Redwood Empire Dental Society
1400 N. Dutton Ave, Suite 10 Santa Rosa, CA 95401
REDS News
Vol 52, Issue 1, Spring 2018
Mandatory Checks in CURES In this issue... Take Effect Oct. 2
The Department of Justice on April 2 announced that California’s Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System, also known as CURES 2.0, is ready for statewide use and that mandatory CURES consultation becomes effective Oct. 2, 2018. Beginning on this date, prescribers must check a patient’s prescription history in CURES 2.0 before prescribing a Schedule II-IV substance, with some exceptions. For dental care, one of these exceptions is: . . . if a health care practitioner prescribes, orders, administers, furnishes, or dispenses a controlled substance to a patient as part of the patient’s treatment for a surgical procedure, if the quantity of the controlled substance does not exceed a nonrefillable five-day supply of the controlled substance to be used in accordance with the directions for use . . . The department “has adequate staff, user support, and education” to handle issues that arise with CURES use, the DOJ notice stated. Prescribers with CURES-related questions can email the DOJ (cures@doj.ca.gov ) or call 916.210.3187. CDA will keep members informed about the effective date of this mandate along with current legislation that could further impact opioid prescribing requirements in California.
1 CURES Mandate 2 President’s Message 3 Office Compliance
Manual Excellence In Cosmetic Dentistry
4 Where Will The New
Dental Idealists Come From?
6 A Few Words
Shred-A-Thon
Special Insert 8 2018 CDPA/IC/HIPAA
2018 REDS Crab Feed
9 New Members 10 Kindle Give Away
Student Loan Debt Program
11 Obituaries Classified
12 Upcoming Events
President’s Message Amanda Major, DDS
Spring has blossomed and with that, a new beginning. I am excited to be your President for 2018 and grateful to be in Sonoma County, working in a profession that inherently cares and contributes. Care of our patients remains the paramount calling for our profession. I know our members strive to provide top-notch dental care for every patient whether doing cosmetic restorations, restorative dentistry, dealing with routine hygiene or volunteering in various ways. Care is also extended through organized outreach programs such as “Give Kids A Smile” or the CDA Cares Clinics. We salute everyone who comes together to make these programs a success. As a reminder, the next CDA Cares Clinic is in Modesto on
October 16-27, 2018. Our dental community as a whole has been on the front lines of service in recent months and it is undisputed that our professional community’s strength is resolute. I am proud to say we as a dental community continuously contribute and serve those less fortunate through clinics and mobile units. I was first introduced to clinic work when I was an undergraduate student at Santa Clara University. I volunteered my Friday afternoons at a clinic in downtown San Jose--initially to explore whether dentistry was my career of choice. I discovered very quickly that the act of giving back was rewarding, and is most appreciated by those we treat. Now as a dentist, I know first-hand the rewards and growth you acquire by working at a clinic. In addition to working in private practice in Tiburon, I also work at St. Joseph’s Clinic
in Santa Rosa and in the St. Joseph’s Health Mobile unit in Sonoma each week. I love this job. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues, and I am most excited about treating and educating the under served population. I recently learned that another clinic, in addition to St. Joseph’s, is set to open near the REDS office on North Dutton Avenue in Santa Rosa. Again, these clinics have become a necessity to our respective communities, and I would encourage all to remember them as a referral resource. One can find a list of all of the clinics in Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake Counties on the REDS website. Again, I look forward to serving s your President, and I welcome any suggestions or ideas you may have to enhance our membership, events and community service work.
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Office Compliance Manual Often neglected in office management is establishment and maintenance of needed office manuals. Diane Arns provided an overview of the various programs that are required for a proper dental office manual. The product she
worked from was from the one available for download from the CDA website and is a fair model for most offices. 58 observed Ms. Arns’ program which was streamed live online from the Saturday Afternoon Club
on Tuesday March participants watched online. The video to be viewed from YouTube Channel.
