LDA Journal Summer 2024

JOURNAL OF

Dr. Troy Babb of Pineville Family Dentistry in Pineville, LA

Volume 83, Number 4, Summer 2024

EDITOR

Dr. Brian D. Basinger 818 Pierremont Rd. Shreveport, LA 71106 (318) 869-3020 basingers5@basingerdental.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Rebecca Bordelon LDA Headquarters (225) 926-1986 rebecca@ladental.org www.ladental.org

BUSINESS MANAGER

Dr. Jeffrey Kerst 8789 Line Ave.

Shreveport, LA 71106 (318) 865-1600 jeffreykerst@gmail.com

EDITORIAL BOARD

Dr. Gary Caskey

Dr. Robert Hill

Dr. David N. Austin

LDA OFFICERS

Dr. Lance Savoie President

Dr. Vincent DiLeo Past-President

Dr. Sean Owens President-Elect

Dr. Mike Luminais Secretary-Treasurer

Dr. Catherine Hebert Speaker of the House of Delegates

LDA STAFF

Annette B. Droddy

Executive Director

Colin Zvosec

Director of Membership Development

Tiffany Waddell

Director of Accounting

Jeanne McFall

Director of Conference Services

Amber Allen

Executive Assistant

Rebecca Bordelon

Director of Communications and Public Affairs

A Member Publication of the American Association of Dental Editors

JOURNAL of the Louisiana Dental Association (USPS284620) is published quarterly at 818 Pierremont Rd., Shreveport, LA 71106, in March, June, September and December, and is the official publication of the Louisiana Dental Association. Opinions and statements expressed, however, are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Association. Original articles published herein become the property of this publication. Subscription price is $18 per year for members, $30 per year for non-members and $65 per year for foreign subscribers. Periodicals postage paid at Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and additional mailing offices.

The publication of an advertisement in the LDA Journal is not to be construed as an endorsement or approval by the Louisiana Dental Association or any of its component associations of the product or service being offered.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Louisiana Dental Association, 5637 Bankers Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70808.

Established in 1878, the Louisiana Dental Association (LDA) is the largest professional health organization for dentists in Louisiana. It is a statewide grassroots organization whose purpose is to promote, advocate, and protect the dental professional. The LDA has over 1,900 members.

EDITOR

LC’mon Louisiana – Let’s Show Up and Show Out!

By Dr. Brian Basinger Editor, LDA Journal

et’s face it: People in Louisiana like to have a good time. People from all over the world also like to come to Louisiana to have a good time. Everyone loves the food, the culture, the music, the food, the history, the festivals, the “huntin’ n fishin,’” the unique experiences, and did I mention the food? All of these things and a sack full of crawfish make the state we call home a place to be proud of. This Fall, we get a chance to show it off to the dental world.

The American Dental Association is bringing its annual meeting, SmileCon®, to New Orleans on October 17-19 of this year, and we’ll have the chance to host friends and colleagues from all over the country. SmileCon® consists of three pillars: Meet (Connect with peers and mentors), Play (let the good times roll with social events) and Learn (Earn C.E. from top-tier experts). The ADA House of Delegates conducts the business of the association and will run from October 19-22.

The weather in New Orleans is usually great that time of year for anything outside. But if you want to stay inside, you can get loud and crazy with 75,000 of your soon-to-be closest friends in the Superdome. The Saints are hosting the Broncos in prime time on Thursday night (Oct. 17) during the meeting. That’s definitely a party you don’t want to miss!

There are a number of ways we can help make this year’s meeting a big success and do ourselves

proud. The first is easy: Attend the event! We’ve made it a habit in our office to try and go to a dental meeting together on a somewhat regular basis. In 2022, that meeting was SmileCon® in Houston. It was not your typical dental convention. There were lots of fun, interactive things to do, special treats to eat between classes, and a hugely popular street fest/block party with a live band, a bunch of food trucks, and other Houston-themed activities galore. It was a great time to let your hair down, hang out with fellow team members, and make new friends too. Everyone had a blast and is looking forward to what New Orleans will cook up with this year’s event called Bouncin’ in the Bayou Fest!

Besides attending this year’s SmileCon®, another way to be involved and help show off our state is by volunteering. Some volunteer positions even qualify you for special discounts.

So do yourself, and maybe even your dental team, a favor this year and participate in organized dentistry’s biggest event. It will be fun, it will be a good way to do some team building, and a great way to get some quality in-person C.E. close to home. So go ahead cher, make your plans to head to NOLA in October. You can register at Smilecon.org. You might even get to have some jambalaya, or maybe a crawfish pie, or perhaps Filé gumbo, but I know, son of a gun, we’ll have big fun on the bayou!

Dr. Basinger and his staff.

One Down, Three to Go

By Carson Basinger D1 Dental Student at LSUSD

Following our Mardi Gras break, it felt like we were coming down the home stretch of our first year. Test season consumed most of March and April, though I always made sure to carve out a little time to go fishing or to go play a round of golf. While March and April consisted mostly of didactic courses, we also had occlusion lab, the last few operative projects, and practi cals. In operative, we learned how to do class 3, 4, and 5 preps and restorations. I’ve been asked by several people if we still do gold restorations in first year operative and the answer is, kind of. We did learn how to do prepping and waxing for inlays and onlays but we didn’t actually cast them. Between pathology, microbiology, and physiology, my classmates and I studied around the clock just to keep our heads above water. One by one, each class had its last test come and go. Before long, all we had left were our practicals.

For occlusion, we had to pour and mount casts. Lastly, we had hygiene bootcamp. In a week and a half, the hygiene faculty coached us up on how to hand-scale using sickles and curettes, use an explorer to feel for calculus, use a cavitron, and how to polish each other’s teeth. Over the course of hygiene

bootcamp, my partner, Kaylin, and I got to know each other very quickly as we each spent half of the day probing and scaling each other’s teeth to practice before getting to see our first patients the following week.

The morning of my first patient, I woke up well before my alarm and made sure to get to school probably way too early to make sure I had everything set up and prepared before my patient arrived. After looking over his chart again, I walked nervously out to the waiting area and called him into the clinic where I began the process of reviewing his medical history and shakily taking his vital signs. I think my blood pressure may have been higher than the patient’s! After getting a starting check, I performed an intra/extra oral exam and got a biofilm free score and then started the cleaning. Seemingly, before I knew it, the appointment was over and I was dismissing the patient and thanking him for coming in. Just like that, my first patient experience in the clinic was over, all in a tidy 2.5 hours.

And with that, my first year of dental school is complete! At times, the last 11 months seemed like 11 years, but most of the time it seemed to fly by. After a vacation with my family, I’ve got a few weeks to recharge and get ready for year two. So, I guess you could say on my journey from day one, I’m one-fourth of the way to DDS!

Carson and Kaylin during practicals

Carson after his first patient

It’s summertime! For many, that means vacations and relaxation. For the LDA, it’s just as busy as any other time of year. Here are a few updates from the past few months as your LDA president.

Dentists’ Day at the Legislature 2024 was a great event, and I was proud to be there representing all of you with our legislators. We spent the day learning about the importance of activism and discussing dentistry’s most pressing issues with our legislators. Look at these group photos! We had so many dentists and dentals students join us. Those in attendance were also able to hear from our new Secretary of the LA Department of Health, Dr. Ralph Abraham, who promises to continue to work with and support health care providers.

Exciting News and Summertime Fun

By Dr. Lance Savoie President, LDA

I feel encouraged by the activism of our dental students. Twelve LSUSD students also attended the ADA’s Lobby Day in Washington, D.C. in April. An additional two Louisiana natives who are in dental schools in other states also joined our group. These students want to work hard for the profession and understand the urgency to stay involved legislatively. As we all learned during the COVID pandemic, people who have no knowledge of our profession made major decisions that closed our practices. Again, it was because of the strength of organized dentistry that we were able to work with governmental officials to be able to reopen.

The LDA is and will remain the number one advocate for dentists in Louisiana as we promote, advocate, and protect the dental profession. To this end, I am so proud to announce that both our two bills, SB 138 (LSBD changes) and SB 463 (dental loss ratio transparency and

reporting), have passed through the House and Senate and have been signed by the Governor. Thank you for your dedication to advocacy during this legislative session. We knew that this legislation wouldn’t pass without challenges, but thanks to your support, we were successful!

I mentioned that nothing slows down at the LDA in the summer! It’s true. Not only do we have a couple fun

summer events (C.E. beach trip and Foundation Fishing Rodeo), but we are also busy planning all kinds of travel/C.E. experiences for you well into 2025 and 2026! If a trip to Napa Valley, Disney, Pensacola Beach, or to a ski destination interests you, you should visit our events page (ladental.org/events) for more information.

