July 2009 TDA TODAY

JULY 2009 JUNE, 2008

VOLUME 7 VOLUME10, 9, ISSUE 6

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

Every Member Matters Legislative Update

Inside Inside

Rise’ Lyman, DDS, Focus On June 19, TDA 2009,Future Governor Rick Committee Perry signed Senate Bill (SB) 455, TDA’s dental assistant bill, which goes into effect September, 1, 2009. As you are most likely aware, SB 455 amends thethriving Dental organization.

Practice Act by allowing Texas dentists to delegate duties Membership growth is vital to any The Texas Dental Association (TDA)additional Board is strongly to dental assistants. committed Passage of this legislation concludes a 4-year development duringaddresses which TDA utilizedgrowth. a variety to the Membership goal within theworkforce “TDA 2009” strategic study plan, which continued of data gathering tools to determine the membership’s priorities.

The 2008 TDA Delegates series of received workforce I am proud to report that,workforce as evidence of that commitment andHouse for theofsecond yearapproved in a row, athe TDA resolutions which ultimately the became SB 455. following ADA awards in 2008:

Greatest Percentage Membership Gain: Texas had ahow net they gain will of 198 members the year 2007.If you have Upcoming issues of the TDA•Today will describe the sections of the Net SB 455 and explain apply in yourindental office.

• TopDiane Constituent Dental Societyatwith Greatest Percentage of Non-Members to Membership: additional questions, please contact Rhodes or Jess Calvert the TDA central office (512) 443-3675.

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

• Top Constituent Dental Society to Improve Retention Rate Percentage in 2007: Represents a 97 TREATMENT OF A MINOR DENTAL typical follows: percent Association retentionArate, which isscenario an increase is of as 7 percent from the previous year.

EMERGENCY • Greatest Percentage of New• Dentist Members: Represents a gain of Patient of record arrives at the office.111 new dentist members (those Under general supervision, a dentist may who authorize dentists are 1-9 years out of school).

• Patient complains of pain or discomfort. a dental assistant to treat certain minor dental Dental assistant records patient Program, data.

Another example of the commitment to the growth of our• Association is the TDA Externship which builds student awareness emergencies. The dentist does not have to be physically • offers Dental assistant the treating dentist. of organized dentistry. This innovative program, created in 2007, students the calls opportunity to gain insight into the different components present in the dental office under general supervision.

• membership, Dental assistant gives thecontinuing treating dentist the patient data (e.g., patient’sand of organized dentistry including legislative and regulatory affairs, governance, education, and charitable dentistry temporary crown came off and tooth is sensitive to thermal changes). 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 This provision is limited to conditions that: • Treating dentist decides that the procedure(s) may be performed by the dental schools in Texas.

This year the externship program will take place June 20 – June 27 in Austin at the TDA central office.

1. arise unexpectedly; properly trained dental assistant.

The dentist retains responsibility for all As an ongoing effort to enhance the value and benefits of the Association, the TDA Council on Membership developed a survey that was sent 2. cause patient discomfort or pain; and the with officebenefits and must that Meeting, the dentalTDA assistant to members in 2006. results clearly showedwhich that members have awork high performed satisfaction in rating suchdetermine as the TEXAS 3. all can be treated withThe reversible procedures do properly performAthe delegated under programs general supervision. publications, and the ability to participate philanthropically in the TDAcan Smiles Foundation. great number procedure of the discounted offered to

not require cutting hard or soft tissue.

• Dentist delegates the necessary procedures orally (or in writing) to the members through the TDA Perks Program also received a high satisfaction rating. In accordance with the strategic plan, the Council on Membership, Such treatment may not be performed by a dental dental assistant. will survey members again in 2009. assistant unless the dental assistant has first notified the

1. the Procedure must and be reversible and doessocieties not involve cutting Participation from all members and a collaborative effort between ADA, TDA, local component are the keyshard to or soft supervising dentist, who has delegated — orally or in

tissue. to get involved whether it is by attending local meetings, successful membership recruitment and retention. We encourage every member writing — the procedures to treat the minor emergency. a Texas 2. Mission Treating of dentist retains responsibility for theLegislative procedure(s). taking part in Give Kids a Smile! Day activities, volunteering at Mercy, or participating in TDA Day activities • Dental assistant performs delegated procedure(s) (e.g., re-cement temporary in Austin.

Each member matters and is essential to the continued growth of our Association and of organized dentistry.

