ODA Journal: July/Aug 2016

July/August 2016 | Vol. 107, No. 4

28 Amalgam Separation 30 OU College of Dentistry: Transforming Education

www.okda.org

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Contents

ADVERTISERS Thank you to these businesses who advertise in the ODA Journal Inside Front Cover Valliance Bank Back Cover Delta Dental of Oklahoma

July/August 2016 | Vol. 107, No. 4

EDITORIAL 0 6 Guest Editorial From the OUCOD Dean

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ASSOCIATION 04 Calendar of Events

OkMOM is going to Woodward

0 5 OkMOM 2017 Woodward 08 ODA Rewards Partners Column

3000ig AFTCO Delta Dental of Oklahoma Practice Support

09 ODA Rewards Partners 10 ODA Member Benefit Corner

Dental Credentialing Specialists, Inc. Dental Systems, Inc. DSG Dental Services Group Endodontic Associates Green Dental Laboratories Heartland Dental Paragon Dental Practice Transitions Warschaw Learning Institute

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OUCOD: A Leader in Transforming Dental Education THE OKLAHOMA DENTAL ASSOCIATION JOURNAL (ISSN 01649442) is published bimonthly by the Oklahoma Dental Association, 317 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, (405) 848-8873. Annual subscription rate of $39 for ODA members is included in their annual membership dues.

Rates for non-members are $52.

Single copy rate is $16, payable in advance. Periodical postage paid at Oklahoma City, OK and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to OKLAHOMA DENTAL ASSOCIATION JOURNAL, 317 NE 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73104.

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.

Oklahoma Dental Association

11 Welcome New ODA Members, DENPAC CE & Golf and Relief and Disaster Grant Program 1 3 Risk Management Seminar 1 4 ODA Marketing Coach 1 5 Bringing Smiles Home 1 6 Rethink Your Drink 1 8 ADA 2016: America's Dental Meeting 1 9 ADA New Dentist Conference

OKLAHOMA DENTAL FOUNDATION 2 0 MobileSmiles Oklahoma Staff Highlights

LEGISLATIVE LOOP

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2 2 Legislature Adjourns Sine Die

Member Spotlight:

2 3 ADA-Championed Legislation That Needs Our Assistance

Dr. Frank Miranda

2 3 OKCapitol Club Members

SPOTLIGHT

2 6 Dr. Frank Miranda

FEATURES Cover Photo: OUCOD faculty member, Dr. Abbey Onan, examines a patient for DS4 Tom Carwile.

2 8 Amalgam Separation in the Dental Industry The Time is Now 30 OUCOD: A Leader in Transforming Dental Education 32 Learning Outside the Box 33 OUCOD Class of 2016 34 Students Provide Free Dental Care

CLASSIFIEDS 38 ODA Classified Listings

If you're reading this issue of the ODA Journal, it means you renewed your ODA, local society and ADA Membership for 2016.

Thank you!

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Amalgam Separation in the Dental Industry

www.okda.org

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ODA JOURNAL STAFF EDITOR Randy White, DDS, editor@okda.org ASSOCIATE EDITOR Frank J. Miranda, DDS EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS M. Edmund Braly, DDS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Visit ODA’s online calendar at OKDA.ORG to view more meetings and events.

Somer Heim, DDS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR F. Lynn Means DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & EDUCATION Tina Evans COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Madison Huffines OFFICERS 2016-2017 PRESIDENT M. Edmund Braly, DDS president@okda.org PRESIDENT-ELECT Juan Lopez, DDS presidentelect@okda.org VICE PRESIDENT Shannon Griffin, DMD vicepresident@okda.org SECRETARY/TREASURER Daniel Wilguess, DDS treasurer@okda.org SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE Doug Auld, DDS speaker@okda.org IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Lindsay Smith, DDS pastpresident@okda.org ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR F. Lynn Means DIRECTOR OF GOVERNANCE & FINANCE Shelly Frantz DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & EDUCATION Tina Evans

July 1 & 4

ODA Closed for Independence Day July 15

ODA Board of Trustees 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm ODA August 11-13

Southwest Dental Conference Dallas August 12

Council on Dental Care 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm ODA August 19

Annual Meeting Planning Committee 10:00 am - 11:30 am ODA August 23

Annual OUCOD Fall Festival 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm ODA

August 25

TCDS New Dentist Party 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Drs. Ben and Eugenia Johnson’s Home August 26

South Central States Leadership Conference Grapevine, Texas August 27-28

ADA 12th District Pre-caucus Grapevine, Texas September 2 & 5

ODA Closed for Labor Day September 9

DENPAC CE & Top Golf Tournament 10:00 am - 4:00 pm OKC September 15

Entrepreneurship Panel 5:30 pm- 9:30 pm ODA

September 16

ODA Journal Editorial Board 12:00 pm- 1:00 pm ODA Council on Budget & Finance 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm ODA September 23

Standing Committee on ODA Rewards Program 9:00 am - 11:00 am ODA Oklahoma Dental Foundation Board of Trustees 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm ODA September 27

Champions of Health Awards Gala 6:00 pm- 9:00 pm National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum September 30

ODA New Dentist Seminar 11:00 am - 4:00 pm ODA

DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP Kylie Ethridge OPERATIONS MANAGER Britney Morris SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER Tori Dennis MEMBERSHIP SERVICES MANAGER Kenzie O’Brien COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Madison Huffines

Stay connected with the ODA!

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journal | July/August 2016

Have you moved?

Do you have a new email address? Phone Number?

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

Contact Kenzie O’Brien, ODA Membership Services Manager, at kobrien@okda.org or 800.876.8890 to provide the ODA with all of your current information.

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GUEST EDITORIAL

Relationships Are Everything!

When I travel to different dental schools and visit with their deans about the limitations their schools face, one issue continually presents itself: the nature of the relationship between a school and its organized dentistry sector. Simply stated, it is my observation that many schools do not have a viable relationship with (and hence, the support of) the private practitioners in their communities and, often, their states. Last month, I visited a school with very little support from the professional community. This is most unfortunate; a strong symbiotic relationship with the surrounding community is pivotal to the success of any school.

Some of you may recall that years ago our own relationship with our practicing dentists was “stressed,” particularly in the late ‘80s when closure of the College of Dentistry was being considered by then-Governor Henry Bellmon. We all know the outcome: a real strengthening of the school-community relationship and, as a direct outgrowth, the rise of OUCOD’s reputation as among the elite dental programs in the nation. Addressing the relationship weaknesses revealed by the closure attempt required the focused efforts of Dean Russell Stratton and his successor, Dean Stephen Young. Dr. Young today serves as a delegate on both the ODA Board of Trustees and the ADA House of Delegates.

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One of our core values for the future of the school is “leadership and service.”

An integral component of this goal is the realization that the College cannot succeed as a stand-alone entity without the support of and alliance with the private dental community. However, this alliance requires more than just a “surface” relationship; there must be bilateral and collaborative involvement in the success of the College and, by extension, the profession many of whose future practitioners will come from the College.

So what does this mean to us? Even though the efforts of Deans Stratton and Young sought to foster stronger relationships with the practicing community, there were only about ten faculty members involved in activities outside the College when I became fulltime faculty five years ago. Today that number has grown to over forty-five. As I’ve said many times with reference to our “leadership and service” objective: “The battle and success of the dental school is not won just within these walls; much of our success lies outside of them.”

This year we are very excited that one of our own, Dr. Ed Braly (Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery), is our President of the Oklahoma Dental Association. Any time one of our faculty members is in a leadership position in our dental association that “battle outside of the walls” is being won! My sincere congratulations to Dr. Braly and my thanks for his continued commitment to the College. I might also add that the school-community relationship has been strengthened even further by the election of our own Dr. Shannon Griffin as ODA Vice President.

“ I thank the members and staff of the ODA for their part in fostering this enviable relationship with OUCOD and for allowing us to be a part of all of your professional lives. ” In closing, I thank the members and staff of the ODA for their part in fostering this enviable relationship with OUCOD and for allowing us to be a part of all of your professional lives. I certainly hope that you will be a part of our professional life here at the College.

I am truly blessed to be both a member of the Oklahoma Dental Association and dean of the College of Dentistry. I stand firm in my commitment to ensure that the relationship between our school and the dental community continues to be the envy of all dental schools across the country.

