May/June 2021 | Vol. 112, No. 3
Dr. Chris Fagan 2021-2022 ODA President www.okda.org
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Contents
ADVERTISERS Thank you to these businesses who advertise in the ODA Journal
May/June 2021 | Vol. 112, No.3
Inside Front Cover Valliance Bank Inside Back Cover 3000 IG Back Cover Delta Dental of Oklahoma Authentic Dental Laboratory, Inc. Edmonds Endodontic Associates Endodontic Practice Associates Lewis Health Profession Services MedPro ODASuppySource
Oklahoma Dental Association
ASSOCIATION 04 Calendar of Events 0 5 Welcome ODA New Members 0 6 ODA Event Highlights 08 Letter from ODA President, Dr. Chris Fagan 09 2021-2022 ODA Executive Committee and Board of Trustees
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Veterans Dental Day Highlight
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If you or a company you know is interested in advertising in the Journal please contact Stacy Yates at advertising@okda.org
Dr. Tamara Berg Spotlight
11 RDGP Information 1 2 ODA Rewards Partners 1 3 ODA Rewards Partners Column 1 4 ODA Member Benefit Corner 1 5 ODA Marketing Coach 1 6 Veterans Dental Day Highlight 1 8 Dr. Krista Jones, ODA Saddoris Award Winner 2 0 2021 ODA Award Winners 2 3 Leadership Academy Information 24 ODA Virtual Annual Meeting Highlights
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. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to OKLAHOMA DENTAL ASSOCIATION JOURNAL, 317 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104. Periodical postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK and additional mailing offices. Subscriptions: Rates for non-members are $56. Single copy rate is $18, payable in advance. 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 © 2021 Oklahoma Dental Association.
LEGISLATIVE LOOP 2 8 Opting Out of Medicare: What You Need to Know 2 8 ODA Legislator of The Year Award 2 9 TAKE ACTION: Stop the Healthcare Holdup 30 ODA Talking Points Opposing Managed Care 32 2021 OKCapitol Club & DENPAC Grand Level Members 33 ODA Members Help Lobby Federal Dental Bills
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TAKE ACTION:
Stop the Heathcare Holdup
SPOTLIGHT 34 Tamara Berg, DDS
FEATURES Cover Photo: ODA President Dr. Chris Fagan with his family.
36 Differential Diagnosis: Red and White Lesion Involving The Buccal Mucosa 38 Collect What You Produce: 10 Ways to Increase Your Production Through "Improvement" 4 0 Preparing For a Crisis Event in The Dental Office 4 2 Hygiene HotSpot 4 3 New Dentist Corner
CLASSIFIEDS 4 4 ODA Classified Listings
Is Your Information Correct? Help the ODA keep you informed about legislative actions, CE opportunities, events and other important member-only news. Contact Kylie Faherty ODA Membership Director, at kfaherty@okda.org or 800.876.8890 to provide the ODA with all of your current contact information.
www.okda.org
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ODA JOURNAL STAFF EDITOR Mary Hamburg, DDS, MS ASSOCIATE EDITOR Frank J. Miranda, DDS EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS M. Edmund Braly, DDS Daryn Lu, DDS Phoebe Vaughan, DDS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR F. Lynn Means DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & EDUCATION Stacy Yates OFFICERS 2021-2022 PRESIDENT Chris Fagan, DDS president@okda.org PRESIDENT-ELECT Robert Herman, DDS presidentelect@okda.org VICE PRESIDENT Paul Wood, DDS vicepresident@okda.org SECRETARY/TREASURER Mike Gliddon, DDS treasurer@okda.org SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE Doug Auld, DDS speaker@okda.org IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Paul Mullasseril, DDS pastpresident@okda.org ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR F. Lynn Means DIRECTOR OF GOVERNANCE & FINANCE Shelly Frantz DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & EDUCATION Stacy Yates DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP Kylie Faherty PROGRAMS & OPERATIONS MANAGER Makenzie Dean SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER Abby Sholar MEMBERSHIP SERVICES MANAGER Madison Bolton
Stay connected with the ODA!
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journal | May/June 2021
CALENDAR OF EVENTS Visit the ODA’s online calendar at OKDA.ORG/CALENDAR for all upcoming meetings and events. May 14 OkMOM 2022 Steering Committee Meeting Zoom 8:00 a.m. May 14 RDGP Meeting Zoom 11:00 a.m. May 15 OU College of Dentistry Graduation May 24-26 ODA Closed May 31 Memorial Day ODA Closed
June 11 DE/PI Meeting Zoom 10:00 a.m. Rewards Meeting Zoom 11:30 a.m. Membership and Membership Services Meeting Zoom 1:00 p.m. June 25 Strategic Planning Meeting Omni Hotel (OKC) 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m June 30 ODA Virtual Annual Meeting On-Demand Access ends
July 2 & 5 ODA Closed July 16 Governmental Affairs Meeting ODA Building 9:00 a.m. ODA Board of Trustees Meeting ODA Building 1:30 p.m. July 30 Annual Meeting Planning Committee Meeting Zoom 9:00 a.m.
Welcome, New Members
REGISTER AT OKDA.ORG/ANNUAL-MEETING The Oklahoma Board of Dentistry reporting period ends June 30, 2021. Please note, the category of these sessions now falls under on-demand.
www.okda.org
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The Oklahoma Dental Association hosted its first-ever virtual cooking class in late April! With help from Life at the Table Chef Jeremy, attendees learned how to make their own pizza dough and sauce!
Thank you to everyone who attended and thank you to Life at the Table for helping us make this event possible!
ODA VIRTUAL PIZZA PARTY!
CHICK & POLITICS Back in March, the Oklahoma Dental Association hosted ODA Chick and Politics for the OU College of Dentistry students. Chick-fil-A sandwiches were passed out to the students during lunch as they hopped on a quick webinar to learn more about ADA and ODA advocacy efforts. Speakers on the webinar included Dr. Cindi Sherwood, Dr. Lindsay Smith, lobbyist Scott Atkins and ODA 2021 6 journal | May/June Executive Director Lynn Means.
www.okda.org
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FROM THE ODA PRESIDENT DR.CHRIS FAGAN I write this letter just four short days after being installed as President of your Oklahoma Dental Association. Dr. Terry Fiddler, our 12th District Trustee, allowed my father to preside over the installation. As many of you know, Dr. Tim Fagan is a past president of this organization. Having him read my duties added another dimension to the importance of the position. It is a great memory that I will always treasure. I have to say I was happy that my installation was conducted by Zoom; I’m sure my emotions would have gotten the better of me if it had been conducted in person. This brings me to my focus for the upcoming year. As an organization, we are better together and face-to-face. We need to explore our recent history to know where we are going. This time last year, we were just emerging from the dental shutdown mandated by Governor Stitt, stating that only emergency dental treatment be completed. As dental practices began to reopen everything seemed to be unknown. There was a ton of conflicting information. The ADA and the ODA took a position of getting accurate information, not only to dentists, but to the public, as well. PPE shortages were addressed. Slowly but surely dentistry reopened. We all know this process is not over and it would be naive to think that COVID-19 is completely behind us. We also have to accept that the practice of dentistry is not going to be the same as it was pre-COVID. My goal is that the ODA continue to provide leadership and direction as we discover the "new normal" in dentistry. There continues to be an overwhelming amount of misinformation regarding this virus and the various available vaccines. In my opinion, the American Dental Association
Dr. Chris Fagan's father, Dr. Tim Fagan, surprised him by joining the meeting virtually to officially install him!
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journal | May/June 2021
remains the single best source for accurate information regarding the practice of dentistry during these times. A Strategic Plan is used to communicate with an organization the proposed organizational goals, the actions needed to achieve those goals, and the direction the organization should take to best accomplish this. Our last Strategic Plan was developed in 2017 and adopted by our House of Delegates in April of 2018. Historically, we have developed a new plan every three years, but due to the events of last year, it was postponed. Developing a new plan now could not be more timely due to changes brought about by the pandemic. On July 25, we will be organizing a group of ODA members to develop a new strategic plan for our organization. I’m looking forward to that process. There are several events I am looking forward to this year. Immediate Past President Dr. Paul Mullasseril organized and successfully executed a special day of dentistry to care for our military veterans this past March 27. It was a huge success, supported by the ODA, the OU College of Dentistry, and the Oklahoma Dental Foundation. Henry Schein made the commitment of donating all the supplies. Plans are in place for this to become an annual event and the ODA has pledged to continue its support as this event grows. We plan to host the event again on November 6, 2021. OkMOM is returning next February 4-5, 2022. We will be moving forward with our plans to visit Shawnee, Oklahoma. I appreciate Dr. Brandon Loeser for agreeing to chair this event. Our Annual Meeting will be held next April 1-2, 2022 at the new Omni Oklahoma City Hotel and Convention Center. Dr. Blaire Bowers has agreed to Chair this event. I am so looking forward to seeing you all in-person for the camaraderie and fellowship that makes the ODA such a great organization. I would be remiss if I did not mention our Executive Director Lynn Means and the entire ODA staff. The number of programs, events and initiatives they tackle every year is truly impressive. They have adapted to very challenging times this past year including everything from working remotely, making countless Zoom calls,
2020-2021 ODA PRESIDENT, DR. PAUL MULLASSERIL, PASSING ON THE ODA PRESIDENT'S PIN TO DR. CHRIS FAGAN DURING THE ODA'S VIRTUAL HOUSE OF DELEGATES MEETING.
setting up virtual annual meetings, fighting the threat of Managed Care, to even dealing with a flood in the ODA offices. They make impossible tasks look easy and deserve every bit of credit for the successes of this organization. Thank you for the opportunity and honor of serving as your president for the upcoming year. I look forward to seeing you all face to face in the coming months.
