http://www.wmdds.org/bulletin/2009%20summerwmdds%20bulletin

SUMMER ISSUE 2009 VOL. 41, NO. 5

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

President’s Message ...................................................................................................... 2 Editor’s Thoughts......................................................................................................... 3 Do You Remember Your Dentist? ............................................................................... 4

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

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

MDA IV District Trustees

Classified Ads................................................................................................................18

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

WMDF Golf Outing .................................................................................................... 8 GRDHS News ...............................................................................................................13 MDA News ...................................................................................................................14 Workplace Harassment ................................................................................................16

Advertiser Index ...........................................................................................................19 2009 – 2011 WMDDS Continuing Education Programs ..........................................20

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 | SUMMER ISSUE 2009

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Thoughts From the New President

By Dr. Douglas R. Klein, WMDDS President

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am very much looking forward to this upcoming year as president of our West Michigan District Dental Society.

Thank you for this opportunity. I can honestly say that my involvement with the WMDDS Board has been one of the most enjoyable and valuable things I’ve done in my career.

I am truly blessed to know and work with an amazing group of colleagues on the board; a group of enthusiastic, hardworking, and dedicated leaders with whom I am proud to serve. I have also been fortunate to have some great mentors along the way. For their protection, I won’t name names, but they know who they are. (If you’re not sure, it probably wasn’t you. ☺) Of course I’d be remiss not thank Elaine Fleming, our Executive Secretary, for her dedication and expertise in being the glue that holds it all together.

Things are sure to be interesting this year, with several hotbutton issues swirling around dentistry: federal and state dental insurance issues, federal and state access to care issues, and expanded function auxiliaries. I’ll spare you the details now, you’ll be hearing much more about these in the months to come. Please keep yourself informed on these issues and if possible, donate to Dental PAC, Michigan’s Dental Political Action Committee. Dental PAC gives the MDA access to legislators by providing financial support for political candidates.

Your membership in Dental PAC is one of the greatest things you can do for your profession. To join, contact Caroline Ruddell at 800.589.2632, ext. 423.

Dentistry as we know it is being threatened on several fronts. The unfortunate truth is if we, as dentists, fail to show up at the table, we will most certainly be on the menu. Please feel free to contact me or any WMDDS board members if you are interested in learning more or getting involved at the local

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or state level. When we don’t know the answers, we’ll refer you to the next two colleagues that I’d like to recognize: Norm Palm and Brian Cilla, our esteemed MDA Trustees representing West Michigan’s interests at the state level. I can’t say enough about the commitment and dedication it takes to serve as an MDA Trustee. With all the time they spend visiting other components around the state, attending meetings in Lansing, and their involvement at the ADA level, these fellows are the true “road warriors” and are deserving of all our gratitude.

Oh yes! One last thing I’m thankful for, not including my wife, my three sons, my immediate family, my friends, my health, my staff, my accountant, and the end of tee-ball season, is the arrival of summer! Board activity always drops off during the summer, but that’s not on my list. It’s just great to be out in the sunshine again. Nothing beats summer in West Michigan! Whether you’re on the greens, on the water, or in the woods, I hope everyone has a great summer!

See page 20 of this issue of the WMDDS Bulletin for the upcoming 2009-2010 CE programs schedule. We are very excited about the group of speakers the WMDDS is bringing to town and we know you’ll enjoy them. Take advantage of these world-class speakers right in our own backyard!

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SUMMER ISSUE 2009

EDITOR’S THOUGHTS

What Was Done, What Should Have Been Done, What I Wish Had Been Done

By Dr. Bruce Weny, WMDDS Editor

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y tour as editor is coming to an end. It was a fast three years and I enjoyed it. For all the things that did get done, there are certainly some things I would have changed. Before I get started on anything else, let me thank some people who were my backup. There were those who did work behind the scenes like Drs. Mike Palaszek, Paul Karl, Tom Herremans, and Jeff Smith. Some worked the articles over and checked the validity of what was written. Dr. Aric Smith took many of our better pictures and did some scribing of courses as well as Dr. Seth Vruggink. A special thanks to Dr. Tara Meachum for working under the stressing conditions of being a new mother and going through the “volunteer” project for the Bulletin. To Vicki Post, the person in charge of putting the Bulletin together and off to the publisher, and Elaine Fleming for getting so many of the details ironed out with advertising and running down many of the people who added their input into the Bulletin. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

I enjoyed sitting with Drs. Ray Stevens and Bob O’Brien to get a feel for what dentistry had been like for them. Both of these dentists are sons of dentists. Two of the Bulletins had articles by some of our own members who teach at institutions for dentistry. I did this so members would perhaps call these people with questions. What a resource for our members that exists here in West Michigan! At one time we had a third institute represented by a member who taught there, but he has moved away. Still, it would have made an interesting article.

