EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S 2020 Year in Review

January/February 2021 Journal of the Georgia Dental Association

E XECU T I V E D I R EC TO R ’S

2020 Year in Review

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First!

15-18JUL

EARLY BIRD PRICING

REGISTER ATGDAconvention.com

2021SUMMER

Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island

WE'LL SEE YOU AT THE BEACH!

Choose from 40 hours of CEReceptions, social andnetworking eventsSporting events and fun on thebeachFamily activitiesExhibit hallSaturday night celebration

ENDS

JUNE

1

ConventionEXPO

GDACONTENTS

12 2020 IN REVIEW A Report from the Executive Director

26 CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH A Poster for Your Office

28 GDA 2021–2025 STRATEGIC PLAN

30 PRESIDENTIAL INITIATIVES Progress Report

32 2021 GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS PREVIEW

38 UPCOMING CE Courses for You and Your Team

40 GEORGIA DENTAL INSURANCE SERVICES Insurance Checkup

44 MARKETING Who is Your Ideal Patient?

January/February 2021 • Volume 40 • No. 1

features

in every issue 5 CONTACT GDA STAFF

6 EDITORIAL

7 FROM THE GC DESK

46 MEMBER PROFILE

48 CLASSIFIEDS

departments 8 THE PRACTICE

Unit or Spoon It

9 FINDING SUCCESS To Fast or Not to Fast

11 SEEN & HEARD GDA Members Making News and News for GDA Members

Gold Dome Society Member ($500)Capitol Column Member ($310)Franklin Club Member ($210)

GDAPAC Member ($135)

Back thePAC

GDA is one of the strongest organizations under the Gold Dome because of the support of our members.

The Georgia Dental Political Action Committee supports dental- and patient-friendly candidates regardless of party affiliation.

CHOOSE YOUR LEVEL TODAY

CONTRIBUTIONS CAN BE MADE ONLINE AT

GADENTAL.ORG/GDAPAC


Gold Dome Society Member ($500)Capitol Column Member ($310)Franklin Club Member ($210)


Back thePAC





GADENTAL.ORG/GDAPACGold Dome Society Member ($500)

Capitol Column Member ($310)Franklin Club Member ($210)


Back thePAC





GADENTAL.ORG/GDAPAC

The Georgia Dental Association Political Action Committee supports dental- and dental-friendly candidates regardless of party affiliations.

4 • January/February 2021

GDA ACTION (ISSN 0273-5989) The official Journal of the Georgia Dental Association is published 8 times per year.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to GDA Action 7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NE Suite 200 Building 17 Atlanta, GA 30328

Dr. Jamie Mitchell GDA Editor 458 W Washington St Monticello, GA 31064 [email protected]

Dr. Annette Rainge GDA President 2139 Lumpkin Rd Augusta, GA 30906 [email protected]

Ms. Carol Galbreath, APR GDA Executive Editor 7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NE Suite 200 Building 17 Atlanta, GA 30328 [email protected]

Ms. Megan Capaldo Section Editor 7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NE Suite 200 Building 17 Atlanta, GA 303238 [email protected]

GDA ACTION seeks to be an issues-driven journal focusing on current matters affecting Georgia dentists and patients accomplished by disseminating information and providing a forum for commentary.

Closing date for all editorial and advertising materials: Six weeks prior to publication.

Subscriptions: $17 of GDA membership dues is for the Journal; all others, $75 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Jefferson City, MO and additional mailing offices.

© Copyright 2021 by the Georgia Dental Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. Publication of any article or advertisement should not be deemed an endorsement of the opinions expressed or products advertised. The GDA expressly reserves the right to refuse publication of any article, photograph, or advertisement, and illustrate, reduce, or revise any article submitted.

Leveling the playing fieldAllow our team of expert negotiators to help you achieve the most favorableterms on your next lease or purchase.

January/February 2021 • 5

REACHUSGEORGIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NESuite 200 Building 17, Atlanta, GA 30328-1655Toll Free Phone: 800.432.4357Metro Atlanta Phone: 404.636.7553GDA Fax: 404.633.3943GDIS Phone: 770.395.0224 GDIS Fax: 404.634.6099

Classified Advertising gadental.org/advertise

Community Outreach, Newsletter Megan Capaldo, x-101 [email protected]

Education/ GDA Convention & Expo Scott Piper, x-128 [email protected]

Government Affairs Scott Lofranco, x-103 [email protected]

Insurance Services Business & Personal

Michele Amatuli 770.395.0224 [email protected]

Health/Medicare Supplements Christy Biddy 770.395.0224 [email protected]

Letters to the Editor, Public Relations, Website/Social Media Carol Galbreath, x-119 [email protected]

Medicaid/PeachCare, Third Party Help Scott Lofranco, x-103 [email protected]

Membership Katherine Torbush, x-126 [email protected]

UPCOMINGEVENTS Visit gadental.org/events for the full GDA calendar.

Frank J. Capaldo, Executive Directorx-102 or [email protected]

Jeannie Watson, Executive Assistantx-108 or [email protected]

SAVE THE DATE

REGISTRATION OPENS late February at GDAconvention.com

JULY 15–18

SUMMER 2021The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

Find your free Children’s Dental Health Month poster on pages 26–27

NATURE’S DRINK

WATER

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Visit ADA.org/NCDHM2021 for more activity sheets.

HEALTHY SMILE TIPS

SPONSORS

© 2020 AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

• Brushyourteethtwiceadaywithafluoridetoothpaste.

• Cleanbetweenyourteethdaily.

• Eatahealthydietthatlimitssugarybeveragesandsnacks.

• Seeyourdentistregularlyforpreventionandtreatmentoforaldisease.

Member names on pages 28 and 29 of the Nov./Dec. 2020 issue should have read:

» Dr. Charles and Quynh Spicer

» Dr. Kim Capehart

» Dr. Sarah Boyles

CORRECTION


Bridges were conceived out of the necessity to span a physical obstacle such as a body of water, valley, road, or harsh territory. Simply put, they allow us significantly easier passage from one point to another. Bridges have been around from the earliest of days and come in many forms and functions. It can be a naturally occurring fallen log over a creek, a mega structure that pushes the envelope of man and materials, and everything imaginable in between. The Romans, known for their architectural prowess, invented the “Roman Arch Bridge” in 100 B.C. to evenly distribute the load and stresses of the bridge. The Arkadiko Bridge, also known as the Kazarmo Bridge, is a Mycenaean bridge on the Greecian peninsula of Peloponnese which dates back to the Greek Bronze Age. It opened circa 1300–1190 B.C. and is one of the oldest arch bridges still in existence and use today. More common to our profession, bridges are used to replace missing teeth by utilizing natural tooth/root structure or manmade implants with abutments as anchors in order to close an edentulous span. Bridges can also be used metaphorically to join different groups to common ground.

The Georgia Dental Association has been blessed with outstanding leadership for as far back as I can remember and this year is no exception. Every year new officers roll in bringing fresh ideas and goals. Goals don’t just happen. They require forethought and a strategic plan in order to be achieved. As every GDA president ascends to the office following elections, they enter with a theme for their term. We are fortunate to have Dr. Annette Rainge as the 152nd president of the GDA for the 2020–2021 year as she brings her theme of “Bridging the Gap: Common Ground.” Her focus is finding areas that all of us as Georgia dentists can endorse in order to not only unite us, but solidify us to our profession by “increasing member value.” The base for her initiative is the simple common thread we all share; “we are all dentists, when we wake up we are dentists, when we go to work we are dentists, when we go home we are dentists.”

As a collective whole, the GDA represents dentists of all career stages. We are constantly striving to meet the needs of dentists from recent graduates to retirees; from private practice individuals to group or corporate practitioners. We need to create initiatives that will allow us to represent every district from the smallest to the largest and bring all dentists under one umbrella. This may even require thoughts of redistricting our state to accomplish this goal.

Over the past four years, our organization has done a terrific job of growing membership with kudos going to GDA Membership Staff and Membership Committee. But this is no time to rest on our laurels or pump the brakes! We need to continue to identify non-members and engage them at both the district and personal levels. We need to boldly ask what obstacles they are facing and what additional services we may need to consider in order to expand our membership and member experiences. Dr. Rainge has challenged each of us to choose at least four non-member and/or non active members and make a connection. Bridge the gap by calling, texting, or sending them a letter. Even better still, invite them to dinner or meet up at the nearest watering hole for a beverage of choice.

No matter how simple or complex a bridge is, the process is as follows: 1. Break ground, 2. Compact the soil, 3. Pour abutments, 4. Place girders and add decking, 5. Install railing, 6. Paint and decorate, and 7. Test. We can use these same principles and apply them to building the bridges of our profession. We need to break ground by reaching out to uninvolved fellow practitioners. We need to solidify and girder our relationships with them through sustained contact and fellowship. As these relationships strengthen and grow, we need to recognize those individuals that will become our future leaders, and prepare them for the tests which they will face. As Dr. Doug Torbush said in his theme as GDA President, we need to “invest time” in our future and future leaders. So grab your pick and shovel (phone and calendar) and get busy building bridges to “common ground!”

“Goals don’t just happen. They require

forethought and a strategic plan in order to be

achieved.”

DR. JAMIE MITCHELLGDA EditorPhone [email protected]

BRIDGING THE GAP: FINDING COMMON GROUND


FROM THE GC’S DESK

SCOTT LOFRANCO GDA General Counsel & VP of Government Affairs

Q&&A

O.C.G.A. § 43-11-17(a)(7) states as follows: ‘(a) Except as expressly provided in this

chapter, any person who performs any of the following procedures, operations, or services shall be regarded as practicing dentistry within the meaning of this chapter:

(7) Undertakes to do or perform any physical evaluation of a patient in his or her office or in a hospital, clinic, or other medical or dental facility prior to, incident to, and appropriate to the performance of any dental services or oral or maxillofacial surgery;’

Practitioners are not required to offer testing, however if testing is made available to patients, then all testing and reporting requirements must be adhered to. If a practitioner is using an FDA approved, CLIA waived, Point-of-Care test, then a CLIA wavier is required. If a practitioner is collecting a sample and sending it out to a licensed laboratory for testing, then a CLIA waiver is not required. Below are links to several CDC webpages that provide more detailed information on COVID-19 testing and the requirements.”

To view the announcement in its entirety, please visit: https://gbd.georgia.gov/press-releases/2020-12-08/board-opinion-covid-19-testing.

To assist members in understanding the CLIA waiver process, the ADA also put together a great, easy to use toolkit, which can be downloaded here: www.ada.org/en/publications/ada-news/2020-archive/october/new-ada-toolkit-offers-guidance-for-providing-covid-19-testing-in-dental-practices.Please note that at the time of this writing, the BOD has not determined whether dentists may delegate this duty to their staff.

Is the Georgia Board of Dentistry still requiring Georgia-licensed dentists to take 50% (20 hours) of live, in-person CE for the 2020-2021 renewal cycle? No; at its November and December meetings, the BOD modified its rule on CE rule by issuing the following statement:

“Due to the impact of COVID-19, the Board of Dentistry has elected to adopt this temporary continuing education policy for the 2020-2021 biennium only. Board Rules 150-3-.09 and 150-5-.05 still apply, however, in lieu of the 50% of credit hours that are required to be “in person at an on-site course or seminar,” the Board

will accept ‘live, instructor-led virtual courses or seminars.’