13th. 10 the stream is available the REDS
Excellence in Cosmetic Dentistry Hailing from Lafayette Louisiana, Dr. Mike Malone gave a high tech graphic program on his experiences in achieving excellent results in his restorations. Several people endured a cold morning on March 16th at the Saturday Afternoon Club which had a malfunction in its heating system. Nonetheless, people remained present and others viewed the program online. The video is available to be viewed from the REDS YouTube Channel.
Where Will The New Dental Idealists Come From? And Boy, Do We Need ‘Em! Jim Simonds, DMD, Editor
I make this confession to our Dental Society congregation: Along with Patty Hurley, the wife of retired REDS member dentist Pat Hurley, I suffer from the slightly naive, often impractical Pollyannish attitude that we as dental professionals need to grip the moral high ground in dentistry. Profits be damned. We both bristled at the seemingly impulsive extractions to facilitate implant placements and restorations, root planing treatment plans for teeth with calculus but little or no attachment loss, or the questionable need for replacement of existing and stable restorations. This kind of fairy tale attitude will make a dental consultant (read dental business consultant) put annual productivity charts through the shredder and assure that my name would never be used as a referral for new business. Tragically, Patty passed away suddenly a few months ago. She was a dynamo. High energy didn’t really describe her. I could not ever imagine Patty sleeping, napping, or barely taking time to draw a long breath. When she did breath in there were always words coming out on the other side. She was a
world-class talker with a high capacity word magazine. But her words were always enthusiastic, sincere, and heart felt. She would attribute that to her Italian heritage. We shared many discussions about dentistry and we also shared the distress of declining application of ideals in dental practice. At a REDS CE course on ethics in the dental practice, she pleaded that dentists, “at the end of the day” (I’m quoting Patty ‘cause I bristle at cliches— that one in particular—but she did actually mean at the end of the office work day), “the dentist must feel he or she treated patients by always doing the right thing”. This was a response to concerns that dentists are overtreating patients for financial gain. Not that it was always about greed, but they succumb to the financial pressures of high overhead, crushing student debt, declining insurance reimbursements, etc. Though I didn’t say it, the devilish but uber-practical tiny dental consultant sitting on my shoulder was saying, “that’s all well and good, but there is no blank space on the loan payment voucher that absolves or credits a dentist for doing the ‘right thing’—
especially if doing the right thing didn’t bring in enough dough to “make the nut”. While it can be easy for me to be preachy having benefited from practicing during the halcyon years of “reasonable” Delta reimbursement. Plus, I went to dental school for a cost far less than the current tuitions that even a good bank robbery would yield, perhaps, only a modest down payment. I did not have to bear the yoke of a leviathan student loan that comes with a monthly reminder of how close the new dentist is to financial ruin. Somehow the ideals of our profession have to survive in order for us to remain a profession lest we risk being simply a business where moral imperatives live uncomfortably within the framework of generating profits. Clearly, we must do both. We must individually as practitioners and collectively in our associations find a practice pathway that satisfies both the moral obligations and financial imperatives. My personal definition of a profession is an endeavor which has the ultimate goal to eliminate itself. In my view, we are leaders among professions. Few others have devoted as much as dentists to prevent oral diseases; the treatment of which offers financial gain. We make daily
efforts through oral hygiene instruction and prophylaxis that, if successful, works against our own financial interests. Yet, as we find the financial pressures weigh on practitioners who have to pay ever higher “admission” fees to the profession through education costs, practice entry expenses, and expanding technology requirements, dentists have to be self monitoring guardians of the profession. We must find where the apparent incongruities of profit vs. principles are resolved for the benefit of patients who trust us to do so. Making dental ethics a perpetual discourse to
maintain the elevated character of our profession will engender pride in ourselves and provide a proud legacy for Patty Hurley’s ideals. We trust the continuing flow of new dental graduates will emerge with equal commitment to sustain the ideals to which Patty clung throughout her distinguished career.
