http://wmdds.org/2010/bulletin/2010%20winter%20wmdds%20bulletin

WINTER ISSUE 2010 VOL. 42, NO. 3

Bulletin

Editor

James Papp

Associate Editors

Seth Vruggink Jeff Smith Aric Smith Larrisa Bishop Sheryl Jenicke

Advertising Editor

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

West Michigan District Dental Society Executive Board 2009-2010 President Douglas Klein President-Elect Seth Vruggink Vice President Larissa Bishop Secretary-Treasurer Ryan Lebster Editor James Papp Immediate Past Doug Killian President Directors Tyler Wolf

Christopher Morgan

Samuel Bander Area Representatives Kent County David Armbrecht Ionia-Montcalm Kathleen Ellsworth County Mecosta County Margaret Gingrich Ottawa County Thomas Phares MDA IV District Trustees

Norman Palm Brian Cilla

Big Rapids Dental Study Club Officers, 2009-2010 President Erick Perroud Vice President Christa Stern Secretary Christa Stern Treasurer Erick Perroud Holland-Zeeland Dental Society Officers, 2009-2010 President Meredith Smedley Treasurer Robert Ankerman Secretary Immediate Past President Ionia-Montcalm Dental Study Club Officers, 2008-2009 President Chris Morgan Treasurer Kirkwood Faber Kent County Dental Society Officers, 2009-2010 President Brant Erbentraut Vice President David Armbrecht Secretary Lathe Miller Treasurer West Michigan Dental Foundation Officers President Donald Vander Linde Vice President Matthew Gietzen Secretary Devin Norman Treasurer Carl Kruyswyk The Bulletin of the West Michigan Dental Society is published six times a year (the directory issue, fall issue, holiday issue, winter issue, spring issue, and summer issue). 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, 4880 Cascade Road SE, Ste. B, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

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. © 2009-2010 West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

Contents President’s Message...................................................................................................... 2 Editor’s Thoughts......................................................................................................... 3 Life Members Honored................................................................................................ 4 2010 Silent Bell Recipient: Dr. Robert F. O’Brien...................................................... 6 2010 Silent Bell Recipient: Dr. Marilyn J. Stolberg....................................................10 Lois Havermans Receives Steel Water Award.............................................................14 Program Review............................................................................................................16 Looking for Volunteer Opportunities?........................................................................18 Trustee Report by Dr. Brian Cilla................................................................................20 Trustee Report by Dr. Norm Palm..............................................................................22 Tooth Time 2010..........................................................................................................24 New Member Profile....................................................................................................25 Classified Ads................................................................................................................26 Advertiser Index............................................................................................................28

About the cover 2010 Silent Bell Recipients Robert F. O’Brien and Marilyn J. Stolberg.

Silent Bell photos courtesy of Adam Bird Photographer.

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. James C. Papp • 4880 Cascade Road SE, Suite B • Grand Rapids, MI 49546 Phone: 616.940.9872 FAX 616.940.2854 • Email: DRJPAPP@aol.com Include “Newsletter” in the subject line

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2010

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

A New Year Brings Changes to Dentistry

By Dr. Douglas R. Klein, WMDDS President

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appy New Year! I hope this message finds you well and succeeding in all this year’s resolutions. It’s nice to see the sun still up when leaving the office, all the while knowing we’ve entered that seemingly endless wintery-white corridor between the Super Bowl and March Madness. The WMDDS certainly has enough business going on to pass the time, with award ceremonies, CE meetings, MDA House of Delegates preparation, and state and federal legislative issues filling in the holes.

Two important legislative items affecting dentistry are up for vote very soon; one on the federal level, and one here in Michigan.

On the federal level, the U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on the American Dental Association’s long fought repeal of the McCarran-Ferguson Act’s exemption of health insurance companies from federal antitrust laws (H.R. 3596). The ADA believes dentists, their patients, and the public at large are all victims of McCarran-Ferguson’s negative impact on competition among entities in the insurance industry and would benefit from its repeal. Please contact your Representative and ask that he/she vote for H.R. 3596.

Here in Michigan, House Bill 5614 passed the House 95-4 and is now headed to the Senate. This legislation would prohibit non-licensed individuals from practicing dentistry, keeping Michigan’s citizens safe and protected. It would allow the Michigan Department of Community Health and the Attorney General’s office to investigate complaints against non-licensed individuals practicing dentistry (e.g. whitening kiosks, denturists). Currently the duty to investigate these complaints falls within the scope of the county prosecutor. Often these crimes, while potentially harmful to the public, are not a prior 2

ity and are therefore not pursued. Again, please contact your Representative and ask that he/she vote for H.B. 5614. For more information on McCarran-Ferguson Repeal (H.R. 3596) and H.B. 5614, please contact Caroline Ruddell, MDA Director of Legislative and Insurance Advocacy, at 517.372-9070, ext. 423.

If you’re interested in staying informed on current legislative issues facing dentistry and would to make your voice heard, please consider attending the MDA’s Legislative Reception with many of our state officials. This event will be held on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 in Lansing. Please consider attending this important event and let your voice be heard. As it’s been said before, if dentistry is not at the table, it will most certainly be on the menu. For more information or to RSVP, contact Kesha Dixon at 517.346.9452, ext. 452 or mda.reception@gmail.com.

Grif makes a surprise visit to the WMDDS Continuing Education Seminar, in anticipation of Dental Appreciation Night, March 5. Photo courtesy of Dr. Chris Smiley.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2010

EDITOR’S THOUGHTS

More Dentists and Dental Hygiene Practitioners Does Not Equal More Access to Care

By Dr. James C. Papp, WMDDS Editor

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ver the past couple of years (or more), there seems to be a push to increase the number of dentists and expand the role of dental hygiene. Over the course of a few years, there will be several new dental schools opening in the United States. Locally, Midwestern University College of Medicine (MUCDM), Downers Grove, Illinois (just outside of Chicago) will be opening their doors in just a couple of months, while a new dental school is already operating in Glendale, Arizona. A total of five new dental schools will be functional in just a few years. The American Dental Education Association’s newsletter, titled “Charting Progress,” highlights the five new dental schools and their deans. On a different front, the Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioner (ADHP) model has been proposed by the American Dental Hygienist Association (ADHA). Policy has been initiated by ADHA as far back as 2004, curriculum and pilot studies have been in development since 2008-2009. In Colorado, a similar model has been in place for nearly ten years.

In the proposed ADHP model, hygienists will be trained at a masters level to treat infection, relieve pain, promote function and oral health; prepare primary and permanent teeth for restoration; direct placement of the appropriate restorative material; placement of temporary restorations; placement of pre-formed crowns; temporary recementation of restorations; pulp capping in primary and permanent teeth; pulpotomy in primary teeth; referral of patients; performing the extraction of primary teeth and simple extraction of permanent teeth; place and remove suture; complete simple repairs and adjustments of removable prosthetic appliances; recognize and refer patients with pathological conditions for diagnosis and treatment; prevent potential orthodontic problems by early identification and appropriWEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2010

ate referral; prescribe pharmacologic agents for prevention, control of infection, and pain management utilizing established protocols or in consultation with a dentist or a physician; utilize local anesthesia and nitrous oxide analgesia during the provision of care as appropriate; prevent, identify, and manage dental and medical emergencies and maintain current basic life support certification.

The rationale given for implementing new schools and advanced hygiene programs is virtually the same: increase access to care in underserved populations. The ADHA states that there is a shortage of dentists in underserved areas in both rural and inner city areas, thus the need for a new dental provider. Dental school officials take a little more broad approach stating the new dental schools are in efforts to counter the predicted shortage of dentists in America as evidenced by an increasing population-per-dentist ratio. And what areas are most reflective of this trend you may ask? Rural and inner city areas.

At first glance these appear to be good ideas. But, is there any real evidence that supports/reinforces these ideas? Is there a shortage of dentists that needs to be addressed by increasing the number of dentists? Will the advanced dental hygiene practitioner satisfy the need in the underserved areas? Related to dental schools, two reports (1980, 1998) by the American Dental Association Future of Dentistry came to the same conclusions: The need is far greater than the demand for dental services, and that the delivery system has the flexibility to meet any surge in demand. It also states that there is a mal-distribution of dentists (which we all know) which is not likely to be solved. Dentists will practice where they can make an average or above income. Earlier this year, The Colorado Rural Health Advocacy reported that the independent practice of dental hygiene (in place for ten years) has shown little effect on access to care. Most hygienists moved away from the underserved areas to well populated/served areas by dental offices.

