sfdda Volume 58, No. 2 www.sfdda.org Fall 2016
Six out of six board xecuti E e n members agree...and o Renewing Your ADA Membership is a good thing.
! r o t ec r i ve D
President’s Message
Mark Anthony Limosani, D.M.D., M.Sc
“A United Vision Helps Members Succeed Both Personally and Professionally: How belonging to SFDDA brings enrichment to you and your colleagues.” The mission of your organization is very clear. We aim to help our members succeed. “Your success is our main concern.” This is the focal point that has taken center stage at the national, statewide and local levels. Your leaders are working tirelessly to put forth programs that leverage the strength of our membership while also continuing to advocate for and protect our beautiful profession. Moreover, your district, the SFDDA had been making exemplary strides at the state level with our new model of delivering continuing education (CE) to our members.
Other favorable relationships we support are those amoung our legislative contact dentists and their legislators, in order to allow them to educate them, as their constituents, on matters that we hold dearly.
One of our mandates is to provide our district members with high quality CE in an environment that enables them to collaborate with colleagues and develop long lasting friendships. Our initiatives have enabled every district member to participate in 5 of the 14 meetings that are hosted by all of our three affiliates. The South Broward, North Dade-Miami Recent initiatives have allowed the FDA to negotiate Beach and Miami Dade dental societies have put bulk pricing on many of the products and instru- forth an excellent series of speakers allowing memments that we all use. The online marketplace - bers to earn up to 10 free CE credits, while also havwww.fdasupplies.com allows members to save hun- ing the opportunity to break bread with one another. dreds, if not thousands, of dollars on their monthly supply bills. In addition to this, we have put together a day event that combines both clinical enrichment as well as At the state level, your representatives are ensuring practice management topics all within the laid-back that our legislature understands our vision for oral atmosphere of Hollywood’s very own Margaritaville health care and the models we are comfortable with Hollywood Beach resort. The meeting will be held on as the leaders of the dental team. Advocacy takes on Friday February 24, 2017. I hope to see you all several forms. Identifying and supporting dentalthere!!! friendly candidates, by your political action commitCheers! tees, ensures that we preserve our autonomy as Mark A. Limosani dentists.
Inside this issue:
President’s Message, Pg 3
Top Ten List of “Urban Myths” in Dentistry, Pg 4
Want to Know How to Get Your ADA Dues Back?, Pg 7
ADA Update: Credentialing and Section 1557, Pg 9
Young Member, Dr. Monica Gonzalez Featured in FDA Today, Pg 10
Let’s Meet in Paradise - Sun, Science, Strategy & Social Media, Pg. 12
Cesar Sabates, DDS - Installed as ADA 17th District Trustee, Pg 13 Affiliate Update, Pg 15 New Members, Pg 16
Why Are You Throwing Your Money Away, Pg 17 Tips for Being A Great Boss, Pg 19
Six Out of Six Board Members Agree, Pg 20
Classifieds, Pg 23
3
Top Ten List of “Urban Myths” in Dentistry
- Richard Mufson, DDS, Editor
Disclaimer: This article, as with any other written by the editor of the SFDDA Newsletter, is not a “scientific article,” but rather, is an opinion column. Although I may refer to scientific information or concepts, the information is nonetheless presented as “opinion.” I will present no scientific data, nor studies, nor references. However, it is based on 30 years of practice experience, observation, as well as aspects of generally-known science, and on facts and knowledge I believe to be truthful and accurate.
You will also notice that a preponderance of the ten items presented are more heavily weighted toward oral surgery than other aspects of care we deliver as practicing dentists – such as those involving impacted teeth, dry sockets, infection, etc. I guess this would best be explained by the fact that I happen to be an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and have therefore spent a greater percentage of time over the years observing what I have come to perceive as “fact versus fiction” or “reality versus misconception” of items relating to my own specialty practice.
I would also presume that a good number of you reading this article, who practice within other specialties of dentistry or as general dentists, may also have an appreciation for rumors, misconceptions or “myths” unique to your own individual practice experiences. If so, I welcome you to share your thoughts and opinions, which I would be happy to discuss and/or pass along to our readers in a subsequent newsletter.
I would also like to apologize up front, and say that I mean no disrespect to anyone who may disagree with any of the points, information or conclusions presented, and fully accept that others may hold true or believe in their own respective opinions.
Introduction: I have long been amazed, bewildered, sometimes humored, and I must admit, at times frustrated, when hearing and observing over the years what I have long referred to as “urban myths” in dentistry.
An “urban myth,” depending on the source, is generally defined as, something to the effect of, “a modern story of obscure origin, with little or no supporting evidence, that spreads spontaneously in varying forms and often has elements of humor, moralizing, or horror.” Some of these include, for example, “Alligators live in the New York City sewer system,” or “Walt Disney’s body has been cryogenically frozen” as per his wishes after he died in 1966 from cancer or that, “Fred Rogers (Mr. Rogers) was a Navy Seal during the Vietnam War, and that he had numerous confirmed kills as a sniper.” These, like other such legendary tales, are of course not 4
true and have since been disproven.
