January 2011 TDA TODAY

JANUARY JUNE, 2008 2011

VOLUME ISSUE VOLUME 9,12, ISSUE 6 1

AVAILABLE AVAILABLEONLINE ONLINEAT ATTDA.ORG TDA.ORG

Texas Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program This is the second 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 websites, 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).

Dentists and other eligible professionals (EPs) may begin their program participation over the course of the next several years. First year payment can be received up to and including 2016. Since it is a 6-year program, final payment can be received up to 2021. An initial list of certified EHR products has been posted by the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for Health Information Technology (go to http:// onc-chpl.force.com/ehrcert). Currently, there aren’t any dental systems on the list, but Texas Medicaid expects some to be added as the certification process continues and the list is updated.

The first phase of the incentive program will launch in early 2011. There are important steps Medicaid providers should take now to be ready to participate.

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You are Invited to a Webinar!

Texas Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program: Enrollment Process and Steps Thursday, February 3, 2011

Two Options: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, or 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm Topic: Learn about program participation for eligible professionals * (EPs) – steps to take and information to provide, now and during enrollment in the Texas Medicaid EHR Incentive Program.

We will also demonstrate the online Texas Medicaid EHR Incentive Program enrollment process.

To Register for the Webinar: http://conta.cc/EHRwebinarJan2011 (case sensitive). Webinar connections are limited to 200, so please participate as a group, if possible.

Webinar link: Details on the agenda, webinar link, and webinar instructions will be emailed upon registration and will also be available on the Health IT website starting December 17, 2010 (go to www.tmhp.com; click on “Providers”; click on “Health IT”). For immediate questions, please contact Julia.Alejandre@hhsc.state.tx.us.

Presentation and handouts after the event: Webinar materials will be available starting January 28th at www.tmhp.com/Pages/HealthIT/HIT_Ref.aspx.

Program Background Texas Medicaid will launch the first phase of the EHR Incentive Program in early 2011. The program distributes incentive payments to Medicaid providers for the meaningful use of certified EHR technology.

Learn about the program. Visit www.cms.gov/ EHRIncentivePrograms/ for initial program information. *Eligible Professionals Physicians, dentists, certified nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants (only PAs who Sign up for email updates. Go to https:// are participating in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) led by a service.govdelivery.com/service/multi_subscribe. physician assistant). html?code=TXHHSC, enter your e-mail address, and M ission: To be The Voice of DenTisTry in Texas click the box next to Health Information Technology Ongoing Updates For regular updates on the EHR Incentive Program: (found in HHSC – Projects).

Select incentive program. CMS has developed a Sign upPublic for email updates in HHSC – Projects – Health Information Technology (https://service.

Organizational Development Manpower downloadable decision Advocacy tool to help eligible professionals ). Membership govdelivery.com/service/multi_subscribe.html?code=TXHHSC Image Excellence decide whether to apply for Medicare or Medicaid Visit the Health IT website at www.tmhp.com/Pages/HealthIT/HIT_Home.aspx. incentives. Go to www.cms.gov/EHRIncentivePrograms/; click on “Eligibility”; and download the “EHR EP Decision Tool.” Eligible hospitals qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid incentive programs.

Confirm National Provider Identifier (NPI). Confirm that you have an active NPI through the following link: https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/NPPES/.

Resources for Additional Information: •

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Visit the Health IT website (http://www.tmhp.com/ Pages/HealthIT/HIT_Links.aspx) for more information, upcoming webinars and events, and answers to questions.

To contact us with additional questions, please send any questions to HealthIT@tmhp.com or call (800) 925-9126.

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

State Budget — Unprecedented Shortfall Faces 2011 Legislature According to the State Comptroller’s recent revenue estimate, the Te T xas Legislature fa f ces a budget shortfa f ll of approximately $26 billion this session. The fa state budget is written fo f r 2-year terms so the shortfa f ll will affe fa ff ct 2012 – 2013. ffe State government provides fu f nding fo f r the State Board of Dental Examiners, the Medicaid program, the dental schools, Frew Strategic Initiatives (including loan repay a ment), and many other programs of interest to dentistry. ay y The legislature also sets fe y. f es dentists pay a fo ay f r licenses and amounts levied f om tax fr a es such as the fr ax f anchise tax a . ax The legislature will look at every option to close the budget gap including cuts to programs such as Medicaid and entities such as dental schools, tax a ax increases, using some or all of the Rainy Day Fund (funds set aside for use in times of need), shifting costs such as tuition to students and insurance to state employees, and increasing fees paid by professionals such as dentists for licenses.

