March 2012 Nugget

March 2012

Associates & Partners

what makes the perfect dynamic duo?

Inside:

Tips for ensuring your partnership &/or associateship is successful PLUS: 2012 MidWinter Convention recap!

Plan CE courses Through June 2012 ahead! dentists in business forums

general meetings 2 CE, co

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March 6, 2012 (6:00pm) March 22, 2012 (6:30pm)

Endodontic Diagnosis: Understanding pulpal pain

Retirement Roundtable: It's never too early, but when is it too late?

Ralan Wong, DDS

Note date change!

Special program for spouses: Botox®, dermal fillers, nonabrasive lasers and more!

April 10, 2012 (6:00pm)

20/20 Financial Advisers of Sacramento Ameriprise Financial • Eagle West Group, Inc. Principal Financial • TDIC Insurance Solutions

Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office Tom Lenhart, II, DMD

April 19, 2012 (6:30pm)

May 8, 2012 (6:00pm)

Branding or Rebranding?

That is the question!

Medical Emergencies do occur in Children: Are You Prepared?

Gordon Fowler, President (3Fold Communications)

David Rothman, DDS

HR audio conferences

continuing education

April 25, 2012 (Noon) Staff Evaluations — How, When & Why?

May 16, 2012 (Noon) Ask the expert — Bring all your HR Questions!

California Employers Association (CEA)

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CE, 20

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March 16, 2012 (8:30am)

CE, Co

Adult Conscious Sedation Recertification Course

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Anthony Feck, DMD More H RH inform otline ation o page 24 n

April 27, 2012 (8:30am) Wait! I Still Feel that!

Problem Solving the delivery of Local Anesthesia

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CE, Co

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Alan Budenz, DDS

cpr renewal courses April 14, 2012 (8:30am)

LR

June 1, 2012 (8:30am) Licensure renewal course: California Dental Practice Act & Infection Control Marcella Oster, RDA

NEW: Sign up & Pay online! Visit www.sdds.org and look for this button:

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CE, Co

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LR

Sign up

& charge online

Table of Contents

THE NUGGET March 2012 Volume 58, Number 3

Features 7

My Associateship Experience Megan Moyneur, DDS (SDDS Member)

8

Is Now a Good Time to Associate, or is it Better to Buy a Practice?

Tim Giroux, DDS (Western Practice Sales, SDDS Vendor Member)

9

Associates: Friend or Foe? Kevin McCurry, DDS, MAGD, LVIF (SDDS Affiliate Member)

10

Navigating Through the Associate Interview Katie Fornelli (Practice Analyst, CDA Practice Support Center)

11

Lessons from an Associate Ryan Wilgus, DDS (SDDS Member)

12–13

Associateships, Partnerships, Acquisitions, Oh My! Jason Wood, Esq. (Wood & Delgado, SDDS Vendor Member)

14

Associateships, from the CPA's Side Craig Fechter (Fechter & Company, CPAs, SDDS Vendor Member)

15

Associateships Fail, but Yours Can Be Successful Mary Byers (Mary Byers Developing Potential)

Specials 13

Fraudulent Fax Update American Dental Association

Regulars 4 5 6 8 11 11 19 21 21 24 26–27 27 28 30 31 32–33 34 35 36

President’s Message From the Editor’s Desk Cathy’s Corner In Memoriam Link of the Month Back in Time — Can you identify this SDDS member?

Foundation Update Committee Corner Committee Meetings Scheduled YOU: The Dentist… the Employer Vendor Members Vendor Member Spotlights We’re Blowing Your Horn!

Advertiser Index Membership Update Volunteer Opportunities Event Highlights Classified Ads SDDS Calendar of Events

The Nugget is a four-time International College of Dentists Journalism Award Winner: Golden Pen (Honorable Mention, 2007) Article or series of articles of interest to the profession

Outstanding Cover (2007) Remarkable cover

Overall Newsletter (2007) Exceptional publication overall

Platinum Pencil (2010) Outstanding use of graphics

* featured on cover www.sdds.org

November March 2012 2007 | 3| 3

President’s Message Sacramento District Dental Society Strategic Plan

I would like to give all of you an update on our SDDS Strategic Plan for the next few years, including what our focus is and why. I encourage you to be a part of implementing it for a successful outcome. The PLAN is ABOUT you, FOR you and INVOLVES you for it to be SUCCESSFUL. Last year the Board met for a three day weekend to validate our existing plan, eliminate what wasn’t working well, address new concerns and set our goals for the next three years. All outcomes are under the umbrella of our ever present Mission Statement: It is the mission of the Sacramento District Dental Society to be the recognized source for its members and for enhancing the oral health of the community.

GOAL ONE is to Grow and Sustain Membership. This involves always having input from you so that we can meet your wants and needs. All of us in leadership know that there must be PERCEIVED VALUE or interest is lost. All our programs are designed to give YOU the most value. Please help us by attending and evaluating SDDS events.

Please complete the SDDS online surveys available after each event so we have a current vision of how things are going so changes can be made as needed.

GOAL TWO is to Develop, Maintain and Enhance Collaborations to benefit the Oral

Health of the Community. We have a lot going on in this area and it also involves the efforts of our SDDS Foundation. Each year we promote Smiles for Kids, and Smiles for BIG Kids and Crowns for Kids. We also promoted RAM last

Please give some thought to getting involved. We need you! year and this year; and will promote MOM this year and likely each year after. All of the above treat the underserved in our communities.

Please give some thought to getting involved.

We need you!

This year the Board has assigned Task Forces to work on four areas of concern. The first is to come up with a plan to how best provide Geriatric Education to health care providers to help slow down the devastating oral health conditions apparent in the elderly. We can all agree from personal experience that this is an area needing immediate attention. The second task force is to come up with the best plan to better educate the medical community and dental providers that children should see a dentist when the first tooth is present in the mouth or by the child’s first birthday, whichever comes first. The third Task Force was assigned to monitor the work of CDA regarding the Access to Care issue with timely reports to the SDDS Board to keep us

By Victor Hawkins, DDS

informed. The fourth task force was assigned to monitor the Water Districts and work with them to develop best practices for dental offices. This is ultimately about mandatory amalgam separators in our offices.

GOAL THREE is to Enhance and Encourage Professional Development Opportunities to Both Dentists and Staff. Our Continuing Education Courses, MidWinter Convention and monthly General Membership Meetings address this commitment from your Board.

In all of them we strive for excellence and it is there for you. If you haven’t been to a General Membership Meeting for a while, please take a chance and come to our next one. You will not be disappointed.

GOAL FOUR is to Ensure the Sustainability and Level of Excellence of SDDS as an Organization. This involves insuring that our systems are in place for accountability, organizational structure and operational success. We must also develop a leadership track for recruitment and training future leaders. We have pledged to use various methods of communication, keeping current with new technology; and to ensure appropriate levels of financial resources to sustain and grow the organization.

Well, there you have it! That is our program in a nutshell! Please be a part and get involved!

Help us continue to be one of the best dental components in California. 

Gordon Stevenson, Senior VP

911 Reserve Dr. Roseville, CA • ±4,000 SF (Divisible) Dental/Medical Office Suite • Located Behind Roseville’s popular “Fountains” Mall, and within Close Proximity To Sutter Roseville, Kaiser Hospital, Shopping and Dining • Building Signage Available

4 | The Nugget

Real Estate Healthcare Specialist Office Building Sales & Leasing TRI Commercial 2250 Douglas Blvd., Suite 200 Roseville, CA 95661 916.677.8150 Tel DRE Lic: 01092461 gstevenson@tricommercial.com

Helping Those Who Help Others ♦ 31 Years Real Estate Experience ♦

Sacramento District Dental Society

From the Editor’s desk Back Up Plan

A few months ago we found out that we had no Associate Editor nor any topic for the March Nugget. This is always a worry in the back of my mind and, thankfully, it doesn’t

I get many calls each week from members who are looking for their own "back up plan." happen very often. That said, I keep a file of ideas in my head for “back up plan” options for topics and issues. Among some of those ideas are issues that I deal with on a day to

By Cathy Levering

SDDS Executive Director, Guest Editor

day basis; ideas and issues that are concerns of our members.

So… fast forwarding… this issue came together quite easily. It’s about back up plans, associateships, partners and getting ready to slow down, buy in, “test the waters,” expand a practice and options for transitions.

I get many calls each week from members who are looking for their own “back up plan.”

Whether it is a dentist who is looking to find another dentist to work for, with or without the possibility of becoming a partner; or whether it is a dentist who has had a medical emergency and cannot work, we’ve reached out for some excellent opinions in the articles in this issue.

Thankfully, we have some great members and vendors who pitched in to help. Thanks to Drs. Kevin McCurry, Megan Moyneur and Ryan Wilgus who have contributed to this issue. We are equally thankful to our vendor members Jason Wood (Wood and Delgado), Craig Fechter, CPA, and Dr. Tim Giroux (Western Practice Sales). Finally, Katie Fornelli from the CDA Compass shares some great information as well. The goal was to get together some different perspectives: financial, legal, transitional, from the viewpoint of the hiring dentist and from the viewpoint of the newer dentist.

Hope you enjoy this issue! 

Gary Eggers, DDS OTHER PROJECTS: Amy Woo, DDS Matthew Campbell, DDS Favero Family Dental Wong Fat, DDS

HEALTHCARE INTERIOR DESIGN | FURNITURE SHOWROOM | PROJECT MANAGEMENT | CALL JEANNE MALONEY | 9166383338

www.sdds.org

March 2012 | 5

Cathy’s Corner

Sacramento District Dental Society Amador • El Dorado • Placer • Sacramento • Yolo

Leadership

March!

Pictured with Dr. James Everhart at the 2012 SDDS MidWinter Convention

I can’t believe it… we’re already into the last month of the first quarter! We’ve started the year off with a huge bang…

• Midwinter Convention (a huge Mardi Gras success!)

• Smiles for Kids (thanks to more than 400 volunteers who helped!)

• Our first of four CPR classes (did you know SDDS doctors teach these?)

• Every committee, task force and advisory committee had their first meetings (lots of involvement — thank you SDDS doctors!)

• The Bump Dinner and Foundation Gala dinners that were auctioned off have been great successes (Dr. Steve Cavagnolo — what a great chef … with his Chef ’s Coat as well! Thanks, Dr. C!) • … And March is just as busy!

My point? There’s no rest for the weary!

Now is the time that the SDDS staff, leadership and committees kick off their plans for the next season (September–May). CE Courses are being chosen, General Meeting speakers are contracted, MidWinter 2013 is being finalized and all of our fun events are beginning to take off (River Cats, Mamma Mia, Spouse night — March 6).

Of particular interest is the Dentists in Business Forums (Member Forums, Dentists in Business Series — we are consolidating the names!). These are usually not CE courses, but they deal with issues that concern the dentist’s business. Whether it is an embezzlement forum, a human resources (HR) and staff issues forum, retirement, marketing, practice management or accounting topics, the Membership Committee welcomes suggestions on what you’d like to hear. We also use the results of the surveys, suggestions from attendees who attend other courses, etc. All the programs are based on those suggestions!

