Redwood Empire Dental Society 1400 N. Dutton Ave, Suite 10 Santa Rosa, CA 95401
REDS News Fires Continue to Challenge All of us remember the nightmare of October 2017 that devastated Santa Rosa, much of Sonoma County and the Redwood Empire. Now, once again the skies are choked with the hazy smoke from yet more wildfires; these being early in the season. How much damage will this one do? How many homes and businesses will be lost?
Vol 54, Issue 1, Fall 2020
In this issue... 1
Fires Continue To Challenge
We are finding this to also be part of our “New Normal” just as the COVID-19 pandemic has altered the way we treat patients.
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What we can do involves being prepared.
3 Message From
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If you have not done so recently, have your fire insurance policies reviewed. The sad stories of those who lost their homes in 2017 only to find themselves underinsured doubles the blow. Consider multiple backups of your patient and office data. Be sure you use HIPAA compliant backup services. Have an onsite backup as well as an online backup so that in the event of a total loss you may re-establish yourself more quickly. Document your personal and your office possessions. Utilizing a video with your cell phone to identify your assets will speed in your claim process. Work to clear out cluttered files and cabinets. Check the CDA website on the length of time you need to retain financial and patient data. Everything else should be marked for our next Shred-A-Thon. Keep yourself and your staff safe. Keep current on the progression of the fires and of evacuation orders. Be ready to go quickly.
President’s Message
The Editor
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Down But Not Out Calling Leaders
5 A Few Words Shred A Thons
6
New Members
7
Classafieds Obituaries
8
Upcoming Events
President’s Message: Focus On The 3 M’s Anthony Fernandez, DDS
Those who have served in our armed forces may be familiar with the concept of “The 3 M’s”. In order of priority,they are: My Mission, My Men (and Women), and Myself. As we evaluate our profession during a global pandemic, a look at The 3 M’s may be helpful.
The Mission
As dental professionals, we have a duty to provide the best dental care possible for our patients. What defines “the best dental care” is a complex mix of elements that starts with the basic “Standard of Care”, and then tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient with the resources available. As health professionals, we must always strive to keep the best interests of our patients as the primary focus of our mission. During the COVID-19 pandemic, several new factors must be considered as we continue our mission of providing the best dental care possible for our patients. Fortunately, our membership in the ADA, CDA, and REDS provides us with several resources that help us adapt to what seems to be an ever-changing environment.
The Men (and Women)
needed to achieve the mission. In our profession, our staff should be our next priority as they assist us in our effort to accomplish our mission of providing quality dental care.
plan for success. To see that our mission is achieved, and our staff is prepared for the mission, we must be sure we have what is required to lead. Effective leaders have an understanding of the situation, clear objectives, As the leaders in our dental sound plans, proper training, practices, the challenges of sufficient supplies, and good training our staff and creating communication within the a safe work environment were organization and with outside complex before 2020, and support as well. In addition, now have become even more the leader should be cognizant complicated. Navigating the of their own personal needs in various new recommendations order to be healthy and effective. from the CDC, ADA, Cal/ OSHA, state and local health As we continue to provide dental departments requires time and care to our patients during these effort. The search for PPE and trying times, our role as health infection control products is care leaders has never been more an ongoing struggle. Just important. To be of service to as our patients deserve the our patients and community, highest level of care reasonably providing for and protecting our possible, our work team deserves staff and ourselves has never the proper tools and training been more difficult in our lifetime. necessary for our mission. Keeping The 3 M’s in mind as we face the current challenges can In this time of need, our be a helpful priority reminder. tripartite professional organization has been there to assist us with Be sure to take advantage the trusted information, needed of all that is offered by your training, and access to scarce membership in the ADA / CDA resources as we endeavor to / REDS. support our valuable work staff. Stay positive and test negative.
Myself
The third and final priority for the armed forces are the leaders themselves. From a general down to a corporal, an organization is at its best when the leaders have a clear plan, and the training, resources, and support to execute that plan.
