TDA Today August 2006

TDA

A publication of the Texas Dental Association

August 2006 • Volume 7, Issue 8 www.tda.org

T o d a y

On The Road Again

By Thomas C. Harrison, DDS, TDA President, 2006–2007

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he summer of 2006 is almost past, although some parts of the state will feel like it is summer until way past the beginning of football season. I only mention that in recognition of the changing of the seasons and what lies ahead for the Texas Dental Association (TDA). Many of our colleagues have been spending the past few weeks trying to find Prometric sites available for their dental assistants to take their tests in Jurisprudence, Infection Control, and/or Radiology. It seems quite a few folks (dental assistants, mostly) have been “on the road again” trying to complete their certification exams from Prometric before August 21, when Prometric will no longer offer those exams.

DENTAL ASSISTANT CERTIFICATION The good news is that dental assistants who obtained a Radiology certificate before September 1, 2004 and are required to obtain a new certificate have until September 1, 2007 to obtain the new certificate. Now that the Prometric exams are no longer available, those dental assistants — and other assistants who have not been certified previously — will use the new “course and exam” certification process. The new certification process will be available through certain dental schools, dental hygiene and dental assistant programs, and professional organizations such as your Texas Dental Association. In fact, the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) recently approved the “TDA Dental Assistant Registration Course,” a 1-day (8 hour) certification course that will be available through your local district dental society.

To the extent that there’s any bad news, it’s that dental assistants who didn’t successfully complete the Prometric process by August 31 don’t get partial credit. That is, under the new certification process, they’ll have to complete a course and exam just like those applicants who didn’t take any Prometric exams. Those assistants shouldn’t worry, however, because I think they’ll find that the new TDA certification course is easier and less expensive than the old certification process. If you have any questions about the certification process or the new TDA course and exam, please contact Jay Bond (jbond@tda.org) or Diane Rhodes (drhodes@tda.org) at the TDA central office in Austin, (512) 443-3675.

As for me, I have been busy. On Wednesday, August 9, I went to San Antonio where ADA 15th district trustee Dr. John Findley and I met with Dr. Kenneth Kalkwarf, dean of the UTHSC at San Antonio Dental School and current president of the American Dental Educators Association. We talked about state and national issues regarding workforce models and dental assistant testing.

On Thursday, August 10, Dr. Findley and I were joined by ADA president-elect Dr. Kathy Roth and ADA director Dr. John Luther to fly from San Antonio to Harlingen. We crossed the border to observe first-hand the large numbers of people purchasing “low-cost dental services” in Mexico. We wanted our national leaders to observe the lack of infection control protocol and to hear first-hand from our TDA dentists in the Valley about the amount of follow-up repair work often required by American dentists.

On Friday, August 11, I attended the 10th Annual Dentists Who Care Conference on South Padre Island. The conference was well attended. Master of ceremonies Dr. David Woolweaver welcomed 25 dignitaries, including the president and president-elect of the American Academy of General Dentistry.

On Saturday, August 12, I attended this year’s kick-off meeting of the Central Texas (11th) District Dental Society held at Belton Lake. Dr. Barbara Sias-Chinn, president, was a wonderful host. The meeting was well attended and the barbecue was great! I look forward to meeting more of our dedicated TDA member dentists as I crisscross Texas between now and May, 2007. ★

Letter to the Editor Information in the August Directory is also available online! To find contact information for the TDA Board of Directors, staff, councils and committees, Affiliates, Allied Groups, and ADA 15th Trustee District, log in at www.tda.org and click on “Contacts” to the left of the screen.

To search for a TDA member, click on “Directory” to the left of the screen. You can search for TDA members by name, address, city, zip, or specialty.

This feature is also available on the public side of TDA’s website. The “Find a Dentist” search function allows members of the public to search for a TDA member dentist by name, address, city, zip, or specialty.

Component Society information can be found by clicking on “Components” to the left of the screen. Each component society has web pages that include a calendar of events, list of officers, members and alternates and delegates to the TDA House of Delegates. This is a FREE benefit offered to TDA component societies. for information on enhanced component society websites, please contact Stefanie Clegg at (512) 443-3875 or stefanie@tda.org.