Many “medical myths” abound such as, “Reading in low light ruins your eyesight” or, “We only use 10 percent of our brains,” or “Vaccinations have been linked to autism.” A number of “dental” myths also exist, such as “George Washington wore wooden teeth,” or “Coca-Cola dissolves teeth,” and others.
I now present to you, and will also offer explanations for, or debunking of, my own “Top Ten List of Urban Myths in Dentistry.”
Urban Myth #1 – “Salt water cures everything.” - OK, no, it doesn’t.
“Rinse with warm salt water,” I believe, is one of the most ubiquitous phrases dominating the airwaves and telephone lines throughout dentistry, often promulgated by front desk and other auxiliary staff, when patients ask how to deal with varying oral complaints.
Is your patient complaining of mouth sores? “Rinse with warm salt water.” Got unexplained pain or swelling somewhere? “Rinse with warm salt water.” Having sensitivity after a recent crown insertion? White patches? A mysterious lump on the tongue? Same answer “Rinse with warm salt water.”
Who started this, and who conferred magical healing qualities upon this age-old home remedy, rivaling antibiotics and even our best of other options to offer actual treatment solutions for the condition at hand?
OK, yes, there must exist some rationale somewhere. When utilized as a rinse in the context of wound healing after surgery, or those resulting from traumatic injuries, or when used for irrigation during surgical procedures, and when in concentrations similar to extracellular body fluids (such as 0.9%), it would have the effect of being more electrolyte or osmotic-compatible and less traumatic on a microscopic cellular level relative to the health and integrity of body tissues. And yes, one may also concede that it “may” play a role, even if in part due to a placebo or psychological effect, relative to improvement or “localizing” of an infectious process (along with an antibiotic or other needed therapy) – but certainly not the “cure all” it is otherwise assumed or purported to be.
Urban Myth #2 – “Peridex, Peroxide and Baking Soda also cure everything.” Same thing – no they don’t. If one substitutes any of
these three into the first several paragraphs appearing above in Myth #1 – the same or similar information applies.
Peridex (chlorhexidine), no question, on some level offers some antimicrobial effect. However, the benefits of the rinse in helping a wide range of clinical conditions in dentistry is highly suspect and far overrated. No, it will not cure a white patch, a mysterious sore or red lesion, a dry socket, nor a dental abscess. Rather, the appropriate or recommended diagnosis and treatment for the respective condition at hand may stand a better chance of providing help. Peroxide? Possibly helpful by some stretch of the imagination – if very diluted. But Baking Soda? Seriously? It may help eliminate odors in the refrigerator, but I do not understand how it found its way into our treatment regimens in dentistry. Urban Myth #3 – “It is unsafe to treat a patient while infection and swelling is present, and it must be reduced or eliminated with an antibiotic first, prior to treating the cause (i.e., performing the required dental treatment).” No - nothing could be farther from reality.
This is arguably one of the oldest and most outdated misconceptions relating to the treatment of infection in dentistry. Yet, many dentists (and even, as a result, the lay public) still buy into this ageold canard, and insist on prescribing an antibiotic first, while hoping that swelling and infection improves, and thereby making it somehow “safer” for the patient. However, to those most familiar with treatment of odontogenic oral/facial infections, eliminating the underlying source of the infection in as timely a manner as possible whether by endodontic treatment or more preferably extraction in more serious cases - and/or in combination with surgical incision and drainage when needed, provides a much higher likelihood of the infection resolving, as opposed to when proper treatment is delayed.
When greater than a minimal amount of swelling is present, indicating spread of infection to adjacent soft tissues, antibiotics alone cannot evacuate pus. In more advanced cases, the drug cannot even arrive by way of surrounding vasculature, and thus gain access to the germs we are trying to eliminate.
Also obvious to most of us in dentistry, an antibiotic alone accomplishes nothing relative to the definitive treatment of the underlying cause (i.e., an offending tooth), yet many patients (an even their treating dentist in some cases) may be duped into thinking this is the case. If and when symptoms completely resolve, it is often assumed “the problem is gone.”
OK, granted, if the swelling is mild, or may possibly respond to initial antibiotic therapy alone – we can all agree that treating a lessinfected or less-swollen patient is preferred and easier. However, on many occasions, the swelling and infection does not improve, but worsens, and treatment may rapidly become a more surgically challenging process and pose significantly greater risks for the patient.
Anyone working within an oral surgery office would also attest to the fact that a given number of patients are referred with very advanced facial swelling, often relating a history with a common story line, which goes something to the effect of, “My dentist gave me
an antibiotic, and has been waiting all week for the swelling to go down, but it is now a lot worse, and he/she told me I need to go to an oral surgeon.”
However, the infection may be significantly more advanced and complex at that point – and most important, if the proper treatment of choice (or earlier referral) were performed in a more timely manner, a given patient may be spared days on end of increased pain, loss of work, and in some cases, hospital admission, IV antibiotics, extra-oral I & D, or even more advanced medical/surgical therapy (ICU, tracheostomy, and rarely, sepsis and even death). Urban Myth #4 – “Impacted teeth (especially wisdom teeth) cause pain because ‘they are pushing,’ ‘trying to come in,’ and may also ‘encroach on,’ and/or ‘damage adjacent teeth.” No, they do none of these things.
