2017 fall issue

sfdda Volume 59, No. 2 www.sfdda.org Fall 2017

And so the watch begins...

The “mid-level“ provider issue and what it may mean for the profession of dentistry in Florida

President’s Message Joseph E. Pechter,

D.M.D.

South Florida Post-Irma As Hurricane Irma made its way toward South Florida, many of our members evacuated and our offices closed. Our September meetings were delayed until October. Electrical power was out for days or longer after the storm and “boil-water” advisories were placed into effect.

help our profession and the community in a meaningful way.

As a result of my reflecting on this, I would like to make a special request of each of you, our members. I would very much like to see each of you reach out to a younger colleague - whether they We are grateful for the support from the ADA and may be a member or non-member – and bring FDA, which included grants for our members who them to one of our local affiliate meetings. may have experienced extreme hardships from the hurricane. We are looking forward to continuing to Finally, there are some big issues that need your serve our members in times of need. attention. One consists of whether dental hygienists may be permitted to use lasers in the foreseeAt each of our first affiliate meetings, we asked that able future for periodontal debridement. you fill out a survey to let us know how we are doing as an organization, and to see how we may Another major issue on the forefront involves best serve you for the 2017-2018 year. We will re- whether “midlevel providers” may be incorporated view this feedback and use it to make decisions into our existing dental office teams in Florida that most benefit our members in each affiliate. (please see other related articles in this newsletter).

Additionally, we are looking for new leadership in all levels of our society. If you are interested, Please mark your calendars for a Town Hall dinner please email me at doctorpechter@gmail.com. meeting we have scheduled for November 29, at Tropical Acres Restaurant in Davie, which will feaWhen I first moved back to Florida, after complet- ture two outstanding guest speakers from our FDA ing my periodontal specialty training in Boston, I Governmental Affairs Department, Joe Anne Hart credit Dr. Lee Hauer, a colleague, mentor, and past and Casey Stoutamire. president of the South Broward Dental Society, for encouraging me to become involved in organized We encourage you to attend, be informed, and dentistry. In doing so, I have had the opportunity to support the efforts of organized dentistry in conmeet friends, colleagues, become a leader, and fronting the threat of mid-level providers in our learn more about what is going on, so that I can state.

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Yet Another Hurricane Threatens Florida: Mid-Level Providers (Dental Therapists)

We need to put down our mirrors, explorers, handpieces and other dental toys we hold dear - and plan on attending a South Florida District and Florida Dental Association Sponsored “Town Hall Meeting,” November 29, at Tropical Acres Restaurant, Davie, FL If you ask your average dental friend/colleague for their opinion on what evil forces have threatened our profession over the years, the answers would likely include “HMOs,” other questionable insurance carrier models, tactics and schemes (also euphemistically known as “plans”), mail order dentistry, corporate dentistry, tooth whitening kiosks in malls, and the like.

However, there is a major threat – of which most of us in dentistry have largely been unaware – lurking on the horizon. It is a storm now heading toward our state with a potential Cat 4 or 5 impact upon us. The storm is not officially named as yet, but is otherwise known as “mid-level providers” (also known as dental therapists).

The issue comes down to the fact that outside forces in our world - which among others, include Kellogg and Pew Foundations, one or more dental think tanks, public health advocates and educators (including, most notably, Dr. Frank Catalanotto, of University of Florida) – have been pushing for the involuntarily insertion of “mid-level providers” into our existing dental health care team. In doing so, they feel it will make the world a better place for all.

These outside forces generally tout mid-level providers as a solution to our access-to-care problem, although previous experiences thus far have not shown this to be the case. It is even purported that this unwanted addition will allow dentists to make more money by providing services at a lower cost, or while we are “on the golf course.” However, it can be safely assumed that most of us in dentistry would rather not be associated with this image, nor subject our patients to treatment by second-tier practitioners with less training and qualifications. Most feel that the standard of care, nor quality of care, should be lowered for the self-serving reasons of a minority who are pushing such changes.

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More on mid-level providers: The concept of a “mid-level provider” is certainly not a new one in the world of medicine and dentistry. Mid-level practitioners have been around for quite some time, and are generally thought of, or defined as, an assistant practice clinician and health care provider other than a physician, dentist, veterinarian or podiatrist, with far more limited training, and having a more restricted scope of practice. Although licensed, registered and permitted, they do not possess the same formal certification, accreditation or license to practice the full scope of a given discipline of medicine within which they are assisting/practicing. Examples include, but are not limited to, nurse practitioners (NPs), nurse midwives, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and physician assistants (PAs).

