Summer newsletter 2015

sfdda KEEP CALM WE’RE ALL

IN THIS TOGETHER www.sfdda.org Volume 57, No. 1 Summer 2015

in this issue....

4 Ethical Considerations In the Practice of Dentistry Beginning the Conversation The first of a multi-part series:

6 You Can HALT the Practice of Unlicensed Dentistry

7Getting to know you...SFDDA President, Dr. Elaine deRoode

8 ...together, the members of the tripartite are larger than any one individual.

Classifieds

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12 Highlights from the 2015 Florida Dental Convention

President’s Message Elaine de Roode, D.D.S. We are looking forward to kicking off another successful year at the South Florida District Dental Association, implementing the mission of the “Power of 3” (ADA, FDA, SFDDA): “helping all members succeed.” Because the strength of our organization is directly proportional to the number of members, this year we will focus on increasing membership in order to ensure that the unified and ethical voice of the ADA remains strong and influential in the public and political realm.

ship of our affiliate societies, making it easier for the companies with which we work so closely to have an opportunity to help support us in the pursuit of professional growth.

In our state and across our nation, the number of dentists is increasing, while utilization of dental care declines (flat since 2008). It is more important now than ever that the public is educated on the importance of preventative and restorative dental care.

Legislation regarding the scope of dentistry, including new provider models can change the way we practice at any moment.

The Power of 3 is the only voice supporting us in these challenges that lie ahead.

Many exciting changes are in store for organized dentistry at the local, state, and national level.

At the local level, the presidents of our affiliate societies and I are working hard to streamline our societies in order to create an efficient, meaningful and successful organization. We are looking forward to unifying the location of our websites and social media links to the SFDDA website, facilitating the ability of our members to locate content about our societies, information about our meetings, and current local news. We will also be facilitating the process of sponsor-

Legislation regarding the scope of dentistry, including new provider models can change the way we practice at any moment. The Power of 3 is the only voice supporting us in these challenges that lie ahead.

Our focus will be at the local level, emphasizing the benefits of membership and the need for a strong united voice among all dentists. We would like to ask you to invite our colleagues to join us and ensure that the voice of organized dentistry is heard for centuries to come.

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Ethical Considerations In the Practice of Dentistry - Beginning the Conversation The first of a multi­part series: Richard A. Mufson, D.D.S., Editor As so many of us can appreciate, a number of changes have taken place within dentistry over the past decade or more. Some have been very positive and have paved the way for improved care of our patients. Others perhaps have not been viewed as so positive – or at best, have led many of us to question what is taking place within our profession.

could possibly coincide with something I could effectively write about. I was then advised that the chapter title chosen would be, “Ethical Aspects of Referrals Within Dentistry.”

Many of the concerns raised have seemingly had a common thread. Whether directly or indirectly implied or inferred – a central theme often appears to bear some relation to issues involving ethics, or ethical decision-making.

Upon further reflection, I then arrived at the realization that in the twenty-eight years I had practiced as a specialist, I had seen, lived through, and developed thoughts and opinions on a vast array of experiences and scenarios involving the complex and often ethically-related aspects of referrals within the daily practice of dentistry.

Several examples could well include questions such as, “Are we over-utilizing some of the newest technological advances?” Or, “Does every single extraction site truly require a ‘bone graft’?” Or, as a result of a myriad of hands-on techniques and continuing education courses marketed to us on a daily basis, “Are we as dentists feeling increasingly empowered to perform an everwidening scope of procedures which may exceed our training and expertise?” “Are the ever-increasing numbers of specialists (or those who claim to be specialists) traveling to ever-increasing numbers of dental offices in ever-widening areas throughout Florida able to adequately care for - including post-operative follow-up care - their respective patients?” Or, “Are economic forces, such as student debt, insurance plans and/or varying dental practice models possibly influencing our choice of care or procedures we may perform?”