Sometimes events took center stage, with a Bulletin featuring the dedication of the fluoride commemorative sculpture, Steel Water, recognizing the start of water fluoridation right here in Grand Rapids. Dr. James Wieland and his committee

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SUMMER ISSUE 2009

did an outstanding job pulling this off. Another Bulletin was more somber with the death of two of our members due to untreated depression being the catalyst.

I wish I could have gotten more member pictures in the Bulletin. I found that my camera is not of high enough resolution to produce photos for the cover, and Aric Smith helped me out here several times as well as Elaine. Everyone likes to see him or herself in print.

I had hoped to have another article to go along with the one I already had but was not able to get it together after chasing it for two years. One of my dental school classmates had spent much time and money trying to solve his dizziness and headaches by going to many of our elite in dentistry, but to no avail until he was treated by a West Michigan member dentist who solved the problem. Well, things just did not fall into place. Such is life!

Jim Papp will be the new editor. Jim is very smart and is technologically savvy. He has more hair on the top of his head than I do and is better looking. His style of writing is more cerebral than my folksy prose. I look forward to reading it.

It has been a pleasure to serve the West Michigan District Dental Society for the past three years. Have a great summer!

From the WMDDS Board...

A special thank you to Dr. Bruce Weny for your outstanding work and dedication as Editor of the WMDDS Bulletin from 2006 to 2009.

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FEAT URE ART IC LE

Do You Remember Your Dentist?

By Dr. Bruce Weny, WMDDS Editor five and a lower one within a decade or two it was not unusual for dentists to start three to five denture cases every week. He would use warmed beeswax to take the vertical and centric relationship. I suppose after the first thousand you got the hang of seeing just where vertical should be. Then he would set his own denture teeth. Many times he used a cusped lingual maxillary tooth to oppose a zero degree mandibular tooth.

Lingualized occlusion!

All five of us have dental work by him. Some even have gold inlays. I have not had to change any of his work over the years on my siblings. Yes, we did get to play with the mercury. He would put some mercury on a dime, which had some silver in remember my dentist. He was a big guy, a bit overthose days and it formed a slippery surface. He would mill the weight with a big round face and white wavy hair. He amalgam in his hand after mixing it in a mortar and pestle. had large hands and I was amazed at his dexterity, No, none of us went crazy although I thought my siblings especially doing wax patterns for gold inlays direct in the were a little touched at times, but that was due to living with mouth! His fingers were larger than mine. I thought it was me. The folks would not let my siblings kill their youngest and quite crowded with my fingers in the mouth let alone his. that lead to great frustration. I was the one who threw marbles How did he get those fingers into someone’s mouth? at my future brother-in-law who was a state trooper. I didn’t My mother was his dental assistant at one time and later his know he could jump over the coffee table that fast! I was also bookkeeper. That was how this relationship started and we all the one who took my brothers’ model airplane through a door went to him. When he found out I chose to go to dental school to show my mother, but the wingspan of the plane was larger he let me watch him work chairside. I would go from my than the door. These actions were not the result of mercury classes at junior college over to his office after school and poisoning but of poor choices. You have to pick your tarobserve as he extracted teeth, took impressions for dentures gets better. I just lacked (this was with plaster, we’re experience, but I digress. talking old school here), He was born in worked on inlays, and Luxembourg. “That is not crowns and bridges. There Germany” he would say. He was one case where he was came over in a sailing ship extracting the six mandibuwhen he was five years old. lar incisors, complete with He told a story of his family pus and calculus. We’ve all traveling by rail from New seen these cases. It was an York where they arrived to advanced perio case going go to Chicago. The train toward a complete denture stopped in Buffalo and his in a hurry. I suppose I father went out to get some looked a bit pale if not fruit to eat. When he re green. I had to leave the turned he told the family room and sit in his small that the President of the dental lab. In the day when When this picture was taken this dentist was 64 years old and had practiced most people had at least an dentistry for 44 years. He was dealing with cancer at the time. He practiced for United States has been shot!

McKinley had been the upper denture by age thirty- another 14 years.

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WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SUMMER ISSUE 2009

FEAT URE ART IC LE

president. Now some young fellow by the name of “T.R.” would take over.