Dr. Raymond Cohlmia, Dean University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry

THANK YOU FOR RENEWING YOUR MEMBERSHIP! IF YOU'RE READING THIS ISSUE OF THE ODA JOURNAL, IT MEANS YOU'VE RENEWED YOUR ODA, LOCAL SOCIETY AND ADA MEMBERSHIP FOR 2016 THANK YOU! NON-RENEWALS HAVE NOW BEEN DROPPED FROM THE JOURNAL MAILING LIST AND HAVE LOST ALL MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS. WE HOPE YOU'LL AGREE THAT YOUR MEMBERSHIP IN ORGANIZED DENTISTRY REPRESENTS AN INVESTMENT IN BOTH YOUR FUTURE AND THE FUTURE OF YOUR PROFESSION. PERHAPS THAT'S WHY CLOSE TO 100% OF ALL ODA MEMBERS RENEW THEIR MEMBERSHIP, YEAR AFTER YEAR. WORKING TOGETHER, WE CAN PRESERVE THE FUTURE OF DENTISTRY AND ENSURE THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF THE PUBLIC'S ORAL HEALTH. THE OKLAHOMA DENTAL ASSOCIATION COULDN'T DO IT WITHOUT YOU, THE MEMBERS. IN 2016, AND BEYOND, WE SINCERELY PLEDGE TO DO ALL WE CAN TO ADVANCE THE ART AND SCIENCE OF DENTISTRY WHILE SERVING OUR MEMBER DENTISTS.

THANK YOU AGAIN FOR RENEWING.

New ADA Member Benefit!

Helping Members Refinance Their Dental School Loans

ADA announces exclusive student loan refinancing offer with DRB, a leader in debt consolidation The ADA exclusively endorses DRB’s student loan consolidation/refinancing program providing unmatched opportunities for ADA members to refinance existing federal and private undergraduate and graduate school loans at a 0.25% lower rate than DRB’s already low rates.

Highlights of the student loan consolidation/refinance program include: • Qualifying ADA members receive a 0.25% rate reduction to DRB’s already low rates for the life of the loan as long as they remain ADA members • Rates for ADA members start at 1.65% variable and 3.25% fixed* • Dedicated customer service representatives • Free online application with no obligation to accept • No application, origination or prepayment fees • No maximum loan size (minimum loan size of $5,000) • Federal and private student loans from undergraduate and graduate school are eligible • Forgiven in death and documented permanent disability *View rates, terms and conditions and disclosures at student.drbank.com/ADA

Visit student.drbank.com/ADA to view rates and apply.

DARIEN ROWAYTON BANK student.drbank.com/ADA

www.okda.org

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journal | July/August 2016

REWARDS Researched. Proven. Endorsed.

These products and services can help manage your practice more smoothly and efficiently, and save you money. You can make your choice with confidence knowing each one has been thoroughly researched and endorsed for ODA Members. Begin taking advantage of these ODA member discounts today by contacting the company directly or visiting okda.org/rewards-program.

INSURANCE Reduced premiums on a variety of insurance plans (800) 375-8356 www.3000ig.com

FINANCIAL SERVICES

TRAVEL

Sign up for a convenient patient financing solution for only $25.00 (800) 300-3046 www.carecredit.com/dental

Discounted annual rates for individuals & families (800) 527-7478 www.medjetassist.com

Savings on more than 75 vehicles for purchase or lease (866) 628-7232 www.ada.org/mercedes

Point earning credit card for all your personal & business needs (888) 327-2265 www.adavisacard.com

DENTAL OFFICE

Flat-fee affordable collections system (800) 711-0023 www.americanprofit.net

Discounts on gloves, masks, and additional disposable products (877) 484-6149 www.dentalassociationgloves.com

Receive 85-97% of the current market price (800) 741-3174 www.easyrefine.com

Setup fee is waived (800) 246-9853 www.demandforce.com

Receive e-claims for only .25 cents (866) eclaims (325-2467)

Special pricing for waste pickup (870) 427-6017 www.medicalwasteservices.org

Free container with recycling with SolmeteX Hg5ÂŽ amalgam separator purchase (800) 216-5505 www.solmetex.com

Special pricing and a three-year rate guarantee (918) 809-5471 www.heartlandpaymentsystems.com

Discounted office supply program www.okda.ctcshares.com

Discounts on shipping services (800) 636-2377 www.savewithups.com/ada

Discount of $125 off enrollment (800) 683-2501 www.iaplus.com

Save up to 10% on products and logo applications (800) 990-5407 www.landsend.com/business

25% discount on a new website (888) 433-1747 www.prosites.com/oda

Discounts on digital video services & on-hold messaging (800) 460-4653 www.works24.com

Name brand uniforms at a great price www.okda.org/rewards-program

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.

Mentorship Program Why Be A Mentor?

You might be asking yourself, “Why should I mentor?” When you were going through dental school, did you ever have questions about buying a practice, new surgical techniques, products to purchase, etc., and didn’t know who to ask? By being a mentor, you can provide professional insight and support to future Oklahoma dentists. It not only brings enrichment to the professional and personal life of a dental student, but also to you, as well. Mentors can serve as teachers, role models, advisors, professional partners and friends, and can have a profound effect on someone new to the dental profession.

Benefits of Becoming a Mentor!

You will have the opportunity to impart knowledge to a new dentist by serving as a resource of information on organized dentistry and general information on the profession. Your insight will help them navigate the world of student loans, deciding whether or not to specialize, and what type of practice model they want to pursue after graduation. This information and guidance are invaluable tools to the student that take them beyond what they can learn

in a classroom. When you help a dental student learn and grow, you in turn learn new things, improve your leadership skills and contribute to the success of one of your future colleagues. Being a mentor is also a great opportunity for networking if you’re thinking about taking on an associate or selling your practice in the future. You will have the opportunity to interact with other colleagues and dental students, which will increase your professional network. The dental profession in Oklahoma has built itself on camaraderie and a sense of belonging to the dental community. By being a mentor, you can contribute to this comradeship and gain a lifelong friend in the process.

10 journal | July/August 2016

THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMITTED, INVOLVED, ETHICAL DENTISTS WHO UNDERSTAND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO THE PROFESSION AND THE COMMUNITY. STRENGTHEN THE FUTURE OF DENTISTRY WHILE ENRICHING THE LIVES OF DENTAL STUDENTS AND YOUR OWN.

How Do I Become a Mentor?

The ODA Mentorship Program is open to ALL member dentists, no matter your age, gender, level of experience, specialty (or not) or practice location.

To sign up to be a mentor, visit www.okda.org/mentorship-form or contact Kenzie O’Brien, ODA Membership Services Manager, at 800.876.8890 or kobrien@okda.org.

The ADA Code is Powerful 2016 marks the 150th anniversary of the The ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct, which serves as the foundation for our members’ unwavering dedication to providing the highest quality care and utmost professionalism. Also known as the "the ADA Code," members abide as a condition of membership, committing to high ethical standards of conduct. Much like the profession, the ADA Code has evolved throughout the past 150 years, however its fundamental purpose - putting the welfare of patients first - remains constant.

NOW RECRUITING MENTORS FOR THE ODA MENTORSHIP PROGRAM!

WE MATCH YOU BASED ON YOUR LIKENESS, SPECIALTY AND LOCATION.

"I ENJOY THIS PROGRAM. I WISH I WOULD HAVE HAD IT DURING SCHOOL. I HOPE I CAN HELP HIM AS HE FURTHERS HIS SCHOOL AND PROFESSIONAL CAREER." -CURRENT MENTOR

THERE IS NO TIME REQUIREMENT TO BE A MENTOR. IT'S WHATEVER YOU BOTH FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH.

MENTORS SERVE AS TEACHERS, ROLE MODELS, ADVISORS, PROFESSIONAL PARTNERS, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY FRIENDS.

Dentistry’s future, and the trust our patients place in us, depends on our FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT KENZIE O'BRIEN, ability to live up to the ADA Code ODA MEMBERSHIP SERVICES MANAGER, AT consistently and without hesitancy.

(405) 848-8873 OR KOBRIEN@OKDA.ORG Clearly stating our organization’s commitment to ethical behavior, practicing accountability and modeling authenticity are actions each of us can take to demonstrate and practice ethical behavior.

Visit www.okda.org/public to watch a new ADA video to remind us and the public why the ADA Code is so powerful.

REGISTERTODAYAT OKDA.ORG/PROGRAMS/EDUCATION

New ODA Members Please join the ODA in welcoming our new members into Oklahoma’s community of organized dentistry.

TOPGOLF DENPAC Fundraiser

New Members Joined April 22 - June 10, 2016

Jeffrey Muszynski

Central

Kathleen Adolph

Eastern

Jesse Howell

Southwestern

Luke-Hieu Nguyen

Northwest

Ryan M Coursey

Tulsa County

The largest percentage of damages per land mass occurs in Oklahoma compared to other states.

Oklahoma is listed in 5 of the 10 most costly U.S. catastrophes.

Know your resources

The Oklahoma Dental Relief and Disaster Grant Program is a charitable entity that offers aid to Oklahoma licensed dentists in times of need.

If you or someone you know has been affected by recent storms, contact the OK RDGP for assistance!

