Wsda news issue 5 April 2015

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The voice of the Washington State Dental Association

DELIVERING ON THEIR PROMISES

WDIA & NORDIC: MORE THAN INSURANCE th e wsda ne w sJUST · issue 5, april · 2015 · www.wsda.org · 1

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WSDA news Cover story by Rob Bahnsen Cover photo by Scott Eklund NORDIC team photo by Craig Mitchelldyer

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editorial

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guest editorial

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member news

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cover story in memoriam, dick cavaliere

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citizen of the year news

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issue 5 · april 2015

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staff profile

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wsda academy news

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membership marketplace

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classifieds parrish or perish

pndc news

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. Gregory Y. Ogata, President Dr. Bryan C. Edgar, President-elect Dr. D. Michael Buehler, Secretary-Treasurer Dr. David M. Minahan, Immediate Past President Board of Directors Dr. Theodore M. Baer Dr. Marissa N. Bender Dr. Dennis L. Bradshaw Dr. Ronald D. Dahl Dr. Christopher Delecki Dr. Gary E. Heyamoto Dr. Eric J. Kvinsland

Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr.

Bernard J. Larson Cynthia R. Pauley Lorin D. Peterson James W. Reid Ashley L. Ulmer

WSDA Staff: Executive Director Bracken Killpack Senior Vice President/ Assistant Executive Director Amanda Tran

Vice President of Government Affairs Anne Burkland

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

Art Director/Managing Editor Robert Bahnsen

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.

Manager of Continuing Education and Speaker Ser vices Craig Mathews Government Affairs Coordinator Michael Walsh

Vice President/Chief Financial Officer Peter Aaron

Public Policy Coordinator Emily Lovell

General Counsel Alan Wicks

Membership Manager Laura Rohlman

Vice President of Operations Brenda Berlin

Exhibits and Sponsorship Ser vices Coordinator Katie Olson

Vice President of Communications Kainoa Trotter

Bookkeeper Joline Hartman Office Coordinator Gilda Snow

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The WSDA News is published 8 times yearly by the Washington State Dental Association. Copyright © 2015 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: 2014: ADA Golden Apple Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Promotion of Diversity and Inclusion, 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 5, april 2015

a day in the life

editorial dr. mar y jennings

Weltschmertz My friend Dr. Lucas tells me I have Weltschmerz. The sadness that comes from being weary of the injustices of the world. He is right, the dental insurance industry has let me down.

I thought the dental insurance industry existed to simply oversee the money an employer sets aside for dental benefits for his employee and to ensure payment to the provider. There should be a reasonable fee for providing that service. Mine, evidently, is a quite naive perspective.

The thing that bothers me the most is that I do not feel the insurance industry has my best interest at heart as a subscriber or a dentist. It is interested in its own machine. Even though I know that the industry is based upon gamblers gambling against loss, I expect better.

I know wounds run deep over the WDS fee reduction. The fee reductions combined with learning about the huge insurance executives’ salaries topped off by the callous “take it or leave it” attitude added unnecessary insult to injury that no dentist will forget.

Here in Washington state, it looks like House Bill 1002 will pass the Legislature this year. When it was introduced, it listed twelve insurance problems that clearly need fixing. Now, it’s been amended to include two. It’s a start. But we’ve got so much more to fix.

Among other things, it requires stand-alone dental carriers submit loss ratio information to the public through the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. This will show how much of an individual’s premium goes to actual health care – compared to administrative costs like, oh you know, large executive salaries. That should prove enlightening.

It also covers peculiarities like insurance not covering emergency treatment the same day as the emergency diagnosis and radiographs. Who does this to a fellow human being?

Must we really spend valuable legislative time to ensure humane treatment?

I feel more and more that insurance companies, including Medicaid, consider themselves the dental police. Code Nazis, so to speak. One step out of the line they drew, and no soup for you! Shameful…

Tell me why a family has to spend down a $6,000 deductible to access their dental policy? They have pseudo-insurance. Thank you Affordable Care Act for helping insurance companies create clever smoke and mirror policies that help no one. The WSDA and Representative Dr. Michelle Calder, et al tried to fix this by proposing HB1852. This would require preventive care be paid for before the deductible is met. The bill got stalled in the House and is dead for the year. Justice rides a slow horse. This is not over. We are all engaged and ready for the long game.

I would like to share a real life insurance problem from my community health world that I am not sure how to fix. Two or three times a month, I see children of working parents who require general anesthesia. Many of these parents are in the military. They can afford co-pays if they are done over time like regular dental appointments, but they cannot afford the giant co-pay that comes with GA. Even though dentists can give away pro bono care to our hearts delight, we cannot, by state law, waive or discount a co-pay even when we know in those same hearts that a family is struggling. Most of these parents try to ride things out until the child is more mature or they can save up. They are courting disaster. This is a glitch in the system that makes deaths like Deamonte Driver’s possible. This is not a classic access to care problem. It is a money problem linked to insurance. They have an insurance benefit they cannot access. I know the parents should have brushed better and saved for this rainy day, but how do we solve this catastrophic problem once made? Still, I do not see anyone holding an actuarial table showing any concern for these children even though they must know they are there. Shouldn’t there be some kind of contingency for this?

The Children’s Defense Fund says there are 7.2 million children still uninsured in the United States. I worry for them. The access to insurance problem is far from over for our children.

Senator Ted Cruz just declared that Obamacare, “puts a government bureaucrat between you and your doctor.” Well, it must be a mighty crowded room with your insurance company standing right in the middle. Cruz will not be the only politician working that platform. I have little hope that we will tear everything up and start over. But, something is bound to shift. This is an excellent time for organized dentistry to help guide the grumbling American public to change anti-trust laws, force transparency and effect simple honesty and compassion into a very ugly industry. It’s about damned time.

Dr. Mary Jennings Editor, WSDA News

“Tell me why a family has to spend down a $6,000 deductible to access their dental policy? They have pseudo-insurance. Thank you Affordable Care Act for helping insurance companies create clever smoke and mirror policies that help no one.”

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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Why am I President of the Board of WDIA and so invested in it’s success? It’s a simple question with many answers. At the end of the day it comes down to giving back to an organization that truly backed me when I needed it most.

You know dentistry, teeth, oral cancer screenings and smile design. You know them like the back of your hand, and trust that even on a bad day, you can go in to the office and treat your patients well. I would propose that you don’t truly know insurance, risk management, retirement preservation, and guarding your hard-earned dollars, and family legacy like you think you do. And, you won’t realize that until a “moment” happens.

I had a “moment” in 2005 when a vandal randomly broke into my office in the middle of the night and trashed the place. Besides the usual turmoil in my heart about “why me,” there were the immediate concerns about a non-functional office and a full schedule of patients who needed to be attended to and we simply couldn’t. My insurance carrier at the time was through another large broker in town, and I was assured there would be no problems.

Well, over a year later, I was still working in a half-functional office and fighting with the claims adjuster who blamed Hurricane Katrina (seriously), email, the US Postal Service, etc, for why my claim was taking so long and why they were fighting me on so many levels. After getting my lawyer on the case, things began to slowly resolve.

Then, to add insult to injury, I was informed that I was being “non-renewed” by the large national carrier. Through this process I learned a lot, including that I really didn’t know a lot about insurance. I also learned that my local broker didn’t even realize that a year later my claim was still ongoing (they never once checked in on me), and with the non-renewal, I was going to simply have to pay much higher rates and go into the “nonstandard” market. Oh well.

That didn’t sound right to me, so I checked around. I spoke personally with the underwriters at NORDIC who Matt French at WDIA put me in touch with, explained my situation and they said “no problem.”

Even though a “non-renewal” is the equivalent of a bankruptcy in the insurance world, they considered my membership in WSDA, my efforts to mitigate future loss, the nature of my loss being out of my control, etc., and were happy to write a non-penalizing policy and get me covered. This was great, because the other carrier followed the letter of the law, EXACTLY, and only gave me the required 60 days notice to get this done.

At the end of the day, WDIA is about so much more than insurance. It is about an organization devoted to serving our member dentists and their families with integrity and “Nordstrom-like” service. When WDIA was formed there was a need. Dentists were being taken advantage of and didn’t have a reliable and consistently honest resource to discuss their insurance needs. Let’s face it, other businesses and sales people look at dentists as if we are big old ATM machines that they can start withdrawing from. It’s beyond irritating.

I didn’t realize my exposure, I didn’t realize my poor policy exclusions, and most importantly, I didn’t realize that when I needed help in that “moment” that there would be the most amazing disappearing act you’ve ever seen, along the lines of Houdini. I now am confident that I have appropriate coverage where I need it, and that I have great service and personal care at the click of an email or a phone call away. I’ve even experienced that once more with a small water damage claim through NORDIC. The difference? Their adjuster was in my office literally telling the water remediation company “We don’t have to worry about payment and going back and forth, simply document what you see and we’ll get this taken care of, this company takes care of their dentists.”

I’ll leave you with this thought. You would like to think your future and that of your family is in your hands, sometimes it isn’t. At that “moment,” trust me, you want WDIA and NORDIC in your corner.

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Dr. Kirk King President, WDIA

I had a “moment” in 2005 when a vandal randomly broke into my office in the middle of the night and trashed the place. Besides the usual turmoil in my heart about “why me,” there were the immediate concerns about a non-functional office and a full schedule of patients who needed to be attended to and we simply couldn’t.”

guest editorial dr. kirk king

Why I’m invested in WDIA

member news new websites

The new WSDA.org has a fresh, clean look.

Both wsda.org and The Source are now fully responsive, meaning that the layout automatically adjusts depending on the type and size device being used to view them.

Clockwise from top: The standard view on most desktop and laptops, the phone view, the tablet view.

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And, while wsdasource.org came along later and had better design bones, it still wasn’t fully responsive — meaning that it didn’t size automatically depending on the device it was being viewed on — and it required a log in every time you visited. And then the question we often heard was why have two sites at all?

The Source

To explain, wsdasource.org was initially envisioned as a standalone business resource with protections in place to keep nonmembers from accessing proprietary information, tools, offers, and forms that all dental offices need and use. Recently, when WSDA was approached to use Aptify, the ADA’s database, it made sense to tie in The Source with Aptify.

What does it mean to you, the end user?