Given the projected size of the shortfall, it is likely that most, if not all, programs throughout state government will be reduced and fees will be targeted for increase. The TDA has an extremely successful record of legislative achievement due to support of member dentists, strong leadership, an influential Political Action Committee (DENPAC), and an effective staff and lobby team. However, despite this successful record, the shortfall facing the 82nd Legislature will challenge and likely negatively affect every interest in the state, including dentistry. The TDA will be in the arena fighting hard to try and protect your interests and the interests of organized dentistry. These are unprecedented times that unfortunately will not leave anyone unaffected for the near future.

Inside TDA Smiles Foundation Medicaid Provider Manual Feedback needed Alliance of the TDA Scholarships given Governor Appoints New TSBDE Board Presiding Officer TSBDE also elects new secretary TSBDE Rule Update TEXAS Meeting Preview TDA Perks

February Journal News Special Evidence Based Dentistry Issue

Around the State February 3-5 Star of the South Dental Meeting Houston February 12 Smiles on Wheels McCamey February 23 TDA Legislative Day TDA Extension Ribbon Cutting and Open House Austin February 24 & 25 TDA Board Meeting Austin

Click & Connect Register online for TDA Legislative Day tda.org/legislativeday December TDJ tda.org/tdapublications

Perks Partner News Dr. Mark Venincasa Wins Perks “Name the E-Newsletter” Contest and Kindle.

Perks congratulates TDA member Dr. Mark Venincasa of Dallas for his winning entry in its “Name the E-Newsletter” contest. Perks enjoyed reading the many TDA-member submissions from across the state, but selected Dr. Venincasa’s “TDA Perks Works” as the perfect moniker for its new e-newsletter that brings subscribers information about its newest partners, money-saving specials and more valuable news. The winning submission is a clever play on words: “Perks Works” refers to both Perks programs “working” (as in, they’re successful in bringing you value,) and to what Perks “manufactures,” (as a factory or shop would). In the latter case: Perks creates “value for your profession.”

“It [winning the Kindle] was a nice surprise. I‘d forgotten about that contest entry,” says Dr. Venincasa. “The newsletter is a great idea; it will give more visibility to those other opportunities we may have forgotten. Having the program more visible to us allows us to better take advantage of these opportunities. I‘ve taken advantage of several of them, including: CareCredit, Office Depot, Insurance Answers Plus, and OSHA Review.”

Venincasa Dr. Venincasa wrote Perks a gracious thank you note, and relays he’s sure he’ll enjoy the Kindle. “My wife and my live-in mother-in-law each have a Nook; they love them.” How does Dr. Venincasa plan to use his new Kindle? “I don’t get to read much; however, I do love to read. For me, it will become a resource library for spiritual, Christian, and Catholic books.” Thank you, Dr. Venincasa, for naming the e-newsletter, and for your support of Perks programs!

TDA Perks Program to Exhibit at Southwest Dental and Conference

Don’t forget to stop by the TDA Perks Program booth if you plan to attend the Greater Houston Dental Society’s Star of the South Conference in Houston February 3-5, 2011. Perks staff members will be available to answer your questions and provide information. Several Perks partners will also be exhibiting at the conferences. Look for the green Perks logo on exhibitor tables, or just ask the Perks staff to point the way. Don’t forget to pick up a free, slick Perks pen and Discount Pharmacy cards while you’re there.

For more information about TDA Perks Program, call (512) 443-3675, or visit tdaperks.com.

Alliance of the TDA Establishes a Scholarship Fund The Alliance of the TDA (ATDA) established a scholarship fund at the three Texas dental schools.

Scholarships are awarded annually to third-year dental students.