405-848-8873 www.okda.org/programs/disaster-and-relief

In 2015, Oklahoma ranked third in number of tornadoes (111) per state following Kansas (178) and Texas (228).

make a contribution

The OK Dental RDGP needs your help! To make a tax deductible contribution to help fellow dentists in need, mail a check to: OK Dental Relief and Disaster grant Program

317 NE 13th Street Oklahoma City, OK 7 3104 www.okda.org

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Our Network. Your Success.

OKLAHOMA DENTAL ASSOCIATION

RISK Management Seminar

E 3 H ar n O of C URS E!

Save/the/Date FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016 FRANCIS TUTTLE TECH CENTER Rockwell Campus 12777 N. Rockwell Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73142 8:00AM 12:00PM

SPONSORED BY:

www.okda.org/programs/education

Members-only CE Webinars Now Available

Dental Health and Tobacco Cessation Webinars

ODA Leadership Orientation and Training

The ODA and the Oklahoma State Department of Health Center for Advancement of Wellness have partnered together to offer ODA Members the opportunity to learn and implement consistent, sustainable and proven tobacco cessation services for all patients. The three CE training videos regarding evidencebased practices include, Dental Health and Tobacco Cessation Overview, Motivational Interviewing and Pharmacotherapy.

Do you serve on an ODA Council, Committee, your local Component or just want to learn more about serving in a leadership role within organized dentistry? The ODA Leadership 101 video and materials will help you develop and implement the goals and strategies of the Association and the Components.

Total CE credit available is 1 hour.

Total CE credit available is 2 hours.

Log in to the members-only website at www.okda.org/members-only and click Education on the left-hand side. www.okda.org

13

OKLAHOMA DENTAL ASSOCIATION MARKETING COACH

Inside-Out Marketing Four steps toward a stronger practice

By Linda Miles Copyright © 2016 American Dental Association. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission

In his book, In Search of Excellence, Tom Peters, a world-renowned author for Fortune 500 companies, says, “Businesses in this country are failing miserably as they are spending millions of dollars to market and advertise ... yet they haven’t spent a nickel training their employees how to treat the customer who calls or walks through the front door.”

Thankfully, dentists have done a better job of this through continuing education for their entire team than perhaps other businesses we all interact with. Yet there are still dental practices that are wasting marketing dollars left, right and center.

Marketing is a system just like all other management areas of the practice. For years, I have taught clients and audiences these four easy steps toward having the greatest results: 1. A practice must decide on what would be a healthy number of new patients by examining several factors: • How many active patients do you have now, and how many do you need? (A healthy number of active patients that a solo dentist can care for = 1,500 to 2,500.)

• How many operatories and dental team members do you have to care for the patient base?

• Do you practice in a highly mobile/transient area such as one with military bases that move people in and out frequently? If so, that will require a higher new patient need.

14 journal | July/August 2016

• Where are you in your practice life cycle? What constitutes a healthy number of new patients depends on the age of the dentist. The majority of patients in the central file are likely to be the same age as the senior dentist. If he/she is 65 to 70 years old, many patients also are about that age and may be in declining health. Such a practice needs an infusion of younger patients, which typically happens by bringing in a younger dentist or dentists.

2. The practice needs a marketing budget.

How much are you willing to invest monthly in making the telephone ring (external marketing)? And how much are you willing to invest in keeping patients in the practice for three or more generations (internal marketing)? Again, that figure will be determined by the number of new patients needed. The more you need, the more you must invest. A healthy number of new patients could be 12-15 for an established solid practice; you may need 25-40 new patients (per dentist) if you are a start-up with only 500-700 patients in the active files.

Another factor is how many patients you retain. If your recall number of patients remains the same or declines, this means new patients are coming in the front door but more active patients are going out the back door. Unless you are actively contacting patients to discover why they’re leaving the practice, you will continue losing patients.

3. Establish a marketing committee. Your practice administrator is typically the chair of this four-person committee.

Ask for volunteers to work on the committee, targeting the most creative and goal-oriented of your staff—one person from the hygiene department, one from your clinical assistants and one from administration. The dentist/ owner always approves the marketing budget, which typically should be 2-4 percent of monthly collections in a stable and solid practice; 4-6 percent

in a practice needing 25-40 new patients; and 6-8 percent in a specialty practice that depends on GP referrals.

The dentist/owner also approves the marketing projects.

4. The marketing budget should be divided into 25 percent external and 75 percent internal, which means most of those marketing dollars are spent on projects to make patients you already have become raving fans.

Create a pleasing environment of total comfort. Have a monthly “Patient Appreciation Day” where each patient that day leaves with a $5 to $10 gift that says: “We appreciate you for being a patient and for referring your friends and relatives to us.”

Some practices have giveaways such as gift cards for keeping patients waiting more than 10 minutes sent the day after in a “Whoops!” card. Some send bereavement or congratulatory floral arrangements to patients, and some have gift cards that go to patients who refer other patients. NOTE: All practices must know their state dental practice rules on marketing and gifts for patients. In some states, it is considered unethical or against the dental practice act to gift anyone for anything! And with Social Media Marketing, you must also know the legalities of using Facebook or other means of SMM to gift those who respond to different marketing schemes.

Dentists also must be aware of federal antikickback statutes, particularly critical if the dentist sees patients under federally funded programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.

All in all, marketing is an inside job. You can be the greatest clinician in dentistry.

But if you don’t have the customer service that exceeds every patient’s expectations, you are throwing a lot of time and money to the wind.

Linda Miles is CEO of AskLindaMiles.com; founder and advisor to Miles Global and Speaking Consulting Network; speaker, author and dental business coach; Virginia Beach, Va.; 757-721-3125; lindamiles@cox. net;www.AskLindaMiles.com.

For additional resources on how to grow your practice, visit ADA’s Center for Professional Success.

Where can you find your ADA benefits?

Here.

Member insurance plans.

Here.

Practice management information.

ADA’s exclusive resources are always at your fingertips.

Your ADA – local, state and national – is united in our mission to provide you with a broad array of tools to help build your professional success, from the ADA Center for Professional Success and the ADA Health Policy Institute to staff support and continuing education. Take advantage of the hundreds of benefits that your ADA membership provides.

Visit the ADA Center for Professional Success at Success.ADA.org today!

And here.

Latest health policy reports and surveys.

www.okda.org

ADA.org

i am a n

member dentist

INFORMED

ETHICAL ODA and ADA Member Dentists pledge to adhere to the ADA Principles of Ethics & Code of Conduct.

Member Dentists are kept updated on the latest dental health news that affect the profession and the patients they serve.

With nearly 160,000 ADA members nationwide, our dentists are committed to putting YOUR health first.

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View my professional profile at: www.MOUTHHEALTHY .org

Oklahoma Dental Association

www.okda.org

Bringing Smiles Home

consistent with all of the other campaign’s messaging. I encourage you to place this poster prominently in your waiting area or an operatory.

By Dr. David Wong, Chair, ODA Council on Dental Education and Public Information

This advertising campaign is made possible through ODA Boardapproved funds from Association reserves and members’ contributions to Smile, a voluntary dues program.

Therefore, all of this has been provided to us with no additional expense to the membership. I hope you’re as excited as I am about this campaign.

The ODA is providing all practicing members a poster that reinforces to our patients that we are ODA members and why this makes us special. This look and text stays

On behalf of the ODA Council on Dental Education and Public Information, we thank you for your membership, and welcome your feedback regarding the campaign.

A Campaign to Help Oklahomans Find an ODA Dentist

f c d l

This poster will be distributed to all practicing ODA members this month. If you would like additional posters at no cost, please contact Tina Evans at tevans@okda.org or 800.876.8890. www.okda.org

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ODA Supports Statewide Health Initiative Rethink Your Drink Shape Your Future is an ongoing statewide health initiative supported by the Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust (TSET) and the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH). The overall goal of the Shape Your Future public education intervention is to encourage Oklahomans to eat better, move more and be tobacco free, as Oklahoma ranks in the bottom 10 among states for rates of tobacco use and obesity.

to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The amount of sugar consumed by many Oklahoma young adults conservatively adds up to more than 21 million pounds of added sugar per year, or 38 pounds per person.

Shape Your Future is sharing new messages on why Oklahoma should “Rethink Your Drink,” and choose water over sugary drinks.

Messages from Shape Your Future are geared to adults, especially parents and caregivers of children. These individuals have the best opportunity to influence what Oklahoma children are drinking and to help children make healthier choices to avoid the onset of obesity.

The majority of young adult Oklahomans, ages 18–34, drink sugar-sweetened beverages at least once per day - more than any other state in the United States, according

16 journal | July/August 2016

SOOO, SODA’S HEALTHY.

not

Nutrition Facts Serving Size: 1 12-oz. can Packets of

Sugar

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40 Total Sugar (grams)

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Increased Risk of type 2 diabetes Increased Risk of tooth decay

There’s a myth that clear soda is better for you than dark soda. Not true. The big difference between dark and clear soda falls in caffeine levels, not sugar. Clear and dark soda still contains a lot of sugar.

