November 2010 TDA TODAY

NOVEMBER JUNE, 2008 2010

VOLUME 11, ISSUE VOLUME 9, ISSUE 6 11

AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLINE AT AT TDA.ORG TDA.ORG AVAILABLE

2010 Member GeneralMatters Election Results Every Inside Organized dentistry Medicaid Dental Program Inside and DENPAC played Proposed Changes to Texas

Rise’ Lyman, DDS, TDA Future Focus Committee

In September 2010, the TDA alerted members about significant roles in Medicaid in My Office?

State’sAssociation proposal to(TDA) implement a Medicaid capitated Yes, I Think TDASo! Smiles Foundation electing public officials in the Membership growth is vital to any thriving organization. The Texasthe Dental Board is strongly dental managed care program

by March 2012. The Texas November 2, 2010, general committed to the Membership goal within the “TDA 2009” strategic plan, which addresses continued growth.

RichardBecome M. Smith, DDS Century Club a TDASF and Human (HHSC) election.

I am proud to report that, as evidence of that commitment and for Health the second year in aServices row, theCommission TDA received submitted the capitated dental managed care proposal as part Member the following ADA awards in 2008: STATEWIDE OFFICE TDA Smiles Foundation of of the198 agency’s legislative • Greatest Percentage Membership Net Gain: Texas had a net gain members in theappropriation year 2007. request (LAR) in an HOLDERS TMOM gains ardent advocate to reduce costs associated with the State’s projected • Top Constituent Dental Society with Greatest Percentage ofeffort Non-Members to Membership:

Republicans swept Texas budget shortfall.

Represents a conversion of 4.7 percent of non-members into membership at end of year 2007.

Texas Medicaid Electronic statewide offices for the fourth During in December 2010, HHSC will release a draft Ask the President • Top Constituent Dental Society to Improve Retention Rate Percentage 2007: Represents a 97 election in a row. Notably, Health Recordmessage Incentive Request forthe Proposals (RFP) to obtain services of at least two Incoming President’s percent Association retention rate, which is an increase of 7 percent from previous year.

Governor Rick Perry defeated dental managed health organizations (DMHO).

The draft • Greatest Percentage of New Dentist Members: Represents a gain of 111 new dentist members (those Hilton Israelson, Program DDS (L-R) Pictured at a fundraiser for Texas Governor Rick Perry on former Houston Mayor Bill RFP will be released for commentary from providers, Medicaid dentists who are 1-9 years out of school).

October 27, 2010, in Houston are TDA president Dr. Ronald L. Rhea White for his third full term for consumers, other stakeholders, and potential vendors.

Let’s Talk of Houston,toDr. L. Roberts Dallas, Governor Perry, Dr. Another example of the commitment theDavid growth of ourofAssociation is theRick TDA Externship builds student awareness governor and his sixth statewide Program, At everywhich opportunity, the TDA continues to meet with J. Gregory Condrey of Sugar Frankstudents K. Eggleston Houston, to Outgoing President’s of dentistry. program, created inLand, 2007,Dr. offers the ofopportunity gain insight into the different components winorganized dating back to 1990This innovative TDA Notice ofmessage Grant legislative and agency leadership promoting the Association’s and Dr. Russell H. Schlattman II of Houston. when he successfully ranincluding for of organized dentistry legislative and regulatory affairs, membership, governance, continuing education, and charitable dentistry and A. David May, Jr., DDS opposition to a Medicaid capitated dental managed care Availability agriculture commissioner.

Texas of Lt.their Governor General Abbott, is open to dental students from each of the three to gain a better understanding role asDavid futureDewhurst, leaders ofAttorney the dental team. Greg The program system while also detailing specific program elements that Comptroller Combs, Patterson, and place Agriculture Commissioner dental schoolsSusan in Texas.

ThisLand yearCommissioner the externshipJerry program will take June 20 – June 27 in Austin theincluded TDA central mustatbe in the office.

State’s Medicaid capitated dental2008-2009 TDA Board of Directors ToddAs Staples also defeated Democratic challengers. an ongoing effort totheir enhance the value and benefits of the Association, the TDA Council on Membership developed a survey sent managed care RFP in the eventthat thatwas Texas does move MK’s Board Notes to all members in 2006.

The results clearly showed that members have a high satisfaction rating with benefits such as the TEXAS Meeting, TDA TEXAS HOUSE OVERVIEW Meet Your TDA Staff forward with the Medicaid DMHO delivery model. publications, and the ability to participate philanthropically in the TDA Smiles Foundation.

A great number of the discounted programs offered to

In the Texas House of Representatives, all 150 members are up for election every 2 years. In

As a result of the LAR submission and in anticipation TDA’s new Finance Director members throughfocus the TDA Perks Program received a high satisfaction rating.

