November/December 2014
Journal of the Georgia Dental Association
ADA House of Delegates Tackles CE Management and Other Issues in 2014
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GDACONTENTS NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2014 VOLUME 33, NO. 11
COMMENTARIES 5 • Editorial
Dr. David Bradberry on the ADA and members first.
7 • Feedback
Letters to the GDA editor.
9 • ADA Commentary
Dr. Red Stevens on how the ADA can engage new dentists.
11 • GDA Services
Executive Director Frank Capaldo on the new GDA health plan.
COLUMNS 13 • Endorsed Services
LegalShield offers prepaid legal plans and ID theft protection.
15 • Politics & Dentistry The GDA sets legislative goals for the 2015 session.
20 • ADA Annual Session Updates
The members of the Georgia delegation to the American Dental Association served in the House of Delegates at the ADA Annual Meeting in San Antonio in October. The delegation tackled many key issues, including the budget, dental education, CE oversight, membership, and practice management, but also enjoyed seeing their colleagues honored and seeing the installation of new ADA dentist leaders. (New ADA President Dr. Maxine Feinberg is pictured above.)
17 • Practice & Legal Issues Updates on amalgam separators and a proposed EPA regulation.
19 • Leadership Pathways Tips on seeing your practice like a patient sees your practice.
26 • MILESTONES 32 • BOARD MINUTES 34 • PROMOTIONS 35 • CALENDAR 36 • CLASSIFIEDS
24 • MEMBERSHIP
With your GDA membership, you receive special discounts, legislative advocacy, patient referrals, education, and news and tools to be successful, all for less than a cup of coffee a day. Read about the renewal process for 2015.
26 • MILESTONES
34 • PROMOTIONS
Member news and views featuring a report from the Voices for Georgia’s Children awards where Dr. Mark Shurett (above) was honored, along with updates on Dr. Neil Shah, Dr. Kent Simmons, and Hermey the Elf.
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and February 6, 2015, is Give Kids a Smile Day. The GDA website www.gadental.org has all of the resources you need to promote your practice ahead of this busy month! November/December 2014 • 3
ABOUTGDA GDA ACTION (ISSN 0273-5989; USPS PE-590290) The official Journal of the Georgia Dental Association is published 11 times/year. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to GDA Action, 7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Road N.E., Suite 200, Building 17, Atlanta, GA 30328. Dr. Doug Torbush (President) 1000 Iris Dr SW, Conyers, GA 30094 torbush@gmail.com Dr. David Bradberry (State Editor) 1070 Woodlawn Dr NE, Ste 250 Marietta, GA 30028 drbradberry@bellsouth.net Delaine Hall (Managing Editor) 7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NE Ste 200, Bldg 17, Atlanta, GA 30328 hall@gadental.org GDA Executive Office 7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Road Suite 200 Building 17 Atlanta, GA 30328-1655 Call (800) 432-4357 Call (404) 636-7553 Fax (404) 633-3943 www.gadental.org GDA ACTION seeks to be an issuesdriven journal focusing on current matters affecting Georgia dentists and patients accomplished by disseminating information and providing a forum for commentary. Closing date for all editorial and advertising materials: First of the month preceding the publication month. Subscriptions: $17 of GDA membership dues is for the journal; all others, $75 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Atlanta, GA. © Copyright 2014 by the Georgia Dental Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. Publication of any article or advertisement should not be deemed an endorsement of the opinions expressed or products advertised. The GDA expressly reserves the right to refuse publication of any article, photograph, or advertisement, and illustrate, reduce, or revise any article submitted.
4 • November/December 2014
YOUR PARTING SHOTS Medicaid Updates from the Dept of Community Health (From DCH) Oral health is an essential component of a child’s overall well-being. Although children covered by Medicaid have higher dental care utilization rates than do uninsured children, fewer than half of Medicaid-enrolled children nationally are receiving at least one preventive dental service each year. Georgia utilizes several metrics to monitor preventive dental service utilization. Using data from Georgia’s CMS 416 report, 48 percent of Georgia’s Medicaid-covered children between the ages of 1 and 20 years received one preventive dental service in federal fiscal year (FFY) 2011, and 14 percent of Medicaid-covered children ages 6–9 years received a sealant on a permanent molar in FFY 2011. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Georgia Department of Community Health are committed to improving access to oral health care among children and adolescents enrolled in Medicaid through the Oral Health Initiative. We hope to improve children’s
access to oral health care while emphasizing the importance of preventive dental services. The Georgia Department of Community Health will need the help of Georgia dentists to achieve goals set by CMS for the state. The target date for achievement of our goals is September 30, 2015. Our goals are to: 1) Increase, by 10 percentage points, the percentage of Medicaid children (ages 1-20 years) that receive a preventive dental service; and 2) Increase, by 10 percentage points, the percentage of Medicaid children (ages 6-9 years) that receive a sealant on a permanent molar. GDA staff members are engaged with the Department of Community Health to monitor the rollout of the DCH oral health initiative that will seek to meet these goals. Look for an article in the January 2015 GDA Action with additional information. GDA member dentists with questions regarding these goals or dental Medicaid can contact Director of Member Services Stephanie Lotti at lotti@gadental.org or (404) 636-7553.
NOV&DECADS ADS South ..................................................................18 AFTCO Transition Consultants ............................12 Center for TMJ Therapy .........................................38 Coast Dental ................................................................ 2 Craniofacial Pain Center of Georgia ..................18 Dental Care Alliance ................................................. 6 Dr. Mark Padolsky—TMD Dentist ........................ 8 E-VAC Inc.....................................................................22 GDA Dental Recovery Network ............................ 8 Georgia Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry........22 Georgia Dental Insurance Services ............10, 40 Georgia Mission of Mercy .....................................39 Great Expressions ....................................................12 Hospital Dentistry—Dr. Kurtzman ...................... 6 HP ..................................................................................30 Lands End ...................................................................31 Map Laboratory .......................................................16 Paragon Dental Practice Transitions ................... 8 Southeast Transitions.............................................16
November/December 2014
Journal of the Georgia Dental Association
ADA House of Delegates Tackles CE Management and Other Issues in 2014
Advertise in GDA Action! Email Skip Jones at jones@gadental.org for rates.
ADA 2014: Members First. Always.
GDA Editor Dr. David Bradberry.
“This ADA ... course of action will make for a stronger, more dynamic ADA and GDA that will be there to serve the members. These and other initiatives are laser-focused in one direction — you, the member, and your success.” DR. DAVID BRADBERRY State Editor Phone (770) 977-8644 drbradberry@bellsouth.net DELAINE HALL Managing Editor Phone (404) 636-7553 hall@gadental.org SKIP JONES Advertising Manager Phone (404) 636-7553 jones@gadental.org
For several years now we have heard of an idea referred to as “the dental home.” This concept began shortly after the advent of “the medical home.” Both are intended to confer the idea that all people of all ages should have a medical and dental office accessible to them for the purpose of receiving ongoing care and treatment as necessary. This is a great ideology that strives to overcome all supposed barriers and be inclusive of all people. The “home” represents a change in the previous philosophy that dominated the health care professions of earlier decades, that which espoused a patient-centered direction. As I’ve said on many occasions, I believe we are seeing the technology and health care revolution unfold before our eyes. The health care professions are undergoing massive changes. Everything from the training of providers to payment systems is being reviewed and remodeled. Technology used in patient care is exponentially exploding. In last month’s article I asked what our dental association might look like in 10, 20, or more years, looking from a perspective of what if there was no organized dentistry representation. As a continuation of this thought I am going to look at another aspect of all our professional lives. Where is our profession going and what roads will we take to get there? We’ve established that change is inevitable. It is the prudent and caring doctor who recognizes the challenge and tries to help mold that change into the best outcome for both patients and doctors. To that end your GDA and ADA work diligently to protect the best environment for patients and practitioners. I recently returned from the ADA meeting in San Antonio, Texas. What is now called ADA 2014: America’s Dental Meeting was a large and great affair. The CE courses ranged from short informative sessions to hands-on anatomy lessons. Many renowned speakers presented their knowledge for all to consume. The vendors showed the latest and greatest dental technology for everyone’s amazement. However, there was something else going on behind the flashy wares and eloquent speakers. Besides the lectures, product demonstrations, and school alumni functions, there were dentists who quietly
went about the work they were asked to do. I’m speaking of your ADA Delegation. Some may ask, what is our ADA Delegation? A fair question that every member should ask. The GDA is divided into seven districts. Each district is proportionally allowed by member count to elect delegates to represent them and the state in matters before the ADA House of Delegates (HOD). The HOD is where association activities, policies, budget, and other matters are decided. The delegate body as a whole decides what policies or “bills” will be accepted for implementation and what will not. All representatives of the HOD, including your delegates, worked diligently on topics that affect dental practice today and will affect it in the future. This included current and proposed models of dental education, dental benefit plans that operate closed provider panels, and chairside medical screening in the dental office to name a few. In the past months I’ve spoken with you about the “Power of Three.” This ADA vision seeks to gain knowledge of what members want and work diligently to provide it. This course of action will make for a stronger, more dynamic ADA and GDA that will be there to serve the members. These and other initiatives are laser-focused in one direction — you, the member, and your success. Georgia dentists provide dental or health homes for the patients of Georgia. Your ADA and GDA are providing a home for you with the professional services you need. Change is here and your leadership is stepping up to the task at hand. You have observed the positive actions the GDA and ADA have taken to provide products and services for you. You will continue to see more benefits as we implement the vision of the ADA. Together we can build it and all dentists will want to be a part of our new direction. I will always be an advocate for you and your patients’ best interests. What is good for you and your patients is what is good for the tripartite. Members First … always.
November/December 2014 • 5
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GDAFEEDBACK To the Editor, I feel that a few points of clarification are in order regarding Dr. David Bradberry’s editorial in the August 2014 GDA Action (“Are You Better Off Now?”). To begin with the S&P 500 has nearly doubled in the last four years so if you are not better off than you were then, you had better fire your financial planner. But what does that have to do with the Affordable Care Act (ACA)? Very little. And if “he won’t comment who will”? No one except every cable “news” channel on the planet. This four-year time table is meaningless since the beginning of the ACA is much younger than that and the exchanges only started less than one year ago. The initial Healthcare.gov rollout was a debacle and some heads rolled, but the 7 million enrollees anticipated was exceeded by 1 million. When corporate and group enrollees are counted more than 10 million previously uninsured persons are now covered. Many of the additional benefits are just being felt such as kids up to age 26 on parents’ policies, preexisting illnesses eliminated from exclusion, newly acquired illnesses excluded from reasons to drop coverage and the huge benefit to hospitals and clinics everywhere that are seeing a significant drop in uninsured (read uncompensated) patient care. Private practicing dentists and physicians may or may not accept patients based on financial status, but hospital emergency rooms cannot turn anyone away. The ACA represents a significant gain for small rural and downtown big city hospitals’ fiscal health. The editorial’s claim of higher premiums requires a closer look. Did health care insurance premiums increase in the last year, or last four years, or last 30 years? Yes. However, carefully analyzed data reveals that the rate of premium increases and the rate of health care costs nationally have slowed since the beginning of the ACA. So we don’t have the problem solved, but the ACA is taking us in the right direction. Are benefits dwindling? As scientists I hope that dental professionals or any others are not relying on what our patients tell us anecdotally about anything for which there is reliable data. We have already established that there are huge benefits as stated above, but yes, there will be some for whom benefits
are fewer or premiums are higher and those are mostly for those of us who are rich. I hear a lot these days about patriotism that involves bombs and invasions and drones. What could be more patriotic than those of us at the top paying a little bit more so that every American has at least minimal health care coverage? Finally, the failure of our governor to accept the Medicaid expansion was a real bonehead partisan move. As Dr. Bradberry points out we are paying for other states’ Medicaid expansions. Many states are starting to see the error of their ways, like Pennsylvania,
and deciding to opt in. Meanwhile Tennessee, Utah, and Wyoming are preparing to join up. Smart move. So am I better off than four years ago? Not that it is relevant to the ACA, but you bet I am. Others? Well, some are better off, some are the same as before, and a few are paying higher premiums, but none can ever be denied or dumped. I’d say that we are moving in the right direction.