TDA Smiles Foundation Welcomes New Staff Members

Authement (L-R) ATDA Memorial Committee chair Ms. Sharon Bryant of Duncanville presents ATDA scholarships to UTHSCSA students Jeff Shao and Lauren Day.

ATDA Memorial Committee chair Ms. Sharon Bryant presented University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School (UTHSCSA) students Jeff Shao and Lauren Day with $5,000 scholarships.

For more information on the ATDA, please see its listing under Allied Groups at tda.org.

Callis

Ashley Authement is a recent addition to the TDA Smiles Foundation (TDASF) as the Donated Dental Services (DDS) program associate. As the DDS program associate, Ashley will organize patient/doctor match-ups across the state of Texas as well as handle marketing and design for TDASF. Prior to working for the TDASF, Ashley was employed as a marketing assistant for an upscale automotive company and as a volunteer coordinator for the AmeriCorps/VISTA program in Orange County, CA. She holds a B.A. degree in visual arts from McNeese State University.

Billy Callis is excited to join the TDASF. As a missions associate, he works closely with TDASF missions manager Melinda Biggs to coordinate Texas Mission of Mercy and Smiles on Wheels events.

Billy has broad nonprofit experience, ranging from event planning to case management.

Before coming to the TDA, Billy worked with high-risk youth and families in Portland, Oregon. He developed curricula for teens, ranging from outdoor education to financial literacy. Billy’s skills include grant writing, graphics, customer service, and Spanish language.

Billy earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 2006. He was born and raised in Ohio.

Happy, Healthy Smiles … That’s Our Mission!

Texas Donated Dental Services Program What?

Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation (TDASF) is proud to create happy, healthy smiles through the Texas Donated Dental Services (TXDDS) program. TXDDS helps Texans with advanced age, permanent disabilities, or impaired health who endure painful dental problems receive comprehensive dental care through volunteer dentists across the state. The TXDDS program not only relieves pain and restores smiles, but rebuilds people’s lives.

Why? Currently, applicants on the TXDDS waiting list have to wait on average 3 years before they are able to receive dental care through the program. During this wait many new problems develop and the applicants may spend many days enduring severe pain.

Additionally, there are several counties where people are no longer able to submit application to TXDDS due to the overwhelming waiting list. As access to care and education are spoken goals of the TDA Smiles Foundation, helping to enhance the public image of dentistry remains a priority for our organization.

Communication of excessive wait times and refusal of new applications can work against our mission.

How can you help?

Please consider joining us as a TXDDS volunteer for “Just One Smile” and accept one case for TXDDS in 2011. Your efforts can be as simple as easing someone’s pain, or as rewarding as the gift of a new smile.

The patient will make an appointment with your office, you will determine the scope of services you provide and you will never be asked to pay any laboratory expenses! Taking on just one case will help the TDA Smiles Foundation continue to serve those in need of access to dental care.

If you are interested in taking a TXDDS patient in 2011, please e-mail Ashley Authement at ashley@tda.org.

(L-R) Drs. Ben Taylor and Lisa Masters, both of San Antonio, volunteer in November 2010 at the Hondo Smiles on Wheels, another TDASF charitable program.

TDASF Needs Serviceable Surgical Instruments Do you have extra forceps lying around that you no longer need? Don’t let those instruments gather dust! Donate them to TDASF today and let us use them at missions across the state. Your donation will help bring smiles to thousands of Texans in 2011. We especially need forceps, elevators, periosteal elevators, needle holders, and hemostats.

You can donate instruments at the TDASF booth at the Star of the South Dental Meeting in Houston next month and the TEXAS Meeting in San Antonio in May. If you are not attending a meeting, or are unable to bring your instruments to the meeting, please e-mail Melinda Biggs at melinda@tda.org to arrange a pickup.

Thank you for your continued support of TDASF. January 2011 / TDA Today / 2

WE’VE GOT SPIRIT. YES WE DO! WE’VE GOT SPIRIT. HOW ‘BOUT YOU? Do you hum “The Eyes of Texas” in your car, still welcome people with “Howdy,” or shoot “Guns Up” to fellow alum at social events? Do you secretly think your alma mater is and will always be the best in Texas? Well, put your money where your mouth is at the Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation (TDASF) Bragging Rights Challenge.

