2012 WMDDS Winter Bulletin

Bulletin

WINTER ISSUE 2012VOL. 44, NO. 3

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WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2012 1

Contents

President’s Message ..................................................................................................... 2

Editor’s Thoughts ........................................................................................................ 3

2012 Silent Bell Recipient: Dr. Paul Korte ................................................................. 4

WMDDS Holiday Event Highlights ........................................................................... 8

Trustee Report .............................................................................................................10

In Memoriam: Maureen M. Munger .........................................................................13

Managing the Peaks and Valleys of a Practice’s Cash Flow ......................................14

Improving Cash Flow in your Dental Practice ..........................................................19

2011 Life Members Honored ......................................................................................20

Rock Your Smile for National Children’s Dental Health Month .............................26

Technically Speaking ...................................................................................................28

Classified Ads ...............................................................................................................30

Advertiser Index ...........................................................................................................31

Member Spotlight ........................................................................................................32

About the Cover

2012 Silent Bell Recipient, Dr. Paul Korte.

Photo courtesy of Adam Bird Photographer.

Mission StatementThe Bulletin is the newsletter of the WMDDS and its mission is to inform the membership of

upcoming and recent events, state & local issues related to dentistry, and as a forum for its officers,

representatives, and members to discuss appropriate topics of interest to the membership.

Communication & Advertising PolicyThe Bulletin will publish submitted articles from members and others that relate to the practice of

dentistry, small business, social, or political issues affecting dentists, or other subjects of interest to

the membership. All published items are subject to space restrictions and the community standards

of the WMDDS. The editors reserve the right to reject any article or advertisement deemed

inappropriate and to edit submissions as they see fit.

Submission & Publication Policy: Articles and advertisements must be submitted no later

than the 1st of the month preceding publication date. The Bulletin has six publications: the

directory issue, fall issue, holiday issue, winter issue, spring issue, and summer issue. Direct

submissions or correspondences to:

Dr. James C. Papp • 4880 Cascade Road SE, Suite B • Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Phone: 616.940.9872 FAX 616.940.2854 • Email: [email protected]

Include “Newsletter” in the subject line

Editor James Papp

Associate Editors Seth Vruggink Jeff Smith Aric Smith Larrisa Bishop

Advertising Editor Elaine Fleming Executive Secretary WMDDS 511-F Waters Building Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 234-5605 [email protected]

West Michigan District Dental Society Executive Board 2011-2012 President Larissa Bishop President-Elect Tyler Wolf Vice President Margaret Gingrich Secretary-Treasurer Kathleen Ellsworth Editor James Papp Immediate Past President

Seth Vruggink

Directors Samuel Bander Steve Conlon Leonard BartoszewiczArea Representatives

Kent County Norman Wilhelmsen Ionia-Montcalm

Kirkwood Faber

County Mecosta County Doug Killian Ottawa County Meredith Smedley

MDA IV District Brian Cilla Trustees Colette Smiley

Big Rapids Dental Study Club OfficersPresident Erick Perroud Vice President Christa SternSecretary Christa SternTreasurer Erick Perroud

Holland-Zeeland Dental Society OfficersPresident Meredith Smedley Treasurer Robert Ankerman Secretary Immediate Past President

Ionia-Montcalm Dental Study Club OfficersPresident Treasurer Kirkwood Faber

Kent County Dental Society OfficersPresident Lathe Miller Vice President Norman Wilhelmsen Secretary Michael PalaszekTreasurer Kathryn Swan

West Michigan Dental Foundation OfficersPresident Devin Norman Vice President John Marshall Secretary Carol Klein Treasurer Joe VanLaan

The Bulletin of the West Michigan Dental Society is published six times a year (the directory issue, fall issue, holiday issue, winter issue, spring issue, and summer issue). The opinions expressed in The Bulletin are not necessarily the opinions of the West Michigan District Dental Society.

Contributions to The Bulletin are welcome and should be addressed to The Bulletin Editor, 4880 Cascade Road SE, Ste. B, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Requests for purchase of advertising space should be directed to the Advertising Editor, Elaine Fleming, (616) 234-5605. The deadline is the 1st of the month prior to publication.

© 2011-2012 West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

he holidays are behind us, and we are ready at

WMDDS to embark on a new and exciting year in

2012. We have been busy planning continuing

education classes for the membership into the spring of

2013, working with the New Dentist Forum on setting up

their upcoming meetings, and planning training sessions for

our Peer Review Ethics and Standard of Care committees.

Many of our committees have begun reporting back to the

Board with their respective ideas and positions, and we look

forward to sharing them with the membership in the future.

One of the exciting things that West Michigan District

Dental Society supports is National Children’s Dental Health

Month during the month of February. Through WMDDS pub-

lic relations funding and a grant from West Michigan Dental

Foundation, the “Tooth Time Task Force” brings a fun-filled

and educational program to the Grand Rapids Children’s

Museum on Thursday evening, February 3, and all day Friday,

February 4. In addition, Open Wide, an interactive dental

exhibit, will be on display throughout the entire month. You

are able to look at their calendar at www.grcm.org to find out

more information on these fantastic children’s events.

This year’s Holiday Dinner and Awards Night was held

December 15th at Cascade Country Club, and was very

well-attended. Dr. Paul Korte was the 2012 Silent Bell recipi-

ent, and there were ten MDA/ADA life members that were

recognized that evening. It was a wonderful evening where

we were able to socialize and catch up on life outside of the

office and renew friendships. I look forward to seeing this and

many other social events, such as the West Michigan Dental

Foundation and New Dentist Forum golf outings, continue in

their growth among the membership.

Appreciation is something that is often not mentioned

enough to those who deserve to hear it. Yet, sometimes all we

need is a little appreciation to get us through the day, or even

the year. As I sit and think about the number of people that I

need to include in this, I remember something I read that was

written by Sam Walton:

“Appreciate everything your associates do for the busi-

ness. Nothing else can quite substitute for a few well-chosen,

well-timed, sincere words of praise. They’re absolutely free

and worth a fortune.” Sometimes I need to stop myself in

the busyness of life to remember to say “Thank You” to

those that I sometimes take for granted, the assistant and

front office staff that stays late for the patient that I ran

over for, the associate/fellow dentist that covers for me, my

husband, and our executive secretary. This is my list that I

need to remember to thank, and I am sure that we all have

one. As we get busy with the year, remember to take time

to say “thank you” to those who go out of their way for us.

Finally, as the president of a Society that has a wonderful

group of dentists who are willing to help out when asked,

I want to say “THANK YOU” for all that you do, from renew-

ing your membership, serving on committees past and pres-

ent, and attending events.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 20122

P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E

Show Your AppreciationBy Dr. Larissa Bishop, WMDDS President

T

2013 Silent Bell Submissions

The WMDDS Distinguished Service Award Committee

will soon be meeting to consider a recipient for the

2013 Silent Bell award. This is the highest recognition

awarded by the WMDDS and it is given to a WMDDS

member dentist who has made outstanding contribu-

tions to his/her profession and community.

If you have a WMDDS member whose name you would

like to submit for consideration, please submit the name

to Elaine Fleming at the WMDDS office by either send-

ing a letter to West Michigan District Dental Society,

161 Ottawa Avenue NW, Suite 511-F, Grand Rapids, MI

49503, or by email to [email protected].


eep your eye on the ball.” One way or another,

many of us have heard or experienced this

phrase first hand. Typically sports related,

but it has also been used in other context. So, what does

keeping your eye on the ball really

mean? From a sports perspective, I

will attempt to answer this by brush-

ing the dust off of old memories

from long ago as a wide receiver in a

division III college. Keeping your eye

on the ball relates to focus. Focusing

on the task at hand, catching the

football. Relying on your training,

technique, and attention to detail

to achieve a higher goal in mind,

advancing the football for the

team. Blocking out distractions, such

as a defensive back weighing in at

200+ pounds with blazing speed

heading right toward you with all

intentions to “disrupt” your goal.

Sacrifice for the greater good, catch-

ing and advancing the football for the

team. I can personally attest to this as

a split-end wide receiver, which the

offensive plays typically had me running routes in the middle

portion of the defense to catch the football. And if you are not

familiar with defensive setups, the defensive players generally

get bigger as you move toward the middle. Sacrifice was not

easy, but in an odd sense it felt good because it was for the

greater good, advancing the team to achieve a higher goal,

score points.

Keep Your Eye on the Ball:Evidence-Based DentistryBy Dr. James C. Papp, WMDDS Editor

E D I T O R ’ S T H O U G H T S

How would the phrase “keep your eye on the ball” relate to

dentistry? Seems strange at first, but, in my mind it translates

into our daily practice as evidence-based dentistry. Evidence-

based dentistry is the integration and interpretation of the

available current research evidence combined with personal

experiences. It allows us to make decisions to improve our

clinical practice and better treat our patients based on sound

clinical research. Don’t get me wrong, this is no easy task.

Plenty of distractions are hitting us on a daily basis, from a

variety of vendors, and even well-respected clinicians urg-

ing us that this is the next best thing to hit the planet for

the treatment of our patients. New products/techniques

can be very interesting and tempting, but with limited or

little evidence to support its use. Tempting us to take our

eye off the ball, the ball being daily

dental practice founded on well-

documented long-term research, evi-

dence-based dentistry. Changing the

way you treat your patients or using

a product without firm long-term

(usually five years or more of qual-

ity research) benefits, or a colleague

saying it doesn’t work despite solid

research support, does not fall in

line with evidence-based dentistry.