He attended dental school at the University of Michigan, and when he graduated in 1917 the Dean asked him what his first name was, “Max,” “Maximilian,” or “Maxim?” It seems both his mother and he used all three forms. Well, everyone seemed happy with Maximilian with Max for short. After three years in dental school, the new Dr. Max graduated and was off in the Army to France with the American Expeditionary Force. There were no pre-dent requirements in those days. It took me eight years, and he seemed to know everything I did. I guess I am just slow.

We all have stories of the time we spend at dental school.

Sometimes it is the school and sometimes it happens while we are there. He related a story of his younger brother, Joe who came in from Allegan, the family home, to see Max. Joe had a supply of wine that their father had made with him. Well, Joe had a bit too much, all right, way too much and proceeded to get sick in the foyer of the house where Max was staying. That house is still there, one block from dental school. The landlady got upset and the result was the dean calling Max in to explain the situation. Wow, have times changed! This was the time of being and acting as a professional should. You were not to wear a red tie or smoke a pipe, you know, important things like that! I think this was the result of dentistry’s struggle to be held in same esteem as physicians were.

Public opinion of the professions was of great importance.

Advertising was held as unprofessional, as this was considered below the high standards expected in telling the truth. Those who advertised were considered just above the “snake oil” salesman of some years before, therefore not looked kindly upon, and Max was an advertiser. He was not allowed to be a member of organized dentistry, yet his work was of high caliber and he was honest. His motto was: “Have your teeth out by the ‘absorption method,’ you won’t feel the needle jab.” This was a periodontal injection with a 30-gauge needle under high pressure. The barrel of the syringe was metal with a large hand trigger. I doubt he was the only one using this method, but he was the only one advertising it. A denture ad read,” My mouth will sing my praises.” The second one would fly today, but not the first one. It sounds like he had some special method no one else had.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SUMMER ISSUE 2009

An example of public opinion happened to Max during the outset of WWII. He was waiting in line for a gas rationing card and the attendant asked what DDS stood for. Max said, “Doctor of Dental Surgery.” “Oh, you’re a Surgeon. Here is your card.” The next person had put DMD after his name and the attendant asked what that stood for. “Why it means Doctor of Medical Dentistry.” “Oh, you’re a doctor. Here is your card.” It was ten gallons less a week than Max had been given.

When Max was discharged from the Army, he practiced dentistry in Allegan and later in Detroit with his best friend from dental school, Dr. Harry Kohn. With his dark wavy hair and a last name nobody had ever heard of (more on this later) they looked like brothers.

In a day when people seemed to be defined by the car they drove it was no different in the 20’s and 30’s. Max liked Cadillacs. He had some seventeen of them over his lifetime.

One was a V-16. You can see one down at the Gilmore Collection near Gull Lake. It is huge! He must have looked like Frank Nitty with the big caddy and wearing spats.

What can you say to someone who has had a rich and varied past and shared those lessons with you but: Thanks, Dad! From a grateful son In Memoriam of Maximilian Paul Weny, DDS Class of 1917 University of Michigan School of Dentistry My Dentist That name! Where did it come from? It is actually Italian. It seems some brothers left northern Italy many centuries ago and ended up in Luxembourg. Nobody seems to know why, but I can think of three reasons. One, poor job market or just plain starvation, just like today! Two, somebody wants to fight a war and you don’t want to be part of it. Last and we hope least, you are wanted by the local law enforcement. Take your pick but my bet is on #1.

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TRUSTEE REPORT

MDA Trustee Update

By Dr. Brian Cilla, MDA Trustee

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s the new Trustee for West Michigan and Muskegon, it is my turn to provide information on events or activities which might be of interest to our local dental society membership. As we are all aware, our district has been well represented at the MDA in the past and I hope to continue on with this fine tradition. I feel fortunate for the opportunity to work with Norm Palm and Connie Verhagen on this current Board. Both are passionate and articulate advocates for our profession. We are living in interesting times and their thoughtful guidance will be important in order for our organization to chart a path through the challenges which are likely to impact our profession in the near future.

I would like to thank the WMDDS and Muskegon delegations for their participation at this year’s MDA annual session.

This group of individuals provided thoughtful input and commentary for a variety of issues at the meeting. Kudos are in order for the time, effort, and preparation which were extended on our behalf.

The highlights of the April 2009 MDA House of Delegates (HOD) and Board of Trustee’s (BOT) meetings are as follows.

• The MDA Mission Statement is now: Helping member dentists succeed.

• Dr. Doug Killian, immediate past-president of the WMDDS, was awarded the New Dentist Leadership Award. A nice reward for outstanding service to the WMDDS and MDA. • The MDA Bylaws have been modified to allow electronic voting and participation by remote communication.

