March/April 2020

March/April 2020 | Vol. 111, No. 2

OkMOM 2020 Page 27 www.okda.org

1

2

journal | March/April 2020

Contents

ADVERTISERS Thank you to these businesses who advertise in the ODA Journal

Oklahoma Dental Association

March/April 2020 | Vol. 111, No. 2

EDITORIAL

Inside Front Cover Valliance Bank Back Cover Delta Dental of Oklahoma

0 6 Editorial

ASSOCIATION 04 Calendar of Events 0 5 D-Dent Staff Hygienist Honored

3000 Insurance Group Edmonds Dental Prosthetics Endodontic Associates Lewis Health Profession Services MedPro Group OK Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust

0 5 Welcome New ODA Members 07 Oral Health During Pregnancy

23

Tear-out Registration Form Inside

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to OKLAHOMA DENTAL ASSOCIATION JOURNAL, 317 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.

46

Special Needs Dentistry

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. Copyright © 2020 Oklahoma Dental Association.

11 ODA Rewards Partners Column 1 3 Veterans Dental Day- Save the Date 1 4 ODA 2019 Nominations 1 5 Council Nominations 1 5 Proposed Bylaws and Policy Amendments 1 8 ODA Member Benefit Corner 1 9 ODA Marketing Coach 2 1 2020 ODA Annual Meeting 2 6 CORD Caucus and Luncheon 2 6 Win a Team Dinner on the ODA 27 OkMOM 2020: Stillwater 50 Final Thoughts: Words of Wisdom

LEGISLATIVE LOOP

35

Member Spotlight: Dr. Daryn Lu

32 2020 Legislative Session Begins 33 2020 Dentist Day at the Capitol Recap 34 2019 OK Capitol Club & Grand

SPOTLIGHT

Periodical postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK and additional mailing offices.

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

10 ODA Rewards Partners 1 2 Get to Know Your Incoming President

If you or a company you know is interested in advertising in the Journal please contact Stacy Yates at advertising@okda.org or 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.

08 Message from the President

35 ODA Member: Dr. Daryn Lu

Cover Photo: Dr. Chris Leslie, John Gladden, Dr. Dan Wilguess, and John Wilguess with 2020 OkMOM's first patient.

FEATURES

36 Differential Diagnosis of the Tongue Mass 38 Remembering the Bombing - 25 Years Later 4 2 Collect What You Produce: Financial Options for You and Your Patients 4 4 Hygiene Hot Spot-Understanding Tongue Analysis 4 5 New Dentist Corner-Moving to Oklahoma for GPR Program 4 6 Special Needs Dentistry

Is Your Information Correct?

Help the ODA keep you informed about legislative actions, CE opportunities, events and other important member-only news.

Contact Kylie Ethridge, ODA Membership Director, at kethridge@okda.org or 800.876.8890 to provide the ODA with all of your current contact information.

OKLAHOMA DENTAL FOUNDATION 4 8 2019 Executive Summary Discussion 4 9 ODF 2020 Board of Trustees

CLASSIFIEDS 51 ODA Classified Listings

www.okda.org

3

ODA JOURNAL STAFF EDITOR Phoebe Vaughan,DDS ASSOCIATE EDITOR Frank J. Miranda, DDS EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS M. Edmund Braly, DDS Mary Hamburg, DDS, MS Somer Heim, DDS Daryn Lu, DDS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR F. Lynn Means DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & EDUCATION Stacy Yates OFFICERS 2019-2020 PRESIDENT Daniel Wilguess, DDS president@okda.org PRESIDENT-ELECT Paul Mullasseril, DDS presidentelect@okda.org VICE PRESIDENT Chris Fagan, DDS vicepresident@okda.org SECRETARY/TREASURER Robert Herman, DDS treasurer@okda.org SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE Doug Auld, DDS speaker@okda.org IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Shannon Griffin, DMD pastpresident@okda.org

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR F. Lynn Means DIRECTOR OF GOVERNANCE & FINANCE Shelly Frantz DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & EDUCATION Stacy Yates DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP Kylie Ethridge

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Visit the ODA’s online calendar at OKDA.ORG/CALENDAR for all upcoming meetings and events.

March 3 Tulsa County Awards & Installation of Officers 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Ti Amo's March 6 Tulsa County Dental Society All Day CE 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Crowne Plaza 6 Hours of CE March 27-28 Eastern and Northern District Dental Societies' Meeting & CE Friday 8:30 am - 12:00 pm Dr. Ray Beddoe Presents All Things Perio Saturday 8:30 am - 12:00 pm Dr. Sid Nicholson Presents Opioids 2020, Medical Marijuana & CBD

May 15 DENPAC Golf Tournament Karsten Creek in Stillwater 8:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

May 25 ODA Closed

April 16 ODA Board of Trustees OKC Cox Convention Center-Room 14 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

CORD Caucus and Lunch OKC Cox Convention Center-Room 16 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

See Page 26 ODA House of Delegates OKC Cox Convention Center-Ballroom C 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

ODA Welcome Reception The Patio at Flint- 15 N. Robinson Avenue 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

See Page 25 April 17-18 ODA Annual Meeting Cox Convention Center and Renaissance Hotel OKC, OK See Page 21 April 20 ODA Office Closed April 30 Senior Signing Day ODA 5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

May 28 ODA Happy Hour- OKC TBD

PROGRAMS & OPERATIONS MANAGER Makenzie Dean SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER Abby Sholar MEMBERSHIP SERVICES MANAGER Madison Bolton

Annual Meeting

& Scientific day

be interested Stay connected with the ODA!

Okahoma City, OK April 16 - 18

Details and tear-out registration form on pages 21-26 4

journal | March/April 2020

D-DENT Staff Dental Hygienist Honored By: Ruben Reyes, Community Engagement Coordinator Angela Craig, RDH, was recently spotlighted in the Journal of Professional Excellence, Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. Craig is the staff hygienist for D-DENT, the statewide dental nonprofit that provides veterans, the elderly and those with developmental disabilities with free comprehensive dental care. She directs the Oral Health Education program that provides oral cancer screening, education and supplies to senior centers and daily living centers.

D-DENT provides dentists across the state an opportunity to participate in local charitable dentistry by vetting prospective patients’ financial needs and paying for any lab expenses. D-DENT also provides dentists the convenience of working out of their own private offices and clinics and choosing how and when they want to volunteer.

Craig’s many accomplishments include serving nine years as the dental hygiene member of the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry.

D-DENT is honored to have Angela Craig as a staff member and is proud of her service to the dental field and to our community.

ABOUT D-DENT D-DENT (Dentists for the Disabled and Elderly in Need of Treatment) is a non-profit organization that provides free comprehensive dental care through a network of volunteer dental professionals, for the elderly, individuals with I/DD, and veterans residing in Oklahoma.

D-DENT volunteer dentists work from the comfort of their private dental offices/clinics. D-DENT pays any dental laboratory fees its volunteer dentists may incur during the provision of care. This partnership with dentists throughout Oklahoma allows D-DENT to complete a patient’s full-mouth restoration, absolutely free.

To learn more about D-DENT and how you can become a volunteer visit d-dentok.org or call (405) 424-8092.

EW ODA MEMBERS NEW ODA MEMBERS RS NEW ODA MEMBERS Welcome, New Members MEMBERS NEW ODA MEMBERS New Members Joined DecembeR 19 - February 21 MEMBERS NEW ODA MEMBERS W ODA MEMBERS NEW ODA MEMBERS ODA MEMBERS NEW ODA MEMBERS ERS NEW ODA MEMBERS ODA MEMBERS NEW ODA MEMBERS EW ODA MEMBERS NEW ODA MEMBERS MBERS NEW ODA MEMBERS A MEMBERS NEW ODA MEMBERS RS NEW ODA MEMBERS A MEMBERS NEW ODA MEMBERS Please join the ODA in welcoming our new members into Oklahoma’s Community of Organized Dentistry Chris Corbin Allyson Domian Jacob Cary Brandon Loeser Paul Hamra Adrienne Wong Graden Trumble Jacob Rhodes Sean Rathburn Bryan Moore Taylor Kauffman Jeffrey Johannesmeyer Katie Higgins Opeyemi Fadeyi Dwight Anderson Jeremiah Aigbedion

Oklahoma County Tulsa County Tulsa County Central Eastern Oklahoma County Oklahoma County Oklahoma County Oklahoma County Oklahoma County Oklahoma County Oklahoma County Oklahoma County Oklahoma County Oklahoma County www.okda.org Oklahoma County

5

ODA EDITORIAL

“The Times They Are A-Changin'”

Daryn Lu, DDS Chair, 2020 ODA Annual Meeting

" It is an honor and a privilege to invite and welcome you to join us at the 2020 ODA Annual Meeting. "

It’s a different time in dentistry for many. For seasoned dentists, the decline in attendance at dental meetings has become more noticeable.

These meetings used to be where you got cutting edge CE and opportunities to hear from inspiring and knowledgeable speakers. Today, as young graduates emerge from dental school, the options for CE are plentiful, perhaps even overwhelming. You may find yourself within a large group practice with its own in-house CE curriculum. Maybe you love the convenience of online webinars that you can start, stop and play at double speed. Some may find themselves involved with a CE institute with multiple outof-state trips across the country. Others may find their pearls from dental podcasts, Facebook groups or Instagram stories. The way we consume information has dramatically changed and will continue to evolve as technology progresses. With all of these opportunities available to you, as chair of the 2020 ODA Annual Meeting, I hope you will consider the following thoughts on the upcoming ODA Annual Meeting: Despite how connected we may feel through technology and social media, genuine, faceto-face interactions are irreplaceable. For the first time ever through a unique collaboration between the Oklahoma Dental Association and the OU College of Dentistry, Scientific Day will take place in conjunction with the Annual Meeting! I’m excited about this melding of these events for two reasons.

Benefits for dental and dental hygiene students These students will have real-time exposure to the best in-state meeting Oklahoma has to offer. There will be opportunities to share their hard work and research poster presentations with dental teams from across the state. This opens doors to genuine connections, future job opportunities, and a dramatic expansion of their networks.

Benefits for the dental team All members of the dental team will have an equally exciting opportunity to meet the next generation of dentists and dental hygienists. The research projects and ideas of these students are fascinating – topics ranging from the latest in

6

journal | March/April 2020

dental materials, patient safety protocols, and trends in the Oklahoma dental profession.

Beyond this partnership, our speaker lineup this year is fantastic. There are learning opportunities to get the entire team engaged: sessions catered towards our incredible dental assistants to help them achieve their goals, speakers to update us on the latest in vaping, pathologies of the tongue, and top trends in dentistry, and even one of the most inspiring voices in podcasting for our young dentists.

With all of the recent legislative news regarding SmileDirectClub, the McCarran-Ferguson Act and Delta Dental, we have a direct update from the ADA’s senior lobbyist on what our association is doing on our behalf. I haven’t even begun to mention the caliber of clinical dentistry, awesome ethics, the latest in dental materials like silver diamine fluoride (SDF), and so much more.

Dentistry can be a very isolating experience with our days spent in operatories that are in many cases small, confined spaces. If I ever see a referral or a name on the patient paperwork from a dentist I know and have met in person, it evokes a different feeling than glancing at a name with no face. It is an honor and a privilege to invite and welcome you to join us at the 2020 ODA Annual Meeting taking place April 16-18.

There are awesome contests for the entire team to get involved, learning opportunities to be inspired, and something for everyone to BE INTERESTED IN!

Oral Health During Pregnancy Though the ADA House of Delegates passed its joint resolutions addressing the importance of oral health during pregnancy back in 2014, there are still dentists who question whether they should be treating pregnant women. Knowing that these resolutions would gather dust on the shelf without putting this charge into action, our colleagues at the Maternal and Child National Oral Health Resource Center have just released its seventh in a series of updates highlighting how local dentists can embrace this knowledge and improve the oral health of pregnant women and the children that they are eventually bringing into their practices.

Resources include briefs, guides, handouts, reports, toolkits, e-books, trainings for health professionals and consumers, and more.

Visit mchoralhealth.org/materials/consensus_statement.php to access all this information.

www.okda.org

7

FROM THE ODA PRESIDENT It seems impossible that I am already writing my last ODA Journal article as President of the Oklahoma Dental Association. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your President over the past year and on the Executive Committee for the past several years. It has been my honor to do the work of the association and represent each of you to the best of my ability. Our association is blessed with a strong and vibrant membership that continues to find ways to serve our patients, our communities, and one another.

I would encourage each of you to find a way to serve and be a part of our tripartite association. Whether it is at the ADA, ODA or your local component level please consider serving in a volunteer role. We need every member to be involved, and to share your ideas and leadership abilities to help move our profession forward. Together, we are always stronger and better! The ODA is proud to boast an 87% market share. This puts us at the top of membership participation when compared to other states.

Thank you for your commitment to keeping our association strong and stable.

"Together, we are always stronger and better!"

I am happy to report that OkMOM 2020, held in Stillwater on February 7-8, was a great success. We were able to treat 1,243 patients and provide $1,483,735 worth of dental care. This is the 11th year that OkMOM has gone to an Oklahoma community and made a significant difference. None of this could have occurred without the strength Dr. Shannon Griffin pins Dr. Dan Wilguess with the and support of our ODA traditional ODA President's Pin at the 2019 ODA Annual Meeting. member dentists and their me confidence that our association has great teams. I would personally representation. Our lobbyist, Mr. Scott like to thank Dr. Chris Leslie of Stillwater Adkins, also continues to work hard on our for serving as the Chair of this year’s event. behalf to keep us informed and ahead of the He was more than ready and willing to take issues that impact our profession. on this large task. I am proud of the work he did in his community to make OkMOM In April, we will once again meet in so successful. Thank you, Dr. Leslie, for Oklahoma City for our Annual Meeting. answering the call of leadership on behalf of I am asking you to sign up now (see our members! registration form on page 23) and commit This spring we will be very busy at the State Capitol keeping an eye on all legislative issues that could have an impact on how you practice and how you are reimbursed.

It has been highly educational to observe the legislative process and it has reaffirmed the importance of strong grass roots efforts. Each member plays a vital role in our advocacy efforts as does our legislative affairs team and their prompt responses to our members’ concerns. I want to thank Dr. Lindsay Smith of Tulsa for leading our Governmental Affairs team this year. His hard work and attention to the issues gives

My year as president was made infinitely easier thanks to the amazing staff at the ODA. Our executive director, Lynn Means, leads a very capable and well-versed group of individuals who are skilled and educated in making our association successful. I have the utmost confidence that should the need arise, this team will be able to handle and address any questions or concerns you may have.

During my years on the Executive Committee, I have had the opportunity to attend many meetings across the country with Lynn and to witness her leadership among state societies. Her efforts should make you very Dr. Wilguess with OUCOD attendees proud. at the 2019 Student Fall Fest.

8

journal | March/April 2020

to bringing your staff to what I feel will be a meeting that will be beneficial for your entire team. Dr. Daryn Lu has done a great job as Chairman of the Annual Meeting Planning Committee. He has brought fresh new ideas and pushed the committee to make sure this meeting has something for every dental team member. We have a spectacular lineup of speakers and CE offerings that will allow each team member to grow and learn, and most importantly, to implement upon returning to the office. Dr. Mitch Kramer is due a BIG thank-you as well for setting up the scientific portion of our meeting with exciting speakers to cover

Dr. Wilguess presenting a gift from the ODA during the 2019 Signing Day,

Dr. Wilguess with Rep. Dave Rader and Dr. Lindsey Smith at the 2019 Dentist Day at the Capitol Reception.

multiple topics that will enhance your practice and enrich your life.

I am also very pleased that the ODA has joined forces with the OU College of Dentistry to add Scientific Day to our Annual Meeting.

We are delighted that Dean Cohlmia and Dr. Khajotia have allowed Scientific Day, typically held at a different time in the spring, to be held in conjunction with our meeting. I hope each of you will participate in the Friday morning events and show your support for the future professionals in dentistry. I hope you get a chance to meet and interact with these students as they share their research.

Further, I am excited that the students will get to attend what will be a fantastic meeting for them, as well!

councils and task forces, THANK YOU for your efforts. To our ADA delegation that has encouraged me and offered helpful insight, your words were very beneficial. Lastly, I must thank my wife Shannon and my children, Sydney and Daniel, for their support and understanding of the responsibilities to which I had to attend. They were always positive and encouraging, and I couldn’t have done this without them!