In accordance with the strategicaplan, Councilcapitated on Membership, 2008, significant was placed on how also big the “Obama factor” would be on down-ballot races. of forming Texasthe Medicaid dental managed care Dee DeeTEXAS Delagarza will members againfor in this 2009.

Meeting Preview The survey opposite can be said year’s general election. Twenty-one Democratic incumbents, program, certain DMHOs may contact Texas dentists to Participation from all members and a collaborative effort between the ADA, TDA, and local component societies are the keys to including several no one saw as being at risk, lost their seats to Republican challengers on assess interest in participation in a Medicaid dental network.

Congratulations to TDA successful recruitment and retention.

We2008 encourage every member to get involved whether it is by attending localtomeetings, November membership 2. Republicans held a 77-75 advantage after and in the 81st Legislative Session.

It is not necessary for providers enroll with a DMHO Component taking part to inhold GiveaKids Dayafter activities, volunteering at acould Texasgain Mission of Mercy, TDA Dayawarded activities Texas Societies State Board of Dental They stand 99-51a Smile! advantage the general election and two more seats or participating at this timeinsince theLegislative State has not any contracts. in member matters and isTexas essential to the continued growth of our and Dentists of organized dentistry. thatAustin. remainEach undecided.

Given the 82nd Legislature will tackle redistricting, theAssociation strong are free to express their interest in participating if Examiners This is majority the seventh final inwill a series articles TDA’s accomplishments thesostrategic Tocontracts view the or entire plan, Streamline Your Insurance Claims Republican in and the House have of a hand in focused shapingon thethe state’s election maps for theguided by they choose, plan. but no fee schedules are known log in at www.tda.org and click on “TDA 2009” under “Current Issues” on the member homepage.

For more information, please contact Lyda Creus next decade. The results from November 2 speak for themselves: when the Texas House convenes Speeding upUpdate confirmation of benefits Rule to exist at this time.

Molanphy, staff liaison to the Future Focus at the 443-3675. in January 2011, 37 freshman members willCommittee, take their seats andTDA 21 ofcentral them office, will be(512) Republicans Based on the looming budget shortfall, it is possibleand eligibility Postcards Replacing Renewal that defeated incumbent Democrats. that Texas will ultimately decide to implement a Medicaid capitated dental managed care program. Although the TSBDE Rule FormsUpdate TEXAS SENATE OVERVIEWMission: To be The Voice of DenTisTry in Texas TDA will continue to aggressively advocate at the legislature

In the Texas Senate, members serve 4-year terms and one-half are up for election every Requirements for dental office against the implementation of a Medicaid capitated dental 2 years. This election cycle had 16 Texas Senate seats on the ballot and no incumbents were radiograph machines managed care program in Texas, the Association will defeated. There will be two new members of the Texas Senate who won seats vacated by TDA Perks Public Organizational Development Manpower simultaneously be working withMembership HHSC on the RFP. More incumbents: Brian Birdwell (R-Waco) and Jose Rodriguez (D-El Paso). The Texas Senate remains Advocacy In the News Image Excellence DMHO program specifics will be available after the draft at 19 Republicans and 12 Democrats.

TDA members in the news RFP is published.

Membership DENPAC STATS

Through 2011, keep watching for various TDA willcontributed value membership and participation Dentists DENPAC to 154 candidates who werein upthe forTDA. election this cycle. DENPAC grassroots alerts aimed at encouraging Texas legislators wasObjectives involved in 15 State Senate races and all 15 won their contests — a 100 percent success rate. to keep the current Medicaid fee-for-service, singleDENPAC was alsoperceived involved in 139and statebenefits house races.

Of those, 123 won their contests and 16 1. Improve value of membership in TDA. administrator delivery model as it continues to yield positive Tooth Whitening: A Clinical Review were defeated — an 89 percent success rate. a. Increase members’ knowledge about the impact and benefits of TDA membership. results for both Texas’ Medicaid enrolled children and the

Judging by these numbers, the grassroots efforts by DENPAC and organized dentistry’s key b. Ensure that components are an integral aspect of the membership process. dentist providers. The grassroots alerts started with an TDA Historical Perspectives legislative contacts continue to play pivotal roles in the election of public officials.

Special Pediatric Dentistry c. Create greater awareness of the availability of the Peer Review, Ethics & Judicial, and RisktoManagement benefits. e-mail all TDA members sent on November 2, 2010. Dentists, dental hygienists, and the d.

Actively promote adherence to the Code of Ethics.

For questions or comments, contact TDA’s policy manager

For more information, questions, or contributions to DENPAC, contact Mr. Jess Calvert with Issue dental team Enhanceofcommunication with members non-members.

