GDA Action April 2012 by Delaine Hall

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ACT ION

THE JOURNAL OF THE GEORGIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION

APRIL 2012

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VOLUME 31, NUMBER 4 • APRIL 2012

ACTION

on the cover

ACT ION

THE JOURNAL OF THE GEORGIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION

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

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

APRIL 2012

Registration is open for the “Amazing in Amelia” GDA Annual Meeting in Amelia Island, Florida. The fun starts on Thursday, July 19 and run through Sunday, July 22. Join your fellow GDA members at the drop-dead gorgeous Ritz-Carlton. Turn to page 19 to read about the meeting events in store. Use the form in the center to register for the meeting and buy your event tickets, or register at www.gadental.org.

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

GDA/GDIS Executive Office Staff Members Martha S. Phillips, Executive Director Nelda Greene, MBA, Associate Executive Director Delaine Hall, Director of Communications Skip Jones, Director of Marketing (GDIS) Courtney Layfield, Director of Member Services Victoria LeMaire, Medical Accounts Manager Judy Lively, Administrative Assistant (PT) Melana Kopman McClatchey, General Counsel Denis Mucha, Director of Operations (GDIS) Margo Null, Property and Casualty Accounts Manager Patrice Williams, Administrative Assistant Phyllis Willich, Administrative Assistant Pamela Yungk, Director of Membership & Finance GDA Action seeks to be an issues-driven journal focusing on current matters affecting Georgia dentists, patients, and their treatment, accomplished through disseminating information and providing a forum for member commentary. © Copyright 2012 by the Georgia Dental Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. Publication of any article or advertisement should not be deemed an endorsement of the opinions expressed or products advertised. The Association expressly reserves the right to refuse publication of any article, photograph, or advertisement.

other features

sections

GDA Celebrates Legislative Victories

Parting Shots

Editorial

Alliance Springs Into Action with Projects

News and Views

Calendar of Events

Classifieds

9 10

GDA Celebrates 10 Years of Give Kids A Smile

Surviving a Dental Medicaid Audit

Member Alert: X-ray Media Coverage

Member Publication American Association of Dental Editors

index of advertisers Note: Publication of an advertisement is not to be construed as an endorsement or approval by the GDA or any of its subsidiaries, committees, or task forces of the product or service offered in the AA Anesthesia, P.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Ackerman Medical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 AFTCO Transition Consultants . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Aspen Dental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Atlanta Age Management Medicine / Dr. Ana Casas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Center for TMJ Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Dental Care Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 The Doctor’s Safety Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

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

EC Price General Contractors . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 GDA Dental Recovery Network . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Georgia Dental Insurance Services . . . . . . . . .36 Georgia Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry . . . .16 Great Expressions Dental Centers . . . . . . . . . . .7 Law Office of Stuart J. Oberman . . . . . . . . . . .31 MobileCat, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 National Practice Transitions, LLC . . . . . . . . . .30 PDQ Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Dr. Mark Padolsky—TMD Dentist . . . . . . . . . .32 Paragon Dental Practice Transitions . . . . . . . .34 PPM / Revenue Well . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Professional Practice Management . . . . . . . . .18 Dr. Mark Rabin—Dentist Available . . . . . . . . . .32 Southeast Transitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 UBS Financial Services, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

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editorial perspective

What’s In a Name?

Jonathan S. Dubin, DMD

Last week, in the mail, I received another offer to be listed as one of ‘America’s Top Dentists.’ Now, I try really hard to be the best dentist that I can be. I attend lots of continuing education courses, read plenty of journals, and treat my patients who seek care like I would want to be cared for. To be honest, it is very flattering to receive a mailing such as the one I opened last week. That is, until one reads past the headline. When you dive into the fine details, you realize that anyone can be listed as a ‘Top Dentist’ and anyone can proudly display a plaque or trophy stating such. All that is required is mailing in all of your credit card information or enclosing a check for several hundred dollars. Who would know otherwise? I guess you could write off the cost on your taxes as advertising since there is not a category for “ego.” This falls under the heading of ‘just because it is in print, doesn’t make it so.’ (In these times, we have to paraphrase ‘just because it is on the Internet, doesn’t make it so.’) I also get enticements from Internet sites such as Angie’s List and several publications that would do a very nice write-up about me and (airbrushed photos included) even place a photo on the cover of a magazine. All that is required is a very nice fee. Of course, just as the printed word and Internet ratings can be inflated in positive ways (there are even companies that you can pay to flood Facebook and Google, among other sites, with favorable ‘hits’), negative ratings can be inflated. One unhappy patient who rightly or wrongly is upset with you can tarnish your name instantly with a keyboard and a wifi connection.

There are now companies that you can pay to monitor your name on the Internet and take actions that could potentially neutralize and counteract any negative connotation attached to your good name. It is a shame that the same cannot be done for attacks by an insurance company that may sully your name and drive a wedge of mistrust between you and your patient. All the insurance companies need to do is place a simple sentence or two on a patient’s explanation of benefits form such as ‘Your doctor’s fees are too high’ or ‘You may consider another dentist.’ Advertising appears to be getting far beyond ‘marketing’ a practice. What with the print material that can be bought, the Internet sites that can be influenced, and ‘Groupon’ and ‘half off’ deals that flood our lives all with the intent of promoting our good names, the opposite may be true. The trouble lies in that the proliferation of and saturation of advertising may have the opposite effect of bolstering us, and instead lump our profession in with every trade on the ‘Angie’s Lists’ of the world. Then we look more like a trade and less like the honorable profession that we joined. How much will our names be worth then?

GDA ACTION APRIL 2012

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general news ADA Antitrust Progress The U.S. House of Representatives in March approved by voice vote an amendment that would repeal the McCarran-Ferguson Act’s antitrust exemption as it applies to health insurance companies. That exemption, which Congress enacted in 1945, was intended to make it easier for states to regulate insurance without federal interference. The ADA and other health care groups have long argued that the exemption gives the insurance industry an unfair advantage in the marketplace. Rep. Paul Gosar, a former Arizona dentist, offered his legislation as a floor amendment to the ADA-supported Help Efficient, Accessible, Low-cost, Timely Healthcare Act (HR 5). HR 5 (whose sponsor is Rep. Phil Gingrey of Georgia) which would reform medical malpractice laws by limiting awards and attorney fees, passed the House on March 23 by a vote of 223 to 181. This is not yet law–just a positive step forward.