Impacted teeth are essentially passive, “innocent bystanders.” They do not actively “push on,” “lean on,” “press on,” or “encroach on” (all direct quotes I have heard repeatedly throughout the years) anything. Conversely, they do quite the opposite. They sit, they “mind their own business,” and “if” or “when” they may communicate in some form with the oral environment (and whether a given portion of the tooth is visible or not) – they wait until something else comes along to bother them – namely food, bacteria, and debris - and after some highly variable time frame, surrounding tissue becomes inflamed, or infected, swollen, and/or all of the these – and thereby accounting for the most common cause of pain from impacted teeth. During the time of root formation, an unerupted tooth may, at best, have some minimal amount of eruptive force and progressive micromovements. But beyond that? No, the laws of nature have not bestowed upon impacted teeth some mysterious power to exert pressure or force on anything. And no, they also cannot be held accountable for pushing six or seven other teeth in a row forward, through bone, while causing teeth to shift, nor ruin a patient’s previous orthodontic treatment (see Urban Myth #8).
Regarding “damage to adjacent teeth” - impacted wisdom teeth (or other impacted teeth) do not “directly” damage adjacent teeth. However, “indirect” damage may occur. Distal decay on an adjacent molar may result from a third molar blocking access with a toothbrush. Ingress of food/ bacteria/debris, especially long term, may also of course “indirectly” or secondarily result in progressive bone loss, or even root decay/resorbtion on the distal aspect of a 2nd molar.
Urban Myth #5 - “The wisdom tooth facing ‘sideways’ has a higher chance of causing pain and other problems than the tooth which is not facing sideways.” No, again, not true (please review information contained in Myth #4).
continued on pg.6
“Urban” continued from pg.5
This again relates to the fact that impacted teeth (whether third molars or others) do not cause pain by virtue of the angle or “direction” they may be facing. The “angle” of the tooth is completely irrelevant - unless you are the person removing it, in which case the surgical technique differs - but that’s the extent of it. And, the “sideways” tooth has no greater likelihood of causing pain than the teeth appearing more vertical, and not facing sideways.
It is amazing how many patients appoint for evaluation/treatment over the years, with multiple impacted teeth, the great majority of which may pose a high likelihood of pain and other problems if left in place – but yet, with only one tooth singled out by their dentist for removal – the one with a mesial or “sideways” angulation. And the reason often given: “My dentist told me this one will hurt because it is looks like it is pushing…” In many cases, patients are surprised to learn that their current pain is often related to a different tooth – the one with a “normal” angulation.
Urban Myth #6 – “A fully impacted wisdom tooth (or any other impacted tooth) located completely beneath soft tissue and bone may cause pain [or headaches, or TMJ, or any number of other mysterious facial pain symptoms].” No, they cannot.” (Please review information contained in the previous two myths.)
pain).” No, not the correct plan nor advise to give a patient. But this happens all the time.
Otherwise known as the “if-it-ain’t-broke-don’t-fix-it” philosophy, this does not apply to impacted wisdom teeth. Those most familiar with the evaluation and treatment of impacted wisdom teeth already know, from a much earlier time frame – i.e., the middle to late teenage years - the teeth do not have sufficient room, and that “one or more are highly likely to cause pain and/or other problems if left in place.”
It is not necessary, and is counterproductive to a patient’s best interest, if we wait for pain to occur, or if we wait until the teeth become more surgically challenging and higher risk with increasing root development, time and patient age.
As most who treat wisdom teeth on a daily basis can attest, the most ideal time frame for removal (although one cannot speak to all cases; there are exceptions), for reasons of minimizing the risks and level of surgical treatment required, faster and more predictable healing, with less complications in healing – corresponds to a time when the roots of teeth are partially formed (somewhere between one third and two thirds, especially when viewing the lower teeth, as a worthy general guide), but not completely, formed. This most often corresponds to an approximate two-year period in the teenage years, and the precise age subject to individual variation. Urban Myth #8 – “Impacted teeth cause shifting of other teeth.” No, I do not believe they do. Again, this would largely relate to the information and rationale discussed in Myths #’s 4 through 7, yet so many in our profession, and lay people, assume or buy into this one.
This goes to the same rationale as discussed above. If there is literally no opening through which food, bacteria or debris may gain entry into the otherwise isolated world of the impacted tooth – symptoms are virtually not possible. And, if the patient is experiencing pain, we need to look for another source (TMJ, another tooth, sinus, or other).
I learned this the hard way when I was an oral surgery resident, and have never forgot this lesson since. I removed a completely impacted lower left wisdom tooth (#17) on a young lady orthopedic resident I knew from the local OR at Georgetown, due to pain she was experiencing in the area of her left mandibular angle. However, her identical pain symptoms continued. I soon thereafter realized there was another tooth far removed from the area I treated – tooth #20, which had deep decay, and was the actual source of her pain. Once endodontic therapy was performed, the pain went away.