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A Few Words
Martin Van Tassell, Executive Director The loss of the Fountaingrove Inn to the fires that ravaged Santa Rosa last year sent us scrambling to look elsewhere and to examine how we do our events. This year we are working with the Saturday Afternoon Club in downtown Santa Rosa. This venue features a nice auditorium, kitchen and antechamber that, as of this date, have proven to be a good fit for our needs. The Saturday Afternoon Club is a woman’s social organization dating back over a hundred years. We plan to hold several events there each year. With good internet, we have been
able to broadcast our events without difficulty. Legends at the Bennett Valley Golf Course has also been a place that can accommodate our meeting needs and provide good service. Finally, for smaller events, we are utilizing the conference room at the REDS office to greater effect. We have new lights and cameras mounted on the ceiling and walls with some new LCD displays that will allow speakers to be seen and heard right from our base location. Live CE credit is available for our events when the viewer is able to watch as well as to pose written questions for the speaker. This can be done by properly logging in to the free Livestream site. We intend to offer streaming for most of our events whenever the
speaker is agreeable and we have proper internet connections. In addition, for all day educational events at the Saturday Afternoon Club, we are allowing additional time for attendees to get lunch wherever they prefer. This “lunch on your own” feature allows give you the choice of enjoying downtown restaurants, bringing your own lunch, or even dashing home for lunch. This also keeps the cost of the function down that we hope will boost attendance. I hope this works to everyone’s satisfaction. We will be reading every comment on your response cards. I hope to see more of you at our next series of events.
Shred-A-Thon
February rounded out its busy schedule with another popular Shred-A-Thon. These are always crowd pleasers. Fees collected help defray the cost of the service and the refreshments. Dental offices from as far as Lake and Mendocino counties came by to dispose of financial and patient records. The truck was filled nearly to capacity, Don’t forget that the next ShredA-Thon will be held on June 22nd from 2-4pm at the REDS office.
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Microscopes: What I learned thus far... Ian van Zyl, BDS, DDS, MS Prosthodontics Have you ever wanted to see less well? No, me neither. I have always wanted to see better and do better. That’s why I have always curved my spine forward into what I call the “rotated embryo position.” Then I discovered relief through dental microscopy. Visibility I am now using the microscope for everything--examinations, periodontal probing, local anesthesia, decay removal, smoothing cavity outlines, removing decalcified enamel, cord placement, final margin placement, depth cuts, matrix placement, enamel specific etching, checking moisture control, accurately spreading bond, placing the right amount of composite, and fitting crowns – crown edge touching the margin, contact points and internal fit. I can now do difficult things with greater visibility including subgingival restorations and tunnel preparations. Coaxial light (shadowless) can be as bright as sunlight. I can generate green light for bleeders and see if surfaces are smooth, and I can choose variable degrees of orange light so I can shape composites for longer periods of time before the material cures. Microscope manufacturer Zeiss is waiting for FDA approval for a U.V. light source that fluoresces decay and differentiates composite from tooth. The polarized
light setting takes the shine off teeth, making shade selection easier. Even HD pictures on an Ipad or TV monitor don’t show the detail you can see through the eye pieces.