You’ll only have to log in once, with your ADA number — the site will remember you after that. You’ll still find forms, and members-only deals on The Source, but now

you’ll also find all the regulatory and legislative content that used to live on wsda.org, all under one roof at The Source.

The Source is where you will pay your dues, track your CE, and view content like webinars, whitepapers and articles designed to improve your membership experience. You’ll even find the link to new issues of the WSDA News here, although we will still maintain an archive of past issues on wsda.org for the time being. The Source is now our member’s online home.

of our conference attendees are dental team members, wsda.org will still serve as the center for all information about the Pacific Northwest Dental Conference (the PNDC), with class schedules, lecture descriptions, and more.

Daily blog posts of interest to all will continue to be posted, while those with proprietary information will post a portion, then link to The Source. As a member, a click of a button will take you to The Source to view all the content.

What’s on wsda.org?

Still in the works

The newly redesigned wsda.org site now exists mainly for three audiences: the public, legislators, and those not currently members of the WSDA who would like information about joining. With a clean interface, the site is now much easier to explore. Because it is fully responsive, the site is easy to navigate no matter how you’re viewing it — from your phone, tablet or desktop computer. And because so many

We’re also currently revamping our partner sites — WDIA, NORDIC, and WOHF — to emulate the look of the new wsda.org, and will be rolling those out in the coming months. We’ll add functionality to each, and some exciting new features as well.

As they go live, we’ll let you know through blog posts and email blasts, as well as here in the WSDA News. We hope you like our new web presence!

WSDA.ORG AND WSDASOURCE.ORG : NEW, FULLY RESPONSIVE VERSIONS GO LIVE

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member news new websites

If you ever tried to view the old wsda.org on your phone, you know how maddening the experience could be: hopelessly tiny fields and navigation buttons required frequent resizing, and even then the experience was often more frustrating than informative.

cover stor y wdia and nordic

DELIVERING ON THEIR PROMISES

WDIA & NORDIC: MORE THAN JUST INSURANCE The WDIA Team: Left to right: Megan French, Production Coordinator Drucille Romero, Production Assistant Kerri Seims, Assistant Director of Insurance Services Jennifer Black, Director of Operations Marisa Connell, Office Assistant Matt French, Director of Insurance Services Leslie Nielsen, Office Assistant Photo by Scott Eklund

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For all intents and purposes, there is no difference between NORDIC and DBIC — they share the same staff, handle claims identically, and other than some minor differences dictated by the law, are indistinguishable from one another.

Together WDIA and NORDIC offer comprehensive insurance coverage for everything related to your business and health — Professional Liability, Business Owners Policy, Cyber Insurance, Medical, Life, Disability, and much more. And while you can get similar insurance products from carriers across the state, what you simply can’t get from the competition is the level of service and the understanding of the dental profession these two companies provide.

One case, though extreme, underscores just how important having the right Professional Liability policy can be. In 2013, an Oregon dentist was sued for more than $1 million when a patient killed his son and then himself. The mother of the murdered boy brought the suit against the dentist for prescribing Chantix to the father, alleging that the tobacco-cessation drug (which has been linked to depression and suicide) played a role in the tragedy. Further complicating the case, she also brought suit against a hospital and its emergency room for discharging the father following a voluntary mental evaluation two days prior to the grisly event.

It was an undeniable tragedy, and in the aftermath of the horror more than money was at stake: a man’s career, his reputation, and everything he held dear was also on the line. With the help of a top legal team provided by DBIC, he won the case. What you may not know is that the team that helped exonerate him in Oregon is the same team working on behalf of NORDIC’s professional liability cases in Washington.

The gold standard of service

Elizabeth Schleuning, an attorney with Schwabe, Williamson, was the lead attorney on the case. Schleuning routinely works on cases for both NORDIC and DBIC and would be the first to tell you that, in part, it is the company culture that allowed her to be so successful in the courtroom. “The carrier was fantastic for a number of reasons — they assured the dentist that if he got hit for a verdict the insurance would cover it, which took the financial

pressure off of him; and they let me hire the experts needed to properly defend the case. I was given free reign to do what was needed to win the case – it was a high stakes case and high profile for our client.” That freedom allowed Schleuning to bring in a Harvard expert to testify in the case — the most expensive witness she’d hired in 25 years, and worth every penny. “She had done the most research of any scientist with regard to Chantix, and had published 45 articles on the subject. She was the real deal.”

The attorneys for the plaintiff also brought their own Harvard expert, but Schleuning had the upper hand. She explains, “The carrier allowed me to bring in a lawyer from my firm to dig up every transcript of every case their expert had testified in. I was able to use that information in my cross examination — we completely shredded him on the stand.” According to Chris Verbiest, NORDIC’s Vice President, at last tally the Chantix case cost more than $300,000 to fight and win, but given the extreme nature of this case and the plaintiff’s seven-figure demand, the company would do it again. “Our gold standard of service is what sets us apart from our big box competitors. It is highly unlikely any of the other big insurance companies would have paid that much to litigate this claim.”

And while the Chantix case was unique, Verbiest says, “We’re not a training ground, we have a pool of attorneys to enlist who are proven dental malpractice experts for the specifics of a given claim. In fact, when you call in with a claim, chances are they’ve already handled a similar incident in their time with the company.” Schleuning and the other top attorneys NORDIC uses to fight its court cases exemplify that level of experience. She explains, “I go in to every case probably having tried a similar case before — every now and then there’s something new, but typically whether it’s a third molar or a failed implant, I’ll know more about the anatomy of the mouth or the tongue than opposing counsel. Plus, the client doesn’t have to spend a huge amount of time getting me up to speed because I’m familiar with the mouth. It gives the dentist confidence right off the bat, which is nice.”

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cover stor y wdia and nordic

As a WSDA member, the benefit you may know the least about could be the one with the highest value when you actually use it — insurance. The WSDA owns WDIA (the Washington Dentists’ Insurance Agency, an insurance brokerage) outright, and a percentage stake in NORDIC (Northwest Dentists Insurance Company).

NORDIC’s sister company, DBIC (Dentists Benefits Insurance Company) in Portland, Ore., is endorsed by, and works closely with, the Oregon Dental Association.

cover stor y wdia and nordic

The NORDIC team

Though it’s unlikely you’ll ever encounter a case as severe as the Chantix one, we live in a litigious society where suing can be the first course of action, whether warranted or not. Verbiest says that NORDIC currently has about 130 cases it’s working on, and has had as many as 200 cases ongoing. Most never go to court, and he estimates that only about 10-15 percent of the cases that they get involve actual malpractice. “It happens,” he says, “dentists are no different than any of us, we all make mistakes, but in the case of professional negligence, most are defensible.”

The reason that most dentists ask NORDIC to settle is because they don’t want to deal with it. If they do want to litigate, NORDIC believes it is in their best interest to attend the trial and insists that they be present in court. Unfortunately trials can last more than a week, and most doctors don’t want to be away from their practice that long. Though it saves NORDIC money to settle cases, their policies require the insured’s consent to settle, something not all carriers offer. “The bottom line,” says Verbiest, “is if they want to go to court, we’ll hire the best attorney and fight it to win it.”

Underwriting and Risk Management

If something goes wrong at your practice and you have a question, or even if you think there could be a problem, you want a carrier who has your back, and NORDIC is that carrier. NORDIC’s staff is small enough so that everyone has a defined role. Verbiest explains, “Underwriters at the big carriers will have a criteria checklist which the dentist either falls into or does not. Their perspective is if a doctor has a claim of $XX, they won’t renew; less than $XX, and they’ll renew with a bump in the price. It’s systematic – you’re in or out.” NORDIC, he explains, has a more personal touch, which allows for underwriting flexibility. We really work with our dentists on a personal level to determine the true

risk, not just what is known from a claims or numbers standpoint.

Our underwriters are talking one-on-one with the client — at the big firms, it’s more difficult to talk with the underwriters – they just don’t have the time, so the doctor ends up communicating with an agent who has little or no say with the decision making. We apply the same approach with a doctor’s policy application – if we see something that needs clarification, we pick up the phone and call the dentist to talk about it.”

Linda Spencer, a supervisor of underwriting for the company agrees, saying, “We answer the phone. If you call any one of our competitors, there is a good chance you’ll get a call tree, and you have to dial more numbers just to leave a message. Additionally, we’ll talk to a doctor or the staff even if they don’t have a claim. If you call other “big box” carriers and don’t have a claim, they typically won’t take the time to talk to you. We will.” Debbie Wong, the other supervisor of underwriting for NORDIC continues, saying, “If we don’t have the answer, chances are we have a connection who can provide one.

It doesn’t have to be related to a claim.

Our standard is to answer the phone, and if it goes to voicemail call them back immediately — we understand that these doctors have a practice that they’re taking time away from to call in, so it must be important. Quite often the doctor delegates their staff to make the call, and we treat them the same way that we would the dentist. We have to be here for them — insurance products that all the companies sell are very similar, but customer service is not, and that is where we’re able to excel and separate NORDIC from its competitors.”

Diane Abbondola, the underwriting manager at NORDIC, says, “We offer risk management as part of our customer service, and our insureds use it a lot. We sit down with them and talk through an incident and determine if they even have a claim. We are a business resource; if a doctor takes the time out of their busy day to call us regarding an issue,

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were still waiting on the building, she was able to return to her practice.”

Dentist-owned: Why it matters

You might wonder how being dentistowned could play into the equation.

According to Hering, it’s simple, “Being dentist-owned makes us stand out. If you call another company, their reps typically don’t just handle dental malpractice, they work on all kinds of professional liability claims, e.g. architects, attorneys, engineers, physicians, and more. Dental is just part of the mix for them, so they may not be focused solely on dental issues – but we are experts and we do. Everyone who works here has 15-30 years’ claims experience, and all we handle is dental malpractice; so when someone calls and starts describing a claim to us, we understand what’s going on. If you call another company, and you get a person who is not familiar with dentistry who handles claims for multiple professions and start talking about a third molar extraction, they may not even know what teeth you’re referencing.”

