TDA TODAY

TDA

A publication of the Texas Dental Association

July 2004 • Volume 5, Issue 4 www.tda.org

T o d a y

From the President

INSIDE

By Herbert L. Wade, Jr., DDS, TDA President FROM THE PRESIDENT - PAGE 1

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C LICK AND CONNECT - PAGE 1 COMPONENT’S CORNER - PAGES 2 & 3 EDITOR’S CORNER - PAGE 3 WEB S ITINGS - PAGE 3 DENTISTS TALKING N EGATIVELY ABOUT DENTISTS PAGE 3 2004 ANNUAL SESSION AWARD HIGHLIGHTS - PAGE 4 NEWS FROM THE ALLIANCE OF THE TDA - PAGE 5 DR. WADE HONORED AND DR. B LANTON S PEAKS AT G ULF STATE DENTAL ASSOCIATION - PAGE 5

he true reward of being president of the Texas Dental Association (TDA) is watching dedicated and caring men and women work tirelessly for our profession. This dedication was so apparent on June 19 when the component society presidents, presidents-elect, and secretary-treasurers spent the day at the TDA building in Austin for the leadership conference. The component officers listened and interacted with speakers about the issues facing dentistry in Texas as we move toward January 2005 and the 79th Texas Legislature. Your leadership team will bring home to you information on the specific issues we face and guidance on ways the TDA can serve you as an individual and your local society.

Dr. Jerry Long, chair of the TDA Council on Legislative and Regulatory Affairs (CLRA), offered insightful comments on the current status of dental assistant testing as proposed by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE). He emphasized that all dental assistants who wish to obtain radiology certification should have completed the radiography exam before the September 2004 implementation date. By completing and passing the radiography section before September 2004, these assistants will have until September 2006 to complete the jurisprudence and infection control exams. He assured the audience that his council will closely monitor the results of the current Beta test on infection control exam that is being conducted by Prometric on behalf of the TSBDE. Dr. David Sibley — the TDA’s lead legislative consultant, a graduate of Baylor College of Dentistry, a boardcertified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and a former three-term state senator — provided an interesting view of the political climate in Texas. The current education reform issues forebode serious tax implications for you as a dentist.

He urged the TDA component society leadership to take an active role in supporting DENPAC.

GKAS — TEXAS STATISTICS - PAGE 5 FOR YOUR I NFORMATION - PAGE 6 PEOPLE I N THE N EWS - PAGE 6

We all know that dentistry is a profession continually at risk. Mr. Bill Bingham, our legal counsel, offered information on past and present litigation that affects dentistry in Texas and the entire nation. Also, he discussed a number of regulatory issues on the horizon that could profoundly affect all of our practices.

TEXAS M ISSION OF M ERCY H ELD IN TYLER, APRIL 23-24, 2004 - PAGE 7

The key to success in all of these matters is grassroots. For Texas dentistry to have a successful legislative session, grass roots involvement is critical. That means you — you are the grassroots effort in Texas. We need each of you to be involved. Ms. Jenny Young, the new TDA Director of Public Affairs, will visit local districts to provide legislative updates and strategic direction for you as part of the TDA’s strategic grassroots plan to prepare for the 79th Texas Legislature. When she is in your area, I hope you will all attend the meeting and listen to her.

TDA

The best-kept secret in Texas is the staff of the TDA. Never have I seen such a knowledgeable and energetic group of professionals. To the leaders of the component societies, the staff directors sent a clear message that they are there to work with you and your officers on any dental matters that need their expertise.

T o d a y July 2004 • Volume 5, Issue 4 • www.tda.org

Editorial Staff: Christopher F. Anderson, D.D.S., M.S.D., Editor Edwina J. Shires, Managing Editor Paul H. Schlesinger, Communications Coordinator Stefanie Clegg, Web Site Manager Barbara S. Donovan, Art Director

Having spent the day with the leadership of the component societies, I know that our profession is in good hands. We have a challenging year ahead of us, and we are off to a good start. I look forward to meeting each of you as I visit your districts. ★

Click & Connect Info You Can Use

BOARD OF DIRECTORS TEXAS DENTAL ASSOCIATION President HERBERT L. WADE, JR., D.D.S.; President-elect RICHARD C. BLACK, D.D.S.; Past President PATRICIA L. BLANTON, D.D.S.; Vice President, Southeast THOMAS C. HARRISON, D.D.S.; Vice President, Southwest DAVID A. WOOLWEAVER, D.D.S.; Vice President, Northwest JAY C. ADKINS, D.D.S.; Vice President, Northeast DAN P. MCCAULEY, D.D.S.; Senior Director, Southeast MATTHEW B. ROBERTS, D.D.S.; Senior Director, Southwest JAMES W. CHANCELLOR, D.D.S.; Senior Director, Northwest DAVID A. DUNCAN, D.D.S.; Senior Director, Northeast FRANK L. HIGGINBOTTOM, D.D.S.; Director, Southeast.