Please be aware that pre-recorded courses, replay courses, and courses classified as self-instruction do not qualify as live, instructor-led virtual courses or seminars and will not be accepted for the credit hours required to be on-site.”Additional Update: At its December meeting, the BOD agreed to modify the foregoing policy to count replays of recorded live courses, as long as the instructor/presenter is available during the replay to answer questions from viewers in real-time. However, this additional modification has not been posted at the time of this writing.

Are Georgia dentists and their staff going to be prioritized as healthcare providers for the purpose of being eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine? Yes; at the time of this writing the GDA’s Government Affairs Team has been in communications with Gov. Kemp’s staff and the Georgia Department of Public Health (“DPH”) regarding this issue since the release of the recommendations issued by the national Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (“ACIP”). ACIP’s initial guidance prioritizes healthcare workers, residents/staff of long-term care facilities, and the elderly and medically-fragile. In response to an official petition submitted by the GDA to Gov. Kemp and DCH, the Government Affairs Team confirmed that dentists and allied dental personnel are included as healthcare workers in Georgia’s vaccine distribution plan.

However, please be advised that initial supplies of the vaccine are limited and will likely be prioritized based on COVID-19 infection rates in specific areas/communities. Moreover, at the time of this writing, Georgia officials are still in the process of finalizing the state’s distribution plan.

To assist with the GDA’s ongoing discussions with state officials, please DO NOT contact Gov. Kemp or DPH requesting access to the vaccine. The GDA will provide updated information to members and the dental community as the information becomes available. If you have any questions about the information in this column, please email [email protected] or call the GDA office at 404.636.7553.

THE FOREGOING IS NOT INTENDED TO BE LEGAL ADVICE AND IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU CONSULT WITH A GEORGIA LICENSED ATTORNEY BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH ANY COURSE OF ACTION.

[UPDATE] Are Georgia licensed dentists currently permitted to administer point-of-care (“POC”) tests to screen patients and employees for COVID-19? Yes; at its November 2020 meeting, the Georgia Board of Dentistry (“BOD”), with information provided by the GDA at the request of the BOD, opined that administering POC COVID-19 tests fall within the scope of practice of dentistry in Georgia. On December 8, the BOD posted the following announcement on its website:

“Board Opinion on COVID-19 Testing:At the November 6, 2020 Board of

Dentistry meeting, the Board discussed dentists, as healthcare practitioners, performing COVID-19 testing in office. The Board is of the opinion that COVID-19 testing does fall within the scope of practice for a dentist.


THEPRACTICE Tools and tips to help you manage your business.

UNIT ORSPOON IT?By Paul Casamassimo, DDS, MS

The COVID-19 viral pandemic has brought infection control front and center in dental practice. Most attention has been with viral transmission through contact and aerosol in our dental world; but in the public sector, the longevity of virus contamination on various surfaces has been a concern and hand and surface cleansing have partnered with social distancing in efforts to control spread. In dental practice, surface disinfection is a standard protocol, but an area that has gained less attention has been dental material packaging, distribution, and handling. This brief article talks about how we use, disinfect, and minimize cross-contamination of dental materials.

Some dentists continue to use materials dispensed from bulk stores. The obvious benefit is cost-savings. Use of bulk materials is on an as-needed basis at point of use, or in increments prepared ahead of time and packaged by staff for use when needed. Hopefully, the practice of replacing dispensed, but unused, bulk materials is not common, if done at all, due to the risk of wider contamination. Yet, bulk use can still have contamination risks all along the use chain. The first risk is with the material container itself. We may naively believe that suppliers clean and sterilize containers and packaging, but that is not always true. In a small study I did several years ago, almost half of bulk packaging yielded pathogens. As we have learned with COVID-19, the supply chain offers ample opportunity to add contamination even if supplies leave the manufacturer in a clean state. Dispensing in the office requires strict attention to surfaces, instruments, personnel barriers, sterile receptacles, and storage. Expiration of self-packaged materials, and insurance of packaging barrier effectiveness add to the challenges. Unless a practice can assure all of these, there is the assumption of contamination and possible transmission of infectious agents.

Unit dosing is growing in acceptance in routine dental care, for obvious reasons of convenience and greater assurance of contamination control. The downsides are cost and waste, and if you are environmentally conscious, addition of still more plastic to our environment. Even unit dosing has its risks if not done properly. Some unit dosing is not really “unitized” and is really just packaging for easy dosing for multiple patients. Some

unit dosing still requires decontamination prior to use. Don’t assume that a dispenser in a plastic container is sterile, unless so stated. Unit dosing often also has expiration dates, which need to be accounted for in storage and utilization. Cleaning and disinfecting can be challenging; by definition, unit dosing means

“one-and-done” and most are not meant for reuse. Dentists may want to salvage remaining material and use what’s left for another patient, but in an absolute sense, that isn’t intended. The recent furor over aerosol in the COVID-19 crisis suggests that if material is to be saved for later use, rigorous decontamination and preferably separation from the active treatment area be in place, which may not be possible for all materials. A best practice has to be to ‘choose and use’ only single use, single patient materials. While manufacturers may claim that post-treatment disinfection is possible, it is technique sensitive and effectiveness can’t be assured.

As a result of the pandemic, we may be required to adhere in the future to a medical-surgical standard for cleanliness that includes mandated one-use products and the era of bulk-dispensing may end. My advice to dentists reading this is to begin a thoughtful process of introducing unit-dose materials into your practice and analyzing what it means from a safety, efficiency, and cost standpoint. The question of tighter control over potential transmission of minor and major infectious diseases inadvertently via vectors known to be controllable, is one of when not if, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Paul Casamassimo, DDS, MS AAPD [email protected]


FINDINGSUCCESS Helping you achieve personal and professional growth.

To Fast or Not to Fast

What you eat matters. Many studies have shown that the types of food you eat affect your health. But what about the timing? Scientists are just beginning to understand that when you eat may also make a difference.

Throughout history, people have experienced periods when food was either scarce or completely lacking, says Dr. Valter Longo, an NIH-funded longevity researcher at the University of Southern California. “So, they were forced to fast,” he says.

But current technology—like refrigeration, transportation, and electric lighting—have made food more readily available.

“This has shifted our eating patterns,” explains Dr. Vicki Catenacci, a nutrition researcher at the University of Colorado.

“People now eat, on average, throughout a 14-hour period each day.”

Studies suggest that this constant food intake may lead to health problems. Researchers have started looking at whether fasting can have potential benefits for some people.

Going Without FoodFasting diets mainly focus on the timing of when you can eat. There are many different fasting diets, sometimes called

“intermittent fasting.”

In time-restricted feeding, you eat every day but only during a limited number of hours. So, you may only eat between a six- to eight-hour window each day. For example, you might eat breakfast and lunch, but skip dinner. In alternate-day fasting, you eat every other day and no or few calories on the days in between. Another type restricts calories during the week but not on weekends.

But scientists don’t know much about what happens to your body when you fast. Most research has been done in cells and animals in the lab. That work has provided early clues as to how periods without food might affect the body.

In some animals, certain fasting diets seem to protect against diabetes, heart disease, and cognitive decline. Fasting has even slowed the aging process and protected against cancer in some experiments.

“In mice, we’ve seen that one of the effects of fasting is to kill damaged cells, and then turn on stem cells,” explains Longo. Damaged cells can speed up aging and lead to cancer if they’re not destroyed. When stem cells are turned on, new healthy cells can replace the damaged cells.

Now, studies are starting to look at what happens in people, too. Early results have found that some types of fasting may have positive effects on aspects of health

like blood sugar control, blood pressure, and inflammation. But fasting can also cause weight loss. So researchers are studying whether the beneficial changes seen in the body are side effects of the weight loss or the fasting process itself.

Body ChangesFor many people, the main reason to try fasting is to lose weight. Currently, most people try to lose weight by restricting how many calories they eat each day.

“That doesn’t work for everyone,” Catenacci explains. “It takes a lot of focus. It takes a lot of math, and a lot of willpower.”

One of Catenacci’s studies showed that, over a two-month period, adults who were overweight or obese were equally likely to lose about 15 pounds when they either completely fasted every other day or restricted their calories every day.

“For some people, restricting calories every day may be the best approach. For others, it might be easier to not have to count calories every day and use an intermittent fasting strategy for weight loss,” says Catenacci. “The best diet for any given person is the one that they can adhere to. I don’t think weight loss is a one-size-fits-all approach.”

Now her research team is running a similar study to compare how much weight participants lose with fasting »

Does When You Eat Matter?


versus calorie restriction, but over a one-year period. They’re also testing whether adding a small meal on fasting days will make it easier to stick to as a longer-term weight loss strategy.

But are the benefits from fasting all due to weight loss or is there something more to it? “There’s a lot of debate about whether the benefits of intermittent fasting are due to the extended fasting period itself,” says Dr. Courtney Peterson, an NIH-funded nutrition researcher at the University of Alabama.

To understand this better, Peterson did a study in pre-diabetic men. It was designed so the volunteers would not lose weight. The men ate an early time-restricted feeding diet for five weeks. They could eat only between 8 am to 2 pm. They then fasted for the next 18 hours. Next, they ate the same amount of food but only during a 12-hour period per day for five weeks. None of the men lost weight.

The longer fasting period alone made a difference. “The early time-restricted

diet improved their blood sugar control,” Peterson says. “And we found a blood pressure lowering effect equivalent to what you see with a blood pressure medication.”

These findings suggest that an extended fast or the timing of when you eat—even when it doesn’t affect your weight—can bring health benefits for some people.

Should You Fast?Fasting may bring health benefits, but Longo cautions that there’s still a lot we don’t know. For some, fasting may cause problems. For example, studies have found that people who regularly fast more than 16 or 18 hours a day have a higher risk of gallstones. They’re also more likely to need surgery to remove the gallbladder.

Eating for 12 hours and then fasting for 12 hours is likely safe for most people, Longo explains. “That pattern of eating is very common among people who have record lifespans,” he says. “It seems to match both science and tradition.”

Longo and his team are also looking at fasting-mimicking diets, which they hope will be safer and easier to follow than completely fasting. They designed a five-day, monthly fasting-mimicking diet that allows some food, but is low in calories. They tested the diet for three months in a recent study. Those who stayed on the diet lost weight and showed decreases in age-related disease risk factors.

But he and other experts caution against people trying fasting diets that are not based on research. If you’re considering fasting, talk with your health care provider first. People with certain health conditions or who are taking certain medications should not try fasting at all.

Even if you fast sometimes, you still need to make healthy food choices overall, Peterson explains. “It looks like when you eat matters a lot, but what you eat probably matters more.”

Reprinted with permission, NIH News in Health, https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2019/12/fast-or-not-fast

FASTINGContinued from page 9


SEEN&HEARD Members making news and news for GDA members.

Dr. Chris Deleon Honored as Emerging LeaderCongratulations to GDA member Dr. Chris DeLeon on receiving the Southern Association of Orthodontists’ Sharon Hunt Emerging Leader Award! The award was established to honor an emerging leader who has significantly advanced the mission of the SAO, Component Organizations and/or the AAO.

WellCare of Georgia Medicaid Notification of Plan Termination for Avēsis WellCare of Georgia Medicaid Network ProvidersAs of January 1, 2021, Avēsis is no longer the administrator of dental benefits for WellCare of Georgia, due to the WellCare and Centene/Peach State merger. Avēsis continues to process claims for eligible members for dates of service on or prior to December 31, 2020.

February is National Children’s Dental Health MonthJoin us in promoting the benefits of good oral health to children and their caregivers during National Children’s Dental Health Month this February. Participating in Children’s Dental Health Month helps establish attitudes and behaviors for children at an early age that will be critical in maintaining good oral health throughout their lives. Posters, activity sheets, and a planning guide can be found online ada.org/ncdhm.