HOLE-Y MOLY

So, water you drinking? Say it ain’t soda! Choose healthy, hydrating water instead.

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To help educate your patients about the dangers of sugary drinks to their health, you can request nine different posters (like the one pictured above) for your dental office from Shape Your Future, all complimentary.

Visit www.ShapeYourFutureOKC.com to view the posters and to learn more. Email Elyse Maxwell at ElyseM@tset.ok.gov to order your posters.

www.okda.org

17

Save the Date ADA 2016 – America’s Dental Meeting® is coming to the Mile High City. Earn CE, connect with colleagues from across the country and enjoy Denver’s 300 days of sunshine.

Registration will open in the spring. For more information, visit ADA.org/meeting.

18 journal | July/August 2016

Helpful Information from the ADA

Have you heard? The New Dentist Conference at ADA 2016 Is Hot The New Dentist Conference will be held with the ADA annual meeting in Denver, CO, October 20-22. Enjoy both meetings with one trip!

New Dentist Conference highlights include: •

An exclusive CE track designed for your needs, featuring new tech that allows you to interact with speakers live.

•

New Dentist Reception at Wynkoop Brewing Co (Ticket included).

•

Networking opportunities during Leadership Day.

•

A New Dentist Lounge in the convention center to relax and network.

ADA 2016 highlights include: •

Mountain Mixer to relax and enjoy a wide-selection of craft beer (included in the cost of your registration).

•

Malala Yousafzai featured in the Distinguished Speaker Series*.

•

300 additional CE courses to choose from.

•

The exhibit hall, which includes more than 400 vendors and numerous CE opportunities.

•

Denver, CO – the city boasting more than 300 days of sunshine per year.

*The 2016 Distinguished Speaker Series is presented by ACT® Oral Care

Registration for the New Dentist Conference is only $350. You won’t find a better deal than this!

Register now at ADA.org/NDC. OK-APR-2016.pdf

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OKLAHOMA DENTAL FOUNDATION

MobileSmiles Oklahoma Staff Highlights

Dr. Linda Otis, a graduate of the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry, joined the MobileSmiles Oklahoma team in 2015, and serves as the program dentist; she is also a preceptor for fourth-year OU College of Dentistry dental students. Dr. Otis completed her residency training in Diagnostic Sciences at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio and is board-certified in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. She is a retired Navy Captain who served at Bethesda Naval Clinic and the Pentagon Tri-service Dental Clinic during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Noble Eagle.

Dr. Otis came to the Oklahoma Dental Foundation following a 30-year academic career at the University of Maryland, where she was a Professor of Oral Diagnosis and director of a research program applying laser technology to dental diagnoses. She holds two patents on laser imaging devices. Dr. Otis is a native Oklahoman currently living in Yukon.

Jordan Blalock, the newest addition to the MobileSmiles Oklahoma team, came to the Oklahoma Dental Foundation immediately after graduating from Oklahoma State University in May 2016. As a registered dental assistant, Jordan assists MobileSmiles dentists and fourth-year dental students during the provision of dental treatment, and ensures that patients are comfortable and have the best experience possible while in the MobileSmiles unit.

Jordan’s passion for dentistry came to him after participating in a life-changing medical mission trip to Guatemala when he was in middle school. At a young age, he was able to see up close and personal the great need for dental care that sparked in him a fire to pursue a career in dentistry, which he plans to do in the near future. Jordan enjoys the outdoors and spending time with family and friends. He and his wife, Haley, live in Moore.

A partnership program of

Connie Abundis officially stepped into the role of Lead Assistant for MobileSmiles Oklahoma in March 2016. Connie has been in the dental field for over 20 years. She began assisting in Los Angeles, California in 1989 and relocated to Oklahoma City in 2009 with her son Edward. Her prior employment activities in California include working with cosmetic dentist Dr. Victor Tadang, Newport Endodontic Group and New Smile Dental.

She has also worked with Good Shepherd Ministries in Oklahoma City.

As MobileSmiles Lead Assistant, Connie is responsible for the training of all personnel and for organization and flow of the mobile unit. Connie has a passion for mobile dentistry and helping others learn the art of dentistry. Many dental and dental hygiene students have worked alongside Connie as they have developed their craft. She enjoys traveling, sports and good movies.

Learn more about MobileSmiles Oklahoma at www.mobilesmilesok.org.

20 journal | July/August 2016

www.okda.org

21

LEGISLATIVE LOOP Legislative Session Overview & Political Update

Legislature Adjourns Sine Die

By Mr. Scott Adkins, ODA Lobbyist

The Second Regular Session of the 55th Oklahoma Legislature formally adjourned sine die on Friday, May 27. The Oklahoma Constitution mandates that the legislature must adjourn before 5:00 pm on the last Friday of May each year. The Oklahoma Senate made it with time to spare as they banged the final gavel at 12:09 pm. The House of Representatives came in just under the wire as the final motion to adjourn was made and approved at 4:59 pm. While it seemed like many more, there were 68 legislative days during the 2016 session.

One of the most important responsibilities of the legislature each year is to write a budget and appropriate funding to the various state agencies. Facing an estimated $1.3 billion deficit at the beginning of the year and a current year revenue shortfall of approximately three percent, that task appeared ever more daunting. In the end, the legislative leadership and the Governor crafted a $6.78 billion budget that attempted to hold harmless common education, prisons and corrections, and the Oklahoma Healthcare Authority. A $200 million bond issue to shore up transportation, a $125 million revamp of the marginal well tax break for the oil and gas industry, and several cash flow and accounting measures were implemented to attempt to close the funding gap. Most state agencies took cuts ranging from around two percent to ten percent, or more. Most notable among those taking budget reductions was higher education, receiving a whopping $97 million cut -about 10.7 percent below the previous year’s appropriation.

Aside from the budget, the 2016 session will be known for several high-profile initiatives, 22 journal | July/August 2016

some of which were successful and many of which didn’t make it across the finish line.

Voters in November will finally get to decide if strong, cold beer and wine will be sold in grocery and convenience stores with the passage of Senate Joint Resolution 68 and a companion measure, Senate Bill 383, which sets up the statutory framework. While our Medicaid providers were spared any further reimbursement cuts by the budget deal, the heavily debated $1.50-per-pack cigarette tax increase found no such love. In the end, a failure to secure support from the Democrats doomed the measure and with it any hope of restructuring Medicaid and the Insure Oklahoma program.

ODA-Initiated Legislation The Oklahoma Dental Association successfully initiated and passed into law SB 1377 authored by Sen. AJ Griffin (R-Guthrie) and Rep. Doug Cox (R-Grove). This became know as the Insurance Transparency Bill.

SB 1377 arose from frequent questions and concerns from ODA members regarding insurance companies and their reimbursement and communication when leasing their provider networks to a thirdparty benefit plan.

With the passage of SB 1377, insurance companies will now be required to provide information to dentists identifying third parties that have leased the provider network prior to the completion of the dental services. Additionally, the new law states that:

assigns, or otherwise grants access to a provider’s dental services must provide an explanation of benefits or remittance advice to the provider identifying the contractual source of any discounts; 5. All third parties granted access to the provider’s discounted rate shall comply with the participating provider’s contract, including all requirements to encourage access to the participating provider and pay the participating provider pursuant to the rates of payment and methodology set forth in the contract, unless otherwise agreed to by a participating provider; and 6. A contracting entity is deemed in compliance with the law when the insured’s identification card provides information that identifies the insurance carrier to be used to reimburse the participating provider for the covered dental services.

Congratulations on a very successful legislative session. But the work never ends.

As you know, this is an election year. As always, your Oklahoma Dental Association will be following the state races closely.

Look for updates from the campaign trail as we educate political candidates on the importance of our oral health issues and our members to those candidates and legislators most supportive of dentistry.

1. Access to dental services cannot be sold or assigned without express contractual authorization; 2. A contracting entity shall properly identify any third party that has been granted access to the dental services of the participating provider; 3. A contracting entity shall maintain an internet website or toll-free number through which the participating provider may obtain information identifying the insurance carrier to be used for reimbursement; 4. A contracting entity that sells,

Drs. Carol Summerhays, American Dental Association President, Raymond Cohlmia, ADA12th District Trustee, Daniel Wilguess and Shannon Griffin attending the ADA Washington Leadership Conference in May.

ADA-CHAMPIONED LEGISLATION THAT NEEDS OUR ASSISTANCE Please contact your Congressman and ask him to co-sponsor the following bills:

H.R. 649 H.R. 649, the Student Loan Refinancing Act, would allow individuals to refinance their federal student loans more than once.

As a result of the Student Loan Certainty Act of 2013, federal student loan interest rates are tied to financial markets.

