Articulator Volume 23, Issue 1

ARTICULATOR MDDS Connections for Metro Denver’s Dental Profession

3rd Quarter, 2018 Volume 23, Issue 1

The Beauty in Giving Back pg.12

Way 12 AtoDifferent Look at Serving Others of the Line: 18 End The Journey of a Portable Dental Hygienist

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Doing Well By Doing Good

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Healthy patients and a healthy business.

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what's inside?

10 Lend A Helping Hand 12 A Different Way to Look at Serving Others

pg.26

14 Outreach By the Numbers 15 Transplant Recipient Given New Smile

by MDDS Member Through Donated Dental Services (DDS)

18 End of the Line: The Journey of a ....

Portable Dental Hygienist

T:10”

20 Doing Well By Doing Good 22 To Sell or Not To Sell to a DSO, That is the Question

24 Giving Back: The Need Next Door 26 Same Name Mix-Ups: Verify Patient Information to Reduce Risk

Advertisers Directory

ADS Precise Transitions adsprecise.com................................. 21

Denver Implant Study Club https://disc.events/............................ 29

Berkley Risk Services of Colorado colorado.berkleyrisk.com...................... 5

Healthcare Medical Waste Services, LLC hcmws.com....................................... 25

Carr Healthcare Realty carrhr.com........................... Back Cover Colorado Dental Association cdaonline.org.............................. 19, 27

Commerce Bank commercebank.com/dentistry....Inside Front Cover Copic Financial Services Group copicfsg.com..................................... 15

Hein Dental Practice Mentoring heindpm.comcom.............................. 28 New Horizons Dental Lab http://denturesonimplants.com............. 6 Northwestern Mutual shawncopeland.nm.com.................... 21

CTC Associates ctc-associates.com/............................ 25

SAS Transitions sastransitions.com............................... 5

Dentists Professional Liability Trust of Colorado tdplt.com.......................................... 13

Vitality Laboratories vitalitydentalarts.com.................... 16-17

departments 4 President's Letter 6 Reflections 7 Member Spotlight 8 Member Matters 28 Tripartite News 30 Event Calendar 31 Classifieds

Co-Editors Amisha Singh, DDS; Allen Vean, DMD Creative Manager CT Nelson Director of Marketing & Communications & Managing Editor Cara Stan MDDS Standing Officers President Brian Gurinsky, DDS, MS President-Elect Nelle Barr, DMD Treasurer Kevin Patterson, DDS, MD Secretary Pat Prendergast, DDS

Editorial Policy All statements of opinion and of supposed factare published under the authority of the authors, including editorials, letters and book reviews. They are not to be accepted as the views and/or opinions of the MDDS. The Articulator encourages letters to the editor, but reserves the right to edit and publish under the discretion of the editor.

Advertising Policy MDDS reserves the right, in its sole discretion,to accept or reject advertising in its publications for any reasons including, but not limited to, materials which are offensive, defamatory or contrary to the best interests of MDDS. Advertiser represents and warrants the advertising is original; it does not infringe the copyright, trademark, service mark or proprietary rights of any other person; it does not invade the privacy rights of any person; and it is free from any libel, libelous or defamatory material. Advertiser agrees to indemnify and hold MDDS harmless from and against any breach of this warranty as well as any damages, expenses or costs (including attorney’s fees) arising from any claims of third parties.

Inquiries may be addressed to: Metropolitan Denver Dental Society 925 Lincoln Street, Unit B The Articulator is published quarterly by the Metropolitan Denver Dental Denver, CO 80203 Society and distributed to MDDS members as a direct benefit of membership. Phone: (303) 488-9700 Fax: (303) 488-0177 mddsdentist.com ©2018 Metropolitan Denver Dental Society Printing Dilley Printing

Member Publication

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PRESIDENT'S LETTER

Not So Nostalgiac Thoughts & Acknowledgements

By Brian Gurinsky, DDS, MS

H

aving served on the MDDS Board of Directors for the past seven years, I am honored to embark on my last year as your President. My term started while MDDS was still sharing a building with the Colorado Dental Association (CDA). Based on our Applied Strategic Plan, it was clear this set-up would not enable us to meet the Society’s goal and needed to change. It took forward-thinking members who weren’t afraid of taking risks to make the Mountain West Dental Institute (MWDI) a reality.

During this transition, the "While I am President, Board of Directors were met with opposition and skepticism I am making it a from many members. Not priority to recognize our everyone embraces change, members who have but as is often true in life, if you selflessly given their aren’t moving forward, you are time and energy." moving backward. I am happy to report that as of today, the transition has been successful and continues to give MDDS notoriety from the ADA and other component societies trying to model themselves after us! The endeavor to create a state-of-the-art dental facility has outpaced our goals in just a few years since its inception. We continue to set new records in terms of attendance and profit at RMDC, continuing education events outside RMDC and rentals at MWDI. For example, did you know that The Dawson Academy uses MWDI as one of its training centers? None of this would have been possible at the previous office on Yosemite. Now, not only do we own our beautiful space, but our investment has been significantly appreciating year after year.

While I could go on and on about how great MDDS has been performing and continues to, I would be remiss to not acknowledge the past leadership and visionaries who set the stage for our success. I am not just referring to leaders over the last handful of years, but also want to credit leaders spanning the last few decades. I can certainly appreciate the sacrifices each of these individuals made during their tenures. While I am President, I am making it a priority to recognize our members who have selflessly given their time and energy. I cannot think of a more fitting and timely example than our outgoing President, Dr. Nick Chiovitti. While most of you don’t know, Dr. Chiovitti stepped-up and took on the responsibility as Interim Executive Director of MDDS for more than six months (and never asked for a penny to do so). During what should have been a tumultuous year, he ensured this time of transition went smoothly and made his new role a top priority. While I am not sure I can live up to those standards, I want all members to be aware that those are the type of volunteers running our Society. We have Honus Maximus winners and past presidents sitting on the Board, which says a lot about the character and selflessness of those that continue to give to MDDS. As a way to acknowledge our volunteers, are making it a priority to show our appreciation. The next time you enter MWDI, take a look at our new dedication wall with the name of every MDDS President. Or visit the Past Presidents page on our website, where you can read and contribute to our history. All Past Presidents are invited to attend the annual Awards Gala &

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President’s Dinner as a VIP guest, free of charge. Annual Society award winners will be acknowledged during the RMDC Opening Session, in the Articulator and Byte Register in addition to the formal presentation at the Awards Gala. Furthermore, the Society will be reimbursing the registration fee for delegates attending the CDA Annual Session.

Finally, it gives me pleasure to report that we WILL NOT be raising MDDS dues for 2019. While Tripartite dues continue to increase 3-5% each year, MDDS is the holding the line. Your Board of Directors and MDDS staff have crafted a great budget which aims to keep us in the black and fiscally responsible while still providing valuable member benefits. You should be proud of where are going and the tremendous organization you represent!

MDDS ANNOUNCES

NO DUES INCREASE FOR 2019!

You work hard for your money and should keep it! As fellow dentists, the MDDS Board of Directors is pleased to announce there will be no increase for the MDDS portion of your tripartite dues in 2019.

Have questions about your membership or how to access your benefits?

Call MDDS at (303) 488-9700 or visit mddsdentist.com.

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REFLECTIONS

Volunteerism

By Allen Vean, DMD

"Y

ou make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.” – Winston Churchill. These profound words are used time and time again to illustrate the positive effects of volunteering.

As a profession, dentistry’s mission is to make people’s lives better and healthier. It is extremely satisfying to bring a difficult case to conclusion and then have the re-evaluation show that both you and the patient have done your jobs well. Yes, our profession offers us a living.

However, this life is so much better when you give.

Volunteering is good for your practice and your career. Strong relationships and friendships can be established through it. Obviously, the organization does not have to be dentistry-related. Any organization you believe in will welcome you with open arms. Volunteering can also be a family affair.

Children who volunteer with their parents are more "By helping others, likely to volunteer as adults. one can see up close The Special Olympics is one the impact it has and organization to which I have close ties. I serve as one of the realize how fortunate clinical directors in Colorado. we are to be part of it.

Our group performs dental It just makes you feel screenings at numerous events with other healthcare good!" professionals to ensure the overall health of the athletes.

