Issu
WSDA 3 201 ber cem · de e2
The voice of the Washington State Dental Association
news
DR. DAVID MINAHAN
2013 WSDA President
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Dr. Greg Vaughn 2 路 th e wsda ne w s 路 issue 2, december 路 2013 路 www.wsda.org
WSDA President Dr. David Minahan and his family on a recent vacation
WSDA news
4
editorial
5
guest editorial
6-11
Cover story by Rob Bahnsen
component presidents
12
the source: new aca content
19
regulatory news
19
dental action day news
14
pediatric referral program
16-21
cover story
issue 2 · december 2013
23
clinical corner
23
letters to the editor
25-27
in memoriam
31, 33
membership
34-41
uwsod students in jamaica
43
wdia news
45,47,49 classifieds 50
parrish or perish
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WashingtonStateDentalAssociation WSDA News Editor Dr. Mar y Jennings Editorial Advisor y Board Dr. Victor Barry Dr. Richard Mielke Dr. Jeffrey Parrish Dr. Rhonda Savage Dr. Robert Shaw Dr. Mary Krempasky Smith Dr. Timothy Wandell Washington State Dental Association Dr. David M. Minahan President Dr. Gregory Y. Ogata, President-elect Dr. Bryan C. Edgar, Vice President Dr. D. Michael Buehler, Secretary-Treasurer Dr. Danny G. Warner, Immediate Past President Board of Directors Dr. Theodore M. Baer Dr. Dennis L. Bradshaw Dr. Ronald D. Dahl Dr. Christopher Delecki Dr. Christopher W. Herzog Dr. Gary E. Heyamoto
Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr.
Eric J. Kvinsland Bernard J. Larson Christopher Pickel Lorin D. Peterson James W. Reid Ashley L. Ulmer
WSDA Staff: Executive Director Stephen Hardymon Senior Vice President/ Assistant Executive Director Amanda Tran Vice President/Chief Financial Officer Peter Aaron General Counsel Alan Wicks Vice President of Operations Brenda Berlin Vice President of Communications Kainoa Trotter
Vice President of Government Affairs Bracken Killpack Art Director/Managing Editor Robert Bahnsen Manager of Continuing Education and Speaker Ser vices Craig Mathews Government Affairs Coordinator Michael Walsh Public Policy Coordinator Emily Lovell Membership Manager Laura Rohlman Exhibits and Sponsorship Ser vices Coordinator Katie Olson Bookkeeper Joline Hartman Office Coordinator Gilda Snow
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Association Of fice: (206) 448 -1914 Fax: (206) 443 -9266 Toll Free Number: (800) 448 - 3368 E- mail: info@ wsda.org/w w w.wsda.org In the event of a natural disaster that takes down the WSDA web site and email accounts, the WSDA has established a separate email address. Should an emergency occur, members can contact washstatedental@gmail.com. The WSDA News is published 8 times yearly by the Washington State Dental Association. Copyright © 2013 by the Washington State Dental Association, all rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the editor. Statements of fact or opinion are the responsibilit y of the authors alone and do not express the opinions of the WSDA, unless the Association has adopted such statements or opinions. Subscription price is $65 plus sales tax per year for 8 issues of the News. Foreign rate is $97.92 per year. Advertising is published as a service to readers; the editor reserves the right to accept, reject, discontinue or edit any advertising offered for publication. Publication of advertising materials is not an endorsement, qualification, approval or guarantee of either the advertiser or product. Communications intended for publication, business matters and advertising should be sent to the WSDA Office, 126 NW Canal Street, Seattle, Wash. 98107. ISSN 1064-0835 Member Publication American Association of Dental Editors. Winner: 2013: Journalism Award, Platinum Pencil, 2012: Journalism Award, Best Newsletter, Division 1, 2012: Platinum Pencil Award Honorable Mention (2), 2008: Best Newsletter, Division 1, 2007 Platinum Pen Award, 2006 Honorable Mention, 2005 Platinum Pencil Award, 2005 Publication Award; International College of Dentists
table of contents issue 2, december 2013
a day in the life
editorial dr. mar y jennings
ADA House recap
I just got back from the ADA House of Delegates in New Orleans. Some of the most interesting conversations surrounded the normally staid Medicaid program and the never dull Affordable Care Act (ACA) implementation process. Let’s dig in. To review, Washington State’s Medicaid program for children will maintain its current population and services. In addition, due mostly to WSDA’s Grassroots efforts, legislators also decided to keep low income people healthy and out of the emergency rooms by reinstating adult dental Medicaid. This allows the over 450,000 adults who lost that benefit in 2011 to be covered again. Washington state and the federal government will split the bill 50/50 for this population. Washington is also one of the 27 states as of this writing that has chosen to opt into the Medicaid expansion program available through the ACA. This will cover people up to 138 percent of poverty, including more of the working poor. Expansion brings about 250,000 more adults into the program. The federal government will pick-up 100 percent of the cost of covering this additional “newly eligible” population for the first three years and 90 percent of the cost long term (2020 and beyond). The fact that our legislators recognized the problem dental disease brings our citizens and made the decision to fund and expand adult dental in a horrible economy is truly amazing. But there are dentists, including some at our Federally Qualified Health Centers, who are concerned that the funding could go away again. Who wants to be caught in the middle of treatment and lose funding? No one wants to lose a large percentage of their practice. No one wants to turn away people in need. We must sustain and increase funding if we are going to have any chance at wading out of the Access to Care Mire. In order to sustain funding, dentists must treat Medicaid patients and show a difference in our nation’s dental health. In order to attract dentists, we need a fair fee schedule and a reasonable billing system. Meanwhile up in Maine, they have a very unique Medicaid problem. The ACA has a provision requiring states to have an auditing program to check for billing errors. The state of Maine hired a reputable company that is reportedly paid on collections. According to the Maine Public Broadcasting Network, $800,000 worth of fines have been assessed. Some of the fines reported were clerical errors not related to the quality of care or billing. They think it may be a software glitch. Maine dentists reported at the ADA meeting that some of the auditors were not dentists and did not understand our procedures or codes. I serve on the ADA Council on Government Affairs. We discussed the audit issue at our August 2013 meeting. The ADA is watching and working on this at a national level. Here in Washington State we have not had any problems reported. However, WSDA is wideawake and watching to make sure this does not happen here. With all this controversy, what would entice a dentist to take Medicaid? I am a Medicaid provider and plan to be one until I retire. While the rates are poor, the billing system, Provider One, has vastly improved in our state. In a time when many doctors’ schedules are not full, Medicaid is a stable revenue source. I believe the funding will stay. We have lost funding twice and the legislators learned they still had to pay through emergency room visits that did not resolve the problem. I think the carrot of so much Federal money being offered is a delicious incentive. I am impressed with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ new Chief Dental Director, Dr. Lynn Mouden. If you do a quick Internet search you will find his good work. Dr. Mouden is establishing protocols, networking best practices, and recommending Medicaid fee increases. The Medicaid.gov site firmly sets the standard by stating that a referral to a dentist is required for Medicaid insured children. Nothing less. As Jimmy Buffet would say, he is “quietly making noise” in the Medicaid arena. This is the first noise I have heard in years. It is good noise. I find myself…encouraged. Probably the best/worst thing that has happened in health care is the great consternation the ACA has caused virtually all Americans. Sometimes you have to highlight a problem to solve a problem. Most citizens are engaged and ready to repair the flaws in the system. It is not just us anymore. We have captured our legislators’ attention. This is an excellent time to make things right. Both the ADA and WSDA are in a good position to intervene and assist the profession and our patients. In the mean time, there are lowincome people suffering from dental disease that many of us have the time and resources to cure. Let’s help them.
Dr. Mary Jennings Editor, WSDA News
“In order to have any chance of wading out of the Access to Care mire, we must sustain funding. In order to sustain funding, dentists must treat Medicaid patients and show a difference in our nation’s dental health. In order to attract dentists, we need a fair wage and reasonable billing system.”
Dr. Mary Jennings, WSDA News editor, welcomes comments and letters from readers. Contact her at her email address:mjenningsdds@gmail.com.
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At our recent HOD, a resolution was passed that “encouraged” the state Dental Board to accept ethics classes as clinical CDE. I encourage the Board to also make them part of our mandatory annual CDE hours. Some say mandating such a rule would make the public think we have a morality problem among our members. That is as logical as saying we shouldn’t allow courses on implants because the public will assume we screw them up all the time. Some say a jurisprudence course is all we need. But knowing the law is only the first small step toward understanding the principles of the ethical practice of dentistry. Some say the ethical practice of law is an oxymoron, on which I have no comment. However, lawyers typically advise clients on how close their actions can come to the letter of the law before falling over the edge. The study of dental professional ethics keeps us toiling in the fields of ideal patient treatment, while that illegal cliff stays far in the distance. Despite advances in genetic engineering, we still can’t make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear. Likewise, ethics courses cannot implant a moral compass into someone whose conscience is so devoid. Dental school admissions committees are charged with rooting out the red flags. Thus, when educators refer to “ethics,” they are referring to teaching ethical providers how to navigate ethical dilemmas that they will inevitably encounter on a daily basis in practice. It is the first course that will come to mind for a new graduate their first day at chairside. In dental school, the students start out with the definition of a professional: one who puts the patient’s interests above their own. Then they are given the three basics: the state practice act (ignorance of which is still no excuse), the ADA Principles of Ethics* and Code of Professional Conduct, and myriad materials from the American College of Dentists, whose core mission is the promotion of ethics. Then, through case studies of different ethical dilemmas, the students soon learn what may be legal is not always ethical. For example, is it in the patient’s best interest to take out the easily removed super-erupted upper third molars and refer the lower impacted ones to the specialist? Should a child be prescribed antibiotics at the demand of the parent even though it is not indicated? Should a gold crown be done on a front tooth of a 12 year old? Of course not. What about age 16? 18? On a virgin tooth? If they’re 21, it’s clearly legal. Is it ethical? Can a dentist turn away a patient in pain if they can’t pay? Can a dentist refuse to do a gold crown if the patient’s PPO won’t pay the metal surcharge? Should veneers on virgin teeth be prescribed prior to an orthodontic consult? Can assistants do digital scans on crown preps? (The state board is silent.) Even though it may be sunny outside, the atmosphere in the operatory is mostly gray. So students, recent grads, and old grads alike all need continued guidance in the practice of ethical care-giving. And mandating such CDE will make it apply to those who often need it most: non-members. A strong commitment to ethics defines us as professionals and differentiates those who provide dentistry from those who just sell it. A dentist and his/her staff who stay steeped in the principles of professional ethics will be assured of protecting the most valued asset of their practice: the patients’ trust. That is the truest form of success.
*Autonomy, Non-malfeasance, Beneficence, Justice, Veracity
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Dr. Victor J. Barry Past President, WSDA
“Some say mandating such a rule would make the public think we have a morality problem among our members. That is as logical as saying we shouldn’t allow courses on implants because the public will assume we screw them up all the time.”
guest editorial dr. victor barr y
Ethics is not just jurisprudence
member news your component society presidents
YOUR COMPONENT PRESIDENTS Each year, we ask the presidents of all the component societies to tell us a little about themselves and what organized dentistry means to them, and to send us a picture doing something outside their professional life that they enjoy.
Dr. Ryan Wynne with his sons Evan (left) and Dylan
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Greetings from the North! After graduating from the UW Endodontic residency program in 2003, my wife and I moved to Bellingham to begin private practice. We were drawn to the area for the many recreational opportunities and a slower pace of life. Ten years later, we have four children ages 3 to 9 that add even more to the adventure. We enjoy backpacking (yes, as a family), snow skiing (my 7 year old is faster than I am) and playing the Wii (everyone needs some screen time). I also enjoy playing piano at our church. This is a vital time to be involved with organized dentistry. Our profession faces many challenges in the coming year. As a society, we continue to fight against the midlevel provider legislation, wrestle with insurance reimbursement, and adapt to rising PPO plans. The Affordable Care Act will likely impact our profession as well. New graduates are faced with large student loans and high interest rates. We need continued strong leadership at the state and local level to address these issues. At the local level, my goal is to try and recruit new young society members and encourage them into leadership positions. I think our profession will have a bright future as long as we stay unified.
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member news your component society presidents
Dr. Ryan Wynne Mount Baker District Dental Society
member news your component society presidents
Dr. Kristine Aadland
Dr. Dino Cacchiotti
Dr. Stephen Hansen Benton-Franklin Counties Dental Society
It’s a privilege to serve as president of the Benton-Franklin Counties Dental society. There are many dentists in our community who give selflessly of their time, expertise, and means to benefit our profession and to help care for the underserved, and I truly look up to such great mentors. I’m originally from Las Vegas, but completed most of my dental training in the great Northwest, attending OHSU in Portland for dental school, Idaho State U. AEGD program, and finally returning to OHSU to specialize in Endo. My wife, Christina, and I have four children, ages eight to one year. We enjoy staying active, traveling, and doing outdoor family activities.
Dr. Kristine Aadland Clark County Dental Society
I can hardly believe three years have gone by since I got a phone call asking if I wanted to be more involved in our local dental society. At the time, I had just opened my practice and time alone seemed to be this imaginary dream, but I was raised with the belief that you had to get involved with organizations that affect who you are, what you do, and who you would like to become. I truly love dentistry, and it is changing every day. I want to make sure it doesn’t shift in a direction that will stop me from waking up every day and wanting to go to work. My family has been in the construction industry for my entire life and more, and I was so fortunate to watch my father become involved from being the local President to the national President of AGC- the fourth largest association in our nation. I was in awe as I watched him give speeches to rooms of thousands of people and believed every word he said about being active in your PAC groups. The changes he made in his industry felt tangible. He lived by the rule that if you want change, be the change, so when Dr. Katy Wright asked if I would be involved, I felt I couldn’t say no. Even though my father was in construction, all of his messages apply to our world of dentistry. We are a changing business, in technology, politics, and even the perceptions of health care. We need to all work together to help determine the course of our industry.
Dr. Stephen Hansen
Dr. Dino Cacchiotti Grant County Dental Society Hi, I’m Dino Cacchiotti, and this year I’ll have been practic-
ing orthodontics in Moses Lake and Quincy for 20 years! This is my second term as Grant County Dental Society President, and I enjoy the camaraderie and cohesiveness of our group very much. My wife, Rhonda, and I spend most of our “off time” traveling. Together we have three children: Max, Dominico, and Damiano.