A seemingly endless list of issues came to mind which I envisioned writing about – beginning with a first and foremost basic tenet or question related to patient referrals: Can each of us as practitioners appreciate the boundaries of our training, experience, competence relative to a given procedure, and therefore, do we know “when to refer?”

Or when we choose to refer a patient - should we refer to a practitioner perceived as having a high level of clinical and personal qualifications, or should it be related to whether he/she may be a part of an insurance plan, or large group practice requiring us to do so, or who may give the best gifts around holiday time, or who may be a part of one’s golf foursome or networking group?

I would like to at least “begin the conversation,” and open the door for more discussion among us.

In light of the fact that we, as colleagues, do not often engage in open and frank discussions involving ethics - excluding venues involving organizations such as American College of Dentistry (ACD), whose mission and efforts are worthy of praise – I would like to at least “begin the conversation,” and open the door for more discussion among us. This could well include concepts such as a future “Dear Abby” style Q & A column, or an editorial column written by any of our readers/members, or a letter to the editor, or any other idea you may wish to create and share with others.

Sharing A Chapter Written for an Ethics Text I received a phone call about four years ago from the author of a text on ethical decision making in dentistry, who asked if I would contribute a chapter. I was also advised that the book was being specifically written for a target audience of undergraduate and graduate dental students, both in the US and abroad, and was thus being written from the perspective of those learning dentistry at the outset of their careers.

My first reaction was that of great surprise that anyone would even remotely consider me to be an expert on the topic of ethics.

I then inquired as to the requested topic of my assigned chapter, and again questioning in my own mind whether any topic chosen 4

Numerous other issues followed, which I collated, wrote about, and would like to share with you.

However, I also felt that I could not effectively write such a chapter related to “ethics,” or the “ethics of referrals” without first providing an introduction – a prelude or preface, if you will - in which I would share my own view of the meaning of, or how I personally define, “ethics.”

I also felt it would be appropriate to share the introduction with you first, prior to subsequent portions of the chapter which followed. And…here it is.

“Ethical Aspects of Patient Referrals Within Dentistry” Introduction: Setting the Stage Opinions, discussions and forums regarding “ethics” and “morals” seem as varied and vast as the oceans, and have dated back thousands of years. Although intimately related to one’s culture, or what part of society, or the world, one resides in, or one’s upbringing, and the influences of teachers and other role models – most have agreed that the essential meaning of these words can be distilled down to the concept of simply, “doing the right thing.”

A given individual’s sense of what is “right” versus “wrong” is not something one can find on a street corner or purchase at the local convenience store. Rather, it is a culmination of what we have learned and assimilated within our homes from early childhood, is further shaped and molded by our environment and culture, and is ultimately a product of the type of person we have strived to become as mature adults.

Within the medical or dental professions, however, it must also be stated and appreciated that the “bar” of ethics is set considerably higher than other occupations or walks of life, such as those within the world of business, marketing, advertising and consumer affairs, for example.

The generally accepted norm in the world of business tends to be a “buyer beware ” standard. Considerably more latitude is afforded the myriad of advertisement and marketing gimmicks and ploys designed to promote and sell products and services.

Even borderline deception of the public, if it helps motivate consumers and generate sales, is not only somewhat acceptable, but can even be considered an admirable reflection of one’s marketing savvy or talent.

to describe and exemplify the aforementioned ethical principles, and are among the duties we take on as health care professionals in our interaction with, and treatment of, our patients.1 Other important principles include that of patient autonomy (“selfgovernance”), in which we must recognize and respect the right of every patient to exercise self determination, as well as the expectation of complete confidentiality.1,3,5 Consideration of an individual patient’s needs and personal wishes, takes precedence over, and is more important than, our own wants and needs.