Check out the new TDA Express Internet Portal Log in at www.tda.org to get started today. See back of this newsletter for details.

Questions? Contact Stefanie Clegg, TDA web manager at (512) 443-3675 or stefanie@tda.org. ★

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recently returned from New Orleans where I worked for a week doing volunteer dentistry with Operation Blessing. I was amazed to see such a large number of damaged and abandoned homes, businesses, shopping centers, hospitals, etc. That area is a long way from normalcy.

The situation there for people needing emergency dentistry is desperate. It is estimated (in a New Orleans newspaper) that only 30 percent of the dentists who left when Katrina struck last year have returned. In contrast, 50 percent of the overall population has returned. The lower income areas were hardest hit and lost the most dentists.

At present, the two dental clinics operated by Operation Blessing are turning away about 100 people per day. Many of these people have acute infections with severe pain. People begin getting in line at 5:30 a.m. at the back door of the dental clinic. In addition to their dental problems, many patients had uncontrolled medical problems (mostly diabetes and blood pressure issues).

According to Paula Wharton, clinic director, the majority of these people could best be described as “working poor.”

For the first two weeks of July this year, there were no volunteer dentists and the clinic had to be closed. In fall 2007, Louisiana State University will have their dental school up and running in New Orleans and will be able to provide help for some of these people.

In the meantime, they are badly in need of volunteer dentists, dental assistants, and hygienists. The accommodations at the Operation Blessing facility and the New Orleans weather at this time of the year are not the greatest.

However, the gratification of helping these people (these Americans) is “fivestar.” If you would like to help, please contact Scott Hill, disaster volunteer coordinator, (757) 226-3858, scotthill@ob.org, or Paula Wharton, clinic office manager, (504) 908-9816.

Enclosed is a picture of the abandoned Methodist Hospital in east New Orleans. We are reminded of the degree of loss and the tattered American flag reminds of where this is.

Sincerely, Richard J. Campbell, DDS 696 Copano Ridge Road Rockport, TX 78382 (361) 729-9229 ★

Abandoned Methodist Hospital in east New Orleans, June 2006. (Photo by Dr. Richard J. Campbell, Rockport, TDA life member).

Attention Medicaid and CHIP Providers All Medicaid and CHIP Providers Must Have NPI Number

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he Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is requiring Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) providers to have a National Provider Identifier (NPI) number

by May 23, 2007.

IMPORTANT NOTE: This requirement also applies to Medicaid and CHIP providers that submit paper claims.

The NPI requirement is intended to help standardize claims and make claims processing more efficient. There is no charge to get an NPI. Providers can apply online for their NPI, free of charge, by visiting http://nppes.cms.hhs.gov or by calling (800) 465-3203 to request a paper application. The CMS NPI page, located at http://www. dms.hhs.gov/apps/npi/01_overview.asp, is the only source for official CMS education and information on the NPI initiative; all products listed on this site are free or charge.

For more information, please contact Diane Rhodes, drhodes@tda.org or call (512) 443-3675. ★

Editor’s Quick Summary

By Christopher F. Anderson, DDS, TDA Editor

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he TDA Board of Directors met in Austin on Friday and Saturday, August 25 & 26, 2006, with Dr. Thomas C. Harrison, president, presiding.

The Board: • Received updates on legislative and state board issues.

• Reviewed the training manual for dental assistant testing developed by the Council on Dental Education, Trade, and Ancillaries (DETA) and recently approved by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners; passed resolutions regarding funding for the initial printing of copies of the manual.

• Received a report on the activities of the TDA Smiles Foundation and met the new executive director of the Foundation.

