SFDDA Summer Issue

VOLUME 65 NO.1 • SUMMER 2023

HELPING MEMBERS SUCCEED South Florida District Dental Association (SFDDA) is one of the six components which make up the Florida Dental Association (FDA) and is also part of the American Dental Association (ADA).

Founded in October 1922, by 25 charter member dentists, the South Florida District Dental Association serves Miami-Dade, Monroe, and South Broward Counties

TABLE OF CONTENTS President's Message • P. 2 Editor's Message • MATE Act • P. 3 Upcoming Events • P. 5 The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Dentists, Habit 5 • P. 6 FDA Dentist of the Year Award Dr. Cesar Sabates • P. 7

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE - DR. TIM FRANKLIN

I am so excited to welcome everyone to an exciting new year (dental year) of camaraderie, connecting, learning, and smiles with the South Florida District Dental Association.

In this post-pandemic era, a lot has changed, and we are very aware of the challenges facing us as dentists and members of society.

Reaching out to one another, rather than turning internally, helps us understand each other better, and builds good will as a profession and as friends. I really look forward to connecting with you all.

We have a great organization and so much positive energy in our leadership. We are trying to make positive changes happen. Please let us know how we can be of better service to you.

Our dental association's success hinges on the enthusiasm and active participation of each member.

The past year may have presented us with its fair share of challenges, but it has also shown the true strength of our dental society. Despite the obstacles, we witnessed remarkable resilience and innovation among our members, demonstrating that our passion for our profession and patient care knows no bounds.

Highlights from the Year: Local member, Dr. Cesar Sabates - who served as ADA president, and represented South Florida marvelously - received the Florida Dental Association "Dentist of the Year" award, presented to him at the June FDC meeting in Orlando.

Our tri-affiliate meeting had one of our best turnouts and engagement from our members ever.

Looking Ahead: Speaking of enthusiasm and active participation of our members, we invite you to share your ideas, expertise, and passion, as we collectively create a lasting impact on our profession and our community.

Increased Membership: We have set a goal to try and grow by 35 new members.

More Value to Our members: I would like to add more value to our society. Please share with me what you think we are doing well and where we can improve. Together, we can make positive change, but we have to all be on the same page.

Thank you for all you do, Tim Franklin, DDS President

MEDICATION ACCESS AND TRAINING EXPANSION (MATE) ACT: Answers to the New Mysterious 8 Hour CE Requirement for DEA License Renewal - RICHARD A. MUFSON DDS, EDITOR

"We need another 8 hours of CE?" "What the [expletive]?"

"How come?” and, “For what???"

"Is SFDDA providing any CE for this?"

"Is organized dentistry doing anything about this?"

AND HERE ARE SOME ANSWERS:

These are but a few of the questions our members having been asking of late.

This is not a Florida state-mandated CE requirement, but rather is the result of a new federal law for which we can all thank our "inside-the-beltway" Washington D.C. legislators in U.S. Congress.

And, as a federal law, the new CE requirement is conceptually and legally worlds apart from our more familiar state-mandated CE courses typically offered by local dental organizations for complying with biennial state licensure.

The MATE Act was included as part of the Omnibus Spending Bill which passed U.S. Congress at the end of 2022. It was enacted as a one-time eight-hour training requirement on substance use and abuse disorders for all Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-registered practitioners as a requisite for initial application or renewal of one’s DEA license.

What Has Organized Dentistry Done For Me Lately, Especially On Issues Like This?

Funny you should ask.

The American Dental Association (ADA) and American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) jumped on this issue from the beginning and sought both answers to important questions and further clarity surrounding the new law.

AAOMS President, Paul Schwartz, DMD - in a February 24, 2023 email letter to Yngvild K. Olsen, M.D., M.P.H., Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - expressed thanks on one hand for allowing AAOMS and other concerned organizations to participate in a February 13 MATE "Listening Session" offered by SAMHSA, but on the other hand raised significant concerns and questions regarding the implementation and compliance with the new law, among which include:

(1) A lack of specific clarity in training that would satisfy the expectations of the MATE Act. Given that SAMHSA does not have the authority to determine course content or delivery that would meet the bar for compliance, it would remain unknown as to whether varying types or forms of training would be accepted by the DEA (i.e., whether training must be "live" or can be "on demand," or whether it must be completed in a single session or divided among several, or whether it must include “all criteria” referred to in the ACT, namely those outside the scope of the practice dentistry – such as pharmacological management of pain, screening, intervention and referral, or whether focusing on one or some requirements within our scope would suffice.

