GDA Action July 2012 by Delaine Hall

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ACT ION

THE JOURNAL OF THE GEORGIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION

JULY 2012

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V O L U M E 3 1 , N U M B E R 7 • J U LY 2 0 1 2

ACTION

on the cover

ACT ION

THE JOURNAL OF THE GEORGIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION

GDA ACTION (ISSN 0273-5989) The official publication of the Georgia Dental Association (GDA) is published monthly. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to GDA Action at 7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Road N.E., Suite 200, Building 17, Atlanta, GA 30328. Phone numbers in state are (404) 636-7553 and (800) 432-4357. www.gadental.org. Closing date for copy: first of the month preceding publication month. Subscriptions: $17 of membership dues is for the newsletter; all others, $75 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Atlanta, GA. Dr. Jonathan Dubin GDA Editor 2970 Clairmont Rd Suite 195 Atlanta, GA 30329

Delaine Hall GDA Managing Editor 7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NE Suite 200, Building 17 Atlanta, GA 30328

2011-2012 Georgia Dental Association Officers Michael O. Vernon, DMD, President Sidney R. Tourial, DDS, President Elect Marshall H. Mann, DDS, Vice President James B. Hall III, DDS, MS, Secretary/Treasurer Jonathan S. Dubin, DMD, Editor

GDA/GDIS Executive Office Staff Members Martha S. Phillips, Executive Director Nelda Greene, MBA, Associate Executive Director Delaine Hall, Director of Communications Skip Jones, Director of Marketing (GDIS) Courtney Layfield, Director of Member Services Victoria LeMaire, Medical Accounts Manager Judy Lively, Administrative Assistant (PT) Melana Kopman McClatchey, General Counsel Denis Mucha, Director of Operations (GDIS) Margo Null, Property and Casualty Accounts Manager Patrice Williams, Administrative Assistant Phyllis Willich, Administrative Assistant Pamela Yungk, Director of Membership & Finance

JULY 2012

Sidney Tourial, DDS, will become GDA president on July 22. He believes in organized dentistry’s power to improve the lives of dentists and patients. His perspective is that while he knows challenges to the profession exist, he trusts that the GDA can meet these challenges with the correct strategy. Turn to page 16 to see how Dr. Tourial plans to use the GDA’s proven track record of success, particularly in the area of legislative advocacy, to grow the Association’s membership ranks and increase its visibility.

other features

sections

Special Olympics, Special Smiles Reaches More Than 300 Athletes

Parting Shots

Editorial

GDA Advocacy Group Connections Keep Dentists in Loop

News and Views

Upcoming Events

Board of Trustees Minutes

Classifieds

15 23

2013 GDA President’s Cruise Visits Greece, Cyprus, and The Holy Land

GDA Action seeks to be an issues-driven journal focusing on current matters affecting Georgia dentists, patients, and their treatment, accomplished through disseminating information and providing a forum for member commentary. © Copyright 2012 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 Association expressly reserves the right to refuse publication of any article, photograph, or advertisement.

Member Publication American Association of Dental Editors

index of advertisers Note: Publication of an advertisement is not to be construed as an endorsement or approval by the GDA or any of its subsidiaries, committees, or task forces of the product or service offered in the AA Anesthesia, P.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Ackerman Medical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 AFTCO Transition Consultants . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Affinity Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 American Academy of Facial Esthetics . . . . . . .9 Center for TMJ Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Craniofacial Pain Center of Georgia . . . . . . . .14 Dental Care Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 The Doctor’s Safety Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Frances Cullen, P.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

advertisement unless the advertisement specifically includes an authorized statement that such approval or endorsement has been granted.

GDA Dental Recovery Network . . . . . . . . . . . .29 GDA President’s Cruise 2013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Georgia Dental Insurance Services . . . . . . . . .36 Great Expressions Dental Centers . . . . . . . . . .33 Heartland Dental Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Law Office of Stuart J. Oberman . . . . . . . . . . .28 Medical Protective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 MobileCat, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 National Practice Transitions, LLC . . . . . . . . . .26 PDQ Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

PPM / Revenue Well . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Dr. Mark Padolsky—TMD Dentist . . . . . . . . . .24 Paragon Dental Practice Transitions . . . . . . . .28 Professional Practice Management . . . . . . . . .30 Sedation Dentistry—Dr. Ruth Clemans . . . . . .25 Solstice Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Southeast Transitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 UBS Financial Services, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

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editorial perspective I Quit!

Jonathan S. Dubin, DMD

Well, not exactly. But after five years as your editor my term has come to an end. Five years seems like a long time, and I did produce 60 editorials during that span, but the time has flown by (except for the few times I had writer’s block at 11:30 at night with the deadline a few hours away). And now it is time for a new voice. I’m looking forward to reading someone else’s words in each issue of Action. Please accept my thanks for reading and commenting on any of my editorials. For those who liked my “Favorite Apps” editorial, I’ve added a few to my list. I like the one that carries all my bar-coded cards, and the one that takes a photo of business cards and enters all the data in my contact list. I think that means I am up to at least 18 favorite apps.* Many of you know me. If you don’t, but you have read my editorials, then you know what I think. Sometimes what I think is cultivated by being around some of the most active people in organized dentistry—anywhere. If you practice dentistry in Georgia, then you really have many fine advocates. Whether it is at the State Capitol for LAW Days, or before the Board of Dentistry, or in Washington, D.C., I have had the honor and pleasure of observing your presidents, Board and House members, and ADA delegation explain and argue for your right to practice dentistry with your judgment and patients’ interests unimpeded. I have also watched your GDA staff handle all sorts of tricky issues in a professional and competent manner. They work with grace and aplomb all to your benefit. For myself, I have had the help and pleasure of working with a managing editor in Delaine Hall that even had me thinking that another five-year term would be a good idea. (Fortunately the therapy helped put that to bed.) Over the past few years, I’ve often referenced the “access to care” issue and outside interests proposing a lower-level provider. For this last editorial of mine, I must share another observation in this area. Last week, I went to the market to purchase foods and two people stood out to me. The first was the attendant at the seafood counter who was missing three lower front teeth and looked to be a candidate for periodontal disease. The second was the lady

cashier who made us cringe when she smiled. She would have had a nice smile except for the fact that every single tooth had black holes on each side. Here are two people. Both employed. Both working with the public. They both have a desperately obvious need for dental treatment. Yet, both have neglected to obtain that dental treatment here in Atlanta where we easily have more than 1,000 dentists practicing in the metropolitan area. Do you know what that screams to me? This is NOT an access to care issue, but rather a NOT ACCESSING care issue. There may be many reasons a person fails to access care, but in Georgia, my strong feeling is that the reasons are not workforce-related. What I do see is that we have a great need to educate consumers. My job as your editor was to inform, and maybe incite your passions, but most of all it was to make you think. I sought ways to get you to think of issues that you may or may not have been aware of. You now know what I think. What do you think? Have you been practicing for quite a while? Could you share your wisdom and experience to mentor the younger generation? Join the GDA / ASDA mentorship program. Write a letter to the editor (we LOVE letters) or a commentary for Action. If you are part of the younger generation of dentists, do you care enough to step up and help guide your profession through the next few decades? Then become a part of Leadership GDA. Attend a LAW Day and a legislative reception. Take on a district or GDA committee position. There are so many ways to get involved. I am glad every day I decided to take action.

*In May 2010, in his “There’s An App for That” editorial, Dr. Dubin “hearted” these apps: Epocrates, Splash ID, Trip Deck, Photo Chop, Shazam, Sportacular, Yelp, Opentable, White Pages, Pearl, and Snowcator. You may reach Dr. Dubin at jsdubin@aol.com to find out his new favorites, or share your own.

