August 2009 TDA TODAY

AUGUST 2009 JUNE, 2008

VOLUME9, 10, ISSUE VOLUME ISSUE 6 8

AVAILABLE AVAILABLEONLINE ONLINEAT ATTDA.ORG TDA.ORG

Every Member Matters Legislative Update Rise’ Lyman, DDS, TDA Future Focus Committee

On June 19, 2009, Governor Rick Perry signed Senate Bill (SB) 455, TDA’s dental assistant bill, which goes into effect September 1, Membership growth is vital to any thriving organization. The Texas Dental Association (TDA) Board is strongly 2009. As you are most likely aware, SB 455 amends the Dental Practice Act by allowing Texas dentists to delegate additional duties committed to the Membership goal within the “TDA 2009” strategic plan, which addresses continued growth. to dental assistants. Passage of this legislation concludes a 4-year workforce development study during which TDA utilized a variety I am proud to report that, as evidence of that commitment and for the second year in a row, the TDA received of data gathering tools to determine the membership’s workforce priorities. The 2008 TDA House of Delegates approved a series of workforce the following ADA awards in 2008: resolutions which ultimately became SB 455.

• Greatest Percentage Membership Net Gain: Texas had a net gain of 198 members in the year 2007.

• Top Constituent Dental Society with Greatest Percentage of Non-Members to Membership: Upcoming issues of the TDA Today will describe the sections of the SB 455 and explain how they will apply in your dental office. If you have Represents a conversion of 4.7 percent of non-members into membership at end of year 2007. additional questions, please contact TDA policy manager Diane Rhodes or TDA director of public affairs Jess Calvert at the TDA central office, • Top Constituent Dental Society to Improve Retention Rate Percentage in 2007: Represents a 97 (512) 443-3675. percent Association retention rate, which is an increase of 7 percent from the previous year.

• Greatest Percentage of New Dentist Members: Represents a gain of 111 new dentist members (those Procedures Delegated to a Dental dentists who are Assistant 1-9 years out Under of school).General Supervision Another example of the commitment to the growth of our Association is the TDA Externship Program, which builds student awareness Unlike “direct supervision,” the term “general supervision” means the supervising dentist is not physically present in the office. As of of organized dentistry. This innovative program, created in 2007, offers students the opportunity to gain insight into the different components September 1, 2009, dental assistants holding a Texas State Board of Dental Examiners-issued certificate of radiology registration may make of organized dentistry including legislative and regulatory affairs, membership, governance, continuing education, and charitable dentistry and dental radiographs (X-rays) when the dentist is out of the office. However, the supervising dentist must delegate the procedure. 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 dental schools in Texas. This year the externship program will take place June 20 – June 27 in Austin at the TDA central office.

Additionally, a dentist may authorize a dental assistant to treat certain minor dental emergencies when the dentist is away from the office. A As an ongoing effort to enhance the value and benefits of the Association, the TDA Council on Membership developed a survey that was sent more detailed explanation of the delegation was published in the July 2009 issue of the TDA Today. to all members in 2006. The results clearly showed that members have a high satisfaction rating with benefits such as the TEXAS Meeting, TDA publications, and the ability to participate philanthropically in the TDA Smiles Foundation. A great number of the discounted programs offered to members through the TDA Perks Program also received a high satisfaction rating. In accordance with the strategic plan, the Council on Membership, will survey members again in 2009.

Participation from all members and a collaborative effort between the ADA, TDA, and local component societies are the keys to successful membership recruitment and retention. We encourage every member to get involved whether it is by attending local meetings, taking part in Give Kids a Smile! Day activities, volunteering at a Texas Mission of Mercy, or participating in TDA Legislative Day activities in Austin. Each member matters and is essential to the continued growth of our Association and of organized dentistry.

This is the seventh and final in a series of articles focused on the TDA’s accomplishments guided by the strategic plan. To view the entire plan, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) staff will its effortsplease to assist small log in at www.tda.org and click on “TDA 2009” under “Current Issues” on the member homepage.