And, after 18 years in the financial industry, my daughter is now a full-time staff member at Special Olympics Colorado. Her oldest son (my grandson) started a unified program at his elementary school where intellectually disabled students are integrated into athletic programs.

By donating your time to an organization(s) in need, you are setting a good example and bridging the gap between yourself and others. How many of you heard patients say they funded your new car or vacation with the treatment they had? Although we see that as inappropriate for many obvious reasons, it is also an opportunity to relay to them your volunteer efforts in the community.

By helping others, one can see up close the impact it has and realize how fortunate we are to be part of it. It just makes you feel good! Additionally, volunteers live longer and are healthier. “Volunteers are happier and healthier than non-volunteers. During later life, volunteering is even more beneficial than exercising and eating well. Older people who volunteer remain physically functional longer, have more robust psychological well-being and live longer. Most older people who volunteer are almost always people who volunteered earlier in life. Health and longevity gains from volunteering come from establishing meaningful volunteer roles before you retire and continuing to volunteer once you arrive in your post-retirement years.” It is never too soon to start volunteering.

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The time commitment is up to you. You can donate as much or as little as you’d like. Oftentimes, you will meet people who share similar interests, values and positive attitude. Volunteering your time and efforts can also provide a sense of purpose. I discovered in the various organizations I am involved with the volunteers are passionate about their service.

So many organizations are in need and are very appreciative of their volunteers. Social service and faith-based organizations could not exist without volunteers. Those of you who have participated in dental missions know this first-hand. Our profession has a plethora of volunteer opportunities, as illustrated in this issue. MDDS is blessed with an incredibly hard working, competent and talented staff and leadership. I am proud and honored to volunteer for our Society. To anyone thinking about volunteering and are not doing so presently (three out of four people), give back to a cause you believe in. You will change someone’s life – maybe even your own.

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.”

– Oscar Wilde References: Carr, Dawn, Ph.D., Psychology Today, March 12, 2014.

Melnick, Lauren, Blog, Global Vision International, June, 2017.

Positive Force Consulting, Blog, May 22, 2012.

Srebro, Tess, Engaging Volunteers, volunteermatch.org, August 27, 2015.

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Hana Kim, DDS Smile Aurora Dental Aurora, CO

What influenced your decision to go into dentistry?

"Being able to improve the quality of a person’s life with dentistry was very appealing to me. The mouth is such a private part of the body, yet it is one of the most used and visible parts of the body as well. The fact that I can restore people’s oral well-being by helping them eat and smile again is extremely gratifying."

Community outreach seems like a common theme in your career. What influences your decision to give back?

"For me, being a dentist is a privilege and that privilege comes with social responsibility. I view participating in dental outreach as opportunities to give back to society and help make it a better place."

What is the most rewarding aspect of participating in volunteer dentistry?

"Participating in volunteer dentistry is a commitment and may be a step out of your comfort zone. However, in return, you are rewarded with gifts like gratitude, love, self-satisfaction, awareness, and more— all priceless commodities that will elevate your life and the lives of those you change."

What advice would you give to someone on the fence about participating in an outreach event like Freedom Day or even overseas outreach?

"Put your doubts aside and jump in! You are gifted with a talent to fix teeth and your expertise is needed locally and internationally."

What do you wish the public understood about dentists?

"How physically demanding the profession is! We are either on our feet or sitting in a less than ideal posture for long periods of time.

It’s not easy!"

What would you be doing if you were not in dentistry?

"I would attend culinary school, run a Michelin star restaurant and be the host of a luxury food and travel show!"

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MEMBER MEMBERMATTERS MATTERS

MDDS Summer Kickoff Event Colorado Rapids vs. Minnesota United

MDDS members socialized with event sponsors pre-game.

The Colorado Rapids beat Minnesota United 3-2 as MDDS members cheered them on!

Family, friends and team members enjoyed a sponsored tailgate complete with bbq, music and lawn games.

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New Members, Welcome!

Dr. Brian Aguirre Dr. Sanju Basi Dr. Mallory Baum Dr. Joshua Bender Dr. John Patrick Bowman Dr. Laura Brown Dr. Becky Bye Dr. Jonathan Cano Dr. Christine Collins Dr. Kamran Dastoury Dr. Jeffrey De Guzman Dr. Grace Diehl Dr. Jordan Duffey Dr. Dustin Ebner Dr. Laurence Eggart Dr. Emily Engler Dr. Kimberley Engols Dr. Sogand Fartash Naini Dr. Nicholas Freel Dr. Christopher Freimuth Dr. Adam Gart Dr. Taylor Gordon Dr. William Harber Dr. Christopher Henry Dr. Phil Henzlik Dr. Amanda Herbst Dr. Michael Holbert Dr. Megan Holub Dr. Tony Hong Dr. Chong Hong Dr. Kaziwa Ibrahim Dr. Matthew Iritani Dr. Megan Kack Dr. Sadaf Khalid Dr. Brandon Le Dr. Lauren Llorente Dr. Emily Lund Dr. Benjamin Matthews Dr. Erica McDavid Dr. Elizabeth McInerney Dr. Dylan McKnight Dr. Stephanie Miller Dr. Jenna Milot Dr. Elizabeth Minard Dr. Krista Moore Dr. Brent Mowery Dr. Lucas Nguyen Dr. Laura Noce Dr. Brian Olivera Dr. Hayley Quartuccio Dr. Alejandro Quesada Dr. Gabija Revis Dr. Abby Rubnick Dr. Lindsey Sanders Dr. Angelica Seto Dr. Neizel Songalia Dr. Caroline Stern Dr. Rana Sweis Dr. Samuel Teague Dr. Ellyn Thompson Dr. Rimma Vabishchevich Dr. Zach Van Hilsen Dr. Kyle Walker Dr. Kami Wallner Dr. Joshua Weinstein Dr. Hammad Zaheer

MDDS Annual Shred Event

MDDS donated over $4,000 to the Colorado Orthodontic Foundation (COF).

MDDS members dropped off enough boxes to fill a 30 yard dumpster at the Annual Shred Event.

Members and volunteers were all smiles breaking down boxes and documents for shredding.

New Member Welcome Event – Sloan’s Lake Tap & Burger

Drs. Elizabeth Minard, Stephanie Miller and Megan Kack connected over cocktails at the MDDS August New Member Welcome Event.

Drs. Scott Czarnik, Kris Mendoza, Taylor Gordon and Zachary Van Hilsen socialized with other new members at this quarterly event.

MDDS members and students gathered at Sloan’s Lake Tap & Burger to network and enjoy free food and drinks!

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LEND A HELPING HAND Colorado is home to many worthy outreach organizations – especially ones related to dentistry. Here is a sample of organizations in need of support, whether financial or time, around the metro area and state. If you would like to be connected with any of these organizations or have questions about getting involved, call the MDDS office at (303) 488-9700 or email marcom@mddsdentist.com.

The Colorado Orthodontic Foundation (COF) is a non-profit organization in partnership with doctors to provide orthodontic treatment and education for families that cannot otherwise afford orthodontic health care. Formed in 2009, the Colorado Orthodontic Foundation assists underprivileged children in benefiting from orthodontic care both in private orthodontic offices and through volunteer clinic days. The COF would not be successful without the participation of our providing orthodontists.

Each of our over 90 volunteer providers is as dedicated to serving the community as we are. All providers have generously donated their time and expertise to provide beautiful smiles to our deserving patients. Interested in becoming a volunteer orthodontist for the COF? Email Alexandra Gage, at alexandra@coloradoorthodonticfoundation.org or visit coloradoorthodonticfoundation.org.

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Serving more than 2 million people since 1980, 9Health Fair is Colorado’s largest volunteer-driven, non-profit health fair and education program. Its mission is to advance health awareness, providing people with the tools they need to take responsibility for their own health. 9Health Fairs offer affordable biometric and health screenings, including dental, to anyone regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, insured or uninsured. The schedule for the Fall health fairs is now available online. To learn more about volunteering at a 9Health Fair or to sign up, please visit 9healthfair.org/volunteer.