2021-2022 ODA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President Dr. Chris Fagan
President-elect Dr. Robie Herman
Vice President Dr. Paul Wood
Secretary/Treasurer Dr. Mike Gliddon
Immediate Past President Dr. Paul Mullasseril
Speaker of the House Dr. Doug Auld
2021-2022 ODA BOARD OF TRUSTEES Dr. Chris Fagan, President and ADA Delegate
Dr. M. Ed Braly, Central Component Trustee
Dr. Robie Herman, President-elect
Dr. Jana McIntosh, Eastern Component Trustee
Dr. Paul Wood, Vice President
Dr. Jandra Korb, Northern Component Trustee
Dr. Mike Gliddon, Secretary/Treasurer
Dr. Jonathan Suttle, Northwest Component Trustee
Dr. Doug Auld, Speaker of the House and ADA Delegate
Dr. Edward Harroz III, OK County Component Trustee
Dr. Paul Mullasseril, Immediate Past President
Dr. Matt Bridges, Southwest Component Trustee
Dr. Tamara Berg, ADA Delegate
Dr. Lindsay Smith, Tulsa County Component Trustee
Dr. Tim Fagan, ADA Delegate
Dr. Mary Temple-Goins, New Dentist Trustee
Dr. Rieger Wood, ADA Delegate
For the full list of ODA Council and Committee members, visit www.okda.org/about-the-oda/leadership.
www.okda.org
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES RECAP In November, the Board of Trustees adopted the 2021 operating budget, which was ratified by the House of Delegates at its April 8 meeting. This marks the eleventh consecutive year the ODA has not raised dues. The Board also reviewed the 2019 audited financial statements as prepared by RSM US LLP, which reported that the statements presented fairly in all material respects the financial position of the Association as of December 31, 2019. Changes in net assets and cash flows for the year were in conformity with the accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Upon recommendation of the Investment Committee, the Board reinvested several reserve funds in higher yielding accounts. Reserve funds are currently at 134.05% of the operating budget. The ODA acquired ownership of the remaining funds from the Alliance of the ODA, which dissolved in 2017. Upon direction of the Board, the Executive Committee distributed the funds among the following charitable dental programs: Hearts That Care Dental Clinic, Oklahoma Mission of Mercy, Oklahoma Dental Relief and Disaster Grant Program, Oklahoma Dental Foundation for Veterans Dental Day, and the J. Dean Robertson Society for indigent care. The Board approved a co-endorsement (with the ADA) of Laurel Road for student loan refinancing. ODA/ADA members get a 0.25% rate discount over the life of the student loan when refinancing. Residents and fellows pay only $100 during training. In consideration of the safety of attendees and vendors and upon recommendation of the CDC on guidelines for group gatherings of
100 or more persons, the Board voted to conduct the 2021 Annual Meeting virtually, offering a robust and diverse selection of scientific presentations for the entire dental team. In memory of Dr. James S. Torchia, the Board donated $500 to the Eastern Oklahoma Catholic Charities and $500 to the J. Dean Robertson Society for the orthodontic dental clinic renovation. The ODA participates in the Oklahoma Alliance for Healthy Families, a coalition of healthcare organizations. In January, the Board voted to support a PSA campaign for the COVID-19 vaccine, developed by the coalition, in the amount of $1,000 from reserve funds to be included as an official partner of the campaign. The ODA also participates in the anti-managed care Medicaid coalition, comprised of several Oklahoma healthcare organizations. The Board voted to support the coalition in the amount of $1,000 from reserve funds to help develop an overall public awareness and education campaign to include a website, social media presence, press releases, and op-eds. Additionally, the Board voted to support the lawsuit initiated by Senator Rob Standridge and other legislators against Governor Kevin Stitt in the amount of up to $5,000 from reserve funds. The lawsuit is to enjoin the Governor from using Medicaid/FMAP money to give to a managed care company, a new appropriation, without the approval of the Legislature. The Board endorsed Black Talon for cybersecurity. Black Talon will provide advanced cybersecurity solutions to ODA members to help protect critical infrastructure and patient records from cyberattacks. As an endorsed partner of the ODA, Black Talon will offer ODA members exclusive discounts on Black Talon services, which include a cybersecurity assessment, cybersecurity awareness training (a requirement for HIPAA compliance), vulnerability scanning and penetration testing. The Board endorsed Enviro-Mist whole office disinfection, education, and training. Enviro-Mist uses disinfection technology that is recognized as the gold standard around the world. Enviro-Mist is offering ODA members a nearly 50% discount on services. In an act of deepest gratitude and acknowledgement of a job well done during an exceptionally difficult and unprecedented year, the Board allocated up to $5,000 to finance a staff retreat, May 24-26, at Broken Bow Lake for ODA staff members and their significant others. A task force was created to develop a recommendation for renaming the Distinguished Dentist Service Award.
The next meeting of the ODA Board of Trustees is scheduled for July 16, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. 10 journal | May/June 2021
With storm season approaching, Oklahomans face the risk of devastating disasters.
DON’T GET CAUGHT IN THE RAIN
Make a tax-deductible contribution to the RDGP The Oklahoma Dental Relief and Disaster Grant Program (RDGP) is a charitable trust established to provide aid to dental professionals affected by natural disasters,physical disability, chemical dependence, or other hindering conditions. The RDGP is reliant solely on contributions from individuals like you. Help Prepare & Provide for those in need. You never know when it could be you.
Contact the ODA at 800.876.8890
FEBRUARY 4 & 5, 2022 HEART OF OKLAHOMA EXPO CENTER VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION OPENS OCTOBER 15 AT OKMOM.ORG
www.okda.org
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OKLAHOMA DENTAL ASSOCIATION REWARDS PARTNERS PROGRAM Insurance Products For You & Your Practice The insurance coverage you need for your business, personal life & employee benefits. Tours & Cruises Access to guided ocean, river and land-based tours designed to immerse travelers in the history and culture of people and places.
Debt Collection Services Members receive 10% off Tier 1 pricing.
Computers & Technology Members are eligible to save up to 30% off the everyday public web price of Lenovo’s entire product line.
Bio-Hazard Waste Removal & Treatment Receive special pricing for waste pickup.
Cybersecurity Protect your business and reputation from Cyberattacks!
Medical Evacuation Members receive reduced membership rates.
Patient Payment Plans Help patients get what they need, without delay!
Luxury Vehicles Exciting member discounts on Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
*NEW REWARDS PARTNER*
Interpretation Services Save nearly 70% off of interpretation services compared to those who aren’t ODA members.
Scrap Metal Recovery Receive 85-97% of the current market price.
Dental & Office Supplies Save on more than 65,000 products.
Secure Communications Solutions Receive preferred pricing & waived set-up fees.
Electronic Insurance Claims Receive e-claims for only .25 cents.
Website Design & Marketing Services Members can save on websites.
Appliances Access to member-only savings of up to 25% off MSRP on select GE appliances.
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.
Emergency Medical Kits Save 10% on emergency medical kits & AEDs.
Scrubs, Lab Coats & More Members receive a 15% discount of all purchases in-store and online.
Electronic Credit Card, Check Management & Payroll Processing Services Receive special pricing, efficiently pay your staff & manage general HR needs.
Special Services & Shipping Discounts Members have access to new & improved flat discount pricing.
Empowered ePrescribing Simplify prescriptions with robust functionality and automation. Answers On Employer Dental Plans The solution for dental practices & you receive a $300 discount.
Staff Logo Apparel Save up to 10% on products and logo embroidery.
12 journal | May/June 2021
Laurel Road You can save on your student loan debt! Members are eligible to receive a special offer from Laurel Road.
Point-Earning Credit Card The only credit card endorsed for ADA members.
On-Hold Messaging, Digital Video & Overhead Music Connect with your patients while they wait.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
OKDA .ORG/REWARDS-PROGRAM
These are endorsed companies of the ODA that save members money while keeping dues lower by providing royalties to the Association.
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 one of our NEWEST Partners. Learn about all of the Partners at okda.org.
The Biggest Mistake Dentists Make Is Thinking “Dave Their IT Guy” will protect them from a ransomware attack Dave is not a specialist in Cybersecurity, but you believe he is. It is time to think differently and engage with a cybersecurity company who can protect your patients and livelihood from hackers that want to take everything from you. Black Talon specializes in cybersecurity for dental and is endorsed by the Oklahoma Dental Association. Contact us today to learn how we can protect you.
blacktalonsecurity.com | Phone: 800-683-3797 | sales@blacktalonsecurity.com Cybersecurity | Incident Response | Training | Forensics www.okda.org
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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.
Diversity and Inclusion in the Tripartite By: Madison Bolton, ODA Membership Manager
The ADA Diversity and Inclusion Committee and supporting staff recently laid a foundation for continued progress through the 2020-2025 Diversity and Inclusion Plan. The plan outlines three goals: [1] increase member diversity; [2] create a welcoming and inclusive environment; and [3] build diversity and inclusion capacity, grow membership diversity, and support the advancement of the health of the public. The Oklahoma Dental Association is proud to be a part of this plan. As we look forward to the next five, ten, fifteen years and beyond we are finding ways to incorporate these goals in all that we do, specifically into our upcoming strategic plan. Our work as an organization to advance the dental profession, improve the public's oral health, and promote oral health access can only be accomplished by taking mindful steps in our progress on inclusivity. Currently the ADA, ODA, and the OU College of Dentistry have created the following opportunities and programs:
ADA Accelerator Program • The ADA recently launched the ADA Accelerator Series: your hub for financial, leadership and work/life balance tools. The ADA Accelerator Series includes: • Regular webinars hosted by experts on timely topics such as time and stress management, conquering fear, parental leave business management, life insurance planning and building confidence as a leader in times of uncertainty. • Tips on tackling current challenges in your life and achieving your longterm goals – from other dentists who have been there. • Opportunities to expand your leadership skills in changing times. • Self-care and wellness support, now more critical than ever.
ODA Leadership Academy • The ODA Leadership Academy is a statewide program designed to develop future leaders in organized dentistry by educating them on the foundational keys to its success. ODA Women in Dentistry events • The ODA offers several events throughout the year specifically for the female professionals in our membership, where colleagues can work together on issues unique to them. OU College of Dentistry Diversity and Inclusion Council and Committee • The OUCOD Diversity and Inclusion Council and Committee hosts events for students and faculty and provides Diversity Scholarship Opportunities.
ADA’s Third Party Payer Concierge and other Dental Insurance Advocacy
Challenges with dental insurance can take up valuable time and resources, so the ADA is here to help. The ADA’s Third Party Payer Concierge™ is a library of resources to support you with any and all dental insurance issues. Access articles, tips and tools, as well as on-demand webinars that speak to your pressing problems spanning insurance carrier relationships, contracts, claim submissions and rejections, and administrative efficiencies.
Dental insurance issues are invariably rated among the most important concerns confronting dentists. On the national front and together with state dental societies, the ADA is working to achieve key legislative policy reforms, locally and nationally.
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The ADA is constantly enhancing its ready-to-use member resources to help you successfully navigate everyday dental insurance obstacles on behalf of your patients. Learn more at ada.org/en/member-center/ member-benefits/practice-resources/dental-insurance today!