In April, Dr. Paul Mullasseril will become the next ODA President. I know he will do a great job in this new role and will elevate the ODA even further. I have enjoyed serving with him and look forward to the many talents he will bring to the association.

I would also like to thank the many members who have helped make this year successful. To those that served on committees,

Dr. Dan Wilguess, Executive Director Lynn Means, and President-elect, Dr. Paul Mullasseril, at the Mid-States Dental Leaders Conference hosted by the Wisconsin Dental Association in Milwaukee.

Dr. Dan Wilguess on the set of News Channel 5 in Oklahoma City promoting OkMOM 2020.

www.okda.org

9

OKLAHOMA DENTAL ASSOCIATION REWARDS PARTNERS RESEARCHED. PROVEN. ENDORSED. Insurance Products For You & Your Practice The insurance coverage you need for your business, personal life & employee benefits.

Bio-Hazard Waste Removal & Treatment Receive special pricing for waste pickup.

Medical Evacuation Members receive reduced membership rates.

Tours & Cruises Access to guided ocean, river and land-based tours designed to immerse travelers in the history and culture of people and places.

Luxury Vehicles Exciting member discounts on Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

Debt Collection Services Members receive 10% off Tier 1 pricing.

Dental & Office Supplies Save on more than 65,000 products.

Patient Payment Plans Help patients get what they need, without delay!

Secure Communications Solutions Receive preferred pricing & waived set-up fees.

Interpretation Services Save nearly 70% off of interpretation services compared to those who aren’t ODA members.

Website Design & Marketing Services Members can save on websites.

Scrap Metal Recovery Receive 85-97% of the current market price.

The Leader In Amalgam Separation Members can receive a free NXT Hg5 Collection Container with Recycle Kit with purchase of an NXT Hg5 Amalgam Separator.

Electronic Insurance Claims Receive e-claims for only .25 cents.

Scrubs, Lab Coats & More Members receive a 15% discount of all purchases in-store and online.

Emergency Medical Kits Save 10% on emergency medical kits & AEDs.

Special Services & Shipping Discounts Members have access to new & improved flat discount pricing.

Electronic Credit Card, Check Management & Payroll Processing Services Receive special pricing, efficiently pay your staff & manage general HR needs.

Point-Earning Credit Card The only credit card endorsed for ADA members.

Answers On Employer Dental Plans The solution for dental practices & you receive a $300 discount.

On-Hold Messaging, Digital Video & Overhead Music Connect with your patients while they wait.

Staff Logo Apparel Save up to 10% on products and logo embroidery.

Computers & Technology Members are eligible to save up to 30% off the everyday public web price of Lenovo’s entire product line.

These are endorsed companies of the ODA that save members money while keeping dues lower by providing royalties to the Association.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

10

VISIT OKDA.ORG/REWARDS-PROGRAM journal | March/April 2020 CALL 405.848.8873

ODA PARTNERS COLUMN

These are endorsed companies of the ODA that save ODA members money while keeping dues lower by providing royalties to the ODA.

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 two of our Partners. Learn about all of the Partners at okda.org.

EASILY ACCESSS PHONE & VIDEO INTERPRETERS Communicate with your non-English-speaking patients in seconds.

CyraCom supports hundreds of languages, including more than 25 languages over video.

Visit www.cyracom.com/ada to access exclusively discounted prices for ADA Members.

Hello Hola

Ready in case of a medical emergency?

Let’s prepare you with an Emergency Medical Kit from HealthFirst • Comply with ADA guidelines • Meet state regulations • Includes seven essential medications plus NARCAN® • Includes OnTraq – real-time compliance reporting for one or many offices • Trusted by over 40,000 practices

healthfirst.com | 800.331.1984 All orders fulfilled by HF Acquisition Co. LLC, 11629 49th Place West Mukilteo, WA 98275

www.okda.org

9875 v.001 12/2018

11

GET TO KNOW YOUR INCOMING ODA PRESIDENT

PAUL MULLASSERIL, DDS Only in America can a short, bald, brown man from a town over 10,000 miles away be given the honor to serve as President of the Oklahoma Dental Association. I have had a long and interesting journey and in many ways this feels like being at the top of the hill. Legendary UCLA basketball coach John Wooden once wrote, “We’re all imperfect and we all have needs. The weak usually do not ask for help, so they stay weak. If we recognize that we are imperfect, we will ask for help and we will pray for the guidance necessary to bring positive results to whatever we are doing.” I have asked for and received help throughout my life from numerous people who have directly or indirectly influenced my life for which I am deeply grateful.

"WE’RE ALL IMPERFECT AND WE ALL HAVE NEEDS. THE WEAK USUALLY DO NOT ASK FOR HELP, SO THEY STAY WEAK. IF WE RECOGNIZE THAT WE ARE IMPERFECT, WE WILL ASK FOR HELP ...”

-John Wooden

UCLA basketball coach I was born in Mumbai, India in 1966. After completing my dental education at the University of Bombay (as it was then called) I wanted to get training in Maxillofacial Prosthetics. The good and helpful nature of Americans became immediately apparent when I randomly picked up a directory of the American College of Maxillofacial Prosthetics and wrote to Dr. Richard Grisius to seek his advice. I was shocked to receive a handwritten letter from him detailing the path to becoming a Maxillofacial Prosthodontist. My journey started at the OU College of Dentistry thanks to Dr. Ram Nanda who helped me get here and Dr. Dean Johnson who accepted me into his graduate prosthodontics program. Along the way several giants at the dental school

Dr. Paul Mullasseril with his wife, Dr. Anaita Mullasseril, and their two children, Anoushka and Dan.

in addition to Dr. Johnson have mentored me, including Drs. Herb Shillingburg, Don Mitchell, Frank Wiebelt, Joe Cain and many others. I asked for their help and they willingly gave. After my prosthodontics training I went on to complete a fellowship at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Upon returning to OUCOD, I taught in the Department of Prosthodontics and had the privilege of treating scores of patients with palatal and facial defects resulting from cancer surgery. Over the years I

I look forward to my year as president of the ODA. When Dr. Juan Lopez approached me a few years ago, I was reluctant to take on this responsibility, but he assured me that ODA Executive Director, Lynn Means, and her incredible team would be the glue holding the various moving parts together. He said, “Tell them what you want done and get out of their way.” Over the past few years I have seen that to be true. OUCOD Dean Raymond Cohlmia has also been extremely supportive of my journey as he understands the need for a strong association between the school and the practicing community.

In his famous convocation speech to Stanford’s graduating Class of 2005, Steve Jobs talked about connecting the dots. "In life, you sometimes don’t understand why

Mullasseril with his two children when he became a U.S. Citizen in 2006.

12 journal | March/April 2020

have tried to help people that have asked for it, including patients with complicated medical histories, dental students with difficult treatment plans, and predoctoral students seeking advice about entering dental school. My family and I moved to Spokane, Washington in 2008, but after a few years I realized that Oklahoma felt more like home. I asked for help to return and Drs. Steve Young, Ken Coy and Frank Wiebelt answered my request.

things happen or why you want to do certain things, but if you are passionate about it and have a gut feeling about it, pursue it."

As you connect the dots of my journey, you will notice an overarching theme – I’ve constantly asked for help and am no longer surprised by the help I get. As I assume the ODA presidency I am asking for your help to make our organization stronger, more relevant, and more inclusive.

The Mullasseril children exploring during a famiy vacation in 2017.

Mullasseril's children, Dan and Anoushka, in Yosemite National Park.

Drs. Mullasseril at Yosemite National Park in 2019.

FIVE FAST FAC TS About Your Incoming President:

• Loves to visit a national park every year with family.

• Enjoys playing recreational tennis and watching professional tennis.

• Proposed to his wife on Valentine’s Day in 1984 while in school together, but she did not say yes. They were married ten years later.

• Served in the Army Reserves.

• Loves to cook and enjoys trying new foods from around the world.

www.okda.org

13

OKLAHOMA DENTAL ASSOCIATION 2020 NOMINATIONS THE COUNCIL ON NOMINATIONS NOMINATES THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS FOR VICE PRESIDENT AND TO REPRESENT THE ADA DELEGATION. THESE NOMINEES WILL BE VOTED ON BY THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES ON APRIL 16, 2020.

VICE PRESIDENT IS A ONE-YEAR TERM. ADA DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE DELEGATE ARE FOUR-YEAR TERMS.

VICE PRESIDENT Robert Herman, DDS Tulsa County

Dr. Robert J. Herman was raised outside of Bartlesville, OK and is a graduate of Dewey High School. He grew up showing horses and was active in 4H and Student Government. He graduated Cum Laude from the University of Notre Dame where he majored in Philosophy while also completing pre-professional studies. During his three years at Notre Dame, Herman was a three-year class officer and was also involved in Hall Government and Campus Activities leadership.

He was honored to be awarded the Spirit of Notre Dame award by a vote of his peers upon graduation.

Herman next entered the OU College of Dentistry where he was a four-term Class President and also served two terms each as President of the local ASDA and ADEA chapters. In his fourth year at OUCOD, Herman was President of the College’s Student Council and served on the Admissions and Curriculum committees.

He graduated in 2002 with high honors from the College and immediately began residency training in Orthodontics at the OU College of Dentistry. While completing his master’s thesis, Herman conducted the Department’s first IRB-sanctioned clinical trial and he holds the FDA investigational device exemption that brought the 3M Imtec Ortho implant to the market. Herman completed his program with academic honors in the Fall of 2004. During his 6+ years at the OU Health Sciences Center, Herman was extremely involved outside of the College of Dentistry. He served an unprecedented three terms as President of the campus-wide Student Association, two terms as chair of the OUHSC Student Senate, and represented the OU Health Sciences Center student body in University-wide capacities including on the Athletics Council and with the Board of Regents. Herman was recognized as the OUHSC campus-wide Outstanding Student Leader twice (upon graduation from dental school and again upon graduation from the Graduate College).

Herman next went on active duty as an Orthodontist in the US Navy. He was stationed over three years in Okinawa, Japan where he practiced orthodontics on both active duty personnel and their dependents. He was recognized as the command’s top Junior Officer.

He next was stationed on the Faculty of the Oral Surgery training program at the US Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, Virginia. He completed his naval service as a Lieutenant Commander and was twice awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Navy Commendation medal.

Herman has been in private practice since completing his naval service in 2008 and maintains locations in Tulsa, Bartlesville, Henryetta, Pryor and Vinita. He has delivered invited scientific lectures to the Annual Sessions of the American Association of 14 journal | March/April 2020

Orthodontists, the European Orthodontic Congress, and the Southwest Society of Orthodontists. He has also lectured for the ODA and the Endo study club. He has published two peer-reviewed articles in scientific journals and a chapter in an orthodontic textbook. He has also been a corporate lecturer for both 3M Imtec and Invisalign.

For over 20 years, Herman has remained involved in leadership positions within Dentistry. He has served in every office of the Tulsa County Dental Society and eight years on the TCDS Executive Committee. In serving the Oklahoma Dental Association, he has been on the Dental Education and Public Information Council, and has chaired both the Dental Care and the Budget Councils, as well as serving on the Board of Trustees and two terms as the Secretary/Treasurer. He spent over eight years on the Dental Focus Group of the Oklahoma Health Care Authority. He is honored to have received the Tulsa County Dental Society’s highest award- the Saddoris award, in addition to being named Tulsa Dentist of the Year and receiving the ODA’s Robert K. Wynne award.

Herman is married to his high school sweetheart, Krista. He and Krista have been blessed with three children ages 8-12. The family is all involved in showing horses, spending time at the lake, and traveling.

ADA DELEGATE TAMARA BERG, DDS Oklahoma County Dr. Tamara Berg, a 1995 graduate of the University of Oklahoma college of Dentistry, is serving her second year on the American Dental Association Council on Membership.

Berg has served as an alternate delegate to the American Dental Association for multiple years. She was named the Distinguished Dental Service Award winner in April 2019 by the Oklahoma Dental Association. She has also been active in the American Association of Women Dentists serving as national President in 2018.

Berg is a Past President of the Oklahoma Dental Association serving in 2010-2011. She is active with OkMOM (Oklahoma Mission of Mercy), serving as chair of the event in 2011 in Oklahoma City.

Berg is the past president of the Oklahoma Association of Women Dentists serving as President twice (98-99 and 06-07). She received the Smiles for Success Leadership award in 2011. She has served as Chair of the ODA Governmental Affairs committee and served on the Oklahoma Dental Foundation Board, ODA Rewards Committee, DENPAC Committee and JD Robertson Board of Trustees. She also chaired one of the task force committees on the rewrite of the state dental act. She has been a delegate of Oklahoma County dental society since 1998, serving as President of the County during 2003-

2004. She received the Richard T. Oliver Award in 2014, Robert K. Wynne Award in 2012, ODA Presidential Leadership Award in 2010, Young Dentist of the Year Award in 2000 and Thomas Jefferson Citizenship Award in 2003 from the ODA. She is member of the American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists and Pierre Fauchard Academy. She has also served on the Admissions Committee at the OU College of Dentistry. She was named the OU College of Dentistry Outstanding Alumnus in 2014.

Berg maintains a general dentistry practice in Yukon, Oklahoma where she resides with husband Lowell and two sons Karsten (20) and Clayton (15). Her oldest son is in college now and playing division 2 basketball, while Clayton is a swimmer and swims for Yukon High School. Berg enjoys scrapbooking and keeping up with two athletic boys. The Berg family enjoys attending many sporting events such as Southern Nazarene Basketball games, swimming meets, OU football games and NBA Thunder Basketball games. In the summer you can often find her reading a book by the pool.

ADA ALTERNATE DELEGATE SHANNON GRIFFIN, DMD Oklahoma County Dr. Shannon Griffin, a native New Mexican, is a general dentist practicing in Edmond.

She earned her undergraduate degree from New Mexico State and graduated from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts. She then received advanced training in complex dental treatments and implants at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry.

She continues to serve on the faculty at OUCOD in the Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency. She is also a fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy and the American College of Dentists.

Griffin also served as the Chair of the 2016 Oklahoma Mission of Mercy in Oklahoma City. She served as the President of the Oklahoma Dental Association 2018-2019.

A recognized industry leader, she is a frequent speaker and writer looking to help other dental professionals improve. In her free time, Griffin enjoys spending time outdoors, snow skiing, golfing, reading and working puzzles. She is hoping to open a unicorn farm in 2025.

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.

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 APRIL 16, 2020. COUNCIL TERMS ARE THREE YEARS. FOLLOWING THE NAME OF EACH NOMINEE IS AN ABBREVIATION. THE LETTER(S) INDICATES THE COMPONENT 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 Todd Bridges (SW-7-23) Bylaws and Rules Vann Greer (OC-6-23) Matthew Bridges (SW-1-23) Dental Care Lauren Nichols (TC-1-23)

Standing Committee on OHCA and DHS Floyd Simon (SW-4-23) Brian Molloy (SW-4-22) Dental Education and Public Information Christopher Brett (TC-1-23) Mathew Hookom (E-3-23) Jennifer Jenkins (C-1-23)

Governmental Affairs Susan Davis (NW-4-23) Brian Drew (C-5-23) Sam Owens (TC-2-23) Membership and Membership Services Edward Harroz (OC-2-23) Mohsen Moosavi (TC-1-23) Kendra Yandell (E-4-23)

PROPOSED BYLAWS AMENDMENTS THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS TO THE ODA BYLAWS AND POLICY MANUALS WILL BE CONSIDERED BY THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES ON APRIL 16, 2020.

Disciplinary Powers for Ethics Violations A task force was appointed to review the process by which complaints regarding a member’s ethical behavior are processed since current policy addresses the process for appeals but does not specify how initial violations are handled. The task force developed guidelines which will be presented to the House of Delegates in April. Upon adoption of the guidelines, the Council on Bylaws Policy and Ethics submits the following bylaws and policy amendments, necessary for compliance: Resolved, to amend the Bylaws Article VII Section 4 by striking E. E. To discipline any of its members by censure, probation, suspension or expulsion who have been convicted of a felony or convicted for violation of the State Dental Act, or the dental practice act of any other governmental jurisdiction or the violation of the Principles of Ethics of this Association subject to the provisions of Chapter XII, Section 20, D. bylaws of the American Dental Association.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE www.okda.org

15

Background: Article VII, Section 4 refers to the powers of the Component Societies. Item E provides that the components may discipline members, which is a power of the Constituent or State Dental Association.

