January 2009 TDA TODAY

JANUARY JUNE, 20082009

VOLUME ISSUE VOLUME 9,10, ISSUE 6 1

AVAILABLE ONLINE AT TDA.ORG

Every Member Matters TDA Press Briefing:

Inside

Rise’ Lyman, DDS, TDA Future Focus Committee

Building Better Oral Health

Membership growth is vital to any thriving organization. The Texas Dental Association (TDA) Board is strongly committed to the Membership goal within the “TDA 2009” strategic plan, which addresses continued growth.

I am proud to report that, as evidence of that commitment and for the second year in a row, the TDA received The Texas Dental Association (TDA), a in 2008: the following ADAwith awards grant from the American Dental Percentage Association,Membership Net Gain: Texas had a net gain of 198 members in the year 2007.

• Greatest commissioned an independent third-partyDental report Society with Greatest Percentage of Non-Members to Membership: • Top Constituent on access to oral health care, “Building Bettera Oral Healthof 4.7 percent of non-members into membership at end of year 2007.

Represents conversion Care: A Dental Home for All•Texans.”

TDA held a Dental press Society to Improve Retention Rate Percentage in 2007: Represents a 97 Top Constituent briefing in early December to promote findings ofretention this percentthe Association rate, which is an increase of 7 percent from the previous year. groundbreaking report. The Austin American-Statesman • Greatest Percentage of New Dentist Members: Represents a gain of 111 new dentist members (those newspaper published an editorial dentists and several television whoother are 1-9 years out of school). and radio media outlets reported the event.

Another example of the commitment to the growth of our Association is the TDA Externship Program, which builds student awareness

of organized dentistry. This innovative program, created in 2007, offers students the opportunity to gain insight into the different components The press briefing featured the report’s authors, a team of affairs, membership, governance, continuing education, and charitable dentistry and of organized dentistry including legislative and regulatory five nationally recognized dentists from both academia to gain a better understanding of their role as future leaders of the dental team. The program is open to dental students from each of the three and private practice, as well TDA Hiltonwill take place June 20 – June 27 in Austin at the TDA central office. dental schools in Texas.

This as year the president externshipDr. program Israelson, TDA president-elect Dr. Matthew Roberts, andof the Association, the TDA Council on Membership developed a survey that was sent As an ongoing effort to enhance the value and benefits National Hispanic Dental Association president-elect Dr. to all members in 2006. The results clearly showed that members have a high satisfaction rating with benefits such as the TEXAS Meeting, TDA Victor Rodriguez. publications, and the ability to participate philanthropically in the TDA Smiles Foundation. A great number of the discounted programs offered to members through the TDA Perks Program also received a high satisfaction rating. In accordance with the strategic plan, the Council on Membership, TDA launched buildingbetteroralhealth.com which contains will survey members again in 2009. additional information and a downloadable brochure that Participation from all members and a collaborative effort between the ADA, TDA, and local component societies are the keys to summarizes the report.

A hard copy of “Building Better Oral successful membership recruitment and retention. We encourage every member to get involved whether it is by attending local meetings, Health: A Dental Home for All Texans” will be mailed as a at a Texas Mission of Mercy, or participating in TDA Legislative Day activities taking part in Give Kids a Smile! Day activities, volunteering supplement to this month’s Texasand Dental Journal.to the continued growth Dr. Karen B. Troendle of San fields questions from photojournalists. in Austin. Each member matters is essential of our Association andAntonio of organized dentistry.

This is the seventh and final in a series of articles focused on the TDA’s accomplishments guided by the strategic plan. To view the entire plan, 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 Molanphy, staff liaison to the Future Focus Committee, at the TDA central office, (512) 443-3675.

Mission: To be The Voice of DenTisTry in Texas Manpower

Advocacy

Organizational Excellence

Public Image

Development

Membership

Membership

Dentists will value membership and participation in the TDA. Objectives Featured at the press briefing were (L-R): Drs. Eric Solomon, Karen B. Troendle, 1. president Improve value discusses and benefits of membership TDA Dr.perceived Hilton Israelson “Building Better Oral in TDA. Victor Rodriguez, Matthew Roberts, Hilton Israelson, Patricia L. Blanton, Arthur Increase knowledge about the impact and benefits of TDA Health: Aa.Dental Homemembers’ for All Texans” with a reporter.