Interest rates are determined each year and are stabilized during the period of July 1 to the following June 30 with a fixed interest rate that applies to the life of the loan. H.R. 649 would allow new dentists to refinance their federal Direct Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, and Direct Consolidation Loans at any time during the life of the loans, enabling them to take advantage of lower interest rates during more favorable economic conditions.

Moreover, refinanced rates would be fixed, protecting them from interest rate hikes when economic conditions worsen. Dental students face alarming levels of educational debt at graduation. In 2014, the average educational debt per graduating dental school senior was $220,892. Factoring out the 10.7 percent of dental school seniors who graduated with no debt, the average debt per graduating dental school senior was $247,227 ($216,437 for graduates

K

CAPITOL CLUB For more information about OKCapitol Club, contact Lynn Means at 800-876-8890 or lmeans@okda.org.

from public dental schools and $289,897 for graduates from private and private state-related dental schools). Most dental students rely on federal student loans to finance their dental education. In 2014, over 71 percent of graduating dental students reported having used Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans (Direct Loans) to pay for dental school and, to a lesser extent, Federal Grad PLUS Loans (53.9 percent).

burden that undergraduate students face at graduation. Unfortunately, dental students and others pursuing graduate and professional degrees are not eligible for the Direct Subsidized Loan program. If enacted, H.R. 4233 would enable graduate and professional student borrowers to take advantage of the same low interest rates offered to undergraduate student borrowers under the Direct Subsidized Loan program. In addition:

H.R. 4223

•

The student would pay no interest on Direct Subsidized loans while in school and for six months after leaving school, as the Department of Education pays the interest during this period.

•

It would provide an annual cap on Direct Subsidized dental student loans of 8.25 percent, down from a 9.5 percent cap for unsubsidized loans.

H.R. 4223, the Protecting Our Students

by Terminating Graduate Rates that Add to Debt Act, would enable graduate and professional degree student borrowers to take advantage of the interest rate subsidy offered to undergraduate students with federal Direct Subsidized Loans.

Under current law, the U.S. Department of Education offers Direct Subsidized Loans to help eligible undergraduate students pay for all or part of their undergraduate education. These loans allow undergraduate students with a financial need to have a portion of their student interest subsidized. The interest rate subsidy lessens the educational debt

H.R. 3323 H.R. 3323, the Dental and Optometric Care Access Act (DOC Access Act), prohibits “non-covered services” provisions in dental and vision plans and coverage. Thirty-nine states, including Oklahoma, have already passed a law that makes it illegal for dental

2016 Members Dr. Jeffrey Ahlert Dr. Jim Ambrose Dr. Glenn Ashmore Dr. Douglas Auld Dr. Brandon Beaver Dr. Tamara Berg Dr. Elizabeth Bohanon Dr. Ryan Brackett Dr. Edmund Braly Dr. Todd Bridges Dr. Steven Brown Dr. Nathan Brown Dr. Robert Bryan Dr. Bonnie Burton Dr. Patricia Cannon Dr. Wuse Cara Dr. Mary Casey-Kelly Dr. Conrad Casler Dr. Matthew Cohlmia Dr. Debbie Corwin

Dr. James Corwin Dr. Russell Danner Dr. Susan Davis Dr. David Deason Dr. Brian Drew Dr. Timothy Fagan Dr. Barry Farmer Dr. Danny Fuchs Dr. Cathy Fuchs Dr. Tracy Gasbarra Dr. Michael Gliddon Dr. Matthew Gray Dr. Michael Hansen Dr. Leslie Hardy Dr. Aaron Harman Dr. Edward Harroz Dr. Richard Haught Dr. Robert Herman Dr. Mathew Hookom Dr. James Hooper

Dr. Brad Hoopes Dr. Donald Johnson Dr. Eugenia Johnson Dr. Krista Jones Dr. Mark Kelly Dr. Robert Lamb Dr. Robert Livingston Dr. Juan Lopez Dr. Stephen Mayer Dr. Jandra Mayer-Ward Dr. Daniel McNair Dr. Glenn Mead Dr. Jack Morrison Dr. James Murtaugh Dr. Jeffrey Pierce Dr. Karen Reed Dr. Ryan Roberts Dr. Erin Roberts-Svob Dr. Brant Rouse Dr. Drake Sellmeyer

Dr. Meghan Sellmeyer Dr. Greg Shanbour Dr. Lindsay Smith Dr. Brooke Snowden Dr. Dan Storm Dr. James Strand Dr. Jackson Sullivan Dr. Joe Swink Dr. James Torchia Dr. Jonah Vandiver Dr. Nathan Villines Dr. Scott Waugh Dr. Robert Webb Dr. Stephanie Wendt Dr. Jonathan White Dr. Daniel Wilguess Dr. Ralph Willcox Dr. Ronald Winder Dr. John Wood Dr. William Yadon

www.okda.org

23

plans to set fees for services in which the plans have no financial liability. H.R. 3323 is narrowly drawn to apply only to dental and vision plans regulated by the federal government. This legislation would not interfere with the states’ ability to maintain and enforce their own insurance regulations and laws, but rather complements the work already done by most state legislatures across the country. In addition, H.R. 3323 establishes some “rules of the road” for provider network participation, including:

them or the plan payer. This practice puts the smaller carriers at an unfair competitive disadvantage, making it harder for them to compete. When competition is not robust, consumers are less likely to see high levels of innovation and variety in the marketplace.

The passage of H.R. 3323 would foster competition in the insurance industry that is important for the American economy.

•

H.R. 4062

not permitting plans to offer nominal payments for otherwise non-covered services in an effort to have such services considered covered;

•

permitting changes to the provider network agreement only when agreed to in writing by the doctor;

•

limiting network agreements to two years;

•

prohibiting retaliatory measures such as denying entry or continued participation in a network if the doctor declines to participate in any specific plan or coverage;

•

prohibiting plans from communicating with enrollees in a manner that interferes with the doctor-patient relationship;

•

not restricting the doctor’s choice of laboratories; and

•

providing a private right of action (injunctive relief and damages) for a person adversely affected by a violation of the above provisions.

Patients and the public at large are disadvantaged by the negative impact of non-covered services provisions. Noncovered services provisions are generally used by larger carriers as a marketing ploy. The larger plans can be successful because they have greater market share and negotiating leverage. Such entities reap the marketing advantage but at no cost to

24 journal | July/August 2016

Congressman Jim Bridenstine has cosponsored this bill.

H.R. 4062, the Protecting Seniors Access to Care Act of 2015, would remove the mandate for dentists to enroll in or opt out of Medicare in order for their patients’ prescriptions to continue to be covered by Medicare Part D Plans. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), using the discretionary authority provided under Section 6405(c) of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), issued CMS-4159-F on May 23, 2014 and CMS-6107-IFC on May 6, 2015 to require all healthcare professionals who prescribe to Part D beneficiaries to enroll in or opt out of Medicare, including those providers who do not receive reimbursements or perform Medicare-covered services. The enforcement of this Rule has been delayed four times.

The current enforcement date is February 1, 2017. As a consequence, dentists who prescribe to a Part D beneficiary have two options:

Medicare Advantage (MA) plans despite dental plans being an add-on benefit.

Should a majority of dentists choose to opt out, MA plan beneficiaries will have difficulty utilizing their benefit.

As of January 2016, CMS estimates that 30,000 dentists have taken an action out of the projected pool of over 120,000 dentists who wrote Medicare Part D prescriptions in 2013. It is currently unclear what actions will be taken at the pharmacy for those prescriptions coming from non-enrolled dentists, although at some point pharmacists may no longer be reimbursed for such prescriptions. The underlying rationale for the CMS Rule was instigated by an OIG Report (OEI-03-15-00180), which identified over $1 billion in Part D payment for prescriptions written by providers without prescribing authority or a valid prescriber identification number. Dentists maintain prescribing authority in all jurisdictions as part of their licensing and are NOT the physicians identified as the fraudulent providers in the Report. National Provider Identifier (NPI) numbers are already available to CMS and the Part D Plans for review and both have the authority to investigate and refer bad actors to the State Licensing Boards for proper disciplinary actions. As such, there are no legitimate fraud enforcement requirements that necessitate the inclusion of dentists under the CMS rule.

1. Enroll as a Medicare Provider or an Ordering and Referring Provider: CMS has created a special enrollment form stating that – although the provider will still receive no benefit from the program -- he or she must abide by the rules, regulations, and guidelines of Medicare, including audits and potentially meaningful use requirements.

To email your Congressman directly, visit the ADA ENGAGE webpage at ada.org/en/engage or call him at:

2. Opt out of Medicare: CMS provided guidance in 2015 indicating that by opting out of the program the dentist will no longer be able to participate in

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Tom Cole (4th)

202.225.6165

Steve Russell (5th)

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Jim Bridenstine (1st)

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Markwayne Mullin (2nd) 202.225.2701

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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

End of an Era

Dr. Frank Miranda Steps Down After 42 Years

By Dr. Randy White

dentistry I chose the latter. Best career choice I could have made!”

