Issuu

SPRING 2008 VOL. 40, NO. 4

Bulletin

Dr. Debra Peters Candidate for Speaker of the House Leadership, Vision, Dedication & Motivation

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

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 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 Don VanderLinde Secretary Matt Gietzen Treasurer Carl Kruyswyk The Bulletin of the West Michigan Dental Society is published six times a year (directory, holiday, winter, spring, and summer). 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

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

Peters for MDA Speaker of the House........................................................................ 8 MDA President’s Message............................................................................................10 MDA Annual Session News.........................................................................................12 GRDHS News ...............................................................................................................17 Periodontal Infection and Systemic Links – How It Works ......................................18 My New Year’s Resolution ...........................................................................................20 Program Review ...........................................................................................................22 GRCC News..................................................................................................................24 Classified Ads................................................................................................................26 Advertiser Index ...........................................................................................................27

About the Cover MDA Speaker of the House Candidate Dr. Deb Peters.

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 | SPRING 2008

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Ready for Spring! By Dr. Amy De Young, WMDDS President

t has been a long and snowy winter, but spring is just around the corner – and that means more sunshine and longer days, warmer weather (hopefully), and happier people! I always know that winter is almost over when Tooth Time comes around. There are always lots of smiling faces and “sunny” dispositions at Tooth Time. The West Michigan District Dental Society held its annual Children’s Dental Health Day(s) event on February 7 and 8, 2008. This annual event, named Tooth Time, continues to be very popular with area parents and teachers. A total of 1,239 came to the event this year. About 600 were children from area schools. Tooth Time centers on educating children about their teeth and oral health through interactive Intraoral camera takes center stage. exhibits and activities. I really thank the task force, most of whom have been on the Tooth Time Task Force for five years or more. Dr. Tom Phares stepped forward and took a turn as Captain Fluoride this year. He did a terrific job. Dr. Joe Kirkwood will be leaving the task force at the end of April after nine years! Dr. Heather Cadorette, Dr. Christian VerMeulen, Dr. Robert Strobel, Dr. Paul O’Grady, and Dr. David Huyser along with Dr. Tom Williams and Dr. Kurt Schabes, rounded out the 2007-2008 Task Force. All have been so dedicated to this project and educating the children of our community!

This year, the event was bittersweet for me. I have been the chairperson of this event for eight years, and I have participated in the WMDDS Children’s Dental Health Day activities for the past eleven years. I decided that it was time for me to take a little break and see what life is like when it is not all about teeth! Two very capable docs have stepped forward to co-chair this annual event. Dr. Kurt Schabes and Dr. Tom Williams have graciously decided to take the reigns and continue this monumentally successful program. Most of the task force has agreed to return also. I am excited to see what new and different activities will come to Tooth Time under the new leadership. On the subject of leadership, I have to mention the fact that we have another well-known WMDDS member who is running for the office of Speaker of the House for the MDA. Dr. Deb Peters has been a driving force in our local, state, and national dental communities and we are proud to support her for this office. Best of luck, Deb! And while we are on the topic of MDA Annual Session, I hope that everyone is planning to come down to DeVos Place and take part in Annual Session 2008. Our own Dr. Doug Killian, your President-elect, is chairperson of Annual Session. He has been working hard with all of the members of the Annual Session Committee to put on a great program in downtown Grand Rapids. There is something for everyone on the dental team, so don’t forget to bring your staff members. The MDA Annual Session will also be our chance to thank the current MDA President, our own Dr. Steve Dater. He has done an incredible job keeping things moving at the MDA, and has worked through some real challenges with the typical humor and respect that we expect from him. Congratulations on a great year, Dr. Dater! We are looking forward to the Casino Night President’s Event! I hope everyone can make plans to attend. WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SPRING 2008

PRESIDENTâ€™S MESSAGE

The Tooth Time Task Force and characters.

Captain Fluoride (alias Dr. Tom Phares). WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SPRING 2008

Dr. David Huyser and Abbi Wilson putting on dental tatoos.

EDITOR’S THOUGHTS

We Could Be Of Help, BUT … By Dr. Bruce Weny, WMDDS Editor

a savings to the taxpayers by decreasing the impact of untreated dental disease on systemic health, and we would have dentists who are trained and have a working relationship with the hospital when they matriculate. It would bring up the level of dentistry and community service in West Michigan! It would be sad to see our community’s massive investment in healthcare training miss out on this opportunity to finally include oral healthcare into their model of overall healthcare delivery.

ith the research showing a link between periodontal disease and pre-term and low birth weight pregnancies, is this important? The cost of a normal nine-month pregnancy is about seven or eight thousand dollars. The cost of a pre-mature birth is in the neighborhood of seventy thousand dollars. For those who cannot cover the massive expense, we all get to pay our part of this either though increased insurance rates or tax dollars. We all are aware of the new medical school being built on the hill near the Spectrum Butterworth Campus. A lot of money is being put into this effort and it is expected to be a first-rate training center for our future physicians. It will of course serve our community with the high quality medical care we have come to expect in West Michigan. What a great opportunity to have a general practice residency for dentists here as well. We could probably save the tax payers more than a million dollars a year just by having the residents provide periodontal care for those who cannot afford to have it done as part of a pre-natal program. If we could reduce the pre-term births by ten out of some seventy to onehundred, maybe we could pay for the program – or a good share of it. It is possible the savings might by higher. Why has this not been done? The West Michigan District Dental Society’s Taskforce on Hospital Based Dentistry has presented a case of a GPR program before the powers of Spectrum Hospital and the consortium that oversees medical training programs at all area hospitals, yet they have not been persuaded to integrate a dental residency into their training programs. Our community needs a hospital-based dental residency program. It would provide dental coverage at the hospital, a service that currently is in short supply. It would be