Many such practitioners have vehemently objected to the very use of the term “mid-level provider” by those who claim the term is “most aimed at.” In particular, NPs have been quite vocal, as have PAs, CRNAs, and others, in asking the world to “stop referring to us” with that term.

“There is nothing ‘mid’ about what I do,” many have proclaimed, and the prefix “mid” or “middle,” they feel, is demeaning to their respective high levels of training, skills and proficiency within health care. The catch-all term is widely perceived as being misleading at best, and unacceptable at worst.

The Lopsided Comparison - Dental Mid-level Providers and NPs, PAs There are those have wrongly presumed or purported that dental mid-level providers are somehow comparable or similar to NPs and PAs. They are often mentioned in the same sentence as if we are to automatically assume they are parallel entities.

However, such assumptions or comparisons, many feel, are “apples and oranges,” and far from reality. The education, training, time requirements, knowledge base and clinical skills of NPs and PAs far outweigh that of their dental quasicounterparts (see table from ADA on page 6 ).

It is also worthy to note that as highly trained as NPs, PAs may be, they are not permitted to perform the same/similar function as physicians – and most significantly – cannot perform surgery, for example.

This then becomes an oxymoronic dilemma for those pushing for mid-level dental providers. With far less education and training – how can one possibly make a credible argument for such dental providers being the only mid-level providers in our world allowed to perform surgery - including the irreversible cutting of tooth structure and even dental extractions?

Addressing Access to Care In response to those purporting mid-level providers as an access-to-care solution, many have pointed out that there is no shortage of dentists or dental professionals in Florida. History and experience has also shown inherent flaws in this line of

(as in, “the British are coming”) would represent the aforementioned outside forces, largely Pew Foundation – who are spearheading a plan to take this directly to our Florida Legislature (although there is no guarantee this will occur) possibly as early as this coming session at the beginning of 2018, or the next, in 2019 - for the expressed purpose of creating new laws paving a clear path for legalizing mid-level providers in Florida.

What is the rationale for Pew now selecting Florida as the next battleground state to accomplish this? The reasoning has been explained as follows: Thus far, mid-level dental providers have only been allowed in four states, beginning with Alaska, and then followed by the addition of Minnesota, Maine, and Vermont (they may only practice in Alaska and Minnesota, but not as yet in Maine and Vermont, due to a lack of CODA-accredited curricula/programs).

And, their theory stems from the historic fact that when “edgy” things happen first in Florida (such as HMOs), others tend to follow. The thinking is that, “if we can pass this in Florida, we can pass this anywhere.” Thus, many feel the dominoes will then fall into others states to accept this proposed incursion into our current dental workforce model.

____________________________________

With far less education and training – how can one possibly make a credible argument for such dental providers being the only mid-level providers in our world who would be allowed to perform surgery – including the irreversible cutting of tooth structure and even dental extractions? __________________________________________

thinking, given that mid-level providers have not migrated to underserved rural areas, but have largely remained within well-served urban dental practices (i.e., in the two states thus far allowing their practice). Many also feel that proponents of this have failed to adequately recognize the difference between lack of access and lack of utilization.

Access Solutions From Within Organized Dentistry The ADA tripartite, including our own FDA, has been very active in creating other initiatives and real solutions to access – including Project: Dentists Care, Mission of Mercy (a recurring event in several states, including Florida), and others.

However, one of the most significant efforts in recent years to help our access problem fell on deaf ears and was taken away from the citizens of Florida by our governor, the Honorable Rick Scott. Despite a herculean effort by our FDA lobbying team to help push for, and successfully pass, legislation for a Dental Student Loan Repayment Program – which would have dispatched numerous recent dental graduates into rural, underserved areas in our state in exchange for repayment of hefty student loans – it ultimately suffered an untimely death, by veto pen, at the hands of Governor Scott.

Why the storm-in-Florida metaphor?