HIPAA Delayed Rule In late March, the federal government announced it would delay enforcement of HIPAA 5010 transactions to June 30, 2012. It is the second three-month delay on enforcement made by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Office of E-Health Standards and Services (OESS). While progress is being made, there are still some issues to work out. According to OESS: • The Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) program is currently reporting successful receipt and processing of over 70 percent of all Part A claims and over 90 percent of all Part B claims in the Version 5010 format. • Commercial plans are reporting similar numbers. • State Medicaid agencies are showing progress as well, and some have made a full transition to Version 5010.

GDA ACTION APRIL 2012

“At the same time, OESS is aware that there are still a number of outstanding issues and challenges impeding full implementation,” an OESS statement continued. “OESS believes that these remaining issues warrant an extension of enforcement discretion to ensure that all entities can complete the transition. OESS expects that transition statistics will reach 98 percent industry wide by the end of the enforcement discretion period.” OESS urged those covered by the rule to collaborate more closely on appropriate strategies to resolve remaining problems. The statement said the agency would step up its existing outreach to include more technical assistance for covered entities. OESS is also partnering with several industry groups as well as Medicare FFS and Medicaid to expand technical assistance opportunities and eliminate remaining barriers.

publication. Dentists who prescribe controlled pain medication must now pay a three-year registration fee of $731, which amounts to a $60-per-year increase over the current fee. The American Dental Association objected to the DEA’s methodology in calculating the new fees when it was first revealed a year ago. The Association pointed out that the “weighted-ratio” formula used to determine the different fees for practitioners, manufacturers, and distributors did not take into account the fact that dentists make no profit simply writing a prescription. The relative fees paid by dentists and pharmaceutical companies, for instance, do not reflect their huge differences in income. While the final rule noted the ADA’s objection, the agency nonetheless will implement the fee increase based on the weighted-ratio calculation.

ADA

Dental Safety

Session Registration

The ADA is launching a Safety Awareness Campaign to remind dentists to perform routine safety checks on equipment in their dental offices. Reminders will be issued through ADA News, e-publications, and ADA.org twice a year as the United States changes clocks in the spring and fall. A downloadable “Safety Checklist for Dental Equipment” is posted on ADA.org that will assist dentists with inspecting and taking action on items. The Council on Dental Education and Licensure took the lead in developing the Campaign, working with members from the Council on Communication, Council on Dental Practice, Council on Scientific Affairs, and the Council on Membership.

Registration for the 2012 ADA Annual Session in San Francisco opens on April 11. With almost 50 ADA official hotels, those who register (visit www.ada.org for details) early have a better chance of getting their preferred hotel and making a reservation at a property closest to the Moscone Center. Making hotel reservations through the ADA allows the Association to keep registration costs low and continue to negotiate competitive rates for future Annual Sessions. The 2012 Annual Session is scheduled for Thursday, October 18 through Sunday, October 21. The exhibit hall will be open Thursday through Saturday.

DEA

GHSU Augusta State Merger

New Fees The federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) published new registration fees in the Federal Register on March 15. The increase was effective 30 days following

Eight public colleges are on pace to combine into four on January 8, 2013. That’s when Georgia Health Sciences University and Augusta State University will become one institution with multiple campuses.

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To reach the January target, the merging schools have several steps to take. For instance, in May, they will ask the Board of Regents to approve mission statements for the combined schools. They will also submit three names to the Board of Regents for each merged school in August or September for review and approval. By October, the schools must have an organizational chart showing who will work where and what their jobs will be. University System officials have said some jobs will be eliminated. October is also when the accrediting agencies get detailed plans on how the new schools will work. They’ll vote on those blueprints in December ahead of the regents’ final goahead the next month. Dr. Ricardo Azziz, Georgia Health Sciences University president and the designated head of the combined entity, told the Walter News Service he’s pleased with the process so far. “People are starting to understand the potential benefits to Augusta and the state from the combined institution,” he said. Board of Regents Associate Vice Chancellor Shelley Clark Nickel agrees. “In Augusta, that one is going to be a fullfledged research university, and really it has the opportunity to change the face of that region of the state,” she said in a Walter News Service statement.

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muscle attachment, and grooves to direct the regrowth of nerves and veins. However, once designed, it only took a few hours to print. “Once we received the 3D digital design, the part was split up automatically into 2D layers and then we sent those cross sections to the printing machine,” Ruben Wauthle, LayerWise’s medical applications engineer, told the BBC. “It used a laser beam to melt successive thin layers of titanium powder together to build the part. This was repeated with each cross section melted to the previous layer. It took 33 layers to build 1mm of height, so you can imagine there were many thousand layers necessary to build this jawbone.” Once completed, the part was given a bioceramic coating. The team said the operation to attach it to the woman’s face took four hours, a fifth of the time required for traditional reconstructive surgery. “Shortly after waking up from the anaesthetics the patient spoke a few words, and the day after the patient was able to swallow again,” said Dr Jules Poukens

from Hasselt University, who led the surgical team. The patient’s new jaw weighs 107g, just over a third heavier than before, but the doctors said that she should find it easy to get used to the extra weight. Follow-up surgery was scheduled for the team to remove healing implants inserted into holes built into the implant’s surface. A specially made dental bridge will then be attached to the part, following which false teeth will be screwed into the holes to provide a set of dentures.

