sfdda Volume 62, No.3 www.sfdda.org Winter 2021
Inside this issue:
President’s Message, pg. 3
Facebook, Instagram and Podcasts, OH MY!, pg. 4
Looking Ahead in 2021, pg 7
Mouth-Body-Connection, pg 7
FDA Capitol Hill Report, pg 10
Classifieds, pg 11
Save the Date! December 9 - 10, 2021
South Florida District Dental Association
1950’s
Havana Nights! at the
Hollywood Beach Marriott
2501 N. Ocean Dr., Hollywood, FL 33019 Dinner, Dancing & Officer Installation Plan on staying the night and attend Dr. Uche Odiatu’s Mind-Body-Mouth Connection Program on Friday! Dress Code: Fabulous Fifties & Guayaberas
President’s Message -Mariana Velazquez, D.M.D., PA
And just when we thought there was finally a light at the end of the pandemic tunnel - with vaccine approval and distribution - the powers that be in Florida did not think that dentists were eligible as front-line healthcare workers! Another challenge has arisen, especially for dentists in South Florida, by being rejected at vaccination sites due to confusion and lack of clarification from the local and regional authorities. I cannot think of any other professionals more exposed to contaminated aerosols than dentists. Yet, we have been told to our face that we do not meet criteria to get vaccinated.
We have received numerous calls from members, full of frustration about this situation. Both the FDA and the SFDDA have been in constant communication with governmental agencies that handle vaccine distribution to emphasize that dentists are qualified to receive the vaccine.
Keep in mind that a big part of this delay has been the disproportionate overall demand compared to the available supplies. However, the supplies seem to be increasing lately. We are hopeful that our relentless efforts in reaching out to all pertinent entities, including local hospitals, will have made it easier for our dental community to get vaccinated. We have created a survey (available at SFDDA.org) for us to learn about your experiences thus far with the vaccination
process and how we can help you and your staff members receive the vaccine. Now, more than ever, we need to help each other out in this situation!
On a brighter note, the SFDDA has launched its very own podcast, “Ain’t That the Tooth!” This podcast was created by and for SFDDA members to share and learn about all kinds of topics, both inside and outside of dentistry. It has been very well received in our community. If you have not listened to it, you should certainly do so. You can find it on all major platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Amazon Music. Very special thanks to Victoria Marrero for directing and editing, Yolanda Marrero for hosting, and Dr. Richard Mufson for composing and recording the soundtrack.
We continue to thrive at the local level with significant member engagement through our social media platforms, webinars and website updates. Spread the word and let your fellow dentists know how beneficial it has been for you to be a member.
I continue to look forward to the day that we can all meet in person again and enjoy the camaraderie that can only happen at in-person gatherings. It seems that we are getting closer to that moment, but until then...cheers and stay safe!
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Facebook, Instagram and Podcasts, OH MY!
How the pandemic has pushed us into taking more advantage of social media, and even trying other “new things.” When the SFDDA officer board sat down one afternoon in the middle of summer 2020, it became evident that we could not plan the incoming year in its usual way. Our president, Dr. Mariana Velazquez, proposed increasing our social media footprint to stay in front of the membership in a more positive and lively way. “We will inform our members of what is going on through the various social media outlets, with brief but important messages.”
To that end, the association brought on a social media coordinator to spearhead the project, Ms. Victoria Marrero. She quickly updated the SFDDA Facebook and Instagram pages. She created content that changed almost daily to maintain interest, and brought us up to speed on hosting webinars, and in turn offering our members continuing education throughout the months. She then focused her attention on even more lofty objectives.
Among the recommendations, she proposed making short personal videos to convey a clear message and a call to action. The videos featuring members of the board and executive council have been a hit among the membership.
Victoria Marrero directs and edits the podcast episodes. She also maintains the SFDDA social media platforms and runs creative for all marketing graphics and videos.
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Both videos are available on YouTube and were featured on the ADA’s “What’s Up Wednesday.”
The most ambitious project proposed was creating a podcast that would air every other week to all dentists and available through most if not all podcast streaming apps. What was needed was the right equipment and guests willing to share their experiences on various topics.
After setting up a studio at the SFDDA office in Coral Gables and recording a few sessions, the SFDDA Podcast, “Ain’t That the Tooth,” launched on February 3, 2021, and hit 100 downloads within the first two weeks! The reviews have been positive and encouraging.