Forredouble more information, contact Lyda Creus businesses other entities to 443-3675. educate them about compliance with the Red Molanphy, staff liaison to the Future Focus Committee, at theand TDA central office,and (512)

Compliance with Red Flags Rule Delayed Until November 1, 2009

Manpower

Flags Rule and ease compliance by providing additional resources and guidance to whether are covered by the rule what they must do to comply.

Mission: clarify To be The businesses Voice of DenTisTry in and Texas To give covered entities (most dental offices) more time to review this guidance and develop and implement written Identity Theft Prevention Programs, the FTC will Public Organizational further delay enforcement of the rule until November 1, 2009.

Development Membership Advocacy Excellence

Image

For additional information and assistance in complying with the Red Flags Rule, contactinDiane Rhodes at diane@tda.org or (512)-443-3675.

Dentists will value membership and participation the TDA.

Membership

Objectives 1. Improve perceived value and benefits of membership in TDA. a. Increase members’ knowledge about the impact and benefits of TDA membership. b. Ensure that components are an integral aspect of the membership process. c. Create greater awareness of the availability of the Peer Review, Ethics & Judicial, and Risk Management benefits. d. Actively promote adherence to the Code of Ethics.

After years debate, the U.S. Food andwith Drug Administration (FDA) issued a final regulation on July 28, 2009, classifying dental amalgam as e. ofEnhance communication members and non-members. a Class IIf. medical device, placing it in the same class as goldand composite fillings.

The regulation also reclassifies the mercury Build student awareness of and interest in organized tooth-colored dentistry and membership in TDA. component of dental amalgam from Class I to Class II. The talking points below summarize the final regulations. g. Ensure ongoing contact with students throughout dental school. h. Work closely with dental school faculty.

• Dental a cavity-filling materialdentists made by combining mercury with in other materials as silver, copper,TDA and Smiles tin. i. amalgam Evaluate is number of nonmember who attend and participate TDA activitiessuch (TEXAS Meeting, Foundation programs, etc.).

• Metrics For the last 6 years, the FDA carefully considered valid scientific evidence related to dental amalgam’s benefits, which include its as a restorative strength,inand and its of potential The risks include those the release of low 1.effectiveness Seventy percent of activematerial, licensed dentists TXdurability, will be members TDA byrisks.

2009 (baseline of 68.5% inrelated Januaryto2007); increase levels of mercury vapor. 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 • Information on the thattolevels of mercury by dental amalgam fillings are not 2009. high enough to cause harm in participation rateFDA’s of 2-5website percentstates relative the total numberreleased of component society members

by August patients — including pregnant women, developing fetuses, and young children.

2. Ninety percent of TX dental school graduates actively licensed in TX will be members of TDA five years after graduation (89% dental student conversion from the graduating class of 2005 in Texas).

• 3.TheIncrease final FDA amalgam a Class II (moderate device aand the device “dental the regulation number ofclassifies memberdental dentists actively as participating in TDA byrisk) 1 percent yearreclassifies (as measured by a variety of mercury” means from Class I to Class II. – participation at TX Meeting, TMOM, TXDDS, FSI programs, DENPAC participations, TDA legislative day) with annual report to TDA Board by the Council on Membership.

• 4.TheEstablish FDA canbaseline impose of special controlsparticipation — in addition to general controls — TDA on Class II devices to assure the safety and effectiveness of the nonmember at TDA activities (CAS, Smiles Foundation, Membership) device.

5. Established baseline of members’ understanding of and satisfaction with the benefits of their TDA membership through Member Benefits and Services Survey (completed Nov 2006), re-evaluate % increase at that time for 2009.

• 6.TheSixty-five FDA’s special controls on dentalfaculty amalgam in a guidance (“Class II Special Controls Guidance Document: percent of all full-time willare be contained TDA members by 2009document (2006 baseline = 63%).