GDA Members Collect 500+ Pounds of CandyGDA members, Dr. Praveen Gudipati of Cumming Dental Smiles and Dr. Sheila Shah of MaconSmiles dental office participated in the annual Halloween Candy Buy Back Program this year. Together they collected over 500 pounds of candy. The Halloween Buy Back Program is a program that encourages kids around America to donate their Halloween candy to give to troops overseas. This event serves to support the troops and reduce the amount of sugar consumed by children.

500+ lbs

Dr. Praveen Gudipati and his staff at Cumming Dental Smiles

Dr. Sheila Shah and staff of Macon Smiles

LA BEBIDA DE LANATURALEZA

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CONSEJOS PARA SONRISAS SANAS•Cepillatusdientesdosvecesaldíaconpastadentalconfluoruro.

•Limpiaentretusdientesadiario.•Llevaunadietasanaquelimitebebidasazucaradasypicoteos.

•Visitaatudentistaregularmenteparaprevenirytratarenfermedadesorales.

PATROCINADORES

Febrero es el Mes Nacional de la Salud Dental de los Niños. Visite ADA.org/NCDHM2021, donde encontrará hojas de actividades.

NATURE’S DRINK

WATER

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Visit ADA.org/NCDHM2021 for activity sheets.

HEALTHY SMILE TIPS

•Brushyourteethtwiceadaywithafluoridetoothpaste.

•Cleanbetweenyourteethdaily.

•Eatahealthydietthatlimitssugarybeveragesandsnacks.

•Seeyourdentistregularlyforpreventionandtreatmentoforaldisease.

SPONSORS

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90 lbs

Important Filing Deadlines Days to File From Date

File a claim 180 (Calendar) Date of service

Correct a claim 45 (Calendar) Last EOB date after timely filing has expired

Appeal a claim 90 (Calendar) EOB/EOP date

Submit a claim with primary EOB 90 (Calendar) Date of the primary payer's remittance advice


FRANK J. CAPALDO GDA Executive Director

2020 Year in Review GDA Stronger!

A Message from the Executive DirectorIt Takes a Busload of Faith to Get ByI love the song Busload of Faith by Bob Seger. If you are familiar with the song, you will recall the lyrics, “You can only depend on one thing…You need a busload of faith to get by.”

It takes a busload of faith to get by in an unprecedented pandemic. But as my grandfather told me, place your complete faith in God and then go out and take care of business as though it all depended on you.

So, that is what your GDA did. With a busload of faith, we achieved professional and personal fulfillment of purpose and accomplished our GDA mission in the face of unforeseen adversity. Failure was not an option! Like never before, we fulfilled the mission of the GDA to help our members succeed.

The year has been challenging, but also full of opportunities that the GDA has capitalized on and which we have turned to our members’ advantage.

Advocating for Return to Full PracticeWe laser-focused all of our resources on getting you back to full practice. The first immediate action the week of March 16 was revamping our budgets, planning and realigning resources to take on COVID-19, get you back to full practice, and ensure the sustainability of the GDA for the future.

Once done, we immediately went to work to persuade the Governor not once, but twice, to change his executive orders to favor your return to full practice. As if that was not enough, we passed our legislative agenda and maintained our dentist-specific appropriations at a time when the Governor was cutting budgets.

Guiding Members on COVID-19We also researched, advocated, and drafted 22-plus advisories for members on everything from interpreting and distilling guidelines from CDC, ADA, BOD, DPH, etc. to air filtration, PPE, policy and regulatory, PPP interpretation and applications, new employee furlough laws, and financial management, to name a few.

We also created an Innovation Task Force of some of your brilliant colleagues who created 3D masks, did testing and production, along with producing semi-clinical advisory papers for dental office safety.

Your GDA board met virtually sometimes twice per week to make decisions based upon changes that were happening at warp speed. They did an outstanding job on your behalf, and deserve your thanks.

Planning for a schedule of budgeted education and training programs happens the year before. But with all of our plans, we pivoted and literally overnight produced 30-plus free webinars with over 7,500 participants. Even at $25 per participant, we gave away a minimum of $187,500 in free webinars.

Only your GDA did that for you…no other dental organization in Georgia came close. It didn’t stop there.

Serving Members with ExcellenceGDIS staff turned from selling insurance to holding our members’ hands and walking them through their rights, and more importantly, just listening to them. Many were not


policyholders, but became policyholders after the outstanding service they received. When non-members could not get answers from their agents or insurance companies, we helped them and they became new members of the GDA.

“GDA Strong” means many things, but job number one was to ensure you safely returned to full practice and continue to do so. To do that, we strove for “service excellence,” and that happened to the nth degree. I could not be prouder of your GDA staff. For many months, staff and the Board were on 24/7 because failure was not an option.

Your member-owned supply company, GDA Plus+ Supplies, doubled in size in 2020 by growing the number of participating dentists from 474 to 1,048 because we had PPE and were there for our members. Anecdotally, I had many dentists from other states calling me and asking if they could buy supplies from us. I said, “GDA members come first!”

Growing Membership Amidst a Pandemic And then came the cherry on top. While my counterparts in other states were telling me about membership declines, our membership through mid-November grew more in 2020 than any previous full year by over 330 new dentists—double the previous best year. Many were formerly non-members. As of this publication date (mid-November 2020), we are up in total membership to 3,616 members, surpassing our total for all of 2019 of 3,531 and we still have a month and a half left in the year.

For the past six years our membership continues to grow. These numbers again resulted in GDA winning the top honors in membership growth from the ADA year-over-year and in the following categories:

• Converting the highest number of non-member women dentists

• Converting the highest number of diverse dentists to membership

Achieving Financial SustainabilityAll of the above success started by managing smart to bring order to chaos in the new normal. We did so by revamping our plans, budgets, and realigning resources. And while the cherry on top was membership growth, I am pleased to report our financial growth surpassed pre-COVID-19 projections. The estimated year-end income for your GDA and GDIS, fully staffed, is not only profitable, but will also fully achieve their strategic plan financial reserving goals. GDIS, your GDA member owned insurance company, once again will be providing the GDA with a sizable grant. Now that is “GDA Strong.”

While the Board, committee members, and staff had the challenge of the pandemic to contend with, they also put it all aside and instead elevated above it to continue on with the mission. Failure was not an option.

The results speak for themselves. GDA not only overcame adversity, but did it successfully. This kind of victory only happens when there is total selfless commitment and unified collaboration toward the same end by the Board, its committees, and staff on behalf of all members. I am proud to say that this year was the very best showing of that commitment and collaboration in my career, and I am humbled and honored to have served with these fine good people, your Board, committee members, and staff.

God bless and have a happy and healthy new year.

“Like never before, we fulfilled the mission of the GDA to help our members succeed.”

14 • January/February 2021 14 • January/February 2021

COVID-19 Resources

Supporting GDA Members with COVID-19 ResourcesOver the past year GDA staff and leadership had to pivot to direct all resources toward strategies, actions and member guidance specific to the COVID-19 pandemic. The uncertainty and constantly evolving nature of the crisis in Georgia resulted in the implementation of a multitude of measures. The results of the strategies employed were successful in achieving the best outcomes for GDA members.

provided guidance on all topics affecting the dental profession, from clinical decisions and interpretations of Governor Kemp’s Executive Orders and Board of Dentistry statements to business interruption insurance claims, employment law and SBA loans.

20+ member advisories

GDA Innovation Task ForceIn response to COVID-19, the GDA Innovation Task Force was put in action to be the innovation guidance and resource team for GDA and to be a resource of information to help members effectively restart their businesses.

May 21, 2020 GDA Innovation Task Force

References

1. https://www.dw.com/en/spike-in-south-korean-infections-linked-to-one-mans-night-out/a-53384855 2. https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/2020/05/02/alaska-doctors-and-dentists-can-resume-knee-surgeries-and-fillings-starting-monday-will-they/


ACCULA SARS-COV-2 TEST

Mesa Biotech has developed a qualitative, visually read test utilizing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology to detect SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. Using throat and nasal swabs, results are available in 30 minutes, based on the principles of Mesa’s commercially available Accula Influenza and RSV tests. This system provides actionable, laboratory-quality results at the point of care. The system allows for decentralized care for immediately actionable results.

XPERT XPRESS SARS-CoV-2 TEST

Unit cost for testing machine likely in tens of thousands of dollars and reagents in the thousands of dollars and likely outside the scope of affordability for individual dental offices.

The ongoing costs for testing may, at this time, be outside the financial reach of individual dental practitioners, leaving only large, institutional dental facilities being able to afford testing at this time. Access to governmental subsidies and the ability for dental practitioners to get paid for the tests being OUT-OF-NETWORK providers for dental plans will be key to the ability of dentists to offer such tests. Currently, expansion of scope will need to plan for:

Capital outlay for equipment and tests.Having patients be tested in a timeline closest to their visits.Opening of the dental practice act.Management of access to medical insurance, federal medical insurance plans and state medical insurance plans.

Science will likely catchup to the need and industry will eventually produce affordable tests. These innovations may eventually allow for rapid, predictable and cost-effective testing. This will benefit the dental practitioner and the public at large. Therefore, dentistry should consider either asking for the ability to test. Or alternatively, dentistry becoming able to prescribe testing at a clinical laboratory and have the dental patients accepted for testing by such labs.

RISK VS. REWARD


COBAS 6800 & 8800 MACHINE

AVAILABLE CLIA WAIVER COVID-19

TESTS AND ASSOCIATED COSTS

Large infrastructure investment, Global install base for the cobas 6800 and 8800 Systems is 695 and 132 respectively." Only 110 of those are in the U.S. Costs for machine and reagents likely into tens of thousands of dollars.

EUA Issue Date Manufacturer Diagnostic Technology

03/12/2020 Roche Molecular Systems, Inc. cobas SARS-CoV-2 Molecular

05/08/2020 Quidel Corporation Soa 2 SARS Antigen FIA Antigen

03/27/2020 Abbott Diagnostics Scarborough, Inc. ID NOW COVID-19 Molecular

03/23/2020 Mesa Biotech Inc. Accula SARS-Cov-2 Test Molecular

03/20/2020 Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 test Molecular

SOFIA 2

Small machine, retail $650, readily available. Test kits sold in units of 25 tests, 15-minute results.

ID NOW COVID-19

5-minute test, small compact device similar in footprint to SOFIA 2. Rapid, portable testing instrument used in urgent care clinics, hospital emergency departments, and physicians' offices. Have shipped nearly 1.4 million ID NOW tests to all 50 states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico and the Pacific Islands. The majority of these tests have been sent to outbreak hotspots and we've asked that customers prioritize frontline health care workers and first responders. Currently manufacturing 50,000 tests per day, plan to increase ID NOW manufacturing capacity to 2 million tests a month by June and are working to expand beyond that.


MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC TESTING IN THE

GEORGIA DENTAL PRACTICE ACT

AVAILABLE COVID-19 TESTS AND

ASSOCIATED COSTS

Source: FDA (https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/emergency-situations-medical-devices/emergency-use-authorizations#covid19ivd)

1. Laboratories certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA), 42 U.S.C. §263a, that meet requirements to perform high complexity tests.

2. Laboratories certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA), 42 U.S.C. §263a, that meet requirements to perform moderate complexity tests.

3. Patient care settings operating under a CLIA Certificate of Waiver.

Three types of testing settings:

This paper will limit the tests to the third setting, CLIA Certificate of Waivers.