Dr. Stephen Rupert Grays Harbor District Dental Society Let me start out with a thank you to the WSDA and all that is
organized dentistry. In these challenging times, we are fortunate to have a great ally providing us with wonderful resources and support — sign up for the WSDA blog to stay informed, peruse the award-winning online tool, The Source, take advantage of NORDIC’s incredible customer service, and don’t forget to stay involved at Dental Action Day, the House of Delegates, or the PNDC. Organized dentistry needs to champion the advantages that its members are privy to, and entice more young dentists to enroll. Don’t forget to invite the new dentist in town to your next component meeting — as well as helping the WSDA and the ADA, it is a great opportunity for learning, networking and fun! Improving access to care, especially for children, in Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties is one of my main professional goals. I was fortunate enough to join my father’s practice after graduating from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry in 2011. This privilege has helped me continue to treat the many underserved in our region as he has for almost 40 years. It is wonderful to be involved in such a dynamic practice of young and old, insured/uninsured/Medicaid patients and all disciplines of dentistry. Each day brings successes and challenges. In addition to GHDDS president, I am the current co-champion of the ABCD program for Grays Harbor. 68 percent of all children in Grays Harbor are Medicaid eligible- making the burden huge for those of us who choose to accept DSHS patients. I believe that all dentists have an obligation to treat the underserved, and I look forward to many more years of doing so. In my spare time I enjoy traveling to the far reaches of the planet. continued on next page
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Dr. Jared Evans
Dr. Mostafa Norooz
Dr. Frank “Drew” Lasley
Dr. Heather Ronngren
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member news your component society presidents
Dr. Graham McIntire
member news your component society presidents
Dr. Frank “Drew” Lasley Lewis County Dental Society
Olympic Peninsula Dental Society
It has been my honor to serve the Lewis County Dental Society over the past year both as president and alternate delegate in Chelan. As a fourth generation dentist, our family has provided care to patients for over a hundred years. I grew up in the dental office, learning that caring and compassion for others is what life is about. For me, dentistry is both a passion and a profession. During my career, I look forward to serving our community and the people of Washington by providing the highest quality affordable care possible. We, as a dental society, represent a group of truly dedicated individuals supporting and caring for our community. I believe that our challenge as providers is to continue to innovate and to push as an organized group in order to collectively solve the challenges facing our patients, our colleagues and our society in order to improve the lives of those around us through optimized oral health. I appreciate all of the help, support and structure that the WSDA provides in helping members to achieve these goals.
Dr. Steven H. Pond II Lower Columbia District Dental Society
Having grown up in southwest Washington, I was excited to come home after finishing my dental education. After graduating from Castle Rock High School, I pursued my undergraduate education at BYU in Utah. I graduated from Oregon Health Sciences School of Dentistry in 1996, and then completed a two-year general practice residency in Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC. I have since been in private practice in Kelso, Wash. for the last 14 years. I love dentistry and have a passion for helping the underserved get access to dental care. I am privileged to serve as the President of the Lower Columbia District Dental Society which has active and engaged members who work for the benefit of organized dentistry in our community. My wife Tracy and I have been married for over 20 years and have five children who keep us busy with all of their activities. We particularly enjoy sports of all kinds.
Dr. Heather Ronngren North Central District Dental Society
It is with great honor that I represent the doctors of the North Central District Dental Society this year. This is a diverse group of talented dentists who share a commonality of compassion and leadership in their community, and I recognize that my participation amongst them has allowed me to grow from their insights and experiences. My aspirations for this year are to promote the relationship between oral health and overall health while strengthening the bond between the medical and dental communities through a series of continuing education courses. Our dental society is encouraging the participation of everyone from student dentists to those retired, increasing the camaraderie and opportunity for mentorship. My formal education includes a bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene from Eastern Washington University, whereby I practiced clinically and as an educator prior to my admittance to the inaugural class of Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health. Since then I have participated in dental admissions, education, grant coordination and publications, while also practicing in private and public dentistry. Most recently, I have focused my attention on organized dentistry, recognizing the importance of being involved and maintaining the integrity of our profession. I couldn’t be more blessed to come home to my husband of 17 years, Daric, and words can’t describe the joy when I hear the laughter of our children Ethan and Olivia. We stay active in our church and enjoy cheering for the Eastern Eagles as they play football on the red turf!
Dr. Alan L. Peet
Organized dentistry keeps you informed of the challenges facing dentistry and makes you less isolated in your individual practice. In addition, it provides a means to have a voice in the regulatory process that impacts all of us. Finally, it enables you to meet and work with very good people, and develop friendships on a personal and professional basis.
Dr. Mostafa Norooz Pierce County Dental Society
Dr. Mostafa Norooz graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Science in Radiology Technology in 1990, and the College of Dentistry in 1995. Dr. Norooz is a licensed IV sedation dentist in Washington. He is practicing broad scope of general dentistry in his private office in Tacoma. Dr. Norooz is the inventor of One Stop Dentistry. The focus of his practice is on IV sedation and hospital dentistry. He is a fellow of Doctors Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS), Fellow of International Congress of Oral Implantology (ICOI), Fellow of Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), an alumnae of Progressive Orthodontic Seminars (POS). Dr. Norooz is a credentialed dentist for MultiCare and Franciscan Health Systems, completed. hundreds of cases of bone grafting, implant surgery and prosthodontics, and full mouth reconstructions. He is an advisory board member of Bates Technical College Dental Assistant program Pierce College Dental Hygiene program, who has treated more than 10,000 patients, with nearly 1000 under sedation. He is a public speaker and a ranking member of Toastmasters International, who enjoys racquetball, running and outdoor activities.
Dr. Rick Taylor Seattle-King County Dental Society
Fifteen years in the Seattle-King County Dental Society has given me a deep appreciation for the great profession that we have and for the efforts of organized dentistry to make it so. Talented individuals, working together toward a common goal of better service to our community, help shape a better future for dentistry. I am amazed at the changes in dental practice over the last decade, and I am impressed with the adaptation of dentists to anticipate and adjust to those changes. Practice models are changing, as are practice technologies, regulatory controls and insurance reimbursements to name a few. I feel that, by being involved in organized dentistry, I have been effective in positioning myself, and the local profession, to best respond to the changing environment. Participation in organized dentistry is not always rainbows, bluebirds and consent. There is sometimes dissent and disagreement, typically over ways to get to a beneficial end and the degree of passion needed to get there. The goals tend to be the same, however - a good future for dentistry of which we can be proud. As a recent president of the Society is fond of saying, we want a future for dentistry that would encourage us to recommend it as a career choice for our kids (or in my case, grandkids). We are fortunate to have people in the local and state organizations who are smart, hardworking and passionate about dentistry and the patients we serve. I am happy to serve with such a distinguished group.
Dr. Serv Wahan Snohomish County Dental Society
I was gently coerced when I was in elementary school into becoming a dentist by my parents who wanted the best for me. I grew up in the Bellevue area, attended Newport High School, and from there I went to Washington State University. I made it out in four years and went away to Tufts Dental School. After waxing up teeth continued on page 29
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Dr. Rick Taylor
Dr. Serv Wahan Dr. Stephen Rupert
Dr. Steven H. Pond II
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Dr. Benjamin Ruder
member news your component society presidents
Dr. Alan Peet
affordable care act new on the source
New ACA content added to The Source New Content Added to Affordable Care Act Section of WSDA Source
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) feature article that was published in the last edition of the WSDA News has generated several questions about the implementation of health care reform in 2014. The following are new questions and answers that should help clarify some of the questions WSDA and WDIA have received in the last several weeks. This content, and future health care reform updates, is always available online in the new “Affordable Care Act” section of The Source (www.wsdasource.org). Staff at WDIA and WSDA are always available to help answer your questions. You can reach WDIA by calling 800-282-9342 and you can reach WSDA by calling 800-448-3368.
Q: President Obama recently announced that insurance carriers may extend health insurance plans that do not meet all of the provisions of the ACA through 2014. How will this action affect residents of Washington state?
This recent announcement from President Obama will not impact residents of Washington state. The Obama administration’s decision gave flexibility to the 14 states that developed their own exchanges to decide whether or not they would also extend health plans that are not compliant with the ACA. Washington is one of these fourteen states and our exchange marketplace is called Washington Healthplanfinder. On the same day that President Obama announced this policy shift, Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler determined that Washington state would not extend health plans that are not compliant with the ACA.
Will my children and the children of my staff have to purchase pediatric dental insurance?
Yes. Beginning in 2014, all children (aged 0-19) in Washington state will have to have pediatric dental insurance. There is no exemption for the children of dentists or other members of the dental team. If you purchase your children’s insurance outside of Washington Healthplanfinder, then pediatric dental coverage will be embedded in the medical policy. The cost of the embedded pediatric dental benefit is approximately $3 to $5 per month. Individuals who purchase health insurance for their children through Washington Healthplanfinder must also purchase a standalone pediatric dental policy. The cost of the standalone dental benefit is approximately $25 to $30 per month in Washington Healthplanfinder. An exemption for the children of dentists and the dental team from purchasing pediatric dental coverage would need to be made at the federal level.
My current health insurance policy expires after the January 1, 2014 ACA implementation date. Do I need to renew my policy before the end of the year? No. You can keep your current plan until your renewal date. However, the plan you purchase in the 2014 calendar year will need to be compliant with the ACA. Please contact WDIA at 800282-9342 or your insurance broker with questions about your personal plan options.
‘14 dental action day one profession, one voice Join us in Olympia for our largest DAD ever! DAD is a great place to connect with your peers and meet students from UWSoD. Issues facing the 2014 Legislature include: • Health care reform • Dental insurance issues
january 31 · 7:15 a.m. Schedule of Events 6:45 AM
DAD Tent opens Capital Grounds
7:15 AM
Legislative Briefing Breakfast DAD Tent, Capital Grounds
11:00 AM
Networking event and issues forum
All Day
Appointments with Legislators
Register ONLINE Today!
http://www.wsda.org/dental-action-day-2014/
• Dental workforce • Funding for higher education and dental residency programs • Dental licensure fees and renewals
For details:
Call Michael Walsh at 800-448-3368 or email at michael@wsda.org
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Dental License Renewal Fee Reduction
On October 16, the final rules for dental license renewal fees were filed. Beginning January 1, 2014, dental license renewal fees will decrease by $176 to $400. The current dental license renewal fee is $576. All licensed dentists will pay the new lower renewal fee for their 2014 renewal. Dental licenses will still need to be renewed each year on the practitioner’s birthday. Licensee’s with birth dates between now and December 31, 2013 will not benefit from the fee reduction until their 2014 renewal date. All licensees are required to pay the fee listed on their renewal statement. WSDA has been advocating for lower dental licensure renewal fees for the past year. Last year, WSDA submitted a letter to the Secretary of Health expressing concern over the high dental license renewal fees in Washington state and requesting DOH take immediate action to address the issue. WSDA continued to advocate for a license renewal fee reduction during Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) public meetings and in discussions with DOH staff. WSDA advocacy efforts will save Washington dentists over $1 million a year in dental license renewal fees. For more information on dental license renewal visit: www. doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/ProfessionsNewReneworUpdate/LicenseRenewals.aspx
Dental Anesthesia Assistant Update
Currently, three dental anesthesia assistants have been certified in Washington with an additional 15 applications pending approval. The Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC) formally adopted rules to begin certifying dental anesthesia assistants back in June. The dental anesthesia assistant credential was created following the passage of Senate Bill 5620 during the 2012 Legislative Session. This legislation was supported by the Washington State Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and WSDA. SB 5620 authorized DQAC to develop rules for approving training programs, renewing and issuing credentials, and continuing education requirements for dental anesthesia assistants. Once certified, dental anesthesia assistants may only be supervised by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon or dental anesthesiologist who holds a valid Washington state general anesthesia permit when performing the functions of a dental anesthesia assistant.
For more information on how to become a certified dental anesthesia assistant visit: www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/ProfessionsNewReneworUpdate/DentalAnesthesiaAssistant/ApplicationsandForms.aspx
Important Notice About Renewing Your Dental License
Don’t let a late renewal of your Washington dental license ruin your day (and your pocketbook). Sadly, some dentists are reporting their misfortune with late renewals. WSDA is offering this reminder to help you prevent an unpleasant and expensive lesson. Without an active license, you CANNOT legally practice dentistry. A late renewal, even for a brief period, can lead to a loss of thousands of dollars of income, as insurers can deny claims for any treatment provided while your license is expired. Late renewals are also subject to a $288 late renewal penalty. Your renewal date is your birth date. However, you should submit your renewal several weeks before your birth date to assure timely processing of your renewal. DOH typically mails renewal reminders several weeks before they are due. You can now renew your dental license online. Go to the following link for more information: http://www.doh.wa.gov/ LicensesPermitsandCertificates/ProfessionsNewReneworUpdate/ LicenseRenewals/RenewalsOnline.aspx. Remember to notify DOH of any change in address. WSDA will send you an email reminder to renew your dental license, as a member benefit. To be enrolled in the reminder program, send your email address to Laura Rohlman, Membership Manager at laura@wsda.org. Your license cannot be renewed until payment and a completed and signed renewal form is received by DOH. Your renewal form is a legal document. Personally complete the form and sign it. Follow up to assure the form and your check are mailed to the Department of Health well before your birthday. And make sure it’s addressed to DOH. Some dentists have sent license renewals to WSDA — that delays getting your renewal to DOH on time. On your renewal, you are asked to attest that you have completed a minimum of 21 hours of continuing education during the past year. This attestation is located on the back of the renewal form. Failing to sign the attestation means that your license renewal is incomplete.
Dental Action Day Become a part of the discussion about the dental profession in Olympia and make your voice heard by attending Dental Action Day (DAD) 2014 on Friday, January 31st. Please register for DAD 2014 and seize the opportunity to inform your legislators on the key topics affecting dentistry in Washington state. The 2014 Legislative Session will be full of issues that have the power to impact the future of how dentistry is delivered. An out of state practice management company is currently asking legislators to modify the definition of dentistry so non-dentists can “own and operate” a dental practice. In addition, dental workforce bills relating to midlevel providers will be reintroduced in 2014. DAD is a free event and requires no prior political or lobbying experience. WSDA staff will set up appointments with dentists and their local legislators to briefly meet and discuss dental related issues. A brief training session will be provided as part of the event. WSDA will coordinate everything. All you have to do is show up!
Dentists will attend meetings with their peers and meet with legislators or staff for 5 to 15 minutes. There is no obligation to stay for the entire day. Registrants will be grouped by legislative district based upon the address they submit. We are very excited to announce that Dr. Joel Berg, Dean of the UWSoD, will be closing the dental school on January 31st to facilitate and encourage student involvement in grassroots advocacy. In anticipation of a large turnout, there will be a lunchtime networking event featuring roundtable discussions. Each table discussion will focus on a vast array of topics pertaining to dentistry. If you are interested in attending DAD 2014 please visit http:// www.wsda.org/dental-action-day-2014/. Should you have any questions contact Michael Walsh at michael@wsda.org or by phone at 800-448-3368.