Other expectations include maintaining an appropriate and current level of knowledge and skill for the tasks we perform, as well as a certain level of personal or character-related attributes key to the effective delivery of health care - empathy, compassion, kindness and fairness.1, 3-5 At the risk of having already exceeded the intended limit in scope of this preliminary discussion, the importance of one often-overlooked and under-appreciated principle cannot be overstated.

This final concept, which again can be traced to lessons taught to us during childhood, brings to mind a phrase many of us recall hearing from our parents. “If you don’t have anything nice to say,

Within the medical or dental professions, however, it must also be stated and appreciated that the “bar” of ethics is set considerably higher than other occupations or walks of life….

This standard, however, has no place in, and does not apply to, the medical and dental professions. The underlying reason for this stems from the very nature of the occupation we have chosen, and the duty we have been called upon to perform, in which the public has entrusted us with the most precious of all possessions or commodities in life – their health and well being, or that of their children and loved ones. Inherent in this trust is the requirement and expectation of our honesty, forthrightness and a caring desire to improve and maintain one’s health, rather than a primary goal of selling a product or making money.

In return for this special position of trust which society has bestowed upon us, and as stated in the Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct of the American Dental Association (ADA) and similar documents of other dental specialty organizations, dentists recognize an obligation “arising from the implied contract between the dental profession and society” and a commitment that the members of our profession will “adhere to high ethical standards of conduct.”1-5 When searching for a definition of what it means to be “ethical” in the daily practice of medicine or dentistry, one need look no further than a common sense application of the lessons of life we were taught from any early age by our parents, teachers, and others we have come to respect, relative to how we should treat others.

The most universal example of these teachings would include, “Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you.” Or, in other words, “Treat others as you yourself would want to be treated.” Another phrase taught to us by our parents, also etched in stone within the teachings of medical ethics, is the phrase, “First, do no harm.”

The terms, beneficence (“do good”), nonmaleficence (“do no harm”), justice (“fairness”), veracity (“truthfulness”) are often used

then don’t say it.” This concept deals with how carefully we choose our words when conversing with patients about their referring dentist, a prior treating dentist, or current or previous dental treatment, and is addressed further in a subsequent section in this chapter.6 Whether our choice of words has a positive or negative affect, a helpful or hurtful affect, or whether it may have a reassuring, calming, or faith-inspiring affect, as opposed to that which increases one’s anxiety or cynicism - is very closely related to “ethics,” and the complex role we all play when engaging in the mutual care of each other’s patients.

References: 1. Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct, with official advisory opinions, American Dental Association, revised to 2011.

2. General Guidelines for Referring Dental Patients, American Dental Association Council on Dental Practice, revised 2007.

3. American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Code of Professional Conduct, September, 2011.

4. Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct, American Association of Orthodontists, adopted May, 1994, amended through May, 2009.

5. Ethics Handbook for Dentists: An Introduction to Ethics, Professionalism, and Ethical Decision Making, American College of Dentists, Gaithersburg, MD, 2008.

6. Mufson, RA, Dentists Talking Negatively About Dentists, East Coast District Dental Society Newsletter, Volume 40: No 1, pg 4-5, September/October, 1998.

This article is the first of a series on the topic of ethical considerations in the practice of dentistry. Dr. Mufson is the editor of the SFDDA Newsletter, and may be contacted at (305) 935-7501 or MufsonOralSurg@aol.com

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SFDDA 2015-2016 Officers and Executive Council President ELAINE DEROODE, D.D.S. (305) 373-7799 Vice President MARK A. LIMOSANI, D.M.D., Msc (954) 800-3453 Secretary JOSEPH PECHTER, D.M.D. (954) 981-0012 Treasurer RODRIGO ROMANO, D.D.S., M.S. (305) 667-8766 Immediate Past President MARCOS DIAZ, D.D.S. (954) 659-9990

You Can HALT the Practice of Unlicensed Dentistry Graham Nicol, Esq. Chief Legal Counsel, FDA As a dentist, you understand the value that being properly educated and licensed offers both your patients and the dental profession. Dentistry requires specific knowledge and skills and cannot be completed by just anyone. In order to help protect patients from unlicensed practice of dentistry, it is crucial to spread the word that unlicensed practice is a crime. In Florida, it is a third-degree felony for someone to act as a dentist or hygienist without a license from the Florida Department of Health. Did you know that $5 of your licensure fee is dedicated to investigate and prosecute unlicensed practice? But if no one reports it, it will never stop and that money is wasted.