ODA MARKETING COACH
Prepare Your Marketing and SEO Strategy for Google’s Page Experience Update Google’s Page Experience update launched in May, and this critical search engine optimization algorithm change may have a dramatic impact on your website’s online rankings in search results. Page experience refers to how users perceive their online interactions with the pages in their websites. Google is implementing a series of new benchmarks to quantify, measure and reward exceptional user experiences. These new Core Web Vitals include loading time, interactivity and visual stability, and they will directly impact your website’s ranking determinations. Since Google has adopted a mobile-first indexing approach, these metrics will be based entirely on the mobile friendliness of your dental website. This is why it’s so important that your website design is mobile-optimized. Here are some tips on how you can prepare for the changes so that your practice website stays visible and outperforms the competition. Why Google’s update matters Current SEO strategy focuses on readability, but now, SEO strategists must also include functionality, which means Google is rewarding dental websites that act more human. In a nutshell, if your page experience (for instance, your website’s relatability and interactive ability) rates high, Google will direct more patients to your website by placing your site at the top of search results, and could lead to enhanced visibility, increased organic traffic and, ultimately, increased bookings and production. A bad mobile user experience, on the other hand, will produce the opposite effect, and may lead to a decrease in rankings, exposure, traffic and bookings. To put things in perspective, past algorithm updates, such as Panda, impacted more than 12% of all online search queries, so this critical SEO update is something you cannot afford to ignore. How to achieve a great mobile page experience There are many factors that affect a user’s experience on your website. For instance,
nothing delights a site visitor more than quick load times and an easily navigable content structure that intuitively guides them to the information they seek. Further, nothing is more frustrating than layout elements that unexpectedly shift and change shape while they are attempting to interact with your site. These baseline fundamentals are encapsulated by Google’s Core Web Vitals, which include these three factors: • Page loading times: Website loading performance is measured as the time it takes to render the largest content element on pages within your website. This should not exceed 2.5 seconds, which is the accepted standard for a good user experience. Pages that load quickly not only generate higher user satisfaction, but also give patients more time to consume your content and convert. Google’s own research also indicates that conversion rates can drop up to 70% for every extra second of load time. • Site interactive responsiveness: Website responsiveness is measured as the time the browser takes to respond to a page event, such as clicking a link or tapping a button, and is critical to maintaining high user engagement. A delay of less than 100 ms is considered optimal and is especially important for calls to action, such as when a patient requests an appointment or submits an online registration form. • Visual Stability: The interactive stability of pages within your website is the degree of shift that occurs in the page layout during the loading phase of each page. This is important so patients don’t accidentally tap a button that shifts unexpectedly under their fingertips. Stabilizing the movement of page content as it loads and preventing the layout from shifting is what Google is looking for when ranking your website.
Put simply, the delivery of an exceptional page experience within your website should enable patients to interact and engage more deeply. Google’s update will serve to reward pages within your website that demonstrate the core fundamentals of rapid load times, page stability and dynamic responsiveness of all interactive elements. These search signals will be measured against the mobile version of your website and added to the growing compendium of key indicators that determine your position in search results. You can use Google Search Console reporting tools to analyze your website’s performance across these metrics and take immediate action to ensure your website does not experience a drop in rankings when the update launches. 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.
Future issues of the ODA Journal will include individual articles from this module, but you can see the module in its entirety at https://success.ada.org/en/ practice-management/dental-practicesuccess
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Veterans Dental Day
March 27, 2021
Ou college of dentistry Oklahoma Dental Association “As my mission “Asaaformer formerArmy ArmyReserve Reservemember, member,I Ihave mademade it myitmission during during my ODA presidency to plan a free dental care day for my ODA presidency to plan a free dental care day for Oklahoma Oklahoma veterans.of Because of the pandemic cut veterans. Because the pandemic we had to we cuthad the to number the number of we can treat half,did butnot that didus notfrom of patients wepatients could treat in half, butinthat stop stop us from making a tremendous theseveterans. veteran’sThe making a tremendous impact in theimpact lives ofinthese lives. goalthis is that will continue into the future hopeThe is that clinicthis willclinic continue into the future and takeand place take place on an annual basis.” on an annual basis.” Dr. Paul Mullasseril Dr. Mullasseril ODA Paul Immediate Past President and OU College of Dentistry Assistant for Clinical & Preclinical Education ODA President and OU College of Dentistry Assistant Dean forDean Clinical and Preclinical Education
At the inaugural Veterans Dental Day on March 27, 2021, patients received free cleanings, extractions and more. The ODA, ODF and the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry joined forces with Dentists for the Disabled and Elderly in Need of Treatment (D-DENT), Eastern Oklahoma Donated Dental Services (EODDS) and other organizations from across the state to provide essential dental care to Oklahoma veterans. These procedures were performed by OUCOD dental students and faculty, and ODA volunteers. “The college is proud of our partnership with the Oklahoma Dental Association and are thrilled to be able to join together to provide free dental care for veterans in need,” said Dr. Raymond A. Cohlmia, dean of the OU College of Dentistry. “These veterans have dedicated their lives to the service of our country, and now it’s our honor to serve them.” With no dental benefits provided to veterans, getting the necessary oral health care can be difficult, and often, veterans delay urgent needs. Regular dental appointments are essential in evaluating, diagnosing, preventing, or treating oral diseases, which can affect systemic health. Proper CDC, OSHA, OSDH, and ADA COVID safety precautions were taken, and all participants were required to wear masks.
16 journal | May/June 2021
Thank You Henry Schein Dental, henry schein cares & the Oklahoma Dental Foundation Lacey Link, RDH, Consultant for Henry Schein
for sponsoring Veterans Dental Day
Event partners
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congratulations dr. krista jones JAMES A. SADDORIS LIFETIME OF LEADERSHIP AWARD Dr. Krista Jones is known for her tenacity, enthusiasm and bottomless wealth of energy when it comes to promoting oral health and advocating for the dental profession. With a simple flip through the Oklahoma Dental Association archives, it is clear that she has improved every program with which she has been involved. In fact, it is a challenge to find an ODA award she has not won, or council she has not joined. Because of her involvement in the ODA, dentistry in Oklahoma has been changed for the better. The most prestigious award given by the ODA was created to honor a member who, through a lifetime of service, exemplified the spirit, devotion and commitment of its namesake, James A. Saddoris. This year, the members of the Oklahoma Dental Association honor Dr. Krista Jones for being the highest example of those same characteristics. Since graduating from the OU College of Dentistry in 1981, (after attending undergrad at the University in Oklahoma- where her energy was appropriately utilized in cheerleading) Jones has left no stone unturned. While running a practice in Edmond, OK, Jones has worked steadily to ensure progression, security, and innovation in the dental profession. She has faithfully served the ODA House of Delegates since 1982 as an Oklahoma County delegate and as Speaker from 20102016. She has served the ODA in every office including president in 2007-2008. She chaired the Sub-Council on Mediation Review from 1999-2005, during which time she was instrumental in the development of the mediation review manual and the mediator training program still used today. She continues to advocate and educate students on the ethics in the practice and avoidance of patient conflict. 18 journal | May/June 2021
Her passion for parliamentary procedure led her to the Council on Bylaws, Policy and Ethics three different terms since 1986, and she has been chair of the council since 2018. Under her direction, the council developed the guide for disciplinary hearings. Jones served on the Oklahoma Delegation to the American Dental Association House of Delegates for eleven years and represented the ADA 12th District on several councils and committees including the Council on Communications from 2010-2013. She was the recipient of the ODA’s Thomas Jefferson Citizenship award in 1989, the Dan E. Brannin award in 2009, the President’s Leadership award in 2011, as well as both the Richard T. Oliver award and the Distinguished Dentist Service award in 2012. She currently serves on the DENPAC Board of Directors and represents District 5 on the Oklahoma Board of Dentistry. Jones is a fellow of the American College of Dentists, the Pierre Fauchard Academy, and the International College of Dentists. This year, the ODA honors her with our deepest gratitude and our highest accolade. Dr. Jones exemplifies the highest level of ethics, professionalism and truest devotion to the dental profession to which every dentist strives. The Oklahoma Dental Association is honored to have been led by a woman with such integrity, passion, initiative and vision. Dr. Krista Jones is now retired and living in Edmond with her husband, Craig Stinson, a United Methodist minister. Together, they are active in the community and continue a legacy of improving the lives of those around them.
CONGRATULATIONS ON A
lifetime of leadership
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THOMAS JEFFERSON CITIZENSHIP AWARD
dr. lee beasley
Dr. Beasley is a past president of the Oklahoma Dental Association and the Oklahoma Dental Foundation, and currently serves as a Trustee for the Oklahoma Dental Relief and Disaster Grant Program. He has made giving back to his profession and his community his life’s work.
DAN E. BRANNIN AWARD FOR PROFESSIONALISM
dr. raymond cohlmia
Dr. Cohlmia has represented and served numerous organizations within the profession, ranging from the ODA, ascending to President, to the ADA, ascending to District 12 Trustee, and the OU College of
Dentistry, where he currently serves as Dean. Through many leadership roles past and present, Dr. Cohlmia has epitomized professionalism and ethical practice, representing the profession with the highest of these standards.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN SCROLL AWARD
dr. phoebe vaughan
The Benjamin Franklin Scroll award recognizes outstanding contributions to the ODA Journal. Dr. Phoebe Vaughan is a member of the Editorial Committee and served as Editor from 2018-2020. As Editor,
she worked hard to collaborate with committee members to find innovative authors and topics that connect with ODA Journal readers.
ROBE RT K. WYNNE MEMO RI AL AWARD F O R D E NTA L E DUC AT IO N AND P U B LIC INFO RM ATION
dr. ed braly
Dr. Ed Braly is dedicated to strengthening dental education and public information. During the opioid crisis, he represented the ODA and dentistry on the Oklahoma Attorney General’s task force on opioids, providing information on the use of opioids in dental practice and educating on the ADA’s and ODA’s response to the crisis. Dr. Braly continues instructing dentists and
hygienists on the standards of practice when prescribing opioids and treating patients in pain. 20 journal | May/June 2021
RICHARD T. OLIVER LEGISLATIVE AWARD
dr. dan wilguess
In addition to his many previous roles in organized dentistry including ODA President and Secretary/ Treasurer and chair of DENPAC, Dr. Wilguess currently represents the ADA as an Action Team Leader (ATL) for U.S. Senator James Lankford.
LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
rep. cynthia roe
Representative Cynthia Roe, a Republican representing District 42, currently serves as Chairman of the House Public Health Committee. She is an Advanced Practice Nurse, and because of her experience
in Oklahoma healthcare, she is adamantly opposed to managed care Medicaid and is resolutely prohealthcare provider. Earlier this session, she refused to hear HB 1889 in her committee, a bill that would have made denturism legal in Oklahoma again. The ODA thanks Representative Roe for her support of dentistry – and for championing initiatives that help protect and improve the health of all Oklahomans.
PRESIDENT’S LEADERSHIP AWARD The President’s Leadership Award is presented to an individual who has exhibited exemplary leadership skills through service to the ODA, our membership and the community. This year, ODA Immediate Past President Dr. Paul Mullasseril chose to recognize the hard work and tireless leadership shown by the 2020-2021 ODA Executive Committee. It is the talents of each individual that contributes to the success of the team, and this team helped shape the difficult decisions made throughout this trying and unprecedented year.
dr. doug auld SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE
dr. robert herman VICE PRESIDENT
Executive committee titles based on 2020-2021 term.
dr. chris fagan
dr. mike gliddon
PRESIDENTELECT
SECRETARY/ TREASURER
mrs. lynn means
dr. dan wilguess
ODA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
IMMEDIATE PAST
PRESIDENT 21 www.okda.org
YOUNG DENTIST OF THE YEAR
dr. daryn lu
During dental school, Dr. Lu served as the American Student Dental Association Vice President, the District 9 Trustee and the ASDA Consultant on the ADA Council on Membership. He is a recipient of the OU
College of Dentistry Outstanding Senior Leadership Award and was named Outstanding Member of Student Government by the Health Sciences Center in 2013. He is a graduate of the ODA Leadership Academy, served on the ODA Council on Membership, and chaired the ODA Annual Meeting Planning Committee in 2020. Dr. Lu has been practicing restorative and cosmetic dentistry in the Oklahoma City metro area since 2015. He currently serves as the 12th District Representative to the ADA New Dentist Committee and is a member of the ODA Editorial Committee.