Some History on the Northeast Regional Board In the mid-sixties, some Upper Peninsula dental students attending Marquette University’s Dental School in Milwaukee wanted to take the Wisconsin Board Exam and receive a Michigan dental license. The Michigan Board of Dentistry agreed and sent two members to observe the Wisconsin exam. In the late sixties, Dr. Ray Stevens, a State Dental Board member, was sent to a meeting in Islip, New York to tell a group of board examiners about the Michigan experience. The group of more than forty examiners from fourteen states later became the NERB. My thanks to Dr. Ray Stevens.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SPRING 2008

TRUSTEE REPORT

The Board of Trustees December 2007 Meeting By Dr. Norm Palm, MDA Trustee

n this report I want to focus on some of the activity at the MDA and our West Michigan District’s preparation for the House of Delegates which will be meeting in April during the MDA Annual Session here in Grand Rapids. There has also been some major activity in our area related to amalgam in the waste water that you should be made aware, but first I want to recognize Deb Peters. Deb is a candidate for Speaker of the MDA House, running in a contested election this year for this statewide office. The Speaker will be elected by the MDA House of Delegates on April 19 here in Grand Rapids. I have known Deb for more than ten years, and I have always admired her as being poised, confident and an able leader. Deb genuinely cares about our profession and she continues to invest herself in organized dentistry locally as well as at the state and national level. I am not only proud of her, but happy for her accomplishments and I hope you can share with her these many successes by enthusiastically supporting her for MDA Speaker of the House. This is not a story of dental politics, but a story where one who serves at these levels deserves recognition from all of us for her time, commitment, and energy as she seeks to keep dentistry the great profession that engages our time and talents each day. Please let her know that West Michigan is proud of her. I know she will welcome any help and encouragement you can send her way. I can happily tell you that a location for the new MDA headquarters building has been determined. The building will be located in Okemos, on Okemos Road just about two minutes north of the I-96 exit. The site fronts Okemos Road on the west side of the street and will give the building excellent

visibility. CRESA, the commercial real estate subsidiary of Plante Moran, will continue to advise the MDA throughout the building project. At the present time, an architect selection is being finalized. It is anticipated the construction will begin in the late summer. Much credit goes to President Steve Dater and Executive Director Mr. Drew Eason as well as the building task force for keeping this project on track. Thanks to all. At the Board of Trustees most recent meeting in February, representatives from three federally-qualified healthcare centers (FQHC’s) and Mobile Dentists were invited guests. These groups were asked to give the Board their perspective on their operations that serve low income residents. The Board was seeking new knowledge on these groups that serve the low income patient, and their plans for the future. The Board has heard complaints of unfair advantage that FQHC’s have and their intrusion into fee-for-service dentistry in the communities where they are located. With the Mobile Dentists, the quality of care and the lack of continuity of care that may be occurring with the children served. There are 35 FQHC’s in Michigan, providing medical and dental care with a combination of federal and state dollars that is unique from other Medicaid reimbursement, Schip, or other funding. It is their unique funding that allows them to be successful. The intent of these clinics is to serve the Medicaid population, but they have a reimbursement arrangement that includes dollars per procedure code, but also an encounter fee per patient seen. This encounter fee is not unusual on the medical side of Medicaid, and the FQHC’s started out as medical clinics. This encounter fee boosts total reimbursement but can be a disincentive to manage patient care most efficiently. FQHC’s can and do treat private pay patients, and serve lower income patients on a sliding fee schedule according to the families’ income and federal poverty levels. A FQHC’s private fee schedule is to be compatible with prevailing private fees. Cherry Street Health Services here in Grand Rapids states that their patient mix is 57% Medicaid, 34% self-pay, and 9% other private pay. Cherry Street’s income mix is 62% Medicaid, and only 10% self pay. Are FQHC’s infringing on the private practice dentists? To some extent, no doubt this is true, but these clinics are heavily audited and are not allowed to veer from their Medicaid mission very far. The FQHC model is here to stay, and we WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SPRING 2008