• A new membership category has been created for a nonpracticing dentist. Essentially this is for a dentist who is ineligible for other types of membership, has a foreign dental degree, and is not delivering fee for service patient care.

A non-practicing member will pay 50% of the dues of an active member and 50% of any special assessment levied by the House of Delegates.

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• Beginning with the 2010 dues billing cycle, those who qualify for the working life category are required to pay half of any assessment.

• A special assessment of $265 per year was adopted for the MDA Public Education Campaign for the next three years.

This is a continuation of the prior policy and does not reflect any change in costs to members. Market surveys have indicated that the public has a very positive opinion of the current campaign.

• The remainder of the funds collected from the 2005 special building assessment fund will be utilized for the construction of the new MDA headquarters building. The new MDA building is on track for a completion date at the end of August. On time and on budget, what a novel concept!

• A dental home is to be considered as the ongoing relationship between a dentist, as the primary dental care provider, and the patient. This should begin no later than age one and include comprehensive oral health care. This supports the position of a Head Start initiative, which seeks to find a dental home for 35,000 children in Michigan.

• Access to Care has been defined as the provision of available dental care to the under- and never-served populations through developed programs designed for traditional and nontraditional service settings and education that facilitates providing a dental home in an environment that meets the accepted standards of dental care for patients in the State of Michigan.

• The MDA Relief Fund has been consolidated into Michigan Dental Foundation.

• Campaign Guidelines were modified to allow candidates the opportunity for linking their campaign literature to the MDA HOD web page via the electronic Delegate Digest.

• The Michigan Dental Association will seek legislation to prohibit a dental benefits carrier from setting a fee for noncovered services. This was specifically proposed because of recent actions taken by Delta Dental. The legislative process is expected to take several years of lobbying and will most likely be met by opposition from the insurance industry.

• Physicians will be encouraged to refer patients for dental evaluation prior to beginning, or during the early stages of, bisphosphonate treatment. This recommendation will be communicated to the Michigan State Medical Society.

• Volunteer insurance is available for member and nonmember (at higher cost) dentist through the MDA. WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SUMMER ISSUE 2009

• Some municipalities are auditing and/or requiring back flow valves between dental offices and the municipal water supply. This is being done on a city-by-city basis.

• The MDA will act with other organizations to oppose a statewide ergonomic standard.

• A letter has been sent by the MDA, in support of the Board of Dentistry (BOD), to the governor and BOD regarding recent court decisions which reversed BOD actions.

The Executive Directors Updates, by Drew Eason, have provided information regarding: 1. MI Door was a State of Michigan sponsored one-day volunteer event at U of D that allowed for treatment of approximately 400 patients. There were 100 dentists present, including Norm Palm, to provide free dental care.

Interesting fact: As an example of governmental efficiency in dental care, the MCDH estimated their manpower hours at 1,150 for organizing this one day volunteer event.

2. There was an ADA leadership conference in Washington DC which included support for the following legislation: – HR 1583 advocates repeal of the McCarran-Ferguson Act. This act currently provides insurance companies with anti-trust exemption.

– HR 2220 supports the concept of essential oral health care.

– HR 2345 is intended to limit the scope of the red flag rules as they apply to small business, like dental practices.

3. E-mail newsletters informed members on late-breaking stories, which have dental or potential practice implication.

– Medicare reimbursements for adults being eliminated.

– GM and Chrysler retirees loose their dental benefits.

Unfortunately, only 1/3 of our members open and review these e-mails.

4. MDA promotional life and/or disability insurance is available for younger members without the need for medical qualifications.

Items of local interest: Dr. Steve Dater has been appointed to the ADA Council on Governmental Affairs. Now he gets to keep up with the bureaucratic activities of our elected and/or appointed officials.

So much for being put out to pasture as an ex-MDA president!

Dr. Chris Smiley is a candidate for the position of Editor to the MDA Journal. Please provide your support and encouragement as he seeks election for this contested position.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SUMMER ISSUE 2009

The total membership for the MDA is 74%. We should be particularly proud because Muskegon participation is 90% and WMDDS is at 88%. Overall, even with the recent economic downturn, our membership has been relatively stable.

Current national topics that are of significance: A. The fee-generating activities of the MDA financial arm continues to expand and add clients via endorsements from various state organizations. Of concern is the fact that proposed national healthcare reforms might adversely impact the ability of the MDA to market and sell insurance. This could subsequently affect the MDA budgetary projections.