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regulator y news license fee reductions, anesthesia assistant
Regulatory news
member news pediatric referral program
WSDA ANNOUNCES:
NEW PEDIATRIC DENTAL REFERRAL PROGRAM
As of January 1, 2014, all children (aged 0-19) in Washington state will be required to have a pediatric dental benefit as mandated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Washington state law. Pediatric dental coverage may be embedded into a medical insurance plan, provided through a standalone dental insurance plan or provided through Apple Health for Kids (the state’s Medicaid program). Individuals purchasing pediatric coverage inside of Washington’s exchange marketplace (called Washington Healthplanfider) will be required to purchase a standalone pediatric dental plan. Individuals purchasing pediatric coverage outside of the exchange will have a pediatric dental benefit embedded into their medical plan (they can also continue to purchase or use a standalone dental plan if they desire). Children enrolled in Apple Health for Kids will continue to have a dental benefit through the state’s Medicaid program. Apple Health for Kids is available to all children in families that live at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty level. In an effort to ensure every child in Washington state in need of a dentist is able to find a dental home, WSDA is creating a referral program which will match those children looking for a dentist with several dentist referrals. The referrals given will be within a close geographic proximity of the patient and will accept the dental insurance of the child. Over the last several weeks, several emails have been sent to the membership to explain the program and to encourage the member’s office to sign up if the practice is accepting new pediatric patients. At time of print, over 400 dental practices have enrolled in the pediatric dental referral program. To enroll, members are asked to fill out a short survey regarding the location of their practice, the number of patients desired, age range of patients accepted, languages spoken in the practice, whether the practice treats special needs patients, and the types of insurance the practice accepts. To enroll in the referral program, please go to http://www.wsda.org/pediatric-referral-program or call Emily Lovell, WSDA’s Public Policy Coordinator at 800-448-3368. With the information provided from participating dentists,
WSDA will generate a list of several referral options for individuals looking for a dentist for their child. WSDA will show no preference to providers when issuing referrals, as referrals will only be based upon child-specific criteria (age, location, type of insurance, etc.). WSDA will collect patient referral requests from the public through a new 1-800 number and page on www.wsda.org. The program will be unveiled to the public around the beginning of the year.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Pediatric Referral Program Is this program similar to Washington state’s ABCD program?
The WSDA Pediatric Dental Referral Program will not replace any system designed by carriers, Medicaid or Washington Healthplanfinder to provide patients with information about participating dentists. All of these efforts are important. This WSDA initiative is only intended to serve as a stopgap measure, in case these other programs are unable to successfully make a referral. Are there any requirements for a dental office to join the program? This program is available to any WSDA member dentist interested in accepting new pediatric patients. The only enrollment requirement is for dental offices to completely fill out the enrollment survey available at http://www.wsda.org/pediatric-referral-program.
Is there a fee schedule for this referral program?
No, WSDA is not setting any fee schedule for this program. We are simply matching pediatric patients with coverage from a specific carrier with dental providers who accept that pediatric insurance.
Can I participate in the referral program even if I am not a pediatric dentist? Yes, all WSDA member dentists are welcome to participate. All questions about this program can be referred to Emily Lovell at emily@wsda.org or 800-448-3368.
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THE
PACIFIC
NORTHWEST
DENTAL
CONFERENCE
IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU: JUNE 12 & 13, 2014 · FIND YOURSELF AT THE PNDC In ad campaigns and at the PNDC this year, we’ll be featuring images of attendees from year’s past. So, while you’re “finding yourself at the PNDC,” we invite you to find yourself in photos from the past!
PACIFIC NORTHWEST DENTAL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS FOR 2014: Dental Materials Dr. Gordon Christensen Periodontics/Dental Materials Dr. Rella Christensen Composites/Cracked Teeth Dr. David Clark Pediatrics Dr. Jane Soxman
“I can always find material that is relevant to current issues in our profession, including pertinent updates.” — Dr. Steven Brazeau
“I really enjoyed the meeting that were held there, and the exhibit hall was joyful and a great learning environment. I also love the Bellevue area.” — Cynthia Pacheco
Lasers Dr. John Graeber Botulinum Toxin Training Dr. Tim Hess Oral/Systemic Connection Ms. Amy Doneen Radiography Ms. Theresa Johnson Alginate Impression Techniques Dr. Sally Hewett
“I’ve never attended the PNDC before. The presentations were timely, relevant, and delved into issues that we are currently working through as an office (i.e. going chartless). We will attend the convention again next year.” — Gwen Davis
“I have to admit I was a bit skeptical about moving the PNDC to Bellevue, but I was wrong! There was plenty of parking, smiling “guides” on hand to help us navigate the new terrain, lots to do both inside and out of the hotel, along with the usual great speakers. Having the shuttle bus was great... very convenient,friendly drivers,and little to no waiting! The exhibit hall didn’t seem that much smaller ,but it certainly had a more intimate feel. It was very conducive to stopping and talking with vendors, even those I wasn’t on planning to. I’m eagerly looking forward to next year!” — Dr. Susan Hollinsworth
Practice Management Ms. Mindy Altermatt Social Media Dr. Larry Emmott For a complete list, log on to our site today: www.wsda.org/pndc
• EARN UP TO 18.5 CREDITS • WSDA MEMBERS: $200* • DENTAL TEAM: $130* • ADA MEMBER: $220/$240*
“The 2013 PNDC was the best one yet. • REGISTER ONLINE IN JANUARY The facilities were state of the art …the way to and from and through the exhibits was easier to navigate than ever… the lecture rooms were more compatible for • LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: both speakers and attendees. As a result of www.facebook.com/pacificnwdentalconference this, continuing education was a great deal at this conference. Thank you! th e wsda ne w s · issue 2, december · 2013 · www.wsda.org · 15 —Dr. Kal Klass * Quoted prices reflect Early Bird registration discounts
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To say that new WSDA President Dr. David Minahan has lived a fortuitous life is only partially true — sure, he was a dedicated student and a gifted athlete who went on to marry his college sweetheart and then became a dentist. He and his wife Susan do have two great sons and a tight-knit family, and he has the kind of comfortable success in his practice that many dentists aspire to have. But saying that he’s had a fortuitous life carries with it an implication of luck, and luck hasn’t played a big role in Minahan’s story. The three attributes that have contributed are hard work, perseverance, and teamwork.
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Photo: Anita Nowacka
2013 WSDA President
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DR. DAVID MINAHAN
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and better Medicaid reimbursement. And while I know that the Medicaid issue is a controversial situation, the advantage to our dental school and its students is huge.” Lastly, Minahan is looking forward to the Task Force on Public Policy, which is long-ranging, and will provide the Association with white papers on advocacy, while shining a light on the work of the Association.
The road to the presidency
Unlike other WSDA Presidents before him, Minahan didn’t come up through the ranks at his component society before getting a seat on the WSDA Board. Instead, right out of dental school, he became his class representative on the Alumni Association Board at the UW, pinch-hitting for a classmate who had taken a residency back east. It’s a post he ended up holding for more than 30 years, and has provided a path to many leadership opportunities at the UW, including fundraising chair and president for the Alumni Association, and later, president of the Deans Club, a post he held for two years. So, while he would have been proud to serve on his component’s board, he says, “I was doing a lot at the UWSoD, and there was so much crossover between the two groups, I was very aware of the component issues. I served on a number of committees at Seattle-King, and I always respected the leaders.”
The importance of mentoring
He’s also been a staunch supporter of the UW’s mentor program, becoming involved the first year it was formed, and remaining an active volunteer to this day. In a recent profile in the UW Alumni Association News, Minahan said “During my dental school years, we did not have a mentor program and I did not have any family members in the profession to consult with. We used our classmates as confidants, so when the mentor program was established, I felt that there was real potential value in the program.” Minahan’s youngest son Allan champion’s his father’s mentoring abilities, saying “I think his involvement in team sports as a coach molded my dad in so many ways — whether it’s leadership, lending a helping hand, having someone listen to your problems — those are all skills my dad had. He’s a great coach and mentor.” Sue, also a UW alum, accompanies him to mentor activities, interacting with spouses and dentists alike. Outgoing and fun, she’s a real asset to Minahan, and has been described by their friends as “…a force of nature in that family. When they arrive on the scene you often hear from Sue a little bit before you hear from Dave. She’s terrific.” With 50 percent of this year’s class at the UWSoD comprised of women, Sue’s insight and influence are ever more valuable — and Minahan is quick to credit his wife for her own keen skills, as well as for supporting him in his leadership endeavors. “The only way that I have been able to participate as heavily as I have is because of Sue — she’s accepted that because of my work with the University and the WSDA I’m often an “absent husband.” Sue is no stranger to volunteering and leadership, having served as president of the Junior League of Seattle and as a volunteer with the Alliance of the WSDA for years, and she’s as respected as Dave for her tireless volunteer efforts.
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Photo: Anita Nowacka
Minahan will need those skills in the coming year — with issues that have divided some members, people will look to him to create the synergy for change. Many we talked to cited Minahan’s ability to bring divergent groups together to work toward consensus — and everyone, from family members, to colleagues, and personal friends, said that he’s a true listener, “…a genuine guy who listens and values the opinions of others — but he’s got a backbone and he’s not going to let someone walk all over him.” Dr. Tim Wandell concurs, saying, “He really is a healer. He’s not confrontational, and he has some challenges this year. Since he’s already a good listener, he’ll do well.” Dr. Mark Walker, who has known Minahan for years says, “He’s extremely level headed and he gets all of his information before he makes a decision — he’s not like me. He’s the friendliest, most congenial person you’ll ever hope to meet. He listens to everyone’s point of view, and makes sure every person gets time to talk. That’s exactly what you want in a leadership. He’s the same way outside of dentistry — he’s a great friend who is always willing to lend a hand.” Minahan is well aware of the challenges ahead though — starting with membership — and he’s looking forward to tackling them with help from members from around the state, the Board, and the WSDA staff. “As I do my visitations, I always share with our members how grateful I am for the capable Board and WSDA staff — they make my job easier.” With membership falling around the country, Minahan acknowledges that we need to figure out ways to reverse the trend. “We’ve had some hiccups over the past year or two within the organization,” he says, “And it would be nice to reach consensus, but that’s not likely to happen 100 percent. We can at least try and keep communications open to the degree that we’re able, and encourage listening on both sides. I try to put myself in the other person’s shoes to see their perspective.” With membership issues looming large, Minahan is encouraged by the work of Chair Dr. Ted Baer and the Task Force on Membership. “We need to identify the barriers to membership and determine why more women aren’t joining, and why minority members feel better served by their ethnic associations than they are by the ADA,” he says, “And, we have to figure out how we get the ADA, state constituencies, and their components to identify together, rather than as opponents.” Minahan has committed himself to determining what the branding and message of organized dentistry is, and how that can be used to emphasize the value of membership. When he does, he’d like to roll that out at the component level during his visitations. “I really see the membership battle as being fought and won at the component level,” he says. Encouraged by last year’s successes legislatively, Minahan is hopeful that the Association can continue to effectively downplay the midlevel provider option, by pointing to residency programs that he feels have much more promise in terms of access and delivery of care to those in need. “The residency programs have gained compelling traction with the legislators, and our grassroots efforts are critical to continuing that. We’re so pleased that Dean Berg has chosen to close the dental school for Dental Action Day and is encouraging all students to attend. Between the students and the dentists, we should have ample opportunity to speak with legislators about funding for the dental safety net, residency programs,
cover stor y dr. david m. minahan, your wsda president
What lies ahead
cover stor y dr. david m. minahan, your wsda president
Fund raiser extraordinaire
At the UW, Minahan made a name for himself by working with others raising record amounts during two campaigns: one to fund the dental school’s new D-1 Lab, the other an altruistic ask to all alumni. WSDA Vice President Dr. Bryan Edgar says, “Dr Minahan has been a key player in fund raising for the UW Campaign for the dental school. He led the alumni association to raise $2 million dollars of the total $22 million raised in the campaign for the dental school. As Co-chairs of the campaign, Linda and I are eternally grateful for his efforts in this key activity for the dental school over a 6-year period.” Dean Joel Berg added, “Dr. Minahan is one of the most loyal and dedicated supporters of the School of Dentistry. David’s sincere and caring ownership of the value he places on his UW Dental School education is evident in his ask of others to support all that we do. I am exceptionally grateful and honored to be surrounded by alumni leaders like him.” Long-time friend and fellow Class of ‘75 alum Dr. Mike Fey, echoes that, saying, “You see a lot of guys who put in time for various organizations like the UW who are out front, taking credit, and Dave’s not that guy — he’s the one behind the scenes doing the real work, putting in time. He’s well informed, supports the school with time and financially, but he’s not the kind of person who is doing it for recognition, he’s doing it for the love of the cause.” Perhaps, but Minahan is the first to admit he hasn’t always felt he was the strongest candidate for the task at hand. “That’s one thing about these leadership roles,” he says, “They have led me to areas I wasn’t always comfortable with — I would never have been a fund raiser. I never would have done anything with the legislature. Those are two things I wouldn’t have done on my own, but the job needed to be done. These positions stretched my abilities, and I’m more comfortable with it now.” But Minahan can see a horizon for leadership, especially now. “I’m hoping to broaden someone else’s perspective on fundraising,” he says with a laugh, “But I’m happy to be the cheerleader, because I’m comfortable at driving the enthusiasm.”
Bleeding purple and gold
Minahan has scores of reasons to be nostalgic about the UW. Not only did he receive a stellar education there, but also he played freshman basketball, met Sue, and created close friendships with a cadre of classmates who are still in a study club together, some 35 years later. The group focused mainly on practice management, although they have brought in noted speakers from time to time. Fey recalls, “Our study club focused mostly on management because that was what we struggled with — how do you keep a business together when you’re trying to do this very technical work? We all felt as though we had other avenues for technical resources, but not for the practice management. That’s why I was always impressed with Dave, because I saw it from both sides — I was his patient as well as his friend, and I would see him put in motion the things that we had discussed in study group.” While most would say playing sports at the university level is impressive, Minahan downplays his basketball experience at the U, saying “I was not a scholarship player, but I was 6’4” and the secondtallest guy on the team, so I had an opportunity to play and had
some good experiences meeting people and traveling around a bit. And, I got to soak in the love for Husky basketball.” While he would have loved to continue playing, he laughs and says, “I was too slow to be a guard and couldn’t jump high enough to be a forward. Still, I got great seats to see Kareem Abdul Jabar and others play.” Minahan and Sue met through a blind date set up by their fraternity/sorority houses – matched up by height. At their first meeting the pair went door belling to help repeal blue laws. “We dated freshman year a bit, recalls Minahan, “And went home for the summer. Friends who knew us made sure we got reconnected when we got back to college. We dated all through undergrad and got married just before dental school.” After just three years of undergrad at the UW, Minahan applied for early entry into the dental school. He was accepted as an alternate and then the following year he reapplied to UW — and nowhere else. “In hindsight, that could have been really foolhardy,” he says, “You heard all of these stories about people not getting into dental schools, and most of the people I knew were applying to multiple schools.” In the end, of course, it didn’t matter — he was accepted into the UWSoD. He had applied himself and it had paid off — his goal was within reach.