We offer substantial discounts on the C.E., of course, but we also offer discounted hotel accommodations! These hotel room blocks typically sell out, so you’ll want to secure your spot as soon as you can. What I love about these trips is that they are flexible. If I’m bringing my family with me, I like having the option to participate in some C.E and spend the rest of my time having a nice family vacation. Join the LDA as we travel the country and earn some great C.E.

In other news, the LDA has hired a new executive assistant! I would like to personally welcome the new “voice of the LDA,” Amber Allen. Read more about her in the info box on this page.

My first three months as president have brought great opportunity with new events and advocacy. I am eager to see what the rest of the year holds in store for the LDA. Have a great summer!

LDA Hires New Executive Assistant

Amber Allen was born in Baton Rouge and grew up in Walker, where she graduated high school. She lives in Denham Springs with her husband of 22 years. She has three daughters and one son. She is a Mamaw to three granddaughters and just welcomed her first grandson. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, bowling, and “burning the worms” with her husband. She has 25+ years of experience in office management in the medical, dental, and chiropractic fields. She’s ecstatic to join and work with the LDA community.

WinterC.E.: WaltDisneyWorld

March 2-4, 2025

Walt Disney World, Florida

Speakers: Dr. Mark Koup, Dr. Glenn Kidder, Dr. Tony Tomaro

Discounted hotel rooms

Only our attendees have access to these exclusive hotel room prices at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn. Snag your spot before our room block sells out!

Up to 10.5 clinical C.E. hours

Grab C.E. hours before heading into the parks. We have three incredible speakers lined up that you won’t want to miss!

Discounted park tickets

Save BIG on park tickets! Bring your entire family/staff and make this trip the vacation of your dreams.

Annette Droddy Executive Director, LDA Dr. Gizelle Richard Chair, Council on Government Affairs

Report from the 2024 Regular Session of the Legislature

Organized Dentistry Successful in Passing DLR Transparency and Reporting Bill

Note: Photos on these pages are from Dentists’ Day at the Legislature, April 24, 2024. Thank you to all who attended! All actions listed are current as of June 3, 2024.

The 2024 regular session of the Louisiana Legislature adjourned sine die on Monday, June 3. After nearly five months of special sessions focused on organizational and redistricting matters, crime, and now the regular session, this last 90-day legislative period ended with the passage of an approximate $48 billion budget.

Most of Governor Landry’s legislative initiatives, which began in the House of Representatives, have passed. However, a key item, the constitutional convention, did not advance as the Governor had hoped. The LDA closely monitored over 50 bills of interest to dentists and dentistry throughout session.

Here are a few bills of interest:

SB 138 was the LDA’s bill incorporating several items that the LA State Board of Dentistry (LSBD) and the LDA agree are necessary for updating rules related to dentistry. The suggested changes are related to a reserved position for a pediatric dentist on the LSBD; licensing

exam acceptance from three to five years; and a clarification that any dentist with a sedation permit can serve as a third-party anesthesia provider. The bill was signed by the Governor and is effective as of 5/28/24. Thank you to Senator Bob Owen for authoring this bill.

SB 463 is the LDA’s other bill that establishes transparency and a reporting requirement on Dental Loss Ratio, or DLR, the portion of revenue from premiums spent on patient care, rather than profits, marketing, and administration. This bill will ensure that dental plans are more transparent to the patients they serve. Patients and employers seeking to maximize the value of the coverage they purchase would benefit from knowing how much of the carriers’ premiums are invested in the care they receive. Transparency and reporting would give consumers the

Dr. William Grand, Dr. Don Donaldson, Dr. Gizelle Richard, Sen. Glen Womack, and Dr. Trey Carlton.

Dr. Glen Corcoran, Rep. Jay Gallé, and Marcy O'Leary.

Rep. Mike Johnson and Dr. Troy Babb.

Dr. Lance Savoie and Senator Gerald Boudreaux.

opportunity to have choices in selecting a quality dental plan.

Thank you to Senator Bill Wheat for sponsoring this bill. It was signed by the Governor and is effective 1/1/25. We should be able to start seeing DLR data as early as April 2025.

HB 716 is the universal licensing bill filed by Rep. Charles Owen and supported by the Governor. After several meetings between our lobbying team and the bill supporters, as well as Dr. Rusty Hickham with the LSBD, the bill author agreed to an amendment on behalf of dentistry adding that: In addition to the requirements already established in the bill, the LSBD may require that an applicant for a dental license has successfully completed an initial clinical licensure examination in a United States jurisdiction that included a hand skills assessment. This bill is waiting for the Governor’s signature.

SB 367 discontinued several of the commissions within the Department of Insurance and gave the DOI commissioner the authority to create advisory

boards as needed consisting of representatives of insurers, insurance producers, consumers of insurance products not otherwise connected with the insurance industry, and other appropriate persons such as providers. The bill is effective 8/1/2024.

HB 1, the state’s budget bill, includes an amendment providing $3.9 million for implementation of a dental managed care quality initiative payment program, which will draw down approximately $12 million including federal funds. This program is not about production. It is designed to provide incentives to practice owners to provide staff hours necessary to achieve the goals of the program. Through the successful work of our Medicaid Task Force Chair, Dr. Don Donaldson, the LDA will be working with the State and CMS to implement this program benefiting Medicaid practices. This bill has not yet been signed by the Governor.

Again, it is through the support of the LDA’s contact dentist network, along with the additional financial support from the ADA’s State Public Affairs grant, that the LDA was able to successfully support (or oppose or amend, as necessary) bills that would cause a great impact to the profession. It is more important than ever to let the LDA know if you are a friend, relative, or dentist of an elected official. We need contact dentists! It makes all the difference during the legislative session when we have contact dentists for each

legislator on important committees impacting dentistry such as finance, health and welfare and insurance.

Sen. Thomas Pressly and Dr. Jack O'Neill.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and Dr. Gizelle Richard.

Rep. Ryan Bourriaque and Dr. Lance Savoie.

Governor Billy Nungesser and Dr. Janet Southerland, Interim Dean of LSUSD.

Dr. Trey Carlton, Dr. Steve Ortego, Rep. Mike Johnson, and Dr. Aaron Mangum.

Rep. Kim Carver, Sarah Bellah, Dr. Chantal Causin, and Dr. William Grand.

Secretary of the LA Department of Health Ralph Abraham, M.D., Annette Droddy, and Dr. Don Donaldson.

WSit Back and Relax This Summer

By Dr. William Hadlock President, Louisiana Dental Services, Inc.

ho brought the sunscreen?

Which kid has summer camp this week?

Where are we going to store all these popsicles?

If you need a vacation from your vacation, you’re likely overwhelmed with planning and organizing. Thankfully, you don’t ever need to worry about organizing your LDA member benefits! So sit back, sip a lemonade, and see exactly how LDA Member Perks protects your investment in us.

We Find the Companies

Forget about clipping coupons and scouring the web for discount codes; LDS does all the work for you! We investigate new endorsements and ensure that they will benefit the greatest number of our dentists. We’re also committed to securing endorsements that benefit dentists professionally and personally. You can save on shipping, tech, and appliances for your office AND your home.

We Negotiate the Offers

Once we find the best of the best, we negotiate the savings and offerings for the endorsement. We are pleased to offer some pretty substantial discounts and perks. For example, our endorsement of Lenovo offers our members up to 60% off certain merchandise during frequent sales!

We Tell You About the Deals

If you receive the LDA E-Bytes or read the Journal, you’ll be the first to know about exciting deals offered by our endorsed companies. Our endorsed companies send new savings and offerings to us all the time, and we pass that knowledge straight to you so that you have the easiest access to your benefits.

We Offer the Savings for Free LDA members don’t pay any fees for LDS Member Perks. They’re available to every member, all for free, all the time. It’s that simple! To learn more about every perk we offer, visit ladental.org/LDS.

We Look for New Opportunities

Times change, and our members change with them. Each year, we reevaluate the benefits of our

LDA-endorsed companies to ensure that members are getting perks they actually want! For example, we learned that many dentists now enjoy cruises (Likely for the pre-planned, no-stress itineraries), so we endorsed AHI Travel, which offers discounts on cruises and countless on-land excursions.

Now that you know what we do, I have a to-do list for you!

