GDA Action May 2012 by Delaine Hall

ACT ION

THE JOURNAL OF THE GEORGIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION

MAY 2012

VOLUME 31, NUMBER 5 • MAY 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

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.

MAY 2012

If you watched televised news, read a newspaper, or visited news sites on the Internet lately, you heard about dentistry. Or rather, you heard about what dentistry is doing wrong, according to some misleading studies and sensational broadcasts. In each case, the American Dental Association and Georgia Dental Association acted quickly to counter the negative tone of the coverage by issuing dentist talking points, emphasizing scientific facts, and conducting media outreach efforts. Read about ADA and GDA efforts on page 10.

other features

sections

Partners in Profession: A GDA and ASDA Success Story

Parting Shots

Editorial

Medicaid and Electronic Health Records: Updates and Concerns

News and Views

Calendar of Events

Classifieds

14 17

Registration Guide to the 145th GDA Annual Meeting

Children’s Dental Health Month Brings Out Dentists’ Volunteer Spirit

© Copyright 2012 by the Georgia Dental Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. Publication of any article or advertisement should not be deemed an endorsement of the opinions expressed or products advertised. The Association expressly reserves the right to refuse publication of any article, photograph, or advertisement.

Member Publication American Association of Dental Editors

index of advertisers Note: Publication of an advertisement is not to be construed as an endorsement or approval by the GDA or any of its subsidiaries, committees, or task forces of the product or service offered in the AA Anesthesia, P.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 AFTCO Transition Consultants . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Center for TMJ Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Dental Care Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 The Doctor’s Safety Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 EC Price General Contractors . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Frances Cullen, P.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 GDA Dental Recovery Network . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Georgia Dental Insurance Services . . . . . . . . .36

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

Georgia Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry . . . . .9 Great Expressions Dental Centers . . . . . . . . . .25 Governors Pavilion, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Law Office of Stuart J. Oberman . . . . . . . . . . .16 Medical Protective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 MobileCat, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 National Practice Transitions, LLC . . . . . . . . . .16 Officite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 PDQ Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Dr. Mark Padolsky—TMD Dentist . . . . . . . . . .29 Paragon Dental Practice Transitions . . . . . . . .30 PPM / Revenue Well . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Professional Practice Management . . . . . . . . .30 Sedation Dentistry—Dr. Ruth Clemans . . . . . .28 Solstice Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Southeast Transitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 UBS Financial Services, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

GDA ACTION MAY 2012

editorial perspective Just the Facts, Please!

Jonathan S. Dubin, DMD

April was a busy month for dentistry in the news. The public was treated to some pretty misleading headlines while the facts went under the radar. Good thing we did have our ADA and GDA working to drag the facts out into the sunlight on our behalf. First out of the gate, the American Cancer Society journal Cancer published a vaguely scientific study linking dental radiographs with a certain type of non-malignant brain tumor. The study stated that the research was based on patient recollections of how many radiographs they had instead of an examination of records or treatment notes. Sadly, most people will not remember that the study was based on the “I think so…yes, that was it” principle. They will focus on the headline ‘Dental X-rays Lead to Brain Tumors.’ The GDA faxed and emailed talking points to member dentists we could use in addressing this issue with patients. I know several colleagues who received questions from patients and were able to help ease anxiety with these points. The ADA tackled the issue with a media statement and reminders that since 1989 the Association had published recommendations to help dentists ensure that radiation exposure is as low as reasonably achievable. (The ADA’s Selection of Patients for Dental Radiographic Examinations may be found at ADA.org.) It is not easy to counter scary words like tumor with facts, but we managed to do just that. Two other two news stories that made a splash are intertwined, and offer a recurring theme. First, Dr. Louis Sullivan, a former secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, wrote a letter published in The New York Times. (Title: Dental Insurance, but No Dentists.) His letter bemoaned United States citizens’ lack of access to dental care and stated that health care reform and Medicaid expansion would make a current dentist shortage even more apparent. He lauded Alaska’s Dental Health Aide Therapist (DHAT) model as an immediate solution to our oral health ills. We could train more dentists, he stated, but there is no guarantee they would practice in underserved areas. The magic bullet, according to him, is to train more dental therapists. ADA President Dr. William Calnon responded with a letter published in the Times

that agreed that “suffering caused by untreated oral disease that could have been prevented or easily treated in its early stages is unacceptable.” He, however, went on to say that the ADA disagreed that allowing non-dentists to perform surgical procedures was the answer and disputed that the U.S. had a dentist shortage. The GDA has commissioned its own workforce census in order to paint a true picture of Georgia’s dentists, their practice locations, and their current capacity. We are busy producing more facts to bring into the light to counter the sensationalism. Hard on the heels of the Sullivan letter, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation released its report (and I emphasize ‘its’ as in ‘their own’) on the efficacy of the dental therapist model. Dr. Sullivan and Kellogg, while well-intentioned, failed in my mind to produce convincing data. Instead, as an ADA statement pointed out about one part of the Kellogg study, they relied on “verbal reports from knowledgeable persons” instead of documents. (Reminds me of a certain x-ray study.) The ADA went on to call the Kellogg publication “a 460-page advocacy document intended to support a predetermined conclusion” rather than an evidence-based report. Dr. Calnon and others have said that we cannot “drill and fill” our way out of dental disease, and that is as true a statement as I have come across. The answer is not a two-tiered system of care. Education and prevention is how a disease as perverse as dental disease is conquered. Access is best addressed when you reduce the numbers of individuals with dental problems on the front end, when the federal programs that have made promises to children in working poor families are fixed, and when the dentist is acknowledged and supported as the professional best educated to diagnose, treatment plan, and provide irreversible procedures. Just some facts to consider.