I certainly understand that access to care is a growing issue we face that is coupled with a gamut of hurdles along the way. At this point, I just don’t think this is the answer. Easy for me to say behind the keyboard. But, am I wrong? Time will tell. It always does.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Life Members Honored

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n December 17, 2009, five West Michigan District Michigan where he practiced for 38 years. He had the priviDental Society members were honored with life lege of doing dentistry on some short-term missionary trips. membership at the WMDDS’s annual holiday dinOne was to the island of Bonaire, Netherland Anteles, and ner and awards night held at Cascade Hills Country Club. To another to Romania where he worked in two cities and one be an ADA life member, one must be 65 years old with 30 orphanage. He retired in November of 2005. continuous years of membership. To be an MDA life memDr. William Rocker was recognized for Life Membership ber, one must be 65 years old with 35 total years of memberin the American Dental Association. Bill was born and raised ship, or, if retired and haven’t reached 35 years total, have in Plymouth, Michigan. He attended Western Michigan been a member since graduation.

University and graduated from the University of Michigan Dr. Edwin Anderson was recognized for Life Membership School of Dentistry in 1957. He moved to Holland and in the American Dental Association and Michigan Dental assumed the general dentistry practice of Dr. Edwin Fuder.

Association. Originally from Bill has served on the Board Elizabeth, New Jersey, Dr. of WMDDS, was a member of Edwin W. Anderson attended the Legislative Committee, and Fairleigh Dickinson University was a Grassroots Legislative School of Dentistry where he volunteer for the ADA. He has graduated in 1970. For two years been active with the Holland he practiced in Hightown, -Zeeland Dental Society and New Jersey and then subsevolunteered for the “Miles of quently moved to Big Rapids, Smiles” dental van. The MDA Michigan in late 1972 where awarded him the Public Service he bought his first practice.

Award for his help in rewriting In 1973, Dr. Anderson’s practhe Boy Scout Dentistry Merit tice merged with that of Dr.’s Badge booklet. Bill had an artiLarry Jensen and Rod Shroyer, cle published on dentistry in where he continued working England in the 19th century. It for more than 25 years. Upon was based on letters written by their retirement, Dr. Kevin New life members (left to right): Dr. John Albrecht, Dr. Gerald Larsen, Dr. Jane Austen and period dental Mathewson joined the practice Edwin Anderson, and Dr. William Rocker. primary sources. He served on and has partnered with Dr. Anderson for the last 13 years. Ed the United Way Board of Directors and worked on several decided to relocate to Michigan primarily due to his joy of campaigns. He was involved with two strategic plans for the fishing and purchased a cottage located on Stony Lake near City of Holland. A Lion’s Club member for over 40 years, he the Lake Michigan shore. He has four grown children – Scott, has held many leadership positions. He is an active member a dentist in Colorado; Carolee, a Pfizer representative; Kristin of the Holland First United Methodist Church. A 50-year vetand Matthew, both of whom are teachers. Ed currently is eran of the Boy Scouts, he currently serves as Vice President of grandfather to six grandchildren, with a seventh soon on the way.

Programs for the Gerald R. Ford Council and on the Board of Dr. Gerald Larsen was recognized for Life Membership the Central Region of the National Council. He was awarded in the American Dental Association. He graduated from the Silver Beaver and the Silver Antelope for distinguished Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI in 1965. service to youth at the council and regional levels. Dr. Rocker He was in an early commission program in the Fifth Army is married and has two children and three grandchildren. He and stationed in Minneapolis, Minnesota during the Vietnam was awarded the Silent Bell award in 2009.

War. Dr. Larsen started his dental practice in 1967 in Jenison, Dr. John Albrecht was recognized for Life Membership 4

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2010

FEATURE ARTICLE

in the American Dental Association and Michigan Dental Association. Dr. Albrecht completed his undergraduate studies at Hope College in 1965 and graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1969. He purchased the practice of Dr. Gerald Vander Wall and practiced dentistry in downtown Grand Rapids for nineteen years. He relocated the practice to Grandville in 1988. He has served on the West Michigan District Dental Society Peer Review Committee since 1992. Dr. Jason Doublestein has been associated with Dr. Albrecht for the past few years and became the owner on January 1, 2010. Dr. Albrecht will then work for Dr.

Doublestein until he decides to put him out to pasture (probably in a facility!) He and his wife, Jane, have four married children and eleven grandchildren all living in the area. Their plans for the future are to continue spending time with their family, some of the summer on Sugar Island, and complete some traveling.

Dr. John Kropf was unable to attend but was recognized for Life Membership in the American Dental Association and Michigan Dental Association. Dr. Kropf is a retired periodontist who practiced in Grand Rapids.

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WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2010

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2010 SILENT BELL RECIPIENT

Robert F. O’Brien, DDS

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r. Robert F. O’Brien, the third son of Leo John O’Brien and Mary Adeline Page, has been blessed with a long and prosperous career in the profession he has loved and served for many, many decades. The O’Brien legacy in dentistry continues today in the offices that Bob entrusted to his sons, Jon and Pat, upon his retirement in 1994 at 1503 Coit Avenue. But even today after fifteen-plus years of retirement, he is venerably referred to as “Dr. Robert.” It’s the easiest way not to mix up the names of the dentists in that packed powerhouse on Coit and still show the respect and admiration that patients and staff still have for Bob. Everyone knows to whom you are referring when the “Dr. Robert” is intoned daily in that office.

But reverence and deference are wasted on a man such as Robert F. O’Brien. His self-deprecating and easy-going manner belies all that pomp and circumstance one might associate with the “Doctor” title he earned from the University of Michigan back in 1950. Bob is a straightforward, uncomplicated person who places faith and family first in everything he touches. Those foundational attributes have served him well in his profession. He is loved and respected by generation after generation of family members he served as a practicing dentist for almost forty-five years. As mentioned, that legacy continues on at O’Brien and O’Brien PC, however, the tragic and untimely loss of Bob’s third son, Pat, diminishes the luster of that valued heritage during the family’s time of recovery from Pat’s passing on September 11, 2009.

The O’Brien dental roots go deep. Dr. Robert’s father, Dr. Leo John O’Brien, graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in 1915. Pat’s third son, Danny O’Brien, is in his first year of that same school. Undoubtedly the desire to serve the public resonates from generation to generation in the O’Brien clan. A review of the chosen professions of the eleven children born to Bob and his wife, Virginia “Jinny” Bechtold, easily supports that conclusion. The teaching, legal,

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engineering, social work, and artistic professions are all well represented. Jinny, however, had precious little time to pursue her career in physical therapy after her marriage to Bob in 1947. She did manage to eke out a few years of service— one at Mayo Clinic— before her days as a mother began. To remove the distraction for those inclined “to do the math” associated with Jinny’s eleven pregnancies, the exact dates of birth for the O’Brien offspring are purposefully left off of Dr. Robert’s curriculum vitae. Suffice it say, Jinny was one busy lady one year into her marriage with Bob and from then on out. One birth date does warrant special mention and that is of Erin, the eleventh of the O’Brien progeny, born on February 10, 1967, the year after their tenth child, Andrew, passed away at birth in 1966. Erin and Jinny share that same February 10th birthday and that special event marks the best birthday gift Jinny has ever been given and believes to this day that it came from heaven above.

The eldest Dr. O’Brien, Leo, bounced Bob’s mom and siblings from house to house and town to town a bit—born in Detroit with stints in GR and then in Kalamazoo and back to GR. All this didn’t have much of any negative impact upon Bob. He always had the knack for studying, staying involved in sports and making the occasional buck from odd jobs and military service. Tossing newspapers, caddying here and there, gardening chores for whomever would hire him (a penny a weed was the going rate at the time), all seemed to instill upon Bob that hard work was worth the effort. This same respect for this work ethic was transferred to the next generation of O’Briens and undoubtedly that same work ethic has worked its magic on the forty grandchildren and twenty-three greatgrandchildren now traipsing across the country.

Bob’s childhood was, all-in-all, a stable one. His mom’s mom died when she was young which effectively removed any role model for the position of motherhood for her to emulate, but she survived and raised the seven O’Briens with WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2010

2010 SILENT BELL RECIPIENT

Leo successfully. When asked to reflect upon his memories of his father, Dr. Robert beams a bit and says in his consistently unassuming manner, “Sometimes it takes a long time to realize how great a man your dad was.” Any rough time that he experienced growing up only gave him the resolve to seek out positive relationships that had the intended effect of making Bob who is today: a person of resolute character with an unwavering dedication to family and friends, and a steadfast faith that sustains it all.

Somewhere along the line, Dr. Robert learned how to plant an effective kiss upon members of the opposite sex. But it was well after Bob and Jinny first met, which was in a course one could call “Sandbox 101” in kindergarten at Sibley School during one of the years spent in Grand Rapids by the itinerant O’Brien clan. They met again in high school at Grand Rapids Catholic Central at rehearsal for the school play, “Charlie’s

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2010

Aunt.” Bob’s character called for some kissing and, as Bob puts it, “The nun running the show made me practice kissing and I think Jinny liked what she saw.” After sixty-two or so years of marriage, no complaints to the contrary are being offered by the former Virginia Bechtold.