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ITeamwork and the 2024 LA Legislative Session

By Dr. Jay Dumas President, Louisiana State Board of Dentistry

hope everyone had an enjoyable Spring. Now that festivals and graduations are behind us, we look forward to Summer and reflect on the 2024 Louisiana Legislative Session.

As I am writing this article, House Bill 716 is making its way through the Louisiana Legislature.* House Bill 716, commonly referred to as a “Universal Licensing Bill” would apply to all occupations that are licensed by the State of Louisiana. This bill is not specific to dentistry; however, it would apply to dental licensing.

HB 716, as proposed, provides that any person who has a license in another state for at least one year and relocates to Louisiana would be able to receive a license if they have no criminal record and a clean disciplinary record from their prior state. This was concerning to the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry and the Louisiana Dental Association because a few states do not require a hands-on exam for dental licensure. The LSBD and the LDA believe hands-on skills exams are critical to ensure that licensure applicants are ready to practice dentistry on the public safely.

The board and the LDA had preliminary meetings with the Governor’s legislative staff to discuss our concerns with HB 716. During this meeting, we urged the Governor’s office to amend the bill. The amendment requires all dentists and hygienists to pass a hands-on skills exam to be eligible for dental licensure in Louisiana. We are happy that the Governor’s office agreed and included this amendment.

The LSBD and LDA believe that this collaboration is an excellent example of how we work together to keep dentistry safe for Louisiana dentists and residents.

*As of June 7, HB 716 has passed with our ammendment included and is waiting on the Governor's signature.

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OGraduation and the Increasing Burden of Student Debt

By Dr. Janet Southerland, DDS, MPH, PhD Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, LSU Health New Orleans Interim Dean, LSU Health School of Dentistry

n May 16, we celebrated our most recent graduates. This year, 119 students received their diplomas. Of those, 79 received their doctorates in dental surgery, 37 received bachelors in dental hygiene, and three received their degrees in dental laboratory technology.

More and more, students are choosing to enter a residency program to continue their education. It’s a good choice, as it allows them to build on the basics they learned in dental school and become more skilled, confident, and knowledgeable in a specific field of interest.

Making career choices prior to graduation is often anxiety-inducing and uncertain. Dental graduates in particular are faced with a number of possible paths. They could enter a residency program, become an asso ciate in an existing practice, open a private practice, join a corpo rate practice, enlist in the military, or commit to a career in public health. Couple this with the signifi cant debt most students face and the choices become even more complex. The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) reports that the average dental student graduates with upward of $304,000 in student loan debt.

One way we can help address the debt burden is to encourage students to take advantage of the loan repay ment programs available to them. For graduates who wish to remain in Louisiana, practicing in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA)

is a viable option. According to the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, 86% of Louisiana is designated a dental HPSA. The most current HPSA dental assessment identified a statewide shortage of 202 dentists to serve a population of more than 1.8 million.

Joining the military is also a smart way to address student debt. Tuition assistance for qualified applicants is available through the Armed Forces Health Professional Scholarship Program. Although requirements may vary, programs are available in the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force. Dental officers in the military can be free from dental school debt after

career path advancement, continuing education, and mentorship programs.

Please know that this is not a comprehensive list of all the programs available to help students alleviate debt. It is my intent to create awareness of some of the more significant opportunities. Both ADEA and the American Dental Association are good sources of information about the various scholarship and loan repayment programs available across the country.

In closing, I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to all of our graduates and wish them the

Congratulations, Classof2024!

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Dentistry gives us the skills to diagnose, relieve pain, and restore form and function. DLN/DDS links us in the most efficient way to patients who urgently need those skills.

Frank Martello, DDS DLN • LA Board Director & DDS Volunteer

At Dental Lifeline Network, your time and

skills matter.

That’s why we’ve made volunteering easy for compassionate dental professionals like you.

From screening those in need to managing coordination seamlessly, we’ve got it all covered.

When you volunteer with Dental Lifeline Network’s Donated Dental Services (DDS) program, you change lives, find your purpose, and redefine success.

Volunteering is easy.

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A potential patient applies for the program through an application

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Coordinator matches qualified patient with a volunteer dentist

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Volunteer dentist sees patient in their own office

GGenerational Wealth: An Overview

By Chad Olivier CEO,CEPA, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

enerational wealth, also called multigenerational wealth, refers to financial assets passed from one generation of a family to another. Those assets can include cash, stocks, bonds, and other investments, as well as real estate and family businesses.1

Generational wealth can set your family on a forward moving trajectory by breaking negative cycles and building a foundation for purpose and success. The dental professional can provide the foundation for a legacy of wealth. However, successfully creating and managing multigenerational wealth goes beyond merely accumulating funds to pass down to future generations. It involves instilling family values and providing the necessary tools for younger generations to manage inherited wealth responsibly. In this article, we'll explore an overview of multigenerational wealth, as well as its benefits, challenges, and strategies for preserving and passing it on effectively.

Benefits of Multigenerational Wealth

Financial Security: Inheriting wealth provides descendants with a financial foundation, empowering them to pursue their goals without the burden of financial constraints.

Educational Opportunities: Multigenerational wealth can fund educational pursuits without the need for student loans, opening doors to a broader range of career possibilities and higher earning potential.

Health and Wellness:

Beneficiaries of generational wealth often have access to quality healthcare, leading to improved overall health and well-being throughout their lives.

Legacy of Philanthropy: Generational wealth can also have a positive impact by broadening the view of future generations by providing the means to financially support their local economy, community, and trusted charities.

Challenges of Multigenerational Wealth

Beneficiary Understanding: Heirs may not fully grasp the responsibility and scope of inherited wealth, leading to mismanagement or unrealistic expectations.

The "Third Generation Curse:" Without careful planning, family wealth may not survive beyond the third generation, often due to poor financial decisions or unforeseen events.

Addressing Challenges and Planning Ahead

Open Communication: Discussing wealth inheritance openly and transparently with family members can help mitigate future conflicts and ensure everyone understands the family's values and intentions.

Tax Considerations:

Implementing a customized tax strategy is crucial for preserving family wealth and minimizing tax obligations across generations,

especially for assets like businesses or real estate.

Curse, Be Gone: As referenced above, there are statistics to be aware of when passing wealth to future generations. Data shows that 70% of wealthy families lose their wealth by the second generation, and 90% losing their wealth by the third generation.2 With proper education, timely conversations, and proactive planning, generational wealth can be protected and preserved. Building a solid team of professional advisors to help you design a succession plan, and then sharing your financial wisdom with your heirs, empowers your heirs to make solid financial decisions, which is a legacy in itself. Establishing parameters and a solid plan can help control how inherited wealth is managed in the future, ensuring it serves its intended purpose.

Methods of Transfer

During Life Transfer: Enriching your heirs during your life can be a joyful and smart move. In 2024, the guidelines for gifts were $18,000 per person, or $36,000 per couple in money or property without incurring federal gift taxes. A common use of the gift is helping with a down payment on a home. Also, one generation helping with the educational expenses of the next generation by paying tuition directly to the institution. Gifting can also include paying medical expenses paid directly to the provider.

Inheritance: Passing down wealth through inheritance can have

a beneficial multiplier effect, building a “wealth snowball” that can grow over time.3 Proper estate planning is a crucial step in taking a proactive approach to preserving generational wealth.

Generational Wealth Starts with Someone

Whenever wealth is in existence beyond the first generation, someone began a process that involved thoughtful planning and a desire to create a lasting legacy that bene fits successive generations. If you aren’t already in a succession of generational wealth, you can still be the someone to start it for your lineage. The dental profession typi cally provides the earning potential to begin wealth to last for gener ations to come. If you are seeking to create and manage multigenera tional wealth, consider prioritizing thoughtful planning, open commu nication, and a clear understanding of the responsibilities and challenges involved. By addressing potential obstacles and implementing proactive strategies, dentists can build a legacy that benefits their families for generations to come. Visit oliviergroup.com for more information on this topic.

Let’s Let’s gET gET

Social!

1 Daugherty, Greg; Generational Wealth: Overview, Examples and FAQs; Investopedia.com; accessed April 30, 2024.

2 Pino, Ivana; and how experts say you can work to build and protect it fortune.com; December 14, 2022; accessed April 30, 2024. 3 Department of Financial Protection & Innovation, Steps to Building Generational Wealth April 30, 2024.

This material is not intended to provide specific legal, tax, or other professional advice. For a comprehensive review of your personal situation, always consult with a tax or legal advisor. Neither Cetera Advisor Networks LLC nor any of its representative may give legal or tax advice.