DISTINGUISHED DENTIST SERVICE
dr. tim fagan
Dr. Fagan holds the William E. Brown Chair in Dentistry at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry where he is a Clinical Professor, Chairman of the Department of Developmental Sciences, and head of the Pediatric Dentistry Division. He maintained a private pediatric dental practice in Enid for over 30 years prior to relocating to Oklahoma City.
He is a past president of the Oklahoma Dental Association, during which time he was instrumental in establishing several great programs such as the ODA Mentorship Program and the ODA Leadership Academy. He is also past president of the Southwestern Society of Pediatric Dentistry, and Oklahoma Association of Pediatric Dentists. He is a past trustee on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s Board of Trustees. He chaired the ADA’s Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention and served as the Council’s liaison to the ADA Council on Governmental Affairs. He has been an Oklahoma Delegate or Alternate Delegate to the ADA’s House of Delegates since 2012. He is also a past ADA Action Team Leader for Oklahoma’s 3rd Congressional District.
congratulations TO THIS YEAR’S AWARD RECIPIENTS
22 journal | May/June 2021
SEARCHING FOR YOUR NEXT LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY?
LOOKING TO BECOME MORE INVOLVED IN ORGANIZED DENTISTRY?
Look no further than ODA’s Leadership Academy where you will develop the skills and tools to become a successful leader in organized dentistry through a series of courses, speakers and events. Now Accepting Applications! Learn more and apply at okda.org
www.okda.org
23
virtual Annual Meeting
Oklahoma Dental Association
virtual
Exploration to excellence
Oklahoma Dental Association
Live on April 9 & 10 | now available on-demand through June 30
Annual Meeting Thank you! Thank you to everyone who helped make the first ODA Virtual Annual Meeting a tremendous success! We hope you enjoyed your time and will continue to take advantage of the ODA Virtual Annual Meeting platform through the on-demand option.
There’s Still Time to Attend Courses and Earn CE Credits The great thing about the 2021 ODA Virtual Annual Meeting is that it is not really over. If you missed a live session, you are able to view it on-demand until June 30, 2021. Please keep in mind that many of the courses have changed CE category based on the change from live to on-demand.
“
“
Dr. Albatish was someone I wished I had heard 30 years ago! Absolutely brilliant material! Glad we have till end of June to complete!
13 years as an rdh, and hands down, this was the most interesting CE class i’ve ever taken! - Review from an RDH re: Alyse Shockey ’s course “Tongue analysis for the dental hygienist”
- Dr. Larry Kiner | Enid , OK
Annual Meeting Sponsors
Thank you to our 2021 ODA Virtual Annual Meeting Premier Sponsor! Continuing education sponsors
24 journal | May/June 2021
“
“
The virtual ODA meeting was great!
social media recap
Follow the ODA On Social Media:
@okdentassoc
@okdentalassoc
@okLAdentalassoc
Learn More about the Virtual Annual Meeting Speakers
at okda.org/annual-meeting/speakers
2021 virtual annual Meeting impact *
683
4,159
5,735
total Registrants
total courses attended by individuals
total ce hours earned
351 Dentists 147 Hygienists 110 Dental Assistants 75 Other
*Numbers as of April 13, 2021
We Hope you enjoyed the virtual annual meeting! There is still time to gain access to all 27 hours of on-demand courses now through June 30, 2021. Register at okda .org/annual-meeting for access to all 27 hours of CE. www.okda.org
25
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26 journal | May/June 2021
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27
LEGISLATIVE LOOP Legislative Overview & Political Update
Opting Out of Medicare: What You Need to Know The ADA Council on Dental Benefit Programs is reminding dentists that if they opt out of Medicare, then neither they nor their patients can get reimbursed by a Medicare Advantage plan, also known as a Medicare Part C plan. There is an exception for emergency or urgently needed services. A Medicare Advantage plan is a health insurance plan that provides Medicare benefits through a private-sector health insurer and may include benefits such as dental, vision and chiropractic. Dentists can determine if
they have opted out and when they can terminate their opt-out status at CMS. gov. Opt-out affidavits signed on or after June 16, 2015, automatically renew every two years. If a dentist filed a valid affidavit effective on or after June 16, 2015, and does not want the opt-out to automatically renew at the end of a two-year opt-out period, the dentist may cancel the renewal by notifying in writing all Medicare administrative contractors with whom the dentist filed an affidavit at least 30 days prior to the start of the next opt-out period.
A dentist who opts out of Medicare for the first time may terminate the opt-out by notifying all Medicare administrative contractors with whom the dentist filed an opt-out affidavit within 90 days of filing the affidavit. The ADA supports members by providing valuable resources and FAQs on Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. For additional educational, ready-to-use information on dental insurance, visit ADA.org/dentalinsurance.
ARE YOU GETTING OUR LEGISLATIVE ALERTS? We send out important alerts via email and text throughout the legislative session. Contact our membership services team at information@okda.org to update your contact information.
REP. CYNTHIA ROE honored with ODA Legislator of the Year award! The ODA Legislator of the Year is an elected or appointed offical who has exhibited exceptional support for the art and science of dentistry in Oklahoma.
Representative Cynthia Roe, a Republican representing District 42, currently serves as Chairman of the House Public Health Committee. She is an advanced practice nurse, and because of her experience in Oklahoma healthcare, she is adamantly opposed to managed care Medicaid and is resolutely pro-healthcare provider. Earlier this session, she refused to hear HB 1889 in her committee, a bill that would have made denturism legal in Oklahoma again. We thank Representative Roe for her support of dentistry – and for championing initiatives that help protect and improve the health of all Oklahomans.
28 journal | May/June 2021
Stop the Healthcare Holdup The ODA continues the fight to stop managed care Medicaid in Oklahoma. Approximately 15 ODA members participated in a press conference on Tuesday, April 20, at the State Capitol. The press conference was organized by the Stop the Healthcare Holdup Coalition, a broad group of healthcare providers and advocates committed to stopping the governor’s plan to privatize Oklahoma’s Medicaid program. Many healthcare providers representing the other Associations in the coalition were also in attendance. Immediately following the press conference, ODA members visited their legislators’ offices and disseminated the handout on pages 30 and 31. Please use the talking points on the handout and call and email your State Representative and Senator TODAY and ask them to stop the governor’s plan to turn Oklahoma’s Medicaid program over to private insurance companies. You can find your legislators’ contact information at oklegislature. gov. And please join the fight to Stop the Healthcare Holdup by visiting the Coalition’s website at healthcareholdup.com and sign up for additional messaging and Coalition legislative alerts. The more ODA members and their staff that join, the stronger the message of opposition is to the Legislature.
www.okda.org
29
Protect OK Patients. Oppose Managed Care. ARE YOU GOING TO STAND WITH THE PATIENTS, HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS AND HOSPITALS IN YOUR DISTRICT, OR ARE YOU GOING TO STAND WITH PRIVATE INSURANCE COMPANIES? YOU HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO STOP THIS VERY EXPENSIVE MISTAKE – PLEASE USE IT NOW! The governor and the lobbyists for the managed care companies are pushing A LOT of misinformation, but here are the facts:
MYTH: FACT: MYTH: FACT: MYTH: FACT:
MYTH: FACT:
Patients will be the main beneficiaries of the new plan because of the emphasis on preventive care. Patients will be harmed as access and services are reduced or denied. The OHCA’s own actuarial advisor has said that to achieve cost savings under the managed care plan, Oklahoma would need to reduce services to Medicaid patients by up to 40%. Privatization will lead to more efficient spending of Oklahoma’s healthcare funding. SoonerCare is a national model with administration costs below 4%. Comparatively, the governor’s plan allows up to 15% in administrative costs for large insurance companies. Privatization will rapidly improve Oklahoma’s national health rankings. Oklahoma’s current health standings are closely tied to its rankings in housing, education, income, poverty and a lack of health insurance. Corporate middlemen cannot solve these societal causes. The members of the Oklahoma Dental Association support SB 131, the Oklahomans Caring for Oklahomans Act, which keeps Medicaid with the OHCA and directs the OHCA to implement their already-developed plan to identify trends, implement quality improvements and reverse unfavorable trends. This plan offers far greater hope for lasting changes than privatizing health care. The governor was within his authority to privatize Medicaid without legislative approval. The governor did not follow the Oklahoma Constitution which assigns budgetary duties to the Legislature. Medicaid will account for about one-fourth of Oklahoma’s next fiscal year budget, yet the Legislature and the entire health care community were not even consulted.
MYTH: FACT:
All states who have expanded Medicaid have also privatized their programs.
MYTH: FACT:
There have been safeguards put in place to avoid the problems managed care Medicaid faced in the 90s.
MYTH: FACT: MYTH: FACT:
!!!
At least seven states that expanded Medicaid do not have privatized managed care.
The OHCA CEO and board members, as well as the governor, have all been asked repeatedly to explain those safeguards and no specifics have been provided. The governor’s plan has broad-based support. Opposition to the governor’s plan includes patient groups as well as EVERY group of healthcare providers and hospital in every part of the state. There is nothing the Legislature can do at this point to stop the governor’s plan because the contracts have been signed. The contracts with the insurance companies include two provisions that clearly give the Legislature veto power. One instructs the OHCA to cancel the contracts if the Legislature does not appropriate the necessary funding. The other provision is even more direct – it says the contracts are terminated if the Legislature votes to prohibit them.
WE ARE PROUD TO BE PART OF THE HEALTHCARE HOLDUP COALITION 30 journal | May/June 2021HEALTHCAREHOLDUP.COM
@CAREHOLDUP
@HEALTHCAREHOLDUP
Protect OK Patients. Oppose Managed Care. PLEASE ASSERT YOUR INFLUENCE ON BEHALF OF THE PATIENTS, PROVIDERS AND HOSPITALS IN YOUR DISTRICT!
MANAGED CARE CANNOT HAPPEN WITHOUT LEGISLATIVE FUNDING AND YOU ABSOLUTELY HAVE THE POWER TO STOP MANAGED CARE MEDICAID IN OKLAHOMA! • The ODA STRONGLY OPPOSES any attempt to move the Oklahoma Medicaid Program to a managed care system, regardless of legislative action or executive order. And we strongly support the OHCA continuing to administer the Oklahoma Medicaid program. • The ODA is part of a large coalition of EVERY other provider groupthe (doctors, nurses, hospitals, pharmacists, • The ODA STRONGLY OPPOSES any attempt to move Oklahoma Medicaid Program to a managed optometrists, mental health, nursing homes, etc.) care system, regardless of legislative action or executive order. And we strongly support the fighting OHCA managed care Medicaid. continuing to administer the Oklahoma Medicaid program.