Miranda won a four-year scholarship to attend UCLA as an undergraduate. When he was accepted into the UCLA School of Dentistry after three years, he was allowed to use the fourth year’s stipend to pay for the first year of dental school.

“That helped my subsequent student loan situation immensely,” he recalled. It was during that first year that he met two teachers who would influence him deeply and help set the course for his future in dental education.

Dr. Frank Miranda with wife, Joan, in Gold Clinic at OUCOD. In football, both the American and World versions, there is a tradition in which a retiring player will leave his cleats on the sideline after playing his last game.

We don’t have a similar act in dentistry, but perhaps we should. After a career spanning almost five decades, Dr. Frank Miranda will fold up his scrubs and put them in the drawer for the final time. As the very last of the school’s charter faculty (those who came to OUCOD during the formative years of 1972-74) to retire, his departure is in many respects the end of an era. As he takes this personal step, his contributions to dentistry in Oklahoma deserve some close attention.

While his career in dentistry has been anything but prosaic, pursuing that career happened in mundane circumstances.

“My father wanted to be a physician but blood and viscera made him queasy – not a good match! So he promoted an interest in health professions in me. Why dentistry? I was dating a dental assistant while I was at UCLA so I got a close look at the profession. After comparing the time demands of careers in medicine and

Drs. Earl Collard (Operative Dentistry) and Herb Shillingburg (Fixed Prosthodontics) fostered Miranda’s early curiosity about teaching that culminated in his participation in a teaching elective during his senior year. The bug had bit.

He found that teaching gave him a level of fulfillment that full-time practice did not.

After graduating in 1971, he taught parttime in both departments while in private practice in Lynwood, a small city in Los Angeles County.

Both Collard and Shillingburg left UCLA in 1972 to become founding department chairs at the nascent University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. In 1974 Miranda headed east when Dr. Collard offered him a full-time faculty position in Operative Dentistry. “I accepted the offer with the idea that I was only going to stay for two years. At that time, UCLA had a policy of not hiring its own graduates fulltime unless they had additional experience or training at another dental school. My plans were to earn a Master’s degree in Education (which I did) and then return to teach at UCLA. My California roots were so deep I wasn’t sure I even wanted to come in the first place -- but when I came to interview, I saw the camaraderie and close relationship between students and faculty and thought, ‘Man, this is really

cool. This is where I want to be.’ Then I met Joan, and that was it -- game over!

Now here I am, 42 years later, realizing that I’ve had a hand in the education of every dentist to graduate from OUCOD – more than 2,100. I can’t begin to tell you what a remarkable privilege that has been.”

During his tenure at OUCOD, Miranda has served in multiple administrative capacities: Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs, Associate Dean for Alumni Affairs, Senior Associate Dean for Academic and Administrative Affairs, and Director of Continuing Education.

But it’s as a teacher that he’s truly excelled. Over his career, he has received 29 classroom and clinical teaching awards, 11 mentoring recognitions, and three yearbook dedications from his students. The University has honored his excellence as well. He was named a David Ross Boyd Professor in 2006. To qualify for this distinguished recognition a faculty member must have “consistently demonstrated outstanding teaching, guidance, and leadership for students in an academic discipline or in an interdisciplinary program within the University”. Miranda also received the Robert Magarian Faculty Award from the OUHSC Student Association in 2010.

Created by the HSC Student Government

Miranda with his grandsons [l-r] Oliver and Sven.

26 journal | July/August 2016

Association, the Magarian Award honors a faculty member that students consider to be outstanding in the areas of teaching, mentoring, service and professional activities, and representing the same characteristics exhibited by Dr. Magarian, HSC Professor Emeritus and an active community leader.

When asked what he considered his greatest contributions to OUCOD, Miranda named three. First, he created the Clinical Record Keeping and Patient Management courses in 1990. Two generations of students at OUCOD have sharpened their record-keeping skills in these courses (more familiarly known as “chart checks”). Second, he founded OU Dentistry, the College’s alumni publication, in 1991. An integral part of this magazine, the Class Notes section, has provided a way for every OUCOD graduate to keep in touch with the school and with his/her classmates.

(As a personal aside, I was honored to follow him as editor in 2008.) Miranda’s third contribution no longer exists. He established a Limited Care Clinic in 1992 to address the needs of patients accepted for treatment but not yet assigned to a student, or of those rejected because their projected treatment was too complex (or too minor) but who still had emergency needs. Although recognized as a ‘Best Practice: Patient Care’ by the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) in its 2002 publication Best Practices in Dental Education, this clinical concept was discontinued as a separate entity in 2002.

Outside the College, Miranda has served numerous bodies in organized dentistry and dental education. He has been an active member of the Oklahoma and American Dental Associations for 42 years. Among many awards, he was named Oklahoma Dentist of the Year in 2007. He is a previous editor of this publication and has served 23 years on its editorial board, a post he continues in to this day. He has published numerous scholarly articles and served on many committees regulating dental education, and for the past 20 years he’s been very active with the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB). For their numerous contributions to WREB, he and his wife, Joan, were honored as co-recipients of the David S. Low Service Award in 2013. To help senior

The Miranda family: Frank and Joan with son Cory and daughter Erin dental students prepare for the WREB examination, Miranda developed an elective course in 1994 that he’s delivered annually ever since. Pass rates during that time span have consistently topped 95 percent; this year’s Class of 2016, his last, had a pass rate exceeding 98 percent.

It is obvious that Miranda has given much to dentistry. What has dentistry given him? “I think it all boils down to two things. One has been the gift of teaching.

I’ve gained something from every single interaction I’ve had with students over the years, especially those moments when I see the light go on in a student’s eyes. I will miss that more than anything. The second has been the opportunity to serve the profession and the public. In my own small way, I’ve tried to improve the practice of dentistry and thereby repay the public for the privilege of my own dental education.”

What comes next? “I’ll keep my editorial pencil sharp, continuing to serve on the ODA Journal’s Editorial Board and helping proofread OU Dentistry. I’ll do some volunteer work – I already help out at the Oklahoma History Center. There are still lots of places Joan and I want to visit. And, of course, we have our children Cory and Erin, their spouses, and five wonderful grandchildren to dote on both here and in South Carolina. I seriously don’t see too many idle days in my future!”

On a personal note, Dr. Miranda has loomed large over my career. When I returned from my first preceptorship during my senior year at OUCOD, I wanted to impress him with how much I had learned and how much speed I had gained during those two weeks. I was replacing an amalgam, and I whipped out the preparation in about five minutes. I left some amalgam stain on the preparation’s walls. When I called him over for the prep check he sat down, looked for a moment, and asked, “Are you sure you’re finished?

Quite a bit of stain here.” I was so deflated.

In all my pride, I had let that meticulous attention to detail slide. I had let him down. Never again. At every step of my career, Dr. Frank Miranda has been the yardstick by which I measure myself. He has been teacher, mentor, advisor, editor, colleague, confidant, fellow crossword puzzle addict and music aficionado, and friend. I have said many times to many people that if, when my own career comes to a close, I could be any part of what he has been, I would be a happy man. Thank you for everything I am as a dentist, Dr. Miranda!

www.okda.org

27

ODA FEATURE

Amalgam Separation in the Dental Industry– The Time Is Now

By Michael Toole, Vice President of Sales and Marketing SolmeteX, LLC

Since the passage of the Clean Water Act in 1972, it has been U.S. policy that “Pollution should be prevented or reduced at the source whenever feasible; pollution that cannot be prevented should be recycled in an environmentally safe manner.”1 As of January 2016, there are 12 statewide mandates and approximately 25 municipalities requiring dental offices to manage their amalgam waste. In June 2016 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to announce a final amalgam separator rule requiring that all 50 states be compliant with a new standard regarding amalgam waste management.

History In the late 90s, concerns about mercury levels in the environment led to the formation in 2001 of the Quicksilver Caucus (QSC), a coalition of state environmental leaders to develop approaches for reducing environmental mercury. The QSC was instrumental in getting mercury reduction regulations passed in many jurisdictions.

The American Dental Association has long recognized the concerns about mercury in dental amalgam. Because its 2002 environmental assessment found that 78 percent of amalgam waste could be captured by adherence to recommended best management practices, the ADA did not feel that a national regulation on amalgam waste was required. To further 28 journal | July/August 2016

reduce the amount of dental amalgam discharged into sewer systems, the ADA revised its best management practices for amalgam waste. Unfortunately, these BMPs still go widely ignored by dentists across the nation. While coal burning power plants are the number one contributor of mercury in the environment, dental amalgam “appears to represent the largest contributor to mercury influent levels."2 In 2010, the EPA proposed and drafted nationwide regulations regarding mercury emissions. After several years of review and debate the regulations were revised and reintroduced in September 2014. As expected, many public comments both for and against have been received. The EPA seems determined to address all comments and move the proposed amalgam separator regulation forward.