The podcasts have covered such topics as finding the right associate, student issues, and membership. We also have future episodes that will talk about work-life balance, practicing with your mother or father and even more personal topics. If you have an idea for a conversation topic and would like to be on the podcast, let us know. If you don’t want to be on the podcast – let us know your ideas anyway!
Special “shout-out” to Dr. Richard Mufson for providing the theme music to “Ain’t that the Tooth” podcast.
“Aint That the Tooth” is produced by the SFDDA and recorded at the SFDDA Studios in Coral Gables, Florida. The first three podcasts have been released with more coming through out March and April. Pictured right: Drs. Alan Friedel and Alejandra Zambrano, “Are You the Right Associate for Me?”
Pictured below: Drs. Mark Limosani, Cesar Sabates and Michael Eggnatz, “The Making of a President”
Pictured right: ASDA President, Lyndsay Hoop pictured below: Dr. John Aylmer, “I Graduated! Now What?”
Pictured above: Dr. Irene Marron-Tarrazzi and pictured right: Dr. Mariana Velazquez, “Family, Practice & Leadership”
Pictured Right: Dr. Oscar Peguero and Dr. Michael Eggnatz, “ADA Membership: What’s In it For Me?”
“Ain’t That the Tooth” is sponsored by:
PEOPLE.
PURPOSE. URPOSE.
PASSION.
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Did We Remember to Renew our Membership? Flossing is essential to oral hygiene-You wouldn’t tell your patients that they can let it go.
Renewing your ADA membership is essential to staying in touch with and informed of your dental career and everything that can affect it, why would you let it go?
Renew today! Click Here to Pay Your Dues On-Line!
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Looking Ahead in 2021
Hard to believe: It has been a year since we actually saw each other at a meeting or had dinner together while listening to a lecture presented by someone in person. I miss those days. BUT fear not, we are working on getting us back together again to mingle and talk and break bread together.
For now, the SFDDA is planning on holding the "Havana Nights" dinner-dance on December 9-10, 2021 at the Hollywood Beach Marriott in Hollywood.
We are keeping a close eye on the environment related to the pandemic's evolution and when there will be a better sense of normalcy in terms of mask-wearing and social distancing. With that in mind, if the consensus of the executive council considers hosting in-person affiliate and SFDDA meetings and events, they may be starting as soon as September.
SAVE THE DATE!
During the past year, the presidents of the affiliate societies provided educational lectures via zoom webinars to the membership. Participation in these webinars was excellent, and we may continue to offer them in the future. But we are aware that many feel zoom fatigue and are looking forward to getting back to in-person meetings.
Make it a weekend getaway! On Thursday, the 9th, we will gather for a fun night of mingling through dinner and dancing. We will also officially install the SFDDA Officers. On Friday morning, Dr. Uche Odiatu will present his program on the Mind -BodyMouth Connection. After lunch you can spend the day on the beach or at the pool. Information on the special group rate for the hotel stay will follow shortly, so stay tuned. In the meantime,
December 9-10, 2021
Havan a Ni gh ts & More!
The Mouth-Body-Mind Connection is Real!
Want to add incredible value to your patient experience? Want to learn about “permanent lifestyle change” in a way that resonates with everyone of their 100 trillion cells? Join us for a day designed for all members of the dental team and even your significant others!
Featuring renowned speaker, Dr. Uche Odiatu, who will present a fascinating and informative program that promises to deliver pearls that can be put to use right away in your practice and your home.
December 10, 2020 8:00 am - 3 pm Hollywood Beach Marriott 2501 North Ocean Drive Hollywood, FL Breakfast and Lunch included
Special Combo ticket for SFDDA members attending the Havana Night’s Dinner Dance/Officer Installation Registration Opening Soon for more details call (305) 667-3647 or email us at southfloridadistrict@gmail.com
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Stay informed of any new issues that may impact dentistry or where
the FDA’s bills are in the committee process, the FDA’s 2021 Legislative Issues Sheet will be updated weekly throughout session. To view the FDA’s 2021 Legislative Issues Sheet, click here.
Some of the issues being addressed: l l l l l l l l l l
Dental Student Loan Repayment Program Community Fluoridation Health Care Provider Liability Protections Dental Therapy Legislation Medicaid Dental Funding Florida Misson of Mercy DIY Dentistry Credentialing Recovery of Overpayment Educational Standards FTD
FDA Staff Contact:
Please note: You must be logged into the FDA website to view this document.