For many, this is further from being a metaphor than a looming reality, and begs for a Paul Revere-like “call to arms” by all of us within organized dentistry. In this case, the British

In order to best prepare for this legislative storm surge upon us, we need to do the following: (1) Educate ourselves, and inform our colleagues, about midlevel providers and the imminent threat they pose, (2) Attend the FDA-sponsored Town Hall Meeting on November 29 at Tropical Acres in Davie. (see registration flyer on page 7), (3) All of us need to get on the same page relative to terminology and talking points of this issue, (4) Identify the state legislators in your district (easy to obtain on-line) and make an appointment with them at their local district office or other venue of choice in our area to inform them of this issue, and how/why it is more harmful than helpful to dentistry, and moreover harmful to the public we serve, and finally, (5) Close the communication loop by visiting the same legislators at Dentists’ Day on the Hill and/or FSOMS Day on the Hill during the next legislative session.

Please also see related articles on pages 10 and 12.

Dr. Richard Mufson is the editor of the South Florida District Dental Association Newsletter, and may be contacted at (305) 935-7501 or MufsonOralSurg@aol.com

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SFDDA Town Hall Meeting Discusses Two Important Topics Affecting the Dental Profession Joe Anne Hart Chief Legislative Officer Florida Dental Association

“Understand the Role of Dental Therapists and What it Means to you as a Licensed Dentist in the State of Florida?”

Casey Stoutamire Director of 3rd Party Payers & Professional Affairs Florida Dental Association

November 29, 2017 Tropical Acres Restaurant 2500 Griffin Road Davie, FL 6:30pm

“Are you Aware of the Laws that Govern Insurance in the State of Florida?”

You will hear the most recent information regarding dental therapists (mid-level providers) and dental insurance (dental benefits). Following their presentation, they will entertain questions from the audience.

This dinner event is offered at no charge to Members of the South Florida District Dental Association, but you must reserve your seat. ADA Members who are not SFDDA members may attend at the cost of the dinner.

SFDDA 2017-2018 Officers and Executive Council President Joseph Pechter, D.M.D. (954) 981-0012

President Elect Enrique Muller, D.M.D. (305) 931 0607 Secretary Oscar Peguero, D.M.D.

Treasurer Orlando Dominguez, D.D.S. (305) 386-2766

Immediate Past President Mark A. Limosani, D.M.D., Msc (954) 800-3453 Young Member Monica Gonzalez, D.M.D.

Trustees & FDA Line Officer

Michael D. Eggnatz, D.D.S., FDA President (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 Carlos Sanchez D.M.D. (MDDS) Mariana Velazquez, D.D.S.(MDDS) Richard Mufson D.D.S (ND/MBDS) Isaac Garazi, D.M.D. (ND/MBDS) Affiliate Society Presidents

Mariana Velazquez D.D.S. (MDDS) Evan Rubensteen, D.M.D. (ND/MBDS) Alfredo Tendler, D.M.D. (SBDS) Richard A. Mufson, D.D.S., Editor Yolanda Marrero, Managing Editor Jackie Quintero, Advertising Manager SFDDA NEWSLETTER Copyright: © SFDDA 2017 Published by the South Florida District Dental Association 420 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 2E Coral Gables, FL 33146 Send announcements and correspondence to the Editor: 420 S. Dixie Hwy, 2-E Coral Gables, FL, 33146-2271 Phone: (305) 667-3647 FAX: (305) 665-7059 or email to: sfdda@sfdda.org

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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Spread the Word—October 7th is International Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day! Everything you need to know about Trigeminal Neuralgia

What is Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN)?

Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological disease that causes sudden, severe, stabbing recurrent episodes of facial pain in one or more branches of the trigeminal nerve. It is usually caused when the trigeminal nerve is being compressed by an artery or a vein, but can also be present with no apparent cause. It is sometimes misdiagnosed as a dental or psychological problem.

What are the Symptoms of TN? TN results in intense pain that is usually felt on one side of the face or jaw. It can begin with something as simple as touching your face, eating, or brushing your teeth. It causes extreme pain, which is often described as being hit repeatedly with a hot poker or an electric shock. Time between episodes can vary from seconds to hours or there can be days or months between attacks. Over time, attacks often become more severe. Patients with TN often experience depression because these intermittent pain episodes, and can make every day activities impossible. While TN can affect people of any age, it tends to occur in older people with women more likely to be afflicted than men.

Why is it important to Dentists and Oral Surgeons to know about this?