Again, not always an easy task to keep

our eye on the ball (evidence-based

dentistry). But we are dental profes-

sionals, similarities to a specialized

position as a wide receiver, and we

are expected to focus on the task

at hand and block out all distrac-

tions. As dental professionals, we are

expected to intelligently sift through

everything pushed our way to reach

the greater good, providing sound, evidence-based

dentistry to treat our patient the best way we can.

For a comprehensive look at evidence-based dentistry and

a practical resource for scientific evidence related to dentistry,

visit the ADA Center For Evidence-Based Dentistry, http://

ebd.ada.org/.

“K“ As dental professionals,

we are expected to

intelligently sift through

everything pushed our

way to reach the greater

good, providing sound,

evidence-based dentistry

to treat our patient the

best way we can.”


derie with his classmates was wonderful. Mentors and role

models in dental school were Father Albright and Pauline

Woods, both biology teachers, and Dr. Bob Steinman, who

taught physiology.

Dental school had many highs and lows. Paul recalls the

worst day in dental school was the day he was called from

class to be informed that his father

had died. The best day was the day he

met Patty.

Patty Byrne was also a resident

advisor at the University of Detroit.

Patty was the youngest of seven chil-

dren, who had grown up on a farm

in Ohio. She milked cows, drove a

tractor, and was involved in 4-H.

One year, she was the County Dairy

Princess. Because four of her sisters

were nurses, she decided she want-

ed to do something different, and

studied secondary education at the

University of Detroit.

Paul and Patty married in 1970

during his junior year in dental

school, and she was by then teaching

English at East Detroit High School.

After graduating from dental school and a year’s internship

at Rochester General Hospital in New York, Paul was invited

to join the practice of Dr. Donald Cole. After six years, he left

that practice to return to University of Detroit for specialty

training in endodontics. He returned to Grand Rapids in

1980, starting his endodontic practice in a new building in

Grandville. He and Dr. Michael Gallagher were partners from

1986 until Mike’s death. He then partnered with Dr. Brian

Licari. Paul recently retired from practice.

Paul and Patty have been blessed with six children and

fifteen grandchildren. Their first, Kathryn Marie (Al) Puglessi

lives in Grand Rapids with their four children; Nichole Anne

(Zos) Alivia live in Hawthorne Woods, Illinois with their five

children; Anne Patrice (David) Sassano live in San Francisco

with their three children; Daniel Paul and his wife Amy have

two children and reside in Cleveland. Matthew Joseph and his

ccording to Paul Korte, he has lived a blessed life.

He was blessed with a sound family foundation, a

strong faith, a wonderful wife, children and grand-

children, and a profession that he loves.

Dr. Korte is a transplant to the West Michigan area. His

family lived in Detroit, with his father working for General

Motors and his mother a social work-

er. The family transferred to Grand

Rapids when Paul was in fourth

grade. The initial move from Detroit

was traumatic, because life had been

so comfortable there, but the family

quickly learned to love Grand Rapids.

Paul describes being part of a great

family unit. Early fond memories are

family dinners with his five siblings,

two brothers and three sisters. Paul

was the fourth oldest. Vacations were

memorable, especially the train trips

from Detroit to Burlington, Vermont

to visit his grandmother.

Paul has been involved with sports

most of his life. He was in Little

League both in Detroit and Grand

Rapids. High school sports included basketball, football

and golf.

His athletic skills won him a full ride football scholarship

to University of Detroit. While there, he coached club foot-

ball and was a resident advisor after the school dropped their

football program.

Getting to the dental profession was not a direct route.

According to Paul, “What the good Lord has in mind is not

necessarily what we think is the best idea.” Even as a young

person, Paul had wanted to be a physician, but was not

accepted into medical school. Father Albright, one of his biol-

ogy teachers and a mentor at University of Detroit, suggested

that he consider dental school. An interview was set up with

the Dean of the dental school, who said, “If Father Albright

said that you are OK, then you are in!” Though dentistry was

not his first choice, it turned out to be the right choice. His

hand skills were very suitable for dentistry, and the camara-

A

2012 Silent Bell Recipient: Dr. Paul Korte Submitted by Dr. Marilyn Stolberg

2 0 1 2 S I L E N T B E L L R E C I P I E N T


wife, Liz, have one child and live in Milwaukee; and Thomas

Anthony, who also resides in Milwaukee. Kathryn, Nicole,

Daniel, and Matthew graduated from Marquette University,

Anne graduated from St. Mary’s, and Thomas graduated from

Hillsdale College. The children’s career choices are varied,

including speech pathology, communications, civil engineer-

ing, medical sales, and professional football and coaching.

Their youngest, Thomas, started dental school at Marquette

University this fall.

The Korte family values emphasize faith and church

involvement, which repeats what both Paul and Patty had

experienced while they were growing up. They believe that

the church connection keeps the family together. The Korte

children attended Catholic schools, and the entire family has

been involved with church activities.

Paul coached elementary school sports for 18 years, was

the school board president, and is currently the co-chair of

Education Foundation Development at St. Paul the Apostle

School. At St. Paul the Apostle Church, he was a leader for

the Adult Bible Study RENEW for fifteen years, chairman

of the Thanksgiving Drive, was chair of the church build-

ing committee, a member of the Haiti committee, has been

involved with their food pantry, and is the current Parish

Council president. Paul and Patty were on St. Paul’s Marriage

Preparation Team for many years.

Family activities revolved around church and sports. The

Korte children all participated in sports during school. The

boys were on travel hockey teams, and the girls played softball

and volleyball. There are also fond memories of family vaca-

tions at a cottage on Lake Michigan and other locations.

Paul participated in a medical mission trip to Honduras

through the Christian Medical Society. The twelve dentists on

the trip traveled in groups to various villages to provide much

needed dental care. The experience was a good reminder of

how good his life was, and how cruel poverty really is.

With retirement on the horizon, Paul and Patty’s plans

include traveling and visiting their children and grandchil-

dren. He will also continue the “Brothers Trip” tradition.

For the last 15 years, Paul, two of his brothers, and two of his

brothers-in-law take a five-day trip to one of the major capi-

tals in Europe. These well-planned trips take in the historic


highlights and gastronomic delights of the area. And, perhaps

there will be another big family trip like Patty’s 60th birthday

party in Ireland with their children and their spouses.

When asked if he had any regrets, he indicated that he

wished that his father had lived longer. That is why he trea-

sures his time with his children and grandchildren so much.

Paul believes that the gift of a strong faith with a strong

prayer life is the basis for everything. It is important in making

decisions on how business should be conducted, and how a

marriage and family run. The more faith-filled your prayer life,

the more guided you are. A strong faith and a strong marriage

go hand in hand.

While Paul may describe himself as having a blessed life, this

life did not happen without his hard work and commitment

to his faith, his family, his profession, and his community.

Congratulations to Dr. Paul Korte, the 2012 West Michigan

District Dental Society’s Silent Bell Recipient.



Paul F. Korte, DDSCurriculum Vitae

Business Address (Retired)4050 Del-Mar Dr. SW

Grandville, Michigan 49418

(616) 531-0780

(616) 450-2641

Home Address1810 Ridgemoor SE

Grand Rapids, Michigan 49506

(616) 949-3516

[email protected]

Education1964 – Graduate Catholic Central High School

1968 – Graduate University of Detroit – BS Degree Cum Laude

1972 – Graduate University of Detroit Dental School,

Magna Cum Laude

1972-73 – Dental Intern – Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, NY

1980 – Specialty Degree in Endodontics, University of Detroit

1985 – Diplomate Status, American Board of Endodontics

Business Experience1973-78 – General Practice with Dr. Donald Cole

1986-2004 – Endodontic Practice with Dr. Michael Gallagher

2005 – Endodontic Practice with Dr. Brian Licari

2009 – Retired


Silent Bell Past RecipientsOtto Lee Ricker, D.D.S., M.S. 1981

Willard B. Ver Meulen, D.D.S. 1981

Clifford T. Nelson, D.D.S. 1982

William M. Creason, D.D.S. 1983

Vernor H. Eman, D.D.S., M.S. 1984

Julius Franks, Jr., D.D.S. 1985

Henry L. Homan, D.D.S. 1986

Ray E. Stevens, Jr., D.D.S. 1987

Orren A. Bolt, D.D.S. 1988

Robert F. Streelman, D.D.S. 1989

Gerald L. Vander Wall, D.D.S., M.S. 1990

David H. Seibold, D.D.S. 1991

Donald G. Hallas, D.D.S. 1992

Robert E. Reagan, D.D.S. 1993

John R. Cook, D.D.S. 1994

Eugene L. Bonofiglo, D.D.S. 1995

Lawrence R. Marcotte, D.D.S., M.S. 1996

Laurence J. Jensen, D.D.S. 1997

Harry H. Luton, D.D.S., M.S. 1997

Robert W. Browne, D.D.S., M.S. 1998

Harold O. Steele II, D.D.S. 1998

Lawrence J. Manning, D.D.S., M.S. 1999

Arnold Baker, D.D.S., M.S. 2000

Robert D. Mitus, Jr., D.D.S. 2000

Robert W. Klinesteker, D.D.S. 2001

Timothy H. Gietzen, D.D.S. 2002

James L. Wieland, D.D.S. 2003

Charles R. Caldwell, D.D.S., M.S. 2004

Henry J. Milanowski, D.D.S. 2005

John J. Stepanovich, D.D.S. 2006

Lonny E. Zietz, D.D.S., M.S. 2007

Michael H. (Reggie) VanderVeen, D.D.S. 2008

William A. Avery, D.D.S. 2009

William F. Rocker, D.D.S. 2009

Robert F. O’Brien, D.D.S. 2010

Marilyn J. Stolberg, D.D.S. 2010

John D. Bouws, D.D.S. 2011


Professional MembershipsAmerican Association of Endodontics

American Board of Endodontics

West Michigan District Dental Society

Kent County Dental Society, Past President

Michigan Dental Association

PersonalMarried to Patty Korte since 1970

Father of six children

Grandfather of fifteen

Dental OrganizationsPresident and Chairs of the Kent County Dental Society, 1982-1985