Resolved, to amend the Bylaws Article XI – Disciplinary Powers by substitution: A member may be disciplined by the ODA or by a member’s component for: 1. Having been found guilty of a felony; 2. Having been found guilty of unprofessional conduct as defined by the laws and regulations of any state, or failing to abide by Mediation Review; or 3. Violating the Bylaws of the ADA, ODA, or component society or the Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct of the ADA (hereinafter referred to as The Code).

May be referred to the Council on Bylaws, Policy and Ethics (CPBE) for review and possible penalty of 1) censure of the member by formal statement of reprimand, 2) suspend membership for one to twelve months, or 3) revoke membership permanently.

Any member judged guilty of charges shall have the right to appeal a decision by the CBPE to the Board of Trustees of the Oklahoma Dental Association then to the Council on Ethics, Bylaws and Judicial Affairs (CEBJA) of the American Dental Association; provided that any appeal must be filed within thirty (30) days. No decision shall become final while an appeal is pending. The Board of Trustees of this Association shall hear and decide any appeal in the course of the first meeting following the filing of the appeal, else the decision of the CBPE shall be considered to be confirmed.

The CBPE will follow the ODA Guide for Disciplinary Hearing to ensure fairness and consistency.

Any member judged guilty of charges shall have the right to appeal from a decision by the component to 606 the House of Delegates of the Oklahoma Dental Association and to the House of Delegates of the 607 American Dental Association; provided that any appeal must be filed within thirty (30) days. No decision 608 shall become final when an appeal is pending. The House of this Association shall hear and decide any 609 appeal in the course of the first session following the filing of the appeal else the decision of the 610 component shall be considered to have been confirmed.

Resolved, to amend the Council Manual: Council on Bylaws, Policy and Ethics: Duties by adding as g. g. Discipline any members by censure, probation, suspension or expulsion who have been convicted of a felony or convicted for violation of the State Dental Act, or the dental practice act of any other governmental jurisdiction or the violation of the Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct of the ADA subject to the ODA Guide for Disciplinary Hearings and provision of the bylaws of the American Dental Association and the ADA Governance Manual with appeals to the ODA Board of Trustees.

The Council on Dental Education and Public Information proposes an amendment to the duties of the Council as described in the Manual for Councils and Committees: Resolved, to strike item d. Interact with the Department of Education in implementing a dental health education curriculum in schools in Oklahoma.

The Executive Committee proposes an amendment to the duties of the Council on Nominations as described in the Manual for Councils and Committees: Resolved, to add to the composition of the Council on Nominations “The New Dentist Trustee and each component Trustee along with” any officer or representative…

The Council on Membership and Membership Services submits: Resolved, to follow the ADA dues restructuring for membership year 2021, discontinuing the 25% discount for active life members to bring that category to full dues payers and establishing the age requirement as 65 years of age and 30 consecutive years of membership or 40 total years with the recommendation to the Board that those funds received from the active life members paid to the ODA be segregated to be used for a designation of potential OUCOD endowment fund, Oklahoma Mission of Mercy or any other altruistic funds.

The Council on Membership and Membership Services submits: Resolved, to follow the ADA dues restructuring for membership year 2021 of the current dues structure for new graduates, eliminating the 25% and 75% dues discounts to make it a 2-year dues reduction of $0 first year following year of graduation and 50% of full dues the second year following graduation and full dues beginning the third year following graduation.

The Council on Bylaws, Policy and Ethics submits: Resolved, to amend the bylaws by inserting as Article X: Article X – Annual Meeting The Annual Meeting of this Association is established to further the presentation and discussion of subjects pertaining to the improvement of the health of the public and the art and science of dentistry. The Association shall hold an Annual Meeting at a time and place selected by the Board of Trustees. The Board shall have the power to change the time and place of the Annual Meeting or to cancel same in the event of an extraordinary emergency.

Vice President as Officer of the Board of Trustees The Council on Bylaws, Policy and Ethics submits: Resolved, to amend the Bylaws Article V Section 2 by adding Vice President to the officers of the Board of Trustees.

The officers of the Board of Trustees shall be the President, President-elect, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer of the Association.

16 journal | March/April 2020

Your Full Service Dental Laboratory...

Edmonds Dental Supply has a wide range of products from companies such as Avid, DMG, AD2, Whip Mix & Candulor.

Edmonds Dental Supply.

Your source for select, quality brands you can trust.

Visit edmondsdentalsupply.com to see a full list of available products.

All your must have dental supplies in one location.

E-commerce site coming soon.

Visit us at edmondsdentalsupply.com Š 2019 Edmonds Dental Prosthetics, Inc

www.edmondsdentalprosthetics.com

www.edmondsdentalsupply.com 417-908-4444 cs@edmondsdentalsupply.com www.okda.org

17

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.

Member CE Opportunities By: Abby Sholar, ODA Special Projects Manager As an Oklahoma Dental Association member, you have countless opportunities for Continuing Education provided at discounted rates. As you know, there are many CE opportunities outside of those offered by the ODA and they can be very expensive. The ODA makes a concentrated effort to provide the best speakers with the most interesting and relevant topics.

These topics are chosen by committees made up of members just like you! These members choose topics based on the changing dental climate, new technologies, Oklahoma Board of Dentistry requirements and feedback the ODA receives through member surveys.

These discounted CE opportunities not only benefit you but they also benefit your entire dental team. Although some CE courses are provided exclusively for dentists, there are many opportunities that welcome dental hygienists, dental assistants and front office staff to help benefit your entire practice.

The best opportunity for earning CE credit this year is at the 2020 Annual Meeting.

This year’s Annual Meeting will feature courses in practice management, treatment planning, new digital technologies, a hands-on presentation, and more.

There will be a lunch-and-learn course discussing the opioid epidemic presented by current Oklahoma Attorney General, Mike Hunter, as well as a lunch-and-learn course concerning Ethics presented by the Executive Director of the American College of Dentists, Dr. Theresa Gonzales. Both of these courses address two Oklahoma Board of Dentistry requirements for license renewal. As for courses that are beneficial for the entire dental team, there will be courses on hygiene, vaping, trending topics in dentistry, team building, and 18 journal | March/April 2020

more. There will also be a breakfast-andlearn course presenting a Washington DC Update from the ADA. Further, the ODA is very excited to have the OU College of Dentistry Scientific Day be a part of this year’s meeting. These courses are all offered at an affordable discounted rate for our members and their teams.

While the Annual meeting is the premier event for dental teams in our state there are many other CE opportunities provided by the ODA. Throughout the year, the ODA provides a Risk Management Course, New Dentist Seminar, Women in Dentistry Brunch, and other courses based on what is most relevant in dentistry.

Online CE has become very popular and by being a member you not only have access to ODA online CE courses, but you also have access to ADA courses. The Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA) provides CE opportunities each month through three CE articles, each with four content questions. Exams are valid for a three-year period; the fee is $5 per CE credit for ADA members and includes the right to access and download a PDF of the CE article. Each month’s CE articles, as well as past year’s articles, can be found at ebusiness.org/education/jada-ce. All ODA online CE courses are FREE to members and can be found here: okda.org/membersonly/education/.

We understand our members want to have access to continuing education that is relevant, convenient and affordable.

By offering beneficial and relevant CE courses to our members at discounted rates we hope to ensure every dentist and dental team member can receive the education and credits they need to practice successfully.

EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2020 The Oklahoma Board of Dentistry requires CE hours to be reported every two years instead of every three years.

The current reporting period will end on June 30, 2021. Dentists will be required to complete 40 hours of CE instead of 60. CE credit hours in Opioids (2 hours), CPR and Ethics are required every reporting period and count toward the 40-hour total.

Dentists are required to do one hour of Opioid prescribing or pain management continuing education per year for a total of two hours per two-year reporting period. Newly licensed dentists are required to do two hours within the first year of receiving their initial license. E-Prescribing will be required for all providers writing prescriptions for narcotics.

ODA MARKETING COACH

Managing Marketing

The Patient Survey: Collecting and Using the Data Assign a staff member to collect survey responses; if you used an e-survey tool, it will likely provide that information for you in a very user-friendly format.

The results of the survey will provide you with the data and information you need in order to develop a marketing plan that’s built on honest and objective messaging based on input from your current patients: after all, they know your practice better than anyone who’s not part of the staff. That approach will guide and refine your marketing messaging so it delivers more prospective patients who, if managed correctly, will become active patients and help the practice increase production. The information will also remind you and your team about the traits and benefits that really matter to your current patients, ensuring that everyone in

the practice remains engaged in delivering an optimum experience for each patient that walks through the door.

From a “dollars and sense” perspective, it may also offer some insights regarding which areas of practice should be added, or emphasized, to ensure that you’re offering patients the right balance of services.

Future issues of the ODA Journal will include individual articles from this module, but you can see the module in its entirety at http://success.ada.org/en/ practice-management/marketing.

Copyright © 2020 American Dental Association.

All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission.

For additional resources on how to grow your practice, visit the ADA’s Center for Professional Success at ada.org/success.

Join your colleagues in the Sunshine State for the ADA FDC Annual Meeting October 15-18, 2020 in Orlando, as two great meetings join together as one. This joint meeting of the American Dental Association and Florida Dental Association will bring you unparalleled education, unlimited networking opportunities, and curated experiences that help you achieve your goals.

REGISTRATION OPENS ON APRIL 22, 2020.

www.okda.org

19

We proudly serve and support the

Oklahoma Dental Association PLANS FOR ODA MEMBERS: • • • •

Professional Liability Business Owner’s Policy Workers’ Compensation Employment Practices Liability • Cyber Liability • Business Overhead Expense

• • • • • • • •

Disability Income Bonds Health Dental Life Home Auto Umbrella

ONE CALL. ONE AGENCY.

Contact us for all your insurance needs!

405.521.1600 info@3000ig.com 20 journal | March/April 2020

3000iG.com

PRESENT

Annual Meeting & scientific day be interested Oklahoma City, OK April 16 - 18, 2020 The ODA is excited to have the OU College of Dentistry Scientific Day at the 2020 ODA Annual Meeting.

Students and residents will display and present their research projects in the Exhibit Hall Friday morning. The ODA welcomes the opportunity to share this combined event with an additional 500 dental students, dental hygiene students, residents, faculty and graduates.

This is an opportunity to meet and support the future professionals of dentistry! Meeting attendees will receive CE and have the opportunity to interact with the poster presenters while exploring the Exhibit Hall.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

Register at okda.org/annual-meeting

10 N. Broadway Ave. OKC, OK 73102 405.228.8000 ODA Group Rate: $165 Block Name: ODA Annual Meeting Reserve by March 23

www.okda.org

21

Continuing Education for the Entire Team

Friday, April 17 Jeremie Kubicek Opening Session: The 100X Leader

Robert Maguire, DDS, MASCL The Economics of Great Communication

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

6 CE Hours 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM (morning) 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM (afternoon)

OU College of Dentistry Hygiene & Dental Students Poster Presentations

Ne

w!

1.5 CE Hours 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Alyse Shockey, RDH, CHHP Tongue Analysis for the Dental Hygienist 3 CE Hours 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Ishmael Essay Presentations

David Maloley, DDS Lessons Learned From the Titans of Dentistry (Live POdcast)

1.5 CE Hours 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

ODAA Courses

OK Dental Assistants Association (ticketed)

Kevin Henry Defy Gravity 3 CE Hours 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

JUlie Nabors Infection Prevention 3 CE Hours 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

2 CE Hours 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Saturday, April 18 ODA Breakfast & Learn (ticketed) Michael A. Graham, aDA Sr. Vice President of Government & Public Affairs: A Washington DC Update from Your ADA 1.5 CE Hours 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Christopher Barwacz, DDS, FAGD, FICD & Gustavo Avilo-Ortiz, DDS, MS, PhD Optimizing Single-Tooth Replacement Therapy in the digital Age: New Solutions to Old Problems 2.5 CE Hours (morning) 2 CE Hours (afternoon) 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM (morning) 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM (afternoon)

22 journal | March/April 2020

3 CE Hours 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Converting a Denture to a Temporary Fixed Hybrid Prosthesis (Hands-On) (Ticketed Course, LTD. to first 30 Registrations)

ODHA Course

OK Dental Hygienists’ Association (ticketed)

Breakfast & Learn Edie Gibson, RDH, MS The Vape Update 2020 1.5 CE Hours 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM

2.5 CE Hours 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM

ODA Lunch & Learns (ticketed) Mike Hunter, OK Attorney General: Opioids 1.5 CE Hours 12:15 PM - 1:45 PM

Kristy Menage Bernie, RDH, MS, RYT Top Trending Topics in Dentistry 2 CE Hours 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Sreenivas Koka, DDS, MS, PhD, MBA, FACD, FAP Treatment Planning & Treating the Edentulous or Terminal Dentition Patient (Lecture)

Theresa Gonzales, DMD, MS, MSS: Ethics 1.5 CE Hours 12:15 PM - 1:45 PM

ODAA Meeting & CE OK Dental Assistants Association (ticketed)

Jeannie Bath, DDS SDF for Skeptics & ODAA Meeting

2 CE Hours 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Turn to Page 26 for annual meeting team contest information!

2020 Annual Meeting Registration Your registration must be postmarked on or before March 15, 2020 to qualify for “early-bird” prices.

II. Registration Fees On/Before On/After 3-15-2020 3-16-2020

Pre-registration closes at midnight April 8, 2020. Any registration not postmarked by April 6, 2020 should be held and completed on-site.

Register online www.okda.org/annual-meeting (You can register up to 10 people at a time)

Register by mail Mail completed form with payment to: Oklahoma Dental Association 317 NE 13th Street Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73104 ONLY ONE REGISTRANT PER REGISTRATION FORM Please copy this form for additional registrations 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 April 8, 2020. There will be no exceptions.

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.

ODA/ADA Member Basic $268 $296 _________ Includes all unticketed Scientific Sessions, Scientific Day & Exhibit Hall ODA/ADA NEW Member Basic $134 $148 _________ For new dentist members graduated dental school 2016, 2017, 2018 or 2019 ODA/ADA Member One Day Pass (Friday) $188 $207 _________ New! Includes one-day pass to all unticketed Scientific Sessions & Exhibit Hall on Friday only ODA/ADA NEW Member One Day Pass (Friday) $94 $104 _________ New! Includes one-day pass to all unticketed Scientific Sessions, Scientific Day & Exhibit Hall on Friday only for new dentist members graduated dental school 2016, 2017, 2018 or 2019 ODA State Life Member $30 $40 _________ Includes all unticketed Scientific Sessions, Scientific Day & Exhibit Hall ODA Retired Member $30 $40 _________ Includes all unticketed Scientific Sessions, Scientific Day & Exhibit Hall ODA Retired State Life Member FREE FREE _________ Includes all unticketed Scientific Sessions, Scientific Day & Exhibit Hall *Non-ODA/ADA Dentist $598 $624 _________ Includes all unticketed Scientific Sessions, Scientific Day & Exhibit Hall Hygienist

$150

$165

_________

Assistant ODAA Member Non-ODAA Member

$68 $95

$78 $105

_________ _________

First Name:_________________________________________________

Dental Lab Technician

$150

$165

_________

ADA Number (if applicable):___________________________________

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

I. Registration Information Last Name:_________________________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________ City: _____________________________________

State: __________

_________

Graduate Student ODA Member *Non-ODA/ADA Member

$47 $83

$57 $93

_________ _________

Spouse (Non-dental Guest)

$95

$105

_________

___________________________________________________________

Business Office Staff

$95

$105

_________

*2020 Annual Meeting Contest: Teams of four or more who attend the Annual Meeting will be entered in the 2020 Annual Meeting Contest.