Currently medical diagnostic testing is not within the scope of the Dental Practice Act of Georgia. This is similar to sleep apnea, where dentists cannot prescribe a sleep study.

The risk for asking for the ability to test for COVID-19 is that rather than this being an elective procedure by a dentist, it will become mandated as a procedure for all dental visits. This is the current situation in Alaska2.

COVID-19 TESTING IN DENTISTRY

FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY


Background

Georgia Dental Association

Innovation Task Force

The SARS-CoV-2 virus and the resulting COVID-19 pandemic has exacted a tremendous toll in mortality, morbidity and financial loss. It has impacted virtually every aspect of daily life in some way, and has presented unique challenges to the practice of dentistry. While the scope of knowledge continues to expand, two characteristics of transmission have emerged that are of special concern to dentists: 1) Asymptomatic transmission and 2) Aerosol transmission.

There are many case reports of asymptomatic and presymptomatic transmission2-4. In the absence of rapid point of care testing, dental healthcare providers (DCHP) in a community where COVID-19 cases exist should consider universal source control measures.

Until adequate medical therapy and immunization for COVID-19 are in place, the current strategy for disease containment is Shelter In Place / Isolation. A more focused approach for disease control would be identification of disease-carrying individuals, isolation of these individuals, contact tracing and subsequent isolation of affected individuals. This will allow society to return to more open economic and social activity.

The weak link in all of these tactics is compliance of individuals with isolation. When this social contract is not followed, outbreaks can re-emerge1.


References

1. Harrel SK, Molinari J (2004) Aerosols and splatter in dentistry: a brief review of the literature and infection control implications. J Am Dent Assoc 135(4):429–437 2. Peng X, Xu X, Li Y, Cheng L, Zhou X, Ren B (2020) Transmission routes of 2019-nCoV and controls in dental practice. Int J Oral Sci 12(1):1–6 3. Bai, Y., Yao, L., Wei, T., Tian, F., Jin, D. Y., Chen, L., & Wang, M. (2020). Presumed asymptomatic carrier transmission of COVID-19. JAMA, 323(14), 1406–1407. 4. Zou, L., Ruan, F., Huang, M., Liang, L., Huang, H., Hong, Z., … Guo, Q. (2020). SARS‐CoV‐2 viral load in upper respiratory specimens of infected patients. New England Journal of Medicine, 382(12), 1177– 1179. 5. Wei, W. E., Li, Z., Chiew, C. J., Yong, S. E., Toh, M. P., & Lee, V. J. (2020). Presymptomatic transmission of SARS‐CoV‐2—Singapore, January 23–March 16, 2020. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 69(14), 411. 6. Micik RE, Miller RL, Mazzarella MA, Ryge G. Studies on dental aerobiology, I: bacterial aerosols generated during dental procedures. J Dent Res 1969;48(1):49-56. 7. Miller RL, Micik RE, Abel C, Ryge G. Studies of dental aerobiology, II: microbial splatter discharged from the oral cavity of dental patients. J Dent Res 1971;50:621-5. 8. van Doremalen N, Bushmaker T, Morris DH, et al. Aerosol and surface stability of SARS-CoV-2 as compared with SARS-CoV-1. N Engl J Med. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMc2004973 9. Wang J, Du G. COVID-19 may transmit through aerosol. Ir J Med Sci. 2020;1-2. 10. Atkinson J, Chartier Y, Pessoa-Silva CL, et al., editors. Natural Ventilation for Infection Control in Health-Care Settings. Annex C Respiratory Droplets. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2009. 11. Lu J, Gu J, Li K, Xu C, Su W, Lai Z, et al. COVID-19 outbreak associated with air conditioning in restaurant, Guangzhou, China, 2020. Emerg Infect Dis. 2020 Jul. 12. Anderson, E.L., Turnham, P., Griffin, J.R. and Clarke, C.C. (2020), Consideration of the Aerosol Transmission for COVID‐19 and Public Health. Risk Analysis. doi:10.1111/risa.13500 13. CDC Interim Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Dental Settings During the COVID-19 Response


Aerosol Mitigation and Reduction

Limit (or eliminate if possible) aerosol-generating procedures or the aerosol-generating component of a procedureUtilize rubber dam isolation whenever possibleHVE suction (either via assistant or single-handed units: Isolite, Isodry, DryShield, etc.)Extraoral suction units (IQAir Dental Series, ADS EOS, Vaniman Vanguard Gold, etc.): Like PPE, the demand during this time has overwhelmed supply with regard to extra-oral suction units. Nevertheless, if available these units may reduce the volume of aerosol and splatter that lands on DHCPs. This may also help reduce the incidence of self-inoculation when doffing PPE.Allow time for a room to rest following an AGP.

Space and Air Management

Close off or isolate treatment space if possibleInstall HEPA level filters in HVACNegative pressure rooms: Many dental facilities have inherent limitations that make this modification unfeasible.Room filtration units (IQAir, Filtrete): The CDC has acknowledged in-room air cleaners as an alternative technology for increasing room ventilation when this cannot be achieved by the building’s HVAC system. Preference should be given to fixed recirculating systems over portable ones.Dry Hydrogen Peroxide (such as Synexis): These systems produce non aqueous hydrogen peroxide by pulling ambient oxygen and humidity from the air. It is nontoxic and achieves sustained reduction in airborne and surface-contaminating microbes over broad areas. Antimicrobial coatings (Clearstream Penetrexx): Charged application of all office surfaces provides residual antimicrobial action.UVc lights for room or HVAC decontaminationConsider drafting a Respiratory Protection Plan for your office

None of these elements supersedes the importance of a thorough terminal cleaning of office and operatories, proper equipment maintenance and usage, sterilization of instruments, safe and consistent technique, competent hand hygiene and good judgement. Taken in part or in total, these elements represent strategies and aids to minimize aerosol related transmission of disease in the dental office. Effective implementation of these or any other enhanced infection control measures must be married to thorough training for the DHCP and the dental team. With regard to SARS-CoV-2 and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the situation is dynamic. Our knowledge base and understanding will grow with time. Likewise, guidance may change to reflect this new understanding. It is important as a DHCP to stay abreast of changes, modify treatment protocols when appropriate, and always proceed with due caution.


Personal Protective Equipment PPE

Infection Control Strategies

N95 Filtering Facepiece Respirators (FFRs) require an initial fit check by qualified personnel (not currently waived in this pandemic), annual fit test to ensure performance (currently waived due to the emergency nature of this pandemic) and a seal check each time it is donned. In consideration of PPE shortages, the FDA has approved limited re-use of N95 and KN95 level FFRs. Some clinicians may elect to cover their FFR with a surgical mask to minimize the risk of soiling, and service life extension. A decontamination protocol will be necessary if FFRs are re-used. Many Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) offer a higher level of filtration and reusable headgear. If available, this may provide a more comfortable option to clinicians who find the layered PPE of N95, surgical mask and shield stifling. Surgical caps should also be considered as the top and back of the head will be exposed to the aerosol. All PPE, except the respirator or mask should be doffed in the operatory following a procedure. Items to be laundered should be collected in the operatory and placed into in a safe receptacle area to be laundered on premises or picked up by a laundry service. Care should be taken when doffing PPE not to self-inoculate. Any dental team member handling soiled PPE to be laundered, should themselves be protected with appropriate PPE. It is recommended that time should be committed to train staff in the appropriate donning and doffing technique. The CDC provides guidance and printable graphic cards to aid in this training.

Additionally, dental office only shoes or surgical booties should be considered to minimize the potential of transporting pathogens from the office. It is further recommended that dental personnel change from their work clothes while at the office, leaving their work clothes for appropriate decontamination and cleaning.

Many, if not most, of the droplets generated during an AGP settle on the DCHP and assistant. Appropriate PPE usage is critical to the safety of the dental team member. The CDC recommends clinicians wear the best available PPE and identifies the minimum as isolation gowns, gloves, a face shield or tight-fitting goggles and a surgical mask. Surgical masks protect mucous membranes of the mouth and nose from droplet spatter, but they do not provide complete protection against inhalation of airborne infectious agents13. N95 or higher should be considered for AGPs.

Because the transmission risk is not fully understood, a multi-layered approach to mitigation and control should be considered that takes into account facility and provider-specific variances. The following are elements of an overall respiratory protection plan:


Dental Aerosols and Aerosol Transmission

Micik et al. defined dental aerosols as particles less than 50 microns in diameter. Particles of this size are small enough to stay airborne for an extended period before they settle on environmental surfaces or enter the respiratory tract6,7,1. The smaller particles of an aerosol (0.5 to 10 μm in diameter) are thought to carry the greatest potential for transmitting infections6,7,1. While it is generally accepted that droplets (>5 μm) can travel 1 to 2m before falling to surfaces, aerosols (droplet nuclei <5 μm) can travel much farther9,10. SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to remain viable in aerosols for a minimum of three hours8.

While ultrasonic and sonic scalers are considered the greatest source of aerosol contamination, many other dental procedures produce aerosols (including, but not limited to, air polishing, use of an air-water syringe, and tooth preparation with either turbine handpiece, electric handpiece or air abrasion)1. Room airflow has been shown to influence transmission11.

While there is a lack of data regarding aerosol transmission in a dental setting, available evidence suggests that aerosol transmission is an important pathway of disease transmission and may be significant for SARSCoV-212.

During this time it is important to be aware of the CDC guidance for infection control in Dental Settings as well as OSHA’s Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19.

AEROSOL MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN DENTISTRY

FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY


Background

Georgia Dental Association

Innovation Task Force

The SARS-CoV-2 virus and the resulting COVID-19 pandemic has exacted a tremendous toll in mortality, morbidity and financial loss. It has impacted virtually every aspect of daily life in some way, and has presented unique challenges to the practice of dentistry. While the scope of knowledge continues to expand, two characteristics of transmission have emerged that are of special concern to dentists: 1) Asymptomatic transmission and 2) Aerosol transmission.

There are many case reports of asymptomatic and presymptomatic transmission2-4. In the absence of rapid point of care testing, dental healthcare providers (DCHP) in a community where COVID-19 cases exist should consider universal source control measures.

Many procedures in dentistry produce aerosols and splatter that have the potential to spread infection to dental personnel and other people in the dental office1. The purpose of this paper is to outline strategies to minimize the potential for disease transmission associated with aerosol generating procedures (AGP).

Aerosol Management Strategies in Dentistry

COVID-19 Testing in Dentistry

January/February 2021 • 15January/February 2021 • 15

COVID-19 Resources

Getting Georgia Dentists Back to Work During COVID-19Strategies were implemented to help dentists during the pandemic. One of the most notable was the dental specific changes Governor Kemp made to his Executive Orders based upon GDA petitions and advocacy. Other efforts included:

pWorked closely with Gov. Kemp, Georgia Department of Health and Georgia Board of Dentistry to ensure the Governor’s COVID-19 emergency orders allowed dentists to return to full scope of practice

pUrged state officials to require business interruption policies to cover economic losses from COVID-19 (efforts prompted a class action lawsuit)

p Ensured that Georgia dentists were eligible to apply for PPE through GEMA/GA DPH and ADA

p Passed Safe Harbor bill granting limited immunity from liability for dentists and other healthcare providers for COVID-19 related claims

pWorked with Georgia Board of Dentistry to establish a temporary pathway to licensure for 2020 dental and hygiene school graduates and non-Georgia licensed dentists/dental hygienists who have been unable to take CRDTS due to COVID-19

COVID-19 Webinar SeriesComplimentary COVID-19 webinars helped GDA member navigate the crisis and its impact on their practice and profession. The webinar series has been recorded and uploaded for members to view. Webinars continue to be added to address evolving issues.