Claims

On the claims side of NORDIC, being local is one of its great advantages — which may not seem like a big deal until you have a claim and you have to deal with a three-hour time difference. Marc Hering, claims supervisor for NORDIC shares about a recent case, “We had a situation where one of our insureds experienced a burst pipe over the weekend — she walked into a huge mess Monday morning.” NORDIC insured the doctor’s business and property, but not the building. Hering continues, “Our adjuster got the call at 8:30 a.m., he was there in an hour and got things moving immediately. However, the building owners were covered by a big national carrier, and they didn’t have an adjuster assigned until that Wednesday. Their rep finally showed up that Friday — almost a week later. We got the water stopped and coordinated with a remediation company to get it cleaned up. Within a day or two we had the doctor up and running; and while we

Other services

NORDIC has created a HIPAA compliance packet that is free-of-charge to all NORDIC clients. Melissa Sanchez, manager of NORDIC sales and marketing, says “You can go online and buy one, or you can call us up and ask us to send it to you for free. What other insurance company does that? None. These are the kinds of things we do over and over for our clients.” Forms dentists routinely need are available at no cost on The Source, as well. Sanchez continues, saying, “Some of the other big companies even charge for their risk management presentations, but we don’t. If we bring a lawyer, CPA or other expert with us to a component meeting, we will cover their expenses. It’s a proactive way to work with

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cover stor y wdia and nordic

we presume it must be important and we take the time needed to personally advise them on the matter, hopefully to resolution. Most other insurance companies don’t offer that – if you have questions about a possible claim, the conversation ends unless you’re turning in a claim.” Wong agrees, and adds, “At NORDIC, they not only get to talk with a risk manager or experienced claims representative, they also can discuss all of the doctor’s options regarding the incident up to and including submitting a claim. At our competitors, their customers are usually not speaking directly with an underwriter, they’re speaking to a customer service rep, so there’s another layer between them and the underwriters.

They don’t necessarily get to speak with the same person, either — with NORDIC they get a decision maker, not a customer service rep; and even if they’ve spoken to someone else before, the team all works in the same room.”

cover stor y wdia and nordic The NORDIC Team: Linda Spencer, Underwriting Supervisor Diane Abbondola, Underwriting Manager Marc Hering, Claims Supervisor Chris Verbiest, Vice President Debra Wong, Underwriting Supervisor Photo: Craig Mitchelldyer

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the dentists to remind them and teach them about issues in the forefront of dental practice risk management. It’s a win-win for everyone – informed dentists make good patient care choices avoiding claims later.” And what about all those competitors flooding the market with lower offers on P&L policies? Buyer beware, says Sanchez, “We’ve seen competitors trying to buy up market share by offering very low prices, and we know that they’re either going to skimp on the service to you, raise the price later on, or go out of business — it has happened before.”

About 15 years ago she recalls that a company selling malpractice flooded the market with low-priced policies and ultimately went into receivership — leaving policyholders in the difficult position of trying to get coverage elsewhere.

Now, that same company is back trying the same thing again. Verbiest says, “I suppose we could match their prices if we wanted to — but we would have to significantly compromise our customer service to do so. We feel it’s not worth it, and our customers say the same.”

Two companies, one standard

Where do you go when you’re looking for the rest of your insurance needs (other than home and auto) if you want that same gold level of service? The Washington Dentists’ Insurance Agency, WDIA. At WDIA, they handle your other insurance needs with the same standard of care as they do at NORDIC, with personalized customer service like no other agency. Nearly 100 percent of their clients are dentists, and like NORDIC, their service standard hinges on direct communication with well-trained staff members. Matt French, WDIA Director of Insurance Services, and Kerri Seims, Assistant Director of Insurance Services, lead a team that starts by first getting to know you and your needs. French was mentored by Dick Cavaliere, who we recently lost to cancer (See In Memoriam, pages 16 & 17). A trusted friend to this organization and many dentists, Cavaliere instilled a work ethic in French that is different than what you might expect.

“He influenced me greatly in terms of how to treat people,” says French, “Rather than training me to be an insurance salesperson, Dick explained that my role was to teach clients about insurance. To this day, we train our staff that our real job is to educate our clients

and help them make the best decision based upon what their needs are.” Seims concurs, saying, “We treat our clients and potential clients the way we would want our families to be treated – with the utmost respect. We know that they value their time, so we do as well. Because we’re not commission-driven like the competition, we can afford to approach things differently. While not all commission salespeople are bad, commission-based sales can drive some people to sell the products with the largest commissions, regardless of whether or not they’re the best fit for the customer.”

That, says Seims, is the biggest difference between WDIA and the other brokers out there. “It’s important to note that all of the revenue we generate remaining after our overhead is paid goes back to the WSDA, saving members money on things like continuing education, lobbying efforts in Olympia, and much more.

It’s a win-win – when our clients are investing in themselves and buying insurance that protects their home, their livelihood, and their families, they’re also investing in the profession of dentistry.”

Educating clients

The process, says French, involves much more than just getting a client to sign on the dotted line and pay a premium. “We really have to build trust with our clients, listen to them so that we can understand their true needs. They know clinical dentistry and how to run a business; we know insurance and understand what is generally important to dentists, so we’re able to educate them and help them make a decision for themselves, their business, and their family.”

In 2007, Dr. Anna Spencer’s friend was diagnosed with cancer. Like Spencer, he didn’t have life or disability insurance at the time, in part because he was young and didn’t think it was necessary. Cost was a factor, too. Spencer says, “When you get out of dental school they tell you the kind of insurance you should get, but you’re making peanuts. I didn’t think it was urgent – I wasn’t going to die or get injured, so I though it could wait. But when something like that happens to someone you know, you start to realize that it can’t wait.” Spencer called a company to get estimates and wasn’t treated well. “They weren’t helpful, they didn’t explain much, and the premiums were through the roof. It was very expensive. Because I was a dentist, it

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health was excellent, regardless of his heart history. He says, “Matt French was successful at getting me the coverage I needed at a rate consistent with my excellent overall health.”

Like “Dr. J.”, Dr. Karl Hoffman also likes French’s honesty and clarity, commenting, “He can take all of the common plans and easily bottom line it for you without getting buried in details. He also has so many other dentists he works with that I can ask what other dentists’ experience has been with certain products, and what his experience has been also.”

But French made another impression on Hoffman, who elaborates, “I liked him when I first met him, but when I met with him a year later to renew policies, he remembered everything we had talked about the year before – me, my concerns, my kids, where and what I like to eat, what kind of car I drive – every last detail about our conversation the year before.

Usually, in that kind of situation I’m the one who has to remember everything.

I’ve already referred people who weren’t using it and they’ve switched over to Matt and WDIA. I told them that the company takes good care of you, that they handle your concerns the way you want them to, and they look out for you.”

A wide range of products

Jennifer Black, Director of Operations for WDIA, oversees general operations for the agency including training and marketing. “What’s most important,” Black says, “is building trust and creating a lasting relationship between us and the client. We offer a wide range of products so that we can make sure our clients, their practice, and their families are fully covered. You’re not a number with us. We want to make sure that everything we do is working toward creating the ultimate customer service experience.”

Call WDIA and NORDIC today, and find out what that experience can be like. They’ll look at your current plans, assess your practice and personal needs, and make recommendations that best suit you. Dr. Anna Spencer says, “I would recommend WDIA a million percent. You don’t know what you need until you have a problem, and when you do, it’s too late.

As a dentist, I feel like you have to be ten steps ahead and prepare for the worst, and WDIA has made my husband and I feel like we’re ready for anything.”

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cover stor y wdia and nordic

felt like all they saw were dollar signs.”

Spencer saw the ad for WDIA in the WSDA News, called French and found his compassion, understanding of the practice of dentistry, and level of service were opposite of the other broker. “Matt took his time,” she says, “He talked to me in laymen’s terms and explained things really well. I felt like he cared about me as a human being, not because WDIA was going to make money off of the transaction. He told me what my options were, how they could vary throughout the years.”

It was sound advice, and in the subsequent years, Spencer has seen first hand how French’s guidance played an important role in securing protection for her practice and herself. She explains, “When we first met, I was an associate, but later my husband and I opened up three dental offices and our needs changed. With every office you need more coverage in order to stay truly protected.” And, as she and her husband have aged and begun to see physical issues creep up, they’ve added more disability coverage, “When I was young I was invincible,” she says, “Nothing broke, nothing hurt. As I got older that wasn’t the case, so I’ve added more disability as we can afford it — I feel completely covered.”

The experience was similar for “Dr. J.,” a WDIA customer who asked that his name not be used. He came to French as a new client and has been impressed from the start, saying, “I have worked most extensively, and almost exclusively, with Matt French. My experience in working with Matt is that he is friendly, personable and responsive. I recognize that he has the challenging task of serving a number of clients, and I feel he does that well. If he is not immediately available, he always responds to my needs in a timely and thorough fashion, and I really appreciate that about him.”

High praise, especially considering that he had a medical issue that could have been a problem. He explains, “As with many individuals, my health history is unique. I had a heart condition that was not life-threatening, was treated successfully, and presented no long-term health risks according to my cardiologist.” However, insurance underwriters see “heart condition” on an insurance application and a red flag goes up – His past made it difficult to adequately protect his future. French helped guide him through a strategy, convince the underwriters that his

DICK CAVALIERE 4/27/41 - 3/10/15 Richard “Dick” Allen Cavaliere

Richard “Dick” Allen Cavaliere passed away peacefully at the age of 73 on March 10th, 2015 with his family by his side. He was born in Schenectady, New York on April 27th 1941 and was the beloved husband of Marianne Cavaliere for over 49 years. He was the youngest of seven children born to the late Angelo and Constance Cavaliere.

Upon graduating from Seattle University, he was commissioned as a lieutenant in the United States Army Signal Corps and assigned to the 101st Airborne. During his military service he was deployed to Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star. Cavaliere’s professional life was spent in the insurance industry working for New York Life, The Guardian, and prior to his retirement, The Washington Dentists’ Insurance Agency.

He was a loving father, husband and grandfather. He married the love of his life, Marianne Cavaliere, on June 12th 1965 in Butte, Montana. Cavaliere cherished spending time with his children and their spouses Richard Cavaliere Jr. (Kellie), Beth Rosson (Rob) and Michael Cavaliere (Carey) and his grandchildren Alexandra and Tessa Rosson, Caroline Cavaliere, and Brandon and Ryan Johnson. He was a fixture at many a youth game, piano recital, concert and school events.