An early calling
At age 8, he says he knew he wanted to be a dentist “for all the wrong reasons.” Minahan was a good kid who caught a little flak for being the class clown, but even then he had the focus and determination to know that he wanted to become a dentist. It surprised his parents — neither was from a family of dentists. He grew up in Des Moines, the son of a homemaker mom, and a dad who wore many hats — math teacher, Vice Principal, Basketball Coach, and Athletic Director. It was an 8th grade project — a vocational notebook — that gave Minahan the laser focus he needed for his career. He says, “The elements that went into dentistry — being a people-oriented person, the academic/educational piece, the science background, the creative, hands-on aspect to dentistry — were all things that I was very much interested in. The exercise forced me to focus on the classes I would need, and the track I would have to take.” Of course, there were a few misfires along the way — when Minahan got a C in a science class in high school he thought it might all be over. But for the most part, he kept his eye on the prize, no matter how unusual that might have seemed to others.
Global lessons
An only child, Minahan excelled at sports, and was his high school’s first 9-letter athlete, playing in football, basketball and baseball all three years that he was eligible to play varsity. His father coached at a rival high school, and Minahan remembers that when the two teams would square off that it was “a little quiet around the house,” but dad and son were close, and the chill would quickly dissipate. It was about that same time the he took a job at Longacres Racetrack — a post he would hold for ten years until he graduated from dental school. He was a maintenance supervisor on the public side of the facility, working with a good friend of his from high
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“Family is what we’re about,” says Minahan. Their sons, Allan and Greg live close by (one, “upstairs,” the other, eight houses away.) Oldest son Greg doesn’t really live upstairs, but stays there when he’s in town from Los Angeles. Minahan likes the arrangement, saying, “Greg works for Luxe Wine Cellars of Woodinville and he is opening the Los Angeles market, but stays here when he is in town. He’s in a relationship with his girlfriend Sara in California; but, if he’s in Seattle, he’s here. It works out well for me — Sue and Greg are both great cooks and foodies. I come home, set the table, and sit down for a fantastic dinner. She and Greg plan out the dinners together.” Allan, his wife, Jenn, and their two children recently moved into a home just eight houses away. We are so fortunate to be near our children and grandchildren (Owen age 4 and Emmarie age 2 ½.) We are lucky to be able to watch them grow day by day. Like his father, Allan played college basketball — at Pepperdine University. Minahan is quick to brush off any comparison between the two on the court, saying, “Allan played for Coach Lorenzo Romar, and was a contributor to a March Madness team. Allan followed in his father’s footsteps, attended UWSoD. Allan says, “First and foremost, the reason I got into dentistry was because I saw that my dad was able to help others and was a distinguished person in the community — we’d go from event to event, and people always knew him, had an idea of who he was and held him in high regard because he had taken care of them, so I started thinking about getting into his profession.” He remembers the first time he realized dentistry could change lives, saying, “I fractured my front tooth in a basketball game, and thought it was pretty cool to go back to my Dad’s practice and have him fix it right away — it felt like my front tooth was back in working order in five minutes. Up until then, I had just had cleanings, and that was the first time that I realized that you really could change someone’s life through dentistry.”
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Photos this page: Bev Sparks
Family, friends and sports
The Minahans are blessed to have friends from all walks of life — dentistry, his practice, the University of Washington, neighbors, their golf club, and the Junior League of Seattle, and so many wanted to be a part of this article that we ran out of space. Dr. Rick Crizi had this to say, “David is a good friend with whom I’ve worked with professionally for more then 30 years. He and his wife Susan are two of the nicest, most caring, compassionate, and concerned people I know. He exemplifies the best in oral health care delivery with exemplary personal ethics and patient care. Obviously, he’s involved with a profession he is passionate about, and has worked tirelessly to make dentistry in Washington work for both patients and providers. His efforts at the UW on going and generous. He is a dedicated fund raiser for both the ADA; WSDA and the UW. He leads by example.” Dr. Mark DiRe, a close friend to both Dave and Susan, first met Minahan in dental school, although the families really bonded after a serendipitous meeting in Hawaii. “I have lots of great stories to tell about Dave,” DiRe said with a big laugh, “Unfortunately, none that you would be likely to print.” DiRe points to Minahan’s keen sense of humor — whether at a Board meeting or a party with friends — as one of his most endearing qualities, saying, “He puts people at ease with a casual sense of humor that everyone can appreciate. He’s honest and straightforward, and unlike most dentists, he’s a good, patient listener. That’s a real advantage when you’re in administrative post like the one he’s in. You’ve got to remember that he helped raise a great deal of money for the UW and that’s the kind of work nobody wants to do. He stepped up and did it very successfully and never wanted the limelight for it.” Athletics, always so important to the family, remain so, with legendary tailgate parties at all the Husky home Football games. Dave serves as the bartender gamely mixing bone-warming cocktails. Fey says, “He’s just like a bartender at a bar — he likes telling stories, likes hearing your stories — it’s a good time! He’s not just there stirring up drinks, he’s stirring up the crowd, too.” For her part, Sue combines haute cuisine with standard game fare. “We enjoy sports as a family,” explains Allan, “My mom included — she probably listens to more sports radio than any of the boys in our family. I don’t know if it was just because she had two boys and a husband who were really into it, or if she would have been interested on her own. As a family we still love going to games or watching them on television — it’s an important part of the family.” The family travels together, too, with many trips to their favorite destination, Maui. But Dave and Sue — who say they’ve really only scratched the surface of their travel bug — have also gone to Ireland, London and Paris. Italy is next on their agenda, but Minahan knows it will likely have to wait — Association duty calls. “We’ll get in Hawaii because Alaska’s annual State meeting happens to be there this year, but I’m sure that will be the extent of it this year. We’ll get to Italy in the near future.”
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school. The racing season ran from Labor Day to Memorial Day, and Minahan and his buddy supplemented their pay by working Longacres’ shoeshine concession, earning 50 cents per pair. But more than just earning a wage, Minahan soaked in the experience, observing the spectrum of people who wagered on horses at the track. “I learned things on a global scale,” he recalls, “At that time, when you walked from one end of the facility to the other and then upstairs, it was like walking through the entire demographic of Seattle. At one end of the facility there were people using their welfare checks and grocery money to bet, a little further on was the Clubhouse, where middle class people paid a little extra to wager. Upstairs was the Turf Club — a private area that catered to some of the wealthiest, most influential people in the state. I thought that was interesting and valuable — I got to circulate among some people I might never have met and I gained a lot of insight about human behavior. And, I benefitted from some management experience that may have helped me to a degree later on in life.” Even then, Minahan was making influential friends — Longacres owner Morrie Alhadeff was one of the people who helped Minahan get into dental school by writing a letter on his behalf.
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Figure 1
History of present illness:
This is a 23-year-old Asian male referred by his general dentist for a deeply impacted tooth #32 associated with a very large, scalloped and multilocular radiolucency starting from tooth #28 and extending superiorly into the high ramus (Figure 1). This lesion was not expansile or symptomatic in any other way. It was discovered on routine dental examination. The radiolucency shows evidence of cortical bone perforation in the areas of teeth #s 28-30 and the angle of the mandible. Teeth #s 29 & 30 show evidence of
root resorption. All associated teeth were vital. The patient’s past medical history is unremarkable. This “Clinical Corner” case was contributed by Dr. Franco Audia of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Bellevue, Wash. Test your knowledge! An answer to this case study can be found on the University of Washington’s Web site at http://www.dental.washington. edu/departments/oral-surgery/case-of-the-month.html. Click on “Case of the Month” and look for the November 2013 entry.
Letters to the editor Hi Mary: Your editorials are always spot on and I continually appreciate reading them to find out what I may be missing in the halls of our WSDA leadership. Great feature article also recognizing Dr. Tyrone Rodriquez for his many fine achievements. Diversity strengthens all the fabric of this nation. — Jim McGraw Hi Mary, Thanks for your compliment, but I had to look up the word “eidetic” to make sure it was not blasphemy. I just read the article by Mercer Advisors in the latest edition of the News. While informative, nothing was mentioned of the possible disadvantage of waiting to collect SS benefits beyond age 66, with the current discussions in Washington, D.C. of indexing benefits to passive income of the retiree. Waiting to collect might negate any benefits, as the mindset now seems to be that this money was not earned, but simply a tax to be used to benefit those who haven’t planned as well for retirement and need it more. I am 66+ and have deferred collecting benefits up to now, but am reconsidering the wisdom of that in light of our national budget debates. Thank you for any thoughts Mercer has on this. — Dr. D. Michael Buehler
Mercer Advisors responds: Dr. Buehler brings up a very good point – each person’s circumstances are unique – from a variety of perspectives. Often of greater importance than the different rules, requirements, and options for each marital status are the subjective components that should and ultimately do factor into one’s Social Security decision-making process. These include personal financial dynamics, shortand long-term planning objectives, political opinions, and systemic risk assumptions. There are literally hundreds of different combinations of ways to claim your benefits and detailed Social Security rules that apply to the choices you make. It is essential to analyze your personal situation and research all the details before making any decisions. When speaking in an open forum, we seek to present current facts and intentionally avoid making political or economic predictions in order to remain neutral and objective. In cases such as Dr. Buehler’s, we recommend consulting an informed professional who can help factor an individual’s personal beliefs and opinions into the solution that will best serve his/ her needs. We welcome the opportunity to help Dr. Buehler and other WSDA members navigate through the Social Security decision-making
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process. Meeting one-on-one is the best way for us to fully understand the specific concerns, opinions, and objectives of each individual and to provide pertinent, relevant information and guidance. Yolanda Carbajal, CFP®, a Financial Planner in our Bellevue office, is happy to meet with you, in person or by phone, to discuss your Social Security needs, questions, and concerns in detail. You can contact her directly at 888642-4636 or via email at yolanda.carbajal@ merceradvisors.com. We have created a series of Information Documents on Social Security, Medicare, and the Affordable Care Act – based on current law – in order to guide individuals in their initial decision making process. You may request these documents from Yolanda as well. Thank you for the opportunity to respond to Dr. Buehler’s timely inquiry. — Loren Pierson, CFP® Senior Managing Director Mercer Advisors Bellevue Branch Office
clinical corner issue 2, december 2013 letters to the editor buehler, mcgraw
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Dr. Richard E. Bacon
Dr. Richard “Dick” E. Bacon of Ellensburg passed away on July 14, 2013. He was 93. He was born on January 9, 1920 in Wapato, Wash. to Stella and John Bacon. Bacon attended grade school in Yakima and graduated from Ellensburg High School in 1938. He took college courses at Central Washington University prior to enlisting in the USMC. He graduated from flight school in Corpus Christi, Tex., where he met the love of his life, Clara Foreman, from Waterloo, Iowa. They had one date and then married in 1943 and were together for 70 years. Two weeks after marriage, he was sent to the Pacific Theater as a WWII dive-bomber pilot, proudly wearing the rank of Captain. He served in Guadalcanal, New Georgia, and Bouganville for 18 months. Upon return, he was stationed in North Carolina to prepare for a 13-month assignment to China. In 1945, he was honorably discharged with five Presidential Citations and two Medals of Honor in Seattle. He attended University of Washington School of Dentistry and graduated with the very first class of licensed dentists in 1950. Bacon began his dental practice in Seattle, relocated to Chelan, Wash. for seven years, then returned to Ellensburg in 1957 – finally retiring in 1982. He loved golf, bridge, gin rummy and, of course, his daily Yahtzee games with Clara. He was known for his quick wit and a great sense of humor. Dick was very much loved and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his loving wife, Clara; sons, Robert of Vancouver and Gregory; daughter, Midge (Ed) Church of Pe Ell, WA; grandchildren, Trevor, Stephanie, Courtney, Cari, and Taylor; and greatgrandchildren, Holly, Christian, Tatum, Haley, Seth, and Jake.
Dr. Daniel K. Cheney
Dr. Daniel K Cheney, retired oral surgeon from Bellingham, Wash. passed away peacefully at Hospice House on August 3, 2013. He was 76. Those who knew him, whether professionally or personally, knew him to be a man of uncommon integrity, dignity, courage, perseverance, generosity and kindness. Cheney grew up in Lima, Ohio, and attended Ohio State University where he gained early admission to the College of Dentistry. While at OSU he played Lacrosse and was a three-year letter winner for the Buckeyes, team captain during his senior season, and named All American. He recently learned that he had been selected for induction into the 2013 OSU Athletic Hall of Fame. As a result, he experienced many hours of joy planning the trip to Columbus on September 27, and envisioning the honor of taking
his place mid-field during halftime of the OSU vs. Wisconsin football game. Following dental school, Dan was commissioned as an officer in the Army and began his oral surgery training at Georgetown University. As a true patriot, he interrupted his residency and volunteered to serve in Vietnam. Prior to leaving for war, he managed to talk someone into sending him to Airborne School, and became one of only a handful of dental officers to ever qualify as a paratrooper. While serving in Vietnam, Cheney was named the Commanding Officer of a Medical Company & Brigade, 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. He holds the distinction of being the only dental surgeon to ever command a Medical Clearing Company during the war. His decorations include the Combat Medical Badge, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Medal. After Vietnam, he returned to Madigan General Hospital where he was Chief of the Oral Surgery Training Program and Director of the General Dentistry Residency. In 1972, he left active duty to establish a successful oral and maxillofacial surgery practice in Bellingham, Wash. He continued to serve in the U.S. Army Reserve, commanding a reserve unit in Seattle, and then in Bellingham, and retiring with the rank of Colonel in 1997. Cheney shared his gifts with many people and his service to his patients and community is legendary. He exemplified the spirit of community involvement, from his civic activities to his commitment to health care both locally and internationally. He was an Eagle scout and a scouting volunteer at various posts with the Mt. Baker Council. He served on numerous boards including the American Red Cross, YMCA, United Way, the Bellingham Festival of Music, Mt. Baker Theater, WWU Athletic Advisory Board, Rotary, and Dollars for Scholars. He is past president of the Rotary Club of Bellingham, a Paul Harris Fellow, received the Michael K. Mischaikow Rotary International Award, twice received the Annual Community Service Award and was also named an Honorary Life Member of Rotary. In 1992, he was presented with the Interfaith Coalition Volunteer of the Year Award for his work in establishing the clinic, and in 1997 he was the WSDA’s Citizen of the Year. For many years in succession, he spent three weeks as a member of a dental team working in the remote Highlands of Guatemala, providing care to the indigenous people. Despite the continued challenges of an aggressive form of arthritis, Dan always insisted on shouldering his share of the load, often making light of his disease by saying, “I’m kind of the bionic guy.” Cheney maintained a full clinic and
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served as a clinical professor at the UWSoD until retiring in 2008. He was a member of numerous professional societies and associations, including the American College of Dentists. Cheney was a beloved man and left his mark on nearly every person he touched, but those who will miss him most dearly are his loving wife of 33 years, Joyce, daughter Dr. Amy Cheney and son, Christopher Cheney. Dan is also survived by his brother, John Cheney, and sisters Mary Lane and Barbara Mulholland all of Ohio, in addition to numerous nieces and nephews.