B. Minnesota has passed legislation establishing mid-level provider. This allows for two positions: 1. Dental Therapist (BS) can work with an on-site dentist to perform restorations and extraction of primary teeth.

2. Advanced Dental Therapist (BS) + 2000 hrs. experience + advanced training (MS) can work with an off-site dentist to perform restorations and extraction of hypermobile teeth.

The Dental Therapist must practice at selected facilities which have at least 50% low income patients. These positions were created with the stated purpose of addressing access to dental care for underserved communities.

However, it is important to note that funding was not included as part of this legislative initiative.

C. Montana and Wisconsin now allow temporary licensure for volunteer dentistry.

D. The FDA is set to rule on the classification of amalgam as a class 2 medical device. This could impose increased administrative burden, mandate patient information or impose warnings/precautions. Additionally, the FDA could even create a partial or full ban of this dental material. The ADA will keep us notified once a ruling is announced.

It is my intention to keep everybody current with recent events or topics which impact our profession. Anyone wishing to share thoughts, opinions, or commentary should feel free to contact me by phone or e-mail (blcilla@aol.com). If you have any questions or concerns, I am confident that the resources available through our fine MDA staff will provide appropriate and timely response to most issues. Finally, I want to thank everyone for the opportunity to act as the WMDDS/ Muskegon Trustee. Hope everyone enjoys their summer !

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WMDF NEWS

West Michigan Dental Foundation Golf Outing

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beautiful, sunny day greeted 92 golfers at beautiful Egypt Valley Country Club for the West Michigan Dental Foundation’s annual golf outing. A great time was had by all!

Thank you to the sponsors who made our outing a success: Lunch Sponsor Davis Dental Laboratory Eagle Sponsors Dr. David Cramer Delta Dental Plan of Michigan Grandville Endodontics Meade and Zolman Family Dentistry OMSA of Western Michigan, P.L.C. Oral Surgery Associates West Michigan Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Birdie Sponsors Dr. James Eldersveld First Companies Founders Bank and Trust Grandville Dental Health Care Henry Schein Mac Dental Lab MDA Insurance MDA Services Norman Family Dentistry Dr. Thomas Nykamp Palm, Panek & Billups Partners in Dental Care Patterson Dental PCAG, Inc. Dr. Mark Powell Major Patron Dr. Brian Cilla Dr. Bruce Jackson Dr. Ed Young

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The following were the day’s winners: Winning Foursome Devin Norman, Matt Peal, Tom Williams, Andy Knowlton Men’s Medalist Brent Dingman Women’s Medalist Juli Wemmer Men’s Longest Drive Travis Harshman Women’s Longest Drive Karen Pierre Closest to the Pin Dick Seitz #5, Jeff Kelly #7 Gary Mancewicz #12 Brent Dingman #16 Putting Contest Winner Ryan Zolman The outing would not have been possible without the help of all the volunteers. Helping at the outing were dental assisting students from Grand Rapids Community College, Carol Klein from OMSA, and Liz Mulder from Davis Lab. A special thanks to the WMDF Golf Outing Committee for all their hard work planning the event.

Larissa Bishop, chair Jim Ditta Matt Gietzen Mark Powell Tim Meade Ryan Zolman Ken Mulder Mike Palaszek Chuck Hoebeke Elaine Fleming WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SUMMER ISSUE 2009

WMDF NEWS

Left to right: Ken Mulder, Jim Eldersveld, Mark Tournell, Chuck Caldwell.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SUMMER ISSUE 2009

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New Dentist Forum Annual Golf Outing Friday, August 7, 2009 12:00 noon Shotgun Start at the wonderful Cedar Chase Golf Club Scramble event – find a foursome to play with or we will pair you with others – the more the merrier! $90 per person (same as last year) Proceeds benefit West Michigan Dental Foundation scholarships for students in dental, hygiene, and assisting programs from our area.

Sponsorship opportunities, large and small are available.

For more information, contact Dr. Devin Norman at work: 616.676.9177

Join us, it’s always a beautiful, sunny day!

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SUMMER ISSUE 2009

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WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SUMMER ISSUE 2009

GRDHS NEWS

Are You The One?

By JoAnne Hodder, RDH BS, Program Coordinator

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here’s a mission in downtown Grand Rapids called Volunteers began this year on June 5, providing free prethe Mel Trotter Ministries. Six years ago the Grand ventive and restorative services. We really need more dentists Rapids Dental Hygienists’ Society (GRDHS) joined for these underserved. Can you do something? By volunteerforces with this mission to use their dental clinic for a summer ing three to four hours of your time, any day Monday through program called the Community Dental Friday, morning or afternoon, you can Health Outreach program. With annual help restore the smiles to the residents of “I am only one; grants from the West Michigan Dental Mel Trotter Ministries (MTM) as well as Foundation since 2004 to purchase supadults and children from the Grand Rapids But still I am one. plies and equipment, this program has community.

