2011 WMDDS Fall Bulletin

FALL ISSUE 2011 VOL. 44, NO. 1

Bulletin

VisiClear The clear choice for partial dentures.

New from DSG! VisiClear is a registered trademark of Myerson, LLC.

4 Relinable 4 Repairable 4 Ability to add teeth

© 2011

4 Optimal patient fit and comfort

• Clear, state-of-the-art, durable Thermoplastic material • Repairable and easy to reline chairside or at the lab

VisiClear maxillary and mandibular

T h e

L a b o r a t o r y

• Superior flexibility provides optimal patient fit and comfort, including clear clasps for metal free esthetics

The Laboratory Network

N e t w o r k

800-253-9227 • grandrapids@dentalservices.net

800-843-4110 • toledo@dentalservices.net

800-570-2131 • rochester@dentalservices.net

Learn more about this exciting new product from DSG! Contact your DSG Lab today.

Contents ­Editor

James Papp

Associate Editors

Seth Vruggink Jeff Smith Aric Smith Larrisa Bishop

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 2011-2012 President Larissa Bishop President-Elect Tyler Wolf Vice President Margaret Gingrich Secretary-Treasurer Kathleen Ellsworth Editor James Papp Immediate Past Seth Vruggink President Directors Samuel Bander

Steve Conlon

Leonard Bartoszewicz Area Representatives Kent County Norman Wilhelmsen Ionia-Montcalm Kirkwood Faber County Mecosta County Doug Killian Ottawa County Meredith Smedley MDA IV District Trustees

Brian Cilla Colette Smiley

Big Rapids Dental Study Club Officers President Erick Perroud Vice President Christa Stern Secretary Christa Stern Treasurer Erick Perroud Holland-Zeeland Dental Society Officers President Meredith Smedley Treasurer Robert Ankerman Secretary Immediate Past President Ionia-Montcalm Dental Study Club Officers President Treasurer Kirkwood Faber Kent County Dental Society Officers President Lathe Miller Vice President Norman Wilhelmsen Secretary Michael Palaszek Treasurer Kathryn Swan West Michigan Dental Foundation Officers President Devin Norman Vice President John Marshall Secretary Carol Klein Treasurer Joe VanLaan 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. © 2011-2012 West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

President’s Message...................................................................................................... 2 Editor’s Thoughts......................................................................................................... 3 WMDF News................................................................................................................ 4 Notice of Election......................................................................................................... 5 Sinusitis......................................................................................................................... 6 Tech Q & A................................................................................................................... 8 Child’s First Dental Visit Builds Foundation for Dental Health...............................10 WMDF Golf Outing.....................................................................................................12 New Dentist Outing Visits Quail Ridge Golf Club.....................................................18 GRDHS News................................................................................................................19 Trustee Report..............................................................................................................20 WMDDS Directory Corrections and Additions.........................................................23 MDA News....................................................................................................................24 Classified Ads................................................................................................................26 Advertiser Index............................................................................................................27 Reach Out and Touch Someone..................................................................................28

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:

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL ISSUE 2011

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

1

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

It’s Time to Get Out and Socialize

By Dr. Larissa Bishop, WMDDS President is free. The vast majority of the participants that responded liked the range of CE speakers and topics that are introduced by the program committee, and that two lectures each year are geared toward the dentist while one is designed for the entire office. The last question that was asked related to the Silent Bell and the venue where it is held. The majority of people who chose not to attend this event gave one of two reasons – either because it occurs during an already busy holiday season, or because they felt it is an “older dentist’s” function.

While the results of this survey will be passed on to the program committee as they make arrangements for the schedulummer is over and it is time to start getting ready for ing of events in future years, please remember that the Silent fall – putting away the golf clubs, storing the boat, and Bell is our chance each year to honor someone who has made closing up the cottage. Fall brings its own activities, of an enormous contribution to our profession and our comcourse – such as high school, college, and professional football, munity. While we understand the the baseball playoffs (go Tigers!), and holidays are a busy time, please make trips to orchards for wagon rides every effort to attend this December. in the crisp air. Fall is also the time The West Michigan Dental One of the things that the committhat we all begin to settle back into Foundation golf outing, the tees cannot change is the attendance our “normal” routines – whether this of dentists and their spouses at the means getting our children ready for New Dentist golf outing, the events, no matter what their age. school in the mornings, extending New Dentist social event, We can move the times and change our office hours, or simply feeling and the Silent Bell are meant the venues, but if the membership like we don’t have to squeeze every does not attend, it will have been minute out of the beautiful sumto provide all of us with the to no avail. As a society, we need to mer weather. From a professional opportunity to foster friendhave our membership involved – and standpoint, this fall, we have a terrific ships with colleagues and hopefully have fun at the same time.

CE course lined up with Dr. Steven I’m sure everyone remembers back Steinberg that promises to be intertheir spouses, and to have to when they were in dental school esting. It will focus on the managenewer members realize how and the friendships they formed ment of dental caries and also balancwhile socializing with their friends wonderful it is to be part of ing work with your home life. in a relaxed atmosphere. The West Earlier this summer, the Board of the WMDDS. Michigan Dental Foundation golf the WMDDS sent out a survey that outing, the New Dentist golf outing, asked our memberships’ opinion on the New Dentist social event, and the Silent Bell are meant several topics that we can use when planning future events. to provide all of us with the opportunity to foster friendships I would like to take the time to relay some of the responses with colleagues and their spouses, and to have newer memthat we received. The majority of the membership liked the bers realize how wonderful it is to be part of the WMDDS. fact that we usually hold our CE courses in October, January, I hope over this next year, as the invitations come across your and March, along with the location that we have used for the desk to attend these and other events, that you will seriously conlast several years, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. sider attending. These are excellent opportunities to get to know Some of the reasons people said they like Meijer Gardens are your fellow dentists and referring specialists on a personal level. its central location, the ease of parking, and that the parking

S

“

”

2

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL ISSUE 2011

EDITOR’S THOUGHTS

Got Botox?

By Dr. James C. Papp, WMDDS Editor

from contracting. Typically, the results of Botox treatment can last up to three months or longer, especially when combined with a zinc supplement.

Botox in the Dental office?

So what has Botox got to do with dentistry? How can it possibly have any relationship to our patients’ health? Why should dentists be involved in providing it?

From a treatment planning standpoint, some of our patients (or an increasing number) are having facial esthetic procedures performed somewhere, whether or not we provide otox was introduced to the world in the late 1980s them with it ourselves, or even if we approve of it personally. by ophthalmologists, who began using it to treat If we are treatment planning esthetic dental work, which optic muscle disorders. It was approved by the Food affects the support of the lips, the and Drug Administration (FDA) for amount of anterior tooth, and ginthe treatment of moderate to severe gival display, then we need to realize frown lines between the eyebrows If we are treatment planning that Botox treatment of the face (and (glabellar lines) in 2002, and its popesthetic dental work, which other treatments such as dermal fillularity has soared ever since. Botox ers) will impact our result and needs is consistently one of the top five affects the support of the to be considered. To our dental prononsurgical cosmetic procedures perlips, the amount of anterior fession, an understanding of Botox formed each year. tooth, and gingival display, and how it works is necessary.

In addition to glabellar lines, Botox From an application standpoint, is used to eradicate crow’s feet, frown then we need to realize that it seems that dentists are uniquely lines, and furrows in the forehead. It Botox treatment of the face suited for providing Botox treatment. is also approved to treat a variety of (and other treatments such One of our main skill sets is assessmedical conditions, including ocular ing the balance and overall esthetics muscle spasms, problems with eye as dermal fillers) will impact of the face. We have had extensive coordination, severe armpit perspiraour result and needs to be training in the anatomy of the head tion, and migraine headaches. Botox considered. To our dental and neck and we inject cranial nerves may also be useful in treating condidaily. tions such as knee and hip osteoprofession, an understanding It really seems to come down to arthritis, temporomandibular joint of Botox and how it works proper training. With proper traindisorder, and benign prostatic hypering, there is arguably no better pracplasia (BPH). is necessary. titioner to provide Botox in the peri-oral region of the face. Injecting How it works Botox in any area outside that gets into a “grey area.” And Unlike soft tissue fillers such as Juvederm and Sculptra typically, state boards do not like “grey areas.”