Within a reasonable time, the supervising dentist is also crown with temporary cement (Temp bond)).

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, required to schedule a follow-up appointment with a The dentist schedules follow-up appointment theLyda patient log in atwho www.tda.org clicktreatment on “TDA by 2009” ontreating the member homepage.

Fora more information, please with contact Creus patient received and interim the under dental “Current• Issues” withinoffice, a reasonable time.

Molanphy, (512) 443-3675. assistant. staff liaison to the Future Focus Committee, at the TDA central

Mission: To be The Voice of DenTisTry in Texas ADA Celebrates Sesquicentennial Anniversary Manpower

Advocacy

Organizational Excellence

Public Image

Development

Membership

As part of its year-long observance, the American Dental Association (ADA)

marked 150 years at a black-tie Sesquicentennial Celebration gala in Chicago last month.

Membership Dentists will value membership and participation in the TDA. Established in 1859 by a group of 26 men representing existing dental associations, Objectives the ADA currently has more than 156,000 members (1). The ADA’s Sesquicentennial 1. Improve perceived value and benefits of membership in TDA. Mission is to commemorate, celebrate, and communicate the ADA’s 150 year a. Increase members’ knowledge about the impact and benefits of TDA membership. commitment to the public’s health. 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.

The Association’s year-long observance will culminate at an event at the 150th annual d. Actively promote adherence to the Code of Ethics.

(L-R) TDA president Dr. Matthew B. Roberts of Crockett; session in Hawaii in October (1). For more information, please visit ada.org. e. Enhance communication with members and non-members.

1997 ADA president Dr. Gary Rainwater of Crested Butte, CO,informerly f. Build student awareness of and interest in organized dentistry and membership TDA.of Dallas; TDA executive director Ms. Mary Kay Reference: Linn; 1993 ADA president Dr. Jack H. Harris of Pearland; g.

Ensure ongoing contact with students throughout dental school.

1. Berry, James. ADA to mark sesquicentennial with year-long celebration. 2008 Oct 7. Available ADA 15th district trustee Dr. S. Jerry Long of Houston; and h.URL: Work closely with dental school faculty. from: http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/pubs/adanews/adanewsarticle ADA president Dr. John S. Findley of Plano. Photo i. Evaluate number of nonmember dentists who attend and participate in TDA(seated) activities (TEXAS Meeting, TDA Smiles

asp?articleid=3236. courtesy ADA News © 2009 American Dental Association.

Foundation programs, etc.).

Metrics 1. 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). a-d. Increase the number of dentists serving on component peer review and ethics and judicial affairs committees to attain a participation rate of 2-5 percent relative to the total number of component society members by August 2009.

2. Ninety percent of TX dental school graduates actively licensed in TX will be members of TDA five years after graduation (89% Donated Dental Services programs, and Smiles on Wheels events.

Ondental Saturday, June 20, 2009, 23from officers staff representing

student conversion theand graduating class of 2005 in Texas).

In aby series of briefings, officers,by thea variety speakerofofmeans the house, and 16 component dental societies of across the state attended a leadership 3. Increase the number member dentists actively participating in TDA 1 percent a year TDA (as measured staff directors presented overviews of strategic planning, conference in Austin sponsored by TDA Financial Services, Inc . and – participation at TX Meeting, TMOM, TXDDS, FSI programs, DENPAC participations, TDA legislative day) with annualfinances, resolutions for the House of Delegates, annual session, publications, hosted byreport TDA to president Dr. Matthew B. Roberts.

TDA Board by the Council on Membership. members and TDA’s political action committee DENPAC. 4. Financial Establish baselineInc. of nonmember at TDA activities (CAS, TDAservices, Smiles Foundation, Membership) TDA Services, president Dr.participation Kenneth Horwitz Dr. Richard Black, chair of TDA’s Council Legislative and 5. Established baseline of members’ understanding with the benefits of their TDA membershiponthrough Member discussed the TDA Perks program, encouraging member of and satisfactionRegulatory Affairs, moderated a panel discussion and fielded Benefits Serviceshow Survey (completed Novbenefit 2006),from re-evaluate % increase at that time for 2009. participation andand explaining all TDA members the questions from the audience.