I cannot do everything, provided $202,672 in free preventive and The modern dental clinic (two operatorestorative services by volunteer dentists, ries) is located on the first floor in Mel But still I can do something. hygienists, and assistants to 460 underTrotter Ministries, 225 Commerce Ave. SW, I will not refuse to do the served clients. Last summer an endodonGrand Rapids, four blocks south of Fulton tist, oral surgeon, pediatric dentist, and Steet. Parking is provided by MTM in the Something I can do.” orthodontist volunteered their dental parking ramp on Cherry Street (between services in their private dental offices. The Ionia and Commerce).

— Helen Keller Community Dental Health Outreach Call Program coordinator, JoAnne summer program has provided over 1100 Hodder, to sign up for the day and time of hours of free dental services since it began in 2004. your choice. Make this the “something you can do!”

This dental clinic began with only one hygienist and one dentist, and then another one volunteered and then another JoAnne Hodder, RDH BS, Program Coordinator one, and eventually we had a program. Each of us cannot do 616.453.6220 (home) everything, but each of us working together can do something.

616.498.6637 (cell)

Grand Rapids Dental Hygienist’s Society Officers 2009-2010

Grand Rapids Dental Hygienist’s Society Fall Seminar

President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cheryl Bentley Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Valarie Davis Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Katy Deeds Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . JoAnne Hodder Membership Secretary . . . . . . . Nickki Verhey WMDF Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dawn Kamyszek MDHA Trustee . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sara Rydman Newsletter Editor . . . . . . . . . . . Pennie Lewis Community Dental Health . . . JoAnne Hodder Seminar Committee . . . . . . . . Traci Beals, Janice Brouwers Delegates to MDHA . . . . . . . . Cheryl Bentley Pennie Lewis Valarie Davis Kathy Roos

November 7, 2009 Dr. John Gobetti Boulder Creek Golf Club Mark your calendar – more details to follow

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SUMMER ISSUE 2009

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MDA NEWS

Financing Solutions for Your Practice

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anc of America Practice Solutions™, a Michigan Dental Association endorsed partner, offers great products with great service. Known for its commitment to providing the right solutions and superior customer service, Banc of America Practice Solutions can help with your financial goals. With more than ten years of experience serving dentists, Banc of America Practice Solutions understands the needs of your practice. The result? An easier loan process, less paperwork, and faster turnaround, with many products tailored just for dentists.

Here are just a few examples of how Banc of America Practice Solutions can help you.

Starting a Practice? Banc of America Practice Solutions understands your start-up needs are of paramount importance in establishing the success of your practice. It provides complete financial solutions for all stages of your project.

Banc of America Practice Solutions can provide flexible loan repayment options, with terms up to 15 years.

Expanding your practice or buying equipment? Whether you’re expanding or relocating your practice or purchasing state-of-the-art equipment, Banc of America Practice Solutions has specific loan products to help finance your growth. Banc of America Practice Solutions can help make it affordable and easy. When you combine their industry expertise, practicespecific products, stream-lined application process and worldclass customer service, it’s easy to see why so many Michigan Dental Association members turn to Banc of America Practice Solutions for all their practice financing needs.

Buying or selling a practice? Banc of America Practice Solutions can provide the financing as well as the access to a national network of practice transition specialists who assist with site selection, appraisal, contract preparation and buyer/seller structuring of the transition.

Need to increase cash flow? Use Bank of America’s Debt Consolidation program and improve your practice’s cash flow by paying off high-rate business debt and lowering your overhead.

Considering a Real Estate Loan? Banc of America Practice Solutions offers the real estate loan products you need.

Whether you are buying, refinancing, or relocating, their team of specialists may be able to offer you a suite of comprehensive real estate loan options to meet your business needs.

Banc of America Practice Solutions can provide the finan-

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cial expertise and industry knowledge necessary to support your practice. As an added benefit, members of the Michigan Dental Association receive a reduction in loan administration fees and will be supporting the association.

Banc of America Practice Solutions is endorsed by the MDA through MDA Services. For more information, call 800.209.0841 and mention this article for a free sample business plan. You may also review products and schedule an appointment online at www.bankofamerica.com/practicesolutions.