Jeske, and Kevin membership.

Donly.

b. Ensure that components are an integral aspect of the membership process. c. Create greater awareness of the availability of the Peer Review, Ethics & Judicial, and Risk Management benefits. d. Actively promote adherence to the Code of Ethics. e. Enhance communication with members and non-members. f. Build student awareness of and interest in organized dentistry and membership in TDA. g. Ensure ongoing contact with students throughout dental school. h. Work closely with dental school faculty. i. Evaluate number of nonmember dentists who attend and participate in TDA activities (TEXAS Meeting, TDA Smiles

NineteenFoundation TDA members from etc.). around the state participated in a 2-day leadership program, programs, LEAD TDA, January 9–10, 2009, in Austin. TDA partnered with The Coaching Center to provide Metrics this1.educational opportunity for its members.

Seventy percent of active licensed dentists in TX will be members of TDA by 2009 (baseline of 68.5% in January 2007); increase membership retention rate to 97 percent by April 2007 (baseline 96% in 2006).

The participants developed their personal vision statements; were coached on effective public a-d. Increase the number of dentists serving on component peer review and ethics andspeaking; judicial affairs committees to attain a worked on the scope of personal leadership needed for organizational change; and confronted “the by August 2009. participation rate of 2-5 percent relative to the total number of component society members good, bad and the ugly” ofdental their own personal leadership 2. theNinety percent of TX school graduates activelystyles. licensed in TX will be members of TDA five years after graduation (89% dental student conversion from the graduating class of 2005 in Texas).

Participants and their teams filled out a Leadership Practices Inventory prior to the program. This 3. Increase the number of member dentists actively participating in TDA by 1 percent a year (as measured by a variety of means information was used to prepare a report for each dentist attending of his/her current leadership style.

– participation at TX Meeting, TMOM, TXDDS, FSI programs, DENPAC participations, TDA legislative day) with annual Dr. Joel Vela of Bellaire practices his report to TDA Board by the Council on Membership. public speaking skills in front of the group.

The TDA Perks Program sponsored the dinner on Friday night of the event.

4. Establish baseline of nonmember participation at TDA activities (CAS, TDA Smiles Foundation, Membership) 5. Established baseline of members’ understanding of and satisfaction with the benefits of their TDA membership through Member “This program Benefits and Services Survey (completed Nov 2006), re-evaluate % increase at that time for 2009.

6. Sixty-five percent of all full-time faculty will be TDA members by 2009 (2006 baseline = 63%).

is a must for

The TDA will update it’s strategic plan with another statewide retreat in August of 2008.

anyone in a leadership position.”

— Dr. David Rivera, Victoria (L-R) Drs. Patrice Coons and Shailee Gupta, both of Austin, The Coaching Center facilitator Suzanne Black coaches Dr. Josh enjoy dinner at ZTejas Southwestern Grill.develop TDA’s first strategic Austinplan, of San Antonio on holding “crucial conversations”.

In 2003, Texas Dental Association members from across the state TDA 2009.

Medicaid in My Office?

TDA Legislative Agenda for the Yes, ThinkLegislature So! 81stITexas Richard M. Smith, A quick look at theDDS upcoming legislative session’s key dates TDA Smiles Foundation TMOM gains ardent advocate TDA Smiles Foundation Ask the President Premier Smiles on Wheels event Incoming President’s message huge success Hilton Israelson, DDS Corpus Christi TMOM provides more thanTalk $300,000 in charitable care Let’s Outgoing President’s message A. David May, Jr., DDS Society Dallas County Dental Awarded ADA Golden Apple 2008-2009 TDA Board of Directors Governor Meet YourAppoints TDA StaffAustin Dentist TDA’s new Finance Director Dr. Richard Box to A&M Board of Dee Dee Delagarza Regents Congratulations to TDA Texas Head Start Save Our Smiles Component Societies Second event is successful Streamline Your Insurance Claims Speeding up confirmation of benefits and eligibility February TSBDE Rule Update Journal News Requirements for dental office radiograph machines Flouride concentrations in water in selected locations In the News TDA members in the news New technologies for early detection of dentalNews caries July Journal Tooth A Clinical Review DentalWhitening: Tourism and Volunteer Reporting Forms TDA Historical Perspectives Dentists, dental hygienists, and the dental team