Director, West Michigan District Dental Society, 1994-98

Delegate to MDA House of Representative, 1986-88 and 1994-98

CommunityUnited Way Dental Chairman, 1987

Lab Instructor in GRCC Dental Hygiene Program, 1974-78

Volunteer, Baxter Clinic, 1996-98

Volunteer, Clinica Santa Maria, 1998-2003

Volunteer, Cherry Street Center, 1993-96

Volunteer Sheldon Clinic, 1974-78

Adult Dental Services Program

Mission trip to Honduras with Christian Medical Society, 2 weeks, 1989

Church InvolvementChairman of St. Paul the Apostle Building Committee for New

Church, 1991-92

Elementary School Football Coach, 20 years

School Board President, St. Paul the Apostle School, 1984-86

Leader, Adult Bible Study RENEW Group, 15 years

St. Paul’s Marriage Preparation Team, 1995-2001

St. Paul’s Food Pantry, 1995-2005

Co-chairperson, St. Paul’s Education Foundation Development, Present

Parish Council President, St. Paul the Apostle Parish, 2003-Present

Funeral Choir at St. Paul’s Church

HonorsBlue Key National Jesuit Honor Society, 1968

Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society, 1972

Alpha Sigma Nu Honor Society, 1971


WMDDS Holiday Event HighlightsPhotos by Adam Bird Photographer



T R U S T E E R E P O R T

MDA Board of Trustees December MeetingBy Dr. Brian Cilla, MDA Trustee

hope that the New Year has started well for everyone.

As I write this report, Michigan has once again become

a winter wonderland. The MDA Board of Trustees held

a meeting in early December. This is a synopsis of the most

pertinent items that were topics of discussion.

Mission of MercyIt was resolved, that the Michigan Dental Association should

host an America’s Dentist Care Foundation Mission of Mercy

(MOM) Project. A Mission of Mercy work group will be

formed to determine the date, location, logistics and costs asso-

ciated with a MOM event. President Verhagen has appointed

Dr. Steve Harris as chair of the organizational committee. Dr.

Verhagen will serve as vice chair of the work group.

Lani Becker, associate Executive Director for the Wisconsin

Dental Association (WDA), provided the Board with her

experience with the Mission of Mercy project in Wisconsin.

She provided the Board with Wisconsin’s model of the MOM

program: All of the funding for the project flows through the

WDA Foundation. Staff time is provided by the WDA, and

not the Foundation. The Foundation is given public acknowl-

edgement and the Association receives the publicity (legisla-

tively, public, members). Corporate sponsors such as Delta

Dental, Walmart, Pepsi, and Coca-Cola have contributed to

the program in the past. The WDA has held three successful

events, and a fourth will be held in June 2012. Each event has

been held at a different location. Moving it around the state

assists with calling attention to the local dental access issues

and avoids a situation where the event becomes a “dental home.”

I

A successful MOM event focuses on: • Providing free access to critical dental care. A high priority

is placed on patients suffering from dental infections or pain.

• Raising public awareness for the difficulty that adults and

children, with limited financial resources, have in accessing

critical dental care.

• Challenging patients, policymakers and dental professionals

to work together to reduce dental disease and improve the

oral health of residents, including those who have been

promised care by the state.

Trustees were asked to e-mail names of any interested local

MDA members to Drs. Harris or Verhagen. It would be nice

to see that West Michigan is well represented at this event.

Those who would like to be involved should get in touch with

either Dr. Colette Smiley or myself.

2012 MDA AwardsAnnually, the MDA provides a variety of awards as a way of

acknowledging those who have made positive contributions

to the community-at-large or our profession. In 2012, MDA

Public Service Awards will be presented to Dr. Scott Hodges

of WMDDS, and Infinity Dental Partners (Drs. Charles

Keever, Elias Achey, Jared Van Ittersum, Paul Voss et al…) of

MDDS. Additionally, a New Dentist Leadership Award will be

presented to Dr. Seth Vruggink, Immediate Past President of

WMDDS. These recipients deserve our congratulations.

MDA Public Education Campaign The Board was provided with a presentation, by SMZ, on

the newest public education campaign. This, in turn, will be

presented to the 2012 MDA HOD for review and approval.

A recommendation for continuation of the current special

assessment, to be levied for each of the next three years, will

be forwarded to the 2012 HOD.

MDA Insurance & Financial Group (MDAIFG) Craig Start, president of MDAIFG, provided the Board with

a report on current activities, which included the following:

• There are multiple benefits with the endorsement of

Frankenmuth Insurance. The change from Michigan

Millers to Frankenmuth Insurance will be seamless for

MDA members.



• Professional Protector Plan (PPP) won the Administrator

of the Year Award, which is based on new business growth

and retention.

• The Auto/Homeowners program has reached a milestone

of over one million dollars in premiums this year.

• The Amalgam Separator Program is nearing an end. Once

the grant monies have been disbursed, the program will

cease. MDAIFG will attempt to seek more grant money;

however, there is no guarantee that this can or will happen.

• MDAIFG diligently continues to work to find a niche in

the future of health insurance. The effect of health insur-

ance exchanges is an unknown at the present time.

• On January 1, 2012, the Health Claims Tax became effec-

tive. This is a new .75% tax on all Michigan health insur-

ance claims (medical, dental, vision). While the tax is on

claims, the state has structured it in such a way that the

insurance companies are responsible for collecting and

reporting. Additionally, they are able to push the cost to

the insured.

MDA EndorsementsIt was resolved, that the Michigan Dental Association will

endorse the On Track Business Intelligence System offered by

Mercer Advisors. This endorsement is subject to a mutually

acceptable agreement.

MDA Miscellaneous News• The MDA will allocate up to $22,000 for improvement to

the Association’s management software system.

• Electronic voting will be instituted at the 2012 MDA HOD.

There will be a $4,550 cost associated with this upgrade.

• The Board Committee on Finance has previously been

given a strategic objective to reduce the building dues

assessment. I have good news to report. The Board was

informed that the mortgage for the MDA headquarters will

be paid off in the last year of the dues assessment for the

building (2014).

Dues WaiversDr. Alexa Vitek, chair of the Committee on Membership

Recruitment and Retention, informed the Board that the

dues waiver process has been reviewed and updated. The five

options to receive a waiver are:

• Physical disability and/or illness

• Family obligation

• Service to country

• Disaster recovery

• Financial hardship (divorce, breakup of partnership, poor

financial management, etc.)

The MDA has received five dues waivers so far for 2012.

Committee on Governmental and Insurance Affairs (CGIA) It was resolved, that the Michigan Dental Association pur-

sue requirements that dental benefit plans provide with the

explanation of benefits (EOB) the name, degree, license

number, and direct phone number of the individual who

makes the final decision involved in accepting or rejecting the

dental claim, and that dentists reviewing claims submissions

must be licensed in the United States, preferably within the

jurisdiction of the dentist treating the patient in accordance

with applicable state law. This is consistent with current ADA

policy.

Legislative/Grassroots UpdateThe Board was provided with an update by Mr. Bill Sullivan,

JD, director of legislative and insurance affairs on the following:

• Dental CT Cone Beam

• PA161

• Statutory regulation of mobile dental facilities

• Healthy Kids Dental expansion

• Governors message on health care

• Non-covered services legislation

Criteria for Election to the Delta Dental Plan Board of Directors It was resolved, that prior to the development of any addi-

tional criteria, the Michigan Dental Association will com-

municate with Delta Dental that the MDA would prefer that

dentist members of the Delta Dental Board of Directors meet

the following minimum criteria:

• Be a member in good standing of the Michigan Dental

Association.

• Should not be an employee of Delta Dental.



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• The MDA should receive the names of nominees no later

than 60 days prior to the installation of the Board members.

• The MDA communicate to Delta Dental that the MDA

should have the opportunity to interview dentist candidates.

• Disclose any conflicts of interest.

• Be able to attend a majority of the Delta Dental Board of

Directors meetings.

• Agree to provide regular reports to the MDA Board of

Trustees.

• Agree to serve as a consultant on the MDA Committee on

Governmental and Insurance Affairs if requested.

• Be familiar with the issues and concerns of the MDA

members and public.

Hygienist Second Pair of HandsThe Michigan Dental Association will support legislation to

allow a dental assistant, by assignment of a supervising den-

tist, to assist a registered dental hygienist (RDH) in a public or

private setting. A dental assistant may assist an RDH on any

procedure that an RDH can legally perform without a dentist

present. The dental assistant can only perform procedures under

this scenario that they are by law/rule authorized to perform.

MDA GovernanceIn 2001, a Special House Committee on Governance conducted a

review of the MDA governance structure. A recommendation

was made to the 2002 House of Delegates (HOD) to reduce

the number of trustees from 23 to 12 (one trustee per trustee

district). At that time, the proposal was defeated in the HOD.

