don’t believe one exists. This problem-solving tip not only applies to customer service, but any other area of your life as well. Why on earth would you look for something you don’t believe exists? The answer is, you won’t. No, you can't give your customer everything that he or she wants every single time, but you can always find a way to help him or her, providing you believe a solution is possible.
2) You don’t WANT to find one. Sometimes people just don’t want to get out of their mental chair and move across the room to look for an answer. I get it. Sometimes we all would rather be lazy, and that’s nothing to be alarmed about. It’s just human nature. The thing you have to ask yourself, though, is whether you want your life, your work, or your service to be defined by the best of what you have to offer, or the worst. Will you give in to laziness, or decide that you want to be a person who is a cut above? We judge ourselves by our intentions, but the world judges us by our actions. _____________________________________________
"Will you give in to laziness, or decide that you want to be a person who is a cut above? We judge ourselves by our intentions, but the world judges us by our actions." ______________________________________________ Can I let you in on another secret? No one with superior customer service skills will ever be in need of a job. You know why? Because those folks are just too valuable not to have onboard. Those people attract customers and keep them coming back. If being successful holds any interest at all for you, then make a habit of finding solutions and helping people get what they want. © 2016 Charles Marshall. Charles Marshall is a nationally known humorous motivational speaker and author. Visit his Web site at www.CharlesMarshall.net or contact him via e-mail at charles@charlesmarshall.net.
Find guidance in achieving personal and professional growth in this column and at www.gadental.org. July/August 2016 • 13
SEEN&HEARD
GDA staff member Carol Galbreath; Tyrethia Figueroa, RDH; GDA staff member Scott Lofranco; Dr. Darryal McCullough; Congressman David Scott, McCullough Family Dental Office Manager Tina Bernard.
McCullough Family Dental and GDA Team Up to Give Back by Scott Lofranco On August 6, GDA members Dr. Darryal McCullough and Dr. Renee West provided free dental screenings to more than 100 attendees at U.S. Congressman David Scott’s 12th Annual Health Fair at Mundy’s Mill High School in Jonesboro. Accompanying Dr. McCullough and Dr. West were staff members from McCullough Family Dental and GDA staff members Scott Lofranco and Carol Galbreath. In addition to the dental component, Congressman Scott’s health fair also included representatives from insurance companies, medical supply companies, and hospitals. Attendees could receive free clinical 14 • July/August 2016
breast cancer exams, prostate cancer screenings, tests for HIV/ AIDS, diabetes testing, blood pressure screenings, cholesterol screenings, mental health and memory evaluations, sickle cell testing, and hearing and vision screenings. Additionally, the Atlanta VA Medical Center and Atlanta VA Regional Office were present to provide counseling for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, mental health services, and assist with VA claims status reports. Finally, counselors from HomeSafe Georgia were present to deliver mortgage assistance to homeowners facing unemployment or underemployment. Overall, it was a remarkable
community outreach event that gave attendees access to a wide variety of health care services in one building free of charge. The GDA would like to extend its sincerest gratitude to Dr. McCullough, Dr. West, and the staff at McCullough Family Dental for volunteering their time to support this cause and the GDA’s community outreach efforts. If you would like information on how to get involved in future community outreach events, or have a community outreach program that you would like the GDA to participate in, please call Scott at the GDA office at (404) 636-7553 or email him at scott@ gadental.org.
KUDOS
ADA Encourages Increased Use of Dental Sealants A new systematic review and updated (from 2008) clinical practice guideline from the American Dental Association (ADA) and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) show dental sealants are a powerful and effective therapy in the fight against childhood dental decay and disease. The evidence shows that sealants available in the U.S. market at the time of this systematic review are an effective intervention for reducing the incidence of carious lesions in the occlusal surfaces of primary and permanent molars in children and adolescents compared with the non-use of sealants or fluoride varnishes. This benefit is inclusive to both sound occlusal surfaces and non-cavitated occlusal carious lesions. The guideline panel formulated three main recommendations. They concluded that sealants are effective in preventing and arresting pit-and-fissure occlusal carious lesions of primary and permanent molars in children and adolescents compared with the nonuse of sealants or use of fluoride varnishes. They also concluded that sealants could minimize the progression of noncavitated occlusal carious lesions (also referred to as initial lesions) that receive a sealant. Finally, based on the available limited evidence, the panel was unable to provide specific recommendations on the relative merits of one type of sealant material over the others. The systematic review, "Sealants for Preventing and Arresting Pit-and-Fissure Occlusal Caries in Primary and Permanent Molars," in conjunction with, "Evidence-based Clinical Practice Guideline for the Use of Pit-and-Fissure Sealants," are available in the August issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association. (ADA News, August 2016.)
Hu-Friedy has announced the launch of the Colorvue Goldstein Probe, developed in partnership with Atlanta dentist Dr. Ronald Goldstein. This probe was designed to offer greater visibility for improved measurement accuracy. Dr. Chris Adkins was awarded the honor of ‘Dentist of the Year’ by the Northern District in July for his careerlong devotion of service to the dental profession. The award was presented during the district’s Gala for Smiles. The GDA congratulates Dr. Drew Ferguson for winning the Republican runoff in the 3rd Congressional district in July. He faces Angela Pendley in the November general election. We could have another dentist in Congress! Align Technology, Inc., has awarded Spillers Orthodontics (Dr. Don Spillers and Dr. Adam Gordon) in Warner Robins and Macon Invisalign’s highest honor -- ‘Elite Top 1% Provider’ in North America for 2016. In order to achieve this designation, a provider must have performed at least 800 lifetime cases, among other accomplishments.
In Memoriam W. Harold Dellinger, DDS May 26, 2016, Age 90 Northern District Emory 1957 (General Dentist) ADA Life Member GDA Honorable Fellow
Ray S. Eleazer, DDS July 29, 2016, Age 92 Southwestern District Emory 1957 (General Dentist) ADA Life Member
Jeffrey R. Larner, DDS May 23, 2016, Age 55 Northern District Northwestern 1986 (Orthodontist)
Donald C. Maxwell, DDS July 29, 2016, Age 84 Northern District Emory 1960 (General Dentist) ADA Life Member GDA Honorable Fellow July/August 2016 • 15
SEEN&HEARD Flossing: Encourage Patients to Stick with this Oral Health Practice Despite Negative Media Coverage (From ADA News) News reports in August questioned whether existing scientific research supports oral health benefits associated with flossing. The New York Times trumpeted "Feeling Guilty About Not Flossing? Maybe There’s No Need" and the Washington Post threw in a headline stating "The shaky evidence for flossing." However, the bottom line for dentists and patients is that a lack of strong evidence doesn’t equate to a lack of effectiveness. And the dentist is the best person to determine the way for a particular patient to obtain and maintain optimal oral health. Media coverage also implied that by not including flossing in the most recent U.S. Dietary Guidelines, the government had changed its stance on flossing; however, this is not the case. The Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee made a deliberate decision this round to focus on food and nutrient intake (i.e., added sugar). The Dietary Guidelines have no bearing on the long-standing recommendation from the Surgeon General, the CDC, and other health agencies to clean between teeth daily. In fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reaffirmed the importance of flossing in an August 4, 2016, statement to the ADA, which reads: “Flossing is an important oral hygiene practice. Tooth decay and gum disease can develop when plaque is allowed to build up on teeth and along the gum line. Professional cleaning, tooth brushing, and cleaning between teeth (flossing and the use of other tools such as interdental brushes) have been shown to disrupt and remove plaque.” To maintain good oral health, the American Dental Association continues to recommend brushing for two minutes twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between teeth once a day with an interdental cleaner and regular dental visits advised by a dentist. Floss is still boss! Encourage patients to stick with this valuable oral health maintenance tool.
16 • July/August 2016
Beware of Cold Calls on Emergency Kits
Back the PAC at gadental.org!
Contact ADA on Delta Dental 'Disallow' Policy Many members have called the GDA office regarding Delta Dental and its policy to not cover unique procedures performed or proposed in good faith by dentists participating in the plan. Members with questions about this Delta Dental policy are encouraged to contact the ADA office at 1-800-621-8099 and speak to one of several staff members who are briefed on the matter. As reported in the ADA News, Drs. Carol Gomez Summerhays, ADA president, and Kathleen O'Loughlin, ADA executive director, sent Steven R. Olsen, president and CEO of Delta Dental Plans Association, a letter dated June 20 detailing discontent with the Delta 'disallow' policy. "By 'disallowing' a service, and thus determining definitively that a service does not need to be performed, third-party payers are effectively interjecting the plan into the doctor-patient relationship, contravening the professional judgment of a qualified and duly licensed dental professional," Drs. Summerhays and O'Loughlin wrote.