Webinars were rated 4.5 out of 5-star rating by GDA members for value of information

30+

COVID-19 Webinars

7,500+ webinars total views


GDA Innovation Task Force Chair Featured on National NewsDr. Peter Shatz, chair of the Georgia Dental Association Innovation Task Force, was featured in a CBS This Morning segment on changes before and during dental procedures in response to the pandemic. The segment was one of several local and national media placements secured by GDA.

GDA COVID-19 communications was rated 4.6 out of 5-star rating for value of information 44,043

page views on GDA’s COVID-19 landing page

Keeping Members Informed During the Pandemic(as of 12/4/20)

EMAIL

85+GDA member alerts sent

23%increase in email open

rate over prior time period

COVID-19 Resources


Providing and Connecting Members to Economic ReliefBelow are some of the ways GDA helped to ease the financial burden for members:

pCommunications efforts highlighted monthly dues payment options

p Provided CARES Act guidance and resources

p Regularly shared COVID-19 resources from GDA endorsed partners

pGDIS deferred payments for:

» Health insurance premiums

» Medpro (malpractice insurance)

» Hartford (business insurance services)

» Travelers (personal lines)

» Safeco (personal lines)

» Progressive (personal lines)

pGDIS clients also received:

» Health insurance premium credit of approximately 9% issued in August 2020 on premium statements as well as extended coverage for COVID-19 care (no co-pays, no deductibles, no out of pocket costs) through the end of the year

» Premium credit on auto insurance through Traveler’s, Safeco, and Progressive

Paying it ForwardGDA members supported the community by donating their time and expertise to assist with COVID-19 efforts. Initiatives coordinated by GDA included:

pA PPE drive in collaboration with the Georgia Hospital Association

pA call for volunteers to assist with COVID-19 testing

pA call for SERVGA Medical Response Corp volunteers to help through telehealth or clinic field assignments

pA mask designed by Dr. Mark Causey’s was shared through GDA’s Innovation Task Force and adopted by innovators nationwide

pA GoFundMe Account established through the GDA Foundation for Oral Health to support GDA dentists collaborating on 3-D mask printing raised $1,850 in donations

Supporting All Dentists in GeorgiaNon-member outreach offering access to a COVID-19 toolkit resulted in approximately 25 non-members joining due to vital COVID-19 resources.

Moving the Strategic Plan ForwardIn addition to the multiple measures taken to support members during the COVID-19 pandemic, GDA continued to move the strategic plan forward on a number of fronts.

COVID-19 Resources


Membership

Recruitment and retention efforts continue to focus on engaging member dentists, welcoming new dentists and members, and creating meaningful programs to help dentists succeed in their practice.

GDA is continuing to work with the Dental College of Georgia through lunch and learns, our mentoring program and the Adjunct Faculty Program to help inform the students of the importance of organized dentistry to the profession.

Several programs have been implemented as part of the Membership Committee’s initiatives to engage new members, including a new dentist event and diversity and inclusion initiative.

This year GDA held a virtual transition day for Dental College of Georgia graduating seniors. 100% of new graduates signed up for GDA membership.


GDA was recognized by ADA as one of only 10 states to see increases in membership during the pandemic.

Growth in GDA Total MembershipGDA’s total membership continues to grow, exceeding last year’s total membership of 3,594 by mid-November of 2020.

Growth in GDA New MembershipGDA New membership soared as non-members gained confidence and support from GDA during the COVID-19 pandemic.

2017 2018 2019 2020

3,500

3,750

3,498

3,405

3,531

3,616

GDA MembershipGDA membership as of mid-November each year

GDA New MembershipGDA Membership as of mid-November each year

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

80

138161

221167

330

Membership Growth AwardsFor the second year in a row, GDA was presented ADA awards for membership growth. The awards received in 2020 for the 2019 membership year were:

Ï Converted Highest Number of Diverse Dentists to Membership

Ï Converted Highest Number of Non-Member Women Dentists to Membership

100%of new graduates signed up

for GDA membership

50

100

150

200

250

300


Government Relations/PAC

2020 Legislative Session GDA advocacy resulted in the following:

p Worked closely with a Coalition of Healthcare Provider Groups and the Georgia Chamber to pass a Safe Harbor bill granting limited immunity from liability for healthcare providers (including dentists) and small businesses for COVID-19 related claims

p Passed Volunteer Licensure bill

p Protected budget items (Medicaid fees, Dental Student Loan RPP, SDF)

p Partnered with the Georgia Pharmacy Association to pass CMO transparency legislation requiring CMOs to disclose specific metrics in their agreements with subcontracted entities to the state (e.g., dental Medicaid loss ratios)

p Secured favorable amendments for dentists in the surprise billing legislation

See page 15 for strategies that were implemented in 2020 to get Georgia dentists back to work.

Health PolicyGDA continues to work with a variety of state government agencies, including the Department of Public Health, the Department of Community Health, and the Board of Dentistry.

GDA members at the Capitol with Governor Brian Kemp.


Marketing Communications

Public relations and communications activities continue to keep GDA members informed, promote the profession and encourage all Georgians to find a dentist and visit regularly.

FACEBOOK AD LAYOUTS

AD #1 AD #1A AD #2 AD #2A

FACEBOOK ADS CONT >

INSTAGRAM AD LAYOUTS


INSTAGRAM ADS CONT >

INSTAGRAM AD LAYOUTS


INSTAGRAM ADS CONT >

304,088 overall website page views (as of mid-Nov.)FACEBOOK AD LAYOUTS


FACEBOOK ADS CONT >

In 2020, GDA and its Foundation launched a statewide public relations campaign, “Healthy Mouth, Healthy Me!” The campaign features a website (HealthyMouthHealthyMe.org), a series of digital ads,

“Back to Care” public awareness spots and materials for GDA members to promote the campaign including a “proud supporter” window cling, referral cards, and checklist on ways to leverage the campaign.

1,802Facebook followers

(as of mid-Nov.)

491Instagram followers

(as of mid-Nov.) Digital ad campaign emphasized steps dental offices are taking to keep patients safe.

September 2020 Journal of the Georgia Dental Association

Louvenia Annette Rainge, DMD 152nd President Georgia Dental Association

CYBER

June 2020 Journal of the Georgia Dental Association

Executive Director on COVID-19 Page 8 Cybersecurity Checklist Page 23

A New Necessity for Dental Offices

2020–2021 Leadership Directory Page 23

GDA’S GROUP HEALTH PLANOpen enrollment begins in October.

Learn more at GDAplus.com/health.

Read more on page

34

October 2020 Journal of the Georgia Dental AssociationJuly/August 2020 Journal of the Georgia Dental Association

Executive Director’s Semi-Annual Report Page 15

November/December 2020 Journal of the Georgia Dental Association

Open Enrollment Ends Soon. Get Covered! Page 33

GDA: The 12th Man

Page 7

Published eight issues of GDA Action in 2020, addressing topics from COVID-19 to cyber security.

Back to Care Media CoverageGDA continues to encourage patients to resume dental care. Interviews coordinated through the GDA office included CNN Headline News, WSB-TV, NPR and more.


Education & Training

Online webinars helped GDA member navigate the COVID-19 crisis and its impact on their practice and profession. They were recorded and uploaded for member viewing.• Business, Legal, & Ethical

Considerations: Coronavirus Impact on Practice Management

• COVID-19 Infection Control Strategies

• Navigating the Impact of the Coronavirus on Your Dental Practice

• Unemployment Insurance and Other Employment Considerations as You Reduce Hours

• COVID-19: Overcoming the Financial & Legal Challenges Facing Dentistry

• COVID-19 vs Dental Practices—What To Do To Survive and Thrive

• Respiratory Protection and COVID-19: Are All Masks Created Equally?

• Analyzing Financial Scenarios

• Unemployment Insurance and Other Employment Considerations as You Reduce Hours—Update

• COVID-19: Surviving Stress

• The CARES Act—Game Changing Legislation but What Are the Legal and Tax Implications for Dentists?

• Social Media Posting and Client Communication Through the Pandemic

• Cybersecurity Considerations in a Pandemic

• How to Reduce Stress and Increase Team Engagement in Stressful Times

• Considerations for Safely Returning to the Operatory

• The Resilient Attitude—The Importance of Great Leadership During a Pandemic

• Malpractice Considerations for Georgia Dentists—During, and After, COVID-19

• Steps to Recover Revenue Lost During Coronavirus

• Leveraging Your Liquidity for Your Dental Practice

• Dealing with COVID-19 in Dentistry

• The PPP Has Run Out of Funds: Now What?—Developing a Business Continuity Strategy Post COVID-19

• Preparing to Reopen the Practice for Patient Treatment

• Employment Law and Regulatory Compliance (The Changes Never Stop)

• COVID-19: Your Questions Answered—Panel Discussion

• Masks, Fit Testing and Other COVID-19 Respiratory Precautions for Dentistry

• 30 Day Plan: Locking in Your Liquidity

• Practice Management of Aerosols in the Dental Practice

Dental Assistant Training Now in COVID-Friendly Online FormatIf you had staff turnover due to the Coronavirus pandemic, you can make sure your new dental assistants are well trained with new Expanded Duties courses now online. Courses moved online and continue to be offered including:

Expanded Duties p CORONAL POLISHING

p COURSE 4

• Alginate Impressions for Denture Repair

• Face Bow Registration• Tissue Management

During Impression Making

• Temporary Bridge• Fabrication of Bruxism

Appliances

p COURSE 5

• Periodontal Dressing• In-Office Bleaching• Dentin Bonding• Desensitization• Liners and Bases

p COURSE 6

• Monitor Nitrous Oxide• Fluoride Application• Sealants• Dry Socket Redressing

A hands-on session is still required for certification and some travel may apply.

Governance

Completed p 2015–2016: Governance

Task Force, identification of performance requirements, GAP analysis

p December 2016: New structure approved by BOT/HOD and referred to C&B Committee

p December 2017: Revised bylaws approved

p January 2018: Launch of Task Force to Evaluate Bylaws/Governance Changes

p July 2018: Policy Manual revisions approved/new bylaws go into effect

p December 2018: housekeeping changes to Constitution

2020 Phase p Additional updates to GDA Bylaws

and Policy Manual adopted in July by the House of Delegates

Structure | Bylaws | Policy Manual | Implementation | Evaluationcurrent phase

Strategic Plan Goal Align Governance Structure for the Future

April/May 2020 • 39April/May 2020 • 39

Quick…• Talk to a non-member colleague about joining the GDA

• Attend a meeting in your district (gadental.org/events)

• Speak to dental students at DCG through GDA’s lunch and learn program

• Attend the GDA Convention in July (GDAConvention.com)

• Respond to GDA member surveys—keep an eye out for the next opportunity to share your thoughts!

• Attend a LAW Day/Dental Health Day at the Capitol (January–March each year)

• Register for a GDA continuing education course (gadental.org/ce)

More Involved…

• Serve as a delegate from your district on the GDA House of Delegates (meetings in July/December)

• Volunteer with the Georgia Donated Dental Service Program (https://dentallifeline.org/our-volunteers/volunteer-now/)

• Become a legislative contact dentist

• Run for an At-large Trustee position on the GDA Board (nominations due in June of each year)

• Serve as a member of the GDA Foundation for Oral Health Board of Directors

• Volunteer as a district officer or committee member

The GDA is led by volunteer members, and when you get involved you help the GDA achieve its mission to “Help Members Succeed.” Volunteering also leads to personal success! You’ll gain experience in leadership and benefit from networking opportunities with your colleagues. And you’ll get an inside view of trends and issues in organized dentistry that will help you professionally.