R. RONALD COLLINS, D.D.S.; Director, Southwest FREDERICK T. PHILIPS, JR., D.D.S.; Director, Northwest DAVID R. COX, D.D.S.; Director, Northeast JENNIFER J. BARRINGTON, D.D.S.; Secretary-Treasurer J. PRESTON COLEMAN, D.D.S.; Speaker GLEN D. HALL, D.D.S.; Parliamentarian MICHAEL L. STUART, D.D.S.; Editor CHRISTOPHER F. ANDERSON, D.D.S.; Executive Director MARY KAY LINN; Legal Counsel WILLIAM H. BINGHAM

TDA Today (USPS 022-007) is published bimonthly except in a legislative year when it is published a total of 8 times per year in the months of January, February, March, April, May, July, September, and November 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 August 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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New TDA Web site! The site was recently re-launched with a new design and layout, and added ease of login and navigation. New features include an online job board, E-mail aliases, and the “Ask a Colleague” discussion group. Check the July Texas Dental Journal for a full list of features!

The new TDA Web site has received over 40,000 visits since it was re-launched on May 3, 2004. There were 18,499 visits during June, with an average of 616 users per day, each spending almost 13 minutes on the site.

New Log In Procedure!

In an effort to simplify the log in process, the Texas Dental Association has added a new log in procedure that uses members’ ADA # and state license number.

INSTRUCTIONS TDA Members: ADA # = Enter ADA Number (Ex: 123-45-6789) Password = Enter TX + Texas State Dental License Number *TX in CAPS (Ex: TX12345) If you do not have a state license number: (Grad Student, Associate, Military, Faculty) ADA # = Enter ADA Number (Ex: 123-45-6789) Password = texas (Ex: texas) Questions? Contact Stefanie Clegg, TDA's Web Manager at (512) 443-3675 or stefanie@tda.org ★

Covenant Health System Community Outreach Dental Program and South Plains District Dental Society Team Up to Deliver Preventive Dental Care

Components Corner

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n an effort to make dental health assessment and preventive dental care more accessible to young patients who may have a higher than average risk of developing dental decay, the Covenant Health System Community Outreach Dental Program, with the support of the South Plains District Dental Society, initiated the on-site delivery of these services at selected area schools this year.

The South Plains District Dental Society contributed professional support and aided in the procurement of instruments necessary for this project. Drs. Dale Drennan and David Lovett are Covenant Community Outreach staff dentists and members of the South Plains District Dental Society.

Smilefest in Victoria Draws a Crowd

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r. David Rivera, president-elect of the Guadalupe Valley District Dental Society and Smilefest event coordinator, reports another well-attended Smilefest (the third annual) in Victoria, May 22, 2004. This local dental health fair was organized by the district dental society in partnership with the Texas Zoo. Sponsors included the Kiwanis Club of Victoria, members of the local dental community, Pattterson Dental Supply, 3M ESPE, Island Dental, and Sullivan-Schein.

Area schools with higher risk populations for dental disease were identified and Covenant staff worked with officials at those schools to target six campuses where the services might have the greatest impact. The campuses selected for the mobile preventive dental clinics for school year 2003-04 were Hodges, Overton, and Stewart elementary schools in the Lubbock Independent School District, and Roosevelt, Slaton West Ward, and North Ridge elementary school, in the Frenship Independent School District (in Lubbock County).

Smilefest seeks to raise awareness of oral health issues while providing an entertaining event for the community, and approximately 700 people participated this year to enjoy a wide range of activities. Over 1,000 toothbrushes were distributed. The first 100 children had Toothprints ID bite registrations taken and fingerprints made by Victoria Police Department personnel. The first 150 adults received goody bags with toothpaste samples, other dental product samples, and coupons. H.E.B. staff and mascot, H.E. Buddy, distributed fresh fruit and other healthy snacks for the children.

Assisted by Anel Brooks, Dr. David Lovett, Covenant Community Outreach staff dentist, provides an oral screening and preventive dental sealants for a Slaton West Ward Elementary School patient.

The most popular activity was preparing models of dinosaur teeth using alginate and plaster. Texas Zoo staff explained how paleontologists determine what dinosaurs ate by looking at the shape of their fossilized teeth. Children compared their tooth models with today’s animal teeth in a collection of animal skulls. Other games with oral health and nutritional themes — Sugar Bug Bash, Tooth Toss, Food Fling, Tooth on the Roof, and Water Rings — awarded prizes to the winners.

The sequence of care included the delivery of oral health screenings for children from eligible families, informing parents of the screening results, providing dental care resource information to school officials, facilitating the delivery of care for identified urgent dental needs, and providing preventive dental sealants to the children who would most benefit from them. These services were delivered using portable dental equipment and the Covenant Community Outreach mobile dental vans.