My attending faculty oral surgeon at the time, Dr. Jack Allwein, then informed me of a fact I would not soon forget. “Richard, if a tooth is completely impacted beneath bone, it cannot cause pain. If your patient has pain, look for another source, because it’s not the impacted tooth.” Urban Myth #7 – (On the timing of wisdom tooth removal) “We should wait and see if the wisdom teeth have room to come in first, and/or consider removal if or when they come in (or cause 6
Can anyone actually imagine a small developing impacted wisdom tooth, with minimal root formation, surrounded by a soft tissue follicle, and the approximate size of a marble, actually having the ability to push seven other teeth through bone, thereby causing bodily movement of teeth, changes in occlusion, or potentially undoing prior orthodontic treatment? Can lower incisor crowding really be attributed to two of sixteen teeth in the arch so far removed from the front teeth of concern?
Most orthodontists I have conferred with on this do not actually believe or buy into this wisdom-tooth-causes-shifting-of-teeth phenomenon, but may often find themselves referring patients for this reason because they, or the parents of a given patient, do not want to “take any chances,” or risk any possible perception of adverse affects on the occlusion and prior orthodontic treatment. Urban Myth #9 – “Drinking with a straw causes a dry socket.” No, this is not true. Using a straw in the post-extraction period does not result in “sucking out” or “losing the clot,” as so many people apparently assume.
“Dry sockets” remain as one of the true mysteries of life. No one on the planet actually has been able to determine the underlying cause of this rare/infrequent phenomenon. Is it related to the weather or barometric pressure? Something in the water supply? Or, the result of certain bacterial enzymes? Variations in tides or lunar tables? Answer: No one knows. But it is certainly not drinking through straws. Continued on pg.8
Want to know how to get your ADA Dues $ back? Take advantage of member benefits like this one... Many South Florida District Dental Association members have already reaped the benefits of ordering their dental supplies through FDASupplies.com
“Why I have already made back what I paid in dues to the ADA on just a couple of orders.” -Dr. Orlando Dominguez, Treasurer of the SFDDA. With savings like these all members are able to get their dues payments back and then some. But you must be a tripartite member through the Florida Dental Association to participate.
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“Urban”, continued from pg.6
My own written postoperative instructions contain no reference to “drinking through straws.” However, patients will often ask, “I heard you can’t drink though straws after this. Is that true?” My reply: “No. Urban myth. You can use a straw.” And the final urban myth (cue the applause)… Urban Myth #10 – “Smoking causes dry sockets.” No it does not.
Same thing. Please see the information contained above in Urban Myth #9. Smoking is no doubt a terribly bad habit from a medical and dental health standpoint, and every patient (or person) should be encouraged to quit for reasons of heart disease, lung disease, oral cancer and others. Patients often ask, “Is it OK if I smoke after this?” And, when they do, I use the question as an opportunity to engage in my minilecture on the evils of tobacco and smoking.
“It won’t kill you (i.e., healing) if you smoke after this. But one day it will.” I concede to patients the reality that smoking will otherwise not “make or break” their healing. Although the heat, the smoke and other inherent irritants lead to more red and more inflamed mucosal tissues, and is by no means great for healing overall – healing still occurs.
One exception for me personally (and other clinicians I have also conferred with) – is that when bone grafting is performed, and especially of the complex type, such as block grafts, I respectfully advise patients I will not perform such treatment if they smoke or plan on smoking after surgery.
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As far as “dry sockets” in general are concerned, I feel there are more misconceptions regarding this one mysterious condition, among lay people and dental professionals alike, than virtually all others in dentistry – to the point where the topic is, in and or itself, deserving of a “Top Ten Myths” discussion (i.e., examples… No - curetting the socket after extraction does not help prevent them; No - the amount of bleeding from bone one observes does not portend its occurrence, No - the [otherwise normal] pain after extraction does not mean a dry socket is present… and many others). I could share an entire article, lecture, or even book chapter on the subject, but fear no one would read it – as I believe most would deem the topic as too boring and uninteresting to devote time toward paying any attention to the shared information.
My ultimate response to the question of smoking after treatment: “No it will not cause dry socket. But, you should absolutely use this opportunity to quit smoking now for so many other health reasons.” Conclusion I hope you have enjoyed this submission of the “Top Ten Urban Myths in Dentistry.” As mentioned earlier, I welcome any of you to share your own thoughts and opinions, or any perceived misconceptions or “myths” you may have observed in your own specialty or general practice of dentistry.
Dr. Mufson is the editor of the SFDDA Newsletter, and may be contacted at (305) 935-7501 or MufsonOralSurg@aol.com
Dr. Irene Marron, ADA Second Vice President
ADA Update Credentialing and Section 1557
Dear Colleagues,
I would like to introduce you to two items relevant to you and your practice. The question is: Would you like to hear the good news or the bad news first? For the bad news, please first proceed to section #2.
#1. New Credentialing Services
I have some great news to share with you! The ADA has put together a new service that will be of great use for us here in South Florida. As contracted insurance providers, we all know how tedious the recredentialing process is and how this time could be better spent serving our patients.
Many new dentists are not only surprised at the labor-intensive system, but also frustrated by the long processing time required for acceptance into new networks.