TRUSTEE REPORT

should not be afraid to ask that they stay true to their intended mission. The Mobile Dentists treat children at their schools. Public Act 161 allows general supervision of auxiliaries in a public health setting, and Mobile Dentists close affiliation with school administrators enables them to cruise the state, particularly in more rural areas, providing some level of dental care to the disadvantaged. The problem has been the quality of the care and the long-term outcome of the type of care that Mobile Dentists provide. Member dentists in Montcalm and Mecosta counties have been aware of some of the deficiencies of the Mobile Dentists. The Michigan Department of Public Health finds no improvement in their longer term payment experience for Mobile Dentist treated children and the general Medicaid population. The defense is “some care is better than no care.” How the restorative care needs of the Mobile Dentist children are met is a major concern. The Board was not impressed by what the Mobile Dentists had to say, and the MDA will partner with the MDCH and the Medicaid administration to look at the rules that govern the Mobile Dentists. In my recent reports I have mentioned the increased activity of local waste water treatment plant operators and monitoring of the allowable discharge levels of mercury in the waste water stream. In our district, a new system of mercury containment has appeared and, in my opinion, has been pushed by local WWTP’s. This vat system, as it is called, collects all of a dental offices’ water line discharge. The originator of the system also collects this effluent and transports it from the dental office. The MDEQ holds that the vat contents is medical waste and must be removed every 90 days. There is no research supporting this system as an alternative to the amalgam separator. We do know that the dentist owns the medical waste from the vat system no matter where it goes and how it is disposed. Now, in Coopersville, the WWTP operator has set such stringent mercury discharge levels on the local dentists that use of only the vat system will insure compliance. One dentist has been threatened with hefty fines and possible office closure if he did not comply. There also appears to be a conflict of interest between the originator of the vat system and the WWTP in Coopersville. MDA legal affairs has been active in this matter, seeking a temporary restraining order, preventing the WWTP from enforcing its new discharge WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SPRING 2008

limits. The MDA may be in the position of asking the state attorney general’s office to investigate the conflict of interest and to see if state or federal law has been broken. I hope you and your staff will plan to attend the MDA Annual Session April 16 thru 19. My thanks to West Michigan’s slate of delegates and alternates that will represent you at the MDA House. Their work may seem mundane at first glance, but collectively, over time, what we do or do not do to nurture and support our profession will have a major impact on the future of dentistry in Michigan. Thanks for being good stewards of dentistry for now and in the future. As always contact me with your questions or concerns at stsorminnorman@msn.com.

Register for MDA Annual Session at www.smilemichigan.com Questions regarding Annual Session registration can be directed to Shawna Owens at (517) 372-9070, ext. 402. All course and special event tickets will be sent with name badge(s) two weeks prior to Annual Session to the preferred address you provided on your form.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS March 21, 2008 7

PETERS FOR MDA SPEAKER

Behind the Scenes: A Race for Speaker By Deb Peters, DDS

y now, you are aware that I am a candidate for Speaker of the House of the Michigan Dental Association. No doubt many are questioning what getting elected to this volunteer position entails. I’m sure that those who have gone before me into leadership positions at the MDA are recalling his or her individual, fond memories of going through the election process. So what exactly is this position of Speaker, why am I seeking it, and what does a campaign involve? To be Speaker of the House of Delegates of the Michigan Dental Association is to be Chair of the business meeting. No doubt, a knowledge and passion for the parliamentary process is essential to rise to this position. Furthermore, it is imperative for the chair to oversee the deliberations with neutrality and poise while assisting those who have been charged with formulating our policy for another year. When I was first exposed to this process, I was intimidated and confused. With experience, I began to understand and appreciate the order and the organization of the proceedings when handled in a clear and efficient manner. I also get quite excited when working through a resolution and seeing the end result. By working with others while drafting policy and exploring options through the years, I have developed an appreciation, and yes, an excitement for the business of the House of Delegates of the Michigan Dental Association. It is that passion which motivates me to seek election to this leadership position. Now it is time to take that message on the road. In the coming months leading up to the Annual Session in Grand Rapids, I have been invited to present my qualifications and vision to several other local district dental societies. This involves a fair amount of travel and time away from my family and dental practice. I’m fortunate that I don’t have to drive alone, as a member of my campaign committee will always

ride along. Because I also treat patients one evening a week, this also requires flexibility on the part of my staff in rearranging our patient schedule. I’m grateful for our wonderful dental team members that have been willing to bend their schedules and lives around my desire to be Speaker. Up to this point, a great deal of time, energy, and money has been put into gathering resources to help spread my message and to inform the delegates of my qualifications. This has involved letter writing, brochure development, and telephone calling. Many of you have already participated with your generous motivational and financial support, and I am forever grateful. In addition, I have a group of enthusiastic and capable leaders assisting me with the fine details. Drs. Erick Rupprecht and Chris Smiley have been instrumental in the letter-writing campaign and editorial modifications to written communications. I’m very excited to have a web page dedicated to this Speaker race, and must give credit to Dr. Ryan Lebster for his talents with its origin and implementation. Assisting with many aspects and creative design, Elaine Fleming has been invaluable. Just like in my office, this is a great team! However, none of this would have come to fruition without the support of the WMDDS Board and past leaders. So many of you have shown me the way and given support, and now I proudly carry that district pride out to the rest of the Michigan Dental Association. Once at the first meeting of the House of Delegates, my name will be placed in nomination for this office. At the close of that meeting, all candidates in contested elections will appear in a question and answer forum. While only in its second year, the forum provides the only avenue for all of the members of the HOD to compare and contrast the candidates. I encourage and invite all to view this forum on Thursday morning, April 17th. WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SPRING 2008

PETERS FOR MDA SPEAKER

On Saturday morning, April 19th, Iâ€™ll visit all of the district caucuses again to answer questions and to ask for their vote. It is this final push that previous candidates for office have found invaluable. By the close of business on Saturday afternoon, the HOD will have elected a new Vice-President and Speaker. I believe that leadership is an act of stewardship. Without mentors, colleagues, and friends, I would not be pursuing this goal. I humbly thank you for allowing me to give some insight into the life of a candidate and will proudly serve at any level that I am called. I look forward to lending my knowledge of leadership in organized dentistry to those coming up after me.