Young Member ENRIQUE MULLER, D.M.D. (305) 707-2266 Trustees & FDA Line Officer Michael D. Eggnatz, D.D.S., FDA 1st Vice President (954) 217-8888 Jorge Centurion, D.M.D., Trustee 305-662-2216 Beatriz Terry, D.D.S. MS, Trustee (305) 275-1212 Alternate Trustees Jeannette Peña Hall, D.M.D. Rodrigo Romano, D.D.S., M.S. Delegates to the Executive Council from the Affiliates Societies Carlos Sanchez D.M.D. (MDDS) Heberto Salgueiro, D.M.D. (MDDS) Richard Mufson D.D.S (ND/MBDS) Isaac Garazi, D.M.D. (ND/MBDS) Joseph Pechtor, D.M.D. (SBDS)

Your patients may not be aware of the dangers unlicensed dentistry poses to their financial and personal safety. To help educate them about unlicensed activity, be proactive and encourage your patients to verify your dental license. Not only will it increase your credibility in their eyes, but it will also remind them to always verify licenses before doing business with any type of healthcare professional.

It’s a simple process. Using an iPad or a laptop, go to: https://appsmqa.doh.state.fl.us/IRM00PRAES/PRASLIST.ASP (save it in favorites) and your patients can easily verify licensees by name or license number, no matter where they are. With a few taps and swipes of a finger, they have the peace of mind knowing they are working with a licensed dentist. You yourself may want to flip through the yellow pages or drive down the street and do a spot check on who is actually licensed. Every advertisement is supposed to have either a dentist’s name or his or her license number. The PRASLIST app allows you to verify they are who they actually hold themselves out to be—licensed dentists.

To report suspected unlicensed health care practices to the Department of Health, call 1-877-HALT-ULA (1-877-425-8852).

Affiliate Society Presidents

Help give somone a Sunny Smile...

Alexandra Castillo, D.M.D. (MDDS) Chandy Samuel, D.D.S.(ND/MBDS) Mark A. Limosani, D.M.D. (SBDS)

Volunteer and participate in the

Richard A. Mufson, D.D.S., Editor Yolanda Marrero, Managing Editor Jackie Quintero, Advertising Manager

South Florida Baptist Mobile Dental Unit

SFDDA NEWSLETTER Copyright: © SFDDA 2015 Published by the South Florida District Dental Association 420 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 2E Coral Gables, FL 33146

When: October 26th - 30th, 2015

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

Where: Bay Community 10549 SW 184 Terrace Miami, FL 33157

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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Morning Shift: 8:30 am to 12:00 pm Afternoon Shift: 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm To participate call Jackie Quintero (305) 667- 3647

Getting to know the new 2015-16 South Florida District Dental Association President, Dr. Elaine deRoode Originally from The Netherlands – yes, Dr. deRoode was born in Almelo, Netherlands - she came to the United States in 1996, and after living in Las Vegas, arrived in Miami with her husband, Luis, in 2005.

She graduated Cum Laude from the UCLA School of Dentistry and went on to specialize in orthodontics at Columbia University.

She was one of 10 students in her graduating class to be invited to be a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU) Dental Honor Society, a society established to promote and recognize scholarship and character among students of dentistry.

Before dentistry would become her chosen profession, Dr. deRoode became proficient in French, receiving her Certificat d’Etudes Français from the Université de Caen, in Caen, France, followed by a Bachelor of Arts in French from the University of Utah, in Salt Lake City, Utah. During that time, she also held an esteemed position with a family as an au pair.