A new activity drew a large crowd of parents and onlookers. Children from 4 to 12 years old were invited to flash their best smile to win prizes. Also popular were dental craft tables, staffed by Key Club volunteers, which provided materials to create a toothbrush holder, jeweled crowns, bookmarks, and smiley face refrigerator magnets.

The benefits achieved at all six campuses through this project include the oral health screenings for 616 children from eligible families, the delivery of 991 preventive dental sealants to 312 children, and the provision of information for care resources. The estimated value of dental services delivered is $41,943. ★

An original skit, The Wonderful Wizard of Teeth (based on The Wizard of Oz) was presented by Dr. Mac Lee’s dental office and the Edna high school and junior high school drama clubs. Victoria’s Memorial High School drama club presented an original skit by student Richie Zapata. Tooth Fairies greeted everyone with handouts, and Texas Zoo costumed characters interacted with children. You can see more photographs at http://homepage.mac.com/dentatus9/PhotoAlbum13.html. ★

Preventive dental care was delivered to students at Lubbock’s Overton Elementary School in January 2004 through the efforts of (from left) Janie Ramirez, RN, Overton school nurse; Dale Drennan, DDS; Ann Puryear, Covenant administrative coordinator; David Lovett, DDS; Mr. Drew Jackson, school principal; Debbie Guerrero, Overton parent liaison; Marion Livingston and Anel Brooks, Covenant Dental Program staff.

July 2004 / TDA Today / 2

Editor’s Corner

By Christopher F. Anderson, DDS, TDA Editor

Editor’s Quick Summary

The board room in TDA’s central office was filled with component society officers.

Doctors introduced themselves by name, office held, and district dental society.

June 18, 2004 TDA Board of Directors

Component Officers Leadership Conference Well Attended

1.

Financial report — revenues and expenses running close to budget predictions for first 4 months of 2004.

2.

Board Liaison Appointments approved: Council on Annual Session — Dr. Jennifer J. Barrington Council on Constitution and Bylaws — Dr. Ron Collins Council on Dental Care Programs and Community Oral Health — Dr. Frank L. Higginbottom Council on Dental Education, Trade, and Ancillaries — Dr. David A. Duncan Council on Ethics and Judicial Affairs — Dr. Jay C. Adkins Council on Legislative and Regulatory Affairs — Dr. Matthew B. Roberts Council on Membership — Dr. Thomas C. Harrison Building Committee — Dr. Frederick T. Philips, Jr. Communications Committee — Dr. David A. Woolweaver Diversity Committee — Dr. Frederic T. Philips, Jr. Committee on New Dentist — Dr. Dan McCauley DENPAC — Dr. David R. Cox Texas Dental Foundation — Dr. James W. Chancellor Texas Dentists for Healthy Smiles — Dr. Richard C. Black Texas State Board of Dental Examiners — Dr. Patricia L. Blanton

3.

Other appointments approved: Team Leader of the Tripartite Grassroots State Membership Initiative of the ADA — Dr. Alan B. Moore Chair of Sunset Review Committee —– Dr. Matthew B. Roberts TDA Board director on Professional Affairs and Public Awareness Committee — Dr. Jennifer J. Barrington Chair of New Dentist Committee — Dr. Carolyn Cassels Walker Member of New Dentist Committee — Dr. Trumond Davis

4.

Reviewed Future Focus Plan and assignments for development of specific objectives to various TDA councils, committees, and staff departments.

5.

Received progress reports from Council on Membership, Council on Annual Session, Council on Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, and Communications Committee. ★

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n Saturday, June 19, 2004, component society officers from district dental societies across the state traveled to the Texas Dental Association (TDA) central office in Austin for a Leadership Conference led by Dr. Herb Wade, TDA president; Dr. Rick Black, TDA president-elect, and Dr. Pres Coleman, TDA secretary-treasurer. Attendance was high, with 17 presidents, 16 presidents-elect, and 10 secretary-treasurers representing 22 of the TDA’s 26 district dental societies.

Dr. Herb Wade presided in the morning session, which featured briefings on strategic planning, communications and publications; legislative, regulatory, and public affairs; political action committee activities; and a legal update. TDA Financial Services, Inc., provided lunch. The component secretary-treasurers met separately for a work session on tripartite membership processing.

Dr. Rick Black presided during afternoon briefings on finances, membership activities, ethics and dental benefit services, annual Component secretary-treasurers discuss common session, TDA Financial Services, membership processing issues as they reference Inc., Paid Dental Benefits, Texas their workbooks customized for each individual Dentists for Healthy Smiles, and society. the Texas Dental Foundation. The afternoon’s final activity was a roundtable discussion of a variety of issues among component presidents and presidents-elect. ★

Dentists Talking Negatively About Dentists

By Richard A. Mufson, DDS

I At the end of the day, members of the “Bitter End” club pose for a photograph that attests to their staying power. When you see these folks, thank them for listening and sharing!