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GDA Thanks Dr. Jonathan Dubin for His Service as Editor Jonathan Dubin, DMD, was elected as editor for the Georgia Dental Association in 2007. His five-year term of office ends in July 2012. During his five years, Dr. Dubin published 60 editorials in GDA Action. Many of those editorials were reprinted in the ADA News and in several other state dental publications. Dr. Dubin’s exceptional writing ability and his leadership within organized dentistry have produced remarkable results. Here are just two examples: • The GDA held its inaugural Georgia Mission of Mercy event in 2011, and saw 1,383 volunteers provide urgent care for 2,179 Georgians in need. Much of the program’s unprecedented success may be attributed to Dr. Dubin, who as GMOM co-chair and editor rallied volunteers, helped enlist sponsors, and generally conveyed the need for commonsense dental access solutions to policymakers. The GDA is lucky to have Dr. Dubin, along with fellow 2011 GMOM Co-Chair Dr. Karyn Stockwell, return as chairs for the GMOM to be held in 2013. • The GDA’s Special Olympics, Special Smiles program celebrated its 18th year in 2012. The number of athletes reached, as well as volunteers and sponsors, has only grown, thanks in large part to Dr. Dubin’s efforts. As Special Smiles program chair and editor, he has without fail promoted the event and cheerfully celebrated its successes. Dr. Dubin was honored with a 2006 Healthcare Georgia Foundation community service award for his Special Smiles work. Dr. Dubin is also an integral part of the GDA Delegation to the American Dental Association and has regularly shed light on important ADA matters in his editorials. He chairs the GDA Oral Health in Institutional Settings Committee, where he is helping promote the use of Overcoming Obstacles to Oral Health, an oral care training program, in every Georgia nursing home. Dr. Dubin serves on the board for The Ben Massell Dental Clinic in Atlanta and is a regular volunteer there. He consistently and conscientiously used his editorial office to encourage others to become involved in areas that can benefit the Association, the dental profession, and dental patients. He also leads by example at every turn and has truly been a distinguished editor and leader. A graduate of the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry in 1983, Dr. Dubin earned his Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Biochemistry at the University of Georgia. He has maintained a dental practice in Atlanta for over 23 years. Dr. Dubin is a member of the American Dental Association, the Georgia Dental Association (Honorable Fellow), Northern District Dental Society, Hinman Dental Society (officer), Academy of General Dentistry (Fellow), International College of Dentistists (Fellow), American College of Dentists (Honorable Fellow), and the Pierre Fauchard Academy (Fellow.) He holds

GDA ACTION JULY 2012

Dr. Dubin with his 2011 Northern District Michael T. Rainwater Dentist of the Year award along with wife Traci, daughter Mylee, and son Zach. (Photo: Jimmy Riley Photography, Inc., dba Hewett Studios)

faculty appointments at the Medical College of Georgia (now Georgia Health Sciences University) and the University of North Carolina. Dr. Dubin resides in Atlanta, with his wife, Traci, daughter, Mylee, and sons, Zachary and Seth.

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general news CENSUS GDA Workforce

Workforce census on target for a final report issuance in late August. The GDA has contracted with the Georgia Health Policy Center and Market Decisions to conduct a workforce census which involves contacting every dentist that has a Georgia license. After every licensed Georgia dentist has completed the census, the data will be submitted by Market Decisions to the Georgia Health Policy Center at Georgia State University. The Center will generate a report showing the true picture of Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dentists, their practice locations, and their current capacity. At the June 2012 Board of Trustees meeting, district representatives received a packet of information listing dentists in

their district who have not yet responded to the census, and who Market Decisions has been unable to locate. Dentists were given specific instructions on how to verify addresses and phone numbers with a caution to not personally contact a dentist since a strict protocol must be followed to maintain the validity of the study. Several prominent policy makers have stated that there is a shortage of dentists in our state. The GDA has concerns that policy decisions are being made based on inaccuracies since no census has been conducted. Many foundations believe that the answer to a lack of access to dental care is a shortage of dentists. Their solutionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a new category of dental provider. We need accurate workforce data to counter their stance. When the final report from the Georgia Health Policy Center is issued at the end of August, the GDA hopes to have that data to use.

FITEBAC Member Product

Dr. Kimmerling launches skin-friendly hand sanitizer to boost adherence to hand hygiene protocols. Dr. Kirk Kimmerling, a Marietta (Northwestern District) dentist, has formed Kimmerling Holdings Group, LLC, a Georgia-based biotech company. They recently rolled out fiteBac SkinCare Germicidal Hand Softening Gel (www.fitebac.com). The company hopes the hand sanitizer is skin friendly enough to encourage greater hand hygiene compliance among health care professionals. The key to the fiteBac gel, according to Dr. Kimmerling, is a unique combination of a non-alcohol-based antimicrobial formulation, together with a silicone-based cross polymer that provides hydrophobic properties that improve the skinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s moisture barrier and keep the skin soft, even after frequent hand washing or glove use. The fiteBac gel is paraffin-free, waterfree, unscented, petroleum-free, and alcohol free. The vision of the inventor, former Dow Corning chemist John Blizzard, was to create a sanitizer without the harmful side effects linked to other traditional hand sanitizers. Frequent use of gloves, traditional hand hygiene products, and exposure to contaminants are major issues for health care providers. These conditions remove lipids and skin oils and result in dryness and irritation. fiteBac SkinCare believes hand hygiene products and protocols are contributing to skin damage and due to the damage professionals are less motivated to use them as directed. The aim is for professionals to use the fiteBac gel, and not suffer from the drying and cracking of skin for which traditional sanitizers and protocols are notorious.

NEWS Continued on page 9

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NEWS Continued from page 7

SPOKESPERSONS GDA Training

GDA members invited to consider attending Spokesperson Training November 9. The Georgia Dental Association and American Dental Association have opportunities through print and broadcast media to promote dentistry’s messages about good oral health. Through GDA and ADA press releases and ADA video news recordings, organized dentistry educates the media and the public on those topics the profession believes are relevant and important to patients and the profession. The media regularly contacts the GDA office to request spokespersons to address issues related to oral health and the practice of dentistry. These opportunities emphasize the importance

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of having trained GDA spokespersons to present appropriate and timely messages to the public. GDA Spokesperson Training provides an opportunity for dentists to hone their public speaking skills and to assist in developing the GDA’s messages on many topics of interest. The next training opportunity is scheduled for November 9, 2012, at the GDA office. If you are interested in participating, please contact the GDA Office at greene@gadental.org.

PARTNERS GDA and GHSU

GDA sponsors numerous GHSU events to raise awareness and maintain bridges. The GDA sponsors numerous programs and activities for the students within the Georgia Health Sciences University College of Dental Medicine. The primary intent is to engage the dental students early so that they will realize the benefits of organized dentistry.

During the 2011-12 school year, the GDA either sponsored or participated in the following programs and events: • Staff members distributed information during Clinic Day on February 8, 2012. • The GDA coordinated 30 GHSU students’ participation in the LAW Day program at the Capitol in January. Following the LAW program, the students returned to the GDA Office for lunch and an orientation from GDA staff. Each GDA staff person gave a synopsis of their duties and an explanation of member benefits. • The GDA and Georgia Dental Insurance Services treated the senior class in February to a “Lunch and Learn” that explained the fine details and importance of liability insurance. • GDA staff members held a Transition Program in March for senior students to NEWS Continued on page 10

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NEWS Continued from page 9

explain the benefits of membership in the tripartite (district, GDA, and ADA). The GDA provided lunch and a packet of information, and held drawings for prizes. Nearly 100% of the senior class joined the GDA at this time. • The GDA sponsored the Graduation Luncheon held in May in conjunction with the Senior Awards Program. • President Mike Vernon presented GDA sponsored awards at the Senior Awards Ceremony in May. One award went to a senior dental student in recognition of active participation in and outstanding service to the GHSU / ASDA chapter. The second award went to honor a dental faculty member for their continued support of organized dentistry activities within the College. Kudos to 2012 honorees Dr. Azy Esfandiarinia (the student chosen for the award) and Associate Dean Dr. Carole Hanes (the faculty recipient).

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GDA CRUISE Dr. Vernon’s Trip

Cruise attendees experienced history and scenery in May. The 2012 GDA President’s Trip to Canada and the Northeastern United States was a wonderful trip back through time. Dr. Mike and Debbie Vernon thank the following attendees for making the trip memorable: Dr. Gordon and Meredith

Dr. Christopher and Angie Moldovan enjoying a GDA President’s Trip stop.

Austin, Dr. John and Claudia Barnes, Dr. William and Catherine Brinkman, Dr. Ron and Debi Cavola, Dr. Nelson and Vickie Conger, Dr. Wayne and Joanne Herman, Dr. Christopher and Angie Moldovan, Dr. Phil Parham, Dr. Kent and Mary Percy, Dr. Hal and Cathy Raper, and Dr. Marion and Deedee Stafford.