Cavaliere loved to travel, and Italy was his favorite vacation spot. He loved to cook and spent the last several years perfecting his family recipes. An avid dog lover, he could often be found walking in Kirkland with his Yellow Lab Lola.

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It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that yesterday I learned of the passing of a dear man and friend from pancreatic cancer. He is the second friend who is gone due to this terrible disease. He was a kind and genuine man that I first came to know in the 90s and grew to admire and respect immensely. My deepest sympathies go to his wife and entire family. We had recently talked about getting together after they returned from Hawaii and having dinner near their home and we were unable to do this so I will miss not having our dinner and sharing a nice bottle of Italian vino with one of my favorite Italianos on the planet. When we meet again someday in the future, I would be honored to share the back nine with you my friend. ‘Til we meet again, I will miss you and I love you buddy.

— Dr. Dan Davidson My best recollection was all about his incredibly cheerful attitude and his hard work to get our insurance needs taken care of. He worked incredibly hard to get us our long term care insurance. He was instrumental in getting me to volunteer for the wdia board.. He helped me along the way and encouraged me to take on an ever expanding role. He was a good example and an excellent mentor.

— Dr. Barry Feder If you knew Dick, you knew Dick. No hidden agenda, just a genuine, warm hearted man who cared deeply for his family and friends, and once you met Dick you were a friend. Personally he was more than just a friend. He was a business partner that turned an insurance agency, WDIA, on life support into a highly profitable source of non-dues income for WSDA. On more than one occasion I sought Dick’s counsel on business and personnel issues. His advice was always practical and human, no one I have ever known cared more about the feelings of others. He was a wonderful man who will be missed terribly.

—Steve Hardymon I have many fond memories of Dick. He was definitely the right guy at the right time for WDIA. Coming out of some difficult times concerning the medical coverage offered by the association, Dick was the calming, honest person in place who put WDIA on the right path to a successful future. I had the pleasure of being the chairman of WDIA for many years with Dick as our main insurance broker. He handled all of the difficult situations that arose in a professional, caring manner, and for that our association should be extremely grateful. There are many memories of Dick from his stories about travels in Italy, golf at House of Delegates, to the occasional package in the mail filled with his latest WDIA giveaways. Dick was always a class act.

One story that I have to mention was in early 2004. Dick and I were asked to pose for the cover of the WSDA news (I think we were set up by Hardymon). So here we were, a couple of schleps, asked to show up at a photo studio in the Spokane Valley to pose

for the cover. It was hilarious, I don’t think either one of us had taken a good picture in our lives but we were asked to look natural in a very unnatural situation. Dick was so funny…I think the poor photographer took a million pictures trying to find a couple that would work. Dick made a very uncomfortable situation at least a little more comfortable.

Dick will be dearly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

— Dr. Spence Jilek Dick and I worked side by side at WDIA and NORDIC for many years. Those years were very enjoyable because we shared a common objective – provide the best service and products available to Washington State dentists while building our respective companies. Many of our clients became friends. We were fortunate to be associated with organized dentistry in the Pacific Northwest.

Dick worked tirelessly to build WDIA into a successful agency.

I remember standing in our joint booth at the PNDC every year and watching hundreds of dentists walk up to Dick and give him a big hug and hello. Of course, Dick wouldn’t let them walk away without several WDIA “goodies” like pens with colored hair, calculators, pocket knifes, and hackey sacks.

When we attended the Spokane District Dental Society annual meeting, our tradition was to have dinner at an Italian (what else?) restaurant called Luigi’s. We would always finish off the meal with a Sambuca filled with 3 coffee beans to signify health, happiness and prosperity. Dick, my friend, you will always be in my thoughts. “Salute.”

— Cary Ecker A fine gentleman always with a big smile on his face. The antithesis of an insurance “salesman.” He saved our bacon with WDIA when we first hired him and set it on the path to the successful, profitable, customer-oriented company that WSDA and all its members benefit from today.

— Dr. Jeff Parrish To say the least, Dick was a gentleman of character. He was not only a great leader and mentor, he was genuinely concerned for the well-being of every client that he met. He had a way of building immediate trust with you and expressing the need to make sure that your family was being taken care of if something unimaginable happened. He was like a father to many of our staff, beyond generous, gracious and kind to everyone.

When I heard the sad news from his wife Marianne, she said that he was surrounded by his family when he passed away. To me, that shows how much love he had for his family, and how much they had for him. He has left a legacy that will continue here at WDIA, and for his children and grandchildren. He will be missed greatly, but we will continue building upon the strong foundation that he built. Dick, thanks for showing me what it means to be a great leader and father.

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­— Matt French

in memoriam mr. dick cavaliere

The WSDA lost a true and good friend this year when Dick Cavaliere succumbed suddenly to cancer. Cavaliere ran WIDA, WSDA’s insurance division, from 1999 until he retired in 2008. Always cheerful and upbeat, Cavaliere was known for purposely botching names and gently ribbing WSDA staff to get a laugh out of them. He was a class act, and will be sorely missed. We asked friends for their thoughts and stories about Cavaliere — here’s what they had to say.

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citizen of the year call for nominations

RECOGNIZING GOOD

2015 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR AWARD Each year the WSDA requests nominations for the Citizen of the Year Award from its members, looking for exemplary service to the community. The work should be based on civic activities not affiliated with organized dentistry, and can include any number of activities and organizations such as service organizations, schools, non-salaried government positions or church sponsored community activities. Volunteer work does not have to be dental related. The award is not intended for an individual who provides limited uncompensated services or provides such services to an underserved population in the course of business for

which they are compensated.

The award is presented at the Citizen of the Year banquet held during the annual House of Delegates meeting. In 2015, the House will convene in September in Spokane.

Last year’s winners were Drs. Amy Winston and Bart Johnson, recognized for their years of work providing care to some of dentistry’s most challenging patients.

Dentists and their staff are now invited to nominate a WSDA member dentist for the 2015 award. The deadline for nominations is June 5. Forms and award guidelines are available from component society secretaries and executive directors, or the WSDA office.

All nominations will be reviewed by a

task force of the WSDA. Nominations may be made by an individual member of the WSDA or a component dental society, or a staff member of a WSDA member dentist. Previous nominations are kept on file for three years and may be updated and resubmitted.

Nominations should be submitted online at wsda.org/coy-nomination-form For more information, call Amanda Tran at (206) 973-5217.

Photography by Scott Eklund th e wsda ne w s · issue 5, april · 2015 · www.wsda.org · 19

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SoFi.com/WSDA SoFi loans are originated by SoFi Lending Corp (dba SoFi) California Finance Lender #6054612 *If you apply and are approved, the interest rate shown in the Final Disclosure Statement will include an additional .125% APR rate discount at the time of loan origination. Current as of 3/26/2015. See soo.com/wsda for more terms and conditions.

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Loan t n e d Stu s Saving

pndc through the ages

30s

Drs. Josh and Lindsey Papac with their son, Dylan

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What are you focused on right now?

Lindsey Papac: I work as an associate

What types of lectures and workshops do you find most appealing?

with Randy Olson, and within the next five years or so, Randy and I will do a partnership. I will likely buy his practice when he retires, so my direction has changed since I first got out of school. I like where I’m at because of Dylan — I’m able to focus on both my family and dentistry.

Josh Papac: Right now I am focusing a

Josh Papac: Building my patient base and

tion. I honestly think that’s such a great idea –it’s a great place to run into classmates and friends.

expanding my services in the clinic. The PNDC has always offered a wide array of courses that have been pertinent to my situation at that point in time. When I was looking to buy a practice I took a course on transitions as well as a course for selling doctors to see things from their perspective.

lot of my energy on practice management courses and marketing for my new practice.

How important are the social aspects of the meeting: Lindsey Papac: We really like the recep-

Josh Papac: For me the PNDC is always like a big class reunion and a great opportunity to catch up with old classmates and colleagues from the WSDA.

If you have a favorite course or workshop you took at the PNDC, what was it?

Do you look at the PNDC as a team building exercise?

Lindsey Papac: Most of the courses I have

Josh Papac: Absolutely! Last year I

taken are skill oriented. There have been some team building and oral pathology ones worked in as well, too. I have usually focused on ones that build technique.

The courses I have gotten the most out of are those by Gordon Christensen, David Clarke – technique, bonding, aesthetics, pigmentation — because I can use those types of courses immediately in the practice of dentistry.

We wondered: how does the PNDC address the needs of WSDA members as they move through their career arc?

We asked dentists in their 30s, 40s, and 50s to talk about their conference experiences.

brought my entire staff and everyone spent the whole two days together as well as a nice evening dinner. It was a great team building experience and fun for everyone to spend some time together outside of the office. Everyone enjoyed the attendee reception and most of the staff participated in some of the events and opportunities around Bellevue as well.

Josh Papac: My favorite so far was a lec-

ture given by Dr. John West regarding Endodontic diagnosis. Picked up some next Monday applicable pearls and he was a very entertaining speaker.

THROUGH THE AGES:

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pndc through the ages

Lindsey and Josh Papac met at the UWSoD and are now married with a 19 month old son named Dylan.

As dentists early in their careers, we wondered what they liked most about the PNDC.

pndc through the ages

40s

“Every year our entire team gets excited as the PNDC approaches. What a great way to continue to learn a variety of different topics and to celebrate the team!

The PNDC always offers courses that are not only educational, but stimulating and fun.”

— Dr. Cathy Smith

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What are you most focused on at this point in your career ?

The primary focus of our team is to create long-term relationships through superior patient experiences and provide complete and high-quality care. I think secondary to that is a growing patient base that comes from referrals from our loyal patients. The PNDC offers courses that present state-of-the-art information that help us become better clinicians and also courses that encourage team building, which is so essential to providing complete care.

If you have a favorite course or workshop you took at the PNDC, what was it?

Probably the most memorable and motivating course I have taken was by Kirk Behrendt, dental practice coach and incredibly funny and talented speaker. This high-energy lecture had my team members and I laughing and feeling supercharged after we left.

What types of lectures and workshops do you find most appealing?

I am particularly interested in courses that are team building and fun, or offer information that impacts performance and help us provide better patient service.

Do you look at the PNDC as a team building exercise? How important are the social aspects of the meeting, and what social events do you typically attend?