Diane Rhodes at (512) 443-3675 or diane@tda.org. the TDA’se.Department Legislative and Regulatory Affairsand at (512) 443-3675 or jcalvert@tda.org. f. Build student awareness of and interest in organized dentistry and membership in TDA. Part 2 of 2 The 2007 C.T. Rowland Award g. Ensure ongoing contact with students throughout dental school.

Orthodontic case report h. Work closely with dental school faculty. i. Evaluate number of nonmember dentists who attend and participate in TDA activities (TEXAS Meeting, TDA Smiles Foundation programs, etc.).Dental Home Initiative (DHI) leader for Texas Dr.

On September 22, 2010, Head Start The El Paso Dental Conference PaulMetrics Kennedy, Jr., of Corpus Christi visited El Paso to give interested dentists and their staff 1. Seventy of program active licensed in TX members TDAchildren. by 2009 (baseline of 68.5% in January 2007); increase information aboutpercent the DHI and thedentists importance of will oral be health care forofyoung membership retention rate to 97from percent April19 2007 (baseline 96% was tremendous participation ESCby Region Head Start staff dueinto2006). the hard

There a-d. Alicia Increase theThis number serving onthree component peer review andheld ethics work of Ms. Luna. madeoffordentists the largest of the events (previous events in and judicial affairs committees to attain a January 13-15, 2011 August 14: participation rate of 2-5than percent relative to the total number component Laredo and Houston) with more 56 participants including dentistsofand their staff.society members by August 2009.

Southwest Ninety TX dental graduates licensedLinda in TXAltenhoff will be members of TDA five years after graduation (89% 2.As with eachpercent previousofseminar, Drs.school Kennedy and Stateactively Dental Director of TDA Board MeetingRegional Dental dentalbegan student from the graduating class Start, of 2005 in Texas). of the New Braunfels withconversion a PowerPoint presentation about Head the importance Austin, Conference Texas 3. home, Increase the number of member dentists actively participating inHead TDAStart by 1children. percent a year (as measured by a variety of means dental and how establishing dental homes improves health outcomes for Dallas participation at TX Meeting, TMOM, TXDDS, FSIhealth programs, DENPAC participations, TDA legislative day) with annual

The–group then shared challenges facing the delivery of oral services within ESC October 15-19: report TDAand Board by thestrategies Councilfor onimproving Membership.

Region 19 HeadtoStart discussed the delivery of those services.

ADA Annual Session (L-R) Participating in the Head Start Dental Home Initiative event 4. Start Establish baseline nonmember participation activities (CAS, TDA Smiles Foundation, Membership) Head staff and dentistsofagreed that parental educationatisTDA paramount in reinforcing good in El PasoTDA in September are State Dental Director San Antonio, Texas Established baseline members’ understanding of and satisfaction the benefits of their membership through MemberDr. Linda Altenhoff oral5.health habits at home andofthe importance of regular examinations done by with a dentist. of New and“First Services Survey (completed Nov 2006), re-evaluate increase at that for Braunfels, 2009. Dr. Paul Kennedy of Corpus Christi, Dr. Yvonne

Dr.Benefits Altenhoff’s Dental Home” course concluded the seminar.

This%course trains and time Maldonado of El Paso, and Ms. Alicia Luna of Head Start.

6. Texas Sixty-five percent all full-time faculty will be TDA 2009 (2006 certifies Health Steps of (Medicaid) dentists to provide dental members homes forby children from 6baseline = 63%). through 35 months of age. Many dentists participating in the First Dental Home project also participate in the Head Start DHI.

This is the last article detailing the September Head Start DHI seminars. However, keep looking for more DHI updates in the 2011 issues of the TDA The TDA will update it’s strategic plan with another statewide retreat in August of 2008.

2011 Dues Online UpdatePay Profile Today. If you want to be involved in this important initiative, please e-mail headstart@tda.org. YOU can make a difference in a child’s smile!

December July Journal News Journal News

Head Start Dental Home Initiative Has Outstanding Visit to El Paso

Around the State Around the State

Click & Connect Click & Connect

About Head Start Dental Home Initiative

tda.orgtda.org/paydues – Membership Info

Ask a Colleague Head Start provides comprehensive health and education services for low-income preschool children between the ages of 3 and 5, – Features Journal including support service for their families. Federal regulations mandate that each child enrolled in Head Start has an ongoing source of tda.orgNovember continuous, accessible health care including a dental home.

Meeting Photos tda.org/tdapublications Dentists agreeing to participate in the DHI become the dental home for children enrolled in an identified Head Start center(s). Texas isTEXAS a texasmeeting.com/estore large, geographically diverse state, with more than 1,200 centers serving approximately 78,000 children.

