2008 FALL wmdds bulletin:layout2005

FALL 2008 VOL. 41, NO. 1

Bulletin

Contents Editor

Bruce Weny

Associate Editors

Jeff Smith Tara Meachum Seth Vruggink James Papp

Advertising Editor

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

West Michigan District Dental Society Executive Board 2008-2009 President Doug Killian President-Elect Douglas Klein Vice President Seth Vruggink Secretary-Treasurer Ryan Lebster Editor Bruce Weny Immediate Past Amy De Young President Directors Larissa Bishop Tylor Wolf Christopher Morgan Area Representatives Kent County Brant Erbentraut Ionia-Montcalm Kathleen Ellsworth County Mecosta County Margaret Gingrich Ottawa County Thomas Phares MDA IV District Trustees

Connie Verhagen Norman Palm

Big Rapids Dental Study Club Officers, 2008-2009 President Erick Perroud Vice President Erick Perroud Secretary Christa Stern Treasurer Erick Perroud Holland-Zeeland Dental Society Officers, 2008-2009 President Ryan Lebster Treasurer Robert Ankerman Secretary Immediate Past President Ionia-Montcalm Dental Study Club Officers, 2008-2009 President-Secretary Lowell Swartz Vice PresidentKirkwood Faber Treasurer Kent County Dental Society Officers, 2008-2009 President Paul O’Grady Vice President Brant Erbentraut Secretary David Armbrecht Treasurer Lathe Miller West Michigan Dental Foundation Officers President Thomas Harmon Vice President Donald Vander Linde Secretary Matthew 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. © 2008-2009 West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

President’s Message ...................................................................................................... 2 Notice of Election ........................................................................................................ 3 Editor’s Thoughts......................................................................................................... 4 Volunteerism in West Michigan .................................................................................. 6 Community Dental Health Outreach ......................................................................... 9 Miles of Smiles .............................................................................................................10 2008–2009 KCDS Programs ........................................................................................15 Trustee Report ..............................................................................................................16 Directory Changes........................................................................................................18 A Primer in Delegation of Duties for Nitrous Oxide Analgesia Utilization.............20 Classified Ads................................................................................................................22 Advertiser Index ...........................................................................................................23

About the Cover Dr. Hank Milanowski and dental assistant Ezequiel Rioz, Jr. work on a young patient at Clinica Santa Maria.

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 has six publications: the directory issue, fall issue, holiday issue, winter issue, spring issue, and summer 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 | FALL 2008

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Hello West Michigan!

By Dr. Doug Killian, WMDDS President

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et me start out by saying “thank you” for the opportunity to be involved and in this position to serve our local dental society. I cannot really say I had been dreaming of this or even planning for it, but, I can say that I do not regret it. My only worry is whether or not this job will keep me out of my treestand this fall! This year has been busy right from the start with some action-packed local issues to address.

I am excited about this year because of the enthusiasm and character of the members of the Society. I feel that the dedication and work ethic the current board exhibits will allow us to tackle many issues this year and maintain continuity for years to come. One of my goals this year is to increase participation and activity from all of our five counties. This helps to broaden our exposure to the issues we face and keep our West Michigan dental community unified. Thank you to all who have volunteered so far to participate on committees and various task forces.

I feel that some of the most critical issues we face right now are from within our local component. Organization is the key point. West Michigan is a large component, both in number of dentists and area that is covered. Our ability to address any issue in dentistry is dependant on our “organization” of the

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organization. And every year, this changes over to some degree, thereby not having the efficiency and utilization that is possible. We are looking at ways to maintain continuity from year to year at the level of committees all the way up to the board and everywhere in between. The challenge is having every one of our volunteer members understanding their roles and duties and being able to contribute to the success of WMDDS. It will allow our component to continue to be proactive with the dental issues that face us each and every day. That’s it in a nutshell.

On another note, I recently had the opportunity to visit friends in Germany and Italy for a couple of weeks. The photo is of a castle along the Rhein River in Germany, surrounded by hillsides of vineyards.

I probably have as many photos of breweries and mugs of beer bigger than my head, but I figured the scenery was hard to beat. As a dentist, it was hard not to notice people’s smiles and general attitude towards oral health while visiting. It is not what we are accustomed to here.

The overall dental healthcare system does not offer the same dental perks or extra cosmetic options that seems to be the boom here. There is no doubt it makes me thankful for what we have available to offer our patients here in West Michigan.

Enjoy the upcoming fall season!

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL 2008

West Michigan District Dental Society Notice of Election (Written mail-in ballots will be sent 30 days following this notice)

In accordance with the West Michigan District Dental Society by-laws, the Nominations Committee presents the following slate of candidates for the positions of Alternate Delegates and Delegates for the 2009 Michigan Dental Association House of Delegates and WMDDS offices for 2009-2010, and District IV MDA Trustee. By-laws require that a written notice of the names of the nominees for elective offices be published 30 days prior to the election. The election will be held by a mail-in ballot.

Five (5) of the following will be elected to a two-year term as Delegate to the MDA House of Delegates and the remaining ten (10) will serve a one-year term as Alternate Delegates.

Dr. Larissa Bishop Dr. Chris Morgan Dr. Leonard Bartoszewicz Dr. Ryan Lebster Dr. Sheryl Jenicke Dr. Elizabeth Christopherson Dr. Matt Gietzen Dr. Sam Bander Dr. Karen O’Rourke Dr. Kirkwood Faber Dr. James Hur Dr. Suzanne Port Dr. Steve Conlon Dr. Margaret Gingrich Dr. Stephanie Benton Completing the delegation in accordance with the WMDDS by-laws are the following members: Dr. Doug Killian, chair Dr. Doug Klein Dr. Seth Vruggink Dr. Brian Cilla Dr. Bruce Weny (Drs. Killian, Klein and Vruggink are automatic seats. Drs. Cilla and Weny are serving the second year of a two-year term as delegates.)