Dr. Mike and Debbie Vernon hosted a fantastic GDA President’s Trip that visited Montreal and Boston in 2012.

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Upcoming GDA / District Events Sat, Aug 11: GDA Board of Trustees Meeting, Atlanta. Thurs, Aug 16: Northern District CE, Villa Christina, Atlanta. Sat, Aug 25: Northern District Gala for Smiles, Druid Hills Golf Club. Sat, Aug 25: Special Olympics Dental Screenings, Warner Robins. Tues, Aug 28: GDA Officers Visit Western District, Green Island Country Club. Mon, Sept 3: GDA Office Closed for Labor Day Holiday. Mon, Sept 10: Northern District Executive Council Meeting, Atlanta. Thurs, Sept 13: Northern District CE, Villa Christina, Atlanta. Thurs, Sept 13: GDA Officers Visit Central District, Riverside Golf Club. Fri-Sat, Sept 28-29: ADA Fifth District (GA, AL, MS) Meeting, Atlanta. Thurs, Oct 11: Northern District CE, Villa Christina, Atlanta. Thurs-Sun, Oct 18-21: ADA Annual Session, San Francisco. Mon, Oct 29: GDA Officers Visit Northern District, Villa Christina. Thurs, Nov 1: Western District Legislative Event, Green Island Country Club. Sat, Nov 3: Legislative Dental Kit Assembly Event, GDA Office. Mon, Nov 5: Northern District Executive Council Meeting, Atlanta. Wed, Nov 7: Northwestern District Membership Meeting, Cartersville. Thurs, Nov 8: Southwestern District Legislative Event, Albany. Fri, Nov 9: GDA Spokesperson Training, GDA Office. Sat, Nov 10: GDA Board of Trustees Meeting, GDA Office. Tues, Nov 13: Eastern District Legislative Event, Augusta. Thurs, Nov 15: Southwestern District Legislative Event, Valdosta. Thurs-Fri, Nov 22-23: GDA Office Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday. Tues, Nov 27: Central District Legislative Event, Riverside Golf Club. Thurs, Nov 29: Eastern District Legislative Event, Athens. Fri, Nov 30: Atlanta Dental Study Club CE Program, Ritz Buckhead.

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Special Olympics, Special Smiles Reaches More Than 300 Athletes Dental volunteer spirit was alive and well on the Emory University campus in Atlanta during the 18th Annual Special Olympics, Special Smiles dental screenings in May. The GDA conducted this event in conjunction with the Special Olympics Georgia Summer Games. Our great GDA, dental team, and community volunteers provided or assisted with dental screenings and dental education for athletes who visited both the indoor or outdoor care locations, reaching a total of 303 athletes. “Our dentists identified several athletes who needed additional care during the screenings,” said event chair Dr. Jonathan Dubin. “Our volunteers provided 53 of the athletes with mouth guards and 72 with sealants. We provided the majority of athletes with fluoride varnish treatments. We did identify 19 athletes who had urgent dental needs. We provided them and their coaches with the GDA referral number to call for a referral to dentist in their area.” In addition to the dental screening, each athlete also received instruction on correct oral hygiene care practices and good nutrition from a volunteer dental hygiene student, and received a goody bag, filled with a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and other dental related items. Special thanks to our amazing dentist and dental student volunteers. Kudos to the incredible dental hygiene students and faculty members from Georgia Perimeter College, Lanier Technical College, and West Georgia Technical College who attended to help the dentist volunteers with screenings, conduct dental education, and even do a little face painting. Many thanks also go to the Oral Health Unit of the Georgia Department of Public Health for helping with the sealants portion of the event. Finally, a tip of the hat to Delta Dental, The Coca-Cola Company, Colgate, Benco Dental, and Mainstreet Financial for supporting Special Smiles through donations for the goody bags, food for the volunteers, and other items for use during the screenings.

The GDA will participate in the Special Olympics Masters Bowling Event in Warner Robins on August 25. We plan to email and fax volunteer recruitment letters to dentists in the Central District this month! If you have not volunteered and would like to, please email Dr. Dubin at jsdubin@aol.com, or staff support Courtney Layfield at layfield@gadental.org.We look forward to the dental hygiene students from Central and Middle Georgia Technical Colleges assisting our volunteers with the screenings and oral health education. 12

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GHSU dental student Ben Popple (seated) with Jorge Bernal, Public Health Advisor in the Georgia Department of Community Health.

2012 Special Smiles Volunteers DENTISTS

Dr. Guy McMaster

Dr. Arleen Albert

Dr. Lauren Mills

Dr. Dimitri Arfanakis

Dr. Mayur Nayee

Dr. Leah Asher

Dr. Erin Pickwick

Dr. Henry Benson

Dr. Robin Reich

Dr. Ken Berger

Dr. Deidra Rondeno

Dr. Donald Brown

Dr. Latonya Wade-Crear

Dr. Meredith Dempsey

Dr. Richard Weinman

Dr. Jonathan Dubin

Dr. Angela Wright

Dr. Max Ferguson

Dr. Barry Zeitman

Dr. Jim Goettl Dr. Gary Greenwald

DENTAL HYGIENISTS

Dr. Brad Greenway

Sue Dodd, RDH

Dr. Kathy Huber

Sharon Spears, RDH

Dr. Bibianna Hur

Meri Warbrick, RDH

Dr. Kristin Jorgensen

Amanda Winn, RDH

Dr. Kiran Kamdar Dr. Jagdeep Kaur Dr. Wayne Kerr Dr. Soon Kwon

Dixianne Parker, RDH (Fluoridation Specialist / Dept of Public Health)

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Cherie Rainwater, RDH (Program Director / West Georgia Tech) Wendy Stafford, RDH (Instructor/ Lanier Tech) GHSU DENTAL STUDENTS Monica Chana Karolina Grochowska Marissa Ludley Ben Popple Haley Swearingen Katy Vesper DENTAL HYGIENE STUDENTS Georgia Perimeter College Charity Alexander Jessica Carter Britney Cruz Martie Dizon Christina Eggleston Vania Lee Patricia McCullough Mi Nam Ji Park Logan Voong Lanier Technical College Adriane Dorsey Jessica Dowdle

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Brittany Kaissieh Sarah Kennedy Cristina Moldovan Angela Patterson Courtney Ramsey Abby Stepp Cresta Turner Emily Wilkinson West Georgia Technical College Madison Brocks Kendra Bunting Brinttany Hilderbrand Kimberly Hirsch Nichole Leodler

Kendra Bunting, a dental hygiene student at West Georgia Technical College, looks on while Dr. Wayne Kerr of Conyers screens an athlete.

Aracelly Monsalve Kimberly Mullins Shera Pegues Paula Santamaria Rebecca Shelnutt Janette Troche Keisha Ward Caroline Willoughby OTHER VOLUNTEERS Zachary Dubin Lauren Greenway Courtney Layfield Elouise Perry Ralph Pickwick

Georgia Health Sciences University student Monica Chana (Class of 2014) hard at work during Special Smiles.

Lauren Jankowski

Dr. Leah Asher of Atlanta and Lanier Technical College dental hygiene student Emily Wilkinson talk to a Special Smiles athlete.

Dental screening volunteer Dr. Mayur Nayee of Smyrna.

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GDA Advocacy Group Connections Keep Dentists in Loop with Initiatives When you show up, you find out what is going on. The GDA has ‘shown up’ in the wider patient advocacy community by monitoring meetings, taking part in discussions, and sharing information about dentistry and good oral health. This dedication has enabled the GDA to uncover details about initiatives that could impact the profession and patients and take action to ensure dentistry is represented fairly and accurately.

Oral Health Coalition (OHC) The OHC is comprised of a variety of persons (public health personnel, GDA staff and practicing dentists, dental hygienists, school nurses, physicians, and advocates to name a few). OHC’s purpose is to promote oral health throughout Georgia. For the past year the group has worked to develop a State Oral Health Plan with action steps to accomplish certain goals. The OHC adopted a State Oral Health Plan in February 2012 and is in the production phase for distribution to all interested stakeholders. The OHC is also in the process of designing and implementing a web site that will serve as a repository for programs and activities related to oral health around the state.