NEWS Continued on page 8

3D PRINTING Transplant Jaw A 3D printer-created lower jaw has been fitted to an 83-year-old woman’s face in what doctors say is the first operation of its kind. The transplant was carried out in June 2011 in the Netherlands. The implant was made out of titanium powder, heated and fused together by a laser, one layer at a time. The surgery follows research carried out at the Biomedical Research Institute at Hasselt University in Belgium, and the implant was built by LayerWise—a specialized metal-parts manufacturer based in the same country. The patient involved had developed a chronic bone infection. Doctors believed reconstructive surgery would have been risky because of her age and so opted for the new technology. The implant is a complex part involving articulated joints, cavities to promote

GDA ACTION APRIL 2012

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NEWS Continued from page 7

DENTISTS In Memoriam The GDA remembers these dentists who made significant contributions to their profession, patients, families, and communities and whose information was recently forwarded to the GDA office. Robert M. Bretches, DDS, who died February 13, 2012, at the age of 80. Dr. Bretches was a 1960 Emory University School of Dentistry graduate and a member of the GDA through the Northern District. He was a general dentist and an American Dental Association Life Member.

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Isaac M. Funderburg, DDS, who died March 14, 2012, at the age of 89. Dr. Funderburg was a 1946 University of Tennessee School of Dentistry graduate and a member of the GDA through the Northwestern District. He was an oral surgeon and an American Dental Association Life Member. Brian D. Shelton, DDS, who died August 22, 2011, at the age of 59. Dr. Shelton was a 1978 University of Missouri Kansas City School of Dentistry graduate and a member of the GDA through the Western District. He was a general dentist. Harry B. Stivarius Jr., DDS, who died March 4, 2012, at the age of 87. Dr. Stivarius was a 1956 Emory University School of Dentistry graduate and a member of the GDA through the Western District. He was a general dentist and an American Dental Association Life Member.

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Is Your Spouse Part of the Alliance? Why Not? Helaine Sugarman, Alliance President

Your GDA Alliance has done some amazing things this spring. All dental spouses are invited to become a part of this fantastic organization which is involved with legislative advocacy, the wellbeing of the dental family, and dental health education activities year round. This is just a sampling of our activities over the past few months. Visit the Alliance page at www.gadental.org for details on how your spouse can join. I look forward to reporting on our Hinman Social, April Leadership Conference (being held in Stone Mountain), and our preparations for the GDA Annual Meeting in July. • In January, Alliance volunteers Helaine Sugarman, Molly Bickford, Janelle Kauffman, and Nancy Ferguson delivered 100 care packets containing hats, gloves, socks, and oral care items to The Atlanta Day Shelter for Women and Children and The Covenant House. The Alliance won a $750 national Alliance award for our participation in this national project, dubbed “We Cover You From Head to Toe.” • We were proud to attend the January 9 legislative opening day at the Capitol to distribute 900 dental kits. These were the same kits your Alliance assembled last fall. Thanks to members Jean Harrington, Helaine Sugarman, Dr. Janine Bethea, Molly Bickford, Nancy Ferguson, Doug Goldman, Dawn Hutchinson, and Dr. Becky Weinman for their help. • We know Alliance members helped statewide on the February 3 Give Kids a Smile Day. One event we definitely know about was when Helaine Sugarman and Pam Pafford traveled to the Gainesville pediatric dental office of Dr. Ryan Vaughn to participate in their GDA Northern District Council on

Calendar of GDA Events MAY May 3-6 (Thu-Sun): Ga. Academy of Dental Practice Meeting, Ponte Vedra.

Dental Health GKAS project. The duo helped Dr. Vaughn, Alliance member Julie Vaughn, and their staff while they treated children referred by Gainesville Public schools’ nurses and counselors. • We also know that Alliance members helped statewide all during Children’s Dental Health Month. For instance, Helaine Sugarman visited Centennial Elementary School in Atlanta (a Title One Atlanta Public School where the majority of students receive breakfast and lunch assistance) to read Ready, Set, Brush to 85 kindergartners and distribute a goody bag containing toothbrush, toothpaste, and Silly Putty to each child. The Alliance mailed nine more Ready, Set, Brush books to librarians at other Atlanta Public School Title One facilities. A Dental Health Education team of Janet Ferguson, Jean Harrington, and Jane Vedder presented Wanda Wondersmile puppet shows for 600+ kids ages three to five in Central District! • The Alliance loves our volunteers! Jean and Dr. Ronnie Weathers hosted a Valentine Brunch and Social on February 13 at their home for our board members and activity volunteers. We had a wonderful time. • The Alliance had a great turnout on March 28 at the Capitol for the last GDA LAW Day. Thanks to Alliance attendees Dr. Janine Bethea, Molly Bickford, Fran Brown, Shari Carter, Tammy Fussell, Jean Harrington, Janelle Kauffman, Gigi Kudyba, Helaine Sugarman, Debbie Torbush, and Julie Vaughn. We were able to visit our legislator’s offices and thank them for their support of the GDA’s Mandatory Participation and Volunteer Licensure bills.

May 7-9 (Mon-Wed): ADA Washington Leadership Conference, Chicago. May 8 (Tues): DCH Medicaid Fair, Classic Center in Athens. May 10 (Thurs): GHSU Senior Awards Luncheon. May 11 (Fri): GHSU College of Dental Medicine Hooding Ceremony. May 18-19 (Fri-Sat): GDA Presidents’ Elect Conference, Banning Mills. May 19 (Sat): Special Olympics Dental Screening, Emory Campus, Atlanta. May 21 (Mon): Northern District Executive Council, GDA Office, Atlanta. May 26-June 2: GDA President’s Cruise to Canada / New England. May 28 (Mon): GDA Office Closed for Memorial Day Holiday.

JUNE June 16 (Sat): GDA Board of Trustees Meeting, GDA Office, Atlanta. June 16 (Sat): Fisher Foundation Board Meeting, GDA Office, Atlanta.

JULY July 4 (Wed): GDA Office Closed for July Fourth Holiday. July 19-22 (Thu-Sun): GDA Annual Meeting, Amelia Island, Florida.