Under other Oklahoma’s previous with managed • The ODA is part of a large coalition of• EVERY provider group experience (doctors, nurses, hospitals,care, 90% of Oklahoma’s dentist providers quit the program altogether and pharmacists, optometrists, mental health, nursing homes, etc.) fighting managed care Medicaid. of dentists leftoftoOklahoma’s see Medicaid children dropped to • Under Oklahoma’s previous experience the withnumber managed care, 90% dentist providers quit than 100left total dentists in thedropped entire state. This the program altogether and the numberless of dentists to Medicaid see Medicaid children to less than had a catastrophic effect on our most vulnerable children’s access to necessary health care. Parents, especially in rural areas, were having to drive hours just to get their child’s teeth cleaned. This will •
absolutely happen again. Why did the dentists leave the program? The OHCA currently operates at a less than 4% administrative overhead. MCOs operate at an average of 15% overhead. The only two ways that managed care can save the state money while spending THREE TIMES more, are: 1) reducing provider reimbursements to less than the actual costs of providing the care; and 2) rampant denials of necessary dental procedures.
•
•
•
Dental MCOs make empty promises to maintain the provider reimbursement rates at current levels, but in every other state that operates under a managed care system, it has been a bait and switch. They maintain current reimbursement levels for one or two years and then start significantly slashing rates every year after that. MCOs pay less than the actual cost of providing the treatment. Medicaid dentists do not see Medicaid patients to get rich. They do it because they care about the kids. But they can’t lose money. That business model is not sustainable. If managed care Medicaid is implemented, oral surgeons will be forced to follow CMS rules and use CPT medical billing codes to bill hospital-based procedures, which would be an estimated 65% less than current OHCA fees. This will force oral surgeons and Oklahoma’s only oral surgery training program at the OU College of Dentistry to immediately cease treating Medicaid patients. MCOs will repeatedly tell the dentist that he can’t perform XYZ procedure because it costs too much, which means the doctor is not allowed to provide the health care he knows his patient needs, all in the name of “saving money”. The MCOs claim to be the solution to our low health grade, but how can that possibly be true when they routinely, as a business practice, deny the health care our doctors have determined their patients need? How can a private, out-of-state, for-profit insurance company know more than a
•
patient’s doctor about what health care is needed? How can sending $2.2 BILLION of our tax money to an out-of-state, private insurance company, that operates with significantly higher administrative costs, save money while maintaining the same level of care and the same number of dentists who provide that care? THE MATH SIMPLY DOES NOT ADD UP.
THE PEOPLE WHO WILL SUFFER UNDER PRIVATIZED MEDICAID ARE THE MOST VULNERABLE AND UNDERSERVED CHILDREN IN OKLAHOMA. www.okda.org
31
K
WE DON’T FUNDRAISE. WE FRIENDRAISE!
CAPITOL CLUB Dr. Jeffrey Ahlert Dr. Glenn Ashmore Dr. Douglas Auld Dr. Justin Beasley Dr. Brandon Beaver Dr. Tamara Berg Dr. Wesley Black Dr. Elizabeth Bohanon Dr. M. Edmund Braly Dr. C. Todd Bridges Dr. Matthew Bridges Dr. Steven Brown Dr. Adam Bulleigh Dr. Bonnie Burton Dr. Jamie Cameron Dr. Tricia Cannon Dr. Wuse Cara Dr. Bobby Carmen Dr. Cory Chambers
THANK YOU TO THESE 2021 DENPAC CAPITOL CLUB MEMBERS!
Dr. Jennifer Chambers Dr. Llon Clendenen Dr. Adam Cohlmia Dr. Matthew Cohlmia Dr. Raymond Cohlmia Dr. Jeffrey Danner Dr. Russell Danner Dr. Susan Davis Dr. David Deason Dr. Steven Deaton Dr. Thai-An Doan Dr. Brian Drew Dr. Twana Duncan Dr. Heath Evans Dr. Timothy Fagan Dr. Christopher Fagan Dr. Barry Farmer Dr. Michael Gliddon Dr. Shannon Griffin
Dr. Mark Hanstein Dr. Leslie Hardy Jr. Dr. Aaron Harman Dr. Richard Haught Dr. Robert Herman Dr. Jeffrey Hermen Dr. Marilyn Hiebert Dr. James Hooper Dr. Brad Hoopes Dr. Moiz Horani Dr. Donald Johnson Dr. Eugenia Johnson Dr. Krista Jones Dr. Michael Kirk Dr. Mitchell Kramer Dr. Robert Lamb Dr. Shannon Lewis Dr. Juan Lopez Dr. Gary Lott
Dr. David Marks Dr. S. Ross Martin Dr. Mark Massaro Dr. Alan Mauldin Dr. Stephen Mayer Dr. Janna McIntosh Dr. Robert Miracle Dr. Mohsen Moosavi Dr. Paul Mullasseril Dr. Sam Owens Dr. Karen Reed Dr. Erin Roberts-Svob Dr. Brant Rouse Dr. Miranda Ruleford Dr. Robert Schick Dr. Paul Shadid Dr. Steffan Sigler Dr. Floyd Simon Jr. Dr. Jaymi Simpson-Wert
Dr. Lindsay Smith Dr. Brooke Snowden Dr. James Steyer Jr. Dr. Braden Stoltenberg Dr. James Strand Dr. Steven Strange Dr. Jamie Talley Dr. Jim Taylor Dr. John Thomas Dr. Kara Tims Dr. Corbyn Van Brunt Dr. Jonah Vandiver Dr. Nathan Villines Dr. Robert Webb III Dr. Daniel Wilguess Dr. Rieger Wood III Dr. Paul Wood
OKCapitol Club is for that “ABC” group of DENPAC members; or those who want to be “ABOVE AND BEYOND CONTRIBUTORS.” OKCapitol Club members truly understand the importance of the ODA’s participation in the political process and want to support candidates who are committed to the state’s oral health and the issues that affect your practice. OKCapitol Club members support those efforts even more by contributing an additional $300 to DENPAC ($470 total) per year. For more information about Capitol Club, contact Lynn Means at 800-876-8890 or lmeans@okda.org.
DENPAC Grand Level DENPAC funds our voice. Without our input, legislators are merely making decisions based on what sounds good, what makes the fewest people angry, or what is easiest for them. Whether you like it or not, the campaign contributions we make to dentistry-friendly candidates are what opens those lines of communication. It’s what reminds legislators once they’re in office to go directly to the ODA for information, and not somewhere else. For more information about DENPAC, contact Lynn Means at 800-876-8890 or lmeans@okda.org.
THANK YOU TO THESE 2021 DENPAC GRAND ($1,000) LEVEL MEMBERS!
Dr. Douglas Auld Dr. M. Edmund Braly Dr. Matthew Cohlmia Dr. Raymond Cohlmia Dr. Susan Davis 32 journal | May/June 2021
Dr. Twana Duncan Dr. Heath Evans Dr. Christopher Fagan Dr. Michael Gliddon Dr. Shannon Griffin
Dr. Mark Hanstein Dr. Richard Haught Dr. Robert Lamb Dr. Shannon Lewis Dr. Juan Lopez
Dr. Paul Mullasseril Dr. Karen Reed Dr. Lindsay Smith Dr. Dan Wilguess Dr. Paul Wood
ODA Members Help Lobby Federal Dental Bills The ADA recently hosted the annual ADA Dentist and Student Lobby Day. On April 25, more than 450 dentists and dental students from around the US gathered virtually to learn about several ADA bills that address key legislative issues affecting the profession. And then on April 28, they participated in virtual meetings with our congressional delegation and their staff to advocate for those bills. Participating ODA members included Drs. Chris Fagan, Paul Mullasseril, Raymond Cohlmia, Matt Cohlmia, Kara Tims, Lindsay Smith, Dan Wilguess, Doug Auld, Rieger Wood and Juan Lopez; and Lynn Means, ODA Executive Director.
The ADA bills lobbied this year included: HR 2079, the Eliminating the Provider Relief Fund Tax Penalties Act, would ensure that Provider Relief Fund assistance is not taxable and that expenses tied to this assistance are tax-deductible. HR 885, the Small Business PPE Tax Credit Act, would provide small businesses with a tax credit of up to $25,000 for personal protective equipment (PPE). HR 1916 and S 754 are companion bills known as the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA) and would require all private group and individual health plans to cover medically necessary services resulting from a congenital anomaly or birth defect. This would include inpatient and outpatient care and reconstructive services and procedures, as well as adjunctive dental, orthodontic, or prosthodontic support.
HR 1918, the Student Loan Refinancing and Recalculation Act, would • Provide a chance for borrowers to refinance their federal student loans to take advantage of lower interest rates. • Eliminate loan origination fees. • Delay the accrual of interest for many low- and middle-income borrowers while they are in school. • Allow medical and dental residents to defer payments until after completing their residency programs. HR 2160, the Student Loan Refinancing Act, would enable borrowers to refinance their federal student loans every six months to take advantage of lower interest rates.
we’re in this together. AS AN ODA MEMBER, YOU CAN SAVE ON DENTAL SUPPLIES. ODA Supply Source offers: • • • • •
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877-659-7310 | support@ODASupplySource.com | Fax 877-659-5004 Customer support is available Mon-Fri, 8 am–7 pm.
www.okda.org
33
ODA PAST PRESIDENT SPOTLIGHT
Tamara Berg, DDS (2010 to 2011) By Makenzie Dean, ODA Programs and Operations Manager If you are a member of the dental community, Dr. Tamara Berg is probably a name that you recognize. She served as President of the Oklahoma Dental Association from 2010 to 2011 but has been involved in countless councils and committees ever since she was a dental student at the OU College of Dentistry. Berg discovered early on that she wanted to pursue a career where she could help others and change their smiles. She started her own orthodontic treatment at the age of 13 and did not like her smile at the time. Correcting her smile helped her discover her desire to be in dentistry and blossomed her own self-confidence. Though Berg is originally from Austin, TX, she crossed the Red River to attend Southern Nazarene University in 1987 and later chose to attend the University of Oklahoma’s College of Dentistry where she graduated in 1995. After she did an associateship for a few years, she purchased a practice in Yukon, OK in 1998
and remains there to this day. Dr. Berg and her husband, Lowell, celebrate their 30-year anniversary this June. They first met at Southern Nazarene University and were married just before she started dental school. Together they have two sons – Karsten and Clayton. Karsten plays Division II basketball at SNU, the school where his parents met, and Clayton is a sophomore in high school and a state qualifier in swimming. Berg notes that she has always had a passion for organized dentistry. She took steps in leadership that prepared her to be the ODA President from 2010 to 2011. She was active in as many councils and committees that she could be in since dental school. She served as the President of the Oklahoma Association of Women Dentists twice, in 1998 and in 2006, and as the President of the Oklahoma County Dental Society from 2003 to 2004. More recently, she served as the National President of the
American Association of Women Dentists in 2018. Berg most enjoyed the chance to represent our state and Oklahoma dentists at national events during her presidential term. It was there that she was able to meet people from around the nation and gained rewarding friendships. With the many opportunities that come with the title of ODA President, there also come some challenges. That same year, the ODA fought a denturist bill during the Legislative session and hosted an OkMOM during a snowstorm that kept a third of the
Dr. Tamara Berg with family.