As the leaders of our dental team, The next priority after the we must ensure we have the mission for the military is the current information in order to
Give Till It Hurts Jim Simonds, DMD, Editor
A few months ago (way back when you could have out of town guests) an old dental school buddy and his wife came out from New York to visit us and guzzle some of the county’s finest. (As an aside, said wife works at the hospital in New Rochelle which was Ground Zero for the outbreak of COVID 19 on the East Coast—but that’s another story). During a moment of gab and grubs, the phone rang and it turned out to be a solicitation for some fund that supports families of first responders (coulda been second or third responders, but memory is fading). I was all ready with my canned demand for the organization to take us off the call list when my friend gestured for me to hand the phone to him. My friend has an outsized personality and plenty of chutzpah, so out of curiosity on how he handles the calls, I obliged him and gave him the phone. What happened next shocked me and has changed forever my technique of answering these calls. “Tell me”, my friend inquired the solicitor, “what percentage of the amount we give goes to the charitable organization?” The solicitor answered, “10%.” The other 90% goes to the marketing company employed by the charity. I was stunned on two fronts. First, after listening to the marketer’s finely rehearsed plea to provide much needed aid to: 1) babies 2) orphaned children 3) widows 4) puppies 5) children of
hardworking underpaid parents 6) orphaned puppies, etc., I imagine myself as subhuman slime if I don’t hand over half of my pension plan to the severely disadvantaged only to discover that the true subhuman slime are the companies who invade the privacy of our homes in a disingenuous effort to bilk the “mark” using a real charity as a tool to get into the wallet of the target. Shame on them! Second, of course, is the minuscule portion of your pledge that actually goes to the charitable organization. They might as well call and ask for money with which they’ll take a vacation. And to make you feel a little better about giving away your money for their personal enrichment, they’ll send 10% of your gift to a charity of their choice. And to further the audacity of the marketing company when asked about how much of the donation goes to the charity, he said “10%” in a cold, matter-of-fact tone that one might use when asking about the color of his car. I’ve learned since, by law, the solicitor must give the information about the amount of the donation that will go to the charity, but in subsequent calls I’ve received of a similar nature, the enthusiastically caring solicitor who had just warmed up to you like a new neighbor promptly hangs up. A good guide to help you navigate the choppy waters of charitable giving in California is to refer to
Guide To Charitable Giving For Donors at oag.ca.gov. I’ve also noticed that such greedy tactics seem to be used by firms marketing for small local charities such as those which support local service people such as police and firefighters. I’ve recently become aware that we’ve received markedly fewer calls from national charities. Judging by the weight of the postal solicitations from national charities , their marketing teams apparently feel that 10 pounds of fancy glossy 4 color mail inserts with more folds than an origami competition entry costs less than hiring telephone solicitor with high grade nagging skills. We’ve also had our home lives less interrupted from live calls in favor of more frequent automated “robocalls” which are equally irritating but deprive you of the joy of pulling back the curtain of the solicitor letting them know you’re not going to be suckered into a donation. For them, just press “2” and they promise to take you off their call list. Seems to have worked too far. However you deal with bothersome charities, don’t let these unwelcome solicitations keep you from being generous to your favorite charities. There is so much misery around the planet we shouldn’t forget how much good we can do with either time, money or both. That said, don’t let your generous giving get in the way of messing with phone swindlers. That can be an added entertainment while confined to your home, dodging COVID-19.
Down But Not Out
As the pandemic has affected our ability to host in person meetings, we continue to offer live and recorded short programs on our YouTube channel. You may sign up and view the existing programs at redsdentists org. After the program a brief quiz will confirm your attention and your CE credit will be on its way. Take a look and sign up! We also continuing to look for dental education programs to present to our membership and beyond through our YouTube channel on our website. If you or someone you know is interested in putting on one or more short programs of an hour or two, please contact the REDS office at info@redsdentists.org. We have many talented people who are part time professors at UCSF, UOP or who instruct at the SRJC dental programs. Until there is a change in the “New Normal,” we will continue to pursue online programming of interest to our membership and their staff.
Calling Leaders The pandemic does not diminish our need for leaders. The REDS Board of Directors is always looking for members to be part of this tradition and the solution. Be a voice of members in our community by bringing your concerns to the attention of the entire membership. If you would like to help on committees or to join our executive team, please contact Martin Van Tassell at info@redsdentists.org Our next ballot is soon upon us for 2021.
ROBERT STROUD LIC #0E50433 ‐ PH. 707‐546‐2010
A Few Words Martin Van Tassell Executive Director
I remember when this time of year included wondering what the next round of Apple products and software would bring. I am starting to wonder less about that. Don’t get me wrong, I remain a true geek until the end, but I cannot ignore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Utilizing a number of local luminaries in dental education from our own backyard, we were able to put on over a half dozen (and counting), 1-2 hour programs; many of which were clinical. We continue to look for speakers that will be able to present to our own members and beyond. You may review and receive credit for those programs by going to our website redsdentists.org We have been offering as many CE credits online as we did in our in person REDS had a full calendar of events events. planned for 2020. Beyond our February offering, we were shut We do not know what 2021 down. But we were not shut will hold. We may see some of out. REDS turned its conference these changes become the norm. room into a television studio with Video conferencing, working at multiple cameras and lights. least part time from home, will
likely prove themselves to be cost effective alternatives to air flights and hotels stays. Just like the automobile, changing the landscape on where and how we live. Now the most important question to ask a realtor is, what is the bandwidth here? As for dentistry, we know that vigilant infection control procedures will allow members to attend to the oral health needs of their patients. In person relationship between a dentist and patient will not change anytime soon. But never take your eye off of Elan Musk. You never know what he might dream up.
Shred A Thons Shred-A-Thons continue to be a popular service to members. The importance of keeping a lean office, it also decreases the amount of flammable materials inside of an office. Our last event show here was on Friday August 28th.
Welcome!