And, finally, a word on our HR Hotline… Did you know that since we began our HR HOTLINE in 2007, our call volume has increased 57%! This is a service for our members — hope you use it! (see below) Have a great March!

See you at a meeting, class or fun event! 

1-800-399-5331 Call the SDDS HR hotline with all Your burning questions!

6 | The Nugget

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Nancy Archibald, DDS Wallace Bellamy, DMD Jennifer Goss, DDS Dan Haberman, DDS, MS Carl Hillendahl, DDS Beverly Kodama, DDS Viren Patel, DDS Kim Wallace, DDS

Board of Directors

Kevin Keating, DDS, MS Robert Gillis, DMD, MS CE: Jonathan Szymanowski, DMD, MMSc CPR: Margaret Delmore, MD, DDS Ethics: Volki Felahy, DDS Foundation: Robert Daby, DDS Leadership Development: Wai Chan, DDS Membership: Lisa Laptalo, DDS Peer Review: Bryan Judd, DDS / Brett Peterson, DDS 1T1B Medical Outreach: Guy Acheson, DDS Access to Care: Terrence Jones, DDS Amalgam: Wai Chan, DDS / Viren Patel, DDS Dental Careers Workgroup: Robin Berrin, DDS Budget & Finance Advisory: Gary Ackerman, DDS Bylaws Advisory: Wai Chan, DDS Fluoridation Advisory: Rick Kennedy, DDS / Kim Wallace, DDS Forensics Advisory: George Gould, DDS / Mark Porco, DDS Geriatric Outreach: Viren Patel, DDS Legislative: Mike Payne, DDS, MSD / Gabrielle Rasi, DDS Strategic Planning Advisory: Gary Ackerman, DDS Golf Tournament: Damon Szymanowski, DMD SacPAC: To be elected Smiles for Kids: Donald Rollofson, DMD

Trustees Committees Standing

Ad hoc Advisory Task Forces Workgroups

Special Events Other

Nugget Editorial Board

SDDS Staff

James Musser, DDS

Cathy Levering

Editor

Paul Binon, DDS, MSD Donna Galante, DMD Alexander Malick, DMD James McNerney, DMD Christy Rollofson, DDS Ash Vasanthan, DDS, MS

Executive Director

Della Yee

Program Manager/ Executive Assistant

Melissa Brown

Publications Coordinator

Lisa Murphy

Member Liaison/ Peer Review Coordinator

Erin Castleberry

Member Liaison/ Smiles for Kids Coordinator

Editors Emeritus: William Parker, DMD, MS, PhD • Bevan Richardson, DDS Advertising rates and information are sent upon request. Acceptance of advertising in the Nugget in no way constitutes approval or endorsement by Sacramento District Dental Society of products or services advertised. SDDS reserves the right to reject any advertisement.

The Nugget is an opinion and discussion magazine for SDDS membership.

Opinions expressed by authors are their own, and not necessarily those of SDDS or the Nugget Editorial Board. SDDS reserves the right to edit all contributions for clarity and length, as well as reject any material submitted.

The Nugget is published monthly (except bimonthly in June/July and Aug/Sept) by the SDDS, 915 28th Street, Sacramento, CA 95816 (916) 446-1211. Subscriptions are free to SDDS members, $50 per year for CDA/ADA members and $125 per year for nonmembers for postage and handling. Third class postage paid at Sacramento, CA.

Postmaster: Send address changes to SDDS, 915 28th Street, Sacramento, CA 95816.

Sacramento District Dental Society

© 2008 Sacramento District Dental Society

By Cathy Levering

SDDS Executive Director

President — Victor Hawkins, DDS Immediate Past President — Wai Chan, DDS President Elect / Treasurer — Gary Ackerman, DDS Secretary — Kelly Giannetti, DMD, MS Editor — James Musser, DDS Executive Director — Cathy Levering

My Associateship Experience

By Megan Moyneur, DDS SDDS Member

In my relatively short career, I have had the opportunity to be an associate at several offices in the Sacramento area. My associate experiences have been extremely valuable in molding me as a dentist. Working as an associate in different offices gave me the opportunity to see how offices vary on all levels: philosophies of the owner doctors, the materials and technology being used, the patient base and the type of dentistry being done, just to name a few. It gave me a real world understanding that the way I learned dentistry in school is not necessarily the right or only way. There is more than one way to approach almost any problem, be it diagnostically, technically or office management related. It was fun to compare the approaches the different owner dentists employed when developing a treatment plan, managing a patient complaint or dealing with internal problems among the dental team.

20+ years of knowledge and experience on me in a mentorship relationship. Instead, the office I have been associate in for the last two and half years is owned by a female doctor who graduated the same year I did. In her

When I was in school I had envisioned associating with an owner dentist of a well established practice, and he or she imparting

courses together often so we can approach dentistry in similar ways. It has been an incredible and exciting experience.

There is more than one way to approach almost any problem, be it diagnostically, technically or office management related.

As an associate, I have been fortunate to have a flexible, part-time schedule so I can spend more time with my three year old daughter. I have valued the opportunity to work and be part of a growing dental practice, while not having the stress or the time commitment of managing it. I have been able to observe what seems to work and what doesn’t, without the pressure of being in charge. It has been an amazing learning experience.

office, we interact more like two colleagues rather than a boss and employee. Because we are from the same era of dentistry, we tend to have very similar philosophies of care and techniques. We often collaborate on cases in order to get each other’s opinion and have found great pleasure in learning and growing together. We take Continuing Education

I have found that the key to finding the right fit as an associate is finding an office that coincides with your personal standards of care, one that is growing and evolving rather than staying stagnant and one where the whole office team works together to make each day a success. When the people you work with each day at the office make your days enjoyable and conducive to growing and learning, you know you’ve found a great associateship. 

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March 2012 | 7

Is Now a Good Time to Associate,

or is it better to buy a practice?

If you are an associate, of course I think it is always a good time to buy a practice!!

If you review your W-2 or 1099 you just received and realize that Uncle Sam is going to take a bigger portion of that check than if you owned your own business, you should arrive at the same conclusion. Of course, the caveat is to buy the right type of practice that will fulfill your needs, and a practice that hopefully leaves more money in your pocket after debt service and taxes. This is not as difficult as one would imagine. Most of us went to dental school to control our own destinies. Some of us enjoy collecting a paycheck, and there is nothing wrong with that. But most of us that have had the experience of both associating and then eventually owning our practices agree that we were more successful and enjoyed our profession more as an owner.

Many young graduates are in debt for more than $300,000, which is an insanely outrageous large sum of money! In this negative

economic environment, they are afraid to take on an even bigger debt load to purchase their own practice. While that certainly seems to make sense, the reality is that once they have approximately two years of experience under their belts, they can make a lot more money after debt service if they owned their own practice. Believe it or not, there is still 100% financing available to purchase a practice, and the interest rates are at historic lows.

The banks have also produced more options on their loan products to ease the financial burdens of the younger graduates. Depending on the loan, the interest rates can be fixed in the range of 5–6%, which are incredibly low interest rates and make owning a practice that much more affordable.

The other problem in a soft economy is that the associate positions are not as readily available. Some of the larger practices that perhaps needed a full-time associate no longer have the amount of work to keep an associate

By Tim Giroux, DDS

Western Practice Sales, Vendor Member

busy. The senior doctors are also more likely to keep the ideal and productive treatment plans to themselves.

My advice is to plot your best course of action, sit down with your accountant and map out a financial plan based on the financing available in the marketplace. Make your debt work for you in a practice that you can be productive and profitable. Debt that produces income is not necessarily bad debt. It is all about “return on investment” and what you have left over to pay your bills and feed your family. Even highly paid associates would have more money in their pockets after taxes and debt service if they had purchased a comparable practice to their own production capabilities.  Dr. Tim Giroux is President of Western Practice Sales, an SDDS Vendor Member since 2007.

He can be reached at (800) 641-4179 or www. westernpracticesales.com.

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WESTERN PRACTICE SALES

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                

John M. Cahill Associates 

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   

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

        

In memoriam Sydney Seeauer, DDS Dr. Sydney Seeauer passed away on February 15, 2012, leaving her husband, Bill McDonald. She was 59 years old. Dr. Seeauer was a member of SDDS for 23 years, serving on the Facility Planning Committee in 2001. 

8 | The Nugget

Sacramento District Dental Society

Associates:

Friend or Foe Cathy Levering, our amazing Executive Director of SDDS, called and asked if I would write a short article on my experience with associates. Being unable to say no to Cathy (it is an effect she has on people), here you go. First off, I would like to say that SDDS members should be appreciative of the excellent organization to which they belong.

Hopefully you are cognizant of that fact; if not, get involved! Disclaimer: I have been in practice close to 23 years and was an associate for a very short time at the beginning of my career. Once I was able to remove the knife from my back, I was better off being on my own, but that is a story for another time. In hindsight it was a great learning and motivational experience. I have had several associates work for me in the last 10–12 years, all of whom I would consider to be a win-win relationship and successful by my measuring stick. Caution: Your “success” measuring stick may be different.

Associates? The big question that needs to be answered first is WHY? Is it money?

Camaraderie? Work load? Altruism? There are a multitude of reasons for entertaining the idea of hiring an associate. Remember, you are going to be bringing another doctor into your office with your team, your stuff and your patients. How good are you at leadership, training, sharing and patience?

You will need these traits and skills as well as many others. Now obviously the talents, knowledge, philosophy of care and personality of the associate will be major factors in your choice and contribute to success or failure of the relationship. I would hire based on personality as skills can be taught whereas personality is more of “what you see is what you get, and it rarely changes.” With that said, I submit the owner doctor’s personality, traits, expectations and motives are of even more importance.

If your main goal is money, you are doomed to failure. Some management folks tout the benefits of having an associate as increased revenue for the owner doctor. I would argue www.sdds.org

By Kevin McCurry, DDS

SDDS Affiliate Member

that this would be the worst reason for hiring an associate. One must remember that an associate is a human being and they will quickly figure out your true motives. Most are not fond of being stabbed in the back — ask me how I know. I am not saying an associate won’t help your bottom line, what I am saying is it should NOT be your main focus. In fact, if your main goal of dentistry

How good are you at leadership, training, sharing and patience?

is to get rich, I would suggest you find another line of work as you are most likely being dishonest with yourself and unethical to your patients. I believe if you are honest, compassionate, educated and skilled in your efforts to do your very best in helping people, the money will take care of itself. Ideally, an associate can take over the procedures you are either not interested in doing or not skilled at doing, allowing you to do what you do best. This should translate into efficiencies that help improve the business bottom line.

Understand though, if treatment done by the associate has to be redone, you are most likely going to be the one solving the problem as the owner doctor is responsible for all treatment performed in the office, regardless of who provides the service. This obviously would negatively impact the bottom line both financially and from a business reputation point of view. This is one area where training (the associate) and leadership (yours) comes into play.

