Issuu

March/April 2022 | Vol. 113, No. 2

BRIGHTER BETTER

TOGETHER

OKLAHOMA DENTAL ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL MEETING APRIL 1 & 2, 2022

Details on Page 25

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ADVERTISERS

Contents

Thank you to these businesses who advertise in the ODA Journal Inside Front Cover 3000 IG Inside Back Cover ODASupplySource Back Cover Delta Dental of Oklahoma

Oklahoma Dental Association

March/April 2022 | Vol. 113, No. 2

EDITORIAL 0 6 Editorial

ASSOCIATION 04 Calendar of Events 0 5 Welcome New ODA Members

Authentic Dental Laboratory, Inc. Edmonds Endodontic Associates Endodontic Practice Associates iCoreRX Lewis Health Profession Services MedPro OK Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust Valliance Bank

If you or a company you know is interested in advertising in the Journal please contact Stacy Yates at advertising@okda.org THE OKLAHOMA DENTAL ASSOCIATION JOURNAL (ISSN 0164-9442) is the official publication of the Oklahoma Dental Association and is published bimonthly by the Oklahoma Dental Association, 317 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, Phone: (405) 848-8873; (800) 876-8890. Fax: (405) 848-8875. Email: information@ okda.org. Annual subscription rate of $39 for ODA members is included in their annual membership dues.

0 5 MATCH@ODA

Tear-out Registration Form Inside

Subscriptions: Rates for non-members are $56. Single copy rate is $18, payable in advance.

09 ODA CE Getaway 10 ODA Rewards Partners 11

ODA Rewards Partners Column

1 2 Get to Know Your Incoming President

1 4 ODA 2022 Nominations 1 6 Council Nominations

Get to know Your Incoming President

1 6 Members on the Move 1 8 ODA Member Benefit Corner 1 9 Meet the New ODA Special Project and Communications Manager 2 0 Thank You 30+ Life Members 24 CORD Caucus and Luncheon 25 2021 ODA Annual Meeting 27 Tear-out ODA Annual Meeting Registration Form

The 2022 ODA Legislative Agenda

LEGISLATIVE LOOP 32 The 2022 ODA Legislative Agenda 32 ADA Asks That Dentists Be Included 33 2022 Legislative Reception 34 2022 DENPAC OKCapitol Club & Grand

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to OKLAHOMA DENTAL ASSOCIATION JOURNAL, 317 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104. Periodical postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK and additional mailing offices.

08 Message from the President

SPOTLIGHT 36 ODA Member: Dr. Blaire Bowers

Member Spotlight: Dr. Blaire Bowers

37 Oklahoma's Dr. Susan E. Brackett Receives Two Prestigious Honors

FEATURES

38 Oral Cancer: The Cause of Death of a Young Dentist

Reprints: of the Journal are available by contacting the ODA at (405) 848-8873, (800) 876-8890, editor@okda.org.

Opinions and statements expressed in the OKLAHOMA DENTAL ASSOCIATION JOURNAL are those of the author and are not necessarily those of the Oklahoma Dental Association. Neither the Editors nor the Oklahoma Dental Association are in any way responsible for the articles or views published in the OKLAHOMA DENTAL ASSOCIATION JOURNAL.

Oral Cancer: The Cause of Death of a Young Dentist

4 0 The Doctor Who Goes Birding 4 2 Practice Managment: Differentiate Yourself 4 3 New Dentist Corner: Being a Dental Student in the Virtual World 4 5 1998 Tobacco Settlement 23 Years Later 4 6 Hygiene Hot Spot: Unexpected Opportunities 47 Keep It Local: How the Solea Laser Changed My Practice 4 8 The Top Two Reasons Why Electronic Prescribing of All Medications Improves Patient Safety and Clinical Workflow

The Doctor Who Goes Birding

CLASSIFIEDS 50 ODA Classified Listings

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ODA JOURNAL STAFF EDITOR Mary Hamburg, DDS, MS ASSOCIATE EDITOR Roberta A. Wright, DMD, MDSc, FACP EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS M. Edmund Braly, DDS Daryn Lu, DDS Phoebe Vaughan, DDS Elizabeth Silver, DDS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Visit the ODA’s online calendar at OKDA.ORG/CALENDAR for all upcoming meetings and events. March 22 Tulsa County CE and Awards Banquet 6:00-8:00 p.m. Ti Amo Restaurant

ODA House of Delegates 1:00 p.m. Oklahoma City Convention Center

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR F. Lynn Means DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & EDUCATION Stacy Yates OFFICERS 2021-2022 PRESIDENT Chris Fagan, DDS president@okda.org

April 1 & 2 ODA Annual Meeting Turn to page 25 for all the details!

PRESIDENT-ELECT Robert Herman, DDS presidentelect@okda.org

April 4 ODA Closed

VICE PRESIDENT Paul Wood, DDS vicepresident@okda.org SECRETARY/TREASURER Mike Gliddon, DDS treasurer@okda.org SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE Doug Auld, DDS speaker@okda.org IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Paul Mullasseril, DDS pastpresident@okda.org

March 31 Board of Trustees 10:00 a.m. Oklahoma City Convention Center

April 12 OUCOD Scientific Day April 14 MATCH @ ODA Parlor/OKC 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

May 5 Senior Signing Day 5:30 p.m. ODA Building May 20 Bikes & Brews Tour 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. OKC May 30 ODA Closed

April 28 Bikes & Brews Tour 6:00- 8:00 p.m. OKC

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR F. Lynn Means DIRECTOR OF GOVERNANCE & FINANCE Shelly Frantz DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & EDUCATION Stacy Yates DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP Kylie Faherty PROGRAMS & OPERATIONS MANAGER Makenzie Dean SPECIAL PROJECTS & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Mackenzi Graham MEMBERSHIP SERVICES MANAGER Madison Bolton

Is Your Contact Information Correct?

Stay connected with the ODA!

journal | March/April 2022

Help the ODA keep you informed about legislative actions, CE opportunities, events and other important member-only news. Contact Kylie Faherty, ODA Membership Director, at kfaherty@okda.org or 800.876.8890 to provide the ODA with all of your current contact information.

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ODA EDITORIAL

Greetings, Oklahoma dental community! It is truly my pleasure to “meet” you all. Some of you I’ve had the pleasure of meeting in person, and for many of you I continue to look forward to our paths crossing. My name is Roberta Wright, and I am a prosthodontist some of you already know me as “Bo.” I moved to Oklahoma City roughly a year and a half ago. As a recent transplant to the Oklahoma dental community, being able to meet and interact with many of you has been certainly limited due to COVID. I would love to take this opportunity to tell you a little about myself.

Roberta A. Wright, DMD, MDSc, FACP ASSOCIATE EDITOR

As I mentioned, I moved to Oklahoma City about a year and a half ago from Boston. A Midwestern girl at heart, I grew up in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. My husband, Kyle, is also from Illinois – from the eastern suburbs of St. Louis. Growing up, academics and the arts were always emphasized in my family, and so I dedicated the first 20 years of life to my first love, ballet. After a career-ending injury, I pursued undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where I became interested in dentistry – a perfect combination of my love for science and art. Following this, I completed my dental training at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. I went on to complete my residency in Prosthodontics and Dental Implant Surgery at the University of Connecticut, while concurrently earning a Master’s of Dental Science. I am a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics and a Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists. My husband, Kyle, and I met in college (he was my organic chemistry TA). He is a physicianscientist (MD/PhD). Following dental and medical school in Connecticut, we relocated to Boston, MA where Kyle matched for residency and post-doctoral training. We lived and worked in Boston for several years while Kyle completed his medical residency and fellowship in Hematopathology, and his research postdoc in Immunology. During our years there, I worked primarily in private practice in downtown Boston, and taught part-time in the Post-Graduate Implant Dentistry Program at Harvard University School of Dental Medicine.

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In 2020, I was fortuitously presented with a new, unique opportunity to practice prosthodontics with close colleagues (and friends) in Oklahoma

City – with my mentors whom I know and respect. Since relocating to OKC, it has been an adventure! I am in private practice and am also a new partner at Implant & Prosthodontic Associates in northwest OKC. For the first time in a long time, I am excited about dentistry again and the new possibilities for the future! I also teach part-time at the University of Oklahoma COD in the Advanced Education in General Dentistry Program. Kyle is in fulltime academics at the OU Health Sciences Center practicing clinical hematopathology and concurrently pursuing his research projects at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. After fifteen years on the east coast, it has been so refreshing to return to our roots in the middle of the country! Personally, in my non-dentistry hours, I love music and dance of any and all types. I love doing crossfit and being physical. I also enjoy baking pretty much all things – cookies, cakes, and even pies! And, I love enjoying a glass of wine with friends! I love animals and am friendly, warm, and love to laugh. I am very much looking forward to getting to know you, my new colleagues in this community. So, there you have it (in a very small nutshell)! Since beginning this new chapter of life in Oklahoma, I can definitively say that we are sold! We are excited to continue exploring all that Oklahoma has to offer. In my time here, I have found Oklahomans to be warm and welcoming. The culture is rich in history and unique; and the people are kind, honest, and generous. The Oklahoma dental community has been so graciously welcoming to me. There is something special here. The members not only care about each other but support each other, too. I look forward to being a member of this dental community for many years to come, getting to know many of you, and building long-lasting relationships. I look forward to seeing and meeting you at the ODA Annual Meeting on April 1st-2nd at the Omni Hotel and Oklahoma City Convention Center in OKC. See you then!

www.okda.org

FROM THE ODA PRESIDENT Just when we started to think that the COVID-19 pandemic was winding down, the Omicron variant reared its head. I began my year as President with the simple goal of getting the ODA back together for in-person meetings and events. Sure, it sounds simple, but hasn't been easy. COVID-19 and the new Omicron variant have wreaked havoc on those plans, yet we continue to move forward. This past July, in-person meetings resumed at the Oklahoma Dental Association building. It was so refreshing and exciting to finally see friends and colleagues face-to-face again! Inperson meetings continued through the New Year until Dr. Chris Fagan being sworn in by his father and mid-January when we made the difficult decision that it was ODA Past President Dr. Tim Fagan more prudent to revert back to Zoom meetings temporarily for 30 days as Omicron peaked in Oklahoma. Zoom has Immediate Past President Dr. Paul turned out to be a great resource for our organization, and I Mullasseril shaking hands with cannot imagine how much more difficult the past two years incoming President Dr. Chris Fagan would have been without today’s technology. To all of our members who have participated in these calls, thank you for Medicaid onto the people of Oklahoma. In another of our legislative your patience and understanding. Most importantly, we learned that efforts, Representative Rande Worthen will run HB3023. This bill the business of the ODA and dentistry in Oklahoma will persevere no prevents dental insurance companies from bundling or downcoding matter the circumstances. our procedures for their benefit. On February 15th , the ODA and DENPAC sponsored a reception that was held at the ODA building. One of the most difficult meetings I attended this year was regarding It was well attended by legislators and many ODA members. Thank the Oklahoma Mission of Mercy. OkMOM is our largest event of the you to all who attended. I ask all members for your continued support year. The ODA has been planning to hold the event in Shawnee for of DENPAC and the ODA’s legislative efforts as our presence at the the past two years. Unfortunately, the 2021 event was cancelled due Capitol is becoming more and more important. to COVID-19. OkMOM is a joint venture with the Oklahoma Dental Foundation and Delta Dental Foundation, and the leadership of all This year’s Annual Meeting is set for April 1st and 2nd and will be held three organizations agreed that postponing the 2022 event would be in-person at the OMNI Hotel and new OKC Convention Center. The prudent. When this decision was made the Omicron variant had yet Annual Meeting Planning Committee has done an excellent job of to arrive in Oklahoma with significance. By mid-January the reported organizing this event and I could not be more excited to see everyone COVID-19 infections were 10x higher compared to mid-December, there. Nearly three years ago, Dr. Paul Mullasseril and I traveled to just one month earlier. We are committed to the community of Dallas for the Southwest Dental Conference to scout new speakers Shawnee and the event has been rescheduled for February 3 and 4, for our Annual Meeting. Dr. Mullasseril was especially interested 2023. A special thanks to John Wilguess with the Oklahoma Dental in bringing some “hands-on” training opportunities to our meeting. Foundation and Terrisa Singleton with Delta Dental Foundation As you all know, the 2021 meeting was held virtually and although for all of their efforts and support of OkMOM. I would also like it was a huge success, the format did not allow for any “hands-on” to personally thank Dr. Brandon Loeser of Shawnee. Dr. Loeser educational experiences. I’m happy to announce that the speaker volunteered to be our OkMOM Chair for the 2021 event and extended line-up this year will allow options for this type of training, including his commitment to the 2022 event. He has been instrumental in digital dental photography and advanced endodontics. Register early organizing local resources and volunteers for the past two years. as these courses will sell out quickly. There is an unspoken benefit to attending the Annual Meeting and that is the camaraderie and In other news, our fight against Managed Care Medicaid in Oklahoma networking with others in our profession. This year's meeting includes continues. As many of you are aware, a bill allowing Managed Care several social events for us to reconnect with each other including Medicaid was passed last year and it appeared as though dentistry happy hours, welcome receptions, and the annual President’s Party (no was headed down that dark road again. Managed Care Medicaid was speeches, just fun!). I look forward to seeing you all there. A special attempted in the 1990’s with little success, as the number of dental thanks to Dr. Blaire Bowers and Dr. David Wong for all their efforts in providers dropped below 100. Patients had significantly limited access organizing this event. to care and our most vulnerable population suffered. Fortunately, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that the Oklahoma Health Care When I was installed as President, I was told that this year would fly Authority did not have the authorization to enter into contracts by, and it has! I was advised many times to set the ODA staff on a task with the insurance providers that were slated to administer the new and get out of their way. They did not disappoint, and I am grateful program. Managed Care Medicaid has been delayed for now, but this for their efforts. Executive Director, Lynn Means, and the ODA fight is not over. The 2022 legislative session will be instrumental in staff are second to none. Thank you to all members of the Board of preventing the current executive branch from pushing Managed Care Trustees and the members of the ADA delegation for your guidance, 8

journal | March/April 2022

and for always being available on short notice for pressing matters of our Association. To all the committee and council chairs and members, thank you for your time and effort to keep the ODA moving forward. A special thanks to Dr. Paul Mullasseril for your leadership through the heart of the pandemic, and for always being available to counsel me during my presidency. A very personal thanks to my father, Dr. Tim Fagan, for setting a great example both professionally and personally. Lastly and most importantly, thank you to my wife, Heather, and our two boys, Cooper and Caleb. Thank you for enduring all of the phone calls, meetings, and emails and for supporting me throughout this year. Thank you to every member of the ODA for the opportunity to serve and represent you. Dr. Robert Herman will assume the presidency in April, and I look forward to the great things to come.

Dr. Chris Fagan recording his monthly ODA minute with Halloween guest apperance

Dr. Chris Fagan attending the DENPAC check presentations

Dr. Chris Fagan awarding the door prizes at the 2021 Student Fall Fest

Drs. Blaire Bowers and Chris Fagan making the ODA Annual Meeting promotional video

Dr. Chris Fagan leading his first Board of Trustees meeting

Drs. Paul Mullasseril and Chris Fagan attending the ODA Senior Signing Day

www.okda.org

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ODA PARTNERS COLUMN

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The ODA endorses companies that have been researched and proven to offer products and services that provide real savings. By being an ODA member, you’re automatically eligible for these savings. Below is information about one of our new Partners. Learn about all of the Partners at okda.org.

ODA DHQ DentalHQ is proud to be the endorsed membership plan platform of the Oklahoma Dental Association. We look forward to getting to know you all at the Annual Meeting!

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GET TO KNOW YOUR INCOMING ODA PRESIDENT

ROBERT HERMAN, DDS, MS I am extremely honored to have the opportunity to serve you, the ODA members, the finest professionals in Oklahoma - DENTISTS!! Our fine state is blessed with an incredibly talented and dedicated group of professionals who care for the population’s oral health and consistently provide the finest quality care and service. Most of Oklahoma’s dentists have chosen to belong to the ODA and organized dentistry, and I am so proud to be part of this amazing group and to have the opportunity to advocate on the ODA’s behalf. The members are the biggest asset of our association, followed closely by the professional staff who work tirelessly to advance the profession and serve our members. I see great opportunity in the coming year to continue the momentum that has been established by the previous leadership of our ODA. I grew up on 10 acres of land outside of Bartlesville, OK, and am a 1995 graduate of Dewey High School. I began orthodontic treatment in the 6th grade, and after only a few visits, I was already interested in becoming an orthodontist. My family moved to Oklahoma from Pennsylvania the summer before I began 7th grade. At that time, I was already in braces, and thus, I transferred care to a local orthodontic practice. Throughout middle and high school, I always wanted to be an orthodontist, and I was lucky enough to be mentored by my orthodontist, Dr. David Hall. Dr. Robert Herman and his wife, Krista with their three children Jack (12), Ella Kate (10), Caroline (14)

I met my wife, Krista, before my senior year of high school. We continued dating through college, with me at Notre Dame and Krista at OU. While at Notre Dame, I studied pre-professional studies and majored in Philosophy. I was fortunate to be accepted into the OU College of Dentistry and began my dental education in 1998. I further received a US Navy Scholarship for dental school. Following dental school, I delayed active duty and went directly into the orthodontics residency program at OUCOD. Meanwhile, Krista completed her nursing degree, also at the OU Health Sciences Center, and then worked as a research nurse in oncology while I completed my studies.

as a civilian nurse in the US Naval Hospital. Our oldest daughter was born in Okinawa shortly before we were moved to the US Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, Virginia. While in Virginia, I was a faculty member in the oral surgery training program and worked primarily on craniofacial patients and orthognathic surgery patients. I finished my Naval service in 2008 as Lieutenant Commander and Department Head of Orthodontics.