Too many commitments? Not enough time? No worries! GDA has many opportunities to get involved without a long-term commitment. And you get help and support at every step along the way. Whatever fits your interests, skill set and availability—the GDA needs you!

For more information on a particular opportunity or to volunteer, contact Katherine Torbush at 404.636.7553 or [email protected].

Get More From Your Membership While Sharing Your Talents and Skills by Being a GDA Volunteer

Short-term…• Join the Leadership GDA Program

(gadental.org/education/leadership-gda)

• Participate in Children’s Dental Health Month/Give Kids a Smile (February of each year)

• Volunteer to be a mentor for one year to a recent dental school graduate

• Assist in organizing a GADPAC fundraiser in your district

• Speak at a GDA continuing education course

• Serve as an adjunct faculty member at DCG or any approved charitable clinic in GA (one day per month for one-year period)

Get Involved! More Volunteer OpportunitiesGDA Committees, Councils, and Task Forces

Finance, Benefits & Audit Committee

Oversight/responsibility for financial interests of GDA, its committees and subsidiary corporations. Review budgets, financial reports, audits, investments, and financial/benefit policies.

Length of commitment

3 YEARS

Government Affairs/Political Action Committee

Monitor legislative developments in Georgia and keep GDA members/leaders informed. Communicate GDA’s position on various legislative issues to officials. Oversee the GADPAC and campaign contributions to political candidates who support the interests of the GDA and its member dentists.


1 YEAR

Membership Committee

Responsible for recruitment and retention of members, consideration of membership categories, new dentist programs, and general program development.


1 YEAR

Council on Annual Convention

Assist in planning the GDA’s Annual Convention and serve as a host at the event in July.


1 YEAR

Nominating Committee

Recruit candidates for open leadership positions including GDA Officers, ADA Delegates/Alternates, GDA Trustees At-large and candidates for the Georgia Board of Dentistry. Develop and publish selection criteria and procedures to ensure that the pool of candidates meet those criteria and reflect as much as possible, the diversity of the membership.


3 YEARS

Awards Council

Identify candidates who are eligible for GDA’s annual awards. Vet awards nominees and recommend candidates to the House of Delegates.


1 YEAR

Time = Travel for Meetings = Expertise =

40 • April/May 2020

More Volunteer OpportunitiesPublic Relations and Communications Committee

Promote a positive image of dentistry to the public, the media and to the members of the GDA. Assure that there is good communication and understanding between the GDA its members and consistent communication and understanding with other organizations pertaining to oral health and the practice of dentistry.


1 YEAR

Education & Training Advisory Council

Work with GDA staff to plan quality educational programs for GDA members. Assist with selecting relevant and timely topics and speakers to ensure strong educational events and initiatives.


1 YEAR

GDA Committees, Councils, and Task Forces

Leadership GDA Task Force

Identify and recruit candidates for GDA’s annual Leadership GDA Program. Review program content and make suggestions for continual enhancement.


1 YEAR

Peer Review & Ethics

Investigate and mediate patient complaints concerning quality of care, appropriateness of treatment, and ethics. Implement and enforce code of professional standards for the Georgia Dental Association.


1 YEAR

Constitution & Bylaws Council

Review or create proposed amendments to the GDA Constitution, Bylaws, and Policy Manual and make recommendations to the GDA House of Delegates.


1 YEAR

Medicaid Task Force

Provide input and clinical perspective on issues that dentists face regarding Medicaid and the Dental Service Organizations. Task Force members need to be Medicaid providers to serve.


1 YEAR

Detailed descriptions of all committees and councils can be found on the GDA website at: gadental.org.

April/May 2020 • 41

Published “Get Involved” feature in March Action featuring volunteer positions available at various levels of time commitment.

New Task Forces Launched in 2020

p GDA COVID-19 Task Force

p GDA Innovation Task Force

Equipping our Leaders p Virtual District Leadership

Conference held June 6

Leadership GDA Program

112020 Leadership

GDA program participants

7Leadership GDA graduates added

to 2019–2020 committees



Member Products and Services

The GDA Plus+ Program gives GDA members access to services and discounts including GDIS insurance products and services, GDA Plus+ Supplies group dental supply purchasing and endorsed partner savings on products and services, while strengthening the financial health of the association.

Georgia Dental Insurance Services Your Georgia Dental Insurance Services agency revenue represents over 45% of the total Georgia Dental Association’s revenue. Since launching life, disability, personal lines coverages in 2017 total premiums is nearing $750,000 and $23 million for all lines of business. Anticipated bonus from our Business Insurance and Professional liability carriers should meet our 2019 Bonus of $143,000+. Reserves are anticipated from net earnings.

$15,000,000

$10,000,000

$5,000,000

$20,000,000

2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

GDIS Premium

GDA Plus+ Supplies Doubles Growth

0

200

400

600

800

1000

Nov. 2016–Mar. 2020 April–Aug. 2020

474

574

TOTAL: 1,048

GDA Plus+ Supplies has more than doubled the number of practices that have signed-up for better savings and service in this year.

Member-Owned GDA Plus+ SuppliesMember participation in GDA Plus+ Supplies grew by over 100% to 1,048 practices in 2020. COVID-19 PPE needs drove a record number of GDA members to seek out PPE supplies through GDA Plus+ Supplies.

The GDA Health Insurance program remains a significant member benefit. In 2020, members on the GDA health insurance plan in April received premium relief checks.

$122,000in health premium relief checks

GDIS Grants to GDAGDIS has provided over $200,000 in grants to GDA in the past two years and expects to offer another grant in 2020.

2018

$100,0002019

$100,0002020

Anticipated grant will be achieved!

$0


Financial Management/Organizational Stability

2020 Reserves 15% Above Budget Goal

Other types of revenue growth for GDA and its subsidiaries has allowed for GDA dues revenue to not exceed 30% of total revenue per the strategic plan. With the addition of revenue growth and sound cost containment, reserves have increased year over year since 2016 financial results.

Dues as % of Total Revenue (all companies combined)

2019

2018

2017

28.18%

2016

27.23%

30.10%

28.96%

Ways to Give to Your Dental Foundation in Georgia

AMAZON SMILE

Donate .5% of your eligible purchases from Amazon to the nonprofit of your choice. Support the GDA Foundation for Oral Health by shopping online: smile.amazon.com/ch/27-3194544.

PLANNED GIFTS

Support GDAF in a meaningful way while leaving a legacy to be remembered by future generations.

RETIREMENT ASSETS

Donate part or all of your unused retirement assets, such as your IRA, 401(k), 403(b), pension or other tax-deferred plan.

GIFTS OF STOCK

Donating appreciated securities is an easy and tax-effective way to make a gift.

TRIBUTE, HONOR & MEMORIAL GIFTS

A Tribute Gift allows you to recognize someone dear to you, whether memorializing the passing of an individual or celebrating a new birth, graduation, or any special occasion.

IN-KIND GIFTS

Contributing professional services, printing, merchandise, product donations, or ad space helps off-set our costs and those of our community partners.

PERSONAL DONATION

Help us achieve our vision of a future where every person can attain a healthy mouth with your tax-deductible gift to GDAF.

Contact the GDA office or visit us at gadental.org/foundation.

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Derived from the mission and vision statements, GDA’s strategic plan identifies strategic priorities which direct the focus of the work of the association for the next five years. Under each objective are also key strategies for moving our priorities forward. These areas will turn GDA’s mission and vision into specific measurable targets that are important to the current and future health of the association. GDA achieved or exceeded the goals and objectives in its 2016–2020 five-year strategic plan. Below is the new five-year plan, which continues and builds on our success of the past.

MEMBERSHIP

� Work to increase member engagement and participation

� Increase total GDA members by 2% by 2025

� Keep annual “non-renews” to under 200 members

PR/MARKETING/COMMUNICATIONS

� Utilize multiple communications channels to reach GDA members, keeping them up-to-date on GDA initiatives and working to increase member engagement and participation

� Continue to be the PR/media relations arm for the GDA & oral health community in Georgia

� Develop new ways to demonstrate the value of GDA membership

� Increase product/service usage and penetration by communicating the unique value of GDA products and services to our membership through existing and emerging marketing technologies

HEALTH POLICY

� Be the premier, leading resource for data, information, and expertise on oral health for the state of Georgia

� Develop and implement GDA Action for Oral Health objectives and Strategies (see plan at gadental.org/dentalhealth)

� Ensure inclusion of oral health in statewide public/community health planning and provision initiatives

� Monitor changes to Medicaid policy manuals and billing and communicate to members

� Keep GDA leadership and membership informed on health policy-related activities

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS/POLITICAL

ACTION (PAC)

� Develop and implement annual legislative strategy and agenda

� Develop annual plan for strategic campaign involvement

� Continue utilizing contact dentists for immediate grassroots response at district level

� Develop and maintain relationships with other health industry coalitions on shared issues

� Expand/improve PAC fundraising (events and funding level)

Five-Year Strategic Plan (2021–2025)


FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT/

ORGANIZATIONAL STABILITY

� Ensure the amount of dues as a percentage of total revenue will not exceed 30% by developing non-dues revenue sources

� Set aside reserves not less than 50% of annual operating expenses

� Continue to establish internal reviews, security measures, and policies/procedures

� Continue to implement annual incremental dues increases to ensure financial stability

Mission Statement GDA’s mission is to help GDA member dentists succeed.

Vision Statement Our vision is for Georgia to become a state with optimal oral health.

MEMBER PRODUCTS & SERVICES

� Provide superior member value through high quality products and services that meet member needs and achieve a high level of member satisfaction

� Develop business relationships and partnerships to offer additional products and services to members that are competitively priced and also achieve a reasonable return for GDA

� Consider new business opportunities like captive insurance, group purchasing, third party administration, etc.

� Continually assess and refine products and services, eliminating those with low impact

GOVERNANCE

� The Board of Trustees will continue to review and refine the GDA governance structure making changes that improve the performance of the organization and ensure sustainability for the future

� Continue to recruit new GDA Leaders to ensure sustainability of the leadership pipeline for the future—goal is to increase the number of individuals participating in GDA leadership by 10% by 2025

� Continue to ensure programs, services, staff resources, committees, GDA Foundation, and GDA subsidiaries are aligned with the strategic plan

� Continue seeking to increase knowledge of members’ wants, needs, and issues

� Work with districts to implement resources GDA has developed to support district leadership and succession planning

� Work with districts to assess and recommend changes to their organizational documents ensuring alignment with GDA’s revised governance structure

� Continue to offer leadership training programs to better equip GDA and district leaders

EDUCATION & TRAINING

� Continue to expand GDA’s educational offerings for members and their staff utilizing the Education and Training Advisory Council to determine new focus areas for 2021–2025

� Continue to identify and implement new education and training opportunities for the dental team/office staff

� Continue to improve & grow convention CE at the GDA Convention & Expo utilizing the Education and Training Advisory Council for planning

� Develop technology-based delivery systems for CE



Progress on 2020–2021 Presidential InitiativesBridging the Gap for a Stronger GDA—Identifying Common Ground

FIRST INITIATIVE

Shine a Spotlight on Commonalities

Strategic Plan Key Results Area: MembershipGOAL #1: Be champions for finding common ground that brings members together and increases member value.

ACTIONS• Monthly podcasts on issues of interest

to all dentists to launch in early 2021

• Continuing to promote commonalities in GDA Action, website, etc.

GOAL #2: Continue to focus on finding ways to represent all dentists of all career stages and types of practice environments.