Because of this, the ADA recently developed a centralized database that provides the ability to conveniently enter, store, and update your individual credentials - ALL in one place! This service is free of charge for all members.
How does it work? You will need to enter your credentialing data one time. With your authorization, it will then be available to third-party payers, hospitals and employers. You can easily upload and store supporting documents. You will receive automated reminders when any of your credentials are set to expire, keeping your data consistently up to date.
The service is user-friendly, and once you have some necessary documents on hand (a full list of needed documents is available online), the process should only take you 15 minutes to complete! The software is secure and designed specifically for the dental market.
#2. What is Section 1557: Updated ACA Mandate
Effective October 16, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a new rule that enforces Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act. Section 1557 is enforced by the Office for Civil Rights, the federal agency that enforces HIPAA. It prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or
disability in health programs, or activities that receive federal financial assistance. It mandates that language assistance be available for patients with limited English proficiency, who need interpretation or translation services. How will this affect your practice?
Your practice is now required to post two kinds of notices: (1) a notice of nondiscrimination and (2) taglines written in the top 15 non-English languages spoken in Florida. Taglines are short statements translated into the appropriate languages indicating the availability of language assistance services free of charge.
These notices must be posted in your office, on your website, and on any significant publications and communications (emails, brochures, postcards). In summary, they must be placed in locations where you interact with the public, and must be in a conspicuously visible font size. So who is required to comply with this new rule?
If your practice receives reimbursements from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – i.e., if you are a Medicaid, Medicare Part A, Medicare Advantage (Part C) and CHIP provider, you must comply with Section 1557. If you are unsure about the funding of your patient’s plan, you can easily find out by calling the insurance carrier and asking if their plan falls under Section 1557. If it does, and you are a participating provider, you must also comply with Section 1557. What is the ADA doing for you?
The ADA has released free samples of taglines (specific to Florida) and notices of nondiscrimination to help keep you in compliance with the new rule. The ADA Center for Professional Success has ample information including a FAQ section and webinar for those interested in becoming more familiar with this topic. You can access these resources at www.ADA.org/1557
Please keep an eye out for our next newsletter, where I will provide an update on the issues discussed at the national House of Delegates. Remember that the ADA mission is to help YOU succeed in your career by providing resources and tools that will enhance your professional and personal life! Take advantage of them.
Lookie Here!
SFDDA 2016-2017 Officers and Executive Council
President Mark A. Limosani, D.M.D., Msc (954) 800-3453 President Elect Joseph Pechter, D.M.D. (954) 981-0012
Secretary Enrique Muller, D.M.D. (305) 931 0607
Treasurer Orlando Dominguez, D.D.S. (305) 386-2766 Immediate Past President Elaine deRoode, D.D.S. (305) 373-7799
Young Member Monica Gonzalez, D.M.D. Trustees & FDA Line Officer
Michael D. Eggnatz, D.D.S., FDA President-Elect (954) 217-8888 Jeannette Peña Hall, D.M.D., Trustee 305-667-8766 Beatriz Terry, D.D.S., Trustee (305) 279-2828 Alternate Trustees
Irene Marron, D.M.D. M.S. Rodrigo Romano, D.D.S., M.S.
Delegates to the Executive Council from the Affiliates Societies
In case you missed it, look who made it into the FDA Today Sept/Oct Issue. Our very own, Young Member Representative, Dr. Monica Gonzalez...Nice!
Carlos Sanchez D.M.D. (MDDS) Oscar Peguero, D.M.D. (MDDS) Richard Mufson D.D.S (ND/MBDS) Isaac Garazi, D.M.D. (ND/MBDS) Brian Nitzberg, D.M.D. (SBDS) Joel Baez, D.M.D. (SBDS) Affiliate Society Presidents
Oscar Peguero, D.M.D. (MDDS) Enrique Muller, D.M.D. (ND/MBDS) Brian Nitzberg, D.M.D. (SBDS)
Richard A. Mufson, D.D.S., Editor Yolanda Marrero, Managing Editor Jackie Quintero, Advertising Manager SFDDA NEWSLETTER Copyright: © SFDDA 1996 Published by the South Florida District Dental Association 420 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 2E Coral Gables, FL 33146
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Disclaimer: Opinions stated in the SFDDA Newsletter are not necessarily endorsed by the South Florida District Dental Association, its Executive Council or Committees. Advertisements printed should not be construed as an endorsement by the Association of the company, product or service.
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Save the Date!