6. ofSixty-five percent of of allthe full-time will beFoundation TDA members by 2009 (2006 baseline = 63%). efforts this for-profit arm TDA. faculty TDA Smiles

TDA Component Society Presidents and Presidents-elect Attend Orientation Conference

In the afternoon, the TDA Component Society Presidents (and chair Dr. Kurt Loveless reported on the Foundation’s recent activity Presidents-elect) Committee met in the of TDA Board Room with and encouraged participation in the Texas Missions of Mercy, The TDA will update it’s strategic plan with another statewide retreat in August 2008.

TDA President-elect Dr. Ronald L. Rhea presiding.

(L-R) 15B District/Rio Grande Valley president Dr. Yuen Keung Lee of Edinburg, 15A District/ Nueces Valley president Dr. Stephen Hunsaker of Corpus Christi, and TDA Smiles Foundation chair Dr. W. Kurt Loveless of Lubbock are pictured.

In 2003, Texas Dental Association members from across the state develop TDA’s first strategic plan, TDA 2009.

(L-R) TDA secretarytreasurer Dr. J. Preston Coleman of San Antonio visits with 24th District/ River president Dr. Stephen Bennett of New Braunfels and 23rd District/Laredo president M. Carmen Ramirez-Rathmell of Laredo.

TDA Grant Medicaid inRecipients My Office?

Association offers assistance to Yes, I Think So! 501(c)(3) profits Richard M.non Smith, DDS TDASmiles SmilesFoundation Foundation TDA Mobilegains vans ardent help provide more TMOM advocate charitable care Ask the President Incoming message TDA 2009President’s Summer Extern Program Hilton Israelson, DDS Three dental students participate Let’s TDATalk Committee for the New Dentist Outgoing President’s message Third installment of the podcast series A. David May, Jr., DDS Texas State Board of Dental 2008-2009 TDA Board of Directors Examiners Renewal Meet Yourcards TDA update Staff Rulemaking Timeline TDA’s new Finance Director Dee Dee Delagarza Congratulations August to TDA Component Societies

Journal News

Streamline Your Insurance Claims Innovation Dental Education Speeding up in confirmation of benefits A report from the three Texas dental and eligibility schools TSBDE Rule Update Requirements for dental office radiograph Aroundmachines the State InAugust the News 14 & 15 TDA members the Conference, news Dentists WhoinCare South Padre Island

July Journal News August 15 Tooth Clinical Wells, Review SmilesWhitening: on Wheels,AMineral PaloHistorical Pinto County TDA Perspectives Dentists, dental hygienists, and the August 21 dental team TDA Board of Directors Meeting, Austin The 2007 C.T. Rowland Award Orthodontic case report August 22 The Paso Dental Conference TDAElStrategic Planning, Austin August 29 the State Around

ADA 15th Trustee District Delegation August 14: Golf Tournament, Dallas TDA Board Meeting Austin, Texas August 30 ADA 15th15-19: Trustee District October Delegation First Caucus, Dallas ADA Annual Session San Antonio, Texas

Click Click & & Connect Connect Update Profile TDA Express tda.org – tda.org –Membership Features Info Ask a Colleague Personal Web Page tda.org – Features tda.org – Contacts TEXAS Meeting Photos Update Profile texasmeeting.com/estore tda.org – Update Profile Volunteer for ‘08 ADA tda.org/volunteerada08

TSBDE Renewal Cards Update

IMPORTANT TSBDE NOTICE: Reminder Postcards Have Replaced Renewal Forms

Applies to all dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dental laboratories licensed and registered in Texas. As of January 1, 2009, the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) stopped mailing renewal forms. Instead, the TSBDE will mail a reminder postcard approximately 45 days before the licensee’s registration certificate expires.

What Do You Do When You Receive Your Postcard Reminder?

Unlike the renewal form, which was mailed back to the TSBDE with a check or money order, the new postcard should not be mailed back to the TSBDE to renew a license or registration. Instead, you will be encouraged to renew online by visiting www.tsbde.state.tx.us/RenewOnline.

EDITORIAL STAFF Dr. Stephen R. Matteson, D.D.S., Editor Edwina J. Shires, Director of Publications Nicole Scott, Publications Coordinator Barbara S. Donovan, Art Director

When Can You Renew Online?