FUN FAC TS: • What is one thing that most people do not know about you? Our family has gone plant based and we no longer eat meat or dairy. • If you could have dinner with one famous person, who would it be and why? I would love to have a faceto-face conversation with Jesus. I would ask about things along my journey but would also want to know why we have mosquitos. • What hobbies do you enjoy? I enjoy gardening, scrapbooking and reading.
34 journal | May/June 2021
volunteers from attending. Under Berg’s leadership, that denturist bill did not pass, and they were still able to serve 2,201 patients at OkMOM even with a shortage of volunteers. During her term, Berg learned to rely on others to support her and now knows that you cannot get it all done so you must surround yourself with others who will join you in your goals. She believes that the greatest benefit of the ODA is the voice that we share. One individual dentist may not be able to make
Dr. Berg with Dr. Rieger Wood at her installation
a change by themselves but collectively, we can do more legislatively, in community service projects and supporting one another to better our patients, our state and our future dentists. Her advice to anyone who is interested in becoming President of the ODA would be to get involved in your local dental society and at the state level, volunteer to serve on a council or committee, network with the other leaders and find out more about the organization.
The 2011-2012 ODA Officers
Dr. Berg has remained a key player in enhancing the profession of dentistry. She is currently serving as an ADA Delegate for Oklahoma, was recently appointed to the ODA Investment Committee and on the DENPAC Board and is also on her third year of serving on the ADA’s Council on Membership.
Dr. Berg with her two sons
8 Million and Counting 17% of people who visit ADA Find-a-Dentist® take the next step to contact an ADA member. That’s more than 5x the industry average, so don’t miss out! ADA.org/completemyprofile
www.okda.org
35
ODA FEATURE
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: RED AND WHITE LESION INVOLVING THE BUCCAL MUCOSA By: Glen D. Houston, DDS, MSD (gdhdds@heartlandpath.com) CASE HISTORY A 42-year-old female presents for an oral cancer screening examination during a health care fair. During the examination, a red-and-white lesion on the buccal mucosa was observed. Other similar lesions were also noted. The patient was unaware of their presence and no reliable estimate of their duration could be determined. Medical history revealed a 30-pack/year history of cigarette smoking and heavy alcohol consumption. QUESTION #1 A working differential diagnosis for this condition should include (multiple answers): a. Lichen planus b. Candidiasis c. Allergic response d. Epithelial dysplasia/squamous cell carcinoma e. Factitial injury ANSWER #1 Your differential diagnosis should include all of the conditions noted in Question #1. Lichen planus (a) is of particular interest because involvement of the oral mucosa frequently accompanies or precedes the appearance of lesions on the skin. Early in the course of this disease lesions may appear red to reddish-white in color. The majority of the cases occur in women and the buccal mucosa is the most common intraoral location. Candidiasis (b) is a disease caused by infection with the yeast-like fungus Candida albicans. Its occurrence has increased because of the prevalent use of antibiotics, which alter the normal inhibitory oral bacterial flora. The oral lesions of candidiasis may exhibit many different forms, one of which is red or erythematous areas in association with white plaques. 36 journal | May/June 2021
An allergic response (c) following exposure to any one of a great many drugs or chemicals (systemically or at localized sites after repeated contact with the causative agent) can be observed in the sensitive individual. Oral lesions usually appear as erythematous lesions that can occur throughout the oral cavity or at the area of contact with the causative agent. Epithelial dysplasia and/or squamous cell carcinoma (d) may present as areas of erythroplakia and/or leukoplakia. These areas may be quite variable in size and are more common in men than women. These areas typically are observed in adults and are asymptomatic. The factitial injury (e) is a self-induced injury on the basis of a habit with a frequent psychogenic background. The injury originates as a result of such habits as cheek chewing, lip biting, and unconscious mucosal trauma. The clinical appearance of the mucosa at the site of the injury will usually present as a mixed red-white area. QUESTION #2 Your treatment plan should include (multiple answers): a. Oral cytologic smear b. Biopsy of the lesion c. Consultation with a dermatologist for clinical examination of all skin surfaces d. Follow the patient for 10-14 days after cessation of cigarette and alcohol habits in order to evaluate for any changes in the lesions e. Advise the patient of the "hyperkeratotic areas" and that no treatment is necessary
ANSWER #2 Your treatment plan should include: a. Oral cytologic smear b. Biopsy of the lesion c. Consultation with a dermatologist for clinical examination of all skin surfaces d. Follow the patient for 10-14 days after cessation of cigarette and alcohol habits in order to evaluate for any changes in the lesions The oral cytologic smear (a) can be very helpful in detecting fungal elements as well as epithelial dysplasia. Following the patient for 10-14 days after cessation of the cigarette and alcohol habits (d) will be helpful. If the lesions are reactive/inflammatory, resolution will be observed. If there is no resolution, then biopsy of the lesion (b) is indicated. Consultation with a dermatologist for evaluation of the cutaneous surfaces (c) for the presence of lesions is also of benefit in patients that have lichen planus or other systemic diseases. Ultimately, a biopsy of the lesion (b) may be indicated in order to render a definitive diagnosis. To advise the patient that the lesion is a "hyperkeratotic area" and that no treatment is necessary (e) is of no benefit in the management of this patient.
QUESTION #3 An oral cytologic smear is performed and is negative for the presence of fungal hyphae and epithelial dysplasia. A biopsy reveals hyperkeratosis, "sawtooth" rete ridges, liquefaction degeneration of the basal cell layer of the surface epithelium, and a bandlike infiltrate of lymphocytes subjacent to the surface epithelium within the superficial lamina propria. These findings are diagnostic of: a. Allergic reaction b. Factitial injury c. Lichen planus d. Leukoplakia e. White sponge nevus ANSWER #3 The correct diagnosis is (c) lichen planus. See "Discussion" section. The other possibilities are not considered here because: The allergic reaction (a) may manifest some of the histologic features of lichen planus. However, because signs and symptoms for allergic reactions usually regress with discontinuance of the causative agent (local and/or systemic), when this is accomplished there is usually prompt remission of all lesions. The factitial injury (b) usually demonstrates reactive changes microscopically (i.e., hyperkeratosis, ulcer, chronic inflammation) and can be easily distinguished from lichen planus. Leukoplakia (d) is a clinical term that describes a "white patch or plaque that
cannot be wiped off.” It carries no histologic connotation. White sponge nevus (e) demonstrates specific histologic criteria that can easily distinguish it from lichen planus. The features of white sponge nevus are not observed in the present case. DISCUSSION A British physician, Erasmus Wilson, first reported lichen planus in 1869. It is a dermatologic condition frequently demonstrating manifestations in the oral cavity. Current evidence indicates that it is an immunologically mediated mucocutaneous disorder. This condition is most frequently observed in females between 40 and 70 years of age. The following distribution of oral lesions has been observed: buccal mucosa, 80%; tongue, 65%; lips, 20%; palate, floor of the mouth, and gingiva, less than 10%. Lichen planus can present in many different forms from a clinical standpoint. The most common presentation is characterized by a papular eruption in a linear, annular, or retiform arrangement forming typical lacy patches, rings, and streaks known as Wickham's striae (as observed in this current case). Other forms include atrophic erosive, vesiculo-bullous, and hypertrophic types. Over 40% of the patients with oral manifestations of lichen planus will have skin lesions as well. Conversely, over 80% of the patients with dermal lichen planus have associated oral lesions of the disease. Lichen planus is frequently symmetrical and bilateral in its presentation in the oral cavity as well as on skin surfaces. When it presents with cutaneous lesions, the areas
of involvement exhibit a red or violet hue and a pruritic nature. The flexor surfaces of the extremities are favored sites for development of the cutaneous lesions. The microscopic appearance of lichen planus is characteristic and pathognomonic. Typical findings, as noted earlier, include hyperkeratosis, "sawtooth" rete pegs, degeneration of the basal cell layer of the surface epithelium, and a "band-like" infiltrate of lymphocytes in the subjacent connective tissue. There is no specific treatment for lichen planus as it is typically asymptomatic. In severe cases where there is ulceration and episodic pain, topical or systemic steroid therapy, which was the situation in this particular case, is helpful in producing remission. The simultaneous occurrence of squamous cell carcinoma and lichen planus remains an open question. Periodic followup examinations, particularly with the erosive form, should be accomplished. About the Author: Dr. Houston works at Heartland Pathology Consultants, PC in Edmond, OK. He can be contacted with questions at gdhdds@ heartlandpath.com REFERENCES Au J, Patel D and Campbell JH. Oral lichen planus. Oral Maxillofacial Surg Clin N Am, 25:93-100, 2013. Usatine RP and Tinitigan M. Diagnosis and treatment of lichen planus. Am Fam Physician. 84:53-60, 2011. Eisenberg E. Oral lichen planus: a benign lesion. J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 58:1278-1285, 2000.