Every year our entire team gets excited as the PNDC approaches.

Outside of the classroom, our team enjoys visiting the exhibitors, trying new products or technology, talking to a variety of vendors, picking up free products, catching up with old friends, and more.

The PNDC is a great time for dentists to celebrate their team — one of the highlights of the year is the evening we spend socializing and bonding.

This year’s theme is health and wellbeing, with lectures delivering information about subjects like nutrition, exercise and cancer. Will these topics be relevant to your staff and your patients?

How would you describe the PNDC to a colleague who has never attended?

You won’t be bored! Not only are there great speakers to keep you interested and up to date on the latest in dentistry, but exhibitors demonstrating the latest technology, and fun social events that can involve the whole team. It is well-structured, easy to navigate, fun, and a great way to energize your office!

Who are you excited to see at PNDC that you know you would immediately apply to your practice on Monday after the conference?

Again, because of the variety of courses, and each team member’s individual interests, we always seem to bring pearls that we learned from each course back to the office during our post-conference round table discussion. We are all excited to share what we have learned with each other and how we can better serve our patients. Speakers that I know and always expect good information from are Rhonda Savage, Jeff Brucia, and Uche Odiatu, to name a few. But really, there are always so many great speakers at the conference and a lot of good information.

Has the PNDC met your needs to learn more practical skills?

Definitely! The PNDC does offer those courses that are geared towards the specific clinical interests of the doctor, such as endodontics, oral sedation or complex implant cases, as well as the practice management side of dentistry. As mentioned earlier, many of the lecture subjects can be brought back and applied to the office on the following Monday. Even in those more specific clinical courses, the speakers often times present their material in a very straightforward and organized manner, making it easier for the doctor and staff to implement. On the practice management side, my staff has learned such things as increasing case acceptance, office and interpersonal communication skills, improving customer service, as well as techniques that can be applied to their daily lives and well-being. Our entire team really enjoys the PNDC on so many levels.

Absolutely! From an employer’s stand point it pays to have fit employees. They tend to be less stressed, less sick, and have more energy. Besides, it is more fun to work with people that are happy and confident!

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pndc through the ages

Dr. Cathy Smith has been practicing in Bellingham since 1999. We wanted to know what a doctor in her 40s with a thriving practice liked the most about the Pacific Northwest Dental Conference.

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Dr. Paul Hasegawa’s practice is in the heart of Seattle, in the bustling Columbia City neighborhood.

As a dentist eyeing retirement, we wondered what he likes about the PNDC. What are you most focused on at this point in your career?

In the past, as a new dentist, the meeting met my needs mainly in improving my clinical skills and in practice management. At this point in my career, I would say that I am in the latter half of the middle third of my practice life. What that means for me is that although I am still focused primarily on growing and improving my practice, I have one eye on the future, and am starting to set the stage for my life after I retire. To that end the PNDC has helped me immensely. I feel fortunate that over 10 years ago I sat in on a Mercer Advisers wealth management seminar at the PNDC. I was impressed enough that eventually I hired them to manage my retirement portfolio. Thanks to this exposure I feel confident that my retirement has a good foundation, affording me some peace of mind and allowing me to focus on the present and my practice.

If you have a favorite course or workshop you took at the PNDC, what was it?

I have been attending for so many years it is difficult to point to just one. Lois Banta is always outstanding and is a must for the entire staff. Because she started her career at the front desk in a dental office before she began consulting, she knows the problems we face daily in running our practices and has practical solutions. She is also a master of communication and is an excellent resource for helping the staff communicate with the patient.

I love photography and incorporate this daily in my practice. Dr. Steven Snow fundamentally changed the way I take photos in my practice. Of course John Kois and Frank Spear are consistently excellent as is Greg Kinzer. Larry Emmott on technology has been an excellent resource for me, as well.

What types of lectures and workshops do you find most appealing?

I gravitate towards comprehensive restorative, occlusion and implant based presentations.

That being said, since this is the one meeting I always bring my entire staff, I also find the practice management courses very useful and am always on the lookout for seminars that entire staff can benefit from and attend together as a team.

Do you look at the PNDC as a team building exercise? How important are the social aspects of the meeting, and what social events do you typically attend (attendee reception, concurrent meetings)?

I always bring my staff and have in the past have attended a couple of the lunch programs you used to have but in general have not attended the organized social events.

This year’s theme is health and wellbeing, with lectures delivering information about subjects like nutrition, exercise and cancer. Will these topics be relevant to your staff and your patients?

I view this meeting as an opportunity for our team to learn and improve how we care for our patients. I also feel that we are not just tooth doctors but health care providers. The patients overall health and wellbeing is important to me.

How would you describe the PNDC to a colleague who has never attended?

I attend multiple meetings every year. To not attend the one meeting with the wide variety of speakers in my own back yard would be crazy. Attending meetings like this make me excited to go back on Monday to do dentistry. Learning new techniques and concepts that I can apply immediately only make me more excited to practice and keeps my enthusiasm to this wonderful profession fresh.

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pndc through the ages

50s

IV SEDATION TRAINING

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FEATURE: SEDATION CDE Have you met your minimal sedation CDE requirements? (See below) Dr. J. Mel Hawkins will present two full days of sedation anesthesia and pharmacology to help you meet your CDE requirements.

Sedation Anesthesia/Pharmacology Oral/IV Sedation for Dentistry: Clinical Pharmacology and “How-to” Applications Part I&II Thursday, June 11

Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office – Medical Emergencies in Life - Part I & II Friday, June 12

ANESTHESIA RULES

EARLY BIRD DEADLINE

In order to administer minimal sedation in Washington, a dentist must complete two training requirements: a one-time course (14 or 21 hours depending on method of minimal sedation) and continuing education (seven hours every five years). Dentists likely completed the one time course requirement while in dental school. Each dentist is responsible to determine if they have completed both training requirements.

Initial Minimal Sedation Course:

To administer minimal sedation a dentist must complete a course in either dental school or postgraduate instruction. The length of course required depends upon the method of minimal sedation (WAC 246-817-740, WAC 246-817-745): • To administer nitrous oxide or minimal sedation with a single oral agent, a dentist must have completed a course (in either dental school or postgraduate instruction) containing a minimum of 14 hours.

• In order to administer any oral agent in combination with a different agent or multiple agents other than nitrous oxide a dentist must have completed a course (in either dental school or postgraduate instruction) containing a minimum of 21 hours.

00 1 $ e Sav re befo 30 L I R AP

Continuing Education: The Early Bird Deadline for registration is quickly approaching — don’t miss it and pay more than you have to! Register here: https:// pndc2015.expotracker.net/ index.aspx.

In addition to the 14 or 21 hour training requirement stated above, a dentist must participate in seven hours of continuing education every five years. The continuing education must include instruction in one or more of the following areas: sedation physiology, pharmacology, inhalation analgesia, patient evaluation, patient monitoring, or medical emergencies. (WAC 246-817-740, WAC 246-817-745) To read a copy of the rule, please visit http://www.wsdasource.org/ legal-regulatory/articles/dental-statutes-and-rules

th e wsda ne w s · issue 5, april · 2015 · www.wsda.org · 29

pndc sedation cde · early bird deadline!

FEATURE: SEDATION CDE · EARLY BIRD DEADLINE

staff profile anne burkland

STAFF PROFILE ANNE BURKLAND, VP GOVT. AFFAIRS

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An early political interest

As early as when she was in third grade, Anne Burkland remembers walking around the track with friends, discussing presidential politics with her friends. “I was that third grader who signed the tobacco-free pledge when I was nine and was fascinated with politics, and I had an older brother who was into it, as well, so to keep up with him I had to pay attention.” Her parents were very involved in the community and politically aware, and Burkland recalls many conversations around the dinner table that centered on the social and political issues of the time.

After high school, Burkland — who grew up in Bellingham, Wash. — ended up spending a year at American University thinking that she wanted to get into politics, but didn’t enjoy D.C., or the experience at American, so she switched majors and transferred to Seattle University in their Public Affairs program. “It had a more realistic approach to policy and policy making,” she explains. Burkland graduated Magna Cum Laude, and went on to get her masters in Public Administration there. Soon after graduating, Burkland began working at the Washington State Senate.

Washington State Senate

While there, she learned the intricacies of how a bill becomes law, developed an understanding of the political process, and saw first-hand the political quagmire politicians face in Olympia. She explains, “I understand how much legislators have on their plate and how much we need to priori-

tize our issues to be successful – like we did this year with the definition of dentistry. At the WSDA, we have the luxury of only having to focus on a finite number of bills, and we have to remember that’s not what a legislator’s day is like.”

Burkland still has contacts inside Olympia, and she relishes her new role, and her new ability to flex a little — “ It’s different and it’s fun – you get to be a little more assertive.” But Burkland also knows that being on the outside means she’s not as privy as she once was, and keeping friends is important, too.

King County Council

Most recently, Burkland was the Communications Director and Policy Aide for the King County Council, where her role centered around developing and executing multimedia plans, writing briefing papers for staff and elected officials, and developing council members communication, media and public outreach efforts. When comparing that post to her role here at WSDA, she notes that she represented one person before and now serves 4,000. However, the actual work — developing messaging and working on policy — is very similar to what she’s done in the past. “I spent a lot of time working on public health policy,” she reveals, “which I really enjoy. That position involved coalition building from the inside – how could I get my boss’s policies through, who did I need to get on board with it — that kind of thing. But it was also dealing with the day-to-day issues that were important to our constituents, like if their trash was being picked up, because we were the local government for unincorporated King County.”

What lies ahead

Next, she explains, the Association will need to refocus on the corporate practice bill, because it will most likely be our big fight next year. “This is not the midlevel fight – the procorporate people are far better funded, and way more savvy.”

But Burkland is confident that we can keep dentists as the sole arbiters of the practice of dentistry. She also notes that proponents of dental midlevel providers have changed their tactics are now focused on allowing dental therapists on tribal lands throughout Washington. “We know that some tribes in Washington have problems accessing dental care. We want to help fix that, but we don’t think that midlevel providers are the answer,” Burkland said. She explained that to help better the oral health on tribal lands, the Association’s leadership is undertaking a listening tour to get a better grasp of the problems many are facing. “Understanding the problem is key in helping to develop solutions,” Burkland said.