A license or registration can only be renewed online (or by mail) up to 45 days prior to the expiration date and can be renewed within 1 year after it expires. A cancelled license or registration cannot be renewed. Your payment online can be made by credit card, debit card or electronic check. Your payment by mail can be made by check or money order.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Matthew B. Roberts, D.D.S., President Ronald L. Rhea, D.D.S., President-Elect Hilton Israelson, D.D.S., Immediate Past President Vice Presidents Craig S. Armstrong, D.D.S., Southeast Johnny G. Cailleteau, D.D.S., Southwest J. Brad Loeffelholz, D.D.S., Northwest Arlet R. Dunsworth, D.D.S., Northeast Senior Directors R. Lee Clitheroe, D.D.S., Southeast John W. Baucum III, D.D.S., Southwest Kathleen Nichols, D.D.S., Northwest Donna G. Miller, D.D.S., Northeast Directors Karen E. Frazer, D.D.S., Southeast Lisa B. Masters, D.D.S., Southwest Robert E. Wiggins, D.D.S., Northwest Larry D. Herwig, D.D.S., Northeast

Licensees Under Continuing Education Audit

A license under Continuing Education Audit cannot be renewed online and must be renewed by mail.

Prefer to Renew by Mail?

Print a renewal form available on the Forms & Applications section of the Dental Board website. Fill it out and mail it, along with your payment, to the TSBDE. Please allow 2 weeks for processing. Fees are listed on the front of every renewal form.

If you have any questions, please contact Dental Board Licensing Renewal Staff.

E-Mail Your Request for a Renewal Form

Include in the subject line: “Renewal Form Request” In the body of your e-mail include: your name, address, telephone number, profession, and license number. The e-mail address is information@tsbde.state.tx.us.

Call or Fax Your Request for a Renewal Form

Please be prepared to provide your name, address, telephone number, profession, and license number.

Phone: (512) 463-6400 (Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, except holidays) FAX: (512) 463-7452 • Dentists and Dental Hygienists should ask to speak to the License Renewal Staff.

• Dental Assistants should ask to speak to the Dental Assistant Coordinator.

• Dental Laboratory Owners/Managers should ask to speak to the Licensing Administrator.

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 Stephen R. Matteson, D.D.S., Editor Mary Kay Linn, Executive Director William H. Bingham, Legal Counsel

For more information contact Diane Rhodes at diane@tda.org or (512) 443-3675.

TSBDE Rulemaking Timeline

In order to implement SB 455’s provision creating a coronal polishing certificate for dental assistants, the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) must write the administrative rules necessary to define the required coronal polishing education course.

Below is a summary of that rulemaking process.

• TSBDE drafts rules: July – August 2009.

• Draft rules presented to the TSBDE Board: August 28 TSBDE meeting.

• Draft rules published in Texas Register for 30-day public comment.

• TSBDE refines draft rules to include suggestions received from the public.

• Final rules presented to the TSBDE for a vote: November 20 TSBDE meeting.

The rulemaking process may be delayed if suggestions received during the public comment period necessitate additional rule drafts.

• Final rules published in the Texas Register and typically take effect 20 days after the date on which it is filed with the Secretary

of State.

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.

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For questions about the rulemaking process, please contact Diane Rhodes at the TDA central office (512) 443-3675.

JULY 2009

VOLUME 10, ISSUE 7 AVAILABLE ONLINE AT TDA.ORG

Now GOOD Freedom-of-Choice Dental Insurance is Available— through Your Office!

Introducing DentalQUICK, a new TDA Perks Program that is getting TDA members excited. It’s now possible for a dentist to offer dental insurance directly in and through his office, and help patients say “yes” to dental care. DentalQUICK can also help you get licensed, and earn income in commissions from patients that are already coming to your practice. Features of the program include: $1,500/year Benefit No Waiting Periods No Pre-Authorizations

Validation on Day of Application No Deductibles No Networks

For more information: download an article from the DentalQUICK page at tdaperks.com; or visit dentalquick.com. Contact Mark Deschenes at DentalQUICK at: mark@dentalquick.com, or at:

(800) 388-2190

(Mention your TDA membership.)

DentalQUICK.com offers VoluntaryMart Dental, underwritten and administered by Time Insurance, an Assurant Health Co.

TDA Provides Funds to Community Non-Profits

Each year, your Texas Dental Association utilizes interest earned from its relief fund to provide financial assistance to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations affiliated with dentistry.

Potential applicants submit letters of interest and an associated budget to the TDA Board of Directors. Below are brief summaries of this fiscal year’s successful applicants.