The Colorado Mission of Mercy (COMOM) is a largescale dental clinic that is held annually in a Colorado community. With 125 portable dental chairs, dental services are provided to adults, elderly, and children, who cannot afford dental care. An outpouring of nearly 200 volunteer dentists from across the state – along with hundreds of dental hygienists, assistants, lab technicians, and a myriad of lay volunteers and other health professionals – work in tandem with community groups and agencies to better the oral health of individuals who come to the clinic. The 2018 COMOM will take place in Greeley, CO on November 2 – 3 with set-up on November 1.

Visit comom.org to register as a volunteer.

Dental Lifeline Network (DLN) and the Donated Dental Services (DDS) program provide free comprehensive dental treatment to our country’s most vulnerable including those with disabilities, the elderly or medically fragile. Since its inception in 1985, DDS has provided care for over 100,000 individuals through a network of thousands of volunteers. Visit dentallifelinenetwork.org/Colorado to learn more about the Donated Dental Services program and to become a volunteer.

Freedom Day USA is America’s largest military thank you event! Each year businesses say “Thank You” by providing free services or special offers to active military and their immediate family and to veterans who visit their business on event day. This nationwide event will take place on Thursday, October 11 at businesses and dental practices around the country. So far, more than 15 practices around the metro area are signed up to participate. Learn more about this event and how you can give back by visiting, freedomdayusa.org.

Founded by a group of Colorado Dentists in 1912, Kids in Need of Dentistry (KIND)’s mission is to increase the health and happiness of Colorado’s children in need by eliminating dental disease through treatment and education. KIND provides dental care to uninsured children at a 75% discount, as well as, to children with Medicaid and CHP. In 2017, KIND provided free or heavily discounted dental care to over 8,000 children. As the Colorado population continues to experience rapid growth, so does the demand for KIND’s programs, which include: Four dental clinics across the front range, serving uninsured, Medicaid and CHP+ eligible children

The GKAS program is a national initiative by the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Foundation. Launched in 2003, the program has served more than 5 million children. On the first Friday of each February, approximately 10,000 dentists and 30,000 dental team members nation-wide volunteer their time and services to this worthy cause.

Visit adafoundation.org/en/give-kids-a-smile to learn more about the initiative or to start a program.

School-based mobile hygiene and sealant program, serving 99 underserved schools in 2017 Community education and dental screening events in collaboration with local health fairs, elementary and preschools, area non -profits, and community health partners.

KIND can utilize volunteers for all of their programs. If you’re looking to get more involved with KIND, please e-mail Kayla Casteel, at Kcasteel@kindsmiles.org or visit their website kindsmiles.org.

Howard Dental Center (HDC) is an oral health care facility centered on individuals living with HIV/ AIDS. HDC’s patient base is filled with individuals who have faced discrimination, poverty, and/or a lack of access to proper dental care. With a focus on comprehensive care, the “emergency-walk-in” treatment that HDC patients often faced has been replaced with a care model that offers patients the full range of oral health treatments. To learn more about Howard Dental Center or how you can support its cause, visit coloradoaidsproject. org/howard-dental-center.

Special Smiles has demonstrated remarkable success in its mission to increase access to dental care for Special Olympics Colorado athletes, and educate dental professionals as to the oral health problems people with intellectual disabilities face. Special Smiles is considered a leading advocate on standards of care and quality of care issues for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. It provides dental examinations, personal oral hygiene instruction and fluoride varnish treatment. Special Olympics Colorado is looking for volunteers including dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants. If you are interested in becoming a Special Smiles volunteer, please contact Leah Combs at LCombs@ SpecialOlympicsCO.org.

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FEATURED ARTICLE

A DIFFERENT WAY TO LOOK AT SERVING OTHERS

By Laura Brenner, DDS

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e always hear how the key to true happiness is being of service to others. In fact, we've heard it so much that it must be true. But what do you do if you don't feel like it? What do you do if you feel pulled in so many directions in your life that you don't have one more ounce of energy to give?

their life exactly how they choose. They don't need me to make everything perfect for them. I can shed the pressure to be perfect (which would doom me to failure anyway, of course,) and it allows me to free myself up to really help them. It helps me stay realistic about what is humanly possible for me and what I should expect of myself.

That is freedom. And it's not all. In addition to keeping our own buckets full in order to help others, there is one other vital piece: Passion.

Admitting that is a tough pill to swallow, especially when many of us chose dentistry for the sole purpose of helping others. Although I entered the field to What really matters to you? Why do you do what you do? What are you help people, the stress of the day-to-day work left me drained. After a while, I passionate about? I recently spoke with a pediatric dentist stopped wanting to help anyone. That was hard to admit, who noticed she started feeling burnt out in practice and I kept it a secret for a long time. I even felt ashamed "What do you do if you because she started getting away from the very things to admit it in the privacy of those closest to me. feel pulled in so many that she loved about dentistry. She got so caught up in the minutiae, the day-to-day challenges, that she forgot why she I'm here to tell you, it's okay to feel that way. Even if directions in your life that was there. Once she reconnected with the things that truly you feel that way right now, it doesn't define you, and it you don't have one more motivated and inspired her, connecting with her patients doesn’t mean you will always feel that way. ounce of energy to give?" and creating great future adult patients, she could willingly and successfully be of service again. Her entire outlook on In my case, I created this problem on my own. I didn't her practice was revived. draw emotional boundaries for myself. If my patients felt angry, scared, or impatient, I either took on their feelings, or I felt guilty that Luckily for me, I have found the thing that I'm passionate about too. If I can find they felt that way. I thought that in order to help patients, I needed to be their a way to go from resenting helping others to having it be the reason I pop out of savior; I needed to fix their problems and make sure everything went perfectly bed every day, then I know you can too. for them. I would often sacrifice my best interests in order for them to have a great experience. When things went wrong, I often blamed myself, even if no If you're feeling the way I felt, if you're feeling like you don't have anything left one was to blame. to give, then have hope. That's normal, and we can change. We can learn to experience serving others as a gift instead of a burden. We can fill our buckets, This behavior was not and is not sustainable. We can't really be of service and so we have enough to give. We can reconnect with the reason we show up every give to others when it harms us or when we have nothing left to give. day and the passion that brought us into dentistry in the first place.

I've since learned that there is a different way to look at serving others. In my About the Author old definition, it meant that I had to fix them and their problems. Instead of After graduating from Baylor College of Dentistry in 2001, Dr. Laura Brenner allowing the patient to be reasonably responsible for him or herself, I carried the moved to Denver to establish her dental roots. She worked in private practice burden for all of their problems. I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders-for 10 years until she left clinical dentistry behind for good. As the author of the all because I took the responsibility and the blame whenever things were less Lolabees blog and 10 Reasons Your Dentist Probably Hates You Too, she began than perfect. Imagine the pressure that put on me. connecting with other dentists from around the world who wanted more from their careers. This work inspired her to become a Certified Professional Coach who is Now I know there is another way. My new definition of serving others allows passionate about helping dentists find joy in their careers again. She can be found at me to have trust in the other person. I can trust that they are capable of creating LolabeesCareerCoaching.com

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Take a Closer Look

0

$

.00

New Graduate 1st Year Rate

All malpractice policies are not created the same

There are a lot of differences between being a Member of the Trust and just another policy number at a large, commercial carrier. Both give you a policy the Practice Law requires, but that’s where the similarity ends. Consider…

Who do I talk to when I have a patient event, claim or question?

The Trust: Local dentists who understand your practice, your business and your needs.

Them: Claims call center (likely in another state).

Do I have personal input and access to the company?

The Trust: Yes. You are represented by dentists from your CDA Component Society giving you direct, personal access to the Trust.

Them: Yes, via their national board.

How much surplus has been returned to dentists in Colorado?

The Trust: Over $1.8M has been distributed back to Colorado dentists as a “return of surplus” (after all, it’s your Trust, your money).

Them: $0

Besides a policy, what do I get when I buy coverage?

The Trust: Personal risk mitigation training, educational programs and an on-call team that “speak dentist.”

Them: Online support.

Do I have to give my “Consent to Settle” a case?

The Trust: All settlements are based on the best interests of the dentist, patient and Trust Members.

Them: Read the fine print; ask about their “Hammer Clause.”

How many years has the company been serving Colorado dentists?

The Trust: 29 years. Established by dentists in 1987.

Them: It’s hard to say... they tend to come and go.

