Component News

Nassau County

Headed in the Right Direction

We’re well into 2021, and things are progressing nicely. While masks, social distancing and virtual meetings are still the norm, we’ve learned that there should be enough vaccine to distribute to all Americans by the end of May. In anticipation, we are beginning to get back to scheduling “in-person” meetings and courses for the fall.

Our May General Membership Meeting will still be virtual, and it will be a special one! It’s a COVID-19 update panel, featuring Aaron Glatt, M.D., chief of infectious disease at Mt. Sinai/South Nassau Hospital, who will provide the current medical perspective of COVID; Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, with the local government perspective; and Paul Leary, Second District ADA Trustee, with the ADA/ NYSDA perspective.

BBQ and Recruitment

Another special event we are planning, for the evening of Aug. 25, is an in-person membership recruitment night for residents and senior dental students called “Burgers, BBQ and Belonging—Why ADA Membership Matters.” It will be held at the Crest Hollow Country Club, outside, in the club’s Coral Beach area. We expect it will be a pleasant social gathering, with food, drink and mentorship, and jam packed with useful information about the tripartite that attendees will be able to take home pre-loaded onto a thumb drive for future reference. We are also going to invite nonmember dentists practicing in Nassau County.

GLIDM, Women’s Conference Makes Come Back

For the fall season, we have planned two in-person events, jointly sponsored by the Suffolk County Dental Society. First, after an 18-month hiatus due to COVID, our Greater Long Island Dental Meeting (GLIDM) will return. And it promises to be “Better Than Ever!’ Redesigned from the ground up, it will be a one-day, fun-filled and informative event at the Huntington Hilton, complete with vendors and their meeting specials.

The next event is our 12th annual “Scrubs & Stilettos” Women’s Dental Conference. Designed around the interests and needs of women dentists, it will take place on Friday, Nov. 12, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., at a new bigger venue, The Heritage Club at Bethpage. Watch your email for more information and registration details. Plan to attend this unique and award-winning conference.

Financial Assist

Finally, now that 501c6 organizations are eligible, the Nassau County Dental Society was successful in obtaining over $33,000 from the second round of the federal PPP loan program.

So, all things considered, 2021 appears to be heading in the right direction here on Long Island!

EIGHTH DISTRICT

Slowly Reopening

Kevin J. Hanley, D.D.S.

As things begin to open up in Western New York, the Eighth District is looking forward to having some in-person functions. While all society matters are being held virtually at this time, plans are being made for several regular summer activities, particularly the William Knauf Memorial Golf Tournament, tentatively set for June 14. And the UB Dental Alumni Association is planning for an in-person Buffalo Niagara Dental Meeting Nov. 3-5. It is hoped that with vaccinations proceeding, all restrictions will be removed by November.

Successful Restorations

The Erie County Dental Society held a virtual meeting on March 25 in conjunction with Ivoclar Vivadent. Titled “Esthetic Restoration: Materials Selection and Bonding Protocols,” the CE program was presented by Shashikant Singhai, B.D.S., M.S., director of education and professional services, Ivoclar Vivadent, and Thomas Hill, manager of scientific services, Ivoclar Vivadent.

The duo discussed the classification and comparison of contemporary ceramic materials, and the differences in restorative materials options. They provided tips for clinical selection, incorporating evidencebased decision making into treatment planning and diagnosis for more predictable clinical outcomes, and an overview of bonding protocols. Attendees earned 1.5 hours of MCE credit.

Ortho Cases Presented for Review

The Greater Buffalo Association of Orthodontists held a virtual meeting on April 14, at which members reviewed cases treated by senior orthodontic residents at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, Department of Orthodontics. These treatment plans and outcomes were presented in a PowerPoint format via Zoom. Attendees then evaluated and discussed the treatments, the techniques used, the quality of the finished cases, and graded the presentations and cases using a standardized grading system provided by the Orthodontic Department.

It was an enlightening evening presentation, during which future colleagues met with established orthodontists. Both sides benefited from the experience. And the orthodontists received 2 MCE credits for their participation.

Successful Implants Through 3D Printing

On April 22, the Erie County Dental Society held another virtual meeting on the topic “Benefits of 3D Printing in the Office/ When Implants Fail: How, Why and What to Do.” Local periodontists Roger Anderson and Tim Violante discussed the benefits of 3D printing in the office, the range of products available, implant surgical applications and the benefits of communication, surgical precision and improved outcomes. Other topics included what to do at the outset to achieve long-term implant success, the leading causes of short- and long-term implant failure and how to reduce such risks, and early and late signs of implant failure, as well as the role of CBCT in diagnosing and treatment planning. Those attending received 2 hours of MCE credits.

QUEENS COUNTY

VP Nod Goes to Prabha Krishnan

Arelys Santana, D.D.S.

At their meeting March 16, the Board of Trustees of the Queens County Dental Society elected long-time member Prabha Krishnan as the nominee from QCDS for the position of vice president of the New York State Dental Association, to serve in 2022.

Her nomination was recognition of the many years of service, hard work and dedication Dr. Krishnan has given to our society.