Oral Health Summit (Summit) The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration will convene an Oral Health Summit in Macon, Georgia, on August 13 titled “Oral Health Access: Collaborating to Bridge the Gap.” The agenda is based on the State Oral Health Plan referenced in the OHC section, and several GDA representatives are speakers. GDA Associate Executive Director Nelda Greene is part of the summit’s Planning Committee. The summit will convene participants by regional groups based primarily on the GDA districts. GDA officers and district presidents, as well as other key persons, have been invited to attend. The agenda will cover several topics, including: Georgia oral health programs and initiatives, workforce issues, Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids, the dental safety net, dental externships, ‘innovative practices,’ patient education,

fluoride varnishes and medical / dental collaboration, and development of an action plan.

Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) GDA Associate Executive Director Nelda Greene attends the monthly board meeting of the state DPH. GDA member Dr. Cindy Greene, a Gainesville dentist, has served on this board for the past year. Some issues the board has considered recently include areas of personnel need (nursing, epidemiology, food safety, and nutrition); childhood obesity; and infant mortality. The board is also monitoring a Metro Atlanta health department as it attempts accreditation, and voted as its last meeting to table moving forward with recommendations on this topic until additional research could be done. The rationale for having public health accreditation is to enable health districts to pursue funding from outside sources.

Voices for Georgia’s Children (VGC) VGC’s mission is to substantially improve Georgia’s rankings in the areas of child health, safety, education, connectedness, and employability. They engage lawmakers and the public to build a comprehensive agenda around these topics. The GDA participates in VGC advocacy events, and collaborates with their health policy advisors on key policy decisions and legislative activities that center on oral health for children and youth.

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia (HMHB) HMHB seeks to improve access to health care for Georgia’s families through advocacy and various programs. They operate the Powerline, which refers families to health care providers, including dentists. The GDA is involved with the HMHB Public Affairs Committee and provides input on issues affecting women’s and children’s oral health. One of HMHB’s 2013 legislative goals is to focus on monitoring legislation and policy changes that impact Medicaid

and PeachCare services. They plan to work with the GDA to ensure that Medicaid dental services for pregnant women and children are not negatively impacted. HMHB will also promote 12-month eligibility—a GDA goal.

Georgians for a Healthy Future (GHF) The GDA is one of the few provider groups with a presence at meetings for GHF, which lobbies for children, the developmentally disabled, and the elderly, among other populations. The GDA’s participation with GHF has helped us deliver our messages about oral health and create important relationships.

Conference on Dental Workforce On July 16-17, Community Voices will host “Oral Health: Unmet Needs, Underserved Populations, and New Workforce Models,” a conference funded through a W.K. Kellogg Foundation grant. Dr. Henrie Treadwell and Dr. Louis Sullivan were instrumental in bringing this conference to Georgia. Dr. Treadwell is Director and Senior Social Scientist for Community Voices. She is a Research Professor in the Department of Community Health and Preventive Medicine at Atlanta’s Morehouse School of Medicine. Her responsibilities include program oversight and management for ‘Community Voices: Healthcare for the Underserved,’ a special informing policy initiative funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Dr. Treadwell was previously the Program Director for Health at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Dr. Sullivan previously served as U.S. Surgeon General, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, and President of the Morehouse School of Medicine. The conference is by “invitation only.” Invitations were sent to key Georgia legislators, political appointees, advocacy group leaders, former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher, Georgia’s Public Health Commissioner Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald, DCH Commissioner David Cook, and a select group of dentists and dental hygienists.

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Tourial: Together We Can Make the GDA Stronger, Bigger, and Better One opinion that Sidney Tourial, DDS, could hold as he becomes GDA president is that dentistry is in one tough place. The profession is facing an onslaught of negative media attention, pressure to change the dental care delivery model, and a fluctuating economy, but Dr. Tourial believes in organized dentistry’s power to improve the lives of dentists and patients. His perspective is that while he knows challenges exist, he trusts that the GDA can meet these challenges with the correct strategy. He plans to use the GDA’s proven track record of success, particularly in the area of legislative advocacy, to grow the Association’s membership ranks and increase its visibility. “So much of what the GDA does benefits us, from saving us money in our practices, to countering negative media messages with facts, to protecting our patients on multiple levels,” said Dr. Tourial. “My focus is talking up our GDA successes and building up our membership. Then, we can use our strength in numbers to expand our current services and advocacy programs. “We have great visibility and a wonderful track record with just shy of 70 percent of dentists in the state as members,” he said. “Can you imagine how strong we could be, how far our message would carry, with greater dentist membership and stronger volunteer participation?” Dr. Tourial took some time in June to reflect on a number of questions submitted by GDA leaders and staff. He offers these perspectives on his goals for his year and the benefits of membership.

We have heard you talk about ‘team’ and ‘togetherness.’ Are those ideas you will incorporate into your theme? I have incredible confidence in what GDA members can accomplish as a team. On

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LAW Days, the days we hold during the legislative session so dentists can learn about bills and speak to legislators, we visit the Capitol as a group. We prepare and volunteer for the Mission of Mercy as an organization. We represent organized dentistry in Georgia at the ADA Annual Session, in Chicago, and in Washington as an organization, not as individuals. This year you will frequently hear me say, ‘Together we can make the GDA stronger, bigger, and better.’ That is my theme. We work in a wonderful profession. We face a lot of challenges. Our state economy is still struggling. The ADA is re-examining its governance structures and finding the best ways to get our message out, and I know we want them to go faster. We know that a variety of private groups and foundations want to change the way dentists care for patients. The amount of education we need to provide to these groups about the value of dentistry is daunting. But I know that together we can make dentistry continue to flourish here in Georgia.

You discussed one GDA strength— legislative advocacy—that members consistently value. What sorts of ways will we need that strength during the 2013 legislative session? Everything went extremely well for the GDA this year at the State Capitol. Now it is up to all of us to be prepared for 2013. The key is starting now and not waiting until January. We need to attend our district Legislative Receptions. We need to get to know our Senators and Representatives outside of the Capitol. We need to reach out to candidates who are running for office—work on a campaign, talk to them, even take them to lunch. Then, starting in January, we need to attend a LAW Day, and

We know you are a supporter of the GDA Alliance. Speaking of the power of together, they are an exceedingly valuable partner to the GDA, don’t you agree? Our dental spouse organization has nearly 800 members and they expand our abilities in the legislative advocacy, dental health education, and well-being arenas. The GDA certainly could not have reached our past goals without our Alliance. They have always been there to support us in all that we do. Dr. Sidney Tourial pursues a favorite hobby.

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bring all of our friends. We have eight Wednesdays to pick from in January, February, and March. One of the main issues we will face is a bill promoted by Secretary of State Brian Kemp who wants to create a super board over all professions. He would, in essence, create a “Board of Seven” Georgians who would oversee all professional licensing and testing. When Secretary Kemp dropped the super board bill this year, dentistry was carved out and left with its own board. We need to ensure in 2013 that Georgia dentists and dental hygienists are again kept out of this ‘one size fits all’ board model and licensed under a Board of Dentistry made up of our fellow professionals.

Speaking of involvement at the state level, there is a lot happening with the state Medicaid program. We may see a Medicaid expansion as part of the Affordable Care Act. The Care Management Organization contracting process starts again this summer. The state issued a disappointing Medicaid redesign report that promoted managed care. We are seeing CMO dental subcontractors change again. What is the GDA doing to address these issues? Medicaid is always a concern; therefore, every year the GDA must fight for the dentists who are Medicaid providers and for the children in these programs. The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act, including the expansion of Medicaid, in June. Chief Justice Roberts said that, “Nothing … precludes Congress from offering funds under the ACA to expand the availability of health care, and requiring that states accepting such funds comply with the conditions on their use. What Congress is not free to do is to penalize States that choose not to participate in that new program by taking away their existing Medicaid funding.” So we very well may see an expansion of Medicaid in Georgia, since the funds will be offered.

(L to r): Jeff Tourial, Dr. Sidney Tourial, Susan Tourial, Robert Tourial, Jennifer Tourial, and Ryan Schneider.