HOPE Clinic in Alvin

HOPE Clinic opened in April 2008, and provides care for low-income, uninsured patients. All dentists and staff support volunteer their services. Daily expenses are met by patient fees (patients pay a flat fee of $5 to $15 per visit) and private donations.

Funding from TDA will replace the clinic sign and the skirting around the building, which were lost during Hurricane Ike. A HOPE Clinic patient gives a thank-you smile!

Christian Community Action in Lewisville

Christian Community Action, a faith-based non-profit, has provided food, housing, medical care, and vocational training for 36 years. The Adult Health Center provides low-cost medical care across Denton County. The dental clinic was established in 2003

by Dr. Robert Sikes. In 2008, routine dental services were provided to 163 patients, and 14 patients received dental hygiene services.

A dental patient receives treatment at Christian Community Action in Lewisville.

Community Health Center of Lubbock

The Community Health Center of Lubbock provides medical and dental services to the underserved in Lubbock and surrounding communities.

There are three dental clinics in the city of Lubbock and one mobile dental unit The Community Health Center of Lubbock’s mobile dental van that travels delivers care to outlying areas. to four adjacent counties (Garza, Crosby, Lynn, Terry) to provide services to those in need. The dental clinics provide services to both children and adults. As a participant of the First Dental Home initiative, the center can see children as young as 6 months. All patients are eligible for a Sliding Fee Scale which is administered based on income, and the Center accepts all state program dental insurances including Medicaid and CHIP.

The HOPE Project in Tenaha (Shelby County) is designated as a Medically Underserved Area and a Health Professional Shortage Area. TDA assistance will help establish a school-based dental facility for exams, cleanings, and sealants for underprivileged children.

Texas Sen. Robert Nichols (yellow tie), CEO Jean Diebolt, and U.S. Rep. Louis Gohmert (red tie) participate in the ribbon cutting for the HOPE Project.

The Dental Health for Eligible Low-income Patients (HELP) Program is a cooperative effort by The UTHSC Dental Branch and San Jose Clinic to improve and enhance access to dental care for low-income children. UT Dental Branch faculty and students work together with San Jose Clinic personnel volunteer to provide pediatric dental treatment for high-risk children residing in an urban high-poverty neighborhood. The extended operation of a monthly Saturday (L–R): Estelle Foster, MT, CMRT, Director of Dental clinic will provide Services, San Jose Clinic; Sanford J. Fenton, DDS, dental services to MDS, Chair, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, UT underserved children Dental Branch at Houston; and Stacie J. Cokinos, in the Houston Area. CFRE, Executive Director, San Jose Clinic.

The clinic, established using donated equipment and supplies, treats the indigent of Parker County (aged 19 and over) who need help in competing with others for viable employment. After dental treatment, they are better able to participate in a social environment, which enhances their quality of life. The volunteer dentists generously give their time and expertise to help others in need of (L–R): Dental Health for Parker County officials dental services.

Darrell Clark, president; Robby Evans, secretary; Dr. Saskia Vaughan; and Drs. Chad and Mike Drennan.

Happy, Healthy Smiles …

That’s Our Mission!

Helping Hand…

Mission dentistry certainly has its limitations. However, there are times when the TDA Smiles Foundation (TDASF) receives enough support from partners to fulfill its mission — the ability to help more people!

TDASF’s mission programs — Smiles on Wheels and the Texas Missions of Mercy (TMOM) — can be somewhat service-limited by the number of available operatories and hours in the day. Expanding the number of functional operatories greatly increases TDASF’s capacity to serve needy Texans at any given event. Recently, TDASF has utilized two particular dental vans which provide much needed, fully equipped operatories to provide more charitable care.

The University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston (UTDB) has been a TDASF “groupie” for quite some time now.

Under the tutelage of Dr. Tracey M. Godwin, students from the university have the opportunity to practice dentistry in the UT Mobile Dental Van, improving their hand skills while helping those in need of dental care. The van was funded through a generous grant from the Nelda C. and H. J. Lutcher Stark Foundation and is equipped with three

The Dallas County Dental Society Foundation’s van is known by insiders as “Annette” after its visionary and primary funder.