Visit okda.org/annual-meeting

* Become an ODA/ADA Member to take advantage of member-only discounts on the Annual Meeting and other CE opportunities throughout the year. Contact the ODA office at 405-848-8873 www.okda.org

Zip: __________________________ Phone:_____________________ Email Address: ______________________________________________ *Other Team Members Registered: _______________________________

23

III. Purchase / reserve tickets CE COURSES & EVENT TICKETS - Please check each event and scientific session you plan to attend Friday, April 17, 2020

On/Before On/After 3-15-2020 3-16-2020

Opening Session: The 100X Leader (Kubicek) 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Amount Due

Saturday, April 18, 2020

On/Before On/After 3-15-2020 3-16-2020

Amount Due

FREE

$________

Scientific Day - Poster Presentations (OU College of Dentistry Dental & Hygiene Students) 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM FREE FREE

ODA Breakfast & Learn: A Washington DC Update from Your ADA (Graham) 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM $58 $68 $________

$________

ODAA-Sponsored Course: Defy Gravity (Henry) 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM $15

Dental Hygienists’ Breakfast & Learn: The Vape Update 2020 (Gibson) 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM $55 $60 $________

$25

$________

The Economics of Great Communication (Maguire) 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM FREE 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM FREE

ODAA-Sponsored Course: SDF For Skeptics (Bath) 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM $15

FREE FREE

$________ $________

Scientific Day - Ishmael Essay Presentations (OU College of Dentistry Dental & Hygiene Students) 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM FREE FREE

$________

FREE

Scientific Day - Awards Lunch (OU College of Dentistry Dental & Hygiene Students) 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM $35 $35

$________

Tongue Analysis for the Dental Hygienist (Shockey) 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM FREE

$________

FREE

Lessons Learned from the Titans of Dentistry - Live Podcast (Maloley) 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM FREE FREE $________ ODAA-Sponsored Course: Infection Prevention (Nabors) 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM $15 $25

$________

Register online at okda.org When registering online: 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.

Register by mail Mail completed form with payment to: Oklahoma Dental Association 317 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104

24

ONLY ONE REGISTRANT PER REGISTRATION FORM. Please copy this form for additional registrations.

To register by mail, payment must be received in full and payment may only be made by check.

Pre-registration closes at midnight April 8, 2020. Any registration postmarked after April 6, 2020 should be held and completed on-site. journal | March/April 2020

$25

$________

Optimizing Single-Tooth Replacement Therapy in the Digital Age: New Solutions to Old Problems (Barwacz & Avila-Ortiz) 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM FREE FREE $________ 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM FREE FREE $________ Top Trending Topics in Dentistry (Menage Bernie) 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

FREE

FREE

$________

Treatment Planning and Treating the Edentulous or Terminal Dentition Patient (Koka) 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM FREE FREE

$________

ODA Lunch & Learn: Opioids (Hunter) 12:15 PM - 1:45 PM

$________

$58

$68

ODA Lunch & Learn: Informing Informed Consent An Ethical Imperative (Gonzales) 12:15 PM - 1:45 PM $58 $68

$________

Converting a Denture to a Temporary Fixed Hybrid Prosthesis Hands-On (Limited registration to first 25) (Koka) 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM $85 $95 $________

Special Event Tickets On/Before On/After 3-15-2020 3-16-2020

ODA President’s Party Friday, April 17 at 6:30 PM REGISTRATION FEE + TICKETS = TOTAL REGISTRATION:

$35

$45

Amount Due

$________

$________

The ODA Annual Meeting Schedule is subject to change.

The 2020 Annual Meeting will be paperless. Any speaker handouts will be posted after April 1, 2020 on the ODA website at www.OKDA.org/Annual-Meeting.

www.okda.org

25

26 journal | March/April 2020

OKLAHOMA MISSION OF MERCY STILLWATER For the eleventh year in a row, the Oklahoma Mission of Mercy was a tremendous success as it provided a window of hope for hundreds of people seeking dental care. With the help of an incredible number of volunteers and dental equipment from America’s Dentists Care Foundation, the Payne County Expo Center in Stillwater was transformed into a fully functional dental clinic on February 7th and 8th.

The community showed an outpouring of support in numerous ways. Payne County’s Expo Center team was gracious, servant-minded and genuinely enthusiastic about our mission. This year we had an unprecedented number of general and dental professional volunteers totaling over 2,100. People traveled from near and far to lend a hand at the Mission of Mercy. In fact, one dentist traveled from Alabama to serve patients. General volunteers included local businesses, church members, civic organizations and college students. They graciously gave their time, finances and resources. I am grateful to the Stillwater community for the outpouring of support and for embracing this mission wholeheartedly. No matter how far a volunteer traveled or what position they filled, their contribution was unique and made this year’s Mission of Mercy a success.

Dr. Chris Leslie and Dr. Dan Wilguess, 2020 OkMOM Co-Chairs, with Rep. John Talley from Payne County

The stories of why people volunteer vary greatly, yet the purpose is the same. The purpose is the patient. This year, I met a man who was a patient at the Kansas Mission of Mercy 10 years ago. Since the year he received treatment, he has been a volunteer every year thereafter. He explained that this event transformed his life and he wanted to help provide that same benefit to as many people as possible. This year he spent two days serving at the Oklahoma Mission of Mercy, impacting many of the 1,243 patients who received care over the two-day event. It is courage and wisdom like his that will allow the Mission of Mercy to continue for years to come.

In addition to the generous donation of time that so many gave, the event thrived because donations of resources and funding came through from businesses, organizations and individuals. Over 8,500 procedures were performed on 1,243 patients equaling approximately $1.48 million in dental services. On average, there was $1,193 per patient in donated dental care, the 2nd highest averge in 11 years. This means that each patient was able to receive multiple dental services. Treatment plans were formulated based on each patient’s particular need and included cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals on front teeth, CEREC crowns and even fabrication of partial dentures to replace front teeth.

Without the proper infrastructure, the Mission of Mercy would not be possible. Once again, America’s Dentists Care Foundation (ADCF), a national organization committed to Mission of Mercy events around the country, delivered and helped install 130 dental units. Their commitment and professionalism are an integral part of the event. In addition to general dental equipment, two endodontic microscopes were available to aid in root canal treatment and CEREC units were utilized to manufacture same-day crowns for patients. Thanks to the generosity of dental lab technicians and their supplies, partial dentures were made to replace missing front teeth. Having an array of supplies and equipment allowed clinicians to provide patients with a high level of care that was customized to fit the patient’s specific needs.

As the Co-Chair of this year’s Mission of Mercy, I want to extend a most sincere thank you to the teams at the Oklahoma Dental Association, the Oklahoma Dental Foundation and Delta Dental of Oklahoma Foundation. Thank you for striving to improve the oral health of Oklahomans.

The teams that made the event what it was and what it continues to be is rooted (pun intended). They are invested in dentistry, in Oklahoma, in people and in this mission. There are not enough words to properly extend gratitude to those who gave so others could know their mercy. It was an honor to serve alongside this team and watch the humanity unfold. Oklahoma, we really are a great state! Well done, team!

Warm regards,

Dr. Chris Leslie 2020 OkMOM Co-Chair

www.okda.org

27

2,101 VOLUNTEERS A NEW RECORD!

OkMOM VOLUNTEERS CHANGE LIVES

VIEW THESE PHOTOS AND MORE ON OKMOM’S FACEBOOK. TAG YOURSELF! 28 journal | March/April 2020

YXa

THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE

ODA MEMBERS AT OkMOM Dr. George Abdelnour Dr. Phillip Aday Dr. Michael Ahlborn Dr. Jeff Ahlert Dr. Parul Ajmani Dr. Mitchell Akey Dr. Ross Allen Dr. Addie Allen-Steed Dr. Joseph Apple Dr. Tabitha Arias Dr. Marc Arledge Dr. Emily Arrington Dr. Micah Asadi Dr. Doug Auld Dr. Victoria Ball Dr. Ray Barnum Dr. Savneet Basati Dr. Jeannie Bath Dr. Rishu Batta Dr. Ben Baty Dr. Ollie Beard IV Dr. Justin Beasley Dr. Aaron Beaver Dr. Allen Beaver Dr. Suzie Beavers Dr. Jamie Belknap Dr. Jamie Bell Dr. Kari Bender Dr. Tamara Berg Dr. David Bird Dr. Clinton Blake Dr. Anthony Boon Dr. Todd Boone Dr. Steve Bradley Dr. Jamie Branham Williams Dr. Christopher Brett Dr. Matthew Bridges Dr. Todd Bridges Dr. Perry Brooks Dr. Seth Brooks Dr. Nathan Brown Dr. Richard Brown Dr. Karlee Brownlee Dr. Nathan Buckner Dr. Christopher Burke Dr. Sharolyn Burton Dr. Kristen Campbell Dr. Sarah Campbell Dr. Tricia Cannon Dr. Amber Cantrell Dr. Pete Carlson Dr. Steve Carson Dr. Conrad Casler Dr. Cory Chambers Dr. Ryan Chandler Dr. Carrie Chastain Dr. Tzu-Min Chien

Dr. Blakely Cingolani Dr. J. Walter Coffey Dr. Matt Cohlmia Dr. Raymond Cohlmia Dr. Samantha Collins Dr. Jennifer Cook Dr. Chris Corbin Dr. Cama Cord Dr. Cameron Craig Dr. Carl Dais Dr. Megan Darrow Dr. Darrell Daugherty Dr. Mark Davis Dr. Susan Davis Dr. Kathy DeHart Dr. Richard Dillon Dr. Corby Dixon Dr. David Drummond Dr. Michael Duffy Dr. Dayna Duke Dr. Twana Duncan Dr. Martin Duplantier Dr. Richard Eckert Dr. Trey Edwards Dr. Renalla Ellis Dr. Jennifer Enmeier Dr. David Evans Dr. Leisha Everett Dr. Opeyemi Fadeyi Dr. Christopher Fagan Dr. Tim Fagan Dr. Meron Fallon Dr. Emile Farha Dr. Ryan Flake Dr. Mark Folks Dr. Steven Fooshee Dr. Rick Freeman Dr. Melissa French Dr. Mark Gaches Dr. Roman Garcia Dr. LaMont Gee Dr. Leslie Genoff Dr. Ryan Gibson Dr. Stephen Glenn Dr. Michael Gliddon Dr. Ramina Golshani Dr. Stephen Gray Dr. Kelly Greenlee Dr. Andrew Guthrie Dr. Jessica Halley Dr. Vincen Halley Dr. Mary Hamburg Dr. Kevin Haney Dr. Mark Hanstein Dr. Leslie Hardy Dr. Nes Hargett Dr. James Harlan

Dr. Edward Harroz Dr. Sean Harvey Dr. Tanner Hays Dr. Peter Heitman Dr. Amanda Hendrickson Dr. Kathleen Higgins Dr. Angelina Hill Dr. David Hinkl Dr. Valerie Holleman Dr. Mathew Hookom Dr. Moiz Horani Dr. John Horn Dr. Michael Howl Dr. Stephanie Hubbard Dr. Payam Ishani Afousi Dr. Krysten Jackson Dr. Melissa Jackson Dr. Jennifer Jenkins Dr. Jeffrey Johannesmeyer Dr. Ann Johnson Dr. Richard L. Johnson Dr. Krista Jones Dr. Moe Karami Dr. Sarah Karnish Dr. Matt Keim Dr. Stephanie Kendrick Dr. Aqib Khan Dr. Sarah Khyati Dr. Michael Kierl Dr. Philip Kierl Dr. Michael Kinard Dr. Rebecca King Dr. Alex Kitchin Dr. Jennifer Koonce Dr. Jandra Korb Dr. Mitchell Kramer Dr. Mike Kroll Dr. Robert Lamb Dr. Larry Lavelett Dr. Catherine Lee Dr. Larry Leemaster Dr. Christopher Leslie Dr. Feiya Li Dr. Adam Lincicum Dr. Jim Lloyd Dr. Brandon Loeser Dr. John Lovell Dr. Karen Luce Dr. German Luezas Dr. James Mabry Dr. An Mai Dr. Johnny Maravich Dr. Robert Mars Dr. Mary Martin Dr. Steve Mayer Dr. Carmen Martinez Dr. Carol McDaniel

Dr. Hugh McDougall Dr. Janna McIntosh Dr. Michael McKinney Dr. Jack McKinnis Dr. Michael McLeod Dr. Dan McNair Dr. Matt McReynolds Dr. Glenn Mead Dr. Preston Melhauser Dr. Clint Metcalf Dr. Clay Michels Dr. Richard Miller Dr. Malori Mills Dr. Robert Miracle Dr. Kenner Misner Dr. Bradley Mitchell Dr. Robert Moore Dr. Bryan Moore Dr. Jeremy Morris Dr. Steve Mueller Dr. Paul Mullasseril Dr. Alicia Murray Dr. Mazen Naaman Dr. Carson Nail Dr. Aaron Neale Dr. Nicole Nellis Dr. Leaha Nels Dr. Garrett Nelson Dr. Tung Nguyen Dr. W. Paul Ori-ela Dr. Alan Owen Dr. Debbie Ozment Dr. Eugene Paek Dr. Kalena Pate Dr. Chandani Patel Dr. Benton Perry Dr. Schuyler Pracht Dr. Steve Pracht Dr. Jillian Prather Dr. Robin Pruitt Dr. Matthew Radant Dr. Omar Rasheed Dr. Sean Rathburn Dr. Brenda Reber Dr. William Reed Dr. Nicole Reynolds Dr. Jacob Rhodes Dr. Zack Ritter Dr. Daulton Roberts Dr. Erin Roberts Dr. Doug Rockwood Dr. Sydney Rodgers Dr. Alejandro Romero Delmastro Dr. Tim Rudd Dr. Omer Sanabria Dr. Kendrick Sawyers

Dr. Rob Schick Dr. Dee Schoemann Dr. Brandon Schultz Dr. Jillian Seglem Dr. Jack Sellers Dr. Nan Shadid Dr. Scot Shadid Dr. Matt Shelton Dr. Steffan Sigler Dr. Tyler Smith Dr. Hollie Snow Dr. Madison Snyder Dr. James Sparks Dr. Julie Speights Dr. Sara Spurlock Dr. John Starcevich Dr. Zigo Stephan Dr. Amy Stone Dr. Mike Strand Dr. Scott Street Dr. Jeanne Sutton Dr. Joe Swink Dr. Pete Testa Dr. Seb Tietze Dr. Trung Tran Dr. Steve Truong Dr. Jaycee Van Horn Dr. Ross VanDercreek Dr. Vinh Vu Dr. Jason Walker Dr. Jennifer Walker Dr. Michael Wallace Dr. Dave Wallitt Dr. Matthew Walls Dr. Sam Ward Dr. Robert Webb Dr. Randy Weber Dr. Courtney Wedel Dr. Dennis Weibel Dr. Brennan Welch Dr. Susan Whiteneck Dr. Jennifer Wilbourn Dr. Daniel Wilguess Dr. Joshua Williams Dr. Charles Williams Dr. Jana Winfree Dr. Adrienne Wong Dr. Paul Wood Dr. Rieger Wood Dr. David Woodard Dr. Donal Woodward Dr. Joshua Woodward Dr. Trent Yadon Dr. Kendra Yandell Dr. Whitney Yeates Dr. Abby Young Dr.www.okda.org Stephen Young29

11 YEARS OF OkMOM

2010 to 2020 S i nce 2010

17,381

PATIENTS TREATED

$14.2 M

103,597

IN DONATED DENTAL CARE

8,510

IN DONATED DENTAL CARE

PROCEDURES PERFORMED

$830

PER PATIENT AVERAGE IN DONATED CARE

In 2020

1,243

PATIENTS TREATED

PROCEDURES PERFORMED

$1.5 M

$1,194

PER PATIENT AVERAGE IN DONATED CARE

OkMOM 2021: SHAWNEE FEBRUARY 12 & 13 If you wish to donate to the 2021 Oklahoma Mission of Mercy in Shawnee, we invite you to mail a check to 317 NE 13th Street, OKC, OK 73104 , or make a secure donation online by credit card at okmom.org/donate.

Thank you for your support of OkMOM 2021!