Dental Amalgam, Mercury, and Amalgam Alloy”) that includes recommendations on performance testing, device composition, and labeling statements: http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/DeviceRegulationandGuidance/GuidanceDocuments/ucm073311.htm.

FDA’s Final Regulation on Dental Amalgam

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

•

The American Dental Association (ADA) supports the FDA’s decision not to restrict the use of dental amalgam and to leave decisions about dental treatment between the dentist and the patient.

•

The ADA’s Best Management Practices for amalgam waste include the use of amalgam separators. Although there is no national regulation requiring the installation of amalgam separators in U.S. dental offices, state and local requirements exist in some areas: http://www.ada. org/prof/resources/topics/amalgam_bmp.asp.

•

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.

For2003, moreTexas information, contact TDA policyfrom manager diane@tda.org or plan, (512)TDA 443-3675.

In Dental Association members across Diane the stateRhodes developatTDA’s first strategic 2009.

Inside Inside Medicaid in My Office?

TDA Smiles Foundation Yes, I Think So! Smiles on Rocksprings Recap Richard M. Wheels Smith, DDS Flouride Fest Update TDA Smiles Foundation TMOM gains ardent advocate ADA Management Conference in Ask the President Chicago Incoming President’s message Hilton Israelson, DDS LEAD TDA Workshop Rescheduled Let’s Talk Outgoing President’s message TSBDE Rule Update A. David May, Jr., DDS 2008-2009 TDANamed Board of Directors TDA Member President of American Association of Meet Your TDA Staff Endodontics TDA’s new Finance Director Dee Dee Delagarza Congratulations to TDA Component Societies

September Streamline Insurance Claims JournalYour News

Speeding up confirmation of benefits and eligibility Directory Membership Allied Rule Groups Listing TSBDE Update TDA Component Society Listing Requirements for dental office radiograph machines In the News TDA members in the news

Around the State July Journal News

September 11 & 12 Tooth Clinical Review TexasWhitening: Academy ofAGeneral Dentistry LonePerspectives Star Conference TDA Historical Austin dental hygienists, and the Dentists, dental team September The 2007 C.T.18 Rowland Award Orthodontic report Board TDA Smiles case Foundation Meeting The El Paso Dental Conference Austin

Around the State

September 24 & 25 August 14: El Paso Dental Conference TDA Board Meeting El PasoTexas Austin, October 15-19: ADA Annual Session San Antonio, Texas Click & Connect

Click & Connect Update Profile tda.org Profile – Membership Info Update tda.org – Membership Info AskaaColleague Colleague Ask tda.org tda.org––Features Features TEXAS Meeting Photos texasmeeting.com/estore Volunteer for ‘08 ADA tda.org/volunteerada08

TDA Staff Visits Rural Dental Office In an effort to better understand the daily challenges rural dentists face, TDA Department of Member Services program manager Cassidy Neal visited Dr. Delton Yarbrough at his Fort Stockton office earlier this month. The visit allowed Ms. Neal to observe a rural dental practice. She helped staff the front desk and assisted Dr. Yarbrough chair-side.

Tip of the Month Stephen R. Matteson, DDS, Editor

Dr. Yarbrough serves as chair of the TDA Council on Dental Economics, which handles complaints, questions, and concerns from TDA members. Ms. Neal’s experience with Dr. Yarbrough helped to recognize the challenges of rural dentists, which include access to care, the lack of dentists, and large service areas.

Evidence Based Practice Tip of the Month

Both Dr. Yarbrough and Ms. Neal were interviewed by the Fort Stockton Pioneer. A copy of the article can be found in the news archives section on fortstocktonpioneer.com.

More evidence based practice information is available to dentists online than are up-to-date informative publications on the subject. As a new TDA Today TDA Department of Member Services program manager Cassidy Neal visits Dr. Delton Yarbrough at his Fort Stockton office.