The MDA policy on governance requires that we must

examine our governance structure at least every 12 years. The

Board believes that we are at an appropriate time to review the

governance structure, at least as related to the MDA Board.

The approximate savings would be approximately $13,000

for any trustee positions that are reduced. Overall, the MDA

could save at least $65,000 if the Board were reduced to one

trustee per trustee district. Our MDA president has appointed

Deb Peters and myself as part of this governance work group.

We will forward any recommendations to the HOD.

This concludes the report on our most recent Board meeting.

As always, I welcome any questions or concerns regarding

MDA activities. Do not hesitate to call or send me an e-mail

at: [email protected].


ecently the world, and Grand Rapids in particular,

lost a great person. “Miss Munger” as we of all

ages addressed Maureen, passed away Wednesday,

January 4, 2012.

She was indeed a visionary before her time. She cre-

ated and founded the dental assisting, hygiene, and dental

technology programs at GRJC/CC. Anyone in dental

auxiliary education in Michigan in

the 60s or 70s definitely knew who

she was. She and her good friend

and colleague, Pauline Steele at the

University of Michigan, pioneered

creative and effective dental assist-

ing and hygiene educational pro-

grams. Educators across the coun-

try looked to our GRJC model when

revising curricula and forming new

programs.

She felt strongly that students in

all three programs should share a

“core” curriculum of courses needed

by all three disciplines. She believed

that this not only maximized use of

the classroom and instructors, but

that training together would give

future graduates a greater appre-

ciation for each other. During the

mid-80s, we had just that – a shared

first semester of basic dental courses

taught by the same instructor to

the whole group. Many of you who attended JC during those

years will remember Dr. Stepanovich teaching dental aux-

iliary orientation, Anne Burt teaching dental anatomy and

perhaps, even me, in the “tooth carving” lab. We even had

the HAT (hygiene, assisting, technology) club. To this day,

our program still has three of what we call “DX courses” that

are shared by dental assisting and dental hygiene students.

Additionally, the program faculty tries to become involved

in both programs, thus getting to know and appreciate all of

the students.

As if it were just yesterday, I recall the day I first met

Maureen Munger. I had made an appointment with her to

“discuss” dental assisting. Well, you guessed correctly, of

course I signed up to start the program before leaving her

office that day! I still believe that was the best decision of my

life… and I owe it all to that wonderful, stubborn, lovable

woman. In the next 41 years that I had the privilege of know-

ing Maureen, she was my teacher, then my boss and colleague,

and always my mentor and friend.

Since her death, several of us have

been telling stories of our experi-

ences and lessons learned from Miss

Maureen Munger. It was always a

delight to witness her “shell” crack

just a little when her dry sense

of humor would emerge. I’d like

to think that my class of dental

assisting students was among the

most mischievous. No doubt Linda

Peterson and Dolly Pelton would

agree. During our class Christmas

party we decided we would go car-

oling at our instructors homes…

And “pa rum pa pa pum” we did!

We found Maureen’s home right

up the hill from the college on

Lafayette. She was a little surprised

(to say the least), but invited us

in, sang along, and was gracious.

Following that we somehow found

the homes of Dr. Bolt and Dr. Ricker.

When returning to classes, all the

fun behind us, we knew not to assume classes would be any

less tough, but we felt a special closeness with Miss Munger.

I’d love to put together a collection of memories of

Maureen. If you are so inclined to share a story, please e-mail

it to me at [email protected].

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of

Michigan, 989 Spaulding Avenue SE, Ada, MI 49501-3701,

or the Maureen M. Munger Dental Scholarship, c/o GRCC

Foundation, 143 Bostwick Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI

49503.

Maureen M. MungerSubmitted by Bunny Bookwalter

I N M E M O R I A M

R


ou want to manage your practice to be profitable,

but you have to operate it to maximize cash flow.

To do that, you must be prepared for the cash peaks

and valleys.

Take Stock of Your Cash Management ToolsThe key to positive cash flow is to keep money coming into

a practice faster than it’s going out. Regardless of whether

you’re currently meeting that goal, it’s critical to analyze your

cash flow cycle and devise a plan to ensure that you have the

operating funds you need.

To maximize your cash flow and make the most of your

money, take stock of the cash management tools. Here are a

few things to consider:

Develop a Liquidity Plan – Liquidity doesn’t just happen;

you need a plan in place to manage your cash on hand. By

creating a simple cash forecast to predict when payments will

come in and go out, you can anticipate disruptions to your

cash flow. Consider maintaining a line of credit to avoid fluc-

tuations. Also, if you have significant payments that occur on

a regular basis – such as tax or insurance payments – consider

creating a reserve fund to neutralize the disruptions.

Revisit Your Receivables Strategy – The more efficiently

you manage your receivables, the sooner you can put those

funds to work for your practice. Enhancing your receivables

management starts by giving customers multiple payment

options at the point of sale. To help motivate customers to

pay their invoices in a timely manner, you can offer a discount

for early payments and assess a penalty for late payments.

Finally, take advantage of remote deposit services that allow

you to deposit incoming checks as soon as you receive them.

Take Advantage of Payment Technologies – Various new

technologies are available to help you improve cash flow by

enhancing your payment processes. Online bill pay services

allow you to reduce the time and costs involved with pay-

ing business bills, while online payroll services enable you to

better manage your payroll processing. Also, consider using

credit cards or purchasing cards to help you track business

spending more effectively.

Re-Evaluate Inventory Practices – Assess your inventory

needs carefully, evaluate your mix of suppliers, and possibly

renegotiate trade terms. Inventory represents a critical pres-

sure point for cash flow, so constantly be on the lookout to

enhance your inventory practices.

Protect Your Practice through Good Times and BadPoor cash flow is one of the leading causes of small practice

failures. By revisiting your contingency plans, leveraging your

receivables and payment strategies, and addressing the factors

that create cash flow pressure, you are better able to manage

the cash peaks and valleys that all practices inevitably face.

At PNC, we understand that generic financial services aren’t

always the right solution for the unique needs of physicians.

To learn more about the solutions offered at PNC, please

contact Scott Hoag at 616.771.8810, or [email protected].

The article you read was prepared for general information purposes only by

Content Creative and is not intended as legal, tax, or accounting advice, or as

recommendations to engage in any specific transaction, including with respect

to any securities of PNC, and do not purport to be comprehensive. Under no

circumstances should any information contained in this article be used or consid-

ered as an offer or commitment, or a solicitation of an offer or commitment, to

participate in any particular transaction or strategy. Any reliance upon any such

information is solely and exclusively at your own risk. Please consult your own

counsel, accountant or other advisor regarding your specific situation. Neither

PNC Bank nor any other subsidiary of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.

will be responsible for any consequences of reliance upon any opinion or state-

ment contained here, or any omission. The opinions expressed in this article is

not necessarily the opinions of PNC Bank or any of its affiliates, directors, officers

or employees.

PNC is a registered mark of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (“PNC”).

Banking and lending products and services, bank deposit products, and Treasury

Management services for healthcare providers and payers are provided by PNC

Bank, National Association, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PNC and Member

FDIC. Lending and leasing products and services, including card services, trade

finance and merchant services, as well as certain other banking products and

services, may require credit approval.

For more information, please call 1-877-CALL-PNC, visit pnc.com, or stop by

any PNC locations.

©2011 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

Managing the Peaks and Valleys of a Practice’s Cash FlowSubmitted by Scott Hoag, Vice President, PNC Healthcare Business Banking

F I N A N C I A L N E W S

Y

FIRST PRINT 100% PRINT 100% ADDITIONAL PRINTSCOLORS/SWATCHES SAVED TO PRODUCTION

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CLIENT: PNC Bank

PUB: W Michigan Dental

PUBDATE: December 2011

PROJ. MGR: Renee Coltrane

PROD: Melissa Betancur

DATE CREATED: 3-16-2011 11:00 AM

DATE MODIFIED: 11-7-2011 3:21 PM

AE: Diana Ovalle

AD: Tosakul Boonklan

CW: Scott Higgins

JOB#: PNC_BBK_M01306SAP#: 10031306-1040-A0WORK ORDER #: 44284-77.5FILE NAME: PNC_BBK_M01306_MS_32.R1TOOLKIT #: N/AARTIST: napoleon.nicdao

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The person pictured is an actual PNC customer, who agreed to participate in this advertisement. Moore Smiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry’s success was due to a number of factors, and PNC is proud of its role in helping the company achieve its goals. All loans are subject to credit approval and may require automatic payment deduction from a PNC Bank Business Checking account. Origination and/or other fees may apply.

PNC is a registered mark of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (“PNC”). BBK-6817 ©2011 The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. All rights reserved. PNC Bank, National Association. Member FDIC

CHALLENGE: Dr. Moore always dreamed of having a cutting-edge dental practice. And with a growing patient list, he was eager to expand. But his cash flow challenges were limiting his growth potential.

SOLUTION: Dr. Moore had the Cash Flow Conversation with his PNC Healthcare Business Banker, who used his detailed knowledge of the industry to help Dr. Moore tackle key business issues. They consolidated his equipment leases into one monthly payment, which lowered expenses and freed up working capital — and tailored a real estate loan that helped open the door to bigger opportunities.

ACHIEVEMENT: Moore Smiles Family & Cosmetic Dentistry now has a beautiful, modern space to call home. And Dr. Moore has turned his dream into a reality.

WATCH DR. MOORE’S FULL STORY at pnc.com/cfo andsee how The PNC Advantage for Healthcare Professionals can help solve your practice’s challenges, too. Or call PNC Healthcare Business Banker Scott Hoag at 616-771-8810 to start your own Cash Flow Conversation today.