After training, I was stationed in Okinawa, Japan with the 3rd Marines and was tasked primarily with providing orthodontic care for family members of US military forces stationed there while Krista worked

At that time, Krista and I were looking forward to returning to Oklahoma. I was blessed to be welcomed into the practice of ODA Past President, Dr. Jim Torchia. Dr. Torchia is a legend within

Dr. Herman with his son, Jack, at one of their favorite spots, Grand Lake

12 journal | March/April 2022

Dr. Herman with his daughter, Caroline, before a cheer competition

Dr. Herman's daughter, Ella Kate, with Lucy after wining a horse show

organized dentistry, as well as throughout Northeastern Oklahoma. He served his community as an orthodontist for 49 years before I purchased his practice. He was a key influence and mentor for me in many ways. I remain extremely grateful for his guidance and the opportunity he gave my family and me. He taught me many valuable lessons, and I strive to continue his legacy of selfless, dedicated service to our patients, the community, and organized dentistry. I presently maintain a private practice in orthodontics, with a primary office in Tulsa and satellite offices in Bartlesville, Pryor, Vinita, and Drumright. Krista and I have three children ages 14, 12, and 10. We love to travel, and my family shows horses. We have a ranch in Bixby where we maintain a world-class horse breeding, training, and showing operation. We travel the country showing our Quarter and Paint horses most of the year.

The Herman family with their horse, Sven, after a horse show

One of my greatest passions over the course of my life has been my active involvement within my community. I have always sought to dedicate some of my energy to advancing the community or organizations of which I am a member. I have enjoyed many years in a variety of roles within organized dentistry, as well as over the course of my educational years. I am very proud of the projects I was involved with over many years at OUHSC, at Notre Dame, and the great many goals our ODA has accomplished on behalf of our members. I am very excited to begin my term as President of the ODA, and I see my primary role as the spokesperson for our greatest asset, our members! The momentum established by many years of excellent leadership from our past presidents and trustees, and continually implemented by our steadfast staff led by Ms. Lynn Means, is the primary force guiding our organization. Our ODA is strong by any measure and our future remains bright. I recognize the everpresent force of change, and that it is certainly an inevitability for dentistry here in Oklahoma. My goal for the coming term is to ensure that our ODA’s tent is big and includes dentists and dental professionals from all different types of practice modalities. The dentists of Oklahoma are especially talented, dedicated, and varied in their practice organization (private practice, academics, DSO, associate employee, etc). For the upcoming year, I promise that I will strive to continually add value to membership for all, and I will work hard to fairly represent all of our exceptional members.

The Herman family visiting Park City in 2021

The Herman family visiting Notre Dame

FUN FAC TS

About Your Incoming President:

• He was a three-term ASDA President at the OU College of Dentistry. • He loves to collect wines from around the world. • You can find Dr. Herman at horse shows all around the country throughout the year! Dr. Herman and Krista in Napa

Dr. Herman and Krista visiting Paris in 2019

www.okda.org

OKLAHOMA DENTAL ASSOCIATION 2022 NOMINATIONS THE COUNCIL ON NOMINATIONS NOMINATES THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS FOR VICE PRESIDENT, SPEAKER AND TO REPRESENT THE ADA DELEGATION. THESE NOMINEES WILL BE VOTED ON BY THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES ON MARCH 31, 2022. VICE PRESIDENT IS A ONE-YEAR TERM. SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE IS A THREE-YEAR TERM. ADA DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE DELEGATE ARE FOUR-YEAR TERMS.

VICE PRESIDENT Daryn Lu, DDS Oklahoma County

Born on the West coast and raised on the East coast, Dr. Daryn Lu has called Oklahoma his home since 1999. A 2015 graduate from the OU College of Dentistry (OUCOD), Daryn’s passion for his profession shows through his journey within organized dentistry. From an eager pre-dental member of the American Student Dental Association (ASDA) to a passionate chapter president, district trustee, and national vice president — the depth of his experiences and the encouragement of incredible mentors have shaped him as a dental professional and lifelong learner. After spending 2.5 years with a Dental Service Organization, he has worked in private practice in multiple associateships, community dentistry with the Mobile Smiles program, and dental education as an associate clinical professor in the OUCOD Division of Comprehensive Care. Since graduation, he has been nominated for the ADA 10 Under 10 Award, received his Fellowship in the American College of Dentists, and has been recognized as the 2019 OUCOD Young Dental Alumnus of the Year, 2020 Academy of General Dentistry 10 Dentists to Watch, & 2021 ODA Young Dentist of the Year. He currently serves as a board member for several dental organizations including the JDR Board of Trustees and as president of the Oklahoma Academy of General Dentistry and represents new dentists from the 12th District on the ADA New Dentist Committee. Past roles with organized dentistry include program chairman of the Oklahoma County Dental Society, chair of the 2020 ODA Annual Meeting, member of the ODA Membership and Membership Services Council, and member of the ODA Journal Editorial Board. He travels for the ADA Success Speaker Corps visiting dental schools as a speaker and volunteers locally with the Oklahoma Asian Health Coalition and overseas through the Christian Dental Society. He remains involved with Leadership Oklahoma City through their LOYAL program (Linking Oklahoma's Young Adult Leaders), serves on the Youth Leadership Exchange (YLX) board, and helped found the OKC Chapter of the National Association of Asian American Professionals. Perhaps most importantly, he is married to his best friend and better half, Dr. Edith Q. Dr. Lu, Dr. Q, and their fur baby, Reginald, (Chief Happiness Officer) plan to open a general dental practice in Oklahoma in 2022.

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SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES MITCH KRAMER, DDS Oklahoma County Dr. Mitchell Kramer has practiced family dentistry in Edmond, Oklahoma for over 20 years. Edmond has been home to the Kramer family for most of his life. A 2000 graduate of the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, Dr. Kramer completed his undergraduate degree at Baylor University in 1994. He also completed a one-year general practice residency at the University of Washington. During his practice career he has served organized dentistry in multiple ways. On the county level, Dr. Kramer has served as program chair and as Oklahoma County President in 2009. He served a 10-year stint on the Delta Dental of Oklahoma board of directors, and during that time, was chairman of the Delta Dental Oral Health Foundation in 2011. Currently, he is serving on the Board of Trustees for the Oklahoma Dental Foundation as well as a school board member for Oklahoma Christian Schools in Edmond. Dr. Kramer and his wife, Janice, have three children and are active members at Henderson Hills Baptist Church where Dr. Kramer serves as a deacon. Dr. Kramer was honored to win OUCOD’s Young Alumnus of the year in 2006 and the Oklahoma Dental Association’s Young Dentist of the Year in 2007. Finally, Dr. Kramer is very honored by his fellowship in the American College of Dentists and served as the Oklahoma Section chair in 2018. He is extremely proud to have practiced with two ODA Past Presidents, Dr. Scott Waugh and Dr. Dan Wilguess. He considers both of them dear friends and mentors.

ADA DELEGATE MATTHEW COHLMIA, DDS Oklahoma County Dr. Matt Cohlmia has had a general dentistry private practice since 1992 in northwest Oklahoma City. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in physiology from Oklahoma State University in 1987, and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry in 1991. Dr. Cohlmia also worked as part-time faculty at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry from 1991-1995, serving as a preclinical instructor in the Department of Occlusion and as a clinical instructor in the Department of Fixed Prosthodontics. He is currently a member of the American Dental Association, the Oklahoma Dental Association, and the Oklahoma County Dental

Society. He is a fellow in the Pierre Fauchard Academy, the American College of Dentists, and the International College of Dentists. He is currently serving as the Chairman of the Oklahoma Chapter of the Pierre Fauchard Academy. He is also a Dean’s Circle Member of the J. Dean Robertson Society. Dr. Cohlmia has been very active in the ODA, having serve as President (2014- 15), President-elect (2013-14), Vice President (2012-13), and Secretary/Treasurer (2011-12). He is currently serving as a delegate to the ODA House of Delegates, on the ODA Council of Governmental Affairs (for which he served as chairmen from 2015-208), on the DENPAC Board of Directors, on teh ADA Council of Governmental Affairs represnting the ADA 12th District, as an ADA an ADA Action Team Leader for the State of Oklahoma Fifth Congressional District. His past ODA service includes the ODA Membership Council, the Investments Committee, The Budget and Finance Council, and two terms as the Local Arrangments Chairman to the ODA Annual Meeting. Cohlmia has also been invloved with the the Oklahoma Mission of Mercy, serving as CEREC Lead from 2016-2020 and Line Management Lead in 2010 and again in 20122015. He has also served several years on the Oklahoma University College of Dentistry Almuni Association, including as President from 2005 to 2008. In 2017, Cohlmia received the ODA's Richard T. Oliver Legislative Award, and in 2020, he recieved the ODA's Robert K. Wynne Memorial Award. Dr. Cohlmia has been very active at the Component level, as well, serving as the Oklahoma County President in 2009, President-elect in 2008, Vice President in 2007, Secretary/Treasurer twice, and continues to serve on the Oklahoma County Board. He has also served as Membership Committee Chairman, Administrative Affairs Committee, Mediation Committee Chairman, Program Chairman and Golf Chairman. Dr. Cohlmia has been married for 32 years to his wife, Susan. They have two boys. Matthew II works as a technical writer and oversees quality control for Keybridge Technologies in Oklahoma City. Blake is currently in his fourth year of dental school at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry with plans to join his father in private practice. Dr. Cohlmia enjoys playing golf at Twin Hills Country Club, boating on Lake Tenkiller, going to their farm near Canton Lake, as well as being a diehard Oklahoma State University Cowboy sports fan. He is a member of the OSU President’s Club, OSU Foundation, and the OSU Posse Club.

ADA ALTERNATE DELEGATE JUAN LOPEZ, DDS SOUTHWEST DISTRICT Dr. Juan Lopez grew up in Oklahoma City where he graduated from Mount Saint Mary’s High School and later obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond, Oklahoma. Upon graduating from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry in 1991, he relocated to Lawton, where he has been in general practice since. After 30 years of practicing, Dr. Lopez still maintains a passion for dentistry, and explains that the best reward about being a dentist is the relationships he’s developed with his patients over the course of his career.

community. He has been recognized with numerous achievement awards and maintains active memberships in organizations important to dentistry and community. Dr. Lopez served as president of the Oklahoma Dental Association in 2017-2018, at which time he served on the ADA delegation representing Oklahoma (2015-2018). He represents the Southwest District Dental Society as a delegate of the ODA House of Delegates. He is a past president of the Southwest District and the Comanche County Dental Societies. He chaired the Oklahoma Mission of Mercy in Lawton in 2013 and has served as an annual lead volunteer every year since. He is a member of the ODA Council on Governmental Affairs and serves as Action Team Leader for Congressman Tom Cole. Dr. Lopez is a member of the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry (OUCOD) Admissions Committee, OUCOD J. Dean Robertson Society Board of Directors, chairman of the OUCOD JDR Diversity Committee, and recipient of the 2019 OUCOD Alumnus of the Year Award. He is a fellow of the American College of Dentists, the International College of Dentists, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. He is the recipient of the ODA President’s Leadership Award and the Lawton Chamber of Commerce Wayne Gilley’s Community Service Award. Dr. Lopez has two sons, Eric and Matthew. Eric is a fourth-year dental student at OU and Matthew is a business graduate from the University of Oklahoma. When he’s not in the office, you can find him on the golf course, skiing or traveling with his fiancèe Dr. Shannon Griffin. Dr. Lopez’s goals and ambitions are to continue to improve the oral health of our communities, to strive to protect our profession and to mentor our young dentists of the future.

The Council on Nominations meets annually to fill volunteer positions within the ODA. Representatives from each component dental society bring forth nominees for election by the House of Delegates. If you are interested in serving on a council, committee or office of the ODA, please contact your component president or you may notify the ODA directly.

Dr. Lopez has been active in organized dentistry and in the Lawton www.okda.org

COUNCIL NOMINATIONS THE COUNCIL ON NOMINATIONS NOMINATES THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS FOR ODA COUNCIL SERVICE. THESE NOMINEES WILL BE VOTED ON BY THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES ON MARCH 31, 2022. COUNCIL TERMS ARE THREE YEARS. FOLLOWING THE NAME OF EACH NOMINEE IS AN ABBREVIATION. THE LETTER INDICATES THE COMPONENT WHICH THE MEMBER REPRESENTS, THE FIRST NUMBER IS THE TERM OF OFFICE, AND THE SECOND NUMBER IS THE YEAR THAT TERM EXPIRES. ADDITIONAL NOMINATIONS MAY BE PRESENTED FROM THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE. Budget and Finance Twana Duncan (E-2-25) Heath Evans (TC-1-25) Julie Storm (OC-1-25)

Dental Care Brian Molloy (SW-3-25) Tara Denton (E-1-25) Matt Hall (TC-1-25)

Bylaws, Policy and Ethics Adam Bulleigh (TC-1-25) Krista Jones (OC-3-25) Kenner Misner (TC-2-25)

Standing Committee on OHCA and DHS Stephen Mayer (N-6-25) Brian Molloy (SW-5-25) Ryan Roberts (TC-3-25)

Dental Education and Public Information Sara Spurlock (C-1-25) Governmental Affairs Doug Auld (E-5-25) Jandra Korb (N-1-25) Roberta Wright (OC-1-25) Membership and Membership Services Nicole Nellis (TC-3-25)

Members on the Move We have some pretty amazing members who not only do amazing things in their local communities, but are also making a BIG impact nationally for the profession. We would like to highlight and congratulate these three ODA members on their achievements.

Robert Lamb, DDS | President-elect of the American College of Dentists Dr. Robert Lamb has been a member of the ODA for 45 years and a fellow of the American College of Dentists for 17 years. He served four years as Regent for Regency 6 which includes Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. He then was Treasurer in 2018 and 2019, Vice President, and is now President-elect. Dr. Lamb will be sworn in as President in October 2022. He is excited to be working on ACD's first in-person meeting in two years that will take place in October during the ADA meeting in Houston. The mission of the American College of Dentists is to advance excellence, ethics, professionalism, and leadership in dentistry and is the oldest major honorary organization for dentists.

James Sparks, DDS | President of the American Association of Dental Boards Dr. James Sparks has been a member of the ODA for 37 years. He was elected to six terms (18 years) on the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry and served as President for eight years. He was then elected by his caucus five years ago to begin his service on the American Association of Dental Boards. He has served two years as President and because of COVID, will be serving another two years. The Board's mission is to encourage the highest standards of dental education, promote higher and uniform standards of qualifications for dental practitioners, and advocate uniform methods in the conduct, operation, and working of dental examining boards. As president, his most recent accomplishment was uniting CDCA / WREB/ADEX into one cohesive exam so individuals can practice in all 50 states once the exam is passed. He is currently working on collaborating and assisting in setting regulatory guidelines amid the opioid epidemic.

Raymond Cohlmia, DDS | Executive Director of the American Dental Association Dr. Raymond Cohlmia has been a member of the ODA for 33 years, and on May 12, 2021 the ADA named him the new Executive Director. He officially stepped into the position on October 1, 2021 after serving as Dean of the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry for 11 years. His three main goals for his new role are to 1) create a marketshare drive, 2) build upon the ADA's relationship with dental education, and 3) ensure long-term financial stability for the Association.

16 journal | March/April 2022

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www.okda.org

ODA MEMBER BENEFIT CORNER Why is a membership with the ODA/ADA so valuable? The ODA/ADA supports all members at the national, state and local levels. From helping you manage your practice more efficiently and advocating on your behalf to offering you tools and resources that help you find the answers for which you’re looking, we’re there every step of the way.

ADA'S Third Party Payer Concierge Service is Back After a Year-Long Hiatus! By: Madision Bolton, Membership Manager ADA’s Third Party Payer Concierge service is back after a year-long hiatus! The service, which assists dentists with insurance questions and concerns with third party payers, is for member dentists only and can be accessed by calling 1-800621-8099 or emailing dentalbenefits@ada. org. According to Resolution 88H-2021, passed by the 2021 ADA House of Delegates, the program will be evaluated after a fiveyear period. “Many dentists cite dental insurance as the source of one of their greatest frustrations and I am happy that the ADA Third Party Payer Concierge service will be back in January 2022,” said Mark Johnston, DDS, Chair of the ADA Council on Dental Benefit Programs’ Dental Benefit Information Subcommittee.

“This service provides much-needed assistance for dentists with insurancerelated questions and concerns that they cannot find elsewhere. Even though many dentists’ issues come down to contractual obligations, the ADA can provide education on the nuances of doing business with dental insurance companies and how to empower themselves to make decisions that are best for their patients and their practices,” Dr. Johnston said. He added, “Coordination of Benefits (COB) is a constant source of confusion for many dental offices, and the Concierge will be able to help answer questions and address concerns regarding COB. Another common concern from dental offices involves claim denials. While the Concierge may not be able to get a claim paid for you,

it can provide assistance with the appeal process. Lastly, dentists have reported concerns with poorly written Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements and the Concierge can also help dentists with EOB language questions as well.”

For valuable, educational, readyto-use resources on innovative dental insurance solutions for dentists, visit ADA.org/ dentalinsurance.

Learn more at ADA.org/dentalinsurance 18 journal | March/April 2022

Meet the New Special Projects and Communications Manager Mackenzi Graham Mackenzi Graham provides association support through program/event management, social media and website management, along with writing and graphic design. She serves as the primary liaison of the annual Oklahoma Mission of Mercy (OkMOM) event and is responsible for the management, organization and communication of the event. Mackenzi was born and raised in Edmond, Oklahoma and recently graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in marketing and a minor in entrepreneurship. Before joining the ODA team, she served as Operations Manager for Bondi Bowls where she assisted in the design and marketing of merchandise, managed their social media and oversaw operations. Mackenzi is getting married this spring and is excited to be a part of the ODA team.

www.okda.org

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Thank Thank you you to to our our Life Life Members! Members!