Many GDA members who do not provide sedation within their practices have reported an uptick in individuals calling and trying to sell them "required" dental emergency kits. Some members report being quoted prices of $800 to $1,000 to buy a "required" kit. Be aware that the Georgia Board of Dentistry rules contain no requirements for dentists who do not provide sedation within their practices to have certain emergency kits on hand. While dentists who do not provide sedation may have an
emergency kit in their offices, and may be advised by a personal attorney or a malpractice carrier to obtain a kit, there is not a Board requirement that requires a kit. The Board does require dentists who provide sedation within their practices to certify that certain equipment and supplies are present and stationary at each facility for which the dentist is applying for a sedation permit. This includes a defibrillator (AED or manual) an emergency drugs per ACLS or PALS protocol. The full list of equipment and supplies may be found on the Georgia Board of Dentistry website.
July/August 2016 • 17
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PRACTICE
Continued from page 11 A "Qualified" interpreter who is a bilingual staff member is designated to provide oral language assistance as part of his or her current, assigned job responsibilities, and has demonstrated to the dental practice that he or she is proficient in speaking and understanding both spoken English and at least one other spoken language, including any necessary specialized vocabulary, terminology, and phraseology. This individual should be able to effectively, accurately, and impartially communicate directly with individuals with limited English proficiency in their primary language. A non-staff, "Qualified" interpreter means an interpreter who, via remote interpreting service or an on-site appearance: • Adheres to generally accepted interpreter ethics principles, including client confidentiality, • Has demonstrated proficiency in speaking and understanding both spoken English and at least one other spoken language, and • Is able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially, both receptively and expressly, to and from such language and English, using any necessary specialized vocabulary, terminology and phraseology. A "Qualified" translator means a translator who adheres to generally accepted translator ethics principles, including client confidentiality; has demonstrated proficiency in writing and understanding both written English and at least one other written nonEnglish language; and is able to translate effectively, accurately, and impartially to and from such language and English, using any necessary specialized vocabulary, terminology, and phraseology. If this person is a staff member, they must be designated to provide translation services as part of their current, assigned job responsibilities (2) For Individuals with a Disability: A qualified interpreter for an individual with a disability means an interpreter who, via a remote interpreting service or an on-site appearance: • Adheres to generally accepted interpreter ethics principles, including client confidentiality, • Is able to interpret effectively, accurately, and impartially, both receptively and
expressively, using any necessary specialized vocabulary, terminology and phraseology. For an individual with a disability, "Qualified" interpreters can include, for example, sign language interpreters, oral transliterators (individuals who represent or spell in the characters of another alphabet), and cued language transliterators (individuals who represent or spell by using a small number of handshapes). Again, please keep in mind that if the interpreter is not a staff member and your practice is covered by HIPAA, then you will need to make sure that you have the proper Business Associate Agreement in place. 4.) What are the Notice Requirements That Go into Effect on October 16th? In addition to the above referenced Interpreter and Translator requirements, covered dental practices must post the following notices in the dental office, on the dental practice’s website, and in significant publications and communications, including communications with individuals: (1) A Notice of Non-Discrimination: a. The Notice of Nondiscrimination tells the public that your office does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. A link to the OCR’s sample notice may be found at www.hhs.gov. (2) Taglines in the top 15 non-English languages spoken in the state indicating that language assistance services are available free of charge. A tagline is a short statement in the top 15 non-English languages in your state telling the public that you provide language assistance services and saying how the language assistance can be obtained. The OCR has provided the following sample tagline: “ATTENTION: If you speak [insert language], language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-xxxxxx-xxxx (TTY: 1-xxx-xxx-xxxx).” 5.) What Are the Top 15 Non-English Languages Spoken in Georgia? According to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, these are the top 15 nonEnglish languages spoken in Georgia: (1) Spanish (3) Korean (5) Gujarati
(2) Vietnamese (4) Chinese (6) French
(7) Amharic (8) Hindi (9) French Creole (10) Russian (11) Arabic (12) Portuguese (13) Persian (14) German (15) Japanese 6.) What If My Practice Does Not Have a Website? Will I Be Required to Create One? No, Section 1557 does not require you to create a website for your practice. 7.) Are There New Requirements Under Georgia State Law? Not at this time. These new requirements relate to federal law and only apply to dentists and dental practices that receive certain types of government funds. III. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES This bulletin is intended to provide you with a snapshot of the new requirements. The ADA website ADA.org contains an abundance of resources on this topic to help you navigate and further understand these new requirements, so I encourage you to review the information contained there. The information contained in this bulletin is for general reference purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Dentists should contact their own qualified legal counsel for legal advice, including advice pertaining to Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services final rule, and/or the enforcement of Section 1557 by the Office of Civil Rights. To the extent this article includes links to any website, the author makes no endorsement of the content contained therein, nor does the author make any representations or warranties regarding the information provided on those sites, which the GDA does not control.
July/August 2016 • 19
President Ben Jernigan with (from left) daughter Elizabeth, spouse Cindy, and son Ben.
The GDA Is Better When We Are Together: President Ben Jernigan Ben W. Jernigan Jr., DMD, a graduate of the Medical College of Georgia and dentist in Decatur in the Northern District, was sworn in as president of the Georgia Dental Association in July. He talked with the GDA journal about his history of involvement, and goals for the next year.
wanted to be a dentist. I pursued my plan by attending the University of Georgia and then the Medical College of Georgia, graduating from MCG in 1976.
GDA Action: Ben, where did you grow up? Are you from Atlanta?
Dr. Jernigan: Although I was raised in Atlanta, my family had moved away while I was in school. I wanted to come back, so after dental school I moved to downtown Decatur and joined the practice of Dr. Bill Rowe as an associate. After three years I left to start my own practice from scratch. I have been in Decatur ever since. It has been a
Dr. Jernigan: I was born at Emory Hospital back when they still birthed babies there. I was the oldest of three children and I grew up in Northeast Atlanta. My dad worked for Chevrolet, but I decided at an early age that I 20 • July/August 2016
GDA Action: Tell us about your practice and your staff.
great place for me to practice. I have a solo family practice and feel very much part of the Decatur community. Of course, our staffs are very important for practice success, and I am lucky to have a dedicated group that has been with me for many years.
GDA Action: Your spouse, Cindy, is active in the GDA Alliance. Tell us about her and your family. Dr. Jernigan: Cindy is also from Atlanta. After college at Vanderbilt she worked for eight years in New Orleans as an environmental engineer for Texaco. She moved back to Atlanta and that was when
we met. Dentistry is a family affair for us, as she has been very active in the Alliance for years, including serving as president in 2014. It has been a real pleasure to get to know and become friends with all of the other Alliance members. Cindy has been an extremely supportive partner to me in helping to plan my year as president. She is a great organizer and makes up for many of my shortcomings in these areas. She has taken on the planning of the president’s trip and has come up with a great Mediterranean cruise for us around Spain and Portugal in June 2017. We have two grown (and recently graduated!) children: Elizabeth, who works for BBDO Advertising here in Atlanta, and Ben, who will be starting his teaching and coaching career at Rome Middle School in Rome, Georgia, this fall.
GDA Action: What are some things you like to do as hobbies? Dr. Jernigan: I have played golf from an early age, and it is a source of great relaxation and pleasure for me. I enjoy reading, especially financial and history books. My church is an important part of our family's life, and I have enjoyed serving there in different capacities, most recently as our Senior Warden. One of my great joys has been coaching youth sports. I was a coach and on the board at Murphy Candler Little League for many years. My son played competitive baseball from an early age, so we have spent much family vacation time over the years traveling around the Southeast watching him play. He recently graduated from college after a very successful college career, so we will miss baseball but will have more time for other summer pursuits.
GDA Action: You said that from an early age you wanted to be a dentist. Tell us about your professional path. Dr. Jernigan: It was my lifelong dream to be a dentist. One of my early influences was Dr. Al Williams who was on the faculty at the Emory School of Dentistry. He was my family’s dentist, and I remember him as being very stern and professional. Due to the unfortunate fact that my teeth were very bad as a child, we got to spend a lot of time together. He was very encouraging to me to pursue a dental career, and was always doing a little something extra to make my visit interesting. I can remember one time leaving
his office with a little ball of mercury that he had dispensed into my hand to roll around on the way home. I doubt OSHA would have approved, but it was really interesting to me to be able to study the mercury and its behavior. He continued to encourage me throughout my high school years.