like week 2 in dental school preclinic. Remember when you were doing fine with direct vision and someone gave you a mirror and wanted you to work backwards? 1/3 -1/2 of what you do without a microscope is Ergonomics by “feel”. Using a microscope for Something has to dentistry becomes 100% visual, move so you can so it takes practice and effort to see all the teeth coordinate hand movement with through the micro- this new level of vision. scope. The latest Sitting upright, looking at the microscopes allow horizon, relaxes the body and you to move them eyes. Sit upright in the 12 o’clock around with your position on an operator stool with supraorbital ridges. armrests, and the scope “brings” I am learning to be the tooth to me. Microscope very accurate with a mirror, so I dentists also avoid eye strain use an operator chair with wrist using super bright surfaced supports. mirrors. The images I see are bright and vivid, like a Pixar Costs movie. Microscopes range in price from the price of loops to the Patient Involvement price of a house (outside Cali- The latest Zeiss microscope fornia). There are a number of wirelessly connects to an Ipad so companies (Zeiss, Global, Seiler, I can show patients things. They Olympus) can now see that make high quality scopes and images of offer varying disclosed degrees of plaque or a service. You cavity. At the need to pay front desk, I for service review what for complex I showed s c o p e s . them chairside, whether A change I made to afford it was calculus or plaque so their this vital tool was raising my oral hygiene can improve. fees because I now work more slowly but more precisely. I can Everything gets smaller say this fee change is working My tools are getting smaller so I as patients think it’s worth it. can be more accurate using small handpieces (NSK) microburs, Learning Curve smaller instruments and smaller Using a microscope initially feels mirrors.
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Work Continuously Working with a microscope can slow work flow while accuracy improves. This compromise is somewhat mitigated through improved coordination with my dental assistant, allowing for interruption-free continuous work. I am using microscopes to extend my working career through ergonomics, and my practice is invigorated with the improved quality. I extend an open invitation to any dentists who want to come and check them out. I am also offering a microscope course and a study club. Come and see. Lumin Dentistry 445 March Ave. Suite C Healdsburg, CA 95448 707-433-2090
Dr. Tyko Receives Distinguished Service Award On May 5, 2018, The California Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons presented Dr. Leonard Tyko with the high honor of The Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Tyko worked within ALAOMS for 10 years in multiple positions including Editor of the newsletter, Chairman of he Health Foundation, & member of the Board of Directors. As a Director, Dr. Tyko served on many committees and in 2016, was President of the Association.
Dr. Tyko provided calm and skillful leadership. He met with individual legislators for face to face meetings where he presented much needed education as to the training and scope of dental anesthesia practice, gracefully articulating to lawmakers the impeccable safety record for outpatient dental anesthetics. In addition, he weathered the storm of an unfriendly media environment, and sat with a grieving family in hopes of finding some common ground.
It was in this capacity as President and Past-President that Our congratulations go to Dr. Dr. Tyko’s leadership was most Leonard Tyko for his volunteer valuable. In the face of the service to our dental community. significant legislative and media response to a tragic clinical situation in an East Bay office,
Robert Stroud 1275 4th St. Suite 105 Santa Rosa, CA 95404 (707) 546-2010
2018 California Dental Practice Act/Infection Control/ HIPAA
Leslie Canham returned to give her detail packed program at the Saturday Afternoon Club on Friday February 9th. 100 attendees listened as she and her chocolate lab Mocha gave the required programs on the California Dental Practice Act and Infection Control as needed for licensure renewal. She concluded the afternoon with an updated course on HIPAA; pointing out how we can avoid the pitfalls of failing to comply with the latest regulations.
2018 REDS Crab Feed
Legends at the Bennett Valley Golf Course served as a new venue for our annual crab feed. 20% more attendees this year with 75 celebrants enjoying the venue and the food. While Legends was also learning a bit about doing such an event for the first time, they did strive to make up for their shortcomings and most folks had a good time.
8
Welcome!
Dr. Ulf Temnitzer 2305 Mendocino Ave., Ste A Santa Rosa, CA 95403 707-585-1500 2013 UOP Prosthodontics
Dr. Fnu Sabina Santa Rosa, CA 912-484-9942 2015 University of Pennsylvania General Dentistry
Dr. Farid Mohammadian 1240 Farmers Lane Santa Rosa, CA 95405 707-536-0225 2014 Boston University General Dentistry
Dr. Jeongfill Yun 1416 Professional Sr., Ste 201 Petaluma, CA 61621 707-780-2988 2016 UOP General Dentistry
Dr. Priscilla Taylor 152 Airport Park Blvd., Ste A1 Ukiah, CA 62152 707-583-8969 2017 Loma Linda General Dentistry
Dr. Jacqueline Uy 5900 State Farm Dr., Fl. 2 Rohnert Park, CA 94928 707-559-7602 2016 UOP General Dentistry
Kindle Give Away Congratulations to Dr. Franklin Ritz of Healdsburg, who was selected from the timely responses to our membership update request. He won the Kindle Fire HD 10, sponsored by Greg Harder of Edward Jones & Associates. The annual membership update letters is essential to keep REDS, CDA & ADA records up-to-date. This not only allows REDS to produce our membership directory this year and keep its website accurate, but also allows us to keep you up-todate on upcoming events.
