Redwood Empire Dental Society
1400 N. Dutton Ave, Suite 10 Santa Rosa, CA 95401
REDS News Harassment Prevention Under the articles of California SB1343, all employers with 5 or more employees are required to have sexual harassment prevention training by January 1, 2020. That was amended to be effective January 1,2021 just recently.
ment, REDS engaged Ori Oromchian, and his law firm in San Ramon to present the required training on September 10, 2019 at the Petaluma Sheraton Hotel. This was our biggest recorded event with 159 attendees.
This training is for all employees and employers and must be done every 2 years. The requirement not only include attendance at prevention training classes, but such employers must implement a written harassment, discrimination, and retaliation prevention policy that complies with the detailed specifications of this new and rigorous legislation. In anticipation of that require-
Two ballrooms were used; one for dentists and supervisors, and another for dental team employees. We had a sizable crowd and the program was very well received. We intend to include this program in our regular lineup of offerings for our membership and their staff.
Vol 54, Issue 1, 2020
In this issue... 1 Harassment Prevention 2 President’s Message 3 New Member Get
Together and Board Meeting TDSC Saving Dollars Congratulations
4 Message From The Editor 5 Octoberfest 6 A Few Words
Dental Materials
8 CDPA, Infection Control, at the Glaser Center Shred A Thon
9 New Members 10 Obituaries
CDA House of Delegates
11 Classifieds 12 Upcoming Events
President’s Message: 2019 A Year in Review Austin Griffith, DDS
The weather is getting cold and wet again and 2020 is here. My term as your president of the Redwood Empire Dental Society has been interesting and has gone by quickly! REDS has stepped up to help the Marin County Dental Society during their period of the tragic death of their executive director. In fact, they hired our assistant director Matthew Van Tassell to replace the late Linda Abrahams. I think we will see a great deal more cooperation between dental organizations in the North Bay.
Our continuing education program in October at Ramekins was attended by REDS, Marin and Napa/Solano dentists and staff. It was a success and we hope to see more of this next year. Members of Marin were pleased to have such a full day program available on their calendar. I encourage everyone who can to support the Give Kids A Smile program coming up fast in February. In addition to our educational programs, please consider participating in our charitable outreach and social events. While we sadly had to cancel our BBQ in September, we have high hopes that our annual crab feed on January 30th will be another success. We intend to have live music as well. It is a great way to get to know our new members and friends we have not seen in
a while. We all get so busy. Our practice, our family, our community all vie for our time. Take some time to celebrate being dentists. Realize that we are an important part of the health of our patients and that we make lives better. Participate in our events, but don’t forget to build relationships with other dentists. By doing so, we will always be a part of the solution. We can continue to strive with mutual support for community water fluoridation, better reimbursement from public programs and private insurance. We can support each other working to employ solutions that make us better businesspeople. Take advantage of resources such as the new TDSC available only to members, for dental supplies. Membership has benefits!
New Member Get Together and Board Meeting The last REDS board meeting of the year was traditionally done with a little fun. A meeting followed by bowling a few frames or some rides around in go carts. This year was more serious. We had not had a new member celebration yet this year, so on No-
vember 19th the board met at the Vintners Inn along with several of our new members. We enjoyed a great dinner and then the elected REDS body met in the beautiful boardroom to conclude their obligated duties.
Where Saving Dollars Makes Congratulations! Sense: Fine Tuning The Supply REDS extends congratulations to Side Of A Dental Practice our new treasurer, Dr. Tina Vani and TDSC is one of the newest benefits of membership. The Dentists Supply Company, as represented in CDA materials, is a source of information and supply items that allows the smaller dental practice to compete more effectively with the growing number of corporate dental group practices and allows bigger practices bigger savings. Michael Wilgus is the director of Strategic Relations for TDSC. He put on an insightful program on April 9th General Meeting at the REDS Studio/Conference room to 18 members and staff plus 3 live online. Combining his experience as a dental practice consultant along with the benefits of TDSC provided valuable insights into setting and achieving goals for any dental practice. The program is available for review online.
her husband Neema Pourtaheri MD on the birth of their son Sasha on January 15, 2020. Sasha weighed in at 8lbs 1oz. All are doing well.