SHAWN L. MOORE, DMD / OWNERMOORE SMILES

FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRYLOUISVILLE, KY

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West Michigan District Dental Society is an

ADA CERP Recognized Provider.

RegistRation FoRm

NAME

ADDRESS

ADDITIONAL REGISTRANT(S) AT THIS ADDRESS

MDA-member dentist – $225

WMDDS retired member dentist – $100

per staff – $100

per non-member dentist – $450

TOTAL:

PAY BY CHECK: Make checks payable to: West Michigan District Dental Society. Remit to: Elaine Fleming | c/o WMDDS | 161 Ottawa NW | Suite 511-F, Waters Building | Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 | Questions? Call 616.234.5605 or email [email protected]

tHe moDeRn RestoRatiVe PRaCtiCePresented by Dr. Michael DiTolla, DDS, FAGD | March 2, 2012 | Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

All-ceramic restorations continue to make inroads into the overall restorative market at the rate of about 1-2

percent each year. In the year 2000, approximately 20% of restorations were all-ceramic; by 2006, it had risen

to 31% of restorations and it continues to rise as we speak. Metal-free restorative options include composites,

pressed ceramics, and cementable all-ceramic products. Each of these metal-free options has a place in

current esthetic restorative dentistry, and I will share what I think are the proper indications for each of these

materials. We certainly have seen failures in the lab when dentists attempt to push these materials beyond

their indications. There are still several clinical situations that call exclusively for the use of PFM restorations,

but that list of situations is shrinking.

After completing this program, the dental professional should be able to:

1. Recognize the various treatment modalities available to the modern practitioner to help them restore the mouth in an esthetic manner.

2. Be familiar with the use of more conservative all-ceramic restorations such as no-prep and minimal prep porcelain veneers.

3. Be familiar with zirconia oxide and the pros and cons of using this structural ceramic material as a crown and bridge substructure.

4. Be familiar with the new class of cementable all-ceramic restorations, lithium disilicate, and understand how the CAD/CAM milling

process can improve consistency and quality.

PAY BY CREDIT CARD: � VISA � Mastercard

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ThAnk you To our SPonSorS who hAve helPeD To MAke TheSe ProGrAMS AvAilAble To uS.

Supporting Sponsor:Platinum Sponsors:

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3rd Annual

DENTAL APPRECIATION NIGHT

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

Putting together a Dental Appreciation Night group is simple and easy! Start planning today by following these three easy steps: 1. Contact Andrew at the Griffins office to reserve tickets for your group

2. Promote the event through emails, flyers, Facebook, etc. (we have tools to help you promote)

3. After a few weeks, call Andrew to finalize your ticket order

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

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

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

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Andrew Rubinstein at [email protected] or 616.774.4585 ext. 3023.

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here are many challenges when running a dental

practice. Managing cash flow is one of the most criti-

cal. There can be erratic swings in your cash position,

and it’s hard to understand why. When you experience cash

flow problems it can be very stressful. During particularly

challenging times it can even be hard to sleep at night.

Having a simple but sensible cash management system

will provide you with the confidence that you will be able to

handle the financial ups and downs a dental practice will face.

The purpose of a cash management system is to gain knowl-

edge that will give you control and peace of mind.

Based on my 30+ years of consulting with dental practices,

I would like to share the following tips for improving cash

flow:

11. Get help from your computer – There are many finan-

cial reports and cash flow spreadsheets that are easy to

use and provide valuable information. Pick one out that

works for you and implement it into your cash manage-

ment system.

12. Have a good relationship with your banker – Bankers are

very good at handling money. They can provide insight

and solutions. Be open with your banker and you will

receive good feedback.

13. Maintain a cash reserve; if possible, keep some money stashed away – preferably three months of normal oper-

ating expenses. It will give you peace of mind knowing

that if collections drop for a period of time, you still won’t

have to worry about making payroll.

14. Aggressively go after receivables – Have collection poli-

cies and procedures in place and follow them. Set credit

limits for each patient. You earned that money and you

need it, so go get it. Your patients need to respect you as

a business person and know that you are serious about

collecting what’s owed you.

15. Don’t pay bills early (unless there is a benefit) – Pay bills

only when they are due. Not early, not late, just on time.

Hanging on to cash as long as you can keeps that money

working in your practice.

16. Use the bank’s money – At today’s low interest rates, the

careful use of credit often makes good business sense.

Although in theory it would be great to pay for everything

in cash, in reality that’s not always possible or advisable.

17. Use long-term money to purchase long-term assets – Use

installment loans or lease arrangements when making

capital purchases.

18. Invest any excess cash – Don’t let that extra money lie

idle. Sweep accounts are a great way to get a return on

money that otherwise would be just sitting in your check-

ing account.

19. Plan for your retirement contributions and tax payments – Know what is due and when it needs to be paid. Put this

money aside ahead of time so that you have it when you

need it.

10. Work with your accountant – your accountant can help

you set up a cash management system that works for you.

How many of these tips can you utilize in your dental prac-

tice? With the start of a new year, now is the time to address

these issues. Talk to your banker. Talk to your CPA. They are

resources for your practice – use them wisely.

Richard L. Chrisman, CPA, MST is the Managing Shareholder of Hungerford,

Aldrin, Nichols and Carter PC, a Tax, Auditing and Business Consulting firm

with offices in Grand Rapids and Greenville, MI. The firm is celebrating 70 years

of helping local businesses, including many area dental practices.

Improving Cash Flow in your Dental PracticeSubmitted by Richard L. Chrisman, CPA MSTHungerford, Aldrin, Nichols & Carter, PC

F I N A N C I A L N E W S

T



t the WMDDS Holiday Dinner and Awards Night

on December 15, 2011, twenty WMDDS members

were recognized for achieving MDA and ADA

life membership. Qualifications for ADA and MDA Life

Membership are: You must be 65. The year you turn 65

qualifies you for Life Membership for the following mem-

bership year if you have maintained 30 consecutive years

of membership or have 40 total years of membership. The

dentists receiving 2011 life membership and in attendance at

the event were: Dr. Robert Ankerman, Dr. Terrell Brace, Dr.

Allan Caldemeyer, Dr. Stephen Doezema, Dr. Daniel George,

Dr. Arthur Gingrich, Dr. Richard Jeruzal, Dr. Paul Korte, Dr.

Rick Van Sweden, Dr. Bruce Warber, Dr. Bruce Weny, and

Dr. Norm Wilhelmsen. Also receiving life membership but

not attending were: Dr. John Frieswyk, Dr. James Howard,

Dr. Richard Nezwek, Dr. James Ponitz, Dr. Ralph Rader, Dr.

William Roedema, Dr. Bruce Stewart, and Dr. Thomas Tysee.

Dr. Robert C. AnkermanRobert C. Ankerman grew up Wapakoneta, a small town in

Ohio. He attended pre-dental and dental school at Ohio State

University and graduated in 1971. After graduation, Bob

served two years in the U.S. Army Dental Corps, and then

practiced dentistry for three years in the Cincinnati, Ohio

area. In 1976, he relocated to Holland, MI, and purchased a

practice in general dentistry.

Since 1987, Bob has been involved with the Annual Session

Committee for the Michigan Dental Association. In 1988,

his interest in forensic dentistry led him to become involved

with the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and The

American Society of Forensic Odontology. Bob was then

selected for the Forensic Dental Identification Go-Team when

it was established in 1989, led by Dr. Alan Warnick.

Bob and his wife, Peggy, have a blended family of five,

including three married children and four grandchildren.

2011 Life Members Honored

L I F E M E M B E R S

A

Left to right: Dr. Richard Jeruzal, Dr. Bruce Weny, Dr. Bruce Warber, Dr. Norm Wilhelmsen, Dr. Stephen Doezema, Dr. Paul Korte, Dr. Terrell Brace,

Dr. Daniel George, Dr. Arthur Gingrich, Dr. Rick Van Sweden, Dr. Robert Ankerman.


They especially enjoy living in West Michigan with its beau-

tiful lakeshore and lovely changing seasons. Their interests

include scuba diving, ballroom dancing, traveling, biking, and

participating in The Dutch Heritage Show during the annual

Holland Tulip Time Festival.

Dr. Terrell M. BraceDr. Terrell Macey Brace was born and raised in Grand Rapids.

He graduated from East Grand Rapids High School in 1964

and received his AS (Associate in Science) from Grand Rapids

Community College. He received his BS (Bachelor of Science)

degree from Western Michigan University in 1968 and his

DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree from Marquette

University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1972. Following

graduation, he was Director of the Endeavor migrant

dental clinic in Wisconsin. He became a full-time instructor

at Marquette Dental School, teaching pre-clinical and clinical

operative dentistry. In late 1973, he began a private prac-

tice in Grand Rapids and is currently the senior partner of

Associated Family Dentists. For 35 years, he also cared for the

hospitalized and Alzheimer patients at Porter Hills.

Dr. Brace is a member in good standing of the American

Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, West

Michigan District Dental Society, and Kent Country Dental

Society. He has served on several committees for the WMDDS

and as a special envoy to the City of Grand Rapids. In 1998,

he received the Michigan Dental Association’s Public Service

Award. He also updated half of the Boy Scout Merit Badge

book in Dentistry for the United States.

He enjoys travel, snow skiing, automobile restoration and

construction, electronics, photography, and boating.

Dr. Allan CaldemeyerDr. Allan Caldemeyer is a “Hoosier” transplant who gradu-

ated from Ball State University in 1969 and from Indiana

University School of Dentistry in 1973.