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S I T I N G S

Been surfing and found a site you think your colleagues might enjoy? E-mail the editor at doulos@odsy.net, and we’ll consider it! The listing of a site in Web Sitings does not imply endorsement of the site or its contents by the Texas Dental Association.

Great Freeware Screen Capture Utility

Now you can do screen captures in Windows. GrabClickSave sits in the background until you press Print Screen. It then copies the current screen onto the clipboard for your use.

Saves in either bitmap or jpg format and allows image sizing.

When you find another screen to save, the program saves the image already on the clipboard to whatever directory you have specified, so you can move from screen to screen without extra steps. Even saves 3D and game screens. http://www.boumchalak.de/Tools/GCS/gcs.html.

Wanting to Set Up or Enhance Your Web Presence?

The Alertbox is a bi-weekly column on the Web prepared by the Nielsen Normal Group, consultants on Web design and function. You’ll find valuable tips on Web page design and usability, and you can subscribe to a regular E-mail newsletter on the subject. http://www.useit.com/alertbox/ ★

f you don’t have anything nice to say … then don’t say it! That’s what my mother used to say throughout my years of growing up. And although she’s not with me any longer, I can still hear her voice saying this very same phrase to me in my right ear, if ever I should fall from grace and forget to exercise this important golden “do-unto-others” rule of respecting other’s feelings.

Also as a child, I remember reading the favorite children’s magazine, Highlights.

One of my favorite cartoon segments was that of “Goofus and Gallant.” I am sure many remember this creative and simplistic, yet effective monthly teaching aid for children, in which we learned by example the basic differences between right and wrong. Goofus would always show us how to do things the selfish, self-centered, wrong way, and Gallant, of course, would show us how to do it the right way, in being more thoughtful, courteous, and considerate of others’ feelings.

Well, I know the world’s not perfect (and Lord knows, I’m certainly not either), but in the 12 years I’ve been practicing dentistry, it has become evident to me that not everyone was raised by my mother. Or more likely, perhaps they were raised by someone with at least similar values or teachings — but somehow just simply chose to forget. Did they read and learn from Goofus and Gallant, as I did? Maybe so, but they may have simply forgotten that important lesson from childhood.

The sad fact is that talking bad or saying negative things about our colleagues, whether down the street, across town, or even across state lines, is a pervasive sickness which has infected our so-called “profession” for years, if not probably for decades. And like a chronic infection, or even a low-grade cancer, it continues to linger on and fester in a way that threatens us, our patients, and the health of our profession with a far-reaching impact that so few of us may stop to consider.

I’m sure that right now, as you’re reading this, in fact, that somewhere, probably within a 5-mile radius (or perhaps even 1-mile), there is a dentist remarking to his/her patient that their fixed bridge restoration has open margins with some recurrent decay, and therefore “was done improperly,” and that …“if you had only come to me in the first place, I could have done a better job, and you wouldn’t be having this problem right now.”

Another conversation is probably also taking place in another area of town, or

July 2004 / TDA Today / 3

Continued on page 6

2004 Annual Session Award Highlights

New Dentist Leadership Award

Photos and narrative by Paul H. Schlesinger, TDA Communications Department Dr. Jose Peralez III of Edinburg (right) is this year’s outstanding new dentist. Practicing since 1995, he is a past president of District 15B and serves as a TDA delegate.

Presenting the award is awards committee member Dr. David Woolweaver.

Gold Medal for Distinguished Service

Certificate of Merit

Ms. Kelly Romans (right) accepts the TDA Certificate of Merit on behalf of Dental Health Arlington, Inc. Since 1993, the organization has been treating the dental needs of the disadvantaged population of southeast Tarrant County.

Presenting the award is awards committee member Dr. David Woolweaver.

Dr. Frank Eggleston of Houston (right) is this year’s recipient of TDA’s highest honor. He is a past president of the TDA, and has recently completed his term as ADA 15th District Trustee. Accompanying him at the presentation is his wife, Sara.

President’s Awards

President’s Awards

Dr. Thomas Williams of Gatesville (left) receives a special award from Dr. Patricia Blanton, TDA president, for his exceptional service to the Association.

Dr. Eric Solomon of Dallas (right) receives a special award from Dr. Patricia Blanton, TDA president, for his exceptional service to the Association.

50-Year Members

Life Members

50-Year Members — Receiving this year’s 50-year Membership award are, standing, from left:

Life Members — Receiving this year’s Life Membership award are, standing, from left: Drs.