July 2009 / TDA Today / 2

Josh Epstein joins the TDA Perks Program as Marketing Specialist. His expertise centers on internet marketing, business development, and sales. Josh is a natural entrepreneur. He enjoys Epstein working with vendors, consumers, and the local community. The TDA Perks Program is consistently adding new endorsed vendors and services to enhance membership benefits. Josh adds creative and analytical marketing expertise. His focus is to maximize the non-dues revenue generated for the TDA. Josh holds a Bachelors degree in Communications from Northeastern University in Boston. He lives in South Austin with his wife Sherri, son Myles, and dog Thor.

The Dental Help Program, Houston

Dental Health for Parker County, Weatherford

The HOPE Project in Tenaha

Meet the New TDA Staff

LEAD TDA Workshop September 11-12, 2009

This program is designed for the dentist who is committed to leading the way to hire and retain an exceptional team to create their ideal practice. The atmosphere is casual and conducive to dialogue and mastermind. You will leave the 2-day workshop with the following in hand: your vision, core values, team development plans, and tough conversation coaching notes … plus much more!

Tuition: $800 per Dentist Fee includes 1 night hotel stay; Friday lunch and snacks/break; Saturday breakfast/lunch and snacks/break.

Limited Attendance!

Space is limited. Sign up by August 1, 2009.

In order to allow participation in each component society, attendance must be limited – so enroll today! One participant spot is reserved for each local component society. Additional registrants will be put on a wait list and TDA will fill available spaces after August 15, 2009.

For More Information Contact Lee Ann Johnson, (512) 443-3675, leeann@tda.org.

fully functional operatories, helping TDASF to serve about 30 patients over a single day event or about 60 at a full-sized mission. The UTDB van has been present at many events in recent years.

The Dallas County Dental Society Foundation’s dental van is a newer addition to the TDASF team, recently used in the Marlin Smiles on Wheels event. The “Making Dallas Smile” van first joined the TDASF efforts at the Dallas TMOM in 2007. The van was primarily funded

by Mrs. Annette Simmons and is equipped with two operatories and a panoramic X-ray, which is a highly useful tool at the events!

If you are interested in learning more or helping out the Houston or Dallas mobile dental care programs, check out their websites at uthouston.edu and dcds.org, respectively. The TDASF, along with the thousands of Texans that it serves, thanks both of these groups for their commitment to helping provide access to dental care.

University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston students participate in the Corpus Christi TMOM last year.

Viewpoint

In The Loop

Amalgam Separators and the Dentist as Community Leader ADA Council on Dental Practice The ADA, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (the association for wastewater treatment plants) entered into a partnership in December 2008 to promote the ADA best management practices for amalgam waste, including the use of amalgam separators.

This presents us all with a tremendous opportunity. We dentists need to be the leaders in protecting our environment by promoting the capture and recycling of waste dental amalgam. The ADA Council on Dental Practice is taking this opportunity to urge you to help by installing an amalgam separator.

The council is the voice of the practicing dentist within our Association. Our role is to address issues that directly affect the practicing dentist. We bring to our job on the council our collective experiences in our own practices. And we have done so here on the question of amalgam separators.

Many of us use amalgam in our practices and continue to value it as a safe and durable treatment option. Almost all of us who place or remove amalgams either have already installed separators or are pledged to so. It was easy to do, they work well, and we urge all of our colleagues who place or remove amalgams to do so as well.

What are the benefits of voluntarily following our own best management practices?

First, using an amalgam separator will capture more than 95 percent of the amalgam in your wastewater right in your office, where it can be recycled, greatly reducing the need to mine new sources of mercury. How many steps can any of us take to protect the environment that are more than 95 percent effective?

Second, if dentists cannot demonstrate that we can do our share to reduce the levels of mercury reaching treatment plants, others will require that we do so. And the terms they impose may not be as reasonable as our own. Indeed, EPA cited our own efforts to promote separator use voluntarily as a key reason why a national mandate is not needed at this time.

Third, as respected community leaders, we need to speak out — and be heard — on a wide range of issues. Only by cementing our reputations as people willing to do the right thing will we maintain a powerful collective voice.

Installing a separator is simple, and help is available. Simply search for “amalgam separators” on ADA.org or follow this link: www.ada.org/prof/resources/topics/amalgam_separators. asp for an overview of the topic and access to a series of helpful articles on separators, their effectiveness and the selection and installation of an appropriate separator.

In addition, the Fall 2007 issue of the Professional Product Review features an evaluation of amalgam separators, including an expert panel discussion and a list of evaluated separators: www.ada.org/prof/resources/pubs/ppr/ archives/07_fall.asp.