(2) The overly prescriptive nature of the law, and variability in rulemaking across many state jurisdictions may also pose the risk that many practitioners may opt out of renewing their DEA licenses and thus create a potentially

wide gap in access to care. Further, the seemingly "onesize-fits-all" approach to fulfill requirements spelled out in the law may leave dentists/OMSs, for whom treating substance use and abuse is not within their training or scope of practice, unable to prescribe controlled substances including much-needed pain medication after surgery.

(3) Insufficient time for implementation, in which there would be the anticipated need for course development, locating and enlisting qualified educators, marketing, and adding on to this, the lack of clarity in requirements, strongly suggested the June 21 deadline was unrealistic for implementation.

The ADA also came forth with significant contributions in advocacy on this issue, including success in having Congress amend certain provisions in the MATE ACT, which included: (1) Removal of the requirement from original bill which meant that dentists would need to complete specialized training in safely prescribing buprenorphine, a drug used in the treatment of opioid addiction; (2) Allowing dentists to apply continuing education for state licensure toward their federally- required training, in addition to courses taken through ADA CERP providers and, (3) Upon recognizing that dentists receive coursework and training in pharmacology and prescribing of controlled substances as an inherent part of dental school education and postdoctoral graduate and residency programs, the following provision was added: "New dentists who are less than five years out of dental school" may use their dental school [and graduate/residency] coursework toward their federally-required training requirement.

So, what much of this news comes down to, without many of us having fully appreciated - is that the requirement may have already been fulfilled if one is a recent dental graduate. Or, for those among us who have taken one or more of our local dental society-offered courses on "Prescribing of Controlled Substances," we likely may have already fulfilled part, most or even all of the eight-hour requirement.

Another point of interest: The one-time requirement is limited to "checking a box" on the DEA initial or renewal application attesting to the fact that the required coursework was completed.

As a final summary of multi-faceted answers to the new requirement, a June 26, 2023 update published by AAMOS on the MATE Act includes the following:

- The eight-hour training under this new federal law is a “one-time-only” requirement upon initiating or renewing one’s DEA registration application; - Beginning June 27, 2023, practitioners will be required to check a box on their on-line DEA registration form attesting to completion of the eight hour training; - Past training counts toward the eight hours if received prior to December 29, 2022 by one of the approved organizations, including ADA, AAOMS, and any other organization accredited by ACCME or CCEPR, among others listed in DEA and SAMHSA literature and websites; - Practitioners who have "graduated in good standing from a medical, dental, PA or advanced nursing practitioner training school within five years of June 27, 2023" will be considered to have completed a comprehensive curriculum that includes, and therefore satisfies, the eight hour requirement.

- Coursework may also be in varying formats including classroom, seminars at professional meetings, or virtual offerings. DEA also recommends retaining some form of verification of course completion.

- Training does not have to occur in a single eight-hour session, but may be in several sessions totaling at least eight hours.

- Courses "may" be related to management of patients with opioid or other substance abuse disorders, but not necessarily the treatment of these patients (again, as it is outside of our scope of practice).

For those requiring one or more additional courses, you may visit the CE section of AAOMS or ADA websites for other accepted courses available. Members are also strongly encouraged to contact the DEA with questions regarding qualifying courses or other matters. You may also email questions to the Diversion Control Division Policy Section at odlp@dea.gov or call 571-362-3260.

Richard A. Mufson, DDS is the editor of the SFDDA Newsletter and may be contacted at (305) 935-7501 or MufsonOralSurg@aol.com

LOOKING FORWARD TO WHAT’S COMING UP As an ADA member, and through our South Florida District Dental Association (SFDDA), attending continuing education dinner meetings is included in your membership dues. These lectures take place in various locations and are an excellent opportunity to expand your knowledge and connect with other professionals in the field.

Our affilitate presidents are organzing fantastic speakers and venues for your educational delight! Please see the schedule for the first half of the season, including the following dates and locations.

We will provide information about the lectures soon, so keep an eye out on our very own social media platform, Tradewing, where you can also register to attend any of the dinner meetings.

Remember, you can attend any or all of the meetings.