Photography by Craig Mitchelldyer th e wsda ne w s · issue 5, april · 2015 · www.wsda.org · 31

staff profile anne burkland

When Anne Burkland came on board as the new Vice President of Government Affairs in January, she jumped right into the fray — the legislative session was already percolating with multiple challenges to the Association. Right off the bat, Burkland was buoyed by the actions of our members, “I was super impressed with how involved the members are with the issues, how well informed they are, and how willing they are to contact their legislators and get involved when we need their help,” she recalls, “their passion is very different from what you see in other organizations.” The post here is a good fit for Burkland, who wanted to continue her work in health policy, saying, “It’s exciting because it’s changing a lot right now — public health policy in particular — because rather than setting a plan to swoop in at the last minute, public health is based in prevention and establishing communitybased solutions to help people. Dentists ‘get it’, they’re eons ahead of the medical side in the discussion because so much of what they focus on is preventive care.”

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th e wsda ne w s · issue 5, april · 2015 · www.wsda.org 2959 · 33 Northup Way | P.O. Box 99590 | Bellevue, WA 98004 425.822.2245 | 800.735.7231 | nakanishidentallab.com

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3 4 · th e wsda ne w s · issue 5, april · 2015 · www.wsda.org

The WSDA Academy was introduced almost one year ago; and in that one year, we met 156 members at 16 different events in seven different venues. Now, we are gearing up for The WSDA Academy was the coming season, and are excited to bring another round of recently granted the 2015 ADA New Dentist Committee quality CE at no cost to our members 0-10 years out of dental Outstanding Program Award school or their graduate/specialty program.

Things are off to a great start with Dr. Jon Suzuki’s Academy course at the PNDC selling of Excellence

CONGRATULATIONS!

out in under 24 hours. Other Academy offerings for the coming year include Dr. Michael Perry from the CDA, Dr. Dolphine Oda from the UWSoD, Dr. Noah Letwin of Seattle Special Care Dentistry, and Dr. Michael Johnson. We’ll also present a financial planning course with Sam Maritn from the The Dental Group, LLC, and an embezzlement course with Lenore Romney of Heiskell MacGillivray & Associates, PS. You’ll find the complete schedule on wsdasource.org. We’re in final negotiations for additional lectures as well.

Subscribe to the blog and keep an eye on your inbox for the latest lecture updates — if last year is any indication, we anticipate that most of the courses will sell out.

Special thanks to the New Dentist Think Tank who have once again put together a great lineup!

Register for the 2015 WSDA Academy today on wsdasource.org!

Questions about the WSDA Academy? Please email Laura Rohlman at laura@wsda.org

th e wsda ne w s · issue 5, april · 2015 · www.wsda.org · 35

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CURRENT LISTINGS Lake City Office

Great beginner office, three operatories, 20 new patients a month, three days a week

Olympia

General practice in Olympia, three operatories, recently remodeled, state of the art facility, a unique practice with some of its patients.

GENERAL DENTIST – Seeking long term associate position in greater Seattle area. Compassionate, patient-focused and enjoy doing dentistry. 2 years experience in private practice. Please email shan0313@u.washington.edu for resume and CV. GENERAL DENTIST – Seeking long-term associate position in a family practice in the Greater Seattle area. UWSoD Graduate 2014. Currently finishing AEGD Residency in Seattle, WA. CV: http://tinyurl.com/racheldds. Email at racheldds05@gmail.com. 253-576-5565.

GENERAL DENTIST – Seeking private practice or public health position in greater Seattle area and other cities within WA. Comfortable with anterior/posterior RCTs and EXTs. Contact me at dwang@student.roseman.edu or 908-922-1881.

ASSOCIATE — New graduate looking for an associate position in the greater Seattle area. Additional experience working with children and with simple/surgical extractions from community health clinic experience and dental service projects. Resume with contact information: http://tinyurl.com/lzr5h6o

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Call 888-327-2265 ext. 94595 | Visit usbank.com/ADA94595 We may change APRs, fees, and other Account terms in the future based on your experience with U.S. Bank National Association and is affiliates as provided under the Cardmember Agreement and applicable law. (1) Subject to credit approval. Accounts must be open and in good standing (not past due) to redeem points. (2) Your 0% introductory APR applies to balance transfers made within 30 days of account opening. A Balance Transfer fee of 3% of each transfer ($5 minimum) will apply. The introductory APR does not apply to purchases or cash advances. The rate will end early and increase to the APR for Balance Transfers or to a Penalty Rate APR if you make a late payment, make a payment that is returned, or your account exceeds its credit limit. Thereafter, the APR may vary and as of 1/1/2015, the undiscounted variable APR for Balance Transfers is 9.99%- 23.99% (based on your creditworthiness)]. We apply your payments to balances with lower APRs first. (3) Net purchases are purchases minus credits and returns. (4) Certain restrictions, limitations, and exclusions apply. Cardmembers are responsible for the cost of any goods or services purchased by Visa Signature Concierge on cardmembers’ behalf.

The creditor and issuer of the American Dental Association Card is US. Bank National Association, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc © 2015 U. S. Bank National Association.

ADA Business ResourcesSM is a service mark of the American Dental Association. ADA Business Resources is a program brought to you by ADA Business Enterprises, Inc.. (ADABEl), a wholly owned subsidiary of the American Dental Association. ADA is a registered trademark of the American Dental Association.

th e wsda ne w s · issue 5, april · 2015 · www.wsda.org · 37

membership membership marketplace

Professional Management Associates, Inc

Each issue, the WSDA News will run up to 30 free classifieds for dental students and new graduates of dental schools who are seeking employment. To qualify, you must be a member of ASDA or the WSDA. Restrictions apply. Please contact Laura Rohlman at laura@wsda.org for more information.

T:7”

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Brushing for two minutes now can save your child from severe tooth pain later. Two minutes, twice a day. They have the time. For fun, 2-minute videos to watch while brushing, go to 2min2x.org.

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©2012 Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives

1

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OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

ASSOCIATE DENTIST REDMOND — Experienced associate dentist needed for a busy, well established, fee for service practice in Downtown Redmond, WA. Long term highly capable staff 4 days a week. Wed-Sat. Great income opportunity.

Please email CV campheathern@gmail.com.

A REFRESHING PERSPECTIVE — When you work at Willamette Dental Group, the organization’s progressive approach frees you to do what matters to you — and your patients. What makes this multi-specialty group practice unique, and better, is a commitment to proactively facilitating the best possible health outcomes. Combined with a dedication to leveraging scientific data, skill, and the experience to make them happen, when you embrace the organization’s guiding philosophy, you free yourself to facilitate health outcomes— and open yourself up to a world of professional growth and success. Please visit www.willamettedental.com/careers or send your resume to nlachance@willamettedental.com.

ASSOCIATE NEEDED — Kitsap Peninsula quality solo practice with top staff, facility and equipment seeks an outstanding dentist for a two- three day/ week position as an associate. Perfect for retired dentist or one with young children who may not desire a full time commitment. This would be a long term associate position and we would be willing to work with new/recent grad for the right personality. Come live and work where others go for vacation! Email swsdds1999@gmail.com.

PORTLAND, ORE. — Dentist opportunity. 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.

TRI CITIES — Great opportunity in beautiful, sunny Tri-Cities (Eastern Washington). Established and very busy group practice looking for an energetic and motivated general dentist. We’ve got the patients, the chairs, and the best support staff possible ready to make your transition easy from the start. Great earnings potential especially if you are experienced and efficient. Contact us today if you’re ready for a new adventure! Please contact Jolene Babka at jbabka@applesmiles.com for further information.

SEEKING ASSOCIATE/PARTNER DENTIST Various locations in Western Washington. We are a small group of private practices in Western Washington dedicated to providing dentistry at the highest level. We are seeking a long term associateship/partnership with someone who is passionate about providing excellent care and has the ability to relate to each and every patient. Please email resume and CV to adam@cramerdentistry.com.

ASSOCIATE IN PULLMAN, WASH. — Our practice is growing like crazy and we need help! Our goal: give patients the BEST dental experience they’ve ever had! We’ve built an excellent reputation in our small community and I would LOVE to accommodate more patients sooner, but I need help. Are you interested in performing the highest quality dentistry in an efficient and energetic environment? Looking for an associate opportunity with the option to buy-in? Then I look forward to hearing from you. Check out our practice at JonnyFisherDDS.com. (Due to the high level of efficiency and quality expected, experience is preferred.) Please email if interested. Email: JonnyFisherDDS@gmail.com.

ASSOCIATE — Associate wanted for busy, well established, South King County practice. Competitive salary based off of production. Two to four days per week. Please email cover letter and resume to jmcgonegle@hotmail.com.

DENTIST NEEDED — Great opportunity on the east side of the cascades. Established and very busy group practice looking for an energetic and motivated general dentist. We’ve got the patients, the chairs, and the best support staff possible ready to make your transition easy from the start.

Great earnings potential if you are experienced and efficient. Contact us today if you’re ready for a new adventure! Please contact Jolene Babka at jbabka@applesmiles.com for further information.

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.

DENTIST ASSOCIATE OPPORTUNITY — S.W. Washington State. An opportunity for an experienced Associate Dentist is open in Vancouver, WA. This is a busy, locally owned, well established, multi-dentist office. This modern, well-equipped, quality practice is very Patient-oriented, great Staff, excellent Dentists, very stable business. We offer very competitive earnings, benefits, opportunity. Email your CV to mbowercons@aol.com or Fax to (360) 604-7927.

ASSOCIATE NEDED — Part Time opportunity in Silverdale, Wash. for associate dentist. Call or text Joe Ostheller DDS at (360) 471-6608.

ASSOCIATE DENTIST — Lacey Wash. Outstanding and busy practice seeking a part time associate with full time potential. We offer a beautiful two Doctor practice with cutting edge technology and a team that’s ready to welcome you. Proficiency in implant placement/restoration’s, molar endodontic’s and surgical extractions a must. Email, Kamie@tranquilitydentalwellness.com.

SPOKANE — Seeking full-time general dentist, able to work a varied shift schedule including weekends; must be able to do all aspects of general dentistry including molar endodontics and 3rd molar/surgical extractions; able to adapt to new systems and paradigms; great opportunity to grow and learn; 3-5 years experience preferable. Send resume to Dr. Bradley J. Harken; bradharken@hotmail.com.