Since 2007, the TDA has been leading the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s Head Start Dental Home Initiative (DHI) in Texas. The TDA, with valuable Volunteer for ‘08 ADA support from the Texas Academy of General Dentistry and the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, has partnered closely with Head Start to continue improving the oral health of all children enrolled in the program throughout Texas. tda.org/volunteerada08 In 2003, Texas Dental Association members from across the state develop TDA’s first strategic plan, TDA 2009.

Texas Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program This is the first in a series of articles to keep you informed of the Texas Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program and continuing efforts to implement health information exchange initiatives across Texas. Future articles will focus on helpful reference web sites, health information exchange, meaningful use for dentists, certified EHR technology for dental practices, and other relevant topics of interest to dentists and health information technology (IT).

Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, eligible dentists can qualify for Medicaid EHR incentive payments when they adopt and use certified EHR technologies. Dentists may receive up to $63,750 over a 6-year period with the Medicaid EHR Incentive Program as long as they meet eligibility criteria. Texas Medicaid is planning to begin registration for the EHR Incentive Program in January 2011, with payments expected to begin around April 2011. First year incentive payments are available between 2011 and 2016, with the last year of incentive payments anywhere from 2015 to 2021, depending on what year the dentist started receiving payments. For Medicaid providers, eligible professionals do not need to report on meaningful use or clinical quality measures until 2012.

Visit the Texas Medicaid Health IT V webpage for more information, upcoming webinars, events, and answers to questions.

To contact the Health and Human Services Commission with additional questions, go to HealthIT@tmhp.com or call (800) 925-9126.

You may also contact TDA policy Y manager Diane Rhodes at (512) 443-3675 or diane@tda.org.

Evidence-Based Practice Tip of the Month Stephen R. Matteson, DDS, TDA Editor Here is a Cochrane Review on the topic of “Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain(R)) for periodontal tissue regeneration in intrabony defects.”

To view, enter: PMID 19821315 in the Google search box and click T on this item.* *Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2009 Oct 7;(4):CD003875.

TDA Publications Receive Journalism Awards

The TDA announces availability of financial assistance for qualifying 501(c)(3) non-profit organization affiliated with dentistry. The monies are derived from TDA Relief Fund interest income earned over the previous fiscal year. Grantees will be determined by the TDA Board of Directors.

Eligibility: Grantees must be 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations affiliated with dentistry.

Application: Letters of interest detailing the proposed project(s) and including a budget(s) should be mailed to: TDA Board of Directors — Attn.: Mr. Terry Cornwell 1946 S. IH 35, Ste. 400, Austin, TX 78704 Deadline: Letters of Interest must be received no later than January 31, 2011.

Approval: Letters of Interest will be reviewed and considered by the TDA Board of Directors at its April 2011 meeting.

Notification: All applicants will be notified in writing by May 15, 2011.

Previous Recipients: In 2010, grants were awarded to Christian Community Action in Lewisville, Community Health Center of Lubbock, Dentists Who Care in the Rio Grande Valley, and the HOPE Clinic in Alvin.

For more information, please contact Mr. Terry Cornwell, TDA, (512) 4433675 or terry@tda.org.

ICD USA Section editor Dr. Richard Galeone and ICD USA Section immediate past president Dr. Leighton A. Wier of San Antonio (right) present TDA editor Dr. Stephen R. Matteson (center) with journalism awards at the American Association of Dental Editors annual meeting last month in Florida. Photo credit: Dr. Michael Nash.

The International College of Dentists (ICD) U.S.A Section awarded the Texas Dental Journal and the TDA Today newsletter with journalism awards at the American Association of Dental Editors annual meeting in October in Florida.

The Texas Dental Journal was awarded the ICD’s “Golden Pen, Division 1 Honorable Mention Award” for its outstanding series of “Geriatrics and Dentistry” articles in the Vol. 126, No. 7 issue (July 2009). The TDA Today received the ICD’s “Newsletter, Honorable Mention Award” for the Vol. 10, Nos. 1-11 issues (January – November, 2009).

Happy, Healthy Smiles … That’s Our Mission!

Become a TDASF Century Club Member!

Becoming a Century Club Member is an amazing gift to both TDASF and the people it helps. Your donation of $100 a month may help cover the lab costs of someone needing dentures or go towards the purchase of new equipment for a mission event. Century Club donations are essential to the success of TDASF. By joining you are allowing the TDASF to help even more people receive access to dental care. Please read the letter below from a TDASF Donated Dental Services patient.

“Dear TDA Smiles Foundation, Thank you and all of your dental staff for all the help provided to me at Dr. (Doug) Bogan’s office. Everyone was very friendly, knew what to do at the job they did, and always made sure everything was fine while I was getting my dental work done. Dr. Bogan’s office is very clean in all of the work areas, the layout of the offices is organized and the decorating was very well done. I was very happy when I received a letter from Ms. Judith Gonzalez that I was being placed with a volunteer dentist. I have been trying for 2 years to find help with my teeth. Thank you very much for the dental work you donated to me, it makes a person have hope that there are people that do care and help others out.