InInthe themembership membershipyear year2022, 2022,the theADA ADAeliminated eliminatedthe theage agerequirement requirementfor forLife Lifemembers membersand andnow, now,the the sole sole requirement requirementisisyears yearsofofmembership: membership:30 30consecutive consecutiveyears yearsor or40 40total totalyears. years.The Thelist listprinted printedin inthe theJanuary/ January/ February Februaryissue issuewas wasbefore beforethe theelimination eliminationof ofthe theage agerequirement requirementcausing causingsome someconfusion confusionas asmany manywho who had had30 30years yearsofofmembership membershipwere werenot notincluded includedbecause becausethey theywere werenot notconsidered consideredLife Lifemembers membersdue due to to their their age. age. We Weare arereprinting reprintingthe thelist listto toinclude includeall allmembers memberswith with30 30or ormore moreyears yearsof ofmembership, membership,who whoare arenow now considered Life members based on the ADA’s new requirement. considered Life members based on the ADA’s new requirement. We Wethank thankyou youall allfor foryour yourservice serviceto toorganized organizeddentistry. dentistry.The Thepurpose purposeof oflisting listingthese theseindividuals individualsisisto tosay say THANK YOU for everything you have contributed to the ODA, ADA and your local dental society over THANK YOU for everything you have contributed to the ODA, ADA and your local dental society overthe the years. years. We Wecan canconfidently confidentlysay saythat thatwe wewouldn’t wouldn’tbe bewhere wherewe weare arewithout withoutyou, you,so soonce onceagain, again,THANK THANKYOU. YOU.Please Please join join us usininhonoring honoringthese thesemembers membersfor fortheir theirdedication dedicationto toorganized organizeddentistry. dentistry.We Weappreciate appreciateyou. you. Thank Thankyou, you,thank thankyou, you,thank thankyou! you! Dr. Dr. Dr.Edward EdwardAbernethy Abernethy Dr. Dr.Harry HarryBarnes Barnes Dr.Larry LarryBradley Bradley Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr.John JohnAinsworth Ainsworth Dr.Lillian LillianBarnes Barnes Dr.M. M.Edmund EdmundBraly Braly Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr.Gerald GeraldAlf Alf Dr.Janet JanetBarresi Barresi Dr.Bobby BobbyBratton Bratton Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr.Harold HaroldAllen Allen Dr.Terry TerryBass Bass Dr.Allen AllenBraumiller, Braumiller,Jr. Jr. Dr. Michael Allen Dr. Benson Baty Dr. Gary Breece Dr. Michael Allen Dr. Benson Baty Dr. Gary Breece Dr. Dr. Dr.Jim JimAmbrose Ambrose Dr.Robert RobertBaumann Baumann Dr. Dr.Gary GaryBrewer Brewer Dr. Richard Amilian Dr. O Logan Beard, III Dr. William Dr. Richard Amilian Dr. O Logan Beard, III Dr. WilliamBrewer Brewer Dr. Dr.Gunnar GunnarAnderson Anderson Dr. Dr.William WilliamBeasley Beasley Dr. Dr.George GeorgeBridges Bridges Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr.Jay JayAnderson Anderson Dr.Kay KayBeavers Beavers Dr.Doyle DoyleBrimberry Brimberry Dr. Dr. Dr.Ronald RonaldAnderson Anderson Dr. Dr.Joy JoyBeckerley Beckerley Dr.Gary GaryBritton Britton Dr. William Anderson Dr. Ray Beddoe Dr. Perry Dr. William Anderson Dr. Ray Beddoe Dr. PerryBrooks Brooks Dr. Dr. Dr.Victor VictorAndrews Andrews Dr.William WilliamBeeson Beeson Dr. Dr.James JamesBrown Brown Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr.Mark MarkArgo Argo Dr.Timothy TimothyBell Bell Dr.Richard RichardBrown, Brown,Jr. Jr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr.James JamesAriana Ariana Dr.Edward EdwardBelz Belz Dr.William WilliamBrown Brown Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr.Bonnie BonnieArnould Arnould Dr.Michael MichaelBen Ben Dr.Charles CharlesBryan Bryan Dr. Forrest Arnould Dr. Fred Benenati Dr. Gary Dr. Forrest Arnould Dr. Fred Benenati Dr. GaryBryant Bryant Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr.Glenn GlennAshmore Ashmore Dr.Terry TerryBennett Bennett Dr.John JohnBubert Bubert Dr. Winn Ashmore Dr. Steven Berklacy Dr. James Dr. Winn Ashmore Dr. Steven Berklacy Dr. JamesBuchanan Buchanan Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr.Douglas DouglasAuld Auld Dr.Kenneth KennethBezan Bezan Dr.Ronald RonaldBulard Bulard Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr.Ronald RonaldAustin Austin Dr.John JohnBiggs Biggs Dr.Craig CraigBuntemeyer Buntemeyer Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr.Kevin KevinAvery Avery Dr.David DavidBirdwell Birdwell Dr.Hugh HughBurch Burch Dr. Jeffrey Baggett Dr. Terry Blackburne Dr. William Dr. Jeffrey Baggett Dr. Terry Blackburne Dr. WilliamBurchard Burchard Dr. Dr. Dr.Lon LonBair Bair Dr.William WilliamBlubaugh Blubaugh Dr. Dr.James JamesBurke Burke Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr.Bun BunBaker, Baker,Jr. Jr. Dr.Fred FredBlythe Blythe Dr.Kristen KristenBurris Burris .. Dr. James Baker Dr. Richard Bohlander Dr. Thomas Burris .. Dr. James Baker Dr. Richard Bohlander Dr. Thomas Burris Dr. Jack Balenseifen Dr. David Boone Dr. Bonnie Burton Dr. Jack Balenseifen Dr. David Boone Dr. Bonnie Burton Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr.Thomas ThomasBall Ball Dr.Richard RichardBoone Boone Dr.George GeorgeBussman Bussman Dr. Donald Ballew Dr. Brandon Bowers Dr. J David Buxton Dr. Donald Ballew Dr. Brandon Bowers Dr. J David Buxton Dr. George Ballew Dr. David Boyd Dr. Joseph Cain Dr. George Ballew Dr. David Boyd Dr. Joseph Cain Dr. Lynn Barber Dr. William Bozalis Dr. Wuse Cara Dr. Lynn Barber Dr. William Bozalis Dr. Wuse Cara Dr. Wesley Barker Dr. Susan Brackett Dr. Dennis Carlile Dr. Wesley Barker Dr. Susan Brackett Dr. Dennis Carlile 20 journal | March/April 2022

Dr. Dr.Charles CharlesCarroll Carroll Dr. Dr.William WilliamCarruth Carruth Dr. Dr.Robert RobertCarson Carson Dr. Dr.Steven StevenCarson Carson Dr. Dr.William WilliamCarter, Carter,Jr. Jr. Dr. Mary Casey Dr. Mary CaseyKelly Kelly Dr. Dr.Conrad ConradCasler, Casler,Jr. Jr. Dr. William Castles Dr. William Castles Dr. Dr.Lee LeeCentracco Centracco Dr. Doug Dr. DougChancellor Chancellor Dr. Dr.Stephen StephenChastain Chastain Dr. Dr.Don DonCheatham Cheatham Dr. Dr.Fred FredChild Child Dr. Dr.Jack JackChinn Chinn Dr. Dr.Billy BillyChrz Chrz Dr. Dr.Stephen StephenClark Clark Dr. John Dr. JohnClayton Clayton Dr. Dr.David DavidClement Clement Dr. Richard Dr. RichardClement Clement Dr. Dr.Raymond RaymondClock Clock Dr. Dr.Russell RussellCoatney Coatney Dr. Dr.Jan JanCobble Cobble Dr. Craig Dr. CraigCochran Cochran Dr. Dr.Robert RobertCoffey Coffey Dr. Dr.Walter WalterCoffey Coffey Dr. Dr.Larry LarryCoggins Coggins Dr. Kent Dr. KentCohenour Cohenour Dr. Jeff Cohlmia Dr. Jeff Cohlmia Dr. Matthew Cohlmia Dr. Matthew Cohlmia Dr. Raymond Cohlmia Dr. Raymond Cohlmia Dr. Leon Conkling Dr. Leon Conkling

Dr. Dr.David DavidCooper Cooper Dr. Dr.Jonathan JonathanCooper Cooper Dr. Dr.Richard RichardCorley Corley Dr. Dr.Debbie DebbieCorwin Corwin Dr. James Dr. JamesCorwin Corwin Dr. Dr.Richard RichardCorwin Corwin Dr. Terry Dr. TerryCotterell Cotterell Dr. Dr.Keith KeithCoulson Coulson Dr. Donald Dr. DonaldCourts Courts Dr. Dr.Ameel AmeelCoury Coury Dr. Dr.Thomas ThomasCoury Coury Dr. Karen Dr. KarenCox-Haymaker Cox-Haymaker Dr. Dr.Kenneth KennethCoy Coy Dr. Dr.Danny DannyCraige Craige Dr. Dr.Gerald GeraldCross Cross Dr. John Dr. JohnCurless Curless Dr. Dr.Frans FransCurrier Currier Dr. Tanell Dr. TanellDakil Dakil Dr. Dr.Thomas ThomasDavid David Dr. Dr.Gerald GeraldDavis Davis Dr. Dr.Mark MarkDavis Davis Dr. Samuel Dr. SamuelDavis Davis Dr. Dr.Walter WalterDavis Davis Dr. Dr.David DavidDeason Deason Dr. Terry Dr. TerryDeason Deason Dr. Dr.Darrell DarrellDedrick Dedrick Dr. Steven Dr. StevenDeem Deem Dr. Gary Dempsey Dr. Gary Dempsey Dr. Gayle Dennehy Dr. Gayle Dennehy Dr. Gary Dennington Dr. Gary Dennington Dr. William Deprater Dr. William Deprater

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Dr. Kenneth Goljan Dr. Richard Homsey Dr. Richard DeVaughn Dr. Larry Leemaster Dr. Warren Good Dr. James Hooper Dr. Jerry Dickson Dr. Dennis Leseberg Dr. Mark Goodman Dr. Brad Hoopes Dr. Bruce Dieterlen Dr. Gene Litteken Dr. Randall Graham Dr. Eric Hopkins Dr. JoAnn Dillard Dr. Cloyce Littlefield, Jr. Dr. Ronald Graves Dr. Terry Hopkins Dr. John Dmytryk Dr. Robert Livingston Dr. William Gray Dr. Allen Horn Dr. Myrna Domoney Dr. Jimmy Lloyd Dr. Barry Greenley Dr. Bruce Horn Dr. Bryce Dorrough Dr. Roman Lobodiak Dr. Evangeline Greer Dr. Glen Hornbuckle Dr. James Dougherty Dr. John Lockard Dr. Jerry Greer Dr. Glen Houston Dr. Albert Drake, Jr. Dr. Robert London Dr. Steven Gregg Dr. Michael Howl Dr. David Drummond Dr. Lael Long Dr. Edward Grimes Dr. Richard Hudson Dr. Neill Dubberstein Dr. Eric Loper Dr. Stanley Groom Dr. Robert Hughes Dr. Craig Dudley Dr. Juan Lopez Dr. Robert Gruenberg Dr. Nicholas Hunter Dr. Michael Duffy Dr. Gary Lott Dr. Bruce Grummer Dr. Carroll Hutchens Dr. Michael Dugan Dr. William LoVellette Dr. James Hackler Dr. Gilford Hutchens Dr.In Dayna Duke Dr. Karey the membership year 2022, the ADA eliminated the age requirement for Life members andLow now, the sole Dr. Bruce Hall Dr. Howard Iba Dr.requirement Manville Duncanson, Jr. Dr. Pamela Low January/ is years of membership: 30 consecutive years or 40 total years. The list printed in the Dr. Douglas Hall Dr. John Ingram Dr.February Lynne Dunham Dr. James Lowe issue was before the elimination of the age requirement causing some confusion as many who Dr. Ronald Hammond Dr. Bill Jackson Dr. Howard Dunlap Dr. Fred Lucas, Jr. had 30 years of membership were not included because they were not considered Life members due to their Dr. Michael Hampton Dr. Douglas Jackson Dr. John Duplessis Dr. Wesley Lucas age. Dr. Terrence Hampton Dr. Michael Jackson Dr. Steven Durr Dr. Angelo Luckett, Jr. Dr. Paul Hamra Dr. Richard Jacobi Dr. Benjamin Edwards Dr. Robert Ludrick We are reprinting the list to include all members with 30 Dr. or more years of membership, who are now Dr. Ashley Hancock Bobby James Dr. George Elassal Dr. Jack Luman considered Life members based on the ADA’s new requirement. Dr. Mark Hanstein Dr. Larry James Dr. Lee Eliot Dr. Jeff Lunday Dr. Jackson Haraway Dr. Richard James Dr. Frank Evans Dr. Steve Lusk thankFagan you all for your service to organized purpose of listing these Dr. individuals to say Dr. Greg Hardman dentistry. The Dr. John Jameson Dr.We Timothy RaymondisLyle, Jr. THANK YOU for everything you have contributed to the ODA, ADA and your local dental society over the years. Dr. Leslie Hardy, Jr. Dr. Roger Janitz Dr. Joseph Fallin, Jr. Dr. Earl Mabry can confidently say thatDr. weJay wouldn’t THANK Mabry YOU. Please join Harlan be where we are Dr.without W.D. Jettyou, so once again, Dr.We Emile Farha Dr. James us in honoring these members for their dedication to organized dentistry. We appreciate you. Dr. Kenneth Harland Dr. Charles Johnson Dr. Basem Farhood Dr. John Mackechnie Dr. David Harrell Dr. Charles Johnson Dr. James Farley Dr. David Maddox Thank you, thank you, thank you! Dr. Don Harris Dr. Gregory Johnson Dr. Barry Farmer Dr. Kevin Mailot Dr. Bailey Harrison Dr. Jeffrey Johnson Dr. Michael Fauks Dr. Joe Maltsberger Dr. Barnes Ronald Harrison Dr. John Johnson Dr.Dr. Lawrence Mann, Jr. Edward Feldman Abernethy Dr. Harry Dr. Larry Bradley Dr. Charles Carroll Dr. William Dr. David Cooper Dr. Barnes Edward Harroz, Richard Dr.Dr. Gary Fincher ManuelCooper John Ainsworth Dr. Lillian Dr.Jr. M. EdmundDr. Braly Dr.Johnson William Carruth Dr. Michael Dr. Jonathan Dr. Barresi Phillip Hartgraves Dr. WilliamDr. Johnson Dr.Dr. Jerry Finnell MaranoCorley Gerald Alf Dr. Janet Dr. Bobby Bratton Robert Carson Dr. Philip Dr. Richard HaroldFischer Allen Dr. Terry Dr. Allen Braumiller, Jr. Jones Dr. Steven Carson Dr. David Dr. Debbie Dr.Bass Wallace Haskett Dr. Krista Dr.Dr. Gerhard Marks Corwin Michael Allen Dr. Benson Baty Haskins Dr. Gary Breece Dr.Jungers William Carter, Jr. Dr. James Dr. Donald Dr. Richard Dr.Dr. Casey Fishburn Dr. Robert MarsCorwin JimFisher Ambrose Dr. Robert Baumann Dr. Gary Brewer Mary Casey KellyDr. Ted Dr. Marshall Richard Corwin Dr. Richard Haught Dr. Myron Dr. Katz Dr.Dr. Gary Richard Amilian Dr. O Logan Beard, III Dr. William Brewer Dr. Conrad Casler, Jr. Dr. Terry Cotterell Dr. Chris Hawthorn Dr. David Keck Dr.Dr. Keifer Fisher Dr. Mary Martin Anderson Dr. William Beasley Dr. George Bridges Dr. William Castles Dr. Joseph Dr. Keith Coulson Dr. Dorwin Hawthorne Dr. Allen Keenan Dr.Dr. JayGunnar Fitzgerald Massad Jay Anderson Dr. KayDr. Beavers Dr.Keenan Lee Centracco Dr. Mark Dr. Donald Courts Darrell Hazle Dr. Doyle Brimberry Dr. Michael Dr.Dr. Mike Fling Massaro Ronald Beckerley Dr.Keithline Doug ChancellorDr. Dale Dr. Ameel Paul Heath Dr. Gary BrittonDr. Charles Dr.Dr. Robert FlintAnderson Dr. JoyDr. MathisCoury William Anderson Dr. RayDr. Beddoe Dr. Perry Brooks Stephen Chastain Dr. Thomas Gary Henderson Dr. WilliamDr. Kent Dr.Dr. John Fonder Dr. Alan Mauldin Coury VictorForney, Andrews Dr. William Beeson Don Cheatham Dr. Stephen Dr. Karen Cox-Haymaker Dr. John Henry Dr. James Brown Dr. LarsonDr. Keso Dr.Dr. George Jr. Mayer Mark Argo Dr. Timothy Bell Henry Dr. Richard Brown, Jr. Dr.Keyes Fred Child Dr. Kenneth Coy Dr. Richard Dr. Carolyn Dr.Dr. Michael Forth Dr. Richard McBride James Ariana Dr. Edward Belz Hermen Dr. William Brown Jack Chinn Dr. Danny Craige Dr. Jeffrey Dr. JamesDr. Kierl Dr.Dr. Glenn Foster, Jr. Dr. Jack McCalmon Bonnie Arnould Dr. Michael Ben HerwigDr. Charles Bryan Dr.Kierl Billy Chrz Dr. Gerald Cross Dr. Craig Dr. Michael Dr.Dr. Marc Frazier Dr. Gene McCormick Dr. Forrest Arnould Dr. Fred Benenati Dr. Gary Bryant Dr. Stephen Clark Dr. John Curless Dr. Robert Hess, Jr. Dr. Larry Kiner Dr. Carmen Freiberg Dr. Stephen McCullough GlennFritch Ashmore Dr. Terry Dr. John Bubert Dr. John Clayton Dr. Thomas Dr. Frans Currier Dr.Bennett Clinton Hetrick Dr. Becky King-Rackley Dr.Dr. Charles McCullough Dr. Winn Ashmore Dr. Steven Berklacy Dr. James Buchanan Dr. David Clement Dr. Tanell Dakil Jr. Dr. William Hiatt Dr. Thomas Kirkpatrick Dr. Terry Fruits Dr. Thomas McGarry, Douglas Auld Dr. Kenneth BezanHiebert Dr. Ronald Bulard Richard ClementDr. Thomas Dr. Thomas David Dr. Marilyn Dr. TomasDr. Klein Dr.Dr. Cathy Fuchs McGinnity Ronald Austin Dr. John Raymond Clock Dr. Roley Dr. Gerald Davis Dr.Biggs Jimmy HighfillDr. Craig Buntemeyer Dr. HerbertDr. Klontz, Jr. Dr.Dr. Danny Fuchs McIntosh Kevin Avery Dr. David Russell Coatney Dr. Stanley Dr. Mark Davis Dr. Birdwell Douglas Hill Dr. Hugh BurchDr. WilliamDr. Kohs Dr.Dr. Gary Gardner McIntosh Jeffrey Baggett Dr. Terry Dr. Jan Cobble Dr. Samuel Dr.Blackburne Myron Hilton Dr. William Burchard Dr. Theodore Kondos Dr.Dr. Troy Garrett Dr. Claud McKeeDavis Lon BairGasper Dr. William Blubaugh Dr. James Burke Dr. Craig Cochran Dr. Stephen Dr. Walter Davis Dr. Ted Hine Dr. Gene Koop Dr.Dr. Christine McKeever Dr. Bun Baker, Jr. Dr. Fred Blythe Dr. Kristen Burris Dr. Robert Coffey Dr. David Deason Dr. Mike Hinkle Dr. Jay Kruska Dr. LaMont Gee Dr. Jack McKinnis .. James Baker Dr. Richard Bohlander Burris Dr. Walter Coffey Dr. Glenn Dr. Terry Deason Dr. Mark Hodge Dr. Thomas Dr. Gary Kuenning Dr.Dr. Ernest Gentile Mead Dr. Jack Balenseifen Dr. David Boone Dr. Bonnie Burton Dr. Larry Coggins Dr. Darrell Dedrick Dr. Jay Hodges Dr. Lamar LaBahn Dr. Thomas Gilbert Dr. Joseph Meador Dr. Thomas Ball Dr. Richard Boone Dr. George Bussman Dr. Kent Cohenour Dr. Steven Deem Dr. Glen Hoecker Dr. Robert Lamb Dr. James Gilliam Dr. Robert Melton Dr. Donald Ballew Dr. Brandon Bowers Dr. J David Buxton Dr. Jeff Cohlmia Dr. Gary Dempsey Dr. David Hoffman Dr. Ronald Lamb Dr. Richard Gilman Dr. Steven Meltzner Dr. David Dr. Matthew Cohlmia Dr. Gayle Dennehy Dr. Boyd Steven Hogg Dr. Joseph Cain Dr. Larry Lander Dr.Dr. BillGeorge Gladd Ballew Dr. Roger Metcalf Dr. Lynn Barber Dr. William Bozalis Dr. Wuse Cara Dr. Raymond Cohlmia Dr. Gary Dennington Dr. William Holcomb Dr. John Landrum Dr. William Glasgow, Jr. Dr. Mark Mettry Wesley Barker Dr. Susan Brackett Dr. Leon Conkling Dr. Clay Dr. William Dr. Jon Holman Dr. Dennis Carlile Dr. Gary Lawhon Dr.Dr. Ronald Glass MichelsDeprater www.okda.org 21 Dr. Lawrence Holmgren Dr. Kevin Layton Dr. Stephen Glenn Dr. David Mier