GDA ACTION MAY 2012

general news GDA Membership Dr. Wendy Mitchell, Chair of the Recruitment and Retention Committee, along with Central District Committee member Dr. Katie Garvin and GDA Director of Membership Pam Yungk attended the ADA Annual Conference on Membership Recruitment in March. They were honored in Chicago with a “Membership Outreach” award. Thanks to hard work by the committee and staff, the GDA had the most improved active member retention rate for a society with 2,001 to 3,500 members in 2011. Kudos to all who reached out to retain your colleagues as GDA members!

Dentists from the Northern District Hall County Branch and GDA Alliance with Governor Nathan Deal at a GDA LAW Day in 2012. Don’t miss your chance to make a difference in 2013! Save a LAW Day date. Pictured are: Dr. Janine Bethea, Dr. Jack Bickford, Mrs. Molly Bickford, Mrs. Fran Brown, Mrs. Shari Carter, Dr. Timothy Fussell, Mrs. Tammy Fussell, Dr. Hank Goble, Dr. Jay Harrington, Mrs. Jean Harrington, Mrs. Janelle Kauffman, Dr. Paul Kudyba, Mrs. Gigi Kudyba, Dr. Abbey Lee, Dr. Svetlana Lekht, Dr. Heather McGee, Dr. Randy Phillips, Dr. Andy Ramsey, Dr. Richard Sugarman, Mrs. Helaine Sugarman, Dr. Jimmy Talbot, Mrs. Debbie Torbush, Dr. Ryan Vaughn, Mrs. Julie Vaughn, and Dr. Ron Wilson.

important issues impacting your profession. If you have questions about the program, email Nelda Greene at the GDA office at greene@gadental.org. See you at the Capitol. Jan 30

GHSU Dental Students

Feb 6

Southwestern District / Alliance Spouses

Feb 13 Southeastern District / Northern District (Northern Branch)

(L to r): Dr. Katie Garvin, Ms. Pam Yungk, and Dr. Wendy Mitchell with a plaque awarded to the GDA by the ADA for membership retention. The trio of membership experts was in Chicago at the American Dental Association headquarters for a recruitment and retention meeting.

Feb 20 Northern District (Southern Branch) / Georgia Dental Society / N. Ga Dental Society Feb 27 Western District / Northern District (Hall County Branch) Mar 6

Northern District (Eastern and Central Branches)

Mar 13 Northwestern District Mar 20 Central District Mar 27 Eastern District

2013 LAW Day

ASSISTANTS

Now is the time to save the date so you can learn more about the legislative process and issues affecting your practice of dentistry. Pick a Wednesday during February or March 2013 and plan to participate in a GDA Legislative Awareness Day. You will enjoy breakfast, meet with your representative and senator, and reach out to other key legislators about

Expanded Duties

GDA ACTION MAY 2012

The Georgia Dental Association Expanded Duties training program for dental assistants has announced a course at West Georgia Technical College in Newnan. Dr. Joe Hair will teach courses IV, V, and VI on August 3 and 4, 2012. For full details, and to print a registration form, visit www.gadental.org.

GHSU Green Tea Gum The Augusta Chronicle recently ran an article on Dr. Stephen Hsu, an associate professor of oral biology at Georgia Health Sciences University. The company he founded, Camellix LLC, has produced a consumer chewing gum, MighTeaFlow, which the doctor hopes will assist individuals suffering from chronic dry mouth. The gum, which contains the green tea compound epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a potent antioxidant, and xylitol, is the first consumer product to come out of Georgia Health Sciences University’s Life Sciences Business Development Center. The company eventually hopes to submit MighTeaFlow to the Food and Drug Administration to develop it as a prescription medicine for dry mouth. The company is also working on a mouthwash, toothpaste, cold sore medication, and even a dandruff shampoo. The shampoo will use a patented formulation of oil-based EGCG that can be absorbed by the skin to deliver an anti-inflammatory kick. Dr. Hsu, a former green tea farmer in China, has consulted in the past with companies to develop 35 green tea-based products. But Georgia and GHSU officials encouraged him to start his own company. He received $150,000 in start-up grants from the Georgia Research Alliance.

CONGRESS

AHA

Fluoride

Cardiac Disease

U.S. Reps. Mike Simpson of Idaho and Paul Gosar of Arizona, both dentists, sent a letter to all members of Congress on April 3, underscoring the role community water fluoridation and dental sealants play in preventing tooth decay. In their letter, Reps. Simpson and Gosar wrote that although research shows that fluoridation saves money, many communities have yet to implement this proven prevention strategy. “Even though more Americans have [fluoridated water] than ever before, coverage is uneven, and in nine states less than 50 percent of the people on public water supplies receive recommended fluoride levels,” the letter stated. The Congressmen also highlighted a new fact sheet by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that cites the benefits from consuming fluoridated water. The sheet is available at the CDC web site www.cdc.gov. Search for “fluoridation.”

The American Dental Association (ADA) Council on Scientific Affairs agrees with the conclusions of a recent report that current scientific evidence does not establish a direct cause and effect relationship between gum disease and heart disease or stroke. Additionally, the evidence does not establish that gum disease increases the rate of heart disease or stroke. The report, which examined 537 peerreviewed studies on the subject, was published in the April 2012 Circulation, the journal of the American Heart Association. Although there is a body of research showing that gum disease is associated with several health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes; just because two conditions are associated with each other does not mean that one causes the other. Both heart disease and gum disease share common risk factors, such as smoking and diabetes, which play a role in the development of both diseases.