Securities offered through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through CWM, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Cetera Advisor Networks LLC is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Carson Partners, a division of CWM, LLC, is a nationwide partnership of advisors. 4609 Bluebonnet Blvd., Ste. A, Baton Rouge, LA, 70809 or call 225-757-9484

TNODC/LDA Annual Session Welcomes Back Two Good Friends of the Conference

By Dr. James Burns General Chairman of the 2025 NODC/LDA Annual Session Committee

he 2025 New Orleans Dental Conference/LDA Annual Session has wonderful news! We would like to announce that we have two dear friends of the conference in our speaker lineup. First, we are proud to reveal that Dr. Gerard Chiche plans to speak at our conference. Many of us reading this has had the privilege of being a student of his at LSUSD. For those of you that don’t know him, he is the Clinical and Emeritus Professor at LSUSD. He is the author of two textbooks in Esthetic Dentistry and has spoken on Esthetic Dentistry in 35 countries. He is the 2020 recipient of the Icon Award for Lifetime Achievement in Dentistry of the Seattle Study Club. These accomplishments are just a few in his long list. Dr. Chiche’s two topics are: Smile Design: How to Achieve Predictability, and Management of Zirconia Restorations.

I also have a quick reminder about the 2025 New Orleans Dental Conference/ LDA Annual Session. The conference is April 10-11 at the Astor Crowne Plaza. This hotel is in the heart of the French Quarter during French Quarter Fest. As usual, we have an exceptional lineup of speakers at a great price. Just as in the past, we will also have a full exhibit hall filled with ample deals for all registrants. Remember, this our conference and I’m extremely proud of the product that we will present to you. Like I’ve said before, my LDA family deserves the best and that’s what me and my board intends to give you! Have a wonderful day.

• Refer and collaborate across a broad network

The next speaker is Dr. Corky Willhite, who has been a speaker with the conference numerous times. He is a local dentist who has made his name in cosmetic dentistry nationally and internationally. He is one of only 84 Accredited Fellows in the AACD of over 5,000 members worldwide. Dr. Willhite is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Prosthodontics at LSUSD. Dr. Willhite’s two topics are: Transitional Bonding and The “Ultimate Esthetics” Course. Because of his dedication to our conference over the years, we would like to announce that he will be the recipient of the NormaLee Ward Distinguished Speaker award, which is the highest award given to a speaker at our conference. Congratulations Dr. Willhite!

Dr. Corky Willhite

Dr. Gerard Chiche

TManaging Patient Expectations and Educating Staff on Medicare Advantage Nuances: A Guide for Dental Practices

By Al Kushner Award-Winning Author & Medicare Expert VirtualMedi.care

he dental insurance landscape in the United States is complex and ever-evolving, with Medicare Advantage plans playing an increasingly significant role. For dental practices, navigating these plans requires a deep understanding of their nuances, effective management of patient expectations, and thorough staff education. This article explores strategies for dental practices to tackle these challenges, ensuring operational efficiency and high patient satisfaction.

Understanding Medicare Advantage in Dental Care

Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, is an alternative to traditional Medicare provided by private insurance companies. These plans often include benefits not covered by Original Medicare, including dental care ranging from simple cleanings and X-rays to more complex procedures. However, coverage details, restrictions, and processes can vary significantly between plans, presenting a challenge for dental practices regarding billing and service provision.

Managing Patient Expectations

One of the primary challenges dental practices face with Medicare Advantage is managing patient expectations. Patients may need more clarification on the specifics of their plan, especially regarding what dental services are covered and to what extent. Misunderstandings can lead to frustration, dissatisfaction, and even billing disputes. To mitigate these issues, dental practices should:

1. Educate Patients Early: Implement a process where patients are educated about the basics of Medicare Advantage plans during their first visit or consultation. Clear, concise information about how these plans work in general and what they might expect regarding coverage for dental

services can set realistic expectations from the outset.

2. Verify Coverage Before Treatment: Always verify a patient's coverage before performing any procedures. This step is crucial in managing expectations and avoiding surprises regarding billing. It's also an opportunity to discuss with patients any out-of-pocket costs they may incur.

3. Clear Communication: Use simple, jargon-free language when discussing insurance details with patients. Consider creating easy-tounderstand guides or brochures that explain the nuances of Medicare Advantage as it relates to dental care.

4. Provide Written Estimates: Whenever possible, provide patients with written estimates of their treatment plan, detailing what is covered by their plan and what outof-pocket costs they may expect. This transparency helps build trust and reduces confusion.

Educating Staff on Medicare Advantage Nuances

Successfully navigating Medicare Advantage plans is not just about managing patient expectations but also about ensuring your staff is well-educated on the nuances of these plans. Staff education is critical to operational efficiency, accurate billing, and patient satisfaction.

1. Regular Training Sessions: Conduct regular training sessions for all staff members involved in patient care and billing. These sessions should cover the basics of Medicare Advantage, common misunderstandings about coverage, and any recent changes to these plans.

2. Create Internal Resources: Develop internal resources, such as quickreference guides or FAQs, tailored to your practice's most common

encounters with Medicare Advantage plans. These resources can help staff answer patient questions confidently and accurately.

3. Stay Updated: The details of Medicare Advantage plans can change annually. Assign a team member to stay updated on these changes and disseminate relevant information to the rest of the staff.

4. Leverage Technology: Utilize practice management software that can handle the specifics of Medicare Advantage billing and claims. Software that stays updated with the latest billing codes and regulations can reduce errors and improve efficiency.

5. Encourage Open Communication: Create an environment where staff feel comfortable asking questions and sharing information about their experiences with Medicare Advantage plans. This open communication can lead to better problem-solving and learning opportunities.

Conclusion

Navigating the complexities of Medicare Advantage plans requires a dual approach: managing patient expectations through education and communication and ensuring staff are well-informed about the nuances of these plans. By adopting these strategies, dental practices can improve operational efficiency, enhance patient satisfaction, and confidently navigate the complexities of Medicare Advantage. In doing so, they bolster their practice’s reputation and contribute to the broader goal of making dental care accessible and understandable for all patients.

Al Kushner is a renowned Medicare expert with almost 40 years in the insurance industry, known for clarifying Medicare's complexities for providers and patients. He offers his expertise to anyone navigating Medicare. Reach him at (888) 810-9725.

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TMake 2024-2025 C.E. and Vacation Plans with LDA

By Jeanne McFall Director of Conference Services, LDA

here is a wide variety of upcoming LDA events that offer C.E., fun travel experiences, or both. Our newest event is an exciting C.E. opportunity in Napa Valley, CA! Create your 2024/2025 C.E. itinerary with the list of LDA events below. Remember, LDA members save $$$ on each registration. Read below to find out more or visit our website at www.ladental.org/events. Bon Voyage!

Catch some big fish while you catch up with friends at the LDA Foundation Fishing Rodeo, July 19-20, 2024, in Grand Isle, Louisiana.

ladental.org/fishingrodeo

Participate in our first-ever, 6-hour Pediatric Sedation Renewal Course, August 23, 2024, live via Zoom, with Dr. Priyanshi Ritwik. This course counts toward your in-person, clinical hours and your pediatric sedation license renewal.

ladental.org/pedssedation

Kick off the Fall with the LDA’s live via Zoom Kick-Off C.E. on September 20, 2024. This course counts for in-person C.E. and will be 4 clinical hours with Dr. Timothy Bizga.

ladental.org/kickoff

Network with dentists from across the nation at the ADA SmileCon®, October 17-19, 2024, in New Orleans.

ada.org/education/smilecon

Get last-minute C.E. before your license renewal at the Last Chance Seminar, December 13, 2024, at the Marriott in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. There are 7 clinical C.E. hours up for grabs! ladental.org/lastchance

Experience the magic of a Disney vacation with built-in C.E. at our Winter C.E. with Character, March 2-4, 2025, at the Boardwalk Inn, Walt Disney World, Florida. Attendees can get up to 10.5 clinical hours of C.E. from speakers Dr. Mark Koup, Dr. Glenn Kidder, and Dr. Tony Tomaro. ladental.org/disney2025

The New Orleans Dental Conference/LDA Annual Session will be back April 10-11, 2025, in New Orleans. Explore New Orleans and earn C.E. with friends and fellow LSUSD alums.