Protect your practice.

Call the Trust today.

Dr. Randy Kluender · 303-357-2602 Dr. H. Candace DeLapp · 303-257-2604 1st Quarter 2018 I mddsdentist.com www.tdplt.com

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OUTREACH BY THE NUMBERS $8,000 Donated

by MDDS to dental organizations in the metro area last year.

4,000+ Oral health supplies distributed at Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

20+ 403 235 Years the Education Station has been providing members with education supplies. for the community.

Dentists volunteer their time to Dental Lifeline Network, serving elderly, medically-fragile and disabled patients.

Patients seen through Kids in Need of Dentistry at MDDS’s Mountain West Dental Institute Clinic.

(MWDI)

20 Dental Practices around the state are participating 175+ International dental volunteer opportunities list on the ADA in Freedom Foundation’s website.

Day USA.

1,500 II

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The Colorado Mission of Mercy’s goal for patients served at the 2018 event.

NONPROFIT NEWS

Transplant Recipient Given New Smile by MDDS Member Through Donated Dental Services (DDS)

H

aving worked most of her life as a dental office manager, Vickie, 71, understands the importance of maintaining proper oral health.

Yet when faced with a number of health difficulties including kidney failure and joint issues, she was unable to prioritize her oral health. Her dentures no longer fit her and weren’t functioning properly.

This resulted in decay, to the point where she had only two natural teeth remaining on her lower arch and a few teeth that had broken off at the gum line.

Perry & Young Dental Lab, Dr. Long was able to provide full upper dentures, full lower dentures, four extractions and a reline. ”Our office feels that our participation with DDS has given us the opportunity to expand on our ‘family’ treatment philosophy,” said Dr. Long.

With her new smile provided by Dr. Long and Perry & Young, Vickie is now able to eat without pain and has the energy to volunteer in her community. Dr. Long noted how thankful DDS patients like Vickie are.

“Vickie was kind enough to bring our office lunch – we truly appreciate her kindness in return. What you and the office get in return for participating in the DDS program far exceeds what you give.”

MDDS Member Dr. Lance Long with DDS patient Vickie

After receiving treatments for her medical issues including a kidney transplant, Vickie no longer had the resources to pay for the dental treatment she so desperately needed. It seemed she would have to live with the pain and swelling in her mouth for the rest of her life.

Fortunately, Vickie was connected with Dental Lifeline Network’s Donated Dental Services (DDS) program and paired with MDDS member and volunteer dentist Dr. Lance Long. With donated materials from volunteer

DLN has 403 dentists who volunteer in the Denver area, and since inception has provided care for over 6,400 patients in the Denver DDS program.

To join Dr. Long in volunteering or to learn more about Donated Dental Services (DDS), visit willyouseeone.org

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END OF THE LINE

The Journey of a Portable Dental Hygienist

By Sarah Summers, RDH, BS

M

y grandmother sat in front of me unable to speak due to her progressing dementia. In the final years of her disease, she was non-ambulatory and had to be assisted 3-4 times a day using a mechanical device. The dysphagia had taken its toll on her oral status and she was complaining of dry mouth. When asked if she wanted her teeth cleaned, it was all she could do to look at me and blink. I wasn’t prepared to provide a service like this while visiting my grandmother, but if anyone was going to brush and floss her teeth for her it was going to be me! After all, I was a dental hygienist by trade.

Throughout her life, my grandmother always took care of her teeth. She went to the dentist regularly, used an electric toothbrush and practiced interproximal care. However, that day when she opened her mouth, I was stunned. The materia alba was dry and thick and impacted food debris was found between all her teeth. It was no wonder she could not use her lips to talk or her tongue to eat, she was dry as a bone. My heart was broken, the tears were hard to hold back as I provided the simple act of brushing and flossing for her. I realized at that moment that I was providing end of the line preventative dental care for her and I was able to make a difference.

She worked hard to push through a smile and show her pearly whites and I could see the sparkle in her pretty blue eyes again. In that moment I realized, if I could help my grandmother with her preventative dental hygiene needs, imagine all of the people I could help in Colorado in a similar situation!

After working in several dental offices over the last 10 years, I found that few could accommodate a wheelchair in the operatory, much less a lifting system. The idea of practicing independently was foreign and scary, not knowing where the money would come from or how I would get paid.

Nonetheless, I decided I could risk some of my own money to outfit my operation while continuing to work full-time in a dental practice. Based on my training and experience, I knew there were many things I would need to get set-up: an evacuation system, instruments and disposables, to begin with. The biggest question was, “What chair am I going to see the patient in?” I also had to take my ergonomics into consideration. I wanted to keep the patients’ comfort in mind because dentistry is still a service industry.

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I decided on the reputable portable dental chair and purchased it used, despite knowing it weighed 60 pounds. I thought name brand dentistry was best. However, the chair was firm, heavy, narrow, awkward to set-up and the shoulders had no support. I knew that my 90-year old patients would never be satisfied with this chair. My first mistake in this venture was not listening to a colleague who recommended a simple oversized camping recliner. It was money well spent. I get quite a few sleepers with zero complaints and my original top of the line chair sits collecting cobwebs.

After my grandmother passed, I inherited her car. Miraculously, all of my equipment including the chair, evacuation system, digital x-ray system and a 3-tier toolkit, patient comforts and pre-made instrument kits all fit in the trunk. Visiting patients in this vehicle reassures that my grandmother’s spirit is with me. I serve skilled nursing and assisted living facilities, group homes and day centers for individuals with mental and physical disabilities as well as private residences. I call on different facilities every day and I schedule them one to four days a month, depending on the need. There is no age limit or boundary to the patients I serve. On an average day, I am able to treat four to five patients and start my day around 8:30am.

When I first started out, I went from room to room in each facility. This was more work than I anticipated since furniture needed to be moved to fit equipment and it was intrusive to any roommates not receiving treatment.

Over time, I requested facilities provide one private and secure room where I could set up my equipment to the residents. I do provide bedside calls or work within the secure unit when necessary. Some days, I find myself setting up in a family room, hair salon, bathroom, chapel or even storage closet.

Regardless of where I am, I can control the environment and the resident is safe. My schedule is centered around meals and activities in all facilities. I have a working time of three hours in the morning because the patients are eager to get a jumpstart on lunch and the same goes for dinner.

Some days nothing goes as planned - the facility is under quarantine or a patient has passed on. There is no set schedule in portable dentistry. You see a patient when staff can get through a long line of beeping call buttons, sponge baths and medication distribution. You are finished with the patient

FEATURED ARTICLE when treatment is complete or when the patient is finished with you – there is no rush or panic.

While I have had a few people attempt to hit, bite, refuse to open and curse my name, I also receive many hugs and thank you’s. Most days everything goes as planned and I make a difference in the lives of each patient, whether they realize it or not. I leave with a sweet feeling that I have accomplished something fantastic, I have done the best I can do and have given the gift of clean teeth. While not all patients are appreciative, their caregivers have a greater understanding and are always delighted to get a call with my report and recommendations for further care. Many are oblivious to the dental history of their mother or father and it is reassuring for them to know I am a dental advocate for their loved one. I spend late-night hours writing formal referral letters to dentists, oral surgeons and physicians. And, work several hours communicating with directors, social services, medical records and transportation coordinators to facilitate the arduous trips to referring dentists to have a denture made or a tooth extracted. I serve as secretary, claims department, assistant and dental hygienist.

The hardest part of this labor of love has been practicing without the presence of a dentist within the facility. I realize that dental hygiene can only go so far and there is a great need for support from a dentist – even one day a month. Many of my patients are non- ambulatory, psychotic and confused, bed-bound, bariatric or fail to thrive - I am the end of the

line. There is no permanent filling available, so my Interim Therapeutic Restoration (ITR) must be exceptional. I work tirelessly because their options are limited. I have trouble finding dentists to assist me due to Medicaid issues, difficulty of work, time constraints, etc. While I earn a good income it may not seem like much compared to a dental practice. However, I only see 4-5 patients per day, my overhead costs are relatively low, and I average about four treatment days per week.