The GDA continues to advocate for a single administrator for the state dental Medicaid program. The current system sees multiple care administrators hire dental sub-administrators who then deal with the dental program. Having a single administrator would eliminate multiple layers of administrative costs and CMO profits which are higher than commercial norms. It makes sense to use more program money to actually pay for care for children. The state hired a consultant called Navigant last year to evaluate the Medicaid program. I am proud that our GDA was actively involved in the analysis and evaluation from the beginning. We hoped for some innovative ideas and a recommendation to carve out dentistry from the CMO model when Navigant released its report in January. Unfortunately, the four options offered for the restructuring of Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids leaned on managed care and more managed care. We are focusing now on what we can do as part of the state’s Medicaid Design Task Force. Here, we seek to impact what Georgia offers CMOs as the new contract bidding process starts. The initial CMO contracting process was tilted heavily in favor of the CMOs, and we want to win back fair treatment for providers. The GDA has also met with representatives of

several new organizations who will likely bid on Georgia’s Medicaid business to discuss dentistry’s needs. Our GDA Medicaid Task Force and GDA staff do a fantastic job of monitoring the activities of the state and the CMOs. We have helped several members who have been mistreated by the bureaucracy receive payment for treatment rendered, and win the right to provide treatment they know is needed. We are not giving up this fight at any level.

Access to care is a complex subject. Barriers to care include inadequate funding for safety net programs like Medicaid, patients who do not place a priority on their health, patient finances, cultural barriers, and geography. But some groups believe that creating new provider models is the only way

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Atlanta Native Dr. Sidney Tourial: Family, Dental Team, and a 2013 GDA Cruise Sidney Tourial, DDS, will be sworn in as the 144th Georgia Dental Association president on July 22, 2012. He was born in Atlanta and has lived in the city except for two years he spent in the U.S. Navy after dental school. “I always brag about Atlanta and Georgia whenever I can,” said Dr. Tourial. “Atlanta grew to 1 million citizens while I was a senior in dental school, and I remember celebrating under the blue revolving dome of Atlanta’s Hyatt Regency. I think we can all be proud of Georgia’s growth, which has exploded to the degree that next year our Washington Leadership Conference attendees will have an additional member of Congress to visit.” Kids and Grandkids: Dr. Tourial went to college and dental school at Atlanta’s Emory University. He and his wife Susan, who were married just before he started dental school, have three children. Jennifer is married to Ryan Schneider and they have three children. Jennifer retired from the practice of law after her third child was born. Now that their children are all in school, she writes briefs for different lawyers in Atlanta. Ryan is a patent attorney at Troutman-Sanders. Robert, the consummate salesman, owns a RE/MAX office in Dunwoody in suburban Atlanta and can always be found with his iPad and iPhone, or playing ball. Jeff lives in California where, as Dr. Tourial says, he is ‘living a dream.’ In June he was named as the Assistant Commissioner for the West Coast Conference. Needless to say, Dr. Tourial says his children’s most important accomplishments are his precious grandchildren, Lily Schneider (12), Gray Schneider (9), Owen Schneider (7), Hannah Tourial (8), and Simon Tourial (5). “Susan and I are so fortunate to have all of our grandchildren in Atlanta,” said Dr. Tourial. “We make it a point to spend time with them every week.”

Dental Involvement: Dr. Tourial joined Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity while he was in dental school, and served as International President in 1991. “Susan and I traveled all over North America, Europe, South Africa, and Israel representing the members of Alpha Omega,” Dr. Tourial recalls. He also served as chairman of the Alpha Omega Dental Foundation from 1998-2000 and from 2006-09. “Watching Nelson Conger and Michael Rogers serve as speakers of our GDA House of Delegates was very special for me, and I knew that someday I would want to follow in their footsteps,” said Dr. Tourial. He served as GDA speaker from 2005-08. Dental Practice: Following his service in the U.S. Navy, Dr. Tourial became part of a general dentistry practice in Buckhead in Atlanta. In 1978, he moved to the Atlanta suburb of Sandy Springs to start his own practice. “This is one of those special cases where I never had to look back,” he said. Dr. Novy Scheinfeld eventually purchased the practice, and they have practiced together for almost 21 years. They recently added Dr. Nanci Lubell as a third practitioner. “We have always put our patients first, and I am proud of the commitment we constantly make to our patients,” said Dr. Tourial. “Sandy Springs has grown and is now a major city in Georgia. Our practice has continued to grow along with Sandy Springs, and I am proud that we are expanding to meet the needs of our community.”

Hobbies: Dr. Tourial has always been an avid sports fan. Baseball became his passion when he was batboy for the Atlanta Crackers Double A baseball team. He worked for the Atlanta Braves while studying in dental school, and has owned season tickets for Braves baseball since the early 1970s. Dr. Tourial played baseball in high school and played softball until just a few years ago. He collects baseball memorabilia and loves to talk about the ‘grand old game.’ The Tourials love to travel. They have enjoyed visiting sites all around the world, but also enjoy going away for a long weekend just to relax and read. Dr. Tourial used to just read sports magazines, but Susan has him reading novels and even non-fiction. When he is not attending a GDA meeting or at his dental office, you will probably find Dr. Tourial on the golf course. “I am lucky because my older grandsons enjoy playing golf,” said Dr. Tourial, “and now I have a great excuse to be out playing.” Worship: The Tourials are active members of Congregation Or VeShalom Synagogue in Atlanta. “I served as president of my synagogue in 1977-78 and again in 2005,” said Dr. Tourial. “I hold the distinct honor of being the first person to serve as president whose father was also president.”

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Sharing a Starbucks in Shanghai: Dr. Sidney and Susan Tourial blend American brand names and Chinese architecture.

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Travel lovers Dr. Sidney and Susan Tourial pose on the Great Wall of China during a recent trip.

The office employs what Dr. Tourial calls a “very pleasant and dynamic staff.” There are two dental hygienists—Will Hanna and Kathy Garske. They are joined by dental assistants Hope HensenHales, Melanie Clark, and Rose Moyer. Donna Lawrence and Lisa DeBlasio are the front desk / receptionist / insurance coordinators. President’s Cruise: May 15-25, 2013, Dr. Sidney and Susan Tourial will host a 10-day cruise that sails from Athens, Greece; winds throughout the sunny Greek Islands; and stops for two very special days in the Holy Land. “From the Acropolis in Athens to the Sea of Galilee to the majesty and history of Jerusalem, many of our GDA members will have an opportunity to follow the history of civilization,” said Dr. Tourial. “The Azamara Club cruise ship Journey, part of the Royal Caribbean fleet, can accommodate just over 600 passengers. The numerous amenities and benefits available, along with the impeccable service and value, will make this a memorable trip. “The GDA has reserved a limited number of cabins, so please make your plans and reserve your space soon,” he continued. “Susan and I would love for you to join us on this exciting trip.” (See page 23 for a full itinerary, costs, and details on making your reservation.) Annual Meeting: The GDA is returning to Hilton Head July 2528, 2013. “I am always thrilled to be going to Hilton Head since my family has been vacationing there for almost 40 years,” said Dr. Tourial. “We love it because there is so much to do for the entire

family. Swimming, boating, fishing, tennis, golf, and fabulous restaurants are everywhere. If you just want to relax, you can’t beat a GDA meeting at Hilton Head.” Dr. Tourial thanks his Annual Meeting General Chairman, Dr. Matt Mazzawi, and all of the chairs who will make the meeting in Hilton Head so special: Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mrs. Tammy Fussell Awards & Installation Breakfast . . . . . .Dr. Donna Thomas Moses Children’s Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Mike Loden Door Prizes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Grant Loo Exhibit Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Max Ferguson Friday Family Fun Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Troy Schulman Fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Jeff Singleton Fun Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Sarabess Baumrind Golf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Victor van Greuningen Hospitality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Ben Jernigan Kickoff Breakfast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Jeff Kendrick Memories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Jim Hall President’s Dinner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Evis Babo Clinical Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Mike Pruett Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Daren Becker Tennis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Tom Jagor Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Stuart Loos T-shirts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Scott Carter Tours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Byron Colley Volunteer Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dr. Richard Sugarman

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Dr. Tourial and Dr. Novy Scheinfeld (far right, standing) and their dynamic staff (standing): Donna Lawrence, Rose Moyer, Kathy Garske, and Lisa DeBlasio, and (seated) Will Hanna, Melanie Clark, and Hope Hensen-Hales.