The American Heart Association (AHA) report acknowledges the value of good oral hygiene to maintain good overall health but noted that current scientific data do not indicate whether regular brushing and flossing or treatment of gum disease can decrease the incidence of atherosclerosis, which is the narrowing of the arteries that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. The ADA’s Council on Scientific Affairs, which is made up of ADA member dentists who are scientific experts, appointed a representative to the American Heart Association expert committee that developed the report. The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs then reviewed the report and agreed with its conclusions. As a science-based organization, the ADA supports research on the risk, prevention, management, and treatment of oral diseases,

NEWS Continued on page 8

GDA ACTION MAY 2012

NEWS Continued from page 7

as well as research that helps clarify relationships that may exist between oral conditions and systemic diseases. The ADA encourages patients to talk to their dentists about the role that good oral health plays in their overall health.

AACD Cookbook The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry has initiated a public relations effort that features a 19-page online-only cookbook highlighting oral healthy-friendly foods. The organization tapped Milwaukee, Wisconsin, nutritionist Karen Krchma and California dentist Dr. Shawn Frawley to identify foods that promote oral health, develop recipes that incorporate those ingredients, and offer tips on foods and cosmetically lightened teeth. AACD Director of Membership and Marketing Mike DiFrisco characterized the booklet, only available on the AACD web site, as “something we thought would be fun for our members to share with their patients and that people might like to download for free” he told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Some of the foods highlighted include fresh basil, which is touted for reducing bacteria in the mouth; broccoli, which seems to form an acid-resistant film on the teeth; and fresh ginger, an anti-inflammatory that can support healthy gum tissue. The booklet is posted at aacd.com/smilerecipes.

CENSUS Georgia Growth The most recent Census revealed that several areas in Georgia are experiencing growth. The Hinesville-Fort Stewart and Warner Robins areas were noted as being among the top 10 fastest growing metro areas between 2010 and 2011, while Columbus, Georgia, made the top 100. (A metro area is defined as containing a core urban area of 50,000 or more population.) Charlton County was ranked as the single fastest growing county from 2010 to 2011.

GDA ACTION MAY 2012

Statesboro and Tifton were noted as top 10 fastest growing “micro” areas nationwide between 2010 and 2011. A micro area has at least 10,000 (but less than 50,000) population. Other highlights from the Census: • As of July 1, 2011, the nation’s 366 metro areas contained 261.1 million people (83.8 percent of the total population). • Six metro areas increased their populations by more than 100,000 people from 2010 to 2011: Dallas-Fort Worth (155,000), Houston (140,000), Washington, D.C. (122,000), New York (119,000), Los Angeles (116,000), and Miami-Fort Lauderdale (105,000). • The most populous metro areas on July 1, 2011, were New York (19 million), Los Angeles (12.9 million), and Chicago (9.5 million). Fourteen metro areas had populations of 4 million or more.

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. Ben T. Gleaves Jr., DDS, who died November 22, 2011, at the age of 91. Dr. Gleaves was a 1956 University of Tennessee dental school graduate and a member of the GDA through the Central District. He was a general dentist and an American Dental Association Life Member. Elona G. Marcy, DDS, who died August 21, 2011, at the age of 70. Dr. Marcy was a 1967 University of Maryland School of Dentistry graduate and a member of the GDA through the Northern District. She was a general dentist, a GDA Honorable

Fellow, and an American Association Life Member.

Dental

William H. Trinkner, DDS, who died November 9, 2011, at the age of 96. Dr. Trinkner was a 1943 Atlanta Southern Dental College graduate and a member of the GDA through the Northwestern District. He was a general dentist and an American Dental Association Life Member. Edward E. Zwig, DDS, who died March 30, 2012, at the age of 79. Dr. Zwig was a 1956 Emory University School of Dentistry graduate and a member of the GDA through the Northern District. He was a periodontist, a GDA Honorable Fellow, and an American Dental Association Life Member.

GDA ACTION MAY 2012

Dentistry Counters Misleading Messages in Media If you watched televised news, read a newspaper, or visited news sites on the Internet in March, April, and May, you heard about dentistry. Or rather, you heard about what dentistry is doing wrong, according to some misleading studies and sensational broadcasts. In each case, the American Dental Association and Georgia Dental Association acted quickly to counter the negative tone of the coverage by issuing dentist talking points, emphasizing scientific facts, and conducting media outreach efforts.

GDA Battles X-ray Cancer Story with Talking Points Several television programs recently discussed a study that associated yearly or more frequent dental x-rays to an increased risk of developing a non-cancerous meningioma brain tumor. The day the study was released the GDA faxed and emailed talking points to member dentists to help them answer patient questions. The points, now available on www.gadental.org, addressed multiple issues, including the study’s questionable methodology of relying on individuals’ memories of having dental x-rays taken, not a scientific review of dental or medical records. The GDA also posted on its web site a risk management article previously published in GDA Action on how dentists could educate patients that dental x-rays are valuable. The article emphasized that many oral diseases cannot be detected on the basis of a visual and physical examination alone and x-rays are an important part of the examination and diagnosing process. The article also discussed how to handle patients who refuse to have dental x-rays taken. The ADA quickly issued a press release reiterating the Association’s long-standing position that dentists should order dental x-rays for patients only when necessary for diagnosis and treatment. The release pointed out that since 1989, the ADA had published consistent recommendations to help dentists ensure that radiation exposure is as low as reasonably achievable. The ADA also ensured that its web site, www.ada.org, contained professional and consumer-oriented x-ray educational information easily accessible from the home page. In addition, ADA Spokesperson Dr. Matthew Messina was

GDA ACTION MAY 2012

interviewed for the study on dental x-rays, and his quotes appeared in U.S. News and World Report and on MSNBC.