Highlights of the proposed regulation:

Implementation Period: •

Existing dental practices will have three years to comply and install an ISO 11143:2008-approved amalgam separator at the 99 percent removal rating.

•

New practices will have 90 days to comply and install an ISO 11143:2008-approved separator at the 99 percent removal rating.

•

Dental offices that currently have an amalgam separator installed will have ten years to comply and ensure they are using an ISO 11143:2008 amalgam separator at the 99 percent removal rating.

Exemptions: •

Any dentist that places or removes amalgam will be required to install an amalgam separator. Possible exemptions may include orthodontists and periodontists, provided they can prove they do not work with amalgam.

Change out: •

The proposed regulation states that dental offices must follow manufacturer’s guidelines when changing out their containers OR change them once a year, whichever comes first.

Maintenance: •

Each dental office will be responsible for tracking and managing the waste generated by its amalgam separator(s).

This includes log sheets, shipping information and recycle certificates.

While amalgam separators are the primary focus of the proposed regulation, its general goal is responsible management of amalgam waste. This also includes the use of disposable chairside traps and contact amalgam waste buckets for items that come in contact with amalgam.

Conclusion Amalgam separation has been extremely effective in mandated states and municipalities as a way to reduce mercury from the waste streams. With revised EPA regulations seemingly imminent, now is the time to understand how these regulations would affect your practice and to begin implementing an in-office Best Management Plan as recommended by the ADA. 1Pollution Prevention act of 1990. Public Law 101-508 2 Mercury Source Control & Pollution Prevention Program Evaluation; Association of Metropolitan Sewerage Agencies (AMSA) March 2002

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30 journal | July/August 2016

Photo by McNeese Stills + Motion. Printed with permission from OUCOD.

ODA COVER STORY

Oklahoma University College of Dentistry: A Leader in Transforming Dental Education

By Kathryn F. Miller, R.D.H., M.Ed. Assistant Dean for Quality Assurance and Compliance, Director of Patient Relations, Professor, Dept. of Oral Implantology timely patient care and compliance with records management requirements.

An integral part of maintaining the excellence of our clinical programs at the OU College of Dentistry both now and in the future is ensuring that the highest standards of care are always reflected in the student clinical group practices. To support this objective a new administrative position (Assistant Dean for Quality Assurance and Compliance) was established in February 2015 to maintain and, where applicable, improve the quality of our programs with a specific focus on patient care. I consider it a great honor to have been appointed to this position.

Over the past year, we have developed several new evaluation methods and modified others to improve our clinical practices. The patient records of all thirdand fourth-year dental and dental hygiene students are audited each fall and spring semester: DS4 students by their group practice directors (GPDs); DS3 students

by Dr. Paul Mullasseril (Assistant Dean for Clinical and Pre-clinical Education) and myself; DH1 and DH2 students by the Dental Hygiene Patient Services Coordinator. This exhaustive auditing system better ensures appropriate and

Efforts have also been made to improve the quality of the patient pool from which assignments for student treatment are made. While we have always maintained a large volume of potential patients, many of them had difficulties being available for or keeping appointments, and/or paying for dental care. In an effort to better assure beneficial and high-quality clinical experiences for our students we now utilize an online pre-screening process (dentistry.ouhsc.edu/patients) to improve the quality of patients screened and potentially accepted into the program. For prospective patients without online access capabilities or who are uncomfortable navigating online, pre-screening documents are available in paper format. While it is important to accept patients that have the financial means to participate in the program, we are also fortunate to receive charitable funds from Delta Dental of Oklahoma, the Ryan White Program, and the Geriatric Grant Funds program. Such programs provide an opportunity for the College to treat many who would be financially constrained from seeking and receiving care.

Collaborations with dentists in private practice and community clinics that refer some of their patients to the College for limited care provide other opportunities to serve more patients and provide excellent clinical experiences for students.

These collaborative relationships allow patients to receive dental care at the College they might otherwise not be able to afford, and then return to their referring dentists for their remaining care and follow-up evaluation. To maintain

relationships with those dentists who have made such referrals to our program we send out letters of appreciation twice a year.

In addition to my duties with Quality Assurance/Compliance I also serve as Director of Patient Relations, a role that involves the management of patient concerns regarding their experiences at the College. This has provided a great opportunity to explore ways in which we can continue to improve upon the patient experience in our programs.

Historically, patients have completed a patient satisfaction survey at their case complete examination appointments.

In fall 2015, an in-process treatment survey was implemented to glean patient feedback regarding their perception of the quality of care while it was ongoing. This has greatly improved our assessment of and response to the patient experience.

A Continuous Quality Improvement Committee meets tri-annually to review the reports of record audits, patient satisfaction surveys, and other outcomes instruments and consider what responsive actions, if any, are necessary.

The OU College of Dentistry is committed to maintaining the excellence of our patient care system and the pursuit of the highest standards of care. We look forward to continue working with practicing dentists in the community to provide exceptional dental care to the public.

If you have any comments or suggestions regarding our programs or if I can be of assistance to you in any way, please contact me by phone 405-271-7744, ext.

34143 or email kathy-f-miller@ouhsc.edu.

www.okda.org

31

Learning Outside the Box

By Bryce Lamer, OUCOD DS2

We have all heard the expression “thinking outside the box,” but one cannot begin to think outside the box unless one is willing to learn outside the box. Attending ASDA’s National Leadership Conference last fall was an opportunity to learn outside the box.

Participating in ASDA events is an opportunity to network with dental professionals across the nation, to hear and learn from speakers on an array of different topics, and to advocate and fight for my profession. Most importantly, it’s also an opportunity to see the bigger picture, mold passions, and inspire creative and ambitious thinking.

I particularly enjoyed two NLC speakers. Dr. Yige Zhao presented a workshop called “Networking 101”. She talked about the idea of creating a personal schedule to call, text, visit or email family, friends, mentors, and other professionals.

Google calendar or iCal reminders can aid in prioritizing OK ASDA at the National Leadership Conference. networking in the midst Back Row (L-R): Bryce Lamer, Tyler Duffy, Brian Howell, Greg Stewart of busy schedules. Such Front Row (L-R): Lynna Van, Uzma Hajiyani, Kaitlin Polk, Tabitha Dunham networking can pay 1. The Millionaire Next Door (Thomas off in opportunities to Stanley and William Danko) - The learn, referrals, commercial opportunities take-home message is that many people and deepening friendships. For the new who earn high incomes are NOT rich. graduate these opportunities can help create This book will not show you how to a community within the community that become a millionaire, but it studies enrich both personal and professional lives. the lives of financially successful Dr. Adam Shisler spoke about financial individuals in hopes of discovering leadership. Most new graduates will have what defines wealth. debt to confront, and that debt can drive 2. The Investment Answer (Daniel Goldie decisions about where or how to practice. and Gordon Murray) - Simplifies Dr. Shisler recommended a collection of the investment process into just five financial books and blogs worth reading:

OU College of Dentistry Announces New Horizon Partnership Program The University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry is pleased to announce the launch of the new Horizon Partnership program. This new program joins the College of Dentistry with corporate partners committed to supporting the college’s mission of improving the health of Oklahomans and shaping the future of dentistry through excellence in education, patient care, research and community service.

The college would like to recognize Heartland Dental and First Liberty Bank as inaugural Horizon Partners. Their generous support will ensure a number of learning and growth opportunities for the college and its students in the years to come. Thank you, sincerely, for your support.

For more information on the Horizon Partnership program, contact Sammie McCracken at Sammie-McCracken@ouhsc.edu or (405) 271-4050.

32 journal | July/August 2016

decisions. This jargon-free book is great for anyone eager to learn about the world of investing.

3. I Will Teach You to be Rich (Ramit Sethi) - When developing a financial plan, more money is lost by indecision than by bad decisions. This book describes the ladder of personal finance and aims to help you develop a conscious spending plan.

In addition, learning about licensure reform to Advanced Dental Admission Tests (ADAT), engaging in conversations about mid-level providers and learning about

student loan refinancing programs, the National Leadership Conference not only enhanced my leadership and networking skills, but it also helped me realize the vital role that organized dentistry plays in our profession every day. The Conference is a great way to help dental students develop skills to become leaders in their communities and to enhance their experiences with organized dentistry. I believe it has made me more motivated to get involved with the ODA. I would like to personally thank the Oklahoma Dental Association for

investing time and money in my leadership development. It is the leadership and vision of generous and forward-thinking individuals in the ODA willing to invest in future leaders of the profession that make dentistry in Oklahoma so amazing. It is my hope to see this vision grow even further, impacting the lives of future dental students and encouraging the development of future ODA leaders. As both dentists and students, we sometimes forget we’re all pulling on the same rope. Thank you for investing in ASDA’s membership. Your continued support is greatly appreciated!