Fighting Back with Gratitude We were challenged yet again to cope with the existential threat that accompanied the raging fires that revisited us just 2 years after facing the devastating blaze of 2017. In one evening our minds shifted from the daily concerns of normal life to facing the real possibility of losing all our possessions, being torn away from our community, and taking on numerous Herculean tasks associated with rebuilding or acquiring a new residence. It seems that it could take months or years to reclaim the emotional equanimity that accompanies the stability to which we’ve become accustomed. Again, our forbearance was tested as we listened to the endless warnings blaring from our phones. And with the repeat of fires licking at our homes, we are jarred to the reality that these events are not one-offs and future Octobers will forever become “fire month” and pop up Halloween stores will be sharing space with fire emergency supply stores. There’s little comfort knowing that our emergency preparedness for the fires mimic preparing for earthquakes which, in comparison to the broad swath of fire damage, seem almost nostalgic and quaint. This reverie will be crushed when the inevitable “Big One” hits, but for now we’ll focus on one calamity at a time.
of fires takes a wrecking ball to our emotional foundation as we face questions that seemed remote before the Tubbs fire of ’17. What will we do if our community is destroyed? So much of our daily plans operate on the assumption that the physical nature of our community will remain intact. One coping mechanism that is uniquely powerful is developing a sense of gratitude in the face of catastrophic loss. How can that be? What is it that we should be thankful for when our world has been inverted? It might be helpful to actually make a list of the features of our lives that remain intact, even when hopelessness is so tempting. The list may be longer than you think. If you were fortunate not to have suffered serious injury or worse, gratitude can be extended for preservation of health and safety of family and friends. Qualities of our lives for which we celebrate Thanksgiving come into sharper focus and should not be taken for granted.
We are fortunate to live in a first world country with vast resources that can be summoned to ameliorate some of suffering, including emergency services, medical care, and other basic needs. We are gifted with the kindness of neighbors, friends, and even people we’ve never met who are so generous with time and energy. The stories of instant heroes are numerous as many who themCoping with fires and the threat selves have suffered, selflessly
serve others with no expectations of personal gain for their efforts. We are also thankful that it could have been worse. After Katrina devastated New Orleans, I spoke with some Louisiana friends and got an idea of the full breadth of the hurricane’s impact on dental practices. While we can rebuild in Sonoma County and a return to normalcy is most assured within months or years after a fire, the hurricane damage was so broad that up to half the population left with many never to return. Dental practices were washed away with little prospect for recovery as both staff and patients scattered to other parts of Louisiana, Texas and other states. Even the dental school at LSU left New Orleans and settled in Baton Rouge (the school has since returned to New Orleans). In our contemplative moments, negative thoughts can dominate and even be overwhelming, and while it’s important to be able to express doubts and fears, part of the healing will come with replacing such Hobbesian concerns with the realization that the essence of who we are as family, friends and neighbors cannot be burned away by fire, nor washed away by floods. And it is the gratitude for the kindness that is within each of us that can bring light to the shadows and renewed hope for the future.
Jim Simonds, DMD, Editor
Octoberfest In late October, there was a CE to refer patients you cannot treat. class sponsored by Straumann at Bear Republic Brewery in Those young people on Denti-Cal Rohnert Park. with extensive decay or those who have autism, Downs Syndrome or The facility was graciously do- other special needs. These young nated by the owner, Richard Nor- patients will be cared for by both grove, to help support and bring an anesthesiologist and a dentist awareness to REDS members for their safety. and their teams about PDI (Pediatric Dental Initiative). PDI offers Mr. Norgrove first gave us his hisvaluable services to our commu- tory of Bear Republic and then nity. For you, it is a place for you there was the history of Implants
up to today’s latest and greatest new implants. It was a pleasure to meet team members from the different offices. The event was a success and we plan on another Octoberfest in 2020. Plan on being there! If you would like to contact PDI their number is 707-837-8833. Andrew T. McCormick, DDS, AAACD PDI Board member and Treasurer
2213 Mendocino Ave. (at Steele Lane), Santa Rosa, California for Sale or Lease Limited Time Pre-Market Offer
Once in a Lifetime…
There is an opportunity to practice in a style that speaks to the quality and car e to which you’ve dedicated a career Now that I have left practice, we are making our offic e available for purchase or lease. The building was remodeled in 2003 with a timeless southwestern “spa” design that was recognized in a national dental office design competition. What is offered: We seek to sell the free standing building which includes the Dental Suite and a Law Office. The Law Office is an income property which could remain or changed as per the wishes of the buyer. Features: Total building: 5,893 sq ft Dental Suite: 2,293 sq ft Law Office: 3,600 sq ft remodeled 2017 96 solar panels on roof The dental suite offers: 5 “Pride” design operatories
Reception area with fireplace, beverage bar, patient bathroom Large private patio for patients and use for office gatherings, etc N2O2 system, fully wired for computers Outbuildings have utilities, a wet lab and ample storage Law offices: 6 private offices with 2 conference rooms and large adminstrative area for paralegals, etc., copy room, storage room *Ideal location with high visibility on Mendocino Ave. Easy access to downtown, Courthouse, the west side via Steele Lane and highway 101. Easy access with no stairs and good on-site parking Contact Dana Simonds danabsimonds@yahoo.com 707 695-8312 or Jim Simonds jasimonds1@gmail.com 707 696-4759
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A Few Words
Martin Van Tassell, Executive Director I am becoming more aware of how important my assistant is to running REDS. I have had to sharpen my desktop publishing skills and keep all our equipment in order when setting up some of the events alone.