Dr. Arthur S. “Art” Doran
Dr. Arthur S. “Art” Doran, Bellevue, Wash., passed away peacefully in the evening of April 18, 2013. He was 94. After an unexpected and short two week illness, he succumbed to a pulmonary embolism, a consequence of metastasis cancer. A sweet dear husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather he was surrounded and comforted by a loving family and special friends throughout his illness. Doran was still active, speedy with his walker, full of fun and got great pleasure in telling his special jokes whenever he found an open ear. His good humor never wavered. He will be forever remembered and sorely missed. A move in Nov. 2011 from Vancouver, Wash., to Bellevue with his wife, Kay, was a significant choice to be near his family sharing many happy holidays and special occasions. Doran was born in San Francisco and raised in Toppenish and Yakima, Wash. by his parents Mary Ellen (Stone) and Edmond Leonard Doran. An avid outdoor sportsman, he enjoyed years of hunting and fishing, being especially adept at fly casting for trout in the waters of Washington, Montana and Alaska. Among his hunting trophies were a high mountain goat and a black bear. Many bird hunting trips were with his talented mother who taught him how to shoot and handle guns safely. He was a fearless skier on the mountains of Washington. His enjoyment and success of his practice of dentistry, teaching and military service were most evident throughout his life. Doran graduated from Yakima High in 1938, attended Yakima Jr. College, WSU and graduated from North Pacific Dental School Portland, Ore. in 1943 with his DMD degree. During WII, as a 1st Lt. Army Reserve, his first duty was on a troop ship bound for Italy. Interestingly, he had worked on this ship, built at the Portland Shipyards while continued on page 27
in memoriam drs. bacon, cheney, doran and guerin
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attending dental school. He returned to Ft. Lewis, Wash. in 1945 and was discharged from the Army in 1946. During that time he met Kathryn N. “Kay” Small of Olympia. Their love for one another bloomed into their marriage on January 25, 1947 in Olympia. Over the years their family added four wonderful children. Recalled back to active duty in 1949 (Korean conflict) Art transferred to the USAF Dental Services as a Capt. to begin an Air Force military career. The first assignment was at Nellis AFB, Las Vegas and after 30 years service the final assignment was at Barksdale AFB Shreveport, La., where he retired in 1970 as a Colonel. Many interesting tours of duty included taking the family to Guam, Japan, Alabama, Louisiana, Kansas, Oregon, and Washington. During this time he also attended post graduate courses at the Illinois Dental School at Chicago, and Texas Dental School in Houston, and earned his board certification in Prosthodontics. After Air Force retirement, Doran taught at University of Washington, Prosthodontics Dept. for one year, then transferred to EWSU in Cheney, Wash. as an Assist Professor for the four-year dental hygiene program. His students truly enjoyed him, appreciating his full attention and readiness to help. He practiced prosthodontics in Spokane until retiring in 1984. In 1999, Art and Kay moved to Vancouver, Wash., then to Bellevue in 2011. No matter where he went or what he did, he thoroughly enjoyed his life, his friends and taking good care of his dear family. He gave many smiles to all. Doran was a member of the Delta Sigma Delta Dental fraternity, and in 1961 was given a National Historian’s Award. He was a Life member of ADA; WSDA; Spokane District Dental Society; Military Officer’s Assoc. of America, and belonged to Spokane Fly Fishing Club. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kay; Daughter, Gretchen (fiancé, Joseph); Sons, Lenn (Nancy), Phillip and Gregory; Grandchildren, Erik Doran, Joel Kern (friend Donna); Justin Kern, Jillian Skillman (Jeffrey); Gracie Johnson (Chris), Annie Doran. (fiancé, Shaunte); Great-grandchildren, Jace and Jordin Skillman; and former daughter-in-law, Laney Doran,
Dr. Robert Guerin
Dr. Robert G. Guerin, died Tuesday, April 28, 2009, at Seal Rock Health Care in Saco surrounded by his family following a long illness. He was 89. Guerin was born Nov. 18, 1919, in Biddeford, the son
of J. Sigismond and Bertha Auger Guerin. He graduated from St. Louis High School in 1937, and earned his DDS from Georgetown University in 1944. He served with the Army as a dentist during World War II and was drafted during the Korean Conflict. Guerin married Rachel Neveux in June of 1949 at St. Joseph’s Church. She died Nov. 29, 2007, after 58 years of marriage. He worked with children for more than ten years with Headstart in Biddeford before his retirement in 1981. Previously, he worked with Portland’s Maine Medical Center for more than 15 years, and had a private practice in the Biddeford and Saco area for ten years. Guerin was an avid gardener, spending much time in his vegetable garden and caring for his yard. He loved listening to music and taking long walks in the woods, most times stopping for some blueberry picking. Overall, he loved spending time with his family and his pets. He is predeceased by his wife, Rachel; and two sisters, Madeleine Guerin and Paulette Baillargeon. Guerin is survived by five sons, Paul Guerin of Portland, Bernard Guerin of Germany, Philip Guerin of Scottsdale, Ariz., Roger Guerin of Arundel, Carl Guerin of Conway, N.Y., five daughters, Odette Gornick of Biddeford, Mary Guerin of Piermont, N.H., Louise Guerin of Pasadena, Calif., Simone Guerin of Scarborough, Helene Guerin of the Netherlands; two brothers, Charles Guerin of Pompton Plains, N.J., George Guerin of Biddeford, two sisters, Martha Greaney of West Hartford, Conn., Estelle Coryea of Salem, N.H.; eight grandchildren, Rochelle, Thomas, Elisabeth, Rosie, Alex, Michael, Mathilde and William; and several nieces and nephews.
Dr. Paul M. Hoot
Dr. Paul M. Hoot passed away peacefully August 17, 2013 with his family at his side. He was 74. Hoot was born May 11, 1939 in Long Beach, CA and moved to Perry, Ok. at an early age. He graduated from Loyola University School of Dentistry in New Orleans in 1966 with honors. Because of his R.O.T.C. membership, the United States Army then recruited him. He spent 1967 – 1968 in Vietnam as a captain. He spent time at Fort Lewis and decided to set up his dental practice in Kent, WA in 1969. He continued to practice till 2013. He leaves behind his wife, Debbie, daughter Lynn Hoot Scholfield and her husband John, son Stuart Chambers and his wife Carrie and granddaughters Alex
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in memoriam continued
in memoriam, from page 25
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my first year, I was a little apprehensive about my choice of a career. I could see myself being a good dentist but it didn’t feel right. During my second year I did my first oral surgery rotation and loved it. From then I decided that was what I wanted to do. I matched to a 6 year MD-integrated oral maxillofacial surgery residency right after dental school, and finished in 2006. I have a great private practice and also do some work as an affiliate faculty member at the University of Washington Dental School. I am also able to care for people in my community via taking facial trauma calls at Providence hospital. In my free time I stay active and love going to the gym right after work (or else I don’t go) and attending football games.
Dr. Jared Evans Spokane District Dental Society
Dr. Jared D. Evans is a pediatric dentist who practices at KiDDS Dental in Liberty Lake, where he and his family reside. He is originally from Lehi, Utah, where his father was a dentist and had a family farm. He is a graduate of Southern Utah University (Zoology/Chemistry). Jared received his dental degree in Florida from Nova Southeastern University (DMD) in the Class of 2003. While there, he served as class president, President of the NSU Chapter of the American Student Dental Association, and served on the American Dental Education Association’s Council of Students. After graduation, he completed a two-year fellowship in pediatric dentistry at Nova Southeastern University and Miami Children’s Hospital where he served as Chief Resident his second year. Dr. Evans serves on the Spokane Maxillofacial Review Board, and he is a Spokane County Champion for the ABCD dental access program. His wife, Brandie, is a Post Falls native and graduate from Gonzaga University. She is the Office Manager at KiDDS Dental. They have four children: Dillan (17), Zach (15), Blakelee (9), and Brodie (6). The Evans family likes to spend their free time traveling, serving in their church, and doing anything “Disney.”
Dr. Benjamin Ruder Thurston-Mason Counties Dental Society Greetings from your fine state capital! My name is Ben Ruder. I
am a native Washingtonian and UWSoD graduate. After completing my pediatric dental residency at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in 2008, my wife and I made our way back to Washington, this time settling in Olympia. We couldn’t have found a more perfect fit. Practicing right in the epicenter of the Washington State political system, the dentists of the Thurston-Mason County Dental Society are all too familiar with the impact organized dentistry can have on our profession. It comes as no surprise that this society has made impressive strides to promote and enhance the valuable contributions dentists provide in this state. We’ve created our own network (TCDAN) of dentists providing care for those without access in our region. We turn out in force every year on Dental Action Day, grateful for the opportunity to educate ourselves and inform politicians. We’ve sent representatives to Washington D.C. for greater exposure to dental politics.
And, on a locally meaningful level, we consistently make professional and financial contributions to the Olympia Union Gospel Mission Free Dental Clinic. Personally, I find it inspirational and encouraging to see such an engaged group of individuals valuing professional camaraderie and the betterment of dentistry for their community. This is a great organization, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to learn from and help guide the Thurston-Mason Counties Dental Society in the upcoming year.
Dr. Graham McEntire Walla Walla Valley Dental Society
I am honored to serve as president of the Walla Walla Valley Dental Society for a second year. My fellow officers and I will continue working to bring quality continuing education to our area. I am originally from Montana. I graduated from the University of Washington School of Dentistry, and then served in the Indian Health Service in New Mexico after graduation. My wife and I have four kids, three of whom are grown. We have one little guy who will be five in January. He keeps us busy building lego cars, and playing tackle in the back yard. We enjoy flying our small plane, boating in the summer, and hiking when we can get away.
Dr. Ross Austin Yakima Valley Dental Society
Few people can point to a singular event that permanently altered the course of their life. Mine arrived in the form of a car crash on a snowy mountain pass in Montana. At the time, I was working as a civil engineer and had become disillusioned with my purpose. The accident provided perspective at a time when I had very little. Even though I had yet to meet my wife, family became my long term focus and serving humanity through health-care my new goal. Now, a decade later, I’m blessed with a beautiful wife, three amazing kids, and a gratifying life as a dentist in Yakima. For all the misery and problems that crash yielded, I would go through it all again to be where I am today. Knowing this part of my life, it’s easy to draw the parallel between my own path and the one dentistry is currently enduring. The recession, insurance reimbursements, and mid-level providers were a three car pileup that has staggered our community. While the economy is limping its way back to existence, the other two weigh heavy. Finding a proper way to address them is not easily done. Falling back on my past, as an engineer you learn that many of the most complex structures are based on very simple ideas that have been around for thousands of years. Dentistry in its most basic form consists of a patient and a provider. That’s it. That’s all we’ve ever needed. Everything else is superfluous and unnecessary to perform our charge. In my opinion, utilizing organized dentistry is the best vehicle to achieve this purpose.
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member news your component society presidents, continued
continued from page 10
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— Dr. Katie Jankow
“It was nice to be able to find people who were looking for what I had to offer without having to go through a lot of expense and hassle” — Dr. John Barrett
The Job Fair returns! Last year’s inaugural event was a resounding success — numerous connections were made between dentists hiring associates and those looking for positions, and 91 percent who attended rated their experience as either good or excellent! Join us on Friday, February 21 from 3:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the WSDA office in Fremont and meet with fellow WSDA members who are looking for positions, actively hiring, or selling their practice — all at one event. The Job Fair, open only to WSDA members, will feature: • A “speed dating approach” that matches you with as many as 12 candidates/hiring dentists
“I thought it was very well planned and I was especially impressed by the quality of young dentists I met at the event” — Dr. Don Koontz
• Q&A with Dr. Rich Seims, a practice transitions expert • As many as 50 candidates and 26 selling/hiring dentists together at one event
Info for Members hiring an associate or selling their practice: • Only 26 slots available. Register here: www.wsda.org/dental-job-fair-opportunities • Can’t attend but are hiring/selling? Register here: www.wsda.org/dental-job-fair-opportunities
Info for Members looking for employment or practices to purchase: • Only 50 slots available. Register here: wsda.org/dental-job-seekers Questions about the event? • Please contact Laura Rohlman at (206) 973-5218 or email her at laura@wsda.org • More details will be available soon regarding the opportunities that will be represented at the event.