Dr. Robert F. O’Brien’s path to the profession certainly cannot be described as a level progression. Classes completed at the then-named Grand Rapids Junior College led to an associate degree, but dental school wasn’t even in the picture.

In fact, Bob’s love for flying almost got the best of him early and often. Back in ’42, GRJC paid for flight school but Bob only managed to receive ground school credit. Undeterred and at the urging of a Navy recruiter, Bob finally pursued his dream and managed to receive his wings in Corpus Christi, Texas. Although he didn’t see any combat action in World War II, many a vet that served in the Navy Air Corps at that

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2010 SILENT BELL RECIPIENT

time will attest to the fact that it could be just as dangerous as a Navy Airman to fly those SB2C Curtiss Helldivers and PV-2 Harpoons in the ‘40s over friendly land and sea as it was in active combat. The thrill of flying explains why Charles Lindberg remains one of his heroes to this day.

After numerous calls to order to the Pacific Front came up empty, Bob left the service and, rather than becoming a naval flyboy forever, or use the commercial pilot’s license he earned while on active duty, Bob returned to Grand Rapids. Bob re-entered GRJC, completed some needed chemistry courses, and was enrolled at Michigan State University to complete a degree in chemistry when he got the call to fill a spot in the entering class at the University of Michigan.

Upon his return to Grand Rapids in 1950 to start his career in dentistry, Dr. O’Brien and Jinny already had three kids in tow. As the family grew, so did Dr. O’Brien’s involvement in church, professional and civic activities. His positive, friendly demeanor was always welcomed. Dr. O’Brien’s steadfast adherence to a way of life that benefits others rather than self continues to this day. From his involvement with the West Michigan District Dental Society to his numerous community and church affiliations, Dr. O’Brien has touched the lives of countless Grand Rapidians—all in a positive and meaningful way. This is the sort of man that we, as colleagues, relatives and friends, can say is the epitome of the consummate professional—someone that we should easily identify as our “go-to guy” or the mentor we should seek out when our cares and concerns need some interpretation.

Although Dr. Robert infrequently rose to the level of leadership positions in the abundant numbers of church, professional and service organizations to which his name is associated, he was a stalwart and indispensable cog in all of the groups that benefitted from his membership. Dr. O’Brien continues to maintain that enthusiasm and his special charm needed in order for tasks to get done, for jobs to be completed, and for our profession to shine. Dr. Robert F. O’Brien, thank you for your commitment to your faith, your family, and to your profession. Your colleagues and the public whom they serve have benefitted from your deep devotion, and congratulate you as you receive our society’s highest honor, the Silent Bell.

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Robert F. O’Brien, DDS Education and Academic Degrees 1940 – High School Degree, Grand Rapids Catholic Central

High School 1942 – Associate Degree, Grand Rapids Junior College 1943 – Attended Aquinas College 1945 to 1946 – additional education at Grand Rapids Junior College 1950 – Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of Michigan

School of Dentistry Professional Practice 1950 to 1994 – General Practice, Grand Rapids, Michigan Professional Organizations American Dental Association, Life Member Michigan Dental Association, Life Member West Michigan District Dental Society, Life Member Kent County Dental Society, Life Member American College of Dentists, Fellow Professional Activities Michigan State University fluoride treatment program for

children of faculty City Dentist at South and Union High Schools early in career Volunteer at Baxter Street clinic in the 1970s Tour of dental clinics in Suva, Fiji Islands 1974 Career day representative for students in the area schools Volunteer services for Vietnamese refugee population

throughout the 1970s Volunteer services for Sudanese refugee population

throughout the 1990s WMDDS Secretary/Treasurer WMDDS President 1979 – 1980

WMDDS Member and Chair, numerous WMDDS committees MDA delegate to General Assembly and House of Delegates Mentor to young dentists including sons, Jon and Patrick Adult Dental Services Program provider for 25 years Community and Church Creston Neighborhood Association, Member Creston Business Association, Member Greater Grand Rapids Area diversity group, Member – 1960s Right to Life of Michigan, Member St. James Catholic Church, Member Parish Council, Member Holy Name Society, Member Food Drive, Charter Member WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2010

2010 SILENT BELL RECIPIENT

Eucharistic Minister Lector Bible Study Group, Member Catechist for religious formation Parent-Teacher Association, Member Booster Club, Member and Past President Captain for St. Lazare Retreat House Member of the committee for Catholic Services Appeal – 1968 Grand Rapids Diocesan Council, Member – 1968 Christian Family Movement, Charter Member Team member at Pre-Cana conferences 1958 – 1960 Presenter on marriage and family values at West Catholic High School Involved in fundraising for Catholic Secondary Schools in the 1980s Volunteer at God’s Kitchen Gilda’s Club representative to Grand Rapids City Council Business Development Concern Hospice Provider training completion – 1995 Men’s group facilitator at Caretree Alzheimer/Dementia unit

1996 – 2001 American Legion, Member – 1947 Elks Lodge, Member – 1959 Boy Scouts of America, Cub Scout involvement 1962 – 1964 YMCA, Indian Princesses involvement 1962 – 1964 Knights of Columbus, Member – 1960s Loyal Order of Hibernians, Member – 1970s Personal History and Interests One of seven children born to Mary Adeline Page and Leo John O’Brien, a 1915 graduate of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry

Silent Bell Past Recipients Otto Lee Ricker, D.D.S., M.S.

1981

Willard B. Ver Meulen, D.D.S.

1981

Clifford T. Nelson, D.D.S.

1982

William M. Creason, D.D.S.

1983

Vernor H. Eman, D.D.S., M.S.

1984

Julius Franks, Jr., D.D.S.

1985

Henry L. Homan, D.D.S.

1986

Ray E. Stevens, Jr., D.D.S.

1987

Orren A. Bolt, D.D.S.

1988

Robert F. Streelman, D.D.S.

1989

Gerald L. Vander Wall, D.D.S., M.S.

1990

David H. Seibold, D.D.S.

1991

Donald G. Hallas, D.D.S.

1992

Robert E. Reagan, D.D.S.

1993

John R. Cook, D.D.S.

1994

Eugene L. Bonofiglo, D.D.S.

1995

Lawrence R. Marcotte, D.D.S., M.S.

1996

Laurence J. Jensen, D.D.S.

1997

Harry H. Luton, D.D.S., M.S.

1997

Robert W. Browne, D.D.S., M.S.

1998

Harold O. Steele II, D.D.S.

1998

Married to Virginia “Jinny” Bechtold – 1947

Lawrence J. Manning, D.D.S., M.S.

1999

Eleven children (three girls, eight boys) Kathleen – 1948 Jon – 1949 Robert – 1950 Patrick – 1952 (deceased, 2009) Michael – 1954 Timothy – 1956 Loretta – 1958 William – 1960 Terence – 1962 Andrew – 1966 (deceased, 1966) Erin – 1967

Arnold Baker, D.D.S., M.S.

2000

Robert D. Mitus, Jr., D.D.S.

2000

Robert W. Klinesteker, D.D.S.

2001

Timothy H. Gietzen, D.D.S.

2002

James L. Wieland, D.D.S.

2003

Charles R. Caldwell, D.D.S., M.S.

2004

Henry J. Milanowski, D.D.S.

2005

John J. Stepanovich, D.D.S.

2006

Lonny E. Zietz, D.D.S., M.S.

2007

Forty grandchildren Twenty-three great-grandchildren

Michael H. (Reggie) VanderVeen, D.D.S.

2008

William A. Avery, D.D.S.

2009

Hobbies include golf, sports, spending time with expanded family anywhere and anytime.

William F. Rocker, D.D.S.

2009

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2010

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2010 SILENT BELL RECIPIENT

Marilyn J. Stolberg, DDS

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r. Marilyn Stolberg is being recognized this year because of her accomplishments in dentistry, but one finds that she has had an unusual journey leading up to this point. She began as a middle school teacher, and has advanced to college professor, administrator, clinician, consultant, and author with an ever-present ability to teach and to lead. Her exceptional service to the profession and her community marks her as one of this year’s West Michigan District Dental Society’s Distinguished Service Award recipients.

Dr. Stolberg has been the Chief Dental Officer at Family Health Care, a Federally Qualified Health Center, since 2002.

In addition to her clinical practice, she was the project leader for the establishment of Family Health Care’s third dental center in Grant in 2006. She has launched a mobile dental outreach program providing on-site preventive dental care to four elementary schools, five Head Start and Early Head Start centers and several migrant Head Start centers. In addition to providing the preventive services at the sites, the children now have a dental home at Family Health Care’s three dental centers.