North Dade – Miami Beach Dental Society September 5, 2023 – Aventura Hilton October 3, 2023 – Aventura Hilton November 7, 2023 – TBD Miami Dade Dental Society September 12, 2023 – Casa Juancho Restaurant October 10, 2023 – Casa Juancho Restaurant November 14, 2023 – Casa Juancho Restaurant South Broward Dental Society September 13, 2023 – Coopers Hawk October 11, 2023 – TBD November 15, 202 – TBD

In addition to the offerings by our affiliate societies, the SFDDA will provide the state-mandated courses for re-licensure in January to meet the licensing deadline. And plans are being made to hold the Tri- Affiliate event in February of the next year.

Watch your inbox for information and registration through Tradewing.

If you have not activated your Tradewing account, please email us at admin@sfdda.org or call 305-667-3647, ext. 11.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Dentists Habit 5: "Seek first to understand, then to be understood."

- DR. MARK A. LIMOSANI

Dear reader,

Beyond patient interactions, the principle of understanding before being understood is equally relevant in our team I hope you have had a wonderful summer and feel rested dynamics. As a past president of our local dental society, I and energized for the start of a new school year. know firsthand the significance of effective collaboration among colleagues. By seeking to understand the I trust that you are all enjoying this series of articles inspired perspectives of our team members, we create a harmonious

by Steven Covey's influential book, The Seven Habits of and supportive work environment.

Highly Effective People. As we delve into the fifth part of our seven-part series, we will explore the powerful principle of Additionally, this habit can be extended to interactions with "Seek first to understand, then to be understood." dental industry partners, suppliers, and even family members.

The more we strive to comprehend the interests and In the fast-paced world of dental care, effective viewpoints of others, the more adept we become at finding communication is paramount. The ability to empathetically "win-win" solutions that benefit all parties involved. listen and truly understand our patients' needs is a skill that can elevate our practice and patient outcomes to new In conclusion, embodying the principle of "Seek first to heights. All too often, we may find ourselves eager to express understand, then to be understood" is a transformative our own thoughts, recommendations, and solutions without mindset that can revolutionize how we provide dental care first taking the time to comprehend the concerns of those and interact with others. By listening intently, empathizing seeking our expertise. sincerely, and valuing the unique perspectives of our patients, team members, and colleagues, we can elevate our The principle of "Seek first to understand, then to be practice and contribute positively to our community's oral understood" is centered on active listening. It entails giving health. our undivided attention to the person speaking, setting aside our preconceptions, and seeking to grasp the full context of I trust you have found this article informative and inspiring as their situation. By doing so, we can build rapport and trust, we continue to explore the habits of highly effective people. enabling patients to feel genuinely heard and valued.

As we progress through this series, I encourage you all to reflect on how you can incorporate these principles into your One practical approach to implementing this principle in our personal and professional lives. daily practice is through the use of open-ended questions.

Encourage patients to share their dental history, concerns, Thank you for your dedication to the advancement of dental and aspirations. Create an environment where they feel care and the well-being of our community. I look forward to comfortable expressing their thoughts without judgment. This meeting you all in person during any of our live meetings. not only leads to a more accurate diagnosis but also fosters a sense of partnership in their oral health journey.

Warm regards,

5

In a bustling dental practice, time constraints can pose Mark A. Limosani, DMD challenges to thorough communication. Nevertheless, taking those extra moments to inquire about a patient's experiences, anxieties, and expectations can make a world of difference. When individuals sense that their oral health care professionals genuinely care about their well-being, it can alleviate dental anxiety and instill confidence in the recommended treatements.

Once again, we congratulate Dr. Cesar Sabates upon receiving the Florida Dental Association Dentist of the Year Award!

It was a no-brainer that Dr. Sabates was selected for this award. He embodies the criteria for receiving it.

He undoubtedly has demonstrated outstanding service, not only to the Florida Dental Association (FDA), but also to a wide array of local and national organizations throughout his career.

Dr. Sabates rose through the ranks of our local affiliate societies of the South Florida District Dental Association (SFDDA) to his role as president of both SFDDA and FDA, and then, to the pinnacle of his career - as President of the American Dental Association.

During his rise as an eminent leader, he never forgot his roots in service to his community, providing dental care to the underserved as Chair of Donated Dental Services, now known as Dental Lifeline Network. He also "talked the talk" and "walked it" by way of donating dental services to those in need at his dental office in Coral Gables and by serving in the Florida Mission of Mercy.

His love of being helpful and his caring nature have made Dr. Sabates one of the great leaders in organized dentistry. Those who know him are very much aware that he is a great listener, a genuine person, and a man of his word.