Drs. Wilfred Whiteside, Robert Spalten, Kenneth F. Jones, Robert Schawe, Wilford Hooper, Jr., Alan Brooks Bishop, and James Gray. Seated, from left: Drs. Troy Moser, Loyd Shackelford, Guadalupe Montemayor, John Park, Jr., and Kenneth Mueller.

William Wathen, Carlos Portales, John Robbins, Jr., David Lloyd, James Bolton, John Rumley, and Charles R. Williams. Seated, from left: Drs. John Garnett III, Donald Mehlisch, John Bennett, Keith Hudson, and James Crossen.

Watch TDA’s Web site, www.tda.org, for more Annual Session photos to be posted in the near future.

July 2004 / TDA Today / 4

News from the Alliance of the Texas Dental Association

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eide Heath of Cypress will lead the Alliance of the Texas Dental Association (ATDA) as president in 2004-05. “Diamond Jubilee” is her theme, chosen to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the state alliance established in 1930-31. Following the lead of her predecessors, Heide wants ATDA to reach out to support members and local districts as they work to promote dental health education and to help protect the future of dentistry. Heide joined the Alliance to the Houston District Dental Society in 1972 and served two terms as president in addition to other committee and officer positions. She gives oral health and nutrition presentations in schools, senior centers, and community welfare clinics. Mrs. Heath and other ATDA officers were installed by Bertha Nell Barth of Corpus Christi installed the officers during the 74th General Assembly of the ATDA on May 14, 2004 in San Antonio’s Marriott Rivercenter Hotel.

2004-05 Officers Alliance of the Texas Dental Association President: Heide Health of Cypress President-Elect: Cindy Bates of San Antonio 1st Vice President: Linda Gilcrease of San Marcos

Heath

Highlights of workshops, speakers, and awards include: •

• • •

• •

A “Strategies and Solutions to Recruit New Members/Volunteers from Generation Me” workshop was led by Marthiel Russell, Alliance of the American Dental Association’s eighth district trustee, Suzanne Bowden, ATDA 2003-04 president, and Paula Owens, ATDA past president.

Debbie Moore of Southlake, ATDA Resolutions chair, conducted the annual Memorial Service for nine members who passed away during the year.

Jan Hagedorn of Fort Wayne, Indiana, president-elect of the Alliance of the American Dental Association delivered greetings.

Nancy Garnett of Fort Worth, ATDA State Health chair, introduced Dr. Tammy Gough, president, and Dr. Dietmar Kennel, president-elect, of the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. In her remarks, Dr. Gough emphasized the importance of the Alliance and its programs, especially in light of Medicaid cuts and cancellation of the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

Sherry Kolb of Portland, ATDA Legislative chair, introduced Texas Dental Association director of public affairs Jenny Young, who briefed attendees on dentistry related issues in the 78th Texas Legislature.

Linda Gilcrease of San Marcos accepted District 24’s award for the largest percent of membership increase award. Districts 12 and 20 received James H. Simmons awards, which are funded by the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. ★

A Little Bit of History from Heide Heath

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hen the Texas Dental Association felt a need for spouses of dentists to become organized to promote fellowship among members and to assist with convention activities, the first organized meeting was held in Fort Worth in 1930. Lola Beall Strong McRimmon helped lay the groundwork for what is known today as the Alliance of the Texas Dental Association. Lola Beall served as auxiliary president of Fort Worth’s District 12, and was the third president of the Women’s Auxiliary to the Texas Dental Association in 1932-33.

The first big project for this group came in 1933 as a request from the Texas Dental Society to assist in a program of dental healthy and education in city and county schools throughout the state. In 1936, Lola Beall originated the idea of a relief fund for dentists and their immediate families. Scrap amalgam collected from dental offices was sold to raise money and the Silver Lining Fund was born. The fund now relies on monetary donations solicited from area dentists once a year. Over the past 15 years, $95,000.00 was donated to dental families during a time of need and distress.

Lola Beall also conceived a way to honor deceased members and others as well as celebrating a happy occasion by starting a Memorial Fund. Dentists and their spouses contribute to this fund in memory of or recognition of a person. Financial aid, grants and scholarships are provided to dental students or ancillary dental groups. Money from this fund is distributed to the three Texas dental schools, and $400,000 is available for loans to junior and senior students with 3 percent interest. This fund also provides aid for public dental health and research in dental health. ★

Dr. Wade Honored and Dr. Blanton Speaks at Gulf State Dental Association of Texas

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r. Herb Wade, TDA president, delivered greetings from the TDA to the 67th annual convention of the Gulf State Dental Association (GSDA) of Texas in June at the Radisson Resort South Padre Island.

Established in 1937, the mission of GSDA is to represent the voice of African American dentists, continue the legacy, and ensure equality and equity in the provision of oral health care.