30 journal | March/April 2020

2020 SPONSORS THANK YOU TO THE SPONSORS WHO HELPED MAKE OKMOM: STILLWATER A SUCCESS!

EVENT UNDERWRITER

: PLATINUM - $50,000

SILVER - $10,000

BRONZE - $5,000

PATRON - $1,000

FRIEND - < $1,000 Chick fil A Clinical Supply Company

PATRON - $1,000

BRONZE - <$1,000 Mexico Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Olive Garden

Quik Print Superior Linen Services

Texas Roadhouse Terracycle

www.okda.org

31

LEGISLATIVE LOOP Legislative Overview & Political Update

2020 Legislative Session Begins By: Scott Adkins, ODA Lobbyist

The Second Regular Session of the 57th Oklahoma Legislature officially convened on Monday February 3, 2020 with Governor Kevin Stitt delivering his State of the State Address to a joint session of the Oklahoma Senate and House of Representatives. In advance of the official start, the House of Representatives filed 1,361 bills, 16 House Joint Resolutions, and four House Concurrent Resolutions. The Oklahoma Senate filed 840 bills and 19 Senate Joint Resolutions.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt told lawmakers in his State of the State Address that the greatest challenge to the state is still government bureaucracy. Stating that “in my first year of public service and as our chief executive officer, I have found government too big and too broken," Stitt outlined several proposals and reforms he plans on taking to the legislature. For example,

the Governor called for the consolidation of the functions of the Oklahoma State Department of Health, Health Care Authority, and Mental Health and Substance Abuse, and all of the state professional licensing boards that deal with health.

The Board of Equalization has certified the figures that the Legislature will have to appropriate in crafting the fiscal year 2021 budget. Lawmakers will have $85.5 million less to spend than last year. Part of the reduction was due to declining prices for oil and natural gas. Revenue estimates from personal income, sales and use taxes were also down. Total funds available for appropriation will be $8.2 billion. The state’s Rainy Day Fund has $806 million; the projected end-of-year balance in the Revenue Stabilization Fund is expected to be $200 million. Anticipating lower revenues, Gov. Stitt has called for just $100 million to

go into savings this year, and Republican legislative leaders have been publicly supportive of that plan.

A federal judge also ordered mediation to settle the ongoing tribal gaming compact dispute between Gov. Stitt and the various tribes. The judge ordered both sides to submit a list of possible mediators. The judge will then appoint a mediator from the list and has set a deadline of March 31 for the mediation to be “completed or substantially completed.” The judge also issued a gag order prohibiting the sides from making any public statements regarding the mediation.

The Oklahoma Constitution mandates that the legislature must finish its business and adjourn before 5:00 pm on May 29th.

Contact Lynn Means, ODA Executive Director, at lmeans@okda.org with any questions about the ODA Legislative agenda.

NEED FRESH WAYS TO START IMPORTANT CONVERSATIONS? OK LO

I AL

!

VE

UR

Free Health Care Provider Materials Shape Your Future has posters, tip cards and prescription pads to: • Provide nutrition tips and physical activity ideas to your patients

H TOO MUC

SUGAR

• Teach parents how to talk to their kids about health in an approachable way • Help you work with patients to set healthy goals that are within reach

ENERGY,

32 journal | March/April 2020

60%

WATER

Visit ShapeYourFutureOK.com/order to get yours.

Dentist Day at the Capitol Dentist Day at the Capitol was on Tuesday, February 18 at the Oklahoma Dental Association building in Oklahoma City. To start the event, over 40 ODA members gathered to hear from ODA’s contract lobbyist, Scott Adkins, who updated the group on the first few weeks of the legislative session and the ODA’s legislative agenda. After the brief orientation, ODA members were joined by Oklahoma State Representatives and Senators during a cocktail party. ODA members used this time to strengthen relationships with their state legislators.

The main topic of the night was managed care Medicaid. ODA members voiced their concerns with the legislators about what would happen to Oklahoma’s most vulnerable children if the state moved our Medicaid system to managed care.

The main talking points were: • The ODA STRONGLY OPPOSES any attempt to move the Oklahoma Medicaid Program to a managed care system, regardless of legislative action or executive order.

• The Oklahoma Healthcare Authority currently operates at less than 5% overhead.

Managed care companies operate at as much as 15-20% overhead. This takes our Oklahoma tax dollars and gives it to an out-of-state insurance company to run a program for much more state money.

• We oppose any attempts to fund any program that will lead to Medicaid managed care.

• There are currently more than 1,000 dentists that accept Oklahoma Medicaid patients. Under Oklahoma’s last experience with managed care, most dentist providers quit the program, and the number of dentists accepting Medicaid was about 10% of current levels.

• The ONLY way that managed care can save money is by reducing overhead, which means reducing reimbursements and limiting procedures.

• The people who will suffer under managed care are the underserved children of Oklahoma.

We are thankful for the members who joined us and made their voices heard during the 2020 Dentist Day at the Capitol Reception!

And a special thanks to the following Dentist Day at the Capitol sponsors: Central District Dental Society, Eastern District Dental Society, Northern District Dental Society, Oklahoma County Dental Society, Oklahoma Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Southwestern District Dental Society, and Tulsa County Dental Society.

To help the ODA convince our lawmakers that managed care Medicaid is not what Oklahoma needs, please call your State Representative and Senator today!

www.okda.org

33

K

CAPITOL CLUB Dr. Jeffrey Ahlert Dr. Errol Allison Dr. Jim Ambrose Dr. Douglas Auld Dr. Michael Auld Dr. Brandon Beaver Dr. Tamara Berg Dr. David Birdwell Dr. Elizabeth Bohanon Dr. Blaire Bowers Dr. C. Todd Bridges Dr. Matthew Bridges Dr. Jamie Cameron Dr. Patricia Cannon

WE DON’T FUNDRAISE. WE FRIENDRAISE! THANK YOU TO THESE 2020 DENPAC CAPITOL CLUB MEMBERS! Dr. Wuse Cara Dr. Bobby Carmen Dr. Matthew Cohlmia Dr. Raymond Cohlmia Dr. Debbie Corwin Dr. James Corwin Dr. Susan Davis Dr. Steven Deaton Dr. Ana Dotson Dr. Brian Drew Dr. Heath Evans Dr. Christopher Fagan Dr. Barry Farmer Dr. Stephen Gray

Dr. Clark Grilliot Dr. Michael Hansen Dr. Leslie Hardy Dr. Aaron Harman Dr. Richard Haught Dr. Robert Herman Dr. Jeffrey Hermen Dr. James Hooper Dr. Brad Hoopes Dr. Donald Johnson Dr. Eugenia Johnson Dr. Krista Jones Dr. Mitchell Kramer Dr. Alan Mauldin

Dr. Stephen Mayer Dr. Glenn Mead Dr. Robert Miracle Dr. Mohsen Moosavi Dr. Paul Mullasseril Dr. Samuel Owens Dr. Karen Reed Dr. Erin Roberts-Svob Dr. Brant Rouse Dr. Miranda Ruleford Dr. Floyd Simon Dr. Lindsay Smith Dr. Brooke Snowden Dr. Braden Stoltenberg

Dr. Jim Taylor Dr. Paul Thomas Dr. James Torchia Dr. Charles Tucker Dr. Jonah Vandiver Dr. Christopher Ward Dr. Robert Webb Dr. Mori White Dr. Daniel Wilguess Dr. Ronald Winder Dr. Kendra Yandell

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 2020 DENPAC GRAND ($1,000) LEVEL MEMBERS! Dr. Matthew Cohlmia Dr. Richard Haught 34 journal | March/April 2020

Dr. Robert Herman Dr. Krista Jones

Dr. Paul Mullasseril Dr. Lindsay Smith

ODA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Daryn Lu, DDS

Oklahoma City, OK

By: Madison Bolton, ODA Membership Manager

Serving as a Board Member on the Oklahoma County Dental Society's Board of Directors, a Trustee for the J. Dean Robertson Society, President-elect of the Oklahoma Academy of General Dentistry, and a guest blogger, success speaker and member of the American Dental Association. You can’t help but ask yourself, “What is Dr. Daryn Lu not involved in?”

Inspired by his parents who immigrated from Myanmar, Lu decided to pursue a career in dentistry. Graduating from OU’s College of Dentistry in 2015, he currently practices as a restorative general dentist at Dental32 in downtown Oklahoma City. He recently married Edith Quiñonez who is in her third year at OU’s College of Dentistry.

With an impressive resumẻ noting his strong leadership skills and involvement in the dental community, no one has discussed who he is outside of work. As the 2020 ODA Annual Meeting chair, Lu has played a very important role in planning this year’s meeting and helping integrate OUCOD Scientific Day into the meeting. As our member spotlight for this issue, he shares his beginnings, academic journey, hobbies and more.

WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU WERE GROWING UP? I grew up wanting to be a Ghostbuster but quickly discovered that I can’t even stand to watch horror movies or visit haunted houses.

DO YOU HAVE A HOBBY? In the most recent years, I have enjoyed a growing interest in modern board games. Most people think of Monopoly or Candyland when I mention board games but the genres that range from strategy and tactics to social deduction and party games always makes for a great time. Hosting game nights for my loved ones will always be my favorite pastime.

WHO IS YOUR HERO(ES) AND WHY? I have so many heroes and mentors I look up to. I learned the value of hard work from my father and the importance of empathy from my mother. I like to think of my mentors as my team of heroes, very similar to the Avengers.

WHAT EVENT IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO? In February, I attended my first meeting with the ADA’s New Dentist Committee in Chicago. I was recently nominated for this position and I'm humbled to have the opportunity to represent new dentists in the 12th District from Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. Knowing some of the new dentists already serving on the board gets me excited about the caliber and quality of discussions we’ll continue to have and how I can contribute to shape and guide the profession in the years to come.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ROLE MODELS IN THE DENTAL INDUSTRY? WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM THEM? I have been blessed with the opportunity to be highly involved during dental school and my first years as a new dentist with organized dentistry. I love being recharged and inspired by the incredible things people do within our very own state and across the nation. As a predental student, I stepped into dentistry being wowed and inspired by passionate leaders like Dr. Raymond Cohlmia and by compassionate clinicians like Dr. Randy White and Dr. Barry Greenley, and individuals who have believed in me and my potential like Dr. Susan Davis and Dr. Randy Jones. There are countless faculty members, practicing and retired dentists who all have a special place in my heart to whom I will forever be indebted.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR DENTISTS ABOUT TO GRADUATE? Don’t lose sight of the big picture, remember what inspired you when you first decided to apply to dental school. Take care of people – your patients, your team, and most importantly, yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Also, sit up straight.

WHAT IS ONE QUALITY YOU ADMIRE MOST IN OTHERS? Grit is one of the rarest qualities I encounter and is always a breath of fresh air. We will all fail at one thing or another, but the ability to move forward, shift perspectives to see the bigger picture, set any feelings and selfish motivations aside to be a team player, and go at it again is what I respect and admire the most.

IF YOU COULD HAVE DINNER WITH ANYONE FROM HISTORY, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY? I would love to have dinner with my grandfather from my mother’s side. I never had the opportunity to meet him, but my mom and extended family has always described my personality and ambitions like his. It would be amazing to sit down across from someone I’ve always heard so many wonderful things about. www.okda.org

35

ODA FEATURE

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF THE TONGUE MASS By: Glen D. Houston, DDS, MSD (gdhdds@heartlandpath.com) CASE HISTORY A 30-year-old male presents with a chief complaint of a "bump on my tongue."

During the examination, a domeshaped nodule with a broad sessile base is observed. (Figure 1) The area is asymptomatic and has been present for two years. The patient reports a long history of alcohol and tobacco abuse.

QUESTION #1 An appropriate clinical differential diagnosis for this lesion includes: a. Neurofibroma b. Squamous cell carcinoma c. Fibroma d. Granular cell tumor (myoblastoma) e. Gumma of tertiary syphilis ANSWER #1 Your differential diagnosis should include: a. Neurofibroma c. Fibroma d. Granular cell tumor (myoblastoma) All three of these lesions can present intraorally as an isolated tongue mass.

The neurofibroma (a) is the most common type of peripheral nerve sheath neoplasm.

This tumor typically occurs in young adults and presents as a slow-growing, soft, asymptomatic lesion. Although most commonly found on the skin, it can be observed intraorally with the tongue and buccal mucosa being the most common intraoral sites.

The fibroma (c) is the most commonly observed tumor within the oral cavity. The buccal mucosa, labial mucosa, tongue, and gingiva are all common intraoral sites. The fibrous mass usually presents as a firm, smooth-surfaced, pink nodule. It is usually not ulcerated and is asymptomatic.

The granular cell tumor, also called granular cell myoblastoma, (d) is a benign soft tissue lesion that exhibits a predilection for the oral cavity, with the tongue being 36 journal | March/April 2020

the most common anatomic location. It typically presents as an asymptomatic, sessile nodule that is usually less than 2cm in size and can be observed at any age.

Although squamous cell carcinoma (b) may occur on the tongue, it would not be included in the differential diagnosis here because it usually involves the posterior lateral or ventral surfaces of the tongue in older male patients. Squamous cell carcinoma typically presents initially as a red or white lesion (erythroplakia or leukoplakia). In later stages of development it appears as an indurated non-healing ulcer and ultimately a fungating mass.

The gumma of tertiary syphilis (e) may also present intraorally, typically as an indurated, nodular, or ulcerated lesion.

Although it also has been associated with the tongue, the gumma is usually observed in an older patient population.

QUESTION #2 The following adjunctive techniques may be useful in obtaining a definitive diagnosis: a. Fine needle aspiration b. Biopsy c. Radiographic evaluation d. Follow closely for 10-14 days to evaluate any changes or resolution of the area e. Stain the lesion with toluidine blue ANSWER #2 The following technique may be useful in obtaining a definitive diagnosis: b. Biopsy of the lesion An isolated, asymptomatic mass involving the tongue is best managed by a biopsy (b). There is little to be gained from the other adjunctive techniques listed. In the case of toluidine blue, this

stain may be helpful in evaluating areas of erythroplakia, but not a submucosal nodule of the tongue.

QUESTION #3 A biopsy specimen is submitted to the oral histopathology center for histologic examination. The pathology report describes a remarkable area of epithelial hyperplasia in the overlying epithelium with a network of cells in the submucosa featuring a very granular, eosinophilic cytoplasm. The correct diagnosis of this lesion is: a. Lingual thyroid b. Squamous cell carcinoma c. Granular cell tumor (myoblastoma) d. Histoplasmosis ANSWER #3 The correct diagnosis is (c) granular cell tumor (myoblastoma). See "Discussion" section.

The other possibilities are not considered here. The lingual thyroid (a) is composed of remnants of normal thyroid tissue and may represent the patient's only functioning thyroid tissue.

Squamous cell carcinoma (b) arises from dysplastic surface epithelium and is composed microscopically of invasive

islands and cords of malignant epithelial cells. This pattern is not observed in the present case.

Histoplasmosis (d) is composed of collections of macrophages organized into granulomas. Multinucleated giant cells are usually present and special stains are usually required to demonstrate the presence of the 1-2 µm yeasts of Histoplasma capsulatum.

Additionally, this pattern is not observed in the present case.

DISCUSSION The granular cell tumor was first reported under the term granular cell myoblastoma in 1926 by Abrikossoff. Since that time over 700 cases have been reported in the literature. Numerous theories on the histogenesis of this lesion have been advanced and, until recently, the origin of the granular cell tumor was still unknown.

Many investigators felt that it was of muscle origin, while other theories centered around histiocytic, stem cell, and neural origins.

Recent studies have demonstrated support for a nerve sheath cell (neural) origin. The term granular cell myoblastoma implies

muscle origin and should therefore be discouraged.

The lesion has been observed in many sites including the pituitary gland, vocal cords, skin, breast, buccal mucosa, and lip.

The most common location is the tongue, representing the location in over 50% of all reported cases. This entity appears to occur at any age with no definite predilection for any one decade. There appears to be no difference in incidence of occurrence between females and males. It typically presents as an asymptomatic, slow-growing, firm nodule that is usually covered by normal-appearing mucosa.

Microscopically, this lesion is an illdefined mass located in the superficial fibrous lamina propria subjacent to the surface epithelium. Granular cells are characteristically arranged in strands and fascicles divided by fibrous connective tissue septae. It is particularly common for the surface epithelium to exhibit a remarkable pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia which can be confused with squamous cell carcinoma in a superficial biopsy specimen.

The single most important fact to remember concerning the granular cell tumor is its potential to be misdiagnosed microscopically as squamous cell carcinoma. This is particularly true of lesions of the oral mucosa in which there has been minimal removal of diagnostic tissue during the biopsy procedure. To prevent this error, the clinician must be familiar with the clinical and microscopic features of this lesion in order to ensure that the patient is properly treated.