Sincerely, Robert A. Bays, DDS Atlanta, GA
Submit Your Letters and Comments to the Editor GDA member dentists are invited and encouraged to send letters and comments about dental topics and association activities to Editor Dr. David Bradberry at drbradberry@bellsouth.net or Managing Editor Delaine Hall at hall@gadental.org. All comments submitted may be considered for publication, with the writer’s permission, in GDA Action as a letter to the editor. Such submissions may be subject to editing for length and clarity if required. Submission of a letter or comment does not guarantee publication. Comments should be limited to 500 words.
November/December 2014 • 7
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How the ADA Can Engage the New Dentist
ADA Fifth District Trustee Dr. Red Stevens.
“I hope you agree with me that this next generation [of dentists] is a very strong one. If we can succeed in serving their needs, our Association will be a success now and in the future.”
DR. RED STEVENS American Dental Association Fifth District Trustee (205) 960-0074 redstevens66@mac.com stevensa@ada.org
I want to talk about a recent American Dental Association Board of Trustees (Board) meeting that focused on the new dentist. I think you might find the insights we discussed interesting. The Board was pleased to have the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) president and executive director talk to us. Combined with our strategic discussion topic of millennials and our dinner with the ASDA board, this allowed us to improve our insight into this important group. Our strategic topic discussion allowed the Board to review detailed data on younger dentists. Seven members of the ASDA board joined us in our discussion. We identified some key characteristics of this generation: Desiring instant answers and responses; liking Facebook pages with a heavy emphasis on photos and videos; having high connectivity and a low “joining” impulse (although one of our ASDA guests noted they are joiners if they are influenced by their social networks to do so); desiring to engage in positive or altruistic activities; being attentive to social media, but less so to email; feeling driven to self fulfillment both professionally and personally (one ASDA board member noted that members of his generation value their free time as a way towards personal fulfillment); and wanting information in small bites augmented by graphics and video. Our discussions also led us to the conclusion that we need to act on data, not on the impressions of leaders. Our data demonstrated that our leaders are not representative of general members, much less dental students or new dentists. In addition to relying on data, we need to make room for younger dentists to actively participate in our leadership to help make it more representative. At the same time, our discussion highlighted our need to address the requirements of both younger members and long-time members. This will require careful balancing. We asked our ASDA guests how we could improve our communication to their generation. The key is providing immediate, readily available information. This generation is very tech-capable which makes them impatient with glitches and shortcomings. We asked the ASDA members to describe success. One member described
success as having solid relationships with patients, which will happen to lead to professional success. What do dental students want from the ADA? A greater presence at the schools, a focus on each stage of their careers, and the ability to choose what they want when they want it. At the same time, we recognize that the ADA cannot provide everything dental students and young dentists want and need. The local experience is key. The local society needs to be welcoming and always present. Local and state new dentist committees may be the primary connection between dental students and organized dentistry. Students are anxious to learn from young dentists near to their age who have experienced what is in their immediate future. I hope you agree with me that this next generation is a very strong one. If we can succeed in serving their needs, our Association will be a success now and in the future. Your ADA Board moved from our discussion with the ASDA board to a presentation of our new and developing dental school strategy. We know that the early years out of school are critical to building life-long membership. We also know that the dental school experience is a critical predictor of life-long membership. A key aspect of the strategy is to increase student engagement at the state and local levels by collaborating closely in the approach, the messaging, and value proposition with the local and state dental societies. (This approach was validated by comments made by the ASDA board members earlier in the day). We at the national level can provide resources to the state and local societies to encourage this approach and make it easier. We also need to offer different value at different stages of the life and practice of a young member. This too echoed portions of our strategic topic discussion. We look forward as a Board to understanding and embracing this initiative and continuing to embrace new and established dentists at all levels of the tripartite.
November/December 2014 • 9
You put your family first. So does your GDA.
When you’re a GDA member, you’re family. Let us create a health insurance plan that’s right for you. Working on behalf of our members, we researched hundreds of plans and negotiated competitive rates to bring you all new plans in 2015 that meet a variety of lifestyle and budgetary needs. Visit www.MyGDIS.com to review our six new plans. There are individual plans available in addition to the group coverage so there is something for everyone. Plus, we have a new vision benefit and lower costs.
Call (404) 636-7553 or visit www.MyGDIS.com for GDA health plan information. 10 • November/December 2014
GDA: Making Health Plan Selection Easier
GDA Executive Director Mr. Frank Capaldo.
“When you’re a GDA member, you’re family. Not only can the GDA help you create a health plan that’s right for you, we can assist you with other coverages and services that can help you personally and professionally.” FRANK CAPALDO GDA Executive Director (800) 432-4357 (404) 636-7553 capaldo@gadental.org PATRICE WILLIAMS GDA Executive Assistant (800) 432-4357 (404) 636-7553 williams@gadental.org
Selecting a health insurance plan can be daunting, but the GDA has made the process simple. Working on behalf of our members, we researched hundreds of plans and negotiated competitive rates to bring you all new plans in 2015 that meet a variety of lifestyle and budgetary needs. Members, visit www.MyGDIS.com for details on six new health and welfare plans. If after reviewing the plans you don’t find one that meets your needs, give the GDA a call and we’ll help find one that does. The GDA health and welfare plans feature new benefits for 2015: • Lower cost plans available • Added vision benefit • Individual plans in addition to group plans Current enrollees, renew your health insurance coverage for 2015 by completing an open enrollment form and submitting the form to the GDA by December 15, 2014. Benefits are effective January 1, 2015. Forms are available from www.MyGDIS.com. Please note that completing an open enrollment form or waiver is required for every person in an office. See the MyGDIS.com website for additional details on this requirement. The GDA health and welfare plan enrollment packet includes a comprehensive overview of benefits and programs. The packet as well as full plan summaries are posted on www.MyGDIS.com. Georgia Dental Insurance Services (GDIS) is the plan administrator for the GDA health and welfare plan. If you have questions about your health coverage or any of the new GDA health and welfare plans, please call the GDA office and ask for Victoria LeMaire or Skip Jones at (404) 636-7553.
Look Once, Look Twice: New GDA Vision Benefit
With Blue View Vision , you have access to a network of over 30,000 doctors and more than 25,000 locations across the country, including convenient stores like LensCrafters®, Sears OpticalSM, Target Optical®, JCPenney® Optical, and most Pearle Vision® stores. SM
The new vision coverage includes a routine eye exam, frames, and either eyeglass lenses or contact lenses. Kids can get Transitions® lenses to protect their eyes from harmful UV rays and polycarbonate lenses to help protect them from damage at no additional cost. Visit www.MyGDIS.com for more details on the new vision benefit.
GDA Coverage: It’s About Family
You put your family first. So does your GDA. When you’re a GDA member, you’re family. Not only can the GDA help you create a health plan that’s right for you, we can assist you with other coverages and services that can help you professionally and personally, including: Data Breach: Get coverage in case of a breach of patient information. The GDA and GDIS can help you determine if data breach coverage from The Hartford is the right choice for your practice. Disability: You are your most valuable dental practice asset. If your income stops because of a disability, what will replace your income? The GDA and GDIS can help you find an appropriate policy. Professional Liability: GDA, GDIS, and Medical Protective will work with you to obtain this valuable coverage. The liability insurance policy and company you choose can have long-lasting effects throughout your professional career. Property / Casualty: GDA and GDIS can help you protect your practice in case of damage or disaster. We are looking at potentially another difficult winter. Think about what would happen if storms, ice, or snow wreaked havoc on your office. Everything we do at the GDA is for the best interests of oral health, dentistry, and you now and into the future. That philosophy informs everyone that the executive office staff and I serve you and therefore we will always strive to be member driven. Our staff looks forward to assisting you. November/December 2014 • 11
WHAT’S THE SAYING?
There’s strength in a group committing to its community?
That’s our experience at least.
When Great Expressions Dental Centers is affiliating with new offices we focus on the whole community, affiliating with several local offices including your own, concentrating our resources there, and building a support network for our doctors. So that you and the community you serve have all the support you need. Help is a call away: Contact Kurt Harvey, Vice President of Business Development, to discuss affiliating your practice with Great Expressions Dental Centers. affiliate@greatexpressions.com 248-203-1110
Call 1-800-232-3826 for a free practice appraisal, a $5,000 value!
AFTCO is the oldest and largest dental practice transition consulting firm in the United States. AFTCO assists dentists with associateships, purchasing and selling of practices, and retirement plans. We are there to serve you through all stages of your career.
Oluwaseun G. Thompson, D.D.S. has acquired the practice of
Janet J. Stiles, D.D.S. -
Atlanta, Georgia
AFTCO is pleased to have represented both parties in this transition.
Helping dentists buy & sell practices for over 40 years. 12 • November/December 2014
WWW.AFTCO.NET
SPOTLIGHT ON GDA ENDORSED SERVICES AND THEIR BENEFITS:
LEGALSHIELD: PREPAID LEGAL PLANS PLUS ID THEFT GUARD The GDA endorsed company LegalShield has offered prepaid legal plans for 40 years. With LegalShield on your side, you’ll have access to an experienced law firm for as little as $20 a month. From real estate to document review, speeding tickets to will preparation, and more, LegalShield attorneys are ready to advise GDA members on any legal matter. LegalShield law firms are paid in advance so their focus is on serving you rather than billing you. With a LegalShield legal plan you will be protected and empowered.
How the LegalShield Service Works
Step 1: Become a LegalShield member. Visit www.legalshield.com/info/gda. You can choose the basic LegalShield legal plan, the LegalShield identity theft plan, or the LegalShield identity theft premium plan. When you sign on with LegalShield, the plan not only covers you as a member but also your spouse, never-married dependent children of the member or member’s spouse who are under 26 and living at home, children under age 18 for whom the member or member’s spouse is the legal guardian, fulltime never-married students under 26 years old if the student is a dependent of the mem-
For information about GDA endorsed LegalShield services, contact Linda Harvey at (904) 573-2232 or linda@lindaharvey. net or Kevin Torres at (407) 529-8030 or ktorres@LegalShieldAssociate.com. Visit the NEW LegalShield and GDA website at www.legalshield.com/info/gda.
ber or member’s spouse, and any dependent child, regardless of age, who is incapable of sustaining employment because of mental or physical disability and who is chiefly dependent on the member or member’s spouse for support.
personal document review and preparation, standard will preparation, residential loan document assistance, moving traffic violations, uncontested name change assistance, and certain uncontested adoption, separation, or divorce issues.
Step 2: Receive your membership packet in the mail that explains your benefits and gives you a toll free number for your provider law firm. All LegalShield provider attorneys must be in good standing with the state bar association; have a service philosophy parallel to the high standards of LegalShield; and understand and appreciate the everyday legal needs GDA members face. The typical LegalShield attorney has 19 years of experience.
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Step 3: Register on the member website with the information from your packet to access updated news and information. Step 4: Contact your provider law firm if legal questions or legal issues arise using your toll free number. A representative will ask for your name and the membership number from your membership card. Step 5: Explain your legal concern to the representative so LegalShield can select an attorney for you who knows the most about your legal question. Step 6: Provide a contact number and an appropriate time when you can be reached so an experienced attorney can return your call within eight business hours.
What are Some of the Basic LegalShield Services Offered?
LegalShield Client Testimonial: “As a victim of identity theft, I don’t want to go through that again. I spent hours getting my life back in order. Identity theft impacts every area of your life. LegalShield stands out among other services because they provide a licensed fraud investigator to your case to provide full identity restoration.” ____________________________________
What Identity Theft Protection Services Does LegalShield Offer?
LegalShield offers two high quality identity theft protection plans in addition to the basic legal plan. The LegalShield Identity Theft Plan provides standard identity monitoring and the Identity Theft Premium Plan has more comprehensive monitoring. Both services provide Comprehensive Identity Restoration from Kroll. In the unfortunate event something does happen to your identity, you’ll have professional help in getting your identity restored to what it was before the fraud occurred.