Student Loan Debt Program With so many dentists with significant student loan debt, the program at the REDS Conference Room on February 27th was a worth listening to. Sponsored by First Republic Bank and Gradifi, we recorded the video program showing the significant savings in interest and payment programs now being offered. Please check with the REDS website for that program
Obituaries:
REDS Remembers Dr. Stephen Davis When I heard of Steve Davis’ passing, images of Steve throughout the years came to life. Though we were not close friends, I would see him regularly at REDS events and at the Parkpoint health club. Our conversations often centered on our mutual love of Porsches. His car commitment always exceeded mine as I would feel guilty if I showed up with any dirt on my Carrera. His 911 was always sporting a showroom shine. We would often talk of photography, sports, and travel; always punctuating our discussions with a quick joke. I do know that he enjoyed many years of practice developing a following of appreciative patients, but also survived some difficult times with the eventual tragic death of his wife Rita many years ago who dealt with chronic illness. I know that he subsequently found love again with his wife Sarah only to be slowly robbed of his consciousness by Alzheimer’s disease. However, even though his memory faded, he never lost his trademark mild manner and frequent smile. Both will be missed.
Classified Seeking associate dentist for a modern high tech dental office. Dedicated to insuring highest quality of care. Minimum 5 years clinical dental experience required. Please email resumes to office@norcalfamilydental.com Longtime established dental practice in Santa Rosa seeking associate with the possibility of purchase Dentist available to stay on for transition and owner financing Please contact SRDentistopportunity@gmail.com
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Upcoming Events
REDS
1400 N. Dutton Ave Santa Rosa, CA 94928 Phone: (707) 546-7275 FAX: (707) 546-0413 info@redsdentists.org www.redsdentists.org
President - Amanda Major President Elect - Austin Griffith Treasurer - Anthony Fernandez Secretary - Naveet Mansukhani Imm. Past President - Doug Lewis Public Info. Director - Sergio Monraz Editor - James Simonds Directors Mendocino County: Nicholas Khoury J. Robert Ortega Lake County: James Kinsel Parsong Iamsurey Sonoma County: Christopher Daniel Gina Fontana Elizabeth Van Tassell Christine Ford Kenji Reyda CDA Delegates: Elizabeth Van Tassell John Savko CDA Trustee: Richard Graham
Shred-O-Thon June 22nd, 2:00pm - 4:00pm REDS Office Santa Rosa Western Society of Periodontology Annual Meeting June 30th - July 2nd Hyatt Regency, Santa Rosa REDS Member Discount 10% www.wsperio.org CDA Presents September 6th - 8th Moscone Center West San Francisco REDS General Meeting Tuesday, September 11th, 6:00pm - 9:00pm Saturday Afternoon Club, Santa Rosa REDS Ladies Spa Day Saterday, September 15th, 10:00am-5:00pm Bliss Organic Day Spa 186 N. Main St,. #230 Sebastopol, CA REDS Board Meeting Tuesday, September 18th, 7:00pm REDS Office, Santa Rosa REDS Annual BBQ Thursday, September 27th, 6:00pm - 9:00pm Bennett Valley Golf Course, Santa Rosa REDS CE Meeting Tuesday, October 26th, 8:30am - 4:30pm Ramekins Culinary School Sonoma