The treatment of the granular cell tumor is simple surgical excision. Recurrence is not to be expected.

REFERENCES Rejas RA, Campos MS, Cortes AR, et al. The neural histogenetic origin of the oral granular cell tumor: an immunohistochemical evidence. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal 16(1):e6-10, 2011.

Brannon RB and Anand PM. Oral granular cell tumors: an analysis of 10 new pediatric and adolescent cases and a review of the literature.

J Clin Pediatr Dent 29:69-74, 2004.

Collins BM and Jones AC. Multiple granular cell tumors of the oral cavity: report of a case and review of the literature. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 53:707-711, 1995.

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

37

Remembering the bombing AUTHOR’S NOTE: When I learned that Dr. Tamara Berg was submitting some reminiscences to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Murrah Building bombing, I recalled an article I’d written about the dental forensic team that was assembled in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy. That 1995 article is reprinted here (with some liberties taken to polish my prose a bit) to once again call attention to the contributions of this remarkable group of men and women -- in my opinion still Oklahoma Dentistry’s finest hour.

I’m sure those who lived through that horrific time vividly remember what they were doing when the clock struck 9:02am. I do. Dean Russell Stratton and I were on the 5th-floor balcony outside the Dean’s office when we actually saw (and felt) the bomb go off. (At the time we thought it was a gas main explosion.) It was truly sobering to realize that an hour earlier I had been at the downtown YMCA only a block away from the Murrah building; it was heavily damaged by the bombing. It was even more sobering to get a call from the FBI a few days later asking if I had seen anything “irregular” or “out of place” that day.

To echo Tami Berg, the experience has changed me forever. Tragedies like this are unfortunately more common than they should be. In most cases, our connection to such events is through television reports or newspaper articles. But hitting this close to home, it crystallized a thought that we should embrace every single day: Life is precious. Live it as fully and as satisfyingly as possible.

Dr. Frank J. Miranda Oklahoma City….Wednesday, April 19th, 1995….9:02AM. In a matter of seconds, the innocence and security of a city, its parent state, and indeed the nation, was irrevocably altered. In the worst terrorist attack in the history of the United States [up to that time], the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City was destroyed by a bomb blast of monumental proportions, eventually claiming 169 lives and causing hundreds of millions of dollars of property damage. Those who witnessed this senseless act of violence will forever have embedded in their minds indelible images of the dead and dying, the flattened cars, the shattered windows, the flying debris, and the utter chaos of an event of this magnitude. Older members of the populace will perhaps dredge up comparative memories of war zones in past conflicts. Those of middle age will relive scenes they were only previously familiar with through newspapers, history books and television. And the young will for years have a nightmare given substance by reality.

As happened with President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, man’s first walk on the moon, the collapse of the Berlin Wall, and other momentous events of the past, every man, woman and child in Oklahoma City will always remember where they were and what they were doing on the morning of April 19th.

But even as the city’s peace and serenity was shattered, the spirit and will of its people grew from the rubble like the fabled phoenix rising from the ashes. In the hours, days and weeks following the bombing, strangers became friends, those who lost loved ones found others, and people from all over the country converged on the disaster site like iron filings to a magnet, not to gawk but to help, not to stare but to care. They came from other cities, other states, and other countries. They brought food and clothing, medical supplies, money and expertise. And they also brought two formidable weapons in the fight against any tragedy -- love and a spirit of mutual community.

Literally thousands of people mobilized in the bombing’s aftermath to assist their fellow man. There were of course the firemen, the 38 journal | March/April 2020

police, disaster and emergency relief personnel, doctors, nurses and hospital staff, churches and their leaders, counselors, civic and community organizations, the political leadership, and numerous charities. But there were also countless others from all walks of life who were vitally important to the healing effort by just being there and asking, “What can I do?” For those who lost loved ones, nothing will ever ease the tremendous pain and suffering they felt, still feel, and will forever have as crosses to bear. But as time begins its slow but relentless healing process, perhaps the efforts of the many unsung heroes of this tragedy can be placed in proper perspective and it will fully be realized that as a city and as a people, we are much stronger now than we were back then. State first lady Cathy Keating has coordinated a superb effort with In Their Name, a 176-page commemorative that relives this infamous date and its aftermath. It is highly recommended reading for everyone.

The ranks of volunteers that came together to assist during the first hours and days after the bombing helped evacuate the injured, coordinate recovery efforts, provide medical assistance and emergency care, establish security, and shore up weakened structures to protect against further injury. Inevitably, these activities had to be followed by a second phase of tasks that can only be described as unpleasant, often grisly, and uniformly assaulting on the senses – the recovery and identification of the dead. The volunteers who participated in this effort, especially those connected with the OU College of Dentistry and the dental community at large, are the subject of this article.

It is difficult to imagine the degree of destruction from a blast that rips off the façade of a nine-story concrete and steel building, blows out windows of many other structures, smashes automobiles like so many tin cans, and turns city blocks into a sea of twisted metal and crushed mortar. It was inevitable that sifting through the resultant rubble would reveal casualties ranging from fully intact bodies to severed limbs and other more minute body parts. Any

hope of identifying the dead and bringing some measure of solace to their loved ones rested heavily on forensic science – especially identification through dental records. To that end, a dental forensic team comprised of OUCOD faculty, dental students, graduate residents, and dentists in the community was quickly mobilized under the leadership of Dr. Tom Glass, chairman of the school’s Department of Oral Pathology, to work in concert with the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office to identify victims’ remains. This team was charged with matching recovered dentition to ante-mortem dental records; a very crucial task since the dentition is often the only means of positive identification in such a disaster.

To fully appreciate the efforts of the team members it is necessary to describe their working environment. As volunteers approached the morgue each day, their first sight was of two Army HumVees there to restrict traffic on certain streets and to monitor access to the morgue.

Military personnel dressed in camouflage stopped all visitors and checked their names against an approved roster. Each volunteer had to procure an ID tag that would allow access to the restricted areas. Near the morgue, an immense red and white tent had been erected to serve as a staging area; the morgue grounds were entirely camouflaged under Army netting.

Each day, Dr. Glass would review what the volunteers would be doing. Those actually working in the morgue had to wear special protective gear including specially designed masks, fully disposable overalls and head coverings, double eye protection, and double gloves. (This was to prevent carrying any possible infectious agents home at the end of the day.) Many who wore this gear remarked that the exhaustion and fatigue that caught up with them by the end of each day was due not only to the nature of the work but also to the weight of the equipment worn. Those who worked in the computer room or manned telephone stations to call dental offices were allowed to wear their own scrubs or street clothes.

Just as a police force will double and triple their efforts to solve any case that involves a fallen comrade, dental team members were equally energized in their work by the knowledge that one of their own, retired OUCOD faculty member Dr. Charles Hurlburt (along with his wife Jean), had been a casualty of the bombing. His passing provided a “personal” connection that renewed the daily focus and direction of all volunteers.

from the private sector, 12 OUCOD staff, three military support personnel, and three spouses of faculty and staff. (See separate list.) The entire dental team logged an aggregate total of 2,750 man-hours.

Each team member had to curtail or ignore aspects of his/her normal life for days on end. Families spent many evenings without husbands, wives, fathers or mothers who were either engaged with actual identification efforts, on the phone calling dental offices for records, or providing auxiliary assistance at the morgue. Students gave up valuable study time with many seniors placing their graduation planning on the back burner to lend their time and efforts. Many faculty were at times unavailable for classes or consultations. Dentists in the community closed their offices on occasion to be physically present at the morgue. In each case, there was also a secondary tier of “team members” – other faculty, staff, and office personnel who had to take up the slack and redouble work efforts on behalf of missing colleagues.

Without them, many critical members of the team would not have been able to participate, resulting in a real manpower shortage.

In recognition of the efforts of the dental team and all auxiliary personnel, Governor Frank Keating issued an official proclamation on May 8th, 1995 which was published in the June 1995 Newsletter of the Oklahoma Board of Governors of Registered Dentists.

Oklahoma Dentistry has had a storied and illustrious history.

The profession has supported all manner of worthy causes: chemical dependency programs, care for the elderly, Children’s Dental Health Month, Community Service Day, free dental care for the city’s indigent, dental awareness programs for inner-city schools, and support for our political leadership. But with the dental team’s contributions to the resolution of this enormous tragedy, we may just have experienced our very finest hour as a profession and as caring, giving human beings. To all members of the dental family: Whether you actively worked with the dental forensic team, provided collateral support to its members, or just took the time to say a prayer, you have the heartfelt thanks and gratitude of your colleagues, your community, your city, your state, and your country. You are true heroes and you will never be forgotten.

To properly acknowledge everyone who participated in the identification effort, Dr. Jan Ralls of OUCOD’s Department of Pediatric Dentistry spent numerous hours checking and rechecking records at the Medical Examiner’s office to compile as complete a list as possible. From April 20th through May 5th, a total of 134 dental personnel were involved with the dental team effort. This included 78 predoctoral dental students (34 seniors, 14 juniors, and 30 sophomores), 24 dental faculty and graduate residents, 14 dentists

25 years later

www.okda.org

39

memories from the oucod class of 1995 It is hard to believe that this April 19 will mark the 25th anniversary of the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City. I remember many of the details as if it happened yesterday.

On that Wednesday my classmates and I were in the middle of mock boards. We were working on our patients when we felt the building vibrate.

As we continued working, we heard announcements on the intercom directing all seniors in the forensic elective class to meet during the lunch hour in Room 108. We were briefed and asked to assist that evening. We learned more as the day progressed and were watching the events unfold on television. That evening I reported to the church where people were going to report the names of missing persons. We began calling dentists at home and asking them to go to their offices to read the records of certain patients.

We went tooth by tooth on a named patient so we would have a potential charting that could serve as a pre-mortem record. The following day a police or highway patrol officer would pick up the radiographs at those dental offices.

This experience has impacted the way I’ve kept records on my patients for the past 25 years. I was amazed at the number of dentists who didn’t have any idea what filling was on what surface of a tooth or what tooth was missing in a patient’s mouth. The need for accurate records was drilled into my mind that evening.

On Thursday, April 20th I reported to the Oklahoma County Medical Examiner’s Office just blocks away from the dental building; I was joined by a number of classmates and our professor Dr. Richard Glass. I remember FBI agents in one area of the room doing full body radiographs.

It was still a crime scene and they were trying to analyze every detail.

The medical and dental stations were set up side by side. As bodies were brought in the dental team took turns charting the post-mortem dental records. Each body needed two items to make a positive ID. It could be a fingerprint, a tattoo or distinguishing characteristic, or dental confirmation.

The bodies of children and military personnel were brought into the morgue that first morning. The refrigerated trucks were being set up as we began to realize how large a process this was about to entail.

I remember a little blond girl with a head injury through her skull. I was also assigned an adult male that had been decapitated; I was asked to check his stomach contents for any teeth or dental appliances that might have imploded into his stomach. These memories stay with you. We had a debriefing at the end of the day with counselors and pastors available, but as a 26-year-old student I’m not sure I even knew how to process what I was a part of. I know there were families and friends throughout the state and nation that wanted to help, but I was able to help on the front lines and that pushed me through.

My rotation back into the morgue didn’t happen again until one week later.

I don’t remember that experience as much as my first except we had to wear a lot more protective gear and the smell was intense. Bodies had been waiting for days and it was in the air.

About three weeks later I assisted again, this time in the administrative capacity at the Oklahoma County Medical Examiner Building matching preand post-mortem records to see if we could make match identifications using dental records. Since the data entry process was computerized, many positive results were made on the unidentified bodies.

40 journal | March/April 2020

It was a life-changing event both personally and professionally. As I mentioned, I’ve since tried to be very meticulous in my dental records. I lived the dental forensic elective class that spring. I learned how important good recordkeeping is and to take pride in that. Simply having current and accurate charting and radiographs could make a difference for a family who needed closure.

My experiences during this tragedy have also made an impact on a personal level. My husband and I did not yet have children, but I knew that raising a family would someday be a priority in my career and I would have to work hard balancing my time as both a dentist and a mother. Seeing the pain of parents who lost children, husbands and wives who lost spouses, and others who lost friends and loved ones has made me focus on what is truly important in life and how easily it can be taken away. I am a better parent and dentist as a result. I have been forever changed by the events of April 1995.

Tamara Berg, DDS It was mock board time at OUCOD. The final pieces of my OUCOD dental education were all coming together.

I felt the vibration that was the blast. I thought our building had a malfunction in the environmental system or something along those lines.

Upon finishing my mock board and checking out with my patient, my wife called me and asked if everything was ok and informed me of the disaster.

My class was then summoned to the lecture room on the first floor and we were informed of what had happened. We were quickly educated on the role that we would play in the identification of victims.

I had assisted in an ID at the morgue previously. I thought I had a handle on how this would go. It was bigger and far more intense than I had first thought. The sights, smells, feelings of loss and sympathy are all with me. I will not describe the scenes I experienced. I was ashamed of what humans could do to humans in the heartland of our United States of America.

I was proud of Oklahoma and all who served and assisted during this tragedy.

Denial, anger, bargaining, sadness and acceptance... grief is a complex process. Life sometimes lends you hard experiences and hopefully perspective. This was one I will never forget.

James L. Gore, DDS I remember polishing a gold crown in preparation for a mock board exam. I felt the dental school shake and thought that to be strange. I had direct vision from the clinic of the smoke rising from downtown OKC. As word spread about the tragedy, Dr. Richard Glass called some of us together to assist as a dental forensic team. It was an honor and privilege to serve on this team through the duration of the identification process.

There was usually two senior dental students assigned to an FBI or ATF agent. The process seemed to take a week or two, but was a sobering yet wonderful learning experience. I was again honored to be a small part of the identification process.

Todd Bridges, DDS

Dental team volunteers OUCOD FACULTY & GRADUATE RESIDENTS (24) BRACKETT, BETSY GLASS, R. THOMAS CARR-HOSIE, MARTHA (PATSY GLASS) COURY, THOMAS HARIRI, NADJI CURRIER, G. FRANS KARAKI, DONALD DAVIS, REBECCA MARTIN, MARY DECKER, MICHELLE MILLER, ROBERT DERHALLI, MUNIB MITCHELL, DON GHOSH, JOYDEEP RALLS, JANICE AREA DENTISTS ABSHERE, PHIL BAKER, BUNN BHAKTA, RASILA BIRDWELL, DAVID CARSON, STEVE

RATTAN, KAREN RICHTER, DAVID ROHRER, MICHAEL SETTLE, SUSAN SINHA, PRAMOD SPARKS, JAMES SUH, BONG-HYEUN WILSON, MELISSA YOUNG, STEPHEN

CHRZ, BRYAN CLARK, JIM COGGINS, LARRY COOK, JENNIFER

FOX, JOHN GRIFFITH, JIM D. HANKINS, RICHARD MONTGOMERY, KEITH POLKINGHORNE, JOHN

DENTAL STUDENTS (78) ARQUITT, GEORGE BALLINGER, LAURA BEARD, STEVE BERG, TAMI BLOSSFELD, CAROL BRANNOCK, MARY BRELAND, SCOTT BRIDGES, TODD BROWN, KAROL CALL, STEVE CANNON, TRICIA COFFEE, LOGAN CROFT, DOUG DINOS, MIKE DODD, KAREN DUITSMAN, MICHELLE DUNCAN, MARK EADES, DAVID ENGELBRECHT, MIKE FAGAN, RANDY FAULKNER, MARK FRALLICCIARDI, ELBA FRANKENBERY, TODD FURGASON, MIKE GARRISON, CHAD GILBERT, JULIE

GORE, JIM GROGAN, STEVE HADJIAN, FAUTI HATCH, DENNIS HENSHAW, JUD HICKEN, CLARK HOWLETT, CHRIS HURST, BRENT JARJOURA, ELI KRAEMER, STEVE KROLL, STACEY LANDERS, JOHN LE, BICKY LEE, BOB LINDLEY, MICHAEL LLOYD, JON LOGUE, DON LUTZ, JAMES MCCASKILL, JIM MESSER, GAVIN MOODY, JUSTIN MOSS, RANDY NELSON, JEFF NOROOZ, MOSTAFA OWENS, LENA PANOVSKI, ELENA

PHILLIPS, JOHN RAMADAN, SALAM RENO, MIKE ROBERTSON, JERRY SHAW, TYLER SIMPSON, JAYMI SMITH, JAMES SMITH, JON STEPHENS, BRENT STEYER, JIM STOBBE, JOHN STOCKMANN, KARIN SULLINS, RUSTY SULLIVAN, JACKSON TAYLOR, SHANE THARP, WENDY TRIEBEL, LORI UNRUH, MARK VANBUSKIRK, PAULA WALLS, DONNA WARN, BRETT WHISLER, SEAN WOOD, ROBIN WORTHEN, TAMARA ZUCH, JASON

OUCOD STAFF BARNES, TERRIE ELEBY, SHERRI HALE, LINDA HALL, DARLA (STUART HALL)

LOGAN, TINA RAIDEN, GLENDA ROMANO, SHELLY RUMLEY, JO SHAW, CHARLENE

STONE, DIANA WAGECK, JONI WEDEMYER, DEBBIE (DON WEDEMYER)

SUPPORT PERSONNEL MCWRIGHT, ROD

REED, GREG

SHARP, JULIE

In honor of the 25th Anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing, the OKC Thunder are providing free access to the memorial on the 25th of each month in 2020.

www.okda.org

41

Collect What You Produce: FINANCIAL OPTIONS FOR YOU AND YOUR PATIENTS By: Cathy Jameson, PhD | Part 3 of a ten-part series The financial options you offer to your patients must have two major goals: (1) to help more people receive needed or desired care, and (2) to help you provide more dentistry in the way you want to provide it.