Aesthetic that add volume to skin depressions which has also been making their way into dentistry, Botox blocks the release For more on Botox, see Dr. Cilla’s Report on page 21. of a chemical called acetylcholine, which triggers the muscle All opinions published in the WMDDS Bulletin are published on the authorcontractions that create wrinkles. ity of the writer and are not to be regarded as the views of the West Michigan Botox essentially paralyzes the muscles and stops them District Dental Society unless such statements have been adopted by the Society.

B

“

”

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL ISSUE 2011

3

WMDF NEWS

Dr. Robert Mitus Education Fund Submitted by Dr. Richard Panek, Chair, West Michigan Dental Foundation Community Grant Committee

T

he West Michigan Dental Foundation (WMDF) is the custodian of the Dr. Robert Mitus Education Fund. Bob practiced in Northeast Grand Rapids and Sand Lake, and was very involved in organized dentistry at both the local and state level. Upon his passing, after a courageous battle with cancer in 1999, colleagues, friends, and former dental school classmates contributed money in his name to locally fund dental scholarships.

Bob was instrumental in starting a similar dental scholarship fund at the state level through his work with the Michigan Dental Association. The WMDF Dr. Robert Mitus Education Fund, however, was intended to support dental students planning on returning to West Michigan.

Over the years, the WMDF Mitus Education Fund has slowly grown with proceeds from the New Dentist Forum golf outings. Although Bob would be pleased with the effort, he would consider it a personal challenge to bring this fund up to the level it deserves. To date, the balance of the fund has been insufficient to use for meaningful scholarships without diminishing the principal balance. This year, the Board of the West Michigan Dental Foundation has made it a priority to double the size of the fund over the next two years.

Growing the fund will provide for a meaningful scholarship to a deserving dental student who shows the potential to be a leader in local, state, or national organized dentistry.

4

Many of us remember Bob’s passion for the West Michigan Dental Foundation and West Michigan District Dental Society.

Providing scholarships for our potential future dental leaders benefits the community and future West Michigan District Dental Society member dentists. The Foundation Board feels he would definitely be pleased with the direction taken to bolster the education fund.

If you have shown support for this effort in the past, thank you – and consider, once again, giving generously.

Contributions can be made to the Dr. Robert Mitus Education Fund in care of the West Michigan Dental Foundation. Please make your check payable to the Dr. Robert Mitus Education Fund and mail your check to: West Michigan Dental Foundation, 161 Ottawa Avenue NW, 511-F Waters Building, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. You will also have an opportunity to make a contribution when you receive your annual appeal letter from the Foundation in November.

The WMDF Dr. Robert Mitus Education Fund needs your financial support to continue Bob’s vision. Please consider helping build up the Dr. Robert Mitus Education Fund to a level which would put that familiar wry smile on his face if he were still with us. If you have never pledged to give, please do so by honoring our memory of Dr. Mitus and make a donation to the scholarship fund in his name.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL ISSUE 2011

West Michigan District Dental Society Notice of Election (Written mail-in ballots will be sent 30 days following this notice) In accordance with the West Michigan District Dental Society by-laws, the Nominations Committee presents the following slate of candidates for the positions of Alternate Delegates and Delegates for the 2012 Michigan Dental Association House of Delegates and WMDDS offices for 2012-2013. By-laws require that a written notice of the names of the nominees for elective offices be published 30 days prior to the election. The election will be held by a mail-in ballot.

Four (4) of the following will be elected to a two-year term as Delegate to the MDA House of Delegates and the remaining eleven (11) will serve a one-year term as Alternate Delegates.

Dr. Kirkwood Faber Dr. Brian Mulder Dr. Trish Roels Dr. Leonard Bartoszewicz Open

Dr. Doug Killian Dr. Ben Zarzecki Dr. Steve Conlon Dr. Kevin Rebhan Open

Dr. Seth Vruggink Dr. Kathryn Swan Dr. Mike Nichols Open Open

Completing the delegation in accordance with the WMDDS by-laws are the following members: Dr. Larissa Bishop, chair Dr. Tyler Wolf Dr. Margaret Gingrich Dr. Sam Bander Dr. Matthew Gietzen Dr. Ryan Lebster Dr. Douglas Klein (Drs. Bishop, Wolf and Gingrich are automatic seats and Drs. Bander, M. Gietzen and Lebster, D. Klein are serving the second year of a two-year term as delegates.)

The Nominations Committee further recommends the following candidates to fill the following Society offices for 2012-2013: Dr. Tyler Wolf, President Dr. Margaret Gingrich, President-elect Dr. Sam Bander, Vice President Dr. Kathleen Ellsworth, Secretary/Treasurer Dr. Steve Conlon, 3rd year Director Dr. Kirkwood Faber, 2nd year Director Dr. Brian Mulder, 1st year Director The Nominations Committee shall include as a nominee for any of the above mentioned positions the name of any West Michigan District Dental Society member in good standing for whom a petition, signed by fifteen (15) active members of the Society has been submitted. Petitions should be delivered by December 5, 2011 to the chairperson of the Nominations Committee, Dr. Seth Vruggink, 522 South Beacon Blvd, Grand Haven, MI 49417.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL ISSUE 2011

5

FEATURE ARTICLE

Sinusitis

By Dr. James C. Papp, WMDDS Editor

O

nce again the season changes. My patient this morning hit the mark saying, “someone hit the Michigan weather switch.” Yesterday was summer, today, fall. Michiganders typically enjoy the change of seasons, although the sights and smells of these seasonal changes can usher in the risk of a stuffy head, congestion, and itchy eyes, all of which are common symptoms of sinusitis. In fact, sinusitis is actually a common condition with more than 24-31 million cases occurring in the United States annually.

In the dental office, we see a lot these patients, and sinusitis is often included in the chief dental complaint because of its proximity. A colleague of mine recently described a patient that presented to the office with root canal treatments on all four of her mandibular premolars. As it turned out, the primary cause was referred pain from her maxillary sinuses.

It never hurts to be updated on such a condition we often see intermingled in our dental examinations.

Sinusitis is defined as an inflammation of the sinus cavities and nasal passages. In the skull, there are four major pairs of cavities that are typically hollow and filled with air. There are severe functional components of sinus, including vocal resonance, insulation, and to moisturize and warm the air as we breathe. In addition, sinuses act as a natural defense by producing a layer of mucus, keeping surfaces moist and protecting against pollutants and microorganisms. The mucus is normally propelled toward the back of the nose and throat by cells that line the sinus, and the mucus is then swallowed. If this process is disrupted, bacteria can begin to colonize, causing an infection. For the vast majority of cases, acute sinus infections are due to viral infections (Rhinovirus, Adenovirus) of the upper respiratory tract, and tend to resolve 6

within ten days. However, chronic sinusitis (symptoms lasting more than 20 days) is often caused by bacteria, allergens (pollen, animal dander, smoke), fungi and autoimmune diseases. Other causes may be polyps, deviated nasal septum, congenital diseases (cystic fibrosis), trauma, and immunodeficient conditions.

Symptoms of a sinus infection can include facial pressure (worsens when leaning forward), headache, tooth pain when chewing, decreased sense of smell, muscle aches, fever, bad breath, and thick nasal discharge.

There are some simple “home” remedies that patients can perform when symptoms occur: 1. Hydration: drink ample amount of water.

2. Create an at-home steam vaporizer. Boil some water, lean over the bowl with a towel over your head, creating a compartment for the steam to rise into your nasal passages (please take the bowl off the stove first). Ten minutes, 2-4 times per day.

3. Vicks Vapor Rub. As directed or maybe added to boiling water.

4. Common over-the-counter medications may be helpful to thin out and expel mucus. Mucinex and Robitussin are easily attainable at your local drug or grocery store.

Sudafed and other common decongestants can help with airway. Delsym can be used to suppress cough if present.

Robitussin products are also a good suggestion.

5. Pain relievers: Motrin, Tylenol (the usual players).

Interestingly, non-prescription antihistamines are not as highly recommended as they once were. The reason is that they tend to dry out membranes and create thickened mucus.