Is your goal to have some doctor level camaraderie in the office? As most dentists are solo practitioners, they can sometimes feel isolated from the profession. As well as the managing and running of a dental office can be a lonely at the top proposition, so having

another doctor to share the load and yes, dare I say it “commiserate,” can be beneficial to one’s heart rate and stomach lining.

Are you over-worked and feel an associate would decrease your work load? This may or may not be a good decision. Are you overworked or under-paid? Could these concerns be related to the fact that you and your patients under value your services? It might be easier, cheaper, and most beneficial to all concerned to raise yours fees and dump the loser, underfunded insurance plans you have mistakenly agreed to accept. Just a thought, but what do I know?

Do you feel like you would like to give something back to a less experienced dentist?

Altruism is defined as an unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others. Maybe hiring/ helping a younger, less experienced dentist will keep them out of a less desirable working situation and fulfill that teaching itch. A possible definition of a less desirable working situation might be; someplace only focused on the financial bottom with little regard to ideal treatment, quality of care or ethics. In my opinion, in the situations described, the patients lose, the young doctor loses and the profession as a whole loses. You could be the one who changes the course of that doctor’s career path and life for the better. What might that be worth?

The optimistic side of me would say that maybe hiring that associate is beneficial on multiple levels intellectually, socially and financially. The pessimistic side of me would tell you that someone wiser than me once said “having a business associate or partner is kind of like getting married but without the benefits.”

I guess it all depends on who, what, when and, most importantly, the WHY!  Dr. Kevin McCurry is an SDDS Past President and was a member for 21 years before he and his family relocated to Big Horn, Wyoming. He remains an affiliate member with SDDS. March 2012 | 9

Navigating Through

the Associate Interview Entering private practice as an associate is the most common career option for recent dental school graduates. Whether you are a new dentist looking to gain clinical and management skills before purchasing your own practice or an established dentist who desires the flexibility and variety that often comes from working as an associate, navigating through the interview to ensure a successful working relationship can be challenging.

The interview process provides an opportunity for both the practice owner and associate candidate to assess whether the working relationship will be compatible. From the perspective of the practice owner, choosing a professional associate may be one of the most important decisions the owner will ever make. This choice will affect the staff, the well-being of the practice and the welfare of the patients. This is also the associate candidate’s chance to discuss with the owner approaches to treatment, chair side manner and staff arrangements before deciding to become an associate of his/her practice. It is a mutual decision and it should be approached with both parties interviewing each other.

As with any professional assessment, you need to take great care and consideration to

ensure the right decision is made. Trust your instincts — if some part of the arrangement doesn’t sit well with you, do not ignore this sign. Some of the key items to evaluate before accepting the associateship arrangement, which are often overlooked, are: Practice Production and Patient Volume How and when will the associate be compensated? What is the anticipated schedule and production for the associate?

How many new patients does the practice currently see each month? How will patient assignments and treatment be distributed between the owner and associate?

Practice Collections and Accounts Receivable How are collections currently managed (especially important if the associate is compensated based on a percentage of collections)? Are most monies owed collected within 30 days from the date of service?

Dental Benefit Plan Make-up What is the insurance make-up of the practice? Percentage of PPOs, Capitation,

Dental Day

at Raley Field

June 21, 2012 (7:05pm)

www.sdds.org/RiverCats.htm 10 | The Nugget

By Katie Fornelli

Practice Analyst, CDA Practice Support Center

FFS patients? If capitation, how does the practice post payments for capitation?

What are the contracted plans in which the associate will need to contract? What is the fee schedule for those plans? How will this impact the associate’s compensation if paid based on production or collections?

Treatment Philosophy / Mentorship / Leadership What is the owner’s reason for hiring an associate? Is there a transition plan in progress that warrants discussion on the potential to buy-in/partner? What is the owner’s treatment philosophy/area of focus?

Associate Agreement/Structure Will the associate be classified as an employee or independent contractor (legal counsel recommended for proper classification)?

What expenses/benefits will the owner cover or will the associate be expected to cover? If there are multiple locations, where and when will the associate work? Is there a written agreement to review and sign? What are the terms and length of the agreement?

Often the associate candidate is hesitant to ask for a written agreement out of fear of not being selected for the position if the demands become too great. However, the consequences of not having this agreement in place can be far worse. Gone are the days when a simple handshake will suffice — do not be afraid to ask for the details in writing and be sure to seek legal counsel before signing your name on the dotted line.  Ms. Fornelli is a Practice Analyst with the CDA Practice Support Center (PSC). The PSC and its website, www.cdacompass.com, are designed to provide members and their office staff with guidance related to practice management, employment practices, regulatory compliance and dental benefit plans. For a comprehensive list of associate interview considerations, a sample associate agreement and more on associateships, please visit www.cdacompass.com.

Sacramento District Dental Society

Lessons

from an Associate After dental school, the next step for most practitioners is becoming an associate in a dental office. For the most part, new dentists have only a few goals in mind, earning a paycheck, paying their student loans and finally getting a chance to spread their wings and practice dentistry. Being an associate is the ultimate opportunity for new dentists to achieve these goals while honing their skills and learning their capabilities.

In today’s dental climate, the hardest part of being a new doctor is finding an associateship with steady pay and regular days. With few jobs out there, new grads will often take whatever they can get whether it is in a small private setting or a large corporate practice.

Whenever you start a new job, it can be challenging to adapt to the existing office philosophy while maintaining your own identity. Associates feel the need to mold to the office culture because it is that culture that has established and retained the patient base. I personally have had the opportunity to work in several practice models and have been fortunate to come away with a couple of lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my career.

The first lesson was how much I still needed to learn. We all know that becoming a dentist doesn’t stop after graduation and that, although

By Ryan Wilgus, DDS

SDDS Member

mastering dentistry is everyone’s goal, it is in fact a moving target that is constantly evolving.

Having the opportunity to work alongside more experienced dentists will always aid a new doctor’s development and growth, which is one of the most important benefits of being an associate. Associates need to take advantage of the opportunity to learn from senior doctors’ experiences, whether it is in technique or management, so that they can hopefully avoid the same mistakes. Many associates fail to absorb the business side of the practices they work in and in turn have no business acumen to compliment their dental experience when they have their own practice.

The second lesson I learned was to never compromise your morals or ethics for the sake of a paycheck or the ideology of someone else’s practice. In regards to treatment, the moment practitioners stray from a patient-centric philosophy is the moment that practitioners define and even cross the ethics line. Being a 2010 graduate, too often I’ve heard from other new dentists about how their compensation structure is what drives their treatment and or a manager wants them to be “more aggressive” in treatment planning. Having worked in an environment like this once, I realized that I wasn’t willing to compromise my own standards for those of the office.

Back in time…

Can you identify this SDDS Member?

The first SDDS member to call the

links of the month YOU: Disaster Proofing Your Practice

continued from page

24

RAM Sacramento: March 30–April 2 (Cal Expo, Sacramento)

www.RAMCaliforniaVolunteers.org

Missions of Mercy (MOM): May 18–19 (Modesto, CA)

www.cdafoundation.org/access_to_care/ cda_cares_free_dental_clinic www.sdds.org

Lastly, I learned the importance of organized dentistry. Aside from all of the benefits of being involved with the dental society, almost every job opportunity that I have ever had has been through people I have met through organized dentistry. Plugging myself into different dental societies as a student and new graduate always seemed to put me in the right place at the right time to meet doctors looking to hire new associates. In addition to finding job opportunities, the dental societies have provided me the chance to meet and network with other students and new grads who may be in similar situations as I am. Having the knowledge of what others are experiencing allows you to know what’s fair, customary, what you should be looking for and what you should be avoiding in employment.

SDDS office (916.446.1227) with the correct answer wins $10 off their next General Meeting registration.

Only the winner will be notified.

Member cannot identify himself.

Watch for the answer in the April 2012 Nugget!

Answer from February 2012 issue: Dr. Kenneth "Kip" Whitnack Correctly identified by Drs. Bev Kodama and Donald MacDonald — nice job!

March 2012 | 11

Associateships, Partnerships, Acquisitions, Oh My! As you walk off of the stage, your hand still clutching the document for which you have spent your entire adult life persevering, it hits you, causing you to freeze. You look around and the same blank expressions emanate from your fellow graduates: “Now what?”

In far too many dental schools across America, the “after life” is not discussed, or is rushed through because of other curriculum

The practice value is typically determined prior to the associate's compensation being added to the practice. requirements. This in unfortunate because far too many of your colleagues make egregious mistakes that derail the full potential of their career, simply because they didn’t know better. This article provides information that will allow you to avoid pitfalls during your career, whether in an associate position, entering into a partnership or acquiring a practice. This article will be biased in its approach of providing recommendations geared towards doctors in the earlier stages of their careers.

because you do not get to participate in any employee benefit programs (ie, health benefits, 401k) and you pay more in taxes because you will pay a “self employment” tax. Secondly, owners will try to compensate you based upon “collections” rather than your “production.” The problem with this is you are now bound to how good the office is at collecting money from patients, something that you have no control over!

• Restrictive Covenant:. In some states, covenants not to compete are unenforceable against associates after the contract has been terminated; however, in all states they are enforceable during the duration of the contract. If you plan on staying in the area and you live in a state which allows covenants not to compete against associates after the contract is terminated, then focus on either the radius restriction or the duration of time, but not both.

• Potential Buy-in: This must be negotiated in connection with the associate agreement, not after you have been there for a year!

Your right to acquire needs to be addressed in the document, otherwise it is merely an idea. The formula for the buy-in should be clearly spelled out in the document so there is no confusion later and, if possible, the purchase agreement and partnership agreement should be agreed upon as well.

ASSOCIATESHIPS

PARTNERSHIPS

In a perfect world, you wouldn’t desperately need a job as a dentist to pay off your massive student loan debt, which would afford you the ability to negotiate every provision in an associate agreement. However, chances are you are kicking yourself for ordering pizza for the last 3–4 years because “my loans can pay for it.” Therefore, we need to focus on a few main points:

Far too many companies nationwide have gotten on the partnership bandwagon.

Due to the complexity of a partnership, many companies have successfully created a “perception of value,” seemingly based upon the more confusion they can create!

The problem with this approach is that it interferes with the proper formation of the partnership structure. A partnership strategy is not complex, it is simply two parties coming together to allow for a greater return for each individual doctor. The complexity lies in whether or not these two parties are compatible, both in their personal lives and

• Compensation: Many owners will attempt to negatively impact your compensation in two main ways. First, they will make you an “independent contractor” rather than an “employee.” This impacts you negatively 12 | The Nugget

By Jason Wood, Esq.

Wood & Delgado, Vendor Member

their professional ones. Just because one doctor wants to spend more time with her children does not mean they are a good fit for a partnership! Questions involving patient care, treatment philosophy, career goals, family stability, whether or not there has been a previous divorce, future children, retirement, etc. all need to be addressed prior to the parties even contemplating forming a partnership. Even once the parties are compatible, the partnership document itself must fit the unique nature, set of skills and personality of the practice. Questions regarding new patients, compensation structures, discrepancies in production figures as well as a myriad of other questions need to go into the proper formation of a partnership structure. In short, no two partnerships should be alike.