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membership job fair
“This was the best way to find a job”
SECOND ANNUAL JOB FAIR
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It’s the fastest, easiest way to renew
• Pay your 2014 dues online at www.wsdasource.org by January 1 • It’s your choice: pay all at once, or with our convenient 12-month plan • Have you retired, or do you plan to retire by March 31, 2014? Contact Laura Rohlman at (206) 973-5218 or email her at laura@wsda.org • Waivers are available for both disability and financial hardship. Contact Laura Rohlman at (206) 973-5218 or email her at laura@wsda.org • Active life members making less than half of their original income from dentistry are eligible for reduced dues. Contact Laura Rohlman at (206) 973-5218 or email her at laura@wsda.org
Welcome New Members Please join WSDA in welcoming the following new members into the community of organized dentistry
Benton-Franklin Counties Dental Society Dr. Sara Thomas
Clark County Dental Society Dr. Henry Harbert Dr. Esther Su-Young
Grant Dental Society Dr. Andrew Duncan
Kitsap County Dental Society Dr. Shelly Self
Mount Baker District Dental Society Dr. Phillip Chen Dr. Jessica Dubek Dr. Fred Silberman
Pierce County Dental Society Dr. Samira Davis Dr. Vikas Puri
Seattle King County Dental Society Dr. Martin Fernunson Dr. Margaret Johnston Dr. Jordan Juarez
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Dr. William McGlashan Dr. Diana Wu
Snohomish Dental Society Dr. Joao Barbizam Dr. Luke Daining Dr. Erin Merrifield
Thurston Mason Dental Society Dr. Lance German
membership renew your membership, welcome new members
RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP ONLINE
uw news in their own words: uwsod students in jamaica
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UW Students report back on their humanitarian mission to Jamaica
Editor’s Note: For some years, UWSoD students have been making the trek to Jamaica to deliver dental care to the island’s underserved population. We asked them to write a little about their experiences there. What follows are their observations, in their own words.
Allen Tucker
They say service is the cure to burn out. This humanitarian trip to Jamaica through Great Shape! did not disappoint. At times dental school, and I imagine dentistry in general, can become a bit mundane and stressful. The aid you are offering your patients on a daily basis often goes unnoticed or forgotten. It didn’t take long after arriving in Jamaica to truly realize how great of a skill dentistry is, and the endless opportunities we have to share it. Patients I encountered were extremely kind, gracious, and overwhelmingly thankful for the work we were providing them. Many drove miles and miles on busses and taxis just to get to a clinic where they could be seen. Others arrived before dawn to ensure they would be able to be seen. Many had been suffering agonizing toothaches for months on end, waiting until the Great Shape! team would make their annual return to their local clinic. This was the first time in my life when I felt like I had an actual skill to offer. I am so grateful for my dental education and the vehicle it has been for me to give back to so many people who are in desperate need. I have felt first hand the power of service in dentistry. I am glad I had this experience early in my career so I can make it a priority for the remainder of my life.
Blake Quigley
My first experience with the Great Shape! organization this fall will definitely not be my last. As a dental student, I was excited by the opportunity to practice my newfound and rapidly developing skills. My expectations and hopes for my clinical experience were met and exceeded. I was also continually impressed with the tremendous need for dentistry in Jamaica, and the gratitude the Jamaican people expressed to us as volunteer providers. During the five days we were able to spend in the Kendal clinic, I was able to perform more extractions than I had in two previous quarters of Oral Surgery and Urgent Care Clinic. As a dental student, this was an invaluable experience, and many of the patients were able to help were in dire and urgent need of these procedures. The Great Shape! organization allowed us to perform these procedures in a safe, supervised environment that facilitated student learning at a much higher volume than we are accustomed to at the School of Dentistry. Perhaps my favorite patient of the week was a nine year old boy named Andre. Andre was terrified of the dentist. There is no question in my mind he had traumatic dental experiences in his past, and he was generally timid and cautious around adult males in general. He insisted that a female assistant be present during his visit. I later learned that Andre and his four siblings are being raised by a single mother, and he does not have a continued on page 37 This spread: Melanie Garcia and Jonathan An laugh with Jamaican children
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uw news in their own words: uwsod students in jamaica
IN THEIR OWN WORDS:
WAIKOLOA, HAWAII • FEBRUARY 11-13, 2014
SPEAKERS: Russ Baer, DDS Wynn Okuda, DMD, FICD, FICOI John Tiemessen, JD Larry Henderson, CPA Julie Seager, RDH, BSDH And more For course descriptions and to register:
www.akdental.org (907) 563-3003
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uw news continued Amanda Patterson with Jamaican children
uw news, from page 35
stable father figure in his life. Andre really struggled during his first visit. We eventually had to send him home and told him he could come back the next day if he was feeling up to it. I was impressed and surprised at Andre’s bravery when he came back the next day and were able to complete a large restoration on his adult first molar that would have surely been lost had it been left untreated any longer. Andre felt a tremendous sense of accomplishment and triumph when we finally dismissed him from the chair. The real success we achieved that day was not Andre’s restoration, but his positive experience at the dentist. Andre ended up coming back almost every day that week to watch what was going on at the dental clinic. I left Jamaica feeling grateful for my experience, there is no doubt that I got out of the week much more than I put in. However, I also left Jamaica impressed by the tremendous amount of unmet dental need that exists there. While our team’s effort over one week may have done very little in the grand scheme of things, there is no question it was a step in the right direction.
Imahn Moin
Turning the final street corner in our loaded bus, we got our first glimpse of the
clinic we would be working at for the next week. But it wasn’t the deafening generator, the dimly lit interior, nor the makeshift dental chairs patched with duct tape that served as our wake-up call that we were no longer in dental school. After my first year in clinic—a year spent calling, begging and trying to convince patients to come in for the dental work that they needed — I was unprepared for the throng of 50 people standing outside our clinic, many having waited 3 hours for our arrival. For most, the Great Shape! volunteer program would be their only chance at dental care for the entire year, and they were eager to take advantage of this opportunity. It never ceased to amaze me how people could wait outside eight hours in the sweltering Jamaican summertime heat, bear the torrential downpour that occurred each afternoon, and still be so ecstatic and thankful towards the end of the day just to be seen. Their gratitude was always apparent from their genuine smiles and “thank yous,” and that was enough of a reward for us, but that didn’t stop them from spoiling us by coming back the next day to bring us fresh coconuts, avocados and sugar cane. Going to Jamaica made me a better clinician, no doubt about that. But it also helped make me a better person. Putting yourself
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out of your comfort zone, interacting with new people, learning new cultures, and giving back to those less fortunate, made me realize how fun, rewarding and fulfilling dental volunteering can be.
Sean Collette
I had the pleasure of serving in Greenland, which is so remote that even the locals in Negril thought we meant the urban city “Green Island.” Greenland is a small, rural area in the hills, surrounded by lush wilderness. The Greenland United Church hosted our clinic, offering plenty of room for our patients and equipment. Storms are common and the electrical grid is unstable. When a storm knocked out our power, our backup generator was just able to maintain sterilization. I was able to render surgical and restorative care to dozens of people. One young woman presented with signs of congenital disease and severe dental decay. Her complaint was the black lesions between her anterior teeth. I did as many composites as time allowed (we were usually swamped with patients) and gave her the mirror. I appreciated her warm giggle of approval, and invited her to return later in the week if possible. continued on page 39
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uw news continued
Blake Quigley and Kate Osborne in clinic with a local child
Kim Trieu and one of her patients, “Harry”
uw news, from page 37
I enjoyed this wonderful week restoring smiles and getting people out of pain.
Melanie Garcia
Being able to be a dental volunteer in Jamaica was such a rewarding and memorable experience. Starting my last year of dental school, I think it is very easy to forget the passion we have for helping people and why we got into dentistry in the first place. We start to focus only on passing boards, completing competency exams, and what we are going to do after graduation. This trip was a great reminder that there is more to life then worrying about exams. Not only were we able to help change the lives of so many Jamaicans who have never been to the dentist, but also the Jamaican people reinforced how much I love dentistry and cannot wait to help more people in the future. One of the most memorable patients I had was a man who went by the nickname Bitty. Bitty said he was very eager to get two of his front teeth filled (he needed #7M and 8D class 3 composite fillings done). He said that he had been out of a job for several months and he felt the reason he was unable to get a new job was because of the decay on his front teeth. During the time Bitty was in my chair, the electricity went out at least four times. Bitty was such a cooperative and understanding patient. Every time the power would come back on, he would eagerly open his mouth so we could continue with his fillings. At the end of the procedure Bitty was so appreciative and happy with the results. He said, “now
I can get a job and be a good example to my three little angels.” I personally felt so touched at how doing two simple fillings will change this patient and family’s life forever.
Amanda Patterson
Our clinic location was particularly special, as there was a kindergarten beneath the educational complex. This prompted the idea to have an all pedo day. For most of the kids, we “tickled their teeth,” but some kids had to have extractions of retained primary teeth or even extensive restorative work. I had to take out a carious tooth on Sophie, the younger of two sisters. She had never seen a dentist before, as was the case for many of the other children, and even adult patients alike. Her big sister stood at my side and watched the whole procedure. Afterwards, I taught Sophie how to brush her teeth and demonstrated it on the oversized dentoform with the oversized toothbrush. After I moved on to the next patient, Sophie and her sister came back. They remained at my chair until the end of the day and insisted on teaching each new patient how to brush their teeth on the oversized dentoform. The big sister told me she wanted to become a dentist and asked to keep the dentoform. I was excited to hear her say this, as the eventual goal of the Great Shape! 1000 Smiles program is to have Jamaican dentists donate their time to fellow Jamaicans. Overall, this experience was particularly illuminating for me. I was shocked to see that some of the older adults I treated had
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never seen a dentist in their lives. I was equally astounded that many Jamaican adults had never used ibuprofen, whereas it is completely commonplace in the US for even the most minor of pains. I have performed volunteer dental work in Seattle before, but it was the experience in Greenland that impacted me the most to date. It made me truly realize that I want to volunteer in a dental capacity for the rest of my career.
Nam Thien Vu
This family was one I vividly remembered. They all came in on our last day of clinic with their mother. She was a single mother and had three young children at home. Each child all had baby teeth that needed to be extracted, and boy, were they brave. The eldest son was first. He was the most brave. It was Friday and he wanted to leave as soon as possible to play with his friends. He sat in my chair and immediately took off his hat and shoes as a sign of respect. He had a loose lower primary tooth. As I gave him the injection, he was so calm and collected. I removed the tooth with ease and he was so excited. He was out of pain and his friends could no longer tease him about his decayed tooth. We let him go home with his tooth in the envelope. Next was his younger sister. She had never had a tooth extracted before. She was a little scared, but Allysa, my assistant was such a great mother figure. She calmed the girl’s nerves after the injection. The little continued on page 41
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uw news, from page 39
girl explained that she just wanted to go home and watch Dora the Explorer. As I explained to her, the faster we can do this, the faster she could watch Dora. I began to wiggle her tooth, and slowly but surely it came out and as she wiped her tears away, it was suddenly over. She went over and sat next to her brother. Then it was the youngest sibling’s turn, and she was the most difficult. She had multiple loose teeth, but it was the lower right that was causing her the most pain. She cried from the beginning. Nothing Allysa or I did to help her worked. I tried to give her the injection without pulling the cap off to show her that it was nothing to be worried about, but she continued to cry. Her mother came to the chair and tried to reason with her. I asked her if she was a brave little girl. As she wiped the tears from her eyes, she nodded. I told her that brave girls are especially brave at the dentist. Nobody was going to hurt her and the faster she got this done the faster she could begin her weekend! As we reasoned with her, we were able to get a small injection around the tooth. We talked her through the whole process and as I was talking to her, we extracted her baby tooth. I massaged her back as she cried. I gave her a toy and she began to stop crying. I told her she was going to be all right. All three kids hugged their mom and they lined up and took a picture with us. It was a pretty cool experience.
ent cultures and outlooks people around the world have about dental care. One can only imagine the oral health conditions in a country where there is a ratio of 1 dentist for every 100,000 Jamaicans. I was not surprised at the poor oral health conditions knowing there was such a shortage of dental care, but I was surprised about the outlook people had about dentistry. It was clear there was a lack of understanding about the connection oral health has on overall health, and vice versa. Most of the adult patients I saw had severe periodontal disease, but to them it was not a disease but a norm. Getting teeth extracted was the standard for many patients, and in some cases an extraction was preferred over a filling. One of my patients asked me, “will you be back next year because by then I will need more teeth extracted”. The expectations the natives had about their oral health were very low. Therefore, education was an important aspect of this trip. Due to the lack of resources, it is understandable that they felt extractions are their only option. However, it is our job to educate people on how to obtain optimal oral health and how a healthy mouth can improve the their overall health and quality of life. I feel the most important aspect of this trip was the effort to educate Jamaicans on how they can prevent tooth loss from dental diseases by practicing proper oral hygiene.
Amandeep Kaur Virk
Kim Trieu
Going on a mission trip to Jamaica has been one of the most valuable experiences I have had since entering the field of dentistry. Not only was I able to gain tremendous amount of experience with dental procedures, I was able to learn about the differ-
I’ve always wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. Being a mother of three toddlers, I felt called to the opportunity to work with Great Shape! Dental Mission. My mind and heart was set on the vision of shaping the lives of the locals, but
th e wsda ne w s · issue 2, december · 2013 · www.wsda.org · 41
“Best rehydration drink you could ask for after a long day doing dentistry in 100 degree weather.” Imahn Moin
uw news continued
NamThien Vu (right) and volunteer Alyssa Crane with local children
little did I know that they would in return, shape me. Great Shape! brought in a community of youthful, local Jamaican leaders to support the dental volunteers from all the States. During orientation, I had a chance to meet Caithlin Williams, a Jamaican student that will be graduating in the first dental class. Our conversation went late into the night as we discussed about neglected care, challenges in community health clinics, and how cultural perspectives play out in our ability to delivery our care. We talked about the differences between our cultures, where in the United States, we can be filled with the frustrations with regulations, and in contrast, Caithlin wished that she could have this problem because regulations and standards is what Jamaica lacked. I realized how blessed dentistry is in the United States. We have had so many that have gone before us to define the standards, and then others that have pushed and raised those standards so we as young dentists can push them even more; all this with the intention to create better oral health and better communities for those around us. There is a Jamaican proverb which states, ʽbowl go, packy comeʼ which describes a common practice in their culture to send a bowl of treats to a neighbor to share their good fortunes, but in return, it should be returned with the same hospitality. As I enter into my fourth year of dental school and my elected role with ASDA, the Jamaican trip taught me that ʽbowl goʼ was the offering that those that have gone before us have offered, and ʽpacky comeʼ is what I need to do to return the favor. I need to remember to leave this industry better than when I found it. Good luck to you Caithlin, we will both make our mark.
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As you build your financial portfolio both for your financial security now and in anticipation of enjoying a long retirement, you need to factor in the cost of care if you need assistance in performing the activities of daily living. This care can take place in your home or as a resident in an assisted living facility or a nursing home. The average length of stay at a nursing home is 2.4 years, which would cost you over $200,000. You can designate money in your portfolio to cover the costs or you can purchase Long Term Care Insurance.