Every dollar you donate on behalf of your alma mater goes to support charitable dental care programs in Texas.

The alma mater that raises the most money for TDASF will be recognized at the TDA Annual Session, highlighted at the TDASF Golf Classic, plus will maintain school bragging rights for an entire year.

So, don’t miss this opportunity to show your undying pride for your school, your profession, and your patients.

To donate contact our office at (512) 448-2441 or visit our website at www.tdasf.org/braggingrights.

CHALLENGE STATS: #1 Texas A&M #2 University of Houston #3 Texas Tech

$2000.00 $1000.00 $600.00

Governor Appoints New State Board Presiding Officer

Ron’s Ruminations

Governor Rick Perry announced the appointment of Dr. Tamela “Tammy” Gough, a pediatric dentist from McKinney, as presiding officer of the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE).

Dr. Gough is a member of the American and Texas Dental Associations, and a member and past president of the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Southwest Society of Pediatric Dentistry, and the Paul P. Taylor Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Gough is board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She received two Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Illinois and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and a Master’s degree in pediatric dentistry from Baylor College of Dentistry.

Governor Perry appointed Dr. Gough to the TSBDE on September 7, 2005. She has served has secretary of the Board, chair of the Enforcement Committee, and chair of the Anesthesia Rules Ad-hoc Committee.

State Board Elects New Secretary TSBDE members recently elected Dr. Steve Austin, a general dentist from Amarillo, as board secretary. Dr. Austin is a graduate of Amarillo Junior College and West Texas State University. He then earned his Master of Theology in 1981 at the Dallas Theological Seminary.

Dr. Austin received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the Baylor College of Dentistry in 1985.

Governor Perry appointed Dr. Austin to serve on the TSBDE on June 20, 2008.

The TSBDE elects a new secretary each year. This year, Dr. Austin was the sole nominee to replace Dr. Tamela “Tammy” Gough who now serves as presiding officer. As TSBDE secretary, Dr. Austin chairs the TSBDE’s Enforcement Committee. Prior to being elected secretary, he served as a member of the Enforcement and Licensing Committees. Dr. Austin’s term continues through 2013.

HHS Recommends Adjusting Level for Optimally Fluoridated Water The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) earlier this month recommended setting the level fo f r optimally fluoridated water at 0.7 parts per million (ppm). According to HHS, “there are several reasons fo f r the changes seen over time, including that, Americans hav a e access to more sources of av fluoride than they did when water fluoridation was first introduced in the United States in the 1940’s. Wa W ter is now one of several sources of fluoride.”

Ronald L. Rhea, DDS, TDA President 2010-11

Dancing with the Stars!

I have been fascinated for a few years now (as has a huge portion of our nation) with a reality TV show, “Dancing with the Stars”. For those of you who have missed this phenomenon, the plot goes like this: A selection of the world’s best professional ballroom dancers (the “pros”) are matched with “stars” from all walks of sports and entertainment, from ice skaters, race car drivers, rodeo cowboys, professional football players, and so on. Each week the pros try to teach the stars to do a variety of classical ballroom dances. The costumes are amazing and these pros actually get some comical and some very impressive performances from the stars. Each week, the performances are rated by the judges and the television audience. Eventually a winner is determined among the stars and they receive the coveted “Mirror Ball Trophy”.

This year, as president of the Texas Dental Association, I have had the opportunity to be one of the stars. Not of the reality TV show, but of dentistry in Texas. Relax, guys, I did not get to dance with Julianne Hough. I get to be a “star” because you elected me and I get a tremendous amount of help from our wonderful pros, our full-time staff, attorneys, lobbyists. Like the TV show, our pros come back year after year, and try to keep us volunteers dancing presentably and not falling on our faces.

Each of the volunteer dentists involved in governance of the TDA whether you are an officer, a Board member, on a council or committee, or in the House of Delegates, owes a debt of gratitude to our pros. The policies and programs that we as volunteers determine, become reality through their actions and knowledge.