Also, the doctor who is buying in should not have to wait three to five years to move forward with the acquisition of the partnership interest, a model used by some companies.

This unjustifiably places the young doctor in a position where they can be terminated at the very moment they are to buy into the practice. If you have met with this model you must secure your future by locking in your right to acquire the practice in three to five years, otherwise there is an actual economic benefit to the owner doctor to terminate you the closer you get to actually acquiring the partnership interest. The practice value is typically determined prior to the associate’s compensation being added to the practice.

As such, as you approach your acquisition, the practice may have increased 50–100% in production. But, in the owner’s eyes, the practice is now selling for less than what it is worth. Because of this, many transactions typically are terminated during the year the associate was supposed to become an owner.

PRACTICE ACQUISITIONS First and foremost, be objective when evaluating a practice that you are thinking of acquiring. If you become emotionally Sacramento District Dental Society

attached to a practice, you will find yourself making decisions based upon emotions, rather than logic. Be methodical in your approach.

Our firm typically recommends staying away from sellers who are attempting to sell their

As shocking as this may sound, your colleagues do not always have your best interest at heart. practices on their own for three reasons: 1) owners are unrealistic about what their practice is worth, 2) there is a much higher cost associated with a for-sale-by-owner (FSBO) transaction, and 3) the likelihood of the transaction falling apart is much greater in FSBO transactions. As such, we recommend looking at practices that are being sold by reputable dental brokers, with extensive experience in the local marketplace. However, as the buyer, you must always remember that the broker’s true client is the seller, even with companies claiming to provide “dual agency.”

The following is a quick checklist of some of the things to be prepared for when acquiring a dental practice: • Practice Production: If your personal monthly expenses are relatively high, you cannot search for a small practice with “room to grow.” You need to find a practice that will allow you to pay your practice expenses, service your debt and still provide you with enough money to pay your monthly expenses and save. Do not focus on the purchase price or the monthly loan amount when searching for practices, instead focus on the profitability and the salary you should receive after you pay your bills. Does this practice provide you with income needed to match your lifestyle?

• Dental Procedures: Are you skilled in the procedures performed by the owner at the practice? If not, this practice is not for you.

Our most successful clients find a practice where they can do all of the procedures the current owner does but also have additional training to provide added services to the dental practice, thus allowing the buyer to increase the per patient revenue of the practice.

• Lease: Far too many dentists never have their lease reviewed by a dental attorney.

As such, there are far too many provisions lurking in a “standard” lease which can be utilized against the future saleability/ transferability of the dental practice you are attempting to acquire. Deal with these www.sdds.org

issues prior to you acquiring the practice, rather than subsequent to it. That way, the owner’s problem will not become yours.

• Practice Systems: Invest in a knowledgeable practice management consultant to evaluate the practice systems in place at the practice.

These advisors can provide valuable feedback, which will allow you to maximize your internal marketing, streamline your practice procedures and increase the productivity of your employees. They can also let you know if your philosophy matches the philosophy of the owner’s, thus preventing a patient exodus after you acquire the dental practice.

• Purchase Agreement: As shocking as this may sound, your colleagues do not always have your best interest at heart. As such, you need to protect yourself and the investment you are about to make with a strong, enforceable purchase agreement. You need multiple restrictive covenants that prevent the owner from raiding your patients and employees and protect you from the owner competing against you. You need a myriad of representations and warranties that the owner must stand behind, such as: Did the owner waive co-payments? Has the owner accelerated treatment prior to the closing date? Provisions regarding retreatment work and uncompleted dental work need to be properly addressed to avoid patient confusion and frustration after the sale. All of these issues, as well as a host of others, are what protect you from being sold something that isn’t true.

As you can see, your career will not just be about the clinical decisions you make. The milestones of your career will be in areas which, as a profession, dentists have been ill equipped for. There are a multitude of people who are trying to take advantage of this. Be prepared for each stage in your career and this will allow you to focus on what you have been trained for, rather then being involved in legal and personal quagmires that can derail your career.

For any owners who are interested in gaining an “Owner’s Perspective,” stay tuned for future issues of The Nugget!

Jason Wood is partner in the law firm of Wood & Delgado, and Patrick Wood is the founder and senior partner of Wood & Delgado, a law firm which specializes in representing dentists for their business transaction needs. Wood & Delgado represents dentists nationally and can be reached at (800) 499-1474, www.dentalattorneys.com or by email at jason@dentalattorneys.com or pat@dentalattorneys.com.

Fraudulent Fax Update

American Dental Association

On January 3, the American Dental Association was alerted that many dentists across the country had recently received a fraudulent membership renewal communication via fax to their dental offices indicating payment should sent to a post office ( P.O.) box in Brockton, MA. This prompted the ADA to distribute an alert that afternoon about the fraudulent invoices to member and nonmember dentists with an email address in our database, leadership and staff at state and local dental societies, recognized specialty organizations and other organizations and individuals within the dental community.

If you received one of the faxed fraudulent invoices: • Do not send a payment. If you still have a copy of what you believe may be a fraudulent invoice, please forward it to Tom Elliott, deputy chief legal counsel, by email at elliottt@ada.org or by fax to 312.440.2562, along with your name and ADA membership number.

If you sent a payment to the P.O. Box: • Thus far, the post office in Brockton, MA has received more than 170 pieces of mail addressed to the P.O. Box listed on the fraudulent invoice.

We believe that the ADA's actions to seal the post office box occurred before any checks were received, as the P.O. Box was empty when it was sealed on January 5.

• As a precaution, if you sent a check to the P.O. Box, the ADA encourages you to "stop payment" on the check. While there is normally a small cost associated with this, there is also the comfort of knowing the check cannot be cashed.

• Please contact the ADA Member Service Center at 800.621.8099 if you sent a check in response to the fraudulent invoice. ADA staff is assembling a list of dentists known to have sent checks so we can communicate and reconcile records with the U.S. Postal Service. You will be asked to complete a release form that will allow us to verify if the P.O. Box has received a check from you. Additionally, we are told the U.S. Postal Service may communicate directly individuals who have sent mail to the P.O. Box. Further questions or concerns: ADA Member Service Center (800) 621-8099 March 2012 | 13

Associateships,

from the Cpa's Side

There are a number of reasons why an associate dentist scenario may be chosen by a dentist upon finishing medical school and a dental residency. It may be to gain knowledge on how a dental practice should be run without experiencing the financial risk. It may be to gain a foothold of networking within a new community or area. It may be to enhance clinical skills. Whatever the reason may be, there are a number of tax and general financial considerations that a dentist should give prior to entering an associateship and while the associateship is being performed.

Set up your short and long-term goals While any employment and life situation can be considered temporary, you should line up your plans and determine what your ultimate goals are. Questions you should ask yourself include the following: Where do I see myself in one year? Where do I see myself in five years? Where do I see myself in 10 years and beyond? If you know that you are planning on moving within a specified period of time, you should conduct your affairs such that you will be able to disconnect yourself in a relatively short period of time. If you plan on living in a particular area for a long period of time, you should conduct your affairs accordingly.

Taxes are a reality of life Given the current political rhetoric and size of the national deficit, I highly doubt that incremental income tax rates will be reduced any time in the near future.

National and local politicians have recently suggested that anyone with an adjusted gross income above $250,000 is a “millionaire” and that tax rates should be increased on those individuals. Without delving into the political arena, suffice it to say that taxes will not be going down any time soon. In fact, I would predict both federal and state rates to increase in the near future. You have to plan on paying your taxes. You have to plan on keeping your records in good shape in case you are audited because audit rates of “the 14 | The Nugget

rich” have increased substantially over the previous five years. If you are just entering an associateship, you should meet with your tax advisor often in the first year or two as you may be unsure how your income will be taxed. If you are in an existing associateship and you experience dramatic fluctuations in income, you should also take the time to determine how changes in income will affect your income taxes. Never forget that the government can’t wait to get its hands on your money. I often counsel clients that you have to make paying your income taxes a priority; otherwise you risk severe interest and penalties, in addition to just getting behind in your general financial affairs.

Get everything in writing One of the biggest reasons that many associateships (and other general business partnerships) fail is because there is no firm understanding on how things are supposed to run. You need to document what you and the senior dentist's expectations are upon entering the relationship. The best way to do this is to draw up an associateship contract which documents what you both are expecting. If nothing else, it will force both parties to sit down and develop expectations of the other. How can you meet or beat each others’ expectations if you never firmly develop that understanding?

Live conservatively This holds especially true for new associate dentists. I know it sounds almost counterintuitive; you’ve just gone through college, medical school, and a residency. You’re ready for life without the financial constraints you’ve lived through the previous 10-15 years.

However, maintaining your financial flexibility while you wade through the first few years of practicing will open up more opportunities for you long-term. Saving as much money as possible will allow you to re-locate much easier if another opportunity opens up elsewhere, easily facilitate a practice purchase if the

By Craig Fechter

Fechter & Company, CPAs, Vendor Member

situation with the senior dentist doesn’t work out, or perhaps purchase a piece of commercial

You need to document what you and the senior dentist's expectations are upon entering the relationship. real estate. Whatever situation may arise, it will be made much easier if you aren’t tied down by large personal expenditures.

Protect yourself You’ve probably heard plenty of this throughout your previous endeavors but a reality is that nothing in life is a sure thing. You should protect yourself through purchasing a variety of insurance policies that protect your most precious financial asset — your skills as a dentist. You can purchase a life insurance policy to protect your loved ones in case of an accident or illness. You can purchase an “own occupation” disability policy in case of any kind of disability that would render you unable to perform your chosen profession.

While this doesn’t directly affect you, you can request that the senior dentist purchase a business overhead policy that would protect the practice in case he or she were temporarily unable to work. Always consider your management of risks throughout the course of your practice and life so you can protect those who mean the most to you.

While we’re unable to cover every potential situation that you could potentially face in your practice in this short column, we hope that you take the time to consider the steps that you will need to perform in order to protect yourself and those that mean the most to you in the course of your practice.  Craig Fechter, CPA is President of Fechter & Company, CPAs, an SDDS Vendor Member since 2009. He can be reached at (916) 3335370 or www.fechtercpa.com.

Sacramento District Dental Society

Associateships Fail,

But Yours Can Be Successful There’s a lot to consider before adding an associate to your practice. Many practitioners see an associate as an “easy” solution when things get overly busy and chaotic. But living with an associate can be anything but easy if one is hired for the wrong reasons or at the wrong time.

There are many reasons associateships fail.

Considering why they fail actually increases the chance of success when hiring for your practice. Failures happen because of: Hiring for the wrong reason: An associate doesn’t always solve the “too busy” problem, one of the main reasons a doctor begins looking for an associate. Often, throwing another doctor into the mix simply exacerbates an already bad situation rather than solving it.