Dr. Stolberg gladly shares her gift for teaching with her colleagues, and has no trouble leading by example to promote a positive and productive work environment. Specifically, she coordinates Family Health Care’s portion of the University of Michigan School of Dentistry’s fourth -year student internship experience. She and her Family Health Care dental colleagues mentor D4 dental and dental hygiene students during their clinical rotations in Baldwin and White Cloud.

Prior to joining Family Health Care, Dr. Stolberg was the Director of Clinical Education and an associate professor at Ferris State University. During her twenty-year tenure at Ferris, she was also acting Dental Assisting Program Director from 1989 to 1990 and Dental Hygiene Program Director from 1998 to 2002.

One of her proudest experiences at Ferris involved helping a very special second-year hygiene student complete her 10

dental hygiene degree. The student was in an automobile accident that left her with significant injuries just as she was starting her last year of the dental hygiene program. After spending many months in Mary Free Bed Hospital, regaining her memory, speech, reading ability as well as learning to adapt to her life in a wheelchair, this student was determined to complete her dental hygiene degree. However, there were many challenges that had to be addressed in order for her to complete her clinical experience. Her biggest challenge was to create a physical environment to practice dental hygiene that would not require the use of feet or the ability to stand up.

With the help of an occupational therapist and dental hygienist, Dr. Stolberg systematically resolved each physical obstacle that was restricting the student from completing her clinical experience. Dr. Stolberg sought the expertise of engineers and other dental equipment manufacturers to equip her student with a thumb-operated rheostat for use with the slow speed hand piece, and a custom ultrasonic scaler with the rheostat located on the hand piece itself. The student also used a motorized wheelchair with a joystick, which could have a barrier placed over it to maintain asepsis. From acquiring special equipment, to making sure the facilities were accessible, Dr. Stolberg’s determination made it possible for this student to complete her clinical requirements and become a dental hygienist.

Growing up in a small Michigan town, Marilyn was raised with strong work ethic and an emphasis on education. When asked about role models in those years, Marilyn remembers her Sunday school teacher and dentist, Dr. Dale Smith, who was a person of high character and her inspiration to become a dentist. Marilyn’s parents, Wesley and Jennie Ryden, who emigrated from Sweden, were also great role models. They both stressed the value of education to their four children.

Her parents had an unspoken expectation that their children would have a better life than they had.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2010

2010 SILENT BELL RECIPIENT

She graduated from Olivet College with a major in biology.

Between undergraduate and graduate school, she worked as an office manager in a steel fabricating plant in Kalamazoo.

In 1972 she had a teaching assistantship at Western Michigan University to work on a Master’s degree in education. After receiving her Master of Science Degree from WMU, she began teaching English and science at Hastings Junior High. Her interest in biology and the influence of Dr. Dale Smith, her early dental mentor, caused her to change careers to dentistry, graduating from Northwestern University Dental School in 1982. She joined Ferris State University immediately after graduation.

Her son Andrew, age 26, has just completed his most recent deployment to Iraq with the 10th Mountain Division of Fort Drum, New York. Her daughter Kajsa, 24, a Kalamazoo College graduate, recently returned from two years in Japan teaching English through a Japanese exchange and teaching program. The family has enjoyed a cottage near Lake Michigan and Marilyn’s favorite vacation adventures include white water rafting, surfing, hiking, and sunset chasing.

Highlighting their travels was a trip to Rome during the winter of 2005 when Kajsa was on a semester abroad program with Kalamazoo College.

Marilyn is enthusiastic about her profession and what she has accomplished to provide quality dental care in the Big Rapids area. When she’s not promoting oral hygiene, her time is spent in meaningful church leadership, enjoying vocal music in a challenging thirty-member choir, hiking, traveling, and photographing Michigan wildflowers. She feels that Joseph Campbell’s explanation of “The Hero’s Journey” speaks true to her own life. It describes that life’s journey may begin as ordinary, but is given the call to move beyond ordinary, to face and survive challenges, receive great gifts which are then used to improve the world. Her life certainly demonstrates that. Congratulations to you, Dr. Marilyn Stolberg, on your accomplishments.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2010

Marilyn J. Stolberg, DDS Education Doctor of Dental Surgery – 1982 – Northwestern University Master of Arts – 1973 – Western Michigan University Bachelor of Science – 1970 – Olivet College Work Experience Family Health Care, 2002 – Present

Chief Dental Officer & clinician for three Federally

Qualified Health Centers in under served areas of

west central Michigan

Adjunct clinical instructor – University of Michigan

Dental School, 2002 – present Ferris State University, 1982 – 2002

Director of Clinical Education and Associate Professor

Acting Dental Assisting Program Director, 1989 – 1990

Dental Hygiene Program Director, 1998 – 2002 Dental Practice Associate, 1996 – 1999

John Garlick, DDS Professional Associations & Activities American Dental Association since 1982 ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation and Council on

Dental Education

Consultant to the Committee on Dental Assisting

Education, 1988 – 1994

Accreditation Site Visit Representative –

1988 – 1994, 1996 – 2002

Review Committee on Dental Hygiene Education –

2000 – 2002 ADA Endowment and Assistance Fund, Inc.

Allied Dental Health Screening Committee – 1997 – 2000 Michigan Dental Association

Committee on Dental Education, 1984 – 1991 (Chair 1987 – 1990) West Michigan District Dental Society

Mecosta County Board Representative, 1997 – 2003

Alternate Delegate MDA Annual Session, 1991, 2001 Big Rapids Area Dental Study Club, 1982 – 2002

Secretary/Treasurer, 1984 – 1990, President, 1992 – 1995 Michigan Primary Care Association since 2002 Michigan Oral Health Coalition since 2004 Past institutional and individual member American Dental

Education Association Academy of General Dentistry – 1982-2004 Examiner, Registered Dental Assistant Licensing Examination – 1992

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2010 SILENT BELL RECIPIENT

Activities and Honors Michigan Primary Care Association – Distinguished Service

Award – 2009 People’s Choice Award – Lake County Start – Favorite Dentist,

2008 & 2009 Developed and implemented mobile dental services in four elementary schools and five Head Start/Early Head Start centers in Lake and Newaygo counties providing the children a dental home – current activity Project leader – Family Health Care’s third dental center in Grant, Michigan –

Responsibilities included assembling and leading the

planning team, equipment selection and acquisition, and

personnel selection and training, 2005 – 2006 Developed and implemented Family Health Care’s portion of the University of Michigan Dental School – Fourth year student internship experience, 2002 – present Ferris State University Distinguished Staff Award – 1999 Project Starburst (Big Rapids area social services agency)

Board Member, 1996 – 2002 Dental Clinic Computerization Project, 1995 – 2002

Selected and modified dental practice software for

patient management and student clinic performance

record keeping, incorporation of bar codes, training staff,

customized report writing at Ferris State University Sigma Phi Alpha, Dental Hygiene Honorary, 1985 – 2002 Mecosta-Osceola United Way Cabinet, 1993 – 1995 Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society, 1993 – 2002 Women in Ferris Leadership Project Summer Institute

scholarship recipient, 1989 St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church

New Mission Commission, 2002 – 2005

Building Renovation Committee, 1996

Rector Search Committee, 1994, 2007 – 2008

Vestry member – Two terms, Senior Warden

Chalicist, Lector, Lay Eucharistic Minister

Episcopal Church Women, Board Member – Two terms

Community Nursery School, Board of Directors, 1984 – 1987

Voca lyrica – women’s vocal ensemble since 2004 Bay Cliff Health Camp – Volunteer Dentist

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Publications Complete Review of Dental Hygiene – Prentice Hall, 2002 Author –

Periodontology Chapter A Guide for Developing and Accredited Dental Hygiene Education

Program – ADA Council on Dental Education and Licensure –

1998 Contributing author Professional Continuing Education Six graduate level credits in Information Technology,

Ferris State University American Association of Dental Schools/John O. Butler

Company, Faculty Legislative Workshop – 1991 Bryn Mawr Summer Institute for Women in Higher Education

Administration – 1989 Personal Two children: Sgt. Andrew Stolberg and Kajsa Stolberg Hobbies: photography, music, hiking, travel

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2010

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2010

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STEEL WATER AWARD PRESENTATION

Lois Havermans Receives Steel Water Award

L

ois Havermans, RDH, CHES, was presented the Steel Water Award on January 8, 2010 for her outstanding contributions to the West Michigan dental community as the Oral Health Team Supervisor of the Ottawa County Health Department’s “Miles of Smiles” program.