The Nominations Committee further recommends the following candidates to fill the following Society offices for 2009-2010: Dr. Doug Klein, President Dr. Seth Vruggink, President-elect Dr. Larissa Bishop, Vice President Dr. Ryan Lebster, Secretary/Treasurer Dr. Sam Bander, 1st year Director Dr. Chris Morgan, 2nd year Director Dr. Tyler Wolf, 3rd year Director, Dr. Brian Cilla, District IV MDA Trustee The Nominations Committee shall include as a nominee for any of the above mentioned positions the name of any West Michigan District Dental Society member in good standing for whom a petition, signed by fifteen (15) active members of the Society has been submitted. Petitions should be delivered by January 15, 2009 to the chairperson of the Nominations Committee, Dr. Amy DeYoung, 1750 Grand Ridge Court NE #202, Grand Rapids MI 49525.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL 2008

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EDITOR’S THOUGHTS

Fluoridation

By Dr. Bruce Weny, WMDDS Editor

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here has been some misinformation recently in the press both in Chicago and Grand Haven regarding Grand Rapids fluoridation and the city water system.

The President of the West Michigan District Dental Society, Dr. Doug Killian, interviewed Corky Overmyer, the Director of Environmental Sustainability for the City of Grand Rapids.

Mr. Overmyer told the president that “Fluoride will not be removed from the Grand Rapids water supply without input from dentists, and there are no plans to do a study of fluoride at Grand Valley State University.”

In the State of Michigan, water fluoridation has been gaining ground. Overall, worldwide fluoridation has been gaining ground. Even in the 1980’s, the former Soviet Union started to fluoridate the water in some cities.

What are some of the issues posed now? Here are a few from the New York State Coalition Opposed to Fluoridation, Inc. • The study that started in 1945 in Grand Rapids failed. Since the study was to prove the effectiveness of fluoride in reducing decay rates in the general population and that is what happened, it did not fail.

• Today, Americans are fluoride-overdosed and suffer from fluoride’s toxic effects. Grand Rapids and other communities with fluoride have similar health problems as communities without fluoride.

• Eighty-three percent of the African-American Community in Detroit 14 years and older have severe tooth decay. Almost all of Detroit’s African-American Community have cavities, most go unfilled, and Detroit is 100% fluoridated. There has been a change in cultural habits from the 1940’s to the 21st century.

There is a much higher rate of “baby bottle” syndrome in

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both the African-American and Hispanic communities from using sweet drinks at bedtime. Also, the ingestion of milk has decreased significantly with an increase in soft drink consumption, even at breakfast time. Consumption of bottled water and sports drinks contribute to the problem as they have no fluoride in them. In short, people are not drinking the water that has the fluoride, but they are participating in high-risk, decay-causing behavior.

• Recently, researchers made a huge discovery – something that works better than fluoride – calcium. Calcium is part of the tooth structure as nature laid down. This is not new information. Unfortunately, the calcium salt that is laid down by nature has a higher Ksp value (this is the solubility constant for a given salt used in chemistry) than the fluoride salt in the same tooth. In short, the calcium salt dissolves faster than the equivalent fluoride salt does. That is how fluoride works.

If we were to use the reasoning of those who oppose fluoride use we would not be able to drink water and consume table salt. Why? It is known that sea water, if consumed in large enough quanties, will kill those who consume it. That is true.

However, if one drinks water and eats any food with salt on it, this will not kill you. It is the amount that is the difference.

Despite the evidence to the contrary, there will be some who will not believe in the benefits of fluoride just as there are some who will not believe the earth goes around the sun. I expect this will always be so.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL 2008

EDITOR’S THOUGHTS

Some History Before and After Fluoride

By Dr. Chase Klinesteker

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hat was it like back in the old days before 1945?

Dr. Willard VerMeulen, one of several dentists who pushed for the fluoridation of the Grand Rapids water supply put it this way. “Back in the 1930’s, many school children would have a mouthful of rotted stubs and tooth abscesses. I did many full dentures on young people in the fourteento twenty-year-old group. It was not uncommon for young ladies to get full dentures to look nice for their boyfriends.”

In 1938, the U. S. military service required only six opposing teeth to qualify for entrance. Even at that, 10% of draftees were rejected for dental reasons. This was the largest cause for rejections. At the height of World War II, even this minimal requirement was dropped in order to get sufficient personnel.

Over 40% of young draftees required immediate dental treatment for the relief of pain!

For those who have never experienced a toothache, the pain can be extremely intense. The only known cause for suicide in many primitive cultures was the dental abscess. Root canal treatment or extraction are the only options for relief.

Multiple tooth loss affects: chewing function, speech, appearance, and the whole digestive process. An untreated abscess can lead to bacterial infections that can spread throughout the body.

The Study Fluoride is a natural substance that occurs in varying amounts in much of the food and water supplies of the world. During the early 1930’s, a remarkable absence of caries was noted in populations that have been under study for the mottled appearance of their teeth. The cause was found to be a higher than normal content of fluoride ion in their drinking water.

These naturally-fluoridated areas contained as much as fourteen parts per million-fluoride ion. It was discovered that the fluoride ion combined with the developing tooth structure to make it more resistant to dissolution from acid. Since over nine million Americans drank naturally-fluoridated water, ten years of studies were done, including lab tests and physical exams, to find possible adverse health effects of fluoride in drinking water. None were found other than mottled enamel.