Management inefficiencies: Poorly run practices remain poorly run, even with an associate on board. Associates are most likely to thrive in practices that have healthy, profitable, and productive management systems in place.

Unwillingness to help associate build a patient list: Some doctors offload emergency and problem patients to their associate, making it difficult for the new doctor to get a solid start with a practice. Successful relationships are those in which the senior practitioner is willing to help the junior doctor develop a loyal patient following.

Personality differences: It’s essential that both the hiring doctor and the potential

associate take a personality test and compare their results to determine compatibility prior to signing a contract. Stark differences in style can be overcome when they are recognized and addressed proactively. Different work styles can actually be a plus to the practice when partners have the wisdom and willingness to learn from one another and see things from each other’s perspective.

Inadequate patient volume: In order for an associateship to work, a practice must be able to support multiple doctors. According to management consultant Sally McKenzie, “A solo general practitioner must have a minimum of 2,000 active patients (not 2,000 patient records) in the system,” before considering hiring an associate. Further, “for a solo practice to remain healthy it should have a monthly new patient flow of 16-25, and 85% of those new patients should be accepting treatment… and practices that are eyeing the resume of potential associates should be seeing, at the minimum, new patient numbers in the area of 40-45 per month before the practice is ready to make the investment in a full-time associate.”

Due diligence in reviewing the numbers helps insure a practice is truly ready for an additional doctor.

Lack of staff support: Everyone in the practice must be committed to welcoming, encouraging, and working with a new associate. Bringing one in without the support of the entire staff often leads to failure as the

By Mary Byers

Mary Byers, Developing Potential

new doctor is left to figure things out on his or her own and sometimes faces the resentment of staff members.

Unclear expectations: How will the new doctor be introduced and integrated into the practice? What kind of support (marketing and otherwise) can he or she expect? What does the senior doctor expect of the associate and vice versa? The more clearly expectations are outlined and discussed, the more likely the transition will be successful for all parties.

Philosophy: Vastly different values and worldviews can strain relationships, yet doctors often don’t take the time to unearth these characteristics in a potential associate.

Doing so takes time, the willingness to ask deep questions, and the discipline to listen to the answers and ask follow-up questions as appropriate. Associateships are similar to marriage in that you’ll be spending a lot of time with your partner and you need to have both the ability to communicate clearly and negotiate fairly.

Recognizing why associateships fail — and choosing to approach yours differently — will increase the chance of “happily ever after” for both you and your practice when you add an associate.  Mary Byers has been speaking and writing professionally since 1988. She has worked with organizations in 26 different states, providing customized, interactive and thought-provoking programs and retreats. www.marybyers.com

Need a job? • Need an associate?

Looking to sell? • Looking to buy? SDDS The SDDS Job Bank is your go-to place to connect with fellow members.

www.sdds.org/ JobBank.htm

CDA member dentists only. Confidential and public lists available. www.sdds.org

Job Bank March 2012 | 15

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16 | The Nugget

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Sacramento District Dental Society

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March 2012 | 17

Star Group, the premier dental refiner in the United States and across Europe, was the company behind the Crowns for Kids® (CFK® ) program, founded by the Sacramento District Dental Foundation, and now, one of the premier programs of the CDA Foundation. Since 2006, this program has generated more than $100,000 for Smiles for Kids® and dental-health education for kids.

Star Group has part nered with the Sacramento Dist rict Dental Society (SDDS) Foun dation and the CDA Foundation to bring smiles to kids across California through Crowns for Kids®.

Crowns for Kids® offers dentists the chance to improve the oral health of the children in the Sacramento community. Money raised from their donations of gold fillings and crowns helps support oral health projects for underserved children, which focus on preventive care, consumer education, restorative care and fluoridation.

Crowns for Kids® has provided more than a million dollars to fund many critical, oral health initiatives.

Star Group is the Dental Refiner of Choice for the Sacramento District Dental Society (SDDS) Foundation.

18 | The Nugget

PROGRAM BASICS: • When Star Group receives the donated gold fillings and crowns from participating dentists, the company processes the donation and sends the cash value directly to the SDDS Foundation.

• The SDDS Foundation uses CFK® funds specifically for the Smiles for Kids® program, which has benefitted the children of the Sacramento community through much needed, free dental care.

For more information, contact: SDDS Foundation: 916.446.1227 Star: www.stargroupUS.com • 800.333.9990

Sacramento District Dental Society

Sacramento district dental society foundation

A charitable 501-C3 organization

Your first look at Smiles for Kids® 2012!

WhatSacramento is the District Dental society

Foundation?

It is the mission of the Sacramento District Dental Society Foundation to promote the oral and general health of the public by serving as the charitable arm of the SDDS and the dental community.

Our 21st Year!

2012 Quick Stats: (as of Feb 15th — more forthcoming!)

37,000+ kids screened 600 scheduled 27 offices open for treatment over 350 staff volunteers

The Foundation was established in 1969 and is the 501(c)3 not-for-profit charity arm of the Dental Society. The Foundation provides dental services to those who otherwise would not be able to afford it, focusing especially on children in the communities of Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, and Yolo counties. The Smiles for Kids project is a project of the Foundation. The Foundation offers several sub-committees geared for those who enjoy meeting new people and assisting with fundraising projects and public relations for the Foundation. The funds raised will be used to aid and promote the oral and general health of the public through all types of education, service and research in the fields of preventative and curative dentistry, for charitable, scientific and/or educational purposes.

FUNDING FOR THE FOUNDATION: The Sacramento District Dental Society Foundation is funded solely through contributions, bequests, fundraising events, donation of services, planned giving and grants.

www.sdds.org/GiveSDDF.htm

donate now! to support the foundation

100 doctors (SFK Day) 100+ Adopt-a-Kid doctors

April 18, 2012

65–70 kids scheduled to receive orthodontic treatment

June 13, 2012

$300,000+ of treatment provided on Smiles for Kids Day

Thank you to everyone who participated! www.sdds.org

order deadline March 16th

order deadline March 1st

www.sdds.org/SDDF_Broadway.htm

Swing for Smiles! • May 11, 2012 Golf Tournament to benefit Sacramento District Dental Society's Foundation For more information & to register, visit www.sdds.org/GolfTourney.htm March 2012 | 19

Save the Date!

Annual Golf Tournament to benefit Sacramento District Dental Society's Foundation

May 11, 2012 Turkey Creek Golf Club (Lincoln, CA) 8:00am Shotgun Contests!

Drinks on the course!

Raffle prizes!

Golf souvenirs!

All SDDS members and their guests are invited! Hope to see you there!

Friday May 11, 2012

Specializing in Complete Dental Offices and Tenant Improvements

Contact us today for your

Complimentary Practice “Check-Up” Just like patients...Everyone needs a check-up!

916.784.6982 • gayles@dmsolutionsinc.com

Going on Vacation?

Remember… SDDS is not your emergency contact!

You must be available to render emergency care to patients of record currently under your treatment or make available to such patients through your outgoing voice mail / answering service a list of colleagues who are aware and willing to render care at times when you are not available. Do not use the Sacramento District Dental Society referral service as your “on call” coverage. Failure to provide care can place a dentist in violation of ADA Principles of Ethics and the CDA Code of Ethics.

East Sac Dental Paul Phillips, DDS • Barry Dunn, DDS Sacramento, CA

Olson Construction, Inc. is a design/build construction firm who can take your office from design to finish. They have proven themselves to be the go-to company when you want your dental office done on time and within budget.

David Olson, General Contractor License #822960 (209) 366-2486 www.olsonconstructioninc.com

20 | The Nugget

Sacramento District Dental Society

Committee Corner

You asked for this!

Nugget Survey 2009

Volunteers, Time, Commitments,

Committees &… "other Committees" Committees are an integral part of the definition of a volunteer organization.

Committee work is where volunteers begin their involvement, and train to be leaders.

Currently we have several standing committees provided for in our bylaws and policies and are approved each year by the Board. We also have advisory committees which are in place and can give an opinion, monitor and be on stand-by for an issue or mobilize when necessary. Finally, we have workgroups and task forces (also called ad hoc committees).

SDDS could not exist without its volunteers!

We realize that a volunteer’s time is precious, balancing family, work, play, and other parts of our busy lives. Realizing this, SDDS has modified its committee structure over the past years, and we have tried to make it more responsive to our volunteers’ busy schedules and limited time.

This year we have several task forces (ad hoc committees)… call them “other committees!”

The purpose of a task force is to work on a

There is nothing stronger than the heart of a volunteer.

With it beats the spirit of service, generosity and compassion… and the health and well-being of our community, our country and our world.

— Kobi Yamada

www.sdds.org

specific purpose or goal, and disband upon the completion of the task. It’s a perfect solution for someone who just wants to “dip their toe in and test the waters” of our organization, but not have a huge commitment. Don’t get me wrong; there’s much work to do on the task force. But, it’s done rather quickly and recommendations, plans and future goals are the final product.

These are the task forces already working this year: Geriatric Oral Health Outreach Dr. Viren Patel, Chair Purpose: To develop a plan and program for outreach to improve the oral health and care of geriatric patients, targeting care givers and healthcare professionals Amalgam and Wastewater Drs. Wai Chan and Viren Patel, Chairs Purpose: To work with the Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District on best practices for dental offices; to monitor the EPA requirements and develop a plan for implementation of mercury reduction in wastewater.

1st Tooth or 1st Birthday Dr. Guy Acheson, Chair Purpose: To develop a plan for outreach to the medical community (pediatricians, OB/Gyns, GPs) and parents on the important of taking children to the dentist at age one.

Geographic Managed Care (GMC) various representatives participating Purpose: To work with community organizations, First 5, the Board of Supervisors, the Sac County Public Health Advisory Committee to monitor, trouble-shoot and work toward the improvement of this DentiCal mandated program in Sac County (Did you read the front page and two full inside page article in the Sacramento Bee?) It is the volunteer that is at the heart of any organization. We value your time. We hope that you will find a place that your heart leads you to lead with us in our organization. 

By Cathy Levering

SDDS Executive Director

sdds Committee Meetings (2012): 1st Tooth or 1st Birthday Task Force (6:30pm) Mar 12 Access to Care Task Force (7:30am) Future Meetings TBA Amalgam Task Force (7:30am) Mar 21 Board of Directors (6:00pm) Mar 13 • May 1 • Sept 4 • Nov 6 Continuing Education (6:00pm) Mar 20 • Apr 3 • May 1 Sept 18 • Oct 30 CPR (6:00pm) Apr 30 (calibration) Dental Careers Workgroup Meetings scheduled as needed Ethics (6:30pm) Apr 30 • Sept 19 Foundation (SDDF) (6:15pm) Mar 16 (8:30am) • July 30 • Nov 29 Geriatric Task Force (6:15pm) Future Meetings TBA GMC Task Force (3:00pm) Meetings monthly Golf (6:00pm) Mar 7 • Apr 17 • May 11 (Tourney) Leadership Development (6:00pm) Mar 27 • Apr 17 Mass Disaster / Forensics (6:30pm) Spring 2012 Membership (6:00pm) Mar 21 • May 21 • Sept 26 • Nov 28

Nugget Editorial (6:15pm) June 12 • Sept 25 Peer Review (6:15pm) Apr 24 • Sept 17 • Nov 27 March 2012 | 21

DENTAL OFFICE C O N S T R U C T I O N

S P E C I A L I S T S

A THUMBS UP EXPERIENCE PE

Damon Szymanowski Orthodontics

Todd Andrews & Damon Szymanowski

Because we specialize in construction for dental professionals,

DESIGN/BUILD

Andrews Construction, Inc understands the unique needs specific to dentists.

