TDA Today August 2008

AUGUST 2008 JUNE, 2008

VOLUME ISSUE VOLUME 9,9, ISSUE 68

Every Member Matters Work Begins on 2014 Rise’ Lyman, DDS, TDA Future Focus Committee

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

Strategic Plan

Almost 60 participants, including TDA members, council Membershipdental growth is vital to any thriving organization. The Texas Dental Association (TDA) Board is strongly and committee representatives, school deans, committed to the Membership and staff, met August 15-16 in Austin for the TDA goal within the “TDA 2009” strategic plan, which addresses continued growth.

I amsponsored proud to report as evidence 2014 Strategic Planning Retreat, by the that, Future Focus of that commitment and for the second year in a row, the TDA received the following ADA awards in 2008: Committee. Bob Gleason of the Revere Group in Milwaukee, WI t Greatest Percentage Membership Net Gain: Texas had a net gain of 198 members in the year 2007. facilitated. t Top Constituent Dental Society with Greatest Percentage of Non-Members to Membership: Represents a conversion of 4.7 percent of non-members into membership at end of year 2007.

The goal of the retreat was tot Top create a new 5-year strategic Constituent Dentalplan, Society to Improve Retention Rate Percentage in 2007: Represents a 97 percent Association retention TDA 2014, to map the future course of dentistry in Texas.

The rate, which is an increase of 7 percent from the previous year.

Percentage New Dentist Members: Represents a gain of 111 new dentist members (those Association’s current strategict Greatest plan, TDA 2009, expiresofnext year. dentists who are 1-9 years out of school).

example of theIsraelson commitment to the growth of our Association the TDA Externship awareness Dr.isRise’ L. Lyman (standingProgram, at chart) which reviews builds findingsstudent with (standing TDAAnother President Dr. Hilton of Richardson emphasized the l-r) Drs. Kathy Nichols and David May, TDA Director of Public Affairs of organized dentistry.

This innovative program, created in 2007, offers students the opportunity to gain insight into the different components importance of the strategic planning process when he welcomed Jess Calvert, Dr. Gary Mundy, (seated) Dr. Linda Altenhoff, and TDA and of organized dentistry including legislative and regulatory affairs, membership, governance, continuing education, and charitable dentistry the members. “It’s hard to believe that 5 years have gone by and Executive Kay to Linn. to gain a better understanding of their role as future leaders of the dental team.

TheDirector programMary is open dental students from each of the three that it’sschools time toinreassess TDA’s strategic plan. This plan (TDA dental Texas. This year the externship program will take place June 20 – June 27 in Austin at the TDA central office.

2009) been extremely and TDA will of continue Ashas an ongoing effort tosuccessful enhance the value and2014 benefits the Association, the TDA Council on Membership developed a survey that was sent to be our road map for the future.” 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 Participants reviewed the Perks Program also received a high satisfaction rating. In accordance with the strategic plan, the Council on Membership, will survey members again June 2008 survey results in 2009.“It’s hard to believe Participation from all members and a collaborative effort between the ADA, TDA, and local component societies are the keys to from more than 900 TDA successful membership recruitment and retention. We encourage every member to get involved whether it is by attending local meetings, that 5 years have members responded. taking partwho in Give Kids a Smile! Day activities, volunteering at a Texas Mission of Mercy, or participating in TDA Legislative Day activities The surveyEach askedmember all TDAmatters and is essential to the continued growth of our Association and of organized dentistry. in Austin. gone by and that members evaluate This istothe sevenththe and final in a series of articles focused on the TDA’s accomplishments guided by the strategic plan. To view the entire plan, log at www.tda.org and click onit’s “TDA 2009” to under “Current Issues” on the member homepage. For more information, please contact Lyda Creus six in planning areas: Public time reassess Molanphy, staff liaison to the Future Focus Committee, at the TDA central office, (512)Miller 443-3675.

Dr. Donna (standing) leads a group table discussion.

Image, Advocacy for TDA’s strategic plan.”

Access to Oral Health Care, Organizational M ISSION: TO BE THE VOICE OF DENTISTRY IN TEXAS — Dr. Hilton Israelson Excellence, Membership, Manpower, and Leadership Development.

Public Organizational Development Membership Manpower Advocacy

Excellence

Image

The retreat participants worked in subgroups to discuss the Membership strengths, weaknesses, opportunitiesand andparticipation threats facinginTDA, as Dentists will value membership the TDA. well as changes the dental profession might see in the next decade.