Thicker mucus leads to more difficulties in drainage which is counterproductive.

Important points to make to our patients when considering the above remedies is to have them notify their family physician regarding their condition and get clearance to take any additional medications, as some of the medications may conflict with current medications and or medical conditions.

Reference: Lynn Laitinen-Kloss, MD, MPH. Sinusitis. Patient In Charge Magazine. 2011.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL ISSUE 2011

New Dentist Forum Agenda Wednesday, October 26, 2011 Pietro’s – 6:00 pm Speaker: Tim Rankin from DentaChoice On-Site Handpiece Service Topic: “Handpieces – Ergonomics, Longevity, Infection Control and Customer Comfort” Pizza and beverages – no charge 1 CEU Wednesday, November 30, 2011 Pietro’s – 6:00 pm Speakers: Brian LaFrenier and Eric Smith Topic: “2011 Tax Update and Planning Opportunities, the New Michigan Income Tax, and Risk Management and Fraud” Pizza and beverages – no charge 1 CEU For more information, contact Dr. Jacob Lueder at 616.855.4070.

Looking for a fun and unique way to celebrate the holidays with your staff ? Broadway Grand Rapids is offering 10-25% off individual ticket prices to dental offices who want to plan a holiday event. Enjoy the classic holiday show, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas on stage at Devos Hall in Grand Rapids, November 15th-20th.

Call Meghan Distel at Broadway Grand Rapids 616-719-8050 to get your discounted tickets.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL ISSUE 2011

7

TECHNICALLY SPEAKING

Tech Q & A Submitted by Greg Feutz, President, DDS Integration

Greg Feutz is President of DDS Integration, a Grand Rapids based dental technology company.

I

n each WMDDS Bulletin, I will be fielding your questions about technology, its place in the dental practice, and beyond. Send your questions to askgreg@ddsintegration.com and I’ll answer them on my blog, facebook, and in each Bulletin. Here’s a topic that many of you have questioned.

What’s the story with Cloud computing?

Let’s start with an explanation. Chances are your office uses a standard client/server network which consists of client computers and a server that stores all of your patient information and images. Cloud computing differs from this, in simple terms, by moving your data offsite and eliminating the need for a server.

To illustrate this difference, think about gmail, yahoo email, or any other web-based email program. When you log into www.gmail.com to view your email, you are cloud computing. Google is storing your data, you are simply accessing from an internet-capable device.

What is good about Cloud computing? ∙ Less hassle. With no server to care for, you no longer have to worry about updates, backups, security, and other common maintenance items associated with a server. ∙ Availability. Because your data is housed in the cloud, it is available from any computer that has internet access.

Think again of email, this is accessible anywhere, not just at the office. ∙ Cost. We’ll find this in the bad section too, but you no longer have the cost of a server to worry about. This means no large upfront equipment and setup cost.

8

∙ Fault Tolerance. In a Cloud computing environment, you never have to worry about your server crashing. In the Cloud, applications can switch to other servers if one crashes, so in theory there is never downtime due to hardware malfunctions.

What is bad about Cloud computing? ∙ Reliance on internet. How many times does your office lose internet connection? Chances are it’s not too often, but in a Cloud computing environment you will also lose access to your data if internet ever goes down. A second internet connection is recommended as a backup. ∙ Data is in someone else’s possession. If you’re like me, you might be a little uneasy knowing someone else is in charge of your data. Although they are often better equipped to care for and protect your data, it can still be unnerving for some folks knowing their data is somewhere else. ∙ Speed. Your computers can currently talk to your server at 100 or (hopefully) 1000 Mega Bits Per Second (Mbps).

Under Cloud computing you must rely on your internet connection, which at best might reach 20 Mbps. There are some creative ways that Cloud companies compensate for this, but it would be a long shot to match the performance of your in house server. ∙ Cost. As mentioned above, you avoid the initial server cost. Depending on your configuration, the monthly fees for Cloud computing may or may not be a long-term cost savings. This would take some analysis.

What does Greg think about Cloud computing?

I think it’s absolutely wonderful in the right scenario. I use google’s Cloud services for my email, calendar, contacts, and documents. It allows me to access these items anywhere in the world from any computer, tablet, or smartphone. Setup was extremely easy and there is no overhead.

In dental, my personal opinion is that Cloud computing might just be the way of the future, but isn’t yet worth the tradeoff for most offices. In my experience, speed is such an important aspect of day-to-day operations in a dental office that it would be very difficult to use anything but the fastest system available. For imaging especially, the fastest system available to you is a server sitting in your office.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL ISSUE 2011

TECHNICALLY SPEAKING

Cloud computing for your Practice Management system can provide a lot of nice features as previously listed. For those reasons, a number of dental practices are making the transition, and with good results. For now, however, my opinion is that you can accomplish everything right in your own practice with a traditional server installation.

What are your thoughts?

Comment on our blog or facebook article. We’d love to hear your opinions on Cloud computing or any other topic.

Facebook: facebook.com/ddsintegration Blog: ddsintegration.com/blog

MDA Cover Program Helps Members on Extended Absenses Practice Made Perfect Tremendous Earning Potential • Defined Career Path to Ownership Proven Practice Model • Ongoing Professional Development Comprehensive Marketing & Business Support

Dentist opportunities available nationwide!

At Aspen Dental we recognize that our success is a direct result of empowering and supporting ambitious dental professionals. We provide a professional, fast-paced, entrepreneurial work environment based on a mutual respect that keeps our interests aligned. Together, we build and develop successful, patient focused dental practices.

We’ve got the perfect opportunity for you!

Join Aspen Dental – the premier network of dental practices.

Connect with us:

866-451-8814 AspenDentalJobs.com/62

Aspen Dental is an EOE.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL ISSUE 2011

The MDA is seeking participants for its new COVER Program – Colleagues Offering Varied Emergency Relief – a new locum tenens service that helps member dentists find practice coverage while they are on an extended absence. This members-only service provides dentists with a statewide list of colleagues who have expressed interest in providing temporary coverage while he or she is away from the office.

The COVER program recently won a coveted “Golden Apple” award from the American Dental Association for excellence in member-related services and benefits.

If you are interested in joining the program and willing to help another member during a time of need, without the obligation of making a formal commitment, e-mail Josh Lord, MDA Director of Membership and Student Affairs, at jlord@ michigandental.org, or call 517-346-9415.

9

THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS HEALTH SECTION ARTICLE

Child’s First Dental Visit Builds Foundation for Dental Health Reprinted from The Grand Rapids Press, September 4, 2011

B

uilding a solid foundation for your child’s dental health is as easy as 1, 2, 3… provided dental care begins early and remains consistent.

Your baby’s first visit to the dentist should begin with a milestone that every parent looks forward to – the arrival of the first tooth. These all-important baby teeth, which start coming in between six and 12 months of age, are essential to the process of learning to chew food, speaking, and to your baby’s overall appearance.

The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics both recommend that your child should visit the dentist by the age of one, or within six months from when the first tooth comes in. This establishes with your child a dental home, where parents and child become comfortable visiting the dentist. Seeing a dentist at an early age is all about prevention and education.

On your child’s first visit, the dentist will do a simple “knee-to-knee” exam in which the child will lay on the parent’s lap and place his or her head on the dentist’s knee. This allows the dentist to take a look inside the child’s mouth to check for decay and make sure your baby’s teeth, mouth, and facial bones are properly developing.

The initial visit will also include a thorough medical and dental history of both the parent and the infant to determine if the child is at a greater than normal risk of developing cavities. Most people are surprised to learn that the bacteria which can cause tooth decay can be transmitted from the mother to the infant. Your dentist will also teach you how to properly clean your child’s teeth and gums, and determine if your baby needs fluoride supplements.

Your child’s dentist will also discuss the use of a pacifier and thumb sucking, grinding of teeth, teething and treatments for it, injury prevention, the use of a bottle and sippy cup, and the effects of diet on oral health.

The year-one dental visit can actually save money. A study in the journal Pediatrics showed that children who have their first dental visit before age one have 40 percent lower dental costs in their first five years than children who do not, due to the cost of dental and medical procedures that may be necessary as a result of poor oral health.