It is this passing on of enthusiasm for our great profession that keeps us strong as a group and benefits us all, including the public that we serve. For more information, Please check out my campaign website at www.petersforspeaker.com. As always, I appreciate hearing from you. If you would like to contact me, you can do so at DebPeters@SmileMichigan.com or at 698-6663.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR West Michigan Dental Foundation Annual Golf Outing Monday, May 19, 2008 Kent Country Club Registration begins at 10:30 am Lunch 11:30 am â€˘ Golf 12:30 pm $195 per golfer Fee includes golf, lunch, on-course beverages, and dinner

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SPRING 2008

MDA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

The Year In Review By Dr. Steve Dater, MDA President

hen Elaine Fleming asked me to write an article for the Bulletin recounting my year as MDA President, my first thought was, “sure, no problem.” How hard could it be? Then I started thinking of everything that has happened and realized I would need to write a small novel to describe my year. I am quite sure none of you would want that so I will try and summarize the year. The year started with my challenge to last year’s House of Delegates to be more involved with the direction of the association. From that challenge, volunteers came forward to participate in an e-mail work group. This work group is divided into four groups: Access, Amalgam/Waste Water, Dental Education, and Insurance. Each group has some HOD members, some grass roots members, and one board member. The groups have all been active this year, though I must admit, when I made these groups, I thought the Waste Water work group would have the least activity. I guess I was a little off on that estimate. As you know, this has been a huge issue in our area. This work group has probably been the most active and helped to change the MDA from a re-active organization to a pro-active one. The work group recommended to the Board the Resolution that will be going to the House this year, about legislating that if MDA members follow ADA Best Management Practices, that local municipalities will accept that and we will not be forced into buying unproven alternatives with no science behind them. The MDEQ has come out with the same recommendation, and this will help us in our legislative effort. Even though the other side of the state has not been seeing the same problems we have, they are behind this pro-active approach. We then tried to tackle the access problem from a new angle. The Access work group sent three representatives to the December Board meeting. The new angle for this group is

they were not allowed to say all we need is more money from the state to solve the problem of access, or to just use Healthy Kids Dental as a solution, but to come up with new and innovative solutions to the problem of access. We had a very productive meeting and I asked the board to form a task force on access. We have our very own Norm Palm chairing this task force and he hopes, as I do, to try new approaches to help get treatment to those who need it the most. We know we can’t solve access with a few meetings, but we must start bringing alternative answers before someone else does it for us. I know Norm will do a great job keeping this group on task and we all look forward to the group’s ideas. We also have endorsed the ADA’s Community Dental Health Coordinator PILOT Program which will be restricted to urban areas and have a sunset clause in the legislation. The big point here is that a CDHC has to work under a dentist and is not allowed to do irreversible procedures. Michigan was one of only three sites to be chosen for the pilot program. The Insurance work group is a group I would like to see get more involved. There are big issues coming in insurance and we need to stay on top of what this tries to impose on our profession. We have many members that are upset with the changes in some insurance plans as companies try and cut costs. We have to have open communication with these insurance companies, but where I feel we have really dropped the ball is educating the public and the human resources people on what dental insurance is all about. Doug Klein is a member of the Insurance work group, so feel free to call him anytime with your concerns! OK, just e-mail me. Doug will hurt me if you call him too much. Dental education and ethics is becoming a big issue in our profession. While the Dental Education work group has been relatively quiet, there has been a lot going on in this area. We had quite a few denturists turning up around the state and advertising quite brashly about their services. I am happy to announce we finally had a local prosecutor go after a denturist, and the “Duke of Dentures” was arrested in Livingston County a few months ago. We have also been getting a lot of reports on mall bleaching again. As you know, the state board can’t do anything to either of these groups since they are not licensed. We are working with the advice of the state Attorney General to come up with a solution. At our next Executive WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SPRING 2008

MDA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Committee meeting, we will be looking at our Peer Review system to make it even better. One example of a problem is if you want to know if your ad is following our ethical guidelines so you do not get a complaint against you, the peer review committee will not give you an answer because it only works off of complaints. We should be about member service and be a benefit to our members. Then we have the building issue. Some of you may know I started this process when I was Treasurer over four years ago when I asked the House to give the authority back to the Board to sell the building. Finally, we are nearing the end of the journey! We have a purchase agreement on a site in Okemos right behind Drew Eason’s house (some people think so.) We are in the process of doing our due diligence and selecting an architect. Our timeline, as of right now, is to start digging in August of this year, and be in by next spring. I personally like the undeveloped property behind the site since I spooked an eight point buck when Drew and I walked the property last fall! I see that as a real member benefit. The best

news is that the dues increase for the building was based on the renovation of our existing building, a $7.5 million dollar price tag. With the projected revenue from the sale of our building, and the lower cost of the Okemos project, we hope to save between 2-3 million of your dollars! Now that the year is almost over, I would like to thank all of you that have been friends, mentors, and colleagues along the way. I could not have accomplished this without the help of so many of you. The future looks bright for us at the MDA as Norm Palm has announced he is running for Secretary and is unopposed (he needs one vote), and Connie will be our Treasurer again. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how proud I am to see one of the people I helped mentor, Deb Peters, run for Speaker of the House. Deb has done so much for us here in West Michigan. She will do a great job and she deserves all of our support. Thanks for the opportunity and I look forward to seeing you at Casino Night at the MDA Annual Session (no coats and ties allowed).