I will never forget the day I cared for my grandmother’s teeth and I use her case as a marker. Can this patient remember to brush? Are they able to brush their own teeth? Is staff trained on providing adequate oral care? In my grandmother’s case, it was none of the above. Having a background in private practice, I had a good idea of materials and methods I would need to get this outreach started. The thought of helping someone in a difficult situation achieve their best oral hygiene, no matter the stage of their life, continues to drive me. If dentistry comes easily to you and you enjoy it, I hope you will consider reaching out to a population deserving of your attention.

About the Author Sarah Summers, RDH, BS owns and operates Front Door Dental, a mobile dental hygiene service in Grand Junction, Colorado. Sarah frequents dental mission trips around the world and is an active member of ADHA. For more information about dental hygiene outreach please visit frontdoordental.com

December 8

New Dentist Committee

7:30PM-Midnight

G.V. Black Tie Archetype Distillery

119 S. Broadway Denver, CO 80209

cdaonline.org /newdentists 19

FEATURED ARTICLE

DOING WELL BY DOING GOOD

By Roger P. Levin, DDS

T

he expression “Doing Well by Doing Good” is common in the business world. It refers to a company doing well while they are doing good for their community. Dentists work hard every day to provide outstanding health care.

It’s a profession that brings both great satisfaction and financial reward. Counter intuitively, it is possible for dental practices to provide treatment to patients who lack access to care and still benefit the practice. This is doing well by doing good.

office, at least one day a month.

A Win-Win Situation

• Tell New Patients. Don’t forget to provide information about your charitable activities in your new patient phone calls and orientations. This can help set you apart from other practices and may be a deciding factor for new patients.

"There’s no downside to letting patients and the community know you donate time to assist others outside your dental practice."

Doing well by doing good involves taking advantage of opportunities to give back and sharing how you’re a great community partner.

Many businesses believe in the charitable work they are doing and have a real commitment to their communities. Additionally, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying the positive PR and benefits that can come from these activities. It’s a win-win situation for you and your community. Follow these tips for doing good in your community: • Contact non-profits and dental associations. Various non-profits provide dental care to the underprivileged and most dental associations have information about charitable opportunities. These organizations can provide you with multiple avenues for giving back ranging from community dental and health centers to nursing homes.

• Make “Giving Back” Part of Your Office Culture. Busy dental practices may think they don’t have the time or energy to give back to their community. However, even a few hours a month can make an enormous difference if enough people are willing to participate. Encourage your entire office to volunteer; either inside or outside of the

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• Craft a Positive Public Relations Campaign. There are several ways to let people know you are working to improve the community and make a difference in patients’ lives. Send social media or email updates or letters to that inform patients about your charitable programs. You can also display pictures in your office of smiling patients who received free treatment. This will show you (and your office) are making a difference in the community in which most of your patients live.

Summary Doing well by doing good is understood and appreciated throughout the business world. There’s no downside to letting patients and the community know you donate time to assist others outside your dental practice. By sharing your community contributions, you increase the amount of goodwill, referrals and positive feelings amongst your patients while making a difference in the lives of others. Businesses that are doing well by doing good are truly changing the world around them for the better.

About the Author Roger P. Levin, DDS is a third-generation general dentist and the Founder and CEO of Levin Group, Inc., a dental management consulting firm that has worked with over 26,000 dentists. Dr. Levin, an internationally-known dental practice management speaker, has written 65 books and over 4,300 articles. He is the Executive Founder of Dental Business Study Clubs – Dentistry’s only All-Business Study Clubs, the next generation of dental business education. www.dbsclubs.com

CREATING A

RELIABLE INCOME IN RETIREMENT

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To understand how this research fits into the asset of your practice, please contact:

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21

TO SELL OR NOT TO SELL TO A DSO, THAT IS THE QUESTION

By Marie Chatterley

M

any dentists today are approached by different dental

4) A market/area that has the potential and capacity to provide a significant

service organizations (DSO) about selling and/or

pool of prospective employee dentists. (Generally, this means cities with a

merging their practice with their organization. That’s

population of no less than 25,000 inhabitants.)

because these DSOs (corporations, private investors,

private equity groups) want to create substantial equity gain

and strong dividends in their company.

As a general rule, a DSO uses income-based valuation methods to evaluate investment opportunities. For example, a general dental practice will typically sell at a price in the range of 4 to 6 times its adjusted net income. Unfortunately, most practices do not fit the DSO “foot print,” i.e., they do not fall within the parameters most DSOs have set for practices they would be interested in acquiring.

What are some of those parameters?

1) The practice should be grossing no less than $1 million per year. It requires essentially the same amount of time to manage a practice grossing $600,000

5) A local economy that is stable and growing.

If a practice falls within these basic parameters, it may be appealing enough to a DSO to garner an offer for a purchase, and in some cases, those offers can be quite lucrative (more than what a typical private buyer would pay).

However, sometimes there are some serious strings attached to the deal, including but not limited to, a hold back provisions on paying out part of the purchase price and how and when the seller will work back after the closing. In many instances, the seller is “paying back” a DSO’s investment by working back and creating those profit margins between what the doctor is paid and what’s left after all the overhead expenses have been paid.

There are four points to consider before transitioning your practice to a DSO:

per year as it does to manage one grossing over $1 million per year, from a

Point #1: Evaluate the financial compensation and structure.

DSO's point of view.

Be sure to carefully review how much after-tax net you will receive from the

2) A facility that can accommodate two or more doctors. Profit margins are

transaction and how much income and benefits you will receive working

higher when utilization of the physical facility can be maximized.

back after the transaction is completed. Most doctors are paid a percentage of

3) A highly visible location with easy access (such as retail centers, strip malls

percentage is around thirty percent (30%). (Note: Specialty practices/specialist

and other locations in high traffic areas).

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their respective gross production. In most markets and most situations, this associates are often paid a higher percentage.) It is not uncommon, however, to see a flat salary paid as well, or variations of the two, such as a base salary applied

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT

against future percentage compensation. In other words, the doctor is paid a

time in an attempt to correct a problem than it is to address those issues in

monthly salary and/or a percentage, whichever is higher. Then, as the doctor’s

advance.

Point #4: Seek professional help and define the arrangement

production increases, any salary that was taken is paid back by the percentage production.

Point #2: Evaluate your own values, practice philosophy, leadership style and personality type.

Then compare these characteristics to those of a prospective DSO. Matching your values with a DSO possessing similar values is very important and there are

"If handled correctly, transitioning a practice to a DSO could be rewarding--personally and professionally--to both parties."

certain values they should possess if a successful

in writing.

Contracts help define promises between two parties with their mutual and respective rights and obligations, along with consequences in the forms of rewards and penalties.

Ideally these promises create a win-win outcome in which both parties are pleased. However, problems often occur when one or both of the parties seek only their own interests with little or no consideration for the others or without considering the

relationship is to develop between you and them. These values are as follows:

longer-term impact of their actions. Sometimes negotiations result in one

• Honesty. Are they honest in all of their dealings?

party getting their ideal result, but at the expense of the other party. Many

• Integrity. Do they keep their promises? Do they do what they say they will?

before entering into any agreement:

• Consistency. Do they vacillate on issues or do they make a decision and stick to it? Are their actions congruent with your words? Are they effective in communicating their thoughts and expectations?

issues could have avoided undesirable results by asking the following questions

• Does the agreement further your personal short and long-range goals?

Does the outcome of the agreement fit into your objectives?

• Compassion. Do they have a genuine concern for those they work with?

• Do both parties feel good about and comfortable with the terms of the agreement? Has any possibility of resentment as a result of uncomfortable compromises been removed?

• Skills & Knowledge. Are you confident in their level of knowledge and skill to lead and guide you and the staff?

• Based on all the information, can both sides perform the agreement to their expectations?

• Conscious. Do they exercise good judgment and make decisions based on what is best for all concerned?

It’s best to check your “gut feeling” on any issue. If it does not “feel” right, then

• Motivation. Do they inspire others to be and do the best they can?

it does feel right. And if you still feel uncertain about it, you should either ask for

Moreover, what if you evaluated your personality and determined you would still like to be the captain. In many cases, if the parties have a strong need to be in control, regardless if the transition is structured fairly, the arrangement will likely not last over the long term. For this reason, some doctors are just not meant to work for or be partners with a DSO. Frankly stated, some doctors are meant to be the “captains of their own ship.”