• Received a report on the for-profit subsidiary, TDA Financial Services, Inc. (FSI), and was notified that Mr. David Baker of our subsidiary, Paid Dental Benefits, Inc., will serve as interim director of FSI. • Passed resolutions effectively changing the Council on Dental Care Programs & Community Oral Health to the Council on Dental Economics, defining the duties of the new council, and transferring responsibility for the Head Start program to the Committee on Access to Care, Medicaid, and CHIP. • Passed a resolution that the TDA pursue partnership opportunities with the Texas Head Start – State Collaboration Project.

• Passed a resolution directing that all policy resolutions along with Board of Directors action be forwarded to delegates, alternate delegates, component presidents, and component presidents-elect via e-mail as soon as they have been reviewed for accuracy and content.

• Approved the publication in the November Texas Dental Journal of a DETA-developed jurisprudence summary and information regarding scope of practice issues that may arise during the 2007 Texas legislative session along with a member survey/CE module.

• Received recommendations from the Electronic Meetings Board Work Group — at its November meeting, the Board will receive orientation on the use of the Genesys Conferencing Web-based meeting system in preparation for its use by appropriate councils, committees, and work groups as an alternative to the expense of face-to-face meetings.

On Saturday, the Board joined other TDA leaders in updating TDA 2009, the Association’s strategic plan. ★

A New Year of Service

By Bertha Nell Barth, Publicity Secretary

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President: Marthiel Russell President-elect: Conni Durbin 1st Vice President: Sharon Bryant 2nd Vice President: Georgia Speir 3rd Vice President: Diane Bogan 4th Vice President: Dr. Kelly Lemke

Please check the list below to see if you know anyone from the management team. All the employers on the list have inquired about Direct Reimbursement through the American Dental Association’s (ADA) national advertising campaign. They have an interest, but their interest will be even keener when they know that you support the freedom-of-choice dental plans of your Association.

• • • • •

Arts Manufacturing Company, Huntsville Greenway Investments Co., Dallas City of Midland, Midland Kahn Insurance Service, Laredo Storage and Processors, Inc., Houston

Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.

Installation Day: (from left) Connie Durbin, Sharon Bryant, Georgia Speir, Julia Martin (standing in for Diane Bogan), Marthiel Russell, Dr. Kelly Lemke, Deborah Moore, Gitta Morris, Leeanna Thompson, Bertha Nell Barth, Dee Cox, and Suzanne Bowden.

Alliance of the Texas Dental Association Officers for 2006–2007 • • • • • •

… to our continued success. Direct Reimbursement is a freedom-of-choice dental plan that has absolutely consistent advantages over traditional dental insurance. When we approach an employer with these advantages, there is no better opportunity to impress them than when we have the personal recommendation of a member dentist.

Let them know and let us know. Refer us to your acquaintances at these employers, and we’ll make sure they are impressed with the professional approach we take to inform them of their dental plan options. If you know someone at any of these employers, please contact David Baker, General Manager, Freedom-of-Choice Dental Plans, a wholly owned affiliate of the TDA, at david@tda.org, or (800) 980-2230. ★

TDA Alliance News

lliance of the Texas Dental Association (ATDA) president Marthiel Russell looks forward to making good things happen for the ATDA this year. She lives in Winters, Texas, and has been a member of the ATDA for many years.

Marthiel is a strong and dedicated leader. As our president, she will lead us as we encourage participation by all members across Texas.

Marthiel has served as president of her district several times and as the District 8 trustee of the Alliance of the American Dental Association. She encourages all ATDA officers and committee members to provide a vital link to all the local districts.

The theme for the year is the daisy — single petals bound together for a common purpose, and serving as a vital link to all the ATDA districts across Texas.

You Are the Key…

• • • • • •

Corresponding Secretary: Deborah Moore Publicity Secretary: Bertha Nell Barth Recording Secretary: Leanna Thompson Historian: Gitta Morris Parliamentarian: Dee Cox Treasurer: Suzanne Bowden

Ethics Course Presented by Texas Section, American College of Dentists

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he first-ever ethics course taught by fellows of the American College of Dentists (ACD), Texas Section recently offered an interactive learning experience for nearly 80 first-year students at the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston. The ACD, whose mission is to promote excellence, ethics, and professionalism in dentistry, sponsored the course.