Tee It Up for the Foundation The Michigan Dental Foundation is pleased to announce the

Seventh Annual Golf Outing Friday May 9, 2008 Lakes of Taylor Golf Course • Taylor, Michigan 8:00am Registration 9:00am shot gun star t

Cost: $175 per person $700 per foursome

Includes 18 holes of golf, lunch and prizes. The funds raised will go to suppor t dental scholarships, access to care grants and oral health initiatives all in the State of Michigan. For more information please contact Brian Stump at 800.589.2632, ext. 407. WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SPRING 2008

MDA ANNUAL SESSION NEWS

It’s Grand Rapids’ Time To Shine! By Dr. Douglas Killian, WMDDS President-elect MDA Annual Session Chairperson

ome one, come all! Bring yourself, bring your staff, bring your spouse! Everyone is invited to the Spirit of Michigan Annual Session in Grand Rapids, April 17–19, 2008. West Michigan has a lot to celebrate this year. We have the opportunity to show off our new fluoride sculpture, Steel Water, to the rest of Michigan thanks to a very hardworking group of our local colleagues and donors. We are honoring Dr. Steve Dater, current MDA president, for his hard work, dedication, and achievements over the past year with a President’s reception event in the exhibit hall on Thursday afternoon, and at the President’s Event Friday night. And this year we have another exceptional West Michigan standout, Dr. Deb Peters, running for the office of Speaker of the House. Show your support by networking with your friends and colleagues across the state. The main focus of the meeting is the fantastic continuing education available to our members. Courses begin Wednesday with Dr. Gordon Christensen, “The Bottom Line,” and runs through Saturday with something for your entire office. New this year is an Invisilign ® Clear Essentials certification course that includes up to four of your staff members.

Courses range from clinical to the business office, marketing to staff team building, and all the necessary updates for OSHA and CPR training. Fun social events include a comedy night on Thursday at Dr. Grins in the B.O.B. On Friday there will be a keynote speaker, Jones Koflin, on “Juggling Elephants – Be the Ringmaster of Your Work and Life,” that is free to everyone, but tickets are required so add that to your registration. Friday night will honor Dr. Dater at the President’s Event with a prize-filled casino night. Toss out the evening wear and put on your lucky shirt. There will be black jack, Texas hold ‘em, roulette, and many more games with prizes drawn at the end of the evening. The evening includes a cocktail hour, food stations, a disk jockey, and the chance to catch up with old friends. Don’t forget, this year the annual Michigan Dental Foundation golf outing is on May 9 in Taylor, MI, so pick your team and register early. The exhibit hall hours are Thursday from 12 noon to 6 pm, Friday 10 am to 6 pm, and Saturday 10 am to 1 pm. Your presence at the exhibits provides support to the vendors and suppliers who support us and our meetings locally and statewide. They offer education on new products, not to mention many show specials to help you save money. Plan to purchase your equipment and spring supplies at the meeting this year. It is my appeal to you, as a local member and chair of Annual Session, that as hosts this year, we show the MDA our “Spirit in West Michigan.” Such an easy thing to do. Just mark you calendars and plan right now to attend, whether it is one of the continuing education courses, or just a social event. See you there!

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SPRING 2008

GRDHS NEWS

Mel Trotter Dental Health Outreach Program Needs Volunteers

s it in your heart to volunteer your dental services at a dental clinic for the underserved? If so, no passports or airline tickets are needed to get to this “mission.” The Grand Rapid Dental Hygienists’ Society, in partnership with the West Michigan Dental Foundation, will again sponsor the Community Dental Health Outreach program at Mel Trotter Ministries in downtown Grand Rapids. Men, women, and children who are residents of Mel Trotter Ministries, children from their after-school programs and summer camps, and referrals from their community services will be seen in June,

July, and August 2008 at their modern, spacious, two-operatory dental clinic. Doreen Henson-Sturgis, Clinic Coordinator, and Deb Wright, on-site dental assistant, are ready for another successful summer program. Volunteers are welcome Monday through Friday, mornings and afternoons this summer. Your time is precious. Let’s make it count! Please call JoAnne Hodder, RDH, BS, CDHO Chair, 616-453-6220, to schedule.

Mark Your Calendar! WMDDS Continuing Education Lineup for 2008–2009 October 24, 2008 | Dr. Gregory Lutke The Digital Patient Consultation January 16, 2009 | Zonya Foco Excelling at Your Career Without Undermining Your Health March 20, 2009 | Dr. Michael Sesemann Oral Art and Design: The Synergy of Esthetics and Function October 16, 2009 | Dr. Witt Wilkerson All seminars will be held at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Registration forms will be mailed two months prior to each seminar and will be available on our webpage at www.wmdds.org