When I saw my gr grandparents in Kansas during the winter or summer, I learned a lot about helping out. They were farmers who raised corn, wheat and cattle. When the crops had to be harvested or there was hay to be baled, the farmers would help each other out, which made it easier for everyone. My grandmother would cook lunch for the farmers helping out my grandfather.

When I went into construction for 30 years I helped out others knowing everyone needs a helping hand and money is not the most important thing. Helping others up the ladder of life when they need help is an amazing gift to the person you have helped. If you need help someday, I hope someone comes forward and helps you out.

Thank you very much.”

TDA Smiles Foundation Holiday Cards Is it really time to begin planning for the holidays already? Indeed, it is!

This year, consider honoring friends, family, colleagues, and patients with a gift. For a $25 donation, a TDASF staff member will send a card to each person on your recipient list. Honor those who support your practice through this tax deductible gift.

It’s simple to do: • Option One: Log onto tdasf.org, purchase your cards, and share your giving list with us. We’ll hand process, hand address, stamp, and mail out your gifts on your behalf. Finally, a truly hassle-free, one-stop shopping experience!

• Option Two: Send us an order form printed from the same website with your payment enclosed, and we’ll send your cards in a package to your office for personal handling.

Thank you for planning to make the TDASF the recipient of your holiday honorariums and part of your practice’s ongoing annual celebration. We appreciate your support.

November 2010 / TDA Today / 2

Texas Dental Association Notice of Grant Availability for 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Dental Organizations

MK’s Board Notes

Ron’s Ruminations Ronald L. Rhea, DDS, TDA President 2010-11

Mary Kay Linn, TDA Executive Director Below is a summary of actions of the TDA Board of Directors during the August 13, 2010, meeting, with TDA president Dr. Ronald L. Rhea, presiding.

Non-Policy Resolutions APPOINTMENTS 40-2011-B (NP): Appointed a Financial Task Force to be composed of no more than five TDA members, one of whom is the Secretary/Treasurer to serve as chair. The Task Force will conduct a major review of all financial matters of the TDA and will report to the Board of Directors at the November 2010 and February 2011 meetings.

44-2011-B (NP): Appointed Drs. Ron Collins, W. Kenneth Horwitz, Alan B. Moore, and Terry D. Watson to the Financial Task Force with Dr. Collins serving as chair.

BUDGET 39-2011-B (NP): Approved line items more than $400 over budget, including temporary salaries and human resources, totaling $21,218.

46-2011-B (NP): Approved a reallocation of annual session budget to fund cancellation insurance for the 2011 TEXAS Meeting, May 5-8, 2011, in San Antonio. The insurance will cover possible budget projection shortfall due to weather, labor strikes, airline strikes, structural damages to convention center and hotel venues and other disasters beyond the control of the TDA. The current quote does include a limited terrorism clause.

57-2011-B (NP): Charged the Executive Committee with investigating options for the September Executive Committee meeting traditionally scheduled in El Paso.

CORRESPONDENCE 50-2011-B (NP): Approved sending to the TDA Health and Human Services Commission Executive Commissioner Mr. Tom Suehs a letter requesting that the State appropriately fund the Oral Health Program and certain strategic initiative dental projects established as a result of the 2007 Frew v Hawkins (currently known as Frew v Suehs Suehs) agreement.

MISCELLANEOUS 45-2011-B (NP): Approved a one-time $75 registration fee be offered to non-members of the TDA for attendance at the 2011 TEXAS Meeting in an effort to encourage TDA membership.

49-2011-B (NP): Approved the legislative agenda prepared by the Council on Legislative and Regulatory Affairs for use during the 82nd Texas Legislature in 2011.

51-2011-B (NP): Approved funding to sponsor the annual Caring for Children Foundation’s Golf Tournament to be held in Austin, Texas, on September 21, 2010.

52-2011-B (NP): Approved hiring the audit firm of Maxwell, Locke & Ritter for the TDA Audit.

54-2011-B (Award): Approved a Service Recognition Award be presented to Stern Empire Dental Lab in honor of its 100 years of service to Texas dentists, 1910-2010, with the award to be presented at the Dental Laboratory Association of Texas’ 2010 Houston Conference and Expo September 24-26, 2010.

OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL 41-2011-B (NP): Approved out-of-state travel for TDA program manager Ms. Cassidy Neal to attend the National Dental Benefits Conference in Chicago, Illinois, on August 20, 2010.

42-2011-B (NP): Approved out-of-state travel for members of the TDA Council on Annual Session and Department of Annual Session to attend other dental meetings to scout prospective speakers and investigate on-site facilitation activities, exhibits, and social events.