A basic LegalShield plan could include advice and consultation, letter writing, November/December November/December2014 2014• •13 13
“I was thrilled to attend my first GDA LAW Day in 2014. It was tremendously eye opening. Seeing the inside of the Gold Dome and the bustle of activity made me realize the need for a strong presence that speaks up for the needs of the dental community and our patients.” Dr. Mayur Nayee Northwestern District
See page 15 for a LAW Day schedule and sign up today. 14 • November/December 2014
POLITICAL ISSUES FROM THE DENTAL POINT OF VIEW:
SETTING GOALS FOR THE STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSION IN 2015 The GDA Governmental Affairs Committee, GDA leadership, and key members of the association staff have identified several initiatives that the GDA will pursue during the 2015 legislative session. These initiatives include, but are not limited to: • Seeking an appropriation to create a dental student loan repayment program. This program would grant service cancelable loans to dentists to repay outstanding dental education debt in return for practicing in underserved rural areas. • Seeking tax credits for dentists who commit to practice in Georgia’s rural areas. A tax credit is a common sense approach to incentivize dentists to practice in these areas. A tax credit has been available for physicians in rural areas for nearly two decades. • Monitoring funding in the Department of Community Health budget as it relates to dental Medicaid and the Board of Dentistry. • Continuing to advocate for access to care for adults in Medicaid and promoting basic preventive and restorative care coverage for adults in dental Medicaid.
Receive GDA updates on the 2015 legislative session! The GDA sends an email weekly during the session with news about “Gold Dome” happenings. Don’t miss this valuable insight! Email Delaine Hall at hall@ gadental.org to be added to the GDA Insider email list.
The GDA anticipates possibly working with the Medical Association of Georgia and other health care provider groups on: • Legislation to alleviate the uncertainty providers have regarding insurers’ ability to change reimbursement rates at any time and for any reason. • Addressing “all-products” clauses that appear in insurance plans and require a provider, as a condition of participating in any of the health plan’s products, to participate in all of the health plan’s products. Members of the GDA legislative advocacy team have crisscrossed the state this fall attending district legislative receptions and talking to dentists and legislators about the GDA’s agenda. Fatimot Ladipo, GDA director of government affairs, and Melana McClatchey, general counsel, have attended every reception, with President Doug Torbush and Executive Director Frank Capaldo attending multiple events. Thanks to every dentist who has attended a reception. Fatimot Ladipo and Melana McClatchey will also conduct the LAW Day programs held weekly during the session. If you have never attended a LAW Day, treat yourself to this unique experience. Enjoy breakfast with your colleagues, an issues overview and insight into the legislative process from GDA staff, and then talk to legislators about your profession and your patients and how proposed legislation would impact both. See the schedule below and alert Phyllis Willich in the GDA office at (800) 432-4357 or willich@gadental.org as to what days you can attend. GDA members and Alliance spouses are welcome at any LAW Day.
2015 LAW Days
Jan 28: GRU Dental Students Feb 4: Georgia Dental Society Feb. 11: Southwestern District/ Alliance Dental Spouses Feb. 18: Northern District Feb. 25: Northern District Feb 26: Southeastern District* Mar. 4: Northwestern District Mar. 11: Eastern District Mar. 18: Western District/ Northern District Mar. 25: Central District *This is a Thursday LAW Day. All other LAW Days take place on Wednesday. _________________________________
“I was thrilled to attend my first LAW Day in 2014. It was tremendously eye opening. Seeing the inside of the Gold Dome and the bustle of activity made me realize the need for a strong presence that speaks up for the needs of the dental community and our patients.” Dr. Mayur Nayee (center above), with Drs. Brent Pennington and Michael Smith.
_________________________________ Frank Capaldo as well as Stephanie Lotti, GDA director of member services, will also be part of the advocacy team serving at the capitol during the session. Contact the GDA office to speak with any of the GDA staff members involved in legislative advocacy if you have any questions. November/December 2014 • 15
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A GDA PERSPECTIVE ON PRACTICE LEGAL AND ETHICS ISSUES:
UPDATES ON AMALGAM SEPARATORS AND THE EPA The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced in September that officials had developed initial amalgam separator standards for dental offices. The EPA hosted a public hearing on the rule November 10 in Washington, D.C. and is expected to finalize the standards in September 2015. According to the Federal Register, “the proposed rule would require all affected dentists to control mercury discharges to publicly owned treatment works (POTW) by reducing their discharge of dental amalgam to a level achievable through the use of the best available technology (amalgam separators) and the use of best management practices.” Dentists would be required to demonstrate their compliance to the new rule by “installing, operating, and maintaining amalgam separators.” The EPA approximates that compliance with the rule will keep an estimated 4.4 tons of mercury per year out of publicly owned treatment works and the agency estimates the financial burden for the average dental office to be approximately $700 per year. Dental offices that have already installed amalgam separators that do not
The ADA’s “best management practices” (BMPs) encourage dentists to consider voluntarily installing and using amalgam separators in their offices. Member dentists may visit www.ada.org and search for the term ‘BMP’ to find a variety of resources on how to safely dispose of dental amalgam.
meet the EPA’s proposed amalgam removal efficiency standards would still be considered in compliance with the rule for the life of the amalgam separator, according to a provision in the current proposal. Dr. Sally Cram, an ADA consumer advisor spokesperson, represented the ADA at the November 2014 EPA hearing. The ADA, based on a 2010 House of Delegates action, supports a reasonable national pre-treatment standard for amalgam waste, provided that the rule meets nine conditions. Dr. Cram noted in her testimony that EPA has largely met these nine conditions but that problems remain with the proposed rule. Dr. Cram testified that the ADA would be offering detailed comments on the proposed rule. Though the majority of the mercury received in wastewater is removed by the processes used in POTWs, some of the mercury found in dental amalgam does reach the environment. When dental offices use amalgam separators, however, the amount of amalgam and mercury in dental office wastewater can be reduced by more than 95 percent. At least a dozen states have already instituted mandatory programs that require dentists to reduce dental mercury discharges. Georgia does not currently require dentists to install amalgam separators. The ADA developed a series of “best management practices” (BMPs) in 2007 that encourage dentists to consider voluntarily installing and using amalgam separators. Member dentists are encouraged to visit the ADA website www.ada.org and search for the term “BMP’ to find a variety of resources to help dental offices understand the potential impact of this new regulation and learn how to handle dental amalgam within a practice. The website features a practical guide for disposing of amalgam waste in your practice;
information on how to purchase, install, and operate amalgam separators; and a directory of amalgam recyclers. Here are the ADA’s tips for recycling amalgam waste, reprinted from “Best Management Practices for Amalgam Waste” (October 2007):
Steps for Recycling Amalgam Waste 1. Stock amalgam capsules in a variety of sizes to minimize the amount of amalgam waste generated.
2. Amalgam waste may be mixed with bodily fluids, such as saliva, or other potentially infectious material, so use personal protective equipment such as utility gloves, masks, and protective eyewear when handling it. 3. Contact an amalgam waste recycler about any special requirements that may exist in your area for collecting, storing, and transporting amalgam waste. If you need a recycler, check with your city, county, or local waste authority to see whether they have an amalgam waste recycling program. 4. Store amalgam waste in a covered plastic container labeled “Amalgam for Recycling” or as directed by your recycler. Your recycler may have its own requirements so ask the company about containers and what may be placed inside them. 5. Look for recyclers that comply with the ADA-ANSI standard. This standard is meant to encourage recycling. Thanks to Ashley Daly for her research and her many contributions to the writing of this article. November/December 2014 • 17
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HELPING DENTISTS LEAD PERSONALLY & PROFESSIONALLY
SEEING YOUR PRACTICE LIKE A PATIENT SEES YOUR PRACTICE Making the critical shift from a self-focused to a patient-focused mindset is not easy. However, I believe it is the most impactful way to position yourself on a path to successful practice, and to move down that path. So how do we apply the patient-centric philosophy to real life practice? Here are a few practical examples of the patient-centric mindset in action.
The patient-centric business
While good customer service is standard, few practitioners conceptualize it to the extent that the value of customer service actually shapes and defines the practice. Generally, the dentist starts by establishing the practice as she sees fit. Then, she tweaks her administration and management of the practice as a result of trial-and-error, good advice from colleagues, and something she learned from a course. Eventually, through experience enough positive changes have been implemented so that patients are satisfied. This is an ego-centric approach, in which the practice is created by the doctor for herself and retrofitted to the patients’ needs. The patientcentric mindset takes the opposite approach, creating the practice for the patient from the very beginning. While the two philosophies could yield similar end results, the conceptualization of the patient-centric practice is entirely different.
Author Dr. Ryan Dulde granted the GDA permission to reprint this article which was originally published on his blog (http://excursives.com). Dr. Dulde is a Wisconsin Dental Association member.
In his classic, The E-Myth Revisited, Michael Gerber contrasts the entrepreneur and technician mindsets. He describes the “Fatal Assumption” as the belief that one understands a business that does technical work because one understands the technical work itself. Dentists seem exceptionally susceptible to this line of thinking. The technician applies an ego-centric mindset, responding primarily to the needs of himself; the entrepreneur applies a patient-centric mindset, responding primarily to the needs of the customer. The challenge for new dentists entering business is two-fold: obtain the knowledge needed to function effectively as an entrepreneur and manager, and resist the urge to abdicate away your business in order to play the comfortable role of technician.
The chair-side mindset
As a fresh face in an established practice, building my patient base relies on the relationships I establish at new patient exams. Thinking that I was winning patients over, I was actually making a mistake that many students and new grads make: my new patient exam was a miniature version of a dental school lecture. At some point in the conversation about the pros and cons of various dental materials, the eye contact from the patient fades. The patient isn’t asking questions. We’ve run out of time. I walk away thinking, “Wow, I think I really nailed it.” I totally did not nail it. I can’t thank my business manager enough for calling me out on this early—who knows how long I could have gone on like that! When was the last time your patient asked, “How many megapascals of compressive strength will my lithium disilicate crown have?”
My new patient exams were ego-centric. I was doing that exam for me. I was more concerned with demonstrating my knowledge of dentistry than how to tailor the message to perfectly suit the patient’s wants and needs. I was processing treatment plan options out loud, probably leaving my patient feeling confused and overwhelmed. With some coaching and the adoption of a patientcentric mindset, my new patient exams now revolve around the short- and long-term benefits of treatment, rather than the properties of various ceramics.
Patient-centric conflict?
In more than one associate interview, I was questioned about conflict. Do you see any value in it? How do you handle it with a staff member? How do you handle it with your boss? The best answer I have is that which derives from the principle of patient-minded practice: “If we’re truly 100% patient-focused and patient-centered, I just don’t see how there can be any room for staff conflict that isn’t constructive or beneficial for the patient experience.” This response was met with overwhelming approval from the entire team. If everyone commits to making patients the central focus, internal conflict is more than just a squabble—it damages the practice’s core value. A credible and consistent leader, rooted in patient-centric philosophy, has the power to swiftly diffuse conflict. Gone are the days when patients were referred to as “my denture-over-partial” rather than by name. The challenges ahead will require a new patient-centric mindset. Make the patient experience your first concern, and your long and happy career will be off to a successful start. November/December 2014 • 19
AMERICA’S DENTAL MEETING: UPDATES FROM THE 2014 ADA ANNUAL SESSION IN TEXAS The members of the Georgia delegation to the American Dental Association (pictured above) joined the other members of the Fifth District, Alabama and Mississippi, to serve in the House of Delegates at the ADA Annual Meeting in San Antonio in October. The delegation tackled many key issues at this meeting, including the ADA budget, dental education, continuing education oversight, membership, and practice management. They also enjoyed seeing their colleagues honored and witnessing the installation of new ADA dentist leaders. 20 • November/December 2014
“The Georgia delegation and the whole Fifth District worked hard for dentistry,” said Delegation Chair Dr. Carol Wolff. “We don’t get to attend continuing education courses or visit the exhibit hall when we go to the ADA Annual Session. The business of the association is our focus. Thanks to the members of the delegation who spent hours in research and deliberation leading up to the meeting and who presented the ideas of the Fifth District convincingly in San Antonio.” The members of the Georgia delegation to the ADA House of Delegates are:
GEORGIA DELEGATION Dr. Evis Babo (Northern) Dr. Jack Bickford (Northwestern, At Large) Dr. Tom Broderick (Southeastern) Dr. Robert Carpenter (Western) Dr. Jonathan Dubin (Northern) Dr. Celia Dunn (Eastern) Dr. Ed Green (Southwestern, At Large) Dr. Jay Harrington (Central, At Large) Dr. Chris Hasty (Southwestern) Dr. Ben Jernigan (Northern) Dr. Marshall Mann (Northwestern, At Large) Dr. Kara Moore (Central)
Dr. Donna Thomas Moses (Northwestern) Dr. Bob O’Donnell (Northern) Dr. Annette Rainge (Eastern) Dr. Robin Reich (Northwestern) Dr. Julie Ann Routhier (Southeastern) Dr. Doug Torbush (Northern) Dr. Richard Weinman (Northern) Dr. Carol Wolff (Northern, Chair) GDA Secretary/Treasurer Dr. Jay Phillips (Central) and Editor Dr. David Bradberry (Northwestern) also attended the annual session and provided valuable research and informational support. Thanks to both of these dentists for their efforts. This article offers GDA members an overview of the major issues the House of Delegates discussed. Visit www.ada.org to read more about these and other issues, or talk with a member of the delegation about their experiences and views. One important note: The ADA House of Delegates voted overwhelmingly not to increase ADA dues for 2015. The Georgia delegation voted to maintain dues at the 2014 level.