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SPRING 2008

HEALTH & WELL BEING

Periodontal Infection and Systemic Links – How It Works By Dr. James Papp

illoughby D. Miller (1853-1907), a dentist and bacteriologist, put forth the concept that the mouth was an area “who’s microorganisms were the source of a wide variety of systemic disorders.” A British physician by the name of Hunter gave this a name. Hence the “Focal Infection” theory was formed and the wholesale, and at times, unnecessary extraction of large numbers of teeth were performed in the first fifty years of the 20th century. By mid-century the focal infection theory was discredited – or was it? Recently, there is a growing body of evidence supporting the relationship between periodontal inflammation and several systemic diseases. Things to remember: 1. Estimates of 73-80% of adults display loss of periodontal attachment (2mm or more), while 15% of adults ages 60-64 display severe periodontitis (6mm or more loss of periodontal attachment). 2. The bacteria most closely associated with periodontal disease are: a. porphyromonas gingivitis. b. tannerella forsythensis. c. treponema denticola. d. actinobacillus actinomycetem comitans. 3. Biofilm (plaque) associated with periodontal disease is composed of communities of different bacteria that interact with one another and have rapid regenerative capabilities through signaling. Because the bio film forms a slimy matrix shield and possesses regenerative potential, it is quite resilient and less susceptible to antibiotics. 4. Everyone is not created equal in host immune response department. Hence, the inflammatory response to a bacterial challenge will vary from patient to patient. 5. Inflammation from periodontal disease may negatively influence cardiovascular disease, stroke, respiratory disease, pre-mature low birth weight babies and diabetes. The Bacterial Challenge The biofilm (plaque) associated with periodontal disease, is a slimy, sticky matrix composed of various virulent micro-

organisms, is difficult to remove, less susceptible to antibiotics and contain endotoxins which are byproducts of the bacteria called lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Pathologic manifestations may result from bacterial invasion of the tissues and production of toxic substances (LPS) leading to cell death, tissue necrosis and inflammation. The Inflammatory Response Here the problem begins, is it the host inflammatory response to the bacterial challenge that causes the destruction? In short, yes. Periodontal disease is bacterial in origin, however, the vast amount of damage that occurs is the result of the host inflammatory response. In a susceptible patient, the bacterial challenge elicits a major inflammatory response (a “hyper-reaction” to the bacterial challenge) consisting of inflammatory and immunopatholologic components that can be found both locally (periodontal tissues) and systemically. Cytokines and prostaglandins appear to be critically involved in the tissue destruction of periodontal tissues. In turn, the distribution of these inflammatory mediators via the systemic circulation induces the production of liver-derived markers of a systemic inflammatory reaction, such as c-reactive protein (CRP) among others. CRP is a marker particularly sensitive to systemic inflammation. Authors have demonstrated a strong relationship between elevated CRP levels and the presence of well known periodontal pathogenic microbes. CRP levels are also elevated in patients with unstable angina, ischemic stroke, myocardial infarction, with higher CRP levels being correlated to increasingly poor patient prognosis. So what do we think is happening? Inflammation anywhere in the body can adversely affect other sites as well as the system as a whole. Although not entirely understood, suggested hypothetical models to the significance of periodontal infection and systemic conditions have been proposed: Cardiovascular Disease (2 potential pathways) 1. Periodontal infection (bacteria/LPS) +Monocytes/ Macrophages (Cytokine production, inflammatory mediators) IL-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha platelet aggregation/endothelium invasion Vascular Lesion. WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SPRING 2008

HEALTH & WELL BEING

2. Periodontal infection (bacteria/LPS) +Liver CRP, fibrinogen, lipid anomalities, coagulation factors Vascular Lesion. Respiratory Disease 1. Direct aspiration of the oral pathogen and colonization in the lower airway. Especially if the host immune system is suppressed or defective and/or an unusually virulent or overwhelming number of organisms are aspirated. Pre-term low birth weight babies (2 pathways) 1. Periodontal infection (bacteria/LPS) direct dissemination to the fetus via blood stream Fetal toxicity, pre-term low birth weight and fetal growth restriction. 2. Periodontal infection (bacteria/LPS) +Monocytes/ Macrophages (Cytokine production, inflammatory mediators) IL-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha fetus via systemic circulation Fetal toxicity, pre-term low birth weight and fetal growth restriction.

to educate and inform our patients about periodontal disease and its prevention. In addition, patients must be informed that there exists a growing body of evidence that oral infection/ inflammation may have negative consequences on systemic health. Lastly, the responsibility of informing/educating the medical community lies within our profession and opening the lines of communication to all that are involved will ensure the patient receives the best possible care.

White Papers: Oral Inflammation, A Six Part Review Series on the Oral and Systemic Disease Relationship. 2007. Proceedings and Consensus Opinion from The Global Oral and Systemic Health Summit: Present Evidence and Future Directions. February 2007. Grand Rounds, In Oral-Systemic Medicine. February 2006, Vol. 1, No. 1. Dr. Larry Sweeting.

Diabetes 1. Periodontal infection (bacteria/LPS) +Monocytes/ Macrophages (Cytokine production, inflammatory mediators) IL-1, IL-6, TNF-alpha via systemic circulation interfere with insulin receptors (fc receptors) on the pancreas poor glycemic control. Oral inflammation and patient management Cumulative evidence suggests that chronic inflammatory periodontal disease may be a modifiable risk factor for morbidity and mortality in several serious systemic diseases and conditions. So what will we as clinicians do differently? Well, more of the same. From a treatment perspective, paying close attention and treating pocket depths 5mm or greater in efforts to establish probing depths that the patient and clinician can maintain. This may entail, but not limited to, more tooth extractions, more periodontal surgery, more periodontal maintenance and incorporation of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents. From a communication perspective, all parties involved must be well informed. It is our duty as oral healthcare professionals WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SPRING 2008