2nd Vice President: Janell Dunsworth of Dallas 3rd Vice President: Denise Bruchmiller of San Antonio 4th Vice President: Marthiel Russell of Winters Recording Secretary: Debbie Moore of Southlake Corresponding Secretary: Diane Bogan of Houston Publicity Secretary: Karen Cox of Weatherford Treasurer: Conni Durbin of Ennis Historian: Ruth Ault of San Marcos Parliamentarian: Dee Cox of Waxahachie

TDA president Dr. Herbert L. Wade (fourth from left) is congratulated by (from left) Dr. David C. Emmers, president of the Gulf State Dental Association; Mrs. Mary Kay Linn, TDA executive director; Dr. Sheila Brown, National Dental Association; Mrs. Sally Wade; and Dr. Madeline Anderson Thomas, GSDA board member and past president.

In a surprise ceremony following Dr. Wade’s greeting, GSDA president Dr. David C. Emmers, inducted Dr. Wade as an honorary member of the Admiral’s Club, which honors dentists for 35 years of distinguished service, as well as dedication and commitment to the oral health care profession. The Admiral’s Club was initially established to ensure the continuity of wisdom and excellence in the leadership of GSDA. Dr. Pat Blanton, TDA past president, addressed those attending the installation banquet for new GSDA officers. New president Dr. Joseph R. Willie II expressed appreciation to all for unwavering commitment to the dental profession and emphasized the importance of continuing efforts to safeguard the integrity of the profession. ★

July 2004 / TDA Today / 5

From left: GSDA past president Dr. David C. Emmers, TDA past president Dr. Patricia L. Blanton, and GSDA president Dr. Joseph R. Willie II pose after the installation ceremony.

Texas Mission of Mercy Held in Tyler, April 23-24, 2004

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n a rainy April weekend, Texas Dentists for Healthy Smiles brought surgical and restorative dentistry to the underserved population of Tyler area through its Texas Missions of Mercy (TMOM) project.

This TMOM was the third mission conducted in Tyler in 4 years. Other TMOMs have been held in El Paso, Georgetown, and Dallas. Another mission is scheduled for November 12-13, 2004, in Round Rock at the Dell Baseball Diamond, and three other locations are in planning stages for 2005.

This year in Tyler, 557 adults and children were treated at an estimated value of care of $350,503. Vision and women’s health screenings were also provided, bringing the total value of care to $500,000. All services were provided by Dr. David Nichols of Tyler, volunteers, and were free to patients.

TMOM event chair, donned rain Almost 100 dentists from across Texas parka to insure all areas of TMOM continued to operate volunteered their time and services. Over 250 despite inclement weather. other volunteers gave of their time to insure the mission ran smoothly and patients and professionals had their needs met during the long days.

Dr. David Nichols of Tyler, who organized the first TMOM in Tyler in 2001, again chaired this event. The TMOMs have been significant in drawing attention to the need in Tyler, and as a result, St. Paul’s Children’s Treatment Center and the Bethesda Clinic for adults have been organized and expanded to provide an ongoing dental resource to the community.

The goal of TMOM is to relieve pain and restore smiles. In addition to the TMOM project, the Smiles Foundation operates the Donated Dental Services program. Since the Foundation began providing services in 2000, the Foundation’s “volunteer corps” has provided $3.9 million worth of care to almost 6,000 individuals. ★

(From left) Alliance of the Texas Dental Association past presidents Suzanne Bowden of Dallas, and Paula Owens of Burleson, volunteered their time assisting with patient records.

Dentists Talking Negatively, continued from page 6 Sadly, however, two other sub-categories of reasons are responsible for this behavior and include the following: a. Desire to punish or teach someone a lesson: There are those who may feel that another dentist may be practicing at an inferior level, below standard, or doing procedures with less training than they should have. The best way to send them the message and teach them a lesson is to create a lawsuit. If enough emotional or economic misery is incurred in the process, they would then hope that the defendant will realize what they are doing is wrong, and abandon such methods or procedures and change their evil ways. The realization may unfortunately never set in, however, that this warped and misdirected method of involuntary and forced continuing education usually does not work, nor does it ever actually produce such an ill-intended, desired end result. b. Desire to see another person suffer the same ill fate (misery-lovescompany): There are those who have had a very negative experience with one or more previous legal actions and, in the same noble spirit and soap-opera mentality, wish the same bad fortune upon someone else to legitimize their own past history. This allows them to feel that, “Hey, I’m not alone in this,” and “I must not be so bad after all.”

A grateful TMOM patient hugs volunteer dentist Dr. Beverly Zinser of Georgetown.