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to address dental access. Can you discuss how the GDA is responding to this issue? The term “access to care” has taken on new importance over the last few years. We hear the term frequently from groups outside of dentistry now where we did not before. I see the strategy employed by groups like the Pew and Kellogg foundations as this. They paint a picture of great numbers of financially disadvantaged patients, many who are children and many who are in pain. They claim the patients cannot find any dentist for care. Then, they say what if there were mid-level providers who could just relieve pain with a simple surgical procedure? What if we could train these mid-levels more cheaply and faster than we could educate a dentist, because they would just be taught selective care? Of course, their rationale is then that if mid-level providers cost less to train, then somehow they can be employed for less

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money and offer lower cost care. This is a deeply flawed idea in my book. The GDA made a commitment this year to invest a significant amount of funding and time in a workforce census. We believe that the results will prove to policymakers that Georgia has a sufficient number of dentists to care for every patient in the state who wants and needs care. If there are access to care issues in Georgia, this census will help us point to other factors than workforce that need to be addressed. The American Dental Association has seen the extraordinary value of our census, and contributed funds to help the GDA defray the cost of the census and analysis. Georgia Health Sciences University has contributed funds as well. GDA staff members are now contacting the last 600 or so of the 5,620 licensed dentists in the state who have not taken the census. We may need to enlist member dentists to knock on the doors of the last holdouts. Once we have gained answers from every dentist, the census results go to the Andrew Young Georgia Health Policy Center for a thorough analysis. The GDA expects to receive the full analysis in late August or early September.

We are very proud that the GDA generated this census which will reveal our real dental workforce and our patients’ real access to dental care in Georgia. We are committed to make any changes necessary to address access issues in Georgia.

The GDA’s first Georgia Mission of Mercy (GMOM) in 2011 sought to educate policymakers about the lack of a dental safety net for low-income adults in Georgia. Medicaid does not cover preventive and regular care for poor adults—only emergency extractions. This event served hundreds of adults and received extensive media coverage. Will the GDA take part in another MOM? Our first Georgia Mission of Mercy was a great success. We reached out to the community, provided services to more than

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2,000 indigent individuals, and showed policymakers the desperate need among poor adults that we see in our practices and communities. Our members volunteered by the hundreds, and felt good about what they accomplished. Our GMOM patients could not thank us enough. We raised a lot of awareness with our first GMOM, but we feel that another GMOM will help us continue to serve those in immediate need and provide us a forum to communicate our messages about access and the need for education and safety net funding. We have scheduled another GMOM for June 13-16, 2013, at the North Atlanta Trade Center in Gwinnett County. Last year we were lucky to have two very dedicated doctors, Dr. Karyn Stockwell and Dr. Jonathan Dubin, co-chair our GMOM. Both doctors have graciously agreed to co-chair our second GMOM. Thanks to them and to all dentists who I know will step up and serve. We hope to have even more dentists and local volunteers participate on every level for this worthwhile project. I also encourage every GDA member to support GMOM by contributing to the GDA Foundation for Oral Health on their 2013 dues statement. This was one of the greatest projects the GDA has ever held to help indigent Georgians. I believe that so many dentists feeling so good about the dentistry being done, and the local and national awareness that resulted from GMOM made this experience very special for all of us. Now that we know what putting on GMOM means in terms of money, volunteers, and logistics, I believe the process will be easier next year. Still, it is a huge commitment, and we are busy making plans to handle this commitment. Dentists from all over Georgia are looking forward to “GMOM 2” next June.

You mentioned the lack of a dental safety net for adults in Georgia. Children do have a dental safety net, but as you have discussed, dental Medicaid is riddled with problems

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from funding inadequacies to bureaucratic red tape. What is the status of another safety net, dental public health? The Georgia Department of Public Health is undergoing a re-organization. They are busy planning programs to increase immunization rates, reduce infant mortality, and fight childhood obesity. Unfortunately, oral health care and dentistry are far down on their to-do list.

Dr. Sidney and Susan Tourial Budapest, Hungary, in 2012.

Our GDA has met with DPH Commissioner Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald to encourage the department to make dental health a higher priority. Our GDA Patient Protection Task Force, under the leadership of Dr. Ty Ivey, constantly monitors public health issues. GDA staff members attend every public health meeting to stay on top of what DPH does. There are many issues to monitor. We have more than 400,000 children in Georgia schools who can benefit from dental public health screenings. There are dental public health clinics sitting empty around the state. There has not been a State Dental Director for several months. We want to be a partner in helping strengthen dental public health, but we cannot bear this responsibility alone. The state needs to provide funding and support. Results from our workforce census may shed some light on ways we can move forward to help.

The GDA is making progress in many areas. How can you communicate the value of membership to Georgia dentists who have not joined? Times have changed, and our answers to questions about membership in the GDA must also change. When I joined the GDA, making that choice was a “no brainer.” When I got out of the Navy, my uncle, Dr. Jack Rousso, had all of the papers ready for me to sign in order to join. So I did. Today, new dentists face so many challenges in setting up and running a practice. There are the economic challenges of paying back school loans, buying equipment, and working with patients who need care but have limited resources. There are the time challenges of obtaining continuing education hours, staying current with material and technique advancements, and honoring family and community commitments. The GDA must work harder to show all dentists that belonging to organized dentistry pays great dividends and is worth the effort. Our membership numbers have not really decreased, but the number of dentists in Georgia simply continues to increase. We need to make sure that the dentists who move here and our new graduates know about our homegrown legislative advocacy which is our number one membership benefit. This invaluable service saves every dental practice hundreds of dollars annually by challenging legislation that adversely affects your practice or your patients. The insurance programs offered through Georgia Dental Insurance Services are outstanding in terms of cost and coverage. The GDA has more than 25 endorsed products that can save members big dollars. We have one of the very best association staff groups in the country that will help dentists find answers or to resolve problems. Every week, they help dentists maintain insurance coverage for their practices, win battles with bureaucracies and third party payers, and resolve issues

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The Tourials with grandchildren (top row) Hannah Tourial, Lily Schneider, and Gray Schneider, and (lower row) Simon Tourial and Owen Schneider.

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with patients via our Peer Review program just to name a few services. After we list all the tangible and intangible benefits, the most important thing we can tell potential new members is that by increasing our membership, together we have the opportunity to make dentistry in Georgia better than ever—better for our patients and for us as professionals. I am excited that the GDA, through our Recruitment and Retention Committee, has received a grant from the ADA to find ways to increase our membership in Georgia. I am going to ask all of us as members to reach out to one non-member this year and see if they will join us in our quest to keep dentistry working for all patients and all dentists in Georgia.

You want to educate policymakers, patients, and potential new members. That sounds like a monumental 22

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task! How do you plan to reach out to such different groups? The key is having excellent internal public relations—the ability to reach our members—and excellent external public relations. Our Public Relations Committee is making plans for an easier to use, mobile friendly web site that will get our messages to our members in a timely fashion. We continue to explore ways to utilize email and social media to get needed information to our members, much as we did when we recently fired off a set of talking points members could use when addressing a media story about x-rays. The Committee is also exploring ways to use traditional public relations methods like press releases and some cutting edge methods, such as harnessing the power of Facebook and search engine optimization, to communicate oral health messages to patients and steer them to members for care. Once patients are talking to a dental office about care options, the Public Relations Committee has also identified a resource, InfoProABC, which offers a wealth of patient education videos and

peer-reviewed literature that can help dentists guide patients onto the path for optimal oral health. One reason that Georgians may not access dental care is that they don’t value oral care. This year our GDA will make a special effort to help patients understand the importance of good oral health, and how easy it can be to see the dentist for “well care” visits twice a year. Patients in Georgia should not have to go to the emergency room to address dental pain. I want to make sure that education is no longer a barrier to access. The GDA is going to have major help from the ADA. The ADA, along with 35 other groups, formed the Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives in 2011. The Partnership and the Ad Council (Smokey the Bear was one of their public service campaigns) have produced and scheduled a $100 million national public relations campaign to target caregivers of young children and encourage them to brush “two times two” (two times a day for two minutes). The campaign rollout takes place in August in New York’s Times Square. There are going to be television spots and YouTube spots and print materials and the message is going to be everywhere. Dentists can access patient education materials branded with the “two times two” message to use in their practices and communities. In addition, the ADA has launched www.mouthhealthy.org, a new consumer oral health web site. When the Ad Council campaign rolls out, the ADA expects a huge number of visitors to this site as patients seek information on oral care. The site will prominently feature a “Find An ADA Dentist” search function and the ADA looks forward to members receiving increased patient referrals.