Objectives 1. Improve perceived value and benefits of membership in TDA. Future Focus Committee Chair knowledge Dr. Johnnyabout Cailleteau of El Paso a. Increase members’ the impact and benefits of TDA membership. says thisb. retreat confirms the validity ofareTDA’s currentaspect goals.of“It Ensure that components an integral the membership process. c. Create greater awareness of the availability of the Peer Review, Ethics & Judicial, and Risk Management benefits. demonstrated the dedication d. Actively promote adherence to the Code of Ethics. of our members and TDA e.

Enhance staff to enhancing our communication with members and non-members.(L–R): Drs. Mark Craig, Alan Moore, and Hilton Israelson enjoy a break in the f. Build student awareness of and interest in organized dentistry andaction. membership in TDA. association, and brought g. Ensure ongoing contact with students throughout dental school. much needed inputclosely to helpwith dental school faculty. h. Work plan for i.the future.”

Evaluate number of nonmember dentists who attend and participate in TDA activities (TEXAS Meeting, TDA Smiles Foundation programs, etc.).

TheMetrics Future Focus Committee Seventy percent of active licensed dentists in TX will be members of TDA by 2009 (baseline of 68.5% in January 2007); increase will1.update the strategic membership retention rate to 97 percent by April 2007 (baseline 96% in 2006). plan based on input from a-d. Increase the number of dentists serving on component peer review and ethics and judicial affairs committees to attain a this retreat and will present participation rate of 2-5 percent relative to the total number of component society members by August 2009.

TDA to the Boardof TX dental school graduates actively licensed in TX will be members of TDA five years after graduation (89% 2. 2014 Ninety percent of Directors forstudent initial conversion from the graduating class of 2005 in Texas). dental 3. Increase thebynumber approval followed final of member dentists actively participating in TDA by 1 percent a year (as measured by a variety of means participation TMOM, TXDDS, FSI programs, DENPAC participations, TDA legislative day) with annual approval–by the House at ofTX Meeting, (L–R): Facilitator Bob Gleason and report to TDA Board by the Council on Membership.

(L–R): Drs. Mike Stuart, Greg Grave, David McCarley, David May, and Delegates before the plan is Dr. Eric Solomon respond to a 4. Establish baseline of nonmember participation at TDA activities (CAS, TDAdiscuss Smilesobjectives Foundation, Membership) Lee Clitheroe for TDA 2014. question. implemented.

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. Sixty-five percent of all full-time faculty will be TDA members by 2009 (2006 baseline = 63%).

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

Inside Medicaid in My Office?San Antonio 2009 TEXAS Meeting, Yes, Thinksees So!more exhibitors, NextI year Richard M. Smith, DDS expanded booths TDA Smiles Foundation World Oral TMOM gainsHealth ardentDay advocate Federation Dentaire International Ask the President declares observance Incoming President’s message Hilton Israelson, DDS TDA Smiles Foundation Recent Smiles on Wheels provides Let’s Talk Outgoing charitablePresident’s dental caremessage A. David May, Jr., DDS Medicaid Update 2008-2009 TDA Board of Directors Register now for First Dental Home Meet Your TDA Staff Training TDA’s new Finance Director Dee DelagarzaRequirements NewDee Prescription Congratulations to TDA TDA AllianceSocieties Component Alliance Future Focus Committee Streamline Insurance determines Your next steps for Claims Speeding up confirmation of benefits organization and eligibility TSBDE Rule Update September Requirements for dental office Journalmachines News radiograph In the News Official 2008-09 Directory of TDA members in the news Members

July Journal News Allied Groups Listing Tooth Whitening: A Clinical Review TDA District Dental Societies TDA Historical Perspectives Dentists, dental TDA hygienists, Officer Listing: Districtand the dental team Dental Society The 2007 C.T. Rowland Award Orthodontic Around case thereport State The El Paso Dental Conference September 4-5: El Paso Dental Conference, El Paso

Around the State

September 12-13: August 14: LEADBoard TDA Workshop, TDA Meeting Austin Austin, Texas September 26-27: Williamson County TMOM, Leander October 15-19: ADA Annual Session October 15-17: San Antonio, Texas ADA Annual Session, San Antonio

Click & Connect Click & Connect Update Profile tda.org – Membership LEAD TDA — RegisterInfo Today tda.org — Current Issues Ask a Colleague tda.org – Features TDA Express TEXAS Photos tda.orgMeeting — Features texasmeeting.com/estore

(L–R): Drs. Brad Crump and (L–R): Drs. Arlet Dunsworth, Craig Armstrong complete Richard Smith, and Brad (L–R): Drs. Mark Peppard, Bill Walton, and Kathy Nichols confer on paperwork.