Dr. Phuc Tran 510-381-2240 2018 Roseman University General Dentistry
Dr. Evelyn Escobedo 707-996-0813 2018 Universidad de la Salle General Dentistry
Dr. Connie Austin 713-825-4840 2017 Meharry Medical College General Dentistry
Dr. Daniel Ligenfelter 1260 Healdsburg Ave., Ste 101 Healdsburg, CA 95448 707-433-5052 2014 University of Michigan General Dentistry
Dr. Neha Sharma 1820 Sonoma Ave. Ste 42 Santa Rosa, CA 95405 543-827-9259 2019 UCSF General Dentistry
Dr. Raion Sabo 1330 Medical Center Dr., Ste 1 Rohnert Park, CA 94928 707-585-2555 2020 VA Medical Los Angeles Prosthodontics
Dr. Sepideh Halliday 707-996-6704 1993 University of Pennsylvania UCSF General Dentistry
Dr. Austin Hartford 101 Lynch Creek Way, Ste A Petaluma, CA 94954 707-763-5886 2020 Roseman University General Dentistry
Classified Progressive Petaluma Dental Office is looking for an energetic, motivated and reliable RDA or DA w/ xray license to join our dental team. Our practice is a well established, patient oriented general dental office located near historic downtown Petaluma. Positive work environment and good communication has kept our same team for over 10 years. Benefits include paid vacation, 401K, sick days, holidays as well as continuing education opportunities. Knowledge of Eaglesoft software is a plus. Full-time, Tue-Fri. Pay is based on experience. Contact: Dr. Nadia Navid 216 Howard St. Petaluma, CA 707-763-2621, Nadianavid1@gmail.com
Practice & RE for Sale This beautiful general practice in charming Santa Rosa, CA is for sale. Known for it’s beaches, redwood trees and wine, the practice is in an excellent location. Located just ten minutes from downtown, in an office condo with over 1,300 square feet. The space is easy to find with ample parking. 3 fully equipped operatories, $600,000 in collections, SDE of $200,000, Real estate opportunity. Current doctor would prefer to sell to an individual. The current doctor has practiced in the community for over three decades. He is ready to retire and pass the torch to the next generation! To learn more and receive a copy of the prospectus, contact Kaile Vierstra with Professional Transition Strategies via email: kaile@professionaltransition.com or call: 719.694.8320
Opportunity in Western Sonoma County. Owner of long-established Dental Practice wishes to retire. Practice, freestanding dental building, and a separate rental building on +/-0.3 acres at a major intersection are available. Four days per week dentistry and hygiene, all fee for service. 50% Cash / 50% Commercial Insurance. Contact Dr. Raymond F. Skryja at (707) 887-2352 or rbskryja@sonic.net.
Obituaries
Roman “Romy” Schneider DDS was one of our most senior members. He died of natural causes on March 3, 2020 in Santa Rosa at the age of 96. Dr. Schneider is survived by his wife Patricia, 8 children, fourteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He began practicing in Santa Rosa in 1959 and retired in 1989. Romy graduated Marquette School of Dentistry 1946. He served in the
US Army in Korea and Japan. He was in private practice in Wisconsin for 10 years before coming to Santa Rosa. He was active in numerous civic and religious organizations receiving many high honors. He was an avid skier until he was 84. He remained in contact with the Redwood Empire Dental Society and recounted many stories of events past. He will be missed.
Lauren Anderson DDS died in Petaluma on February 10, 2020 at the age of 82. Dr. Anderson practiced as a general dentist in Rohnert Park for 44 years. He graduated from UCSF Dental School in 1963 and served 3 years in the US Navy. Dr. Anderson retired in 2011. He
is survived by his wife Linda and three children. He was very active in his church and went on missions to other countries. In lieu of flowers, REDS donated 10 trees to be planted in his honor through the Arbor Society.
Roman Schneider 1924 ~ 2020
Lauren Anderson 1937 ~ 2020
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 - Anthony Fernandez President Elect - Andrea Jordan Treasurer - Tina Vani Secretary - Shawn Widick Imm. Past President - Austing Griffith Public Info. Director - Amanda Major Editor - James Simonds Directors Mendocino County: Nicholas Khoury J. Robert Ortega Lake County: James Kinsel Parsong Iamsurey Sonoma County: John Savko Gina Fontana Elizabeth Van Tassell Christine Ford Kenji Reyda CDA Delegates: Doug Lewis John Savko CDA Trustee: Richard Graham
CDA Presents (Virtual) September 10 - 12 www.CDA.org REDS Board Meeting Tuesday, September 15th, 7:00pm REDS Office, Santa Rosa Virtual CE Event: HIPAA September 22nd, 6:00PM www.redsdentists.org Virtual CE Event: California Dental Practice Act October 13th, 6:00pm www.redsdentists.org
REDS Board Meeting Tuesday, October 20th, 7:00pm REDS Office, Santa Rosa Virtual CE Event: Infection Control November 10th, 6:00PM www.redsdentists.org REDS Board Meeting Tuesday, November 17th, 7:00pm REDS Office, Santa Rosa REDS Shred-O-Thon Friday, December 4th, 2:00pm - 4:00pm REDS Office, Santa Rosa