GDA Action: So, you attended dental school at MCG? Dr. Jernigan: Yes. I went to the University of Georgia, and I was fortunate to be accepted into the Medical College of Georgia before I actually earned my B.S. degree. It is hard to envision something such as that happening today with the hyper-competitive environment to gain acceptance into dental school. At the time of my acceptance, MCG had a three-year program due to the federal government subsidizing dental schools to speed up the rate of graduation due to a perceived lack of dentists. Therefore, I was fairly young at the time of my graduation from dental school. I immediately went into private practice as an associate, and then after three years started my own practice in Decatur. Although this worked for me, I think it would be very difficult to do today due to the high debt load, regulatory burdens, and older starting age for most graduating dentists.
GDA Action: Did you join the GDA right out of school? What was your first experience with organized dentistry? Dr. Jernigan: I was somewhat of a prodigal son, because for quite a few years after dental school I was not part of organized dentistry. Even though the GDA had a good presence at the school, when I graduated and started practice it just did not seem that important to me to be a member of ADA. I have some understanding for what new grads are dealing with today when the cost of joining after their four years of graduated dues seems like a barrier or they seem overwhelmed and don't want to commit the time. I want to be sure that we, dentists and staff, convey the message to students and recent graduates of the value in being in our association.
GDA Action: Why did you join? Dr. Jernigan: When I started my own practice I moved into a vacated dental space in an office building in downtown
Decatur. Down the hall from me was the office of Suhayl Rafeedie, who had been there for years. He was extremely friendly and gracious, and he started asking me to have lunch with him. He gently led me to understand the importance of being involved in our association, and that being a member was the right thing to do. He started taking me along to the Northern District Executive Council meetings, and before long not only was I a member, I was elected to be on the Council. Sadly, I think the neighborliness among us as colleagues has greatly diminished over the years, especially in the Atlanta area where there is such a high concentration of dentists. The most effective way to encourage dentists to become GDA members is still one-on-one meetings. I hope to find a way for us as an organization to return to communicating our value in that way more effectively.
_____________________________ GDA Action: So a more one-to-one membership outreach program is a goal? Do you have other membership goals as president?
Dr. Jernigan: "GDA: Better Together" is my motto for the next year. My mission is the same as the GDA mission statement: “Helping Members Succeed.” The main focus will be on maintaining and also developing programs that the GDA can provide to our member dentists and to the patients of Georgia using the resources that we can provide by working together. The practice style of dentists is changing. I am a solo private practitioner in downtown Decatur. I feel fortunate that I started my practice in an area that has steadily grown and developed over the years. I consider myself as part of the community there, and have made many friends who started out as patients. It is very gratifying as a health care provider to feel respected and valued in a community, and I know several of my colleagues have had similar paths. Younger dentists frequently choose to start their careers in larger practices or in a corporate environment. Will they have the same experience? What will their experience be like? We need to be open and inviting as an
JERNIGAN
Continued on page 22
July/August 2016 • 21
JERNIGAN
Continued from page 21 organization to those dentists who practice in these newer styles. We need to make our tent bigger and invite everyone into it. Our association needs to understand that concerns of dentists in large or corporate practices will be different from many of the issues that we have dealt with historically, but we need to have the resources to help them thrive in these environments. I think it will be a learning experience for our association to adapt to these new needs and practice styles, but it is an existential issue for us. To keep our message out front, we need to reach out and contact all dentists in Georgia regularly with mailings and social media. We have been much more active on social media such as Facebook to promote the value of our organization. We need to make sure that our message whatever the medium is welcoming to those dentists who have not felt the need to join our organization, for those who are working in practice environments we are not familiar or even comfortable with, and to those dentists who feel that our association is not reflective of who they are personally or professionally.
GDA Action: We have a new strategic plan. What does having a plan mean to our association? Dr. Jernigan: A strategic plan is how we plot our direction forward. Four of the seven objectives of the new plan involve
membership recruitment, retention, and involvement. Another objective is to ensure that our programs, services, staff resources, and committees are aligned with the plan. So, our Governance Task Force is currently reviewing all of our programs and services and structures. This systematic review and the recommendations that follow will hopefully lead us to have a much more efficient and responsive and stable organization for our members. __________________________________
"We need to make sure that our message whatever the medium is welcoming to those dentists who have not felt the need to join our organization, for those who are working in practice environments we are not familiar or even comfortable with, and to those dentists who feel that our association is not reflective of who they are personally or professionally."
Family and friends celebrate with Dr. Jernigan in 2015 after he was named the Northern District Dentist of the Year for his service to the dental profession. 22 • July/August 2016
GDA Action: Executive Director Frank Capaldo has talked about the "Four Cornerstones" of associations. Why are those important to the GDA? Dr. Jernigan: I think Frank has brought our association a new perspective in addressing what a successful GDA looks like. I have a vision about the goals we can accomplish in each cornerstone, which touch on business services and non-dues revenue, public relations and communications, legislative advocacy and policy, and education and training. These cornerstones are what any association must have to survive and thrive into the future. Most of you know that our subsidiary insurance business, which is important to our members as a source of affordable medical and business insurance, had a tough time over the last couple of years. The new regulations that the Affordable Care Act forced upon us upset our existing contracts and policies. I feel very good that we have overcome those hurdles now and our insurance programs are returning to a healthy condition. Georgia Dental Insurance Services continues to serve our members' needs. We are expanding on the non-medical insurance lines, with coverages such as medical liability and worker’s compensation. Our insurance agency is very well-staffed and managed. I am happy with how GDIS is supporting our members. In the legislative and policy area, we are very well-positioned this year with our governmental affairs staff members plus the knowledge that we gained in going though a tough legislative session this year. We are actively identifying issues before the session starts and developing our strategy early so our points will be out in front for everyone to see. Of course, things never go exactly as planned when it comes to making laws, but we should be well-positioned this year. We have historically done well in this area, but I feel that we are now creating a new level of transparency and activity that will allow us to be more successful in our efforts. We should be glad with what we have accomplished for our patients. We all know what a regulated, legislated, and legally controlled business environment we operate in. What is going on legislatively in other parts of the country is disturbing to see.
I think our public relations and communications efforts have had a quantum leap upward! The fruition of many years of hard work by our Public Relations Committee and staff was there for all of us to see this year with our “Because I Saw My Dentist" campaign. What a great message to share with the patients of Georgia. The moving and effective videos we produced promote the overall health benefits of having a dental home and regular dental exams. We have been active in getting our members spotlighted on television and radio throughout the state. Our staff has been doing great work to keep us out front on many of the social media platforms, not only for dentists but for patients. We updated our website to make it more usable and inviting. So, I think that we receive great value thanks to our current and active communications. For member practice services, besides maintaining and perhaps adding to our endorsed services, we are looking forward to getting the Integrity Dental Buyers Group up and running. This service will be transformative for the GDA, but it has not been an easy start-up. I do think that we will be moving ahead with the program very soon and look forward to being able to help our members greatly reduce their office overhead when they take advantage of our buying cooperative. We are looking forward to seeing what courses come out of our new education and training department. We will have in-person and online learning avenues, and training available on demand.
GDA Action: We have a strategic plan, and Four Cornerstones, but we also have the GDA Action for Dental Health. Can you explain the value of this plan? Dr. Jernigan: The Georgia Dental Association Action for Dental Health plan was created to advance comprehensive solutions to prevent dental disease before it starts and ensure that all Georgians can obtain treatment by a dentist. This plan informs many of our legislative goals and actions, and we built our public relations program goals around the plan's framework. We want Georgians to receive the best possible dental care provided by a Georgia dentist, and this plan gives us a path forward to that goal.
Dr. Jernigan's dental practice in Decatur runs smoothly thanks to (l to r): Lois Long, Jacque Westbrook, Nancy Morgan, Ann Kreager, Linda Kinnett, and Sharon Aguilar.
GDA Action: Speaking of plans, have you started planning for the 2017 GDA convention?
GDA Action: How can dentists get in touch with you during the year to talk about ideas or ask questions?
Dr. Jernigan: The 2017 GDA Convention & Expo will be in Amelia Island, Florida, at the Omni Amelia Island Resort July 20-23. My general chairman, Dr. Henry Benson, is already putting plans into place for a don't-miss kickoff speaker. This event will be a special opportunity for dental students, members, and our families to celebrate all of our accomplishments as an organization and see what is in store next.