The brand new C.E. offering for 2025 is the Sip & C.E. in Napa Valley, California. The courses will be held in the morning September 17-19, 2025, then attendees can spend their afternoons touring and wine tasting on their own. There will be 9 clinical hours available during this seminar. ladental.org/napa

And last, but certainly not least, the LDA’s Expanded Dental Duty Assistant Course that trains dental assistants for EDDA certification will continue on throughout 2025. There are still several courses left in 2024. The LDA hosted/will be hosting a series of 9 courses over 2024 so there is plenty opportunity for your assistants to sign up. However, sign up early because courses do fill up fast.

For more information and ALL upcoming events, visit www.ladental.org/events.

FCharting Success: Strategies to Build and Maintain a Stellar Online Reputation

By Ashli Klingaman Content Marketing Manager at ProSites (LDA/LDS Endorsed Company)

New LDA Endorsed Product: Prosites Reviews

irst impressions have the power to make or break the way patients perceive dental practices. Often, practice owners will spend the time and money required to create welcoming lobbies and world-class facilities while dedicating themselves to hiring and training staff members that provide exceptional patient care. However, as important as all of that is, a new patient’s first impression is typically going to come from a practice’s online reputation.

As with most things today, patients rely on the internet when it comes to research. And choosing a dentist is no different, as potential patients turn to online reviews to learn about a practice and what other patients have had to say about their experiences there. In fact, according to a study by RepuGen, 81% of patients use online reviews to select a healthcare provider.

In an era where potential patients will be reading reviews and investigating your online reputation before they ever even come through the door, reputation management has become imperative to a practice's continued success. Our goal here is to look at the strategic impact of attracting positive reviews, handling negative ones, and addressing other common challenges associated with online interactions with patients and potential patients.

Building a Positive Online Reputation through Patient Reviews

The foundation of a practice’s success rests not only on clinical

expertise but also on the perceptions and experiences of patients. Beyond routine dental procedures, the key to earning positive online reviews lies in providing a positive patient experience and encouraging those patients to spread the word about the good work you do with others online.

A recent study (Whitespark) found that reviews are the second highest ranking factor when trying to appear in Google’s 3-Pack or Local Map Pack. Increasing the number of positive reviews will rank you higher in local searches which helps your practice attract new patients. Further, a study by BrightLocal found that businesses with a 5-star rating on Google get 25% more clicks from the search results page than businesses with a 3-star rating. Further, a study by BrightLocal found that businesses with a 5-star rating on Google get 25% more clicks

from the search results page than businesses with a 3-star rating.

Patient testimonials are an effective way to attract a larger pool of patients. When showcasing the positive reviews you’ve garnered on either your website or social platforms, it is best to use reviews that highlight the unique strengths of your practice or specific services that you would like to generate appointments for.

What Responding to Online Reviews Says About Your Practice

Responding to online reviews can shape the narrative of your dental practice. Composing thoughtful responses to positive or negative reviews that are generic but reflect the voice of your practice can save time and make responding to reviews more efficient.

Responding to reviews is a chance to show your dedication to patient satisfaction and enhances your ability to control your online reputation. Additionally, proactively responding to reviews helps improve your SEO (Search Engine Optimization) so that your listing appears more frequently (and higher up) in search results. Google has confirmed that review response rate is a significant factor in how they rank businesses in Google search results.

Negative Reviews Can Be a Source of Valuable Feedback

Crafting the right response to negative reviews requires a balance of acknowledging patient concerns and showing your commitment to continuous improvement. In a study by ReviewTrackers, more than half (53%) of consumers expected a response to a negative review within a week of the original posting, signaling that not responding can have a greater negative impact than addressing one. Using client feedback as constructive criticism and finding areas of improvement shows existing and prospective patients you care about what they have to say.

Recognizing that no practice is immune to some occasional setbacks, negative reviews provide your practice with an opportunity to demonstrate to patients that you value transparency and are willing to learn from patient experiences.

Addressing Common Challenges When Managing Your Reputation Online

Anonymous online reviews often create challenges, such as fake reviews. For whatever reason, someone may share misinformation intended to negatively impact a practice’s credibility. There are two ways to address a suspicious review. First, like credible negative reviews, it is always best to respond directly to suspicious ones rather than ignoring them. Alternatively, if a fake is obvious, most online review platforms have a reporting process to

dispute suspicious reviews if you have reason to doubt their veracity. Another common challenge with reputation management comes with the complexities surrounding the protection of patient privacy. As your practice focuses on transparency, patient confidentiality must remain safeguarded from public eyes. A practice can be fined for responding to online reviews with patient information such as name, insurance information, treatment plan, or cost information. Fines may also apply if your response merely confirms that the patient visited your practice.

To protect your practice from litigation, responses to both negative and positive reviews should use generalities. Fines or settlements for civil HIPAA violations can range anywhere from $137 to $68,928 per violation, depending on the level of liability (The HIPAA Journal). Respond with polite phrases like, “We take your feedback seriously,” or “We strive to always improve our patient experience.” Even general responses such as a simple “Thank you,” show appreciation and a commitment to improving the patient experience.

Implement Reputation Management Strategies into Staff Training

Each staff member plays a role in shaping a patient's experience with your practice and should understand the impact they can have when it comes to garnering positive reviews. Train the entire staff to be mindful about the important role they play when it comes to leaving a good impression on patients the moment they walk through the door. From reception to treatment rooms, ensure staff members are consistently communicating the practice’s values to the patients, making them more likely to share their experiences with others through online reviews.

Reputation management reaches beyond the basics of patient

interactions; it transforms every staff member into a steward of the practice's online reputation. The ability to generate more positive reviews will position you as the trusted dental professional in your community and make your practice stand out against the competition to potential patients.

Connecting with Patients Through Your Online Reputation Builds Trust

Online reputation management can shape the course of success for every practice and reflect your commitment to providing excellent patient care in your community. By nurturing patient experiences, responding thoughtfully to feedback, and leveraging the power of positive reviews, you are in control of what your online presence and reputation look like to any patient looking for dental care.

At ProSites, we understand the importance of maintaining a positive online reputation and understand the strategies required to build one. Our comprehensive marketing services, including reputation management, help practices thrive by growing their online presence and maintaining a steady flow of new patients. By partnering with us, you can easily tackle your online reputation with efficient tools to attract, respond, and showcase more positive patient experiences online while saving an average of 20 hours every month.

To learn more and claim exclusive LDA discounts, visit ProSites.com/LDA.

Ashli Klingaman is a versatile professional with a background in sales, training management, human resources, and marketing within the retail and SaaS industries. Her passion for developing people, optimizing organizational performance, expertise in effective training and HR practices, and fostering positive workplace culture, empowers teams to excel. Known for her adaptability and strategic mindset, Ashli Klingaman continues to make meaningful thought leadership contributions at ProSites.

Instructor: Dr. Priyanshi Ritwik

Friday, August 23, 2024 LIVE Via Zoom

8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. 6 clinical C.E. hours

Friday, September 20, 2024

LIVE via Zoom

8 a.m. to 12 p.m. 4 clinical C.E. hours

Speaker: Dr. Timothy Bizga

Louie Lamendola

Black for

LAM Dentistry in Prairieville to Dr. Kim Thuy Dinh

AHIPAA Compliance in Practice Transitions

By Preston Lovelace, JD, MS ADS Lovelace and Associates (An LDA/LDS Endorsed Company)

fter informed consent and the standard of care, the most important duty a dentist has is to protect and preserve patient records. This principle is enshrined in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which mandates strict guidelines for the handling of patient information. When a dentist sells their office, navigating HIPAA regulations becomes even more critical to ensure a seamless transition while upholding patient privacy.

HIPAA, enacted in 1996 and enhanced by the HITECH act in 2009, aims to safeguard patients' protected health information (PHI) by establishing standards for its confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Covered entities, including dental practices, must adhere to HIPAA regulations to protect patients' privacy rights. PHI encompasses any information related to an individual's health status, provision of healthcare, or payment for healthcare services.

When selling an office, both the seller and buyer must prioritize HIPAA compliance to avoid legal repercussions and uphold ethical standards. Several essential considerations must be addressed to ensure a smooth transition.

The first part of a transition that HIPAA influences is the transfer of patient information to the buyer. Most buyers want to review financial records and patient charts prior to submitting an offer to purchase the practice. Before disclosing any PHI to the buyer, the parties must enter into a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) to ensure that the buyer agrees

to protect patient confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA regulations. The agreement itself is not complicated; it essentially says that the prospective buyer acknowledges that it has access to the seller’s PHI and will maintain confidentiality and not release any of the information reviewed or obtained to third parties. It also obliges the buyer not to utilize the information for any other purposes and to disclose any breaches of confidentiality to the seller.