PERSONAL GOALS

My New Year’s Resolution By Dr. Norman Wilhelmsen, DDS, MS

ach year I choose one thing to do for every patient who comes into my practice besides the normal examination. Some ideas have come up several times, every four to five years. As an example, my New Year’s Resolution for 2008 is: I will ask every patient (new patients or maintenance patients) “Do you have any tooth surfaces where the floss breaks or frays?” This implies that the patient is using floss. By having Bard Parker blades already mounted in handles in each hygiene operatory, I can address old alloy or composite restorations that require attention. In 2006, and four years earlier, I asked: “Do you have any between-the-teeth places by your back teeth where meat or chicken routinely gets caught?” I check for tightness of contacts with floss. Articulating paper forceps and biscuit-shaped diamonds are ready in each operatory. The paper will show which inclines are contributing to the open contacts. When contacts are tight, I adjust marginal ridge discrepancies. For patients who report food impaction, remember to follow up with a similar question at the next visit. Is the patient due to update their complete mouth x-rays or panoramic film this year or next?

Measure mobility. An increase can reveal a newly devital tooth. Measure gingival recession and compare to earlier recordings. Occasionally I have found patients who recently have become traumatic brushers. When facial root surface abrasion is found, I advise patients to brush lingual surfaces first to minimize toothpaste exposure to the soft roots. Record sensitivity to percussion and palpation. Occasionally devital teeth can be found. Naturally the examination and treatment for each patient is customized. My idea is to be sure that I don’t miss things for long-term patients and to provide service that patients might not expect. Other than x-rays, these are no cost services. Some things are more standard almost yearly, such as BE x-rays where calculus or overhangs are noted and removed or corrected. Fixed bridges are regularly inspected to assure that abutments have not become loose. Many years ago the ADA and the Academy of Periodontology teamed up to encourage pocket measurements if that was not routinely being done. Now I think pocket recording is frequent and routine in most practices.

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WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SPRING 2008

PROGRAM REVIEW

Making It Easy for Patients To Say “Yes” Case Acceptance for Complex Dentistry By Dr. Bruce Weny, WMDDS Editor

well-attended lecture by both doctors and staff of panoral x-ray, the patient is given a “choice statement.” some two-hundred-fifty people greeted Dr. Paul “Before we decide on anything, I want you to know that Homoly on January 25. you have a choice. We can focus on your (chief complaint), or Dr. Homoly’s lecture concentrated on how dental practices in addition to that, we can look at all your teeth and help you function and where patients are in their life in accepting dendevelop a plan for a lifetime of dental health. What is best for tistry. Dr. Homoly explained most general practices perform you today?” single tooth or quadrant dentistry day to day. This is “centric This gives the patient options. If they are interested in cost, occlusion” dentistry. We all know this as the bread and butter the doctor gives a “ball park” figure. Another important point dentistry that pays the bills. This given by Dr. Homoly was that is more “need” than “want” patients who are in the centric dentistry and is covered by relation side of dentistry (cominsurance or is insurance sensiplex cases) need to know you care tive. As the dentist crosses the and understand their situation line into “centric relation” denin life, that you are an advocate. tistry, as in large complex cases, Advocacy statements such as: the patient needs to be ap“I’m confident I can help you. proached in a different manner. I’ve treated patients like you for This is “want” dentistry. These many years and you are in the cases are more complex, require right place. What I don’t know is more lab consultation, more if this is the right time for you. pre-planning, study models and Dentistry of this nature can be wax-ups, more education, and surprisingly time-consuming are not usually covered by and expensive. Before we finish insurance – or only partly covhere today, let’s talk about how ered. The patient in centric Dr. Betsy Bakeman, Dr. Paul Homoly, Dr. Doug Killian. we need to work together to help occlusion dentistry, single crowns this dentistry be a fit for you.” on small bridges, require less treatment planning or have The patient needs an advocate. If we are not an advocate, straight forward treatment plans presented. There are few they will find one. If you are not an advocate then your plan necessary options and insurance coverage information is all is price sensitive. Lowering the fee for the complex cases will that is required. be a loss for the practice as there is so much more to do in a The patient on the centric relation side needs to be brought centric relation case. The fees need to be much higher to make along. Information vital to how the patient will react and up for the time and effort that goes into the case. Dr. Homoly when they will start treatment are essential. One needs to pointed out the need to remember to give people good news know what “fits” in their lives and why. If too much stress is as well as bad. put on the patient, they are made to feel inadequate and likely Some 95% of patients will delay treatment until they are will not accept any treatment. The doctor needs to find out ready. Most will do something in two or three years if they are where the patient is coming from and give an understanding made comfortable with the decision. statement as opposed to a rigid condemning statement to the Complex cases require more leadership skills. Areas that patient. After a simple exam, which includes periodontal need to be developed include: bringing out the best in people, charting, general charting of the dentition, cancer exam, and putting people at ease, compassion and sensitivity, developing

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SPRING 2008

PROGRAM REVIEW

and empowering, listening, communication, problem solving, taking action and follow through vision, ethics innovator, and handling disequlibrium. In the end, patients will remember your spirit more than your age. Dr. Homoly can be reached at: 800-294-9370, or at www.paulhomoly.com.