Numerous other studies showed that the optimum level of fluoride was one part per million (ppm). In the State of Michigan it was found that the town of Fowlerville, which had 1.6 ppm natural fluoride, had 66% few cavities than Maple

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL 2008

Rapids which has no fluoride in the water as of 1944. The question was – would 1.0 ppm fluoride work? Several cities in Michigan were looked at for the study including Bay City, Muskegon, and Grand Rapids. All these cities use Lake Michigan or Saginaw Bay water, which has no fluoride. Both Muskegon and Grand Rapids had excellent water filtration plants. The kick-off was January 25, 1945. Grand Rapids was to be fluoridated while Muskegon would be the control with no fluoridation. Over 150,000 dental exams were preformed.

In six years there was a huge increase in the number of children entering kindergarten caries-free! When the results of the Grand Rapids fluoridation study were in, a dramatic 6065% reduction in dental decay had occurred! Muskegon, after seeing the results of some five years of studies, voted to drop out of the study as the control city and fluoridate their water supply. By 1984 there were some thirty-nine countries using fluoridation, and the numbers keep growing.

Opponents of fluoridation have claimed it causes heart disease, cancer, Downs Syndrome, premature aging, and even AIDS. Additional research was done to refute the claim and further strengthen the safety record of fluoridation. About the only significant finding was that fluoridation reduced osteoporoses.

Community water fluoridation is by far the most effective public health measure to reduce dental caries to date.

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COMMUNITY SERVICE

Volunteerism in West Michigan Content by Dr. Tara Meachum and Dr. Jeff Smith

Photos courtesy of Dr. Aric Smith

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e have some results from the volunteerism survey taken last year. It shows a very active dental society dealing with the dental needs of people everywhere. Out of some 600-plus members, 95 members participated in the survey. Granted, they may be some of our most active members, but many more serve without counting what they did, or just did not bother to fill out the survey.

Volunteerism here in West Michigan is much larger than what this report shows.

There were several areas in which the dentists of West Michigan helped the public. These included: 1. Dental help directly in the private office without any programs involved.

2. Dental help directly in the private office through dental programs.

3. Dental help outside the office in a program setting.

4. Dental help outside the country.

Dr. John Vander Kolk and medical assistant attend to a patient at Health Intervention Services.

Dr. Hank Milanowski and dental assistant, Ezequiel Rios, Jr. treat a patient at Clinica Santa Maria.

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Here is the breakdown on “number one,” the in-office direct doctor-to-patient volunteer dentistry delivery system. Without a doubt, the largest volunteer system used by our dentists.

Procedures that are preformed range from ortho cases, cleft palate and craniofacial cases to general dentistry, prosthetics, endodontics and pediatric dentistry as well perio surgery – in short, any dentistry that can be performed in the dental office.

These procedures are performed on families, Thanksgiving Wishes–Grand Rapids Press, missionaries, patients referred by church leaders, ministers, and their families, refugees, patients the staff chooses, single-parent families, patients from Center for Women in Transition, adult care homes, emergencies (especially from the local elementary school), preschool check-ups as required by the state, military discount for active-duty members, and patients at mental health hospitals who have no insurance (Wedgewood and Pine Rest), elderly and denture repairs, children on MI Child and Healthy Kids, sports mouthguards. One of the larger patient pools has always been some of our own patients who have come on to hard times. Some eighteen areas are listed, but there likely are many more not reported.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL 2008

COMMUNITY SERVICE

The next largest area of volunteerism is the work with various organizations on patients in the private office setting.

The programs include: • Adult Dental Services (ADSP). These are patients who pay on a sliding scale for the needed work and are usually made up of the working poor who have no other insurance.

• Donated Dental Services (DDS), can be patients who have disabilities, either mental or physical, and have no dental access.

• Give Kids A Smile • Holland Free Health Clinic • Cleft Palate Clinic • Love, I.N.C. • Give Back A Smile • Health Intervention Services (HIS) • Doctors with A Heart • West MI School Sealant Program @ Lakeview

Katie Hudson, RDH at Baxter Clinic.

• ADA Free Dental Day • Buist Foundation • Medicaid There are thirteen organizations listed that work with doctors and patients in this area.

The third area of volunteerism is dentistry in programs outside of the office. These are clinics that may have some limitation on their scope of treatment due to the facilities. For instance, some clinics may provide for periodontal surgical procedures while others are not set up for this type of treatment. These facilities are: • Miles of Smiles – dental van in Ottawa County • Baxter Dental Clinic – Grand Rapids • Mel Trotter Ministries – Grand Rapids • Clinical Santa Maria – Grand Rapids • Special Olympics Special Smiles – exams and mouthguards • West Michigan Neurofibromatoses Organization – periodontics • Heartlands Ionia – extractions and emergency care • Helen DeVos Children’s Health Center – orthodontics The first four clinics offer restorative and extraction care for families. Some endodontic and hygiene care may be available.

Dr. John Vander Kolk, dental director at Health Intervention Services.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL 2008

The fourth area of volunteerism is to provide services outside of West Michigan. These include clinical and teaching stints.

Most of these opportunities are out of country. West

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COMMUNITY SERVICE

Michigan is active in some 13 foreign countries and states including Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico, Bolivia, Alaska, Guinea Guyana, Haiti, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, Belize, Nicaragua, Ecuador, and Thailand.

What has been listed are clinical donations. Some also donate materials and time as well as money for certain causes. One of our members made an interesting suggestion. Why don’t we, as a society, develop a “Mission Trip Experience at Home?”