Sounds like a plan, Dr. Tourial. It sounds like a lot of good plans, and we have the good people to make it work. Together we can grow and make dentistry better in Georgia.

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board minutes Unofficial Actions of the June 2012 Board of Trustees Only the persons present, resolutions passed, and key issues discussed at this meeting are printed in this journal. For full minutes, visit www.gadental.org. If you do not have Internet access, contact Phyllis Willich at (800) 4324357 for a copy of the minutes. President Mike Vernon called the meeting to order on June 16, 2012, at 9:00 a.m. After the invocation and pledge of allegiance to the flag led by Dr. Mike Loden, Secretary/Treasurer Dr. Jim Hall called the roll and declared a quorum. Present: Dr. Mike Vernon, presiding; Drs. Robert Carpenter, Byron Colley, Keith Crummey, Jonathan Dubin, Jim Hall, Jay Harrington, Jim Hutson, Tom Jagor, Ben Jernigan, Mike Loden, Jim Lopez, Marshall Mann, Donald Nelson, Robin Reich, Amanda Merritt (for Steve Sample), Freddie Padilla, Jim Reynierson (for Craig Taylor), Doug Torbush, Sidney Tourial, Erik Wells, Michael Wright. Visitors: Drs. John Bowman, David Bradberry, Bruce Camp, Celeste Coggin, Stan Halpern, Bob O’Donnell, Kumar Patel, Kent Percy, Ed Smith, Richard A. Smith, Jimmy Talbot, Richard Weinman, GDA staff: Martha Phillips, Nelda Greene, Delaine Hall, Skip Jones, Courtney Layfield, Melana McClatchey, Denis Mucha, Phyllis Willich, Pam Yungk.

Minutes The minutes of the April 21, 2012, meeting were approved by general consent.

President’s Report (Dr. Mike Vernon) • Study Clubs continuing education protocol: the BOT discussed the proposed revision to the GDA policy concerning CE approval for study clubs. After a lengthy discussion, [12-6.01] Dr. Jay Harrington moved to approve the revised protocol for GDA approval of continuing education courses for study clubs as presented. [12-6.02] Dr. Marshall Mann moved to postpone motion [12-6.01] definitely until the August BOT meeting and refer the policy to the CE Committee for recommendations. The motion to postpone definitely passed. The BOT was encouraged to send comments on this topic to Nelda by July 1 (greene@gadental.org).

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Public Relations Committee Dr. Robin Reich and Ms. Nelda Greene presented public relations proposals for 2012-13. These included the national campaigns being sponsored by the ADA at no charge to the GDA or members: Ad Council television spots and collateral materials, the ADA’s new consumer web site (mouthhealthy.org) and the new product PatientSmart. Proposals from the PR firm, three, included a patient acquisition methodology provided by BrightWhistle and the services of three to manage this project. An on-line resource library for dentists and patients from Colorado, InfoProABC, was demonstrated. The Public Relations Committee supported budget proposal 4 as recommended by the Finance Committee, which includes InfoProABC for 12 months and the BrightWhistle/three proposal for three months. However, the PR Committee asked the BOT for funding for the BrightWhistle/three proposal for 12 months rather

than three months, which results in an $86,000 shortfall in funding. The BrightWhistle/three project cost for 12 months is $132,000. The PR Committee proposed a $35 dues assessment or increase to fund the 12 month proposal. Dr. Reich also stated that the PR Committee appreciates the Finance Committee’s recommendation to fund a GDA web site redesign for the coming year. Dr. Byron Colley moved for the Board of Trustees to recommend a $35 dues increase to fund the InfoProABC and the BrightWhistle proposal for 12 months instead of the proposed three months campaign. The motion failed. The BOT discussed other avenues for funding the public relations programs in lieu of an assessment or dues increase. [12-6.03] Dr. Sidney Tourial moved that the BOT support

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MINUTES Continued from page 24 funding the public relations program as recommended by the Finance Committee with the additional funding of the BrightWhistle/three proposal for 12 months rather than three months contingent on a positive evaluation after three months and six months. Funding for the additional three months will come from the excess $15,575 in the 2012-13 PR budget and the $17,168 in the 2012-13 Contingency Fund allocated for PR. At the conclusion of the six months, the PR Committee will present the findings of the BrightWhistle/three program to the BOT and if positive, the BOT will fund the additional amounts for six more months from the unrestricted reserve fund. The motion passed unanimously.

Committee Reports Constitution and Bylaws Dr. Bob Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell presented the proposed changes to the GDA Bylaws and Policy Manual concerning changing the IT Committee from a standing committee to a liaison with the PR Committee. [12-6.04] Dr. Tom Jagor moved to approve the change to the GDA Bylaws and Policy Manual as pre-

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sented by the Constitution and Bylaws Committee concerning the removal of the IT Committee from a standing committee to a liaison within the Public Relations Committee. The motion passed unanimously. This recommendation will be forwarded to the House of Delegates for its consideration in July.

Task Force to Develop Community Partnerships for Future GMOM Events Dr. Richard Smith stated that the task force felt that the BOT should approve the direction of the group before moving further. [12-6.05] Dr. Sidney Tourial moved for the Board of Trustees to endorse the Mission and the Objectives as presented by the Task Force to Develop Community Partnerships for GMOM events. The motion passed with one dissenting vote. Dr. Smith stated that the task force has developed a draft of responsibilities for the various stakeholder groups for future community GMOM events, which was presented to the BOT for their consideration. Dr. Smith said that the task force has convened several times and is making progress, but the group has not completed its charge. The BOT agreed to revise the date for a final report from the task force to January 2013 to the BOT and the House of Delegates.

Membership Services Dr. Becky Weinman provided a written report discussing the following topics: update on amalgam separators; continuing education CERP application; Dental Recovery Network; third party issues; and Expanded Duties proposed policy on Successful Completion of Expanded Duties Courses. The BOT reviewed the proposed policy on passing the written and clinical portions of the Expanded Duties Courses for Dental Assistants which delineates the requirements. [12-6.06] Dr. Marshall Mann moved to approve the GDA Policy on Successful Completion of Expanded Duties Courses as presented. The motion passed unanimously.

Finance Committee Dr. Jim Hall reported that the Finance Committee met June 8 to develop the FY2013 GDA budget and to handle other matters of the association. He presented the 2012-13 budget as recommended by the Finance Committee. [12-6.07] Dr. Erik Wells moved for the Board of Trustees to approve the FY2013 budget as recommended and presented by the Finance Committee. The motion passed unanimously. [12-6.08] Dr. Sidney Tourial moved for the Board of Trustees to approve the recommendation of the Finance Committee to rescind Sure Payroll as an endorsed product. The motion passed unanimously.

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[12-6.09] Dr. Sidney Tourial moved for the Board of Trustees to approve the recommendation of the Finance Committee to add a $5 convenience fee to all credit card transactions processed by the GDA. The motion passed unanimously.

New Business The BOT reviewed the GDA position paper “Autonomy of the Georgia Board of Dentistry.” [12-6.10] Dr. Erik Wells moved for the BOT to approve the GDA position paper “Autonomy of the Georgia Board of Dentistry.” The motion passed unanimously. Dr. Sidney Tourial stated that the ADA is no longer using Sturgis for its parliamentary procedure guide. [12-6.11] Dr. Sidney Tourial moved that the BOT recommend changing the GDA’s parliamentary procedure guide to the one utilized by the ADA and for this change to be forwarded to the Constitution and Bylaws Committee for implementation. The motion passed unanimously. Due to the publication requirements to the membership for a change to the GDA Constitution, this recommendation will be handled at the January 2013 House of Delegates meeting.

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classified ads How GDA members can place classified ads AD FORM: Submit all ads on a GDA Classified Advertisement Form. To obtain a form, call Skip Jones at (800) 432-4357 or (404) 636-7553, or email jones@gadental.org. (Note: The GDA may accept or reject any ad for any reason and in its sole discretion.)

AD DEADLINE: Ads and ad check payments are due by the first of the month before the publication month (i.e., Dec. 1 for January).

AD RATES: ADA member dentists pay $75.00 per 60-word ad per month. There is a 25 cents per-word charge for each word over 60. Non-dentist-owned companies (real estate firms, etc.) pay $195 per 60-word ad per month (additional word charges as above). Non-member dentists may not place ads.