Happy patients. Happy dentists.

At Jameson Management, we’ve placed the same financial options in all of our clients’ practices whether they are large or small, new or established, urban or rural, solo or group, midlevel, DSO, or corporate. These options offer flexibility as well as firmness, while meeting the needs of most patients.

Consistently following this system will get the practice out of the banking business and allow the dental team to concentrate on what they do best: provide great care.

Additional benefits include lower costs of operation, less time spent on statements and collections, greater cash flow, higher treatment acceptance, and enhanced scheduling.

Once you’ve presented the total fee for the complete treatment plan, ask how the patient how he/she would like to handle it.

Be prepared to offer all of the options, and then determine which option will work best for both you and the patient. The various financial options are as follows: Option #1: A 5% Accounting or Fee Reduction (“Cash Courtesy”) for Payment in Full Before Treatment Begins This option gives patients an incentive to pay in advance. When patients pay in advance, they show up for appointments.

Reducing no shows and broken appointments will reduce stress and increase bottom line profits.

Know how much the 5% fee reduction will be, and consider offering this option for cases of a certain amount or more. Once you establish this amount, offer it to everyone.

NOTE: This option is for payment by cash or check only. It is not applicable with insurance payments.

Option #2: One-Half to Reserve the Appointment and the Other Half at the Time of the First Appointment 42 journal | March/April 2020

Some doctors hesitate to schedule long appointments for fear of large voids in the schedule. Offer this option for such appointments. Patients make the first payment to reserve the appointment, with the second half collected at that first appointment (which patients are much more likely to show up for). The entire financial responsibility is then complete.

Since you’re making a commitment to reserve a large block of the your time it’s reasonable to ask for the patient’s commitment in return. NOTE: If you want a more lenient but similar option, break payments into thirds.

Option #3: Payment by the Appointment The treatment/financial coordinator must have complete information in advance of a patient consultation to offer this option.

How many appointments are anticipated?

How many teeth/surfaces are involved?

What types of material will be used?

When a complex case is being considered payment by appointment could involve the following steps: (1) determine the total fee; (2) divide the fee equally into the number of appointments; (3) collect these equal payments at each appointment; and (4) require that full payment be accomplished by the end of treatment.

By dividing the fee into equal payments spread over the course of treatment the patient will have paid a portion of upcoming treatments in advance, thus reducing the risk of falling out of treatment or

cancelling appointments.

Option #4: Bank Cards When bank card company surveys ask, “Would you use a bank card to finance your dental care?” approximately 75% of respondents respond in the affirmative.

However, only 6% of the dentistry in the United States is presently being financed on bank cards. Stated reasons include “My dentist doesn’t accept bank cards” or “I don’t know if my dentist accepts bank cards.”

You must inform your patient family (and the people within your drawing area) that you do accept bank cards. Encourage this in your marketing. Don’t assume that people know. From surveys it is obvious many of them don’t!

Option #5: Patient Financing Programs Many ADA studies have asked the question, “If you needed to make a one-time dental purchase of $500, could you?” The overwhelming response (77%) is “not unless I have a way to pay it out over time.”

Offering a financing option that keeps monthly payments small and affordable is critical. Such programs are beneficial in helping meet the financial needs of your patients, better ensuring that people receive quality care, and helping your practice be more productive and financially sound It is not financially wise to run a banking business within your practice. However, most people need extended financing in order to afford treatment. A healthcare

financing program is an excellent option for any long-term or extended treatment.

PATIENT FINANCING OPTIONS 1. A revolving payment plan. All members of the family can participate in such a plan. A minimum monthly payment (usually 3% of the outstanding balance) is required.

2. Deferred Interest Plans. No interest is charged on purchases of $200 or more. A minimum monthly payment (again, usually 3%) is required. The patient must pay the full amount due by the end of the time frame selected. If the patient cannot complete the payment agreement, interest that would have accrued is charged from the original date of the agreement.

Determine how much per month is comfortable for the patient. See how long the agreement needs to be to support the desired monthly payment. If the patient is unable to pay the total amount by the selected end time the interest that would have accrued will be added to the remaining balance and the monthly payments will continue, thus providing the patient with a “safety net.” As long as payment under the auspices of the revised agreement are continue, the patient will not be turned over for collection, nor will any negative information be placed on his/her credit history. The “safety net” aspect can be used as a positive selling feature in proposing a deferred interest plan.

You may pay a higher service fee for this option than for others. However, if you were to carry the account, it would cost you much more -- approximately 37% of your fee to carry an account for three months. In addition, without a comfortable financial option, the patient could be lost.

3. Extended Payment Plans. Most patient financing companies offer an extended payment option: Periods of 24, 36, 48 or 60 months with Reduced APR and Fixed Monthly Payments Required Until Paid in Full. The amount of APR and the amount of the monthly payment is determined by both the size of the line of credit and the length of time desired. These extended payment plans are great for your large comprehensive restorative, implant, and/or cosmetic cases.

PATIENT EDUCATION Patient educational materials and support data are available from the individual companies. You must spread the word constantly and repeatedly. Repetition is the key to learning. Someone may not have needed financing the first time they heard about it, but they need it now. Study the

various companies and get involved with those you believe will work for you. Take time to train on the administration of the program and how to present it. Maximize opportunities for you and the patient. Don’t sign up and then put the materials in a drawer and never offer options to your patients.

What if the patient doesn’t get accepted?

Some offices have a financing program but become discouraged if patients are denied.

In our practice, we had many people get cosigners on their applications. Patients were then able to receive a line of credit and thus proceed with needed care.

Not every patient will get accepted. The company will do a careful credit evaluation of the applicant. If a person is not granted a line of credit by a professional financing company, you may not wish to risk a loan.

Rather, you may need to revert to payment by the appointment. Provide as much dentistry as possible without financially stressing the patient or you.

Schedule training for the entire team with your company of choice. Once training has been completed, hold a team meeting and practice the verbal skills of presenting the program and overcoming objections patients may present.

Option #6: Layaway Dentistry The patient makes monthly payments to you, which you place into an account as a growing credit. When the patient has the money saved, you proceed with the dentistry.

Option #7: Banking and Lending Institutions Historically, banks and other types of lending institutions were not generous with their loans for dentistry. However, over the last decade there has been more acceptance of health-oriented loans from banks and other lending institutions. In fact, major lending entities who have been solid in other industries have entered the dental profession in a major way and are loaning large amounts to credit-worthy patients.

Option #8: Insurance Dental insurance has been a great asset to the profession and to many people who could not or would not receive dental treatment if they did not have it. However, we all know that insurance is merely a supplement to healthcare. Be “insurance aware” but not “insurance driven.”

If you have chosen to participate in any insurance programs manage this aspect of your practice with care and consistency. If

you are contracted with any managed care programs (including PPOs), you must follow the guidelines outlined by the contract you have signed. According to the ADA, approximately 50-60% of the total income of the average dental practice in the U.S. today comes in the form of an insurance check (depending upon the number of PPOs with which a practice participates). Thus, this option needs and deserves major attention.

SUMMARY An essential step in gaining control of the financial system in your practice is to establish a written financial protocol -- one that offers flexibility for your patient’s needs and firmness for the financial security of your practice. The financial options outlined in this article will meet the needs of the vast majority of your patients and help you Collect What You Produce.

Cathy Jameson, PhD, is the founder of Jameson Management, Inc., an international management, hygiene, and marketing firm which offers proven management and marketing systems for helping organizations improve in a positive, forward-thinking culture.

Jameson holds a doctorate in management from Walden University where she focused her research on transformational leadership. She has been inducted into the College of Education Hall of Fame and is a Distinguished Alumna of Oklahoma State University. She serves on the Board of Governors there.

Jameson has been named one of the top 25 Women in Dentistry and has received Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Excellence in Dentistry Organization and from the Academy of Dental Office Managers. She was a finalist for the Stevie Award for outstanding entrepreneurial women.

She is a member of the American Association of Female Executives, National Speaker’s Association, Academy of Dental Management Consultants, National Society of Leaders and Success and Chi Omega Women’s Fraternity.

Jameson has lectured in all US states and in 31 countries. She has had over 1,500 articles published throughout the US and the world. She is the author of eight books, including the 3rd Edition of her bestseller, Collect What You Produce and Creating a Healthy Work Environment. These can be purchased from Amazon.

For more information on Dr. Jameson’s lecture or personal consulting services, contact her at cathy@jamesonmanagement.com. For more information on the consulting services of The Jameson Management Group, contact www.info@jamesonmanagement.com or www. jamesonmanagement.com

www.okda.org

43

HYGIENE HOTSPOT

UNDERSTANDING TONGUE ANALYSIS By: Alyse Shockey, RDH, CHHP, CSOM If you ever have an acupuncture session you may be surprised to find that during your appointment your practitioner will ask to look at your tongue. This may seem like an odd request and will probably be the first time an alternative care provider has asked you to stick out your tongue. However, in Chinese medicine, a practitioner can gather quite a bit of information about you and your condition simply by looking at your tongue.

They will be looking at the shape, color, size, coating and positioning or movement of the tongue, each of which offers a piece to the diagnostic puzzle.

The tongue is generally known as the organ of taste. It also helps to articulate speech.

Secondary functions of the tongue are to help with chewing food, swallowing, licking, and kissing. It is made up of many muscles, covered with many taste buds, and abundantly supplied with nerves and blood vessels. The tongue also serves as a natural means of cleaning the teeth. It is a highly active, sensitive organ, and is the beginning (and the only visible part) of the digestive tract. It is sometimes called the mirror of the stomach.

When someone states that they have a “taste” for something it means they are attracted to it. Through the tongue’s sense of taste, it signals to the body, particularly the digestive organs, to secrete the digestive juices that help the digestion. For example, the taste of fried foods signals to the liver and gall bladder to release bile in order to digest its fat. There are a variety of peculiar appearances of the tongue that can relate to various conditions of the body.

As dental professionals, we look at tongues all day long. Think about it: On average, how many tongues you have looked at over the course of your career? What are you looking for? The Oral Cancer Foundation’s recommendations for tongue evaluation

Come hear Alyse Shockey at the 2020 Annual Meeting!

Turn to page 22 for Course | March/April 2020 44 journal information.

suggest that we note any ulceration, swelling, discomfort, stinging, burning, numbness or other abnormalities. Next, we evaluate the ease of movement of the tongue from side to side and note if it is without spasm or any asymmetry. We observe the dorsum of the tongue for any discolorations, irregularities, or limitations of movement. And we inspect and palpate the sides of the tongue, observe the ventral surface and examine the mucosal lining to the tonsils and base of tongue.

According to an article by Dr. Scott Froum article in Dentistry IQ magazine¹, 75% of all head and neck cancers begin in the mouth, with 30% of oral cancers originating in the tongue, 17% in the lip, and 14% in the floor of the mouth.

Now consider looking at that same tongue, only now observing it for clues that reflect the conditions of internal structures and important indications of internal imbalance.

Like other diagnostic methods, tongue analysis is based on the “outer reflects the inner” principle. Inspection of a patient’s tongue is an important starting point in the clinical examination since the tongue can be a “mirror” of one’s health and can provide clearly visible clues to a patient’s pattern of disease.

Observation of the tongue is based on four areas: color, shape, coating and moisture.

Each area of the tongue reflects the state of specific organs – the tip corresponds to the heart, the front to the lungs, the center to the spleen and stomach, the rear to the intestines and, going farther back, to the bladder and uterus and then to the kidneys at the root, while the inside-sides correlate to the gall bladder and the edge-sides to the liver. The condition of the tongue will change as the health of the body changes, but in general such changes appear on the tongue fairly slowly.

Have I totally just rocked your world and are you mentally scratching your head in disbelief or are you flooded with curiosity about this topic? After you have looked at a few tongues, you will see that they differ widely; with no special equipment and just a little study you can tell a lot about the overall health of a person. If I have piqued your interest and curiosity, you can better understand and comprehend this

phenomenon when you register for my upcoming lecture on Friday, April 17, 2020 from 1:30-4:30 pm during the Oklahoma Dental Association’s Annual Meeting.

Disclaimer: Tongue diagnosis should not be used as a substitute for standard medical care or to diagnose potential health problems. If you have any symptoms or health issues that are concerning you, it's important to see your primary care provider. Avoiding or delaying standard care can have serious consequences.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Alyse Shockey, RDH, CHHP, CSOM has three decades of professional experience in dentistry and holistic medicine.

Her interest in Complementary and Alternative Medicine led to years of advanced study, including at the Washington Institute of Natural Medicine, Graduate School of Behavioral Health Sciences, Upledger Institute and others. She is a Certified Specialist in Orofacial Myology and has been on the front lines with early sleep, swallowing and breathing disorder detection, and serves on the ADA Children’s Airway Screener Taskforce. She incorporates and educates others on the latest scientific research on airway-centered dentistry into practical clinical assessments.

Shockey is a subject matter expert on Tongue Analysis and Founder of HH Wellness, Tongue University™ and The Root Camp™ where she developed her unique approach to addressing both physical and emotional root causes of illness. Her additional expertise topic is on environmental safety, addressing electromagnetic field exposure and how it silently affects the dental office.

Shockey is a published co-author for Nutrition and Integrative Medicine and has appeared in articles and on podcasts. By combining her own first-hand experience with her business expertise, she delivers compelling, yet relatable, presentations for conferences, online events, meetings, retreats and seminars that have been met with rave reviews.

References 1. National Cancer Institute. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program public-use data. Rockville, MD: 1973-1998. National Cancer Institute, Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, Surveillance Research Program, Cancer Statistics Branch. Released April 2001 and based on the August 2000 submission.

New Dentist Corner

MOVING TO OKLAHOMA FOR GPR PROGRAM By: Adriee Wong, DDS During my 15-hour drive from Detroit to Oklahoma City last June, I found myself wondering how my life would be during my one year of general practice residency.

Would I get along with my co-residents?

How often would my pager sound? What do I do when the tornado sirens sound?

The normal trepidations of entering a new learning environment were compounded by nerves already high-strung from my solo move to a new state, alongside fears of being a deer in the headlights when hearing the word “doctor” before my last name. Looking back to that road trip eight months ago, I would tell my past self that while residency is a wild time, there is nothing better for me at this point in my life. I have gained an overwhelming amount of life and dental experiences that I know have established a solid foundation to build upon as I set out in my dental career.