43-2011-B (NP): Approved out-of-state travel for TDA president Dr. Ronald L. Rhea, TDA immediate past president Dr. Matthew B. Roberts, TDA Council on Legislative and Regulatory Affairs chair Dr. Richard C. Black, and TDA executive director Ms. Mary Kay Linn to attend the Austin Group meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 26, 2010.

Board Policy Resolutions MISCELLANEOUS 47-2011-B (P): Approved two proposed lists of procedures developed by the Council on Peer Review based on the medical model of rules of “full disclosure” and “no disclosure”.

The lists will be sent to the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and selected malpractice insurance carriers for comment. A letter will be sent to the Texas Medical Disclosure Panel to approve the lists for a model of informed consent forms.

48-2011-B (P): Resolved the TDA seek legislation amending – §254.018 of the Texas Occupations Code.

55-2011-B (P): Resolved the TDA increase the payment to the San Antonio District Dental Society from $12,000 to $15,000 annually to compensate for lost revenue resulting from San Antonio as the location for the TEXAS Meeting.

56-2011-B (P): Resolved that the appropriate TDA councils and committees be directed to formulate criteria that, when satisfied, ensure that the dentist is the “Head of the Dental Team.”

TDA Welcomes a New Staff Member Danielle Bennett is a recent addition to the TDA Department on Legislative and Regulatory Affairs. As the TDA’s policy analyst, she works closely with TDA director of public affairs Jess Calvert and TDA policy manager Diane Rhodes on legislative and regulatory issues.

Prior to coming to the TDA, Danielle worked as a litigation strategist and behavioral specialist for a fast-paced criminal defense firm, and as a lobbying assistant for CenterPoint Energy. In 2002, she worked as a legislative intern for Representative Bryan Hughes’s inaugural session and had the opportunity to research, advise, and consult on numerous legislative issues.

She currently holds a B.A. degree in government, a B.A. degree in psychology, and will be receiving a Master of Science degree in psychology in December.

It is an old story worth re-examining.

In the darkest part of the night, a Navy captain cautiously piloted his warship through the fog-shrouded waters. With straining eyes he scanned the hazy darkness, searching for dangers lurking just out of sight.

Then his worst fears were realized when he saw a bright light straight ahead. It appeared to be a vessel on a collision course with his ship. To avert disaster he quickly radioed the oncoming vessel.

“This is Captain Jeremiah Smith,” his voice crackled over the radio. “Please alter your course 10 degrees south! Over.”

To the captain’s amazement, the foggy image did not move. Instead, he heard back on the radio, “Captain Smith, this is Private Thomas Johnson. Please alter your course 10 degrees north! Over.”

Appalled at the audacity of the message, the captain shouted back over the radio, “Private Johnson, this is Captain Smith, and I order you to immediately alter your course 10 degrees south! Over.”

A second time, the oncoming light did not budge. “With all due respect, Captain Smith,” came the privates voice again, “I order you to alter your course immediately 10 degrees north! Over.”

Angered and frustrated that this impudent sailor would endanger the lives of his men and crew, the captain growled back over the radio, “Private Johnson, I can have you court-marshaled for this! For the last time, I command you on the authority of the United States Navy to alter your course 10 degrees to the south! I am a battleship!”

The private’s final transmission was chilling: “Captain Smith, sir. Once again with all due respect, I command you to alter your course 10 degrees to the north! I am a lighthouse!”

While this tale is usually told to demonstrate a paradigm shift in attitude, let us reflect instead on how a captain of a United States battleship, arguably one of the finest sailors in the world, could be so lost that he is about to crash his vessel onto a rocky shoal?

Similarly, how could the mighty battleship of dentistry, the American Dental Association, be so lost as to propose a course of action that would just as surely have crashed the dental profession onto the rocky shore of destruction?

The ADA Council on Dental Practice (CDP) brought forth four resolutions to the House of Delegates in Orlando last month that would have removed from the core values of this august organization — the principle that only the dentist should be allowed to do irreversible/surgical procedures. The CDP would have us condone a Dental Health Aid Therapist, a high school graduate with 20 months of trade school, giving local anesthetic, drilling and filling teeth and doing “simple” extractions with minimal to no supervision by a dentist! Fortunately with considerable effort by your delegation from Texas to the ADA, these resolutions were soundly defeated.

But how did they get so off course? It is all about the fact that some in our country are not receiving the benefits of the finest healthcare in the world, American dentistry. Dentistry is Healthcare that Works! Care is diagnosed and delivered by Doctors of Dental Surgery or Doctors of Dental Medicine who have the knowledge and skills that have made our profession the envy of the world. That should not change.