10

Children’s primary teeth, often called “baby teeth,” are as important as adult permanent teeth and require routine check-ups and care. The first teeth that erupt are usually the first four lower teeth and the first four upper teeth, called the incisors. Most children will have a full set of 20 primary teeth by the age of three. They then will begin to loose these teeth sometime around the age of five, with the first two lower front teeth being the first ones to loosen and come out.

Parents should begin to start brushing their child’s teeth when the first tooth appears by using a small finger toothbrush and water. Children are able to start using a small amount of fluoridated toothpaste that is “pea sized” beginning at the age of two, after checking with their children’s dentist and under supervision of the parent. The child should be taught to not swallow the toothpaste and then rinse and spit out any remaining toothpaste that is in the mouth. An adult needs to supervise children with their brushing until they are about eight or nine years of age, or are able to start cursive writing. Until then, their dexterity is not able to have the technique that is needed to properly reach all areas.

Parents should begin to use floss as soon as any two primary teeth touch. They may also use a floss holder, which is sometimes easier to reach some of the back primary molars.

Cleaning between the teeth is important because it removes plaque where a toothbrush is not able to reach. Children should brush their teeth twice a day and floss once daily, the same as is recommended for adults.

So, the earlier the better for your infant’s oral health care.

It’s important to establish an early partnership with your dentist, along with proper home dental care and good nutrition habits. Children with healthy teeth chew food easily and smile with confidence. Start your child now on a lifetime of good dental habits.

The Dentists’ Column appears in The Grand Rapids Press “Health Section” the first Sunday of every month with a disclaimer: Brought to you by the 600 members of the West Michigan District Dental Society in Kent, Ottawa, Ionia, Mecosta and Montcalm counties. West Michigan District Dental Society dentists are also members of the Michigan Dental Association.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL ISSUE 2011

“HOW to Love Dentistry, Have Fun and Prosper!”

Presented by Dr. David Madow and Dr. Richard Madow | January 20, 2012 | Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park This fun, fast-paced course is perfect for all doctors, team members and spouses who want to easily and predictably take their practices to a level they never thought possible.

It’s filled with incredibly usable content, and also features videos, music, and humor to make it unlike any other dental seminar most have ever experienced. The Madow Brothers make sure that every single dentist and team member in the audience learns the secrets of delivering better patient care, practice growth, and fulfillment in the profession of dentistry while having an enjoyable day. Practically every attendee reports that a Madow Brothers seminar was the best day they have ever spent in dentistry.

Here are just some of the things covered in this course: • One simple thing to add to your exams for better patient care AND increased practice income.

• Double your new patients instantly by getting them off the phone and into your appointment book.

• The latest trends in social media — get up to speed now and watch your practice explode.

• Ways to economically and efficiently “Grow Your Practice Locally.”

• How to avoid the “Deadliest Four Words in Dentistry” being said about you (and they are).

• Important telephone skills — answer those difficult questions correctly every time.

• Ten “Incredible Practice Builders.” Easy and inexpensive ways to reach out to those in your community.

• The best referral idea in the history of dentistry.

• “Off the Wall” ideas for practice growth that you will NOT hear anywhere else.

• Do this simple thing and never run late again.

• How to give a painless injection every time.

• Simple ways to lower your overhead once and for all.

• Re-energize your entire team and get them to love your practice.

• How any office can achieve 100% treatment plan acceptance.

• Clinical updates in lasers, digital technology and more.

• Seven “Almost Free” ways to get and keep new patients.

• Performing treatment that was “slipping through the cracks.”

• A live demonstration that will leave you in shock, disbelief, and help you to schedule more new patients than ever before.

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

• A special ending — you’ve never seen anything like it at a dental seminar!

Thank you to our sponsors who have helped to make these programs available to us.

Platinum Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors:

Supporting Sponsor:

Registration Form NAME

ADDRESS

ADDITIONAL REGISTRANT(S) AT THIS ADDRESS

MDA-member dentist – $250 Pay by credit card: � VISA � Mastercard

WMDDS retired member dentist – $100

CREDIT CARD #

NAME ON CARD

EXPIRATION DATE/SECURITY CODE

SIGNATURE

PAY BY CHECK: Make checks payable to: West Michigan District Dental

Society.

Remit to: Elaine Fleming | c/o WMDDS | 161 Ottawa NW | Suite 511-F, Waters Building | Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 | Questions?

Call 616.234.5605 or email efwmdds@aol.com

1st staff member – $100 2nd-5th staff members – $90 6th-12th staff members – $85 13th staff member and over – $80 per non-member dentist – $500 TOTAL:

WMDF GOLF OUTING

Golfers Raise Funds for West Michigan Dental Foundation

By Elaine Fleming, WMDDS Executive Secretary

P

erfect weather greeted the 104 golfers who participated in the annual West Michigan Dental Foundation golf outing at Egypt Valley Country Club on June 3, 2011.

The event began with a shotgun start at 12:00 noon and ended with a picnic dinner sponsored by Davis Dental Laboratory.

This year’s event netted over $17,000, which will be used to support the activities of the WMDF. A special thank you to our sponsors: Dinner Sponsor ($2,000) Davis Dental Laboratory Eagle Sponsors ($1,000) Grandville Endodontics – Dr. Brian Licari Henry Schein Dental Meade and Zolman Family Dentistry OMSA of Western Michigan, P.L.C. Oral Surgery Associates West Michigan Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, PC Birdie Sponsors ($500) Doctors Caldwell and Christopherson Dr. Gary Cook DDS Integration First Companies, Inc. Founders Bank & Trust Grand River Endodontics, PC – Dr. Sarah Lennan Grand River Orthodontics, PC – Dr. Heather Gietzen Grandville Dental Health Center – Drs. Bishop and Biersack Huyser Orthodontics – Dr. David Huyser Dr. Jacob Lueder MDA Insurance MDA Services Midwest Capital Advisors Norman Family Dentistry Dr. Thomas Nykamp Partners in Dental Care, PC Patterson Dental Supply Dr. Mark Powell Professional Consulting and Accounting Group Inc. VanderLugt, Mulder, DeVries, and Elders

12

Major Patron Sponsor ($250) Valleau and VanDeven Pediatric Dentistry 2011 Golf Committee Dr. Matt Gietzen, chair Dr. Larissa Bishop Mr. Jim Ditta Mr. Hal Henkel Dr. Tim Meade Dr. Ken Mulder Dr. Mike Palaszek Dr. Mark Powell Dr. Ryan Zolman Elaine Fleming A special thanks to Carol Klein (OMSA of Western Michigan) and Betsy Haller (Bank of Holland) for their help the day of the event. Also, thank you to Grand Rapids Community College dental assisting students, and volunteers from Founders Bank & Trust, Midwest Capital Advisors, Greg Feutz (DDS Integration), Vander Lugt, Mulder, DeVries, and Elders.

Mark your calendar: 2012 outing will be Friday, June 1 at Egypt Valley Country Club.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL ISSUE 2011

“Dentists are dealing with many unknowns...

One thing I am certain about is my malpractice protection.”

Many dentists are feeling the impact of lowered demand for dentistry due to the economy.

Profitability challenges and increased risk to meet those challenges contribute to an atmosphere of uncertainty and lack of control.

What we do control as dentists: our choice of a liability partner.

I selected ProAssurance because they stand behind my good dentistry. In spite of the maelstrom, I am protected, respected, and heard.

I believe in fair treatment—and I get it.

Professional Liability Insurance & Risk Management Services ProAssurance Group is rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best.

Visit www.ProAssurance.com • 800.292.1036 WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL ISSUE 2011

13

Dental Appreciation Week is coming to The Joe! The Detroit Red Wings and the West Michigan District Dental Society are joining forces for two special nights of fun: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5 VS. THE ANAHEIM DUCKS AT 7:00 P.M. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11 VS. THE EDMONTON OILERS AT 7:30 P.M. You can save up to 50% off of Box Office prices: • Upper Bowl tickets are just $25 • Premium Upper Bowl tickets are $40 • Wings will donate $5 from every ticket purchased to the West Michigan District Dental Society The Wing’s official team dentists, Dr. Jeffrey Boogren and Dr. Randy Freij, invite you to join them pre-game at 5pm both nights to offer helpful advice, answer questions and share stories of their experience.