Joe Anne Hart - Chief Legislative Officers jahart@floridadental.org Alexandra Abboud, Governmental Affairs Liaison aabboud@floridadental.org Tatiana Ahibum, Legislative Assistant tahibum@floridadental.org PHone: 850.326.1089 or 800.326.0051 general email: gao@floridadental.org
Listen to Joe Anne Hart on SFDDA’s podcast “Ain’t That the Tooth”
“Legislatively Speaking - What’s Going On?” (Click here to listen) Join us for a discussion on understanding the organization's ins and outs of the legislative process. It's a great way to exert your influence and keep you better informed of the issues that concern the dental community.
Classifieds
OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
SEEKING A PEDIATRIC DENTIST: To join a growing orthodontic private practice. The position will begin 1 day/week with the goal of adding more days and a potential partnership opportunity for the right candidate. Please inquire for additional information. Send inquiries to Box#1220, SFDDA 420 S. Dixie Hwy., Ste.2E, Coral Gables, FL 33146 PART TIME: High quality prosthodontist and periodontist needed for selective cases at my office. Please call or e-mail. David Vine, D.D.S. 305.538.111 (dvine@davidvinedentist.com ).
OFFICE SPACE-SALE OR RENT
OFFICE SPACE FOR LEASE: in Coral Gables. Wholefoods building directly across from Sunset Place. Three fully equipped operatories, digital pan/ceph machine, private consult room, lab, break room, sterilization area, private restrooms, large waiting room, Class “A” building with plenty of free parking for specialty practice. For further information contact Jilien 305984-3240
To run classified or display advertising in the SFDDA Newsletter or SFDDA Website, please contact: Jackie Quintero at (305) 667-3647 ext 13 or email jackie.sfdda@gmail.com
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SEEKING A PEDIATRIC DENTIST: To join a growing orthodontic private practice. The position will begin 1 day/week with the goal of adding more days and a potential partnership opportunity for the right candidate. Please inquire for additional information. Send inquiries to Box#1220, SFDDA 420 S. Dixie Hwy., Ste.2E, Coral Gables, FL 33146
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 ).
SFDDA Members,
We Want to Help You Connect!
Are you:
- Looking for an associate? - Wanting to transition out of or into a practice?
If you are, let us help you find a match!
For more details, call us at: (305) 667-3647 or Email us at: southfloridadistrict@gmail.com
If You Have not Done So, Please Renew Your ADA Membership. When the world locked down, we didn’t.
The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that anything can happen to affect our way of life and our professions.
The American, Florida and South Florida District Dental Associations have worked together to keep you informed, from PPE to PPP and more. We did the work so you wouldn’t have to.
Now more than ever, we need for you to renew your membership so we can continue to work hard on your behalf. Renew by phone, email or on-line. And we have payment options to make it easier for you - we’ve got your back!
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SFDDA 2020-2021 Officers and Executive Council
President Mariana Velazquez, D.D.S., PA (305) 595-4122 President Elect Ernesto Perez, D.M.D. (305) 220-93935 Secretary John Aylmer, D.M.D. (954) 349-4004
Treasurer Orlando Dominguez, D.D.S. (305) 386-2766 Immediate Past President Enrique Muller, D.M.D. (305) 707-2266
Young Member Ahmed Elkoussa, D.M.D. Trustees
Irene Marron-Tarrazzi, D.M.D.,MS (305) 646-1524 Gina Marcus, D.M.D (305) 446-6655 Alternate Trustees
Mark A. Limosani, D.M.D. (954) 800-3453 Elaine deRoode, D.D.S. (305) 373-7799
Delegates to the Executive Council from the Affiliates Societies Miami Dade Dental Society Carlos Sanchez D.M.D. Laura Herschdorfer, D.D.S. North Dade/Miami Beach Dental Society Richard Mufson D.D.S Tim Franklin, D.M.D.
South Broward Dental Society Affiliate Society Presidents Dr. Lorena Corzo (MDDS) David Garazi, D.M.D. (ND/MBDS) John Aylmer, D.M.D. (SBDS)
Richard A. Mufson, D.D.S., Editor Yolanda Marrero, Managing Editor Jackie Quintero, Advertising SFDDA NEWSLETTER Copyright: © SFDDA 2020 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 at address abovePhone: (305) 667-3647 FAX: (305) 665-7059 or email to: southfloridadistrict@gmail.com
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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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