Thank you to our Life Members! 30 +

Dr. Richard DeVaughn Dr. Jerry Dickson Dr. Bruce Dieterlen Dr. JoAnn Dillard Dr. John Dmytryk Dr. Myrna Domoney Dr. Bryce Dorrough Dr. James Dougherty Dr. Albert Drake, Jr. Dr. David Drummond Dr. Neill Dubberstein Dr. Craig Dudley Dr. Michael Duffy Dr. Michael Dugan Dr. Dayna Duke Dr. Manville Duncanson, Jr. Dr. Lynne Dunham Dr. Howard Dunlap Dr. John Duplessis Dr. Steven Durr Dr. Benjamin Edwards Dr. George Elassal Dr. Lee Eliot Dr. Frank Evans Dr. Timothy Fagan Dr. Joseph Fallin, Jr. Dr. Emile Farha Dr. Basem Farhood Dr. James Farley Dr. Barry Farmer Dr. Michael Fauks Dr. Lawrence Feldman Dr. Gary Fincher Dr. Jerry Finnell Dr. Gerhard Fischer Dr. Casey Fishburn Dr. Gary Fisher Dr. Keifer Fisher Dr. Jay Fitzgerald Dr. Mike Fling Dr. Robert Flint Dr. John Fonder Dr. George Forney, Jr. Dr. Michael Forth Dr. Glenn Foster, Jr. Dr. Marc Frazier Dr. Carmen Freiberg Dr. Charles Fritch Dr. Terry Fruits Dr. Cathy Fuchs Dr. Danny Fuchs Dr. Gary Gardner Dr. Troy Garrett Dr. Christine Gasper Dr. LaMont Gee Dr. Ernest Gentile Dr. Thomas Gilbert Dr. James Gilliam Dr. Richard Gilman Dr. Bill Gladd Dr. William Glasgow, Jr. Dr. Ronald Glass Dr. Stephen Glenn

Dr. Kenneth Goljan Dr. Warren Good Dr. Mark Goodman Dr. Randall Graham Dr. Ronald Graves Dr. William Gray Dr. Barry Greenley Dr. Evangeline Greer Dr. Jerry Greer Dr. Steven Gregg Dr. Edward Grimes Dr. Stanley Groom Dr. Robert Gruenberg Dr. Bruce Grummer Dr. James Hackler Dr. Bruce Hall Dr. Douglas Hall Dr. Ronald Hammond Dr. Michael Hampton Dr. Terrence Hampton Dr. Paul Hamra Dr. Ashley Hancock Dr. Mark Hanstein Dr. Jackson Haraway Dr. Greg Hardman Dr. Leslie Hardy, Jr. Dr. Jay Harlan Dr. Kenneth Harland Dr. David Harrell Dr. Don Harris Dr. Bailey Harrison Dr. Ronald Harrison Dr. Edward Harroz, Jr. Dr. Phillip Hartgraves Dr. Wallace Haskett Dr. Donald Haskins Dr. Richard Haught Dr. Chris Hawthorn Dr. Dorwin Hawthorne Dr. Darrell Hazle Dr. Paul Heath Dr. Gary Henderson Dr. John Henry Dr. Richard Henry Dr. Jeffrey Hermen Dr. Craig Herwig Dr. Robert Hess, Jr. Dr. Clinton Hetrick Dr. William Hiatt Dr. Marilyn Hiebert Dr. Jimmy Highfill Dr. Douglas Hill Dr. Myron Hilton Dr. Ted Hine Dr. Mike Hinkle Dr. Mark Hodge Dr. Jay Hodges Dr. Glen Hoecker Dr. David Hoffman Dr. Steven Hogg Dr. William Holcomb Dr. Jon Holman Dr. Lawrence Holmgren

Dr. Richard Homsey Dr. James Hooper Dr. Brad Hoopes Dr. Eric Hopkins Dr. Terry Hopkins Dr. Allen Horn Dr. Bruce Horn Dr. Glen Hornbuckle Dr. Glen Houston Dr. Michael Howl Dr. Richard Hudson Dr. Robert Hughes Dr. Nicholas Hunter Dr. Carroll Hutchens Dr. Gilford Hutchens Dr. Howard Iba Dr. John Ingram Dr. Bill Jackson Dr. Douglas Jackson Dr. Michael Jackson Dr. Richard Jacobi Dr. Bobby James Dr. Larry James Dr. Richard James Dr. John Jameson Dr. Roger Janitz Dr. W.D. Jett Dr. Charles Johnson Dr. Charles Johnson Dr. Gregory Johnson Dr. Jeffrey Johnson Dr. John Johnson Dr. Richard Johnson Dr. William Johnson Dr. Krista Jones Dr. Richard Jungers Dr. Myron Katz Dr. David Keck Dr. Allen Keenan Dr. Michael Keenan Dr. Charles Keithline Dr. William Kent Dr. Larson Keso Dr. Carolyn Keyes Dr. James Kierl Dr. Michael Kierl Dr. Larry Kiner Dr. Becky King-Rackley Dr. Thomas Kirkpatrick Dr. Tomas Klein Dr. Herbert Klontz, Jr. Dr. William Kohs Dr. Theodore Kondos Dr. Gene Koop Dr. Jay Kruska Dr. Gary Kuenning Dr. Lamar LaBahn Dr. Robert Lamb Dr. Ronald Lamb Dr. Larry Lander Dr. John Landrum Dr. Gary Lawhon Dr. Kevin Layton

Dr. Larry Leemaster Dr. Dennis Leseberg Dr. Gene Litteken Dr. Cloyce Littlefield, Jr. Dr. Robert Livingston Dr. Jimmy Lloyd Dr. Roman Lobodiak Dr. John Lockard Dr. Robert London Dr. Lael Long Dr. Eric Loper Dr. Juan Lopez Dr. Gary Lott Dr. William LoVellette Dr. Karey Low Dr. Pamela Low Dr. James Lowe Dr. Fred Lucas, Jr. Dr. Wesley Lucas Dr. Angelo Luckett, Jr. Dr. Robert Ludrick Dr. Jack Luman Dr. Jeff Lunday Dr. Steve Lusk Dr. Raymond Lyle, Jr. Dr. Earl Mabry Dr. James Mabry Dr. John Mackechnie Dr. David Maddox Dr. Kevin Mailot Dr. Joe Maltsberger Dr. William Mann, Jr. Dr. Michael Manuel Dr. Philip Marano Dr. David Marks Dr. Robert Mars Dr. Ted Marshall Dr. Mary Martin Dr. Joseph Massad Dr. Mark Massaro Dr. Dale Mathis Dr. Alan Mauldin Dr. Stephen Mayer Dr. Richard McBride Dr. Jack McCalmon Dr. Gene McCormick Dr. Stephen McCullough Dr. Thomas McCullough Dr. Thomas McGarry, Jr. Dr. Thomas McGinnity Dr. Roley McIntosh Dr. Stanley McIntosh Dr. Claud McKee Dr. Stephen McKeever Dr. Jack McKinnis Dr. Glenn Mead Dr. Joseph Meador Dr. Robert Melton Dr. Steven Meltzner Dr. Roger Metcalf Dr. Mark Mettry Dr. Clay Michels Dr. David Mier

30+ 30 +

Dr. Ken Rains, Jr. Dr. Jerry Smith Dr. John Warden Dr. Earl Miller Dr. Steven Raney Dr. Larry Smith Dr. Phillip Washington, III Dr. Richard Miller Dr. Karen Rattan Dr. Norval Smith Dr. Gregory Watkins Dr. Robert Miller Dr. Donald Ray Dr. Terry Smith Dr. Alton Watson, Jr. Dr. Frank Miranda Dr. George Razook Dr. Paul Sockey Dr. Robert Watson Dr. Donald Mitchell Dr. Stephen Reagan Dr. Frank Sommer Dr. Thomas Watts Dr. Robert Mongrain Dr. Terry Reavis Dr. Denny Southard Dr. Scott Waugh Dr. Carlton Montgomery Dr. William Reeves Dr. James Sparks Dr. Michael Weaver Dr. Patrick Montgomery Dr. Robert Reneau Dr. Craig Spaulding Dr. Robert Webb, III Dr. Ronald Montgomery Dr. William Reville Dr. Michael Spradlin Dr. William Weber Dr. Dennis Morehart Dr. Robert Rickards Dr. Jim Spurgeon Dr. Dennis Weibel Dr. Robert Morgan Dr. Robert Rickey Dr. Emilie Stahler Dr. Stephen Weichbrodt Dr. Jack Morrison Dr. Terry Rigdon Dr. John Starcevich Dr. Joe Welch Dr. Mark Morrow Dr. Philip Ring Dr. John Stark Dr. Dwight Wells Dr. Don Morton Dr. Grant Ritchey Dr. Robert Steele Dr. and Robert Wells, Dr. John Mose In the membership year 2022, the ADA eliminated the age requirement for Life members now, theJr.sole Dr. James Roane Dr. J. Michael Steffen Dr. Wavel Wells Dr. Tim Mount requirement is years of membership: 30 consecutive years or 40 total years. The list printed in the January/ Dr. Don Roberts, Jr. requirement Dr. Michael Stephens Dr. Stephanie Wendt Dr. James Muller February issue was before the elimination of the age causing some confusion as many who Dr. Edward Roberts Dr. Richard Stewart Dr. Charles Wesner Dr. Warren Murray had 30 years of membership were not included because they were not considered Life members due to their Dr. Don Robison Dr. Tom Stewart Dr. James West Dr. James Murtaugh age. Dr. Douglas Rockwood Dr. John Stobbe Dr. Bradley Westfall Dr. Mitchell Myers Dr. Charles Roskamp Dr. Dan Storm Dr. Mori White Dr. Sunshine Myers WeDr. are reprinting the list to include members more years of Jr. membership,Dr. who are White now Dr.all James Rublewith 30 orDr. Jesse Storts, Steven George Naifeh considered Life members based on the ADA’s new requirement. Dr. Mack Rudd Dr. Paul Strahan Dr. Theresa White Dr. Ram Nanda Dr. Steve Salmon Dr. Tony Stretesky Dr. Quint Whitefield Dr. William Neal WeDr. thank you all for your service to dentistry. The of listing these individuals to say Dr.organized James Satterlee Dr.purpose Darrell Suhr Dr. JamesisWhitehead Ernest Nelson THANK YOU for everything you have contributed to the ODA, ADA and your local dental society over the years. Dr. Robert Schick Dr. Roberta Suhr Dr. Otho Whiteneck, II Dr. Jay Nelson WeDr. can confidently where we are Dr. without you, so once again, Dr. THANK YOU. Please join Dr. Jerrybe Schoeffler Steven Sullivan Susan Whiteneck Michael Nelsonsay that we wouldn’t us in these members forDr. their dedication to organized dentistry. you. Whitlock, Jr. Carl Schreiner, III Dr. Marc SusmanWe appreciate Dr. Lowell Dr.honoring Rodney Nelson Dr. Terry Schreiner Dr. Gary Suttle Dr. Mark Whitney Dr. Mark Nichols Dr. David Schwartz Dr.thank Jeanne Sutton Dr. Frank Wiebelt Dr. James Nicholson, Jr. Thank you, thank you, you! Dr. Travis Scoggin Dr. Joe Swink, Jr. Dr. Chester Wilks Dr. Jerry Nick Dr. Steven Scott Dr. Robert Talley Dr.Dr. Ralph Willcox Dr. David Nittler Dr. Edward Abernethy Dr. Harry Barnes Dr. Larry Bradley Dr. Charles Carroll David Cooper Dr. Andrea Scoville Dr. Bill Taylor Dr. Phillip Willey Dr. Fred Norton Dr. John Ainsworth Dr. Lillian Barnes Dr. M. Edmund Braly Dr. William Carruth Dr. Jonathan Cooper Dr. Scott Searcey Dr.Dr. Bradford Dr. Lisa Nowlin Dr. Gerald Alf Dr. Janet Barresi Dr. Bobby BrattonDr. Jim Taylor Dr. Robert Carson RichardWilliams Corley Sehorn Dr. Jr. PaulDr. Taylor Dr.Dr. George Dr. Robert Nowlin Dr. Harold Allen Dr. Terry BassDr. MickeyDr. Allen Braumiller, Steven Carson DebbieWilliams, Corwin III Dr. Jack Sellers Theobald Ronald Williams Dr. Van Nowlin Dr. Michael Allen Dr. Benson Baty Dr. Gary Breece Dr. GaryDr. William Carter, Jr. Dr.Dr. James Corwin Dr. James Sellers, Jr. Dr. John Theobald Dr. Thomas Dr. Kevin O’Halloran Dr. Jim Ambrose Dr. Robert Baumann Dr. Gary Brewer Dr. Mary Casey Kelly Dr. RichardWilliams Corwin Dr. Susan Settle Dr. JohnDr. Thomas Robert Dr. James Osgood Dr. O Logan Beard, Dr. Richard Amilian III Dr. William Brewer Conrad Casler, Jr. Dr.Dr. Terry Willis Cotterell Dr. Kent Shacklett Dr. PaulDr. Thomas Dr.Dr. Jack Willoughby Dr. Joe Otto Dr. Gunnar Anderson Dr. William Beasley Dr. George Bridges William Castles Keith Coulson Dr. Jeff Shadid Dr. Reggie Thomas Dr. Charles Dr. Alan Owen Dr. Jay Anderson Dr. Kay Beavers Dr. Doyle Brimberry Dr. Lee Centracco Dr. DonaldWilson Courts Dr. NanayDr. Shadid Thorman Edwin Wilson, Jr. Dr. James Owens Dr. Joy Beckerley Dr. Ronald Anderson Gary Britton Dr. JerryDr. Doug Chancellor Dr.Dr. Ameel Coury Dr. Paul Shadid Dr. Roy Thornbrough Dr. Mark Wilson Dr. Jeff Parker Dr. William Anderson Dr. Ray Beddoe Dr. Perry Brooks Dr. Stephen Chastain Dr. Thomas Coury Dr. Scot Shadid TimsCheatham Dr.Dr. Ronald Dr. Phillip Parker Dr. Victor Andrews Dr. William Beeson Dr. James BrownDr. Darwin Dr. Don KarenWinder Cox-Haymaker Dr. Greg Shanbour Dr. Albert Tipton, Jr. Dr. David Womble Dr. Stephen Parker Dr. Mark Argo Dr. Timothy Bell Dr. Richard Brown, Jr. Dr. Fred Child Dr. Kenneth Coy Dr. PatrickDr. Shannon Dr.Dr. Khem Wood Dr. Robert Partak Dr. James Ariana Dr. Edward Belz William BrownDr. Dean Dr.Todd Jack Chinn Danny Craige Dr. John Sheets Torbeck, Dr.Dr. Rieger Wood, III Dr. Stanley Pastor Dr. Michael Ben Dr. Bonnie Arnould Dr. Charles BryanDr. Charles Dr. Billy Chrz Jr. Gerald Cross Dr. Michael Shepherd Dr. Charles Towe Dr. Joel Woodburn Dr. Jimmie Patterson Dr. Forrest Arnould Dr. Fred Benenati Dr. Gary Bryant Dr. Stephen Clark Dr. John Curless Dr. Cathy Dr. Sherry Dr.Dr. Patrick Dr. Larry Patterson Dr. Terry Bennett Dr. Glenn Ashmore John Bubert Dr. Vic Trammell Dr. John Clayton FransWoods Currier Dr. Ronald Shipman Dr. Robert Trent Dr. Douglas Woodson Dr. Glenda Payas Dr. Winn Ashmore Dr. Steven Berklacy Dr. James Buchanan Dr. David Clement Dr. Tanell Dakil Dr. Robert Shirley Dr. Samuel Tucker Dr. Donal Woodward Dr. David Pedicord Dr. Douglas Auld Dr. Kenneth Bezan Dr. Ronald Bulard Dr. Richard Clement Dr. Thomas David Dr. StevenDr. Shrader Dr. PhilipDr. Tyree Dr.Dr. Brant Worthington Dr. JerryAustin Perkins Dr. Ronald Dr. John Biggs Craig Buntemeyer Raymond Clock Gerald Davis Dr. Johnny Siler Dr. James Underwood Dr. Gordon Wright Dr. Jay Pettit Dr. Kevin Avery Dr. David Birdwell Dr. Hugh Burch Dr. Russell Coatney Dr. Mark Davis Dr. David Simon Dr. Will Uraneck Dr.Dr. John Wright, Jr. Dr. Joe Phillippe Dr. Jeffrey Baggett Dr. Terry Blackburne Dr. William Burchard Dr. Jan Cobble Samuel Davis Dr. Floyd Simon, Jr. Dr. William Van De Linder Dr. Scott Wyatt Dr. Douglas Pittman Dr. Lon Bair Dr. William Blubaugh Dr. James Burke Dr. Craig Cochran Dr. Walter Davis Dr. Fred Sims, Jr. Dr. Ronald Van Tuyl Dr. William Wynn, III Dr. Richard Pitts Dr. Bun Baker, Jr. Dr. Fred Blythe Dr. Kristen Burris Dr. Robert Coffey Dr. David Deason Dr. John Sjulin .. Dr. Randall Venk Dr. Trent Yadon Dr. Raymond Plant Dr. James Baker Dr. Richard Bohlander Dr. Thomas Burris Dr. Walter Coffey Dr. Terry Deason Dr. William Skaggs Dr. Steven Vincent Dr. James Yeary Dr. Paul Plowman Dr. Jack Balenseifen Dr. David Boone Dr. Bonnie Burton Dr. Larry Coggins Dr. Darrell Dedrick Dr. Floyd Skarky Dr. Eugene Wagner Dr. James Yeats Dr. Charles Polk Dr. Thomas Ball Dr. Richard Boone Dr. George Bussman Dr. Kent Cohenour Dr. Steven Deem Dr. Daniel Slanker Dr. Richard Walker Dr. Stephen Young Dr. Benjamin Powell Dr. Donald Ballew Dr. Brandon Bowers Dr. J David Buxton Dr. Jeff Cohlmia Dr. Gary Dempsey Dr. John Slice Dr. Dennis Wallis Dr. Mark Youngker Dr. Steven Powell Dr. George Ballew Dr. David Boyd Dr. Joseph Cain Dr. Matthew Cohlmia Dr. Gayle Dennehy Dr. Brice Smith Dr. Sharon Wann Dr. Gary Youree Dr. Steve Pracht Dr. Lynn Barber Dr. William Bozalis Dr. Wuse Cara Dr. Raymond Cohlmia Dr. Gary Dennington Dr. Donald Smith Dr. James Ward Dr. Dean Zervas Dr. Dale Prock Dr. Wesley Barker Dr. Susan Brackett Dr. Dennis Carlile Dr. Leon Conkling Dr. William Deprater Dr. Gregg Smith Dr. David Warden Dr. Christian Zylinski Dr. Geoffrey Pruett 22 journal | March/April 2022