AUGUST Aug 11 (Sat): GDA Board of Trustees Meeting, GDA Office, Atlanta. Aug 16 (Thu): Northern District CE Meeting, Villa Christina, Atlanta. Aug 25 (Sat): Northern District Gala for Smiles, Druid Hills Golf Club, Atlanta. Aug 25 (Sat): Special Olympics Dental Screenings, Warner Robins.

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Ten Years of Give Kids A Smile Day: Reaching Thousands of Georgia Children Byron Colley, DMD, Chairman GDA Council on Dental Health

Hundreds of dental volunteers provided free dental care to Georgia’s less fortunate children on February 3, the Georgia Dental Association’s 10th Annual Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) Day. This is one of the signature events of the American Dental Association carried on by the states, and we are proud that so many GDA members volunteered their time and talents on this day to provide over $193,000 in free dental care to Georgia’s children. Through the Council on Dental Health, five of seven GDA districts hosted events. In addition to the district events, a number of private practice offices also participated to provide services to children in their communities. Services offered varied by event, but most provided at least oral hygiene instruction, exams, cleanings, and sealants and / or fluoride varnishes. Several events also provided restorative work and extractions.

A big thank you goes out to all the GDA members, Alliance members, dental staff members, and community volunteers who helped to make the 10th annual GKAS Day a resounding success in Georgia. Your contributions and service made an enormous difference in the lives of the children you served! This article lists district sponsored and private dental office events reported by March 12. If you do not see your event listed, please contact Courtney Layfield at the GDA office (layfield@gadental.org) so that we may recognize your efforts in a future GDA Action. The next issue will also feature highlights from the other events held during February for Children’s Dental Health Month.

EASTERN DISTRICT Location: Georgia Health Sciences University / College of Allied Health Sciences and Dental Medicine Pediatric Clinic (Augusta) Coordinator: Dr. John Spratling Children Cared For: 62 Value of Care: $20,146 Volunteers: Four private practice dentists, three faculty members, four dental assistants, and four GHSU residents. Thanks to dentist volunteers Drs. David Brantley, Carole Hanes (GHSU Faculty), Andy Chandler, Sky Jones, Amber Perry, Roy Rockman (GHSU Faculty), and Tara Schafer (GHSU Faculty).

Dr. Alice Booth at the Southeastern District GKAS event.

GDA ACTION APRIL 2012

Location: Healthy Smiles Children’s Dentistry (Athens) Coordinator: Dr. Jennifer Wells Children Cared For: 58 Value of Care: $20,538 Volunteers: Drs. Jayni Bradley, Rhonda Mobley, Bill Newell, Ross Russell, Jennifer Wells, and Erik Wells; dental hygienists Kathy Kennon, Leigh Lord, Karen Patton, Jackie Vaughn; dental assis-

Southeastern District’s Dr. Felix Maher lending a GKAS hand. .

tants Leigh Bagwell, Melissa Eberhardt, Sheryl Folse, Crystal Hudson, Alan Mobley, Lauren Oliver, and Leisa Weaver; and front office employees Sherry Arrowood and Tammy Burt. Location: North Georgia Pediatric Dentistry (Braselton) Coordinator: Dr. Chris Halper Children Cared For: 20 Value of Care: $10,000 Volunteers: Dr. Chris Halper and the NGPD team: McKenzie Grewett (high school senior), Amber Halper, dental assistant Kacie Heard, dental hygienist Camilla Lee, Mary Catherine Segars, and Sabrina Seabolt.

NORTHERN DISTRICT Location: Advanced Dental Associates (Cumming) Coordinator: Dr. Robert Joiner Children Cared For: 54 Value of Care: $21,074 Volunteers: Drs. Scott Henderson, Robert Joiner, and Deborah Porres; five dental hygienists; and four dental assistants.

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Location: Auburn Dental Center Family and Cosmetic Dentistry (Auburn) Coordinator: Dr. William Herr Children Cared For: 14 Value of Care: $4,133 Volunteers: Dr. William Herr, one dental hygienist, and two dental assistants. Location: Kid’s Dentistry of North Georgia (Gainesville) Coordinator: Dr. Ryan Vaughn Children Cared For: 200 Value of Care: $30,000 Volunteers: Drs. Ryan Vaughn, Darlene Davis, Sean Cochran, Brad Cox, Thomas Field, Heather McGee, Cindy Green, Ryan Wood, Abbey Lee, Evis Babo, and Jason Croft; Lanier Technical College dental hygiene and assisting students; multiple dental staff members; and Alliance members Helaine Sugarman, Pam Pafford, and Julie Vaughn. Location: O’Rourke Family and Cosmetic Dentistry (Cumming) Coordinator: Dr. Stephanie O’Rourke Children Cared For: 11 Value of Care: $4,463

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Volunteers: Drs. Stephanie O’Rourke and Sean O’Rourke, three dental hygienists, two dental assistants, 11 dental assisting and hygiene students, and one school nurse.

NORTHWESTERN DISTRICT Location: West Georgia Technical College (Douglasville) Coordinator: Dr. Denise Hall Children Cared For: 56 Value of Care: $14,255 Volunteers: Drs. Jason Boutwell, Bruce Camp, Denise Hall, Kay Kalantari, George Mason, and Donna Thomas Moses; nine dental hygienists; three dental assistants; 28 dental hygiene students; and four support staff.

GKAS Continued on page 12

Dr. Chris Halper and his team in Braselton donated care for 20 children.

Council on Dental Health Chair Dr. Byron Colley coordinating events on the big day.

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GKAS Continued from page 11

SOUTHEASTERN DISTRICT Location: Armstrong Atlantic State University Hygiene Clinic (Savannah) Coordinator: Dr. Stephanie Skinner Children Cared For: 150 Value of Care: $44,601 Volunteers: Drs. Alice Booth, Byron Colley, Chris Comer, Cara DeLeon, Ben Duval, Will Faulk, Bracey Holland, Felix Maher, Celestino Perez, Lou Reisman, Matt Rosenthal, Stephanie Skinner, and James Vaughter; one GHSU dental student (Ashley Smith); 17 dental hygienists and dental assistants; and 49 dental hygiene students.