Recognizing the need to honor individuals or groups in the West Michigan District Dental Society area who have made significant contributions to dentistry or our dental community, but are not dentists, the WMDDS Board founded the Steel Water Award in 2007. The name, Steel Water, was given to this award honoring Grand Rapids’ history as the birthplace of community water fluoridation and shares its name with the beautiful sculpture adorning the east bank of the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids which commemorates this historic event. The first Steel Water award was presented to the Dental Auxiliary Programs at Grand Rapids Community College on January 16, 2009.

Left to right: Dr. Ryan Lebster, Dr. Douglas Klein, Joyce Kortman, Lois Havermans, James Holtrop and Dr. James Strikwerda. Photo courtesy of Dr. Chris Smiley.

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WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2010

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WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2010

15

PROGRAM REVIEW

Molinari Wows the West Michigan District Submitted by Dr. Seth Vruggink

O

n Friday, January 8, 2010 the West Michigan District Dental Society welcomed Dr. John Molinari for what turned out to be a fun and fact-filled day at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Dr. Molinari is a former Professor and Chairman of the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry and currently serves as the Director of Infection Control for The Dental Advisor. He was greeted with a packed room as he began his morning session entitled, “Infection Control: That Thing You Do – Why Do You Do It?” Dr. Molinari started the course with a brief tour of the history of infection control within dentistry and medicine. It is his position that dentistry can be proud of its leading role in infection control policies and procedures. Throughout the past few decades, dentists and hygienists have shown a willingness to take necessary steps to constantly improve infection control.

The overall goal of infection control and aseptic technique is to establish procedures that break the circle of infection and reduce the potential for cross-contamination. Obvious examples of aseptic technique in action would be basic cleaning principles, wrapping sterile instruments, using single-use disposables, and, the single-most important infection control precaution, hand hygiene.

Between 60-70% of nosocomial infections are related to improper hand hygiene. Factors contributing to this include forgetfulness, skin irritation, insufficient washing time, and, believe it or not, non-compliance of male health care workers.

A one-minute wash with antimicrobial soap prior to seeing patients followed by a fifteen-second wash between patients is adequate. Alcohol-based antiseptic rubs can be used in place of washing if hands are not visibly soiled.

Dr. Molinari then went into the importance of Standard Precautions to reduce the risk of bloodborne pathogen exposures. Occupational exposures from blood borne pathogens can occur from percutaneous injury, mucous membrane exposure, non-intact skin exposure, and bites among other things. Historically, Hepatitis B has had the highest risk of 16

transmission, followed by Hepatitis C and HIV. Hepatitis B vaccination among health care workers and the general public will help decrease these occurrences. An important step that offices need to take is to establish policies and procedures for exposure management. The Michigan Dental Association can provide information on developing such a policy.

Standard precautions include proper personal protection equipment. Gloves, protective eyewear and face masks are critical to reducing risk for bloodborne pathogen exposure.

Proper fitting masks, side shields for protective eyewear or even full face masks are things that dental professionals should be wearing regularly and correctly.

Instrument sterilization is another important piece of standard precautions.

It is Dr. Molinari’s recommendation that chemical sterilization with Glutaraldehydes should be eliminated from dentistry.

Several current autoclaves were reviewed, but the take home message was that regular biological monitoring is the most important thing we can do to ensure proper sterilization. Testing should be done weekly and records should be kept. As with anything, the key to success in instrument sterilization is establishing policies and processes to ensure safe and thorough instrument cleaning and re-processing.

For his afternoon session, Dr. Molinari presented a lecture entitled, “Vaccination Recommendations for Health Care Professionals: Science, Success and Misperceptions.”

He began the lecture by giving a brief history of vaccinations both within the United States and worldwide. Dr. Molinari also presented a history of the disease that have been tackled through vaccination. Slides were presented of polio, rubella, and measles among others. It is Dr. Molinari’s contention that, because the public has forgotten about the seriousness of these once common public health risks, compliance with vaccinations has begun to diminish.

Dr. Molinari also included a section on how different vaccines are developed and processed prior to being implemented. The first vaccine that was covered in detail was seasonal influenza. This is an important vaccination for health WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2010

PROGRAM REVIEW

care workers due to our constant contact with patients who may be immune compromised due to pre-existing conditions.

By exposing these patients to the flu, we are putting them at risk of serious illness or even death. Therefore, vaccination is highly recommended. It is important to remember that influenza is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.

Pandemic influenza, such as the now famous H1N1 flu, is also an important vaccination for health care workers for the reasons mentioned above. Due to the highly unpredictable nature of influenza viruses, there will always be a battle to keep up with the flu. It is important as health care workers that we stay informed on what the recommendations are, so we can both educate and protect our patients.

Varicella Zoster vaccination is another important vaccination for health care workers to consider. Anywhere between 60-86% of health care workers report having previous chickenpox according to research. If a health care worker is unsure, however, of their immunity to Vericella Zoster, they should verify it through a serology assay and obtain the vaccination, if necessary.

The importance of Hepatitis B vaccination was covered thoroughly as well. Of note was that booster doses for health care workers are not currently recommended as immunological memory remains for at least 25 years, but ongoing studies are continuing on this.

Dr. Molinari also touched on vaccination information for measles, mumps, and rubella as well as polio, smallpox, and pertussis. He again emphasized the public health importance of the elimination of these diseases through vaccination as well as the risk of a public health crisis if they reappear.

Finally, Dr. Molinari addressed several of the misperceptions regarding vaccinations that have gained popularity.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, immunizations prevent 14 million infections, save 33,000 lives in a given year, and save $10 billion dollars by the time these children reach adolescence. The misconceptions and the poor research for each of them were debunked one by one, including the recently retracted Wakefield report that has received so much media attention.

It was a very fun and informative day for all of those who attended, and we will be excited to have Dr. Molinari return to West Michigan in the future.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2010

Kent County Dental Society Meeting Date Change New Date: March 10, 2010 Please note that the March 24, 2010 Kent County Dental Society meeting has been changed to March 10, 2010. The meeting will be at the Grand Rapids Airport Hilton. Social time at 5:30 pm; dinner and meeting at 6:30 pm. Mr. Richard Klein will be the speaker.

The topic: “Your Practice and Information Technology: New Ideas About Old Problems.�

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Precious Metals and Commodities are also available through LPL Contact Paul at

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Securities offered through LPL Financial Member FINRA/SIPC

17

VOLUNTEERISM

Looking for Volunteer Opportunities?

By Dr. JoAnne Hodder, RDH, BS God bless our volunteers in Grand Rapids! If you are looking for a place to volunteer, this list was updated in January 2010

by JoAnne Hodder, RDH, BS. Baxter Dental Clinic 935 Baxter SE Grand Rapids, MI Clinic hours: Wednesdays, 1-5pm and Fridays, 8:30am 12:30pm Need: Dentists and Hygienists Volunteers contact: Cindy Neuendorf, 616-551-9852 or

teeth77@aim.com “Baxter Dental clinic is a Christian response to the needs of those in the inner city. We serve participants in Baxter Community Center programs as well as patients who come through the Jubilee Jobs and Strong Beginnings programs. Our new twooperatory clinic is part of the Baxter Health Clinic. Services include restorations, extractions, prophylaxis, x-ray, fluoride and oral hygiene instruction for a nominal fee. The prevention program includes a perinatal project for women at risk for preterm birth and periodontal disease. Dentists from the West Michigan District Dental Society have supported Baxter and staffed our volunteer clinic for more than 20 years.”

— Katie Hudson RDH Cherry Street Health Services Nine dental sites in Grand Rapids One dental site in Greenville Need: Dentists and Hygienists Volunteers contact: Robert Lackey, 616-776-2124 or Dr. Trish Roels, 616-776-2151 “Work in these sites requires a credentialing process within a consistent clinical/financial system that is oriented towards assuring fairness in treatment of low-income patients. Volunteers for Cherry Street’s services are very welcome, but because of space considerations we are limited in the times and sites in which we can accommodate them, so that will have to be worked out individually. The patients must be working because they are put on a sliding fee scale for services, depending on family size and income.”

— Chris Shea

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Cherry Street Health Services Adult Dental Services Program Dentists contact: Rose Holmgren, 616-776-2373 “In conjunction with the West Michigan Dental Foundation and the United Way, Cherry Street Health Services runs the Adult Dental Services Program. This program serves uninsured adults who are working and are also placed on a sliding fee scale for services, depending on family size and income. Lab fees are paid by the program. A potential patient has a phone screening with Rose Holmgren, then an application process, an interview with Rose, a dental exam to determine a plan of treatment, and then placement with one of the participating providers (a dentist who has signed up for this program and has agreed to accept the patient) who performs the dental services in his/her dental office.

Developmentally disabled clients with MS, Lupus, were born blind, etc. may be eligible. Clients whose income is too high are not eligible for this program.”