The majority of patients who experience trigeminal neuralgia are first referred to an oral surgeon or dentist. Many oral surgeons or dentists recognize that a pain that is not there all the time and not localized around a specific tooth or indicated on x-rays is probably trigeminal neuralgia. However, it’s very important to educate dentists and oral surgeons because if trigeminal neuralgia may become more chronic and far more difficult to treat.

How can you help?

Visit www.learnaboutfacialpain.com or call 305-284-7770 to request free treatment guides to have on hand in your office. *This is a special message from the Miami Neuroscience Center at Larkin, a state-of-the-art facility designed to house one of the nation’s premier Gamma Knife® surgery programs. To learn more, please visit www.miamineurosciencecenter.com or call 786-8716800.

10

Mid-Level Providers: Why M “Access to dental care” has been a growing concern for many years. Foundations and many other individuals have frequently used the same catch phrase to propose a new provider be introduced within the dental team to meet the challenge. “Mid-level providers” (aka “dental therapists”) are being touted as the solution to this nation’s access to care problem. The W. K. Kellogg Foundation has committed millions of dollars to advocate and promote this “solution.”

The American Dental Association (ADA) remains steadfast in opposition to the mid-level provider. ADA Policy on the Mid-Level Provider (Trans. 2008:439) states: “Resolved, that the ADA’s position on any proposed new member of the dental team shall be an individual supervised by a dentist and be based upon a determination of need, sufficient education and training and of scope of practice that ensures the protection of the public’s oral health.”

Many who advocate for mid-level providers use the argument that, “There is a shortage of dentists.” A recent report by the ADA Health Policy Institute demonstrates that the number of dentists practicing per 100,000 people today has climbed more than 4% from 2003 to 2013, is projected to increase by 1.5% from 2013 to 2018, and 2.6% by 2033.

However, such arguments are simply not valid. Consider an article from the ADA Health Policy Resource Center, written by authors, Thomas Wall, MBA, Kamyar Nasseh, PhD and Marko Vujicic, PhD, “U.S. Dental Spending Remains Flat Through 2012.” The article contains invaluable results of extensive research and is very effective in countering such inaccurate claims made by others. The highly acclaimed ADA Resource Center, in doing expansive research and sharing of such important information, is yet another membership value and a benefit of belonging to organized dentistry.

In spite of the ADA’s opposition to the mid-level provider, the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), an independent entity recognized by the U.S. 12

Department of Education as the national accrediting agency for dental, allied dental and advanced educational programs, adopted standards by which programs that educate mid-level providers can apply for accreditation.

To give you an idea of what the scope of practice of a mid-level “dental therapist” would be, I ask you to read the following, taken directly from a document entitled “CODA Accreditation Standards For Dental Therapy Educational Programs” -

“At a minimum, graduates must be competent in providing oral health care within the scope of dental therapy practice with supervision as defined by the state practice acts, including: a. identification of oral and systemic conditions requiring evaluation and/or treatment by dentists, physicians or other healthcare providers, and managing referrals b. comprehensive charting of the oral cavity c. oral health instruction and disease prevention education, including nutritional counseling and dietary analysis d. exposing radiographic images e. dental prophylaxis including sub-gingival scaling and/or polishing procedures f. dispensing and administering via the oral and/or topical route non-narcotic analgesics, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic medications as prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider g. applying topical preventive or prophylactic agents (i.e. fluoride) , including fluoride varnish, antimicrobial agents, and pit and fissure sealants h. pulp vitality testing i. applying desensitizing medication or resin j. fabricating athletic mouth guards k. changing periodontal dressings l. administering local anesthetic m.simple extraction of erupted primary teeth n. emergency palliative treatment of dental pain limited to the procedures in this section o. preparation and placement of direct restorations in

Membership in the ADA Matters

- Cesar R. Sabates, DDS, FACD, FPFA

primary and permanent teeth p. fabrication and placement of single-tooth temporary crowns q. preparation and placement of preformed crowns on primary teeth r. indirect and direct pulp capping on permanent teeth s. indirect pulp capping on primary teeth t. suture removal u. minor adjustments and repairs on removable prostheses v. removal of space maintainers.”

All of this can be accomplished by an individual with just three years of post-secondary education! A bit alarming wouldn’t you say? How about “m. simple extractions”? Who can define the term, “simple?” I can remember one of my oral surgery professors telling me, “Son, you can only say it’s a simple extraction once you have that tooth sitting on the bracket table.”