It is no wonder that one of the most prestigious awards which FDA annually bestows upon one deserving member would be given to a most deserving and appreciated individual as Dr. Sabates. Congratulations Cesar, as our FDA Dentist of the Year!

Pictured above: Dr. Cesar Sabates with his wife, Lydia son, Cesar and Sarah Dileo

Pictured below: Dr. Cesar Sabates with his wife, Lydia

EMERGENCY RULES ON MASK REQUIREMENTS FOR PATIENTS AND EMPLOYEES ISSUED In response to the Protection from Discrimination Based on Health Care Choices bill passed this past legislative session, the Agency for Health Care Administration and DOH have issued emergency rules on the standards for the appropriate use of facial coverings for infection control, which applies to all health care providers, including dentists and dental hygienists.

If you require patients to wear masks, you must include a policy allowing them to opt out. This policy must conform with the Patient Bill of Rights and Responsibilities.

While the rule does have a provision requiring you to allow an employee/team member to opt out of a mask requirement, you can require your team member to wear a mask while engaging in activities requiring facial coverings to prevent physical injury or harm per industry standards.

The FDA believes the use of facial coverings by the dental team during dental procedures is an industry standard.

To view the emergency rule, please click here. Please click here for a list of definitions in the emergency rule.

For questions about this emergency rule, please contact the FDA’s Chief Legal Officer, Casey Stoutamire, at cstoutamire@floridadental.org or 850.350.7202.

This article appeared in the July 20, 2023, issue of Capital Report and is reprinted with permission from the Florida Dental Association.

WE WANT TO HEAR YOUR STORY! BE A GUEST ON THE PODCAST!

Let us know your thoughts. We'd love to hear from you and maybe we'll send you an "Ain't That the Tooth" Coffee Mug!

MQA INTRODUCES E-LICENSING FOR HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONERS To accommodate a growing health care workforce, the Florida Department of Health’s Division of Medical Quality Assurance (MQA) announced the next step toward increasing efficiency and reducing costs associated with licensure by embracing the trend of digital transformation.

MQA has begun delivering licenses to health care practitioners digitally through a new electronic process.

This electronic process will allow health care practitioners to obtain new or renewed licenses online by accessing the MQA Online Services Portal. Health care practitioners can expect to experience the following benefits when interacting with this new paperless licensure process: Increased Efficiency - This process will provide the ability to issue licenses instantly, increasing access to licensure services while maintaining its authenticity and credibility.

Rather than receiving licenses in seven to 10 business days, this process will make it easy for practitioners to download licenses within minutes.

Dental Workforce Issues We want to hear from you!

Dental staff recruitment issues continue to challenge many offices around the state. The FDA Workforce Innovation Task Group is looking for interested members who would be willing to help find opportunities and solutions that are right for Florida. If you are interested, please send an email to gao@floridadental.org.

The American Dental Association (ADA) Health Policy Institute releases monthly reports that evaluate the economic outlook and emerging issues in dentistry. To view the most recent results on their June 2023 poll related to dental workforce issues, click here.

If you are interested in temporary staffing services, check out TempStars and TempMee with articles in the 2023 January Capital Report. View Capital Report, Vol. 30, No. 1, to read both articles (pages 7-9). Please note: you must be logged into the FDA website to view this document.

This article appeared in the July 20, 2023, issue of Capital Report and is reprinted with permission from the Florida Dental Association.

Increased Security - This license will feature a QR code, allowing practitioners and employers the ease of authenticating licenses immediately through the Department’s website. In combination with safeguards and security measures, this new license will exist in an electronic format where no loss of license through theft, misplacement or destruction could occur. Cloud-based technology also provides a backup in case of an emergency, so whether on the move or at the office, practitioners can always maintain access to licenses.

Reduced Cost - Rather than paying up to $25 for a duplicate license to be printed and mailed, licensees will be able to request duplicate licenses directly from the web portal at no cost.

MQA is committed to placing practitioners first by leveraging the strategic use of technology to streamline licensing processes. E-Licensing demonstrates this commitment to expediting licensure services so that health care practitioners can get to work. To watch the webinar or learn more about e-licensing at MQA, please visit the website at FLHealthSource.gov/electronic-licensing.

This article appeared in the July 20, 2023, issue of Capital Report and is reprinted with permission from the Florida Dental Association.