Marin County Dental Society. The tragic loss of their executive director was a blow to all of us in the other dental societies.
It was good to be in a position to help in Marin following the fatal automobile accident of Linda Abrahams in April. I was able to bring some of the methods and systems we use to streamline and integrate the best of each organization. I hope that we will have While Matthew will be helping more educational events and us when time permits, he has more communication so we can his own priorities in running the offer the best for our members and staff.
Dental Materials and Great Food
Sam Halabo DMD presented an overview of the latest dental materials and techniques in the great location of the Ramekins Culinary School in Sonoma on October 18th. This was a joint effort with the Napa/Solano Dental Society as well as the Marin County Dental Society.
Practical clinical updates were presented in a fast paced but engaging program along with materials shown in third party studies.
Overall there were 92 attendees. The weather cooperated and the food was great.
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California Dental Practice Act & Infection Control at the Glaser Center Marcella Oster came to our new venue at the Glaser Center in downtown Santa Rosa on October 8th and November 12th to present these important programs. This new venue by the response cards was overwhelmingly positive. Easy to access parking and a separate auditorium allowed members and staff to eat excellent buffets prepared by Sally Tomatoes and then to listen to the course in comfort and with great lighting and comfortable seating.
We had 84 attend our October gram in February, another program and 93 attend in No- opportunity to get these necesvember. This provides those un- sary credits. able to attend our all day pro-
Shred A Thons REDS continues to regularly offer shedding to members. The first five boxes are free to any office and each box thereafter is only $5. This helps defray the cost of the program and any surplus is donated to the REDS Care Fund. Keep your eye out on our website and social media for upcoming events.
Welcome!
Craig W. Anderson DDS 4655 Hoen Ave. Ste 2 Santa Rosa, CA 95405 707-523-3636 2005 USC Endodontics
Anthony Grados DDS
2200 Petaluma Ave., Ste D Sebastopol, CA 95472 707-823-1029 2014 New York University General Dentistry
Amber Nierode DDS 515 Farmers Lane Santa Rosa, CA 95405 707-527-8509 2017 SUNY Stony Brook Pediatric Dentistry
Sheetal Padval DDS
925 Bevins Ct. Lakeport, CA 95453 707-263-8382 2016 New York University General Dentistry
Erin Abel DDS
Karimeh Shehadeh DDS
Janice Chan DDS
John Bozanich DDS
1100 Sonoma Ave. Ste C3 Santa Rosa, CA 95405 707-546-2235 1992 Marquette Univ. General Dentistry
2200 Petaluma Ave., Ste D Sebastopol, CA 95472 707-823-1029 2014 UOP General Dentistry
1416 Professional Dr. Ste 2 Petaluma, CA 94954 707-335-8492 2018 Virginia Commonwealth General Dentistry
101 Brookwood Ave., Ste 203
Sahaj Nijjar DDS
Oksana Kroshna DDS
1801 Cleveland Ave. Ste C Santa Rosa, CA 95401 707-228-6942 2019 UCLA General Dentistry
Rushang Patel DDS
120 Pleasant Hill Ave N Ste 110 Sebastopol, CA 95472 707-527-8509 2014 UOP General Dentistry
Santa Rosa, CA 95404 707-568-7633 2019 Texas A&M Periodontics
1100 N. Dutton Ave. Santa Rosa, CA 95401 707-303-3395 2018 SUNY Stony Brook General Dentistry
Susan Malibiran DMD
1331 Medical Center Dr. Ste H Rohnert Park, CA 94928 707-585-8599 2004 Boston University General Dentistry
Obituaries
Craig Wilson DDS 1951-2019 We lost another friend and colleague this year. On September 24th , Dr. Wilson lost his courageous battle with brain cancer. A 33-year member of REDS, Dr. Baylor graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry in periodontics. He practiced in Santa Rosa on Hoen Avenue. He leaves his
wife of 42 years, Mary Lynne, their four children and 16 grandchildren. The family requests any donations to be made to give.lds. org/humanitarian-aid.