Access to Care Workgroup to Release Report in ‘10 The MDA has announced a new partnership with Lansing-based Public Sector Consultants to conduct a comprehensive study of oral health care in Michigan to identify opportunities to improve oral health. The partnership will be overseen by the MDA’s Special Committee on Access to Care. According to Dr. Norman Palm, chair of the special committee, the MDA expects to release the report in early 2010.

A 32-person work group has been named, consisting of leaders in dentistry, dental hygiene, education, state government, insurance, public health, social services, and other stakeholders.

“This landmark Michigan study will serve as the definitive report on dental access—where we are, the problems we are facing, and the potential solutions,” Palm said.

“This effort will include representatives from across a wide spectrum of Michigan dentistry and health care and will be the most in-depth analysis of this critical issue to date.

MDA President Dr. William Wright said the report will be the most complete report of its type to date, and will be a key part of the MDA’s access efforts, particularly with the Legislature.

“We are dedicated to expanding access to dental health care in Michigan and our new partnership with Public Sector Consultants will give us the tools to get that job done,” Wright said.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SUMMER ISSUE 2009

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SUMMER ISSUE 2009

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HUMAN RESOURCES NEWS

Workplace Harassment

By J. Devereaux Butler, Ph.D., Managing Partner, ClearTalent, LLC

Dear Org Doctor: I Know a colleague who recently was accused of “harassment” in his practice. He’s a great guy and would not intend any malice to anyone, particularly a team member. Naturally, he’s devastated.

How do I maintain a fun, warm office yet guard myself against this kind of allegation?

— “Afraid to be Friendly” in West Michigan Dear “Afraid to be Friendly”: I was wondering when this topic would appear. In the 1980s and 90s, much was written and reported about workplace harassment. Headlines of huge settlements and political correctness were a daily occurrence. Those days are over, right?

Wrong, wrong, and wrong.

Perhaps the reason we don’t hear as much about workplace harassment is that most people have gotten the message and taken the lessons to heart. I believe that today people are more tolerant, and sensitive to the positions of others.

Having worked in large organizations (Motorola, Spectrum Health) where the stakes of harassment claims were high, we received regular training on appropriate behavior.

The big organizations have taken this very seriously. However, in smaller, more “informal” offices, I have seen and heard things which cause me to duck looking for lawsuits flying in the door.

Here is what you need to know about workplace harassment.

The direct quotations were taken from the www.fcc.gov website.

Unlawful Harassment Unlawful harassment is a form of discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other federal authority.

Harassment is defined as an “unwelcome verbal or physical conduct based on race, color, religion, sex (whether or not of a sexual nature and including same-gender harassment and gender identity harassment), national origin, age (40 and over), disability (mental or physical), sexual orientation, or

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retaliation (sometimes collectively referred to as ‘legally protected characteristics’).” It constitutes harassment when: • The conduct is sufficiently severe or pervasive to create a hostile work environment; or • A supervisor’s harassing conduct results in a tangible change in an employee’s employment status or benefits (for example, demotion, termination, failure to promote, etc.).

Hostile Workplace Hostile work environment harassment occurs when unwelcome comments or conduct based on sex, race, or other legally protected characteristics unreasonably interfere with an employee’s work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.

Anyone in the workplace might commit this type of harassment – a management official, co-worker, or non-employee, such as a contractor, vendor, or guest. The victim can be anyone affected by the conduct, not just the individual at whom the offensive conduct is directed.

Be particularly interested in the last sentence. Perhaps you are joking around with a teammate who is perfectly comfortable with the interaction. However, another in earshot may be offended by the behavior and have legitimate cause for action against you. Yikes!

Play it Safe.

Accusations of unlawful harassment and creation of a hostile workplace are serious business. At work, it’s better to be safe than sorry. You can be warm and friendly – but within constraints. Remember your co-workers are not your best friends (at least not a work), and you can’t “let your hair down.” You are at work and need to act as the professional you are.

Here are some simple rules to keep in mind. Do NOT: • Comment on a person’s body or clothing. This includes their hairdo, weight, what top looks good on them, etc.

• Tell lewd or off-color jokes. Internet jokes and videos are definitely out. Don’t even open the ones people send to you.

Ask the sender to stop.

• Comment on a person’s race or ethnic background. “Well there’s that famous Italian temper” is definitely a no-no.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SUMMER ISSUE 2009

HUMAN RESOURCES NEWS

• Comment on a person’s age, particularly if they’re over 40 years old.

• Comment on a person’s gender. This includes phrases such as “the girls at the front desk” and definitely words like “honey” and “sweetie.”

• Discuss religious beliefs (or non-belief).