Thank you to our Life Members!

Endodontic Practice Associates Norman, Oklahoma

Dr. Spencer Hinckley and Dr. Percy Bolen

Serving the OKC Metro for 43 years - since 1977 Your patient’s experience is top priority 3D CBCT scanning for improved diagnosis Complex endodontic cases welcomed Complex and “heroic” teeth salvage Build-up and post & core placement available Cutting edge instrumentation and disinfection Zeiss microscopes used on every case Specializing in finding 4+ canals in molars Surgical and nonsurgical retreatment General anesthesia and oral sedation Open during pandemic shut-down

e pride ourselves in a trusted referral pattern that ensures your patient returns to you holding you in high regard - regardless of the reason for referral. We speak highly of you to your patient and reassure them they are in good hands in your care. We value communication between you and our office. Give us a call to talk about anything. We are even happy to help you navigate through a difficult case in your chair.

Phone: 405.329.7936 1.800.238.5215

Fax: 405.329.1722

www.endodonticpracticeassociates.com www.okda.org

Coalition of Rural Dentists (CORD) Caucus and Luncheon Thursday, March 31, 2022 at the ODA Annual Meeting OKC Convention Center - 206 A * 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. If you are a member dentist of the Central, Eastern, Northern, Northwest, or Southwest Component, then this lunch is for you! This is your opportunity to voice your opinion and discuss issues that will be presented to the ODA House of Delegates that same day at 1:00 p.m. Kindly RSVP by March 25, to Madison Bolton, ODA Membership Services Manager, at mbolton@okda.org or call 405-848-8873.

Oklahoma Dental Association

24 journal | March/April 2022

BRIGHTER BETTER

TOGETHER OKLAHOMA DENTAL ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL MEETING APRIL 1 & 2, 2022 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK Omni Oklahoma City Hotel 100 W Oklahoma City Blvd. Call 1-800-the-omni to book your room!

www.okda.org

ODA ANNUAL MEETING

CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR THE ENTIRE DENTAL TEAM

FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2022 JILL DONOVAN

Opening Session 1 CE Hour 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

TROY SCHMEDDING, DDS, AAACD

Principles and Protocols to Establish a Minimally Invasive Approach 3 CE Hours 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM Understanding the Indirect Material Choices in 2022 3 CE Hours 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

KAREN DAVIS, RDH, BSDH

Executing the Ultimate Doctor-Patient Hygiene Exam 2 CE Hours 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

JESSICA HSIEH, DDS, MDSc, FACP

Digital Dental Photography - Level I HANDS-ON!* 4 CE Hours 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM

SUZANNE EBERT, DDS

Prepare for a Successful Practice Transition 2 CE Hours 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

CE FOR THE DENTAL TEAM COURSES PRESENTED BY ODAA

KEVIN HENRY, MA* 5 Ways Dental Assistants can C.R.U.S.H. Their Careers Friday, April 1 2 CE Hours 9:30 AM - 11:30 PM KIM GRAZIANO, RDH, MPH* Infection Control and OSHA in the COVID-19 Era Friday, April 1 3 CE Hours 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

COURSE PRESENTED BY ODHA

MARY HAMBURG, DDS, MS The Three Letter Word in Dentistry: SRP Moving Patients from Compromised to Compliant [Lunch & Learn]* 1 1.5 CE Hours 12:45 PM - 2:15 PM journalApril | March/April 2022 26 Friday,

BRIGHTER BETTER

TO g ETHER SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2022 JEFF PUCKETT

Opioid Abuse [Breakfast & Learn]* 2 CE Hours 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM Ethics in Dentistry [Lunch & Learn]* 1.5 CE Hours 12:15 PM - 1:45 PM

CLINT STEVENS, DDS, FAGD, FICOI & BLAIRE BOWERS, DDS, MS & LAUREN KLAUS, DDS, MS

Stevens: Evidence-Based Dentistry: The Gap Between Theory and Practice Bowers & Klaus: Esthetic Management of Complex Recession Defects 2 CE Hours 9:15 AM - 11:15 AM

JESSICA HSIEH, DDS, MDSc, FACP

Digital Dental Photography - Level II HANDS-ON!* 3 CE Hours 9:15 AM - 12:15 PM

JOSHUA AUSTIN, DDS, MAGD

Differentiate Yourself: Clinical & Marketing Tips to Generate New Patients! 6 CE Hours 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM MORNING 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM AFTERNOON

STEPHANIE TRAN, DDS

Crack and Fracture Management 2 CE Hours 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Restoratively-Driven Endo HANDS-ON!* 3 CE Hours 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

DAVID SYLVESTER II, DDS

Immediate, Full-arch Implant Rehabilitation. Teeth in a Day. Loading Every Time. 3 CE Hours 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM * Ticketed courses. Prices will be included in registration information. Space is limited.

The ODA reserves the right to change/cancel courses prior to the Annual Meeting.

REGISTRATION FORM ODA ANNUAL MEETING 2022 APRIL 1 & 2 Your registration must be postmarked on or before March 1, 2022 to qualify for “early-bird” prices.

II. REGISTRATION FEES

Pre-registration closes at midnight March 21, 2021. Any registration not postmarked by March 18, 2021 should be held and completed on-site.

OPEN THROUGH March 21, 2021

www.okda.org/annual-meeting

(You can register up to 10 people at a time)

On/Before On/After 3-01-2022 3-02-2022

ODA/ADA Member Basic $268 $283 Includes all unticketed Scientific Sessions & Exhibit Hall

_________

ODA/ADA NEW Member Basic $134 $142 _________ For new dentist members graduated dental school 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

MUST BE POSTMARKED BY MARCH 18

Mail completed form with payment to: Oklahoma Dental Association ODA/ADA Member Scan with your phone’s camera attn: Annual Meeting One Day Pass (Friday) $188 $203 to register online now! 317 NE 13th Street Includes one-day pass to all unticketed Scientific Sessions & Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104

_________

Exhibit Hall on Friday only

ONLY ONE REGISTRANT PER REGISTRATION FORM

To edit your registration, please contact the ODA at 405-848-8873. To cancel your registration, the ODA will refund your registration fee, less a $30 administration fee, if a written request is delivered to the Executive Director or postmarked no later than March 21, 2021. There will be no exceptions.

ODA/ADA NEW Member One Day Pass (Friday) $94 $100 Includes one-day pass to all unticketed Scientific Sessions & Exhibit Hall on Friday only for new dentist members graduated dental school 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021

_________

ODA State Life Member $50 $65 Includes all unticketed Scientific Sessions & Exhibit Hall

_________

ODA Retired Member $50 $65 Includes all unticketed Scientific Sessions & Exhibit Hall

_________

ODA Retired State Life Member FREE FREE Includes all unticketed Scientific Sessions & Exhibit Hall

_________

OUCOD Full-Time Faculty $200 $215 Includes all unticketed Scientific Sessions & Exhibit Hall

_________

*Non-ODA/ADA Dentist $536 $566 Includes all unticketed Scientific Sessions & Exhibit Hall

_________

Hygienist

$150

$165

_________

ADA Number (if applicable):___________________________________

Assistant ODAA Member Non-ODAA Member

$68 $89

$83 $104

_________ _________

Address: ___________________________________________________

Dental Lab Technician

$89

$104

_________

City: _____________________________________

Dental Student FREE FREE Includes dental, dental hygiene & dental assistant students

_________

Graduate Student

$68

$83

_________

Spouse (Non-dental Guest)

$68

$83

_________

$89

$104

_________

All persons who register for this meeting acknowledge reading and agreeing to this statement: “This function’s planners claim and assume no liability for the acts of meeting suppliers, nor for the safety of any attendee, or spouse, child or guest of an attendee, while in transit to or from this event. Attendees and participants in any event, including but not limited to those which may require or feature physical activity, assume all risk and liability associated with such activity.” The presentations of the clinicians in no way imply endorsement of any product, technique, or service presented during the courses. The Oklahoma Dental Association specifically disclaims responsibility for any material presented.

I. REGISTRATION INFORMATION Last Name:_________________________________________________ First Name:_________________________________________________

Zip: __________________________

State: _________

Phone:_____________________

Email Address: _____________________________________________

*Become an ODA/ADA Member to take advantage of member-only discounts on the Annual Meeting and other CE opportunities throughout Business Office Staff the year. Contact the Oklahoma Dental Association office at 800-876-8890.

www.okda.org

BRIGHTER BETTER CE COURSES & EVENT TICKETS - Please check each event and scientific session you plan to attend. III. PURCHASE / RESERVE TICKETS On/Before On/After 3-01-2022 3-02-2022

Friday, April 01, 2022

Opening Session: Full Circle Kindness (Donovan) 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM FREE

FREE

Amount Due

$________

Principles and Protocols to Establish a Minimally Invasive Approach (Schmedding) 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM FREE FREE $________ Course Presented by ODAA: 5 Ways Dental Assistants Can C.R.U.S.H. Their Careers (Henry) 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM $15 $25 Executing the Ultimate Doctor-Patient Hygiene Exam (Davis) 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM FREE FREE

$________

Course Presented by OKDHA: Hygiene Lunch & Learn: The Three Letter Word in Dentistry: SRP Moving Patients from Compromised to Compliant (Hamburg) 12:45 PM - 2:15 PM $62 $77 $________

Course Presented by ODAA: Infection Control and OSHA in the COVID-19 Era (Graziano) 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM $30 $40 Prepare for a Successful Practice Transition (Ebert) 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM FREE

$________

FREE

$________

(You can register up to 10 people at a time)

• Member dentists use your ADA/ODA log in. • Non-member dentists use your ADA number. • Non-dentists create a new account on the log in page. If you don’t know your ADA number or need assistance logging in, please call the ADA at 800.621.8099.

Must be Postmarked by March 18, 2022

To register by mail, payment must be received in full and payment may only be made by check. Mail completed form with payment to: Oklahoma Dental Association attn: Annual Meeting 317 NE 13th Street | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104 ONLY ONE REGISTRANT PER REGISTRATION FORM. Please copy this form for additional registrations.

28 journal | March/April 2022

$62

$77

$________

Differentiate Yourself: Clinical & Marketing Tips to Generate New Patients! JEFF PUCKETT (Austin) Opioid Abuse [Breakfast & Learn]* 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM FREE FREE $________ 2 CE Hours 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM FREE FREE $________

Ethics in Dentistry [Lunch & Learn]* Stevens: Evidence-Based Dentistry: The Gap 1.5 CE Hours 12:15 PM - 1:45 PMBetween Theory and Practice Bowers/Klaus: Esthetic Management of Complex Recession Defects (Stevens/Bowers/Klaus) STEVENS, DDS, FAGD, 9:15CLINT AM - 11:15 AM FREE FICOI FREE $________ Digital Dental Photography – LevelMS II Hands-on (Limited registration to LAUREN KLAUS, DDS, firstStevens: 21) Evidence-Based Dentistry: The Gap Between (Hsieh) Theory and Practice 9:15 AM - 12:15 PM $100 $115 $________

Bowers & Klaus: Esthetic Management of Complex Recession Defects Crack and Fracture Management (Tran) 2 CE Hours 9:15 AM - 11:15 AM 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

FREE

$________

JESSICA HSIEH, DDS, MDSc, FACP

Lunch & Learn: Ethics in Dentistry Digital Dental Photography - Level II HANDS-ON!* (Puckett) 3 CE PM 12:15 PM -Hours 1:45 PM 9:15 AM - 12:15$62 $77 $________ Immediate, Full-Arch ImplantDDS, Rehabilitation. JOSHUA AUSTIN, MAGDTeeth in a day. Loading every time. Differentiate Yourself: Clinical & Marketing Tips to (Sylvester) Generate New Patients! 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM FREE FREE $_________

6 CE Hours 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM MORNING

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM AFTERNOON Restoratively-Driven Endo Hands-On (Limited registration to first 30) (Tran) 2:00STEPHANIE PM - 5:00 PM TRAN, DDS $100 $115 $________ Crack and Fracture Management

IV.2 CE SPECIAL EVENT Hours 10:00 AM - TICKETS 12:00 PM

www.okda.org/annual-meeting

Breakfast & Learn: Opioid Abuse (Puckett) 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Amount Due

& BLAIRE BOWERS, DDS, MS &

Digital Dental Photography – Level I Hands-on (Limited registration to first 21) (Hsieh) 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM $100 $115 $________

Understanding the Indirect Material Choices in 2022 (Schmedding) 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM FREE FREE

TO g ETHER

On/Before On/After 3-01-2022 3-02-2022

Saturday, April 02, 2022

On/Before On/After Restoratively-Driven Endo HANDS-ON!* 3-01-2022 3-02-2022 3 CE Hours 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

ODA President’s Party Friday, April 1 at 6:30 PM DAVID SYLVESTER

$50 II, DDS

$65

Amount Due

$________

Immediate, Full-arch Implant Rehabilitation. Teeth in a Day. Loading Every Time. CE HoursREGISTRATION 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM V.3TOTAL * Ticketed courses. Prices will be included in registration REGISTRATION + TICKETS = information. FEE Space is limited. TOTAL REGISTRATION: $________ The ODA reserves the right to change/cancel courses prior to PRE-REGISTRATION CLOSES AT MIDNIGHT MARCH 21, 2022. ANY the Annual POSTMARKED Meeting. REGISTRATION AFTER MARCH 18, 2022 SHOULD BE HELD AND COMPLETED ON-SITE.