This would include a week or two here at a local clinic within a mission atmosphere (give care to all who come, first come first served). By rotating dates the clinic could run all year.

Anybody want to organize this?

Contacts Adult Dental Services – Rose Holmgren .............616.776.2373 Baxter Dental Clinic..............................................616.456.8593 Center For Women In Transition (Holland).......616.392.2829 Christian Medical & Dental Association (Headquarters) .................................................888.230.2637 Clinica Santa Maria (Grand Rapids) ...................616.913.8400 Donated Dental Services (Handicapped Services) ...................................248.489.2204 Give Back A Smile .................................................800.773.4227 Healing the Children (Grand Rapids) .................616.281.6972 Health Intervention Services (Grand Rapids).....616.475.8446 Heartland Health Care Center (Ionia).................616.527.0080 Helping Hands Medical Missions ........................616.392.3610 International Aid, Inc. ..........................................800.968.7490 Love I.N.C..............................................................800.777.5277 MEDICO...........................................................www.medico.org Mel Trotter (Grand Rapids) ................(ext. 286) 616.454.8249 Miles of Smiles (Ottawa County) ........................616.393.5694 Saint Luke Society ..................................info@stlukesociety.com Special Olympics Special Smiles ..........................202.628.3630

Clinica Santa Maria

Baxter Clinic

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WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL 2008

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Community Dental Health Outreach

By JoAnne Hodder, RDH, BS, CDHO Chair

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he Community Dental Health Outreach (CDHO) program began in 2004 at Mel Trotter Ministries (MTM), with a grant from the West Michigan Dental Foundation, and provided free preventive and restorative services, valued at $12,324.00, to 52 underserved clients. That was the summer of many floods in the basement where the dental clinic was housed and the clinic was destroyed. In 2005 the new dental clinic, located on the main floor in MTM, was opened for underserved clients (both MTM residents and people screened through their Community Services) and has served the CDHO program well since then.

We had our best year ever in 2008! Free preventive and restorative services totaling $72,277 (on-site) were provided to 149 clients, who included 80 community people and 69 MTM Dr. Tara Meachum (left), and Deb Wright volunteer their time to help the underserved at the Mel Trotter Ministries.

residents; of these, 45 were children. The summer program began on June 6 and ended August 15, with 24 hygienists, 19 dentists and four assistants volunteering 304 hours in 33 days in the clinic. Specialist on site included a periodontist, who volunteered in the clinic. Specialists off-site included a pediatric dentist, endodontist, and oral surgeon who saw patients in their offices. Total dentists = 22.

Dentists and hygienists are still needed for Mel Trotter Ministries’ residents during September 2008 through May 2009. Please call Doreen Sturgis at 454-8249, ext. 286. Just three to four hours of your time on the day of your choice is the greatest gift you can give these people.

Mel Trotter Ministries is located at 225 Commerce St. SW, four blocks south of Fulton St. Volunteers can park free in the new parking ramp, in the block adjacent to the mission.

Access to the ramp is from Cherry St.

Mel Trotter Ministries is located at 225 Commerce St. SW, four blocks south of Fulton Street.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL 2008

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COMMUNITY SERVICE

Miles of Smiles

By Lois Havermans, RDH, CHES

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members have been recognized as the Michigan Dental he Miles of Smiles mobile dental unit provides comHygienists Association’s “Outstanding Hygienists of the Year.” prehensive restorative and preventative dental services In 2006, the initiative received the “Outstanding Achievement for uninsured and financially qualifying children at in Advocacy” Award from the Michigan Council on Maternal schools, head start centers, migrant programs, centers for the and Child Health. Representatives Bill Huizenga, Barb multiply impaired, and program sites for dentally underserved VanderVeen, William VanRegenmorter and Dave Farhat recchildren. In October of 1995, the original mobile dental unit, ognized the project’s award on the House floor at the Capital a converted RV, saw its first patient. The level of dental disease Building. More recently, Miles of that has been documented is overSmiles was honored by Senator whelming. Lois Havermans, Wayne Kuipers for their efforts in R.D.H., C.H.E.S., Oral Health meeting the needs of the children Team Supervisor states “one day at of VanRaalte School. “Kids that a school site, Miles of Smiles attend this school are getting so detected 53 decayed tooth surfaces much,” said Kuipers. “We forget affecting 17 teeth on a 6-year-old that the mission of the school is and 22 decayed tooth surfaces not only to provide a learning affecting 14 teeth on an 8-year-old. environment.”

In 2004, a new state-of-the-art Miles of Smiles has received unit was engineered enabling the overwhelming school adminisOttawa County Health Department tration, dental community, and to serve even more patients. The LuAnn Miller, Miles of Smiles Dental Assistant, and Dr. Ryan parent support. A school assistant new unit is designed with efficisuperintendent wrote, “When I ency, functionality and privacy as Lebster, Volunteer Dentist and Holland/Zeeland Dental Society President, provide services to a student on Miles of Smiles Mobile chose to enter the field of educakey components. The new Miles of Dental Unit. tion, I wanted to do something to Smiles includes dual operatories, help others and change lives. Miles of Smiles embraces that two x-ray machines, sound insulated rooms, and a wheelchair same mission. You help others and change lives.” lift. These and other features combine to equal a state-of-theA phone call reflected the appreciation of a parent when art system for providing top quality dental care. Since 1995, she said, “I just wanted to let you know how thankful I am. My over 17,000 appointments on Miles of Smiles have been facilison got off the bus yesterday and had the biggest smile I’ve tated by a network of over 100 volunteer dentists, hygienists ever seen on him. Then he got in the car and he looks at me and students. Havermans states, “This is the best example of a and smiles even bigger. I’m like ‘What is wrong with you?’ and community coalition that I could ever envision.” he says, ‘Look mom, they fixed my teeth!’ He had decay in the Miles of Smiles is made possible by the generosity of its front of his teeth and the kids had just started teasing him grantors, including: Holland-Zeeland Dental Society, West about this, so he really wasn’t smiling a lot. You did fillings and Michigan Dental Foundation, Greater Holland Junior Welfare I can’t thank you enough. The smile you put on my child is League, Michigan Department of Community Health, Delta just … I don’t have the words, but thank you.”