Loeffelholz review group In 2003, Texas Dental Association members from acrossplan themetrics. state develop TDA’s firstfindings. strategic plan, TDA 2009.

Personal Web Page Volunteer for ‘08 ADA tda.org — Contacts tda.org/volunteerada08

Medicaid Update Register Now for First Dental Home Training!

September 12 Declared World Oral Health Day

The First Dental Home is a legislatively supported dental initiative aimed at improving the oral health of children (6 to 35 months of age) who are enrolled in Medicaid /Texas Health Steps (THSteps). Materials for the initiative were collaboratively developed by pediatric and general dentists.

The goal of the initiative is to provide preventive dental services to very young children in order to decrease the occurrence of early childhood caries and to provide simple and consistent oral health messages to parents and caregivers of very young children.

The First Dental Home training is for currently enrolled Medicaid / THSteps pediatric and general dentists and dentists who have submitted a Medicaid / THSteps dental provider enrollment application and will provide a Dental Home to clients of Medicaid / THSteps who are 6 to 35 months of age.

Dental Home training is required for dentists to see this patient population and to be able to bill under the code D0145 (oral evaluation for a patient under three years of age and counseling with primary caregiver). Trainings last approximately one and a half hours and also entitle the dentist First Dental Home Training to bill for D0145 at an enhanced City Date Time Location reimbursed rate of $144.97.

If you are interested in To Be Determined Austin attending a training session, To Be Determined Corpus Christi please go to the state’s website at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/dental/ Sept. 11, 2008 6:30 p.m.

DSHS Region 8 Office San Antonio firstdentalhomeTraining.shtm and

7430 Louis Pasteur Drive follow the registration instructions

Room 130 listed on the Dental Home Training webpage. See the sidebar For additional questions or more information, please contact Diane Rhodes at (512) 443-3675 or drhodes@tda.org. for training sessions currently scheduled.

During the 2007 Federation Dentaire International (FDI) Annual World Dental Congress held in Dubai, U.A.E., the FDI General Assembly declared September 12 as World Oral Health Day and issued an FDI policy statement regarding the day.

The month of September was chosen for World Oral Health Day for three main reasons. Firstly, September is the most common month for existing Oral Health Days around the world.

Secondly, the birthday of Dr. Charles Godon, founder of the FDI, was September 12, 1854. Finally, the day is the anniversary of the groundbreaking World Health Organization’s International Conference on Primary Health Care at Alma Ata, which took place on September 12, 1978.

The FDI’s statement encourages all member associations, governments, non-governmental organizations, media, and other entities are encouraged to use the occasion provided through World Oral Health Day to develop community, national, regional, and global activities related to improving oral health.

FDI Member Associations around the world will advocate this day by promoting the importance of oral health through various local, regional, and/or national events, activities, and media. Please check with the American Dental Association to Celebrate find out more about the activities planned and how you can get involved. For more Good Oral Health information, please visit http://www.

Every Day! fdiworldental.org/wohd.html.

Smiles on Wheels Program

Alliance Focuses on the Future

Your Texas Dental Association (TDA) Smiles Foundation aims to bring charitable dental care to small towns across the state with the launch of its newest mission, the Smiles on Wheels program.

The Smiles on Wheels program will use a mobile dental unit to travel across the state to rural areas where the need for charitable dental care is highest. Six to nine volunteer dentists will donate their services to pre-screened patients at these 1-day clinics. The TDA Smiles Foundation staff will work with community volunteers to prepare small, temporary clinics in rural areas of Texas. Using portable equipment, dental volunteers will perform extractions, restorations, and hygienic care for an anticipated 115 to 125 patients per 10-hour day.

The Smiles on Wheels program will perform eight mini-missions per year in small towns across the state, providing an anticipated $25,000 of dental care at each location.

Texas has the highest number of uninsured citizens in the United States. An estimated 45 percent of Texans do not have any dental insurance. That, combined with travel costs, the price of dental care, and a shortage of dentists in rural areas forces many small-town Texans to forgo dental care. Without a regular history of preventative treatment, individuals find themselves desperately needing emergency oral health care.