Sun, Science, Social Media & Start-ups February 24, 2017 at the world famous “Evolving Concepts of Patient Care” Jean C. Wu, D.D.S. “Attract New Patients And Grow Your Practice Using Social Media Marketing” Jack Hadley
“Strategic Planning for the Young Dentist: Buy In, Buy Out or Start-Up!” . Vendor Area, Breakfast and Lunch Included with Registration Program Details and Registration at www.sfdda.org Make a weekend of it! Book your stay at the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort http://www.margaritavillehollywoodbeachresort.com/ Booking Code: FINS15
Your friends and colleagues congratulate you, Cesar our 17th District Trustee!
and is chair on the Council on Access, Prevention and Interprofessional Relations. He’s also a member of the ADA House of Delegates. An active member of the Florida Dental Association, Dr. Sabates served as its president in 2010-2011. In 2000-2001, Dr. Sabates was president of the Dr. Sabates will serve on the ADA Board of South Florida District Dental Association/East Trustees as the trustee from the 17th District, Coast District Dental Society. which encompasses Florida. The ADA Board of Trustees formulates and reviews policies and pro- He is also president of the Dental Lifeline Netgrams and makes recommendations to the mem- work, Florida, and a past president of the Ameribers of the ADA’s governing body, the House of can Brotherhood of Latin American Dentists, Latin Delegates. As a member of the ADA Board of American Academy of Osseointegrated Dental Trustees, Dr. Sabates will play a major role in the Implants, and the West Dade District Dental Soorganization’s objective of being America’s lead- ciety. He is a founding board member of the US ing advocate for oral health. National Oral Health Alliance and has also served as an adjunct clinical professor at the University Dr. Sabates currently serves on the ADA’s Budget of Florida College of Dentistry. Finance and Administrative Review Committee, CHICAGO — Our very own Cesar R. Sabates, DDS was recently installed as a trustee of the American Dental Association (ADA). Dr. Sabates’ installation took place in Denver, Colorado, at the ADA’s 157th Annual Meeting.
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What’s Going on at the South Florida District Dental Association Affiliate Societies Miami Dade Dental Society meets in Coral Gables As another exciting lecture season kicks into full swing, I would like to take a moment to thank you all for your contributions as the continued backbone of our wonderful organization.
we had more members at our first meeting than at any meeting over the last two years, another testament to your overwhelming support.
I am happy to say that our first meeting of the year was a huge success! Dr. Lynn Solomon was a big hit as she provided a tremendous review of the most up-to-date trends in oral cancer examination, diagnosis and treatment before a packed house. In fact,
We have many more lectures scheduled for the rest of the season, and I look forward to seeing you there.
This year started out with a bang and our stellar lineup of speakers has everyone excited. Our first meeting with Dr. Tal Morr was a success, with more guests attending than any meeting in the previous 4 years. Dr. Morr’s lecture on comprehensive treatment planning examined very challenging cases and took us step-by-step through the process. The feedback from our members was fantastic and they seemed to truly enjoy the advanced prosthodontic topic. Luckily, we missed hurricane Mathew, which postponed our October 5 meeting to December 14. We will be hearing from a very respected expert dental lab technician, who lectures nationally and internationally about the newest trends in dental lab
materials, techniques, and technology.
We recognize that you have many ways to spend your time, and we could not be more humbled that you choose to spend it with us. Without your renewed and unwavering commitment, our affiliate would not be as strong as it is today.
The October meeting was another success with Dr. Tracy Shaw presenting on the topic of Botox and facial fillers. In addition to a thriving practice on Lincoln Road, Dr. Shaw is an international speaker and consultant and has trained many local dentists in these techniques.
Oscar Peguero, Jr., DMD, President, MDDS
South Broward Dental Society meets in Fort Lauderdale Our most anticipated meeting of the year is just two weeks away on November 2. We are lucky to have US memory champion Nelson Dellis, as seen on CNN, NPR, Good Morning America, National Geographic, Ted Talks, Dr. Oz, and the list goes on. Nelson will be teaching us the same tricks that he uses to memorize facts, names, faces, and other information that will be exceptionally helpful in your dental practice. We are almost at capacity for our RSVP’s, but we hope that everyone who wants to learn this important skill can make it! Brian Nitzberg, DMD, President, SBDS
North Dade - Miami Beach Dental Society meets in Aventura We are excited to welcome back a wonderful new season of great lectures and fantastic speakers which started with the presentation, “Obtaining New Patients Through Social Media and Internet Marketing” by Shay Berman, who briefed us on the latest social communication trends.
Striving to continue the new hot topics of the moment, our second event will be switching gears back into the clinical realm, and will feature a presentation on lasers entitled, "Periodontology Beyond the Blade: LANAP, LAPIP, and Adjunctive Soft Tissue Laser-Mediated Procedures," by Charles R. Braga, DMD, MMSc.
I hope you enjoy the presentations that we have put together for all of you throughout this year, and will grace us with your presence. Please also help us spread the word and recruit new members to keep growing the affiliates, our SFDDA component, and organized dentistry as a whole.
I would like to thank our immediate past president Dr. Chandy Samuel, for all his hard work last year, as well as our executive board for their help and leadership throughout the years.
Don’t forget to “like” our Facebook page at Facebook.com/ndmbds, and be on the lookout for the Evites and other electronic communications as we move forward.