Allan was a U.S. Navy dentist stationed at Great Lakes

Naval Training Center, Illinois from 1973 to 1975, and has

had his private dental practice in Grand Rapids from 1975 to

present.

Dr. Caldemeyer served and chaired the WMDDS Standard

of Care Peer Review Committee. He was also on the MDA

Standard of Care Peer Review Committee, and served on

the WMDDS Emergency Care Committee. He has been vol-

unteering at Baxter Dental Clinic for many years, and is a

member of the ADA, MDA, WMDDS, and the KCDS.

Allan and his wife, Bonnie, have been married for 38 years

and have two children, Matt and Mandy. He is a commercial

rated private pilot and enjoys open water Lake Michigan

swimming competitions.

Dr. Stephen DoezemaDr. Stephen Doezema says he would like the thank his lovely

wife, Jane, for putting him through six years of dental and

grad school, and for putting up with him all these years. He

also would like to thank all of his colleagues in West Michigan

District for their friendship, support, and referrals. He has

found the specialty of prosthodontics to be both challeng-

ing and interesting. Because fishing gear and ammunition

are increasingly expensive, he says he has no plans to retire.

Keeping that in mind, he looks forward to your continued

support in the years to come.

Dr. Daniel GeorgeDr. Daniel George graduated from the University of Michigan

Dental School in 1970. He served in the U.S. Air Force before

returning to Michigan, getting his Masters in Orthodontics.

He has practiced Orthodontics in Holland since 1974. He has

been married to Mary, an ASID Interior Designer, for over

42 years and they have three children. Daughter, Cameron is

an orthodontist in practice with her father in Holland. Son,

Chip owns a business in Grand Rapids, and is helping to re-

invent the business climate in Western Michigan. Daughter,

Morgan works in the fashion industry in New York City with

a company whose mission is fighting world poverty through

job creation in fashion manufacturing.

Dr. George has served as a volunteer dentist for the Luke

Society, has been a board member of several community

organizations as well numerous dental societies, including

President of the Michigan Association of Orthodontists and

Michigan Orthodontic Alumni Association. He was inducted

as a Fellow of the American College of Dentist’s this year and

has been a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics

since 1983.




Daniel’s hobbies include extreme adventure world travel,

motorcycle riding throughout all 50 states, bicycling, running,

skiing, boating, and chasing after four grandkids. He also likes

doing clinical research in new orthodontic technology such as

TAD (Temporary Anchorage Devices) to improve the qual-

ity of orthodontic end results. He has lectured extensively,

nationally and internationally, on the clinical use of TAD’s.

Dr. Arthur GingrichDr. Arthur Gingrich came screaming and stomping into this

world on Wednesday August, 21, 1946, and has not stopped

since. He married the love of his life, Margaret Morris, in

February of 1968, and began his working life as an auto

mechanic with a degree from Ferris State College and then

was drafted into the Vietnam War, which ended with the loss

of his leg. Although he did try to do auto work, he chose to

change his career to dentistry after observing his father in law,

Dr. Y. O. Morris, DDS.

Art graduated from the University of Michigan in 1976 and

went into partnership with his father-in-law until Dr. Morris

retired in 1983. Art re-modeled an existing home into a four-

operatory dental office, and then expanded the office again

when his daughter, Margaret, graduated from the University

of Michigan in 2004.

Art has worked at Ferris State University hygiene clinic

and has been an active member of the West Michigan Dental

Study Club. He is a member in good standing with both the

ADA and MDA. He is enjoying his retirement, filling his time

with traveling, some construction, restoring antique cars, and

playing with his grandchildren.

Dr. Richard (Dick) JeruzalSince grade school and high school in Manistee, and then on

to undergrad at Alma College, when asked what he wanted to

be when he grew up, the answer was: dentist. That simple and

that unwaivering. Then in dental school at the University of

Detroit, his course remained steady.

When he graduated in 1972, he moved to Grand Rapids

where he was greeted and mentored by guys like Gene

Bonofiglo, John Stepanovich, and Tom Sommerdyke. Dick

gives special thanks to John, who gave him the opportunity to

work beside him in his practice while growing his own.

The final person he would like to thank is the reason he is

here tonight. Paul Korte and Dick were classmates at U of D.

During the summer following their freshman year, Paul invit-

ed him to spend a weekend with he and his family in Grand

Rapids. Paul did a good job! Dick was already thinking that

Grand Rapids was the place for him to practice, but now he

was thoroughly convinced.

So thanks again, Paul, for all you have done for the dental

community of West Michigan, and thanks for being such a

good friend and colleague to Dick for the last 43 years. Dick is

pleased to be here this evening, but most honored to be here

to show his esteem for Paul and Patty Korte.

Dr. Paul Korte was the evening’s honored Silent Bell

recipient. You can read more about Dr. Korte and his achieve-

ments in this issue of the Bulletin.

Dr. Rick Van SwedenDr. Rick Van Sweden was born and raised in Grand Rapids

and attended Ottawa Hills High School. He did his under-

graduate studies at Western Michigan University and received

his doctorate from Loyola University School of Dentistry in

Chicago.

He set up his private practice in the Ken-O-Sha Professional

Building on Kalamazoo and 32nd Street in 1972 with one

treatment room, one staff member, and no patients. In the

early years of his practice, he was a participant on a Special

Task Force on Membership for the MDA. He also served for

many years on the WMDDS Committees for Fluoridation

and Dental Health Promotion, and Peer Review.

In 1980, along with Drs. Robert Sena and Paul Keck,

they built a building in the Forest Hills area and moved the

practices there. In 1985, he saw a need for providing den-

tistry with extended hours and also provide a way to help

new dental graduates start their careers, so he opened two

additional dental practices; one in Jenison, and the other in

Alpine Township. The Jenison office was purchased by Dr.

Tyler Wolf in 2004, and the Alpine Township office by Dr.

Drew Racek in 2008.

Dr. Van Sweden’s dental career came to an abrupt end

in 2009 when he contracted a rare autoimmune disease,

p-ANCA Positive Vasculitis. This placed him in the hospital

for two-and-a-half months, with five weeks spent in ICU. He

Dental Society, served on and chaired the Dental Ethics

Committee (Peer Review) twice, and finally as Editor of the

West Michigan District Dental Bulletin.

Bruce stayed in the Naval Reserve, retiring in 1994 as a

Captain. He served at various Navy Dental Clinics as well as

providing dental support for the Fleet Marine Force.

Bruce served on both the Liturgy Commission twice and

the Education Commission at St. Anthony of Padua Church.

Bruce has volunteered at Clinica Santa Maria and is now serv-

ing at Health Intervention Services.

Now that Dr. Matt Lieto is taking over his practice, Bruce

and his wife, Mary Jo, who is a social worker at Pine Rest,

hope to eat out – especially in France, Spain, Ireland, San

Francisco, or wherever.

Dr. Norm WilhelmsenDr. Norm Wilhelmsen practiced periodontics in St. Joseph,

Michigan as well as Grand Rapids for many years. Now that

he practices only in Grand Rapids, he has begun going

through the chairs of the Kent County Dental Society. He also

serves on the West Michigan District Dental Society board as

the area rep from Kent County.

Five years ago, at a time when some practitioners might

think of winding down their practice, Norm and his staff took

training in, and invested in, laser surgery. This has dramati-

cally improved their ability to help patients with practically no

pain and little cold sensitivity after surgery. Dr. Wilhelmsen

and his staff are proud of themselves for making the investment

of time and money in the high tech laser surgery approach to

periodontal care.


required one year of rehabilitation. Although it ended his

dental career, he still works in the area of commercial real

estate and venture capital.

Rick and his wife, Ruth, have three married children.

Two boys, Chad and Trent, are both plastics engineers with

Cascade Engineering, and their daughter Kellie is a computer

graphics designer and works for Full Circle, a marketing and

design agency in Grand Rapids. They have five grandchildren.

During the summer, Rick and Ruth spend most of their

time on their sailboat cruising Lake Michigan. He also has

a love of motorcycles and is an active member of Christian

Motorcyclists Association, which is a world organization that

ministers to the unsaved biker community. The month of

February finds them on Fort Myers Beach.

Dr. Bruce WarberDr. Bruce Warber did his undergraduate work in the Honors

College at Michigan State University where he met his wife

of 43 years, Donna. They have three children and two grand-

children. He graduated from the University of Michigan

Dental School in 1971, and is a member of Phi Kappa Phi

and Omicron Kappa Upsilon honor societies. He also has a

Master’s in Business from Aquinas College.

Bruce is a fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and

has completed the Continuum at the L. D. Pankey Institute

for Advanced Dental Education. He was an editor of the West

Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin, and served on the

Dental Education Committee and the MDA Committee on

Dental Care Programs. Over the last 30 years, he has consult-

ed and testified on behalf of dentists in over 180 malpractice

cases. He practices with Drs. Peter Hallas and Mike Palaszek.

Dr. Bruce WenyAfter graduating from the University of Michigan School of

Dentistry in 1973, Bruce went directly to the Navy and served

abroad the U.S.S. Yellowstone, and later at the U.S. Naval

Academy.

Returning to Grand Rapids in 1975, he entered private

practice with his father, Dr. Max Weny, at the Medical Arts

Building in the downtown area.