Creation of a CERP Commission
A resolution to create a separate commission to govern the ADA’s Continuing Education Recognition Program (CERP) was debated at length. CERP, through an application and review process, evaluates and recognizes institutions and organizations that provide continuing dental education. The ADA Council on Dental Education has managed CERP since 1993 while also overseeing the ADA’s continuing education programming. Supporters of the resolution stated that CERP needed new oversight in order to prevent a conflict of interest. The Fifth District felt that increased autonomy for CERP might have a negative impact and asked that the House of Delegates instead create a task force to examine potential consequences. The Fifth District felt that another entity that was similarly re-positioned, the Commission on Dental Accreditation, has made some decisions that are at odds with ADA policies. However, the resolution creating a more autonomous CERP passed the House. The ADA House of Delegates does retain the authority to approve the new commission’s rules and annual operating budget.
New Dentist and ADA Meetings
The Fifth District supported a resolution that dissolved the stand-alone New Dentist
Conference and instead created a new dentist track within the ADA Annual Session, aka America’s Dental Meeting. The resolution passed with a broad range of support. The two meetings will be now combined for 2015, 2016, and 2017, and the House will re-evaluate the dual meeting in 2018. You may recall that Committee on the New Dentist appointee Dr. Chris Hasty, a GDA member, wrote about the value of combining these two meetings in a commentary in the September 2014 GDA Action journal.
Bylaws Voting Process Debated
There was spirited debate over an internal matter — how the House of Delegates should vote to change ADA bylaws. Currently, a 2/3 majority vote of the House of Delegates is required to make a change to the ADA bylaws. A resolution was introduced to lower that bar to require only a 60 percent voting majority. The Fifth District supported retaining the 2/3 majority vote requirement and that was the view that carried the day.
such screenings might include, and the Fifth District believed that a host of unintended consequences could arise from passing the resolution, including dentists shouldering new liability risks for not identifying certain patient medical conditions. The resolution failed to pass.
GDA Dentist Appointments
The GDA delegation congratulates Dr. Robin Reich for her appointment to the ADA Council on Communications and Dr. Marshall Mann on his appointment to the Council on Members Insurance and Retirement Programs. Dr. Reich chairs the GDA Public Relations Committee and Dr. Mann has years of experience monitoring ADA budget issues. The delegation is also pleased to announce that Dr. Chris Hasty was elected as the vice-chair of the ADA Committee on the New Dentist. The GDA looks forward to hearing reports from these dentists.
Kudos to Dr. Karyn Stockwell
Fluoridation Inititiave Funded
The ADA continues to support community water fluoridation at the national, state, and local levels. The ADA supplies technical assistance to states facing fluoridation initiatives and participates in collaborative efforts to increase the number of individuals who receive the benefits of fluoridated water. In 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published a notice of intent to establish a single target number for the level of fluoride (0.7 parts per million) to be used in drinking water across the U.S. A final recommendation is anticipated by the close of 2014. An increase in antifluoridation activity is expected when the government releases its final recommendation. In order to prepare for continued challenges to this effective public health measure, the ADA House of Delegates voted to fund a public relations campaign that will educate consumers about the benefits of community water fluoridation. Members can already access fluoridation information on the ADA.org website, including an educational toolkit, but this campaign will have a wider reach.
Chairside Medical Screenings
The Fifth District had concerns over a resolution that encouraged dentists to incorporate medical screening methods into patient evaluations. The resolution did not define what
Several GDA delegation members were part of the large audience who saw Georgia’s own Dr. Karyn Stockwell installed as the president of the Pierre Fauchard Academy. Dr. Stockwell is a past Northwestern District president and GDA Honorable Fellow who has held numerous district and GDA leadership positions. She is also the current State Co-Chair for the Georgia Mission of Mercy. Dr. Stockwell is a graduate of the Medical College of Georgia who served as the PFA Georgia Section Chair for six years and
ADA UPDATE
Continued on page 23 November/December 2014 • 21
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Continued from page 21 Region 3 Trustee for six years. During these terms, she received the Georgia Section’s Dentist of the Year Award and instituted several new services and events. Kudos to Dr. Stockwell on her election.
Dr. Maxine Feinberg Installed as 2014-15 ADA President
Dr. Maxine Feinberg, who practices periodontics in Cranford, New Jersey, was installed as president of the ADA in San Antonio. She has previously served as Fourth District Trustee to the ADA House of Delegates and as president of the New Jersey Dental Association. Dr. Feinberg is a graduate of the New York University College of Dentistry and lives Westfield, New Jersey. GDA members can watch her deliver her installation speech at www.ada.org, but here are excerpts from her speech to give you a flavor of the initiatives she discussed: “Next year, we will take a new and different look at our dental workforce. We always seem to view workforce in a vertical dimension, concentrating on models of care and scope of practice ... Now we will start to look at things with a wider lens and consider a lateral integration of care. “The health care community must be reminded that the human mouth does not detach from the rest of the patient. We can redirect our focus by looking at collaboration with a new perspective in mind. New initiatives, in cooperation with other non-dental health care providers is one way of helping our members to succeed by growing their practices and improving our patients’ overall health. It would also help by reducing rising health care costs. Screening for chronic diseases in dental offices could cut U.S. medical costs by more than $100 million every year. “... As we treat patients, all practitioners must be equal partners, which will lead to optimal health outcomes and more patients visiting both physicians and dentists. “... We will also push back when necessary. ADA is working to maintain the integrity of the dental team in the face of a host of challenges to make sure everyone has care that is coordinated and supervised by a dentist.”
Dr. Carol Summerhays Elected as ADA President Elect
Dr. Carol Summerhays, a general dentist in San Diego, is the new president elect of the American Dental Association. She will assume the role of president of the ADA in November 2015. Dr. Summerhays served as Thirteenth District Trustee to the ADA House of Delegates. Some of her previous positions include past president of the California Dental Association and board member of The Dentists Insurance Company and CDA Foundation. She has also held positions with the Academy of General Dentistry and was a Board member for 10 years at the Pankey Institute. Dr. Summerhays earned her dental degree from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry in 1978. She served four years on active duty in the Navy Dental Corps and 11 years of inactive duty rising to the rank of lieutenant. She started full time private practice in 1982.
Honorary Societies Add GDA Members to Rolls
Kudos to the GDA member dentists who were inducted as Fellows into honor societies during events held in conjunction with the ADA Annual Session. Academy of Dentistry International Dr. Michael Healey, Atlanta
American College of Dentists Dr. Evis Babo, Atlanta Dr. Sherry Jordan, Cumming Dr. Kumar Patel, Marietta Dr. John Harden Jr., Atlanta Dr. Jim Hutson, Marietta Dr. Timothy Shaughnessy, Marietta
International College of Dentists Dr. Henry Bradford III, Marietta Dr. Gerard Chiche, Augusta Dr. Dale Evans, Covington Dr. Ronald Gadbois, Gainesville Dr. Judy Greenlea Taylor, Union City Dr. Carol Lefebvre, Evans Dr. Dwight McLaurin, Columbus Dr. Andrew Ramsey, Gainesville Dr. Travis Watson, Marietta Dr. Parker Westbrook III, Camilla
New Kids’ Healthy Mouths Ads Unveiled in San Antonio
Building on its successful 2min2x campaign, the Ad Council and The Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives unveiled their new Kids’ Healthy Mouths campaign public service announcements at the ADA meeting. Since the launch of 2min2x in 2012, more than 1.7 million people have visited 2min2x. org, and the English and Spanish-language spots have received more than $64 million in donated media across TV, radio, print, Web, and outdoor outlets. Dr. Maria Lopez Howell, a San Antonio dentist and ADA spokesperson, said she has been thrilled with the response she has seen from her patients from the 2min2x campaign. “When my moms say they are so busy, I challenge them by asking, ‘How much time does your child spend texting or watching TV each day?’ And we are seeing that they are reporting that a lot of kids who weren’t brushing two years ago are doing it now.” Families can visit 2min2x.org to sign up for a program that sends twice daily texts to users to encourage brushing and play the “Toothsavers” mobile game app that has been downloaded 120,000 times since January.
November/December 2014 • 23
FOR LESS THAN THE COST OF CUP OF COFFEE A DAY YOU CAN BE A GDA MEMBER DENTIST With your GDA membership, you receive special discounts, legislative advocacy, patient referrals, education, and news and tools to be successful, all for less than one dollar a day. With all of these resources, membership quickly pays for itself. Add it up and you’ll see how much you can save by being a GDA member: • Advocates who monitor federal and state legislation that could affect your dental practice: Priceless • Exclusive discounts on GDA and ADA conferences and events: $1,465 • Discounted rates on insurance, travel, automobiles, and other products and services you need: $1,000+ 24 • November/December 2014
• Complimentary third party contract analysis service: ~$600 per contract • Subscriptions to professional publications: $296 • Free continuing education courses: $41 each • Find a GDA dentist listing on GDA and ADA websites: Exclusive A Georgia Dental Association membership is still one of the best values available to you as a professional. While dues have remained steady, the GDA provides members with a host of products and services that cover the cost of membership many times over. The GDA
appreciates your commitment and encourages you to take advantage of membership benefits by renewing your membership for 2015. For membership questions or other assistance with your dues, contact Director of Membership Recruitment and Business Services Skip Jones at (404) 636-7553 or jones@ gadental.org, or Director of Finance and Membership Pam Yungk at (404) 636-7553 or yungk@gadental.org. When you pay your district, GDA, and ADA dues, you help support the services that each leg of the organized dentistry tripartite offers to dentists. Your dues allow your district to host continuing education courses and legislative events. Your dues allow the GDA to pursue legislative advocacy and public relations initiatives, like supporting legislation to create a dental student loan repayment program and a program to grant service cancelable loans to dentists to repay outstanding dental education debt in return for practicing in underserved rural areas. Dues allow the ADA to tackle important issues at the national level, such as raising consumer awareness of the value dentists provide. ADA dues are established by the ADA House of Delegates. The ADA did not raise dues for 2015. District dues are set by each district based on their expenditure needs. GDA dues are set by the GDA House of Delegates. All three levels of dues are payable on one statement sent by the GDA office to dentists. Dues must be paid in full by February 28, 2015, in order for a dentist to be considered a member in good standing. Payment of ADA, GDA, and district dues is required for full membership in 2015. In addition, there are several voluntary financial contributions that a member may make via their dues statements. This guide tells you how you can use your dues statement to make a difference.
Voluntary Contributions Alliance: The dental spouses’ organization works with the GDA on legislative advocacy initiatives, oral health education activities, community outreach, and dental family well being projects. Fisher Dental Education Foundation: The Foundation awards scholarships to Georgia dental and dental hygiene students. All contributions made via the dues statement go directly to fund student scholarships.
Outreach / Georgia Mission of Mercy: Donations made to the GDA Foundation for Oral Health are used for outreach projects with the GMOM charitable care clinic being given preferential consideration.