Dr. Delton Yarbrough attends to a patient while TDA Department of Member Services program manager Cassidy Neal assists.

feature, the editor plans to include a “Tip of the Month” for members to read and explore at their leisure.

The National Library of Medicine sponsors the website pubmed.gov. Recent articles in the literature are available to the reader at no charge. One enters the topic of interest in a Google-like search box and bingo! He or she is presented abstracts of articles pertaining to the selected topic. Tutorials are available on the site to help the reader to narrow his or her searches to a manageable number. For example, one can narrow the search to the English language, certain age groups, human studies, etc.

Give it a try — it can be a lot of fun.

The Editor

Happy, Healthy Smiles …

That’s Our Mission!

Dental Equipment Needed

Rocksprings Smiles on Wheels

Your TDA Smiles Foundation asks dentists to donate used surgical, dento-alveolar, and/or restorative hand instruments for use at Texas Missions of Mercy and Smiles on Wheels events. Any in-kind donations will be acknowledged in our SmilEmail, and donors will receive a non-cash gift receipt for tax purposes. Please mail your gift(s) to: TDA Smiles Foundation, 1946 S. IH 35, Ste. 300, Austin, TX 78704.

With the help of the San Antonio District Dental Society (SADDS) and a team of post-graduate residents from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Dentistry (UTHSCSA), a record-breaking crew of dentists converged on the small town of Rocksprings to support TDASF’s seventh Smiles on Wheels event. The event was supported by local contributions and a very generous grant from the Alliance of the SADDS, along with original funding through the Meadows Foundation.

Fluoride Fest 2009 in Atlanta, Texas Your TDA Smiles Foundation is up to something new! The TDASF team will provide a “Fluoride Fest” at the Tall Pines Festival in Atlanta, Saturday, October 3, 2009. Services include free pediatric dental exams and fluoride varnishes, as well as pre-registration for further care as needed at a Smiles on Wheels already scheduled in the area 3 weeks later.

Child-friendly and educational activities will include TDASF’s “Cavity Free Corral” funded by the United Way of Texas. Healthy snacks and fluoridated bottled water will be served under a tent on the local football field by providers dressed in child-friendly gear. The message is that good oral hygiene is the cornerstone of good systemic health!

Fluoride Fest is envisioned as an annual TDASF event to visit Texas communities — with no active fluoridation efforts and low, naturally occurring fluoride levels in the public water supplies — to help educate the public and the leadership about the strong association between water fluoridation and good oral health.

Participate in Fluoride Fest: sign up online at tdasf.org.

August 2009 / TDA Today / 2

Edwards County Smiles on Wheels in Rocksprings served more than 10 percent of the small town’s population of less than 1,200 — more than $62,000 in charitable care was provided to 141 residents over the course of a single day. Our thanks to all of those who supported this event!

(L-R): Dental hygienist Lila Winks was assisted all day by dental hygiene student Jennifer Banton at the Edwards County Smiles on Wheels in Rocksprings.

Volunteers from SADDS and UTHSCSA’s resident program participated in the Edwards County Smiles on Wheels in Rocksprings event.

DENTISTS PARTICIPATING: Kaveh Azarnoush Robin Baker Vidal Balderas Travis Baldwin Doug Bogan James Bone Jennifer Bone Jerry Bouquot Eileen Chen Emily Conley Moshtagh Faroqhi Tanya Feng Cade Foust

Stan Fry Alicia Galvan Will Goodwin Jeffrey Hicks Kelly Keith Kavin Kelp W. Kurt Loveless Don Lutes Rise Lyman Andrea Mambretti Alan Moore Francisco Ramos John Schmitz

Kayla Shearrer David Singleton Richard Smith Stacey Smith Dima Sweidan Ben Taylor Carolyn Walker Howard Walker Alice Wang Jon Williamson David Woodburn Dr. Carolyn Walker of San Antonio worked a chair all day, taking whatever case came her way at the Edwards County Smiles on Wheels in Rocksprings.