After an offer has been made and accepted for the practice, HIPAA comes into play in the due diligence process for the buyer. A buyer should perform a risk assessment that reviews the security measures in place to protect PHI in the target practice. Once the practice is sold, the responsibility to comply with the law passes to the buyer, so it is essential to identify any vulnerabilities in the seller’s practice and implement necessary safeguards to mitigate risks. Most often, this goes hand in hand with a review of the IT systems in the practice, as many older versions of the Windows operating system (7 and previous) are no longer being updated and are not compliant.

In preparation for the closing of the sale, the seller must compile a thorough inventory of all patient records, including digital and physical copies. This inventory should document the type of information stored, its location, and the mechanisms in place to secure it. Proper documentation is crucial for ensuring transparency and facilitating the transfer of patient data to the buyer. This is particularly important

when the buyer is changing practice management software or moving from paper to digital records after the sale.

The final HIPAA concern deals with the person HIPAA was designed for: the patient. Patients must be informed of the sale of the dental practice and provided with an opportunity to consent to the transfer of their PHI to the buyer. This is usually accomplished via a letter of transition sent to patients of record introducing the new practitioner and informing the patient of the transfer of records (i.e. “Your charts will remain at the office and we will be calling to confirm your next appointment”). When patients visit the practice for the first time after the sale, the buyer can present them with a one sentence release form authorizing the seller to release custody of the records to the new doctor.

In the sale of a dentist's office, HIPAA compliance is non-negotiable. Both the seller and buyer must adhere to strict regulations to protect patient confidentiality, uphold ethical standards, and avoid legal consequences. By implementing thorough risk assessments, conducting due diligence, and prioritizing continuity of care, dental practices can navigate the complexities of HIPAA compliance and ensure a seamless transition for patients and staff alike.

Preston Lovelace, JD, MS is the president of ADS Lovelace and Associates, Inc., which has been endorsed by the LDA for practice transition services. He has been evaluating and transitioning dental practices in Louisiana for 19 years. He is an attorney admitted to practice in Louisiana. All LDA members are eligible for a free consultation lasting up to two hours as well as discounts on transition and valuation services. He may be reached at (225) 614-7700 or PLovelace@gmail.com

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Rely on Henry Schein’s network of trusted advisors to help take care of your business, so you can focus on taking care of your patients.

Looking for solutions? Contact your Henry Schein Sales Consultant or visit: www.henryschein.com/relyonus.

7.5x4.75_Vacation to Paris_Final.pdf

TManaging Your Security as Cyber Attacks Intensify

By Robert McDermott President/CEO, iCoreConnect (an LDA/LDS Endorsed Company)

he cyber-attack on Change Healthcare earlier this year has resulted in a tsunami of issues still impacting critical components of digital healthcare delivery, from insurance eligibility verifications and pharmacy operations to claims transmittals and payment. As a result, even months later, pharmacies have been unable to transmit insurance claims and now have significant backlogs of prescriptions that cannot be processed.

And, once discovered to be vulnerable, any organization is susceptible to other attackers taking advantage of the situation. Proving this point, Change Healthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, was hit again in April. This time a different cyber attacker group reportedly stole four terabytes worth of patient data - that’s a massive amount of potentially compromised sensitive and financial information. The cyber gang is threatening to sell the data if a ransom isn’t paid.

Organization Or Practice Size Doesn’t Matter

You may think cyber criminals only attack the big organizations, but that’s not true. Attacks can happen on businesses of every size, weakening operations and draining bank accounts. You need to implement proactive measures to ensure continuity of patient care and better protect patient data and trust.

Does Your Practice Understand Security Risks?

As with any attack mitigation efforts, understanding the key vulnerabilities and strategies to mitigate them is the first step. Here are three key areas to check first:

1. Unauthorized Access

• Risk: Unauthorized users gaining access to sensitive patient information or modifying records. Reports indicate the cyber gang used compromised credentials on an application that allows staff to remotely access Change Healthcare systems.

• Mitigation: Implement measures such as multi-factor authentication and role-based access control to limit system access only to authorized personnel. Multi-factor authentication protocols include use of text-message codes or

access tokens keyed to individual users.

2. Data Breaches

• Risk: Patient data breaches can lead to compromised confidentiality and privacy, along with the risk of devastating fines and reputation loss.

• Mitigation: Encrypt data both at rest and in transit to prevent unauthorized access with, for example, fully HIPAA compliant email. Configure “ransomware resistant” backup to enable a quick recovery in the event of an attack. Regularly update security protocols and conduct vulnerability assessments to identify and address potential weaknesses. Employ Business Associate Agreements (BAA) with third party vendors and organizations to ensure their security measures are HIPAA compliant.

3. Phishing Attacks

• Risk: Phishing attacks have grown increasingly more sophisticated over the past few years, with more than 90% of cyber-attacks starting with a malicious email. The healthcare industry is a primary target.

• Mitigation: Educate employees about recognizing and avoiding phishing attempts through regular training sessions. Implement email filtering systems or secure HIPAA compliant email to detect and block suspicious emails before they even reach the inbox. Utilize HIPAA-safe email that prevents

unknown parties from emailing and spamming you directly.

The Change Healthcare cyberattack highlights the interconnected nature of digital healthcare systems. An attack on one component can have far-reaching consequences across an entire network, disrupting operations and compromising patient safety. Electronic prescribing, billing, and claims are specific examples.

There are a lot of measures you can take to ensure the safety and security of your practice’s infrastructure and the sensitive data contained within. While no measure is foolproof, implementing risk mitigation efforts is required

not just by law, but through your commitment to your patients, your team, and your practice.

iCoreConnect is an LDA endorsed company with two endorsed products: iCoreVerify, which automates insurance verifications for you, and iCoreExchange encrypted HIPAA email. iCoreConnect’s team is prepared to review, revise, and advise, to help you ensure HIPAA compliance and healthcare security are fortified in all business facets of your practice. Book a demo at iCoreConnect.com/ LA19 or call (888) 801-7706 to learn more. Member discounts apply.

$50 - LDA members

$125 - non-LDA members

$25 - (for members) each additional online course

$50 - (for nonmembers) each additional online course

The LDA's “Radiographic Techniques and Safety: Introduction to the Xray and Safety Precautions” is available through the LDA and approved by the Louisiana State Board of Dentistry. The course can be used for inoffice education of dental assistants, counts for C.E. credit, and saves you time and money compared to classroom instruction.

To order, visit the LDA website at www.ladental.org or call (800) 388-6642 or (225) 926-1986.

The Expanded Dental Duty Assistant (EDDA) certification is the next step for dental assistants who want to perform expanded duty dental assisting functions as specified by Louisiana law.

This is NOT a beginner course. You must have 6 months of chair-side assisting experience to register for this course.

Location

New Orleans EDDA Course

Gonzales EDDA Course

Date

August 15-17

September 12-14

Lafayette EDDA Course October 10-12

New Orleans EDDA Course December 5-7

Access Alternative Investments in Your 401(k) Plan

TTraditional 60/40 allocation consisting of equities and bonds may no longer be effective in reaching long-term investor objectives. Today’s investor seeks a more sophisticated 60/40 portfolio substituting under-performing bonds with alternative investments, such as Private Real Estate, Private Equity, and Private Credit.

These alternative assets can help minimize stock market correlation, lower volatility, and broaden diversification. These private investments were once only accessible by large institutions, such as endowments and public pensions, now available to certain qualified advisors with institutional alternative asset manager relationships.

We designed an all-alternative investment model as a replacement for traditional bonds for our private wealth clients. The model is equally weighted across private real estate, private credit, and private equity.

To create our 60/40 Model, we combined our Alternatives Model (40%) with our US Equity Model (60%). Then we compared our model to a traditional 60/40 portfolio consisting of two of the most popular Vanguard funds available to most investors. We allocated 60% to the Vanguard Total US Stock Market Admiral Fund and the remaining 40% to the Vanguard Total US Bond Market Admiral Fund. Over a 15-year period ending 2023, FPLCM 60/40 Model significantly outperformed the traditional 60/40 portfolio.

Growth of $10,000 - FPLCM 60/40 Model vs Traditional 60/40 Portfolio

For certain investors who predominantly own non-qualified assets, transitioning to the new 60/40 portfolio has not presented significant hurdles. However, for investors with assets primarily in qualified retirement plans like 401(k) Profit Sharing Plans, it has proven more challenging. Currently, direct access to alternative investments through the designated investment menu of retirement plans isn’t feasible due to various constraints. We have been at the forefront of facilitating alternative investment access for private wealth management clients for almost a decade.