Around the State

The 2007 C.T. Rowland Award Orthodontic case report January 22 – 24: Southwest Dental Conference, Dallas Conference The El Paso Dental February 6: Smiles on Wheels, Around the State

Crockett August 14: TDA Board25: Meeting February Legislative Day, Austin Austin, Texas October 15-19: Click & Connect ADA Annual Session San Antonio, Texas “Building Better Oral Health: A Dental for All Texans” report ClickHome & Connect buildingbetteroralhealth.com Update Profile tda.org – Membership Info TDA Legislative Day registration tda.org/legislativeday Ask a Colleague tda.org – Features Pay 2009 dues online TEXAS Meeting Photos tda.org — PAY DUES texasmeeting.com/estore Volunteer for ‘08 ADA tda.org/volunteerada08

Happy, Healthy Smiles …That’s Our Mission!

Smiles on Wheels Sails

In 2008, the TDA Smiles Foundation (TDASF) was the lucky recipient of a matching grant challenge from The Meadows Foundation. With the help of generous donors from the TDA and beyond, TDASF met the challenge to secure the funding in a decreasing model over the next 3 years.

The grant enabled TDASF to start its newest mission, Smiles on Wheels, designed to be a mini-Mission of Mercy (modeled after the larger TMOM). Rolling into strictly rural counties, the events provide small-venue charitable care to 100 patients over a single day. Months of planning and a group of dedicated volunteers brought the first-ever event to the residents of Milam County in Rockdale on December 13, 2008.

An 11-year-old patient grips a stuffed animal given to him at the event in one hand and his cousin’s palm in the other while Dr. Mike Giesler of Atlanta delivers treatment. Dr. Giesler treated all four boys in this family and their aunt!

The event ran smoothly and accomplished more than expected — 110 patients were treated with a value of dental care that exceeded $55,000. The hospitality from the residents of Rockdale was amazing — their generosity and delivery of delicious home-cooked meals were greatly appreciated!

Smiles on Wheels will certainly be a new venture for the TDA Smiles Foundation. This new model allows for care for disadvantaged Texans through a smaller, more personal venue, and communities rally together to bring greatly needed dental care to those less fortunate.

(L-R) Dr. Stan Fry of Hereford poses with Smiles on Wheels patient Allen Locklin prior to starting treatment.

The next Smiles on Wheels is in Houston County in Crockett on Friday, February 6, 2009. For more information, visit tdasf.org.

Rockdale local Dr. David Pendleton works alongside one of the many volunteer members of his staff that joined the Smiles on Wheels event (photo courtesy of Dr. Kurt Loveless).

“The Sparkling (and Smiling) City by the Sea”

A hugely successful Texas Mission of Mercy (TMOM), sponsored by the TDA Smiles Foundation (TDASF), took place in Corpus Christi November 14-15, 2008, with the Del Mar College of Dental & Imaging Technology serving as the gracious host. The TDASF served 846 patients and provided $326,585 worth of emergent, charitable dental care to the citizens of the coastal bend area.

Del Mar’s campus provided a welcoming and efficient venue with operatories, on-site sterilization, and X-ray equipment, plus a never-before-seen force of skilled volunteers, including dental hygiene and pre-nursing students and 300+ pre-dental students. Punctuated with on-site reporting, looping television stories on multiple days, and print coverage by the local newspaper, The Corpus Christi Caller-Times, the community embraced our mission.

If you are interested in joining an upcoming TMOM or trying out one of the new, smaller, Smiles on Wheels missions, please visit tdasf.org or call us at (512) 4482441.

Del Mar pre-nursing students (in red scrubs) take vitals from incoming patients.

— Gloria Hicks, Corpus Christi TMOM community chair in a letter to the editor, The Corpus Christi Caller-Times

“The mission you fulfilled this past weekend is worth more than the dollar amount noted. The people of South Texas are — no doubt — grateful for your services.”