This great need for charitable care in Texas’ rural areas prompted the TDA Smiles Foundation leadership to broaden the scope of the care provided through its current programs, Texas Missions of Mercy (TMOM) and Texas Donated Dental Services (TXDDS).

Broadening the scope of care has been made a reality thanks to the generosity of several private donors, who helped the TDA Smiles Foundation meet the terms of a matching grant from the Meadows Foundation, securing $185,000 to fund the new Smiles on Wheels project.

To join those donors who have helped make this new mission possible, go to tdasmiles.org, or call (800) 807-6453.

You can also sign up to become a Smiles on Wheels volunteer doctor. Just one day of donating your services means a changed and healthier life for many patients. Contact the TDA Smiles Foundation office to register.

By Heide Heath, Alliance of the Texas Dental Association

Smiles on the Horizon • • • • •

The Williamson County TMOM is scheduled for September 26 and 27. To become a volunteer, go to tdasmiles.org/leander.

The year’s third TMOM event is scheduled for Corpus Christi on November 17 and 18. Sign up at tdasmiles.org/corpuschristi to volunteer.

Look for the Smiles Report in your mailbox soon! This annual newsletter contains updates and reports on the activities and outreach of the foundation. To get on the mailing list, go to tdasmiles. org.

Holiday cards are available! Honor colleagues and friends and further the work of the TDA Smiles Foundation this holiday season with beautiful, custom designed greeting cards. Go to tdasmiles.org to order online, or call (800) 807-6453.

Watch your mailbox for the 2008 Annual Giving Campaign, coming soon! Continue your support the TDA Smiles Foundation’s programs, TXDDS and TMOM . To donate today, go to tdasmiles.org or call (800) 807-6453.

August 2008 / TDA Today / 2

The Future Focus Committee of the Alliance of the TDA met on June 27 at the TDA central office in Austin. This Committee is responsible for researching and presenting, when appropriate, the future plans of the Alliance.

Thirteen committee members attended.

Two members were appointed by president Janet Hooten to serve on the TDA Smiles Foundation for a 1-year term — Paula Owens to the Development Committee and Conni Durbin to the Education Committee. The Alliance has enjoyed a long and very productive relationship with the Texas Dental Association and its philanthropic foundations. In 2000, the Alliance donated $5,000 from its Memorial Fund to establish the Felix Crawford Fund of the Texas Dental Foundation. After the 2005 merger of the Texas Dental Foundation and Texas Dentists for Healthy Smiles to become the TDA Smiles Foundation, the Crawford Fund was retained to hold the Foundation’s corpus funds. In addition, the Alliance proudly provides monetary donations and many volunteer hours to Texas Missions of Mercy.

The fall board meeting of the Alliance will be held October 2–3, 2008, in Salado. Cindy Bates, District 8 Trustee of the Alliance of the American Dental Association (AADA), reported on the AADA Convention in San Antonio, scheduled for October 16–19, 2008. Alliance volunteers are needed to help with registration. Access the Alliance website (AllianceADA.org) for the convention schedule, registration information, and hotel reservations.

With our growing number of new members, at-large (both male and female), we have increased the revenues that sustain our organization and our charitable works. We are grateful, but we must also reach out to these new members for their ideas and their time if this Alliance is to be a vital and sustainable dental organization. Our focus is to encourage these spouses to become active members of the Alliance, dedicated to our mission as a dental spouse organization.

Errata: This photograph, published in the July ATDA Future Focus Committee members include 2008 TDA Today, was (back, l to r) Marthiel Russell, Conni Durbin, Heide incorrectly captioned as ATDA officers for 2008– Heath, Janet Crow, Cindy Bates, Ruth Ault and (front, l to r) Barbara Westwood, Bertha Nell Barth, 2009. The newsletter Janet Hooten, Paula Owens, and Jill Kralicke. regrets the error.

MK’s Board Notes

12-2009-B (NP): Appointed Drs. Debrah J. Worsham, Patricia L. Blanton, and Herbert L. Wade, Jr. as consultants to the Council on Legislative and Regulatory Affairs.

13-2009-B (NP): Appointed Dr. Jay C. Adkins as state team leader for the American Dental Association’s Tripartite Grassroots Membership Initiative.

Ask the President

BUDGET

Mary Kay Linn, TDA Executive Director Below is a summary of actions of the TDA Board of Directors during the June 20, 2008 meeting, with TDA president Dr. Hilton Israelson, presiding.