Al Coutere, Jr. DDS 1946-2019 Donations in his memory may be Dr. Coutere was a pillar of the made to the Sonoma Land Trust dental community in Sebastopol. at sonomalandtrust.org. After his graduation from UCSF in 1978 he practiced as a general dentist for 33 years there until his retirement in 2011. He passed away on April 12th and will be missed by his wife Sherri, his friends and family.
REDS Attends CDA House of Delegates
Drs. Perry, Graham and Fernandez in Sacramento at CDA House
Classified
Rural practices rock! Great opportunity in a beautiful area, 2 hours north of the Golden Gate. We need an associate dentist for 2 days per week to start, leading to full time, and the possibility of an equity position for the right person. We are a $1 million+ practice with lots of room to grow. Your Income potential is unlimited. Please respond to oralwellnessassociates@gmail.com SOPRO LIFE ACTEON intra-oral camera, good condition. Autoclavable tips. Software, manual, tips and covers included. $1000 OBO. Contact Roger Bartels 707 433-8888.
PRACTICE and PROPERTY FOR SALE I love dentistry but age, family and health considerations have convinced me to retire after 47 years. The General Practice (established in Guerneville for 70 years) is diverse with 50% cash and no contracts except Delta Premier. Contact Ray Skryja at 707-887-2352 or rbskryja@sonic.net. Ideal property to convert into medical/dental office in Kelseyville. 4-BR 1700 sf ranch style house on major street near Hwy 29. Zoned commercial. Huge lot. Sale/lease. 414-659-1010. marjorie. windrem@gmail.com Lightly used Dexis Platinum sensor and software. 5years old. $3500 obo. please contact Dr.Bartels (707) 433-8888.
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 Im. Past President - Austin Griffith Public Info. Director - Amanda Major Editor - James Simonds Directors Mendocino County: Nicholas Khoury J. Robert Ortega Lake County: James Kinsel Prasong Iamsurey Sonoma County: John Savko Gina Fontana Elizabeth Van Tassell Christine Ford Kenji Reyda CDA Delegates: Doug Lewis John Savko CDA Trustee: Richard Graham
REDS Shred-O-Thon Friday, February 7, 2:00pm - 4:00pm REDS Office, Santa Rosa REDS Board Meeting Tuesday, February 18, 7:00pm REDS Office, Santa Rosa Law and Infection Control CE Friday February 28, 8:00am - 4:30pm Glaser Center, Santa Rosa REDS General Meeting Tuesday March 10, 6:00pm - 9:00pm Glaser Center, Santa Rosa REDS Board Meeting Tuesday, March 17, 7:00pm REDS Office, Santa Rosa CE Meeting, CAD/CAM, Jack Griffin DMD Friday March 27, 8:00am - 5:00pm Glaser Center, Santa Rosa REDS General Meeting Tuesday April 14, 6:00pm - 9:00pm Glaser Center, Santa Rosa REDS Board Meeting Tuesday, April 21, 7:00pm REDS Office, Santa Rosa CE Meeting, Periodontics, Ron Kaminer DDS Friday April 24th, 8:00am - 5:00pm Saturday Afternoon Club, Santa Rosa REDS General Meeting Tuesday May 12, 6:00pm - 9:00pm Glaser Center, Santa Rosa REDS Board Meeting Tuesday, May 19th, 7:00pm REDS Office, Santa Rosa REDS Shred-O-Thon Friday, August 7, 2:00pm - 4:00pm REDS Office, Santa Rosa