Association Activities

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

NYSDA’s 2021-2022 officers are officially sworn into office at annual meeting of House of Delegates in August in Jersey City, NJ. They are,from left, Secretary-Treasurer Frank Barnashuk, Speaker Steve Gounardes, Vice President Anthony Cuomo, President-Elect James Galati, President Kevin Henner. They will be joined on Board of Trustees by Brendan Dowd, who was elected ADA Trustee at the meeting to succeed Paul Leary.

Photos by Christine Terrio

NYSDA’s newest Board members are from left: Maurice Edwards, New York County; Theresa Casper-Klock, Seventh District; Gunter Jonke, Suffolk County.

Photos by Christine Terrio

Immediate Past President Craig Ratner, far right, bids farewell to retiring Board members. They are, from left: David Shipper, New YorkCounty; Jay Skolnick, Seventh District; Paul Markowitz, Suffolk County;Past President Payam Goudarzi.

Photos by Christine Terrio

Extend a Hand to Colleagues in Pain Grant Program Helps Dentists in Recovery

DURING THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES, those who misuse or abuse alcohol and/or other drugs, are particularly vulnerable. The stress from social isolation and other COVID-19-related life changes can lead to or worsen substance use and misuse. The Dr. Thomas H. Sullivan Substance Abuse Grant Program provides financial assistance to chemically dependent dentists whose professional careers, families and very lives are threatened by substance abuse and addiction. Grants provided through this program assist in the payment of initial treatment costs associated with in-patient services. If you would like to help your colleagues who are suffering from alcohol or drug use/abuse, consider making a tax-deductible contribution to the Dr. Thomas H. Sullivan Substance Abuse Grant Program, c/o the New York State Dental Foundation, 20 Corporate Woods Boulevard, Suite 602, Albany, NY 12211.

NYSDA Expands Dental Program to Columbia University, Providing Essential Care to Underserved Communities

NYSDA IS EXPANDING its Dental Demonstration Project (DDP) program to the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, a move made possible by support from Democratic State Senator Timothy Kennedy of Buffalo.

The DDP is a state-funded initiative that was launched by NYSDA in 2015 to benefit underserved communities across New York State. Its primary mission is to match underserved patients with “dental homes” near to where they live. The program aims to increase access to dental care, home health utilization and oral health literacy, and decrease the use of emergency departments for dental-focused problems.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the DDP hosted events for people of all ages that highlighted the importance of disease prevention and the benefits of following good dental hygiene and regular dental care. These events evolved into collaborations with Community Dental Health Coordinators (CDHCs) and moved to a telehealth model. That new workforce has been instrumental in connecting families to dental services, oral health education, telehealth dental assessments, and appointments for oral care and follow-up.

“Our work with Columbia University will expand the successful outreach initiatives we’ve implemented in other regions of the state, like Western, NY,” said Betsy Bray, director of health affairs for NYSDA. “Teledental visits allow the CDHC to assist families manage and keep dental appointments, review oral hygiene and cavity prevention and triage their dental problems. We plan to continue to use teledental services to engage school-aged children and their caregivers. Additionally, the CDHCs will work to rebuild the participation of the community partners lost during the pandemic.”

The DDP strives to close the gap on unmet dental needs and link families to resources in their local community. The Columbia University College of Dental Medicine is a primary provider of vital oral health care services to underserved patient populations in New York City neighborhoods.

The DDP utilizes CDHCs in key areas for project planning, implementation and follow-up with patients. Ms. Bray said CDHCs are essential in ensuring patients continue to access dental care.

Learn How to Respond in Overdose Emergency

THE NEW YORK STATE DENTAL ASSOCIATION is hosting two virtual opioid overdose rescue training programs being presented by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, deaths from drug overdoses in the United States increased by 30% from October 2019 to October 2020.

The courses are being presented on Oct. 6, from 6-8 p.m., and on Nov. 5, from 1-3 p.m. Both courses are being given at no charge. Participants will receive two continuing education credits. Overdose reversal kits containing naloxone will be mailed to all attendees who complete a training course. Attendees will learn about Opioid Use Disorder, in addition to:

• How to recognize and respond to an opioid overdose

• How to administer and obtain naloxone

• How to talk to your patient about opioids

• Safe prescribing practices and resources for prescribers

Visit NYSDA’s website at https://www.nysdental.org/ member-center/ce/oasas-opioid-overdose-rescue-training to register for a training course.

Fourth District Names New ED

THE FOURTH DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY has a new executive director. Lisa Hicks assumed her post in in early summer, taking over following the retirement of Lynn Martin.

Lisa Hicks

Ms. Hicks most recently served as executive director of the Fast Break Fund, a small nonprofit active in the Capital District that provides recreational programs for children with special needs throughout the year and summer camp scholarship awards to underprivileged children. She also is the proprietor of Shelf Help, a professional organizing business that assists residential customers needing help during a move or transition.

A graduate of LeMoyne College in Syracuse, Ms. Hicks started out as a special events coordinator. Also notable is her time at Syracuse University, where she assisted in the Men’s Basketball Office for legendary Coach Jim Boeheim. The mother of three lives in Clifton Park.

NYSDA’s Committee on Chemical Dependency Announces Name Change

THE COMMITTEE ON CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY is now the Committee on Substance Abuse and Well-Being. The new name reflects the committee’s broader mission of assisting members suffering from substance abuse and addiction, as well as those with mental health and wellness concerns. Members of the committee, trained in the treatment of addiction, understand that substance use disorders often co-occur with mental health and anxiety disorders and are, therefore, treated as one disease.