Dental Foundation, Community Foundation of the Holland/ Reflecting on the Miles of Smiles initiative, Havermans Zeeland area, and others; who have provided over $715,000 in stated, “We are eternally grateful to our volunteer dentists and funding allocations. The Miles of Smiles initiative has received hygienists that have made Miles of Smiles a great success. The state awards and national recognition for its innovative support of the West Michigan Dental Foundation continues to approach in working to resolve a major health problem for facilitate services on Miles of Smiles for our low-income, uninchildren. The initiative has been awarded the Michigan Dental sured children. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Association’s Public Service Award and Dental Program staff

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WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL 2008

COMMUNITY SERVICE

The Miles of Smiles Mobile Dental Unit.

Dental hygiene students from Grand Rapids Community College provide services to a student at Ottawa Area Center.

Miles of Smiles Volunteer Dentists Thomas Anderson

Robert Kamminga

Bruce Seitz

Jacqueline Anderson

Ryan Lebster

Kurt Spieske

Robert Ankerman

Jere Meade

James Strikwerda

Larissa Bishop

Tim Meade

David Swain

Daniel Bowen

Gregory Oppenhuizen

Michelle Thornberg

Brian Carpenter

David Oswald

Dennis Thornley

Erin Charnley

Thomas Phares

Andy VanHaren

Kennard Creason

Suzanne Port

Ryan VanHaren

William DeWitt

Robert Renzema

Walter Weber

Jeffrey Fritz

Peter Rick

Philip Wisniewski

Cameron George

Michael Riolo

Tyler Wolf

David Huyser

Drew Scholtz

Cristin Zuiderveen

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL 2008

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WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL 2008

Presents

THE DIGITAL PATIENT CONSULTATION: THE BASICS COURSE Presented by Gregory M. Lutke, D.D.S. | Friday, October 24, 2008 Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park | 8:00am to 4:00pm | 7 CEU’s Communicating with digital technology has transformed how dental professionals interact with their patients, lab technicians, and other dentists. Dr. Lutke’s presentation will focus on digital dental photography and its incorporation into easy-to-make and easy-to-use digital presentations.

This fun program introduces beginner-level technology and is geared toward doctors, all staff members, and lab technicians. Participants will learn digital image creation and optimization using Adobe Photoshop and presentation creation using Microsoft PowerPoint.

Dr. Lutke graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1985 and maintains a private practice in Plano, TX, specializing in esthetic zone dentistry. As founder and CEO of Dallas Dental Solutions, a digital hands-on facility, Dr. Lutke teaches advanced courses on digital communication technology as it relates to dentistry. These courses focus on the high end of digital technology which includes “film quality” digital photography, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft PowerPoint, and digital video. The resulting skills allow dentists to practice in a completely digital dental office – free from paper, film, and filing cabinets. This level of digital dentistry is vastly different than earlier systems and is most characterized as modern and elegant.

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

West Michigan District Dental Society is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS WHO HAVE HELPED TO MAKE THESE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE TO US Platinum Sponsors:

Supporting Sponsor:

Registration Form The Digital Patient Consultation: The Basics Course Gregory M. Lutke, D.D.S. | October 24, 2008 | Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park NAME

ADDRESS

ADDITIONAL REGISTRANT(S) AT THIS ADDRESS

per MDA-member dentist – $200 per staff – $100 per non-member dentist – $400 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 | FALL 2008

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WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL 2008

2008–2009 KCDS PROGRAMS

The officers of the Kent County Dental Society (KCDS) are pleased to announce the schedule for the 2008-2009 meetings.

Dues are $100 again this year. Non-dentist guests (staff, spouse, etc.) are welcome to attend the meetings for $35 per meeting. As a courtesy, you will receive a mailing one month prior to each meeting to remind you of the meeting date and to provide you with a meal voucher. Your meal voucher must be mailed or faxed one week prior to the meeting for you to be guaranteed a meal. Two CE credits are provided for each meeting.

2008– 2009 Officers President – Dr. Paul O’Grady (616.949.2100) Vice President – Dr. Brant Erbentraut (616.791.9600) Secretary – Dr. David Armbrecht (616.455.4800) Treasurer – Dr. Lathe Miller (616.942.9320)

October 8, 2008 Dr. John Schondelmayer, owner of Smart Beam 3D Company, private practice dentist at White Cloud Family Dentistry, White Cloud, MI Topic: Cone Beam CT in 40 Minutes January 21, 2009 Dr. Peter Yaman, Director of Graduate Restorative Dentistry from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI Topic: Esthetics in the All-Ceramics Age March 25, 2009 John Vander Peol, MBS, CFP from Wachovia Securities LLC, Grand Rapids, MI Topic: Finances All meetings will be at the Grand Rapids Hilton 5:30 pm social hour, 6:30 pm dinner and meeting

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL 2008

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TRUSTEE REPORT

News From Our MDA Trustee

By Dr. Norm Palm, MDA Trustee

M

y best regards to you, your family, and your staff.