TMOM Volunteers for the 2004 Tyler Mission Dr. John Adcock Dr. Tonya Allen Dr. Edward Anthony Dr. Craig Armstrong Dr. Wesley Bishop Dr. Richard Black Dr. William Bone Dr. Kent Boozer Dr. Wesley Bowden Dr. David Bright Dr. Robert Burnett Dr. Dan Byrd Dr. Clay Cannon Dr. John Carter Dr. Michael Cherry Dr. Dana Chudej Dr. Ronald Cook Dr. Thomas Croley Dr. William Dalton Dr. Trumon Davis Dr. Kathia Del Carmen Steel Dr. Terry Dickinson Dr. Loyd Dowd Dr. Glen Dyer Dr. Gregory Eberhart Dr. John Ellis Dr. John Fite Dr. Larry Folden Dr. James Foster Dr. Joe Freeman Dr. Keith Gerber Dr. Michael Giesler Dr. Monica Goldenberg Dr. Jay Gordon Dr. Karen Gott Dr. William Grogan Dr. Charles Hammond Dr. Foy Hamons Dr. Stanley Harvey Dr. Jerry Hopson Dr. James Hughes Dr. Marvin Humphries Dr. Andrew Jordan Dr. Arthur Jordan Dr. Harry Joyner Dr. Paul Latta Dr. George Legg Dr. Celina Longoria

Dr. Larry Lummus Dr. Don Lutes Dr. Kent Macaulay Dr. Samuel Mack Dr. Jorge Marquis Dr. Stephen McDonald Dr. Ivan McKinney Dr. David McPeek Dr. Kimberly Melendez Dr. John Minor Dr. Alan Moore Dr. Arthur Morchat Dr. David Nichols Dr. Russell Owens Dr. Mark Palmer Dr. Willie Parks Dr. Merwyn Pickle Dr. Aaron Polk Dr. Wayne Radwanski Dr. Fred Rea Dr. Richard Riggins Dr. Mark Roberts Dr. Charles Robinson Dr. John Ross Dr. Bret Sauer Dr. John Scott Dr. Asa Selzer Dr. Jeffrey Shelton Dr. Gary Smith Dr. Richard Smith Dr. Dennis Spence Dr. Dennis Stansbury Dr. Corbett Stephens Dr. George Stephens Dr. Marvin Stephens Dr. Paul Swinney Dr. Gregory Tate Dr. Michael Vaclav Dr. Herbert Wade Dr. Vernine Waldron Dr. Edward Ware Dr. John Watkins Dr. James Wells Dr. Frank Wilson Dr. Danny Windham Dr. Debrah Worsham Dr. Beverly Zinser

Sound ridiculous? Well, it should. I am only the messenger and this is simply what has been occurring within our own profession (and admittedly others too) for years. Are the above reasons a reality, or simply a cynical exaggeration? Unfortunately, as repulsive as it may all seem — it is a reasonably accurate representation.

From the most subtle of comments: I truly wonder if there are any among us (myself included) who at one time or another have not faltered nor fallen prey to the temptation of speaking negatively to a patient, if only in the most subtle or subliminal of ways, about another practitioner or their respective prior treatment.

In reality on an daily basis, it may only be in the most subtle of ways that we speak in many cases, with the desired implication nevertheless being (whether conscious or subconscious) that we position ourselves just a notch or two higher in the patient’s eyes than another practitioner.

Examples: Yes, I would have used a slightly different shade to match the adjacent tooth. Our office uses a different material that will look more natural and probably last longer. The root of your tooth appears very shortened, and is most likely from the previous orthodontic treatment you had. I would normally have placed a different type of implant in this area. The type of implant you have hasn’t been used for many years. Yes, the swelling you have is normal after having a tooth out, although it is a bit more than I usually see with most of my patients. Yes, the clicking noise in your joint could be related to the recent bridge you had placed. Was your bite checked afterwards?

Continued on page 8

July 2004 / TDA Today / 7

Dentists Talking Negatively, continued from page 7 We may not stop to realize, that even the most subtle of “digs” may have the same potentially hurtful effect as any another. It is said, it is heard, it registers, and it somehow sticks just the same as a permanent negative fixture in one’s mind.

From my own experience, I must admit that if ever a negative comment regarding another dentist befalls my ears (whether via a patient or another dentist) — as much as I try and ignore it — a part of it unavoidably remains, and somehow has a lingering effect on my future impression or image of who that person is.

To the more obvious and flagrant: Then, we have the more obvious, the more spiteful and more sharply-directed commentary: Examples: This bridge was done all wrong, and I agree with you, Mrs. Plaintiff, they do look like horse’s teeth. You would not have the hole from your mouth into your sinus if your dentist had removed the tooth using the proper technique (or if you had only come to me from the beginning). This is the wrong type of implant, and was placed incorrectly.

(By the way, these are all real comments — but this next one is a recent precise quote. It is a comment made by a dentist on referring a patient to my oral surgery office.)

More examples: She has implants that are failing and look like they were placed by a horse’s ass. (The implants, although placed at slightly odd angulations, were actually doing quite well.) The dentist probably missed a canal. The tooth wouldn’t have fractured if the post was placed right. I could have made this bridge look a lot better. Where was this bridge made, anyway? The list could go on forever.