Dr. Krishnan is no stranger to organized dentistry. She has served QCDS, NYSDA and ADA in a variety of positions. When she was president of Queens County in 2009, she hosted the Women’s Dentist Conference. This event received the prestigious Golden Apple Award from the ADA. From 2015 to 2019, she was a NYSDA Trustee, and she currently serves as a member of the ADA Council on Communications.

We are excited to know we will continue to benefit from Dr. Krishnan’s leadership, as we are confident she will represent all of us well, doing what is best for our profession and for the public.

SECOND DISTRICT

SDDS Gears up for NYSDA HOD

Alyson Buchalter, D.M.D.

As we are by now all aware, this year’s NYSDA House of Delegates meeting has been rescheduled from June to August 13-15. As the host component, the Second District Dental Society is very excited and is moving forward with plans for a fun and productive event in Jersey City.

The HOD will take place at the Westin Hotel in downtown Jersey City, which puts us one mile from Liberty State Park, a little more than a mile and a half from the Hoboken Waterfront and a four-minute walk to the Newport Center Mall.

In addition to hosting NYSDA’s first in-person HOD meeting since the onset of the COVID pandemic, we are planning boat rides, a cocktail party and a golf outing— all while observing COVID-safe protocols. Aided by what appears to be a successful vaccination program, our committee members are working hard to ensure all attendees have a good time within the bounds of up-to-the-minute CDC and New York State safety guidelines.

This year’s golf outing will take place at the Richmond County Country Club, locally renowned for its unique and challenging course. Designed by the first president of the PGA, Robert White, it presents a spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean and New Jersey highlands. Those who elect to come early for the outing are in for a treat.

In lieu of the traditional indoor Saturday night dinner dance, on Friday night, NYSDA will host a banquet and dancing on a chartered luxury yacht. With the added benefit of outdoor space, for COVID safety, we will be treated to amazing views of lower Manhattan and New York City skyline. With pride in his accomplishments, we are looking forward to honoring our own Craig Ratner as he completes his term as NYSDA President.

On Saturday night, the SDDS will invite all attendees to a special roof-top cocktail party. The views of the Manhattan skyline, Hudson River, Statue of Liberty, Staten Island and beyond will be, without exaggeration, breathtaking. FUN, FUN, FUN!

Thank you to the hard-working members of the planning committee who, due to the ever-changing COVID environment, have had to pivot multiple times. They are Paul Albicocco, Mitch Mindlin, John Halikias, Phyllis Merlino, Tricia Quartey, Michael D’Anna, Marc Meiselman, Bryan Pieroni, Michael Costa and Executive Director Bernard Hackett.

The SDDS is very excited to see you, in person, at this extra special HOD event!

SUFFOLK COUNTY

New Dentist Events

Howard Schneider, D.D.S.

Our New Dentist Committee has been very busy before, during and after the transitioning of its chair, from Alexander Sanchez to Lauren Heisinger. The committee has added several informative and engaging events, and even more are being planned. Here is the near-term line-up of new dentist events (all virtual except as noted):

• April 28: “Navigating Dental Associate Agreements”

• May 12: “Professional Liability and Defensive Dentistry”

• May 20: Bank of America Presents “Purchasing a Practice”

• July 21: New Dentist Summer Social, an in-person event at Insignia Steakhouse in Smithtown.

All virtual events are offered at no charge to residents, SCDS members and dental students. Other ADA members are asked to pay $10. The charge to non-ADA members is $25. You can find more details on these and other events at http://suffolkdental. org/calendar-of-events.html

Virtual Infection Control Course

David Scharf will present our popular New York State infection control course virtually on May 17. The fee for participating is $150 for ADA members, $100 for dental staff and $250 for non-ADA member dentists. Visit the SCDS website, Suffolkdental.org/ calendar-of-events for details.

Shredding Event

On May 22, from 9 a.m. to noon, we will hold our annual MLMIC-sponsored shredding event. It will be held outside, rain or shine, in the rear parking lot of 150 Motor Parkway, Hauppauge.

This service is being offered free to all SCDS members. All others are being charged $10 (cash only) per banker’s box of material. Again, please see our website for complete details.

Stony Brook Dental School Graduation

Congratulations to SCDS past president Scott Firestone on being selected as a marshal for the Stony Brook Dental School Class of 2021 graduation ceremony on May 19.

Don’t Miss a Thing

Like/follow us on social media. We continue to make a significant push to better communicate and connect with our members in methods that more easily integrate with their lifestyle. You can find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and, even, Spotify, in addition to our traditional www. SuffolkDental.Org presence.

FOURTH DISTRICT

CE is Virtual

Rachel Hargraves, D.D.S.

The Fourth District Dental Society joined with the Third District Dental Society March 19 to sponsor the first of two virtual continuing education events. The guest lecturer was Jeannette MacLean, a pediatric dentist from Arizona. Dr. MacLean’s lecture covered silver diamide fluoride, glass ionomer, the Hall technique and minimally invasive cosmetic options for enamel defects.

Present for the lecture were 53 dentists and 11 dental hygienists. Christina Cocozzo from the Fourth District and Anthony Ficara from the Third District were cohosts.