ADA Management Conference Held in Chicago

In The Loop Matthew B. Roberts, DDS, TDA President 2009-2010 This month’s message will revolve around a couple of themes. First, some updates on past and ongoing projects within the Texas Dental Association. Second, we’ll take a look at future events of interest to the membership.

With the end of the political season, your DENPAC Board of Directors and the TDA legislative affairs department are hard at work recommending PAC contributions for legislators who were instrumental in pushing our legislative agenda. If you are asked to attend a fundraising event, please consider doing so. The presence of dental representatives at these events cannot be over emphasized. Be aware that work is already in progress for the next legislative session in 2011.

ADA executive director Dr. Kathleen O’Loughlin conducts the “Q&A” portion of the ADA Management Conference in Chicago.

The 60th annual ADA Management Conference was held July 21-23, 2009, at the ADA headquarters in Chicago.

Staff from both constituent and component societies participated. TDA executive director Mary Kay Linn, TDA director of member services Lee Ann Johnson, San Antonio District Dental Society executive director Linda Shafer, and Dallas County Dental Society executive director Jane Evans attended.

ADA executive director Dr. Kathleen O’Loughlin opened the meeting with welcoming remarks and was available for a “Q&A” session at the end of the first day. Workshops during the conference included: Improving Association Management Efficiency, Constituent/Component Interaction and Communication, Developing and Delivering Leadership Programs, Going Green and Moving Your Association Into a Web 2.0 World. Ms. Evans facilitated the workshop “On Your Own But Not Alone”.

Other events held in conjunction with the ADA Management Conference were the Association Society of Constituent Dental Executives and the 22nd annual ForProfit Subsidiary Conference.

LEAD TDA Workshop Moved to January

With the end of summer comes the beginning of new council and committee meetings as well as a much busier travel schedule for me personally. Our component societies begin meeting again and the privilege I have of visiting begins as well.

The Dentists Who Care conference was back this year after literally being wiped out by Hurricane Dolly last year. The TDA Board of Directors will meet this month, and in addition to carrying out their regular duties, Board members will also conduct strategic planning. The Committee on Access, Medicaid and Chip, the Council on Dental Education, Trade & Ancillaries, and the Council on Constitution & Bylaws have all met. All of these will, I am sure, make quite a few recommendations for consideration at future Board meetings.

Looking ahead, El Paso will host its annual meeting the week before the ADA meets in Hawaii in October. Before both of those events, your ADA delegation will caucus in Dallas. Finally, the TDA Smiles Foundation has scheduled two Texas Missions of Mercy this fall — one in El Paso and one in Lubbock. For more information on volunteering for those events, visit tdasf.org. A busy fall is fast approaching so plan well, stay involved, and keep In the Loop.

TDA Sponsors Freshman Day at Texas Dental Schools

(L-R): Dr. Moody Alexander of Dallas, Zoe Collier (student) and Council on Membership chair Dr. Wayne Woods of Dallas attend a TDA-sponsored freshman luncheon earlier this month at Baylor College of Dentistry.

Each year the TDA sponsors lunch for the incoming freshman class at each of the three dental schools in Texas.

Members of the TDA Council on Membership host the events along with leaders and staff from Dallas County Dental Society, San Antonio District Dental Society, and Greater Houston Dental Society.

At these events, students learn about the resources available to them at the national, state, and local levels as well as the importance of organized dentistry to their professional career.

TDA also provides “survival kits” for the sophomore class, and hosts an annual lunch for the junior class and an off-site dinner for the senior classes annually.

For more pictures from these events, please visit the TDA Facebook group page at http//:groups.to/texasdental.

Dr. Josh Austin of San Antonio, Committee on the New Dentist member, addresses the senior class of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio at Alamo Café in April.

The LEAD TDA workshop is rescheduled for January 2010. The 2-day 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.

In order to allow participation in each component society, attendance is limited to one participant spot for each society.