Summer is coming to a close as I write this report and I hope you had a safe and enjoyable one. My report will update you on what has been going on at the MDA this past summer and what will be following this fall.

The Board of Trustees met in June and September. Also, delegates representing you at the ADA Annual Session in San Antonio October 16th thru the 22nd have also caucused with our Ninth District colleagues from Wisconsin. I will be attending the ADA meeting as a delegate and will be serving on the Committee on Credentials, Rules, and Order for the 2008 House of Delegates.

At the June Board of Trustees meeting the Board authorized a revamping of the radiography training program that the MDA has had in place for almost twenty years. It has been widely used and needs updating to include digital imaging.

We hope to have a detailed proposal for this updating for the Board to approve in February of 2009. Also at the June meeting, the Board approved the formation of a Special Committee on Access To Care after hearing a task force report on the status of access issues here in Michigan. The Special Committee is a Board committee and is directed to investigate, review, and make recommendations to the Board of Trustees regarding the potential improvement of the oral health of Michigan residents. I was the chair of the task force and will be chairing the SpCAC as well. Many, including myself, believe access to care is the single biggest social and political issue facing dentistry today. Access issues are intertwined with matters of practice scope, the workforce team, and relations with public policy makers. Collectively these forces will have an impact on dentistry now and for the fore-

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seeable future. It will be a challenge to work as chair of the Committee.

The primary activity of the June Board meeting was the beginning of a nine-month process of strategic planning for the future of your Association. Our consultant is Michael Gallery, who has an excellent reputation for such planning for associations. This is a top down process and began with a look at the mission statement. No one in the room could state our current mission statement; it’s too complex. The trend is to simplify and steer closely to the members’, i.e. your, interests.

What is the proposed new mission statement? The MDA mission is to “help members succeed.” Value statements and objectives will follow and ultimately MDA staff talents will be redirected to meet the goals and objectives that come from this process. I will keep you informed of our strategic planning progress.

I try to keep you updated on issues related to ethics. The MDA has two peer review ethics committees, the Committee on Peer Review Dental Care and the Committee on Peer Review Ethics. The Dental Care committee set a precedent and the Board concurred with a case where the complainant patient asked to reopen a case after losing the lawsuit which the patient filed subsequent to winning a peer review case against the same dentist. As part of the peer review case finding, the dentist was asked to refund monies to the patient.

Before the dentist could comply and before the case was closed, the patient filed suit against the dentist regarding the same case matter as the peer review case. One of the tenets of peer review is once an intent to litigate is filed, peer review ceases. The patient’s request for the refund monies after seeking a legal remedy was not honored by the peer review committee for this reason and the Board supported this precedentmaking decision.

Another concern has been the rise of proprietary dental assisting training programs. Several have appeared across the state, claiming to their students that the program is “licensed by the state of Michigan.” In actuality, graduating students were no more qualified than any on-the-job-trained dental assistant. This misrepresentation was a concern. Now the state board of dentistry has agreed to review the curriculums of these schools so that students are not being taught procedures that they will not be legally able to perform.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL 2008

TRUSTEE REPORT

The legislative affairs staff has been working on a host of initiatives with this session of the state legislature. This includes amalgam separators and tax credits, the CDHC pilot program, dental cone beam CT scanners, revisions to the Michigan Business Tax, and the Department of Community Health’s budget for 2009.

Construction of the new headquarters building for the MDA should be starting as you read this report. Construction bids were to be returned by September. The process of land purchase and the gaining of the building permit after review

by Meridian township has gone well. The projected completion date is late May or June of 2009. A ground breaking ceremony is scheduled for October 10. The existing building at Washington Square will be placed on the market in the next several months, and the revenue from the sale of the building will be applied to the cost of the construction of our new headquarters.

There has been increasing concern regarding some actions that Delta Dental has taken recently. The most recent has been the reduction in the allowed fee for posterior composite restorations. The executive committee recently discussed the matter and the trends seen with Delta’s policy making. Our MDA leadership will be meeting with the Delta senior staff on October 31 regarding our issues of concern. I hope to be able to be more specific about the results of this planned meeting in a future report.

As always, contact me at stsorminnorman@msn.com if you have any questions or would like further information on any of these topics or any matter of concern to you that I might be able to provide insight upon. Thanks for reading the report and staying informed on matters that are affecting dentistry.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL 2008

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POTPOURRI

Directory Changes and Additions CHARNLEY, ERIN 3185 CORPORATE GROVE DR SUITE A HUDSONVILLE, MI 49426 896-7600 FAX 896-8724

KLEIN, DOUGLAS R 3185 MACATAWA DR, STE C GRANDVILLE, MI 49418 538-4960 FAX 538-4999

MAJZNERSKI, LARRY 1416 - 44TH ST SW WYOMING, MI 49509 531-1811 FAX 531-0674 2757 LEONARD STREET NE GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49525 531-1811

* KLINESTEKER, CHASE F 292 EASTMOOR SE GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546 949-8665

FEINHAUER, JOHN 380 EAST DIVISION ROCKFORD, MI 49341 866-1017 FAX 866-8078

MOORE, TIMOTHY 826 PARCHMENT DR SE SUITE 200 GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546 285-9509 FAX 285-8856

MAHAR, SARAH 9019 BELDING ROAD BELDING, MI 48809 794-0494 FAX 794-3443 124 W CASS GREENVILLE, MI 48838 754-3511 FAX 754-2222