ADA Addresses Article on ER Drug Seekers Claiming Dental Pain An April 30 story in The New York Times (“E.R. Doctors Face Quandary on Painkillers”) looked at the phenomenon of emergency room patients who claim to have agonizing dental pain in order to obtain prescription pain medication, and how emergency room physicians struggle to identify if those patients are telling the truth. The ADA swiftly issued a statement decrying that the newspaper did not explore the underlying problem of people seeking dental treatment in emergency rooms—that there is virtually no consistent, substantive dental safety net for lowincome adults. When “uninsured and indigent people cannot get routine dental care, small problems become big ones, and the pain becomes intolerable,” the statement read. “As a result, they flock to emergency rooms with dental pain. That they have dental problems is apparent to ER physicians. But whether they actually need pain medication is a judgment call.” The ADA statement points out the irony that patients who seek care via the ER cost Medicaid more than treatment by dentists would. “States would actually save money by providing basic care, such as fillings and extractions, to these patients,” the ADA stated.

GDA President Responds to CBS Story on Teen Deaths The GDA monitored an April CBS-Atlanta television report that sensationally tried to link the deaths of three teen boys from Georgia to wisdom tooth extractions. Despite the scare-tactic language the story used, such as “Although the three deaths may seem unusual, dental deaths are more common than you might imagine,” no substantive links were drawn between the boys’ regrettable deaths and any dental procedure. In fact, the story noted briefly that one boy’s death had been attributed to a reaction to penicillin. “This story sensationalized the very sad deaths of three boys, and put out distorted

information that could deter individuals who need care from having treatment performed,” said GDA President Dr. Michael Vernon. He noted that the GDA office received very few calls on this story.

ADA, GDA Reach Out After Editorial Lauds Dental Therapists An April 8 editorial published in The New York Times featured the opinions of Dr. Louis Sullivan, who served as the secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services from 1989 to 1993. In his editorial, Dr. Sullivan decried the numbers of emergency room visits that children make due to dental pain. He assigned much of the blame to a shortage of dentists in rural and poor areas, and the low numbers of dentists who accept Medicaid. His answer—pump huge numbers of rapidly trained dental therapist midlevel providers into the dental delivery system. The Times published a letter from ADA President Dr. William Calnon that made several key points in regards to the Sullivan piece. Dr. Calnon praised Dr. Sullivan for correctly observing that dental pain needlessly sends too many Americans to seek care in emergency rooms, but pointed out that numerous barriers impede people from enjoying good oral health, including their access to fluoridated water systems and lack of knowledge of how to prevent oral disease through good oral hygiene and healthy habits. Dr. Calnon strongly refuted Dr. Sullivan’s notion that dental therapists with minimal training can safely and effectively perform surgical procedures such as extractions and pulpotomies. “The nation will never drill, fill and extract its way to victory over untreated dental disease,” Dr. Calnon’s letter ended. “A public health system based primarily on surgical intervention in disease that could easily have been prevented is ill-conceived and doomed to fail. Until we focus on oral health education and disease prevention, the nation will fail to meet the needs of those who cannot afford or otherwise access dental care.” GDA dentist Dr. Ed Green of Albany also submitted a letter to the Times, although it was not selected for publication. In the meantime, the GDA has commissioned

its own workforce census in order to paint a true picture of Georgia’s dentists, their practice locations, and their current capacity. The GDA looks forward to sharing accurate workforce data and asserting that creating midlevel dental providers is not the answer to addressing dental access to care in Georgia. The GDA is aware that the ADA has invited Dr. Sullivan, an Atlanta resident, to a meeting to discuss the ADA’s view that a only a dentist has the education and training to provide patient diagnosis and perform surgical / irreversible procedures, and that dental care is appropriately delivered with the dentist as the head of the dental team.

dental access in Florida titled, “Hidden America: Medicaid’s Youngest Face Dental Crisis.” The focus was the tragic results of children not receiving care, including a recounting of the Deamonte Driver death in Maryland and video of children with blackened stumps where healthy teeth should be. The Association prepared a press statement to answer inquiries from journalists that noted the chronic budget woes plaguing Florida’s dental Medicaid program and how that impacted access. The ADA also reached out to the segment’s producer to offer assistance on any follow-up stories.

ABC World News Story Examines Dental Medicaid in Florida

ADA Decries Kellogg ‘Study’ as Flawed Advocacy

An April broadcast of ABC World News with Diane Sawyer included a report on

Immediately after the Dr. Louis Sullivan letter was published, the W.K. Kellogg

Foundation released a report praising the dental therapist model. An ADA statement on the report faulted Kellogg in many areas, including one instance where “While repeatedly referring to 54 countries that employ therapists in some capacity, the authors concede that ‘no documents could be located’ for more than half (28) of those countries, and that they instead relied on ‘verbal reports from knowledgeable persons—that dental therapists practice in 16 of these countries.’” ADA President Dr. William Calnon was interviewed about the Kellogg study by the Alaska bureau of the Associated Press and by Alaska Public Radio. The ADA was cited in other news coverage on the Kellogg study including the PBS NewsHour “The Rundown” Blog and Dentistry IQ.