If you have any questions or would like to purchase tickets, contact: Clark Rowekamp at 313-394-7546 or at Clark.Rowekamp@Hockeytown.com Or visit www.DetroitRedWings.com/dental Promocode: WMDDS

Reserve your seats early, quantities are limited and these games will sell out!

14

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL ISSUE 2011

Keeping You Prepared

So You’re Never Surprised Enjoy outstanding service,numerous coverage options and tremendous savings.

Celebrating 25 Years

(800) 860-2272

www.mdaprograms.com www.smilemichigan.com

Quality Programs. Group Savings. Lower Dues.

MDA programs are continuously reviewed to ensure your coverage needs are being met. MDA Insurance and MDA Services offer a wide range of programs including: • Examination Gloves • Credit Card Processing • Payroll Processing • Professional Liability Insurance • Practice Property Insurance • Individual and Group Health Insurance • Life and Disability Insurance • Auto & Homeowner’s Insurance

Get competitive dental malpractice insurance coverage with protection you can trust from “A” (Excellent) rated* Professional Solutions Insurance Company.

To learn more, call 1-800-718-1007, ext. 9191, or visit www.profsolutions.com.

INSURANCE COMPANY

* Malpractice insurance is underwritten by Professional Solutions Insurance Company, 14001 University Ave., Clive, IA 50325. Professional Solutions Insurance Company ©2011 PSIC NFL 9191 ALL is rated “A” (Excellent) by A.M. Best for financial strength and operating performance. A.M. Best ratings range from A++ to S.

16

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL ISSUE 2011

3rd Annual

T H G I N N O I T A I C E R P P A L A T N DE Presented by

FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2012 VAN ANDEL ARENA

Last season's event was attended by over 600 West Michigan dentists, their employees, family and friends!

Putting together a Dental Appreciation Night group is simple and easy! Start planning today by following these three easy steps: 1. Contact Zack at the Griffins office to reserve tickets for your group 2. Promote the event through emails, flyers, Facebook, etc. (we have tools to help you promote) 3. After a few weeks, call Zack to finalize your ticket order

Bring out your group of ten or more and experience: • $1 beers and $1 hot dogs from 6-8 p.m. while supplies last • Upper level tickets for just $12 each, or lower level faceoff tickets for only $14 each • The WMDDS Smile Cam on the arena's video board

For every ticket purchased though this group offer, the Griffins will donate $2 to the West Michigan Dental Foundation.

EXCLUSIVE SEAT UPGRADE Ask about the special opportunity to upgrade to Premium Lower Bowl Center seats for just $3 more.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Zack Krywyj at zkrywyj@griffinshockey.com or 616.774.4585 ext. 3060.

616.774.4585

griffinshockey.com

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL ISSUE 2011

/grgriffins

SMS

text GRIFF to 88188 for offers, info & more!

@griffinshockey

17

NEW DENTIST FORUM

New Dentist Outing Visits Quail Ridge Golf Club

By Devin Norman, DDS, WMDF President

A

new course, a beautiful day, and a great turnout!

Quail Ridge Golf Club in Ada hosted the New Dentist Golf Outing for the first time on August 5, 2011. The new venue was in pristine shape and was well received by the participants, leading to the largest contributions to-date raised for the newly designated Bob Mitus Scholarship from the West Michigan District Dental Foundation. Over 80 golfers enjoyed the sunny, 85 degree temperatures while challenging for many great prizes and contests. Contest winners were Andy Knowlton (2), Drew DeZwaan, Devin Norman, Brian Mulder, and Sarah Bednarsky. The scramble event was won

by Team Norman with their ringer, Lisa Joppie.

A thunderous applause goes to the many generous sponsors who made this day a successful fundraiser and gave everyone a chance to leave with one of the great raffle or door prizes.

Dinner and Grand Prize Sponsor Bob MacTavish of Mac Dental Lab provided a 50" HDTV won by Betsy Haller. Henry Schein Dental sponsored the popular $25,000 New Car Holein-One (still waiting for a winner on that one). Molly Murray of Great Lakes Financial Insurance Agency, and Palm, Panek & Billups Oral Surgery were also Gold Level Sponsors, providing great prizes.

Major Sponsors Mac Dental Lab Henry Schein Dental Great Lakes Financial Insurance Agency Palm, Panek & Billups Oral Surgery Paul Weston Financial Hole Sponsors and Raffle Sponsors The Bank of Holland – Founders Bank and Trust Patterson Dental – Midmark – Dentsply NA – MDA IFG Davis Lab – Studio 2 Dental – Dental Art Lab Hannapel Orthodontics – OMSA of West Michigan DentaChoice On-Site Repair – Norman Camera – Dixon Architecture A special thank you to our volunteers: Betsy Haller of The Bank of Holland Dawn Norman and Shannda Ray of NFD And to Brian Rhodes and the staff of Quail Ridge Golf Club Save the first Friday of August every year – the prizes, the fun, and the venue are great!

18

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL ISSUE 2011

GRDHS NEWS

Maranda’s Parks Parties 2011 Submitted by JoAnne Hodder, RDH, BS

M

aranda’s Parks Parties and kids – what a great combination! GRDHS gave away 5,550 bags of toothbrushes and toothpaste (which included 1,500 floss packs) at four sites: Greenville, Lamar ParkWyoming, Barry County Expo Center-Hastings, and Allegan.

It was a HOT summer, but that did not stop the crowds.

This summer we bagged the products on site with help from the TV8 interns at each site, and the Greenville High School cheerleaders. We enjoyed the interaction, and they left with a new appreciation of what a vendor does for a Park Party.

The West Michigan Dental Foundation provided a grant to offset the expense of this project. Using large, two-dimensional wooden teeth, we showed toothbrushing and flossing to the kids as they walked through. Delta Dental donated coloring/ activity books, dental game playing cards, and posters that provided additional dental education. We purchased additional products and received free goods through Linda Miller, Territory Manager for P&G. Dr. Amy DeYoung, our sponsor for the Greenville site, donated the toothbrushes, two of her assistants – Keri Weber and Jessica Chovanec, helped us hand out bags, and do TBI. Hygienists who made these parties possible for GRDHS included Traci Beals, Linda Buist, Val

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL ISSUE 2011

Davis, JoAnne Hodder, Dawn Kamyszek, Pennie Lewis, Kathy Roos, and Betty Wakefield.

What a great way to reach out to kids and parents alike!

Maranda’s Parks Parties is just one of GRDHS outreach to the Grand Rapids community. I am proud to be a member.

19

TRUSTEE REPORT

MDA Board of Trustees Summer Meeting

By Dr. Brian Cilla, MDA Trustee

S

ummer is fading away as I write this report about the highlights of the MDA Board of Trustees (BOT) summer meeting that was held at the end of June in Traverse City. The weather was great, and some of us even managed to sneak in a wine tour as part of our weekend.

There was a joint shareholder meeting with the BOT and the MDA Insurance and Financial Group (MDAIFG). This was the twenty-fifth anniversary of MDAIFG. This subsidiary has a mission statement to “provide quality and exemplary service for the benefit of association members.” This year, the group generated $1,559,599 in return to the MDA in the form of royalties, dividends, shared/reimbursed overhead expenses, and program sponsorships. Overall, this equates to $429 per active MDA member. The MDA staff working for MDAIFG is nationally recognized for its service and we are very fortunate to have these individuals conducting business on behalf of the MDA. On the first day of the meeting, we were introduced to Representative Wayne Schmidt (R) and Senator Howard Walker (R), from Traverse City. They provided the Board with a brief update on legislative activities. It was apparent that given our State’s current economic situation, most of their endeavors have been centered on budgetary issues.

One of our first actions was to endorse Demandforce, Inc. This company provides an automated patient communications system that is intended to improve patient connectivity with dental offices. Member dentists currently utilizing this program speak highly of the service. As a consequence, it was felt that this would be another fine product that can be marketed by MDAIFG for our members.