FULL-TIME ASSOCIATE IN BELLEVUE — We are looking for full time associate in Bellevue to work 4+ days a week . 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.

Ready to learn and be a part of the team. Outstanding earning potential. Please email resume to bellevuedentists@gmail.com.

th e wsda ne w s · issue 5, april · 2015 · www.wsda.org · 39

ASSOCIATE WANTED-seeking FT or PT general dentist to join established family and cosmetic practice in Tacoma and Sumner. Days range from Monday through Saturday. Dentist should be skilled and personable and willing to be an integral part of the practice and community. It would be ideal to find a dentist who wants a long term opportunity and to call this practice home. Partnership buy in will be considered. Please e-mail resume and inquires to: docvan99@aol.com.

ASSOCIATE DENTIST NEEDED — Kennewick, Wash. Grandridge Dental is looking for an experienced associate dentist for a busy, well established practice in Kennewick, WA. 1-2 days a week. Competitive salary based off of production. We have a the best support staff possible ready to make your transition easy from the start. Call our office at 509-737-1800 or Dr. Jeff Morgan (509) 947-4288.

ASSOCIATE DENTIST OPPORTUNITY — in a leading dental office in Clark County, Wash. Join our team in a newer, fee for service, private dental practice. Candidate should be interested in making Vancouver their home and seeking to grow with an established and expanding dental office. The success of our office has been built on customer service and making a connection with the patient. Candidate shall possess leadership skills that can guide and motivate patients to accept recommended treatment. Our office culture is patient centered encompassing quality, comfort, and fun! Support staff is outstanding and all work towards a common goal. Hygiene team is top notch with a heavy emphasis on treating perio. Candidate must: be able to develop treatment plans with all aspects of general dentistry, be able to provide independent care to a pool of patients and be comfortable (or developing skills) with extractions and molar endo. Cerec Crown and Bridge is utilized in office and can be trained. Invisalign experience is a plus. Positive attitude is paramount to the position. If you are looking to increase or develop new skills and want to contribute to improving the oral health of Vancouver, WA, please email your cover letter and resume and we will make contact for interviews. Email to drspitty@gmail.com.

GENERAL DENTIST — Needed general dentist for our office in Kitsap County. We have an outstanding part time opportunity possible full time position in future. Long term position with excellent compensation. Must have experience with All RCTs, All surgical extractions. Please email resume to Dentalofc47@gmail.com.

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4 0 · th e wsda ne w s · issue 5, april · 2015 · www.wsda.org

Smiles

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Partner with Dr. Haralson today, and we’ll all have something to smile about—especially your patients! th e wsda ne w s · issue 5, april · 2015 · www.wsda.org · 41

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4 2 路 th e wsda ne w s 路 issue 5, april 路 2015 路 www.wsda.org

OFFICES FOR SALE OR LEASE

OFFICES FOR SALE OR LEASE

ASSOCIATE NEEDED — A rare opportunity in beautiful Eastern Washington for OMS. Seeking a full-time, full scope associate to join our successful 3-office practice to replace a productive position.

The ideal candidate is highly skilled, dedicated to providing unmatched patient care and has a desire to transition to a partnership. Eastern Washington is ideal for enjoying outdoor activities from snow skiing to water skiing, snow shoeing to fly-fishing, it’s ideal for starting a career and raising a family.

Email your CV to julie@richardsoncoaching.com.

FOR LEASE — North Bend space. Excellent location with signage in downtown North Bend, same plaza as Bartell Drugs. High visibility on busy street. Call Steve Kikikis at Omni Healthcare Real Estate (425) 905-6920.

FEATURED PRACTICE OPPORTUNITIES — General dental practice opportunity near Downtown Seattle, three ops, collecting $340k; General dental practice opportunity in Olympia, collecting $975k; General dental practice opportunity in West Seattle, four Ops with a 5th possible collecting $1.16M; General dental practice opportunity in Federal Way, six ops, collecting $850k; General dental practice opportunity in Lynnwood, five ops, collecting $1M+; General dental practice opportunity in Bel-Red, five ops, collecting $745k; General dental practice opportunity in Enumclaw, five ops, collecting $1.65M; Prosthodontic practice opportunity in the South Sound, collecting $1.25M; Pending Transitions: Everett General Practice (2), U District General Practice; Coming soon — Additional Bel-Red general practice. For more details and information please contact: Jennifer Paine at (425) 216-1612.

Jennifer@cpa4dds.com.

GENERAL DENTIST — A fantastic general dentist opportunity in Richland, Washington. We are seeking a part-time/flexible schedule associate that has a true passion for putting the patient first and will come to work each day with a stakeholder mentality.

Our practice is unique in many ways. The uniqueness begins with the philosophy that all of us are leaders and have influence on patient care. Owner or not, we expect leadership and greatness from each and every person here, from the scheduler to the doctor. If this type of dental practice and style of culture interest you, we would love to hear from you. Email us a cover letter, along with your resume, that helps us to understand how you could be just what we need! Email to: Julie@richardsoncoaching.com TACOMA PERIODONTIST — Fully finished and furnished office space is ready to go in a G.P. owned building. Three operatory (4th plumbed) would make an ideal primary or satellite perio office. Built in referral base with G.P. This is a great opportunity to come into your own practice at minimal cost. $175,000. Please inquire to endo_3636@yahoo.com.

ENDODONTIST and PERIODONTIST — Our South Sound multiple office endodontic practice is seeking both an Endodontic and Periodontic associate. Applicants must have great people skills and always put the needs and desires of the patient first. We provide an extremely high standard of care and wish to offer a wider array of dental services in an underserved market. This position is perfect for someone seeking a solid long term position with ownership opportunities. Please e-mail a cover letter and resume immediately for consideration to wash_3636@yahoo.com.

DENTIST OPPORTUNITY IN WESTERN 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.

FOR LEASE — Covington, WA Office for Lease 3,267 sq. ft., Built-out Orthodontics or other specialty dentist office for lease. Call Steve Kikikis at Omni Healthcare Real Estate: (425) 905-6920.

DES MOINES, WASH. NEW! — Fully-Equipped Dental Office/Condo for sale. Three Ops, reception, panoramic x-ray, sterilization, shared mechanical room. Call Steve Kikikis at Omni Healthcare Real Estate (425) 905-6920.

BUILDING FOR SALE — Tacoma 2,100 sq. ft. built in 2008, for sale at $299,000. Rent to own option.

Email: hughbc@gmail.com. Call (206) 280-4582.

FOR LEASE — Multi level privately owned dental office for lease five spacious ops fully equipped located in Tigard, Ore. Just south of Portland. www. appletreedentistry.net/transition.

PRACTICE FOR SALE - NORTH SEATTLE. Located on Holman Rd, north of Ballard. Albert P Bloss, DDS Call (206) 783-3000. Tues - Thurs, Sat 9-5pm or (206) 364-4424 evenings. Email: apbloss@comcast.net.

FOR SALE — Medical/Dental building in Marysville for sale. Five Large Dental Operatories with wall cabinetry, Sterilization area and Lab. Panoramic radiography. Call Steve Kikikis at Omni Healthcare Real Estate: (425) 905-6920.

EXISTING 3,267 SF — Medical dental office space available. Building currently occupied by two family practice dentists and is located in a highly visible shopping center. Approximately 25,000 vehicles per day. Anchored by Applebee’s, Office Depot and Kohl’s, as well as other professional, medical, and retail businesses. Situated on the busy corner of SE 270th PL & 172nd Ave SE in the busy and rapidly growing city of Covington, WA. Contact: Mike Kirkland, MK Property Services, L.L.C. Office: 425.888.2993, Cell: 425.455.4271, Email: mike@mkps.net.

LOOKING FOR DENTAL SPACE? — Negotiating a lease? Buying a building? Call Omni Healthcare Real Estate. We are Washington’s only broker dedicated to real estate for the dental/medical industry. See our listings at www.omni-hcre.com or call us at (425) 905-6920.

FOR SALE — West Seattle. Newly upgraded dental practice in West Seattle for sale. $725,500.00.

Five+ ops with the latest in imaging upgrades, new computers, software and hand pieces. One of the last fee-for-service practices left. Seller will pay for new floor covering throughout, leave the security deposit for the new buyer on the lease assessment and help with the transition. Call today for a tour.

Annie Miller, (206)-715-1444.

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PRACTICE FOR SALE — Fee-for-service dental practice located in Burien, WA. Dr. retiring after 38 years in practice. Lots of potential as Dr refers out almost all specialty work. Brand new remodel with digital X-rays, new cabinets, paint, carpet etc. 6 ops (4 completely equipped, 2 plumbed and ready to go). 4 full hygiene days. Producing 550k/ annually. Please call Paul (206) 909-3863.

FOR SALE- The great outdoors and a large GP practice. NE Washington. Modern building, eight operatories, computer ready, 7,000 sg ft with a squash/ racketball court. $700,000 + on a four day week. Low overhead. This practice is 50 years old.

Experienced staff that works hard and smart. Little competition. You will hit the ground running with this one. Skiing, boating and the great outdoors within minutes. Do you want it all? Building is also available Contact Micheal McLaughlin 509 447-3756.

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 — Tacoma dental clinic collecting 850k per year. Four ops, digital xrays and charting. Room to expand and grow, working on four days per week. Lynnwood dental clinic collecting over 1.1 million per year. Five ops, digital charting and xray system and pano. Room to grow clinic as well, great location with high visabiltiy. Please email: thuandp@hotmail.com.