KECK, PAUL J 8265 WEST OLIVE STREET WEST OLIVE, MI 49460

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PIPESH, JOSEPH 12662 RILEY STREET, #110 HOLLAND, MI 49424 796-3200

MAY, DAVID 4144 BRETON ROAD SE GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49512 455-0720 FAX 455-0815

* LEE, KENLEY R 19157 N SHORE DRIVE SPRING LAKE, MI 49456-9107

GLUPKER, TIMOTHY J 203 RILEY STREET HOLLAND, MI 49424 399-7110 FAX 399-8630 25 N STATE STREET Z EELAND, MI 49464 772-0470

NELSON, SCOTT 427 CENTERSTONE CT Z EELAND, MI 49464 748-4100 FAX 748-0608

METTE, ROBERT C 2 N MONROE ROCKFORD, MI 49341 866-7720 FAX 866-7723

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The West Michigan District Dental Society was saddened by the passing of our colleagues: Dr. Arthur Griffeth, September 11, 2008 Dr. Harry Luton, September 29, 2008 Those wishing to make a memorial donation to the West Michigan Dental Foundation in memory of these dentists should contact Elaine Fleming at the WMDDS office at 616.234.5605, or checks may be sent made payable to: West Michigan Dental Foundation 161 Ottawa Avenue NW, Suite 511-F Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503

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WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL 2008

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL 2008

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GRCC NEWS

A Primer in Delegation of Duties for Nitrous Oxide Analgesia Utilization

By Dr. Lisa Tartaglione Ellis and Bunny L. Bookwalter, CDA, RDA, RDH, MS

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ow that the “new” nitrous oxide administration and monitoring legislation is no longer new, it seems like a good time to refresh everyone on the rules regarding delegation of these procedures. Dr. Lisa Tartaglione Ellis, who teaches our GRCC courses in local anesthesia for dental hygienists and nitrous oxide for RDHs and RDAs, reports that there is a fair amount of confusion and misinformation regarding what auxiliaries can (and can’t) do when administering and monitoring patients. Therefore, Dr. Tartaglione Ellis and I have written this article together in an attempt to help interpret the facts and simplify the ruling. Our information has come directly from the administrative rules governing dentistry found on the www.michigan.gov website.

Much of the confusion appears to be regarding what can be delegated to dental assistants. Remember, our Michigan dental laws identify just two categories of dental assistants: registered dental assistants (RDA); and dental assistants. RDAs must graduate from an ADA-CODA (American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation) accredited dental assisting program and pass the Michigan written and clinical RDA examination. All other dental assistants, including OJTs (on-the-job trained) and CDAs (certified dental assistant) – and everything in between – fall under the category of “dental assistant.” Only specially-trained RDAs are allowed to monitor a patient receiving nitrous oxide when a DDS or RDH (also with special training and credential) are not in the treatment room.

It is important to keep in mind that under the Michigan rules OJTs and CDAs are basically considered “non-entities” when it comes to nitrous oxide administration and monitoring, and are not legally allowed to ever be alone with a patient receiving nitrous oxide. This means that even if a DDS just leaves the operatory briefly to do a hygiene check, the nitrous must be turned off first.

As stated in the rule, RDAs must by law have successfully five hours of training in a course approved by the state of Michigan in order to assist with or monitor** a patient receiving nitrous oxide. Recent graduates of ADA-CODA accredited programs will have this requirement fulfilled in the program.

However, RDAs who graduated before 2006 will definitely need to take such a course. At this time there is no testing or credentialing requirement beyond completion of the approved

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course. Therefore, once the course is completed the RDA can then legally assist with and monitor a patient when the dentist or a nitrous-certified RDH has left the room (but is still in the office). This means that the RDA may not touch any of the dials on the nitrous oxide machine at any time – except in the case of an emergency.

The following is an excerpt from the administrative rules regarding this: “(4) A dentist shall not assign the assisting and monitoring of the administration of nitrous oxide analgesia by the dentist or registered dental hygienist to a registered dental assistant unless the registered dental assistant has successfully completed an approved course, as defined in section 16611(7) of the act, in the assisting and monitoring of the administration of nitrous oxide analgesia. This procedure shall be performed under the direct supervision of a dentist.”

Registered Dental Hygienists who have completed a course approved by the state of Michigan and passed the NERB (NorthEast Regional Board) Nitrous oxide administration examination may administer* and monitor** nitrous oxide on a patient of record who is over 18 years of age. Such dental hygienists may also apply for a new RDH license showing the nitrous oxide certification. Since nitrous oxide training and certification (like the administration of local anesthesia) is considered a “discretionary” procedure (not required to be a registered dental hygienist here in Michigan), it is up to each individual hygienist as to whether he or she wants to earn the certification and perform the procedures. Very few RDHs who graduated before 2004 had such training in school. However, many current graduates do. In order to delegate these tasks, dentists must be absolutely sure that the RDH has met all requirements.

Here are excerpts from the law regarding dental hygienists: Rule 11409. (1) A registered dental hygienist shall not perform the following intra-oral dental procedures unless the procedures are performed under the direct supervision of a dentist as defined in section 16601 of the code: (iii) Successfully completed a state or regional board administered written examination on nitrous oxide analgesia, within 18 months of completion of the approved course, if such an examination exists.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL 2008

GRCC NEWS

(iv) Maintains and provides evidence of current certification in basic or advanced cardiac life support.

(2) A dental hygienist who meets the requirements of this rule may not administer more than 50% nitrous oxide.

Also remember this: R 338.11406. Assignment of intra-oral procedures to registered dental hygienist.