Non-Policy and Board Policy Resolutions APPOINTMENTS 5-2009-B (NP): Approved 2008–2009 Board liaisons: Dr. Rise’ L. Lyman (Council on Annual Session), Dr. William M. Walton (Council on Constitution and Bylaws), Dr. Craig S. Armstrong (Council on Dental Economics), Dr. Arlet R. Dunsworth (Council on Dental Education, Trade, and Ancilliaries), Dr. John W. Baucum, III (Council on Ethics and Judicial Affairs), Dr. Donna G. Miller (Council on Membership), Dr. F. Dee Rea (Council on Peer Review), Dr. J. Brad Loeffelholz (Council on Legislative and Regulatory Affairs), Dr. Kathleen M. Nichols (Committee on Access, Medicaid, and CHIP), Dr. R. Lee Clitheroe (Committee on the New Dentist), Dr. Johnny G. Cailleteau (Communications Committee), Dr. Mark Peppard (DENPAC), Dr. Matthew B. Roberts (Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation), Dr. A. David May, Jr. (Texas State Board of Dental Examiners).

6-2009-B (NP): Appointed Dr. Robert Villarreal as a member and appointed Dr. Thomas D. Harrison and Dr. Michael D. Vaclav as consultants to the Committee on Access, Medicaid, and CHIP. 7-2009-B (NP): Appointed Dr. Donna G. Miller to the Assets Management Committee.

8-2009-B (NP): Appointed Dr. Jennifer J. Barrington as consultant to the Communications Committee.

9-2009-B (NP): Appointed Dr. R. Lee Clitheroe as a member and Dr. Jennifer J. Barrington as a consultant to the Future Focus Committee.

10-2009-B (NP): Appointed Dr. Patricia L. Blanton and Dr. Jacqueline M. Plemons as consultants to the Council on Dental Education, Trade, and Ancillaries.

11-2009-B (NP): Appointed Dr. Robert M. Anderton as consultant to the Council on Ethics and Judicial Affairs.

22-2009-B (NP): Approved funding to purchase furniture for the TDA extention.

25-2009-B (NP): Authorized a TDA Member Survey for Strategic Planning, 2009–2014, funded at $6,000 via a reallocation within the Future Focus Committee budget from “projects” to “survey.”

MISCELLANEOUS 14-2009-B (NP): Approved March 14–15, 2008 TDA Board meeting minutes.

15-2009-B (NP): Approved April 7, 2008 TDA Board web/ audio conference minutes.

16-2009-B (NP): Approved April 21, 2008 TDA Board conference call minutes.

17-2009-B (NP): Approved May 4, 2008 TDA Board meeting minutes.

18-2009-B (NP), 19-2009-B (NP), 20-2009-B (NP): Appointed authorized individuals to purchase and/or sell and/or deal in any and all securities and financial instruments for TDA’s investment accounts with Morgan Stanley — Brandes, Morgan Stanley — NWO, and Morgan Stanley — Madison 23-2009-B (P): Authorized the TDA Council on Peer Review to seek and obtain documentation necessary to reach a decision on a Peer Review appeal case.

24-2009-B (NP): Approved amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws of the San Antonio (20th) District Dental Society as reviewed and recommended by the TDA Council on Constitution and Bylaws.

OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL 21-2009-B (NP): Approved out-of-state travel for Mary Kay Linn, executive director; Lyda Creus Molanphy, director of executive affairs; and Lee Ann Johnson, director of member services and administration, to attend the ADA Management Conference in Chicago on July 21–24, 2008.

Past, Present, and Future …

TEXAS Meeting 2009 Karen E. Frazer, DDS, Chair, Council on Annual Session The May 7–10, 2009 TEXAS Meeting brings the legacies of the past and the excitement of the future to the TDA annual conference. The TDA Annual Session has brought great continuing education to dental professionals since 1873. Dental friends come together for education, governance, and fun in historic San Antonio. The TEXAS Meeting is the largest dental meeting in Texas and the continuing education opportunities are endless for the dentist and the dental team.

More than 90 clinicians have been invited to present sessions covering the latest and greatest in all aspects of dentistry. From pediatrics to geriatrics, every subject in dentistry will be covered by respected authorities in their fields. Along with offering half-day and full-day lectures and workshops, the “Lone Star Lectures” will debut during the 2009 meeting. This seminar will provide four 1hour continuing education units on such topics as bisphosphonates, audiology, cancer detection, and meth mouth.