This is as it should be. We are the dentists who daily practice our art in the clay of living human tissue. We struggle with the effort to run dental offices in these trying times. We must deal with the ethics of our practices. We should determine the policies that govern our professional association and set the standards for dentistry in Texas.

That having been said, we are part-timers in the art of governance. We cannot afford the time to analyze the nearly 300 pages of the Request for Proposals to administer the Medicaid program, keep track of the legislation as it moves through Austin or Washington, monitor the activities of the State Board of Dental Examiners, or manage the construction involved in restoration of our new annex. We have day jobs!

Fortunately, the staff at the TDA central office have day jobs, too! The job of making us look like stars! And they do wonderful work; they are efficient and devoted. And I hope very much appreciated by each of our members. And in the end, when we are judged by the citizens of Texas, I hope we have danced well enough to be awarded our own Mirror Ball Trophy!

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

Previously, y the recommended optimal level fo y, f r community water fluoridation was 0.7 to 1.2 ppm. The adj d ustment to 0.7 ppm will provide an effe dj ff ctive level ffe a while minimizing the rate ay of fluoride to reduce the incidence of tooth decay of fluorosis in the general population.

Time’s a Wastin’

The American Dental Association (A ( DA) commended the HHS’s action to recalibrate the ratio of fluoride to water.

Mark your calendars! The 141st Annual Session of the TDA is set for May 5-8, 2011, in beautiful San Antonio, Texas.

With more than 95 speakers and 220 educational sessions, there will be something for everyone: lectures, workshops, a “Lab Track” program for both dentists and lab technicians, and much, much more. You will even be able to sign up dental assistants for a Certification Course for Dental Assistants on the Application of Pit and Fissure Sealants.

Since this is the first time this course has been offered at the annual session, we anticipate a full house. So, if you are interested we urge you to sign up quickly.

“This is a superb example of a government agency fu f lfilling its mission to protect and enhance the health of the American people,” said ADA president Dr. Ray a mond F. ay F Gist. “We W hav We a e alway av a s looked to the fe ay f deral health agencies to guide us on this and other public health matters, and we will continue to do so. We W applaud the Department of Health and Human Services fo f r reaffirming the safe f ty and efficacy of optimal community water fluoridation, fe with science on their side.”

The ADA will continue working with fe f deral and state governments and other stakeholders to educate people about the health benefits of optimally fluoridated drinking water. The ADA strongly urges communities that already are doing so to continue fluoridating water at the levels the government recommends as safe and optimal.

Bibliography 1. eMemo, American Dental Association, January 7, 2011. ADA, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA. 2. HHS and EPA announce new scientific assessments and actions on fluoride, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, January 7, 2011. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2011pres/01/20110107a.html

Steven Spivack, DDS, TDA Council on Annual Session

Our exhibitors are the best. The opportunity is there for you to see not only those products that have proved to be successful but those that are new to the market as well. You will also be able to take a look at goods and services available and designed to improve your personal life. The Exhibit Hall Happy Hour on Thursday and Friday afternoon is a great time to visit with the exhibitors who support our TEXAS Meeting.

The famous and much in demand “Texas Party” with food, drink, and music will be held Thursday evening featuring TDA’s own Dr. Bud Luecke and his band, ”Morning”. The fun continues on Friday with the Smiles Golf Classic and the Graduate of the Last Decade reception, both of which will give you the opportunity to catch up with old and new friends.

Housing and registration are available online. In order to have the best opportunity to hear the speakers you want and to book your favorite hotel, IT IS IMPORTANT TO REGISTER EARLY. Go to texasmeeting.com, and get ahead of the curve…and the crowds. Sign up soon. Time’s a wastin’!

We look forward to seeing you in San Antonio.

Provider Feedback Sought on 2010 Texas Medicaid Provider Procedures Manual

Evidence-Based Practice Tip of the Month Stephen R. Matteson, DDS, TDA Editor

This Information was posted on TMHP website November 16, 2010.

Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) is soliciting provider feedback on the revised formatting and organization that was used for the 2010 Texas Medicaid Provider Procedures Manual. Providers can go to the following website address to take the survey: www.surveymonkey.com/ s/95BZDG2.