• Touch other employees. There is almost no reason to touch another employee. Backrubs, neck messages, and love pats have no place at work.

If you keep in mind these simple guidelines, you can still have a warm and friendly dental practice where everyone feels safe and appreciated. This will reflect in your staff behavior, and patients will enjoy and respect your professional atmosphere.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SUMMER ISSUE 2009

The “OrgDoctor” is written by ClearTalent, an HR company helping organizations to hire, measure, align, and develop employees for business results. You can contact ClearTalent at getclear@getcleartalent.com

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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 Haven – It can be a slow start for young dentists in private practice in this economy, but the rewards are there if you are willing to work towards them. We are two general dentists in our late 50’s who are looking for a full-time associate who would buy into our practice over a 3-5 year period. Ten ops, 4 hygienists, and as nice a hightech family practice as they come. It would be important to us that you live in and are an active part of our wonderful community. Please send your resumé to Drs. Kennard Creason and Walter Weber, 333A Jackson Street, Grand Haven, MI 49417.

Call 616.842.0822.

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.

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.

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SE Grand Rapids – Opportunity for a younger dentist to begin transition to their own practice. Recently remodeled office in an excellent location.

Gradually meet the patients and earn extra money as existing dentist takes additional time off over the next three to five years. If interested, email cascadedentistry@gmail.com.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SUMMER ISSUE 2009

CLASSIFIED ADS

RDH/RDA – Dental professional with over 5 years experience seeking fulltime, part-time or subbing opportunities where I will be able to utilize my professional experience with patients.

Please contact me at 616.262.8719.

Gorgeous Brand New 9120SF Class A Office Condo for Sale – Income producing! 3769SF new medical tenant on 5-year lease, 5351SF available to occupy. High traffic corner. Norton Shores.

Call 616.776.0100.

Opening a Satellite Office. Looking for a good used panoramic x-ray and some other used equipment (in good shape). Please email: hanyb@juno.com or call my office at 616.774.9402 or cell phone 616.307.2213 (leave message).

Spielmaker Accounting, Inc. – Specializing in medical practice accounting. Providing all aspects of accounting, payroll, and tax services.

Licensed. Over 20 years of practice experience. References available.

616.885.0432.

$190,000 Medical/Dental Office Building for Sale – Just south of 28th St. off Eastern Ave. in Grand Rapids.

2,345 sq. ft. For more information call Tyler DeGraaf at NAI West Michigan 616.242.1118.

Dental Vacuum Pump – 2 Hp Matrix Model Max-2000. Excellent condition.

Recently appraised at $1200. Will take $800 or best offer. Contact Chase Klinesteker at 949-8665 or ckspoonpl1@aol.com.

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.

RDH – 19 years hygiene experience, professional demeanor with excellent chairside manner with patients.

Seeking part-time or substitute opportunities. Flexible, proven individual/team performer, strong references. Call Kathy at 616.682.1967.

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.

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.........................11 Davis Dental Laboratory................inside front cover Founders Bank & Trust.....................17 Henry Schein ............inside back cover MDA IFG .......................................9, 11 Professional Solutions .................outside back cover ProNational .......................................15 Tech Trust ..........................................12

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

Grand Rapids Area – I am looking to purchase a dental practice with or with out a transition. please call Dr. Martin 616.406.9399.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SUMMER ISSUE 2009

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2009– 2011 WMDDS C ONT INUING EDUC AT ION PROGRAMS

OCTOBER 16, 2009

Predictable Occlusal Therapy in Restorative Dentistry

by Dr. DeWitt Wilkerson Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids | 8:00 am–4:00 pm | 7 CEU’S

JANUARY 8, 2010

Vaccine Recommendations for Health Care Professionals: Science, Success and Misperceptions Infection Control: That Thing You Do – Why Do You Do It?

by Dr. John Molinari Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids | 8:00 am–4:00 pm | 7 CEU’S

MARCH 12, 2010

Longevity, Esthetics & Bite Stabilization

by Dr. Jeffrey Morley Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids | 8:00 am–4:00 pm | 7 CEU’S

OCTOBER 1, 2010

Dr. Jamison Spencer Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids | 8:00 am–4:00 pm | 7 CEU’S

JANUARY 28, 2011

Katherine Eitel Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids | 8:00 am–4:00 pm | 7 CEU’S

MARCH 11, 2011

Drs. John Farah and John Powers Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids | 8:00 am–4:00 pm | 7 CEU’S

For information, call Elaine Fleming at 616.234.5605 or e-mail at efwmdds@aol.com 20

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | SUMMER ISSUE 2009

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

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