& NEW CONSTRUCTION

Our 30+ years of experience assures you that we deliver QUALITY, SERVICE and SATISFACTION on every meticulously run project. Thumbs Up to that!

TENANT IMPROVEMENTS

SDDS Vendor Member

REMODELING

Since 2001

916 743-5151 andrewsconstructioninc.com

Professional, established CPA firm, rated in the top 15 of the Sacramento area Specializing in Year-long tax planning — no surprises come April 15th!

Let Us Assist yoU with:

• Tax planning • Proper business structure (Incorporation) • Debt consolidation • Review & maintenance of accounting • Retirement & estate planning • Practice acquisition • Human resources

(916) 774-4208

22 | The Nugget

sDDs memBer BeNefit: FRee one-hour tax & financial review

John Urrutia & Neil Beemam, CPAs

www.muncpas.com

Sacramento District Dental Society

A Proud Vendor Member of SDDS since 2004

Keep The SBA Loan...

Drop The Bank.

Your Trusted Source For: • Commercial RE purchase • Construction • Business acquisition or expansion • Equipment/Inventory purchase • Refinance • Working Capital

Full Service Medical Gas Deliveries at Competitive Rates Equipment Sales & Repairs

Analgesic Services, Inc. Prompt, Reliable & Complete Medical Gas Services

Call Today 916 928-1068

System Inspections & Maintenance Programs

Referral Rewards!

System & Equipment Certifications

Refer a friend who uses nitrous oxide to our services in the month of March, April or May and receive a

System Installations & Renovations

COMPLIMENTARY

Free System Design & Consultation Services

www.sdds.org

Gordon Gerwig, Business Services Manager (916) 576-5650 gordon@firstus.org

Oxygen upon your next delivery!

March 2012 | 23

you

the dentist, the employer

Policyholder Expectations

Professional Liability v. Workers' Comp

You are a dentist. You’ve been to school, taken your Boards and settled into practice. End of story?

Not quite. Employee evaluations, hiring and firing, labor laws and personnel files are an important part of being an employer. Are you up on the changes that happen nearly EVERY January 1st?

In this monthly column, we will offer information pertinent to you, the dentist as the employer.

From Taiba Solaiman (Risk Management Analyst, TDIC) Professional Liability policyholders should expect excellent claims service from their carrier. For example, once a TDIC policyholder opens a claim under a professional liability line of coverage, an assigned claim representative

While the professional liability policyholder participates in the decision making process on how a claim is handled, workers' compensation gives employees limited rights. acts as the policyholder’s advocate by keeping him or her informed and engaged throughout the claim process. On the other hand, Workers’ Compensation insurance provides protection for injured employees. The carrier designates a claims examiner to investigate the claim made by the injured worker. The examiner must remain impartial throughout the investigation to determine the extent of the injury and provide benefits to the injured employee in accordance with state regulations.

“Workers’ compensation laws provide money and medical benefits to an employee who has an injury as a result of an accident, injury or occupational disease on-the-job. Workers’ compensation is designed to protect workers and their dependents against the hardships from injury or death arising out of the work environment. It is intended to benefit the employee and employer alike. The employee receives money (usually on a weekly or biweekly basis) and medical benefits in exchange for forfeiting the common law right to sue the 24 | The Nugget

employer. The employer benefits by receiving immunity from court actions against them by the employee in exchange for accepting liability that is limited and determined.”

— www.workerscompensation.com All states require employers to promptly report work related injuries. It is not at the discretion of the employer to determine whether or not an employee should receive a medical evaluation following an incident. Failure to report an injury is a violation of the workers’ compensation regulations and can result in substantial penalties to the employer.

Most dental office workplace injuries result in medical treatment only and do not result in the employee taking time off from work. If the injury does require the employee to remain off the job, the workers’ compensation claims examiner will request a copy of the employee’s payroll information to calculate disability payments that may be due. The examiner also coordinates the employees’ return to work. Be prepared to give the claims examiner a copy of the injured employee’s job description. The treating physician advises the examiner about which regular job tasks the employee can perform and which tasks need modification.

Check with your workers’ compensation carrier for state-specific information.

While the professional liability policyholder participates in the decision making process on how a claim is handled, workers’ compensation gives employers (policyholders) limited rights.

They can obtain general information regarding the status of a claim such as the employee’s anticipated return to work date and any necessary job modifications. Privacy laws do not allow specific medical information about the employee to be disclosed to the employer. 

HR audio conferences April 25, 2012 Staff Evaluations: How, When, Why? • Effective appraisals • Goals and timelines • Follow-up to reinforce past appraisals • Legal considerations Noon–1pm • 1 ce, 20%

did you miss one?

Recordings of past sessions available, $35 each • Alternative Work Week, Wages, Hours • Employee Leaves & Time Off • New Labor Laws (2012)

Sacramento District Dental Society

Extraordinary businesses require an extraordinary

Business Bank.

We know the dental industry and offer services that will make your office manager smile.

We don’t apply a generic plan as a solution. Instead, we assign someone from our specialized staff to create a unique business services program for you. No matter the size of your office, Bank of Sacramento offers the right business solutions including: • Merchant Services • Remote Deposit • Commercial Real Estate Loans • Lines of Credit • Easy to use Online Banking

Call today for more information about our specialized services for the dental industry.

916.648.2100

Member FDIC

www.bankofsacramento.com

www.sdds.org

March 2012 | 25

2004

916.928.1068 www.asimedical.com

Financial Services

Todd Andrews

Shelley Laurel, SVP

since

2002

916.743.5150 www.andrewsconstructioninc.com

Bank of Sacramento

916.648.2100 www.bankofsacramento.com

since

2011

construction

Dental Supplies

Blue Northern Builders

Burkhart Dental

California Employers Association

Marc Davis • Morgan Davis • Lynda Doyle

Andrew Mallett, Branch Manager

916.772.4192 www.bluenorthernbuilders.com

916.784.8200 www.burkhartdental.com

Kim Parker, Executive VP Mari Bradford, HR Hotline Manager

since

2007

Dental Supplies

Crest / Oral B

since

2011 D ENNIS NELSON

CPA, APC PLANNING & CONSULTING ASSOCIATES

Lauren Herman • 209.969.6468 Kevin McKittrick • 916.765.9101

since

www.dentalcare.com

2002

since

2011

Financial Services

2009

Professional Practice transitions

since

2011

since

First US Community Credit Union

916.985.9559 • www.fmacentral.com

Gordon Gerwig, Business Services Manager

since

916.576.5650 www.firstus.org

2005

Financial Services

www.idssacramento.com

since

2010

916.774.4208 www.muncpas.com

PATTERSON

construction

Technology

David Olson

Dan Edwards, President

James Ryan

866.722.8663 www.pact-one.com

800.736.4688 www.pattersondental.com

Pact-One

since

2011

800.333.9990 www.starrefining.com

2003

since

2003

916.993.4182 www.resourcestaff.com

2011

Construction

Becki Bell, Marketing Director

since

2002

Technology

Charise Salivar

Garrett Gatewood, President

916.554.4919 www.cda.org

Tekfix Team

since

2011

Western Contract

Jeanne Maloney, V.P. Healthcare

Philip Kong

2010

916.533.6882 www.unionbank.com

877.291.1099 www.tekfixteam.net

Interior Design

Union Bank

since

916.452.6200 www.sacmag.com

Insurance

Financial Services

Jeff Tilford, Owner

Patterson Dental

Magazine

The Dentists Insurance Company

since

Dental Supplies

Sacramento Magazine

Debbie Kemper

Tilcon Dental Building Specialists

916.258.5538 www.tilconbuilders.com

since

Resource Staffing Group

Star Group Global Refining

Jim Ryan, Sales Consultant

DENTAL

Staffing Services

precious metal refining

26 | The Nugget

Financial Services

John Urrutia, CPA, Partner Chris Mann, CPA, Partner

916.773.3343 www.principal.com

2011

2010

Jim Alfheim 559.367.1392 Tony Vigil 916.807.0590

Lucas Rayburn

since

916.367.4540 www.eaglewestgroup.com

since

916.626.3002 www.henryschein.com

Principal Financial Group

2009

916.988.8583 www.cpa4dentists.net

Dental Supplies

Financial Services

since

Chris Nunn

Mann, Urrutia, Nelson, CPAs

209.366.2486 www.olsonconstructioninc.com

2010

Dennis Nelson, CPA

Eagle West Group, Inc.

IDS Sacramento (formerly RelyAid)

Olson Construction, Inc.

since

Financial Services

Dennis Nelson, CPA, APC

Henry Schein Dental

2009

2004

800.399.5331 www.employers.org

Financial Services

Ted Darrow, Client Relations & Marketing

since

Dental Supplies

2005

since

2004

Financial Management Associates, Inc.

Craig Fechter, CPA 916.333.5370 www.fechtercpa.com

since

Financial Services

Fechter & Company

since

Human Resources

since

2011

916.213.1742 www.westerncontract.com

Sacramento District Dental Society

Vendor Member B

Geary Guy, VP Steve Shupe, VP

since

construction

Andrews Construction, Inc.

Analgesic Services

Vendor Member A

Medical Gases

Transition Broker

Legal Services

Tim Giroux, DDS, President John Noble, MBA

Jason Wood, Esq.

Wood & Delgado

Western Practice Sales

since

2007

800.641.4179 www.westernpracticesales.com

we love

our SDDS Vendor Members!

since

2010

1.800.499.1474 • 949.553.1474 www.dentalattorneys.com

Please note that JoAnne Tanner, MBA has elected not to renew her Vendor Membership at this time.

Please remove her from your directory. We appreciate her past support and hope that she will return soon.

Correction: In a past issue of the Nugget, RelyAid and Desco Dental Equipment were listed as electing not to renew their Vendor Membership. In actuality, the two companies merged to create IDS Sacramento and continue their support of SDDS through the Vendor Membership program. We apologize to all and thank them for their ongoing support!

vendor member spotlights:

PATTERSON DENTAL

At last, a professional staffing service that does it all! With more than 20 years of specialization and innovative approaches to human resource staffing issues, Resource Staffing Group becomes your “partner in business.” We allow your staff to focus on the productive, revenueproducing side of your dental practice by turning over all those mundane human resource tasks including payroll, benefit administration, and tax preparation. Delegate those undesirable duties such as terminations, down-sizing, and hiring. Never fill out another form or attend another EDD or Labor Board hearing while you protect your practice from wrongful termination or sexual harassment lawsuits. Control skyrocketing and unexpected costs in areas like advertising, workers compensation, recruiting, benefits, and employment law.