Dr. Jernigan: Anyone can email me at president@gadental.org with questions and concerns. I am really looking forward to seeing everyone around the state at the GDA officer visit meetings. Those start in September and will continue during the fall. Visit www.gadental.org and review the calendar to find the dates for every district and save the date.
GDA Action: Isn't there another meeting with a Georgia connection on the horizon for 2017? Dr. Jernigan: The American Dental Association will be coming to Atlanta in October 2017. The CE track runs October 19-22, the Exhibit Hall is October 19-21, and the House of Delegates is October 20-23. The ADA has not come to Atlanta for many years, so this will be an novel experience. We will learn more about what to expect at the ADA meeting this year in Denver. We are working now under the leadership of our GDA liaison to the ADA meeting, Dr. Karyn Stockwell, to sign up volunteers from Georgia for the event. That will be a little past the end of my term and into the term of Dr. Robin Reich, but I look forward to helping her welcome the dental world to Atlanta next year.
__________________________________
Visit district events on the following dates to hear from GDA President Ben Jernigan and Executive Director Frank Capaldo about the upcoming legislative session and opportunities for involvement: Sept 8: Central District Oct 4:
Eastern District
Oct 26: Northwestern District Nov 2: Western District Nov 21: Northern District Dec 1:
Southeastern District
Jan 20: Southwestern District
July/August 2016 • 23
New Overtime Rules: The Impact on Your Dental Practice by Scott Lofranco, GDA Director of Government Affairs and General Counsel Starting December 1, 2016, a new rule (Rule) recently promulgated by the U.S. Department of Labor pursuant to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) could affect the bottom line of your dental practice by raising the minimum salary necessary to qualify for overtime pay. Subject to the “White Collar Exemptions” set forth in the Rule, the previous overtime rule that allowed certain types of employees to collect one and a half times their regular rate of pay (“time and a half ”) for any hours worked over 40 in a work week will now apply to employees that earn up to $913 per week, or $47,476 24 • July/August 2016
per year. (Under the 2004 overtime rule, the previous salary threshold was $23,660 per year.) An additional feature of the new Rule is that rather than updating annually, this income threshold will update automatically every three years.
I. Does the New Overtime Rule Apply to My Practice?
The FLSA sets forth the requirements under federal law for minimum wage, overtime, recordkeeping, and youth employment standards. For non-exempt workers, the minimum wage is not less than $7.25 per hour. Subject to certain exceptions, these workers must be paid time and a half when
they work over 40 hours in one week. Generally, employees are covered by the FLSA in the following settings: (A) Enterprise Coverage: the employee in question works for a business or organization that must have at least two employees and: 1. Have an annual dollar volume of sales or business done of at least $500,000 OR 2. Are hospitals, businesses providing medical or nursing care for residents, schools and preschools, and government agencies.
(B) Individual Coverage: the employee in question performs work that regularly involves them in interstate commerce.
(C) Professional Exemption: To qualify for the Learned Professional employee exemption:
II. What is the “White Collar Employee” Exemption?
1. The employee must be compensated on a salary or fee basis (as defined in the regulations) at a rate not less than $455 per week;
Certain types of employees, aka “White Collar Employees,” are not subject to the minimum wage and overtime pay requirements under the FLSA. Workers employed in a “bona fide executive, administrative, or professional capacity” are considered “White Collar Employees” under the FLSA and are therefore exempt from the new overtime rule. In order to qualify for this exemption, these employees must meet certain criteria relating to their job duties, which are as follows: (A) Executive Exemption: 1. The employee must be compensated on a salary basis (as defined in the regulations) at a rate not less than $455 per week; 2. The employee’s primary duty must be managing the enterprise, or managing a customarily recognized department or subdivision of the enterprise; 3. The employee must customarily and regularly direct the work of at least two or more other full-time employees or their equivalent; and 4. The employee must have the authority to hire or fire other employees, or the employee’s suggestions and recommendations as to the hiring, firing, advancement, promotion, or any other change of status of other employees must be given particular weight. (B) Administrative Exemption: 1. The employee must be compensated on a salary or fee basis (as defined in the regulations) at a rate not less than $455 per week; 2. The employee’s primary duty must be the performance of office or non-manual work directly related to the management or general business operations of the employer or the employer’s customers; and 3. The employee’s primary duty includes the exercise of discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance.
2. The employee’s primary duty must be the performance of work requiring advanced knowledge, defined as work which is predominantly intellectual in character and which includes work requiring the consistent exercise of discretion and judgment; 3. The advanced knowledge must be in a field of science or learning; and 4. The advanced knowledge must be customarily acquired by a prolonged course of specialized intellectual instruction. To qualify for the Creative Professional employee exemption: 1. The employee must be compensated on a salary or fee basis (as defined in the regulations) at a rate not less than $455 per week; 2. The employee’s primary duty must be the performance of work requiring invention, imagination, originality, or talent in a recognized field of artistic or creative endeavor. (D) Computer Employee Exemption: 1. The employee must be compensated either on a salary or fee basis (as defined in the regulations) at a rate not less than $455 per week or, if compensated on an hourly basis, at a rate not less than $27.63 an hour; 2. The employee must be employed as a computer systems analyst, computer programmer, software engineer, or other similarly skilled worker in the computer field performing the duties described below; 3. The employee’s primary duty must consist of:
(b) The design, development, documentation, analysis, creation, testing, or modification of computer systems or programs, including prototypes, based on and related to user or system design specifications; (c) The design, documentation, testing, creation, or modification of computer programs related to machine operating systems; or (d) A combination of the aforementioned duties, the performance of which requires the same level of skills. (E) Outside Sale Exemption: 1. The employee’s primary duty must be making sales (as defined in the FLSA), or obtaining orders or contracts for services or for the use of facilities for which a consideration will be paid by the client or customer; and 2. The employee must be customarily and regularly engaged away from the employer’s place or places of business. (F) Highly Compensated Employees: Highly compensated employees performing office or non-manual work and paid total annual compensation of $100,000 or more (which must include at least $455 per week paid on a salary or fee basis) are exempt from the FLSA if they customarily and regularly perform at least one of the duties of an exempt executive, administrative, or professional employee identified in the standard tests for exemption. It is important to note that the minimum wage and overtime rules not only apply to hourly workers but to salaried workers as well, as long as their salary and job duties meet the above referenced requirements.
OVERTIME
Continued on page 28
(a) The application of systems analysis techniques and procedures, including consulting with users, to determine hardware, software, or system functional specifications; July/August 2016 • 25
The GDA Sends Condolences to Mississippi on Loss of Members On August 14, a plane crash took the lives of three couples. Four of the six individuals who perished were Mississippi Dental Association (MDA) members. All six persons — Drs. Jason and Lea Farese, Dr. Michael and Kim Perry, and Dr. Austin and Angie Poole — were returning to Oxford, Mississippi, from a dental conference in Florida, when their Piper Navajo plane crashed in Alabama. Their deaths devastated their practices, their families, and the community in Oxford. Mississippi, along with Georgia and Alabama, make up the ADA Fifth District, and MDA Executive Director Connie Lane has kept the GDA up-to-date regarding the tragedy. She shared this news: To Our 5th [District] Colleagues: First of all, let me again express our sincere appreciation to all of you for the outpouring of compassion and concern we have received
from our 5th family. Your messages of sympathy and your desire to be of assistance have meant so much to us during this time of “trying to pick up the pieces” for these dentists and their families. Below you will see a summary that we distributed to our [MDA] dentists. We have been informed about a fund – Our Oxford Family Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 1234, Oxford, MS 38655 – that has been established for the 11 children. It is our understanding that all contributions will be divided among the children to assist with their future educational needs. I will share that these were some remarkable young professionals that were very involved and supportive in their Oxford community. The dental community has a big void in that area now and so does the civic community. Thank you again for your interest and support.
Let’s grow! Immediate career opportunities and flexible practice transition options available. 25+ years experience. There’s strength in our numbers.