During the next 36 years, Bruce served on and chaired the

Emergency Care Committee, as an officer in the Kent County



2012 Best Practice in Aging Conference:An Interdisciplinary Approach to Assessment & Care of Older Adults

Topics:Substance Abuse & Mental Health Issues in •Older PatientsHearing Loss & Aging •Oral Health in Dementia •Older Adult Competency Assessment: •When Capacity is Called into Question Health Literacy for Older Adults•Caring for the Caregiver •Diabetes in Older Adults •Transitions in Care•

When:Thursday, April 26 & Friday, April 27, 2012

8:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Location: Postma Center at Pine Rest

300 68th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49501

Registration:Opens February 1, 2012

Cost: $12512 CE’s for dentists & hygienists

(Approval #299090023 State Board of Dentistry)

For more information: http://www.pinerest.org/event-gecm

or contact Jes Gregory at:[email protected]

(616) 258-7431

Meeting Information:

www.pinerest.org

Rolling the Dice on your Insurance?

With our new premium discounts, you’ll be a winner.

Save money with the MDA-endorsed Professional Protector Plan, a name you know and trust. Combine our new premium discounts with the finest coverages and you really can get more for less. In fact, we offer a variety of ways to keep money in your pocket:

• MDA-Member Discounts • Multi-Policy Discounts • Claim-free Credits • Risk Management Credits • Part-Time Discounts

Our professional staff will evaluate your needs and provide the most cost effective solution to protect you and your practice. Call us today… save money tomorrow!

Our Malpractice Coverage is Always a Safe Bet.

Enjoy outstanding service, numerous coverage options and tremendous savings.

(800) 860-2272Online quote form available at:www.mdaprograms.com

Rolling the Dice on your Insurance?

With our new premium discounts, you’ll be a winner.

Save money with the MDA-endorsed Professional Protector Plan, a name you know and trust. Combine our new premium discounts with the finest coverages and you really can get more for less. In fact, we offer a variety of ways to keep money in your pocket:

• MDA-Member Discounts • Multi-Policy Discounts • Claim-free Credits • Risk Management Credits • Part-Time Discounts

Our professional staff will evaluate your needs and provide the most cost effective solution to protect you and your practice. Call us today… save money tomorrow!

Our Malpractice Coverage is Always a Safe Bet.

Enjoy outstanding service, numerous coverage options and tremendous savings.

(800) 860-2272Online quote form available at:www.mdaprograms.com


• Never dip a pacifier in honey or anything sweet before

giving it to your baby.

• Be sure to talk to your dentist about your child’s fluoride

needs. Infants need fluoride to help developing teeth grow

strong and to help prevent cavities.

Your child’s permanent teeth will start to come in about the

age of six or seven years. Since the gums can become sore as

the teeth are coming into place, your baby may be uncom-

fortable and fussy. When this happens, try rubbing the gums

gently with your finger, or giving your baby a cool teething

ring on which to chew. Be sure to talk with your dentist about

other ways to make your child more comfortable as the per-

manent teeth come in.

It is recommended that water, rather than fluoride tooth-

paste, is used until your child is two years old. Once your

child is able to spit, he or she may be able to brush his or her

own teeth by using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste

while you assist. Have the child spit out the toothpaste.

Your child’s permanent teeth will continue to come in

through the teenage years, and possibly even during early

adult years. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste,

and flossing daily will be important habits to adopt. Limiting

snacks and sugary foods and drinks also will go a long way

toward keeping the teeth healthy and cavity free.

Of course, regular checkups with the dentist are essential.

Your dentist can spot problems, such as tooth decay, and

begin treatment before problems become more serious and

costly to treat. Regular checkups also allow for professional

cleanings and fluoride applications that will keep the teeth

strong.

Your dentist may apply dental sealants to the chewing

surfaces of your child’s back teeth to further protect against

decay. These chewing surfaces have deep pits and grooves in

which food and plaque can build up and destroy the enamel

surfaces of the teeth.

Rock your child’s smile by providing them with a well-

balanced diet, limited snacks, ensuring that they brush and

floss, and scheduling regular dental checkups!

he Dentists’ Column appears in The Grand Rapids

Press “Health Section” the first Sunday of every

month with a disclaimer: Brought to you by the 600

members of the West Michigan District Dental Society in

Kent, Ottawa, Ionia, Mecosta and Montcalm counties. West

Michigan District Dental Society dentists are also members of

the Michigan Dental Association.

What better time to think about your child’s dental health

since February is National Children’s Dental Health Month?

The start to a lifelong smile begins as early as six months

after your baby is born, when you may begin to see the first

tooth come in. These first “baby” teeth, or “primary” teeth,

should not be ignored. Even though the baby teeth are even-

tually replaced by permanent adult teeth, it’s important to

care for them. Baby teeth should remain healthy and in place

until they are lost naturally, since they will help your baby

chew and eventually speak, as well as help the jaw develop and

save room for the permanent teeth.

Remember too, that a healthy smile helps children feel

good about themselves and how they look to others. You want

your child’s smile to rock!

The American Dental Association recommends that every

child should visit a dentist by his or her first birthday. This

age-one dental visit will allow you and your child to feel

comfortable in the dental office, and the dentist will check to

see if the teeth are growing properly and look for any other

problems or signs of early tooth decay.

You may be surprised to know that tooth decay is the most

common childhood disease. It is seven times more common

than hay fever and five times more common than asthma. But

there are some easy steps you can take to protect your child’s

teeth:

• Clean your baby’s gums with a moist, soft cloth or piece of

gauze. As soon as the first tooth comes in, start brushing

with a little water on a soft-bristle toothbrush designed

for babies.

• Never put your baby to sleep with anything other than

water in the bottle or sippy cup. Prolonged exposure to

sugary drinks – such as juice, formula, or even milk – can

lead to tooth decay.

T H E G R A N D R A P I D S P R E S S H E A L T H S E C T I O N A R T I C L E

Rock Your Smile for National Children’s Dental Health MonthReprinted from The Grand Rapids Press, February 5, 2012

T

Legislative Breakfast

Friday, April 27, 20128:00 am to 9:30 am

Holiday Inn – Downtown Grand Rapids310 Pearl Street NW

Free Parking

Please mark your calendar and make plans now to attend the WMDDS Legislative Breakfast.

This is an important opportunity for you to meet your local legislators and express your views and concerns

on the issues that affect dentistry. Please make every effort to attend. Dentistry’s voice needs to be heard.

To reserve your place, please complete and return the attached form by April 18, 2012.

Name

Email address

Breakfast Buffet will be served starting at 8:00 am

Cost: $16 per person

Please make check payable to: West Michigan District Dental Society

Return by April 18, 2012 to:

West Michigan District Dental Society

161 Ottawa Avenue NW Suite 511-F

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Questions? Contact Elaine Fleming

616.234.5605 | [email protected]

or

Dr. Steve Dater, WMDDS Legislative Chairperson

616.866.0869 | [email protected]


T E C H N I C A L L Y S P E A K I N G

n each WMDDS Bulletin, I will be fielding your questions about technology, its place in the dental practice, and beyond. Send your questions to [email protected] and I’ll answer them on my blog, facebook, and in

each Bulletin. Here’s a topic that many of you have ques-tioned.

What are my options for going paperless?This is a good question, because going paperless means something different to everyone. To some it means having absolutely no paper present in the practice, while to others it means utilizing one component of a paperless practice, such as digital charting.

The focus of this article is to explore actual methods and products that can assist you in becoming paperless in the vari-ous areas of your practice. At each stage of a patient visit there are opportunities to be paperless. These are explored below. This article is also published at ddsintegration.com/blog with links to all products discussed below.

PRE-APPOINTMENTAppointment reminders

• YAPI – Program for sending text, email, or snail mail reminders.

• Demand Force – Subscription service for marketing cam-paigns, text, and email reminders.

• Tlink – Subscription service for text, email, voicemail (housecalls) reminders.

• Sesame – Subscription service for text, email, voicemail (Sesame Voice) reminders. Patient login for bill pay, appointment viewing.

• Practice Management – Many Practice Management com-panies are now offering a component for appointment reminders (Dentrix eCentral & Eaglesoft eReminders).

Health history• Put patient forms on your website. Patients can print and

fill them out ahead of time to bring to their appointment. Your staff scans the document.

• Dentforms – Subscription service for full-fledged online and in-practice patient forms.– At home: Patients can fill out their health history online.

The final step, signing the document, can be done quickly at your office using a signature pad or tablet device.

– At the office: If a patient hasn’t filled out their health history online (not all of them will), they can fill it out and sign it on a laptop, computer, or tablet.

– Forms are stored on your server.– Customize your own forms.

• Practice Management – Many practice management com-panies are now offering a component for online patient forms (Dentrix eCentral).

PATIENT CHECK INHealth history

• Dentforms, as mentioned above.• YAPI – offers similar options as Dentforms but without an

online form option. iPad integration.• Dentrix Kiosk – similar to YAPI but specifically for Dentrix

clients.• iPad or other tablet standalone – Using an app such as

Notify for iPad or Forms Central for Android, patients can fill out forms using a stylus.

Insurance card• DocketPort 687. This little scanner will digitize both sides

of an insurance card or drivers license in one quick scan. Less than ten seconds per card.

PATIENT TREATMENTTreatment planning

• Using digital x-rays and clinical images, you can treatment plan with your patients on either a traditional computer or iPad/tablet device.

Digital x-ray/imaging capture• There are numerous options including Dexis, Schick,

Acclaim, Kodak.

Tech Q & ASubmitted by Greg Feutz, President, DDS Integration

Greg Feutz is President of

DDS Integration, a

Grand Rapids based dental

technology company.