We admittedly have a problem: So what’s wrong with all this? Well, it’s abhorrent, reprehensible, repugnant (and a lot of other bad words), but most of all very destructive to ourselves, our profession, and our patients.

The sad part is that such negative commentary and behavior toward others results in so many negatives — the potential to hurt others’ feelings, hurt another’s practice, hurt one’s reputation, and as mentioned, incite possible litigation.

However the most significant negative of all, by far, and the one which hurts our patients, ourselves, and our profession more than any other is that it constantly and repeatedly feeds the ever-increasing and downwardly spiraling problem of cynicism and distrust which patients already have regarding physicians, dentists, and their overall ability to obtain good and trustworthy medical/dental care. A patient coming into our office who mistrusts us is less likely to be responsive to our findings, undergo recommended treatment, follow our post-treatment instructions, keep follow-up appointments, or accept reassurance that certain outcomes or symptoms are “normal.”

What would Goofus and Gallant say to all this? Coincidentally, I have since learned that both young boys are “grownups” by now, and believe it or not, chose to become dentists. They are practicing (not as partners — they didn’t quite see eyeto-eye on most things) in a small town in Northern Idaho.

Not surprisingly, Dr. Goofus tells his patient, “The lower molar that Dr. Jones treated is still infected, because the root canal was done improperly.” Dr. Gallant tells his patient, “Even if a root canal is performed very well, and in the best of hands, infection may still remain or recur in a small percentage of cases.”

Dr. Goofus says, “ The tooth fractured because the post was too large.” Dr. Gallant says, “A tooth with a root canal can sometimes be very weak and brittle, and in a rare case, may fracture, even if everything was performed with the best of skill and intention.”

We need to heighten our awareness. We need to heighten our professionalism. We need to choose our words carefully, think before we speak, and ask ourselves what goals we are trying to accomplish by speaking in such ways about others?

In situations where we may only be the unwilling listener, we also have a choice of taking the high road and pressing the pause-button in the conversation, while trying to raise another’s awareness level of right versus wrong in talking negatively about others. It really gave me a good feeling recently, when in the middle of a sentence, in which a patient was pouring their heart out to me with negative comments about their previous dentist, I just stopped — and said, “Excuse me, but does any of that information have any relevance to your treatment today? If not, I really do not feel the need to hear about it.”

We need to weigh our own selfishness and ego against what we truly derive by hurting others’ feelings, harming a practice or one’s reputation, helping to incite a lawsuit, or further erode the public’s trust in the delivery of dental or medical care.

Every day of our professional lives, we must ask ourselves, “Do we want to be a Dr. Goofus, or a Dr. Gallant?” The answer is simple. It takes a much bigger person in this world to be a “Dr. Gallant.”

Reprinted, with permission, from the East Coast District Dental Society (now the South Florida District Dental Association) Newsletter (Miami, FL). ★ Contact the TDA Board: ✽ WADE: (979) 776-8100, wadedds@cox-internet.com ✽ BLACK: (915) 592-5853, blkbraces@aol.com ✽ BLANTON: (214) 559-4670, pblanton@airmail.net ✽ MCCAULEY: (903) 572-3981, drdansmu@hotmail.com ✽ HARRISON: (281) 492-6064, kt2th@aol.com ✽ WOOLWEAVER: (956) 425-7744, drwoolweaver@yahoo.com ✽ ADKINS: (806) 793-3556, drjay65@hotmail.com ✽ HIGGINBOTTOM: (214) 827-1150, bottom@dallasesthetics.com ✽ ROBERTS: (936) 544-3790, drr@txcom.net ✽ CHANCELLOR: (210) 653-4410, jchancelor@aol.com ✽ DUNCAN: (806) 355-7401, dduncan833@aol.com ✽ BARRINGTON: (972) 923-0374, cbdds002@prodigy.net ✽ COLLINS: (281) 983-5677, roncollinsdds@hotmail.com ✽ PHILIPS: (361) 992-9871, ftpdds13@aol.com ✽ COX: (817) 596-7782, drcox@airmail.net ✽ COLEMAN: (210) 656-3301, jprestonc@prodigy.net ✽ HALL (325) 698-7560, txghall@sbcglobal.net ✽ STUART: (972) 686-8828, michael.l.stuart@gte.net ✽ ANDERSON: (806) 792-5111, doulos@odsy.net ✽ LINN: (512) 443-3675, marykay@tda.org ✽ BINGHAM: (512) 495-6000, bbingham@mcginnislaw.com

TDA T o d a y

July 2004 • Volume 5, Issue 4 • www.tda.org

The Texas Dental Association 1946 S. IH-35 AUSTIN, TX 78704 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED