2007 Sept-Oct wmdds bulletin:layout2005

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007 VOL. 40, NO. 1

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©2004 Dental Services Group

Contents Editor

Bruce Weny

Associate Editors

Jeff Smith Tara Meachum Seth Vruggink Aric Smith James Papp

President’s Message ........................................................................................................2

Elaine Fleming Executive Secretary WMDDS 511-F Waters Building Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 234-5605 efwmdds@aol.com

Trustee Report ................................................................................................................6

Advertising Editor

West Michigan District Dental Society Executive Board 2007-2008 President Amy De Young President-Elect Doug Killian Vice President Douglas Klein Secretary-Treasurer Joseph Kirkwood Editor Bruce Weny Immediate Past John Frey President Directors Seth Vruggink Larissa Bishop Tyler Wolf Area Representatives Kent County Paul O’Grady Ionia-Montcalm Christopher Morgan County Mecosta County Margaret Gingrich Ottawa County Ryan Lebster MDA IV District Trustees

Editor’s Thoughts...........................................................................................................4

A Short History of Water Fluoridation.........................................................................8 Cyril Lixenberg .............................................................................................................10 The Dedication.............................................................................................................14 GRCC News..................................................................................................................20 Classified Ads................................................................................................................22 Advertiser Index ...........................................................................................................23 GRDHS News ...............................................................................................................24

Connie Verhagen Norman Palm

Big Rapids Dental Study Club Officers, 2007-2008 President Erick Perroud Vice President Erick Perroud Secretary Christa Stern Treasurer Erick Perroud

About The Cover Steel Water, the new fluoride sculpture created by Cyril Lixenberg, was dedicated on September 14, 2007 in downtown Grand Rapids. Photo courtesy of Jim Wieland.

Holland-Zeeland Dental Society Officers, 2007-2008 President Ryan Lebster Treasurer Robert Ankerman Secretary Immediate Past President Ionia-Montcalm Dental Study Club Officers, 2007-2008 President-Secretary Lowell Swartz Vice PresidentKirkwood Faber Treasurer Kent County Dental Society Officers, 2007-2008 President Paul O’Grady Vice President Brad Van Hoose Secretary Brant Erbentraut Treasurer David Armbrecht West Michigan Dental Foundation Officers, 2007-2008 President Tom Harmon Vice President Secretary Matt Gietzen Treasurer Carl Kruyswyk The Bulletin of the West Michigan Dental Society is published six times a year (Directory issue, Sept./Oct., Nov./Dec., Jan./Feb., Mar./Apr., and May/June). The opinions expressed in The Bulletin are not necessarily the opinions of the West Michigan District Dental Society.

Contributions to The Bulletin are welcome and should be addressed to The Bulletin Editor, 255 Washington SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Requests for purchase of advertising space should be directed to the Advertising Editor, Elaine Fleming, (616) 234-5605. The deadline is the 1st of the month prior to publication. © 2007-2008 West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

Mission Statement The Bulletin is the newsletter of the WMDDS and its mission is to inform the membership of upcoming and recent events, state & local issues related to dentistry, and as a forum for its officers, representatives, and members to discuss appropriate topics of interest to the membership.

Communication & Advertising Policy The Bulletin will publish submitted articles from members and others that relate to the practice of dentistry, small business, social, or political issues affecting dentists, or other subjects of interest to the membership. All published items are subject to space restrictions and the community standards of the WMDDS. The editors reserve the right to reject any article or advertisement deemed inappropriate and to edit submissions as they see fit.

Submission & Publication Policy: Articles and advertisements must be submitted no later than the 1st of the month preceding publication date. The Bulletin is published in September/October, November/December, January/February, March/April, May/June, and the fall directory issue. Direct submissions or correspondences to: Dr. Bruce Weny • 255 Washington SE • Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Phone: 616.451.2336 FAX 616.222.1345 • Email: Bweny@aol.com Include “Newsletter” in the subject line

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

1

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

And A Good Time Was Had By All!

By Dr. Amy De Young, WMDDS President

F

riday, September 14, 2007 marked the dedication of the new Fluoride Sculpture in downtown Grand Rapids. The day started out with a little rain, and then the winds really picked up. The planned visit of Vice-President Dick Cheney, announced just days before the unveiling, also promised to add an element of uncertainty to the plans for the day. I arrived a little more than two hours early for the event to see if there was anything I could do to help. I was greeted

by Dr. Jim Wieland, still dressed in his sweat pants and helping with the set-up of the stage. The chairs had not arrived yet, but the necessary phone calls had been made and all was fine. The chairs were on the way. I gladly accepted responsibility to put the ribbon up for the ribbon cutting ceremony, but I had not taken into consideration that the gale force winds were going to hinder my handiwork!

It was now one hour before the ceremony was to begin, and the chairs had arrived and were being set up. The ever optimistic Dr. Wieland noted that it was most likely a good thing that the chairs arrived a little late. It was no longer raining, so the chairs were nice and dry. I assume he felt I had everything well in hand, so Dr. Wieland went to “suit-up” while I put the finishing touches on the billowing ribbons and oversaw the placement of the chairs. A few guests, invited and uninvited, began to arrive. The anti-fluoride people began to set up video equipment. Hmmmm. I wasn’t sure if I should be concerned or not. So far, everything is going very well.

At 11:30 am, Dr. Wieland asked everyone to take their seats.

Dr. Raymond Gist, our 9th District Trustee from the ADA, asked me where Dr. Lisa Howard, one of our guest speakers from the ADA, was supposed to sit. I experienced a brief moment of panic as I realized that there was no chair for one of our honored guest speakers to sit in. I scanned the crowd

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and spotted Dr. John Monticello seated on the end of a row in a very easily accessible chair. I asked him (actually begged is a more appropriate term) to please let me have his chair. He very graciously let me take his chair for our guest. I found out after the event that Dr. Monticello ended up sitting next to one of the anti-fluoride members of the crowd. Maybe that is why the anti-fluoride people were, overall, quite respectful of the event.

The event was fantastic! The food was wonderful. The atmosphere was great. Many thanks went out to several very important people. The entire event was a terrific success. I am truly in awe of the fact that Grand Rapids, Michigan will always be known as the pioneering city of community water fluoridation. A fantastic sculpture now stands on the spot where a monument commemorating that historic event once stood. Many of us will miss the original fluoride monument, but not to worry, several individuals are still working on finding a home for that particular piece of dental history.

I received a phone call at my office on the Monday immediately following the event. A writer with Roadside America had heard about the new sculpture that had been placed in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I was bursting with pride as I described the new sculpture and all of the work and dedication that had gone into this wonderful work of art. We had a very nice conversation about the old Fluoride Monument, and that I would let him know when I found out where the original Fluoride Monument was going to find a permanent home.

He suggested that I look up their website which I did over my lunch hour. The website for Roadside America is promoted as “Your Online Guide to Offbeat Tourist Attractions.” Uh Oh!!!

I don’t have a very good feeling about this!

I visited the website a week later to see that there was an “article” about the new Fluoride Sculpture. I was horrified!

I guess that the author decided to put his own “spin” on our entire conversation. The quotes he credited me with were correct, but the rest of the article in no way reflected our conversation. I think back to the wonderful day of the dedication of Steel Water. The minor worries in no way affected the outcome of a terrific day. Steel Water is standing tall in downtown Grand Rapids. Even this author’s interpretation of our conversation cannot change the fact that I am very proud to be from Grand Rapids … the birthplace of community water fluoridation.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

3

EDITOR’S THOUGHTS

Did You See It? “U.S. Dental Health on Decline!”

T

his is an article by Alex Berenson that appeared in The Grand Rapids Press on Thursday, October 11, 2007.

There also was an article in the New York Times titled “Boom Times for Dentists.”

Let’s look at the assertions and where we find our profession today.

“Rising costs and rejection of Medicaid has left 100 million without access to dentists.”

True and false on both counts. Americans as a culture expect the latest in technology, which may or may not be better than an older technology. It is, however, always more expensive.

Certainly, doing an implant over preparing two virgin teeth as abutments for a bridge or to a partial is much more costly but far better for the patient. This is better technology. X-ray film of thirty years ago was of better diagnostic quality. Today, in an effort to reduce radiation, film speed and radiation times have decreased, resulting in x-ray films with less clarity today than in the past. No wonder digital radiographs look decent.

They don’t have to compete with the higher standards of years gone by. Cost for this technology is much greater. Added to this, we are all expected to be paperless by the year 2015. This will cost anywhere from $15,000 to $75,000 per practice. In part, due to administrative demands, we need to employ a person just to deal with insurance. This was not required in 1970. Who gets to pay for this? Yes, costs are going up for dentists and their patients.

The second part of the statement on Medicaid is that we as general dentists don’t attend to the needs of the poor. In the past, state-run Medicaid programs proved to be a doubleedged sword. The up side was that the state would pay for some treatment. On the down side, payment was always at a

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reduced fee, which often did not cover overhead. The program was inflexible, not allowing dentists to treat the patient in a way the dentist thought best. If a dentist wanted to perform a procedure that was thought best even if it were not covered by Medicaid and was done for free, the dentist was not allowed to do so. An example would be doing an immediate denture case, even with eventual reline not covered by Medicaid, but charging only the cost of a regular denture. This was not allowed.

Also, we always wondered why the paperwork and approval process was so different from the rest of the commercial insurance industry. Some of the administrative procedures have been streamlined since. Many dentists have simply switched to providing services through volunteer programs like Baxter Clinic, Mel Trotter Ministries, Clinica Santa Maria, and others, or have worked with their own patients to provide needed dental care at no cost. Many dentists have worked with the Adult Dental Needs Program, a United Way/ Dental Society Program, or with Disabled Patients at a reduced or no-cost basis. Other dentists perform mission work outside the country, but that was not the target of this article by Mr. Berenson.

“Levels of untreated decay are at higher levels than in the 1980’s or even 1990’s.”

I suspect this is true for several reasons that are cultural and not professional in cause and effect. I have witnessed an increase in caries and attribute much to a poorer diet, in general by young Americans, greater use of bottled water which has no fluoride in it, abuse of certain drugs i.e., “meth mouth” etc. It took many decades to control the rampant caries rate that refined flour and sugar caused starting in the late 19th century. The profession is reacting to this problem, but much is caused by a population that lives in a time of prevention and solution to these problems. It has always been difficult to compete against cultural forces that provide pleasure or perceived (but empty) benefits. An example would be those who eat fast food and gain weight or those who drink water where fluoride does not exist with an increase in decay. There have been many cases in the last decade where sodas were introduced into schools that made quite a bit of money on the soda machines. Decay rates went up. Many dentists fought to have water introduced even if it was water without fluoride in exchange for the sodas.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

EDITOR’S THOUGHTS

“Most dentists consider themselves in the business of dentistry rather than the practice of dentistry.”

Yes, it is a business. A dentist is responsible for staff salaries, rent, technology, advanced training, retirement, college loans, kids’ college, etc. just like everyone else. We could reduce some of the cost of health care in this country if we had facilities, waiting rooms, and treatment rooms as they have in Europe.

Metal chairs, no air conditioning, no radio. You are a number, have a seat. It is more efficient. Consider this. Most patients feel the outward appearance of where they are is a reflection of the quality of what they receive in professional services. Yet I know that the quality is often the same in both clinical as in “clinic” settings and “private practice” settings.

“Incomes of dentists have risen faster than that of physicians or the average American.”

Like their plastic surgeon counterparts, this has been a growth area for dentists. Please remember that on the eve of World War II many young men could not eat the mess rations due to their lack of teeth, and were rejected from service. With the advent of fluoridation, extensive education by hygienists, and the popular media promoting looking and smelling good, there was a significant decrease in decay rates. Denture services were used less and less over the decades, allowing dentists to broaden their services from emergency and restoration to aesthetics and function.

This does require more advanced training and, of course, cost. This, however, is what the population wants. Patients will often go for and are more dedicated to “wants” over their “needs.” This is a patient choice. After all, how many patients need to have toilet bowl white teeth?

“Despite the rise in dental problems, the State Board of Dentistry and the American Dental Association have fought efforts to use dental hygienists and other non-dentists to provide basic care to people who do not have access to dentists.”

The State Board of Dentistry regulates those who have a license to practice dentistry. They do not make the laws as to who may practice as much as they enforce the laws of those who do practice. This is in the area of the State Legislature and Governor. Will we have future dental manpower problems? In a word, yes. Fewer dentists are being graduated. They come out of school with $200,000 to $300,000 debt loads. They need to make that up. Also, the Baby Boomer Generation will be in nursing homes in the next ten to twenty years. Most will have limited incomes. AARP and other organizations will push for an increase in care here. We, as a profession, either guide this, and I mean in the best sense for patients, or it will be done for us. The ADA needs to take the lead here. California has already started a program with two years of training beyond hygiene school for this purpose.

We do a lot, but some feel we need to do much more. Well … yes we do. We have gone up against greater challenges than this before and have won. That is what the Fluoride Monument out on the Grand River stands for. The monument stands for more than adding fluoride to the water supply, but what it did for the American dental health.

“Insurance picks up half of a $600 tab for the average American’s dental needs.”

Insurance companies have not changed their coverage since the 1970s. They still have a $1000 to $1500 cap on payments per year.

In the 1970s gasoline was 50 cents per gallon. There has been no change for inflation at all! It would cost the average patient in West Michigan $120 to $150 twice a year to have preventive work performed on their teeth. That works out to at most $25.00 per month. People spend at least that on two dinners out or having their hair done than the cost of maintaining their teeth.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

5

TRUSTEE REPORT

What’s Happening at the MDA and ADA

By Dr. Norm Palm, MDA Trustee

T

his report will bring you up to date on the actions of the MDA Board of Trustees from its meetings in June and September, as well as issues of importance at the ADA House of Delegates at the Annual Session that was held in San Francisco in late September.

Before I cover the Board issues, special recognition is needed of Jim Wieland and the Fluoride Commemorative Committee for the completion and dedication of Steel Water, the new sculpture by Cyril Lixenberg recognizing Grand Rapids’ original role in water fluoridation. Jim and his committee have worked tirelessly on this project for over two years. Steel Water was dedicated September 14, and the unveiling of this 33-foot artwork, located just outside the entrance to the new J. W. Marriott Hotel, was a special event not for just the dental community, but for the Grand Rapids community at large.

The sculpture fits into the downtown environment as a notable piece of public artwork and will not only be an enduring symbol of the importance of public water fluoridation, but a legacy gift to Grand Rapids from all of us in the dental community. If you have not seen Steel Water, make a point of viewing it soon. I know you will be impressed at its presence and strength on the bank of the Grand River.

The MDA Board continues to plow ahead with the relocation of the Association’s Headquarters to a new site. As you recall in my last report, the Capital View building project with the developer, the Boji Group, appeared in trouble. The project involved adding two floors to their existing Capital View building just to the south of the capitol building. As it turned out, covenants in Boji’s existing mortgage prevented them from making such a major alteration in the existing

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building, despite their original planning to do the same. The Boji’s found they could not deliver on their signed defined cost contract that specified what the MDA was to pay for the delivery of the 29,000 square feet of space. Our earnest money was returned to us. Some additional costs have not yet been recouped. With this news in May, President Dater reactivated the Building Committee, keeping original members and adding new, including Executive Director Drew Eason. At the June Board meeting, the preliminary committee work indicated that no new workable sites had been found in downtown Lansing. With this, the Board debated and decided to open the search to include existing buildings and green sites in the suburbs of the greater Lansing area. The Corporate Real Estate Service Adviser, a unit of Plante Moran, was hired as a consultant. CRESA helped us refine our needs assessment for the building we desire, will work as an independent agent to find potential properties, and will be our agent in the negotiation and purchase process. The committee looked at many sites around Lansing and did not find any existing building that seemed to fit our needs. In the interim, our space requirements were refined downward to closer to 20,000 square feet, based on CRESA’s advisement and a more shared space philos ophy between the MDA and our Insurance and Financial Group subsidiary.

So where are we with the search at this time? At the Board’s September meeting, seven green sites were brought forward for consideration. The Board empowered the President and Executive Director, along with our legal counsel, the authority to negotiate and purchase a green site in the Lansing area. Dan Schulte has been a very valuable legal counsel to us in our past negotiations, and I know we will be well served by his continued legal assistance. Due to the sensitivity of these kinds of negotiations, I cannot divulge the locations of the properties we are considering. It is likely we will be pursuing more than one property at the same time and go with the one giving us best overall terms and location. It is anticipated that a property will be picked and secured, site work planned by the end of the year, and actual site development for construction will start in the spring of 2008.

Related to this matter, the Board investigated the selling of bonds to the membership as a vehicle to raise funds for the new building. The survey showed that up to $390,000 could WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

TRUSTEE REPORT

be raised from the selling of such bonds. However, the legal underwriting costs for such a project render the idea of selling bonds unworkable and the idea has been dropped from further consideration.

In the access to care area, Michigan has been picked by the ADA as a pilot state for the Community Dental Health Coordinator project. If you remember, the CDHC would be new auxiliary working in underprivileged areas to identify and arrange treatment for patients in need. The glitch here in Michigan is the public health code does not specify this auxiliary’s duties and the code will need to be amended in order for Michigan to be a pilot site for the program. Our legal counsel and legislative affairs staff believe we can successfully amend a particular section of the code with the legislature without tampering with the rest of the code, which is favorable to us in many areas.

Illegal dentistry has been a recent problem in the Holland area as well as in Livingston county, with two denturists actively advertising their illegal services. The MDA notified the State Board of the problem, which responded that since the practitioners were not licensed, they had no governing authority. Local state attorneys have not been pursing violations of illegal dentistry, citing more pressing issues requiring their resources. In June, the Board voted funds to pursue legal action on behalf of the MDA using our legal counsel. This initiative has lead to the arrest of the Livingston county denturist and the closing down of the Holland area denturist.

The ADA House of Delegates convened in San Francisco on September 28. There is always a bevy of resolutions before the House and this year will be no exception. Our Ninth District caucused on September 7 here in Grand Rapids. Our working relationship with the Wisconsin delegation continues to be constructive. Of particular interest is a proposal for a new membership category for auxillary staff. The $39 a year dues would include the Journal and reduced fees for meeting registration. The Council on Dental Education is proposing educational recommendations for a curriculum teaching oral sedation and stating standards of care, including monitoring of patients and pre-treatment assessment. There is a proposal for a $9 dues increase for 2008 despite MDA reserves being at 52% as of late this summer, as well as a proposal to allocate $1.8 million from reserves for remodeling of the Washington WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

D.C. headquarters, which has not been updated since 1984.

These three initiatives alone will make for a lively session or two of the ADA House.

I’ll keep you informed of all these matters over time in my reports to you. As always, contact me if you have questions or need additional information. It continues to be my pleasure to serve as your MDA trustee.

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S T E E L WAT E R D E D I C AT I O N

A Short History of Water Fluoridation

By James L. Wieland, D.D.S.

W

ater fluoridation is one of the earliest and greatest successes in preventive public health medicine, and it all started in Grand Rapids, Michigan in January, 1945.

The misery and devastation caused by tooth decay in the millennia before water fluoridation is hard for us to appreciate today. Even dentists have a hard time realizing how miserable conditions were sixty-two short years ago because of the overwhelming health we enjoy today.

So, what was oral health like in the 1940s? If you were graduating from high school sixty-two years ago, several of your classmates would already be wearing full dentures. The vast majority of Americans lost all of their teeth, many by age 25.

The number one reason for rejecting recruits for World War II was because they did not even have six opposing teeth. Ten percent of all recruits were not allowed to serve their country for this reason. Astounding!

With the relatively simple and inexpensive act of controlling the level of fluoride in water, the devastation and pain of tooth decay was decreased by 65%. Billions of dollars are saved every year. What once was a major public health problem has been largely mitigated.

Here is a short history of how this all came to be. Early in the last century, a Colorado Springs dentist by the name of Frederick McKay noticed that his patients had dark mottled stain in the crystalline structure of their teeth, but these teeth never decayed. After twenty-five years of following this disorder, he finally appealed to the U.S. Public Health Service to determine the cause.

Dr. Grover Kempf of the U.S. Public Health Service and Dr. McKay teamed up to solve the mystery, and in 1928 visited Bauxite, Arkansas. The Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa) had made Bauxite into a company town where they produced aluminum.

In Bauxite, Dr. Kempf and Dr. McKay found the now familiar brown stains on the children’s teeth. Alcoa’s chief chemist, being anxious to disprove the rumor that aluminum cookware was poisonous, tested the water supply. They discovered high levels of the naturally occurring element, fluorine, in the water supply. After several years of research, Alcoa conclusively concluded that this condition was caused by an excess of fluoride in the drinking water. The condition was labeled

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“Fluorosis.” Again, it was noted that these teeth never demonstrated tooth decay, which was prevalent in all other populations, and that, other than discoloration, there were no other deleterious health effects.

Water samples from other communities revealed the same results, and the Public Health Service’s newly formed National Institute of Health (NIH) mounted a major research effort to study the problem. This effort was led by Dr. H. Trendley Dean, NIH’s first dental officer.

Dean found that drinking water with fluoride in the concentration of 1.0 parts per million (ppm) fluoride eliminated the problem of fluorosis. With further study and analysis, Dean and Dr. Philip Jay at the University of Michigan conclusively linked fluoride in the drinking water at 1.0 ppm to the prevention of tooth decay.

Grand Rapids was chosen for the first national test because it had one of the most consistent water supplies in the world (Lake Michigan) which did not contain fluoride. In addition, there was a large cooperative school population, and the nearby City of Muskegon used the same water supply and made an excellent control community. The West Michigan Dental Society fully supported the project, and helped convince the Grand Rapids City Commission to agree to the study.

Dr. Russell Klinesteker and Dr. Willard VerMeulen along with others led this effort.

On January 25, 1945, at 4:00 P.M., Grand Rapids became the first community in the world to adjust the level of fluoride in their water supply. Newburgh, New York followed by fluoridating about three months later, and Brampton, Ontario shortly thereafter. Today there are more than 170 million people and over ten thousand communities in the U.S. with fluoridated water. Worldwide, more than 280 million people enjoy the health benefits of water fluoridation.

The monumental Grand Rapids Study went on for fifteen years and proved that water fluoridation is one of the most efficient, effective, public health measures in history. For every penny spent to adjust the fluoride level in the water, a lot of expensive dental care is avoided, not to mention the elimination of pain and suffering. The poor among us, who can least afford dentistry, are helped the most.

One of the more interesting side stories was the lack of controversy at the time. According to Grand Rapids City WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

S T E E L WAT E R D E D I C AT I O N

Historian, Gordon Olson, the anti-fluoridation controversy never happened in Grand Rapids. First of all, water fluoridation started during World War II, and the community’s mindset was to support water fluoridation since the U.S. Public Health Service promoted it. No one spoke against it.

The results of improved oral health and fewer cavities was obvious so quickly that by the time the anti-fluoridation movement was in full swing, most citizens in Grand Rapids had already decided water fluoridation was a good thing. In fact, the city of Muskegon, which was supposed to abstain from fluoridating its water for the fifteen years of the Grand Rapids Study, dropped out of the study during the sixth year and fluoridated its water supply. They wanted their children to have healthier mouths, too.

The voice of anti-fluoridation started at Stevens Point, Wisconsin in 1950. The movement is and always has been characterized by misrepresentation, distortion, and innuendo.

At every turn, anti-fluoridationists have tried to confuse the public by attacking water fluoridation as ineffective, dangerous, and even a Communist plot.

The fluoride ion has been one of the most studied natural elements in history and consistently, the scientific findings show water fluoridation to be safe and effective. The antifluoridationists have absolutely no scientific grounds for all their rhetoric, which is still used in an attempt to frighten and misguide the public.

Back in 1988, Dr. Willard VerMeulen, a dentist who practiced dentistry in Grand Rapids for sixty years starting in the 1920’s, gave a short speech about Grand Rapids before and after water fluoridation.

Dr. VerMeulen described having three beds in his office.

Two days a week he and a physician friend would see patients all day and under general anesthetic remove all of the teeth in their devastated mouths. After water fluoridation, it was not long before the beds were removed from the office because the mouths were so much healthier. Dr. VerMeulen typically placed twenty to twenty-five dentures every week in those prefluoridation days. Sixty years of water fluoridation has made an amazing impact on dentistry, the health and quality of life in Grand Rapids, and indeed the entire world.

The old water treatment plant as it appears today.

Now it is used as office space.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

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S T E E L WAT E R D E D I C AT I O N

Cyril Lixenberg

By Tim Chester Lixenberg writes that his new sculpture “continues my life-long fascination with the contrast between shapes and counter shapes – positive and negative images of form that cannot exist without each other. Steel Water focuses on and celebrates the contrasts that appear in the transparent and opaque qualities of flowing water. It is a monumental reference to water as a basis of human life, to its never-ceasing flow in the adjacent Grand River, and to the means by which the health-giving benefits of fluoridation have reached every person in this community and many millions of people world wide. Open spaces between the ribbons of steel reference the transparency of water in motion.”

The Fluoride Commerative Committee Chair, James L. Wieland, D.D.S., adds that “Cyril has been wonderful to work with through every phase of this project. His ever present positive attitude, charm, and yes, endless bad jokes made my job much easier to accomplish. We can now enjoy Steel Water for generations to come.”

C

yril Lixenberg (b. 1932) is a prolific Dutch artist living and working in Amsterdam who enjoys critical success in both Europe and the United States as a print maker and a sculptor of monumental steel works.

Lixenberg is friend and supporter of Grand Valley State University and a familiar member of Michigan’s artistic community, having exhibited in Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, Muskegon, Holland and Grand Rapids. Steel Water is his third major public sculpture commission in West Michigan.

Cyril Lixenberg was among three finalists selected from a larger pool of artists whose portfolios were reviewed by the committee. The finalists were invited to prepare a design and to create a maquette for the site. Their work was displayed at Grand Rapids’ Urban Institute for Contemporary Art and formal public presentations were given in May, 2006.

Lixenberg’s site-specific design was the unanimous selection of the Committee.

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WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

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The Installation

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WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

The Dedication

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

Installation and Dedication photos courtesy of John Corrineau and Elaine Fleming.

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S T E E L WAT E R D E D I C AT I O N

The Dedication

T

he journey to Steel Water was finally complete on importance of water fluoridation as one of the greatest September 14th with the public dedication of the public health achievements of our time.

33-foot-tall, 10-ton sculpture created by Dutch Following the dedication, Drs. Harmon, Wieland, and artist, Cyril Lixenberg. Over 200 guests gathered on a cool and DeYoung were joined by Congressman Ehlers, Mayor blustery morning on the plaza of the new JW Marriott Hotel Heartwell and Cyril Lixenberg to cut the ribbon at the to once again celebrate Grand entrance to the sculpture area. Dr. Rapids’ pioneering role in water Eugene Bonofiglo joined his fluoridation. With Steel Water grandson, Tony Bonofiglo, to cut swaying in the stiff breeze, Dr. the ribbon to the handicapped Wieland, chairperson of the Grand accessible ramp to the sculpture.

Rapids Water Fluor idation Guests then mingled to view Steel Commemorative Committee, welWater and its many angles, to read comed everyone to the dedication the commemorative plaque, or have and was followed by Dr. Tom a drink from the drinking fountain.

Harmon, West Michigan Dental Guests, looking forward to getFoundation president, and Dr. Amy ting out of the biting cold, moved to DeYoung, West Michigan District the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel for Dental Society president who prelunch in the Pantlind Ballroom.

Tony Bonofiglo, grandson of Dr. Eugene Bonofiglo, cut the sented the sculpture to Mayor Upon arrival, they were treated to a ribbon for the handicapped entrance to the sculpture plaza.

George Heartwell and the City of wonderful video created by Dr. Grand Rapids. Mayor Heartwell enthusiastically accepted the Wieland which highlighted all the donors that made Steel gift and offered his thanks. Following Mayor Heartwell, Water a reality and showed pictures of the journey of Steel Congressman Vern Ehlers, Dr. Ray Gist, 9th District ADA Water from the artist’s competition, to the cutting, bending, trustee, Dr. Lisa Howard, ADA National Fluoridation and welding of the steel, and finally the transport and installaAdvisory Committee Chair and member, Dr. Sheila Semler, tion of the sculpture. Following lunch, Drew Eason, Executive Oral Health Director, Michigan Department of Community Director of the Michigan Dental Association, offered congratHealth, and Dr. Steve Dater, MDA President, each hailed the ulations. Henry Matthews, a member of the Grand Rapids Water Fluoridation Commemorative Committee and Director of Galleries and Collections, University Art Galleries at Grand Valley State University, introduced Cyril Lixenberg with humorous anecdotes and much admiration. Cyril thanked everyone for the opportunity to create Steel Water, which he considers among his major commissions. He said, “I discovered that it takes a whole city to make a sculpture. I’m pleased to be able to say that just about everything about this sculpture originated in Grand Rapids” and humorously added, “Except me!” Dr. Bonofiglo then thanked Dr. Wieland and presented him a plaque on behalf of the Grand Rapids Water Fluoridation Commemorative Committee for his tireless, unwavering, and enthusiastic dedication to this project.