LATE FEE: Ads for which full prepayment is not received by the first day of the ad’s publication month (i.e.; Nov. 1 for a November ad) will incur a $25 late fee in addition to the ad rate.

FORMS OF PAYMENT: Submit a check or money order with the ad form. (Make checks payable to GDA.) Credit cards are not accepted as payment.

WEB SITE PLACEMENT: Prepaid ads will appear on the GDA Web site www.gadental.org for the month the ad appears in print. Non-prepaid ads will NOT be placed online.

Dentists Available for Locum Tenens Dentist will fill in for illness, vacation, or continuing education. Licensed, insured, DEA #. Call (404) 786-0229 or email breighard@gmail.com. Dentist Available Daily (DAD): Dentist available during vacations, emergencies, and CE courses. Leave your practice in well-trained hands. I am licensed, insured, and have a DEA registration number so I can write prescriptions. Call Dr. Richard Patrick at (770) 993-8838. 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.

Positions Available West Central Georgia / LaGrange Area—We are looking for a very energetic and highly motivated dentist to work in our fast growing general practice. We have a lot of children as well as adults. Caring for our patients is our primary goal; a good chair-side manner is a must as well as a great personality. If you are interested, please forward resume to leowheat@yahoo.com or fax to (706) 884-2649.

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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.

Dental Equipment for Sale Dental Equipment For Sale: Planmeca EC Panoramic X-ray, 2 – Adec 5580 Rear Cabinets, 2 – Gendex GX-770 x-ray units, AirTech Vacstar 50 Evacuator system. Email for pricing and details to admin@westcobbdentaldesigns.com. For Sale: CEREC—practically brand new—just 18 months old. AC Blue Cam updated with 4.0 software. Milling Unit and Ivoclar Oven also included in this amazing package! Excellent condition; will listen to reasonable offers. Please call (912) 580-8876.

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Associate Opportunity in SE Georgia within close proximity to the Georgia coast, Brunswick, SSI areas. Open to New Graduates or early Retired Doctors, FT or PT. Nice staff, pleasant office, good income, and an amazing lifestyle. Please fax resume to (912) 638-0990. We have an outstanding part time opportunity in our successful, well-respected, quality oriented private pediatric dental practice for the right candidate. We are seeking a special, motivated, personable individual to join in our success. General dentists would require a minimum of at least 2 years experience in pediatric dentistry. We are a booming practice with tremendous growth and earning potential. We offer in-office sedation. We offer excellent compensation and benefits. For more information, please contact Amanda Moseley at amanda@kidshappyteeth.com or (678) 352-1090 / (678) 429-9931.

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Full-Time General Dentist needed to work in Acworth and Marietta. Minimum of 2 years experience OR GPR and one year experience. Great working environment and high tech office, with a friendly and very well trained team. A great opportunity for the right person. Please email resume to: Lakepointe@gmail.com.

Dentist Jobs: Aspen Dental offers tremendous earning potential and a practice support model that empowers dentists to achieve goals. We eliminate obstacles for dentists to own their own practice. To learn more about our compelling proposition and to apply, please call (877) 332-9154 or visit www.AspenDentalJobs.com. EOE

Charleston, South Carolina—join a pediatric practice with multiple offices. Join a fun, well-respected, paperless pediatric practice and live in a great city on the beach. The position is for someone looking for a great place to work in a friendly and comfortable working environment. Competitive salary & benefits. Email CV to drisabel@coastalkidsdental.com or call (843) 816-KIDS (5437). coastalkidsdental.com.

Practices/ Office Space Available

Georgia—Cartersville, Hiram, and East Point: Opportunity available for a general dentist in an established family practice. We are a multi-specialty group providing quality patient care. Locations in the Atlanta area. State-of-the-art offices. Excellent incentive packages. Requirements: Active Georgia license. To enquire please call (678) 387-2783 ext.1204.

ATLANTA—Prime, high-visibility Briarcliff Road location near Emory / CDC. Easy-to-find location off I-85 at Clairmont Road. Successful dental practice location for over 25 years; ideal for solo practice or satellite office. Three operatories, lab, private doctor’s office, business office, waiting room, and two baths. Ample free parking. Available July 1. Contact Doug Sill; (404) 483-5513 or doug@sillcommercial.com. Other potential locations available.

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Johns Creek—Brand new existing dental office. Lots of windows. First floor corner office. Ample parking. Part of a high quality mixed development. Next to St. Ives Country Club. Very high income area. Quality finishes. Orthodontist and family medicine practice in same development. High Visibility and never occupied. Call Mike Hart (404) 867-8372. Office available immediately: Brunswick, Georgia, in beautiful Golden Isles on the coast. Ideal location near the Hospital. Dental specialist nearby in the area. 2075 sq. ft, some equipment included. Two office buildings with Periodontist in adjacent office. Nitrous oxide, oxygen included. Four operatories, consultant room, private office. For lease or sale. Contact Dr. Mac Buntin at (912) 638-4802.

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AUGUSTA AREA: Don’t miss out on the opportunity to purchase an all FFS dental practice with high quality bread and butter dentistry! This five-operatory practice is in a free standing building in the Augusta area, and collected $840K last year with room to grow! For more information call (678) 482-7305, email amanda@southeasttransitions.com, or visit www.southeasttransitions.com. Available: BUCKHEAD: Beautiful, prime location, 4 operatories. DECATUR: Grossing $1.8 million, multi-doctor. GWINNETT: Grossing $550,000, 4 operatories. GWINNETT: Grossing $210,000, 4 operatories, great merger. TUCKER: Grossing $350,000, 5 operatories. MERGERS: Buckhead, Duluth, Mid-Town, Peachtree City. Contact Richane Swedenburg, New South Dental Transitions: (770) 6300436 or info@newsouthdental.com. Check new listings: www.newsouthdental.com.

Available: SAVANNAH AREA #8779— Gross Collections $1.05M; 4 days; 5 operatories; 2660 sq. ft. office space. ATLANTA PERIO #5241—Gross Collections $1.32M, 3 days, 4 ops; 2400 sq. ft. office space NORTH ATLANTA PERIO #5241—Associate needed for high tech perio practice. All phases of perio performed. PAULDING COUNTY #8799—Gross Collections $653K, 4.5 days, 6 ops, 3600 sq. ft. office space. NW GA #8816—Gross Collections $1.09M; 4 days; 5 ops; 2450 sq. ft. office space. COLUMBUS AREA #8824—Gross Collections $310K; 4 days, 6 ops; 3000 sq. ft. office space. NORCROSS OFFICE SPACE #8834—1750 sq. ft. office space and dental equipment for lease. Two fully equipped and 2 unequipped operatories. $2500 a month. For information, call Dr. Earl Douglas, (770) 664-1982 or email Earl@adssouth.com.

MANY OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE! DEKALB COUNTY PEDO PRACTICE collected $780K last year! PAULDING COUNTY collecting $300K with 50% overhead! LAKE OCONEE AREA all FFS practice grosses $1M annually and is expandable! SOUTHEAST COASTAL collecting over $1.2M a year! NORTHEAST GA collecting over $600K! LAKE HARTWELL AREA collecting $600K per year! For more information call (678) 482-7305 or email amanda@southeasttransitions.com. Available: Located on Main Highway— Nelson Brogdon Blvd in Buford / Sugar Hill. 1.5 miles from Mall of Georgia. 3,500 sq feet. Last used as Ortho. Also 1,200 sq feet previously used as Perio. Free standing building with over 50 general dentists nearby. Email cherdavis@bellsouth.net or call (770) 845-9159. Savannah: Successful, turnkey ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY practice. Doctor retiring. Two surgical suites. Great staff. Electric hand pieces. Plumbed for dry air pneumatic hand pieces. Excellent location in modern professional building. $300+K on 3 1/2 days / week. Great place to live and play. Priced to sell at $190K. Contact Dean Cox @ (678) 584-4855.

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Inside This Issue • GDA Advocacy Group Connections Keep Dentists in Loop with Initiatives • GDA Thanks Dr. Jonathan Dubin for Service as Editor DATED MATERIAL PLEASE DELIVER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

ACTION

Suite 200, Building 17, 7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Road Atlanta, Georgia 30328-1655 www.gadental.org