Products and Services • Dental Staffing: Direct hire, temporary or temporary to hire positions • Serving the Greater Sacramento Area • In-house Continuing Education Classes including OSHA / CA Practice / Infection Control and CPR Recertification Benefits, Services, Special Pricing and/or Discounts Extended to SDDS Members • 10% discount for SDDS members with a Direct Hire Order

Debbie Kemper

dkemper@nwstaffing.com • (916) 960-2668 • www.resourcestaff.com

www.sdds.org

We strive to be your single source for all your dental office needs and to provide you with the best customer experience and personalized service available. Count on Patterson Dental Supply to be there when you need us.

Products and Services • Dental supplies • Equipment • Full service technical department • Practice management • Office design • Financing • Cerec Tooth Restoration System • Schick Digital X-ray • Eaglesoft Dental Software • Casey Education Systems • Patterson Office Supplies Benefits, Services, Special Pricing and/or Discounts Extended to SDDS Members • Screening supplies & free merchandise for Smiles for Kids participants

Patterson Dental Supply

(800) 736-4688 • www.pattersondental.com

March 2012 | 27

We’re blowing your horn!

Congratulations to...

Dr. Wai Chan, on his appointment to the Oral Health Access Council, launched in 2011 by the California Primary Care Association and the Center for Oral Health. (More information available at: www.oralhealthaccess.org) Dr. Ricardo Macaset, whose son, Chris, was signed to play golf at University of the Pacific. (photo #1 below)

2011 President's AWARD

Dr. Wesley Yee

Dr. Brian Royse, whose son plays on the USA National Rugby team and was selected to play in the London Olympics!

The President's Award is presented for outstanding committee leadership. It is awarded to a Committee Chair who has shown exceptional independent leadership and been instrumental in effectively reaching committee goals and objectives.

Drs. Joel and Kristy Whiteman, who enjoyed a special Valentines Day as they opened their brand new office on Riverside Blvd in Sacramento.

Dr. Yee, as Chair of the SDDS Foundation Gala Committee, was instrumental in raising nearly $100,000 for Foundation programs!

Dr. Matt and Irene Campbell, who had a chance to visit with long time friend Chris Weber, as he came back to cheer on the Kings at a game in February. (photo #2 below)

Past President's Award recipients: Edward Orgon (1996), James Oates (1997), Robert Shorey (1998), Harry “Skip” Lawrence (1999), Dennis Wong (2000), Michael Payne (2001), Kenneth Moore (2002), Cynthia Weideman (2003), Victor Hawkins (2004), Daniel Haberman / Jerome Daby (2005), Gary Ackerman (2006), Jeffrey Rosa (2007), Steven Koire & Bryan Judd (2008), Robin Berrin & Beverly Kodama (2009), Jonathan Szymanowski (2010)

Dr. Friz Diaz, who won an iPad from Fechter & Company, CPAs (SDDS Vendor Member) at the SDDS MidWinter Convention and Expo!

Drs. Russ Webb and Don Rollofson, who are serving on the steering committees for both Missions of Mercy (MOM) events and for Remote Area Medical (RAM). 

Have some news you’d like to share with the Society? Please send your information (via email, fax or mail) to SDDS for publication in the Nugget!

2

1 Have you checked the web? The SDDS website is your source for CE, events, important announcements and more! Check it out at www.sdds.org 28 | The Nugget

Sacramento District Dental Society

www.sdds.org

March 2012 | 29

LEASING

Advertiser Index Burkhart Dental Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16, 26 Henry Schein Dental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25, 26 IDS Sacramento (formerly DESCO / RelyAid) . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Patterson Dental Supply, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Procter & Gamble Distributing Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

I N T E G R AT I O N

Dental Supplies, equipment, Repair

Bank of Sacramento . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25, 26 Dennis Nelson, CPA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26, 29 Eagle West Group, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7, 26 Fechter & Company, CPAs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Financial Management Associates, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . 16, 26 First U.S. Community Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23, 26 Mann, Urrutia & Nelson, CPAs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22, 26 Principal Financial Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 TDIC & TDIC Insurance Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17, 26 Union Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Human Resources California Employers Association (CEA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Legal services

Practice Sales, Lease, Management and/or Consulting Dental Management Solutions, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Henry Schein Dental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25, 26 TRI Commercial Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Western Practice Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 27

HIPAA regulations to create secure, are here to help you, too. Just give us a call and ask one of our experts about how our chartless and paperless services can help you

I N S TA L L AT I O N

Andrews Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22, 26 Blue Northern Builders, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18, 26 Henry Schein Dental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25, 26 Olson Construction, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20, 26 Tilcon Builders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26, 29 Western Contract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5, 26

technology and with HITECH/

reach the next level.

NETWORKING

Office Design & Construction

clients, integrating state-of-the-art

SUPPORT

Analgesic Services, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23, 26

technology experts at Pact-One

paperless, profitable practices. We

Wood & Delgado . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Medical Gas Services

It’s easier than you think! The dental have worked with thousands of

H A R D WA R E

Financial & Insurance Services

SECURITY

San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

S O F T WA R E

Education

TIME TO GO PAPERLESS? ISN ’ T IT

Staffing services Resource Staffing Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Technology Pact-One . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26, 30 Tekfix Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Waste management services Star Group Dental Refining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18, 26

30 | The Nugget

CONSULTING

Sacramento Magazine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

WEB SERVICES

Publications

PACT- ONE. COM

|

866-722-8663

Sacramento District Dental Society

Welcome to SDDS’s new members, transfers and applicants.

New Members Arben Celaj, DDS General Practitioner 1870 Avondale Ave, Ste 2 Sacramento, CA 95825 (916) 488-1933 Dr. Arben Celaj graduated from the Medical and Dental College in Craiova, Romania in 1995 with his DDS. He is currently practicing in Sacramento and lives in Carmichael with his wife, Silvera.

Fun Fact! Dr. Celaj is a family man and enjoys spending time with his two children. He also loves sports and enjoys playing basketball and chess.

Important Numbers: SDDS (doctor’s line) . . . . . . . (916) 446-1227 ADA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 621-8099 CDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 736-8702 CDA Contact Center . . (866) CDA-MEMBER

(866-232-6362) CDA Practice Resource Ctr . . cdacompass.com TDIC Insurance Solutions . . . (800) 733-0633 Denti-Cal Referral . . . . . . . . . (800) 322-6384 Central Valley Well Being Committee . . . . . (559) 359-5631

Keep us updated!

Moving?

Opening another office?

Offering new services?

Share your information with the Society!

We can only refer you if we know where you are; and we rely on having your current information on file to keep you informed of valuable member events! Give us a call at (916) 446-1227.

The more accurate information we have, the better we can serve you!

www.sdds.org

Nidhi Jain, DMD Periodontist 2535 E Bidwell St, Ste 150 Folsom, CA 95630 (916) 984-1109 Dr. Nidhi Jain graduated from Tufts University in 2007 with her DDS and later completed her specialty certification in Periodontics at Ohio State University in 2011. She recently joined Drs. Robin Berrin, Judson Roberts, Judy Lane, Pedram Towfighi, P. Kevin Chen, Robert Pretel and Rosemary Wu at Capitol Periodontal Group and is practicing in their Folsom office. Dr. Jain lives in Sacramento.

Fun Fact! Dr. Jain is a lifetime vegetarian and likes to stay in shape with Jazzercise!

Raymond Zak, DDS Wel co General Practitioner bac me 3955 Cameron Park Dr k!

Cameron Park, CA 95682 (530) 677-2226 Dr. Raymond Zak graduated from the UCSF School of Dentistry in 1961 with his DDS. He is currently practicing in Cameron Park.

March 2012

New Transfer Member: Yusuke “Clark” Suzuki, DMD Transferred from San Joaquin Dental Society General Practitioner 801 S Ham Ln, Ste L Lodi, CA 95242 (209) 334-0630 Dr. Clark Suzuki graduated from Nova Southeastern University in 2002 with his DDS and later completed a residency at Rancho Los Amigos in 2003. He is currently practicing in Lodi and lives in Elk Grove.

Fun Fact! Dr. Suzuki enjoys restoring classic Volkswagen cars.

Lorence Thomas, DDS Transferred from Southern Alameda County Dental Society General Practitioner 8000 California Ave Fair Oaks, CA 95628 (916) 966-2227 Dr. Lorence Thomas graduated from Ohio State University in 1985 with his DDS. He recently purchased the Fair Oaks practice of fellow SDDS member, Dr. M. Franklin Godfrey, Jr., and lives in El Dorado Hills.

Fun Fact! Dr. Thomas enjoys spending time with his family and playing guitar.

New Applicants: Peter Conroy, DDS Michael Miyasaki, DDS Radoslaw Peliks, DDS – Welcome back!

Babak Sahbestari, DDS

SDDS Membership Committee presents the

2012 New Member Dinner April 26, 2012 6pm • Old Spaghetti Factory • New Members FREE! Call to reserve your spot! (916.446.1227) CLIP OUT this handy NEW MEMBER UPDATE and insert it into your DIRECTORY under the “NEW MEMBERS” tab.

total membership (as of 2/16/12): 1,596 total active members: 1,328 total retired members: 201 total Dual members: 2 total affiliate members: 11

total student/ provisional members: 9 total current applicants: 4 total dhp members: 41

total new members for 2012: 6 March 2012 | 31

did you know?

You can now sign up and charge online for all SDDS courses! look for this button!

Sign up

& charge online

CDA Cares Free Dental Clinic set to reach underserved

CDA Cares, a new event aimed at providing free dental care to Californians in need, will be held May 18–19 in the Modesto Centre Plaza at 1000 L Street in Modesto, Calif.

The event is a collaborative effort between CDA, the CDA Foundation and the national charitable organization Missions of Mercy.

At the CDA Cares event, dental professionals will provide patients with free services such as cleanings, fillings, extractions, oral health education and assistance finding a dental home.

The CDA Foundation, with the help of volunteer dental professionals and hundreds of lay volunteers, will produce the two-

day event and rely on Missions of Mercy’s national structure for expertise, equipment and data collection. All the necessary equipment — such as chairs, lights, vacuum systems, sterilization stations and setup — are provided by Missions of Mercy; and supplies are provided, often at little or no cost, by national dental manufacturers.

CDA Cares expects to provide services for more than 1,500 patients over the two-day event. CDA Cares aims to give dentists the freedom to provide care without having to worry about logistics, supplies or scheduling.

And because of the way the event is coordinated, there will be no pressure on dentists to complete a certain amount of procedures in one setting.

Many dentists across California regularly provide pro bono care to the public (an estimated $388 million in free services each year). That is significantly more than the state spent in fiscal year 2010–11 on adult Denti-Cal services (an estimated $58 million) and close to the amount spent on children (approximately $500 million).