Good Samaritan Dental Clinic of Jasper (Northwestern): Volunteer dentists provide care for the underserved at this clinic that operates with an ‘atmosphere of respect and dignity.’
GADPAC: The GDA Political Action Committee is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that supports the campaigns of local, state, and national candidates friendly to dental and patient-related legislation. To maximize the GDA’s impact, the GADPAC board has voted to make an increase of $11 to the recommended GADPAC contribution on 2015 dues statements. The total suggested contribution is now $160, of which $49 goes to ADPAC (the ADA’s PAC). Because the contribution to GADPAC will now be more than $100, state ethics law requires that we disclose your name, employer, and occupation. This disclosure will detail your contribution to GADPAC, and not any specific contribution to a candidate.
Greater Atlanta Dental Foundation (Northern): GADF raises contributions to support Atlanta area charitable dental clinics that treat underprivileged patients.
Relief Fund: The ADA Foundation’s Relief Grant Program provides aid of an emergency and temporary nature to dentists and, when circumstances demonstrate unusual need and resources permit, to deserving dependents of dentists. Contributions to the Relief Fund also support the activities of the GDA Dental Recovery Network, which helps dental professionals address their addiction challenges and stress related health issues and get back to living life in a healthy manner.
District Voluntary Donations Ben Massell Dental Clinic (Northern): The clinic provides oral care to thousands of Atlantans unable to afford care with the assistance of hundreds of volunteer dentists. Coastal Medical Access Project Dental Clinic (Southeastern): CMAP volunteers deliver basic dental services to uninsured residents in Coastal Georgia.
Kingdom Care (Southwestern): The organization provides charitable care via dental volunteers to indigent, uninsured adults who reside in a five-county area surrounding Ware County. LaGrange Free Dental Clinic (Western): The three-chair clinic is operated with donated equipment from local dentists, volunteer labor, and grants from the First Baptist Church of LaGrange and Georgia Baptist Health Foundation. The clinic serves uninsured adults with income at or below 200% of the poverty level. Macon Volunteer Clinic (Central): The clinic provides free medical and dental care, as well as medication assistance, to uninsured, working adults ages 18-64 in Bibb County. All MVC patients are at or below 200% of the poverty level. Rehoboth Life Care Ministry Dental Clinic (Central): The clinic provides low-cost dental care to uninsured residents of Middle Georgia. The clinic depends on donated funds to provide dental care to those who have no other resources. Savannah Volunteer Dental Clinic (Southeastern): The clinic, housed in Savannah Technical College’s Dental Assisting Clinic and Laboratory, provides care to children ages 3 to 18 who do not have dental insurance and whose families meet certain eligibility guidelines.
Dentistry for the Developmentally Disabled Foundation (Northwestern): DDD Foundation offers comprehensive dental treatment to patients with developmental disabilities in the metro Atlanta area. Give Kids a Smile Day (Eastern): Funds support district-level efforts to provide indigent children with screenings, sealants, limited restorative care, and dental education. November/December 2014 • 25
GDAMILESTONES Voices for Children Honors Dr. Mark Shurett of Conyers
1.
Congratulations to GDA member Dr. Mark Shurett, a dentist in Conyers. He was honored in November with a 2014 “Big Voice for Children Award” presented by the advocacy organization Voices for Georgia’s Children. After 14 years of family practice, Dr. Shurett was approached by a school nurse about helping children in a school where she worked. That conversation placed Dr. Shurett on a path to providing care for thousands of children across Georgia from a fleet of 21 mobile dental units. His “Help a Child Smile” mobile dental program partners with local communities to provide oral health care to children in 113 state school systems. Voices for Georgia’s Children selected Dr. Shurett for this honor because of how his outreach has made such an impact for children in the state. 1. GDA President Dr. Doug and Debbie Torbush and GDA Director of Member Services Stephanie Lotti with Big Voice for Children Award honoree Dr. Mark Shurett and his wife Pamela.
LLS Honors Dr. Neal Shah 2.
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Dr. Neal Shah, a GDA dentist in Atlanta, was honored by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) for his work in the metro Atlanta area to raise funds to help advance the Society’s mission to find cures for blood cancers. Dr. Shah, a graduate of what is now the Georgia Regents University College of Dental Medicine, raised $87,327 for the Society and was selected as a local fundraising winner for the Atlanta area. He conducted his fundraising as part of an annual campaign for the LLS, in which community leaders compete to raise the most money over 10 weeks. Dr. Shah, along with LLS national and local winners, were honored at an event this summer in Atlanta. Dr. Shah practices out of Feather Touch Dental in Atlanta. (From www.gru.edu.) 2. Leukemia and Lymphoma Society local winner Dr. Neal Shah and LLS national Woman of the Year Krystall Waters, both of Atlanta, were honored for their work in helping the LLS raise funds to find cures for blood cancer. (Photo: www.gru.edu.)
Dr. Kent Simmons’ Sweet Honor
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Dr. Kent Simmons, a dentist in Albany, is among 15 finalists in the honey division of the 2014 Good Food Awards. Officials say the awards are intended to celebrate the kinds of food people want to eat: tasty, authentic and “responsible.” Winners will be announced January 8 in San Francisco. On January 10, the products will be showcased at a 15,000-person public marketplace in collaboration with the San Francisco Ferry Building and the CUESA farmers market. According to Dr. Simmons, awards categories, which include beer, cheese, chocolate, coffee, confections, oils, preserves,
5. pickles, spirits, charcuterie, and honey, are judged by 180 chefs, retailers, food writers, farmers, and food crafters. “The first way they narrow the field is by taste,” Dr. Simmons said. “But there was a lengthy questionnaire on how I handle my bees. We don’t use chemicals in the hives and we try to keep the bees as far away as possible from flowers or other products that are fertilized.” Best of luck to Dr. Simmons and his honey products in California in January! (From www.albanyherald.com.) 3. GDA member Dr. Kent Simmons with his bee hives. Simmons Family Honey is headquartered at Dr. Simmons’ dental practice in Albany. Dr. Simmons is among 15 finalists in the 2014 Good Food Awards honey division. (Photo: The Albany Herald.)
Hermey the Elf: Dental Do-Gooder After 50 years of dreaming about becoming a dentist and promoting good dental health to his friend Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and everyone in the North Pole, Hermey the Elf has been named a DDG—Dental Do Gooder, that is, by the president of the American Dental Association (ADA). “Hermey’s passion for dentistry, coupled with his devotion to helping others feel good about themselves inside and out, deserves recognition,” said ADA President Dr. Maxine Feinberg. “I know Hermey the Elf, DDG, will continue to inspire young people and those who are young at heart to follow their dreams.” In honor of Hermey’s DDG designation, the ADA’s website, MouthHealthy.org, features dental health quizzes and coloring sheets, plus a sweepstakes drawing to win a Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer prize package. 4. Hermey the Elf has been named a Dental Do Gooder by the American Dental Association! Visit www.MouthHealthy.org for coloring sheets and patient education materials featuring Hermey, one of the cast members of the animated classic “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer that turns 50 years old this year.
GDA, Alliance Host Meetings and Events in Augusta The Georgia Dental Association and GDA Alliance dental spouses organization hosted a Dental Student Spouse Mixer on Friday, October 17, at the J. Fleming Norvell Golf House on the Georgia Regents University campus in Augusta. (Some of the attendees are pictured above.) GDA and Alliance members talked with senior dental students and married dental students from all grade levels about the benefits of membership in both organizations. Affinity Bank and MedPro contributed financially to support the event, and GDA Executive Director Frank Capaldo and the GDA staff members assisted in event preparations. The Alliance thanks event chair Megan Goldberg for her hard work. Many student spouses joined the Alliance during the evening. On Saturday, October 18, the GDA Board of Trustees held its first meeting ever outside of Atlanta in the GRU dental education building. The Board welcomed GRU Dean Dr. Carol Lefebvre, Associate Dean Dr. Carole Hanes, Eastern District officers, and several dental students as guests. Dr. Lefebvre and Dr. Hanes conducted tours of the building for board members. The experience was a good one all the way around. 5. Shown at the GDA and Alliance reception in Augusta are Julie Vaughn, Dr. Janine Bethea, Dr. Mark Lawrence, Debbie Torbush, Korey Anderson, Dr. Doug Torbush, Molly Bickford, Deb Cavola, Megan Goldberg, Kevin Corbin, Dr. Carol Lefebvre, Janet Bradberry, Lesley Benson, Dr. Mike Vernon, Dr. Celia Dunn, Dr. Donnie Brown, Fran Brown, Debbie Vernon, Dr. Ben Jernigan, and Alliance President Cindy Jernigan. ______________________________________________________
See more “GDA Milestones” on page 28. November/December 2014 • 27
GDAMILESTONES Southwestern District Dentists Conduct Charitable Clinic The annual Kingdom Care Dental Clinic was held in Waycross in the Southwestern District on September 25-27. The Georgia Baptist Mobile Dental Unit, which was located in the parking lot of Second Baptist Church for the event, as well as several local dental offices supported the clinic. The district thanks the 11 dentists, six dental hygienists, and 11 dental assistants who provided dental care to 107 patients. The services provided were 117 non-surgical extractions, 34 surgical extractions, 77 surfaces of composite restorations, and 32 dental cleanings. The GDA dentists who took part were Drs. Keith Crummey, Kim Hood, John Hopkins, Jason Lucas, Page Manus, David Morton, Sam Norris, Duane Robert, Wayne Hester, Matt Smith, and George Thomas. Several of these dentists provide care to Kingdom Care patients on a weekly basis throughout the year in their offices. Kingdom Care is a non-profit, volunteer-based free clinic established in 2006 that provides health care services to working, uninsured residents of Brantley, Charlton, Clinch, Pierce, and Ware Counties who have a household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level and are not eligible to receive Medicaid, Medicare, or other coverage. The clinic is primarily supported with grant funding from the Georgia Baptist Health Care Ministry Foundation, the Healthcare Georgia Foundation, the United Way of South Georgia, and voluntary dues donations from GDA dentists.
Valdosta Practice Offers Free Day of Care Newbern Family Dental Practice hosted a Dentistry From The Heart event on November 8. Dentistry From The Heart is a national non-profit organization that works with participating dental practices to provide dental services to indigent individuals. More than 170 Valdosta area residents received in excess of $60,000 worth of free dentistry. 28 • November/December 2014
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7. 6. (L to r): Southwestern District members Dr. George Thomas, Dr. Wayne Hester, Dr. Jason Lucas, and Dr. Matt Smith recently took part in the Kingdom Care Dental Clinic held in Waycross in the Southwestern District on September 25-27. Volunteers provided care for 107 individuals in the area. 7. Dental assistant Andi Durrence and dental hygienist Katie Rockenbach in the practice of Dr. Jeff Newbern and Dr. Jeanne Newbern in Valdosta with a sign advertising the free day of care the practice hosted via the Dentistry from the Heart program in November. Volunteers provided care for 170 Valdosta area residents. Event host Dr. Jeff Newbern told the Valdosta Times, “I was amazed at the generosity of our dental professional community. This event happened because so many doctors, businesses, and other professionals donated their talents and resources.” GDA dentists who participated in the event were Drs. Jeff and Jeanne Newbern, Dr. Bo Broadfoot, Dr. Brad Bynum, Dr. Lisa Chatman, Dr. Brent Depta, Dr. Temilade Kadree, Dr. Kit Robinson, Dr. Scott Summers, and Dr. Sam Worthington. The Newberns also thank their staff members, and especially event co-coordinators dental assistant Andi Durrence and dental hygienist Katie Rockenbach.
Registered nurse Nancy Rockenbach conducted blood pressure and health screenings for potential patients. AmeriMed Pharmacy donated pre-medications for patients who required them. Other sponsors included McDonalds, Smok’N Pig, Pizza Hut, ChickFil-A, Pepsi, Blue Summit Waters, Food Bank of Valdosta, Sam’s Club, Winn Dixie, Publix, Outhouse Port-A-Potties, Benco, Dentsply, Patterson Dental, Reliance Orthodontic Products, Citizens Community Bank, First Federal Savings & Loan, Farmers & Merchants Bank, First State Bank, and Wiregrass Technical College. Wiregrass dental assisting and hygiene students also volunteered at the event. (From www.valdostatimes.com.)