I


T E C H N I C A L L Y S P E A K I N G

Electronic charting• Just about every practice management system has an

electronic charting module.

Paper charts and film x-rays from other offices• Microtek ScanMaker i800 Plus (LED) – Scans x-rays as

well as paper documents.• A nice digital camera (which you probably already have)

and a lightbox. Keep the camera on a tripod facing the lightbox to quickly and easily snap photos of your x-ray films.

• As an added bonus, use an Eye-Fi card so you never have to attach the camera to your computer. The Eye-Fi wirelessly sends images to your computer.

PATIENT WALKOUTWalkout statements, billing receipts, clinical images

• Offer to email to patients.

It’s up to you to decide what area or areas of your practice could use a paperless makeover, and with the options above there is surely something to make it happen. Keep in mind your staff’s ability to take on new technology. Be prepared for a temporary learning curve and make sure your IT folks are on speed dial.

What are your thoughts?Comment on our blog or facebook article. We’d love to hear your opinions on The Paperless Practice or any other topic.Facebook: facebook.com/ddsintegrationBlog: ddsintegration.com/blog

Member FDIC

LocationsCascade Rd at Spaulding - SE

Northland Dr at Plainfi eld - NE

Monroe Ave at Louis - DowntownWilson Ave at 56th - SW

(616) 956-9030foundersbt.com

Born here.

Staying here.Growing here.

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


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

General Dentist Seeking Associate Position in Grand Rapids area – General dentist residing in the Grand Rapids area is seeking an associate position for 1-2 days per week in the Grand Rapids and surrounding area. If you are looking for an associate for your practice, please call 616.975.2870. REF # GR Associate.

Office Space for Lease – Up to 6900 S.F. available; will divide. Basement storage available. Newer class A building. Great visibility! Located at 1151 East Paris Ave SE (across from Bonefish Grill). Owner occupied. Call Dr. Sam Bander 616.949.5980 or e-mail [email protected]. Visit www.drsambander.com to take a look.

Dental Office for Lease – Time to move up? Busy northeast area dental suite at 1750 Grand Ridge Ct. NE, 3295 SF, ten-year old modern dental office available. 3 pvt ops, 4 chair bay area, plumbed for nitrous, air, water, power and vacuum, lab, x-ray, staff area, pvt. office, reception, storage available. Former pedo practice obtainable Jan. 1st 2011. Contact Dr. John Monticello 616.364.1700 or [email protected]

Associate Position/Practice for Sale Wanted: General dentist with 13 years

experience looking for a place to practice in the Grand Rapids and surrounding east areas. Open to all options. Please email to [email protected].

Northwest Michigan – Modern fee-for-service, general dental office averaging over $600K/yr with solid net on 3.5 days/wk. Beautiful Lake Michigan resort town. Digital Radiology and laser included. Building with recent remodel also available. Call Phil Stark 888.477.7325 or visit www.peakdental.com

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

Current student at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry – graduating May 2011, looking for full-time or part-time position in a private practice as an associate in the Grand Rapids and surrounding areas. Please contact 954.562.1122 or [email protected].

Associate position wanted – Newly graduated dentist from UDM looking for full time position as an associate of progressive dental practice in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas. Please call 616.617.9725 or email [email protected].

General Dentist – Looking to pur-chase a practice along the lakeshore (Grand Haven, Holland, Saugatuck area) or Grand Rapids area. Please contact [email protected].

C L A S S I F I E D A D S

The classified ad rate is $10.00 up to and including 30 words; additional words 15¢ each. Space permitting, WMDDS members may

place ads free of charge as a membership service. Ads should be submitted in writing and sent with payment to Elaine Fleming,

WMDDS, 511-F Waters Building, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Telephone numbers and hyphenations count as two words, abbrevia-

tions count as one word. Ads received after the first of the month prior to publication may appear in the following issue.

Dental Office for Lease – Why spend $250,000 in dental build-out costs? Beautiful dental suite is now available for lease in Class A contemporary three-story brick and glass building located off of East Beltline Avenue in Grand Rapids Township. This ten-year old modern dental office includes 3 private ops, 4 chair open bay area, is plumbed for nitrous, air, water, power, CAT-5, vacuum, wet/dry lab and x-ray. The building is a contemporary 3 level with ample parking, 4 bathrooms, staff lunch area, private doctor’s office with restroom and shower, reception desk for check-in and out, and has a heated storage area if needed. Immediate oc-cupancy. $16.25 per square foot, triple net. Please contact Scott Morgan at Colliers International at 616.292.3455 to schedule your visit.

For Sale – Sirona Cerec 3D Acquisition unit 3.8 updated software, MCXL Mill-ing Machine with wireless interface. Excellent used condition. Less than 100 units milled. Transfer owner with Patterson, includes vita blocks and wall mount block board, $40,000/obo.Other used dental equipment for sale: 2 Royal and 3 Dental Eze chairs, 5 Pelton Crane pole mounted chair lights, 2 Adec and 2 Marus dental units, 1 Biotec unit, 1 Panorex J Morita Versa View, 5 ceiling mount arms and 3 wall mount arms for computer mon-itors, 1 Porter portable nitrous delivery system, 1 Aribex Nomad Handheld X-ray. Please call for more info, prices, or photos 616.634.0605.

Dental Office for Lease – with imme-diate availability. Near the “medical mile” on primary road with high traffic


C L A S S I F I E D A D S

count and super visibility. Has been a dental office for over 40 years. Very good lease terms/rates. Would make awesome start-up or satellite. For more info, email [email protected].

General Dental Practice in Grand Rapids Area – Established practice with gross receipts in excess of $600,000 with a healthy recall pro-gram, paperless office, 6 fully equipped operatories. For additional informa-tion please call 616.975.2870 or email [email protected].

For Sale – Panoramic Corporation PC-1000. Works great, but is not making the move to our new office. $1000 OBO. Please email [email protected] if interested.

Lost and FoundIf you attended the WMDDS Holiday Dinner and

Awards Night at Cascade Country Club on December

15th and you’ve discovered you have a coat that doesn’t

fit quite right, Dr. Korte’s coat is missing. His dark grey,

Joseph A. Banks size 44-46 mid-calf length coat has

turned into a size 40 coat of the same description. If

you have the wrong coat, please contact Elaine Fleming

at 616.234.5605 or Dr. Korte at 949.3516.

The Bulletin wishes to thank our valued

advertisers who support organized

dentistry by helping to defray the cost

of printing and mailing.

Advertising in the Bulletin is seen

by over 90% of the dentists in the

West Michigan District. This includes

five of the fastest growing counties

in the state: Kent, Ottawa, Ionia,

Montcalm and Mecosta.

For information on advertising rates,

call Elaine Fleming, WMDDS Executive

Secretary at 234-5605. Target your Market

– advertise in the Bulletin!

DDS Integration .... outside back cover

Davis Dental

Laboratory ............... inside front cover

Founders Bank & Trust ....................29

Great Lakes Financial Insurance ......32

Henry Schein ............inside back cover

Hungerford, Aldrin, Nichols &

Carter, PC ..........................................12

MDA IFG ...........................................25

PNC Bank ..........................................15

Professional Solutions ......................16

A D V E R T I S E R I N D E X


W M D D S M E M B E R S P O T L I G H T

West Michigan District Dental Society member, Dr. Chris Smiley, will be writing a monthly column in the MDA

Journal on dental benefits, entitled “For Your Benefit.”

The column will answer many of the commonly asked

questions about dental benefit plans and will keep mem-

bers informed of the latest changes in the dental benefit

marketplace. Chris is the immediate past chair of the ADA

Council on Dental Benefit Programs, and a consultant to

the council. He is also a member of the MDA’s Committee

on Government and Insurance Affairs. Email your questions to Dr. Smiley at

[email protected]. We look forward to your columns, Dr. Smiley!

Check it OutCheck out the Michigan Dental Association’s YouTube video featuring Dr. Reggie Vander Veen, who discusses “The Top 10 Reasons Why Associateships Fail.”

http://www.youtube.com/user/MichDentists.

2012 MDA Award RecipientsDr. Seth Vruggink has been selected to receive the 2012 Matt Uday New Dentist

Leadership Award, which recognizes a new dentist that has demonstrated leader-

ship qualities of such a substantial nature that they serve as a model for other new

dentists. Dr. Scott Hodges has been selected to receive the 2012 MDA Public Service

Award for his many years of providing volunteer dental services locally and abroad.

This award recognizes exceptional contributions to the public and the dental profes-

sion in the field of dental health. It’s purpose is to not only recognize contributions,

but also to stimulate further service by others. The awards will be presented at the

2012 MDA Annual Session in Lansing in April. Congratulations Dr. Vruggink and

Dr. Hodges!

New Dentist Forum Social EventFriday, March 2, 2012

Bar Divani

15 Ionia SW

Downtown Grand Rapids

Spouses/significant others

welcomed and encouraged

Sponsored by MaryBeth Dryer,

Biohorizons Implants

No charge to those attending

Event starts at 8pm

RSVP to Dr. Jake Lueder at

616.855.4070

New Dentist Forum Meeting March 28, 2012

Pietro’s, 2780 Birchcrest SE

6:00 pm

Speaker: Scott McMillen

Sponsored by Lynn Jazdzyk from

Dental Arts Laboratory

WEST MICHIGAN DENTAL SOCIETY

511-F Waters Building

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDGRAND RAPIDS, MI

PERMIT # 657

Documents

2012 WMDDS Winter Bulletin