The Board was informed that in mid-May, the Mount Clemens City Board voted unanimously to discontinue water 20

fluoridation. Please be aware that this is becoming a budget issue for cities. Apparently, there are additional cities now looking at removal of fluoride from the water supply due to increased cost of the chemical. Unfortunately, in this economic climate, budgetary concerns will out-trump public health issues. This is a shortsighted view, but is a sign of the current economic times.

Bill Sullivan, Director of Legislative and Insurance Affairs, provided a legislative update. Of particular interest was that the Michigan Dental Hygienists Association (MDHA) recently submitted House Bill 4718, which would allow a dental hygienist to supervise a dental assistant who is acting as a second pair of hands for the dental hygienist. MDHA did not work with the MDA or the Michigan Dental Assisting Association (MDAA) prior to submitting the bill. MDA and MDAA were not aware of the bill until the day it was introduced. It is interesting to note that the MDHA’s legislative representative indicated that MDHA believes the supervision topic was addressed in the MDA’s United Voice report. The United Voice report states that the dental hygienist supervise a dental assistant only when placing sealants. HB 4718 is not limited to sealants.

At the 2011 MDA House of Delegates (HOD), a resolution was adopted regarding Healthy Kids Dental (HKD): The principle goals of the resolution were to legislatively seek coverage for children beginning at birth and up to a minimum of age eight for all 83 counties in the state, and to seek inclusion of any willing Michigan licensed dentist into the HKD Program.

At this time, our legislative liaisons feel that the MDA resolution, as currently worded, is too overly prescriptive and does not allow much wiggle room for effective legislative negotiation. However, it is important to note that Governor Snyder’s newest budget included expansion of the HKD program to cover an additional four counties: Mason, Oceana, Newaygo, and Muskegon. Hopefully, we can gain more traction on HKD expansion with the next budget cycle.

Ms. Lynn Aronoff, the Grassroots Organizer for the MDA, provided the Board with an update on her current MDA activities. She is working on the formation of an ongoing grassroots organizational structure that will function much like a political campaign. The goal is to create a format that can be maintained throughout changes in the legislature, WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL ISSUE 2011

TRUSTEE REPORT

as well as MDA membership. Ideally, dentists will be ready for action if, or when, legislation affecting our profession is being presented. We need to facilitate ongoing relationships between MDA members and members of the legislature.

Hopefully, when dental issues occur, the legislator will contact his or her dentist for detailed information prior to taking any legislative action. To facilitate this process, Lynn has been contacting MDA component leadership. Additionally, she has been requesting information regarding in-district political events from the various members of the State House and Senate. It is important for the MDA to know which events are happening in the various legislators’ districts. Anticipate that the MDA will be asking member dentists, who are the legislators’ actual constituents, to attend these events. Locally, both WMDDS and MDDS have already scheduled fundraising events. This is a new approach for the MDA, and we are definitely in the early stages of establishing a strong and effective grassroots presence. Please be aware that Lynn is open to all suggestions about optimizing this process. Give her a call or send her an email if you have any ideas.

Dr. Norman Palm, Chair of the Special Committee on Access to Care, was invited to be a participant at Dr. Luke Shaefer’s conference to explore mid-level providers (MLP) in Michigan. This meeting took place on August 22 in Ann Arbor. The title of this event was “lncreasing Access to Oral Health Care in Michigan: A Discussion of Three Solutions.”

In a nutshell, the discussion topics or presentations included: 1. Access to Care: Defining the Problem; 2. Introduction of an MLP (i.e. a combined dental therapistdental hygienist); 3. Increasing utilization of existing modes of practice for prevention; 4. Increasing Efficiency in the Dental Practice; 5. Collaborations between oral health providers and other health professionals.

As one can guess, given the subjects of discussion, the tone of this conference was tilted towards justification of MLP utilization in order to improve access to dental care. We are fortunate to have had Norm acting as the voice of the MDA on this issue. His knowledge and keen interest on this subject are second to none. The MDA intends to position itself as the WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL ISSUE 2011

go-to authority on the topic of providing dental care to the citizens of Michigan. The issue of mid-level dental care provider will not be going away in the foreseeable future, and we need to be at the table whenever these matters are being discussed.

Dan Schulte, the MDA legal counsel, provided the Board with a written report on the MDA’s lawsuit involving a denturist. We were also informed of a new allegation. The Board requested that the MDA staff should meet with members of the Michigan Board of Dentistry to discuss the recent law that allows the Michigan Board of Dentistry to discipline nonlicensed individuals practicing dentistry and to determine its plans for enforcing the new law.

The MDA continues to receive phone calls from members regarding the use of Botox in a dental office. Currently, neither the MDA nor the ADA have taken a formal position on the subject matter. However, the MDA staff verified with Perry Bell, from the state, that dentists administering Botox for cosmetic purposes around the eyes/forehead are practicing outside the scope of dentistry. He indicated this is viewed as the practice of medicine. It is assumed that this opinion does not include oral surgeons. When asked about smile lines around the mouth, Mr. Bell has indicated that a “White Paper” will be forthcoming. The Board was informed that the document, rather than being a strict set of guidelines, will be more of a coaching tool and may result in more questions than answers. Once the Committee on Peer Review/Ethics receives the “White Paper,” it will analyze the document and provide a report to the Board.

It was resolved that the MDA will contribute $5,000 to the Missouri Dental Association Joplin Disaster Relief Fund to assist with tornado recovery efforts for Missouri dentists.

The Board reviewed the Michigan Dental Association’s 2010 audited financial statements and management letters.

The Board Committee on Finance (BCF) reviewed these documents with the MDA auditors, Plante & Moran. Once again, the audit ran very smoothly, with MDA staff and management providing the necessary assistance. The BCF also met with the auditors, without MDA staff members present, to ask questions and to discuss the Finance Committee’s fiduciary responsibilities and MDA internal controls. The committee was satisfied with the 2010 audit process and the final audit report.

21

TRUSTEE REPORT

Annually, the MDA Board approves the dental candidates for Delta Dental Board of Directors. Delta’s enabling legislation stipulates that the names of the dental board members must be approved by the MDA. The Board believes that formal criteria should be in place for the MDA to use when approving candidates elected to the Delta Board. Minimally, the Board believes that it should receive a copy of the candidate’s curriculum vitae and have an opportunity to meet with the nominees prior to election. Also, it believes it should have ample time to do so before Delta seats the individuals.

Lastly, the Board believes the criteria should be applicable to any organization for which the MDA board elects individuals.

As a consequence, the BOT resolved that the Committee on Governmental and Insurance Affairs (CGIA) develop criteria for the MDA Board in its duty to elect individuals to external boards, and that the committee submit the criteria to the Board of Trustees for approval by December 2011. I would suggest that anyone interested in this process either submit suitable credentialing recommendations to CGIA, or attend their next meeting.

MDA President Connie Verhagen provided the BOT with information on Mission of Mercy (MOM). Mission of Mercy is a gathering of dentists, hygienists, and volunteer staff for the purpose of providing free dental care at a two-day clinic in a temporary dental facility. Approximately 2,000 patients are seen at these events, and they are typically held on a weekend. The total cost for this event is around $150,000, of which $50,000 is for in-kind services. Usually, the state dental association foundation conducts the fundraising for food, supplies, etc… America’s Dentists Care Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides and maintains all the equipment necessary to put on a MOM event. In addition, it provides the methods for organizing the volunteers and the expertise to organize, set-up, run, and tear down the event. It takes approximately 18 months to put a MOM project together.

There is an organizational handbook that provides checklists for everything which needs to be done. As can be imagined, it will take a large volunteer committee to bring this type of statewide event to fruition. Dr. Verhagen is looking for members who are passionate about an activity of this sort, and who would be willing to help with research about whether or not this is a project the MDA can organize and fund. Anyone who 22

is interested should get in touch with either Colette or myself.