Prior to this, Dr. DeRoode was a lifeguard at the MGM Grand Hotel, and prior to beginning her career in dentistry, she also worked for 3 years as an International Flight Attendant for Delta Airlines.

Currently, she serves the community by volunteering her time as an orthodontic consultant at Miami Children’s Hospital Craniofacial Clinic and teaching at Community Smiles Dental Residency Program. She has been in private practice since 2008 in Miami, Florida.

She is a past president of the Miami Dade Dental Society and her leadership experience also includes her position as a delegate to the FDA House of Delegates, and six years on the SFDDA officer line and Executive Council.

She also served as secretary of Delta Sigma Delta Fraternity, secretary of UCLA School of Dentistry Class of 2003, and as cofounder and president of the Association of Women Student Dentists, UCLA Chapter.

When out of the office, you will find her with her kids, Alejandro and Simone. They enjoy spending time outdoors, enjoying paddle boarding, the pool, the beach, and the BBQ. .

...together, the memb are larger than any o There is something to be said… …about change. It is the one thing that is unwavering.

And, we have been slow in adapting to it and accepting what is definitely happening to us.

In the last decade, we have seen many socioeconomic changes, cultural changes, technological changes - all of which have affected us in one way or another. In particular, these changes have affected the dental associations across the country.

The increasing perception of limited “access to care,” among a number of other issues, is driving changes in legislation that may alter the way dentists practice in the future, and how care is delivered to patients.

Such issues require dedicated volunteers to steer these actions in a direction that uphold the integrity of the profession, while protecting both the practitioner and the public.

Locally, in the South Florida District Dental Association (SFDDA), these changes have slowly effaced the traditions and methods that we have held so dear for over half a century. For example - we, the SFDDA, held our last Miami Winter Meeting this past February.

There are so many areas of concern – that it actually takes a village, if you will – a community of like minded individuals to work together in order to work with, and work through, the changes occurring today. This will also require the acceptance of change within the organization, to engage in new ideas and philosophies, and to continue the work necessary to maintain the profession.

It was hard coming to the realization that the association’s interests and needs had changed so much that the annual meeting would go the way of the dinosaur.

We are now seeing younger members who are entering leadership roles in the tripartite, and are looking to change how the organizations are run. More so than

…we, the SFDDA, held our last Miami Winter Meeting this past February.

As we sat around the conference table one night, I could see the faces of the veteran leadership, realizing that part of what they had worked so diligently for was no longer of interest to many of our grassroots members, as it had been over so many previous years.

What could have been the problem? The usual questions and answers were entertained and, after much debate, common sense prevailed over emotion. The decision was made to retire the meeting. It had completed its run, and now had become an event of the past.

This was but one example of how the environment is transforming the organization, but our work and our goals remain the same.

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their elder predecessors, they tend to prefer departing from traditional face-to-face meetings, in favor of phone conferences, as but one example. They may tend to prefer serving on faster-acting and shortertermed “task forces” rather than endure the slower pace, with greater time investment required, of standing committees.

They may prefer looking more for decisive answers rather than long debate. It is a matter of tempering both approaches to the same problems and finding the common ground from which to create and implement solutions.

Getting back to our local component, the SFDDA, we have been a bellwether in the state. Having to say

bers of the tripartite ne individual. farewell to some of our traditions and accepting change is not uncommon. However, unlike that which “happens in Vegas and stays in Vegas,” what happens in our district somehow trickles its way up the state.

We must therefore remain dedicated to formulating the best possible outcomes to those changes, and hopefully set a good example for others to follow.

A central theme – is that we now stand on the verge of a many anticipated future changes with our profession, and we, as an organization, need to adapt and manage such changes on your behalf, and with the needs and desires of you, our members, in mind. In the absence of having the old standards to fall back on, we were faced with reinventing and reinvigorating the association and internal changes are inevitable.