The ODA Annual Meeting schedule is subject to change. The 2022 AnnualOKDA.ORG/ANNUAL-MEETING Meeting will be paperless. Any speaker handouts will be posted on the ODA website at www.OKDA.org/Annual-Meeting.

www.okda.org

30 journal | March/April 2022

Malpractice Insurance: It’s not just a price, it’s a promise. MedPro Group is committed to protecting your reputation so you can stay committed to protecting your patients. It’s a promise we don’t take lightly. Our promise to never settle a lawsuit without your written consent Our promise to offer you options that fit your needs Our promise to provide unmatched defense success if a claim goes to trial Our promise to be there on your first day of practice and every day after Our promise to have the financial strength to protect you and your future

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A.M. Best rating as of 6/16/2020. All data is MedPro Group data; claims data range is 2010-2019. MedPro Group is the marketing name used to refer to the insurance operations of The Medical Protective Company, Princeton Insurance Company, PLICO, Inc. and MedPro RRG Risk Retention Group. All insurance products are administered by MedPro Group and underwritten by these and other Berkshire Hathaway affiliates, including National Fire & Marine Insurance Company. Product availability is based upon business and/or regulatory approval and may differ between companies. ©2020 MedPro Group Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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LEGISLATIVE LOOP Legislative Overview & Political Update

The 2022 ODA Legislative Agenda By: Scott Adkins, ODA Contract Lobbyist

The ODA Council on Governmental Affairs has set the ODA legislative agenda for 2022. First, we are running a bill this session that will regulate insurance downgrading and bundling. HB 3023 by Rep. Rande Worthen will require insurance companies to make their current dental plan policies available online, and if requested by a provider, send a copy of the policies to the provider through mail or electronic mail, to include: • A summary of all material changes made to a dental plan since the policies were last updated • The downcoding and bundling policies that the insurer reasonably expects to be applied to the dental provider or provider's services as a matter of policy • A description of the dental plan's utilization review procedures, including a procedure for an enrollee of the dental plan to obtain a review of an adverse determination, and a statement of a provider's rights and responsibilities regarding the procedures. Additionally, if passed, an insurer would not be allowed to maintain a dental plan that: • Based on the provider's contracted fee for covered services, uses downcoding in a manner that prevents a dental provider from collecting the fee for actual services performed either from the plan or the patient; or • Uses bundling in a manner where a procedure code is labeled as nonbillable to the patient unless, under generally accepted practice standards, the procedure code is for a procedure that may be provided in conjunction with another procedure. The bill will also require an insurer to ensure that an explanation of benefits for a dental plan includes the reason for any downcoding or bundling result. If passed, this bill will go into effect November 1, 2022. We’re also continuing our hard fight against managed care Medicaid. Please visit www.oklacares.org and sign up for email updates from the large coalition of healthcare associations, Oklahomans Caring for Oklahomans, that continues to lead the charge against privatizing our Medicaid program. The legislative session started Monday, February 7 and runs through Friday, May 27. Please watch your email and texts for legislative alerts from the ODA and be prepared to contact your legislators when called upon. We will be successful at the Capitol again this year if we work together and stay engaged! To find out who your state legislators are and their contact information, please visit oklegislature.gov/findmylegislature.aspx.

ADA Advocacy

ADA Asks That Dentists Be Included The ADA is asking lawmakers to include dentists in any decision-making bodies on pandemic preparedness when developing legislation that aims to leverage best practices from COVID-19, believing this would enhance the nation's response to future public health emergencies. The ADA sent a letter to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions leadership in February commenting on the discussion draft of the Prepare for and Respond to Existing Viruses, Emerging New Threats and Pandemics Act. "The most glaring oversight in the federal response to COVID-19 -- and one we hope you will correct in this bill -- is the extent to which dentistry had to fight to be recognized as a viable resource in expanding the nation's medical surge capacity," the letter said. The ADA also offered additional suggestions on sections of the draft legislation, including those on access to mental health services, emergency department referral, social determinants of health and more.

ADA Supports REDI Act The ADA is supporting the Resident Education Deferred Interest Act, which would allow dental and medical students to defer interest accrual on their federal loans while they are in internships or residency programs. The Resident Education Deferred Interest Act, or REDI Act, was introduced February 16 by Senators Jacky Rosen, D-Nevada, and John Boozman, R-Arkansas. The ADA previously supported the REDI Act bill in the House and is working with the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and other medical and dental groups to support it in the Senate. The ADA considers passing this legislation an important part of student loan repayment reform and believes passing it would prevent medical and dental residents from accruing additional debt while still completing their training.

Read about these and many other ADA advocacy efforts at ada.org/advocacy. 32 journal | March/April 2022

Legislative Reception The evening of Tuesday, February 15th was spent talking with Oklahoma lawmakers about this year's ODA legislative agenda, specifically discussing HB 3023 and how the items within this bill are impacting dental practices everyday. The evening was a huge success and was well-attended by ODA members, OUCOD students, State Representatives and State Senators. We were also very grateful that Congresswoman Stephanie Bice stopped by the reception! We would like to thank Central, Eastern, Oklahoma County, Northern, Southwest, Tulsa County and Northwest District Dental Societies for sponsoring the event, along with Oklahoma Acadamy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Oklahoma Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. We appreciate all your support! Contact Lynn Means, ODA Executive Director, at lmeans@okda.org or 405.848.8873 if you have questions about the ODA's advocacy efforts.

Stay in-the-know on the efforts being made through the Oklahomans Caring for Oklahomans Coalition (The group fighting Insurance Managed Care Medicaid) by signing up for the email alerts at oklacares.org and following us on facebook and twitter.

@OklahomaCares www.okda.org

CAPITOL CLUB Dr. Jeffrey Ahlert Dr. Clay Anderson Dr. Michael Auld Dr. Douglas Auld Dr. William Beasley Dr. Tamara Berg Dr. Bryan Blankenship Dr. Elizabeth Bohanon Dr. Edmund Braly Dr. Michael Breland Dr. C. Todd Bridges Dr. Matthew Bridges Dr. Trace Bridges Dr. Nathan Brown Dr. Steven Brown Dr. Ronald Bulard

WE DON’T FUNDRAISE. WE FRIENDRAISE! THANK YOU TO THESE 2022 DENPAC CAPITOL CLUB MEMBERS! Dr. Adam Bulleigh Dr. Jamie Cameron Dr. Tricia Cannon Dr. Wuse Cara Dr. John Carletti Dr. Bobby Carmen Dr. Jennifer Chambers Dr. Raymond Cohlmia Dr. Matthew Cohlmia Dr. Russell Danner Dr. Susan Davis Dr. David Deason Dr. Stacia Dowell Dr. Brian Drew Dr. Heath Evans Dr. Christopher Fagan

Dr. Tim Fagan Dr. Barry Farmer Dr. Sandra Grace Dr. Mark Hanstein Dr. Aaron Harman Dr. Richard Haught Dr. Robert Herman Dr. Jeffrey Hermen Dr. Brad Hoopes Dr. Jennifer Jenkins Dr. Donald Johnson Dr. Eugenia Johnson Dr. Krista Jones Dr. Jandra Korb Dr. Robert Lamb Dr. Marti Levinson

Dr. Juan Lopez Dr. David Marks Dr. Stephen Martin Dr. Alan Mauldin Dr. Glenn Mead Dr. Mohsen Moosavi Dr. Paul Mullasseril Dr. Aaron Neale Dr. Nicole Nellis Dr. Robert Nowlin Dr. Karen Reed Dr. Roger Richter Dr. Erin Roberts-Svob Dr. Brant Rouse Dr. Mack Rudd Dr. Scott Searcey

Dr. Paul Shadid Dr. Steffan Sigler Dr. Floyd Simon Dr. James Strand Dr. Steven Strange Dr. Carla Sullivan Dr. Jim Taylor Dr. Stephen Taylor Dr. Kara Tims Dr. Jonah Vandiver Dr. Nathan Villines Dr. Robert Webb Dr. Paul Wood Dr. Rieger Wood

OKCapitol Club is for that “ABC” group of DENPAC members; or those who want to be “ABOVE AND BEYOND CONTRIBUTORS.” OKCapitol Club members truly understand the importance of the ODA’s participation in the political process and want to support candidates who are committed to the state’s oral health and the issues that affect your practice. OKCapitol Club members support those efforts even more by contributing an additional $300 to DENPAC ($470 total) per year. For more information about Capitol Club, contact Lynn Means at 800-876-8890 or lmeans@okda.org.

DENPAC Grand Level DENPAC funds our voice. Without our input, legislators are merely making decisions based on what sounds good, what makes the fewest people angry, or what is easiest for them. Whether you like it or not, the campaign contributions we make to dentistry-friendly candidates are what opens those lines of communication. It’s what reminds legislators once they’re in office to go directly to the ODA for information, and not somewhere else. For more information about DENPAC, contact Lynn Means at 800-876-8890 or lmeans@okda.org.

THANK YOU TO THESE 2022 DENPAC GRAND ($1,000) LEVEL MEMBERS!

Dr. Douglas Auld Dr. Edmund Braly Dr. Matthew Cohlmia Dr. Susan Davis 34 journal | March/April 2022

Dr. Richard Haught Dr. Robert Lamb Dr. Juan Lopez

Dr. Paul Mullasseril Dr. Karen Reed Dr. Paul Wood Dr. Rieger Wood

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ODA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Blaire Bowers, DDS, MS

Edmond, OK

By: Makenzie Dean, Programs & Operations Manager

If you examine Dr. Blaire Bowers’ (Ersteniuk) family tree, you will see quite a few dentists! Her entire family is involved in dentistry, with her being the tenth dentist in the family! Choosing to follow the path to dentistry was not a tough decision because dentistry has always been “in her blood.” Bowers graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry in 2010, and from the OU Graduate Periodontics program in 2014. She now practices at her private office in Edmond, OK, the Periodontal Implant Center. She and her husband, Nic Ersteniuk, have one daughter, Bonnie Rose (15months). Her father, Dr. Brandon Bowers, DDS, retired in 2017 after a successful 42 years in private practice. Father and daughter worked together for a year in the very same office that her grandfather and great-grandfather practiced dentistry in Shawnee, OK. Her mother, Jane Bowers, was an instructor and eventually became the Chair of the OUCOD’s Hygiene Department from 1989 to 2007. Bowers now practices with her sister, Dr. Lauren Klaus. Bowers’ father was instrumental in influencing her to become a dentist; however, it was her mom who encouraged her interest in periodontics. Bowers loved surgery and everything else that periodontics had to offer. As she considered it, she loved the idea of furthering her surgical skills while still being able to work in a “family practice” setting where she could have lasting relationships with her patients. Bowers joined the ODA upon graduation from dental school and has never looked back. She said it was “the cool thing to do and still is!”. Her favorite part about being a member of the ODA is the lasting friendships and mentorships that she has forged. She believes those relationships continue to open doors for her personally and professionally. Along with her involvement in the ODA, Bowers has volunteered at the Oklahoma Mission of Mercy and finds that it has been the most rewarding activity because it is the largest single act of philanthropy in which she has been involved. She loves seeing how grateful the patients are to have access to the type of care provided at OkMOM. Bowers would advise dental students and new dentists to not look for a shortcut. Stay true to what you want professionally and be perseverant. Most importantly, always remember to put quality patient care first, and your practice will fall into place and flourish. When she is not practicing dentistry, Bowers enjoys cooking and exercising on her Peloton, both things that she and Nic do together. But most of all, she loves watching Bonnie continue to grow and 36 journal | March/April 2022

develop her sweet and sassy personality! She finds every day rewarding with her daughter. Bowers has spent the past year as the Chair of the Annual Meeting Planning Committee and has worked to plan an exciting meeting that all dental professionals in Oklahoma will enjoy! If you have not already registered the 2022 ODA Annual Meeting, be sure to do so at okda.org/annual-meeting.

Fun Facts What is your favorite song that always puts you in a good mood? Any 90s pop band song, especially NSYNC or TLC. I am a 90s girl at heart. What is one of your favorite quotes? God is within her, she will not fail.” Psalm 46:5 If you could have dinner with anyone from history, who would it be and why? Princess Diana because she has an interesting story, and I think the world could learn a lot from her humility. Secondly, I never met my Grandpa Grady (paternal grandfather). Everyone has always said he was the most wonderful man.

Oklahoma’s Dr. Susan E. Brackett Receives Two Prestigious Honors from the American College of Prosthodontists By: Roberta A. Wright, DMD, MDSc, FACP The American College of Prosthodontists (ACP) honored Dr. Susan E. Brackett with the Dan Gordon Lifetime Achievement Award and the 2021 President’s Award at the annual awards ceremony during the 51st Annual Session of the ACP, held virtually October 26-30, 2021. The first award is named for Dr. Daniel F. Gordon, who served in the U.S. Army during WWII and later went on to be a private practitioner and educator in the field of prosthodontics. This award is given to individuals who have contributed at the highest level to the welfare of the ACP, the specialty of prosthodontics, dentistry, science, and health professions. “Lifetime achievement recognition caused me to pause and reflect on my career, and I am proud to have had the opportunity to serve our specialty. I will continue to concentrate on mentoring and coaching younger individuals on the benefits and satisfaction of serving and promoting the ACP,” Dr. Brackett said. The second award, the President’s Award (sponsored by Thommen Medical) acknowledges an individual’s service to the ACP which goes above and beyond what is expected. Brackett was selected to receive this award by the 2020-2021 outgoing ACP President, Dr. Mark C. Hutten. “Each year there are several individuals that stand out for consideration, however, this year one stood out above the rest. Dr. Brackett has always been welcoming to all individuals of the executive committee, board of directors, and general members of the ACP, and I am honored to consider her my friend,” said Dr. Hutten.

An Oklahoma native, Brackett grew up in Tulsa and Bartlesville, OK. She graduated in 1978 from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. In 1987, she received her certificate in Fixed Prosthodontics and Master of Science degree from the University of Iowa. In 1993, Brackett successfully completed her certification for the American Board of Prosthodontics, earning the prestigious status of Diplomate. She is the co-author of the American Medical Writer’s Association award-winning textbook, Fundamentals of Tooth Preparation, as well as Fundamentals of Fixed Prosthodontics, 3rd edition. Brackett served as faculty at the OU College of Dentistry for a number of years until 1998. Following a long and successful career in academics, she transitioned to private practice joining Implant & Prosthodontic Associates in OKC in 1998. She has treated prosthodontic patients in private practice at IPA for nearly twenty-five years. She and her husband, Gregg Wadley, actively support a number of non-profit organizations in Oklahoma, including the University of Oklahoma Fine Arts Department and Athletic Department, Northeastern State University, the Oklahoma City Ballet, and the new First Americans Museum. Brackett is an active member in the American Dental Association, the Oklahoma Dental Association, and the Oklahoma County Dental Society, as well as the American College of Prosthodontists. She has represented Oklahoma in the ACP House of Delegates, and she has served on a number of ODA committees throughout her long, successful career. She has been an active volunteer in the ACP, serving as the Oklahoma State Section President and as a member of numerous committees and task forces. Brackett was a member of the ACP Education Foundation (ACPEF) Board of Directors for nine years and was the co-chair for the ACPEF’s Annual Appeal committee for several years. She has served numerous consecutive terms on the ACP Board of Directors: from 2005-2018 as Director of Public Relations and Communications Division, and as the Secretary, Vice President, President-elect, President (2016-2017), and Immediate Past President. Currently, Dr. Brackett continues to serve the ACP as a volunteer on advisory task forces and committees. Please join me in thanking Brackett for her years of service and dedication to organized dentistry and help me congratulate her on both of these prestigious awards!

Do you know a colleague that has recently been recognized, honored, or has received an award for the work they are doing in dentistry or their community? We would love to feature them! Please contact Dr. Mary Hamburg, ODA Journal Editor, at editor@okda.org.

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ODA FEATURE

Oral Cancer:

THE CAUSE OF DEATH OF A YOUNG DENTIST By: Parul Dua Makkar, DDS

Oral cancer is a preventable form of cancer. We as dentists are on the forefront of its detection and diagnosis. My aim today is to revisit this cancer and bring awareness of being diligent in our screening process during examinations - talking to our patients, educating them about risk factors, discussing the need for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccinations, helping them do self-examinations, and opting for biopsies for persistent symptomatic or nonsymptomatic lesions. After the loss of my younger and only brother, Dr. Manu Dua, due to squamous cell carcinoma (SSC) of the tongue, this cause has become dear to me on a professional and personal level. Manu himself was also a dentist. He was only 33 years old at the time of his diagnosis, and 34 at the time of his death. In his own words he felt like “the shoemaker whose own shoe was broken.”1 My hope is that cancer screenings are conducted more frequently, and we dental professionals pay closer attention to the signs and symptoms of oral cancer. When we treat our patients, a high-quality comprehensive exam is a minimum requirement. Oral surgeon, Dr. Cathy Hung, advises that we must examine the buccal mucosa, palate, tongue, floor of mouth, and oropharynx. We should also check the neck for asymmetry or induration of lymph nodes2. We must revisit the health history, family history, and ask about social habits. Ask questions regarding alcohol use, smoking, vaping, and use of chewing tobacco. Vaping is especially important to discuss with our younger patients. A recent study in Minnesota found that vaping causes an increased level of DNA-damaging chemicals such as formaldehyde, acrolein, and methylglyoxal in the saliva3 and with continued use over long periods of time increases risk factors substantially. Devices like a VELscope can also be used to help screen for any mucosal abnormalities and 38 journal | March/April 2022

then sent for biopsies if a lesion seems suspicious of cancer. Head and neck cancers are the 6th most common cancers and of those, oral cancer cases are 48% of head and neck cancer cases8. Ninety percent of all head and neck cancers are caused by SSC. Even with recent advancements, the 5-year survival rate is only 50% in most countries8. The etiology of oral cancer is multifactorial and certain factors put patients at higher risk. Some risk factors for oral cancer include:9 • Tobacco use • Alcohol use • Betel quid/ nut use • Gender (males are more at risk) • Sunlight exposure (for lip cancer) • Increased age • Previous cancer • Family history of oral cancer • Poor nutrition (diet low in fruits and vegetables) • Human papillomavirus (HPV) • Weakened immune system • Genetic syndromes: Fanconi anemia and dyskeratosis congenita • Poor oral health • Lichen planus • Graft-versus-host disease HPV is the cause of a host of carcinomas such as cervical, oropharyngeal, vulvar, penile, and anal cancers4. It is the most common sexually transmitted virus and infection in the United States6. There are over 200 strains of HPV but only nine are

Dr. Manu Dua in his clinic

carcinogenic. HPV strains 16 and 18 are the leading causes of oropharyngeal cancers8. These cancers are usually found in the tonsils, the base of the tongue, throat, and a very small number are found in the front of the mouth6. Thus, we must also discuss the need for HPV vaccinations for our young people when it is the most beneficial. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, the ideal age for HPV vaccination is between 11-12 years old, but can be administered as early as nine. It is not recommended over the age of 265. Most HPV is cleared by our bodies, but for unknown reasons, some are more inclined to progress to oral cancer. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, some of the signs and symptoms of oral cancer may include:6 • An ulcer or sore that does not heal within 2-3 weeks • A red, white, or black discoloration on the soft tissues in the mouth

• Difficult or painful swallowing; a sensation that things are sticking in the throat when swallowing • A swollen but painless tonsil; note any asymmetry • Pain when chewing • A persistent sore throat or hoarse voice • A swelling or lump in the mouth • A painless lump felt on the outside of the neck, which has been there for at least two weeks • A numb or tingling feeling in the mouth or lips • Constant coughing • An earache on one side (unilateral) which persists for more than a few days If you note any persistent, non-healing lesion, send it for a biopsy, even if the patient doesn’t possess the characteristic risk factors and is young. Oral pathologist Dr. Firoozeh Samim advises that biopsies are not substantially invasive, and urges to perform them if there is suspicion and not to wait7. A referral to an oral surgeon or an oral pathologist may be needed for persistent lesions.