Fellows Dr. Jerry Long, Dr. James Condrey, Dr. Ronald Auvenshine, Dr. Ronald Rhea, and Dr. Kenneth Horwitz presented the course. Dr. Long coordinated the presentation and worked with UTDB dean Dr. Catherine M. Flaitz and associate dean Dr. Leslie Roeder.

The half-day presentation was sectioned into two parts. The fellows introduced themselves to the students and shared their backgrounds in dentistry and their personal experiences with ethics in private practice. Later, each fellow took a group of students and presented them with an ethical dilemma that they were challenged to solve as a group. They then discussed their decisions and results.

The dental students were impressed with the fact that Sample Ethics Scenario those in private practice would take time from their schedules to spend time teaching them. The fellows say they are excited Dr. Jones is the town dentist. He has been practicing in the about making the presentation an annual event with the help community for years and has several loyal patients. When of the Dental Branch administration. he is out of town, his patients are referred to Dr. Smith, who Ethics in dentistry has received positive attention in practices nearby. recent years due to the efforts of the late Dr. Thomas The more Dr. Smith sees these patients, the more she Hasegawa, Jr. He brought attention to the importance of notices that there are problems with the dental work he has dental ethics in his life by collecting and compiling a series of performed. She is concerned that due to his age, Dr. Jones 52 ethical dilemmas from dentists across the state. The is becoming less precise and thorough. Dr. Smith would like dilemmas were then made available to the dental community to talk to Dr. Jones about her concerns, but she also as they were published regularly in the Texas Dental Journal. realizes that his referrals are good for her business. What (Information supplied by Erika Hargrove, UTDB, should she do?

Houston.)

August 2006 / TDA Today / 2

— Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

TDA

T o d a y August 2006 • Volume 7 Issue 8 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, Website Manager Barbara S. Donovan, Art Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS TEXAS DENTAL ASSOCIATION President THOMAS C. HARRISON, D.D.S.; President-elect A. DAVID MAY, JR., D.D.S.; Past President RICHARD C. BLACK, D.D.S.; Vice President, Southeast R. RONALD COLLINS, D.D.S.; Vice President, Southwest FREDERICK T. PHILIPS, JR., D.D.S.; Vice President, Northwest DAVID R. COX, D.D.S.; Vice President, Northeast JENNIFER J. BARRINGTON, D.D.S.; Senior Director, Southeast DOUGLAS W. BOGAN, D.D.S.; Senior Director, Southwest JOSE L. CAZARES, JR., D.D.S.; Senior Director, Northwest V. WAYNE MCENTIRE, D.D.S.; Senior Director, Northeast LEE P. ONEACRE, D.D.S.; Director, Southeast R. MARK PEPPARD, D.D.S.; Director, Southwest RISE’ L. LYMAN, D.D.S.; Director, Northwest WILLIAM M. WALTON, D.D.S.; Director, Northeast F. DEE REA, D.D.S.; Secretary-Treasurer J. PRESTON COLEMAN, D.D.S.; Speaker of the House 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 monthly except for December by the Texas Dental Association, 1946 S. IH-35, Ste 400, Austin, Texas 787043698, (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. Outof-state ADA affiliated, $3. In-state non-ADA affiliated, $6 + tax. Out-ofstate 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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Access to Care

“Smile Day” at Brookwood Community

What’s New at the TDASF?

By Joe Mazzu, Assistant Director

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arely does going to the dentist evoke more grateful smiles than from the 150 functionally disabled adults who live and work at The Brookwood Community. Their dental appointments are visits to look forward to, especially if Dr. Thomas C. “Tommy” Harrison, president of the Texas Dental Association, has anything to do with it. With his leadership and the generous volunteer support of Houston-area dentists, dental hygienists, dental suppliers, and philanthropists, a fully equipped dental treatment room is now part of Brookwood’s on-site health center. This and other state-of-the-art facilities on the mission’s 475-acre campus provide innovative residential, educational, vocational, medical, and therapeutic opportunities for adults with physical and or mental disabilities.