Some of this will be accomplished by streamlining the efforts of the three affiliate societies, Miami Dade, North Dade-Miami Beach and South Broward Dental Societies, and strengthening the core of the organization through centralizing activities and information through the SFDDA. We will work to provide the best in services and representation for the members and for the dental profession.

There will be a concerted effort to build a wealth of resources and professional connections to help members on a day-to-day basis in their practice, and to foster strong relationships with governmental agencies and the community at large. We vow to remain dedicated to providing a voice to the dental profession.

We will be forward in asking non-member dentists to understand the real reasons why membership in the tripartite is so necessary as an integral part of their profession, and why it should not simply be left to others to pay dues and work hard as a volunteer, while they receive and enjoy the resultant benefits of the process.

sfdda KEEP CALM WE’RE ALL

IN THIS TOGETHER We will explain that it is not our goal to provide you with discounts on cars, restaurants and spas, but it is our goal to make your investment worthwhile by making the tripartite the center for action and quality information, as well as the best environment for the dental community to meet, exchange ideas, learn from each other, develop genuine relationships, and effect change rather than be affected by it.

The culture is rapidly shifting, making it necessary to get out ahead of the changes. This makes for exciting times to be part of the organization. Your profession needs you, because together, the members of the tripartite are larger than any one individual.

Please contact our office if you have any questions or concerns. We are glad to be of service.

(305) 667-3647 or email us at: Yolanda Marrero - ymarrero.sfdda@gmail.com Jackie Quintero - jackie.sfdda@gmail.com

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Join Your Local Affiliate Society: Miami Dade Dental Society Dr. Alexndra Castillo North Dade - Miami Beach Dental Society Dr. Chandy Samuel South Broward Dental Society Dr. Mark Limosani

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RELENTLESS

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DEFENSE

Highlights from the 2015 Florida Dental Convention The Florida Denal Convention took place June 11-13 at the Gaylord Palms in Orlando. With over 2000 people in attendance, the event was a resounding success.

Members of the SFDDA delgation enjoyed special events from karaoke to junkanoo.

Dr. Beatriz Terry, Trustee received the FDA Leadership Award at a special luncheon on Saturday. Also receiving awards were Dr. Robert Hayling who received Special Recognition for his dedication to dentistry and the civil rights movement since it’s early history. Dr. David Russell was named Dentist of the Year and Dr. Donald Erbes received the distinguishe Leon Schwartz Lifetime Service Award.

Pictured from top: Enjoying a night of Karaeoke - Dr. Jeannette Peña Hall with her daughter Carmen Marie followed by Dr. Cesar Sabates with Dr. Rudy Lidell, and Dr. Richard Mufson.

Picture above: Recipients of the FDA Special Awards, Drs. Rick Stevens, Dr. David Boden, Beatriz Terry, David Russell, Gregory Archembault, Andy Brown, Robert Hayling, Rudy Lidell, Suzanne Ebert, Don Erbes, Steve Zuknic, Don Illkka, James Strawn and Charles Llanno, followed by Dr. Ralph Attanasi newly installed President of the FDA receiving his pin from Dr. Stevenson. And Drs. Michael Eggnatz, newly installed FDA 1st Vice President and Bill D’Aiuto, newly installed FDA President-Elect

Finally…a place to send those difficult patients!

Dr. Harold Menchel limits his private practice to treatment of TMD and orofacial pain in Coral Springs.

TMD Headache Neuropathic pain Sleep disordered breathing (OSA) Dr. Menchel coordinates treatment with restorative dentists, orthodontists, endodontists, and oral surgeons for these complex patients.

Dr. Menchel has been in practice in S. Florida since 1981. He received the majority of his training at the University of Florida Parker Mahan Facial Pain Center under the tutelage of Drs. Mahan and Gremillion from 1992Ǧ 1999. He achieved the prestigious Diplomate of the American Board of Orofacial Pain in 2000.