From MDA President Dr. Mark Williams: The Mississippi Dental Association would like to extend our deepest condolences to the families of Drs. Jason and Lea Farese, Dr. Michael Perry and his wife Kim, and Dr. Austin Poole and his wife Angie. We are deeply saddened by their loss. While we are still in a state of shock, we will work with the families and the practices to assist in any way possible. Our commitment and dedication to the staff members and families will be evident in the days to come. Also, the outpouring of support from fellow dentists in the local area, across our state, and even on a national level has been truly inspiring. On a personal note, I am heartbroken for the 11 children who lost parents. (The Fareses left behind three children, the Pooles left behind five children, and the Perrys left behind three children.) I recognize that the staff members in these offices are devastated, too. Our dental offices often share a sense of family that binds us together and allows us to function like a family. The grief they feel must be overwhelming. Also, there are many patients that have lost their dentist and, in many cases, their friend. Words are not able to convey the devastating loss for so many. In times like this we can draw comfort, mercy and guidance through our faith. Please join me in keeping these families, staff members and patients in your prayers. At this time, the three families have been making determinations about any gifts or memorials. Here are some updates: The Pooles: The family requests that you honor Austin and Angie by sending a memorial to Our Oxford Family Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 1234, Oxford, MS 38655. The Fareses: Memorial contributions may be made to Our Oxford Family Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 1234, Oxford, MS 38655.
855.979.3524 DentalCareAlliance.com 26 • July/August 2016
The Perrys: Contributions may be made to St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church Building Fund, 416 South Fifth Street, Oxford, MS 38655 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905.
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Have your patients complained about any of these symptoms?
Oral Appliance Therapy ... a solution for your snoring and non-compliant CPAP patients.
If your patients have any of these symptoms and are not responding to treatments, they may be suffering from a TMJ disorder. Problems within the jaw can produce a myriad of symptoms that at Þrst glance, might appear to be totally unrelated to the temporomandibular complex. We also provide Oral Appliance Therapy to manage obstructive sleep apnea. Dental Sleep Medicine and Craniofacial Pain are not recognized as specialty areas by the ADA.
HEADACHES
•
FACIAL PAIN
•
NECK PAIN
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TMJ DISORDERS
•
SLEEP APNEA
Mayoor Patel DDS, MS
DAAPM, RPSGT, FAAOP, FICCMO, FAACP, FAGD
Diplomate American Board of Orofacial Pain Diplomate American Board of Craniofacial Pain Diplomate American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine Diplomate American Board of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine
200 ASHFORD CENTER NORTH • SUITE 195 • ATLANTA, GA 30338 678.899.6076 • FAX 678.899.6075 • WWW.CPCGEORGIA.COM
July/August 2016 • 27
OVERTIME
Continued from page 25
III. What Can I Do to Adjust to These New Requirements?
If you are a covered employer and subject to the Rule or unsure if it applies to you, one of the first things you should consider is consulting with an attorney who specializes in Labor and Employment Law to ensure that your payroll procedures remain in compliance with these new requirements and confirm if any of your employees qualify for the “White Collar Exemptions.” From a practical standpoint, you may also want to consider the following: • Maintain accurate timesheets and remain vigilant over the work schedules of your employees to ensure that they do not exceed 40 hours per week, • Adjust/raise the salaries of certain employees so that the overtime threshold will not apply, • Review your employees’ work schedules and distribute the office workload accordingly, • Hire seasonal or temporary workers to assist when volume is high, and • Ensure that your practice generates enough revenue to account for the new requirements and make necessary staffing adjustments. While the above suggestions are by no means intended to be offered as a substitute for legal advice from an attorney that specializes in this area of the law, this article should provide you with some basic parameters for evaluating how the new Rule will impact the bottom line of your practice with respect to your labor and staffing costs. The official text of the Rule can be found here: https://federalregister. gov/a/2016-11754, and a general FAQ by the U.S. Department of Labor can be found here: https://www.dol.gov/whd/ overtime/final2016/faq.htm#1. For any questions about this article, please email Scott Lofranco at scott@ gadental.org.
28 • July/August 2016
LAW Day: Get the GDA on Your 2017 Schedule! This is a Don't Miss Event! The Georgia Dental Association Legislative Awareness (LAW) Day program brings dentists, dental spouses, and dental students to the Capitol during the state legislative session for breakfast, an issues overview, and the chance to talk with legislators about issues impacting dentists and dental patients. Past LAW Day participants have helped to defeat legislation that would harm community water fluoridation, and protect budget funding for a rural dental student loan repayment program. Visit the Capitol and make a difference! Pick a date and register at gadental.org. ________________________________________________________ January 18:
Northern District, Eastern District, Alliance
February 1:
Southwestern District, Western District, Northern District Hall County Branch
February 8:
Northwestern District
February 23: Southeastern District, Georgia Dental Society March 8:
Central District
March 22:
Open to all districts, specialty groups, students
________________________________________________________ Register at www.gadental.org: Click on the "Advocacy" button and select "LAW Day" from the drop down menu. The event is free; RSVP so we may reserve your seat and meal.
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Brenda Fritz, DMD has acquired the practice of Joshua Foulk, DMD in Jasper, Georgia. Dr. Foulk purchased this practice in Jasper in 2007 after graduating from MCG in 2005. After nine very successful and fulfilling years there, he and his wife decided it was time to move home to coastal Georgia where they could be closer to family. Dr. Fritz had already purchased and sold one dental practice and was ready to get back into ownership. She wanted her second practice to be in a more rural setting where the lifestyle was a little more relaxed. When she met Dr. Foulk and saw his beautiful practice, she knew she had finally found "the one".
Congratulations to both Dr. Josh Foulk and Dr. Brenda Fritz! We wish you continued success and happiness in the future!
PRACTICE TRANSITIONS
www.bridgewaytransitions.com | 404-805-8802 | info@bridgewaytransitions.com
We are dentists helping dentists reach their retirement goals. Secure your financial future and your professional legacy. Contact us for a complimentary, confidential consultation.
Southeast Transitions announces the sale of the practice of
Southeast Transitions Passing dentistry to the next generation through practice sales
Jeffrey T. Benz, dmd to
Carlos Ramos, dmd
www.SoutheastTransitions.com • 678-482-7305
July/August 2016 • 29
GDACLASSIFIEDS DENTISTS AVAILABLE Dentist available for long or short term temp fill in. I will fill in for illness, vacation, or CE. In practice for over 31 years. Recently sold private practice. Extensive solo, group, and government practice experience. Ga. License, DEA#, insured. General dentistry. I will treat your patients like my own! Call cell (678) 373-6286. pkwaters57@gmail. com. Paul Waters DDS. Dentist (Temp Fill In). Current GA, FL, AL licenses. Sold 22 year solo private practice. Also group and military practice experience. DEA# and insured. Email drglassdmd@yahoo.com or call cell (770) 656-5269 or (770) 380-7487. GA Locum Tenens Dentist: Over 30 years' experience in solo, group, and military practice. I am available to take care of your hygiene and triage emergencies while you are away. FAGD eligible with Georgia license. DEA registered and insured. Call Kevin Mitchell, DDS, at (404) 808-7508 or email ksmdds26@hotmail.com. Need an experienced dentist to cover your office in case of personal emergency, CE courses, or just a well-deserved day off? I am licensed, insured and DEA registered. Examine hygiene patients, triage emergencies, and generally keep things running smoothly. Call Jay Auerbach at (404) 272-1069. Dentist TLC part time fill in available: North Metro Atlanta and North. Sold solo practice of 31 years. Part-time fill in. GA and DEA license, insured. Lots of TLC with patients. Please contact Dr. Pam at wdtroll1982@gmail.com or call (770) 653-8412. Dentist will fill in for illness, vacation, or CE. Licensed, insured, DEA #. Call (404) 786-0229 or email breighard@gmail.com. Temporary Dental Office Coverage: Cover Your Hygiene Department and Emergencies. Licensed, Insured, DEA Registered. Call Dr. Norman Busch at (678) 406-0555. DENTIST: Need Part Time Fill In? Vacation, Illness, Maternity? GENERAL DENTIST SOLD LONG ESTABLISHED PRACTICE. GA & DEA LICENSED. (Available Expanded Atlanta Area.) Cell: (404) 219-4097. Home: (404) 842-1196. Jesse Hader, DDS.
Dentist available during emergencies, vacation, CDE courses. I have a current license, DEA certificate, and insurance. Contact me at (706) 291-2254 or cell (706) 802-7760. I hope I can be of service to you. Patrick A. Parrino, DDS, MAGD.