— Chris Shea and Rose Holmgren Health Intervention Services 15 Andre St. SE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49507 Volunteers contact: Lynn Khul, 616-475-8446, ext. 116 Mel Trotter Ministries 225 Commerce SW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Volunteers contact: Rhonda VanDyk, 616-454-8249, ext. 113 Currently the dental clinic is closed; however, there is still a need for volunteers in any other area of the mission.

Metropolitan Hospital Assisted Breathing Center 5900 Byron Center SW Wyoming, MI 49519 Need: Dentists and Hygienists Volunteers contact: Cheryl Kruithof, PA, 616-252-7240

cheryl.kruithof@metrogr.org Credentialing process through orientation and training is required; volunteers provide periodontal maintenance, scaling & root planning, and prophys to patients in Assisted Breathing Center. Dentists may call Devin Norman, DDS, 616-676-9177 for more information.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2010

VOLUNTEERISM

Preschools and Elementary Schools February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, but dental health is a year-round learning experience. Make it work for you!

Grand Rapids and surrounding districts Volunteers are needed to give Tooth Talks to children in preschool and elementary schools. Call your child’s teacher and ask if he/she would like you to give a “tooth talk” in the classroom. If you do not have any children in school, but would like to volunteer to give a “tooth talk” in a school near you, call that school and volunteer your services. For its members, the Grand Rapids Dental Hygienists’ Society has some materials to use for these talks. Call JoAnne Hodder, 453-6220, for more information on this. I do not have any toothbrushes available.

Note: Schools now have a screening process for all volunteers.

Special Olympics/Special Smiles Project of the Grand Rapids Dental Hygienists’ Society Saturday, March 27, 2010 9:00 am - noon; noon – 3:00 pm Grandville High School Volunteers contact: Sheila McLean, 616-554-2382 Assist in the “fishing for healthy snacks” game, tooth brushing instruction with a typodont, and other activities.

Dear West Michigan District Dental Society Board and Members: I have been challenged in regards to finding the words that could possibly convey the appreciation I feel as the recipient of your “Steel Water” award! I have never seen a more spectacular plaque. I am humbled and ecstatic at the same time! I have been truly blessed to have a career (of almost 30 years now) that has been both professionally and personally rewarding beyond belief.

As I made note of at the award ceremony, the dental community has been the single most significant factor contributing to the success of our “Miles of Smiles” project. It would have been impossible for the “Miles of Smiles” initiative to achieve this level of success without the support of our dentists. In addition to our extensive volunteer dentists network, the generous grant allocations from the West Michigan Dental Foundation has facilitated the provision of “Miles of Smiles” dental services to thousands of dentally underserved, uninsured children. These children would otherwise not have had access to dental care. So, for the thousands of children that the WMDDS and the WMDF has helped through their generosity, I extend my sincere appreciation to you.

And, as recipient of your “Steel Water” award, I thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Sincerely, Lois Havemans, RDH, CHES Oral Health Team Supervisor “Miles of Smiles”

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2010

19

TRUSTEE REPORT

Summary of December Board of Trustees Meeting

By Dr. Brian Cilla, MDA Trustee

A

s a new MDA trustee I am amazed at the volume of information that comes across my desk regarding issues of national and local interest. It has quickly become apparent that our staff at the MDA does an exemplary job with the day-to-day organizational operations.

Additionally, there is an institutional culture that strives for success. This environment is of great assistance in allowing MDA volunteer dentists to maintain a proactive presence at the state and national levels.

The activities of our elected officials and interested parties, such as the PEW Charitable Trust and Kellogg Foundation regarding access to dental care and dental workforce issues are being monitored closely. Dr. Norm Palm has expertly summarized the rapidly changing political landscape with which we currently find our profession. We all need to stay informed and understand the inherent complexities of the underlying issues. My opinion is that there are certain elements of our society that believe dentistry is “so simple even a caveman can do it.” Organized dentistry will need to maintain an active presence and play an integral role in the arena of public debate over these issues.

On a lighter note, I would like to report on the December Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting. A number of items which were discussed and the most important are summarized as follows: • A report on strategic planning progress was given. We continue to work at achieving an objective of 55% non-dues revenue. Glove sales play a significant role with this goal.

At present sales are on track to be one-million dollars per year. It should be noted that this sales volume has caught the attention of the larger dental suppliers. This is an issue that will require close monitoring.

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• There was a practice management survey which has been useful at identifying the needs of our membership. Most of the participating surveyed dentists identified the usual cast of characters that plague all of our practices with potential problems: staff training, regulatory compliance, patient communication, and legal issues. As it turns out, those surveyed also felt that the MDA could be identified as a source for meeting those needs. Additionally the most popular of the MDA materials were for regulatory compliance/infection control, CDT, dental fees/compensation, HIPPA and patient communications. I know that my office has all of these materials. If yours doesn’t maybe it is time to take a look at what it is available.

• A bylaws change will be forwarded to the MDA House of Delegates (HOD) which will have working life members pay 50% dues and 50% toward any assessments.

• The HOD will once again seek support for legislation that prevents expression for sympathy or compassion from being used for admission of liability. As you can guess, past attempts for “I am sorry” legislation have been met with stiff resistance from the trial attorney association.

• A resolution was adopted that approved a variable rate mortgage for the new MDA building. Additionally, the HOD will receive a resolution seeking continuation of the MDA headquarter dues assessment. (Not to exceed $160.00 a year) for the next three years. It is expected that the dues assessment will accelerate the payoff on the building mortgage.

• Kris Nicholoff was recognized for his 21 years of MDA service. He has done an exceptional job over that time.

It should be of interest to note that his new role will be as executive director of the Michigan Osteopathic Association. I suspect that his understanding of issues that impact dentistry will provide us with an ally in the medical community for legislative items which are of mutual concern.

• The HOD has approved a resolution that allowed the MDA to pursue legislation that would permit state board jurisdiction over non-licensed individuals. Our efforts, along with those of other professional organizations, have moved this into the realm of political reality. It is hoped that this impending legislation will allow for better oversight of denturists and tooth bleaching by non-professionals.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2010

TRUSTEE REPORT

• There was discussion regarding a medical class action lawsuit, which has been filed, seeking injunctive relief from the State of Michigan over elimination of adult dental Medicaid coverage. Don’t expect anything to happen with this in the immediate future.

• The MDA will honor Dr. John Vander Kolk with a public service award. His efforts with providing dental care for those in need are well worth acknowledgement.

Lastly, I would like to provide communication regarding the national policy action of Delta Dental, which unilaterally allows them to dictate fees for non-covered procedures. This is an inordinate infringement of the patient/doctor relationship. The majority of dentists in Michigan are par with Delta Dental and these actions were of sufficient concern that the HOD resolved legislative efforts should proceed in order to overturn this type of policy. Several of the other state dental societies have also taken a proactive approach at resolving this problem.

The Rhode Island Dental Association was successful in achieving legislation which prevents insurance companies from setting fees for non-covered procedures. This was possible because of a strong grass root effort by the dental association member dentists. Please be aware that Delta Dental

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2010

learned from this lesson and has mounted a very strong counter offensive in the state of Virginia. Quite frankly, the literature that is being distributed by Delta Dental contains language that questions the honesty and integrity of the dental profession. Here in Michigan, the MDA has taken note of this development and are preparing to mobilize our Dental PAC and local constituent dental societies. The local legislative committees will most certainly be involved with this effort.

With strong, active member participation I am sure that Delta Dental will not succeed in preserving their unreasonable policy for our state. Hopefully, we can replicate the efforts achieved by the Rhode Island Dental Association. To insure a positive outcome, the MDA will be hosting a legislative reception at the Lansing Radisson on March 23, 2010 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. If you are interested in attending this event, please contact Kesha Dixon at 517.346.94529, ext. 452, or at MDA.reception@gmail.com. I hope this event will be a vocal contingent of our local members in attendance at this reception.

As always, I welcome any questions or concerns regarding issues which impact our profession. I may not have answers, but can find someone who will. Fortunately, we have great resources with the MDA staff. Additionally, within WMDDS and MDDS, we have members with a proven ability to find solutions and a willingness to act as mentors.

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TRUSTEE REPORT

Pressure for an Expansion of the Dental Workforce is on the Increase, Part Two: The ADHP Model

By Dr. Norm Palm, MDA Trustee

T

his report is intended to be a synopsis of the Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioner (ADHP) model as advocated by the American Dental Hygienist Association (ADHA) and is the second report in a series on the dental workforce.

The ADHP has been proposed by the ADHA as an answer to the oral health care crisis in America. The ADHA cites the decreasing number of dentists in the U.S. in proportion to the increase in the population as well as the number of dentists available to practice in underserved areas as the primary need for a new dental provider. The ADHA states that there is “a crisis shortage of dentists available to treat millions of Americans, including a concentration of underserved populations in both rural and inner city areas that are unable to obtain care because there are not enough dentists practicing in those areas.” The ADHA claims to have the support of several organizations for the ADHP model including the National Rural Education Association, the American Public Health Association’s Oral Health Section, National Rural Education Association, and the Special Care Dentistry Association.