If you think you might be this type of doctor, don’t talk yourself into thinking that the sale or merger will be right for you. Everyone has a different approach to business and a different way of doing dentistry.

Point #3: Define your expectations and motivations in advance and seek to understand theirs in return.

Each party is pursuing a practice transition arrangement but for very different reasons. It is important they have complimentary needs and similar values.

Failed arrangements usually fail because the parties have incongruent

they should seek greater understanding and obtain additional information until revisions to the agreement or no longer pursue the transaction. Just because other doctors have signed off on similar agreements, doesn’t mean it’s right for you.

If handled correctly, transitioning a practice to a DSO could be rewarding-personally and professionally--to both parties. Success is the goal of virtually every business venture. And although doing business with a DSO can be inherently risky, it’s possible to structure and benefit from a successful arrangement with a DSO by following some of the information we have outlined above. Crunch the numbers, define expectations, do your homework and seek advice. Attention to these things will increase your likelihood of a successful outcome.

About the Author Marie Chatterley is with CTC Associates, a practice transition company located in the Rocky mountain region that has facilitated over 2,000 practice transitions over the last 30 years.

expectations. In other words, one of the parties is expecting something to happen or for things to happen a certain way, yet somehow those expectations were not met. It’s best to check with other doctors that have sold or merged their practices with the prospective DSO and get their input. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Similarly, it is more difficult to turn back

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23

NONPROFIT NEWS

GIVING BACK: THE NEED NEXT DOOR

By Ellie Burbee

I

’m guessing if you’re reading this, you’re familiar with

• They often receive unqualified referrals for resources. These lead to wasting large

the link between oral health and whole-body health and

amounts of time trying to navigate unfamiliar and inefficient systems designed to

the importance of instilling oral hygiene habits from an

make their lives “easier.”

early age.

• They often have family and cultural norms that are counter-productive to the

I won’t waste time quoting research. Instead, let me share some statistics with you that are perhaps a bit “closer to home” and less familiar: • In the US, more than 51 million school hours are lost each year to dental related illness, as noted in 2015 by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

• In 2017, the Denver Post reported that over 180,000 kids in Colorado are growing up in families at or below the federal poverty line.

• The 2016 Kids Count Report by the Colorado Children’s Campaign indicates that nearly one in every four children in our state are not getting the dental care they need to prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems.

Although the number of children who have dental insurance

oral and general health of their children.

"I encourage the Colorado dental community to seek to answer the needs of your communities and schools. Let’s make giving back a regular part of our overscheduled personal and professional lives, rather than just annual or occasional service events."

coverage has risen to 85%, only 77% visited a dentist in the previous year (only 61% in Hispanic populations, as quoted by the 2017 Colorado Health Access survey). Many families turn to hospital emergency rooms for dental problems.

In the 100+ years that Kids in Need of Dentistry (KIND) has served low-income families in Colorado, we have recognized that the problems faced by these families are not well-represented by any kind of formal data. Here is what we have learned through our work:

When I talk to supporters or partners of KIND, these observations are generally surprising. As Coloradoans, our progressive, health-oriented and accommodating identity are challenged to realize such poverty exists in “our backyard.”

Additionally, our love affair with adventure draws us to overseas missions or rural and underserved cities. Volunteering in those capacities is noble, admirable and equally impactful as giving back locally, of course! Still, KIND believes it’s important to share what we see and experience every day here in our great state.

Though perhaps less sexy, I encourage the Colorado dental community to seek to needs of your communities and schools.

Let’s make giving back a regular part of our over-scheduled personal and professional lives, rather than just annual or occasional service events. KIND volunteers can attest that this

type of service – the few extra hours on Monday evening or Friday afternoon, whether it be a newly-healthy smile or simply a caring conversation – changes lives. And not just the lives of the individuals we serve.

For more information on volunteering, contact kcasteel@kindsmiles.org or visit kindsmiles.org.

About the Author

Ellie Burbee is the Executive Director of Kids in Need of Dentistry (KIND). KIND

• Their lives are very complicated, overwhelming and frustrating

accepts low-income patients ages 18 and under (as well as providing limited services to adults). At KIND, no patient is turned away due to inability to pay. Founded

• They are trying to navigate different systems, very few of which work together

by a group of dentists in 1912 (now known as the Metro Denver Dental Society),

or in coordination (government and similar), to take advantage of “free” resources

KIND initially provided dental care to the children of migrant railroad workers.

that exist. The cost of utilizing these systems are often in the form of lost wages,

Today, KIND serves over 8,000 children across Colorado providing nearly $700,000

public transportation and other miscellaneous costs that are more impactful to

in dental treatment annually through the work of both paid staff and volunteers.

hourly earners than the average middle-class citizen.

KIND relies heavily on the efforts and donations of volunteers and community

• They have limited time off from work to manage appointments and other important business.

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supporters in order to fulfill its mission: to increase the health and happiness of Colorado children in need through dental treatment and education.

Founded by a team of industry professionals who have been providing waste management services to Colorado for over 18 years, HCMWS proudly serves hospitals, clinics, laboratories, blood banks, dentists and funeral homes, as well as any facility that is looking for a safe and cost-effective way to dispose of their medical waste.

PO Box 1385 Colorado Springs, CO 80903-1385 info@hcmws.com 719-445-5044 720-319-9419 www.hcmws.com

Thinking about SELLING your Dental Practice?

Let Us Help

You Ensure Your

Legacy

Completed over 1700 transitions.

Larry Chatterley

Marie Chatterley

Appraisals • Practice Sales • Partnerships • Buyer Representation • Post-Transition Coaching • Start-Up Coaching • Associateships

Your dental practice is your legacy.

As dental practice transition specialists, we guide you through the complex process of selling your practice to ensure everything goes smoothly with the legacy you have built.

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303-795-8800

“CTC Associates set us up for success! Their attention to cover every detail in the transition process, their calming and soothing advice (every time we felt that the whole deal will fall apart), their ability to complete the task to the very end, was just very refreshing to my husband and myself!” Dr. Balota www.ctc-associates.com 9233 Park Meadows Drive, Lone Tree, CO 80124 (303) 795-8800 | marie@ctc-associates.com | larry@ctc-associates.com

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25

RISK MANAGEMENT

Same Name Mix-Ups: Verify Patient Information To Reduce Risk

By TDIC Risk Management Staff

I

f your first name is an uncommon one, you’ve likely had it misspelled

To make matters more confusing, the orthodontic assistant did come

on your to-go coffee cup by countless baristas. However, if your name

by to ask during treatment if Haley N. was seated in the operatory at

is common, you’re more likely to have been handed a cup intended for

which time the chairside assistant confirmed yes. It was uncertain why

someone else. While James and Jennifer were once the most popular

the patient did not correct them or if she simply misheard the question.

monikers, the names Sophia, Jackson, Emma and Aiden are now shared

The practice finally realized its mistake 30 minutes later when Haley N.

by young customers in many cafés. Getting a latté meant for another

asked why it was taking so long to be seen. They advised Haley X.’s mother

customer may not be a serious issue, but getting dental treatment intended

of the error. She was appalled and left the practice in distress. Shortly

for someone else can yield calamitous results.

thereafter, the mother called the practice and asked that they contact her

How do incidents happen?

daughter’s current dentist to review the errant assessment and treatment.

The Dentists Insurance Company’s Risk Management Advice Line recently received a call from a practice that was dealing with a case of mistaken identity for same-name patients. The caller actually represented two practices: a pediatric dentistry office and an orthodontic office, which were managed separately but shared a common patient waiting area. Two patients named Haley were scheduled for treatment at the same time — one in each office. Haley X. (the orthodontic patient) checked in and, in error, an assistant took her into the operatory. Haley X. was not a patient of record at the pediatric side of the office at all, and Haley N., the scheduled pediatric patient, was still in the reception area. The clinical mix-up continued because Haley N. was scheduled for fillings on teeth Nos. 2, 4 and 18, and Haley X. appeared to need small fillings on teeth Nos. 2, 15 and 18. So, it appeared to the doctor that a minor charting error had been made — not that the wrong patient was in the chair.

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That practice, where Haley X. was a patient of record, confirmed that she did not need any fillings as of yet because the teeth were not fully erupted and the decay was very shallow.