POSITIONS AVAILABLE Associate Dentist Needed: Why work for a corporate office earning 25%-30% when you could earn 35% in a PRIVATE setting. General family practice (FFS and PPOs only; no Medicaid) with offices in Peachtree City and Newnan looking for a general dentist. This is an excellent opportunity for an energetic, motivated dentist with a great personality and excellent communication skills. Candidate must encompass ability to build good rapport with patients and staff and must practice all aspects of dentistry including extractions and root canals. Please email your resume to dentalofficeptc@ gmail.com. Our pediatric dental group desires motivated, quality-oriented part time orthodontist for our busy office in North Georgia. Specialists are provided with a top-tier compensation package, all resources necessary to focus on patient care, and supported by experienced support staff in a modern, technologically-advanced setting. Doctors have complete freedom over treatment planning and discretion over dental supplies and instruments. Please contact us at (404) 668-1155 or email at pdentistryjobs@gmail.com. Kool Smiles has FT/PT/Multi-Site opportunities in SW Atlanta, Columbus, Decatur, and Forest Park, GA! EARN UP TO $650 DAILY GUARANTEE OR % OF COLLECTIONS!!! UP TO $20,000.00 SIGNON BONUS + RELOCATION!! We also offer outstanding benefits including: 401k/PTO, malpractice, health, and life insurance, CE, licensing reimbursements, and Visa/Permanent Residency sponsorship. Contact Renee Baron at rbaron@benevis.com for more information! Orthodontist Needed: Our dental group is seeking a part-time Orthodontist. You will have the opportunity to expand hours by traveling to other locations. Must be flexible, enthusiastic, and willing to work with the team. We welcome the use of new techniques and ideas when providing optimal care to our patients. New graduates are welcomed. Please visit our website at www.TeboDental.com, contact us at (770) 925-3300 or send your CV to HR@TeboDental.com.
Full time Dental Associate needed ASAP to join an established, single owner/dentist, private practice of General Dentistry in Conyers, GA. Our practice is fee for service, high tech and high quality with an emphasis on excellence in all areas of dentistry. You would be also working with an enthusiastic and extraordinary dental team. Please email CV/resume to dcavola@gmail.com. Oral Surgeon/Endodontist or General Dentist specializing in. Part time opening in Lilburn, GA. 1-2 days per week, flexible hours, and part time benefits. Will consider contractor/1099 status. GA dental license, DEA, and current professional liability policy required. Apply via our website: www.dental-partners.com or call (321) 574-8003 for a review of the opportunities. Part time Associate Dentist needed in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains of Ellijay, Ga. Imagine practicing 1 day (perhaps 2 as needed) a week over the lovely Coosawattee River with a top notch staff! You must be competent with extractions as well as all of general dentistry for all of life stages. If interested please send your vitae to lykinsfamilydentistry@yahoo.com or fax to (706) 698-3383. Outstanding opportunity for new dentist wanting to start a new practice. Fully equipped dental office with 5 complete operatories in a free standing building in a prestigious suburban area south of Atlanta. Previous practice has been at this location for 15 years and a partial patient list will be provided with lease. Excellent possibility $3500 per month for the 2650 sq ft office plus utilities includes office and equipment and a hygienist is available if needed. Interested parties may contact (770) 778-3232. Dentist position available in the quaint town of Blue Ridge, GA, servicing the tri-state region of GA, TN, and NC. It is a twelve operatory, five hygienist, general dental office. Full or part-time options available. See www.blueridgedentistry.com. For more information, please call (706) 633-3648, or email rahold@tds.net. Seeking Associate Dentist in Sumter, SC. Limitless Income Potential. Great Respect, Benefits, and Bonuses. We are a fast growing, well respected, privately owned dental practice in Sumter, SC. We offer newest most advanced equipment/procedures, educational support, flexible hours and huge opportunities for advancement. Email resume to evelyn@ehorneandassoc.com.
Submit your classified ad at www.gadental.org, under News/Publications. 30 • July/August 2016
GENERAL DENTIST for busy Atlanta North restorative practice. We are a fee for service practice seeking a skilled general dentist experienced in fixed and removable prosthodontics. Must be skilled in treatment planning, crown & bridge, implant restoration, extractions, and rotary endo. Candidate must be able to work without direct supervision. Excellent compensation package including paid vacation, paid CE credits and malpractice insurance. This is the perfect job for a young, but experienced dentist looking to put away a nest egg, or and older dentist seeking to focus on dentistry and not worry about running the business. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Email greg@visucius.com.
Orthodontist Needed: Our state of the art multi-specialty practice is seeking an orthodontist to join our team. We are looking for an orthodontist with a great attitude, excellent communication skills and good work ethic. This is a full time position in an established pedo ortho group in Metro Atlanta, the individual will be the primary orthodontist in our offices. We offer a friendly and professional working environment and we have a experienced group auxiliary staff to work with. Candidate must have invisalign experience and be comfortable working with patients of all ages. Excellent salary and percentage of collections. Interested persons should submit resume to: vvishant@me.com.
Dental Specialists Needed! Kool Smiles has Oral Surgeon, Pedodontist, and Orthodontist Full-Time and Part-Time opportunities available in Georgia! Kool Smiles offers generous compensation and outstanding benefits including: 401k, PTO, malpractice, health, & life insurance, continuing education, licensing reimbursements, and Visa/ permanent residency sponsorship. For more information contact Emily Platto at eplatto@ benevis.com!
Associate Dentist Needed: Bring your sense of humor and a love for dentistry and we’ll take care of that tedious business side of dentistry that you didn’t bargain for when you went to dental school! Enjoy an easy reverse commute from metro Atlanta OR fall in love with the Northeast Georgia mountains and enjoy golf, canoeing, fly-fishing, hunting, mountain biking, and hiking in those carefree hours away from the office. The math is easy: 60+ new patients per month and a guaranteed base salary add up to an ideal job opportunity for a semi-retired dentist or a recent graduate looking to enjoy life while doing only what you love – DENTISTRY! Interested applicants: Please send your resume / CV with contact information to jobs@corneliadental.com.
Pediatric Dental Office in metro Atlanta is seeking Pediatric Dentist or a General Dentist with experience in a pediatric practice to work in quality oriented expanding business. We offer a team motivated working environment and competitive salary. Please contact Ms. Daniel at (404) 668-1155 or send your resume to pdentistryjobs@gmail.com. Great Expressions Dental Centers has immediate openings for full-time Lead Dentist(s) in: Forest Park, GA (digital/established); Douglasville, GA (established office) and in Newnan, GA (digital/ established office). Doctors can expect unlimited production based earnings, full benefits, CE, timeoff, Invisalign training, malpractice coverage, stable patient base, and long-term practice career growth with possible investment opportunity. Aggressive sign-on bonus or relocation assistance possible as well! Please reach out to Ross Shoemaker @ (678) 836-2226 or ross.shoemaker@greatexpressions.com to learn more!
GENERAL DENTIST needed - for PRIVATE PRACTICE IN DILLARD, GEORGIA - We need a General Practice Dentist for established, privately-owned, comprehensive family practice in the beautiful Georgia mountain area. Total fee for service with higher-than average new patient draw. Practice attracts many patients from North Carolina too. Clinical autonomy, great compensation, and great team for excellent support. Many high-tech features: CEREC, CT and intra oral imaging, Implant systems. Practice perfect for a GP who is looking for great buy in/ transition opportunity, as well as the new grad. All are welcome to apply including NEW GRADS. To be considered, please send CV to dmahiring3@ yahoo.com.
Kool Smiles has Oral Surgeon, Pedodontist, Endodontist, Orthodontist, and Dental/ Medical Anesthesiologist Full-Time and PartTime opportunities available nationwide! Kool Smiles offers generous compensation and outstanding benefits including: 401k, PTO, malpractice, health, & life insurance, continuing education, licensing reimbursements, and Visa/ permanent residency sponsorship. For more information contact Emily Platto at eplatto@ benevis.com!
Kool Smiles Associate Dentist—FT/PT/MultiSite opportunities in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Metarie, Monroe, Gretna, and Shreveport, Louisiana! EARN UP TO $650 DAILY GUARANTEE OR % OF COLLECTIONS! UP TO $20,000.00 SIGN-ON BONUS + RELOCATION! We offer outstanding benefits including: 401k/PTO, malpractice, health, and life insurance, CE, licensing reimbursements, and Visa/Permanent Residency sponsorship. Contact us at jobs@koolsmilespc.com!