I look forward to seeing you all at our November meeting. Don’t forget to RSVP because space is limited and filling up quickly for this outstanding presentation on utilization of lasers in periodontal therapy. Enrique Muller, DMD, President, ND-MBDS
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SFDDA Members, visit our website at sfdda.org and create your own login to update your referral details and to access members only information. If you’re looking for something and didn’t find in on our website, let us know, we’ll try to find it for you. (305) 667-3647
new members 2015-16
New Members
Dr. Glorimar Llavona Dr. Justin Devack Dr. Rasheed Siddiqui Dr. Marielba Maniglia Dr. Maikel Roque Ruano Dr. Jennifer Lopez Dr. Jose Chaviano Dr. Fernando Quevedo Dr. Rachel Quevedo Dr. Janetxia Barber Dr. Cristina Hernandez Acosta
Dr. Benjamin Joy Dr. Dean Gaber Dr. Sally El-Hamarnah Dr. Boris Bujila
Reinstatements
Dr. Rita Dargham Dr. Ericka Felix Dr. Andy Gaertner Dr. Avery Jaffe Dr. Edgar Navarrete
Why Are You Throwing Away Your Money? The South Florida District Dental Association partners with Quantus Solutions to bring members the best processing rates...
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They have removed several expense components of risk, such as chargebacks and a lengthy underwriting process in order to pass the savings back to you.
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Tips For Being a Great Boss by Jason Watts, DMD
The greatest tip you will ever have for being the best boss is, “never be a boss.” The word “boss” originates in the early 19th century as a term to avoid calling a superior “master” (origin believed to be Dutch). No matter what context the term is used, it has no good definition.
As a noun, it connotes a person who exercises authority. When used as a verb, it can mean that one may be a master of another, or to be authoritative and domineering. Finally, as an adjective, it may mean one is a chief or master. So, why would one ever want to use the term “boss” to describe their title in a work place?
Today, the working world has drastically shifted. The term “boss” carries a negative perception in society of a dictatorship, or implying one is a ruler or authoritarian. What seemed to be acceptable no longer is. The term “leader” has replaced what once was a “boss,” and is perceived as a symbol of unity, trust and teamwork, whereas a boss is perceived as a dictator.
of achievement dissolves faster and more money is expected with each new effort.
4. Respect their time – As a leader you set an expectation. You must be respectful of these expectations and not blur work with personal life. You will be the hardest worker in your office, but if you lead properly, others will value your vision as much as you do.
5. Get off your high horse – Just because you are in a position of authority does not mean you know everything. Ask for and accept help from others when needed and don’t be afraid to give help when asked. 6. Be constructive not destructive – Constructive feedback is beneficial in a working environment. Always be willing to give it to others, but more importantly, receive it openly.
Studies have proven that those who lead tend to be much more successful long term than those who dictate. The ability to influence and inspire others to do more than what is required of them when working will only occur when one believes in the individuals in a superior position.
7. Encourage innovation – Build a culture in which others can thrive. Allow your team to create ideas to grow your business. You may know how to lead a company, but someone knows their position in more detail than you.
I have read and researched many articles, studies and blogs on becoming a better boss. It seems to be a common trend that articles from larger and more successful companies discuss the importance of being a leader, and articles from the smaller companies focus on being a better boss. It does not matter the size of your company for, if you are a business owner or leader, you should always be thinking about the bigger picture. Let us shift this mindset and eliminate the word, “boss.” Here are 10 tips to becoming a better leader in your business:
9. Get your hands dirty – You may feel entitled to be the boss, but always remember how hard you worked to get there. Do not be afraid to lend a hand, when free and able, to the ones just starting. It builds character, respect and appreciation when you show you can do more than just sit in your office.
You can act like a boss and be successful. Many are successful. What you may notice, though, is that those individuals tend to go through a lot of turnover long term and have a few strong employees doing most of the work.
1. Lead by example – Leaders give credit during success and take blame during failure. Set the standard by example, not expectation.
2. Care more about your employees than you do yourself – If your intentions are pure and not forced, people will feel they are valued. How well do you really know your colleagues? If you truly care, you will know more than their birthday and kid’s names. Ask about their favorite color, food, hobby, etc. Getting more granular means getting stronger loyalty.
3. Give value, not reward – Studies have proven that people will work harder when feeling valued and when given constructive feedback as opposed to pay. Yes, pay always helps, but the perception
8. Establish integrity not accountability – Integrity is the desire for people to do things extra in the work environment because they want to. Accountability means people only do things because they have to. Wouldn’t it be nice if each person in your office did something extra every day to help someone else?
10. Be open – Open door policy is a must, as well as timely responses to your staff. It takes a lot to approach someone in a higher position. Be welcoming and encouraging to your team. If they write you an email, make sure you write back in a timely fashion. If they ask for your time, make sure you give it to them.
If you take the time to become a leader in your office, you will see how much more efficient your work environment will become. This will not happen over night, and will take a lot of time to build the culture and environment you want within your place of business. Never be discouraged and always remember, tomorrow is another day. _____________________________________________________ Jason Watts is a 2015 graduate of Nova Southeastern College of Dental Medicine, currently practices general dentistry in Cape Coral, Florida, and can be reached at (239) 573 -1273 or by email – jjwattsdmd@gmail.com 19
ector r i D e ecutiv
Six out of Six Board Members Agree. ..and one Ex Renewing Your ADA Membership is a Good Thing! Hello SFDDA Members,
You will soon receive your ADA tripartite dues renewal in the mail. Once you do, do not hesitate to renew right away and here is why.