By the time the Risk Management Advice Line was called, the situation was already a stressful one for all parties. The analyst advised the caller to carefully review the practice’s protocols for checking patients in, including confirming information at the front and back office and comparing X-rays, charts and treatment plans against the schedule. The analyst also encouraged the dentist to call back with further developments, which he did when Haley X.’s mother requested records from the practice where the incident occurred. The analyst urged the dentist to comply with the request for a copy of the treatment notes.

Not releasing the information or altering the information would only escalate the situation and the practice’s culpability.

In another call to the Risk Management Advice Line, a dentist shared a concern about a clinic that was set up in a school as part of a grant program. The clinic sees approximately 1,200 students per year, with parents having the ability to opt children out of screenings and any further treatment requiring parental consent. The caller relayed an incident in which a volunteer went to retrieve a student for treatment from room R3, but he went to room 3 instead. The volunteer asked for the student by first name only and, coincidentally, both rooms R3 and 3 had students with the same first name. The full name was not checked and treatment was performed. In this case, the dentist had a sit-down with the patient’s parents, principal and clinic supervisor, at which time the child’s mother then claimed her son was traumatized by the incident. The dentist asserted that the performed treatment was, in fact, correct and needed. The mother then demanded a letter outlining the treatment so she could visit another dentist to review it. Again, a risk management analyst advised the dentist to revisit processes and protocols, as well as to comply with records request.

What can you do to reduce your risks?

• Emphasize the team’s responsibility to check patients’ identities and match them with the correct care before any treatment is administered. Incorporate verifying identity into the practice’s training procedures.

• Define and document the ways your office verifies patient information. Ideally, use at least two identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth). Consider taking patient photos for identification purposes and including them in the charts.

• Review the daily schedule during morning huddle and crossreference charts and treatment plans against the schedule at the time the patient is taken into the treatment room.

• In addition to verifying treatment plans against the schedule, ensure that radiographs belong to the patient and match the treatment plan.

• If the patient is a minor, review the treatment plan and an informed consent discussion with the parent or guardian.

• Allow the patient and/or patient’s parent the opportunity to ask questions to understand what to expect at each appointment.

Review your practice’s protocols and gain the entire team’s commitment to verify patient identity. A few essential steps can protect your patients and your practice from costly mix-ups.

Reprinted with permission from the California Dental Association, copyright June 2018.

Make a difference on a Monday!

IT’S BACK!

Reserve your spot in the CDAF

Dental Charity Golf Tournament

Monday, Sept. 24, 2018 LOCATION: GOLF CLUB AT BEAR DANCE Golf for a good cause! This tournament helps fund non-profit dental charities across Colorado that care for generations of families in your community.

REGISTER TODAY: cdaonline.org/CDAFgolf 3rd Quarter 2018 I mddsdentist.com

27

TRIPARTITE NEWS

FUNDING THE FUTURE

By Greg Hill, JD, CAE

T

he CDA Foundation was relaunched about two years

Gaining Experience

ago with a strategic purpose of supporting access

Lastly, the CDA Foundation is looking for new board members as it expands

to care across Colorado and to raise philanthropic

and grows to be a stronger strategic partner with organized dentistry. Many

dollars from within our membership. Last year, the

MDDS member dentists have served on various foundation boards in their

CDA Foundation increased support to the University

communities and that expertise is important. If you would like to learn

of Colorado School of Dental Medicine Endowment

more about the CDA Foundation and how you may add your background

Scholarship Fund as one of its priorities.

to our mission, please reach out to me directly.

Growing the Garden

Fundraising for the CDA Foundation has increased dramatically since our

At the June Bitte Geben Biergarten (Beer Garden of Giving), the CDA

relaunch and I want to thank those of you who have given funds to this

Foundation raised $12,500 to support dental education and to grow our

organization. When you receive your dues invoices later this year, please

endowment fund. A special thank you to Grist Brewing Company for

consider a contribution to the CDA Foundation. As always, I welcome your

donating the beer for this year’s event! When the endowment fund was

feedback and questions: greg@cdaonline.org or 303-996-2846.

created 10 years ago, the cost of dental education was $100,000 for four years. That cost has more than tripled. Increasing this fund provides more

About the Author

dollars to support the next generation of dentists in Colorado.

Greg Hill has served as the Executive Director of the Colorado Dental Association since June of 2014. Prior to joining the CDA, Greg was employed

Golfing In

September,

by the Kansas Dental Association for 15 years and served as the Assistant the

CDA

Foundation is bringing back the annual charity golf tournament.

Playing on the beautiful Golf Club at Bear Dance benefits the CDA Foundation and the dental non-profit organizations it supports! Make plans to join us at the Golf Club at Bear Dance in Larkspur. Register at cdaonline.org/CDAFgolf.

"The CDA Foundation is launching a Legacy Fund that is designed to create a vehicle for CDA members to continue to serve their communities and provide dental care to those they’ve served over their lifetimes"

Giving Each year, the CDA Foundation accepts funding requests from organizations throughout Colorado and we are honored to support dental non-profit organizations that provide care to patients in their communities. Providing these funds and seeing the impact that follows is tremendously rewarding.

But more can be done. The CDA Foundation is launching a Legacy Fund that is designed to create a vehicle for CDA members to continue to serve their communities and provide dental care to those they’ve served over their lifetimes. These gifts can be made as part of an estate plan and will leave a lasting legacy for dentistry in Colorado. I am happy to provide additional information to you and connect you with an estate planner who is donating his services to the CDA Foundation to build this program.

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Executive Director of the CDA and Executive Director of its Foundation. Mr. Hill is a 1999 graduate of the Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, KS and a 1994 graduate of Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Economics. He became a Certified Association Executive in 2016. In addition, he serves as Co-Chair and Treasurer of Oral Health Colorado; on the Board of Directors for the Colorado Dental Lifeline Network and the Colorado Mission of Mercy; and is a member of the Denver Tech Center Rotary Club.

He and his wife, Gwen, are the parents of daughter, Haven, and son, Camden.

Hein Dental Practice Mentoring LLC Cherrie Hein, RDH, MS www.heindpm.com New Practice? New Owner? Do you need a mentor to help you advance your practice and define a development plan? Are you looking for the flexibility of single training modules with the option of a comprehensive program? Would you like on-site assistance?

•Systems – facilitation and training •Practice administration – front to clinical •Defining your practice house: Culture and operations •Strategic planning and leadership skills •Reproducible methods as teams and dynamics change.

•Author: Transition, Evolution, Conversation: A Practice Development Workbook Contact: cherrie@heindpm.com (720) 608-9492 (Member of Academy of Dental Management Consultants, AADOM)

Our Exciting Lineup!

• Dr. Gerhard Iglhaut

ROCKY JanuaryMOUNTAIN 17 -19, 2019 DENTAL CONVENTION IN BEAUTIFUL DENVER, CO

• Dr. Michael Norton • Dr. Uche Odiatu • Ms. Ellen Gambardella

JAN. 17-19, 2019

• Plus More!

HOSTED BY:

rmdconline.com

WE UNDERSTAND WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO YOU. Our Commitment To You Working in collaboration, the foundation of Dr. Leopardi’s practice is to offer the best experience to you and your patients.

Aldo Leopardi, B.D.S., D.D.S., M.S. Prosthodontist Dr. Leopardi is a prosthodontist committed to creating beautiful and functional smiles. He specializes in aesthetic, implant, fixed and removable dentistry. Dr. Leopardi emphasizes both patient comfort and quality results in a comfortable and confident atmosphere.

You can trust you’ll receive the impeccable service that you would expect from a seasoned specialist like Dr. Leopardi.

Consider Dr. Leopardi’s expertise as an extension of your professional practice. The level of experience and precision that Dr. Leopardi offers makes it easy for you to refer your patients with complete confidence.

Interested in how we can improve your patient care without adding overhead cost?

Let’s talk. Call me at (720) 488-7677.

7400 EAST CRESTLINE CIRCLE, SUITE 235 // GREENWOOD VILLAGE, COLORADO 80111 // ALDOLEOPARDI.COM D edicated to a m o r e p e r f e c t s m ile .

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Did You Know?

The Mountain West Dental Institute (MWDI) has space for your next team meeting?