President Verhagen split the last part of our meeting into two sections: the first was a showcase of five successful component programs that provide access to care and are models that can be emulated by other communities. The second part of the meeting centered on the importance of building local alliances. John Truscott, president of Truscott Rossman, was the moderator. Our second session was about the value and importance of building alliances. It was intended to provide a framework for making contacts and supply a basis for interacting with local organizations that might have common interests in supporting initiatives that are projected to improve oral health in our various communities. Some of the significant reasons for local partnerships include: ∙ Taking control of oral health issues; ∙ Establishing the MDA and local components as the go-to source for information; ∙ Branding our issues as the comprehensive answer to oral health problems; ∙ Establishing third-party credibility; ∙ Pooling resources; ∙ Raising overall awareness about the importance of good oral health.

The cultivation of grassroots support now will have a longterm positive impact in the legislative arena in the future. It is important to involve our local members with these grassroots efforts. MDA members need to be recognized as the local resource for information and ideas, so that dentistry is involved in decisions and the formulation of programs at the ground level.

Dr. Verhagen requested that Board members provide Mr. Thomas Kochheiser with the names of four to six dentists who have a passion for access to care issues. The MDA would like to create a network of dentists throughout the state who have an interest/passion for access to care. We already know how to round up the usual suspects. However, it would be nice to add some new names to the list. Anyone interested should contact either Colette or myself.

The purpose of these trustee reports is to keep our membership informed of MDA activities and relevant issues effecting our profession. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to give me a call or send an e-mail (blcilla@aol.com).

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL ISSUE 2011

WMDDS DIRECTORY UPDATES

2011 Directory Corrections and Additions DIRECTORY – Changes indicated in bold DENTAL LABS AND SUPPLY COMPANIES– Changes indicated in bold KIMBALL, THOMAS R 4500 CASCADE RD SE, #200 GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49546 458-2011 FAX 957-1462

Boldface Denotes supporters of WMDDS through Bulletin advertising.

HENRY SCHEIN DENTAL SUPPLY CO 265 LEONARD ST NW GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49504 454-1212

MONTICELLO, JOHN F 1750 GRAND RIDGE CT NE, #300 GRAND RAPIDS, MI 49525 364-1700 FAX 364-6890 (NO LOWELL OFFICE)

MARK YOUR CALENDAR West Michigan Dental Foundation Annual Golf Outing Friday June 1, 2012 Egypt Valley Country Club Watch for more information about this event!

Mission Statement: An organization dedicated to the improvement of oral health through the financial support of education and service programs to address the needs identified by the dental profession and the communities it serves in Kent, Ottawa, Ionia, Mecosta and Montcalm counties.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL ISSUE 2011

23

MDA NEWS

Contact the MDA Office MDA Office 800-589-2632 or 517-372-9070 3657 Okemos Rd., Suite 200 Okemos, MI 48864-3927 Dial 517 and the direct lines listed below.

The last three digits of the telephone number are the extension for that staff member.

Executive Office Drew Eason, CEO/Executive Director deason@michigandental.org 346-9425 Jennifer Lennemann, Assistant to the Executive Director jlennemann@michigandental.org... 346-9461 Michelle Nichols-Cruz, Board/House Administrator mcruz@michigandental.org 346-9414

Legislation/Insurance Bill Sullivan, Director, Legislative/Insurance Affairs bsullivan@michigandental.org 346-9405

Health, Life, Disability Tina Voss, Program Manager, Health tvoss@mdaifg.com. 346-9479

Kesha Dixon, Legislative/Insurance Affairs Assistant kdixon@michigandental.org 346-9452

Art Brandstatter, Account Executive abrandstat@mdaifg.com 346-9432

Membership/Student Affairs Josh Lord, Director, Membership/Student Affairs jlord@michigandental.org 346-9415 Sherry Bryan, Member Relations Assistant sbryan@michigandental.org 346-9424 Joanne Floyd, Membership Coordinator jfloyd@michigandental.org 346-9451 Patti Fox, Receptionist pfox@michigandental.org 346-9400 Yvonne Orrin, Membership Data Administrator yorrin@michigandental.org 346-9429

Lori Kleinfelt, Property Manager/ Accounting Manager lkleinfelt@michigandental.org 346-9406

Publications/Website Dave Foe, Director, Member Communication dfoe@michigandental.org 346-9421

Jody Marquardt, Dues/Accounting Clerk jmarquardt@michigandental.org 346-9408

Jeff Mertens, Communications/Technology Coordinator jmertens@michigandental.org... 346-9460

Continuing Education Andrea Sundermann, CE Director asunder@michigandental.org 346-9403 Bernie Droste, CE Manager bdroste@michigandental.org 346-9401 Shawna Owens, CE Assistant sowens@michigandental.org 346-9402 Professional Affairs Grace DeShaw-Wilner, Managing V.P./Professional Affairs gwilner@michigandental.org 346-9413 Lisa Russell Boettger, Senior Professional Review Specialist lboettger@michigandental.org 346-9411

Jackie Hammond, Publications Assistant jhammond@michigandental.org 346-9419 Public Relations/Marketing Tom Kochheiser, Director of Public Affairs tkoch@michigandental.org 346-9422 April Stopczynski, Public Affairs and Legislative/ Insurance Affairs Assistant astop@michigandental.org 346-9417

Lesa Barker, Group Health Representative lbarker@mdaifg.com 346-9437 Crista Feldpausch, Program Manager, Life feldpausch@mdaifg.com 346-9447

Craig Wyma, Account Executive cwyma@mdaifg.com 346-9435 Professional Liability, Practice Property and Workers’ Compensation Jeff Spindler, Director, P&C Programs jspindler@mdaifg.com 346-9444 Tina Croley, Commercial Lines Manager tcroley@mdaifg.com 346-9448 Misty Ward, Account Coordinator mward@mdaifg.com 346-9449 Jill Anderson, Commercial Lines Rep. janderson@mdaifg.com 346-9456 Susan Tonelli, Commercial Lines Rep. stonelli@mdaifg.com 346-9466 Personal Lines — Home and Auto Jeni Jonckheere, Personal Lines Manager jjonckheere@mdaifg.com 346-9462

Care and Well Being Line 517-346-9413 Michigan Dental Association Foundation Lori Kleinfelt lkleinfelt@michigandental.org 346-9406

Beth Jackson, Personal Lines Rep. bjackson@mdaifg.com 346-9443 MDA Services Darren Zwick, Director dzwick@mdaifg.com 346-9446

MDA Insurance 800-860-2272 877-906-9924 (Blue Cross calls)

Cindy Hoogasian, Marketing Coordinator choogasian@mdaifg.com 346-9467

Jo Ann Murphy, Senior Professional Review Assistant jmurphy@michigandental.org 346-9430

Craig Start, President cstart@mdaifg.com 346-9441

Chris Wilson, Professional Review Assistant cwilson@michigandental.org 346-9409

Elise Witte, Executive Assistant ewitte@mdaifg.com 346-9445

Tammy Cauthen, Human Resources Assistant tcauthen@michigandental.org 346-9416

Sabrina Rawson, Accounting Associate srawson@mdaifg.com 346-9433

24

Heidi DuMond, Health Representative hdumond@mdaifg.com 346-9440

Shawn Haindel, Life/Health Representative shaindel@mdaifg.com 346-9442

Accounting/Production/Building Brian Stump, Director of Finance bstump@michigandental.org 346-9407

Dave Lutz, Internal Services Clerk dlutz@michigandental.org 346-9426

Denise Wyzywany, Health Representative dwyzywany@mdaifg.com 346-9450

Carol Yoshonis, Member Services Rep. cyoshonis@mdaifg.com 346-9465 Nancy Williams, Customer Service/Gloves nwilliams@mdaifg.com 346-9468

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL ISSUE 2011

MDA Launches New Online Legislative Action Center In early September, the MDA launched a Legislative Action Center at www.smilemichigan.com (dental professionals area) for its members. To find it, just click on the new “Legislative” link at the top of the page.

The new Legislative Action Center contains the latest legislative information, plus online tools to help you take an active, timely role in the political process. The MDA Legislative Action Center will help you: Find your elected officials. Just enter your zip code to locate your elected officials. From there, you can see each legislator’s bio page, containing direct links to contact information, key votes and bills, and staff information.