70 percent of people over the age of 65 will require Long Term Care services at some point. Long Term Care Insurance is similar to Disability or Life Insurance in that you are paying a monthly premium to have a pool of money available to you when you need it. Unfortunately, “Long Term Care” is not an accurate description of the benefits provided on a Long Term Care Insurance policy: “Family Freedom Coverage” may be a bit more accurate. This type of insurance frees you from the substantial financial burden of paying for care while it frees your family from the burden of caring for you at the detriment of their time, finances and physical and emotional well being. In 2012, the average annual cost of a nursing home in Washington was $97,000, assisted living facility was $51,000, and home care with a health aide was $50,000. Washington Dentists’ Insurance Agency strongly believes in the need for Long Term Care Insurance. Along with Disability and Life Insurance, Long Term Care Insurance will protect your family and you from the large financial burden that an accident or illness may cause. Purchasing coverage will relieve your family of having to center their lives around your personal care while giving you the freedom to choose where you would like your care to take place.
41 percent of people receiving long term care are between the ages of 18 and 64. Since the need for assistance, not age, is the trigger for receiving long term care benefits, this insurance will cover you should the unexpected happen at any age. For example, if at age 47 an illness or accident leaves you needing care, you would be eligible to receive benefits. This would allow your spouse to continue working or caring for your children while a professional caregiver comes to your home to help you with your daily needs such as bathing, dressing or getting in and out of bed. Having Long Term Care Insurance will help you meet the cost of your spouse’s and your care should you need assistance with daily living at any age. It gives you the flexibility to choose when and where you receive care and to provide emotional and financial support for your family. WDIA encourages dentists to consider a Long Term Care Insurance policy as additional insurance protection for your financial security. To learn more about Long Term Care Insurance and to receive quotes, please contact WDIA at 206-441-6824 or 1-800-282-9342 or at info@wdiains.com.
th e wsda ne w s · issue 2, december · 2013 · www.wsda.org · 43
Matthew French Director of Insurance Services WDIA
“The average length of stay at a nursing home is 2.4 years, which would cost you over $200,000.”
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4 4 · th e wsda ne w s · issue 2, december · 2013 · www.wsda.org $PAC-078_DENTAL_WA-StateDentalAssoc_BW_3.5x4.75_Nov-Dec2013.indd 1 9/26/13 10:52 AM
OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
POSITION OPEN — Seeking an experienced dentist or prosthodontist to join an established group practice approximately 32 hours per week in Vancouver, Wash. Proficiency in oral surgery and dentures/partials preferred. Please send CV to jennifers@ wendeldental.com.
ASSOCIATE DENTIST EVERETT — Currently looking for a caring dentist with exceptional interpersonal skills. The position requires minimum of two years clinical experience to work three to four days a week. Long time practice with new digital systems, PPO and fee for service. Great staff and a competitive package for a personable doctor looking for a long term position with potential to buy in. Please submit resume to jobsfamilydental@gmail.com.
DENTIST OPPORTUNITY IN PORTLAND, ORE — Do the clinical dentistry you want to do. We offer paths in which you can manage or open your own practice with profit sharing. Pdxdentist@yahoo.com.
ASSOCIATE OPPORTUNITY — Associate general dentist opportunity, General Practice Residency preferred. Three days per week advancing to full time. Established practice in Bothell/Mill Creek area. Send resume toDentist@wildwooddental.com. OREGON — Job opportunity for dentist in Oregon. Experience the joy of working in the beautiful Northwest! Our busy dental offices are supported by experienced dental managers and clinical dental staff. We take care of the details so you can take care of the patients. Competitive Compensation Package with Guaranteed Salary. Contact us today at (503) 585-5205 extension 311 or fax your CV to (877) 473-0196. GENERAL DENTIST — We are seeking a General Dentist for our growing group practice in Yakima, WA. We are looking for someone who is confident and friendly. Earnings are production based and we are busy! Guaranteed salary of $150K, though actual earnings are higher. Please contact Jolene Babka at jbabka@applesmiles.com for further information. PEDIATRIC SPECIALIST — Seeking an experienced General Dentist with experience with children or a Pediatric Specialist for our established practice in Eastern Washington. We are looking for someone who is proficient with children’s dentistry and loves working with kids. We have a very fun building and team! Earnings are production based we guarantee $225K. Please contact Jolene Babka at jbabka@applesmiles.com for further information. WASHINGTON GENERAL DENTISTS — Our goal is to partner with our patients and practice proactive dentistry. We have excellent opportunities for skilled dentists and specialists throughout Washington. For current practice openings please contact Nathalie La Chance: 503-952-2172 or nlachance@willamettedental.com and visit www.willamettedental.com/careers. See our ad on page 36! ASSOCIATE DENTIST — Associate dentist needed for mobile dental practice in the Greater Seattle area. Must be passionate about improving the quality of care in the nursing home population. Email CV to: mcaldier@live.com.
PEDIATRIC DENTIST — Seeking qualified Pediatric Dentist. Experience with GA cases a plus. Fully digital office with experienced expanded team. Attractive stress free environment Competitive reimbursement. Full and part time. Opportunities for ownership in a growing company. Do not miss your chance. Fort Dental (206) 242-4121, email: info@fortdental.net, website: www.Fortdental.net. PEDIATRIC DENTIST NEEDED: Busy multioffice Orthodontic practice is looking for a Pediatric Dentist to join the practice. Modern multi chair offices, existing large patient base and excellent staff awaits for the right individual for a great opportunity. Please email CV to : lotusking55@gmail.com. ASSOCIATE DENTIST — Downtown Seattle. Experienced associate dentist needed for a busy, well established, fee-for-service practice in downtown Seattle. Long term, highly capable staff. Four days a week. Great income opportunity. Please email CV pugetsounddentists@yahoo.com. ASSOCIATE DENTIST — North Seattle. Experienced dentist needed for our extremely busy, insanely growing, established general practice. Would like to share six operatories, times/days/hours negotiable. Please contact and send resume: (206) 715-9302 or gdentstar@yahoo.com. DENTISTS NEEDED _ Dental Professionals is recruiting dentists for temporary and permanent positions throughout western Washington – Vancouver to Bellingham and the Olympic Peninsula. No fee to you and you pick the days and geographic locations that you are available to work. This is a great opportunity to earn supplemental income or find a permanent position. If interested please call Bob at (206) 767-4851. GENERAL DENTIST — Experienced dentist needed for a growing, well- established, fee-for-service practice, generating 800K per year in Seattle area. Three days a week. Long term, highly capable staff. Great income opportunity. Please email resume to pugetsounddentists@yahoo.com.
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PART-TIME GP IN BELLEVUE — We are looking for an associate in Bellevue to work 2.5 days Wed-Fri. More days possible. We are a top office in our area. Beautiful modern office with state of the art technology. Fantastic patients and team. Fully digital. Must be highly skilled and experienced. Please email resume to bellevuedentists@gmail.com. OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE — Opportunity for dentist interested in TMD/facial pain practice. Poulsbo Wa. Call (360) 981-8796, tmdclinic@aol.com. DENTIST OPPORTUNITY IN GRAHAM, WASH. — Seeking experienced dentist for busy, well established, successful, fee for service, group dental practice. Full-time position available. Excellent immediate income opportunity ($180,000 to $375,000 + per year) depending on productive ability and hours worked. Secure, long-term position. You can concentrate on optimum patient treatment without practice management duties. Modern well-equipped office with excellent staff, and lab services provided. If you are bright, energetic with a desire to be productive, very personable, and people oriented, and have great general and specialty clinical skills, Fax resume to Dr. Hanssen at (425) 484-2110. OPPORTUNITIES WANTED GENERAL DENTIST — General Dentist looking for an office in need of a dentist on Fridays and Saturdays in Western Wa. I have 19 years of private practice experience in all aspects of dentistry. Prefer endo and surgery. Call (360) 402-9370 or Email scubatooth@ msn.com. ASSOCIATESHIP WANTED — Female general dentist with over eight years experience seeking an associate position with an established practice. Also open to short term opportunities (e.g. locum tenens, maternity leave, illness, emergencies, sabbatical). Comfortable with molar endo and extractions. Hard working, personable, and reliable. Resume available upon request. seattleassociatedentist@gmail.com
classifieds issue 2, december 2013
OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
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4 6 · th e wsda Mercer ne w s Advisors · issue 2, december · 2013 · and www.wsda.org Global Inc. is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission delivers all investment-related services. Mercer Advisors Inc. is the parent company of Mercer Global Advisors Inc. and is not involved with investment services.
OFFICES FOR SALE OR LEASE
OFFICES FOR SALE OR LEASE
OAK HARBOR — Oak Harbor Dental Practice available for transition. This established, fully equipped office is near residential, schools, and multiple retail centers. Experienced 30 year plus practitioner is a proven income producer. The practice generates a great net income and is priced to sell! Room to expand facilities in a growing community. For additional information please call or email Linda (206)399-5677, linda@pnwpps. net or conradelledge@earthlink.net.
FOR SALE — Premier Practice – Premier Eastside Location. Once in a lifetime opportunity for a very special dentist or dentists. Extremely high profile, high visibility and high traffic location – on pace to collect more than $2,000,000 and has pent-up demand and lots of room for further growth. An experienced, professional and motivated team manages this spectacular 7-Op office. This high quality, high producing practice includes CEREC and trained assistants. Spectacular new build-out completed 2013. This is a very special practice requiring a very special dentist or dentists. Please provide C/V or summary to Sam Martin, MBA, CFP®, CPA – sam@cpa4dds.com.
FOR SALE — A beautiful Bellevue Office space with equipment for sale. A great location next to Overlake Hospital and minutes Downtown Bellevue and from 405. 5 operatories, 4 equipped. Ready to start working on your patients next day. Great equipment, digital x-rays, digital PANO, ..Must see! Call (425) 558-9998 or for pictures email caringdentistry1@gmail.com.
FOR LEASE-A great opportunity available for a general dentist or specialist, office in Silverdale, WA, located on Dyes Inlet with a view of Mt. Ranier. Over 2000 square feet with four operating suites. Dentistry provided there since 1985. Contact David at toothexam@hotmail.com.
FOR SALE — Beautiful stand alone redecorated 2,000 sq. ft., open concept bldg with five ops and plumbed with N2O. This practice is nestled in the foothills of Mt. Rainier, just a 50-minute drive from Seattle. The area offers a recreational paradise, with skiing just 40 minutes away and great schools. 0ngoing practice for over 25 years with loyal patients and a experienced staff. For more details call (253) 797-1353.
FOR SALE — Auburn Former Dental office for sale. Building 4,699 +/- Site .40 acres includes office furniture excellent visibility next to medical/dental park $650,000 (253)653-3878. http://www.commercialmls. com/viewers/pdfviewer.cfm?ln=521173 FOR LEASE — Dental clinic building for lease in North Bend, Wash. 35 minutes from Seattle and a short ½ mile from I-90. Modern, 1,750 sq. feet; four operatories; business office, staff room, two restrooms, air conditioning etc.; situated on the South Fork of Snoqualmie River. Ample off street parking. $23.49/sq.ft./yr Triple Net Lease/ Available after February 1, 2014. Call: 425-883-4508 or email: abancay@aol.com. DENTAL OFFICE TO SHARE — Space and equipment to lease in beautiful office near Overlake Hospital in Bellevue. Currently working three days/week with plenty room to share in our six chairs practice. Bring your patients and staff and share the rent and utilities. Email: rpalaciosdds@sprynet.com. SPACE TO SHARE — Nice, centrally located downtown dental office with good street exposure across from a major bus stop and a nice view from the treatment rooms. Well established general practioner cutting back. Excellent signage in windows and building lobby. Available up to 50% of a 5-day week. Seperate private office, phone line and number. Contact dentalofficeseattle@gmail.com. FOR LEASE — Turn key and fully equipped dental office in greater Olympia area. Located with close proximity to I-5; great visibility and easy access. Suite is 2,000+ sq.ft., five operatories, great natural light, ample parking, staff lounge, and private office. Ready for immediate use, space available February 2014. Email: Hannajack@comcast.net or call (360) 789-4841. DENTAL OFFICE SPACE IN EVERETT — Great corner lot location, a few blocks South of downtown. 1,400 square feet -- with another 150 square feet shared storage and panolispe area. Four operatories, each with nitrous oxide, and custom cabinetry. Available April 1st. (206) 913-3376.
FOR LEASE —Vancouver, Wash. Next to Vancouver Mall. Brand new remodel 2,000 sq. ft., just move in equipment. Built-in cabinets, Pano room, private office. Very nice! neilgray@comcast.net. FOR SALE — G/P Practice in N. King County. Well established, mature practice for sale collecting over $470,000 annually, Three fully equipped operatories. Outstanding active hygiene program. Practice has outstanding cash flow. Well trained staff will assist with the transition and stay on with the buyer. Seller will either lease the building to the new buyer but would prefer to sell the building at the time of the practice sale. CAll (503) 680-4366 or email info@reasorprofessionaldental.com. www.reasorpreofessionaldental. com. FOR SALE: Small dental practice in 2600 sq ft class A building in Shoreline. Located on a main N-S arterial with easy access to I-5; on bus line; ample parking; handicap facilities. Two fully equipped operatories with Panorex, Lab, computers and a sterilization area. Ready for four operatories, but can be expanded to 6 easily. The building is designed to house a small dental laboratory and is plumbed for N2O2. Call Cindy at 206362-2273 or e-mail Cindy @dentapro.com for inquires. FOR SALE — 1270 State Ave, Olympia, Corner lot with heavy traffic flow. Many established dental businesses in area. Open configuration can easily be converted to any specification. contact fennellina@yahoo. com.
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REDMOND –Outstanding and unique opportunity to practice here in a completed, beautiful space in a great location with excellent parking. If you want to practice in Redmond or want to upgrade your existing location get more information by calling Sandy at (425) 883-4099.