— Laura Zamora, Junior League of Corpus Christi volunteer

Dr. Christopher F. Anderson for outstanding dental journalism

The International College of Dentists (ICD) USA Section recognized Dr. Christopher F. Anderson of Lubbock, editor of the Texas Dental Journal and TDA Today, for outstanding dental journalism at the ADA Annual Session in October 2008. The ICD awarded Dr. Anderson the Golden Pen Award, Division One for the most outstanding article or feature in its annual journalism competition. The article, titled “Unregulated Herbal Products: Potential Interactions and Side Effects in Dental Patients” by Dr. Roger E. Alexander, appeared in the April 2007 Texas Dental Journal.

Dr. Kim Freeman for literary contributions

The ICD Texas Section recognized Dr. Kim Freeman of Lake Jackson for his quarterly column in the Texas Dental Journal, titled “Dental Artifacts.” He received the Dentists Literary Award for Contributors to Literature in 2008. Dr. Freeman’s “Dental Artifacts” articles cover topics related to the history of dentistry.

Freeman

The ICD is a not-for-profit organization which awards fellowships to dental professionals for conspicuous and meritorious service to the profession of dentistry. The annual Dental Journalism Awards program recognizes and awards outstanding dental journalism by editors in and out of the dental profession.

Let the Force be With You 2009 TEXAS Meeting, May 7–10 Frank L. Higginbottom, DDS, Council on Annual Session

In a land far, far away (San Antonio), in a time long, long ago (May 2008), there was the 138th Annual Session of the Texas Dental Association. The “force” was strong at that meeting. This year the “force” will again be strong in San Antonio for the 139th Annual Session of the Texas Dental Association.

The TEXAS Meeting is known throughout the galaxy as one of the premier meetings for fellowship, education, and of course, fine politics. Our fearless leader Dr. Hilton “Yoda” Israelson has charged head Jedi Dr. Karen “Princess Leia” Frazer to summon her fellow Jedi warriors (the TDA Council on Annual Session) to again bring the powers of the “force” together for the good of the galaxy and all Texas dental teams.

In all seriousness, the holidays have been put to rest and we face this new year with great expectations. I call this the urgency to get back to work! May 2009 and the 139th TEXAS Meeting is not that far away and I urge you to register now. It is time to book a favorite hotel for you and your staff and get a jump on registration for your favorite courses. Courses fill up very quickly. Your TEXAS Meeting is the most effective way to finalize those CE requirements for you and your staff in these difficult economic times.

The TEXAS meeting is an excellent opportunity to reward your staff for a job well done with a week of stimulating educational sessions and a Riverwalk experience in San Antonio.

Each year the Council exceeds expectations by building on the previous year’s success. This year will be no different! I look forward to seeing you at the meeting and at the “Texas Party” on the Thursday evening of the conference, the social highlight of the week! Register online today and complete your hotel reservations at texasmeeting.com. If you have questions, contact the TDA annual session department at (512) 443-3675. May the force be with you.

January 2009 / TDA Today / 2

Local Corpus Christi dentist Dr. Ralph Martin works on a patient in one of the mobile operatories that supplemented the well-equipped venue.

“What a blessing our city just received in the way of the [Texas Mission of Mercy] held at Del Mar College …

A lot of good things are happening in our city. It is great to live here and be a part of serving others.”

ICD Recognizes Texas Dental Journal

Anderson

(L –R) Corpus TMOM dental chairperson Dr. Gary Wesson poses with a TMOM patient and local dentist Dr. John B. Mason.

Golden Apple to Dallas County

The American Dental Association’s (ADA) 20th Annual Golden Apple Award recognizing “Achievement in Dental School/Student Involvement in Organized Dentistry” for 2008 was presented by Dr. S. Jerry Long, ADA 15th District (Texas) Trustee, to the Dallas County Dental Society for its participation in the Baylor College of Dentistry’s “Great Expectations” program.

“Great Expectations” is designed for dental students early in their first year to introduce them to different aspects of dentistry. Successful program development is credited to collaboration and cooperation among the partners — Baylor College of Dentistry, Dallas County Dental Society, and the Texas International College of Dentists.

Texas ICD regional leadership coordinator Dr. C. Moody Alexander credits the program’s success to his fellow partners in the leadership program, including Drs. Mark Gannaway, Bill and Lynn Gerlach, John Chandler, Tommy Harrison, Phil Pierpoint, and Larry Herwig, along with numerous others who worked hard to make the program a success.

One obvious benefit of the program is development of a “Great Expectations” program at the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston led by Dr. Tommy Harrison, Texas ICD president-elect, and Dr. Phil Pierpont, associate dean, UTDB at Houston.