One of the best parts of residency has been getting to know my co-residents at both the Children’s and VA GPR programs. We all hail from other states but we’ve formed a close-knit family as we navigate residency together. From discussing cases as we hurriedly type up long notes, heading to explore OKC holiday events, and eating at Cattlemen’s Steakhouse for birthdays, there’s never a dull moment with this

bunch. Over our eight months together, each of them has truly supported me and challenged me to become a better dentist and human being. Each has qualities which I hope rub off on me this year, such as the ability to keep calm under the pressure of difficult patient situations, to consistently prioritize mental and physical wellbeing, or to have an overall confidence as a new dentist. I count myself incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to work and learn alongside these kind and dedicated people.

I pass it on to the next round of residents.

You’d be surprised just how many times I’ve heard phantom pager alerts in daily life and even in my dreams!

One of the reasons I chose a GPR over an AEGD program is because I want to be comfortable seeing medically complex patients. The thought of being on call at the hospital was exciting because I would be performing procedures not seen in dental school settings, such as splinting teeth to help patients who need true emergency dental care. When I’m on call every third week, my pager sits snugly in my pocket as I go about my days. I often find myself checking the small dark display to make sure I haven’t somehow missed the annoyingly shrill melody that has startled me during the day or awakened me several times at night signaling a call to the hospital emergency department. I treasure the education I’m gaining but I’ll be glad to never hear that pager melody again once

Adriee Wong is a Californian who decided to move across the country twice in the pursuit of dental education and to discover what winter is really about.

She is currently a GPR resident at OU Children's and is planning her final road trip back to the Bay Area she calls home July 2020. When not checking her pager every other minute, while on call, Adriee enjoys making dental-themed crafts, drinking milk tea, and teaching dance class in downtown OKC.

I remember the first time I heard the Saturday noon siren; this clueless Californian panicked and searched the blue skies for incoming tornadoes before finally realizing it was a drill. Here’s to hoping I don’t have to use my tornado siren response practice in the coming tornado season!

www.okda.org

45

SPECIAL NEEDS DENTISTRY By: Rebecca King Rackley, DDS

With the growing population of special needs patients in the state of Oklahoma and nationwide, it is critical to evaluate the dental needs and access to care for these individuals.

The American Dental Association defines patients with special needs as those who due to physical, medical, developmental or cognitive conditions require special consideration when receiving dental treatment. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) adds that this may impose limitations in a major life activity or in performing daily selfmaintenance activities. The health care for individuals with special needs requires specialized knowledge, as well as increased awareness and attention, adaptation and accommodative measures beyond those considered to be routine. Special needs now includes patients who are medically complex, seniors and those with emotional and physical challenges.

According to the Oklahoma Health Care Authority’s Communications Office it is difficult for the various state agencies to calculate the total number of individuals living in Oklahoma with a special need or disability because these agencies have overlapping data. For pediatric and adolescent patients with special needs, the Pediatric Dentistry specialty routinely cares for this group. Pediatric Dentistry is the only specialty that includes training in its two-year graduate programs for special needs patients, both emotionally challenged and medically complex. Many General Practice Residency (GPR) programs provide this training as well. Special needs patients under 21 years of age in Oklahoma typically receive Medicaid (SoonerCare) benefits for dental services.

Adult patients receive very limited dental benefits through the SoonerCare dental program and thus this population has more difficulty obtaining dental treatment due to financial reasons. Recently, Medicaid services that have covered emergency extractions for adults have been widened to include extractions that are not only dentally but also medically necessary.

Adult patients with less severe disabilities might be able to be treated in an office setting. However, those with more severe 46 journal | March/April 2020

disabilities or complexities may require sedation or general anesthesia for dental treatment. The number of dental providers offering these services is more limited and therefore negatively affects the access to care for adult patients.

The Oklahoma Department of Human Services offers a Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) program; approximately 3,000 developmentally disabled individuals are currently enrolled. A developmental disability is defined as a severe, chronic disability that: • is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination • occurs before the individual reaches the age of 22 • is likely to continue indefinitely • results in substantial functional limitations in three or more of the following areas of major life activity: self-care, receptive and expressive language, learning, mobility, selfdirection, capacity for independent living and economic self-sufficiency.

Individuals enrolled in the DDS program must be financially eligible for SoonerCare to meet the DDS requirements. These patients then qualify for Medicaid waivers -- funding mechanisms (special allowances) that allow the state to offer communitybased services that are typically included in the State Medicaid Plan. These waivers can include dental care and therefore a mechanism for funding adult dental services.

Many dental practitioners are unaware of this funding aid. Dental services may be covered under the SoonerCare plan and the DDS waiver may be used to additionally cover “non-covered” services. This benefit is usually capped at $1,000 per year. Treatment plans must be submitted to a caseworker for official approval. Dental providers must be approved providers for the DDS program; there are currently 105 participating Oklahoma dentists. For those interested in this program contact Laura Cope, Developmental Disabilities Services office, at (405) 521-6255 to start the enrollment process.

In addition to funding issues, another factor in accessing care may be practitioners’ willingness to provide care for special needs patients. Questions for practicing dentists include:

1. Are you comfortable providing dental care for these patients?

2. What type of special needs are you comfortable treating?

3. Have you obtained additional training for the treatment of special needs patients?

4. Are continuing education topics on special needs of interest to you?

The Special Care Dentistry Association serves as a resource to all oral health care professionals who currently provide care or are interested in providing care for those with special needs. The SCDA holds an annual session and offers continuing education and networking.

Also of interest is the new Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) Standard 2-25 for all dental schools stating that graduates must be competent in assessing and managing the treatment of patients with special needs. This new standard will now provide dental students with an exposure to managing these patients and delivering their dental care. With this experience, new graduates may be more willing to provide special needs dental care.

There are many complex issues involved in providing care for this diverse group of special needs individuals. Lack of access to dental care usually results in a higher risk for poor oral health. It is critical for special needs patients of all ages to have access to care to maintain not only oral and dental health but also good systemic health.

Dr. Rebecca King Rackley earned her D.D.S. degree in 1983 at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. She served as Director of the General Practice Residency Program based out of The Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center from 1983 until 2013. Joining the OU College of Dentistry faculty in 2016, Rackley is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Division of Pediatric Dentistry.

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

PURE CONSENT PROVISION OCCURRENCE AND CLAIMS-MADE POLICIES 9 5 % D E N TA L T R I A L W I N R AT E 120+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE A + + F I N A N C I A L R AT I N G B Y A . M . B E S T

Contact us today for a quote.

1 OPEN CAMERA

4 05. 521 .16 0 0 | INFO@30 0 0 IG .COM

2 SCAN

medpro.com/PromiseOK

3 GET QUOTE

A.M. Best rating as of 7/10/2019. All data is MedPro Group data; claims data range is 2009-2018 unless otherwise indicated. 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 among companies. © 2019 MedPro Group Inc. All Rights Reserved.

www.okda.org

47

OKLAHOMA DENTAL FOUNDATION

2019 Executive Summary Discussion MobileSmiles is now a functioning charitable dental office five days per week for some 240 days a year. That is only possible through the collaborations of the ODF, Oklahoma Health Care Authority, OU College of Dentistry and multiple non-profits across the state. Historically, using “traditional” volunteers, the program generally functioned on Thursday – Saturdays on an uneven schedule. The program outreach is now achieving levels which are worthy of the partnerships we have been developing and that we have been striving for over the past six years.

Beginning in July 2015, the Oklahoma Dental Foundation and the University of Oklahoma initiated a new partnership in which 4th year dental students would be placed on the MobileSmiles dental units, under the guidance of a Preceptor Dentist employed by the ODF, for the student’s Externship. This change in the workforce of volunteers and staff has produced significant changes in outcomes for those being treated and has dramatically changed the output of patients from every previous year of the program. Those changes are appropriately reflected in the chart.

The Externship Program allows for the MobileSmiles program to strategically schedule partner sites throughout the state which demonstrated underserved dental needs. Additionally, we have worked diligently to align our efforts with nonprofits that are involved in “Bridges Out of Poverty” type programs which are intentionally working with clients to build their ability to find life outcomes that are improved from their dominant culture.

concept of mobile dentistry to get treatment into the heart of a community’s need. As our program puts a greater emphasis on the outcomes of the patients treated through MobileSmiles, we also believe that the investment of resources, both human and financial, will show greater dividends: patients will better appreciate the dental benefit through SoonerCare and MobileSmiles, patients will pass the education on to those within their spheres of influence to help others seek dental assistance, dental students complete their two-week rotation with a fuller understanding of those in need and reasons for access-to-care challenges.

Notably, MobileSmiles continues to see the same nature of patients as seen in the income/demographic breakdowns of those being treated. We believe this reflects well on the historical focus of the patient populations MobileSmiles has targeted to help impact. Even though we are seeing dramatically larger numbers of patients and providing more care per patient, the demographics of need remain unchanged.

It is for this reason that we are able to more confidently determine that, but for our expansion into the Externship Program, all of the numbers would have been flat.

Positive changes are visible now through the MobileSmiles program that were only conceptually considered six years ago.

Certainly, dental access-to-care remains a vast challenge that few understand or appreciate. However, through a patchwork of charitable clinics, volunteer clinics and the MobileSmiles program outreach, we are getting access and education to more patients and prospective patients than ever before because of the ongoing partnerships which are central to our mission.

Outreach, education and treatment for Oklahomans in dental need will only become more accessible through the

2017

2018

2019

# of Patients Treated

2,258 2,258

2,109

2,240

Estimated Value of Treatment

$585,987.00

$531,920.00

$529,243.00

# of SoonerCare Treated

460

376

403

# of Volunteers

308

214

228

# of Volunteer Hours

2,029.6

1,442.6

1,444.4

Average # of Hours per Volunteer

6.6

6.7

6.3

% of Patients with Income <$10,000

57.48%

59.1%

60.45%

% of Patients with Income $10-$20K

26.7%

26.9%

25.82%

% of Patients with Income $20-30K

10.8%

10.1%

10.62%

% of Patients with Income >$30,000

5.02%

3.9%

3.11%

% of Patients: Hispanic

9.2%

17.5%

19.51%

% of Patients: African American

8.5%

8.2%

11.69%

% of Patients: Native American

4.6%

3.2%

7.40%

% of Patients: Asian

0.5%

1.0%

1.09%

% of Patients: Caucasian

68.4%

61.4%

58.62%

% of Patients: Mixed

8.7%

8.7%

5.05%

48 journal | March/April 2020

2020 Board of Trustees

PRESIDENT Michael McKinney, DMD Oral Surgeon Edmond

VICE PRESIDENT Justin Beasley, DDS General Dentist Oklahoma City

SECRETARY/TREASURER Amy Hall Simmons Bank Oklahoma City

Bryan Blankenship, DDS General Dentist Oklahoma City

Matthew Gray, DDS General Dentist Owasso

Mathew Hookom, DDS General Dentist Atoka

Scott Hubbard, DDS Orthodontist Woodward

Eugenia Johnson, DDS Endodontist Tulsa

Mitchell Kramer, DDS General Dentist Edmond

Michael Levine First Liberty Bank Oklahoma City

Juan Lopez, DDS General Dentist Lawton

Dan McNair, DDS General Dentist Drumright

Jason Osborn Valliance Bank Oklahoma City

Shelly Short, RDH, MS, PhD Practice Consultant Oklahoma City

Ron Winder, DDS Pediatric Dentist Tulsa www.okda.org

49

FINAL THOUGHTS

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM DR. THOMAS JOURDAN VINITA, OK 1. What motto do you live by? Do to others as I would want them to do to me.

2. What is the best advice you've ever been given? Dental- Don't hurt them. They won't come back!

3. What “words of wisdom” would you share with a Dentist one year out of school?

Do your best every single time. Do not take short cuts just to "produce more".

4. What's the secret to happiness? Contentment 5. When was the last time you learned something new? Over the past two years, I began CBCT and IO scan, and produced surgical guides for implant placement.

Connect them with FREE support.

out of

- 2020 Surgeon General’s Report

50 journal | March/April 2020

In 1964, the Surgeon General issued a landmark warning on tobacco. In 2020, a new report is out, and the findings are compelling: • 34 million U.S. adults are current smokers.

• 4 out of 9 smokers have NOT received advice from health care providers to quit tobacco.

• Cessation medication combined with behavioral therapy greatly increases likelihood of success.

Ask your patients about tobacco use, and refer them to the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline. For free promotional materials and information, visit OKhelpline.com.

Jan/Feb 2015 | Vol. 106, No. 1

Together We Are

Stronger!

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.

In this issue:

OkMOM: Getting to the Root of it All Pg. 34

www.okda.org

1

JOB OPENINGS ASSOCIATE/PARTNER - Independently Owned Group Practice -Seeking associate or partner for a busy family practice in Miami, OK. Buy in opportunity available if desired. $15k monthly base salary + production. New modern office with new equipment. Digital x-ray, CBCT, and electronic charting. Matching 401k fully vested from day one.Health Insurance. Dental Coverage.Paid professional liability. Contact: Kirk Williams, 918-541-5888 kirk@smilesmiami.com HYGIENIST- Looking for AWESOME Hygienist, well-established Glenpool, OK office seeking a self-motivated hygienist who can handle high patient flow and licensed to anesthetize for four days a week. Competitive pay with medical, vision and dental.Bring in your friendliness and passion for patient care and email me your resume to info@918dentist.com

PRACTICE FOR SALE GREATER NORMAN, OK GENERAL PRACTICE FOR SALE: Thriving general practice southeast of Norman, OK. 5 ops with expansion opportunity and over $615,000 in collections. Work for yourself and profit! Located an hour southeast of Norman, OK this practice is near enough to Norman and OKC to enjoy all the opportunities the capital provides, while also maintaining a community feel. With a low cost of living and little competition, you&rsquo;ll be in a position to grow and profit with this practice. Main Street is newly restored and features coffee shops and a theater as well as local OK produce and goods. Lakeside views, an amphitheater and nature trails are all features of the local park. Chickasaw Country offers a host of comfort-filled amenities, from relaxing spas to peaceful lakeside cabins and distinctive shopping. To learn even more details about this wonderfully designed practice, please read more below:5 Fully Equipped (and certainly expansive) dental operatories, Expansion Opportunity by building expansion, Over 2,200 active patients,Collections of $615,000, Adjusted EBITDA over $150,000, Real estate opportunity To learn even more about this undeniably incredible practice, please contact Kaile Vierstra with Professional Transition Strategies either by phone at 719.694.8320 or certainly by email at kaile@professionaltransition.com PRACTICE FOR SALE IN BROKEN BOW: Ready to RETIRE! Practice located in Beautiful Broken Bow, Ok. Close to Dallas for shopping while being able to raise your family in a small town environment. Enjoy the crystal clear water of Broken Bow lake and fly fish the Mt. Fork or canoe the Glover.

A recreational paradise at your fingertips. Established in1972; Some aspects of this hi-producing practice: 6 ops, Imaging room, preventive patient informational room, paperless, automated recare and appointment reminders, team seminar area with kitchen and other amenities to numerous to mention like a fireplace in the reception area with coffee bar and popcorn. Our team members have traveled extensively for training and our retention rate has a combination of over 120 years of experience. Hygienist and other team members are available for continued patient retention. Broken Bow has been discovered as a retirement/vacation destination. Travel and Leisure:move over Hamptons, goodbye South Beach here comes Broken Bow Many rivers, beautiful lake and towering pine trees cover the Kiamichi mountains. Please contact Charlette for more information: 5805797477 or Charlette48@me.com DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE: Dental practice for sale in Norman. In same location for more than 20 years. Successful dental proactice in Norman Centrally located near downtown and in business for more than 20 years.Contact CPA for details. Darrell Harris 405-812-3870 drharriscpa@yahoo.com

EQUIPMENT INTRAORAL X-RAY SENSOR REPAIR/SALES: We repair broken sensors. Save thousands in replacement costs. Specializing in Kodak/Carestream, major brands. We buy/sell sensors. American SensorTech 919-229-0483 www.repairsensor.com

OTHER DENTAL SUITE FOR LEASE: Dental suite for lease in existing office building; 2,500 rsf space near NW Expressway and Meridian. This has a great floorplan set up for a dental tenant starting at $3,000; For information call Chris at 405.401.1832

SUBMIT A LISTING Submitting a classified ad is easy with our online form. Find the form and more information at okda.org/classifieds.

QUESTIONS? Email: advertising@okda.org Call: 800.876.8890.

PRICE ODA Members Online - Free ODA Journal - $40 for first 50 words

www.okda.org

51

52 journal | March/April 2020