The ADHA adopted policy to pursue the ADHP model as an initiative in 2004. Pilot program funding was first sought in 2005 in federal legislation. In 2008 the Fone School of Dental Hygiene in Connecticut began the curriculum planning for an ADHP. The renewal for the SCHIP program for poor, uninsured children in February 2009 included a GAO sponsored feasibility study of mid-level providers which the ADHA supported. Also in 2009, Eastern Washington University announced it was also developing an ADHP education plan.

During the period of time since the ADHP was proposed, states have continued to loosen restrictions on the supervision

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arrangements for dental hygienists. General supervision of dental hygienists is the norm in 46 states with only Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, and Mississippi requiring direct supervision in both private practice and safety net settings. There are 29 states, including Michigan, that allow dental hygienists direct access to patients in stipulated settings. According to the ADHA direct access means “the dental hygienist can initiate treatment based on his or her assessment of a patient’s needs without the specific authorization of a dentist, treat the patient without the presence of a dentist, and can maintain a provider–patient relationship.” Most of these settings are in public health and intended to increase access for specified underserved populations with screening, prevention and hygiene services being provided. Only Colorado and Maine currently allow practice ownership by dental hygienists and the completely independent practice of dental hygiene when providing preventive services. Eleven additional states have provisions for quasi-independent practice in safety-net settings under collaborative arrangements with licensed dentists when a previously determined level of experience or additional training requirements have been satisfied: CA, CT, ME, MI, MO, NE, NV, NM, OR, WA, and WI. One particularly expansive example of direct access dental hygiene that requires added training and an increase in scope of services is Oregon’s Limited Access Permit Dental Hygienist (LAP). The LAP, upon completing education and experiential requirements, is allowed to practice preventive services and the placement of interim therapeutic restorations without supervision at designated sites. The LAP must have professional liability insurance and complete 40 hours of specified classroom training as well as 5,000 hours of supervised dental hygiene clinical practice within the prior five-year period. Limited access patients are defined as those “who due to age, infirmity or disability are unable to receive regular dental hygiene treatment.” California has a similar dental hygiene provider called the registered dental hygienist in alternative practice or RDHAP. As an aside to this topic, Michigan has over 9,000 licensed dental hygienists and 13 hygiene training programs. The majority of dental hygienists work within a private practice with about 1% working secondarily in a community based non-profit. Another 1% of the state’s dental hygienists work in WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2010

TRUSTEE REPORT

a local health practice in an alternative setting. The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has stated that allowing hygienists more individual freedom to provide care to underserved populations would be a significant step toward providing additional care for the underserved. The federal Human Resources Services Administration (HRSA) comment is cited by MDCH as follows: “Access to care is directly affected by the reimbursement policies mandated in law and regulation.” HRSA goes on to say, “the ability to be reimbursed for services is essential to the provision of any service by a health professional.” MDCH and the Michigan the Medicaid Services Administration have plans to allow hygienists to bill Medicaid independently of a dentist for hygiene services rendered. MDCH views such a move as a way to increase dental hygienists autonomy in practice and would permit some self-determination about treatment settings and the patients served. Michigan would become the sixteenth state to allow such a billing practice.

The ADHP would be trained at the master’s level in a two-year program beyond a required four-year bachelor’s degree training of a conventional dental hygienist. The scope of practice would include restorative services that treat infection, relieve pain, promote function and oral health; the preparation of primary and permanent teeth for restoration and the direct placement of the appropriate restorative material; placement of temporary restorations; placement of pre-formed crowns; temporary recementation of restorations; pulp capping in primary and permanent teeth; pulpotomy in primary teeth; referral of patients; performing the extraction of primary teeth and simple extraction of permanent teeth; place and remove suture; complete simple repairs and adjustments of removable prosthetic appliances; recognize and refer patients with pathological conditions for diagnosis and treatment; prevent potential orthodontic problems by early identification and appropriate referral; prescribe pharmacologic agents for prevention, control of infection, and pain management utilizing established protocols or in consultation with a dentist or a physician; utilize local anesthesia and nitrous oxide analgesia during the provision of care as appropriate; and prevent, identify, and manage dental and medical emergencies and maintain current basic life support certification.

The advantages of developing the ADHP model as stated by the ADHA include: the capacity of the dental delivery system would be increased, target populations of the underserved would be reached, a career ladder is afforded the dental WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2010

hygienist, and that the ADHP would have proven competencies when properly trained based on the experiences of permitted public health hygienists like the Oregon LAP. The experience in Colorado where independent practice of dental hygiene has been in place for nearly ten years has shown little effect on access according to a study by The Colorado Rural Health Advocacy in a paper published earlier this year. Most independent hygienists migrated away from defined areas of dental provider shortage to populated areas well served by dental offices with traditional hygienists as part of the workforce. An earlier study, “The Economic Aspects of Unsupervised Private Hygiene Practice in Colorado and its Affect on Access” commented that the fee scale for such independent hygiene providers was nearly the same as that for hygiene services in traditional dental offices where full service dental treatment was available. That study found no net economic benefit for the independent practice of the dental hygienist. The study was criticized by the ADHA. In other criticism of the ADHP model, it is questioned whether the capacity of the dental workforce would be increased. Most hygienists are trained as two-year associate degree graduates. The pool of candidates for the ADHP would seem to be small. The training is two years short of that of a dentist. The cost effectiveness of the ADHP then becomes open to question. In addition, the training affords limited time for becoming adequately proficient to diagnose oral and systemic disease as well as treatment planning. No pilot studies of the ADHP model are ongoing at this time in the U.S. and the six-year training model for such a practitioner has not been deployed elsewhere in other countries where the workforce includes alternative providers.

Most importantly, the present interest in studying other workforce models means financial support for studies on the effectiveness of the ADHP have not been forthcoming. The Kellogg Foundation paper entitled “Training New Dental Health Providers in the U.S.” by Burton Edelstein DDS, MPH, advocates the development of a dental therapist-dental hygienist model, requiring a three-year training program with a scope of practice nearly the same as an ADHP. This paper, dated December 2009, also criticized the Minnesota DHAT model, moving into a pilot program at this time, as being longer in its training time completion than is necessary. At this time Kellogg hopes to foster DHAT type pilot programs in five targeted states: Washington, New Mexico, Kansas, Ohio and Vermont.

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TOOTH TIME 2010

Tooth Time A Huge Success!

Submitted by Dr. Tom Williams

W

hat drew a record 1,556 children to the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum on Thursday evening, February 4th, and Friday, February 5th?

The West Michigan Dental Society’s Tooth Time! This annual event provides free dental education and fun to area children, many of whom do not have adequate exposure to appropriate dental education.

The Tooth Time Task Force spends a year organizing this free event for the community. The young participants and their parents tour multiple booths. They learn about dietary sugar consumption at the “Sugar Table,” study the anatomy of teeth at the “Find-a-Tooth Booth,” see their own teeth close-up at the “Dental Camera Station,” and spin the “Dental Wheel of Knowledge” to win prizes for answering dental trivia questions. At the “Dr. Drill and Fill” station, young dentists try their own hand at dentistry by practicing with play dough.

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Other fun opportunities include making Tooth Fairy necklaces and selecting a dental tattoo.

The event was run by the Tooth Time Task Force, whose members include Kurt Schabes, Tom Williams, Heather Cadorette, Tom Phares, Bob Strobel, Stephanie Benton, Dave Huyser, Christopher VerMeulen, Lathe Miller, Katie Swan, Scott Van Timmeren, Chris VanDeven, Heather Zablocki, and Sarah Mahar. In addition to the task force, there was invaluable help from the many volunteers from the dental hygiene and dental assisting programs at GRCC, the PreDental Club at GVSU, and many others. A special thanks also need to go out to all of the companies that with their donations make the event possible: Henry Schein Dental, Patterson Dental, Benco Dental, Dr. John’s Sugar Free Candies, Colgate, Crest, the West Michigan District Dental Foundation, and the public relations committee of the WMDDS.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2010

NEW MEMBER PROFILE

Dr. Kathryn Swan Kathryn Swan is a native of Coldwater, Michigan. She completed her undergraduate education at Michigan State University, where she earned a bachelor of science in chemistry. Her dental training was conducted at the University of Michigan, where she remained for her postgraduate training in orthodontics. In 2007, she was awarded a master of science for her thesis on three-dimensional radiographic techniques for orthodontics. Dr. Swan is board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics and is an Invisalign certified provider. In September of 2008, Kathryn purchased an orthodontic practice in Kentwood, just off M-6 at Kalamazoo Ave. Dr. Dennis Hodge has remained on at the practice as an associate orthodontist.