ACTIONS• Continuing to represent all dentists

with legislative advocacy

3 COVID testing in the dental offices accomplished

3 Live exams for dental students

3 Surprise billing

• Legislative agenda for 2021 approved by BOT/HOD in November 2020

• Continuing to provide CE regarding practice transition options and pathways for dentists in all career stages

3 New practice transition CE course in development

SECOND INITIATIVE

Bridge the Gap to Strengthen Dentistry

Strategic Plan Key Results Areas: Governance, MembershipGOAL #1: Develop membership initiatives aimed at bringing all dentists under one umbrella.

ACTIONS• Formed a Diversity and Inclusion Task

Force

3 Held first meeting in 2020

3 Drafted Diversity and Inclusion Policy

3 Invited leadership of other Georgia dental societies to present at GDA meetings/events

p President of the Georgia Indian Dental Association, Dr. Asha Vellanki, addressed GDA winter 2020 HOD

3 Holding meetings with leadership of each organization to discuss common ground

p Leaders of minority dental groups invited to join GDA’s Diversity and Inclusion Task Force

3 Creating relationships with dentists that practice in other business models

p Leaders of DSOs invited to meeting with GDA leadership

3 Developed and sent a life practice span of needs and services chart identifying GDA services throughout each part of members’ life practice

3 Continuing to utilize inclusive marketing tactics

3 Continuing to collaborate with other dental associations on advocacy initiatives

GOAL #2: Identify and reach out to non-member dentists and engage them.

ACTIONS• Asked each HOD/BOT member to

identify and cultivate at least one non-member for membership

• Continuing to target non-member dentists via marketing promotions

• Continuing to be the source of information via the GDA website and brand

GOAL #3: Evaluate redistricting to better serve members where they live and practice.

ACTIONS• Created a Redistricting Task Force

• Held the first meeting in November 2020 to establish timeline and plan of work

• Codifying cross-district membership issues


Progress on 2020–2021 Presidential Initiatives

THIRD INITIATIVE

Innovate to Address Member Needs

Strategic Plan Key Results Areas: Education & Training, Membership, Member Products & Services GOAL #1: Provide programs and services to help dentists adapt to the new normal.

ACTIONS• Continuing to provide members with

additional access to PPE and offering lower prices, up to 70% off

GOAL #2: Help dentists strengthen the financial health of dental practices and prepare for the future through training and other strategies.

ACTIONS• Creating a comprehensive portal for job

seekers on the GDA website (allowing hygienists and assistants to post)

• Continuing to host CE series regarding personal and business financial impacts due to COVID-19

GOAL #3: Create relationships and strengthen existing programs, such as the GDA Plus+ Supplies program.

ACTIONS• Created a program offering OSHA CE and

CPR for GDA Plus+ Supplies members who are using IDBG at a certain threshold

• Creating GDA Plus+ Supplies autoclave monitoring and Sharps recycling program

• Continuing to make members aware of the Dental Recovery Network benefit for behavioral health/addiction, including annual article in GDA Action

A MESSAGE FROM GDA PRESIDENT DR. ANNETTE RAINGE

Think back to when you joined the Georgia Dental Association. Many of you, like me, became involved simply because someone reached out and invited you to a GDA meeting or event.

As GDA members, I ask you to pay it forward this year and invite at least one non-member to cultivate and encourage membership. Imagine the impact we can make when every one of us reaches out and connects with a peer.

You know first-hand the value you get from your GDA membership this year and every year. Whether it’s staying in the loop on the latest evidence-based dentistry or adding your voice to advocacy efforts, the GDA has your back. You can help drive dentistry forward by expanding our GDA Strong network to your colleagues.

As an added incentive, for every new member you recruit to the GDA, we’ll show our appreciation with a $100 gift card, up to $500. Visit www.Ada.org/mgam for more information.

Commit to making a difference. Invite a peer to get involved and drive dentistry forward.

GDA President Calls Upon Members to Reach Out


Sign up at www.gadental.org/advocacy

January 18, 2017Northern, Eastern, Alliance

February 1, 2017Southwestern, Western, Northern (Hall County Branch)

March 8, 2017Central

March 22, 2017Open to all and other specialty groups

February 23, 2017Southeastern, Georgia Dental Society

February 8, 2017Northwestern

Sign up at www.gadental.org/advocacy

January 18, 2017Northern, Eastern, Alliance

February 1, 2017Southwestern, Western, Northern (Hall County Branch)

March 8, 2017Central

March 22, 2017Open to all and other specialty groups

February 23, 2017Southeastern, Georgia Dental Society

February 8, 2017Northwestern

While all of us thought that the chaos and uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic was enough drama to last us a lifetime, the November 2020 Presidential, US Congressional, and Georgia state elections said, “Hold my beer.”

2021 Legislative PreviewBy Scott Lofranco, GDA General Counsel & VP of Government Affairs

While all of us thought that the chaos and uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic was enough drama to last us a lifetime, the November 2020 Presidential, US Congressional, and Georgia state elections said, “Hold my beer.” By the time this edition of GDA Action reaches your offices and homes, Georgia voters will have most likely decided the fate of two of the most contentious US Senate races in recent history, along with majority control of the two main branches of the federal government. And all of this on the heels of a US Presidential Election that has resulted in widespread allegations of voter fraud with federal class action lawsuits filed by Texas and other states against the state of Georgia. As a famous police chief once said while on a deep-sea fishing expedition, “We’re going to need a bigger boat.”

At the state level, Georgia Republicans retained control of both the House and Senate, with only one net flip in the Senate and a two net flip in the House:

Senate• Incumbent, Sen. PK Martin (R-Lawrenceville), lost to

Democratic challenger, Nikki Merritt

House• Incumbent, Deborah Silcox (R-Sandy Springs), narrowly

lost to Democratic challenger, Shea Roberts by a margin of roughly 365 votes

• Incumbent, Brett Harrell (R-Snellville), lost to Democratic challenger, Rebecca Mitchell

• Incumbent, Dale Rutledge (R-McDonough), lost to Democratic challenger, Regina Lewis-Ward

• Incumbent and Minority Party Leader, Bob Trammell (D-Luthersville), lost to Republican challenger, David Jenkins

Deborah Silcox was a particularly tough loss for the GDA, as she had personal ties to dentistry and was a very strong advocate for healthcare providers in this state. As with the 2018 Georgia state election cycle, metro-area Republicans witnessed a further erosion of their margins of victory in areas of the state that were once strongholds for their party. Whether this trend will continue in future years is up for debate because Georgia Republicans will now control the state’s redistricting process,


which is the process for drawing district lines for candidates for public office. However, as more and more citizens from other states relocate in droves to Georgia for a more business friendly environment coupled with a relatively lower cost of living, it is possible that we could see more changes under the Gold Dome.

As the GDA moves into 2021, I would like to remind you all of the recent developments related to COVID-19 for which your Government Affairs Team advocated for on behalf of all our members (and non-members) that will likely impact you in the near future: • Dentists and allied dental personnel are eligible to receive

the COVID-19 vaccine in Georgia as part of Phase 1a of the state’s vaccine distribution plan

• The Georgia Board of Dentistry issued a temporary rule allowing Georgia licensed dentists and dental hygienists to meet their 50% live, in-person, CE obligations for the 2021 license renewal year through CE courses offered via webinar, as long as those webinars are presented in real time by a live instructor who is available to answer questions from the viewers (See Georgia Board of Dentistry action on page 7)

• The Georgia Board of Dentistry recently ruled that Georgia-licensed dentists may administer point of care (“POC”) testing for COVID-19 in their offices but must ensure they adhere to certain requirements issued by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (“CLIA”), including applying for and obtaining a CLIA waiver

• The Georgia Board of Dentistry clarified that Georgia dentists may still continue to utilize telehealth services to consult with patients but not as a supervision tool for dental auxiliaries during the pendency of Governor Kemp’s declaration of an emergency public health state of emergency in Georgia

• Recent Board of Dentistry appointments:

p Dr. Richard Bennett was re-appointed for another term

p Misty Mattingly, RDH, was appointed as the hygienist member

To view all statements issued by the Georgia Board of Dentistry, please visit https://gbd.georgia.gov/press-releases.

Finally, please remember that a new state law regulating the practice of surprise billing went into effect in Georgia on January 1, 2021. There are provisions that apply to out-of-network providers, so please make sure you watch the GDA’s webinar explain these new requirements. For more information, please contact Scott Piper at [email protected].

With regard to the 2021 legislative session, the ongoing uncertainty stemming from COVID-19 will make it a challenging and unpredictable session. At this time, legislators are reviewing their existing COVID-19 protocols and will be releasing them shortly, so we do not know who will be allowed to visit the Gold Dome. As a result, the GDA has cancelled our

“Opening Day at the Capitol” activities, as well as our district LAW Days. It is possible that we may schedule a LAW Day as we get more details on the rules and regulations for visiting the state Capitol, so please be on the look out for announcements from your Government Affairs Team.

As for legislation, the GDA will be looking at several key initiatives such as addressing unilateral downcoding by dental insurance benefit plans, teledentistry, and hopefully increasing Medicaid fee reimbursements for dentists. Since it will likely be another tight budget year, we may be looking more to protect some of the key items we have secured in the budget over the past years. However, we remain optimistic that we will continue to successfully advocate on the issues that are important to our members and help them succeed.

On a final note, the GDA recently hired a new Director of Health Policy, Emma Paris, who started in December. Emma comes to the GDA with both an MPH and MSW and most recently worked at the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Disabilities (“DBHDD”). We are very excited that Emma has joined the GDA staff, so please reach out to her in the coming months and make her feel welcome.

If you have any questions or concerns about the information in this article, please feel free to email me at [email protected] or call me at 404.636.7553 x 103.


Dear Fellow GDA Colleagues:As your newly appointed GDAPAC Chairman, I would like

to take a moment to thank our President, Annette Rainge, for providing me with an opportunity to lead one of the key components supporting the GDA’s advocacy efforts. I would also like to thank my predecessor, Henry Benson, for his tireless service and his efforts to increase member participation in PAC fundraising. Most of all, I would like to thank all of our members, who continue to ensure the strength of our legislative advocacy program by contributing to the PAC, even during this time of economic uncertainty. I have asked GDA staff to list all of those who participated at one of our PAC Giving Levels this year in the following pages.

This year, every dentist in Georgia (members and non-members alike), personally witnessed the strength of the GDA’s advocacy efforts in response to COVID-19. While many of our colleagues in other states were wondering when they could return to their full scope of practice, our Government Affairs team diligently worked with Gov. Kemp and various state agencies to ensure that Georgia dentists retained the ability to continue to see patients and support our families with minimal interruption and regulatory interference. Moreover, as an organization, the GDA continues to pass meaningful laws that help support our practices, protect our patients, and stop the initiatives that do not.

In light of the current political climate, the constant pressure of scope expansion initiatives compromising patient safety, overly burdensome third-party billing requirements, and an ever-changing regulatory environment, one of the hard truths we all must face in order to protect our profession and our patients is that we must encourage more members to contribute to the PAC. More importantly, we should also encourage those who consistently contribute to the PAC to do so at one of our designated giving levels.

Given the quality, timeliness, and value of the information we received this year during the initial phases of the pandemic, I challenge our members and their practices to find a better annual return on investment of $500 (our highest giving level).