It is time that we all wake up! Those of you who are members of the ADA, I applaud you for your investment in your future. Those of you who are non-members I simply ask you: “What are you waiting for?!” Your profession needs you! Don’t wait until it’s too late.

In a recent commentary published in Dental Abstract, volume 60, issue 1, 2015, Dr. Frank Catalanotto, states that, “Organized dentistry at the state and national level has opposed virtually all efforts to expand access to care to underserved individuals. And, in many cases, the Federal Trade Commission [FTC] has stepped in to help prevent this restraint of trade. Great examples of FTC intervention in the past decade or so can be found in Alaska, Alabama, Minnesota, South Carolina, Louisiana and Florida. Dentistry PAC’s are in full battle mode. Just get a copy of ‘The Dental Workforce Cook Book,’ if you can. I have only heard about it, but have not seen it.”

With all due respect to Dr. Catalanotto, I would disagree with his statement that: “Organized dentistry…has opposed virtually all efforts to expand access to care to underserved individuals.” As a past president of the Florida Dental Association, president of Florida’s Do-

nated Dental Services, vice-chair of the ADA’s Council on Access Prevention and Interprofessional Relations, and a general practitioner in private practice who has devoted most of his professional life advocating for access to the underserved, I could not be prouder of the ADA’s leadership role when it comes to advocating for “access to care.”

Please take time to look at the following publications by the ADA and the FDA Action for Dental Health Initiative: “Breaking Down Barriers to Oral Health for All Americans: The Community Dental Health Coordinator,” “Breaking Down Barriers to Oral Health for All Americans: The Role of Finance;” Breaking Down Barriers to Oral Health for All Americans: The Role of Workforce,” “Breaking Down Barriers to Oral Health for All Americans: Repairing the Tattered Safety Net,” and “Action for Dental Health: Bringing Disease Prevention into Communities,” just to name a few.

I am almost certain that Dr. Catalanatto meant to say that the ADA has opposed all efforts to bring in midlevel providers/dental therapists. And if that is the case, I would agree with him!

To quote past ADA president, Dr. Maxine Feinberg: “The ADA believes it is in the best interest of the public that only dentists diagnose dental disease and perform surgical and irreversible procedures. Through Action for Dental Health, the ADA and its member dentists are implementing solutions that have been proven to help address the multiple barriers that prevent many Americans from attaining better oral health.”

The issue of access to care is a complex one. I applaud and respect the efforts of anyone and everyone attempting to eliminate the barriers that prevent all Americans from suffering needlessly from a totally preventable disease. I hope and dream that, as a profession, we can continue to work to bring about the changes needed to provide the necessary education and care to those who need it.

Our volunteers treating patients in need are the backbone of the program.

Will you see just one?

The Donated Dental Service (DDS) program exists to help individuals with disabilities or who are elderly or medically fragile and cannot afford or otherwise access treatment for severe dental conditions. As a result of their age or disability, they cannot work and depend on government assistance for their health care. Medicare, however, does not provide dental coverage, and Florida’s Medicaid program only covers emergency dental

services for adults. People with disabilities, or the aged, or medically fragile individuals who can work, often earn too much to qualify for public aid but not enough to afford dental treatment. As a result, they suffer in agonizing pain from severe dental problems and have nowhere to turn for help.

• Established in 1997 with the South Florida District Dental Association • 1,741 total patients served since inception

• $7,529,854 in total care donated by volunteers • Statewide Volunteer Network: 421 dentists and 210 labs

Donated Dental Service Program History:

We are asking you to see just one patient. It’s simple to do and DDS handles the details.

Affiliates Corner...

A GREAT MEMBER BENEFIT that provides you with continuing education and a nice dinner in the company of your friends and colleagues is offered by the SFDDA’s three affiliate societies. Check on sfdda.org for upcoming events.