Bring your team and your dancing shoes to the TEXAS Party for some rockin’ fun Thursday might with the return of the Oh So Good Band — providing an inviting display of sights and sounds to entertain all of our guests. See former acquaintances, meet new friends, and enjoy a dinner buffet of delightful southwestern cuisines.

Experience a San Antonio greeting by an Alamo hero!

As the TEXAS Meeting Exhibit Hall expands into a larger Hall D in 2009, the TEXAS Meeting will bring more exhibitors, provide larger booths, and add unique events to the exhibit hall floor! Visit a cosmetics booth, a special treat for those looking for the latest and greatest. Don’t miss the new TDA Services booth, with services displayed and staff on hand to answer questions. You can visit the DENPAC Silent Auction, the TDA Store, and the Internet Café — all part of the new, expanded exhibit hall. After you have learned how to “Get Your Ask in Gear!” with Jeff Staads, purchased dental supplies, visited dental school alumni booths, purchased autographed books written by some of our celebrity clinicians, and registered to win cash in daily prize drawings — you can visit with exhibitors during the exhibit hall happy hour!

Hilton Israelson, DDS, TDA President 2008-2009 Has the state Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) implemented any dental programs using funds set aside for strategic initiatives related to the Frew (Medicaid) agreement?

To answer this question, let me begin by suggesting that you go to our TDA website, tda.org, to read and understand the Frew v Hawkins lawsuit and its ramifications for Texas dentists and especially our Medicaid providers. In addition to appropriating more than $250 million in state funds to increase fees for Medicaid dental services, the 2007 Legislature specifically allocated $150 million for “strategic dental and medical initiatives” intended to increase access to care.

The Health and Human Services Commission formed a Frew Advisory Committee to help determine how to best use the strategic initiative funds. Four TDA dentists (Drs. William Steinhauer, Catherine Flaitz, Jose Cazares and David Wilbanks) serve on the committee. Two of the committee members, Drs. Steinhauer and Cazares, serve on our TDA Committee on Access, Medicaid and Chip (CAMC), which provided input and suggestions to the advisory committee as well as to HHSC itself.

To date, HHSC has allocated initiative funds to launch the “First Dental Home” project, which provides training for pediatric and general dentists who agree to provide specific exams and ongoing care for very young children (4 months to 3 years of age) who are enrolled in the Medicaid program. Given the large numbers of young children and a shortage of pediatric and general dentists in some areas to treat them, another new program, “Fluoride Varnish in the Medical Home,” reimburses pediatricians for providing oral health exams and fluoride varnish to very young children enrolled in Medicaid.

The Frew agreement also requires the state to operate one dental van in three impoverished, rural counties in South Texas (i.e., Starr, Zapata, and Jim Hogg Counties).

The Frew Advisory Committee has also worked with HHSC to create a student loan assistance program for dentists and certain types of physicians. If approved, the program would pay a “stipend” (to be determined) to certain new or recent dental school graduates over a period of 4 years if they practice in an underserved area and provide care to large numbers of children enrolled in the Medicaid program.

At this writing, a substantial portion of the strategic initiative funds have not been allocated. If more of those funds are available for dental services, the dentists on the advisory committee have proposed using them to increase fees for dental treatment codes that were not included in the approximately 48 treatment codes that were increased on September 1, 2007.

Our TDA continues to urge members to enroll as Medicaid providers so that we can help take care of the oral health needs of our state’s neediest children.

Meet Your TDA Staff

2008 TEXAS Meeting Exhibit Hall

Julie Dodd is the Texas Dental Association’s new facilities and administrative coordinator. She attended business college in Austin.

After receiving her real estate license, Julie began working as an independent real estate agent, and has been active in the industry for many years. She worked for a condominium association as building and office manager for 13 years. In addition to her administrative duties, she worked with the individual owners assisting with sales, leasing, and property management.

Traci Whitney joins the TDA staff as director of the Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation.

She is a proud Texas native (born in San Antonio and raised in Austin), holding a biology degree with a double minor in Spanish and chemistry — and yes, she is bilingual! Traci’s professional background encompasses a unique blend of development, event direction, administration, and finance experience. Her most recent role was serving as the business administrator at historic St. David’s Episcopal Church in downtown Austin. Traci is married to Cameron, an Oklahoma native, and has 3-year old twin boys, Max and Ripley. She and her family live in southwest Austin.