Introducing New TDA Staff Angela Acosta joins the TDA team as TDA Smiles Foundation missions support specialist and is a graduate of Texas A&M University.

She has an extensive background in sales, marketing and training/ development working with top companies such as Dale Carnegie and Walt Disney World. Married to Louis Acosta for 13 years, they have two sons, 9-year-old Louis Manuel and 7-year-old Marcus.

Acosta

Mandy Gonzalez is another recent addition to the TDA Smiles Foundation as an administrative assistant. Born and raised in Houston, she received a bachelor’s degree in digital and photographic imaging from Texas State University. After college she spent a year working on independent films at a production studio in Kyle. Her work at the TDA Smiles Foundation will include graphics design to chair-side assisting.

Gonzalez

Nancy Parish joins TDA as a financial accountant in the TDA finance department. She has a varied accounting background, from hi-tech research and development, construction bonds to non-profit. She graduated from Northern Arizona University and also completed a paralegal program in California. She helped set up Warm Heart International, a non-profit that benefits the health and lives of people in Southern Malawi, Africa. She currently lives in Elgin with her two horses and foster dogs.

Parish

Ask the President Hilton Israelson, DDS, TDA President 2008-2009

Question: Why Should I Attend TDA’s Legislative Day?

Wednesday, February 25, 2009 Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel, 701 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX Register now at www.tda.org/legislativeday

State Approves New Loan Repayment Assistance Program for Medicaid Providers

The State Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has just approved a new loan repayment program that will help Texas increase the number of doctors, dentists, and specialists who provide care for children with Medicaid coverage. HHSC developed the program in consultation with representatives of the Texas Dental Association (TDA).

The new program, which will begin in March, is among the initiatives funded from $150 million set aside by the 2007 Texas Legislature to make it easier for children with Medicaid coverage to get medical and dental services. The funding is part of the Legislature’s $1.8 billion plan to increase Medicaid fees and the availability of services in response to the Frew v Hawkins lawsuit over utilization of preventive services in children’s Medicaid.

The Texas Legislature goes into session every 2 years and as you receive this copy of the TDA Today, the current legislative session is underway. The legislature governs the Texas Dental Practice Act and therefore the way we practice. This year the TDA is filing a bill which, if passed, would modestly expand duties for dental assistants. The bill is a result of action taken by the House of Delegates this past May in San Antonio (please see “Workforce Resolutions” at tda.org). Our legislative team is actively working to garner support for this legislation and working equally as hard to prevent legislation from passing that TDA opposes.

As many of you are aware, TDA has an excellent legislative team composed of in-house staff and contract lobby team. In order to be as successful as possible in our legislative efforts, the TDA needs your help. Reach out and get to know your state representative and state senator. Your personal contact with legislators in your districts is the most effective communication.

Get involved with legislative efforts at TDA by attending Legislative Day on February 25, 2009 in Austin. We are honored to have Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott speak to us that morning and honored to be recognized by State Senator Florence Shapiro (R-Plano) on the senate floor later that same morning. Your attendance and participation will send a strong message at the Capitol that TDA members are active, passionate, and informed about the issues that affect our profession.

Attend Legislative Day on February 25. Schedule an appointment with your legislative officials and register online at tda.org/legislativeday.

A Quick Look at the Upcoming Legislative Session Richard C. Black, DDS, Chair, Council on Legislative and Regulatory Affairs

Here’s a brief rundown of the top issues on the Texas Dental Association’s agenda for the 140-day Regular Session of the 81st Texas Legislature.

Dental Workforce Issues TDA will ask the 2009 Legislature to amend the Dental Practice Act to permit all Texas dentists to delegate under direct supervision the placement of pit and fissure sealants and the performance of coronal polishing to a dental assistant who holds the appropriate certificate.

TDA also seeks to permit dental assistants to perform certain duties under general supervision: making dental radiographs and performing reversible procedures delegated by the dentist to address minor dental emergencies.

In keeping with longstanding policy once again reaffirmed by the 2008 House of Delegates in San Antonio, the Association will strongly oppose any proposals to expand the scope of practice for dental hygienists, including allowing hygienists to administer local anesthetic or expanding the length of time or types of settings where a hygienist could treat patients prior to those patients being examined by a dentist.