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Collect What You Produce: 10 WAYS TO INCREASE YOUR PRODUCTION THROUGH “IMPROVEMENT” By: Cathy Jameson, PhD | Part 10 of a ten-part series No matter how well you are currently doing or how much you are producing, there is always room for improvement. Continuously refining multiple areas or systems in your practice can add up to make a substantial difference. In an article for Forbes Magazine, Anna Powers (Marketing Associate & Manager, CRM) talks about the mathematical principle of exponents: If you do something continuously the effect is multiplied exponentially. The key point is that in order to have a big effect the task must be done continuously. The same can be said about improvement. If you want to see big results, you need to do things continuously. Management expert W. Edwards Deming always encouraged people and businesses to be on a continuous path of improvement. Recognize and solidify what is working well. But also be committed to identifying areas that can be improved—and go to work to do just that. 10 SYSTEMS TO REFINE FOR CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT 1. Get a clear picture of where you are. Do a complete analysis of the major systems and critical factors of your practice. (Contact Jameson Management [info@jmsn.com] to receive the list of the 25 major systems in a dental practice.) As a team determine what is going well and what can be done to make the system better. In his book The Tipping Point Canadian journalist and author Malcolm Gladwell says that it’s the little things that make the big difference.” When you make even small adjustments to each system, the summation of those improvements can add up to make a substantial and positive difference in your overall practice. 2. Write goals and follow a specific process of goal accomplishment. Organizations that write goals and take steps to accomplish them will see a minimum of a 10% increase in productivity. Revisit Part #2 of this 38 journal | May/June 2021
Collect What You Produce series wherein a specific system for goal accomplishment is outlined. Self-help author Napoleon Hill, in his book Think and Grow Rich, encourages creating a definite plan for carrying out your desires and beginning at once, whether you are ready or not, to put this plan into action. 3. Evaluate your hygiene retention percentage and strive to increase it by 5-10%. Add additional measures of contact/education for your patients to stimulate their interest in booking for hygiene. Make sure that all members of the family are coming in; use patient financing to help offset the fear of cost. Educate your patients to the fact that there has never been a more important time for people to be taking care of their oral health than during this COVID-19 pandemic. In the October 2020 issue of RDH Magazine, Karen Davis, founder of Cutting Edge Concepts, an international continuing education company, wrote, “Individuals with preexisting conditions, including periodontal disease, may be at increased risk of developing superinfections should they acquire the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Emerging evidence suggests that particular periodontal pathogens may contribute to an overabundance of pathogens circulating systemically in those with severe COVID-19 infections, contributing to a superinfection and subsequent serious outcome. While more scientific evidence is needed, it does remind us that optimal oral hygiene and maintaining routine preventive dental care have never been more important.” 4. Use photography even more than you are now. For an enhancement of your Patient Education, develop a library
of before and after photography and use it constantly. The following eight instances of using photography during patient appointments can result in an average increase in case acceptance of 25%. • New patients A full series of photographs should be a part of the gathering of data on each new patient. • Case presentations Show the patient both their own mouth and before/after photographs of similar situations so they can see the excellent results you have been able to provide. • Hygiene Show areas of need (such as periodontal concerns), sites where new issues are evident, or dentistry diagnosed but incomplete that you as the dental hygienist want to bring to the doctor’s attention. • Diagnosed but incomplete dental/ hygiene needs. • Before/after photographs to illustrate what you are recommending (cosmetics, implants, tooth whitening, comprehensive restorative, Invisalign, etc.). • Emergencies. • Backup for insurance. • Marketing/Social Media. 5. Use patient financing as often as necessary. (Refer to Part 4 of this Collect What You Produce series.) As an illustration: If one more patient per week uses patient financing than last year production can increase $24,000 ($500 x 48 wks). 6. Improve case presentations. According
to Carlson Marketing and Forbes, Inc., a 5% increase in case acceptance will lead to a 65% increase in profit margin. While increasing the number of new patients is critical to your practice, retaining your existing patient family and having more of those patients proceed with diagnosed treatment is equally important. In addition, satisfied existing patients are your major source of new patients; marketing experts indicate that approximately 70% of new patients will come from a personal referral. 7. Study non-surgical periodontal therapy. Attend an available course or invite an expert into your office for in-service training. Set a goal of having 4050% of your hygiene productivity be periodontal services, and consider how you can upgrade the services you are providing in your hygienic therapy. 8. Add three new customer service entities to your mix. There are many great dental practices out there, many of them in your own community. While providing excellent dental care is essential, this is not usually what patients refer to when someone asks them about their dentist. More than likely, they speak about their total experience and how they were treated not only by the dentist but by the entire team. Never before has customer service been more important to your patients and to your practice. Business experts in the field of customer service have identified the three most vital aspects of customer service in today’s competitive world: A. Good, Positive Attitude and Mindset A sincere desire to help patients to fulfill their needs is critical -- even if the patient is not easy. This takes a positive attitude. Practices that make customer service training a priority and invest both the time and money to support their team’s continuous improvement in this area are rewarded with reciprocal success. When you recognize and reward team members for outstanding customer service, that kind of quality care continues. Key team member attitudes that can prove to be valuable include:
a. Sincerely caring about patients; b. Understanding that patients are critical to the success of the practice; c. Feeling accountable and motivated to provide excellent care to each patient; d. Being role models of excellent customer service; and e. Being empowered to do what they see as beneficial to provide outstanding customer service to any individual B. Excellent Communication Outstanding customer service starts by honoring excellent and healthy communication with team members, vendors, and patients. Communication does not only refer to face-to-face interactions you have when a patient or parent is in the office with you. It also refers to every encounter on the telephone, or through your social media, website, newsletter, email, etc. Sixty percent of a message being sent or received is body language. Approximately 30% is tone of voice. That leaves about 10% to the words themselves. Words are critical; depending on how you say something, the response can be positive or negative. The important point here is that with communication devices today (text, email, etc.) there is no body language or tone of voice. Your words are critical and must be chosen carefully. Perhaps the most important communication skill of all is the art of listening. You may not agree with a patient, but your willingness to listen to them will go a long way in building or maintaining a positive relationship with them. Patients have their own points of view that may differ from yours. Nevertheless, they have value. When you listen carefully and with empathy to your patients, oftentimes intense emotions are reduced. No one is born knowing how to communicate excellently. These are skills that must be learned. Such skills take lots of training and practice.
C. Teamwork Great customer service starts -- and ends -- with communication among your own team members. If they are not communicating well with one another, treating one another with respect or speaking to one another with grace and congeniality, then no matter what you try to portray to patients, it will be false and your patients will know it. If your team cannot honestly show respect to one another, it will be difficult to show respect to patients. The negative energy in the office will be very evident. Outstanding customer service begins and ends with strong, open, honest, caring relationships between and among the members of your team. The team depends upon one another to do what each is supposed to do, when they are supposed to do it, and how they are supposed to do it. That is accountability. Without accountability, nothing happens. 9. Add three new marketing protocols to your mix. No matter how much marketing you feel you are doing at this time, it may not be enough. Marketing experts say that you should never stop marketing. Just when you think everyone knows who you are and what you do, you can fall off the map and someone else comes to the forefront -- new doctors, new practices, new materials, new procedures. Refer back to the article in this series on Vision. Determine the vision for your ideal practice and then design a plan of action for how you intend to bring that vision to reality. It can be devastating to get to the end of a day, week, month, year, a career, or a lifetime -- and look back with regret wishing you had done something you didn’t. Let the world know who you are, what you do, and why coming to you is a good idea. 10. Increase your treatment mix. The ADA defines Dentistry as “the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention and/or treatment (nonsurgical, surgical or related procedures) of diseases, disorders and/or conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area and/or the adjacent
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and associated structures and their impact on the human body; provided by a dentist, within the scope of his/ her education, training and experience, in accordance with the ethics of the profession and applicable law.”
and teachings into effect. If you are consistently and continuously moving toward improvement in each of the areas covered you will see remarkable and exponential growth. The overall goal of this series has been simple: Collect What You Produce.
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.
With that definition in mind, are you providing the procedures and treatments for your patients that are in their best interests? Could you expand your education and areas of expertise to provide further services to your patients either personally yourself or by bringing in specialists or associates who have experience, expertise and interest in expanded areas? Are you using your facility fully and completely? Could it be opened more days or times? Be creative. Your answers (and what you do to address them) are integral to your continual improvement.
About the Author: Cathy Jameson, PhD, is the founder
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.
SUMMARY I hope you will refer often to the ten articles in this series, and put the recommendations
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.
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
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
PREPARING FOR A CRISIS EVENT IN THE DENTAL OFFICE Dr. Lou Rafetto, AAOMS | lkrafetto@gmail.com
Patients presenting to today’s dental offices are typically older, arguably less healthy and definitely taking more medications than ever. These circumstances conspire to make it more likely than ever before for an office-based crisis event to occur. Fortunately, there are several things every office can do to prevent, recognize and/or respond to such events. 1. Prevention: Every patient should have an updated medical history with an emphasis on recent changes in medications and medical status. A “time out” among staff members should be conducted before beginning treatment to include a review of the planned procedure as well as relevant medical information including allergies. It is important that offices regularly check on the status of emergency medications and equipment. Finally, all personnel should have current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS). 2. Recognition: Offices should have concise reference materials onsite that are reviewed as a team on a regular basis. These protocols should be used as quick, real-time references in the event of a crisis. They should include the signs and symptoms of various potential crisis events. The role and responsibility of every staff member should be pre-determined and understood so that they can act as part of a productive team. 3. Response: Given that crisis events are infrequent, there are few opportunities to habituate an effective response. The high stakes of crisis events make this even more challenging. Therefore, 40 journal | May/June 2021
for your team to perform effectively, you must design and create opportunities for them to acquire and demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully deal with a crisis. Towards this effort, Crisis Resource Management (CRM) mock drills should be conducted on a regular basis to prepare every team member to execute their roles. These drills should provide appropriate challenges, be graduated in difficulty, and be followed by immediate and constructive debriefing. They should be repeated as often as necessary to reinforce productive actions. It is important that CRM drills be as realistic and meaningful as possible, emulating the kind of challenges seen in a true emergency. They should involve scenarios with the types of patients the office typically treats and be conducted in various areas of the office; crises can and do occur in waiting rooms and bathrooms as well as in treatment areas. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dr. Rafetto is an ADA member and a member of the ADA’s Establishing a Culture of Safety in Dentistry Workgroup. He is an oral surgeon (DMD) and was President of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (2015- 2016).