Today is a “Smile Day” (i.e., dental clinic day) at Brookwood, and Betsy, a charming and content 60-year old with multiple diagnoses (developmental delays, schizo-affective disorder, chronic pulmonary obstructive disorder, etc.), will have a visit with volunteer dentist Dr. Douglas “Buddy” McClung. As one of the “citizens” at Brookwood, she works in the on-campus handcrafts workshop, whose proceeds help underwrite tuition aid for the majority of Brookwood’s citizens.

While Dr. Harrison had treated several adults with disabilities during his 25 years of practice, it was a 2004 tour of the Brookwood Community that really brought the challenges and the opportunities into focus for him.

He encountered a community where best practices of care-giving, including preventive health care, are expected and upheld on a daily basis. What Brookwood didn’t have was a dental program.

Dr. Harrison saw the potential to engage his colleagues in a worthwhile project that would complement the existing Health Center program and Brookwood’s overall philosophy. “I signed on right there,” he said, “to help them launch the dental treatment room.” In April of that year he convened a brainstorming luncheon. Brookwood administrators and medical staff joined a dozen dentists, dental hygienists, and dental suppliers in drawing up an action plan. Commitments were made to put together a model program benefiting the citizens of Brookwood, and serving as a template that others in the dental profession and the care-giving field could learn from.

Dr. Glenn Ginter, a member of the committee, consulted with Brookwood on the design of the dental treatment room. Dental suppliers Jeff Long of Patterson Dental Supply, Inc., Chris Gunther of Sullivan Schein, and Dave Swisher and Michael Swisher of DS Services/Swisher Dental offered technical advice as well as pledges of donated equipment, supplies, and installation/maintenance services.

Area philanthropists such as Kappa Kappa Gamma Charitable Foundation committed funding to help underwrite future operating expenses. Meanwhile, Dr. Harrison solicited additional donations from the dental community at large. Other committee members assisting with the project included: dentists Hubert Askew, Thomas Ewing, Russell Hollenbeck, Neal Gittleman, George Glauser, Julie Long, Daniel McClain, and Ivy Mitchum; (Back row from left) Drs. Hubert Askew, Glen Ginter, hygienists Hope Garza and Lorie Jones; and Ben Bodle of Russell Hollenbeck, Tommy Harrison, Buddy McClung, Patterson Dental Supply.

Construction of the dental treatment room commenced and George Glauser, and (front row from left) hygienists Hope Garza and Lorie Jones attend a dental committee in 2005. During this time, the volunteer committee established procedures and practices for the dental treatment meeting at Brookwood Community. program. The outcome was a workable patient charting system that could be accessed and shared by visiting dentists, dental hygienists, dental faculty and interns, as well as Brookwood’s medical staff.

On December 1, 2005, the new dental treatment room was dedicated. Members of the Greater Houston Dental Hygiene Association volunteered to stock the room in January, 2006. In February the program officially began with assessment of all 150 citizens of the Brookwood Community — phase one of the new program.

Phase two began later in the spring with initial treatments of individual citizens. These monthly dental clinic days are aptly named “Smile Days” at Brookwood, and benefit Betsy and her fellow citizens in immeasurable ways.

Entering the cheerful red, white, and blue waiting room, a Brookwood nurse, also a known comforting and therapeutic support, greets Betsy by name. They catch up on the latest news of the community. Then, a few minutes later, Dr. McClung peeks his head around the corner. It’s time for Betsy’s “Smile Day” visit.

Dental hygienist Rebekah Vidal assists Buddy today and, together, they start Betsy’s visit with a complete exam.

Using the patient charting system developed by the volunteer committee, Dr. McClung documents her existing restorations and current dental needs. This is followed by a complete prophylaxis and oral hygiene instruction.