Matthew B. Roberts, DDS, TDA President 2009-2010 Our country has just celebrated its 233rd birthday. My hometown had a parade around the square, a tea party protest, and a 45-minute fireworks display to celebrate the greatest country on earth. Hot and dry continues to be the weather forecast. With the passing of July 4th, from my perspective at least, the summer is half over.

Now that everyone is up to date on what is important, let me fill you in on what has been happening with the TDA since last we visited. The TDA Component Presidents/Presidents-elect Conference was held in conjunction with the June TDA Board of Directors meeting in Austin last month. As always, it is a good time to welcome new leadership to town and help fill in the gaps on TDA happenings. The new TDA Board members also go through an informative 1-day session to bring everyone up to speed on the inner workings and current projects they will be involved in over the next 3 years. We also had three student externs in Austin for the week of June 19 – 26, learning and more importantly giving input and ideas on how to improve the TDA. These student externs are a vital link between current and future membership in the TDA. At each and every meeting, your Board reviews the financial position of the Association, hears and questions reports from the affiliated TDA entities as well as the Councils and Committees, and looks at the directives from the House of Delegates. The broad range of experiences and geography really does make the TDA Board representative of the memberships’ views.

As I close, please feel free to e-mail or call with questions that affect your association or practice. You will hear over the coming months more about the recently passed dental legislation and how it impacts your practice. I hope and trust that the TDA Today continues to be informative for each of you. Until next month, keep In the Loop.

TDA 2009 Summer Externship Program Dental students from University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio (UTHSCSA) and University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston (UTDB) participated in an externship program at TDA headquarters June 19-26, 2009. The program focused on core components of organized dentistry; governance, membership, continuing education, charitable care and legislative and regulatory issues.

The externs observed a Board of Directors meeting, attended the TDA Presidents and Presidents-elect Conference, met with TDA staff, and attended a Council on Membership and a Council on Annual Session meeting during their week in Austin.

(L-R) TDA 2009 Externs: UTDB student Summer Ketron-Adkins, UTHSCSA student Megan Holme, and UTHSCSA student Blake Johnston.

Check Out the Third Installment of the TDA Committee for the New Dentist Podcast Series!

The third installment of the TDA Committee for the New Dentist (TDA NDC) podcast series, conducted by Dr. Josh Austin, is an interview with Dr. John Findley, ADA President. The interview takes place at the ADA Washington Leadership Conference and includes a brief legislative update from Dr. Richard Black, chair of the TDA Council on Legislative & Regulatory Affairs.

Log in at tda.org and click on “TDA New Dentist Committee Podcast Series” or subscribe to the TDA NDC Podcast Series on iTunes to receive future podcasts automatically.

We value your feedback! Please be sure to fill out the short survey. We hope to incorporate suggestions into future podcasts.

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But your first stop should be your state society. Some state societies have arranged for discounts on separators and can alert you to any local requirements.

All of us enjoy the bounty of our environment, and we need to be leaders in protecting it. If we do not, we almost certainly will face legal mandates to install separators. It is a simple and effective step to take. Your Council on Dental Practice encourages you to take it with us.

The TDA Perks Program offers preferential pricing to TDA members. The TDA Perks Program has an amalgam separation endorsed vendor, Solmetex (800) 216-5505. TDA members receive a free cartridge ($200 value) with proof of purchase. Visit www.tdaperks.com to download a form.

This article was reprinted upon request of the TDA Council on Dental Economics. If you have any questions for the Council, please Cassidy Neal at (512) 443-3675 ext. 152.

ADA Council on Dental Practice. Amalgam separators and the dentist as community leader. My View. ADA News 2009; 40(6):4. Copyright ©2009 American Dental Association. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

Notice From The Editor This is a call for recruitment for TDA members to serve as reviewers of manuscripts submitted for publication in the Texas Dental Journal. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: • Review of scientific manuscripts and abstracts as directed by the TDA Editor.

• Timely submission of reviews and comments (1-month or less turnaround).

• Candid reaction and opinions regarding manuscripts.

Interested members are invited to contact TDA editor Dr. Stephen R. Matteson: E-mail: smatteson@satx.rr.com; Phone: (210) 215-1515.

In order to ensure accuracy in the directory edition of the September 2009 Texas Dental Journal, please log in at tda.org, click on “UPDATE PROFILE” on the member homepage, and verify your contact information by August 1, 2009.

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