Alliance and GDA Volunteers Assemble Legislative Dental Kits The GDA Alliance dental spouses’ organization supports GDA initiatives in the areas of legislative advocacy, oral health education, and dental family well-being. Recently, the Alliance showed support by convening a group of volunteers at the GDA office in Atlanta in October to assemble 950 legislative dental kits. These kits, containing toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss, will be distributed on January 12, 2015, to every legislator and staff person at the state capitol on the first day of the legislative session. “The preparation and distribution of these kits is a valuable part of our GDA legislative advocacy,” said GDA President Dr. Doug Torbush. “From creating dental kits to attending legislative receptions to taking part in LAW Day, the Alliance helps the GDA carry dentistry’s messages.” Thanks to all of the kit assembly volunteers: Kadence Anderson, Korey Anderson, Dr. Janine Bethea, Janet Bradberry, Fran Brown, Dr. Donnie Brown, Addison Corbett, Debi Cavola, Dr. Ron Cavola, Caroline Hall, Delaine Hall, Dawn Hutchinson, Dr. Ken Hutchinson, Alliance President Cindy Jernigan, Dr. Ben Jernigan, Ray Schroeder, Debbie Torbush, and Dr. Richard Weinman. Kudos to Dr. Bethea for coordinating the event and providing breakfast! 8. Legislative dental kit assembly volunteers are (l to r): Kadence Anderson, Korey Anderson, Dr. Ben Jernigan, Dr. Donnie Brown, Dr. Richard Weinman, Dr. Janine Bethea, Fran Brown, Addison Corbett, Dawn Hutchinson, Dr. Ken Hutchinson, Cindy Jernigan, Debbie Torbush, Dr. Ron Cavola, Caroline Hall, Debi Cavola, Janet Bradberry, and Ray Schroeder. ________________________________________________
IN MEMORIAM The GDA extends sympathy to the families and colleagues of these dentists. George L. Barber, DDS, of Southeastern District who died October 27, 2014, at the age of 92. Dr. Barber was a 1946 Emory University School of Dentistry graduate who practiced dentistry in Savannah before his retirement. He was a GDA Honorable Fellow and an ADA Life Member. He was a World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Army. Jack L. Davis, DDS, of Central District who died October 10, 2014, at the age of 89. Dr. Davis was a 1955 Emory University School of Dentistry graduate who practiced dentistry in Macon before his retirement. He was an American Dental Association Life Member. He was a World War II veteran who served in the U.S. Army. John C. Johnston, DDS, of Northern District who died October 14, 2014, at the age of 80. Dr. Johnston was a 1961 Emory University School of Dentistry graduate who practiced dentistry in Atlanta before his retirement. He was an American Dental Association Life Member and founder of the Nanston Dental Group. Joshua T. Sullivan, DMD, of Southwestern District who died November 19, 2014, at the age of 38. Dr. Sullivan was a 2003 University of Kentucky School of Dentistry graduate. He also graduated from the UK pediatric dentistry residency program. He was a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry who practiced in Valdosta.
See more “GDA Milestones” on page 31.
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GDA and Student Volunteers Help Special Athletes at Warner Robins Event A Special Olympics, Special Smiles dental screening and education program was held in August at the Gold Cup Bowling Alley in Warner Robins. Fully 800 Special Olympics bowling competitors from across the state, as well as 200 coaches were visiting central Georgia to take part in singles, unified team, and ramp bowling competitions. As at the Special Olympics athletic competition held annually in Atlanta in May, GDA member dentists, dental staff, and students were on hand to provide these athletes with valuable dental services. “Our great volunteers provided 203 of the participating athletes with dental screenings, fluoride applications, individualized oral hygiene instructions, and a goody bag,” said Dr. Shirley Fisher, a GDA member dentist in Warner Robins. “Taking part in this event was a great experience.” The GDA dentists who volunteered, in addition to Dr. Fisher, were Dr. Ryan Davis, Dr. Barbara Jansen, and Dr. Sheila Shah. The dental hygienist volunteers on hand were Wendy Bloodworth, Joan Fox, Debbie Harkins, and Kelly Scruggs, and there were several volunteers from the Central Georgia Technical College dental hygiene education program. Two students from the Georgia Regents University College of Dental Medicine, Brandon Burleigh and Dylan Hamilton, were also on hand. Helping to coordinate the
program were Special Olympics personnel Brady Brantley and Zack Hagemen. The Special Smiles program, now in its 19th year, introduces dental professionals to individuals with intellectual disabilities so that these professionals can further understand these individuals’ needs and find ways to increase their access to dental care. GDA member Dr. Jonathan Dubin is the Special Smiles program chair. For more information on the Special Olympics, Special Smiles program, visit www.specialolympics.org.
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9. GDA member dentists, dental hygienists, and dental hygiene students worked together in August to provide dental screenings and oral hygiene education to 200 Special Olympics athletes in Warner Robins.
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GDAMINUTES Unofficial Minutes of the October 2014 Board of Trustees This report details the individuals present and resolutions passed, as well as key policy highlights. Full minutes are available on the GDA website at www.gadental.org President Doug Torbush called the meeting to order on October 18, 2014, at 9:03 a.m. After the invocation and pledge of allegiance to the flag led by Dr. Bruce Camp, Secretary/ Treasurer Jay Phillips called the roll and declared a quorum. Board Members Present: Dr. Doug Torbush, presiding; Drs. Chris Adkins, Evis Babo, David Bradberry, Tom Broderick, Byron Colley, Ben Duval (for Matt Rosenthal), Cameron Garvin, Jay Harrington, Ben Jernigan Jr., Jeff King, Mike Loden, Jim Lopez, Marshall Mann, Kumar Patel (for Robin Reich), Jay Phillips (for Steve Sample), Bonita Richter, Jason Sayer, Erik Wells. Guests Present: Drs. Lindsey Anderson, Henry Benson, Steve Berwitz, Donnie Brown, Bruce Camp, Greg Clepper, Celia Dunn, Jim Hall, Carole Hanes, Carol Lefebvre, Lewis Petree, Michael Vernon, Ryan Vaughn, and Richard Weinman; and Mrs. Molly Bickford. GDA Staff Present: Frank Capaldo, Carol Galbreath, Delaine Hall, Skip Jones, Fatimot Ladipo, Stephanie Lotti, and Pamela Yungk. GRU Students Present: Abby Halpern, Trent Collett, Ben Collins, Cornelius Daniel, Shayla Downer, Jake Evans, Albreia Hall, Nadia Heidari, Dahlia Levine, Anisha Nathu, Nicole Ochoa, Busola Olaseinde, Chas Plaisance, and Nick Sasser.
Report of the President: Dr. Doug Torbush • First meeting in Augusta: Dr. Torbush welcomed everyone to the first meeting of the Board of Trustees ever held outside of Atlanta. He thanked Dean Dr. Carol Lefebvre and the GRU College of Dental Medicine for hosting the meeting. • Meetings attended since August: ADA Council on Dental Health conference call, 32 • November/December 2014
2015 Annual Meeting site planning visit in Amelia Island, Northern District Gala for Smiles, Dentistry for Children dinner meeting, A Voice for Hope oral cancer screening event at Atlanta Motor Speedway, memorial service for Dean Connie Drisko at GRU, ADA Fifth District caucus in Atlanta, Annual Meeting committee chair brainstorming session, GADPAC conference call, Eastern District state officer visit, ADA Annual Session in Texas, and the GDA/Alliance mixer at GRU the evening before the meeting. • Challenge coin: Dr. Torbush distributed commemorative coins to each person present. The coin featured his presidential theme of “Invest the Time to Make a Difference.” • Ad hoc committees: The GDA has formed three committees. The Future of Dentistry (chair Dr. Evis Babo) will examine what dentistry will look like in the future, the profession’s challenges, and what we must do to prepare for these challenges. Governance (chair Dr. Marshall Mann) will examine how we govern ourselves now and into the future and how we can get more dentist members involved in leadership roles at all levels. Strategic Planning (chairs Drs. Doug Torbush, Ed Green, and Jim Hall) will develop a long term comprehensive plan for the GDA.
Report of the Executive Director: Mr. Frank Capaldo • Executive office staffing to implement association goals and plans: Mr. Capaldo introduced Carol Galbreath, APR (Senior Director of Marketing and Public Relations), Stephanie Lotti (Director of Member Practice Services and Research) and Fatimot Ladipo (Director of Government Relations and Policy). He mentioned that the GDA also welcomes Ashley Daly who is serving as an intern for the 2015 Georgia Mission of Mercy event. • ADA Meeting in San Antonio first impressions: Mr. Capaldo lauded the Georgia ADA Delegation for their work and informed the dental students present that an ASDA representative was instrumental in swaying an important ADA House of Delegates vote. He mentioned that the Georgia, Alabama,
and Mississippi delegations to the ADA House are at 100 percent in contributing to ADPAC and that includes all three executive directors. • Dental Symposium at Morehouse School of Medicine: Mr. Capaldo discussed “[t]he State of Oral Healthcare in Georgia” symposium in October at the school in Atlanta. The school will utilize grant funding from W.K. Kellogg Foundation to research dental demand, access, and workforce in Florida, Mississippi, and Georgia. The GDA will monitor this research and resulting studies and keep the Board informed. • Georgia Dental Insurance Services: Mr. Capaldo stated that the GDA health insurance program for 2015 will feature new group and individual plans and competitive rates. He also announced that the GDA would offer a program for 2015 GRU dental graduates that featured free and/or reduced fee malpractice coverage for one year. • Annual Meeting: The GDA seeks to raise the number of dentist attendees at the 2015 Annual Meeting. A greater emphasis will be placed on young dentists and the business of dentistry. Mr. Capaldo announced that the special keynote speaker for the 2015 meeting will be Herman Cain. • Public relations: Mr. Capaldo discussed the E-Connect weekly membership email and his twice-yearly membership report. He stated that the GDA had plans to track the pro bono work GDA members provide and tell positive stories about charitable care. He also discussed a future public relations campaign focusing on the value of visiting a GDA member dentist. • Ad hoc committees: Mr. Capaldo discussed the vision behind the three new GDA committees—Future of Dentistry, Governance, and Strategic Planning. • Membership trends: Mr. Capaldo reported on the retention rates for GDA membership and noted that retention rates fluctuate for dentists between 11 and 20 years out of dental school. He discussed the need for retention and recruitment programs that also
focus on long-time members to remind them about the value of membership.
Report of the Georgia Dental Holding Company: Dr. Jim Hall
Dr. Hall discussed the Holding Company’s plans to offer additional membership services, including potentially a payroll processing service, group buying services, and district management services.
Report of GDIS: Dr. John Ferguson
Mr. Capaldo summarized Dr. Ferguson’s written report. The health plan for 2015 will offer new benefits and plan structures. GDIS won the Bronze Medal from MedPro for having the best ratio of retained business in 2013. GDIS has been in the top three agencies with the highest retention for the previous four years. The GDIS team is collaborating with new Senior Director of Public Relations and Marketing Carol Galbreath on re-branding and new sales strategies to support sales objectives in 2015. GDIS is currently seeking an additional sales agent to ensure production targets are achieved and exceeded.
Report of the GDA Foundation for Oral Health: Dr. Mike Vernon
Dr. Vernon reported that the Foundation is seeking to become an approved Amazon Smile charity. Once approved, members, staff, patients, and family members can shop at Amazon.com and designate the GDA Foundation to receive a portion of the purchase price of any items.
moved to form an Executive Director Evaluation Committee with members Dr. Mike Loden serving one two-year term and Dr. Jim Lopez serving a one one-year term. The motion passed unanimously.
sent to the Board for review and consideration. [14-10.03] Dr. Bruce Camp moved that the Board of Trustees approve the position papers of the Association as presented. The motion passed unanimously.
Awards
Public Relations
Governmental Affairs
Constitution and Bylaws
The Board reviewed Dr. Marvin Winter’s written report that presented a slate of nominees for Honorable Fellow and Oral Discoveries and Inventions awards whose completed nominations had been forwarded from the districts to the GDA office by the deadline of October 1, 2014. [14-10.02] The Awards Committee moved that the Board of Trustees approve the 2014 awards slate as presented. The motion passed unanimously. The Honorable Fellow slate was Eastern: Drs. Brad Hall and Rhoda Sword; Northern: Drs. Ronald Cavola and Lee Whitesides; Northwestern: Drs. David Bradberry, Brenda Fritz, Benjamin Knaak, Elizabeth Lewis, George Mason, and Kumar Patel; Southeastern: Dr. Julie Ann Routhier; and Southwestern: Dr. Gregory Morris. The Oral Discoveries and Inventions slate was Dr. Stephen Hsu and Dr. David Pashley. Dr. Bruce Camp discussed the GDA legislative agenda for 2015 and the association’s current and new position papers previously
Executive Session
The Board entered executive session from 1-1:30 p.m. [14-10.01] Dr. Ben Jernigan
The Board reviewed Dr. Robert O’Donnell’s written report. [14-10.06] Dr. Jay Harrington moved to refer the Policy Manual and Bylaws changes requested in the report to the newly established Governance Committee. The motion passed unanimously.
Georgia Mission of Mercy (GMOM) The Board reviewed the written report from Drs. Karyn Stockwell and Jonathan Dubin. Local area GMOM chairs Dr. Jimmy and Wendy Cassidy have been promoting the next GMOM event which takes place June 18-21, 2015. In November, GDA staff will start work on the GMOM Volunteer Online Registration system, with an anticipated golive date in early January 2015.
Dean Lefebvre Presentation
GRU College of Dental Medicine Dean Dr. Carol Lefebvre reported on the following: Dr. Kevin Frazier is the new CODM vice dean; the grand opening of the education commons, the freshman class welcoming 85 students, student community service, student debt, consolidation with Augusta State, dental scholars program, the MBA/DMD program, practice management courses, approval of oral surgery MD program, potential periodontal and endodontic PhD program, planning for the next CODA accreditation process under the new CODA guidelines, CODM strategic plan, state budget cuts, and CODM cost controls.
The Committee introduced to the Board a plan to establish a public Facebook page as a forum for public relations initiatives, such as National Brush Day. [14-10.04] Dr. Erik Wells moved that the Board of Trustees approve establishing a public Facebook page as a forum for public relations initiatives. The motion passed unanimously. The Board subsequently discussed creating social media policies because of the GDA’s increased social media presence. [1410.05] Dr. David Bradberry moved that the Public Relations Committee develop a policy for the GDA’s activities on social media. The motion passed unanimously. Consumer education videos developed by the Wisconsin Dental Association were shown to the Board. The videos were very well received by the Board and by the dental students present.
Adjournment
GRU Dean Carol Lefebvre (center) conducted a tour of the dental education building at Georgia Regents University during the GDA Board of Trustees meeting held on the campus in October.
The meeting adjourned at 3:36 p.m. Please note that the next GDA Board of Trustees meeting will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2015, at the GDA office in Atlanta. The GDA House of Delegates will convene on Sunday, January 11, 2015, at the Atlanta Marriott Perimeter Center in Atlanta.
November/December 2014 • 33
GDAPROMOTIONS Visit the website www.gadental.org to find promotional materials you can use in your practice and community leading up to February to talk about National Children’s Dental Health Month and Give Kids a Smile Day (February 6, 2015). Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. NCDHM messages and materials have reached millions of people in communities across the country. The ADA and GDA have free online resources that can help members with oral health presentations, ideas for the classroom, and activity sheets that can be used as handouts. Dentists are encouraged to visit www.gadental.org and access the Practice Promotions page. The ADA also encourages dentists to utilize the 2015 NCDHM campaign poster featuring the slogan “Defeat Monster Mouth.” This poster features on one side the McGrinn Twins, Flossy and Buck, along with their best friends and next-door neighbors, Den and Gen Smiley and K-9 the dog, fighting to defeat Plaqster the Monster for good oral health. On the reverse side, teens demonstrate effective ways to defeat monster mouth and maintain good oral health by brushing, flossing, rinsing, and eating healthy snacks. The GDA will provide every member dental office with a complimentary poster inserted in the January 2015 GDA Action. Watch for your copy in the mail! The GDA Council on Dental Health will celebrate Give Kids a Smile Day on Friday, February 6, 2015, with events in every district. For example, the Northwestern District will host a day of care at the Fortis College School of Dental Hygiene for 150 children that offers exams, cleanings, x-rays, fluoride treatments, and sealants. Dentists are encouraged to visit the GDA website to find the contact information for their Council on Dental 34 • November/December 2014
Start planning today: 1) Visit the GDA website www.gadental.org. 2) Click the green “GDA Services” button. 3) Click “Practice Promotions” in the drop down menu. 4) Review the information and download materials. 5) Email admin@gadental. org or call (800) 432-4357 for help.
Health representative so they can find out what projects are planned. Each year, approximately 350,000 children benefit from more than 1,500 Give Kids a Smile
Day events nationwide, all because of the efforts of 40,000 or more annual volunteers. The GDA looks forward to seeing photos and reports from GDA events in February!
GDACALENDAR GDA ANNUAL MEETING
GDA OFFICE CLOSURES
July 23-26:
December 24-26: January 1-2: January 19: May 25: September 7:
Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort in Amelia Island, Florida. New : A New Dentist CE track and keynote speaker Herman Cain. Registration opens April 1 at www.MeetGDA.com.
GDA OFFICER VISITS January 16: January 23:
Southwestern District, Tifton. Southeastern District, Savannah.
DISTRICT LEGISLATIVE RECEPTIONS December 18: January 12:
Southeastern District Reception. Opening Day of Session: Dental Kits Given to Legislators. All GDA members invited!
GDA LAW DAYS @ THE CAPITOL January 28: February 4: February 11: February 18: February 25: February 26: March 4: March 11: March 18: March 25:
Christmas Holiday. New Year Holiday. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Memorial Day Holiday. Labor Day Holiday
CHARITABLE DENTAL EVENTS February 6: June 18-21:
Give Kids a Smile Day, Statewide. Georgia Mission of Mercy, Perry.
DENTAL EVENTS @ GRU February 10: February 18: March 19:
Clinic Day Social. Table Clinic Day. ASDA Talent Show.
GRU Dental Students. Georgia Dental Society. Southwestern District/Alliance. Northern District. Northern District Hall County. Southeastern District. Northwestern District. Eastern District. Western District/Northern District. Central District.
CONTINUING EDUCATION EVENTS January 14: January 16: February 18: January 29: February 19: April 8: May 8:
Northern District, Dr. Dan Dunwody. Southwestern District, Dr. Alex Fleury. Northern District, Dr. Clayton Davis. Western District, Adec Facilitator. Western District, Linda Harvey. Northern District, Dr. Glenn Maron. Northwestern District, Laney Kay.
January 11: The Winter House of Delegates will meet in Atlanta on the Sunday before the state legislature opens. All members are invited to attend the House as guests.
GDA & OTHER DENTAL MEETINGS January 5: January 9: January 10: January 11: March 2: April 11: April 17-18: April 27-29: May 4: May 11: May 29-31:
Northern District Executive Council. GDIS/GDHC/GDAF Board Meetings. GDA Board of Trustees Meeting. GDA House of Delegates. Northern District Executive Council. GDA Board of Trustees Meeting. ADA Membership Conference, Chicago. ADA Grassroots Conference, DC. Northern District Executive Council. Northern District Membership Meeting. Hinman Annual Meeting, NC.
January 12: GDA and Alliance volunteers will distribute dental kits to legislators and staff members on this Monday as part of the Association’s legislative advocacy efforts. Join in! Email hall@gadental.org to say you will come. November/December 2014 • 35
PLACING A CLASSIFIED AD 1.) AD FORM: Submit 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. 2.) DUE DATE: ALL ads and prepayments are due by the first of the month before the publication month (i.e., Dec. 1 for January). 3.) DENTIST RATES: ADA member dentists pay $75.00 per 60-word ad per month. There is a 50 cents perword charge for each word over 60. Non-ADA member dentists may not advertise in GDA Action. 4.) CORPORATE RATES: Non-dentistowned companies (real estate firms, banks, etc.) pay $195 per 60-word ad per month. There is a 50 cents perword charge for each word over 60. 5.) FORMS OF PAYMENT: Ads are payable by check (made payable to GDA), money order, Visa, or MasterCard. Per the GDA Finance Committee, a surcharge of $5 will be applied to any credit card transaction. 6.) PRINT ADS ON WEB SITE: Prepaid ads for the print GDA Action will appear on the GDA website www. gadental.org for the month the advertisement appears in print. There is no additional charge for the Web ad. 7.) BANNER ADS ON WEB SITE: Advertisers who purchase a classified or display advertisement may purchase an add-on banner advertisement on the GDA website www.gadental. org. See the advertising guide on the GDA web site for pricing and details.
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GDACLASSIFIEDS DENTAL EQUIPMENT Equipment for Sale: 2 Adec operatory dental chairs plus 2 over-the-patient Adec delivery units, Model #1005. In good working order with updated upholstery. $1,000/ chair. $1,000/delivery unit. All offers considered. Can see this equipment at our office as it is currently is use! Email offers and/or questions to sue@mygumdoc.com. Equipment for Sale: Closed orthodontic practice, miscellaneous equipment for sale. Three ruby power-backed Royal ortho chairs and eight stools, Cox dry heat sterilizer, M7 Midmark autoclave, Wehmer model trimmer and vacuum spatulator, two ultrasonic units, photo wall-mounted light box, 2.5 Cranex panoramic, Velopex developer, Tab seven shelf filing cabinet, Spartan and Adec Pac 1 mobile self-contained carts, 90Kvp wall mounted x-ray head and control, Denar wall-mounted cephalostat with adjustable chair, three compartment plaster bin, four splash hoods, Danville Engineering Macrocab and micro-etchers,Sta-Vac machine, high speed evacuation motor, Triad 2000 light curing unit, Impulse sealer, Rx Honing Machine, Galetti articulator, Kesair Airocide ACSSO, Rocky Mountain 506A spot welder, miscellaneous lab items and tools. Details and photos: bebdds@comsouth.net, (404) 934-8087-c, (770) 497-0236-h.
DENTAL SERVICES Assistant X-ray Certification: GEORGIA X-RAY SAFETY CERTIFICATION FOR DENTAL ASSISTANTS: They take it ONLINE in the convenience of their home and off the clock, saving you money. Make sure your assistants are working legal and safe, for both them and your patients. The training is required by law. Order your course now at www.gaxray.com or email drh20s@uga.edu for more information.
DENTISTS AVAILABLE Dentist Available: North metro Atlanta and North. Part-time fill in. Sold solo practice of 31 years. GA license, DEA, Insured. Lots of TLC with patients. Contact wdtroll@ gmail.com.
Dentist (Temp Fill In): DEA# and insured, GA, FL, AL licensed. Private practice (solo & group), military experience. e-mail: drglassdmd@yahoo.com or call cell (770) 656-5269 or (770) 380-7487. Periodontist wants to work with GP performing SRP therapy. Metro Atlanta area, Part-time. Please respond to dentist5884@ gmail.com. Dentist will fill in for illness, vacation, or continuing education. Licensed, insured, DEA #. Call (404) 786-0229 or email breighard@gmail.com. Dentist: Need Part Time Fill In? Vacation, Illness, Maternity? GENERAL DENTIST SOLD LONG ESTABLISHED PRACTICE. GA & DEA LICENSED. (Available Expanded Atlanta Area.) Cell: (404) 219-4097. Home: (404) 842-1196. Jesse Hader, DDS. Dentist Available during emergencies, vacation, CDE courses. I have a current license, DEA certificate, and insurance. Contact me at (706) 291-2254 or cell (706) 802-7760. I hope I can be of service to you. Patrick A. Parrino, DDS, MAGD.
POSITIONS AVAILABLE Dental Practice in Lithia Springs, GA is in need of a Dentist to treat patients needing root canals & core build-ups one day a week. Please call our office at (770) 941-7261 or fax resume to: (770) 941-2371. Savannah/Rincon, GA: Dentist seeking long term associate for busy General Family Practice. Please email resume to molar799@ yahoo.com. Are you looking for a great opportunity? Our high quality, two-doctor dental practice is adding an associate. We practice all types of general dentistry including reconstructive, implant, cosmetic, family and sedation dentistry. Candidates for our position should have a minimum of 2 years’ experience and be able to practice at a high level with little supervision. We are offering a competitive salary and commission as compensation. Interested? Email: greatdentaloffice14@ gmail.com.
General Dentist Midtown Atlanta: Full-time Associate opportunity for quality oriented dentist in a 30+ year well-respected practice. Our friendly long-term dedicated team staffs this two-doctor traditional, private fee for service office. My practice offers patients a comprehensive approach to treatment encompassing a full complement of cosmetic and restorative services as well as dental implant placement & restoration in which I have advanced credentials and am involved on the national level in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. State-of-the-art care is provided in a recently renovated 7-operatory relaxing space that incorporates advanced technology in a digital, paperless environment. Continuing education for all staff is of paramount importance — we attend both local and national meetings annually. Candidate must be compassionate, patient-oriented, have excellent clinical and interpersonal skills, be motivated towards growth and have a current Georgia dental license. Email cover letter and CVs to: dghdental@gmail.com. Need a part-time Endodontist, Oral Surgeon and General Dentist. Great compensation. Please call (678) 620-5001 or (770) 565-1010. Outstanding associate opportunity for a General Dentist (Seasoned & New Grads Welcome) to join our highly successful, well established practice in Woodstock, GA. This is a non-chain dental practice with lucrative income potential. Our success comes from doing what is best for our 30 year (+) patient base. Great practice environment & culture; Continually trained & dedicated staff to support you; Lucrative income potential; Fully digital; Well-established 30(+) year patient base & growing. Please email Regina at reggieworkws@yahoo.com with your resume or questions. Full-Time Associate Dentist Needed: Busy general practice with locations in Locust Grove and Stockbridge area. Excellent career opportunity. Wonderful, stable staff and modern facilities. Contact the owners for more information at (404) 992-8760 or fax resumes to (770) 477-0032. Associate dentist needed for busy general dentistry practice in Northwest Georgia. Outgoing, friendly, well-trained staff. Cerec CAD/CAM system training available. Great office environment to work and grow professionally. Please call (404) 797-4373.
Family Dental Practice is interested in adding an associate. GPR experience, Endo experience a plus. Interested in great personality to match great skill with ownership/partnership potential. Digital office grossing over $1 million a year. Fax CV to (770) 529-2712 or email to familydental@ outlook.com. Busy, modern, fully comprehensive family dental practice seeking Endodontist. Insurance friendly. In-house general dentist referral base. Part-time with growth to fulltime. Please contact Anthony at (706) 9936488 and/or email resume/CV to anthony@ atlanta-rootcanal.com. Part-Time Associate Dentist Needed: We have an outstanding part-time opportunity for a general dentist in our successful, well respected, quality-oriented private dental practice in the Alpharetta/Canton area. We are seeking a special, motivated, enthusiastic, personable general dentist to join our practice. This opportunity can transition into a full time position with potential partnership opportunities for the right candidate. We offer excellent compensation and benefits. For additional information, please send CV to resumesdental@yahoo.com. State of the art practice looking for an enthusiastic orthodontist to join our team in multiple locations in metro Atlanta. Our office provides a friendly environment and a hard working team. We are offering a parttime associate position growing into a full time position. Please email your resume to braces2007@yahoo.com. Smile Programs is looking for Georgia dentists who love working with children and enjoy daily travel. The program runs Monday–Friday. No evenings or weekends. Holidays and summers off. We offer an excellent compensation structure and have both full and part-time opportunities. Help us make a difference in the lives of children! For more information and to apply, visit www.smileprograms.com. GEORGIA–ATLANTA. Multiple pediatric dental offices in Metro Atlanta are seeking pediatric dentist and general dentist to work in an extremely successful, expanding business. We offer a team motivated working environment and a competitive salary. We believe in a high level of patient and parent education and making sure that children have an excellent dental experience at each
visit. Our practice provides all levels of care, including oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia at local hospitals. Candidate must have excellent communication skills, be enthusiastic and motivated. For more information please call (678) 923-4466 or email brian.friedman@dentistry4children.com. Visit our website at www. dentistry4children.com. ATLANTA — ASSOCIATE DENTIST, ENDODONTIST, and PERIODONTIST NEEDED: We currently have three positions available in our quality-oriented, well-established group practice with multiple locations. This is a very lucrative opportunity for an experienced candidate with good interpersonal skills. Large patient/referral base with abundant new patients each month. Well appointed, beautiful office including CAD/CAM and the latest technology for general dentistry, state of the art surgical suites for periodontics, and new microscope for endodontics. We have successful systems in place, including an exceptional team of assistants and support staff. Come be a part of our team and join us in creating an atmosphere of excellence, fun, and productivity. Email resumes to 1careerinfo@gmail.com. Full-time associate needed for busy General Dentist office in Warner Robins Georgia (1.7m). Opportunity for a motivated Dentist to join our team with option to buy. Email resume to ceadds1@gmail.com. Expanding Dental Group Seeking Dentists for our Atlanta-Based Practices! We want you to join our growing team and enjoy a large, built-in patient referral base, clinical autonomy, advanced technology, a professional support team, paid time-off, competitive compensation and signing bonuses! We provide specialty & general dentistry to patients of all ages and offer pediatric conscious IV sedation and adult sedation dentistry. Immediate openings available for recent grads, general dentists and/or pediatric dentists in our expanding Lilburn, Dacula and Gainesville pedo practices. Potential for more hours if willing to travel. FT/PT positions available now. Immediate opening for an experienced general dentist in our adult and teen zone Lilburn and Gainesville locations. PT position available now but
GDA CLASSIFIEDS Continued on page 38
November/December 2014 • 37
GDA CLASSIFIEDS
Continued from page 37 potential for FT. Immediate openings for an experienced general dentist & endo/perio specialists in our Lilburn and Gainesville locations. PT available now. Please email cover letters and CVs to hr@tebodental.com. For more information, please visit us at www. tebodental.com. Great Expressions Dental Centers has openings for full-time General Dentist(s) in our Metro Atlanta, GA offices. Our dentists have clinical freedom and autonomy without the financial or administrative burdens associated with practice management. Dentists can expect unlimited production based earnings, full benefits, time off, malpractice coverage, stable patient base, and long-term practice career growth with possible investment opportunity. Sign-on bonus possible as well! Please reach out to Ross Shoemaker @ (678) 836-2226 or ross. shoemaker@greatexpressions to apply!
SPACES AVAILABLE Pediatric Dental Practice for Sale in Middle, GA – #GA1059. Established pediatric practice with 5 operatories (can expand to 7). Located in regional medical center. Collects $900,000+ per year working 3 days/week. Proven management team, well trained staff, paperless and EHR compliant. Doctor/owner will work 2 days a week to ensure transferability of staff and patients. Call (678) 482-7305 or email info@ southeasttransitions.com for details. www. SoutheastTransitions.com #GA1059. Dental Practice for Sale Northwest of Atlanta, GA – #GA1062. Well established, general practice collecting $700K annually with a strong hygiene department, 4 equipped ops with room to expand! Many procedures referred out. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity! Please call (678) 482-7305 or email info@southeasttransitions.com for more details using listing ID #GA1062. www.SoutheastTransitions.com.
tist, or Oral Surgeon looking to add satellite location or new startup. Already plumbed & fully equipped with 5 operatories and room for 2-3 more. Save time & build-out costs! Contact us at: dentalspecialist2@gmail.com.
southeasttransitions.com for details using listing ID #GA1065. www.SoutheastTransitions.com. Dental Practice for Sale in Statesboro, GA – #GA1064. Well-established practice with an excellent customer base and staff. Revenues for the practice exceeded $400K last year. The selling doctor is retiring from dentistry. Please call (678) 482-7305 or email info@southeasttransitions.com for details using listing ID #GA1064. www.SoutheastTransitions.com. Cumming, GA —Free standing, established dental office on busy Canton Road for lease. Excellent location with easy access and great visibility. Four operatories plumbed and wired for high tech. Owner will consult with tenant to refinish interior when present dentist’s lease expires in April 2015. Contact: dentaloffice@mindspring.com. Dental Space for Dentist or Specialist in Greater Atlanta! Stockbridge, Fayetteville, Duluth, Dunwoody, Woodstock, Stone Mountain, and Riverdale locations. Ideal for Pediatric Dentist, Periodontist, Endodon-
Smyrna general practice for sale: Solo dental practice has been in the same location for the past 36 years. Owner retiring but will stay on for transition. Great location along Spring Road. Space is 2200 square feet that has been impeccably maintained. 3 operatories expanded to 4 or 5. Great spot to move existing office or open a satellite practice. Free standing building for sale also. Reply to (770) 617-8374. Full-Time Associate Dentist Needed: Busy general practice with locations in Locust Grove and Stockbridge area. Excellent career opportunity. Wonderful, stable staff and modern facilities. Contact the owners for more information at (404) 992-8760 or fax resumes to (770) 477-0032.
Do your patients suffer from any of these symptoms? Head Pain
Forehead • Temples Migraine-type Sinus-type
Ear Ear pain • Ringing in ears Dizziness • Vertigo
Eyes
Jaw
Pain behind eye Blood-shot eyes Sensitive to light
Clicking, popping jaw joints Pain in cheek • Limited opening
Teeth
Neck
Clenching/grinding at night Looseness and soreness of back teeth
Lack of mobility/stiffness Neck pain • Tired/sore muscles Arm/finger numbness
Visit us online at w w w.tmdatlanta.com to download a referral form and learn more about our services! Manoj Maggan DDS, DABDSM, DABCP, DAAPM, FICCMO, FAACP
Dental Practice for Sale in Sugar Hill, GA – #GA1065. General practice with 7 total ops, 4 equipped, collecting $800K+ with excellent visibility on a major thoroughfare! Please call (678) 482-7305 or email info@ 38 • November/December 2014
3590 Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, GA 30005
Center for TMJ Therapy
770.521.1978 PHONE • 770.521.9936 FAX www.tmdatlanta.com • office@tmdatlanta.com
If your patients have any of these symptoms and are not responding to treatments, they may be suffering from a TMJ disorder. Problems within the jaw can produce a myriad of symptoms that, at first glance, might appear to be totally unrelated to the temporomandibular complex. Our dedicated team of professionals have years of training and are happy to assist you in the diagnosis and treatment of possible craniomandibular/ temporomandibular disorders.
SHOP AT SMILE.AMAZON.COM AND SUPPORT THE GEORGIA MISSION OF MERCY The Georgia Mission of Mercy (GMOM) event is a free, two-day dental clinic for low- and no-income adults in Georgia with a goal of providing free access to dental care for 2,000 low- and noincome adults while placing a high priority on patients in pain. The next GMOM is June 2015 in Perry in the Central District.
www.GeorgiaMissionofMercy.org Visit the website and sign up for the volunteer newsletter. Be the first to know when volunteer registration opens! GMOM takes place June 18-21 in Perry. (June 18 is a set-up day. June 19-20 are clinical care days. June 21 is a tear-down day.)
You can support GMOM and the Georgia Dental Association Foundation (GDAF) this holiday season by shopping at smile. amazon.com via AmazonSmile! When you shop at smile.amazon. com, Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase to the GDAF. Here is how to help GMOM! 1) Visit smile.amazon.com and select GDAF to receive donations from your eligible purchases. You may want to add a bookmark to AmazonSmile to make it easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile. 2) Shop from the millions of products marked “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation� on their product detail pages. Recurring Subscribe-and-Save purchases and subscription renewals are not currently eligible. 3) You can use the same account on Amazon.com and AmazonSmile. 4) The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases. The purchase price is the amount paid for the item minus any rebates and excluding shipping and handling, gift-wrapping fees, taxes, or service charges.
www.GeorgiaMissionofMercy.org
Journal of the Georgia Dental Association 7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Road NE Suite 200, Building 17, Atlanta, GA 30328 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: GDA Health Plan Enrollment Ongoing Dental Amalgam and EPA Regulations Give Kids a Smile Day Practice Promotions
GDIS listens! Our new medical plans offer great benefits members have asked for! Call GDIS for a free quote or visit www.MyGDIS. com for details.