GVSU students from the pre-dental club take a break at the Homoly program (left to right): Jessica Groleau, Stella Pizana, Michael Rediske, John Lelli, Claire Lelli.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SPRING 2008

GRCC NEWS

GRCC Dental Auxiliaries Programs By Julie Bera, CDA, COA, RDA, MA

ur dental hygiene and dental assisting programs are is full swing this winter. The first year hygiene class has 31 students, the second year class has 30 students, and the dental assisting class has 24 students, which makes up our dental auxiliaries programs. Eve Sidney, our new program director, has been a working with all three programs as a clinical and laboratory instructor, along with learning her new job. All of the students thoroughly enjoy her expertise. The second year dental hygiene class is still actively looking for NERB board patients, so if you have a potentional “board qualifying” patient, please give our program clinic secretary, Sheryl Kuzinar, a call for a screening date in our clinic (616) 234-4237. The second year class will be sitting for their national written board exam at the end of March, and have their NERB exam scheduled for either April 17 or 18. They will commence their education here at GRCC with both DH pinning and GRCC commencement on Friday, May 2. The first year dental hygiene class begins seeing patients in mid-March. They begin seeing “easier” patients this spring, like children and class I adults. If you have patients who could benefit from our clinic services, please give them our number and Sheryl can get them set up for appointments in our clinic. We still charge $25.00 for adults and $20.00 for children, which includes a dental prophylaxis and x-rays, if necessary. This summer we will also be able to schedule sealants, so if you have patients of need, please keep our clinic in mind. It is a great opportunity for student learning and providing community services. The dental assisting class will begin their clinical externships in April. Offices are needed for all 24 students for the months of April, May, and June. These externships are required by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation, to include more than one office for their clinical experience. Therefore, finding three offices for 24 students becomes quite a daunting requirement. If you would like to volunteer to have one or two students (not at the same time), please give Julie Bera a call at (616) 234-4542. We are also required to have the students extern at a specialty office, so for you specialists, we beg for your help. Finding 24 specialists in the West Michigan area to take students some years, becomes very difficult. So in advance, thank you so much for

participating in this learning experience. This program would not run without your help and support!!! The dental programs continue to make curriculum changes as our profession changes. We are currently looking at the overall program design to see if we need to make any major changes for the future. We will keep you informed of these changes if they occur in the future. We appreciate our dental advisory committee members for their advice in our curricular and dental equipment purchases. If you are interested in becoming a member of our advisory committee for the upcoming academic year, please contact Eve Sidney (616) 234-4240. Thanks to all of you for your continued support of these dental auxiliary programs.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SPRING 2008

2008 Presidentâ€™s Event: Casino Night! Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 7 pm $85 per person (includes food stations, cocktail hour, disc jockey, and live casino gaming) Have a blast at this unique celebration honoring Dr. Steven Dater, MDA president. Join us for an evening of Las Vegas style fun! Play your favorite casino games including blackjack, roulette, Texas hold â€™em and many more. Gaming will take place between 7:30-10:30 p.m., with raffle to follow. Prizes! Ever yone will be entered in the casino raffle and have the chance to win great prizes. The grand prize is two round-trip air tickets to anywhere in the continental United States. Other prizes include electronics and gift cards from popular retail stores with values ranging from $50 to $250. Ever yone receives a supply of playing chips that can be exchanged for raffle tickets. Casual fun! Come, enjoy, and relax -- this is a business casual event, with no ties, suits or evening wear required! No dancing, no awards, just fun. Seating will be available inside and outside the room for your comfor t. Come mix and mingle with old friends and new. See you there! Co-sponsored by MDA Insurance Co-sponsored by West Michigan District Dental Society

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SPRING 2008

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dent-X 9000 Automatic X-ray Film Processor complete with installation operation and maintenance manual. The processor includes approximately 200 #2 bitewing films and approximately 30 mounts (bwx/fmx) 7 snapa-rays, 25 Stabes, 25 Panoramic films and Kodak roller transport cleanup film. We are asking $250 O.B.O. Milestone Scientific “The Wand” dental product along with 11 disposable anaesthetic handpieces. We are asking $100 O.B.O. Coming June ’08 we will have 2 MCC lower cupboards w/2 sinks each, 1 Coachman dental chair and 3 G.E. x-ray heads. Please contact us at Chambers Dental Excellence – 949.4650 or chambersdental@sbcglobal.net.

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.

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. Current student at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, graduating in May 2008, looking for an associate position in the Grand Rapids and surrounding areas. Please contact me, Katie M. Beougher, via email at kbeoughe@umich.edu or phone 734.308.3493.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SPRING 2008

CLASSIFIED ADS

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. 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. 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 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. 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. Dental Office for Lease – Sparta, MI. Outgoing dentist: “I am building my own building after amassing a fortune, over 3 million.” 616-874-4192, Drguyandcarol@aol.com. Floor plan and pictures available. 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.

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! Centric Laboratories............outside back cover Davis Dental Laboratory................inside front cover Founders Bank & Trust.....................23 MDA IFG...........................................21 National City Bank ...........................13 Professional Solutions.......................16 ProNational...............inside back cover Prudential Financial..........................25 Scrubs for Success .............................20 Sullivan-Schein .................................15 TechTrust ...........................................14

For Sale – 1998 Gendex GX-Pan, $4500. Also available: 1970 Moss Lateral Ceph. Make offer. Call 538.5920 Mon.–Thurs. WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SPRING 2008

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SPRING 2008

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

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2008 SPRING wmdds bulletin:layout2005