FOR LEASE — Great location, over 2000 square feet, five operating suites in beautiful Olympia, conveniently located on Martin Way close to St. Peter Hospital. Over 30 years of quality dental care provided here. Contact Don at uncledgh@aol.com. FOR SALE — Downtown Seattle dental practice for sale. Long-established, small boutique practice with three operatories, Dentrix, Dexis, and Kavo handpieces. The office is nicely appointed with Stelty cabinets, and monitors and computers in the operatories. Asking $225,000, send all inquiries to: downtownseattledds@gmail.com. FOR LEASE NEW SPECIALIST SPACE (oral surgeon, endodontist , pedodontist)- Prestigious Creekside Village in Mill Creek’s Town Center. Free parking, more than 50 general dentists in a 5-mile radius. Over 45 stores, shops and family services within a threemile radius. Visible and accessible from the Bothell/Everett Highway, seven minutes from I-405 and I-5 and 3 minutes walking distance from the University Bookstore, Central Market, many restaurants and hundreds of Condos, apartments & homes. Generous Terms and Tenant Improvement Allowance. Vien Bui (425) 379-6062.
classifieds issue 2, december 2013
OFFICES FOR SALE OR LEASE
parrish or perish, continued
parish from page 50 U n i v e r s i t y
Now I know how this will weaken our argument that dental school is 8 years post high school while hygiene is only 2 (in reality it’s 3-3 ½, but we often conveniently forget their pre-req’s, but I don’t understand Eastern taking 3 years to complete hygiene). And what education and time it will take to become a DHAT or Mid-Level Provider (MLP as is now the PC abbreviation) is anyone’s guess if we ever get there. Could we open up the dental profession to more talented folks who could swing it financially if it took less time? We would get folks “in the field” 1-2 years sooner than our present model. And while, we’re at it, there ought to be a way for a hygiene student, if she so chooses, to graduate from hygiene school earlier and skip all the restorative stuff that she is not likely to practice anyway. An option? Fine. Grant a sticker to her license allowing her to do restorative. EFDA’s and MLP’s are taking away that option anyhow because it just makes more economic sense on so many levels. We simply can’t afford to continue to demand knowledge and skill sets that are meaningless in the real world. So, I will give BHO credit for a suggestion that, while misplaced for law at the moment, may have some positive benefit for dentistry. I would hope that today’s educators have the courage, insight and ability to think out of the educational box most of us were placed in and get leaner and meaner with the training of their “product”. Continuing to educate in the same way ignores all the technology and knowledge about learning that is available today and wasn’t in the dark ages of the 1970’s. I am well aware the UW dental school has “gone to hell” since I graduated…as has every school I ever attended!! We certainly can tell Joel that, but then we must have the good sense to shut up when new models are proposed because we really don’t know what we’re talking about.
o f
W a s h i n g t o n
sChooL of Dentistry
ContinUing
D e n taL
WINTER 2014
eDUCat ion January
March
24 Legal, Financial and Insurance Issues Facing the Dental Practice Timothy E. Proctor, CPA; Ann J. Durham, JD; Matthew French, Insurance Expert; and Kerri Seims, Insurance Expert
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Open Wide! Clinical Pathologic Correlations for Today’s general Practice Darren Cox, DDS, MBA Jasjit K. Dillon, DDS, MD, BDS, FDSRCS
25 Computers and the Dental Office MOrnIng TOPIC: Technology Fundamentals AFTernOOn TOPIC: Advanced Technical Issues Marcus Bing, IT Expert
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Law/Lewis Lectureship in Pediatric Dentistry MOrnIng TOPIC: An Update in restorative Care for Children Kevin Donly, DDS, MS AFTernOOn TOPIC: The Teeth Fall Out But the Body remembers: equipping Children for a Lifetime of Oral Health Travis Nelson, DDS, MSD, MPH
February 7-9 The Art and Science of Anxiolysis and Sedation in 2014 and Beyond – nitrous Oxide and Oral Sedation (or any combination thereof) Fred Quarnstrom, DDS, FADSA, FAGD, FICD, FACD, CDC David Donaldson, BDS, FDSRCS, MDS, FADSA, FACD, FAAOP, FICD Mark Donaldson, BSP, PHARM D, FASHP, FACHE 21 Understanding and Being Successful With Older Adults in Your Practice Janet Yellowitz, DMD, MPH 28 Treatment Planning guidelines for esthetics, Tooth Wear and Occlusion Terry Tanaka, DDS This course is co-sponsored with Seattle-King and Snohomish County Dental Societies.
28 ernest M. Jones Memorial Lecture The Internet: What’s Happening Today That Should Change the Way You’re Doing Business Lou Shuman, DMD, CAGS april 4
Update in Periodontics Faculty of the UW School of Dentistry Department of Periodontics
12 To Biopsy or not to Biopsy: Interactive Soft Tissue Oral Pathology for the Dental Practitioner Dolphine Oda, BDS, MS This course will be presented in Walla Walla, Washington
Online Courses at www.uwcde.com including Bloodborne Pathogens! Registration Information: REGISTER Telephone: (206) 543-5448 Toll Free: (866) 791-1278 NOW! For more detailed course information and to register online visit www.uwcde.com
SCHOOL OF DENTISTRY UNIVERSITY of WASHINGTON
University of Washington is an aDa CerP reCogniZeD ProviDer ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.
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OFFICES FOR SALE OR LEASE
SERVICES
FOR LEASE — (oral surgeon, endodontist, pedodontist) 2,350 sf with 720 sf executive office suite above. Located directly on Highway-Nine in Clearview Plaza in the Starbuck’s building. Traffic count over 35,000 cars/day. No other specialists on this corridor for over 18 miles. Serves, Mill Creek, Woodinville, Clearview and Snohomish. Space for Lease Clearview Plaza. Vien Bui (425) 379-6062.
OPPORTUNITY — Dental office for sale in Burien. 15+ years in the same location. Grosses over $350,000 a year, six operators and laboratory. Owner is retiring but will stagy for transition. Some financial available. Call JD at (206) 992-8771.
LOCUM TENENS DENTIST — Want to take a vacation? Need a knowledgeable, reliable ad personable dentist to help with your practice while you’re away? Experienced locum tenens dentist will provide exceptional care to your patients. Over 25 years of private practice general dentistry. Serving all of Washington and Oregon. References available upon request. Contact Bob Houtz, DDS at (360) 457-9568.
SPACE SHARING OPPORTUNITY — Presently working three days/ week and have ample room to share space in our five chair downtown Seattle general practice office with in-house lab and technician. Bring your patients and staff and share the rent, utilities and supplies. Contact Rick Nicolini, DDS at (206) 310-5709 or drnicolini@hotmail.com. OFFICE SPACE TO SHARE — Excellent opportunity for specialist who wants to work one or two days a week or a start-up practice for any practitioner. Front office support. Contact Breezy at (425) 481-1038 or email office@gentletouchdental.com. FOR LEASE — Factoria /Bellevue. 2,400 sq ft dental practice for sublease. Perfect location in medical/dental building for specialist or general dentist. We have negotiated excellent lease terms for this busy Bellevue area. Please email factoriaforlease@gmail.com for more information. FOR SALE — Renton Highlands High Quality Family Dental Practice. Long-time owner retiring. Strip mall location with outstanding pedestrian and drive-by exposure. Collecting $1,050,000 annually and low overhead. Four Ops, lab, sterilization, office/consult room, business office and reception. Pano. Email C/V or summary to: sam@cpa4dds.com. NEXT/ANNIE MILLER & ASSOCIATES — New dental practice listings and sites for sale in Bellevue, Kirkland, Federal Way, Renton and Tukwila. Call today for tours and info. Annie Miller, Re Max Eastside Broker’s Inc. (206) 7151444 or email at annie@nextnw.com. FOR SALE OR LEASE, PUYALLUP — Great location. Satellite or Specialist Office. 1,900 Sq. ft. with two fully equipped operatories with plumbing for a third. Large Lab, new computers with Dentrix software and Dexis Digital X-ray. Email: toothfairy1410@gmail.com. FOR LEASE — Available for immediate occupancy. A fully plumbed dental office. 1,350 sq ft , three operatories, air, water, vacuum, nitrous oxide and oxygen, private office, lab, staff lounge, separate staff entrance. This office has exceptional exposure to the Southcenter Mall traffic. Call Diana at Medical Centers Management (253) 508-1293
FOR LEASE — 300 Pelly Ave N. Dental suite available in Renton, walking distance to the prestigious Landing, as well as Boeing. 1,361 sq. ft. on 2nd floor, with only two other dentists in building. Three operatories, open configuration, plumbed with electrical, air, vacuum, and plumbing. Corner lot with heavy traffic flow. Rate is $23.26/SF/Y NNN, Triple Net is $5.60 (incl utilities). Contact Dennis Schmuland (425) 417-1206. NEXT/ANNIE MILLER & ASSOCIATES — Providing consulting services to the dental community for the past 35 years. New practice start-ups, practice transitions, sales and valuations. Dental space planning and architecture; real estate leasing and acquisitions, employment benefits; staffing resources and training; financing. Call today for your free consultation…we can’t mint money for you, but we can sure save what you have now! Annie Miller (206) 715-1444. Email: annie@nextnw.com. EQUIPMENT FOR SALE USED/REFURBISHED EQUIPMENT — Adec, Gendex, Pelton Crane, Dentalez, Porter, Air Tech, Midwest, Midmark and etc. Lab equipment. Parts are also available for almost all equipment. Call Dental Warehouse at 800-488-2446 or http://cascade-dental.net. FOR SALE — Schick Intra-Oral Camera USB Cam 4. Retails for $4,266, under 1 year old. Auto focus, one button capture/save, easy to use, my staff loved it! For sale for $2,500. Email judson@wernerdds.com. MOBILE DENTAL SYSTEMS — Mobile dental operatory suitable for a variety of locations ie..assisted living, missionaries. Excellent condition stackable containers. Approximately 45 lbs Contact (360) 981-8796. EQUIPMENT WANTED — Looking for w ide ra nge of used equipment. Adec, Kavo, Midmark, Pelton Crane, Midwest, Gendex, Air Techniques, Apollo, Porter, Cerec, Sirona. If you want to sell equipment, call (206) 260-3563.
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MOBILE I.V. SEDATION — Have your patients treated in your office with safe and proven techniques. Set your practice apart from others. Attract new patients. Increase quality referrals. Neil E. Bergstrom, DDS (360) 825-6596. GUEST DENTIST — Will fill in at your practice for maternity leave, injury, illness, family emergency, etc. 35 years of general dental practice experience. Personable and patient oriented. Dr. Ed Kardong (206) 842-6300. OFFICE CONSTRUCTION CONSTANTINE BUILDERS INC. (CBI) — WSDA endorses CBI as their preferred builder of Dental facilities with over 25 years of experience from ground up buildings, renovations, remodels, and interior tenant improvement projects. All projects are completed on time and within budget. CBI provides the highest level of quality service with integrity that exceeds our client’s expectation. Please see our display ad on page two and website at www.constantinebuilders.com for additional information and how you can become another satisfied client. Telephone (206) 957-4400, O. George Constantine. SPECIAL THANKS THANK YOU — The Guest Dentist is retiring! I have purchased a dental practice in Puyallup —South Hill Family Dentistry. I want to thank all the offices I have helped these years as your Guest Dentist. Best Wishes & Happy Trails to all of you, and your patients too. Dr. Joe Schneider.
classifieds issue 2, december 2013
OFFICES FOR SALE OR LEASE
Advice from Most Honorable Leader, BHO
Dr. Jeffrey Parrish “If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn’t thinking.” — George Patton
“Go back and review in your mind those classes you took as an undergrad. Did Econ 200, Sociology 320 or Math 220 really make an impact on your ability to understand dental school?
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or official policy of the WSDA.
I know that it might be very hard for you to generate much sympathy for members of the legal profession, but they are undergoing some very trying times at the moment. The US has over 1.2 million lawyers, 1 for every 257 people, up an amazing amount from 1/709 in 1950. Law schools are turning out 45,000 new grads every year chasing 25,000 job openings, and the average debt for those new grads is $120,000+. Twelve major national law firms have collapsed, and armies of outside contract lawyers now are taking “farmed out” work for one-third the pay compared to what they would earn in-house. Applications to law schools have declined dramatically in recent years in response to the obvious: how am I going to earn a living. First year admissions have been cut by most law schools in response to this decline in interest and post graduate job availability, and admission deans expect a continued decline in interest, qualifications, and enrollment for the foreseeable future. (All of this is reminiscent of dentistry in the early 1980’s; I know; I was there.) So next time you’re out with a lawyer friend, buy her a beer…to cry in. Into this fray wades our Fearless Leader, BHO, POTUS. His solution to this mess: cut law school to two years. His logic is that most of the book learning occurs in the first two years and the third year should be spent clerking for a judge or apprenticing in a law firm—sorta like a GPR or associateship in dentistry. Now he recognizes that law schools may suffer from a 1/3 cut in tuition to train a lawyer, but if they are “creative”, they will survive. I will give him credit that it potentially could cut law school debt and get lawyers “into the field” sooner, but I’m not sure getting more, quicker is exactly what’s called for right now. But it did get me thinking. I know Dean Joel Berg and other serious minds at the UW SOD are taking a look at what it takes to train the 21st Century dentist. So, in addition to the entire curriculum, I hope they are looking at the total time commitment to train a dentist. I have heard rumblings that the 4th year would be much more like general practice than we experienced it—not unlike BHO’s suggestion for the last year of law school. But I have not heard anyone suggest that dental school itself can be done in less time, USC and UOP notwithstanding. Now there is a part of me that is all in favor of education for education’s sake, and I think dentists should be well educated human beings. But is it absolutely necessary for a dentist to have a BA or BS degree? I recognize that many schools do not require it, but how many students are actually ever accepted without a degree…and how many have multiple or advanced degrees. Most foreign countries take talented students from high school and train them to be dentists in 5 years or less; at least one US school does it in 6 years: UMKC. Go back and review in your mind those classes you took as an undergrad. Did Econ 200, Sociology 320 or Math 220 really make an impact on your ability to understand dental school? Don’t even ask me about Astro, Aero or all those Poli Sci classes on my transcript. Could we cut at least a year and maybe two off the pre-req’s for dental school thereby saving time and INDEBTEDNESS? Most students are entering dental school with significant debt, and they leave with much, much more. However, I am not suggesting we cram more into the dental school curriculum in lieu of necessary undergraduate classes. Most of us are well aware that some schools had more pre-req’s than others so I have often wondered where those get accomplished in those schools, but they have figured out some way. It has to be cheaper to get as much as possible as an undergrad than to pay for it is dental school—the most expensive of all post grad degrees.
continued on page 48
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50 IS THE NEW 40: It’s also the ideal time to purchase Long Term Care insurance. Are you covered? Washington Dentists’ Insurance Agency will make sure you are. You’re in your 40s, and healthier than you’ve ever been. So it may seem counter-intuitive to shop around for the Long Term Care coverage, but it’s actually the best time. At WDIA, we can guide you and help you make decisions for your future. Call Matt or Kerri today for a complimentary Long Term Care insurance assessment. They’ll help you navigate through the myriad choices, and connect you with the best products available. Call us today!
Life Disability Long Term Care Professional Liability Practice Loan Protection Health Savings Accounts Business Owner Coverage Group and Individual Medical Risk Management Consultation Medicare Supplements and MedAdvantage Employment Practice Liability
Matt French · Kerri Seims 206.441.6824 · 800.282.9342
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Washington Dentists’ Insurance Agency: LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE
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