Through our “open architecture” retirement plan platform, iQ401k, we are able to offer the same access to qualified retirement plans, such as Defined Contribution & Defined Benefit/ Cash Balance Plans. These assets can be accessed through a Self-Directed Brokerage Account (SDBA) on a brokerage platform offering such alternatives.

However, most retail brokerage platforms cannot access these alternative investments. Through our strategic partnerships, plans and SDBAs established under our advisory can access a wide array of alternative assets within our institutional brokerage platforms on Schwab and Fidelity. Our list of partners includes the largest alternative asset managers in the world. Participants can also access individual stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds that are not available through the designated plan investment menu.

Our platform uses a dynamic flat-fee pricing model that appeals to both large and small qualified plans. Some of our larger retirement plan clients have experienced annual cost savings of about 30% - 40%.

Whether you sponsor your own 401(k) plan or a participant of a group retirement plan, we can help you gain access to these alternative assets so you can build a robust, well-diversified portfolio.

The goal of the LDA Leadership Academy is to identify and prepare members for local, state, and national leadership.

In this program, you'll: Earn non-clinical C.E. hours, Attend LDA events at no cost, Network with the LDA's leaders, Gain insights from ADA webinars, and Fast track your route to leadership.

2025-2026 Curriculum and Schedule*

April/May, 2025 - Dentists’ Day at the Legislature

June or September, 2025 - LDA Board Meeting

November, 2025 - CGA Meeting

December, 2025 - CMDP Call

January, 2026 - Bowden Leadership Conference

March/April, 2026 - LDA House of Delegates

*Curriculum will also include a series of ADA Leadership Webinars; dates of events and webinars TBD

If you are interested in this opportunity, fill out the interest form at ladental.org/leadershipacademy.

Last Last CHANCE CHANCE Seminar Seminar

Friday, December 13, 2024

Marriott

7 Clinical Hours

P.M.

LDA What’s

Going On? Component Happenings from Around the State

Crossing Component Lines

Drs. Sean Owens (Greater Baton Rouge) and Aaron Mangum (Central) toured St. Francisville on bikes.

Drs. Kristi Soileau (NODA) and Trey Carlton (Central) received the Distinguished Alumna and Alumnus of the Year Awards, respectively.

Northeast

Dr. Eric Geist received the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Southeastern Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons at their annual meeting. Dr. Ronald Marks (Central), Past President of the LDA and the American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, presented the award.

NODA

Dr. Glenn Dubroc gave a speech on the benefits of small business models in dentistry at the American Association of Orthodontists’ Annual Meeting.

Dr. Marks, Dr. Geist, and Dr. Jeff Wallen.

ASDA

These accomplished LSU ASDA chapter leaders attended the 2024 ASDA Annual Session. There, the chapter received the Gold Crown Award, meaning that the chapter excels in member engagement & value, community service, advocacy, health & wellness, member communications, and professional development & leadership.

The LDA provided a travel stipend to one student who was selected by her peers.

Tiffany Morgan received the 2024 LDA Student Award at LSUSD’s Recognition Ceremony. Tiffany, thank you for your tireless dedication to organized dentistry!

Northwest

Dr. James Lowder’s staff at Southern Roots Dentistry celebrated his receipt of the LDA’s New Dentist Award!

We can’t wait to hear from you.

Brooke Badeaux (District 5 Trustee), Emily Eberts (D1 Representative), Katherine Burkett (President), Megan Davis (Advocacy Chair), and Harli Jacob (Vice President).

LDA

Continuing Educaton and LDA Events Calendar

For information on a specific event, contact the event’s provider. To list your course in the next calendar, contact the LDA office at (800) 388-6642 or (225) 926-1986. Check ladental.org/statewidecalendar for the most up-to-date listings.

Event: Summer Education Conference

Date: June 12-15, 2024

Location: Hilton Pensacola Beach, Pensacola, FL

Provider: Louisiana Dental Association

Registration: ladental.org/summerconference, (225) 926-1986

Event: LDA Foundation Fishing Rodeo

Date: July 19-20, 2024

Location: Grand Isle Marina, Grand Isle, LA

Provider: LDA Foundation

Registration: ladental.org/fishingrodeo, (225) 926-1986

Event: Pediatric Sedation Course

Date: August 23, 2024

Location: Live VIA ZOOM (this course counts toward your in-person C.E. hours)

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Provider: Louisiana Dental Association

Registration: ladental.org/pedssedation, (225) 926-1986

Event: KICK-OFF C.E.

Date: September 20, 2024

Location: Live VIA ZOOM (this course will count towards your in-person C.E. hours required by the LA State Board of Dentistry)

Time: 8 a.m.-12 p.m.

Provider: Louisiana Dental Association

Registration: ladental.org/kickoff, (225) 926-1986

Event: Southwest District Dental Association Fall Seminar

Date: Friday, October 4, 2024

Location: L'auberge Casino Resort

Provider: Southwest District Dental Association

Registration: Dr. Erin Seale; erinmooreseale@ gmail.com; (337) 474-0212

Event: ADA SmileCon®

Date: October 17-19, 2024

Location: New Orleans, LA

Provider: American Dental Association

Registration: ada.org/education/smilecon

Event: Last Chance Seminar

Date: December 13, 2024

Location: Marriott Baton Rouge Hotel, 5500 Hilton Ave., Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Provider: Louisiana Dental Association

Registration: ladental.org/lastchance, (225) 926-1986

Event: Winter C.E. - Walt Disney World

Date: March 2-4, 2025

Location: Boardwalk Inn, Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL

Provider: Louisiana Dental Association

Registration: ladental.org/disney2025, (225) 926-1986

Event: New Orleans Dental Conference and LDA Annual Session

Date: April 10-11, 2025

Location: New Orleans, LA

Provider: New Orleans Dental Association

Event: Bowden Leadership Conference

Date: January 10, 2025

Location: LDA Office, 5637 Bankers Ave. Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Provider: Louisiana Dental Association

Registration: ladental.org/bowden, (225) 926-1986

Event: Sip & C.E. in Napa Valley Date: September 17-19, 2025

Location: Napa, CA

Provider: Louisiana Dental Association

Registration: ladental.org/napa, (225) 926-1986

Small, rural dental practice for sale in Greensburg, Louisiana.

Very eager to sell, open to any negotiations. (225) 405-9602

Sulphur Practice for Sale

Excellent location, this is a practice that would be suited for a dentist that is just starting out or someone who wants to add to their existing practice. Located in a busy commercial area in Sulphur, Louisiana. There are three operatories, one lab, closet, two bathrooms, waiting area, and office. Fully equipped with dental chairs and X-ray machines. (337) 274-7130

Full-time Associate or Partnership

Opportunity in Lake Charles, LA at Peppermint Sage Dental Wellness.

Mentorship is forefront, Dr. Corcoran is looking for a proactive leader who may be interested in becoming a PARTNER after a thorough mentorship program.

Peppermint Sage Dental Wellness is a cutting-edge dental practice that focuses on a comprehensive approach to dental health that promotes whole body wellness.

Requirements:

• DDS or DMD from an accredited university

• Quick learner, with a desire to continue to grow

• Great communication skills

• Eager team player, ready to build lasting patient relationships

Apply today or email questions to msc@peppermintsage.com

Slidell, LA, General dentist needed part-time with the ability to become full-time.

Great practice with modern equipment. Must be dedicated to providing high quality care. Call (407) 288-6144 or email resumesdental846@gmail.com

DENTAL OFFICE FOR SALE, 29906 S MONTPELLER, ALBANY, LA

4,580 SF medical office with apartment attached and 1,350 SF retail space for sale. This former dentist office provides a unique opportunity to owner occupy with a residential apartment that can be converted into additional office space if needed. The property is equipped with keypad entry and a generic generator. Additional parking is in the rear of the building.

HIRING RDH!

Pick your schedule. 3k sign on bonus. Competitive pay. Paid Time Off. Paid Holidays. Weekly Bonus Potential. Our modern office in Gonzales is only 15 minutes from Baton Rouge and one hour from New Orleans. We have an RDH-friendly environment and strong teamwork ethic. Join us! Please email resume to info@ lamendoladentistry.com

Explore Your Dental Career in the Vibrant Heart of Baton Rouge, LA!

Job Description:

We are seeking a talented and compassionate dental hygienist to join our team and play a vital role in delivering outstanding oral health care to our patients. The ideal candidate will possess excellent clinical skills, a passion for patient education, and a commitment to providing gentle and thorough dental care. Responsibilities include conducting dental cleanings, performing periodontal assessments, and providing patient education on oral hygiene practices.