Treatment includes: (partial list) Splint therapy, medical management, physical therapy, joint mobilization, diagnostic and therapeutic injections.

All referrals will be respected and appreciated.

1720 University Drive, Suite 301, Coral Springs, FL 33071 (954) 345Ǧ2264 website; tmjtherapy.com

Payment Processing for Dental Practices The focus of dental professionals is first and foremost on the well-being of their patients. In today’s rapidly changing healthcare environment, however, it’s more important than ever that they also keep their finger on the pulse of their practice. After all, just as patients rely on their healthcare provider for their personal well-being, healthcare providers rely on their patients for financial well-being.

Healthcare practices across the US depend on Quantus Solutions to provide them with the right payment processing solution for their credit and debit card needs as well as the financial soundness of their practice. Having the right processing solution for your practice can be an effective way to improve three critical needs for all healthcare providers — practice efficiency, payment assurance and patient satisfaction.

The optimum payment processing for any practice is the one that can be customized to its unique requirements and budget.

Quantus Solutions offers multiple payment options, including all major credit cards, ACH and manual recurring payments; 24/7, U.S.-based customer support; automatic payment posting to patient ledgers and daily account reports; and increased efficiency and faster checkout time through single-system use.

A fully-integrated processing solution from Quantus Solutions can optimize the collection of patient payments and help you improve the financial health of your practice.

Here’s how: • Practice efficiency results from being able to check patients in and out faster with one system. Additionally, your staff saves time by no longer needing to manually enter data into dual systems, reducing hard-copy patient records.

You can also reduce expenses by eliminating a dedicated phone line.

• Payment assurance is realized with an increase in cash flow that comes from managing payments and getting paid faster. You are also able to maximize revenue by collecting payment at multiple points of service and post-service, improving collections and reducing bad debt.

• Patient satisfaction is maintained because you are providing payment convenience by accepting their credit, debit and HSA cards. Patients also receive emailed statements and reminders, and they’re able to set up recurring and scheduled payments that simplify their finances.

INDUSTRY NOTES: In the last quarter, a new breach reported by Heartland Payment Systems, the same company that in 2008 suffered a payments hack that exposed 130 million U.S. credit and debit cards, hasn't received much attention. But make note of this and if you are currently processing with Heartland, reach out to Quantus Solutions today to find out how you can better protect your business and your patients card transactions.

INDUSTRY DEADLINE REMINDER: OCTOBER 1, 2015 is the deadline for all merchants to obtain their FREE smart chip EMV terminal from Quantus Solutions. Most competitors are charging as much as $599.00 for this terminal!! DO NOT BE CAUGHT…. After this date the liability shifts to the merchant if they do not have the terminal that can read smart chip credit cards. Unfortunately most merchants are still unaware of this DEADLINE. But you can call Quantus Solutions today and ask for your FREE smart chip EMV terminal. advertisement

Quantus Solutions is an endorsed partner with SFDDA and works with dozens of professional healthcare associations and thousands of practices, providing the experience and expertise to know the best processing options for your practice.

Talk to one of our representatives today by calling 800-698-5150 to learn more.

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By Michael DiPietro, Senior Vice President. 305-297-2137. mdipietro@quantussolutions.com. www.quantussolutions.com

Classifieds

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ORTHO/PEDONTIST/ENDODONTIST: Excellent opportunity for associate dentist position available PT. Start working immediately 2 Locations Miami/Aventura area. State-ofArt facilities. Please fax resume to (305) 5539688 or email to onestopsmileshop@hotmail.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 ).

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Join our group specialty care practice with a significant general dental component. Established in 1975 in Aventura, Coral Springs, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Stuart, Ft. Pierce and Melbourne. Call: Kelly Oliver at (954) 461-0172. Fax resume to: (954) 678-9539.

Email: careers@dentaland.net.