Miami Dade Dental Society

Usually meets in the Coral Gables area on the 2nd Tuesday of select months between September and April President: Dr. Mariana Velazquez

North Dade - Miami Beach Dental Society

Usually meets in the Aventura area on the 1st Tuesday of select months between September and April President: Dr. Evan Rubensteen

South Broward Dental Society

Usually meets in the Davie area on the second Wednesday of select months between September and April President: Dr. Alfredo Tendler

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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

Dr. Ada Chung

Dr. Delia Garcia Pino

Dr. Adel Khatib

Dr. Eduardo Cabrera Viera

Dr. Alvaro Maya

Dr. Enrique Acosta

Dr. Adam Lau

Dr. Alan Seidenfeld Dr. Amanda Caravia Dr. Annabel Perez Dr. Azin Haghighi

Dr. Camilo Rodriguez Dr. Carrigan Parish Dr. Cecilia Rey

Dr. Christina Reyes Dr. Chung Lee

Dr. Claudia Ferreiro Dr. Coral Cohen

Dr. Cynthia Bustillo 15

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Dr. Daniela Gomez

Dr. Humza Arif

Dr. Liscary Fuertes-Rufin

Dr. Italo Di Prisco

Dr. Lisset Valdes Castellanos

Dr. Eddy Sedeno

Dr. Isabel Acosta Valdes

Dr. Elianet Diaz

Dr. Ivet Romero Vazquez

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Dr. Jans Gandul-Cabrera Dr. Jared Helfant

Dr. Mehrdad Daneshgar

Dr. Frank Alarcon Marimon

Dr. Jenny Bello

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Dr. Fabiola Ortega

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Dr. George Khazoum Dr. George Vazquez

Dr. Gloria Mondragon Velez Dr. Grace Lopez

Dr. Hanna Butenko

Dr. Helen Carmenate

Dr. Ivette Delgado Rey Dr. Jean Paul Taveras Dr. Joel Figueredo

Dr. Julian Ruiz Rodriguez Dr. Karen Martinez

Dr. Karina Hernandez Dr. Karolina Rincon

Dr. Liliam Hernandez Dr. Lina Aguilar Dr. Lina Rivera

Dr. Lisset Gata-Garcia Dr. Lizette Garcia

Dr. Manuel Estrada Dr. Michelle Webb Dr. Mustafa Naif

Dr. Myriam Taveras Dr. Omarys Reyes Velazquez Dr. Paridhie Patel

Dr. Paulo Oliveira Dr. Rafael Vera

Dr. Ravi Ramjit

New Members Cont.

Dr. Angela Cala Morales

Dr. Ruben Villarreal

Dr. Hakan Kinaci

Dr. Roshan Kalra

Dr. Anna Aller

Dr. Sandor Valls

Dr. Jossue Alfonso

Dr. Sinai Rey Consuegra

Dr. Lindsay Ringdahl

Dr. Susel Perez-Nieves

Dr. Maribel Lopez

Dr. Tania Herschdorfer

Dr. Melissa Obrochta

Dr. Vivian Menendez-Llera

Dr. Norys Hayes

Dr. Sandrine Riboul

Dr. Susana Gonzalez

Dr. Sutnamis Gonzalez Dr. Violeta Trenkova Dr. Vu Tran

Dr. Ximena Checa

Dr. Yailin Rosario Orellana

Dr. Yamillia Morejon rez Reinstated:

Dr. Aixa Guzman

Dr. Amy Martinez

Sua-

Dr. Lidia Paz

Dr. Maria Segrera Dr. Martin Swartz

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A Successful Completion of Dr. Irene Marron’s Term as ADA Vice President On October 23, 2017, our own Irene Marron-Tarrazzi completed her twoyear term as an ADA vice-president.

During those two years, Irene traveled extensively, not only throughout the United States, but also internationally as a representative of American dentistry.

was an active participant in the debates which will shape our professional future in the years to come.

She made many friends and contacts who will be calling upon her for her opinions and expertise for a long time.

Irene has now returned home to her By all accounts, Irene was an out- practice and to her family to pick up standing vice-president. She was a the strings of a more normal life. model for young dentists, foreign We of the South Florida District, as trained dentists, women dentists her extended dental family, would and frankly, for everyone. Do not for like to give Dr. Marron-Tarrazi our one moment believe that Dr. Marthanks and congratulations for a job ron-Tarrazi was only a ďŹ gurehead. well done. You have made us proud, As we in South Florida know, she is Irene, and we look forward to shara bright, engaged individual who, ing an even brighter future toduring her tenure on the ADA Board, gether!