We are looking for talented dentists to work in our busy southwestern Georgia practice. $75,000 retention bonus, relocation, excellent earning potential. Nearby country club with excellent golf and tennis facilities. Full suite of benefits (401k, professional insurance, etc.) Recently remodeled office with two other fulltime dentists and a collegial atmosphere. Contact achaugen@vsmmgt.com. FQHC (non profit organization) is seeking a GA. Bd. Certified/Eligible Dentist to provide primary dental care for children and adults, 36 hours per week. MTTh 9a-530p, W 10a-7p, F 830a-1230p. Salary, Vacation, Sick, 403(B), CME, Malpractice Ins., Health, Dental, Vision, NHSC Loan Repayment Site. Contact fbannamon@ mckinneyhealth.com. Kool Smiles Associate Dentist—FT/PT/ Multi-Site opportunities in AR, AZ, CT, DC, GA, IN, KY, LA, MA, MD, MS, NM, OK, SC, TX, VA. EARN UP TO $650 DAILY GUARANTEE OR % OF COLLECTIONS! UP TO $20,000.00 SIGN-ON BONUS + RELOCATION! We are the nation’s leader in general dental care to underserved kids, teens, and adults. Contact us at www. koolsmilesjobs.com/connect! Associate to Ownership Opportunities: Atlanta and Savannah area associate opportunities with ownership available within 6 months. Take over an existing, established private practice that is fully staffed. Newnan, GA and Hinesville, GA currently available. Contact Zac Rhinesmith at zrhinesmith@ benevis.com or (770) 710-3042. General Dentists Needed: We would like to offer you a unique opportunity to do the work you love without having to worry about the non-clinical aspects of running a practice. We take pride in knowing that our experienced team of professionals offer the highest standard of care by enriching the lives of our patients and the community. In addition to offering top compensation, we offer a very competitive benefits package. Current opportunities available at our Hiram, McDonough, Alpharetta, Covington, Acworth, and Atlanta locations. Please contact us at (717) 590-1500 or email your CV to christa. barnett@blackforddental.com.
CLASSIFIEDS
Continued on page 32
July/August 2016 • 31
CLASSIFIEDS
Continued from page 30 Fast growing High Tech dental practice specializing in Implant and Reconstructive dentistry is looking for an associates to join our warm and fun team in two locations. Offices located in the heart of Gwinnett and Marietta. Fully digital, intraoral scanner, digital Radiography and Photography, CBCT scan, FFS and PPOs. The ideal candidates should be a team player who is willing to develop a practice; is open to learn and work in a warm team environment; must have practiced at least 3 years; must maintain license, malpractice insurance and keep CPR current; be quality oriented; and have excellent operative skills and manners. Bilingual (Spanish) is a plus. Must present references. The position is full time and offers a competitive salary, medical benefits, CE, and potential to grow. Please contact info@ implantoption.com.
Associate Position in Columbus, GA: A progressive General Dentistry practice that serves the great Southern community of Columbus, Georgia. Our practice offers all areas of dentistry such as implants, orthodontics, periodontics, and cosmetic dentistry. Use of cutting edge technology, digital and paperless, in a beautifully designed facility, and a highly trained, motivated team allows us to give the best treatment to our patients. Our philosophy is to allow the patient total treatment in our office with very few referrals. Starting yearly salary of $130,000 for an ambitious, aspiring, and enthusiastic person who is ready to advance their dental career. This is a great opportunity for an associate with the potential for a partnership. If you are ready to join a team of professionals that love what they do, please send resume to info@willowpointdental.com.
General Dentist practice for sale in Marietta. 4 day week, 40% net, new equipment with warranty, 6 and 1/2 yrs on lease. Digital Nomad and pano. Asking one times last year’s collection of $615,000. Call (404) 725-7982 or email drjrgraham@gmail. com. No broker fees. Experienced dental transition attorney will be fair to buyer and seller. Serious, pre-qualified buyers only; will leave for experienced dentist.
General Dentist Needed: We have a wonderful opportunity for a General Dentist to join our successful private practice in the Marietta/Acworth area. Prefer someone with a minimum of 1 year experience OR a GPR. Great working environment, high tech office, good systems in place, and a friendly and well trained team. High income potential for the right person. Please email your resume to: lakepointe@gmail.com.
PRACTICES FOR SALE/ SPACE AVAILABLE
Perio Practice For Sale: Highly desirable Sandy Springs area Periodontal practice for sale. Consistent collections at 475K for the past 3 years. Owner retiring. Practice proforma with cash flow analysis available. Contact: atlantadentist2014@gmail.com.
Dental partnership opportunity in Columbus, GA: Busy, three doctor comprehensive practice in Columbus, GA, is seeking a qualified dentist to work full time as an associate dentist with the intention of offering a promotion to owning partner. The practice is well-established, busy, and offers a wide diversity of procedures, including CEREC crowns, dental implants, intravenous and nitrous oxide sedation, rotary endo, digital imaging, and more. Contract and benefits will be highly competitive and negotiable. Interested dentists, please contact Rivertown Dental Care via email at r.suits@aol.com or (706) 324-6441. Pediatric & General Dentists Needed: We are seeking new grads or seasoned professionals to join our growing and dynamic team. Must be goal-oriented and motivated with effective communication skills and a positive attitude. Our compensation and benefits package are very competitive which include up to a $20,000 sign-on bonus. In business for over 30 years, mentorship & training of Pediatric Dentistry by Board Certified President & Owner, residency-style doctor forums & panels to broaden your scope of dentistry, and in-house IV sedation facility with on-site anesthesiologists. Current opportunities available at our Lilburn, Dacula, Gainesville, and Suwanee locations. Please visit our website at www. TeboDental.com, contact us at (770) 925-3300 or send your CV to HR@TeboDental.com.
32 • July/August 2016
General Dental Practices for Sale: North Atlanta – Practice grossing $930K. Fantastic facility, great location. Mix of FFS and PPO. Seller will stay on or walk away. Fayette Co. – Practice grossing $800K. Mix of FFS, PPO and some Medicaid. Five treatment rooms in stand-alone building on busy road. Real estate also available. Contact BridgeWay Practice Transitions – www. bridgewaytransitions.com; (404)805-8802 or tiffany@bridgewaytransitions.com. General dentistry practice for sale. Located at 2970 Peachtree Road NW, Suite 450 in the Buckhead Centre, Atlanta (30305). Practice established in 1976. Email drjcbarnes@aol.com or call (404) 237-1411 for details. Tucker Prosthetic Dental Practice: Thriving prosthetic dentistry practice in Tucker area. Located in Publix Shopping Center complex, 1625 sq ft, 2 operatories w/plumbed space for 2 additional. Over $430k in revenue with strong cash flow. Established 20 yr referral network. Email lynn@5thaavc.com for more information. Kennesaw Dental Practice for Sale: High production general dentistry practice for sale in growing Kennesaw area. 8 operatories, 2800 sq ft, with capacity for 2 dentists. Owner financing with 5-6 yr transition plan. Email lynn@5thaavc.com for more information. N. ATL Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Practice for sale: Profitable Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Practice in N. ATL. 2500 sqft with 3 operatories. Over $690k in revenue with strong cash flow. Ability to buy building too! Established referral network. Email lynn@5thaavc.com for more information.
Well established general dentistry practice for sale in downtown historic Savannah. Insurance, Medicare, Medicaid. High percentage of work involves extractions, dentures and partials. Six operatories, two hygienists. Panoramic x-ray and auto processor. No digital. Will sell for 200,000.00 less than net profit for 2015. Call 912-398-8102, kmm1953@bellsouth.net.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Practice for Sale: Atlanta, Georgia. Established, Affluent Atlanta-area practice. Privately owned. Top Gun referrals! Personalized patient care. Offering stateof-the-art Oral Surgery, Cone Beam CT and an amazing team. • Highly profitable annual revenue in a 2.5 day work week • 20+ Year stellar reputation in Atlanta area • Desirably located in affluent location • 4 Surgical Suites • 3 Exam/Consult Rooms • 1 Consultation Room • 3 Private Offices. Seller willing to assist with transitioning practice & its substantial referral base! Contact Information: Email Randall at rpl3pds@gmail.com. General Practice For Sale - Georgia - just outside the Augusta area in lovely area. Close to large businesses and well-established living community. Free standing building with 4 equipped operatories and established patient base over 25 years. Practice is grossing over $500k plus per year in 3 1/2 days through comprehensive care. Owner willing to help with transition. For more details please email rpl3pds@gmail.com and or call (770) 853-9244. SAVANNAH: Modern, stand-alone 5 operatory dental office building located in a small complex of medical buildings at close-in Southside Savannah. Purchase or rent with an option to buy. Some equipment available. Call or text (912) 713-4410. AVAILABLE Marietta/South Atlanta: Marietta: $500K modern PPO office off busy street, 4 operatories, room to expand, 40 new patients monthly. Marietta: $550K, well-established FFS office, modern facility, 3 operatories. South Atlanta: $650K, nice, clean office, 4 operatories, room to
expand, PPO/Medicaid mix, 100 new patients monthly, low overhead/high profit. Associateships: Gainesville, Lithia Springs, Newnan, Norcross, Marietta. Contact Richane Swedenburg at www. newsouthdental.com or call (770) 630-0436. Contact Southeast Transitions to learn about other dental practices for sale throughout Georgia: info@southeasttransitions.com; (678) 482-7305 www.southeasttransitions.com: Rockdale County, fantastic location with great access, FFS, 3 day/week with collections $740K— Listing ID: #GA-1105. Valdosta, All FFS, free standing bldg., all digital, thriving practice—Listing ID: #GA-1102.