I stress the importance of screening and early diagnosis for patients because this cancer is preventable and treatable if diagnosed early. My brother, Manu, had a persistent lesion on the left border of his tongue. It was painful and non-healing for months. He did not possess the traditional risk factors; he was healthy, young, male, non-smoker. He was at the prime of his life with a thriving startup practice in Calgary, Canada. Manu had shown me his tongue lesion in June 2019, but was under the care of an oral surgeon who presumed it was lichen planus as Manu did not have the typical risk factors for oral cancer. Manu was prescribed prednisone for one month with no change in the lesion. Finally, a biopsy was done in July 2019 with a diagnosis of SSC of the tongue, Stage 2. He subsequently had a hemi-glossectomy where half of his tongue was removed and grafted from his left arm, as well as a skin graft from his thigh10. He also had lymph nodes removed from the left neck. This was completed in an 8-hour surgery, and he was back at work in October. He learned to eat, drink, swallow, and speak again10. He had numbness at times on his left arm. Sometimes he had mental fogginess and would tire easily10. However, he did not receive any chemotherapy or radiation at that time. The cancer reappeared in April 2020 with chest CT scans showing a small groundglass, opaque lesion. He subsequently underwent another surgery followed by 33 rounds of chemo-radiation. Manu had since sold his practice to focus on healing. Unfortunately, in December 2020 he was admitted to the hospital for shortness of breath. He had fluid in his lungs, and the cancer metastasized into his lung lining, making it inoperable. PET scans showed that the cancer had further metastasized to his pelvic bone. Time was limited. A port was placed to drain the pulmonary effusion. He would drain close to 1L a day of fluid from his lungs. The next few months proved to be very taxing. My brother was an active man who played rugby and won awards for badminton, and now was unable to even walk on his own. He had labored breathing, and was unable to eat certain foods. Due to the pandemic, I was finally able to visit him in December 2020, not knowing that it would be the last time I would see Manu alive. He was now receiving a combination of chemo, radiation, and immunotherapy. As the

Dr. Manu Dua's tongue

cancer progressed, new lesions appeared. In March 2021, he began more radiation for a new found chest mass. The mass had been biopsied and was positive for SSC. On March 12, 2021, he was admitted to the hospital for unilateral ankle swelling and shortness of breath. He was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism, and within a day was in fulminant organ failure. I was unable to visit him in time, due to the required COVID PCR testing, and said goodbye to him while he was sedated via video call. He passed away March 14, 2021 in hospice with our parents by his side. Manu had found solace in writing as a form of healing. He began writing in his last few months, as he faced his own mortality. He wrote about failure, being indestructible, fear, chasing trophies, and never losing hope. He wrote that even in the greatest adversities, the human spirit prevails. His blogs are now published as a book, Life Interrupted, Dr. Dua’s Survival Guide, available on Amazon. A portion of the proceeds of the sale of this book will go to benefit the Oral Cancer Foundation. I hope that his story will inspire you to screen patients diligently during appointments. Early detection is the key to early treatment and survival. With earlier diagnosis and treatment, families will not have to endure the heartache of the loss of a loved one due to oral cancer. Let’s change the narrative by working together with our dental colleagues and medical professionals to improve outcomes for patients and families. “One of the most important things that I have learned during these turbulent and difficult times is to accept the loss of control, and to continue to ride the wave day by day. The ability to focus and get through each day is imperative when your world collapses around you. I write this as I am in a hospital bed with one lung almost collapsed from fluid, and to be perfectly honest, I have found my peace. I understand that every day is a new journey, and I focus on getting

Continued on page 41 www.okda.org

The Doctor Who Goes Birding By: Stacy Yates, ODA Director of Communications & Education When our world came to a standstill in March of 2020, many of us were left with a little extra time on our hands; what to do with that time became the big question. While we invested more into our various family and personal responsibilities, we realized we wanted more, whatever that looked like. Unknown interests emerged and hobbies started to become more fine-tuned with this extra time. For Dr. Melanie Emerson this was photography, specifically birding. Emerson got her start in action shot photography when her children started playing sports. Bird photography was a great outlet for an action shot photographer that suddenly didn’t have an athlete to photograph due to COVID-19! She also needed an outlet for her restless energy. Entering the birding world with a goal of improving her photography made her quickly learn to move that energy quietly, so as not to disturb the birds. Nature provided her much-needed solace and diversion. This led her to continue this hobby.

Hard - working American Robin feeds her nestlings

In addition to moving quietly, Emerson quickly realized there were some ethical rules that had to be upheld which was very different from taking action shots at sporting events, specifically disturbing birds. Some birders feel that photographers care more about the shot than the bird. So, Emerson utilizes a large lens so that she does not get too close and disturb the birds! Emerson enjoys photographing birds because of the challenge. She also loves the surprise that you never know what will fly over you and what beautiful shot you might get! Sometimes you get a peaceful sunrise shot, or a bird might fly over you carrying a snake. On some quiet days, Emerson catches herself feeling a spiritual connection to the birds. While birding is her favorite, she enjoys photographing other animals too. She has had some encounters with other animals while out on bird walks. For example, walking around outside the Spear Education Campus she came face to face with a javelina hog. That was exciting to photograph!

Black Crowned Night Heron and Great Egret share a quiet moment

Though she has not made a bucket list of birds yet, she is starting to make a bucket list of places she would like to visit. Emerson is eager to find some continuing education classes in one of these locations, visit some migration hot spots, or perhaps take a mission trip to someplace known for exotic birds, such as Central or South

Fast Facts What is your favorite season to look for birds? I honestly don’t know if I can say. Every season brings something different. However, I look forward to the nesting eagles in the winter every year! What is your favorite bird? The Bald Eagle is my favorite. What type of camera do you prefer? I use a Nikon camera.

40 journal | March/April 2022

Green Jay from Corpus Christi

Oral Cancer: the cause of death of a young dentist Continued from page 39 through the days enjoying little victories and having complete faith that the future will unfold as it should, and my worries and anxieties are normal but fruitless, and will not help me define a new path in life. What is imperative is inner peace, strength and truly believing that there will be a better life in this world or next.” Dr. Manu Dua, Life Interrupted, Dr. Dua’s Survival Guide. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr. Parul Dua Makkar graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma, Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science. She then graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry with a DDS in 2003. She worked in private practice in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. In 2006 she moved to New York and completed a one-year General Practice Residency at Staten Island University Hospital, New York. She currently has a private practice in Long Island, NY where she resides with her husband and two sons. She can be reached at parul_dua@yahoo.com. Instagram @pdmfamilydental.

Refrences 1. “Leaving Dentistry this way out”, Dr. Manu Dua, DentalTown, March 2021 2. “‘Life Interrupted’: Lessons learned on the importance of oral cancer screening, early detection and treatment”, Dr. Cathy Hung, ADA New Dentist Blog, January 2022 3. “Vaping increases chances of developing Oral Cancer”, Seb Evans, www.dentistry.co.uk, August 2018

April is Oral Cancer Awareness month. Visit mouthhealthy.org for resources and tips on how to educate your patients.

4. “Pros, cons, and ethics of HPV vaccine in teens—Why such controversy?, Dr Mark Donald White, TransAndrolUrol, December 2014 5. HPV vaccination recommendations, Centers of Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov 6. HPV/Oral Cancer Facts, Oral Cancer Foundation www.oralcancerfoundation.org 7. “Oral Cancer Among Young Adults”, Canadian Dental Association (CDA) Essentials, Volume 8, Issue 5, 2021. 8. New Insights into Oral Cancer – Risk Factors and Prevention: A review of Literature, Dr. Soussan Irani, International Journal of Preventable Medicine, December 2020. 9. “No more sad endings”, Drs Parul Dua Makkar, Sanjukta Mohanta, DentalTown, August 2021 10. “Doctor Heal Thyself ”, Dr. Manu Dua, Dentaltown, November 2019

The Doctor Who Goes Birding Continued from page 40

America. There is a bird called the quetzal in Costa Rica that her professor from college always spoke about - she would love a chance to photograph one! Social media has broadened Emerson’s interest in birding and has helped her make some connections with some fellow birders. She has seen photos of many beautiful places that others have visited, and now wants to see and do more herself. She started an Instagram account to catalog her favorite birding photos. She also loves to browse her favorite photos in her bird watching journal that she occasionally shows to interested patients. Emerson’s advice for those looking into taking up the hobby of birding is to start by downloading a popular app by Cornell University called Merlin. Second, the secret to birding is to simply start noticing them all around you! Watch the shadows and sky for different birds when you drive. It can be fun to involve the kids and grandkids! Emerson’s family is very supportive of her new hobby. They are always so patient when she asks them to pull over or take the backroads on trips into the city. They know her camera and big lens go with her most places!

Red Shouldered Hawk snatched up a rat snake

Though Emerson loves birding, she could never quit dentistry to focus on birding exclusively! She loves her career in dentistry - and right now birding and dentistry balance each other. She is not bored with birding because she has dentistry, and vice versa. ABOUT DR. MELANIE EMERSON: Dr. Melanie Emerson was born in Houston, Texas and received her undergrad at Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, OK. She graduated from dental school in 2001 and currently owns a private practice in Midwest City, OK. She and her husband, Adam, have three grown children (Zack,William and Molly) and two grandsons (Steven and Landon).

Find more of Dr. Emerson's amazing photos by following her on instagram @birdingismyhobby. www.okda.org

PRACTICE MANAGEMNT Differentiate Yourself By: Joshua Austin, DDS, MAGD As 2022 begins, many of us take stock of our practices and lives and ponder how we will plan to grow in the new year. In-person continuing education is a vital piece of that. Supporting your Oklahoma Dental Association annual meeting is a great way to grow personally and professionally in 2022. I hope that my course “Differentiate Yourself!” can help grow your practice. What does “Differentiate Yourself ” even mean? How could that help grow your practice? Well, let us look at a real-life example. The other day, I was driving down the highway and saw a new Thai restaurant that just opened around the corner from my house. There is nothing I love more than a good pad woon sen, so I was already licking my chops. I immediately contemplated when I could try this new place. Something nagged at me, though. I like our current thai spot…what if this place isn’t any good? That would be wasted calories and a dinner of disappointment! I did what every reasonable person would do - I scouted them out on Google and Yelp reviews. Turns out, according to their reviews they make a killer pad woon sen! On our next takeout night, we ordered from the new Thai restaurant and had a great dinner. As dentists, we may think that this process only happens with restaurants or hotels, however that is factually untrue. This is also how patients find their dentists in 2022. We as dentists need to spend time making sure that our practices are differentiated digitally. More than ever, patients look for “social proof ” when choosing their providers. Learning how to capitalize on that will be vital to ensuring a constant stream of new patients into our practices. The recipe for achieving that can be both simple or complex, depending on your level of interest. It certainly starts with making sure that we have plenty of great reviews on sites like Google and Yelp. This is the first place that prospective patients look for a new dentist. Delving deeper, we need to make sure we have vital and interactive websites to collect leads and information from prospective new patients. The recipe for this digital footprint will be thoroughly reviewed in my course at the ODA 2022 Annual Meeting in April. Once a new patient enters our offices, we need to ensure that we meet their expectations and give them an experience to remember. That’s where our clinical differentiators come in. In my course, we will spend half a day on the patient attraction part, which is all marketing and non-clinical. The second half of the day will be almost all clinical. Everything from digital dentistry to reducing post-operative sensitivity - all little ways to differentiate your practice from others around. Once a new patient presents to our offices, we have to maintain them - and that’s what the afternoon will be focused on. From digital marketing to digital dentistry, we must find ways to stand out from our competition.

42 journal | March/April 2022

That is what my course at the Annual Meeting will focus on… all while having a lot of fun and laughs. Come to the Oklahoma Dental Association’s Annual Meeting in April. Catch up with your friends and colleagues. Grow your practice. Most importantly, help your profession grow by supporting the ODA. See you in April! ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Joshua Austin maintains a full time restorative dentistry private practice in San Antonio, Texas. He is an editorial director and columnist for Dental Economics focusing on dental products and technology. Dr. Austin lectures around the country to study clubs and dental meetings about these topics along with online reputation management and social media. Dr. Austin is a graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School and spent five years post graduation as faculty in the Department of Restorative Dentistry. His approach to his "Pearls for your Practice" column is a fresh approach in today's commercial driven dental journalism. When you read a ''Pearl,'' rest assured that you are getting an honest evaluation of a product, which was used by Dr. Austin in clinical practice on a patient.

Dr. Joshua Austin will be speaking at our 2022 ODA Annual Meeting. Turn to page 26 for his course information and visit okda.org/annual-meeting for more details!

NEW DENTIST CORNER

Being a Dental Student in the Virtual World By: Ali Agee , OUCOD DS4 It is safe to say that COVID-19 has created change in many aspects of our lives. As a dental student, the changes have required adaptability and resilience to be able to continue along an already difficult path. Clinic closures, online classes, and virtual events are just a few of the changes affecting every dental student during the pandemic. However, for a smaller group of students, we have had to navigate the world of residency applications and interviews in this new virtual world. When I decided to apply for a pediatric residency, it came from a desire to create positive experiences for children so that they wouldn’t be afraid to visit the dentist in their adult lives. Toward the end of my second year of dental school, I decided to dive headfirst into pursuing a career in pediatric dentistry. This was the spring of 2020, right after the pandemic began. Before COVID-19, it was beneficial and exciting for dental students to participate in externship programs at schools where they were interested in applying. The pandemic made this no longer possible. This change had several major disadvantages. First, I was not able to see a program in-person before deciding to accept a place in their residency program. With only online profiles to distinguish one program from the next, it became increasingly difficult to decipher which programs I even wanted to apply to. It robbed programs of the opportunity to meet and get to know applicants. Many programs hosted online externships which mainly consisted of power point presentations about their program and a Q&A with residents. While these were helpful, they weren’t nearly the same as meeting and seeing a program in-person. Following the trend of online externships, most interviews were online as well. Out of the 94 pediatric dental residency programs, only 17 programs hosted applicants in-person for interviews. Personally, I applied to 16 programs, received 8 interview invites, only 2 of which were for an in-person interview. Virtual interviews certainly made interview season much less hectic than if they had all been in-person. Traveling for eight interviews might not have been possible with my academic schedule. However, because most were via Zoom, I was able to accept all invites. One of my inperson interviews was in Memphis, TN. I arrived in Memphis on a Sunday night, participated in an online interview with a program in Portland, OR from 9am – 5pm on Monday, and then attended a social event at 5:30pm on Monday evening for the program in Memphis. Clearly, if both interviews had been in-person, I would have had to choose between the two. However, it was difficult to get a true feel for the programs that hosted only online interviews. Towards the end of interview season, it became apparent to me that all of the programs are great, and they all have unique strengths and weaknesses. What became most important to me when ranking the programs was the character of each program. For example, are the residents happy? Are the faculty approachable and good teachers? Was the location someplace I could see myself living? Once I realized that the answers to these questions were

Ali with her classmate/friend Alex who is also appling to residencies. They have their business professional wear on top and sweats/shorts/tennis shoes on bottom.

most important in my selecting a program, it became obvious how much of a disadvantage it was to be unable to visit each program in-person. For better and worse, the virtual world that COVID-19 forced us all to live in has created a substantially different environment for students applying to residency programs. Ultimately, every residency program has its strengths and weaknesses, and each program will allow me to reach my goal of becoming a pediatric dentist. ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ali Agee and is a a fourth-year dental student at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. After graduation in May of 2022 she hopes to complete a 2-year residency in pediatric dentistry. In her free time, she enjoys playing the piano for her church, travel and watching OU football!

www.okda.org

O K L A H O M A D E N TA L

RELIEF AND DISASTER GRANT PROGRAM N AT U R A L D I S A S T E R A S S I S TA N C E CO N F I D E N T I A L S U P P O R T S U B S TA N C E A B U S E & CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY

Q U E S T I O N S O R CO M M E N T S? E MA I L: S F R A N T Z @ O K DA.O R G P H O N E: 800.876.8890 O K DA.O R G /P R O G R A M S/M E M B E R - S U P P O R T/

O KLAHOMA H EALTH P ROFESSIONALS P ROGRAM Since 1983, the Oklahoma Health Professionals Program (OHPP) has provided services to over 1,000 physicians and health care providers with alcohol and chemical dependence. OHPP is an outreach program designed to support and monitor medical and allied health professionals throughout Oklahoma who are experiencing difficulty with substance abuse. The OHPP continues to be a leader nationally in identifying problems, assisting in treatment, and returning to practice health care professionals who have suffered from substance abuse or dependency. OHPP services are confidential and include expert consultation and intervention designed to encourage health care professionals to seek help for substance abuse and behavioral concerns. When an individual contacts the OHPP about a health care professional or about himself or herself, the director or designated associate director assesses the situation and assists in guiding the health care professional. Participation with OHPP is voluntary and confidential. OHPP will strongly urge a professional who is ill to get help, and although OHPP does not provide direct treatment, we will suggest specific treatment options. We respond to the concerns of families, colleagues, and hospitals by providing coordinated interventions and referrals to treatment. In addition, OHPP hosts a number of support group meetings open to all health care professionals, students, residents in recovery as well as those seeking peer support. OHPP recognizes the difficulty of reporting a colleague who may be impaired. Because of the potential risk to patient care, OHPP encourages medical professionals to make referrals if a problem exists, no matter how long there has been a problem.