View key legislation. The MDA Legislative Action Center helps you easily see all the votes, bills, and issues that affect dentists, not only in Michigan, but even across the nation.

Take action on issues that impact your practice. The MDA will post action alerts that encourage you to send personalized messages to elected officials. Now you can easily let them know what you think about important issues

that affect dentistry as a whole, and your dental practice in particular.

Send letters to the editor. The Legislative Action Center Media Guide allows you to easily send letters to the editors of local and national newspapers and magazines. If you think the public should know about an issue, you can influence public opinion with a few easy clicks.

The Legislative Action Center also contains policy tools, such as a listing of state officials and agencies, an election guide, and information on state legislative basic. There’s also an email link where you can forward the latest legislative news and alerts to your friends, family and neighbors.

As a WMDDS member, you will soon be receiving updates and sample communications from the MDA on top legislative issues via email. If you don’t receive these messages, the MDA does not have your current email address. To update your email address, just send an e-mail to membership@michigandental.org.

Born here.

Growing here.

Staying here.

Our local bank proudly supports the dedicated West Michigan Dental Community.

Locations Cascade Rd at Spaulding - SE Northland Dr at Plainfield - NE Monroe Ave at Louis - Downtown Wilson Ave at 56th - SW Member FDIC

(616) 956-9030 foundersbt.com WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL ISSUE 2011

25

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.

Established Dental Office Space – 2003 Burton SE (between Breton and Plymouth). End unit with 720 sq. ft. and a full basement, on-site parking, adjacent 3 spaces occupied by established dentists. Great traffic counts on Burton in an established residential area. Call Bruce at 942.9492.

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.

RediDental: Now hiring part-time dentists for evening and weekend hours at our Holland location. We offer guaranteed pay and flexible hours to work around your schedule.

Please email Ryan Lebster at Drlebster@gmail.com. Positions are available immediately.

Associate position wanted – Newly graduated dentist from UDM looking for full time position as an associate of progressive dental practice in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

Please call 616.617.9725 or email ranaazzo@gmail.com.

Office Space for Lease – Up to 6900 S.F. available; will divide. Basement storage available. Newer class A building. Great visibility! Located at 1151 East Paris Ave SE (across from Bonefish Grill). Owner occupied.

Call Dr. Sam Bander 616.949.5980 or e-mail drsambander@gmail.com. Visit www.drsambander.com to take a look.

26

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.

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.

Dental Office for Lease – Time to move up? Busy northeast area dental suite at 1750 Grand Ridge Ct. NE, 3295 SF, ten-year old modern dental office available. 3 pvt ops, 4 chair bay area, plumbed for nitrous, air, water, power and vacuum, lab, x-ray, staff area, pvt. office, reception, storage available. Former pedo practice obtainable Jan. 1st 2011. Contact Dr. John Monticello 616.364.1700 or info@grandridgeorthodontics.com Associate Position/Practice for Sale Wanted: General dentist with 13 years experience looking for a place to practice in the Grand Rapids and surrounding east areas. Open to all options.

Please email to midds331@yahoo.com.

General Dentist Seeking Associate Position in Grand Rapids area – General dentist residing in the Grand Rapids area is seeking an associate position for 1-2 days per week in the Grand Rapids and surrounding area.

If you are looking for an associate for your practice, please call 616.975.2870.

REF # GR Associate.

Practice Merger Opportunity – Grand Rapids – Looking to transition your patient care? General Dentist in the Grand Rapids area is seeking an opportunity to bring in an additional patient base (up to 1,000 patients) into existing practice. Opportunity for doctor transition is also negotiable.

If you are interested in this unique opportunity, call 616.975.2870. REF # GR Practice Merger.

Dental Equipment for Sale – One DEN-TAL-EZ model JSR taupe dental chair, one of the most desired chairs on the market; four recessed (in wall) Rinn x-ray view boxes – can be purchased separately or together; one Biotec dental pass-through housing for x-ray arm to be used between two operatories. Please contact Joseph Ellis, D.D.S. or Lisa Tartaglione-Ellis, D.D.S. at 616.949.7290 or eastparisdental@tds.net.

Northwest Michigan – Modern feefor-service, general dental office averaging over $600K/yr with solid net on 3.5 days/wk. Beautiful Lake Michigan resort town. Digital Radiology and laser included. Building with recent remodel also available.

Call Phil Stark 888.477.7325 or visit www.peakdental.com P/T Dentist needed in Grand Rapids nursing home two days per week.

No equipment needed. Please email CV to ceweeg@yahoo.com or call 231.733.1224.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL ISSUE 2011

CLASSIFIED ADS

Current student at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry – graduating May 2011, looking for full-time or part-time position in a private practice as an associate in the Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

Please contact 954.562.1122 or dent@umich.edu.

Associate Dentist Wanted – MidMichigan. We are seeking an associate dentist to join our growing $2M+ practice. Our two dentists have been serving the community for over 40 years. Applicant must be friendly, personable, reliable, flexible and open to change. Proficiency in cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery, endodontics and prosthodontics is a plus. Opportunity to become partner available to the right applicant. Please send resumé and letter of application to dentalapp12@gmail.com.

Dental Office for Lease – Sparta, MI. Classy, finely appointed 1900 sq. ft. dental suite. $8.00 per sq. ft. ($1267 per month). Recent $70,000 interior renovations. Vacuum extraction equipment, two X-ray machines, one dental chair, laboratory, dark room, cabinetry, etc. Huge road-side sign.

Traffic flow 14,265 vehicles daily.

616.887.8974.

Live your dream on Lake Michigan.

Perfect town, perfect location to start your practice. 1000 to 1500 square feet available. Grand Haven, MI. Call 616.846.5330.

Live and practice just three miles from Pere Marquette Park’s sandy beaches in Muskegon Michigan.

Suite in high visibility (6,000 cars/day) single-story, stand-alone professional building adjoining middle class, oldschool residential neighborhood (walk to work). Perfect environment to start a practice, raise a family, retire, or simply enjoy surf, sand, beach.

Preferential Terms for certain underserved specialties. Ample free on-site parking, 70 sq. ft. of signage near road. Contact Jerome Dewald at jeromekjerome@gmail.com or view photos at http://muskegon.craigslist.org/off/.

General Dentist – Looking to purchase a practice along the lakeshore (Grand Haven, Holland, Saugatuck area) or Grand Rapids area. Please contact wmidentist@gmail.com.

For Sale – Several items from orthodontic office. Siemens 10E Pan/Ceph x-ray, Ritter PA x-ray, Phillips 810 processor, treatment chairs and stools, reception room furniture, file cabinets, Chemclave and more. Call 616.538.3545 anytime for more information.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL ISSUE 2011

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

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

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

Aspen Dental........................................9 DDS Integration..... outside back cover Davis Dental Laboratory................ inside front cover Founders Bank & Trust.....................25 Great Lakes Financial Insurance.......28 Henry Schein.............inside back cover MDA IFG............................................15 ProNational........................................13 Professional Solutions.......................16

27

LIFE LESSON #6

Reach Out and Touch Someone Submitted by JoAnne Hodder, RDH, BS

D

o you remember that Michigan Bell Ad, “Reach Out and Touch Someone,” encouraging us to phone our family and friends and touch their lives on a personal note? Unfortunately, in today’s society, “touching someone” has other connotations associated with it. However, for this Life Lesson, I am sharing how someone special to me touched my life.

On the first anniversary of my husband’s death, I had a dream. I was sitting at a table outside at a family event with several other people nearby. Russ sat down across from me and held my left hand in his hand. We talked for awhile and then he said he had to go. I said, “OK,” and then I woke up.

My first thought was, “I was dreaming of Russ.” Then I realized I could still feel him holding my hand. I could feel the calluses on his hand as they pressed into my hand. For a long time after, I had that sensation. And then I remembered how much I missed his touch. I cried for a long time.

28

Sometimes life gets so busy that we forget the little things, like shaking someone’s hand when we meet him/her or giving a little pat on the shoulder, a hug (if appropriate), or even smiling and saying “Hi!” Something personal from us that is not intrusive, but says “I care.”

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | FALL ISSUE 2011

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

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