Throughout this newsletter, we have shown you how rewarding it is to be a member of the tripartite through the South Florida District Dental Association.
Your board of officers has worked together at all three levels of the associations to provide relevant benefits that not only help you with your practice and careers, but also help you save money and time.
These include benefits such as credit card processing that substantially saves you in fees, in addition to the FDA Supplies website (fdasupplies.com) that practically pays for your dues in just a couple of dental supply orders.
Among our most recent and successful benefits, affiliate dues are now included with your tripartite (ADA/FDA/SFDDA) membership, and entitles you to enjoy the benefits of up to five dinner meetings of your choosing at any affiliate. This is a great savings to you,
Savings thru Quantus and FDASupplies!
Savings thru FDAServices Insurance!
Opprtunities to serve your profession!
Dedicated Staff just a phone call or email away!
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as well as an amazing opportunity to increase networking and camaraderie between all the affiliates of the SFDDA.
FDA Services is also available, and due to a unique understanding the dental community and the needs of our member dentists, they are specialized in helping you with all of your insurance needs.
You also have the benefit of a staff that works on your behalf to keep you up to date on the latest dental profession news, legislative actions, technology and so much more. Yolanda Marrero, our Executive Director, along with Jackie Quintero, your local membership concierge, are available to answer your questions, hear your concerns and work with all levels of the tripartite, whether local, state, or national, to provide you with the best services possible.
There are many other benefits that you can take advantage of. They can be found on our websites at www.sfdda.org or floridadental.org or ada.org. Take a moment to review them. We are confident you will find your membership to be very worthwhile. 21st Century technology to help members succeed!
Peer Review Job Placement Volunteerism!
Affiliate C.E. dinner meetings!
Camaraderie and networking!
Can you guess who’s who? Email us at southfloridadistrict@gmail.com with your answer and be entered in a drawing to win a family four pac of Regal or AMC Movie Tickets 20
Buy, sell, hire, or announce?
Classifieds
OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE RECEIVE CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS: on a personalized level at my office. David Vine, D.D.S. over 44 years of experience and author of the book “Understanding First Class Dental Care”, Call 305.538.1115. htpp://davidvinedentist.com
PEDIATRIC DENTIST ASSOCIATE OPPORTUNITY: Pediatric Dental Practice in South East Florida; Hollywood and Pembroke Pines is looking for a motivated, caring and friendly Pediatric Dentist to join our practice as an Associate. Unique opportunity for 2/3 days a week part-time leading to full time and ultimately an equity position in our multi location practice. We are a well-respected and high quality pediatric office. State of the art facility with digital xrays, nitrous, sedation and hospital privileges in nerby hospital. The candidate must be board certified (or in process of obtaining certification) and have exceptional communication and clinical skills, as well as being compassionate to our patients. Great compensation. Daniel@latpartners.com or contact Daniel Feldsberg at (305) 591-3323
Place advertising in the SFDDA Newsletter
Call Ms. Jackie Quintero at (305) 667-3647 ext. 13. Or visit us on-line at www.sfdda.org.
FLORIDA (SOUTHEAST AND ORLANDO – Over 45 practices): Seeking experienced General Dentists and Specialists to come grow with us! We offer excellent earning potential and the opportunity to focus on patient care in our state-of-the-art facilities. We take care of the administration (insurance claims, payroll/staffing, marketing, etc.) for you so that you can enjoy a work-life balance again! Take the next step in your career and apply online at https://www.mysagedental.com/careeropportunities/ or email your CV to bcabibi@mysagedental.com today! PART TIME: High quality prosthodontist and periodontist needed for selective cases at my office. Please call or e-mail. David Vine, D.D.S. 305.538.1115 (dvine@davidvinedentist.com ).
SEEKING: an “on call” substitute General Dentist in Dade Co. Salary Negotiable. Ideal opportunity for retired or persons needing extra income. Please call for details. Judy Jones 615-202-8864
GENERAL / SPECIALIST: Ft/Pt Great opportunity for General Dentist / Specialist. Excellent compensation, bonus and partnership positions. Multiple locations in South Florida. Please fax resume to (305) 7701232 or call Kathy (954) 430-2188 or email to haroldhui@aol.com BUSY DENTAL PRACTICE: Looking for PT associate dentist in Fort Lauderdale and Delrey Beach. Competitive % compensation based upon experience. Ask Dr. Martin 786-525-9946
OFFICE SPACE SALE OR RENT
SHARED OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT: at a specialist office with new equipment and street front presence on Bird Road. Contact endo@donticscenter.com
PEDIATRIC DENTIST WANTED: Excellent opportunity for Pediatric Dentist to share office space in a well established Orthodontic practice in Plantation Fl. Office is available 1-3 days per week. Ideal location in a spacious & modern facility located directly next to a large Pediatrician group practice. Perfect situation for an initial start up or satellite office location. Contact: pltnortho@gmail.com
October 24-28, 2016: First Baptist Church of Cutler Ridge 10301 Caribbean Blvd, Cutler Bay, FL 33189
October 31-November 4, 2016: New Life Baptist Church 5005 NW 173rd Drive, Miami Gardens, FL 33055 23