20

Pictured: starting with opposite page and then clockwise: Dr. Marron addresses the ADA; Dr. Marron with Drs. Emily Ishkanian, Judith M. Fisch, Cesar R Sabates, Lindsey Robinson and ADA President, Joe Crowley; Dr. Marron with her husband, Fransisco Tarrazi, and their children, Victoria and Daniel: Dr. Marron recites the Dentist’s pledge at UF; 2017 Lucy Hobbs Project Woman to Watch: Dr. Irene Marron Tarrazzi accepts the award from ADA past presidents Dr. Carol Gomez Summerhays (left), Dr. Maxine Feinberg (right) and Benco Dental Business Innovation Strategist Kathleen Bird.

(Photo: Eric Larsen); Dr. Irene Marron-Tarrazzi takes a selfie with a group of organized dentistry leaders including Drs. Maxine Feinberg, former ADA president, Emily Ishkanian, ADA New Dentist Committee chair and Dr. Carol Gomez Summerhays, former ADA presidents.

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Jonathan Burns 614.309.7611 jonathan.burns@bankofamerica.com

Bank of America can also help you with w Cash Managementt, Employer Solutions and Individu dual needs.

For more informati ation or to get g started ed today t yy,, please p contact us. We look forward to spe peakking with you soon. * All progrrams ams subject su to credit approval and loan amounts are subjectt to creditworthiness. Somee restrictions may applyy.. The term, amount, interest rate and repayment rate re schedule for your loan, and any product featur ures, including interest rate a lockks, may vary depending on your creditworthiness and on the type, amount and collateral for your loan. **Owner-Occupied O Commercial Real Estate, 51% oowner wner occupancy occ required. † Bank of America Practice a Solutions may prohibit use us of an account to pay offf or pay down anoother Bank of America account.

Bank of America is a registered trademark a of Bank Ban of America Corporration. ation. Bank of America Pracctice Solutions is a division of Bank of America, N.A. ©2015 Bank of America Corporation | flyyer-0715-den-rep2 er | ARVYXDWV | Rev. 07/15

Jason Nunez 614.804.0627 jason.nunez@bankofamerica.com

Classifieds OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

I AM SEEKING A FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE: for an established, state of the art Prosthodontic Practice in Hallandale Beach. Applicant must have a great attitude and positive personality. Applicant must also be courteous and caring and possess outstanding clinical and patient skills. This is an amazing long-term opportunity for the right person. Please email cover letter and curriculum vitae to gatordmd@yahoo.com

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. dvine@davidvinedentist.com

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 ).

FLORIDA (SOUTHEAST AND ORLANDO–Over 50 practices): Sage Dental is 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 tasks (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/career-opportunities/ or email your CV to bcabibi@mysagedental.com today!

Call us at 561-999-9650 ext. 6146 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

To run a classified or display advertisement in the SFDDA Newsletter, please contact: Jackie Quintero at (305) 667-3647 ext 13 or email jackie.sfdda@gmail.com

OPPORTUNITIES WANTED

EXPERIENCED BOARD CERTIFIED ENDODONDIST: looking for an endodontic position.

Please email: advancedrct@gmail.com

DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE

DENTIST RETIRING: Profitable general and cosmetic dentistry office (no children, no root canals, no orthodontics) Surgical procedures including:-Periodontal Surgery-Implant placement-Bone grafting procedures.

Surgical extractions including fully impacted third molars Restoration of implants.. Dental hygienist scheduled 4-5 days a week. Spanish speaking a must. North Miami Beach location. $324,000. Contact Robert Shapiro (954) 684-1315.

MISCELLANEOUS

FOR SALE: URL-www.kendallfamilydentist.com $250 Contact: sasamson@bellsouth.net Or call 305-595-1548

State Mandated Courses for Re-licensure in time for the end of the biennium.

With Dr. Richard Mufson

February 15, 2018 Tropical Acres Restaurant Davie, FL 6:30pm

Dinner Choice: Sea Bass - New York Strip Steak - Vegetarian

Register on line at www.sfdda.org or call (305) 667-3647 23

Advocacy Begins with You...

Life is moving at a rapid pace and communication happens in seconds.

Delivering information to you, our members, as quickly as happens is our goal.

We communicate via email, social media and text message. Please be sure that your contact information is updated and ready to receive our communciations. You never know when you will be called to action, or invited to attend a lecture or event.

To confirm or update your informatio, please call the SFDDA at (305) 667-3647, or email us at southfloridadistrict@gmail.com, or click on “Stay Connected� on our website, www.sfdda.org.