GENERAL DENTIST: Needed in Dade Co 30HR WK. Excellent salary. Holiday and Ins Pay 615-202-8864 or 615-300-8621 FLORIDA (SOUTHEAST AND ORLANDO): 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-ofthe-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 www.gentledentalgroup.com/career or email your CVto careers@gentledentalgroup.com today!

ORTHODONTIST WANTED: We are a growing dental group looking for an Orthodontist to join our dental team. Excellent compensation. English/Spanish required. Call Manuel 305.915.2953 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) 770-1232 or call Kathy (954) 430-2188 or email to haroldhui@aol.com GENERAL DENTIST WANTED: Hialeah, Pembroke Pines or Kendall area, excellent compensation and bonus with guarantee income. Eng/Spanish required. Call Manuel 305.915.2953 BUSY DENTAL PRACTICE: Looking for PT associate dentist in Fort Lauderdale. Competitive % compensation based upon experience. Ask Dr. Martin 786-525-9946

OPPORTUNITIES WANTED: PERIODONTIST: Available one day a week to provide services in a quality oriented dental practice in Miami-Dade or Broward County.

Experienced and bilingual. Call (305) 3735807 OFFICE SPACE-SALE OR RENT DENTAL OFFICE FOR LEASE: 5 operatories, reception, business, sterilization, plumbed and ready. Has equipment that can be purchased from previous owner. Hollywood, FL Sheridian street exposure. Medical/dental complex. Single story building. Call 954 648 8681 SPACE AVAILABLE TO SHARE: 1300 Ft. facility in NMB near I-95 and Aventura. Only utilized 2+days Dr. Steven Rifkin srifkindds@gmail.com DENTAL PRACTICE FOR SALE GREAT OPPORTUNITY: to purchase this turn-key office located in the heart of Kendall.

11410 SW 88 Street, Miami, with close proximity to Turnpike, 874 & Palmetto exp. Way. Beautifully decorated 2078 sq ft office which offers 4 large fully equipped operatories, large waiting room, reception area, private doctors office, private bath, 2 separate entrances and more. Located on 2nd floor of a well established professional building. Office is designed as Endodontic, but fits well for Perio, Oral Surgeon and/or General Dentist, etc. There is ample parking. Office is all digital with full computer network and phone systems. A must see, priced at $350,000.00. For more info, please contact Candi Diaz @ 305-301-8183 MISCELLANEOUS MISC. OFFICE EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: Alabama Cabinets (Mobile Carts), Mica-Dent Air Abrasion Units, Nitrous Oxide Carts. Waiting room furniture, etc. Please call (305) 567-1992

Want to buy, sell, hire, or announce?

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 15

HURRICANE SEASON

WOULD YOUR PRACTICE PREVAIL? 5 Lessons learned from Superstorm Sandy Small business owners affected by Hurricane Sandy learned some hard lessons on what’s necessary to bounce back from a disaster. What did the brutal storm teach us and how can your practice be prepared for major hurricanes in the future?

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EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED Accept extreme weather as the new reality and have disaster preparation and business continuity plans ready before the weatherman’s forecast.

STORM TIME = DOWN TIME How long can your practice last with doors closed? Keep an emergency fund to help your practice survive a couple days of business closures.

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PROTECT YOUR DATA Back up your data regularly and keep important documents in a weather-proof safe. Also keep copies of important records at a secure offsite location.

MAKE A BACKUP PLAN Your business continuity plan should include details such as practice location alternatives, out-of-region backup suppliers and employee emergency contacts.

MAKE SURE YOU’RE COVERED Communicate with your insurance agent annually to reveiw your coverage details. Ask about additional coverages that may be right for your practice. Being prepared can make the difference.

Call today to speak to a licensed agent about your practice’s hurricane protection coverage.

Joseph Perretti

Director of Sales, South Florida 305.665.0455 joe.perretti@fdaservices.com