Congratulations OUCOD Class of 2016!

On Saturday, May 14, the OU College of Dentistry held commencement exercises for the Class of 2016 at the First United Methodist Church in downtown Oklahoma City. Dean Raymond Cohlmia presided over the investiture and conferring of degrees to the 58 members of the class. Nearly 50 awards were presented to the graduating class for outstanding leadership, academic accomplishments and performance. Our heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2016, the 41st graduating class of OUCOD. Clay Fletcher Algeo Rashi Arora Kyle Jon Baldwin Bryan Michael Blankenship Matthew Perry Byrne Katie Jensen Camacho Thomas Michael Carwile John David Clark Traci Alane Clifford Katherine Emily Dillard Shakir Ahmed Feroz Taylor Lee Field Kristen Lynn Frazier Hayden Greer Fuller Christopher Alan Goelz

Matthew Wayne Guffey Brent Steven Haynes Matthew Brad Hodgson Damilola Oladunke Johnson Bryan Robert Kariya Benjamin Carl Kellum Jessie Marie Kierl Jae Do Kim Michael Lindsey Kinard David Jenkins Lawrence Sally Ai Thien Le Ali Fadel Mahdy Patrick Hugh Maloney Amritpal Kaur Mattu Matthew William Maune

Judson Seth May Samuel Bernard McNickle Mohsen Moosavi Anjali Nanda Leaha Dawn Nels K. "Alicia" Drew Nicely Garrett Don Olive Shelby Anne Olson William Wellford Porter Chandani Jayesh Ragha Chandy Ann Randall Angela J. Rhodes Stephen Ross Riddel Alison Ruth Seamans Paul Alan Shadid, Jr.

Steffan Dean Sigler Ali Zain Somjee Ray Dean Tate Wesley Alan Thompson Clark Michael Torbert Angela Mai Tran Raegan Keith Vaughan Jason Avery Wallace Benjamin Lee Winters Joshua David Woodward Courtney Layne Young Justin Michael Young Dhiren Arvind Zaveri

Annually, the senior student body recognizes OUCOD teaching and staff services. Congratulations to the following: Outstanding Full-time Faculty Dr. Michael Keenan

Outstanding Department Implantology

Outstanding Part-time Faculty Dr. Paul Shadid

Outstanding Staff Person Pamela Griffin www.okda.org

33

OUCOD Students Provide Free Dental Care

By Robert Walter and Derek Cohlmia (OUCOD Class of 2017)

O 34 journal | July/August 2016

Twelve OUCOD students traveled with the Christian Dental Society to Jamaica to provide free dental care.

n March 12, 2016 a contingent of twelve OUCOD dental students, accompanied by faculty member Dr. Karen Rattan (Oral Diagnosis), departed for Treasure Beach, Jamaica, as part of the Christian Dental Society’s mission to provide free dental care to the rural population there. The students included: DS-4s Bryan Blankenship, Shak Feroz and Dhiren Zaveri; DS-3s Derek Cohlmia, Cameron Craig, Tabitha Dunham, Sarah Karnish, Hannah Naeger and Robert Walter; and DS-2s Amber Cantrell and Carmen Martinez. With a cache of medical supplies, we landed in Montego Bay and began a 2.5-hour bus trip through Jamaica’s windy and mountainous roads, many of which were barely wide enough to allow another car to safely pass in the opposite direction.

When we arrived at Treasure Beach we met up with the other mission volunteers, twelve students from the

University of Louisville College of Dentistry and five practicing dentists from South Dakota.

Our accommodations were surprisingly good. We stayed in rented homes along the beach and even had some wonderful local cooks prepare delicious traditional Jamaican food for breakfast and dinner each day. We treated patients out of a dental clinic constructed of cinder blocks and attached to a local church. The clinic was built and stocked with equipment by the Christian Dental Society. We also cleared the church sanctuary each day to set up mobile dental chairs that allowed us to treat more patients.

Since services were held at the church nightly, we had to take the mobile chairs down and replace them with the church pews every day. We had twelve dental chairs in all, where we performed simple operative procedures, oral prophylaxes, and extractions. Over

Carmen Martinez treating a patient.

Derek Cohlmia and Robert Walter teaming up in clinic for extractions

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the course of four days, we saw 495 patients and performed 524 extractions, 85 fillings, and 127 cleanings.

Our patients were some of the kindest, most thankful, and toughest people we’ve ever met. They would arrive around 5:00am each morning, many traveling by foot from many miles away. However, none of this did anything to dampen their spirits. Before we began work each day, Pastor Rowe, the pastor of the local church, would deliver a rousing sermon and lead all of the patients and workers in singing hymns that would occasionally bring some to tears.

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It was not all work, however. On the first and last days of our time in Jamaica, we took some time off to enjoy the local attractions. We zip-lined in YS Falls and took a river cruise in the scenic and crocodile-inhabited Black River. Believe it or not, some of us actually swam in the river!

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This trip was such an incredible experience. Through the ministry, we really got to know our patients and appreciate their daily challenges. Under the direction of true professionals, we greatly increased our clinical skills. The selfless doctors, their staff, and the incredible people of Jamaica showed us that dentistry is much more than doing procedures. It is also an opportunity to serve the underprivileged around the world. It is hard to imagine a dental education without this experience.

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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.

JOB OPENINGS

Oklahoma Dental Group is a premier, community-focused practice committed to providing their patients with the highest quality dental care in the most gentle, proficient and professional manner possible. Since 1975, our caring dental professionals continue to provide superior, affordable, and convenient oral health care to patients of all ages at our three Oklahoma City Metropolitan locations We are currently seeking a Part-Time General Dentist with 5-7 years of experience to work 2 days a week and 2 Saturdays a month in our Yukon location.

We offer a competitive salary and excellent compensation package which includes a 401k with employer match, professional liability insurances and a professional work environment.

To learn more about Oklahoma Dental and American Dental Partners please visit us at www. amdpi.com and www.oklahomadental.com. For more information please contact Dave Sylvestri at dsylvestri@amdpi.com or (781) 295-1131.

Associate Dentist Position Available in Busy Family Practice. Northeast Oklahoma area, near Grand Lake. 40 percent paid on collections; 1-2 days/week; A-DEC cont. delivery. Elec. HP; All Dig. office. Associate must have exceptional customer service skills and have ability to provide care to Medicaid clientele. Please submit resume to dentistryresume@yahoo.com or call 918-9150715 for more information.

PRACTICE FOR SALE 7300 South Western. Established dental office for rent. Excellent area with high traffic.

Utilities are free. Completely remodeled with a reasonable rent. Four operatories, lab, private and business office, record room. Easy access from all areas of town. Will rent with or without equipment. Dr. Buddy Shadid (405) 833-4684 or (405) 843-1709.

PRACTICE FOR SALE TULSA: 6 OPS, DIGITAL AND Dentrix.

Collecting more than $900K in 4 to 4 ½ day week with general dentistry. Located on busy street near Interstate. In attractive leased facility.

Abundant parking Dr. retiring but may work for buyer on limited basis if desired. Call Max or Jack at PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE ASSOCIATES at (405) 359-8784. FINANCING AVAILABLE PRACTICE FOR SALE: TULSA AREA. Easy access from Tulsa. Collections of $650,000 in four day week. Four operatories and could be five ifs desired. Very nice equipment. Digitalized radiography. Dentrix throughout. Awesome practice opportunity. Call Max or Jack at PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE ASSOCIATES at (405) 359-8784. FINANCING AVAILABLE THE OFFICES LISTED ABOVE MAY BE SEEN AT www.ppa-brokers.com or call Max or Jack at PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE ASSOCIATES at (405) 359-8784.

Place a Classified Ad Submitting a classified ad is easy with our online form.

Find the submission form and more information at okda.org/classifieds.

Questions? Email advertising@okda.org or call 800.876.8890.

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Delta Dental of Oklahoma provides annual training sessions that teach the basics and beyond in the world of HIPAA and OSHA compliance.

HIPAA TRAINING In 2015 alone, 120 million Americans had their health privacy breached.

Dentists are now under more scrutiny than ever to establish protocols for safeguarding patients’ Protected Health Information (PHI). Delta Dental of Oklahoma’s HIPAA training arms you and your staff with the latest information to help protect your practice and your patients’ rights.

OSHA TRAINING Safety doesn’t happen by accident. It requires a protocol for handling items deemed hazardous by OSHA standards. Dental offices are a unique environment, where sharp instruments, dangerous chemicals and blood-borne pathogens are the normal risks of doing business.

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405-607-2111 (OKC Metro) 800-522-0188 x111 (Toll Free) 405-615-6259 (Cell) DRathbun@DeltaDentalOK.org journal | July/August 2016