ADA Paper Delves Into Real Reasons Americans Don’t Access Dental Care The ADA has released the third in a series of papers (all available at www.ada.org) that examine the challenges and solutions to bringing good oral health to millions of Americans who, for multiple reasons, lack access to regular dental care. “Breaking Down Barriers to Oral Health for All Americans: The Role of Finance” explores how the availability of financing affects people’s oral health, various methods of paying for care, and recommendations for improving the system. “When people are able to access oral health care, they are more likely to receive basic preventive services and education on how to attain and maintain good oral health. They are also more likely to have oral diseases detected in the earlier stages, said ADA President Dr. William Calnon. “In contrast, lack of access to oral health care can result in delayed diagnosis, untreated oral diseases and conditions, compromised health status, and, occasionally, even death. “Unfortunately, access to oral health care eludes many Americans,”

Dr. Calnon continued. “While certainly not the only factor, financing is a major factor in people’s ability to access health care.” Increased funding alone cannot repair a dental financing system that is rife with inefficiencies and shifting policies and that is overly tilted toward costly surgical intervention in disease that could have been prevented. Acknowledging this, the paper provides eight recommendations that aim to eliminate unnecessary, costly, preventable dental disease over time. ADA suggestions include: • Eliminating cost sharing (copayments) for diagnostic, preventive, and direct restorative procedures. Necessary care should not be subject to unreasonably low yearly maximums on coverage. • Setting maximum plan benefit fees in an open and transparent manner. • Setting Medicaid and CHIP reimbursements for dental care at rates that are acceptable to sufficient numbers of dentists practicing in

the covered area to provide care to those eligible patients who seek it, as consistent with federal law. State programs should base these rates on the ADA Survey of Dental Fees or an equivalent database. • Encouraging dental plans to cover 100 percent of the cost for preventive services. • Encouraging states to implement administrative reforms to cut red tape that impedes dentists from delivering care and patients from receiving it, including “carving out” the dental portion of Medicaid. • Broadening state Medicaid programs to include adults, beginning with coverage for urgent care that otherwise drives adults to hospital emergency departments. • Encouraging federal and state governments to expand programs that provide incentives for dentists to establish practices in underserved areas.

GDA ACTION MAY 2012

Partners in Profession: A GDA and ASDA Success Story The GDA / American Student Dental Association (ASDA) Partners in Profession mentor program connects practicing dentists with students eager to learn about what their future holds. Leaders in the ASDA chapter at Georgia Health Sciences University worked hard to find PIP mentor matches for interested students in 2011. After being matched, several duos carried on spirited phone and email communications. Then, on March 23, many of the duos were able to meet in person during a soiree hosted by Drs. John and Jackie Harden of Atlanta. “We were happy to welcome about 50 dental students, mentors, GDA staff members, Alliance members, and other guests,” said Dr. John Harden. “We treated them to a dinner buffet, desserts, and drinks, and let the students and

mentors get to know one another on a more social level.” “This was a great opportunity to let the many students and mentors who had only ‘met’ by voice and email meet face-toface,” said GDA President Dr. Michael Vernon. “The students were able to network with other dentists as well.” The GDA / ASDA PIP program is intended to build lasting relationships among future colleagues, as well as allow students and practicing dentists to learn about obstacles facing the profession and how to accomplish dental goals. Participating dentists are encouraged to set students on the fast track to GDA involvement and show them the value of being a member of organized dentistry. “This was a great jump start for the program,” said Dr. Vernon. “Thanks to John and Jackie for the food, company, and their screened porch. We had a few mentor student partners waiting for the perfect time to start the relationship, and this helped break the ice in many ways. “I am excited for how we can assist our students, but also how this will lift the GDA,” Dr. Vernon continued. “I am sure this will help the GDA develop leaders and committed members as the mentors discuss issues and possible changes to our profession.” The mentor program kicked off during Dr. Jay Harrington’s term as GDA president. He stated that he was happy to see the program up and running. “One of my goals as President was to see us revitalize this important program,” he said.

Kendrick, Terry O’Shea, Walter Stewart, Jimmy Talbot, Mike Vernon, and Jason Young; Guests: GDA Executive Director Martha Phillips, Director of Membership Pam Yungk, and Director of Membership Services Courtney Layfield; Jean Harrington, Sherry Kendrick, Al Phillips, and Debbie Vernon.

Thanks to the doctors, students, and GDA staff who attended!

“It was great to meet everyone in a relaxed setting,” said Bob Wilson. “I gained a lot of insight from talking with dentists from all sorts of different backgrounds. I really hope this is the first of many events with the mentor program.”

Students: Andy Benfield, Jessica Brown, Vy Do, David Forrest, Samira Jafari, Gigi Kendrick, Robert Lowry, James Maina, Naz Majdi, Robert O’Brien, Melanie Tang, Ben Taylor, Shannon Thorsteinson, Ruby Truong, Beau Upshaw, Blake Upshaw, and Bob Wilson; Dentists: Drs. Evis Babo, Christi Cheek, Eric Ferrara, Emile Fisher, John Harden, Jay Harrington, Jeff

“It was really great to meet and talk with so many people that I respect and admire,” said Beau Upshaw. “It was a fun and laid back atmosphere. Dr. Harden knows how to throw a great party. I hope we have the opportunity for many more events like this in the future.”

GDA ACTION MAY 2012

Medicaid and Electronic Health Records: Updates and Concerns Since September 2011, the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have worked to register providers and implement the Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program. All “eligible Medicaid professionals” (including dentists) who meet certain criteria can register for the incentive program and possibly receive up to $63,750 over six years for participation in the program. The GDA office receives regular questions about the program and offers this Q&A to assist members. If you do not see the answer you need here, contact Courtney Layfield at the GDA office at layfield@gadental.org.

Q: Is the state funding the EHR incentive program? A: No. This is a 100% federally funded program authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 designed to encourage the adoption and use of electronic health records across the country by all health care providers. Q: What incentives are offered to doctors? A: This program is designed to give eligible Medicaid professionals $21,250 in the first payment year to adopt, implement, or upgrade an Office of the National Coordinator certified EHR system and an additional $42,500 paid over five years for the meaningful use of a certified EHR system according to the requirements developed by CMS. Providers are not required to participate every year and may opt to only participate the first year. Incentive payments are made at the end of each attestation period.