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HYGIENE HOTSPOT IPC Rock Stars By: Julie Nabors, RDH, MEd Have you ever asked someone if they had any questions -- and immediately regretted it? I recently asked some of my fellow hygienists what they most wanted to know about infection control moving forward. Here are some of the questions posed: “What will infection control look like after the pandemic?” “When can I stop wearing an N95?” “Should I still be wiping down pens at the front desk?” “Are pre-rinses a forever thing?” “If the patient has been vaccinated, does our protocol change?” “What effect are the variants going to have on the way we work?” Yikes! Where did I put my crystal ball? While I don’t have definitive answers for many of the questions I received, I do have some good news. Dentistry rocked the pandemic. We donated supplies; we donned N95s, face shields, surgical caps and gowns; we installed HEPA filters; we replaced ultrasonics with hand scaling; we used high volume evacuation (HVE); we got vaccinated; we donated blood; and much more. We were IPC (infection prevention and control) Rock Stars! And it worked! Transmissions related to dentistry have been lower than the national averages for other healthcare workers in spite of the high-risk settings in which we work. Studies have found COVID-19 infection rates for dental healthcare workers to be approximately 1-3% compared to non-dental healthcare worker rates of approximately 6%.1-3 Want more good news? Many of the changes we made during the pandemic were things that had already been recommended; we just weren’t doing them very well. We are now well-oiled safety machines making every dental visit a safer one for patients and employees alike. Oklahoma ranks 19th in the nation with approximately 22% of Oklahomans fully vaccinated as of April 9, 2021.4 As vaccination rates continue to rise, what do we as dental professionals need to do now? We continue to lead. We continue to set a high standard for patient and employee safety. We wear our safety efforts not only with pride, but also as reassurance to our patients who are more knowledgeable 42 journal | May/June 2021
and concerned about safety than ever before. Hygienists are, after all, prevention specialists. This is our thing! Let’s review some basic infection prevention principles: 1. Follow established CDC guidelines. Here is a link to some easy-to-use checklists: https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/ infectioncontrol/summary-infectionprevention-practices/appendix-a.html 2. Strive to identify patients with acute illness prior to, or early within, the appointment so they can be rescheduled. We can do this through screening, health history updates, and vital signs. 3. Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). PPE is procedure-specific and may vary depending on the type of procedure. PPE is primarily designed to protect the person wearing it, but it can also protect those around you. It is important to don and doff PPE correctly for maximum safety and prevention of cross-contamination. 4. Thoroughly clean your hands -- A LOT. Alcohol-based hand rubs are very effective if they contain at least 60% alcohol and the hands are rubbed until dry. If your hands are soiled, use soap and water. 5. Disinfect with a quality, tuberculocidal disinfectant and the spray-wipe-spray/wipediscard-wipe technique. The surface needs to stay wet for the full kill time on your product label. 6. Sterilize your instruments and handpieces according to the Instructions For Use (IFU) provided by each manufacturer. Items must be heated to the correct temperature for the designated time to be adequately sterilized. 7. Document your sterilization process. According to the CDC, the contents, parameters, mechanical results, chemical indicator results, and biological monitor results should be documented for all loads. I have found preprinted log sheets to be a quick and easy way to accomplish this. 8. Mitigate aerosols. Aerosols pose significant concerns for the spread of disease in dental settings. While COVID-19 has been the primary concern during the
pandemic, other pathogens can also be aerosolized and possibly spread in dental settings as well. I suspect this will be a focus for research and recommendations moving forward. For now, re-evaluate your procedures, review your ventilation needs with an HVAC specialist, and mitigate aerosols in a way that is effective for your setting. In closing, it is more important than ever before that we continue to be aware of new research findings. Get your information from reliable, evidence-based resources such as the CDC, ADA, ADHA, and OSAP. Recommendations will likely continue to change and there are a lot of people and resources available to help you along the way. Rock on, my rock star friends. Rock on! ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Julie Nabors, R.D.H., M.Ed. is a 2003 graduate of the OU College of Dentistry’s dental hygiene program and currently works as an educator and consultant for the Oklahoma Dental Foundation. A member of the Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention (OSAP) she has completed over 100 hours of training in infection prevention. With 15 years of experience in dental education, she is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor in the hygiene program at the OUCOD. Nabors practices dental hygiene in Weatherford, Oklahoma where she resides with her husband and daughter. She recently gave an Infection Control lecture during the ODA's 2021 Virtual Annual Meeeting. References: 1. https://www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2020archive/october/ada-study-finds-covid-19-rate-amongdentists-less-than-1-percent 2. https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-02/ ada-euf021821.php 3. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/ mm6943e3.htm 4. https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/public-health/ states-ranked-by-percentage-of-population-vaccinatedmarch-15.html
NEW DENTIST CORNER CAPS AND CROWNS By: Ciarra Stapleton & Elle Miller For the last year, we have all had to make several adjustments to our daily routines. Among other changes, we have had to find ways to entertain ourselves at home. As two fourth-year dental students, we have spent some of that time at home studying for board exams and, of course, stressing about graduation requirements, but that’s not something new. Something that has been new for us, however, is a small business we started called Caps and Crowns. The pandemic brought many changes to the dental profession, one of which included head coverings - Caps and Crowns (Get it now?) At first, we started making scrub caps because we wanted them for ourselves. We spent countless hours figuring out the “perfect fit.” We were consistently complimented on our caps and decided we would make some to sell at school and open an Etsy shop. Now, six months later, we can hardly keep up with our orders! Nothing like being in your mid-20s and spending Friday and Saturday nights fabric shopping and sewing! In all seriousness, it has been such a fun endeavor for us. We have taken so much pride into making a quality product. We also limit the number of caps we make out of each fabric. You don’t want to show up to a party wearing the same dress as someone else, right? One of the most rewarding parts of it all is seeing our peers at school in our caps. It is so fun to see what people choose and it has proven to be a great way for people to express themselves. We each have a very specific role and skill set in the cap-making process. Ciarra, a life-long seamstress, does all of the sewing and serging (creating a seam on the interior to prevent raveling or fraying). Elle, a lifelong athlete, irons, cuts and pins the fabric, in addition to being the self-proclaimed “quality control supervisor.” We joke with each other about the importance of every stitch, but we quite literally check every stitch before we will sell the cap. We take a lot of pride in how our caps look, but ultimately, it has been a really fun project that we have enjoyed working on together. Over the past few months, we have made nearly 500 caps!
Our goal is to pay for our licensure exams with them, but we still have a ways to go. If you have any interest in checking us out, please find us on Instagram at @ capsandcrownsokc or on Etsy by searching Caps and Crowns Design. We currently have a classic surgical cap style and a bouffant style, both offered in several choices of fabrics.
President (President of the OUCOD chapter of the Oklahoma Association of Women Dentists), and Dental Co-Chair of the Unity Clinic. Before COVID, she enjoyed playing on intramural soccer, basketball and flag football teams. She also enjoys golfing, watching her 14-year-old sister play sports, and attending both Mizzou and OU sporting events.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS: Ciarra Stapleton is a fourth-year dental student at the OU College of Dentistry. She grew up in Norman, Oklahoma and was a competitive gymnast and swimmer. She attended college at the University of Oklahoma where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and was an active member of Delta Gamma. During her time at the College of Dentistry, Ciarra has conducted student research on the wage gap among Oklahoma dentists and has held leadership positions including Dental Co-Chair of the Unity Clinic, Vice President of the Oklahoma Chapter of the American Association of Women Dentists, and Community Outreach Chair for the OU College of Dentistry Diversity Council. When she’s not studying, she enjoys sewing, taking her Goldendoodles to the dog park, and traveling to watch her sister’s NCAA gymnastics meets. Elle Miller is a fourth-year dental student at the OU College of Dentistry. She was raised in a small rural town called California, Missouri where she grew up playing competitive basketball and softball and showing pigs and steers at local fairs. She attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri and obtained a BS in Biochemistry and an MS in Agriculture Education, Communication and Leadership. At MU, one of her favorite experiences was serving as a Director for the 2016 Mizzou Homecoming Steering Committee. During her time at the College of Dentistry, Elle has served as Class Representative of the Oklahoma Association of Women Dentists, Vice President of the Diversity Council, the American Association of Women Dentists
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CLASSIFIEDS Looking to fill an open position in your office, need to sell dental equipment or a practice? Check out the latest listings below and visit okda.org/classifieds for additional listings. PRACTICE FOR SALE Great Opportunity for the Future: Looking for an Associate Dentist/Partner or future business owner to join a private practice in rural western Oklahoma. Starting salary of at least 125,000 with bonuses negotiable. Other benefits such as moving bonus, lab fees and covering insurance costs can be discussed. Mostly fee for service practice averaging 35-40 patients a month with potential for more. Practice is paperless and digital with up-to-date equipment, technology and extra operatories available in 3400sq foot stand-alone building in great area of town. CO2 laser and scanner already incorporated into everyday clinical care. Practice located in town of around 12,000 people and draws from many smaller towns in the area. Looking for someone of high character and morals who has a passion for dentistry and willing to work hard and continue to learn and grow in the profession. There are great long term opportunities including buy-in/partnership, ownership and expansion. If interested in learning more about the opportunity, please call or email the contact Garrett Phipps, DDS | Phipps Dental Practice: Creating Smiles and Impacting Lives W # (580) 338-7210: C # (580) 461-1479 F # (580) 338-8318 | phippsdentalpractice@gmail.com Dental Practice and or Purchase of Office Building : Various options for dental practice in Shawnee, OK. 1) Move into one side of the building with most of the equipment in place 2) Move into other side of the building and put your own equipment in. 3)Buy 1/2 of the building. 4) Buy both sides of the building. Call Jack Chinn for more information at 405-765-6541
Great Dental Practice for Sale In SE Oklahoma: Great practice that is ready for someone to step into. Completely ready for its’ next dentist. Great area with lots of fishing and hunting. Not far from larger towns and cities. Booming practice. Completely digital and online. Great situation for someone to just step into. Located in Krebs, OK. For more information, contact Susan Luckett at (918) 916-0347 or at sluckett1224@gmail.com
JOB OPENING Busy Practice in Muskogee Looking for a FT Associate/Partner Dentist: The Dental Care of Muskogee has a very large loyal patient base with a significant number of new patients every month. We are very busy and are having a hard time seeing all of our new and existing patients as quickly as they like because being popular is a good problem to have but is still a problem. We pride ourselves on offering the very best restorative and preventive care for our patients. We offer the best that modern dentistry has to offer, including CBCT and 3D Scanner. We are looking for an excellent dentist that is motivated, skilled, caring and considerate to join our practice. We are looking for someone during the short term or the long term since there are great advancement opportunities available, including buy-in or partnership options down the road. We offer all employment benefits and a very competitive compensation package with a sign on bonus. New grads are welcome to apply and would receive guidance and mentorship. For more information, please contact either Janie Sherrell at 918-360-4187 jsherrell.dcom@gmail.com; or Moiz Horani, DDS at 918-280-8309 moizhorani@gmail.com.
Full-Time Hygienist & Full-Time Experienced Dental Assistant: Our office is looking for a hygienist and experienced dental assistant. Both positions are full time. We are a private practice located in Grove OK. Please email resumes to lakehavendentalpc@gmail.com.
Place a Classified Ad
Placing an ad with the ODA allows you to target your ad to a specific audience. Unlike other classified ad sources (local newspaper, other online classified sites, etc.), a listing with the ODA gives you exposure to the people who would be most interested in your ad. The online version of the ODA Journal contains active hyperlinks within the advertisement, ensuring you get maximum exposure for your ad.
SUBMIT A LISTING AND FIND PRICING Submitting a classified ad is easy with our online form. Find the form and more information at www.okda.org/classifieds.
QUESTIONS? Visit: www.okda.org/classifieds 44 journal | May/June 2021
Email: advertising@okda.org
Call: 800.876.8890
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ACTIONABLE LEARNING Join us for superior educaaon and CE opportuniies, excepponal speakers and an Exhibit Hall featuring the most advanced dental equipment and technology.
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www.EdmondsDentalSupply.com 417.908.4444 46 journal | May/June 2021
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FROZEN PIPES: ARE YOU COVERED?
LOSS OF ELECTRICITY: ARE YOU COVERED?
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CONTACT Lydia Christine, Director of Association Business Lydia@3000ig.com (910)233-3011
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Earn CE Credits for 2021 with
Receive 25% Off of DDOK Training Courses scheduled in May or June of 2021* Delta Dental of Oklahoma’s training courses give you and your employees the tools needed to help promote safety and compliance. Training courses are now available in-person and online.
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Don’t forget to add a HOW® training course to receive an additional one (1) hour of Category B Continuing Education credit at no charge to you! *Must be scheduled with Delta Dental of Oklahoma on or before Thursday, May 27. Dates subject to availability.
48 journal | May/June 2021