Dr. Swan is currently a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the Michigan Association of Orthodontists,

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2010

and the Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists. She maintains membership in the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, and West Michigan District Dental Society. She also participates in local study groups, such as the Kent County Dental Society and the Michigan Tweed Study Club. In addition, she attends continuing education courses across the country to ensure that her practice remains at the forefront of modern orthodontic techniques.

Dr. Swan currently resides in Ada. In her free time she enjoys photography, golfing, and spending time with her family. She is an avid fan of college football and basketball, and loves to travel both within the United States and internationally. She is a member of the Grand Rapids Jaycees, and an advisor for Phi Mu Fraternity at Grand Valley State University.

Dr. Swan is committed to providing superior orthodontic results in a friendly, patient-centered environment. She enjoys getting to know each of her patients, and seeing their smile and confidence improve as treatment progresses.

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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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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

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

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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). $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.

For Sale – 2 Dental EZ chairs (one seldom used), Pelton Crane autoclave, Bio Sonic ultrasonic cleaner, Vacstar 2 vacuum pump 1 HP. No reasonable offer refused. Call 616.456.7620.

Dental Office for Lease – Sparta, MI. 2,000 sq ft., includes two x-ray machines, vacuum extraction, cabinetry, laboratory. $1,350 plus utilities.

Traffic flow/14,000 daily. 616.874.4192.

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.

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.

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.

RediDental Emergency Dental Care is now accepting applications from dentists. This is a perfect opportunity to “moonlight” to bring in extra money.

Schedule not full? Consolidate your office hours and work a few with us for guaranteed pay. We have morning, evening, and weekend hours available.

Email resumé to dr.lebster@tds.net.

Grand Rapids, Suburb – Associate needed for busy, general, restorative practice, with transition to partner as soon as possible. Two doctor, 4-hygienist, 10-operatory, highly profitable, Mercer-coached practice, based

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2010

CLASSIFIED ADS

on quality, integrity, and community involvement. Our practice is located in Sparta, a rapidly growing community with a new high school, ten miles from Grand Rapids and 30 miles from the Lake Michigan shoreline. Our new facility opened in April 2008, has 5500 sq ft with an equally large lower level, is state of the art, and was needed to meet the demands of our growing patient base (377 new patients with comprehensive exams in the last 12 months). Needed is someone who sees the value of a practice that is close to a metropolis as well as recreational sports, and understands that the rewards, both financial and personal, are far greater in a setting where one can establish close relationships with their staff, patients, and residents of the town, rather than practicing in a highly competitive, anonymous, urban setting. You will have the option to live in vibrant Grand Rapids … Michigan’s second-largest city with the lowest unemployment of Michigan’s five largest cities and with an easy 10-15 minute commute, live in the country with acreage, or live in a small town with all that small-town living has to offer. Instead of signing an employment agreement with just a verbal promise to ‘buy into the practice … someday,’ consider joining a practice where there is a written agreement up front regarding your purchase and the valuation of the practice, and where the doctors are anxious to mentor their future partner and get personally involved in making them successful. Visit our website www.spartadentstry.com and learn more about our long-term stable staff, the doctors, and our ­facility. Phone 616.887.7389 or email through the website, or email mcfalldds@sbcglobal.net.

Associate Position Wanted – General dentist looking for a position in a private practice as an associate in the Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

Open to all options (buy-in, partnership). Please call 616.307.2472 or email kmvdds@gmail.com.

general dentists in Sparta and many more in just a 5-6 mile radius. See facility at www.spartadentistry.com.

Email mcfalldds@sbcglobal.net or call 616.887.7389. We are open to all scenerios of space sharing and partnerships.

RDH – 19 years Hygiene experience, professional demeanor with excellent chair side manner seeking part-time or substitute opportunities, flexible, proven individual/team player, strong references. Kathy 616.682.1967.

Grand Rapids, Michigan area – General practice for sale, average revenues of $600,000. Great family community convenient to Grand Rapids.

Fully paperless office with complete digital, computerized system in four fully equipped operatories. Phil Stark, Peak Transitions 888.477.7325 or visit www.peakdental.com.

Gorgeous Brand New 9120SF Class A Grand Rapids, Michigan area – General practice with average revenues of $600,000. Great family community convenient to Grand Rapids. Fully paperless office with complete digital, computerized system in four fully equipped operatories. Contact Phil Stark, Peak Transitions 888.477.7325 or visit www.peakdental.com.

Practice Wanted – Experienced general dentists wish to grow existing practice through buy-out or merger. Greater Grand Rapids. All options considered.

Contact smile01@sbcglobal.net.

SE Grand Rapids/Cascade – Office suite available on 28th Street. Up to 3,000 sq. ft., remodel to suit, adjoining new office of established general ­dentist, perfect for a specialist. Lease or purchase option. Contact Randy Chambers, DDS at 616.974.9947, or Eric Trierweiler with Prime Development at 616.957.4733.

Orthodontist Needed in Northern Kent County/Sparta – Two unequipped operatories ready in new, 2-dentist, 10-operatory, general dentistry building with room to expand to multi-chair practice. Ideal for satellite or start-up practice. Great referral base with six

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2010

Dental Office for Lease – Rockford, MI. 1,000 sq ft, includes some dental equipment and furnishings. $675/mo., plus utilities. Traffic flow/10,000 daily.

616.874.5300.

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.

Tired of your IRA losing money? Is your IRA insured? Invest in an insured, secured, diversified real estate note package paying income each and every month. 20% return on full purchase. Investment is $500,000.

Partials considered for a 15% return.

Current owner has other business opportunity. Call now. TPS Holdings, 616.299.5778.

Charlevoix County – Well established, solo general practice for sale inNorthwest Lower Michigan between Charlevoix and Petoskey. Averaging $357,000 the last three years on a part time schedule. Great potential to grow practice or add satellite office. Possible

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CLASSIFIED ADS

associateship with option to buy.

Three equipped operatories, real estate with lake views available as well. Ken Smith Peak Transitions (888)477-7325 or peakdental.com

ADVERTISER INDEX

Non-Profit Organization seeking gently used dental chair for program serving autistic children. Contact Deb Frost at 616.726.1914 or email Dfrost@hopenetwork.org.

CPR/AED Training – your site. Two year certification. Medical professional with 18 years of training experience.

Heartsine AED’s for sale. Penny Loosenort RRT www.healingheartscpr.com or call 616.485.4669.

VanderKolk Receives 2010 MDA Public Service Award

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!

Davis Dental Laboratory................ inside front cover Digital Dental Systems Integration..........................................14 Founders Bank & Trust.....................25 Henry Schein.............inside back cover Hungerford, Aldrin, Nichols & Carter, PC...........................................21 MDA IFG............................................15 Professional Solutions.............................................13 Waddell & Reed................................. 5 Weston Financial...............................17

Congratulations to WMDDS member, Dr. John VanderKolk, who has been selected by the Michigan Dental Association Board of Trustees to receive the 2010 MDA Public Service Award. The MDA will present the award to Dr. Vander Kolk at the opening session of the MDA House of Delegates at Rock Financial Showplace on Thursday, April 15, 2010. The HOD begins at 8:30 am.

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WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2010

I n v e n t o ry S a l e Marus Max Star Hydraulic Patient Chair Sale Price $2700

Many other deals available Call us!

616 616-- 454 454-- 1223 Biolase Waterlase MD Sale Price $62,000 Only 2 available!!!

Kavo Comfort Drive Hand piece systems Sale Price $2500 Only 4 Available

Sirona Xios Sensors Size 1 & 2 Sale Price $1700

Biolase Ezlase Sale Price $6160 16 Available!!!

Dental EZ JV Chair Sale Price $2580.69 2 Available!!!

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

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

New Location!

2010 MDA Annual Session Rock Financial Showplace, Novi April 14-17, 2010 This year's speakers include: Alan Boghasian, D.D.S. James Cantwil, D.D.S. Rella Christensen, Ph.D. Casey Hein, B.S.D.H., M.B.A. Pam Hughes, RDH, M.S. Mark Hyman, D.D.S. Richard June, D.D.S. Sergio Kuttler, D.D.S. Tom Lambert, D.D.S. Glenn Lombardi Paul Mellor John Molinari, Ph.D. Stephen Poss, D.D.S. Robert Rogers, D.D.S. Patrick Sammon, Ph.D. Stephen TePastte, M.D. William van Dyk, D.D.S. Martin Zase, D.D.S. and featuring keynote speaker Lloyd Carr

Join us for the first MDA Annual Session at Rock Financial Showplace in Novi. Join your colleagues for great social events, our best lineup of speakers and nearly 200 exhibits.

See www.smilemichigan.com for more details.