SPACE WANTED Buckhead Dentist seeks office space in same general area as current office: Piedmont Road at Roswell Road in Chastain/Buckhead. Prefer to relocate from current retail shopping center to medical office building, free standing, or similar. Space-sharing or alternating days/ times is possibility. Even a short-term situation for transition would remedy timing inflexibilities inherent to retail lease. Contact Charles Poole, DMD: Email atldentaloffice@gmail.com or call (404) 735-3233. _____________________________________
JULY/AUG
Affinity Bank.......................................................... 27
Since 1968
Aftco........................................................................ 33 Atlanta Age Management Medicine/ Ana Casas, MD.................................................. 18 Bank of America.......................................................8 Bridgeway Practice Transitions.......................... 29
We are pleased to announce... Stephanie J. Sweeney, D.M.D. has acquired the practice of
Center for TMJ Therapy....................................... 12 Craniofacial Pain Center of Georgia.................. 27 Dental Care Alliance............................................. 26
Michael I. Konter, D.D.S.
Dr. Mark Padolsky—TMD Dentist...................... 17
Savannah, Georgia
GDA Dental Recovery Network.......................... 12 Georgia Dental Insurance Services................... 36 Georgia Dental Law.............................................. 33 Henry Schein......................................................... 18 Hospital Dentistry—Dr. Kurtzman.................... 12 iMedicor....................................................................6 Oberman Law Firm..................................................2 Paragon Practice Transitions.............................. 10 Southeast Transitions.......................................... 29 Spear Seminars..................................................... 35
WE ARE PLEASED TO HAVE REPRESENTED BOTH PARTIES IN THIS TRANSITION. Call today for a FREE PRACTICE APPRAISAL ($5,000 value)
1-800-232-3826
www.AFTCO.net
Practice Sales & Purchases Over $3.2 Billion
UBS Financial Services......................................... 10
July/August 2016 • 33
LASTPAGE This column is for commentaries and letters to the editor shared by members. For information on how to submit an article, email Delaine Hall at delaine@gadental.org. In honor of August as back to school month, Dr. Van Haywood offers tips to dentists who allow prospective students to shadow them. _________________________________
Shadowing and Admission Insights for Dental School by Dr. Van B. Haywood* Dentistry involves the use of the three Hs: Head, Hands and Heart. The Head stands for problem-solving conceptual abilities, the Hands stand for fine motor skills, and the Heart is passion and compassion. Grade point average (GPA) and dental aptitude test (DAT) scores are insightful about the potential of a future dental student, but numbers cannot show an admissions team if a prospective student has the Hs necessary to be a dentist. Often the only real evaluation of H-type skills occurs after an individual has been admitted to dental school and attempts dental procedures. As part of the admission process, prospective dental students are expected to “shadow” a dentist or dentists to learn about the profession and see how patient treatment is rendered. However, shadowing can have limits. Watching a dentist does not help a potential student learn whether or not they possess the skill set to become a dentist, even if they desire to become a dentist. At the same time, the dentist who is being shadowed cannot evaluate the potential for the prospective student’s success unless the dentist can observe actual examples of hand skills. Observing the student performing procedures in the dental office and laboratory might be a way that both dentist and prospective student can discover the applicant’s potential abilities. Is there a way to expand on the shadowing process to allow dentists to better counsel potential applicants? Can shadowing dentists who are already providing a valuable service increase their opportunities to learn about a prospective student’s hand skills and abilities should the shadowing dentist be asked to write a recommendation letter? I believe so. 34 • July/August 2016
The following examples replicate to me some of "Hand" experiences a student may experience in dental school. In addition to providing “Hands-on” exercises, there are enough interaction possibilities here to give the dentist and the student an idea about whether they like taking care of people (Heart), as well as have the Head knowledge to enjoy the profession.
11 Ways to Expand on the Dental Office Shadowing Experience 1. Have the student mix alginate and wipe into an impression tray or cup. If the dentist has an old dentoform or stone cast, the student could make an impression of the teeth (soak the cast in water first). If no dental-related casts exist, the student could fill a cup 1 inch deep with mixed alginate and place their finger in the cup to experience the set time and create a mold. 2. Once a prospective student has some type of alginate impression, they can try mixing and pouring dental stone into the impression without trapping bubbles. The more intricate the impression, the more revealing of technique to the student and dentist, so teeth molds are preferable. 3. When a “cup impression” is used of a finger, we can glean additional insights. When the set stone is removed from the poured alginate cup impression, the alginate can be removed from the cup and the dentist can determine the voids in the mix, and the adaptation to the cup/tray. 4. With stone casts, the prospective student can be allowed to trim stone using a model trimmer. The dentist may draw pencil lines for an outline to guide the trimming. 5. The student can make a small PVS impression of the face of a tooth form taken from a shade guide tab by injecting PVS into a flat short small box or small medicine jar lid, and laying the shade tab face down into the unset material. Once set, removal of the shade tab leaves a negative to replicate the anatomic crown of the tooth. Then the student can be allowed to incrementally add composite to the tooth mold and light-cure the material. As they add composite, then can incorporate a “handle” by placing a toothpick or cotton-tip applicator handle
between layers of composite, forming a lollipop-like design. 6. Once the tooth is built up to form, the student can remove this form from the PVS impression. Evaluation of smoothness of the adaptation, and lack of visible layers are helpful insights for the dentist. 7. With the composite tooth in hand, the material can be smoothed and contoured with a high speed handpiece. Carving a letter or circle of a certain depth in the face of the composite tooth can be insightful. 8. Using a single compule of composite, the student can dispense the contents onto a flat desktop and light-cure, creating a long strip of composite. Then they can use a series of disks (like Sof-Flex disks) in the following manner: a. Divide the long strip into four equal parts; b. Polish all four segments with the coarse disk, creating a long flat side to the strip; c. Polish the last three segments with the medium disk; d. Polish the last two segments with the fine disk; and e. Polish the last segment with the super-fine disk. Now the student has created four segments of a surfaces which become progressively smoother. The dentist can ask them if they can feel the difference or see the difference in the surfaces. 9. The student could use a high speed handpiece to write their name on some tools or other metal objects. An inexpensive pair of scissors provides four surfaces for them to practice small writing and light touch with the handpiece. 10. The dentist may also consider chair side assisting as helpful experience to see how comfortable a student is in being aggressive enough to suction but tender enough to not damage soft tissue. 11. The student may also find value in pouring and trimming models in a dental or orthodontic laboratory, as these task can improve their hand skills and evaluations. *Van B. Haywood, DMD, is a Professor in the Department of Oral Rehabilitation at the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University. This commentary was submitted as his personal opinion and is not reflective of admissions standards or procedures within the dental school.
SEMINARS
Interdisciplinary Management of Esthetic Dilemmas 2 days | Seminar | 14 CE Credits
Gain confidence and understanding in diagnosing, treatment planning and presenting esthetic dentistry to your patients, enhancing the quality and quantity of the esthetic care you provide in your practice. GDA Members SAVE $200
What you will learn at this seminar:
The importance of defining the desired tooth position as the first step in any treatment plan.
SEMINAR DATE:
How to identify the possible causes for excessive gingival display (a “gummy smile”) from among the 7 possible etiologies.
LOCATION:
To manage the dental papilla, predict when it will disappear, when it will come back, and when it will stay gone forever.
October 6-7, 2016
Grand Hyatt Atlanta 3300 Peachtreee Road N.E. Atlanta, GA 30305 INSTRUCTOR:
speareducation.com/seminar-gda
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Frank Spear, D.D.S., M.S.D.
GDA Members SAVE $200 off the regular tuition of $1,695 To register call 866.781.0072 or email info@speareducation.com / Promo Code - GDA200
Journal of the Georgia Dental Association 7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Road NE Suite 200, Building 17, Atlanta, GA 30328
INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Welcome President Ben Jernigan GDA Update on New Overtime Rule New ACA Regs Impact Your Practice Get a GDA LAW Day on Your Schedule Last Page: Dr. Van Haywood
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