Rule 1406. The intra-oral procedures listed in R 338.11405(1)(b) and (f) and shall not be assigned to a registered dental hygienist unless the registered dental hygienist is also licensed as a registered dental assistant under R 338.11235.

Therefore, if an RDH is not nitrous oxide trained and certified they are not allowed under the Michigan law to treat a patient who is receiving nitrous oxide without a DDS in the operatory at all times. This means a DDS may not administer the nitrous gas to a hygiene patient and then leave the operatory. This is considered the standard of care. (The exception to this would be if the RDH is also an RDA and has received the required training for monitoring as an RDA).

*“Administering nitrous oxide” means titrating the gas incrementally to a level that is comfortable for the patient and not to exceed 50% nitrous gas. Do you know how to titrate? Did you know that not everyone is comfortable at the same levels of nitrous gas? How do you know when you are at 50% concentration nitrous? **“Monitoring” a patient receiving nitrous oxide means watching the patient, periodically checking on their comfort, and recognizing signs of an emergency.

“Direct supervision” means that a dentist has designated a patient of record upon whom services are to be performed by an assistant, registered dental assistant, or registered dental hygienist and has described the procedures to be performed.

The dentist shall examine the patient before prescribing the procedure to be performed and again upon completion of the procedure. The dentist shall be physically present in the office at the time the procedures are being performed.

For more information go to the Michigan.gov website, contact a Michigan board of dentistry member, or the director of an accredited dental hygiene or dental assisting program.

Group Discounts Largest Selection of Fashion Scrubs in Western Michigan Personalized Fitting of Your Office Staff from Selected Brands •

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4485 Plainfield NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 616 361 7300

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL 2008

Hours: M–F 9:30am – 6pm Sat. 10am – 4pm

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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

Dental Equipment Sale – Five operatories of dental equipment for sale. 5 Dental Ez chairs, 4 Pelton Crane Track lights, one chair mounted light, 3 Forest over the patient dental units, 2 assistant dental carts, 5 Telecam Intra Oral Cameras & 5 wall mounted Mitsubishi TV’s, photo printer, 5 assistant stools, 5 operator stools, 2 SS White x-ray machines, 2 rear delivery units, all other operatory cabinetry, vacuum pump, compressor, reception room furniture, 5 business office chairs, doctors office and business office desk/bookshelf cabinetry, conference table, 2 large patient records file cabinets, and more! Call 887.7389.

West Michigan: Associate Wanted with Transition to Partner – Very busy, modern practice with eleven operatories and three full-time hygienists, seeking ambitious dentist who is committed to serving the general dentistry needs of our surrounding rural community. Our practice is located in an attractive lakeside village with a municipal airport. We are looking for a general dentist with some experience to work 2–3 days a week to start.

Transition to 4–5 days per week as senior partner shifts towards retirement. Contact draper@pathwaynet.com or wjwinget@hotmail.com with resumé and contact information.

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.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL 2008

CLASSIFIED ADS

Would Like to Find in 2008 – A retiring dentist or a partner in the Grand Rapids area. I have had lots of experience. Please call Dr. Doug Martin 616-975-0464.

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.

West Michigan Lakeshore – Our very busy, well established family/esthetic practice has an opening for a full-time associate dentist. Great buy-in opportunity. Facility located in a small town near the lakeshore. Has 6+ operatories and long term devoted staff members.

This is an excellent opportunity to benefit from the advantages of a group practice, learn from us and have management input. Contact Elaine Fleming at 616.234.5605 for info.

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.

Dental Office for Lease – Sparta, MI. 2,000 sq ft with $75,000 improvements, includes two X-ray machines, vacuum extraction, cabinetry, laboratory. $1795.00/mo, plus utilities.

Traffic flow/14,000 daily.

616.874.4192.

General Dentist – An excellent opportunity to join a progressive, fast-pace, well-established, practice in Grant, Michigan. Immediate opening for full-time or part-time general dentist (new grads welcome). Compensation commensurate with experience.

Send resume and letter of interest to: Human Resources, Baldwin Family Health Care, Inc., 1615 Michigan Avenue, Baldwin MI 49304, whelminiak@familyhealthcare.org, or FAX 231.745.3690.

General Dentists/Grand Rapids – Cherry Street Health Services, located in beautiful Grand Rapids, is Michigan’s largest provider of dental services to the underserved. These dynamic, expanding health centers are looking for dentists: full-time, parttime, contracted day positions, to join our team. We offer exceptional health care and other health related services in 12 locations throughout Grand Rapids, Michigan. For immediate consideration contact: Robert Lackey, Director of Human Resources, Rlackey@cherryhealth.com or phone: 616.776.2124; fax: 616.776.2122.

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.

ADVERTISER INDEX

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

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!

CPR Collections, Inc.........................15

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

Founders Bank & Trust.....................24

Henry Schein ............inside back cover

MDA IFG...........................................19

National City Bank ........................outside back cover

Professional Solutions.......................14

Scrubs for Success .............................21

Tech Trust ..........................................12

Dental Practices Wanted to Buy – Two dentists separately looking for a practice to buy in the Grand Rapids area. Contact Greg McGlaun of Proveer at 616.425.5523 or gmcglaun@proveerpm.com.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL 2008

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MARK YOUR CALENDAR West Michigan Dental Foundation Annual Golf Outing FRIDAY, June 5, 2009 Returning to beautiful Egypt Valley Country Club Registration begins at 10:30 am Lunch 11:30 am • Golf 12:30 pm $200 per golfer Fee includes golf, lunch, on-course beverages, and dinner

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WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL 2008

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

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID GRAND RAPIDS, MI PERMIT # 657