Q: What is an eligible professional? A: Primarily, eligible professionals must have at least 30% patient volume attributable to Medicaid. PeachCare for Kids patients DO NOT count toward the Medicaid patient volume criteria. The CMS web site offers this guidance for dentists:

GDA ACTION MAY 2012

“Dentists must meet the same eligibility requirements as other eligible professionals (EP) in order to qualify for payments under the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program. This also means that they must demonstrate all 15 of the core meaningful use objectives and five from the menu of their choosing. The core set includes reporting of six clinical quality measures (three core and three from the menu of their choosing.) Several meaningful use objectives have exclusion criteria that are unique to each objective. EPs will have to evaluate whether they individually meet the exclusion criteria for each applicable objective as there is no blanket exclusion by type of EP.”

Q: Can you tell me about the clinical quality measures? A: Not yet. The Clinical Quality Measures (CQMs) for dental have not been defined

as of yet and the timetable is unknown. However, CMS continues to make updates to the program and has clarified many of the rules for dental in the most recent set of rules released for Stage 2 Meaningful Use. The American Dental Association has been working closely with CMS, ONC, and other federal agencies on this program to define the measures for dental.

Q: Is there a deadline to register for the program? A: Eligible professionals must apply to participate and begin receiving incentive payments by calendar year 2016. The program is slated to end in 2021. Q: How do I begin the registration process? A: An interested dentist must FIRST register their intent with CMS at

www.cms.gov/EHRIncentivePrograms. CMS has done a good job of keeping their web site updated with information. They offer FAQs and links to webinars that they have hosted on the topic. After 48 hours have elapsed (to allow CMS time to submit registration information to DCH), a dentist must then register with DCH. The web site is www.dch.georgia.gov/ehr. DCH has developed a Toolkit for Eligible Professionals, FAQs, a Quick Start Guide, and a Patient Volume Calculator for use in determining if you qualify.

Q: Are EHRs required for dentistry? A: According to the ADA Dental Practice Hub at ADA.org, for the vast majority of dentists, there is no fixed deadline to switch to electronic health records. The deadline exception is for dentists who bill Medicare for patient services. For these dentists, starting in 2015, Medicare reimbursement rates will be affected if ‘meaningful use’ of EHRs has not been demonstrated.

Q: What if I bill patient services to a Medicare Advantage Plan? Will I be subject to reductions in reimbursement rates? A: Probably not, but it would be advisable for you to contact the Medicare Advantage plan(s) that you bill to for confirmation. Based on the rules for meaningful use that are in place now, those providers who bill to Medicare Part B will be subject to the payment adjustments / reductions starting in 2015. Medicare Advantage Plans are considered a Part C plan under Medicare.

Q: What is certified EHR technology and where can I buy it? A: Participants must use certified EHR technology from an approved vendor list. Estimates for the cost of this technology range from $20,000 up to $100,000, depending upon the size and demands of the practice. Currently there are two certified dental EHR technology vendors—MacPractice and Open Dental. The GDA anticipates that most of the other dental practice management soft-

ware companies will become certified soon. To find out if your software is certified, visit one of the following ONC web sites: http://healthit.hhs.gov/certification or http://onc.chpl.force.com/ehrcert.

Q: A company called me and said they could get me enrolled. Should I use them? A: There are for-profit companies currently marketing to dental offices that they can help you register to become eligible for this EHR program. However, their services require that you pay them a percentage of any incentive money you receive. You may not need to utilize one of these companies in order to participate and receive incentive money, but that is a business decision you will need to make on your own.

GDA ACTION MAY 2012

Children’s Dental Health Month Brings Out Dentists’ Volunteer Spirit GDA dentists and staff once again fanned out across Georgia to provide dental screenings, educational programs, goody bags, and other dental services throughout February to celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month (CDHM). Volunteers donated their time at daycares, preschools, elementary schools, churches, Boys and Girls Clubs, and several other venues. The GDA Council on Dental Health distributed nearly 8,000 toothbrushes, toothpaste, and goody bags within the seven GDA districts. Below is a report on many of these wonderful activities that your colleagues held in their area. These are in addition to the district GKAS activities reported on last month. We encourage every GDA member to host an event next year to reach even more children! Central: Council member Dr. Shirley Fisher reports that a number of private dental offices reached out to children in their communities. Amanda Lester, RDH, who is employed by Drs. Amy and Mike Loden, visited with 40 kindergarteners. CDDS dentists and staff members also gave presentations to children to educate them on preventative measures that they can do at home to prevent dental disease.

Eastern District (Augusta): Council member Dr. John Spratling reports that 11 dentists reached 4,699 children during educational school visits and during the Give Kids a Smile event held at GHSU. Thanks to Dr. Barbara Utermark (Martinez) for visiting 200 children at multiple elementary schools; Drs. Doug and Greg Clepper (Augusta) who went to Stevens Creek Elementary and spoke with 90 children; Dr. Greg Griffin (Lincolnton) who visited 80 children at Lincoln County schools; Dr. Celia Dunn (Evans) for speaking to 125 kids at Blue Ridge Preschool; Dr. Tommy Neal (Thomson) for educating 55 children at McDuffie County schools;

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Dr. Robert Joiner with dental assistant Penny Daigle from Advanced Dental Associates of Cumming reached 54 low income children in Forsyth and Dawson County.