Cyril presented Dr. Wieland with a maquette of the Steel Lucy Caldwell, Dr. Chuck Caldwell, and Drew Eason helped celebrate the dedication.

Water sculpture.

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WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

S T E E L WAT E R D E D I C AT I O N

The journey has ended, but everyone involved in this project has a great sense of accomplishment, satisfaction, and pride for securing this major sculpture for Grand Rapids and to once again commemorate the City’s pioneering role in water fluoridation. It was also a great honor for everyone involved to be able to work with Cyril Lixenberg, a charismatic and charming person and to forge friendships that will last forever ‌ thank you, Cyril, for bringing us Steel Water!

If you wonder what has happened to the marble monument that commemorated the 50th anniversary of water fluoridation, stay tuned, because a part of this monument will hopefully have a new life at another fitting and historic location in Grand Rapids.

Dr. Tom Harmon, West Michigan Dental Foundation President; Dr. Jim Wieland, Grand Rapids Water Fluoridation Commemorative Committee chairperson; Mayor George Heartwell; Cyril Lixenberg, Steel Water sculptor; Congressman Vern Ehlers; Dr. Amy DeYoung, West Michigan District Dental Society President.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

15

S T E E L WAT E R D E D I C AT I O N

T

he Grand Rapids Water Fluoridation Commemorative Committee would like to thank the West Michigan District Dental Society, the West Michigan Dental Foundation, the Michigan Dental Foundation, and the American Dental Association for their wonderful support of this project. They would also like to thank the presidents of the WMDDS and WMDF who encouraged and supported the Steel Water project; Dr. Laura Fogle, Dr. John Frey, Dr. Amy DeYoung, and Dr. Tom Harmon.

James Wieland, Chairperson Eugene Bonofiglo Timothy Chester Bert Crandell Kayem Dunn Jay Fowler Edward Wong Ligda Henry Matthews Eric Pratt Jay Steffen Gerald Vander Wall

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WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

We appreciate the donors who generously participated in the Steel Water project.

Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation Downtown Development Authority JW Marriott Grand Rapids Frey Foundation American Dental Association Michigan Dental Association West Michigan District Dental Society Steelcase Foundation Grand Rapids Community Foundation Dr. Chase Klinesteker in memory of Dr. Russell E. Klinesteker Dr. Norm and Jan Palm Oldtown Riverfront Building Dr. Amy DeYoung James and Almeda Vander Waals Foundation American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Michigan Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Howard and Verna De Haan Grand Rapids Dental Hygienists’ Society Kent County Dental Society Muskegon District Dental Society Arlo Steel Beene Garter LLP Dr. Karen O’Rourke Steven and Molly Parker Dr. Thomas Sommerdyke

MARK YOUR CALENDAR West Michigan Dental Foundation Annual Golf Outing Monday, May 19, 2008 at our new location – Kent Country Club

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WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

Presents

MAKING IT EASY FOR PATIENTS TO SAY “YES” – CASE ACCEPTANCE FOR COMPLEX DENTISTRY Presented by Dr. Paul Homoly, CSP | January 25, 2008 Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids | 8:00am to 4:00pm | 7 CEU’s Remember the fun we had last time? Dr. Homoly is back to energize and motivate us beyond just the technical knowledge to provide complex dentistry. This course is designed for dentists and team members who want to enjoy improved case acceptance for complex dentistry – cosmetic, implant, and restorative dentistry. He is the first and only dentist to have earned designation in professional speaking – Certified Speaking Professional from the National Speakers Association.

You will learn the distinctions between simple and complex care patients as well as whether your patient is ready for complex care. Dr. Homoly will help you understand the role of leadership during the case acceptance process, and how you can reduce the stress along the way.

Dr. Homoly is President of Homoly Communications Institute, whose focus is coaching high performance dental teams and advancing communication in dentistry worldwide. He is affiliated with The Misch Implant Institute, The Kois Center, and is the Director of Communications for Cain, Watters and Associates. He is a member of the North Carolina Dental Society, and is licensed to practice dentistry in North Carolina.

For additional information and registration, call Elaine Fleming at 616.234.5605.

Thank you to our sponsors who have helped to make this program available to us.

Platinum Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors:

Supporting Sponsor:

Registration Form Making It Easy for Case Patients to Say “Yes” – Case Acceptance for Complex Dentistry Dr. Paul Homoly, CSP | January 25, 2008 | Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids NAME

ADDRESS

ADDITIONAL REGISTRANT(S) AT THIS ADDRESS

per MDA-member dentist – $175 per staff – $100 per non-member dentist – $350 TOTAL: Make checks payable to: West Michigan District Dental Society. Remit to: Elaine Fleming | c/o WMDDS | 161 Ottawa NW | Suite 511-F, Waters Building | Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 | Questions? Call 616.234.5605.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

19

GRCC NEWS

Out With The Old And In With The New – Again

By Bunny L. Bookwalter, CDA, RDA, RDH, MS

A

bout ten years ago I wrote an article for the Bulletin of dental auxiliary programs. Eve Sidney graciously accepted entitled “Out With the Old and In With the New.” the appointment in August and hit the proverbial road runWell, here we go again, only this time it is a new proning! Fortunately, Eve has worked with us as an adjunct clinic grams director instead of clinical facility. instructor since 1996, so she knew what she was getting herself After 30+ years of service to GRJC/CC (a year ago), I decided into! Also, she came to GRCC with 14 years of experience as that I would retire in June of 2007. This timing was based on the Dental Hygiene Program Coordinator at Ferris State three considerations. First, I wanted to find and re-establish University. Plus, most recently she had been a “21st Century that balance I once had between my work and personal life.

Health Careers” instructor with the Calhoun Area Technology Secondly, I wanted to leave our programs while they were Center in Battle Creek. both in the best condition possible. Finally, I wanted to time We know we are very fortunate to have a leader of Eve’s my exit well with our ADA-CODA accreditation cycle. As you caliber and experience. And, on top of all that, she is an allmay remember, we had a very positive site visit in October of around fantastic person who loves her family (human and 2005 and will be revisited in 2012. To let a new program direcpets) and has a great sense of humor to boot! Eve lives with tor get acclimated properly her husband, John (Rusty), in before diving into that project, their lakeside home in Dowling. mid-cycle seemed most fair.

They have one step-daughter As that date grew closer so and two grandchildren. As a did the anxiety … not so much certified herbologist, Eve enjoys around “what will I do?” as gardening and cooking … defi“who will I be?” Fortunately, I nitely our kind of woman all didn’t have to look far to find around! Eve Sidney can be conthe answer to that question: I tacted at esidney@grcc.edu or would stay with GRCC, only 616.234.4240. now I am an adjunct professor As for our programs, they with the dental programs and a are indeed doing well. Onepart-time program developer hundred percent of the 2007 Bunny Bookwalter turns the reigns over to Eve Sidney, the new director with our department of contindental hygiene graduates have of dental auxiliary programs. uing education and professional passed both the national and development. And one month into the semester, I love it!

NERB examinations. Thirty-one returning students have At this point I’m not sure if I will continue writing the started the second year of their program. We also have a full “GRCC News” or if someone else will take over. Either way, I class of 24 full-time and 4 part-time dental assisting students. want to take this opportunity to thank all of you, my dear Currently the waiting list for either program is one to two years. friends and colleagues in the dental community, for the pure Over the summer break a significant clinic renovation joy of knowing and working with you all of these years. I have project was completed. The dental lights were removed from always felt fortunate to be in a professional environment like the posts on the patient chairs and new track lights were ours. We all (dentists and auxiliaries alike) work together so mounted on the ceiling above the chairs. This has freed up well and consistently personify and model of true “teamwork.” space (and removed the “clunk factor”) around the chairs so This always made teaching future members of the dental that as we transition into further equipment updates the lights workforce easier – knowing that they would be welcomed and will not have to be a consideration. appreciated by their employers and co-workers and have long, Dental hygiene clinic coordinator, Christine Dobberstein rewarding careers here in West Michigan. Thanks! (formerly Kramer), asked that I clarify our new protocol for All of that said, I want to introduce you to our new director pit and fissure sealant placement. Because many of our

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WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

GRCC NEWS

patients do not immediately appoint in the clinic following sealant recommendations from their dentist, often the teeth are no longer good candidates for the procedure. Therefore, it is our current policy that the GRCC clinic dentist on duty will in all cases make final determinations regarding appropriate teeth for sealant placement.

As I mentioned in the beginning of this article, I am also now working directly with our office of continuing education and professional development as a program developer. My job is to come up with new CE courses and workshops for our dental community.

Since all of our professional organizations sponsor such offerings, I want to make sure that the ones we present are hands-on and have more of a workshop format.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

You may have seen our postcard for the “LA Boutique,” a one-on-one customized refresher for hygienists who would like some assistance and/or practice with certain local anesthetic injections. So far this has been immensely successful, so it will be continued as an offering whenever our clinic is in session. Also, watch for a similar postcard along the same lines for a “Technique Boutique” for similar personalized training in other RDA and RDH skills. In addition to our ongoing local anesthesia and nitrous oxide administration courses, in the works for the spring are workshops in digital radiography, ultrasonic scaling, and PA161 dental hygiene practice. If you’d like to get early notice of these courses, be added to our mailing list, or have ideas of courses you’d like to see offered, please leave me a message at 616.234.3125.

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CLASSIFIED ADS

The classified ad rate is $10.00 up to and including 30 words; additional words 15¢ each. Space permitting, WMDDS members may place ads free of charge as a membership service. Ads should be submitted in writing and sent with payment to Elaine Fleming, WMDDS, 511-F Waters Building, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Telephone numbers and hyphenations count as two words, abbreviations count as one word. Ads received after the first of the month prior to publication may appear in the following issue.

Grand Rapids – Our very busy, well established general practice has an immediate opening for a full- or parttime dentist. Our stand-alone facility has eight operatories and a fully staffed denture laboratory. This is an excellent opportunity to practice in a diversified and growing practice. Salary based on percentage of production for an experienced, self-motivated individual.

150k to 200K annually. Please email: grandvalleydental@sbcglobal.net or call Pam at 616.245.2767.

Storage Space for Lease – Safe, secure, 24/7 access. Ideal for records, models, or just stuff you need to store. Located in the basement at 1151 East Paris Ave. Contact Dr. Sam Bander at 616.949.5980 or drsam@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Dental Practice For Sale – Jenison, Michigan. Established and growing dental practice on major Jenison traffic route. Great income potential.

Call for details 616.245.2767 or cell 616.485.1348.

Half of Building (2,424 Square Feet) for Lease. Other half is a full-service dental laboratory. Two year old building, excellent for a dental practice.

Great location in Kentwood on the corner of Breton and 32nd Street. If interested please call 447.0190.

For Sale – 1998 Gendex GX-Pan, $4500. Also available: 1970 Moss Lateral Ceph. Make offer. Call 538.5920 Mon.–Thurs.

22

Established Dentist with an Existing Office in Grand Rapids Wants to Buy – in or partner with another dentist.

Open to all options. Please contact P.O. Box 141661, Grand Rapids, MI, 49514-1661.

Grandville: 2000+ sq. ft. office space available for lease in exclusive professional office building. Other tenants include endodontist, family dentist, pediatric dentist, oral surgeon and orthodontist. Building partnership buy-in also possible as investment.

Call 616.531.6377 or 616.531.1260.

Wanted – Kavo handpiece motors – new or used. I am looking to obtain one or more Kavo 182 slow-speed motors. If you have an old one available for sale, please call John Hanks, DDS, at 364.7039.

Office Space for Lease – Great location! 2426 Burton St. SE, 915 sq. ft., 3 operatories, lab, private office, reception, business office, basement.

Contact Dr. Sam Bander at 616.949.5980 or email at drsam@sbcglobal.net Space for Lease – Holland (great north side neighborhood location).

Previous tenant was a family practice dentist. High visibility sign available.

Building interior is ready for equipment installation. Three ops and small lab. Owner is willing to adapt building to needs. Call 616.245.9098 or 800.669.0717.

Dentist Needed – to provide services on state-of-the-art Mobile Dental Unit. Mobile Unit provides comprehensive dental services at schools throughout Ottawa County (Grand Haven, Holland, etc.) Dentist needed 1–2 days/week beginning immediately.

Competitive wage. Please send resume to: Dental Program, Ottawa County Health Department, 12251 James Street, Suite 400, Holland, MI 49424.

Busy Dental Practice for Sale – NW lower Michigan, beautiful and growing community, good school system, yearround recreation. Transition and terms negotiable. Contact Elaine Fleming at 616.234.5605 for information.

Dentist with 15 years’ experience seeks associateship in the Grand Rapids area – Experienced in most phases of dentistry, including extractions, molar RCT, anterior and posterior composites, removable and fixed prosthodontics and pediatric dentistry. Available PT or FT. Please call Dr. Jonathan Berns at 616.949.1925.

Grand Rapids NE dental building for sale/lease – 40 years as dental office has excellent following and recognition. This 2400 sq/ft brick building is fully remodeled in area of high growth, visibility and on high traffic count main road. Would make great startup, satellite, or income property.

Lots of potential or owner and/or tenant with possible income lease in place. For details 616 262 8288.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

CLASSIFIED ADS

ADVERTISER INDEX

The Bulletin wishes to thank our valued advertisers who support organized dentistry by helping to defray the cost of printing and mailing.

Experienced general dentist – just moved to Grand Rapids. Looking for a practice anywhere in the general area.

Open to considering all options. Call 616.975.0464.

Associate Dentist Wanted – Full-time for a group practice. Minimum two years of experience preferred. Busy, productive practice with opportunity to perform all aspects of general and cosmetic dentistry. For more information, contact Janie at 616.942.3343.

For Lease – 1,500 sq. ft. (approx.) dental office suite with three operatories in newer (5-year-old) building.

Beautiful water views. Located on Forest Hill Avenue south of Burton.

Convenient, highly visible location.

For more information, please call Janie at 616.942.3343.

Dental Office Suite/Three Operatories for Lease – Desirable SE Grand Rapids location. Some shared space (reception room, lab, etc.) with two other general dentists. Great opportunity for general, specialty, or start-up. Excellent terms. Call 616.949.8990.

Associate/Partnership – Great opportunity for a full / part time general dentist. Profitable, fee for service office.

This is a well established family practice. Excellent location in Spring Lake/ Grand Haven area. Call 616.842.1562 or e-mail dmirwin@chartermi.net.

Looking for an Associate or Buyer for Your Practice? For over fifteen years, Peak Performers has assisted hundreds of practices in finding the right candidates. The NEW Peak Associate Placement and Transition Programs allow you to customize the services you need for your search.

You select the options that fit your individual needs and your budget.

These options range from doing it yourself, to our renowned full service support. Utilize as little or as much of our resources and experience as you need. See additional information at www.peakdental.com or call 888.477.7325.

Advertising in the Bulletin is seen by over 90% of the dentists in the West Michigan District. This includes five of the fastest growing counties in the state: Kent, Ottawa, Ionia, Montcalm and Mecosta.

For information on advertising rates, call Elaine Fleming, WMDDS Executive Secretary at 234-5605. Target your Market – advertise in the Bulletin!

Centric Laboratories............outside back cover

CPR for Healthcare Providers ..........23

Davis Dental Laboratory................inside front cover

Founders Bank & Trust.....................21

MDA IFG.............................................3

ProNational...............inside back cover

Prudential Financial..........................18 Kentwood, Muskegon, Fowlerville – We have three practices for sale. These opportunities are excellent starters and satellite offices. Kentwood and Fowlerville have buildings also for purchase. Starting gross of $470,000 to $600,000. Financing and working capital available. Contact Dr. Jim David, Henry Schein PPT Sales at 586.530.0800 or daviddental@comcast.net.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

Sullivan-Schein .................................11

23

GRDHS NEWS

Grand Rapids Dental Hygienists’ Society

By Sara Rydman, RDH

M

y name is Sara Rydman, and I am the current president of GRDHS. On Friday, September 14, 2007, four members of our executive board attended the public dedication of the sculpture Steel Water.

We are pleased to be part of this fluoride commemorative for Grand Rapids.

Our general meeting agenda has been finalized and our first meeting was September 19th. The meeting was very successful, with 30 people attending. Our fall seminar was Saturday, October 13, 2007, with Dr. John Gobetti. This is the 6th occasion Dr. Norm Wilhelmsen and Dr. Brian Cilla have graciously sponsored Dr. Gobetti for GRDHS. Our thanks go out to those who attended this informative and always interesting time with Dr. Gobetti. On Wednesday, October 24 Dr. James Bolt hosted a seminar on “Periodontic Modes of Treatment.” Again, thanks to Dr. Bolt and to all who attended this informative meeting. The remainder of our meeting schedule is listed at the end of this article. We look forward to seeing you and your staff at any of our meetings.

Thursday, January 24, 2008 Volunteerism Dr. Scott Hodges, West Michigan Endodontics Arnie’s Restaurant 710 Leonard NW, Grand Rapids, MI Wednesday, February 20, 2008 New Drug Therapies Mary Millar, RDH, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Pietro’s Italian Restaurant 2780 Birchcrest Drive, SE, Grand Rapids, MI Thursday, April 17, 2008 Fluoride vs. Varnish Dr. Amy DeYoung Pietro’s Italian Restaurant 2780 Birchcrest Drive, SE, Grand Rapids, MI Please contact Monika Miles at 616.975.0059 for information on any of these programs.

GRDHS Executive Board members Sara Rydman, Pam Kosten, and Monika Miles at the Steel Water Dedication.

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WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

WEST MICHIGAN DENTAL SOCIETY 511-F Waters Building Grand Rapids, MI 49503

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