August 2008 / TDA Today / 3

ATTENTION: New Prescription Requirements for Schedule III, IV, and V Controlled Substances Texas dentists who prescribe Schedule III, IV, or V controlled substances will soon have to comply with new requirements included in amendments to the Health and Safety Code enacted last year by the Texas Legislature. Under the new requirements, prescriptions for controlled substances in those three schedules must provide additional information, including the dentist’s Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration numbers, as well as the patient’s name, address, and his or her age or date of birth. The new requirements take effect on September 1, 2008.

The new requirements are set out in a letter the DPS recently sent to dentists and other health care practitioners who are currently registered with the agency’s Controlled Substance Registration Program. In the past, DPS oversight had been limited to prescriptions for Schedule II controlled substances, which are also required to be written on DPS-issued, tamper-resistant forms.

Although practitioners are permitted to use the DPS-issued forms for Schedule III, IV, and V prescriptions, they are NOT required to do so. Please note that DPS-issued forms are still required for Schedule II prescriptions.

For more information, please contact the DPS Texas Prescription Program at (512) 424-2189.

Training Opportunity for District Dental Society Peer Review Committee Members

Dental Tourism Reporting Form Now Available!

Compiled by the TDA Council on Dental Economics

The Texas Dental Association’s Council on Peer Review will offer a training session designed for district dental society members who serve on local peer review committees.

Local committee members from across the state are welcome to participate. The training will be held at the Dallas County (Fifth District) Dental Society offices, and is scheduled for: Friday, September 19, 2008 9:00 a.m. to noon Dallas County Dental Society 13633 Omega Road Dallas, Texas 75244 Pre-Registration Required: Please call Cassidy Neal at the TDA, (512) 443-3675, extension 152, or e-mail cassidy@tda.org.

AUGUST 2008

VOLUME 9, ISSUE 8

Dental tourism is a critical issue confronting Texas dentists. The first step in working towards a solution is gathering information.

The Council on Dental Economics has created a Dental Tourism Reporting Form, which provides the opportunity for TDA members to provide information concerning: (1) the problems TDA members are experiencing with patients who receive dental treatment in Mexico; and (2) the insurers and third party administrators that are paying claims submitted by dentists in Mexico.

A copy of the form and instructions on submitting the form can be found on tda.org. Print a copy of the form and review it in its entirety. Please note that the reporting form is to be filled out by TDA member dentists only. The TDA will not accept reporting forms from non-member dentists and/or the general public.

Receiving these forms along with collaborating evidence from TDA members is an important first step at tackling this very difficult issue of dental tourism. Questions regarding the reporting form should be directed to Cassidy Neal at (512) 443-3675 or cassidy@tda.org.

Editorial Staff Christopher F. Anderson, D.D.S., M.S.D., Editor Edwina J. Shires, Director of Publications Nicole Scott, Publications Coordinator Barbara S. Donovan, Art Director BOARD OF DIRECTORS Hilton Israelson, D.D.S., President Matthew B. Roberts, D.D.S., President-Elect A. David May, Jr., D.D.S., Immediate Past President Vice Presidents F. Dee Rea, D.D.S., Northeast William M. Walton, D.D.S., Northwest Mark Peppard, D.D.S., Southeast Rise’ L. Lyman, D.D.S., Southwest Senior Directors Arlet R. Dunsworth, D.D.S., Northeast J. Brad Loeffelholz, D.D.S., Northwest Craig S. Armstrong, D.D.S., Southeast Johnny G. Cailleteau, D.D.S., Southwest Directors Donna G. Miller, D.D.S., Northeast Kathleen Nichols, D.D.S., Northwest R. Lee Clitheroe, D.D.S., Southeast John W. Baucum III, D.D.S., Southwest 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 Christopher F. Anderson, 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.

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AVAILABLE ONLINE AT TDA.ORG

25-Cent Claims

Insurance Management System Through TDA Perks Program, TDA members receive the special rate of 25 cents per claim with EC&EC’s ClaimX, an electronic insurance management system that interfaces with most practice management systems.

It not only electronically submits your claims, but also helps with claim processing, claim status, eligibility checking and reporting. Billing fee options are available for any-size office; whether your office handles fifty or thousands of claims a month, savings will be realized immediately. No contract, no hassle, no setup fee.

Receive the first 2 months free.

(866)-eclaims (866) 325-2467 www.tdaperks.com

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