The committee consists of members from each of NYSDA’s 13 component dental societies, many of whom have first-hand experience with the devastation of addictive illness and mental health disorders. All members of the committee receive relevant ongoing didactic training and work together with the committee’s peer assistance coordinator, Bob Herzog, to respond to those seeking help. Dr. Herzog is a certified interventionist and has established relationships with experts in addiction medicine and treatment facilities throughout the country.

If you, a colleague or family member is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, help is a confidential phone call away. Contact Dr. Herzog at (716) 830-3055 or Jacquie Donnelly at NYSDA at (518) 689-2750.

Visit the Committee’s website for additional information: https://www.nysdental.org/mentalhealth

Lisa Hicks with special needs throughout the year and summer camp scholarship awards to underprivileged children. She also is the proprietor of Shelf Help, a professional organizing business that assists residential customers needing help during a move or transition.

NYSDA Mourns the Death of Two Past Presidents

DR. JOSEPH S. LAVINIO JR., D.M.D., who served as president of the Dental Society of the State of New York (NYSDA) in 1974, died April 10 in Fort Lauderdale, FL, where he had been living. He was 80 years old.

Dr. Lavinio was an oral surgeon. He and dental partner, Anthony DiMango, practiced together in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, for over 30 years. Early in his career, at his partner’s urging, Dr. Lavinio joined the Second District Dental Society, volunteering for numerous positions within the society, culminating in his installation as president in 1983.

Outside of the society, Dr. Lavinio devoted many years to voluntary service for persons with developmental disabilities and mental illness through Catholic Charities of Brooklyn. At other times in his professional life, he was an attending oral surgeon at Lutheran Medical Center, Kings County Hospital, Cabrini Health Care Center in Manhattan and Bay Ridge Hospital in Brooklyn. Among offices he held were president of the Catholic Dentist’s Guild and the Italian Dental Society.

Next to dentistry, his passion was the performing arts. He served on the Board of Trustees of the Brooklyn Opera Association in the 1970s and was a member of the Opera Index in New York City, which sponsored new singers.

Dr. Lavinio grew up in Brooklyn, the son of a physician. He was a graduate of Villanova University and the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He served an oral surgery internship at Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn, completed a year of graduate studies in oral surgery at New York University College of Dentistry and an oral surgery residency at Kings County.

Dr. Lavinio is survived by his brother, John, also an oral surgeon, and partner of 16 years, Richard Samu.

Dr. Joseph Lavinio

DR. ROBERT C. WESTCOTT, D.D.S., president of the Dental Society of the State of New York (NYS- DA) in 1996, died Sept. 2 in Queensbury. He was 91. Following his presidency, Dr. Westcott served as executive director of the Fourth District Dental Society.

In 2005, Dr. Westcott received NYSDA’s highest honor, the Jarvie-Burkhart Award, for his many contributions to the profession and mankind. Particularly noteworthy was his role in the founding of a pediatric mobile dental program under the auspices of the Glens Falls Hospital, where he was a member of the board for 20 years and Board Chairman. The dental van, which traveled to underserved rural communities, became a model for pediatric mobile programs elsewhere.

A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Westcott served four years in the Navy Dental Corps before opening his solo dental practice in Glens Falls, his hometown. He was extremely active in organized dentistry, his community and his church, First Presbyterian.

Dr. Westcott is survived by his wife of 70 years, Lillian “Sisty” Westcott, and their five children: Deborah, Robert, Paul, Brad and Mark; 10 grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren.

Dr. Robert Westcott

NYSDA Receives National Recognition

THE NEW YORK STATE DENTAL ASSOCIATION captured two ADA Membership Awards this summer for its improving membership numbers. The Association was cited for “most improved active membership retention rate” and “greatest net gain of new dentists” among components with 7,500-plus active licensed members.

In Memoriam

SECOND DISTRICT

Howard Kudler Columbia University ‘60 35 Woods Lane Boynton Beach, FL 33436 July 10, 2021

SIXTH DISTRICT

Dennis De Stefano University at Buffalo ‘76 RR 1, #110F Equinunk, PA 18417 July 3, 2021

SEVENTH DISTRICT

Donald Munger University of Pennsylvania ‘62 PO Box 91, Deer Run Groveland, NY 14462 June 19, 2021

John Mallon Georgetown University ‘54 70 Shoreway Drive Rochester, NY 14612 April 2, 2021

Lonnie Slapar University of Missouri-Kansas City ‘87 106 Torrey Pine Drive Rochester, NY 14612 May 23, 2021

EIGHTH DISTRICT

Richard Loomis University at Buffalo ‘55 690 Bartlett Carry Road Tupper Lake, NY 12986 June 10, 2021

NINTH DISTRICT

Jeffrey Gershon University of Pennsylvania ‘81 357 Harrison Avenue Harrison, NY 10528 June 28, 2021

Ira List New York University ‘70 37 Rochelle Drive New City, NY 10956 April 18, 2019

NASSAU COUNTY

Charles Frankel Tufts University ‘68 1097 Old Country Road, #203 Plainview, NY 11803 June 3, 2020

Alvin Sarnoff New York University ‘52 160 Islander Court Longwood, FL 32750 February 11, 2018