- Free AV - Free Parking - No Catering Restrictions Perfect for staff retreats, team-building or business meetings! Affordable rates starting at under $200 for MDDS members.

MOUNTAIN WEST DENTAL INSTITUTE 925 Lincoln Street, Unit B, Denver, CO 80203 | (303) 488-9700 | MWDI.ORG

EVENT CALENDAR SEPTEMBER September 21 Sleep Explained: The Science of Dental Sleep Medicine -Dr. Chase Bennett Mountain West Dental Institute 925 Lincoln Street, Unit B Denver, CO 80203 (303) 488-9700 September 27 MDDS Student Mingle Cheluna Brewing Co. 2501 Dalla Street Aurora, CO 80010 6:00pm – 8:00pm September 28-29 Utilize Today’s Dental Lasers in Managing Periodontal/Soft Tissue Conditions in the Dental Practice: A Workshop with Laser Certification -Dr. Sam Low Mountain West Dental Institute 925 Lincoln Street, Unit B Denver, CO 80203 (303) 488-9700

OCTOBER October 6 CAD/CAM Dentistry Demystified -Dr. Justin Chi Mountain West Dental Institute 925 Lincoln Street, Unit B Denver, CO 80203 (303) 488-9700 October 11 MDDS New Member Welcome Event Location TBD 6:00pm – 8:00pm

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Freedom Day All Day (303) 488-9700 October 12 Botulinum Toxin (Xeomin, Dysport, Botox) and Dermal Fillers Training, Level I Mountain West Dental Institute 925 Lincoln Street, Unit B Denver, CO 80203 (303) 488-9700 October 13 Frontline TMJ and Orofacial Pain Therapy, Levels I & II Mountain West Dental Institute 925 Lincoln Street, Unit B Denver, CO 80203 (303) 488-9700

October 13 Botulinum Toxin (Xeomin, Dysport, Botox) and Dermal Fillers Training, Levels II & III Mountain West Dental Institute 925 Lincoln Street, Unit B Denver, CO 80203 (303) 488-9700 October 19 Current Controversies & Innovations in Periodontics and Implant Dentistry - Drs. Janie Boyesen & Bryan Limmer Mountain West Dental Institute 925 Lincoln Street, Unit B Denver, CO 80203 (303) 488-9700

NOVEMBER November 6 CPR/AED Training Mountain West Dental Institute 925 Lincoln Street, Unit B Denver, CO 80203 6:00pm – 9:00pm (303) 488-9700

November 9-10 Advanced Implant Placement Grafting: A Two-Day Workshop Utilizing Cadaver Specimens -Dr. Charles Schlesinger Mountain West Dental Institute 925 Lincoln Street, Unit B Denver, CO 80203 (303) 488-9700 November 16 Straightforward Ultrasonic Debridement/ A Simplified Approach to Using Ultrasonic Instrumentation -Ms. Cynthia Fong, RDH, MS Mountain West Dental Institute 925 Lincoln Street, Unit B Denver, CO 80203 (303) 488-9700 November 17 CDA & MDDS Women’s Event Location TBD (303) 488-9700

DECEMBER December 1 Nitrous Oxide/ Oxygen Administration Training -Dr. Jeffrey Young Mountain West Dental Institute 925 Lincoln Street, Unit B Denver, CO 80203 (303) 488-9700 January 17-19 Rocky Mountal Dental Convention Colorado Convention Center 700 14th Street

Denver, CO 80202

(303) 488-9700

CLASSIFIEDS Jobs GP Wanted - Renew is looking for an exceptional General Practitioner Dentist who has a passion for placing surgical implants and/or completing full-mouth restorations for patients with missing/failing teeth. Renew provides its doctors with a fully staffed state-of-the-art center including: an on-site dental fabrication lab, master lab tech, and a team of clinical assistants. Renew also manages fully trained sales consultants who educate warm leads provided by our expert marketing department. This all allows you to do one thing: focus solely on the highest level of patient care and changing patients’ lives.

Renew offers an extremely competitive compensation package (guaranteed base salary + aggressive incentive comp structure with no limits), a 16-day work month,100% covered practice insurance, 100% paid medical, dental, vision benefits for employees, and an opportunity to bring your career to new heights. Email: recruiting@renewcorp.com Team Member Wanted - Tri County Health Department – What We Do: Promote, protect and improve the lifelong health of individuals and communities in Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas Counties through the effective use of data, evidence-based prevention strategies, leadership, advocacy, partnerships and the pursuit of health equity. In short we strive to provide optimal health across the lifespan for the populations we serve.

Our program provides quality dental treatment to senior adults. The ideal candidate is friendly, compassionate, reliable, professional, honest, a teamplayer. Dental and Medicaid experience a plus. Responsibilities include but are not limited to greeting patients, scheduling, managing the phone, presenting treatment plans, payments. Benefits include medical, dental, vision insurance, paid holidays, PTO earned biweekly, and 401(k). E-mail resumes to humanresources@tchd.org.

Real Estate GP in Aurora (CO 1816) 880k collections, 315k net income, practice must be relocated, dentist/owner desires to stay on email: frontdesk@adsprecise. com, 303-759-8425.

GP in Boulder (CO 1815) Dr. relocating out of state, Collections 600K, 5 OPS. email: frontdesk@adsprecise.com 303-759-8425.

GP in Pueblo NEW REDUCED PRICE (CO 1808) Dr. retiring, annual revenue 300K, 3 OPS. email: frontdesk@adsprecise.com 303-759-8425.

GP and free-standing Building (sold with practice) for Sale: West Colorado Springs (CO 1803) Dr retiring, annual revenue $275K, 5 OPS. For information please call 303.759.8425 or email frontdesk@adsprecise.com GP for Sale: Southern Colorado (CO 1738) Dr retiring, annual revenue $325K, 5 OPS. For information please call 303.759.8425 or email frontdesk@adsprecise.com GP for Sale: North Eastern CO (CO 1735) 4 Ops, approx. 600K in collections, Stand-alone bldg. sold w/practice. Dr. retiring, 303-759-8425, www.adsprecise.com, frontdesk@adsprecise.com GP for Sale: Co Springs (CO 1726) “Startup?” NEW REDUCED PRICE – 100K! 8 Ops plumbed, 5 equipped, leased retail space, great location.

303.759.8425, www.adsprecise.com, frontdesk@adsprecise.com Start Up for Sale: Denver Suburbs South (CO 1723) $325K, 4 Ops/2 equipped, beautiful office, 1,964 sq ft. Dr. Retiring. 303-759-8425, www. adsprecise.com, frontdesk@adsprecise.com Perio for Sale: Denver Suburbs South (CO 1723) REDUCED PRICE $325K, 4 Ops/2 equipped, beautiful office, 1,964 sq ft. Dr. Retiring. 303759-8425, www.adsprecise.com, frontdesk@adsprecise.com GP for Sale: Lakewood (CO 1717) NEW REDUCED PRICE – 225K! Revs 380K, 3 ops+1 plumbed, 1,365sf stand-alone bldg. for sale w/practice, Dr. Retiring. 303-759-8425, www.adsprecise.com, frontdesk@adsprecise.com GP for Sale: South East CO (CO 1625) Revs $880K, 6 Ops, 1,700sf, Dr. Retiring. 50% interest in 10K sq ft bldg. sold w/practice. 303-759-8425, www.adsprecise.com, frontdesk@adsprecise.com OMS practice, western mountains near Vail and Aspen, (CO 1350) Annual Revenues $840K, 3 ops, 1260 sq ft. email: frontdesk@adsprecise. com, 303-759-8425.

GP for Sale: N. Denver (CO 1136) Revs $1.3M, Price = $888K, 2 bldgs for sale, $3M for both. 8 Ops. Corporate inquiries only. 303-759-8425, www. adsprecise.com, frontdesk@adsprecise.com

FREEDOM DAY USA October 11, 2018

Sign up to take part in America’s largest military appreciation day!

On Thursday, October 11, 2018 we encourage you to open your doors to active military, veterans and their families and offer no cost dental services to those who have sacrificed so much.

Benefits of Participation Include: Opportunity to give back to the community Increased marketing exposure Great team building For more information or to sign up visit freedomdayusa.org/dental-teams.

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