The survey will be available for providers to take through February 16, 2011.

For more information, call the TMHP Contact Center at (800) 925-9126.

Abfraction Here are two recent publications on abfraction. Both papers indicate that occlusal adjustment to treat this cervical defect in teeth is not indicated.

PMID 19228125: Michael JA, Townsend GC, Greenwood, LF, Kaidonis JA. Abfraction: separating fact from fiction.

Aust Dent J. 2009 Mar; 54(1):2-8.

PMID 19544815: Wood ID, Kassir AS, Brinton PA. Effect of lateral excursive movements on the progression of abfraction lesions. Oper Dent. 2009 May-June; 34(3):273-9.

January 2011 / 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.

The August 2010 TSBDE Update focused upon the delegation of coronal polishing by a dentist to a dental assistant and if coronal polishing may be billed as a prophylaxis.

In particular, the TAPD requested clarification on whether a dentist may bill for a prophylaxis if coronal polishing was performed prior to the prophylaxis itself during the same office visit.

On November 1, 2010, the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (TAPD) submitted a letter to the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) requesting additional clarification on the issue of coronal polishing and prophylaxis.

According to the TSBDE’s general counsel Ms. Joy Sparks, coronal polishing may be performed either before or after a prophylaxis. Although a dental assistant may perform coronal polishing as part of a “team approach” to a prophylaxis, it is

a violation of Rule 114.5 (Coronal Polishing Certificate) for a dentist to bill for a procedure performed solely by a dental assistant as a prophylaxis.

To read both the TAPD’s letter to the TSBDE and the TSBDE’s response, please go to www. tda.org.

For more information, please contact TDA policy manager Ms. Diane Rhodes at (512) 443-3675, diane@tda.org.

In the News American Academy of Periodontology 2010 Gold Medal Award Dr. Lloyd K. Croft of Boerne was named the American Academy of Periodontology’s (AAP) 2010 Gold Medal Award recipient for his outstanding contributions to the field of periodontics. Dr. Croft received the award, the highest honor bestowed by AAP, at the academy’s 96th annual meeting October 30 - November 2, 2010, in Honolulu, Hawaii.

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 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

Dr. Croft served on the AAP Board of Trustees from 1987 to 1990, during which time he helped to establish the AAP Foundation (AAPF).

For more information, please visit perio.org.

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

(L-R) AAP president Dr. Sam Low presents the AAP 2010 Gold Medal Award to Dr. Lloyd K. Croft of Boerne.

2010 Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry A number of TDA members completed the necessary certification examination and are now diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD).

Congratulations to Drs. Kristopher Bennion of New Braunfels, Alfred Burns of Seguin, Shelly Clark of Cedar Hill, Ivette Diaz of Pearland, Christina Gonzales of San Antonio, Sergio Guzman of Mission, Brian Harris of Sherman, Steven Hernandez of Austin, Jeffrey Holt of Dallas, Faisal Khan of Houston, Mark Kogut of Dallas, Manivara Krone of Southlake, Zarmin LalaniWalji of Dallas, Linh Luu of Houston, Duane Martin of Corpus Christi, Ashley Montoya of Dallas, Francisco Moreno of Austin, Jo Royster Hernandez of Austin, David Tang of Houston, Eddie Tennison of Austin, Mark Urbach of Houston, George Wickersham of Flower Mound, and Vajahat Yar Khan of Missouri City.

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.

For more information on ABPD, please visit abpd.org.

JANUARY 2011

VOLUME 12, ISSUE 1 AVAILABLE ONLINE AT TDA.ORG

Your Staff Can Have Perks, too.

Perks wants to share discounts with your staff, and make working in TDAmember offices even more rewarding.

Now you have the opportunity to pass Perks value on to your staff. Why not tell your staff about the great discounts available to them through the new Perks Staff Rewards program? Participation in Perks programs generates revenue, which is passed to TDA and keeps TDA-membership dues down; so everyone wins! Learn what Perks offers your team at: www.tdaperks.com. Questions? Contact TDA Perks Program at (512) 443-3675.

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