Eastern (Athens): Council member Dr. Jennifer Wells reports that Athens area dentists once again stepped up, gave presentations, and passed out goody bags to 1,330 children. Thanks to Drs. Forest Pagett and Joshua Whetzel (Madison) who spoke to 240 kids at Morgan County Primary School; Dr. Bill Newell (Jefferson) who visited with 200 kids at Jefferson Parks and Recreation; Dr. Chris Strickland (Watkinsville) who saw 100 kids at Oconee Primary, Oconee Elementary, and Mars Hill Preschool; Dr. Phil Durden (Winterville) who educated 250 kids at Oglethorpe County Primary and Oglethorpe Preschool Academy; and Dr. Jayni Bradley (Watkinsville) who gave presentations to 540 kids at six schools in Oconee County.

GDA ACTION MAY 2012

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Drs. John Spratling, David Brantley, and Kelly Hughes (Augusta) for visiting 705 kids at Brookwood and other area schools; Dr. Steve Powell (Evans) for volunteering his time to 2,626 children at Riverside and other area schools; Dr. Judson Hickey (Augusta) for speaking to 105 children at area schools; Drs. Mike Rogers and Lee Andrews (Augusta) for visiting 156 children at Westminster and St. Mary’s schools; Dr. Holland Maness (Martinez) for speaking with 125 children at Blue Ridge Elementary; and Dr. Tina Moses (Augusta) who gave oral health presentations to 540 children at Windsor Spring Elementary. Northern District: Several private offices stepped up to volunteer: • Dr. Sarabess Baumrind (Atlanta) and Menia Chester, Director of the Fulton County Cooperative Extension, gave a presentation on oral health to 22 fifth graders at Fickett Elementary.

GDA ACTION MAY 2012

• Dr. Elisha Buckley (Roswell) and her staff gave oral health presentations at two schools to 150 first graders and 85 second graders. • Dr. Brook Corbett (Atlanta) discussed oral hygiene, practice tooth brushing, read books, and pass out toothbrush kits to 13 4-year olds and 8 1-year olds at Oglethorpe Presbyterian Preschool. She also visited with the kindergarten class at Ashford Park Elementary School. • Dr. Kiran Kamdar (Stone Mountain) and her staff hosted a daycare field trip to her office, as well as visited three elementary schools and 11 daycares telling the story of “Tommy the Tooth” and educating the kids on the importance of healthy teeth, going to the dentist, not sucking on thumbs or fingers, and good brushing habits. In total they reached 1,780 kids. • Dr. Larry Miller (Monroe) and two dental hygienists gave oral health education presentations to 110 children, ages 4 to 8, at George Walton Academy and 45 children, ages 4 to 5, at Bright

Dr. Sarabess Baumrind and Menia Chester, Director of the Fulton County Cooperative Extension, talk to fifth graders in Atlanta.

Beginnings Preschool. They also donated 15 sets of toothbrushes, toothpaste, and oral health instructions to the Walton County DFACS office for children’s Easter baskets. • Dr. Richard Remigailo (Atlanta) and his wife Eleanor (AKA the tooth fairy) visited Chamblee United Methodist Church preschool (where they reached 72 children) and Dunwoody Elementary (where they reached 140 kindergarten

students). They gave a presentation on good brushing and oral health habits and passed out toothbrushes and toothpaste kits. • Dr. Ryan Vaughn (Gainesville) opened his office by appointment during February to 250 children from Hall County and Gainesville City Schools. He provided needy children with free exams, prophys, fluoride treatment, and simple extractions. Each child also received a dental goody bag. • Dr. Janice Wilmot (Lilburn) and her staff visited first grade classes at Camp Creek Elementary and spoke to 160 students. They also presented students with dental care packages. Dental health and preventative care were the focus and the children enjoyed books about dental health. Northwestern District: Several private offices stepped up to volunteer: • Dr. Ruth Clemans (Marietta) and one assistant gave a dental health presentation to 86 third graders at Blackwell Elementary in Marietta.

Dr. Celia Dunn and Valerie Hardin, RDH, at an Eastern District preschool.

• Dr. William J. Cline (Cartersville) and staff members gave a dental health presentation on proper brushing and flossing to 379 children at several schools, including Cartersville Primary, Excel Christian Academy, Hamilton Crossing Elementary, Euharlee Elementary, and White Elementary.

• Dr. Ray Morgan (Woodstock) and his associates offered free sealants or topical fluoride applications with each dental care visit during February to patients of all ages.

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GDA ACTION MAY 2012

Children’s Dental Health Month Continued from page 27 • Dr. Atusha Patel (Marietta), with two assistants, gave presentations to 220 children at Wood Acres Academy in Marietta. The kindergarteners saw a presentation on CDHM’s history and President Harry Truman’s involvement and a Dudley the Dinosaur DVD. They viewed real dental instruments and received a goody bag. The 3-4 year old classes enjoyed a simpler presentation and enjoyed dental related crafts using miniature marshmallows to represent teeth. They also received goody bags and calendars and stars to mark the days when they brushed and flossed twice a day. Southeastern District: Council member Dr. Stephanie Skinner (Savannah), reports that several dentists in the district visited area schools to educate children about dentistry and good oral health, reaching a total of 1,042 kids. Southwestern District: Drs. Robert and Ashley Moss (Albany), along with one dental assistant gave several oral health presentations to third and fifth graders at several Lee County elementary schools. They reached approximately 500 children. Western District: Council member Dr. Alex Cranford (Newnan), reports that he held an educational event at the Newnan / Coweta Boys and Girls Club for some 60 kids. In addition: • Dr. Paul Garcia (Columbus) visited several area schools to give educational programs and gave dental goody bags to approximately 300 children. • Dr. Jordan Brunson (Palmetto) in conjunction with The Links, Inc. Lagrange Chapter, hosted a “Brush Up Your Smile” event with dentist, nutritionist, and nurse volunteers. More than 70 children received free dental exams and information on obesity and good foods for oral health. Each child also received a dental goody bag. Dr. Charley Cheney (Newnan) conducted the exams with Dr. Brunson. Thanks to Help A Child Smile of Conyers for donating a dental van and Golden Corral of Newnan for the use of their parking lot. Approximately $4,000 in services was donated during the event.