Once the program is fully implemented, it will provide loan repayments for up to 1,200 physicians and dentists a year. Each doctor will be eligible for up to $140,000 in loan repayments over 4 years if they meet targets for services provided to children on Medicaid. To reduce or eliminate program participants’ tax liability, the State will likely send repayment assistance funds directly to the lender, rather than to the dentist.

Medicaid Dental Services The 2007 Legislature provided substantial new funding for the Texas Medicaid program, including funds for dental fee increases and other dental initiatives, such as a loan repayment assistance program for dental students and recently-graduated dentists. In the 2009 session, we will work to obtain funding for additional dental fee increases, graduate medical education programs for dentists; and additional “strategic dental initiatives.”

HHSC developed the program in consultation with the four TDA members who serve on the agency’s Frew Advisory Committee: Dr. Catherine M. Flaitz of Houston, Dr. Jose Cazares of McAllen, Dr. William Steinhauer of San Antonio, and Dr. David Wilbanks of El Paso. Those dentists worked with Drs. Hilton Israelson, David May, and Matthew Roberts to develop the proposal originally submitted by TDA and to provide ongoing feedback to HHSC. Dr. Linda Altenhoff, manager of the Oral Health Program at the Texas Department of State Health Services, has also been a key player in developing the loan repayment assistance proposal.

Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) The Texas Dental Association will strongly support additional appropriations for TSBDE, including funding needed to provide merit raises, reclassify certain positions, and hire additional staff, which would reduce staff turnover and strengthen TSBDE’s ability to protect the public and perform its numerous responsibilities.

Since many of the details of the new program have not been finalized, please look for more information in upcoming issues of TDA Today and the Texas Dental Journal.

Dental Insurance TDA will oppose any effort to weaken the protections for dentists and dental patients in current law, including provisions that require stateregulated dental insurance plans to pay both network and non-network dentists at the same rate. We will also oppose proposals to authorize “cross border” health plans that would encourage or require enrollees to obtain dental care from dentists or other providers located in Mexico.

Key

Legislative

DatES

Tuesday, January 13, 2009 (1st day of session)

Monday, June 1, 2009 (140th day)

Wednesday, February 25, 2009 (44th day)

Sunday, June 21, 2009 (20th day following adjournment)

81st legislature convenes at noon.

Last day of 81st Regular Session; corrections only in House and Senate.

TDA Legislative Day; participating dentists convene at Stephen F. Austin Intercontinental Hotel in Austin, then head to Capitol Building for legislative visits and recognition ceremony in Senate chamber.

Friday, March 13, 2009 (60th day)

Bill filing deadline (subject to adoption of House and Senate rules).

Last day Governor can sign or veto bills passed during regular legislative session.

Monday, August 31, 2009 (91st day following adjournment)

Date that bills without specific effective dates (that could not be effective immediately) become law.

New State Report: More Texas Dentists Participating in Medicaid Program

The state Medicaid program added 170 new dentists from 2007 to 2008. That good news comes from a new report just released by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

According to the report, “Preliminary Analysis of the Impact of Rate Increases on Provider Participation: Texas Medicaid Program,” the number of new Medicaid dental providers increased by 104 percent from the first three quarters of state Fiscal Year 2007 to the same period in state Fiscal Year 2008. The report also documents a 53 percent increase in the number of locations where Medicaid dental services are provided.

In addition, the report states that the number of children enrolled in the Medicaid program who received preventative dental services increased by 14 percent, while the number of children receiving dental and/or orthodontic treatment through the Medicaid program increased by 13 percent.

TDA remains committed to helping the State recruit new dental providers into the Medicaid program. TDA’s Committee on Access to Dental Care, Medicaid & CHIP (CAMC) is working with the State to facilitate Medicaid recruitment presentations at every TDA district dental society. The presentations include representatives from the regional public health districts, Texas Health Steps, the Texas Medicaid and Healthcare Partnership.

Additionally, TDA helped identify 48 treatment codes — including some of the most commonly-billed dental services — which received fee increases of approximately 100 percent. In addition to publicizing the fee increases and information about becoming a Medicaid provider, TDA has also sponsored Medicaid-related continuing education at the TEXAS Meeting and provided letters of support for fee increases, grant applications, and other proposals associated with the Frew agreement.