Yes, we must find methods to make dentistry available to all Americans who seek care. We need to Y find models that would aid our dentists in delivering more dentistry in areas where care delivery capacity is inadequate. But as we consider actions, we must ever hold forward the principals that it is the dentist who has the drill in his hand and that we do not want two tiers of dentistry for Americans.

The TDA is examining models which could adhere to these principals which I hope to propose to you in the near future.

141st Annual Session of the Texas Dental Association May 5 – 8, 2011 • San Antonio, Texas

Register Early, Stay Through the Weekend, Wear TDA Colors Victor Rodriguez, DDS, TDA Council on Annual Session Holidays are a time for many American and Texan traditions. For Thanksgiving, families get together over a long weekend, some eat traditional turkey and dressing, while others like to eat fried turkey, a Southern tradition. We eat the best pumpkin pie around and we count our blessings and pray for the less fortunate. Not to mention, there is an exciting in-state college football game that automatically places you on one side of the fence or the other, many times splitting families right down the middle for one day.

During December, many American and Texas families also get together for joyous celebrations.

Many families have various traditions of exchanging gifts, eating wonderful food, drinking traditional beverages, attending religious services, and listening to holiday music. Children, and some adults, dream of a rare Texas phenomenon…snow for the holidays.

For the Texas Dental Association, we also have our own traditions. One of our most popular is the Annual Meeting on May 5-8, 2011. The TDA Annual Meeting is packed with nationally recognized speakers, exhilarating exhibitors, and opportunities for networking and camaraderie. But like many traditions, you will want to do some planning to help make the TDA Annual Meeting the best experience possible.

Annual Meeting housing opens December 1. One of the Texas schools has a saying “Come early, be loud, wear orange.” For TDA that would translate to register early, stay through the weekend, and wear TDA colors. The contracted hotels need you to make your reservations early to ensure your hotel selection is available. Confirm hotel reservations NOW for you and your staff. Hotel reservations can be made online at texasmeeting.com.

Registration opens January 2, 2011. Register early for your favorite seminars, speakers, and R workshops. This year the Council on Annual Session has contracted many well-known speakers so look through the registration brochure for your favorite seminars. Since most seminars fill up fast, take advantage of early registration. Register online at texasmeeting.com starting January 2.

By registering early, rest assured that your trip to the TEXAS Meeting in beautiful San Antonio in May will be a rewarding experience. The registration brochure will be mailed the first week of December, so be sure to check your mail. Register early, stay through the weekend, and wear TDA colors! We look forward to seeing you in San Antonio.

November 2010 / TDA Today / 3

TSBDE Rule Update

This recurring section is designed to help TDA members keep up with important Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) rules, other regulations, and state law affecting their practices.

In an effort to help licensees and the public understand the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners’ (TSBDE) enforcement policies, the TSBDE recently published a “Disciplinary Matrix” outlining TSBDE policy when the board takes disciplinary action in accordance with the Texas Occupations Code §263, §265, and §266.

Further, the matrix is intended to maintain flexibility in determining the most appropriate sanction for each violation and allow the TSBDE to consider aggravating and mitigating factors (i.e., the licensee’s compliance history, the seriousness of the violation, the threat to the public’s health and safety) when determining sanctions.

The matrix is organized by violation type and distinguished by violation tiers. The violations described in the matrix mirror the violations specified in Texas Occupations Code. Violations that are distinguished as First Tier Violations are those that the TSBDE determines to be less serious, or which pose minimal threat to public safety, after consideration of any aggravating or mitigating factors. Violations that are distinguished as Second, Third, or Fourth Tier Violations are those that the board determines to be more serious, or which pose more than a minimal threat to public safety, after consideration of any aggravating or mitigating factors. Each violation tier in the matrix includes a description of events that might fall within that violation tier. The corresponding sanction description describes each of the sanctions that could be imposed.

* Previous information taken from Texas Register, September 3, 2010, Volume 35, Number 36, Pages 8152-8166.

An electronic version of the disciplinary matrix, including hyperlinks, is available on the TSBDE’s website at tsbde.state. tx.us.

For more information, please contact TDA policy

manager Ms. Diane Rhodes at (512) 443-3675, diane@tda.org.

TSBDE: Reminder Postcards Have Replaced Renewal Forms

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ronald L. Rhea, D.D.S., President J. Preston Coleman, D.D.S., President-elect Matthew B. Roberts, Immediate Past President Vice Presidents R. Lee Clitheroe, D.D.S., Southeast John W. Baucum III, D.D.S., Southwest Kathleen M. Nichols, D.D.S., Northwest Donna G. Miller, D.D.S., Northeast Senior Directors Karen E. Frazer, D.D.S., Southeast Lisa B. Masters, D.D.S., Southwest Robert E. Wiggins, Jr., D.D.S., Northwest Larry D. Herwig, D.D.S., Northeast Directors Rita M. Cammarata, D.D.S., Southeast T. Beth Vance, D.D.S., Southwest Michael J. Goulding, D.D.S., Northwest Arthur C. Morchat, D.D.S., Northeast

On January 1, 2009, the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) stopped mailing renewal forms and began mailing a 5” x 8” reminder postcard to all licensees.