Additional registrants will be placed on a wait list.

The tuition cost per dentist is $800 which includes a 1-night hotel stay and meals for Friday and Saturday.

For more information, please visit tda.org or call (512) 443-3675.

Students at the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston enjoy a TDA-sponsored luncheon earlier this month.

August 2009 / 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.

Question: What is the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) policy concerning locum tenens?

Answer: As set forth in Title 21 C.F.R. §1301.12(a), “A separate (DEA) registration is required for each principal place of business or professional practice at one general physical location where controlled substances are manufactured, distributed, imported, exported, or dispensed by a person.” Title 21 U.S.C. §802(10) defines the word “dispense.” The term “dispense” means “to deliver a controlled substance to an ultimate user or research subject by, or pursuant to the lawful order of, a practitioner, including the prescribing and administering of a controlled substance.”

The Controlled Substances Act requires a separate registration for each principal place of business or professional practice where controlled substances are manufactured, distributed, or dispensed, as set forth in 21 U.S. C. § 822(e). DEA has provided a limited exception to this requirement in that practitioners who register at one location in a state, but practice at other locations within the same state, are not required to register with DEA at any other location in that state at which they only prescribe (not dispense) controlled substances, as specified in 21 C.F.R. §1301.12(b)(3).

Please note: This answer is only for clarification regarding locum tenens registration requirements with DEA. For more information contact TDA policy manager Diane Rhodes at diane@tda.org or (512) 443-3675.

In the News TDA Member Named American Association of Endodontists President Dr. Gerald N. Glickman of Dallas was named president of the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) at its recent annual session in Orlando, FL. A TDA member since 1998, Dr. Glickman is the professor and chair of the Department of Endodontics and Director of Graduate Endodontics at Texas A&M/Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas. He’s been a member of AAE since 1982.

Dr. Glickman received a D.D.S. from Ohio State University; his M.S. and Certificate in Endodontics from Northwestern University; an M.S. in Microbiology from the University of Kentucky; an M.B.A. from Southern Methodist University; and a J.D. from Texas Wesleyan University. In addition to his full-time position at Baylor, he maintains an endodontic practice in Richardson.

TDA Member Presenter at Symposium Dr. Ronald C. Auvenshine, Ph.D., of Houston was a presenter at the 25th annual International Clinical Symposium sponsored by the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain in San Antonio earlier this month. The theme for the conference was “Treating TMD: from Clinical Correlations and Structural Incompatibilities through Phase II Finishing.”

Dr. Auvenshine’s presentation focused on new and innovative ways of treating craniofacial pain patients. The academy fosters education among the medical and dental professions and promotes the understanding of the multi-disciplinary treatment of people suffering from craniofacial pain and temporomandibular joint disorders.

AUGUST 2009

VOLUME 10, ISSUE 8 AVAILABLE ONLINE AT TDA.ORG

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 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 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 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. The Information for Contributors is available at tda.org.

aa de

Get your NEW Store Purchasing Card; and Share the Savings!

Introducing a more convenient way to take advantage of your 10% TDA Perks Program discount at Office Depot. The new Store Purchasing Card (SPC) eliminates the need to register a credit card to enjoy the Perks discount when you shop at Office Depot retail stores.

Not to be confused with a credit card, the SPC links you with the TDA Perks Program’s discount and volume-purchase pricing when you shop at Office Depot stores anywhere in the United States. You can order multiple cards to share with your family and staff members. You can even use it to save on school supplies! If an in-store promotional price on an item is lower, you’ll receive the lower price at point-of sale. The card allows you to use your choice of payment method: credit card, check or cash. Register today – it’s easy and convenient. Simply click on: “Supplies - Office Depot” at tdaperks.com, download the application, and complete and fax it to John Listi at: (512) 837-1221.

Questions? Contact John Listi at: john.listi@officedepot.com or:

(512) 837-8999 x 105 (Mention TDA Perks Program)