SOUTHWESTERN DISTRICT Location: Wiregrass Technical College (Valdosta) Coordinator: Dr. Carly Thomas Children Cared For: 29 Value of Care: $7,449 Volunteers: Drs. Greg Morris, Mark Retterbush, Charles Stewart, Josh Sullivan, Scott Summers, and Carly Thomas; six dental hygienists; two dental assistants; and 36 dental hygiene and dental assisting students.

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OTHER GKAS EVENTS • Volunteers from The Pierre Fauchard Academy, Georgia Section, treated 54 children at an event in Northeast Georgia with services valued in excess of $16,500. Special thanks to Drs. Janine Bethea, Shirley Fisher, Narisa Goode, Annette Rainge, Karyn Stockwell, Mike Vernon (GDA President), Rebecca Weinman, Richard Weinman, and Mark Shurett. GHSU dental student Bradford Huffman and dental assistants Robert Fisher Jr. and Bailey Fisher also volunteered. Special thanks to Dr. Mark Shurett and Help a Child Smile for donating mobile units and HACS staff at this event. • United Way of Forsyth County partnered with Forsyth Dental Partners (Dr. Melissa Durand) and Cumming Dental Care (Dr. Clay Skognes). Volunteers at the events treated more than 100 children.

• Ingleside Dental Associates in Macon (Dr. Jenn Robertson) visited local preschools and church daycares to conduct dental screenings and dental hygiene education for 350 children.

Dr. Ryan and Julie Vaughn hosted a Northern District GKAS event in their Gainesville pediatric dental office.

Kysia Davis and Dr. Cara DeLeon of Savannah take a break from volunteering. Dental hygiene student Caroline Willoughby provided dental education at West Georgia Technical College.

The PFA Georgia Section held a GKAS event in Northeast Georgia and reached 54 children with the help of nine dentists and Help A Child Smile of Conyers.

GDA ACTION APRIL 2012

Dr. Bill Newell of Athens with dental hygienist Tina Carlton obtained good results for their patient.

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Dental hygienists Jill Broach and Heather Martin from Dr. Larry Millerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office in Monroe.

Northwestern District volunteers at West Georgia Technical College cared for 56 children.

Dr. Erik Wells and Dr. Jennifer Wells hosted an Eastern District GKAS event in their general dental office in Athens.

Drs. Scott Summers, Carly Thomas, Greg Morris, Josh Sullivan, and all the great Southwestern District volunteers greeted patients with smiles.

Alliance President Helaine Sugarman, Alliance member Pam Pafford, and front office coordinator for Kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dentistry of North Georgia Glenda Phagan on Give Kids A Smile Day.

Thanks to the dental hygiene and dental assisting students from Wiregrass Technical College who took part in GDA Give Kids A Smile Day activities.

GDA ACTION APRIL 2012

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An Introduction To The Medicaid Audit Process: The Dreaded Claim for Recoupment J. Pargen Robertson Jr. Adam P. Ford Owen, Gleaton, Egan, Jones, & Sweeney, LLP

In Georgia, low income families may be eligible to receive dental care through Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids® (PeachCare). Dental practices that participate in these programs provide a valuable public health-related service to their communities. To ensure that providers conform to program requirements, federal and Georgia law require audits known as utilization reviews. These audits typically are conducted by the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH)’s Division of Medical Assistance or its representatives. As with tax audits, accreditation inspections, and other similar evaluations, these utilization reviews can be extremely stressful and distracting for the dental practice being reviewed. However, a working familiarity with the process should reduce some of the stress and possibly even enhance the likelihood of a satisfactory outcome. The DCH’s Division of Medical Assistance administers the Medicaid and PeachCare programs. Dentists provide Medicaid and PeachCare services through contracts with the Department or its thirdparty administrators. This arrangement is like many other types of business contracts. The dentist agrees to perform certain services in return for compensation. As a part of the business contract, the dentist also agrees to follow certain recordkeeping procedures and to meet other requirements. This includes an agreement to comply with the applicable provider manuals furnished by the Department. The provider manuals are important documents. They form a part of the terms and conditions of the business contract. Often, the Department relies upon the provider manuals as the primary basis for adverse determinations in a utilization review. The Department may accuse the dental practice of failing to comply with specified record-keeping requirements in

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the applicable provider manual, and demand that the dental practice repay the Department large sums of money because of these alleged “failures.” The Department may conduct a utilization review either itself or through a third-party auditor. In many instances, the Department identifies a provider for a utilization review based on discrepancies in statistics, referrals from third parties, and various computer-generated reports. Any dentist who provides Medicaid services probably can expect to be the subject of a utilization review at some

point. However, being selected for a review does not necessarily mean that one has done something wrong or that the Department in fact is entitled to a reimbursement. As a general practice, dentists and their staffers should be familiar with all program requirements. Staff should be trained on program requirements thoroughly and regularly. Regular self-audits should be conducted to identify areas in which one’s staff may require additional training. If any problems cannot be resolved, the practice should seek assis-

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tance from the Department or the thirdparty administrator. Problems and requests for assistance should be documented in writing.

How a Utilization Review Begins The utilization review typically begins with the Department or its third-party auditor obtaining and reviewing a selection of a practice’s records. By participating in the program, a dentist agrees to provide the Department with access to the records of its Medicaid and PeachCare patients. At the beginning of a utilization review, typically the practice will receive a written request for records or a notice stating that Department personnel will be coming for an on-site visit to copy records themselves. The Department’s request for records may be large and involve many records over a long period of time. The request may include patient charts, x-rays, reports to the Department, billing records, and

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other documents that practices are required to maintain. Dental practices should expect the request for records or the on-site visit to take place on very short notice. Dental practices also should expect the request for records or the on-site visit to take place during regular office hours when the practice probably already has scheduled appointments. While a request for records or an on-site visit may be disruptive and inconvenient, the process will go more smoothly if the practice’s staff cooperates as much as possible. Those interacting with the audit team should be courteous and respectful, and should provide the audit team with complete copies of the requested records. A positive attitude in one’s dealings with the audit team can go a long way in the right direction, but a negative attitude can go twice as far in the wrong direction. It usually is a good idea for staffers to make written notes of all of the records the Department copies and to avoid giving

them original records. If Department personnel do insist on taking original records, the practice should require a written receipt identifying the specific records taken.

Once DCH Has Your Records, Reviews Start Once the Department obtains the records or copies, it will conduct the utilization review. This process may take weeks or even months. Department personnel will examine the records to ensure that services were performed according to the provider manual and other applicable requirements. To give just a few examples, they will examine the records to ensure that services were provided by properly

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licensed staff, billed properly with correct codes, and reimbursed in the correct amount. Another dentist may review the records to ensure that diagnoses are correct and that treatments were medically necessary, supported by documentation, and met professional standards of care.

How DCH Notifies Dentists Post-Review After the process is complete, the Department will serve notice of its conclusions. Because of the expansive scope of most utilization reviews in terms of the numbers of patients and the span of time covered in the evaluation, the Department almost always will identify at least a few perceived transgressions. Based on its findings it is not unusual for the Department to require overpay-

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ment, sometimes in the tens of thousands of dollars (or more). An overpayment recovery could involve direct payments, recoupment from future Medicaid compensation, withholding of future Medicaid compensation, or rate adjustments. The Department may also require a â&#x20AC;&#x153;corrective action planâ&#x20AC;? listing the perceived transgressions identified by the audit, the steps to be taken to correct the problem, and the date by which the dental practice intends to complete those steps. If the Department finds egregious discrepancies, it may take an adverse action such as suspending or terminating the dentistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Medicaid contract, or in extreme cases such as fraud, contacting law enforcement.

Regarding the Appeals Process An appeal usually begins with a request for an administrative review. In the request for an administrative review, the dental

practice will explain the legal basis for questioning the decision of the Department. The Department will conduct the administrative review internally with its own personnel and will determine whether the review and its conclusions were correct. After the administrative review concludes, the dental practice may elect further to appeal the decision. This next step in the process depends on the specific Medicaid program at issue, but generally it will involve requesting a hearing which will be held before either the Commissioner of the Department of Community Health or an Administrative Law Judge with the Georgia Office of State Administrative Hearings. After that, the decision may be appealed further to the Superior Court of the county in which the dentist resides. In many instances, it is advisable that the dental practice hire a lawyer with expertise and experience handling Medicaid utilization reviews. Often a

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lawyer can assist the dental practice in identifying errors in the Department’s methodology and analysis for the purpose of seeking administrative review or to appeal the Department’s demand for recoupment. Requests for administrative review or appeal must meet deadlines specified under the regulations, and the lawyer will need time to prepare the request for administrative review or petition for appeal, so time is of the essence. Analysis takes time, especially in cases involving a lot of patient records and large dollar amounts.

Conclusion: Be Informed, Assert Your Rights The Medicaid audit process serves an important function by seeking to ensure that patients receive proper care and that public money is well spent. Nevertheless, the process often is stressful, distracting, and frustrating, and even the most conscientious auditors sometimes make mistakes. Dentists who provide services

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through Medicaid and PeachCare perform an important community public healthrelated service, and they should not let administrative red tape deter them from asserting their rights. Preparation and knowledge about the process can go a long way to protect one’s business and to help ensure that the dental practice properly is compensated for the services it already has provided. Mr. Robertson, a partner in Owen, Gleaton, Egan, Jones, & Sweeney, LLP of Atlanta, focuses on employment litigation and counseling, governmental law, healthcare law, public assembly facility / hospitality industry law, corporate formation and governance, and drafting and reviewing contracts. Mr. Ford focuses on professional liability, health law, governmental law, employment, premises liability, and business counseling and litigation. The attorneys may be contacted via the firm’s web site http://og-law.com.

Georgia Medicaid News Medicaid Fair on May 8 The Department of Community Health and HP Enterprise Services invite Medicaid offices to participate in the Georgia Medicaid Fair. The date is Tuesday, May 8, at The Classic Center in Athens. The fair will examine the state’s Medicaid Redesign, 5010 and ICD-10 initiatives, and Health Information Exchanges. There will be sessions on billing,claims,the CMOs,waiver programs, member eligibility, dental services, provider enrollment, and more. To register and view an agenda, visit www.seeuthere.com/hp/GPW2012. Questions? Contact HP Enterprise Services at georgiamedicaidfair@hp.com.

Program for Sealant Applications DentaQuest’s Preventistry Program for sealant applications rolled out on September 1, 2011. This is a voluntary program intended to supplement a dental office’s practices with regard to sealants applications for DentaQuest members. Any offices with questions regarding the program should contact Kim Tenor at DentaQuest at kdtenor@dentaquest.com.

DentaQuest to Launch Provider Site DentaQuest will launch a new provider web portal on May 21, 2012. The company hopes the site will improve dental offices’ ability to submit claims and pre-authorizations with attachments; view the status of claims more quickly; and communicate with DentaQuest via secure messaging. DentaQuest will host webinars May 15-17 to demonstrate the new provider web portal. Look for notification from DentaQuest to arrive soon.

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

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

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

LATE FEE: Ads for which full prepayment is not received by the first day of the adâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s publication month (i.e.; Nov. 1 for a November ad) will incur a $25 late fee in addition to the ad rate.

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

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

Dentists Available for Locum Tenens Dentist will fill in for illness, vacation, or continuing education. Licensed, insured, DEA #, call (404) 786-0229 or email breighard@gmail.com. Dentist Available Daily (DAD): Dentist available during vacations, emergencies, and CE courses. Leave your practice in well-trained hands. I am licensed, insured, and have a DEA registration number so I can write prescriptions. Call Dr. Richard Patrick at (770) 993-8838. DENTIST: Need Part Time Fill In? Vacation, Illness, Maternity? GENERAL DENTIST SOLD LONG ESTABLISHED PRACTICE. GA & DEA LICENSED. (Available Expanded Atlanta Area.) Cell: (404) 219-4097. Home: (404) 842-1196. Jesse Hader, DDS. 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 We have an outstanding full time opportunity in our successful, wellrespected, quality-oriented private pediatric dental practice for the right candidate. We are seeking a special, motivated, personable individual to join in our success. General dentists would require a minimum of at least 2 years experience in pediatric dentistry. We are a booming practice with tremendous growth and earning potential. We offer in office sedation. We offer excellent compensation and benefits. For more information, please contact Amanda Moseley at amanda@kidshappyteeth.com or (678) 352-1090 / (678) 429-9931.

Full time associate dentist wanted for a multi-dentist, fee for service, high tech cosmetic restorative general practice in Midtown Atlanta. We are a dental team dedicated to helping patients get healthy aesthetic dentitions through the use of the latest dental technology and quality dental labs. Our office is a Premier Preferred Provider of Invisalign. CEREC and all ceramic restorations are the dominant restoration produced in our practice. We are completely digital and approaching paperless. All doctor operatorys are equipped with the latest ADEC equipment, W&H electric hand-pieces, digital x-rays, LED lights, computers with CAESY patient educational systems in all 10 operatories. We use Cone Beam technology to help diagnose and treatment plan dental implant surgeries. The incoming new dentist associate will be taught how to use the CEREC CAD / CAM computer by a certified CEREC trainer along with how to incorporate digital extra-oral photography when presenting treatment plans. This is an excellent opportunity for a full time dentist to experience the clinical integration of the latest technology in dentistry. One of the dentists working a full time schedule is moving to Florida and someone is needed to take over his patient load which averages 30-40 fee-for-service new patients per month. We do not participate in any PPO or HMO dental plans. Interested parties email Sheila Miranda; om.dds11@gmail.com or call her at (404) 671-2890. Busy Pediatric Practice seeking Associate Dentist: Pediatric Dentist or General Dentist that specializes in children. We are seeking a dentist with superior clinical skills and a chair side manner that makes every patient feel comfortable. Contact Cheryl Glaze at kidsdental@aol.com, call (678) 851-5912 or fax resume to (678) 479-7007.

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Dynamic Prosthodontic office in Georgia is ready to take the next level to multi-specialty. We are a brand new facility, centrally located in Discover Mills / Sugarloaf corridor. Practice is paperless and digitally equipped. We are looking for a Prosthodontist and an Endodontist to join our team. Please email your CV to yefrusirdh@gmail.com. Georgia-Atlanta: Children’s Dental Zone is looking for an enthusiastic pediatric dentist. This is a great opportunity for a full or part time candidate looking to join a solo, state-of-the-art practice. Our team is energetic, passionate, and focused on excellent patient care. Located in a growing, upscale suburb of Atlanta, our office sets a playful yet relaxing environment. We offer top compensation and the possibility of partnership for right candidate. If you are interested in this incredible opportunity contact Andrea Franklin at (770) 777-1222 or andrea@childrensdentalzone.com.

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Georgia-Cartersville, Hiram, and East Point—Opportunity available for a general dentist in an established family practice. We are a multi-specialty group providing state-of-the-art offices. Excellent incentive packages. Requirements: 1 year of experience and active Georgia license. Email resume to HR@asmile4u.com.

ATLANTA PERIO—#5241: Associate needed for high tech perio practice. All phases of perio performed. For information, call Dr. Earl Douglas, (770) 664-1982 or email earl@adssouth.com.

Practices/ Office Space Available

Dentist Jobs: Aspen Dental offers tremendous earning potential and a practice support model that empowers dentists to achieve goals. We eliminate obstacles for dentists to own their own practice. To learn more about our compelling proposition and to apply, please call (877) 3329154 or visit www.AspenDentalJobs.com. EOE.

Kennesaw—The Village At Town Park: Prime dental specialist space, custom build out, 1,576-8,579 square feet available. Signage on Chastain Road. Medical environment with general dentist, plastic surgeon and physical therapy. Call Michelle Boyd at (770) 231-0471 or Lee Eastwood at (770) 390-9970.

Fast growing Dental Practice in the Cumming, GA, area looking for an Associate Dentist to join our team in a PT / FT position. We practice general dentistry with a wide variety of procedures. We have a great office team and are looking for a Dentist to join our loving and compassionate staff. Please fax resume to (770) 889-6687.

Savannah: Successful, turnkey ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY practice. Doctor retiring. Two surgical suites. Great staff. Electric hand pieces. Plumbed for dry air pneumatic hand pieces. Excellent location in modern professional building. $300K+ 3 1/2 days / week. Great place to live and play. Priced to sell at $190K. Contact Dean Cox @ (678) 584-4855.

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FLOWERY BRANCH / HOSCHTON / BRASELTON, GA: 20,000 square foot dental office building for lease in the #4 most economically developing area in the country! Now Leasing and Interior Build Out Can Begin Immediately! Great lease rates & TI allowance available. Looking for PERIO, ENDO & ORAL SURGEON. In a highly visible area where NO specialists are located at this time! Be the first in the area for a promising long term career location. Whether you want 1,500 or 5,000 square feet, space will be tailored to each individualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs. Perfect location for a new practice startup or a 2nd satellite location! Close to the newly approved satellite location for Northeast Georgia Medical Center. Demographics are off the charts and schools are unbelievable â&#x20AC;Ś literally one of the most sought after locations around! Priority will be given on a first come / first serve basis. Please email: SpoutSpringsProfessionalPark@gmail.co m for more information or call (678) 612-2277.

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CLASSIFIEDS Continued from page 29 Available: Montezuma, GA â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Next to Perry, GA. Dental office only; no patients. Three equipped ops with living space upstairs. Office can be reopened for business. Dental equipment can be sold separately. Nicely equipped oral surgery op with hall drill. Charming small town, priority will be given on a first come, first serve basis. Contact Dr. Moretz at (478) 957-6395. West Point: Prime fee for service practice. Consistent gross $750K+ 3 1/2 days / week. Attractive building in high traffic area near West Point Lake. Four very nicely equipped ops. Area experiencing excellent growth but still has a charming small town atmosphere. Boating, fishing, golf, Callaway Gardens, Auburn, Columbus, Lagrange nearby. Dr. retiring; will stay as needed for nice transfer of patients. Call p.m. (334) 644-3865.