Direct Line: (405) 601-2536 Confidential Fax: (405) 605-0394 Robert Westcott, MD - Director 44 journal | March/April 2022

1998 Tobacco Settlement 23 Years Later When most people think about cigarettes or tobacco use, the first things that come to mind are images of branding and marketing campaigns created by Big Tobacco companies – the Marlboro Man, the Camel logo or the cartoon Camel Joe and more. This is no coincidence. For decades, the tobacco industry has spent billions in Oklahoma peddling its deadly products, costing Oklahomans and the state billions in health care expenses and cutting short the lives of family members, friends and neighbors. As a result of the tobacco industry’s actions, 46 states sued Big Tobacco, and the result was the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement (MSA). Under the terms of the MSA, the tobacco industry makes an annual payment to each state every year for as long as cigarettes are sold in the U.S. In 2000, the people of Oklahoma voted to create the Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET). Under the voterapproved framework, a portion of the ongoing payments from the tobacco industry are placed in a trust and the earnings are used to fund grants and programs to prevent and reduce tobacco use and improve health. Thanks to Oklahoma voters’ foresight in 2000 and their reaffirmation of TSET in 2020, Oklahomans have access to free services to help them quit tobacco, programs and resources to educate kids about the dangers of vaping, research into cutting-edge cancer treatments and more. TSET’s investment has not only provided these services, but also funded prevention infrastructure that is ranked among the top in the nation.

More than

1 in 4 Oklahoma high schoolers say they have

vaped.

This investment has helped more than 470,000 people in their quiting journey through the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline and educated countless Oklahomans about the dangers of secondhand smoke and tobacco initiation through Tobacco Stops With Me. Since TSET’s inception, smoking rates in Oklahoma have decreased to historic lows and the youth smoking rate has been cut in half. TSET has also launched the TSET Healthy Youth Initiative to help youth understand tobacco addiction and provide free resources designed to help youth quit tobacco products. New products like vapes and e-cigarettes are addicting our youth, many of whom also begin using traditional tobacco products. New tactics, such as the tobacco industry’s latest push to create “nicotine only” and “synthetic nicotine” products keep the industry evolving faster than regulators or legislators can keep up. In Oklahoma, those nicotine-only products are now exempt from tobacco taxes, which makes products like Zyn and On even more accessible and affordable. By funding evidence-based interventions and programs, TSET continues to fight against the tobacco industry, refusing to let a new generation become lifelong customers for Big Tobacco at the expense of their health. To learn more about TSET and its work for Oklahomans, visit tset. ok.gov. To order free materials for adults or youth, check out tset. ok.gov/order.

Help teens quit. My Life, My Quit offers Oklahoma teens 13-17 FREE help to quit tobacco & vaping. Free services include live text, phone or web chat. Services are confidential and do not include patches, gum or lozenges. To get started, teens can text “Start my quit” to 36072. Learn more at MyLifeMyQuit.com.

For patients over 18, the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline offers proven tools to quit tobacco. Visit OKhelpline.com/health-care-providers to see how you can help your patients succeed.

www.okda.org

HYGIENE HOTSPOT Unexpected Opportunities By Ashley Clark, RDH, BSDH I remember academic advisors giving suggestions for long-term goals to consider when helping me prepare for my first job interviews right out of college. I hated these conversations because I truthfully was not sure what I wanted to do after college, let alone in another 10 years. If the question arose during an interview, my go to answer was having a family and a stable job that allowed me to support them. At that time, I never envisioned myself staying in the same career for the rest of my life, and nor could I imagine opportunities past an entry level position that I might be interested in. Then I found dentistry. I accepted a position for a new job as a dental assistant, just for the short-term to figure out what I wanted to pursue for a career. Fortunately, this exposed me to a whole new world that I had never considered before! During my time working as a dental assistant, I learned a great deal about myself and felt a clear career direction towards dental hygiene. It felt as though it was meant to be. By the end of dental hygiene school, I finally felt a passion for the career I had chosen and could envision short and long-term goals for my career. Upon graduation, I wanted to be employed full-time in a private general dentistry practice where I could continue to grow my skills. In five years, I wanted to transition working in a periodontal practice and treating more complex states of disease. In ten years, I wanted to have my masters in education completed. In fifteen years, I wanted to be applying for a faculty position teaching other dental hygiene students. I finally had clear goals and was excited to accomplish them! As with most things in life, not all those items happened according to plan; but I have been blessed with raising a family and am now currently researching master’s programs. After working full-time in a private general dentistry practice for six years, I was offered a faculty position teaching dental hygiene student at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. After considering the offer, I still could not shake that nagging feeling, “those who can’t do teach.” I felt that I could certainly still do my job, and I was good at it! After much deliberation and support from my husband and friends, I decided that now was the time to transition my career to teaching. I simply could not pass on this incredible opportunity to give back to my alma mater, especially as teaching positions in the department are not often available. My long-term goal was always to teach and inspire the upcoming generation of dental hygienists with the passion and skills that I have developed in taking care of my patients. My new goal as faculty is to help facilitate a seamless transition for my students from the school environment to the workforce. Every day, I am excited to see my students and share with them the knowledge I have gained in my career so that they in turn can help progress our profession forward. 46 journal | March/April 2022

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ashley Clark is a native okie, born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She received a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree from Oklahoma State University and then worked as a dental assistant for three years. Ashley decided to pursue a career as a dental hygienist and graduated from the University of Oklahoma dental hygiene program in 2015 from the Bartlesville site. Upon graduation Ashley married the love of her life and they moved to Edmond where they currently reside. She has two kids, Gavin and Laureline, who keeps them on their toes and brings joy daily. Ashley loves music, theatre, college football, and all things Disney. Although Ashley was sad to leave her dental family that she has worked with the last six years, she is excited to give back to the OU College of Dentistry and help to shape the future of the dental hygiene profession.

KEEP IT LOCAL

How the Solea Laser Changed My Practice

By: Kami Chervilov, DDS Dentistry is an exciting and rapidly evolving field! As a clinician, I always consider new ways for my practice to embrace new technology in order to provide conservative, minimally invasive dentistry in a calming and relaxing environment. For the past several years, I have incorporated the use of diode lasers in my practice for a variety of treatments. I have always felt that laser dentistry is an interesting and underutilized technology, and have made it my professional goal to learn about different lasers and laser therapies in dentistry. Then, I heard about Solea - the all tissue laser that performs miracles! Solea is a computer-controlled CO2 laser. It is handled with relative ease and can be used virtually anesthesia-free for most tooth preparations. It is also easily upgraded with new procedure modules with just one click. Utilizing the solea laser enables me to manage patients with dental anxiety, especially those who fear needles. For our little patients, the use of laser dentistry is a game changer. Pediatric patients receive predictably painfree dental procedures without the use of anesthetic. By utilizing the solea laser, much of the fearful aspects of dentistry for children are removed. I believe we as clinicians have the responsibility to shape their positive attitude toward dental care and their oral health in future. Furthermore, my workflow efficiency has significantly improved and I am able to easily incorporate more procedures into my practice. The unique properties of the solea laser allow me to handle soft tissue and hard tissue with an ease and precision that no other instrument provides. For example, during a crown preparation appointment, crown lengthening can easily be completed using the laser at the same time with no bleeding, without the need of raising flaps, placing sutures, or prolonging healing time. Not only does the patient have an improved post-operative experience, but procedure time is optimized for both myself and the patient. An implant uncovery procedure is another great modality of the laser that I utilize on daily basis. The laser allows me to expose implants

simply with a topical anesthetic only. It also gives me the ability to shape the tissue to the desired emergence profile, blood-free, and to make an impression the same day. Other soft tissue procedures such as frenectomy, gingivoplasty, aphthous ulcer treatment, and operculectomy are just a small fraction of the arsenal of procedures the solea laser can accomplish. Another interesting modality of this laser is the Solea Sleep module. It involves a treatment protocol that results in the biologically-safe tightening of the soft palate and uvula to decrease vibration of the soft palate. This helps patients who suffer from snoring, regardless of an obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis. Lastly, incorporating the solea laser into my practice improves my relationship with my patients. By staying abreast of cutting-edge technology that allows me to deliver painless, more efficient care, I demonstrate to my patients that I strive to provide them with the best possible care. The overall ease of use and maintenance, along with great patient experiences and improved clinical treatment outcomes convinces me that the solea laser will become the standard of care in dentistry. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Dr. Kami Chervilov was born and raised in Bulgaria. She and her family relocated to the Unites States nearly ten years ago. In 2018, she earned her DDS from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. Following dental school, Dr. Chervilov completed a one-year Advanced Education in General Dentistry program also at OUCOD. After completing her program in 2019, she began her private practice where she works as general dentist in Oklahoma City.

If you have a case you or your study club would like to submit for publication please contact Dr. Mary Hamburg, ODA Journal Editor, at editor@okda.org.

www.okda.org

The Top Two Reasons Why Electronic Prescribing of all Medications Improves Patient Safety and Clinical Workflow By: Robert McDermott, President & Chief Executive Officer In the past two years, you’ve most likely experienced various ways modern technology assists during the highs and lows of business. This has been especially evident with the prolonged impacts of COVID, and supply chain and staffing issues. At this stage in 2022, it is important to evaluate how you can build on current business infrastructure to run your practice more efficiently. Specifically, is your practice using multiple methods to prescribe? Are you prescribing electronically for controlled substances and then reverting to traditional methods for other medications? Using multiple methods to prescribe is costing you more time and resources than you might imagine. How can you maximize the 2020 EPCS law to benefit your patients and your practice? There is a strong argument that e-Prescribing all medications benefits every one of your patients in addition to those who require Schedule II-V medications. There are key integrations and automations to help remove human error, verify correct prescriptions, and reduce the risk of misuse. These integrations and features also simplify your clinical workflow. Below are the two key areas where safety and clinical workflow merge together when you e-Prescribe. PATIENT SAFETY Electronic prescribing software provides substantial information at your fingertips, which may help to reduce errors and adverse drug events while improving formulary adherence. When considering using e-prescribing software for all of your medications, evaluate your office’s specific workflow. For example, do you: • Access a comprehensive drug information database for dosing, adverse effects & contraindications, brand & generic information? • Check prescription history for all medications? • Manually look up patient information in order to complete the prescription? If you answered yes to any of these three, then you are a strong candidate for e-prescribing all medications. Each of the above questions represents various areas where patient safety may be susceptible to errors. The pen and paper, phone, and fax methods of prescribing separate key steps in the prescribing process, and are manual and less secure. Perhaps the biggest concern is the inability to integrate adequate record keeping of traditional methods with practice management systems. Furthermore, when your practice management system integrates with your e-prescribing software, the patient’s personal data auto-populates. This not only saves time in the prescribing process, but also reduces multiple manual entries and potential critical errors. 48 journal | March/April 2022

PRACTICE FLEXIBILITY In addition to patient and practice protection, e-prescribing offers an opportunity to advance your office workflow. Cloudbased electronic prescribing allows you to prescribe from anywhere, on any internet-connected device. No matter where you are, or whether you are using your desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or phone, your workflow improves with a single and streamlined prescribing process. Your patients receive the prescription care they need, when they need it, and you aren’t inconvenienced by writing or calling in the prescription. Does your current e-prescribing software offer you the flexibility to e-prescribe all medications, no matter where you are or what device you are using, with full access to all the resources you need? If not, it’s time to consider letting modern technology boost your business efficiency and improve your practice performance. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Robert McDermott is President and Chief Executive Officer of iCoreConnect, an awardwinning provider of secure cloud-based communications and productivity software for high compliance industries, most notably in dentistry. During McDermott’s first six months on the job, he met with more than 2,000 dental and medical professionals around the country. Every one of iCoreConnect’s cloud-based services, from our practice management software and HIPAA-compliant email to our ePrescription tool, are designed on the input of those practicing doctors. Because of McDermott's commitment to the customer and product excellence, iCoreConnect was named one of the United States’ Top 10 Encryption Providers by Enterprise Security Magazine. iCoreExchange, the company’s HIPAA-compliant email, was named one of Dental Products Report’s Top 50 Products. Additionally, iCoreConnect was honored as a Top 10 Dental Solution by Healthcare Tech Outlook.

iCoreConnect, an ODA Rewards Partner, develops cloud-based technologies to improve and protect your practice, including iCoreRx e-Prescribing software. ODA members receive a 43% special discount on iCoreRx. e-Prescribe all meds faster from any device with iCoreRx. Book a demo at land. icoreconnect.com/OK7 or call (888) 810-7706.

www.okda.org

CLASSIFIEDS Looking to fill an open position in your office, need to sell dental equipment or a practice? Check out the latest listings below and visit okda.org/classifieds for additional listings. PRACTICE FOR SALE Dental Practice and or Purchase of Office Building Various options for dental practice in Shawnee, OK. Move into one side of the building with most of the equipment in place.Move into other side of the building and put your own equipment in. Buy 1/2 of the building.Buy both sides of the building. Call Jack Chinn for more information at 405-765-6541 Chance of A Lifetime… A “Steal of a Deal!” This is an excellent opportunity and selling price (value of real estate only) that is almost too good to be true. The attractive free-standing office is approx. 2600 square foot, has 4 equipped treatment rooms and is located on the main highway that runs through town. The practice opened in 1973 (by current doctor and owner) and has been the only dental practice in Muldrow serving the community and surrounding communities. The current doctor and owner is ready to retire, ready to make a good deal, and the city of Muldrow will need a new dentist.Muldrow is a very nice community with a good school system and is only 10 minutes from a larger city (Fort Smith, AR). If you are a new graduate who would like to own your practice and to be your own boss in a community that needs and will welcome a new dentist this is for you. The retiring doctor would stay for transition if buyer prefers. For more information call Don @ 479-629-4479 or text @ 479-651-2852.

JOB OPENINGS Associate Dentist A full schedule is waiting for a motivated candidate to join this state-of-the-art practice and patient focused, well-oiled team. Cone beam and other modern technology is on hand to take your production and income to the next level. Patient care, top-notch communication, and efficiency are hallmarks of Royal Oak Family Dental. Our practice averages 70+ new patients per month, and a Royal Oak associate can earn well over $200,000 without having to work in a rural setting. Benefits include: Daily $900 guarantee or percentage of personal production, whichever is greater, Life insurance, 50% medical insurance, Annual stipend up to $5K for continuing education, Malpractice insurance, Paid time off, Work/Life balance, 33 Clinical hours per week, Complete clinical autonomy to prescribe and treat patients. The right person for us would be team oriented, committed to patient care and comfortable with change. We believe in giving our guest the VIP treatment and need someone that feels the same way. We offer personal and professional development including professional mentorship, skill development and strategies to become an effective leader. As a Dentist with Royal Oak Family Dental, you will perform general clinical dentistry procedures such as exams, direct and indirect restorative work, tooth extractions and any other dental procedures. You will also provide endodontic care, perform crown and bridge procedures and provide fixed and removable prosthodontics care. Candidates must possess: Current Oklahoma dental license, Current DEA and OBN license , Ability to see patients of all ages, High ethical standards, Willingness to utilize technology, Stellar chairside manner, Energy to network in the community, Passion for delivering clinical excellence , Strong moral compass, Ability to work independently. Please email drflesher@ royaloakfamilydental.com with your resume and references. Visit our website and read our online reviews to learn who we are and what we're all about! Website: http://www.royaloakfamilydental.com

Learn more at smilecon.org

50 journal | March/April 2022

we’re in this together. AS AN ODA MEMBER, YOU CAN SAVE ON DENTAL SUPPLIES. ODA Supply Source offers:

• • • • •

Only products from direct manufacturers or authorized distributors. More than 65,000 products from more than 500 brands (most available through dealers). Product lines of more than 60 direct manufacturers that don’t sell through dealers. No gray market, expired or counterfeit items. FREE ground shipping on any order, regardless of size. Endorsed by the Oklahoma Dental Association

877-659-7310 | support@ODASupplySource.com | Fax 877-659-5004 Customer support is available Mon-Fri, 8 am–7 pm.

www.okda.org

Earn CE Credits Virtually with

DDOK Training Sessions Now Available Online! Delta Dental of Oklahoma is now offering virtual training sessions on OSHA, HIPAA and our new Health through Oral Wellness® (HOW®) enhanced benefits.* Our specialized training programs are facilitated by a live trainer to provide personalized, up-to-date information on regulations and opportunities relevant to your dental practice. All courses provide Category B Continuing Education (CE) credit and may be scheduled as a single course or a package of multiple courses.

Contact us to schedule your online training course or package today! 405-607-2137 (OKC Metro), 800-522-0188, Ext. 137 (Toll Free) or PR@DeltaDentalOK.org *HOW® training course is provided at no charge 52 journal | March/April 2022