“Hold the brush like this,” Rebekah says, as she gently places her hand on Betsy’s hand, “and remember to go up and down, up and down, then around and around and around.” Hand in hand, they make circles in the air with the pink toothbrush. With the visit complete, Betsy flashes a smile, gives a hug to her friends, and heads back to work in the handcrafts workshop. ★

Suggestion for Retirees

Bright Ideas

I am an 84 year old retiree from Dallas (Baylor, 1948).

A friend of mine (also a retiree, but younger) took it upon himself to do something for the shut-ins and handicapped fellow dentists that live in our area. He simply called three or four like me that can still drive, and had us pick up the ones that couldn’t. Only about 8 or 10 showed up at a local cafeteria. He chose the 2nd Tuesday of each month.

You can’t imagine how much these older, handicapped dentists enjoyed visiting with the others, and remembering events from their days of practicing dentistry — and being remembered by someone! I had to put a knife and fork into the hands of one of my classmates who is blind — but, he sure enjoyed being with us!

So, you retirees who still drive and would like to do something for your fellow retirees, get on the phone and start a little group. Call it a round robin discussion group. No dues, no roll call. Just show up. You will really enjoy it. A small group seems to work best (six, or eight, or even less).

Sincerely, William R. Knight, DDS 4714 McKinney Avenue, Dallas, TX 75205 ★ August 2006 / TDA Today / 3

SIGN-UP FOR TMOM ROUND ROCK at www.tdhsmiles.org/tmom The next TMOM event will be in Round Rock, Friday and Saturday, November 10 and 11, 2006, with the goal of treating 1,200 patients. E-mail Andrew Robertson (andrew@tda.org) or visit www.tdhsmiles.org/tmom to register today!

CHILDREN NOW ELIGIBLE FOR TEXAS DONATED DENTAL SERVICES (TXDDS) TXDDS provides comprehensive charitable care to qualified applicants who are either 55 years or older, or who have a permanent disability, or who are between 8 and 18 years of age. If you are interested in learning more about the TXDDS program, please e-mail Judith Gonzalez (judith@tda.org).

HOLIDAY CARDS Holiday smiles come early this year, as TDASF begins production of a hand-crafted card that acts as a generous donation in the name of your colleagues, patients, friends, and family. Cards are $25 each. Order online at www.tdasf.org.

Each gift card includes a testimonial from a TDASF patient, along with the text: “Warmest wishes from the Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation, dedicated to improving the oral health of Texans. A gift has been made to the Foundation in your name.”

2006 YTD DONOR LISTING AND CONTRIBUTION CARDS Our annual draft donor listing and contribution cards were mailed to your office August 2 and 3, 2006. This campaign is designed to not only explain our mission, programs, and giving levels, but also to acknowledge your support. Please call our office toll-free at (877) 807-6453 if you have any questions about this invitation to support TDASF.

ALLIANCE GOLF TOURNAMENT TO BENEFIT TMOM Attendees, spouses and guests of the 2006 Alliance of the Texas Dental Association (ATDA) Fall Board Meeting are invited to participate in a “Best Ball” Golf Scramble to benefit Texas Mission of Mercy (TMOM).The tournament is Wednesday, September 13, 2006, at the Doral Tesoro Resort & Hotel in Fort Worth.

The entry fee is $80 per person and includes green and cart fees. Hole sponsorships are available for $100. For further details, please contact Karen (Mrs. David) Cox at (817) 5997744, or visit www.tdasf.org. ★

Introducing TDA Staff

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hristine Kutnick, CFRE, is the new director of the Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation (TDASF). She will manage program development, fundraising, and support to the board of trustees. She looks forward to working closely with the Texas Dental Association to promote the Foundation’s important philanthropic work.

A major portion of Christine’s career has focused on improving health care for underserved patients with the American Diabetes Association, the National Conference for Community and Justice, and the CHRISTUS Spohn Health System Foundation. She believes in supporting her community, and serves on the programming committee of the American Fundraising Professionals, Austin Chapter. She is a member of the Junior League of Austin, and volunteers for her children’s school booster club. Prior to returning to her hometown of Austin in 2006, she was involved in Leadership Corpus Christi as a graduate of the program, served on task forces for two different school districts, and was a member of the board of trustees for her house of worship. ★

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.