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Available: 1700 sq. ft. 2 yr. old office (no patients!) available for SPECIALISTS ONLY. State of the art facility. 3 equipped operatories with room for 2 or 3 more. Tastefully done. We are moving down the road and will gladly refer you specialty care. Non-negotiable price $200K includes Kodak Pan 8000C which can be upgraded for Ceph. X-ray heads can be included with additional amount. All you have to purchase is hand pieces and instruments with a sterilizer. Office has lab, sterilization room, and needs to be seen by seriously interested SPECIALISTS only. Rent would be $4,750 per month that includes water and trash. All inquires to vik707@hotmail.com. Can discuss financing option. Get in fast before other Specialists come in! Two more GPs scheduled to open this year, so a great referral source within one mile. Across from MARTA station, so parking is never an issue and patients love the convenience.

GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY in beautiful north Georgia. Ten year old 10,000 sq ft high image glass building well located for public awareness along with dental practice in this same location for 39 years. State Agency also renting with the building; some vacant space available for rent to dental specialist, physicians, or other professional businesses. Close to hospital. Motivated cross-trained staff. Friendly patients who appreciate what you do for them. Modern equipment. Computers in all operatories. Ideal for solo or group practice. Growing community with excellent school system. Low crime rate. Tons of family / sportsman outdoor recreation. Call soon to arrange a convenient time to meet us and see our facility. (706) 745-6848.

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CLASSIFIEDS Continued from page 30 POWDER SPRINGS AREA Great opportunity west of Atlanta in a growing area. There is plenty of room in this 2000 sq ft space with 5 equipped operatories. The practice is located on a busy road and is loaded with technology. Practice collects $330K annually. For more information call (678) 482-7305, email michelle@southeasttransitions.com or visit www.southeasttransitions.com. NORTH EAST GEORGIA Excellent opportunity for sale! Practice has consistently collected over $600K the last three years. Free standing building that is also for sale houses 4 operatories loaded with technology including CEREC. The practice has a strong hygiene department and lots of patients! All FFS / PPO. Seller is moving out of state. For more information call (678) 482-7305, email michelle@southeasttransitions.com or visit www.southeasttransitions.com.

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STOCKBRIDGE DON’T WAIT! Beautiful, five operatory, bread-and-butter general dentistry practice for sale. This practice is loaded with technology and has plenty of room. Gross collections for 2011 was $590K. For more information call (678) 482-7305, email michelle@southeasttransitions.com or visit www.southeasttransitions.com. Available: BUCKHEAD: Beautiful, prime location, 4 operatories. DECATUR: Grossing $1.8 million, multi-doctor. GWINNETT: Grossing $550,000, 4 operatories. GWINNETT: Grossing $210,000, 4 operatories, great merger. TUCKER: Grossing $350,000, 5 operatories. MERGERS: Buckhead, Duluth, Mid-Town, Peachtree City. Contact Richane Swedenburg, New South Dental Transitions: (770) 630-0436, info@newsouthdental.com. Check new listings: www.newsouthdental.com.

Available: SAVANNAH AREA #8779— Gross Collections $1.05M; 4 days; 5 operatories; 2660 sq. ft. office space. ATLANTA PERIO #5241—Gross Collections $1.32M, 3 days, 4 ops; 2400 sq. ft. office space. NORTH PAULDING COUNTY #8799—Gross Collections $653K, 4.5 days, 6 ops, 3600 sq. ft. office space. NW GA #8816—Gross Collections $1.09M; 4 days; 5 ops; 2450 sq. ft. office space. COLUMBUS AREA #8824—Gross Collections $310K; 4 days, 6 ops; 3000 sq. ft. office space. NORCROSS OFFICE SPACE #8834—1750 sq. ft. office space and dental equipment for lease. Two fully equipped and 2 unequipped operatories. $3500 a month. For information, call Dr. Earl Douglas, (770) 664-1982 or email earl@adssouth.com.

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GDA Membership Alert: X-ray Media Coverage Several media outlets have recently discussed a study that associates yearly or more frequent dental x-rays to an increased risk of developing a non-cancerous meningioma brain tumor. Dentists may receive questions from patients about this issue. The GDA offers the following points you can use to help answer patient questions.

• Because of the advent of digital X-rays and improved speed of X-ray film, the amount of radiation that dental patients are exposed to today is significantly lower.

• The American Dental Association as well as the media noted that the results of this study rely on the individuals’ memories of having dental X-rays taken years earlier, not a review of the patients’ dental or medical records. Results of studies that use this type of design method can be unreliable.

• Dental X-rays are valuable because many oral diseases cannot be detected on the basis of a visual and physical examination alone. Such radiographs provide important diagnostic information about a patient’s oral health such as early-stage cavities, gum diseases, infections, and even some types of tumors.

• The study acknowledges that some subjects received dental X-rays decades ago when radiation exposure was greater

• According to the ADA, how often dental X-rays should be taken depends on the patient’s oral health condition, age, risk

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because of the use of old X-ray technology and slower speed film.

for disease, and any signs and symptoms of oral disease that the patient may be experiencing. The ADA has published recommendations to help dentists ensure that radiation exposure is as low as reasonably achievable. Visit www.ada.org for full information. • The ADA and GDA encourage patients to talk to their dentists if they have questions about their dental treatment. Questions? Call Melana McClatchey at the GDA office at (404) 636-7553 or visit www.gadental.org for links to additional resources.

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Inside This Issue • Surviving a Dental Medicaid Audit • Celebrating 10 Years of Give Kids A Smile Day

DATED MATERIAL PLEASE DELIVER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

ACTION

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