G/P PRACTICE FOR SALE IN LINCOLN COUNTY — Owner is selling two separate practices both within 35 miles of Spokane, Wash. Annual collections over $430,000. Four operatories. Well trained staff will assist with the transition and will stay with the practice after the transition. Excellent collection policy in place. Excellent cash flow for a practice of this size. Please contact Buck Reasor, DMD. Cell: 503-680-4366, email:info@ reasorprofessionaldental.com, www.reasorprofessionaldental.com.

classifieds issue 5, april 2015

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4 4 · th e wsda ne w s · issue 5, april · 2015 · www.wsda.org

OFFICES FOR SALE OR LEASE

SERVICES

FOR SALE — Selling my dental practice of 23 years. Located in beautiful Grand Coulee Dam, the eastern side of Washington State. 500+ miles of lake shoreline, no traffic and some of the best fishing and hunting in the state. Live where other people play. Averaging $4-500,000/year on a 3 day work week. Four operatories with new digital xray, double monitor computers in each room and an intraoral camera. Office paperless. Seeing 1520 patients per day for general dentistry. Practice draws form approximately 10,000 including Coulee Dam, Grand Coulee, Electric City, Elmer City, Coulee City and surrounding wheat fields. Great place to own a boat and raise a family. Come take a look. Contact Dr. Jay Worden DDS, Class of 1990 U of W at (509) 633-3167 or (509) 631-1400.

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.

MOBILE IV 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.

SPACE SHARING OPPORTUNITY DOWNTOWN SEATTLE – Looking for a dentist with an existing practice to share our office space. This is not an Associate position. Restorative practice with In-House C&B, and denture processing lab, and technician. Modern downtown Seattle 5 chair office. Lease ending soon? Decrease your overhead now! Opportunity to buy into the facility for the right person. drnicolini@hotmail.com.

JUST AVAILABLE — Just available. 1200 square foot fully equipped four operatory dental space.

Cerec , Panoral, four chairs, lights, nitrous, air and vacuum all available and in place. Please call Diana at Medical Centers Management (253) 508-1293

FOR SALE — G/P practice for sale in downtown Seattle. Well established, mature practice for sale collecting over $550,000 annually. Excellent modified start-up practice. Seven fully equipped operatories. Current staff will stay with the practice. Excellent collection policy in place. Practice has been located in downtown Seattle for over 50 years. Contact: Buck Reasor, DMD Reasor Professional Dental Services at info@reasorprofessionaldental services.com, (503) 680-4366.

PROSTHODONTIC PRACTICE FOR SALE — Greater Seattle area. Outstanding practice with high gross & high net. Building is in a great location with plenty of parking and visibility. Building could eventually be for sale to prospective buyer.

Experienced staff will stay on with the practice.

Owner would stay on 1-2 days per week for up to a year to ensure a smooth and complete transition.

Contact: Buck Reasor, DMD, Reasor Professional Dental Services, (503) 680-4366, info@reasorprofessionaldental.com FOR RENT OR SALE — Dental building available for rent or for sale in Marysville, Wash. to restart dental practice. This great opportunity is situated in an ideal midsize and growing cosmopolitan town in beautiful Pacific Northwest. Last time patients were seen at this location: end of June 2014. Right candidate needed to re-start and take ownership of dental practice established since 1984. Start-up inventory, the domain name listed below and community good will is available to support the right doctor for this location. For more information call (208)6995311 or go to: www.marysvilledentalclinic.com.

Email: olaruproperties@gmail.com.

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.

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 — 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 — New construction. Professional Building in Lynnwood by Alderwood Mall. 2,0006,000 sq ft available. Ample parking. Private entry.

High visibility and high traffic count. Each unit has up to 40 sq ft of signage on main-street. Ideal for specialist and/or group practice. Call Dr. Nguyen at (206) 250-3282 or email datman1@mac.com.

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.

THINKING OF SELLING? — If you’re thinking of Selling Your Practice and not sure which broker to use...Here’s someone who can help with this important decision: Norm Culver, DDS. Dr. Culver has seminared and consulted with dentists on practice transitions for 20 years. Now he can help you find the best broker for the sale of your particular practice. Norm is independent, not a broker.

Call him for a no cost consultation. 206.784.6941 www.normculver.com.

MOBILE ANESTHESIA AND SEDATION - Have a residency trained Dentist /Anesthesiologist t r avel to your of f ice. Ped i at r ic, med ic a l ly compromised, or adult patients. All equipment provided. Contact Dr. Westerhaus at office@ emeraldcityda.com or (253)470-8161.

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.

ALLIED CLINIC BUILDERS — Premier healthcare contractors in the PNW for over 35 years.

On time, on budget and providing quality that you can afford. Call today for consultation George McBee - Allied clinicbuilders@comcast.net (425) 941-3088.

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE

Classified ads in the WSDA News is easy to arrange. Simply email your ad, the number of issues you would like the ad to run, your credit card number, expiration date and CVC code to rob@wsda.org and you’ll be set.

FOR SALE — Hydrim -1 SciCan L110W DO1 for sale. Still in good condition $500 or best offer. Was working when it was uninstalled in our practice in 2012. Complete maintenance records available.

Contact Smilessouthcenter@Comcast.net.

If you prefer not to send your credit card information via email, you must first email your ad, then follow up with a phone call to provide your credit card information. Without the payment information, your ad will not run. Sorry, we do not bill for classified ads.

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.

th e wsda ne w s · issue 5, april · 2015 · www.wsda.org · 45

Pricing is as follows: Members: $50 for the first 30 words, $1 per word for each word over 30.

Non-members: $100 for the first 30 words, $1 per word for each word over 30.

classifieds issue 5, april 2015

OFFICES FOR SALE OR LEASE

parrish or perish

When Is Enough Enough? And When is Too Little ($) Enough?

Dr. Jeffrey Parrish “If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn’t thinking.”

— George Patton

“And if you think we providers can sue the government to improve things like reimbursement rates that are too little to attract Medicaid providers (see also Medicare future if my recent experience is played out to its natural end), forget it. The Supreme Court just ruled we providers have no standing.”

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or official policy of the WSDA.

In my interest in keeping wisdom flowing to my younger readers (and that’s most of you, not because the young are such avid fans, but because most all of you are younger than I!), I bring you my latest soiree in the lovely world of Medicare which I have been forced to utilize as I am not independently wealthy. A word to the wise, young people.

I recently received a letter from my personal physician of several decades stating that he was quitting Medicare. When I say quitting, I do not mean it is some easy process. He told me me about all the paperwork, notifications and timelines for it to become effective.

And, to make matters even more enticing to be part of such a great, efficient healthcare system, if he does not proactively opt out in time two years from now, he is automatically reinstated and has to go through the hassle to quit again…and is forced back on Medicare in the meantime. He’s decided to join the world of “Concierge Medicine”, and I am delighted to pay him his annual fee to be able to continue being one of his patients.

Ironically, my wife had received a similar message a few weeks prior. Her doc will be going to a strictly cash only practice as he wants nothing to do with insurance as well. He also will be getting some of our cash.

For those of us who actually look at our explanation of benefits from Medicare, I hope you are as embarrassed as I am; it’s pitifully little. You who rail against what WDS pays would think it is a “king’s ransom” compared to Medicare’s pay scales for routine care.

How in the world MD’s treating the elderly (Hey, I’m not elderly!) make an acceptable income is beyond me. This is Medicaid on steroids: it not only does not cover overhead, I doubt it covers the electric bill.

And if you think we dentists are immune from the complexities and vicissitudes of Medicare, we’re not. Recently the ADA warned us otherwise. If I, a “satisfied” Medicare patient, happen to come to your office and need some pain medication for that dastardly root canal you began today, we would both think that simple hydrocodone would probably be covered by my Part D (that’s the part of Medicare that Bush 43 thought we seniors needed so the federal government could pay for our medications even though purportedly only 25 percent lacked drug coverage). Well, guess what? Unless you have either OPTED IN, ENROLLED AS AN ORDERING AND REFEERING PROVIDER, OR OPTED OUT of Medicare, it’s not going to cover my pain meds. That’s right! You cannot get me meds paid for by my insurance unless you let the feds know whether you want to join their little club or not; ignoring them doesn’t cut it. It makes no difference whether you have or have not, will or will not and otherwise don’t care about providing Medicare covered care to us “geris.” We ‘geris” cannot access our coverage unless you deal with the feds. Great system, huh? And all in the name of fraud and abuse!

This is just the beginning. It isn’t enough that you have to have a NPI number in order for reimbursement for meds covered by insurance. I actually never got one, and I technically signed every prescription form we used at the RAM clinic last fall. You can imagine the hassle that ensued when some of the patients tried to fill their scripts and get it paid for by their insurance. I’ll have one before next year’s clinic! Wonder if I have to opt out of Medicare???

In 1966 when LBJ decided seniors were unable to take care of themselves (even though 65 percent of them had insurance) and Medicare — covering everyone but the independently wealthy — first came on the scene, the entire future of medicine (and eventually, by extension, dentistry) changed dramatically with the government camel’s nose under the tent. I realize the “new normal” for young dentists is NPI’s, Medicare opt in/outs, dealing with Apple Health and its hassles, and fee schedules limiting your ability to charge adequate fees to make a living. But I fear where it’s all headed. We continually lose more and more autonomy to the government and insurance such that our relationship with our patients is jeopardized and care is dictated to them. It’s not going to get better. And if you think we providers can sue the government to improve things like reimbursement rates that are too little to attract Medicaid providers (see also Medicare future if my recent experience is played out to its natural end), forget it. The Supreme Court just ruled we providers have no standing.

My own doc has had enough…and received too little; he’s headed to greener pastures.

How many more will follow?? How many of us dentists will have the guts to consider the same route? Something has to give because the system cannot be sustained by paying providers too little and beating them up with bureaucracy.

4 6 · th e wsda ne w s · issue 5, april · 2015 · www.wsda.org

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

CyberSecurity Protection ERISA Surety Bonds

www.wdiains.com

Washington Dentists’ Insurance Agency: LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE

th e wsda ne w s · issue 5, april · 2015 · www.wsda.org · 47

Sole broker for:

Washington State Dental Association 126 NW Canal Street Seattle, WA 98107

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PA ID SEATTLE, WA PERMIT NO. 8115

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

How much is good customer service worth?

You may never really know how good your insurance company is until a claim is filed against you.

At NORDIC, we’re invested in you and the business ofinsuring you and your practice. When you call with a question, you’ll speak directly with the person handling that aspect of your policy, not a random operator. In fact, you’ll always speak with a live person unless you call after hours. We think that’s important.

Those big companies? Not so much.

NORDIC prides itself in excellent customer service before, during, and after a claim is filed against our customers.

800-662-4075 · www.nordicins.com 206-343-7800 · 206-441-6824

sole broker for NORDIC

4 8 · th e wsda ne w s · issue 5, april · 2015 · www.wsda.org