This postcard is mailed approximately 45 days prior to the expiration date of the licensee’s registration certificate.

Notify the TSBDE of any change of address within 60 days of a move. Address changes are accepted by e-mail, fax or ground mail. A Change of Address Form is available on the TSBDE’s website at tsbde.state.tx.us. If you e-mail or fax your new information, provide your name, profession, license or registration number, phone number, and your new primary mailing address (home or office).

The TSBDE e-mail is: information@tsbde.state.tx.us. The fax number is: (512) 463-7452. The TSBDE mailing address is: TSBDE, 333 Guadalupe Street, Tower 3, Suite 800, Austin, TX 78701-3942.

Perks Partner News Perks Adds Payroll-Service Program

The TDA Financial Services Board of Directors convened in Austin on October 29. The board added NetChex to TDA Perks Program’s growing list of endorsed partners. NetChex offers payroll, human resources, reporting and labor management services, and was recently named in Inc. magazine’s list of the 5,000 fastest-growing companies in the country.

Save on Prescriptions

Look for the new TDA Perks Discount Pharmacy Card in your dues -statement envelope this month.

You can save 10-60 percent on prescriptions at participating pharmacies. Learn more at tdaperks.com.

TDA Financial Services, Inc. (FSI) is a wholly-owned affiliate of TDA, and manages the Perks Program. For more information, call (512) 443-3675, or visit tdaperks.com.

NOVEMBER 2010

EDITORIAL STAFF Dr. Stephen R. Matteson, D.D.S., Editor Nicole Scott, Managing Editor Barbara S. Donovan, Art Director Paul H. Schlesinger, Consultant

VOLUME 11, ISSUE 11 AVAILABLE ONLINE AT TDA.ORG

Ron Collins, D.D.S., Secretary-Treasurer Glen D. Hall, D.D.S., Speaker of the House Michael L. Stuart, D.D.S., Parliamentarian Stephen R. Matteson, D.D.S., Editor Mary Kay Linn, Executive Director William H. Bingham, Legal Counsel TDA Today (USPS 022-007) is published monthly except for December by the Texas Dental Association, 1946 S. IH-35, Ste 400, Austin, Texas 78704-3698, (512) 443-3675. Periodicals Postage Paid at Austin, Texas and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to TDA TODAY, 1946 S. IH-35, Ste 400, Austin, TX 78704-3698.

Annual subscriptions: Texas Dental Association (TDA) members, $5. In-state American Dental Association (ADA) affiliated, $15 + tax. Out-of-state ADA affiliated, $15. In-state non-ADA affiliated, $30 + tax. Out-of-state non-ADA affiliated, $30.

Single issue price: TDA members $1. In-state ADA affiliated, $3 + tax. Out-of-state ADA affiliated, $3. In-state non-ADA affiliated, $6 + tax. Out-of-state non-ADA affiliated, $6.

Contributions: Manuscripts and news items of interest to the membership of the Association are solicited. Manuscripts should be typewritten, double spaced, and the original copy should be submitted. Please refer to Instructions for Contributors in the annual September Directory of the Texas Dental Journal for more information. The Information for Contributors is available at tda.org. All statements of opinion and of supposed facts are published on authority of the writer under whose name they appear and are not to be regarded as the views of the Texas Dental Association, unless such statements have been adopted by the Association. Articles are accepted with the understanding that they have not been published previously. Authors must disclose any financial or other interests they may have in products or services described in their articles.

Advertisements: Publication of advertisements in this publication does not constitute a guarantee or endorsement by the Association of the quality of value of such product or of the claims made of it by its manufacturer.

aa de

Get up to $250, or a FREE Terminal for Credit Card Processing.

Enroll with Best Card—TDA Perks Program’s endorsed credit-card processor—by Dec. 31st, and receive up to $250 or a free terminal for credit card processing.* Take the Best Card Challenge: fax a recent credit-card processing statement to: (866) 717-7247, and get a free, complete and confidential cost comparison for your practice. On average, practices save $1,066 (23%) with Best Card.

Hundreds of TDA members, and TDA’s Central Office, have switched to Best Card; and more TDA members are enrolling every week. This Perks/Best Card special is your incentive to join other TDA members who are saving money and receiving unparalleled customer service. Call Best Card today, and speak with a friendly Best Card team member who’ll be ready to assist you. *Certain terms apply. Visit tdaperks.com and click on “Specials,” or call Best Card for details.

Questions? Call Best Card at:

(877) 739-3952