CLARIFICATION of Sales Tax on Dental Products

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he TSBDE Rule Update in the July 2006 TDA Today discussed whether a dentist is required to pay or charge sales tax on certain items commonly sold in dental offices such as fluoride rinses, toothbrushes, or toothpaste. Following the publication of that article, several members contacted the TDA central office requesting information about dispensing prescription products from their dental offices.

Texas law prohibits dentists from selling prescription products from their dental offices or anywhere else unless the dentist holds a license to practice pharmacy. Thus, dentists may not SELL items that require a prescription, such as prescription-strength fluoride gel. In most cases, a dentist may provide samples of prescription products at no charge.

The following excerpt from the Texas Occupations Code highlights the relevant provision. § 558.001. LICENSE REQUIRED. (a) A person may not practice pharmacy unless the person holds a license to practice pharmacy under this subtitle. (b) A person may not: 1. impersonate a pharmacist; or 2. use the title “Registered Pharmacist” or “R.Ph.,” or words of similar intent, unless the person is licensed to practice pharmacy in this state. (c) A person may not dispense or distribute prescription drugs unless the person: 1. is a pharmacist; or 2. is otherwise authorized by this subtitle to dispense or distribute prescription drugs.

News You Can Use Original in folder: NYCU 08 06 outlines cymk.eps

Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 388, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. ★

Components Corner

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he Fort Worth (12th) District Dental Society’s “Save A Smile” program received a plaque presented by the Association of Component Society Executives. The 2005–2006 Outstanding Component Program Award was presented at the American Dental Association (ADA) Management Conference on July 18, 2006.

The entry was for a component with more than 300 members. Dr Tonya Fuqua is director of the “Save A Smile” program and Fort Worth society members volunteer their time and talents. The award recognized an untiring will to “make a difference.”

Dr. Victor Rodriguez

Greater Houston (8th) District Dental Society board member Dr. Victor Rodriguez was recently appointed treasurer of the National Hispanic Dental Association. He is a founder and past president of the Greater Houston Hispanic Dental Association. Dr. Rodriguez also serves on the Star of the South Dental Conference Council. ★

Commemorating the Outstanding Component Program Award.are (from left) Dr. Tonya Fuqua, “Save A Smile” director; Liz Lucas, Fort Worth (12th) District Dental Society executive director; and Ron Polaniecki, American Dental Association director of dental services.

Contact the TDA Board: ✽ HARRISON: (281) 492-6064, tharrison@tda.org ✽ MAY: (325) 677-5316, dmay@tda.org ✽ BLACK: (915) 592-5853, rblack@tda.org ✽ COLLINS: (281) 983-5677, rcollins@tda.org ✽ PHILIPS: (361) 9929871, fphilips@tda.org ✽ COX: (817) 596-7782, dcox@tda.org ✽ BARRINGTON: (972) 923-0374, jbarrington@tda.org ✽ BOGAN: (713) 467-3458, dougbogan@tda.org ✽ CAZARES: (956) 686-5000, cazaresdds@tda.org ✽ MCENTIRE: (806) 359-1644, wmcentire@tda.org ✽ ONEACRE: (972) 394-2114, loneacre@tda.org ✽ LYMAN: (830) 612-2229, rlyman@tda.org ✽ PEPPARD: (512) 835-9557, mpeppard@tda.org ✽ WALTON: (325) 893-5875, wwalton@tda.org ✽ REA: (903) 236-7023, drea@tda.org ✽ COLEMAN: (210) 656-3301, jcoleman@tda.org ✽ HALL: (325) 698-7560, ghall@tda.org ✽ STUART: (972) 686-8828, mstuart@tda.org ✽ ANDERSON: (806) 792-5111, canderson@tda.org ✽ LINN: (512) 443-3675, marykay@tda.org ✽ BINGHAM: (512) 495-6000, bbingham@mcginnislaw.com

TDA T o d a y

August 2006 • Volume 7, Issue 8 • www.tda.org

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