State budget cuts eliminated most adult Denti-Cal benefits in 2009, devastating oral health services for more than 3 million poor, disabled and elderly Californians. In addition, the state eliminated school-based programs that provided dental disease prevention such as fluoride and sealants for low-income children — leaving California’s underserved population with few or no options for their dental care.

CDA will soon begin recruiting volunteer dentists, dental hygienists, assistants, students, lab technicians, nurses, pharmacists, specialists including oral surgeons, and others who are willing to donate their time and services for CDA Cares. It is estimated that close to 100 dentists each day will be needed.

If patients need extractions, there will be a dental lab set up to provide patients with limited prostheses whenever possible.

The Oregon Dental Association sponsored a Missions of Mercy free dental clinic in November of 2010. Dental professionals provided care to more than 1,500 patients in need of oral health care services during the event. Watch the video at www.youtube. com/watch?v=Plahl3DP8HA&feature=play er_embedded  Modesto, CA (May 18 & 19, 2012) Sacramento, CA (Aug 23–27, 2012)

Missions of Mercy (CDA Cares) DATES: May 18–19 (Modesto), Aug 23–27 (Cal Expo, Sacramento)

Get started at www.sdds.org/ membersmeetings forums.com 32 | The Nugget

Volunteers needed: Dentists, dental hygienists, assistants, students, lab technicians, specialists including oral surgeons (+/- 100 dentist/day needed).

To volunteer, contact: CDA Cares (link to volunteer form available at www.sdds.org/Volunteer.htm) This event is sponsored by CDA and CDA Foundation, in partnership with Missions of Mercy.

Sacramento District Dental Society

Volunteer Opportunities

Pl an ahea d!

Smiles for Kids Smiles for Big Kids Volunteers needed: Doctors to “adopt” patients seen on Smiles for Kids Day (February 4, 2012) for follow-up care.

Contact info: SDDS office (916.446.1227 • smilesforkids@sdds.org)

Volunteers needed: Dentists willing to “adopt” patients for immediate/emergency needs in their office.

To volunteer, Contact: SDDS office (916.446.1227 • sdds@sdds.com)

Hiram Johnson H.S. RAM Volunteers needed: Dentists and dental hygienists to volunteer one morning a month or every other month to treat Hiram Johnson High School students.

Contact info: Dr. Wai Chan (916.267.4816 • wmchan@frontiernet.net)

(Remote Area Medical)

DATES: March 30–April 2, 2012 Volunteers needed: Dentists, dental hygienists and dental students to help provide free dental care.

To volunteer, contact: RAM (www.ram-ca.org/Volunteers/VolunteerRegistration.aspx) This event is sponsored by California Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons.

(Coalition for Concerned CCMP The Gathering Inn Medical Professionals)

Volunteers needed: General dentists, specialists, assistants and hygienists.

Volunteers needed: Dentists, dental assistants, hygienists and lab participants for onsite clinic expansion.

Also Needed: Dental labs and supply companies to partner with; home hygiene supplies

Contact info: Ann Peck (916.296.4057 • annpeck49@aol.com) Volunteer Coordinator

Contact info: Ed Gilbert (916.925.9379 • ccmp.pa@juno.com)

Willow Dental Clinic Volunteers needed: Dentists and hygienists Equipment needed: Mobile equipment to loan or donate — currently limited to using the mobile equipment and instruments brought in by Dr. Alex Tomaich and Dr. Dagon Jones To volunteer, contact: Michael Robins (530.864.8843 • marobbins@ucdavis.edu) volunteering or donations www.sdds.org

Head Start

(Paid Position)

Individuals needed: Dental consultants to screen Head Start children (flashlight and mirror exam, flashlight and mirror provided) compensation: $45/hour, plus mileage If interested, contact: Meghan Marshall (916.263.7405 • MNMarsha@headstart.seta.net)

March 2012 | 33

Event Highlights

MidWinter Mardi Gras • February 9–10, 2012

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1. Registration, early Thursday morning • 2. Anthem College Massage Therapy students provided free massages in the Expo Hall • 3. Lunch time! • 4. Impressive booth display by DCA Laboratory, Inc. • 5. Classes were full of engaged attendees • 6. Dr. Jerry Martin and his staff • 7. Cathy Levering (SDDS Executive Director) and Dr. Jim Everhart • 8. The buzzing exhibit hall • 9. Great food, included in the price of admission! • 10. Susan Hendsbee was a big winner this year, with a fancy chair from Virtú and a gift basket from Union Bank (SDDS Vendor Member) 34 | The Nugget

Sacramento District Dental Society

sacramento dental complex has two small suites available. One suite is equipped for immediate use. Second suite can be modified with generous tenant improvements. Located in Midtown area. Please call for details. (916) 448-5702. 10-11 suite for lease — in Midtown Sacramento at 30th & P. Ideal for perio, endo or oral surgery. Improvements + allowance for modification. Signage, high visibility, on-site parking and freeway access. In the midst of Sutter’s medical campus expansion. (916) 821-9866. Lic. 01227233. 12-11 fully-equipped 5 operatory dental office, — 2150 sf, conveniently located in a desirable East Sac location on the corner of J Street and 39th. Attractive traditional decor, efficient floorplan for patient flow. For equipment questions, please call Dr. Phillips (916) 452-7874; for lease questions, please call building owner Dr. Frink (916) 452-3681.

11-11 dental office. 1355 Florin medical-dental building. 850 sf, 3 operatories, $1,200 monthly. Includes all utilities and janitor.

Ample parking. (916) 730-4494.

06/07-11 dental specialist in el dorado hills, ca with 1400 sq ft office is seeking other dental specialist to share space. Ideal for endo or perio. Contact Business Manager at (916) 757-4858.

02-12

SDDS HR hotline

Have an upcoming presentation?

Call SDDS at (916) 446-1227 for more information or to place a reservation.

Locum Tenens — I am an experienced dentist, UOP graduate and I will temporarily maintain and grow your practice if you are ill / maternity leave or on extended vacation.

(530) 644-3438.

02-12 experienced board eligible endodontist seeks space-sharing arrangement in Auburn and/or Grass Valley. 02-12

dentists serving dentists — Western Practice Sales invites you to visit our website, westernpracticesales. com to view all of our practices for sale and to see why we are the broker of choice throughout Northern California.

(800) 641-4179.

03-09 Practice for sale in the Sacramento area.

General practice dental office with a 40 plus year history of goodwill in the Sacramento, CA area looking to find a wonderful, kind practitioner to purchase practice. The office is conveniently located in a highly visible, easily accessible, professional building with close proximity to an upscale retail mall. The office occupies approximately 1,200 sq. feet and consists of 4 beautifully equipped ops (+ 1 additional plumbed), a reception area, a staff lounge, a lab and a restroom. The practice generates approximately 12-15 new patients per month. The doctor will work back in the practice or mentor (if desired) to help the new doctor with a successful transition. This is only at the request of the purchasing dentist. The practice is located in a great community in which to live and practice dentistry.

Please send your CV to: sacramentodmd@gmail.com. 02-12

You can now sign up and charge online for all SDDS courses!

Get started at: www.sdds.org/membersmeetingsforums.com

SDDS member dentists can place classified ads for free! www.sdds.org

Learn how to place implants in your office or mine. Mentoring you at your own pace and skill level.

Incredible practice growth. Text name and address to (916) 852-1459.

03-C1

The SDDS LCD projector is available for rent! (3 days — $100) Members only please

1-800-399-5331

did you know?

Greater sacramento area multi-specialty dental group seeks part-time associate pediatric dentist and oral surgeon. Unique office offers excellent opportunity for motivated, highly skilled team player. Please fax resume to (916) 817-4376.

02-12

look for this button!

Sign up

& charge online

Selling your practice? Need an associate? Have office space to lease? Place a classified ad in the Nugget and see the results! SDDS member dentists get one complimentary, professionally related classified ad per year (30 word maximum; additional words are billed at $.50 per word). Rates for non-members are $45 for the first 30 words and $.60 per word after that. Add color to your ad for just $10! For more information on placing a classified ad, please call the SDDS office (916) 446-1227.

Deadlines are the first of the month before the issue in which you’d like to run.

March 2012 | 35

PRSRT STD

915 28th Street Sacramento, CA 95816 916.446.1211 www.sdds.org

US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 557 SACRAMENTO, CA

Address service requested

sdds calendar of events

March

6 General Membership Meeting

Endodontic Diagnosis: Understanding Pulpal Pain

Ralan Wong, DDS

Spouse Night

Sacramento Hilton — Arden West

2200 Harvard Street, Sacramento

6:00pm Social

7:00pm Dinner & Program 7 Golf Committee

6:00pm / SDDS Office 9–10 CDA Board of Trustees

CDA Office 12 1T1B Task Force

6:00pm / SDDS Office 13 Board of Directors Meeting

6:00pm / SDDS Office 14 SDDF Broadway Series

Mamma Mia!

8:00pm / Sac Community Center

16 Continuing Education

Adult Conscious Sedation Recertification Course

Anthony Feck, DMD

Hyatt Regency Sacramento

1209 L Street, Sacramento

8:30am–4:30pm

Foundation Board Meeting

8:30am / SDDS Office 20 CE Committee

6:00pm / SDDS Office 21 Amalgam Advisory Committee

7:00am / Sac Regional Water District

Membership Committee

6:00pm / SDDS Office 22 Dentists in Business Forum

Retirement Roundtable: It's Never Too Early, but When is it Too Late?

Speakers: Panel of experts in their field

Sacramento Hilton — Arden West

2200 Harvard Street, Sacramento

6:30pm–9:00pm

22–25

27

30–31

You asked for this!

Nugget Survey 2009

RAM Oakland Oakland Coliseum Leadership Development Committee 6:00pm / SDDS Office RAM Sacramento Cal Expo

April

1–2

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RAM Sacramento Cal Expo CE Committee 6:00pm / SDDS Office General Membership Meeting Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office Tom Lenhart, II, DMD Recruitment Night Sacramento Hilton — Arden West 2200 Harvard Street, Sacramento 6:00pm Social 7:00pm Dinner & Program

Save the date for the 33rd annual MidWinter Convention Tons of CE & a great time! you won’t want to miss it! February 7–8, 2013 earn

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ce units!

6pm: Social & Table Clinics 7pm: Dinner & Program Sacramento Hilton, Arden West (2200 Harvard Street, Sac)

March 6, 2012:

Endodontic Diagnosis: Understanding Pulpal Pain

Presented by: Ralen Wong, DDS, MS

• Review of pulp biology and the dynamics of pulpal blood flow and stimulation of pain fibers • Thorough evaluation of all endodontics tests to determine the origin of pain and how its correlation of the subjective signs present themselves Learning Objectives: • Understand the relationship of perceived dental pain and its correlation to pulpal pathosis • Understand the progression of a normal vital pulp and its deterioration to pulp necrosis and ultimately a Phoenix abscess

March General Membership Meeting: Spouse Night

Special program for spouses!

Lunchtime facial rejuvenation — Botox®, dermal fillers, non-abrasive lasers and more!

Louis Gallia, MD, DMD