January 2009 / TDA Today / 3 4980_GKAS_House_Ad_4.4.indd 1

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The Texas Head Start Save Our Smiles (S.O.S.) Event: Getting a Head Start on Oral Health

In October 2008, designated Head Start enrollees in Odessa, Big Spring, Fort Stockton, Pecos, and Livingston participated in the second Texas Head Start Save Our Smiles (S.O.S.) event. The Head Start State Collaboration Office partnered with the Head Start Technical Advisory Network, Texas Department of State Health Services, TDA, Texas Academy of General Dentistry, Texas Oral Health Coalition, and Texas Dental Hygienists’ Association to provide needed oral examinations, fluoride varnish, and oral health education for more than 900 children participating in Head Start.

Former TDA president Dr. Thomas Harrison of Katy examines a child during the S.O.S. event.

In Texas, there are currently 86 Head Start grantees serving more than 86,000 preschool children and families. Many of these children experience challenges in obtaining initial preventive as well as therapeutic dental services.

The Texas Head Start S.O.S. event was designed to help identify and address the oral health needs of Head Start participants and their families and to implement strategies to enhance education, prevention, and access to oral health care by identifying dental homes for participating children.

TDA thanks all dentists who volunteered for the event — organized dentistry was well represented at each Head Start S.O.S. location. In total, more than $45,000 worth of dental care was provided to children at the selected Head Start centers.

TDA’s ongoing work with Head Start S.O.S. underscores a long-term commitment to ensure that all Head Start children have a permanent dental home.

Group shot of Head Start children participating in dental education and awaiting their exam.

Look for more Head Start updates in future issues of the TDA Today as TDA pursues a new nationwide project with the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and Head Start — the Head Start Dental Home Initiative. As a part of that project, Texas dentists will assist Head Start in identifying dental homes for young children in Texas who may otherwise go without access to comprehensive dental care.

Austin Dentist Named to A&M Board of Regents

Gov. Rick Perry appointed to the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents Dr. Richard Box, an Austin dentist who served as treasurer for the campaign committee “Texans for Rick Perry.”

Dr. Box is a member of the ADA and life member of TDA, the Capitol Area Boy Scouts Board of Directors, Texas A&M Lettermen’s Association, 173rd Airborne Brigade Association and National Guard Association of Texas. He served in the U.S. Army and as commander of the Texas State Guard.

Last month, Dr. Box started his term on the nine-member board that governs the A&M system, which has nine universities, seven state agencies, and a health science center. He received a bachelor’s degree in zoology from Texas A&M University and a doctorate of dental science from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston.

JANUARY 2009

Editorial Staff Christopher F. Anderson, D.D.S., M.S.D., Editor Edwina J. Shires, Director of Publications Nicole Scott, Publications Coordinator Barbara S. Donovan, Art Director BOARD OF DIRECTORS Hilton Israelson, D.D.S., President Matthew B. Roberts, D.D.S., President-Elect A. David May, Jr., D.D.S., Immediate Past President Vice Presidents F. Dee Rea, D.D.S., Northeast William M. Walton, D.D.S., Northwest Mark Peppard, D.D.S., Southeast Rise’ L. Lyman, D.D.S., Southwest Senior Directors Arlet R. Dunsworth, D.D.S., Northeast J. Brad Loeffelholz, D.D.S., Northwest Craig S. Armstrong, D.D.S., Southeast Johnny G. Cailleteau, D.D.S., Southwest Directors Donna G. Miller, D.D.S., Northeast Kathleen Nichols, D.D.S., Northwest R. Lee Clitheroe, D.D.S., Southeast John W. Baucum III, D.D.S., Southwest J. Preston Coleman, D.D.S., Secretary-Treasurer Glen D. Hall, D.D.S., Speaker of the House Michael L. Stuart, D.D.S., Parliamentarian Christopher F. Anderson, 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. Every effort will be made to return unused manuscripts if a request is made but no responsibility can be accepted for failure to do so. Anonymous communications will receive no consideration whatsoever. 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.

VOLUME 10, ISSUE 1 AVAILABLE ONLINE AT TDA.ORG

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Find other TDA Perks Programs at: tdaperks.com, or call (512) 443-3675.

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