Requirements:

• Graduate of an accredited dental hygiene program

• Valid dental hygiene license in the state of Louisiana

• Proficiency in performing dental cleanings, scaling and root planing, and administering local anesthesiaStrong communication and interpersonal skills

• Dedication to providing compassionate care and ensuring patient comfort and satisfaction

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package with opportunities for advancement

• Flexible scheduling options to accommodate work-life balance

• Supportive work environment with a collaborative team approach

• Access to advanced dental technology and continuing education opportunities

• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and more.

Sarah Bellah

Grand Family Dentistry

5422 Jones Creek Rd. Baton Rouge, LA 70471

Phone: 985-778-0096 x 301

Email: careers@ grandfamilydentalcare.com

Website: https://www. grandfamilydentistryjonescreek.com

Explore Your Dental Career in the Vibrant Heart of Baton Rouge, LA!

Job Description:

We are seeking a passionate and motivated dentist to join our team and contribute to our mission

of promoting oral health and wellness. The ideal candidate will possess strong clinical skills, a commitment to patient education, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact in our community. Responsibilities include conducting dental examinations, diagnosing, and treating oral health conditions, developing personalized treatment plans, and fostering meaningful patient relationships.

Requirements:

• Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD)

• Valid dental license in the state of Louisiana

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Dedication to providing compassionate care and ensuring patient comfort and satisfaction

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package with opportunities for professional growth and advancement

• Flexible scheduling options to accommodate work-life balance

• Supportive work environment with a collaborative team approach

• Access to advanced dental technology and continuing education opportunities

• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and more

We look forward to welcoming you to our team!

William B. Grand, DDS Grand Family Dentistry

5422 Jones Creek Rd. Baton Rouge, LA 70471

Phone: (985) 778-0096 x301 Email: careers@ grandfamilydentalcare.com Website: https://www. grandfamilydentistryjonescreek.com/

Join Our Team as a Dental Hygienist and Embrace the Beauty of Mandeville, LA!

Job Description:

We are seeking a talented and compassionate dental hygienist to join our team and play a vital role in delivering outstanding oral health care to our patients. The ideal candidate will possess excellent clinical skills, a passion for patient education, and a commitment to providing gentle and thorough dental care. Responsibilities include conducting dental cleanings, performing periodontal assessments, and providing patient education on oral hygiene practices.

Requirements:

• Graduate of an accredited dental hygiene program

• Valid dental hygiene license in the state of Louisiana

• Proficiency in performing dental cleanings, scaling and root planing, and administering local anesthesia

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• Dedication to providing compassionate care and ensuring patient comfort and satisfaction

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package with opportunities for advancement

• Flexible scheduling options to accommodate work-life balance

• Supportive work environment with a collaborative team approach

• Access to advanced dental technology and continuing education opportunities

• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and more. Sarah Bellah

Grand Family Dentistry

2083 3rd Street

Mandeville, LA 70471

Phone: (985) 778-0096 x 301

Email: careers@ grandfamilydentalcare.com

Website: https://www. grandfamilydentistry.com/contactus/3rd-street-location/

Join Our Team in Picturesque Mandeville, LA - Seeking Passionate Dentist!

Job Description:

We are seeking a passionate and motivated dentist to join our team and contribute to our mission of promoting oral health and wellness. The ideal candidate will possess strong clinical skills, a commitment to patient education, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact in our community. Responsibilities include conducting dental examinations, diagnosing and treating oral health conditions, developing personalized treatment plans, and fostering meaningful patient relationships.

Requirements:

• Doctorate of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD)

• Valid dental license in the state of Louisiana

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Dedication to providing compassionate care and ensuring patient comfort and satisfaction

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package with opportunities for professional growth and advancement

• Flexible scheduling options to accommodate work-life balance

• Supportive work environment with a collaborative team approach

• Access to advanced dental technology and continuing education opportunities

• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and more

We look forward to welcoming you to our team!

William B. Grand, DDS

Grand Family Dentistry

2083 3rd Street Mandeville, LA 70471

Phone: (985) 778-0096 x301 Email: careers@ grandfamilydentalcare.com

Website: https://www. grandfamilydentistry.com/contactus/3rd-street-location/

Got Dental Waste Disposal Headaches?

Take advantage of our "Low cost, Reliable, Compliant Guarantee" so you can save money and get the best service in Louisiana. We handle it all, so you don't have to. Get your fixed rate now at: https://www. biomedicalwastesolutions.com/ locations/louisiana/

North Louisiana Dental Office for Sale!

Perfect location for new dentist or even a satellite/2nd location!

• 14k patient base - avg $500k/year production 4 days/week - patient pool from 60 miles around location

• 3 fully equipped operatories with computers and TV monitors - 2 with new chairs/delivery systems - dedicated hygiene op and 2 dr ops

• New computers and server - fully paperless office - running Dentrix 17.5

• Dexis digital imaging system with 2 sensors

• New compressor Fall 2023

• Full lab setup and equipment

• Sterilization area with storage

• Separate full size storage area for inventory

• Separate patient and staff bathrooms

• Large back office and kitchen area

• Additional land for parking or expansion

• Full staff in place including one part time DDS.

Contact (318) 458-3872 or lmatdds@ gmail.com for more information.

Classified Advertising Online

Go to www.ladental.org and click on the Classified Advertising link. For all classified advertising, payment is required in advance and ads will be placed on the LDA website on the next possible business day after payment is received. Make checks payable to the Journal of the Louisiana Dental Association. Placement of a classified ad up to 30 words is $30 for LDA members and $55 for non-LDA members. For each additional word, LDA members pay $0.15 and non-LDA members pay $0.30. Ads will remain on the LDA website for three months and will appear in one issue of the LDA Journal. A photo with an ad is an additional $50. For more information or to place a classified ad, contact Rebecca Bordelon at rebecca@ladental.org or (225) 926-1986.

LAST PAGE

Dr. Austin is retiring, so this is his last “Last Page!” Dr. Austin, thank you so much for almost 25 years of service to the LDA Journal.

Everybody Needs Somebody

By David Austin

Our LDA is currently in the final testing stage of our newest member benefit. In fact, some of our members have already started using a beta version of our newly-designed app that will benefit those of you who are single, or single again, or even several times again.

That's right, we have developed the latest dating app: Fumble, soon to be online at Fumble.inept. While this is a dating app, it is specifically programmed for busy professional executives. In this early testing phase, we are specifically targeting dentists in their endeavor to find true love and happiness.

It has taken almost three years for the LDA Department of Environmental Software to develop this product. Fumble is designed to help you find that individual that most closely aligns with your personality, interests, and other traits.

The dental profession is a busy, stressful, intense occupation requiring long hours. Frequently, a busy single dentist has no time to pursue finding that perfect individual to spend time with. Whether it's finding someone for a dinner date or the quest to find a life partner – Fumble can help.

Soon, you will be able to download the Fumble app for your smart phone, tablet, or computer. Once downloaded, you will be asked to fill out a complete application and submit a DNA sample. It's the DNA sample that is the key to the success we’ve seen in member trials. This patented software is an absolute first in the industry and we believe this dating app will become the most successful one on the market.

Like most new businesses, there have been some early glitches with a few of our first users. During the third week of testing, our software was hacked by some professional

hackers who merged our program with an animal genealogy app. A couple of our members found themselves accidentally paired up with some Labrador Retrievers. However, one of the fellas decided to keep his retriever, as he was an avid duck hunter from Lafayette. He was happy with the match, as his last partner had taken all the furniture and most of his 401(k) when she left, and he didn't think that would happen this time.

Also, we have discovered through our growing DNA file catalog, that a few of our members have several outstanding parking tickets in our state, as well as a few other minor misdemeanors. We have discreetly informed these individuals (You know who you are!).

We think we have solved the last glitch, which involved several robots entering our database illegally and actually going on dates with some of our female members. You often see when signing into online sites that you must check a box that states that you are “Not a Robot.” Well, these characters did check those boxes when they clearly are not supposed to. However, those folks that got stuck on a date with a robot generally gave positive reviews. Many women stated that after their date, the robot vacuumed her home and mowed the grass. Most adamantly assured us that they were looking forward to their next date. We are currently reviewing suggestions from our beta testing and will consider robots as a possible match option before the app’s release.

We will soon offer the Fumble app to all our members, so watch your email for the announcement. Rest assured that Fumble will become the most protected software in the business and your information will always remain discreet. Hopefully.