GDA ACTION MAY 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dentists Available for Locum Tenens Dentist will fill in for illness, vacation, or continuing education. Licensed, insured, DEA #. Call (404) 786-0229 or email breighard@gmail.com. Dentist Available Daily (DAD): Dentist available during vacations, emergencies, and CE courses. Leave your practice in well-trained hands. I am licensed, insured, and have a DEA registration number so I can write prescriptions. Call Dr. Richard Patrick at (770) 993-8838. DENTIST: Need Part Time Fill In? Vacation, Illness, Maternity? GENERAL DENTIST SOLD LONG ESTABLISHED PRACTICE. GA & DEA LICENSED. (Available Expanded Atlanta Area.) Cell: (404) 219-4097. Home: (404) 842-1196. Jesse Hader, DDS. 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 Full time associate dentist wanted to join our team in a thriving general dentistry practice in Northwest Georgia. We are looking for a well rounded individual with an interest in all aspects of general dentistry. We have a friendly, well trained, outgoing staff that enjoys taking care of patients. Please call (404) 408-0078 or email: gandydds@comcast.net. 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 or call (678) 387-2783 ext 1204.

Fast growing, busy general practice looking for an associate dentist. We provide general dentistry for patients of all ages offering pediatric conscious sedation and will soon offer adult sedation dentistry. Our doctor and staff are very dedicated and work extraordinarily well together. Caring for our patients is our primary goal so a good chair side manner is a must as well as a positive and motivated personality. If you are interested, please forward resume to jesslong30@yahoo.com or fax (770) 456-7103. Charleston, South Carolina—Join a pediatric practice with multiple offices. Join a fun, well-respected, paperless pediatric practice and live in a great city on the beach. The position is for someone looking for a great place to work in a friendly and comfortable working environment. Competitive salary & benefits. Email CV drisabel@coastalkidsdental.com or call (843) 816-KIDS (5437). coastalkidsdental.com. 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. Dentist Jobs: Aspen Dental offers tremendous earning potential and a practice support model that empowers dentists to achieve goals. We eliminate obstacles for dentists to own their own practice. To learn more about our compelling proposition and to apply, please call (877) 332-9154 or visit www.AspenDentalJobs.com. EOE

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GDA ACTION MAY 2012

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Practices/ Office Space Available Clayton County / Office Condo for sale. 1,200 sq ft. dental office. Three plumbed dental treatment rooms, and lab. Private office with shower, business office and waiting room. Close to Southern Regional Hospital / high traffic area. Sale includes real estate, dental equipment, and all furniture. Great start up or second office. Condo appraised at $130,000 will sell for $100,000. Call (404) 881-0798. Located on Main Highway—Nelson Brogdon Blvd in Buford / Sugar Hill. 1.5 miles from Mall of Georgia. 3,500 sq feet last used as Ortho. Also 1,200 sq feet previously used as Perio. Free standing building with over 50 general dentists nearby. Email cherdavis@bellsouth.net or call (770) 845-9159.

GDA ACTION MAY 2012

I-985 / Sugar Hill—Seeking PEDIATRIC DENTAL PRACTICE to locate next door to oral surgeon, endodontist, and family dentist in new office park with established family medicine and cardiology practices. New space for sale or lease, will built to suit. Call Matthew Levin (678) 467-9658. 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, MidTown, Peachtree City. Contact Richane Swedenburg, New South Dental Transitions: (770) 630-0436, info@newsouthdental.com. Check new listings: www.newsouthdental.com.

Practice for sale due to health reasons and it’s time (forty-two years). Located in south-central Georgia. Great place to raise a family with good hunting and fishing. Will continue working during transition period. Practice now limited to surgery, extractions, and prosthetics. Call (229) 424-5888 Friday, Saturday, or Monday before 6 p.m. Available: Montezuma, GA—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) 9576395

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GDA ACTION MAY 2012

CLASSIFIEDS Continued from page 32 Savannah: Successful, turnkey ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY practice. Doctor retiring. Two surgical suites. Great staff. Electric hand pieces. Plumbed for dry air pneumatic hand pieces. Excellent location in modern professional building. $300+K a 3 1/2 days / week. Great place to live and play. Priced to sell at $190K. Contact Dean Cox @ (678) 584-4855. 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 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. 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 individual’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 … literally one of the most sought after locations around! Priority will be given on a first come / first serve basis. Please email: SpoutSpringsProfessionalPark@gmail.com for more information or call (678) 6122277.

GDA ACTION MAY 2012

PAULDING COUNTY, GA. Well established practice with room to grow! All FFS patients. The practice collected $300k in 2011 with 50% overhead. There are 3 ops with an additional room plumbed. Seller is ready to retire. For more information call (678) 482-7305, email michelle@southeasttransitions.com or visit www.southeasttransitions.com. CUMMING, GEORGIA. Beautiful practice for sale in Cumming, GA. There are 4 operatories loaded with nice equipment and technology. The practice collected $600K in 2011 and is referring out many procedures. Buyer can expect to make $200K the first year after debt service. Seller is retiring and flexible with his transition plans. For more information call (678) 482-7305, email michelle@southeasttransitions.com or visit www.southeasttransitions.com.

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

Inside This Issue • Botox® and Dermal Filler Overview Course Added to GDA Annual Meeting Lineup • Partners in Profession: A GDA / ASDA Success Story DATED MATERIAL PLEASE DELIVER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

ACTION

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