The second virtual CE program took place April 30. It consisted of a morning lecture on geriatric dentistry and an afternoon session entitled “Diagnostic Driven Dentistry.” The presenter was internationally recognized lecturer Lou Graham.

NINTH DISTRICT

Almost There

Olga Lombo-Sguerra, D.D.S.

Having recently passed the one-year mark of the global pandemic that has changed our lives, we finally see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel. We urge you to stay vigilant and safe until we reach it. And to keep in mind, this small bit of wisdom: “If you focus on the hurt, you will continue to suffer. If you focus on the lesson, you will continue to grow!”

The Ninth District has grown through the lessons of this past year. We have become proficient with the Zoom platform, enabling us to, once again, provide our members with a full-course selection this spring. Ninth District members and leaders want to thank all of the presenters for their willingness to forego an honorarium, so that we can provide these courses at no charge to our members during this difficult time.

Our March 10th General Meeting was a huge success. Larry Lieberman’s presentation of ”Soft- & Hard-Tissue Dental Lasers with Aesthetic Capabilities” was well-received by attendees, many of whom declared it was both interesting and extremely informative.

There appears to be great anticipation for the May 12th General Meeting, at which Queens County Executive Director and past ADA President Chad Gehani will provide an overview of “Organized Dentistry” and answer questions as to why it’s more important today than ever. This will be followed by a discussion of “Management of Periapical Pathosis.” After a break, Rekha Gehani will present on the topic “Orthodontics: An Integral Part of Cosmetic Dentistry.” Members will receive six MCE credits, for which they are not being charged. Members of other components are invited to attend. They are asked to register on the Ninth’s website: www.ninthdistrict. org; or call headquarters ( 914) 747-1199.

Keeping Informed

Our thanks to the ADA, NYSDA and our executives and delegates for continuing to update us on COVID vaccinations and ever-changing protocols. We hope by now most of our members and their staffs have been vaccinated and are providing support to other members and their patients regarding this important healthcare effort.

Our May Bulletin, which is nearing completion, will be an online issue. Keep an eye on your inbox for notification of its availability. Once again, we are grateful to our advertisers and sponsors for their continuing support and welcome any comments and ideas for upcoming issues.

We continue to be vigilant about the pandemic and stopping its spread as we look forward to once again getting together in person. Until then, we encourage members and their staffs to get vaccinated as soon as possible and to reach out to headquarters with any issues, questions or concerns they have.

NEW YORK COUNTY

First General Membership Meeting of 2021

Mina C. Kim, D.M.D.

NYCDS was pleased to have NYSDA President-Elect Kevin Henner address members at our April 5th meeting. Dr. Henner recounted several “wins” for NYSDA, including getting teledentistry reforms adopted in New York State and leading the successful nationwide response to do-it-yourself dentistry. Dr. Henner also reviewed the extensive efforts NYSDA took during the height of the pandemic to advocate on behalf of dentists with state leaders and to communicate daily with members. He said the Association has undertaken an evaluation of its response to the pandemic and that based on findings, will establish new protocols for handling any future issues. He noted that the NYSDA House of Delegates meeting will take place in-person in August.

Our guest speaker, Robert Elliott, a pediatric dentist in Cary, NC, shared strategies and systems he has implemented to keep staff morale high, particularly during the stress of the pandemic. The focus of his presentation was “Maintaining Team Loyalty and Support in the Middle of a Pandemic.” Dr. Elliott said he considers strong team morale essential, not a luxury. His guiding motto is “take care of your employees and they will take care of you.” He demonstrated a variety of ways to make sure your team feels heard and valued.

Finding Balance During the Pandemic

NYCDS continues to offer webinars on topics that impact members on a personal level. On April 13, psychotherapist Lila Margulies led a one-hour program on “The Impact of Pandemic Life on Working Women and the Move Toward Finding Balance.” Lila provided an honest assessment of the myriad reasons people, and in particular, working mothers, are overwhelmed during the pandemic. She went on to discuss concrete ways to reduce anxiety, develop new positive routines, and the importance of self-care and self-forgiveness. Attendees related to the topic and expressed their appreciation for the program.

New Dentist Event

Paul Goodman led an energetic and engaging webinar for new dentists on March 24 on “Developing Your Dentisting Core.” Dr. Goodman is a practicing general dentist, managing partner of a group practice with two locations, and head of the professional development company Dental Nachos.

The focus of his presentation was the importance of developing the core skills necessary for success. These include clinical, business, leadership and communication, which need to be worked on regularly in order to achieve consistent improvement. He talked in particular about strengthening communication skills to improve patient service and practice revenue. Dr. Goodman emphasized the impact words can have and inspired attendees to think differently about how they will communicate with patients and others in the future.

Continuing Education

We plan to continue offering daytime and early evening webinars to fit your schedule through summer 2021. And we are planning an in-person continuing education program to start after Labor Day. Upcoming webinars, which are free to ADA members, include:

• May 5: Women in Dentistry Seminar Series: “Get F.I.T. in 2021!” led by Bank of America.

• May 19: ACD Mentoring Lecture Program: “Peer Review,” led by Egidio Farone.

Visit www.nycdentalsociety.org for the latest course and registration information.