In that regard, I hope you will continue to support the GDAPAC’s fundraising efforts and look forward to working for the betterment of our profession and our patients. One of my key initiatives as your new Chairman will be to work with our Government Affairs Team on scheduling/planning more in-person fundraising events, both at the district and state levels. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you ever have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,Kumar J. Patel, DMD

Letter from Dr. Kumar Patel GDAPAC Chairman

Dr. Kumar J. Patel


to our 2020 GDAPAC Contributors

G O L D D O M E S O C I E T Y M E M B E R($500+)

Northwestern District Dental Society

Central District Dental Society

Chris AdkinsDon Benton

Janine BetheaVinamra Bhasin

Thomas BroderickJeff Capes

John ClinebellRobert David Drew

Jay HarringtonKenneth Hutchinson

Amy KuhmichelClyde Marlow

Harshad A. MehtaJamie MitchellPatrick PowellZach Powell

F. Neal PylantAnnette Rainge

Chris RautenstrauchMegan Reich

Robin ReichStacy Reich

David RemaleyRene Roberts

Rajnish SharmaPaul Trotter

Chalasani VenkatadriRichard Weinman

Back the PAC. Support Your Profession. GADENTAL.ORG/GDAPAC

G D A PAC M E M B E R($135–209)

Bradley AdamsMatthew AdamsRonald Adams

Suzanna AguileraAndrew Aiken

Roya AkbarGlenn Alex

Michael AllenDavid Allison

Richard AndersonLee AndrewsWilliam Argo

Anthony ArmstrongJimmy ArnoldJoseph ArnoldElise Ashpole

Rebecca AspinwallJames Awbrey

Betsy AyersEvis Babo

Susan BakerAngela Bakke

Christopher BakkePaula BalkcomJeffery Ballard

Supriti BalyanStephen Bankston

Joseph BarclayJon Barden

Michael BarlowKavreet Bath

Sarabess BaumrindDaren Becker

Louis BelinfanteJ. Alex BellJack Bell

William BennettHenry Benson

Zackary BentleyThomas Berry

Lou BestDonald BetheaRobert BetzelVeena Bhat

Lona Bibbs-WalkerJohn BinkleyLarry Black

Jeffrey BlankenshipPriti Bloor

Howard Booth

Joseph BorkPeter Bougas

R. David BradberryHenry Bradford

Christopher BradyBrian Bragassa

Rosanne BrandtLaura Braswell

Temiko BraswellRobby BrinsonThomas Britt

Kathy BrittinghamMichael Brittingham

James BroadfootThomas Brooks

Alla BrownDonald BrownJessica BrownJohn BrownKirby BrownLewis Brown

Neil BrowningT. Scott Bruckmair

Todd BrunoCharles Brunson

Lucian BryanRebecca BryanThomas Bryan

Angela Bulloch-Patterson

Karl BurgessCharles BurnsJ. Brad Bynum

Bruce CampDamaries Candelario-

SotoRoberta Cann

Donald CantrellHolly Cantrell

John CareyVincent Carey

David CarithersA. Carney

Robert CarpenterWilliam Carroll

Scott CarterDavid Cassidy

James Cassidy JrJames Cassidy III

Elizabeth Caughey

Sammy CavesRonald Cavola

Cristi CheekNathan Cherof

George ChildressNeelima ChiruBrian ChoateZimri ChoateBilly Chung

Mark ClaytonRussell ClemmonsDouglas Clepper

Tinsley ClineWilliam ClineGregg Codelli

Celeste CogginLee CohenJim Cole

H. Byron ColleyTaylor Collier

Charles CollinsWilliam Colson

Richard ComptonStephen Connelly

J. Hank Cook

Leah CookDavid Cooper

Allison CorbettDonald CorrellWilliam Couch

Jeffery CoxStanley CoxEllene Craig

Narisa CramerAlexander Cranford

Leigh CrenshawJason Croft

Roddie CrouchW. Keith CrummeyCharles Culberson

Thomas CunninghamLyndsey Dahlstrom

Nathan DallasCharles DameronLaura Dameron

Randolph DanielRuth D'ArcoJalpa DaveAmy David

Clayton Davis

Kristina DawsonAmy Dayries-LingJamie De Stefano

Cara DeleonChristopher DeleonWilliam Dellinger

Jeff DeMercyMichael Demo

Brent DeptaAmi Desai

Benjamin DeShetlerCharles Dodge

Arthur DoltJohn Dooley

Steve DrescherMonicha Drew

Jonathan DubinDaniel Dunwody

Laura DurhamStephen Durham

Tracy DurhamRyan EdwardsDavid Eichel

Stanley EisenbergMaha El-Sayed

William ElwellCatharine A. Enright

Ware EubankMaria Cristina Everson

Russell EymanDavid FarrowWilliam Faulk

Eric FerraraRobert FinkelMark Fisher

Shirley FisherBrad Ford

Bradshaw FordJackson FordhamD. Keith FortsonHarold Fountain

Paul FraysureRyan Friedrich

Brenda FritzRyan Fulchi

Ronald GadboisTurner Gaines

Nancy GallagherDavid Gandy

C A P I T O L C O L U M N S O C I E T Y M E M B E R($310–499)

Darron Alvord Steven Berwitz Megha Bhat Narayana Bhat Craig Fievet Stan Halpern Amber Lawson Trushar Patel Rakesh Raina Peter Shatz Deena Smith Rhoda Sword

FR A N K L I N C L U B S O C I E T Y($210–310)

Shainal Nagar Aaron Rawlings Lisa Strickland Donna Thomas-Moses

»

!Thank you


G D A PAC M E M B E R , C O N T.

Daniel GarabadianTravis GarntoJames GarvinKatie Garvin

Bryan GeerlingsPinkney GilchristRobert GittelmanThomas Godfrey

Gregory GoggansAdam GoldbergSteven GoldbergRichard GoldenRobert Golden

Ronald GoldsteinSteven Golubow

Kenneth GoodwinAdam GordonJohnny Gosier

Brian GowasackBill GramzinskiJames GranadeBenjamin GrantEdward GreenCynthia Greene

Erica GreeneGrayson Griffis

Karolina GrochowskaTimothy Grubb

Praveen GudipatiRaymond Gyselinck

James HaddadTimmi HaganPaul HagueBrian Hall

Cynthia HallDenise Hall

Eric HallWilliam Hall

Robert HalvorsenJohn H. HamelDaniel Hardy

Heather HardyDeAnn Harmon-Smith

B. Daniel HarrellJay Harris

Peter HarrisJanet Harrison

Daniel HartMary Harvey-Grundy

Christopher HastyBenjamin Hawkins

Brett HeltonKevin Hendler

Shue HerTina Herington

Brent HerrinPaul Hinchey

Daniel HodgesRhonda Hogan

Kim HoodLaquanis HookerJeffrey Houston

A. J. HowardAlbert HudsonKelly HughesDavid Hulsey

Robert Hurt JrRobert Hurt IIIMark IngramJohn JacksonRalph JacksonMykle Jacobs

Michelle JacquesThomas JagorJohn Jamerson

Eleonora JenkinsBen JerniganTerrance Jeter

Angela JohnsonClifford Johnson

Eric JohnsonGary Johnson

Hannah Johnson MillerKenneth JonesMelissa Jordan

Janice JoyceKiran KamdarJason KaplanRishi Kapur

I. Gary KatcoffThomas Kauffman

Jagdeep KaurKenneth Kay

Ronique Keane-DawesGraham KellamsJeffery Kendrick

Bilal KhanNancy Kil

Heavenly KimesKirk KimmerlingJames Kincaid

Linda King

Joseph KirboMartha Kirkland

Lisa KirshenbaumBenjamin KnaakJeffrey Knauer

Marshall KnauerMichael KnightMichael Knight

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Charles LindseyAmy Loden

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George MacMasterMichael MahaffeyDeborah MakersonReginald Makerson

Marshall MannUlysses MarableDallas Margeson

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Maria MartinsonGeorge Mason

D Kendrick MathewsStephen MatlagaThomas Maxwell

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Randolph MooreJ. Morris

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Morgan MurrayRichard MyersDavid NadlerLogan NalleyJoseph Narde

Donald NelsonRobert NelsonJohn Newsom

David NorringtonRobert O'BrienFrank O'Connor

Robert O'Donnell

Ted OellerichPeter Ok

Adrian O'NealMichael O'Neal

Thomas OppenheimSamer OthmanDavid OverbyJason Oyler

Ferdinand PadillaP. Edward Pafford

Julius ParkThomas ParkerJames PaschalJigisha PatelKumar Patel

Maheshvar PatelJames Patterson

John PeacockMilton PeaveyNorman Peets

Walker PendarvisBrandon Pennington

L. PerkinsDavid Perry

Thomas PetersonLewis PetreeDavid Petrie

Stephen PhelpsDonald PhillipsJames Phillips

Randall PhillipsMichael Piccione

Joseph PittsRonald Polk

Gary PoolLindsay PopeMichael PopeReid PoppleLeia Porcaro

J. Patrick PoseyB. Wade PostonR. Steven PowellZachary Powell

James PriceThomas PriceStanley PrinceJohn PritchettJames Proctor

Leon PyeSteven RafeedieLouvenia Rainge

Hal RaperMelisa RathburnCandace RauschJennifer Rayburn

John ReddingLee Redding

Reynaldo ReeseValerie Reese

Edwin RichardsonSusan Rifkin

Megan RihanSarah Roberts

James RobinsonKathleen Robinson

John RobisonJames Roos

Ida Rose-MizeMatthew RosenthalMichael Rosenthal

Charles RossWilliam Rousseau

Demetris RushLawrence Saltzman

Hyman SalyerGarrett Sanders

Rahul SarafJason SayerP. Scheinfeld

Daniel SchroederTroy Schulman

Aaron SchwartzMarie Schweinebraten

Leslie SclafiniRichard Seaborn

Michael SebastianPriyanka Seekand

Christopher SeibertMichael Seligson

Paulomi ShahSheila Shah

Richard ShapiroMicah ShawLouis SheltonJeffrey SherryMyra Shivers

Christopher SholotaMark ShurettHarris Siegel

John SimmonsKent Simmons

Theresa Simmons

Jeffery SingletonThomas Skafidas

Kendall SlatonRonald SmileyGerald SmithJ. Matt Smith

Jack SmithJay Smith

Jessanna SmithMark Smith

Matthew SmithPaul Smith

Ronald SmithBrian Songer

Glenn SosebeeRichard SpencerJ. Don SpillersDennis Starkey

Jo StegallSchadale StevensMichael StewartKaryn Stockwell

Renee StoneMark Strandburg

Christopher StricklandLisa Strickland

Mordena SullenJoseph Sumrall

Joseph Sumrall Jr.Stephanie Sweeney

Eric SwinsonEdwin SwordsTamas SzakalJames TalbotCullen Talton

Anita TateJohn Taylor

Clifford TeemsJoel Tidwell

William TolerR. Darryl TomSidney Tourial

Kenneth TralongoT. Barrett Trotter

Andie TugglePhillip TullyTerry TumlinJason Turner

Stephen TurnerBeau Upshaw

Jaya Vallabhaneni

Lee Van De WaterVictor van Greuningen

Peter VanstromJames Vason

Carmen VaughnRyan Vaughn

Sangita VenkateshMichael VernonLindsey Vinson

Barry VlassCurtis Waites

Jonathan WaldronJonathan Waldron

Clifford WalkerMarie Wall

Michael WallH. Paul WallsJeremy WardJames WareJohn Wasdin

Donihue WatersJeffrey Waters

Erik WellsJennifer Wells

Thomas WeyrichWilliam WhatleyJames WhitenerDavid WhitneyElaine Whitney

Sterling WhitworthStephen Wilhoite

Carl WilliamsR. Williams

Tammy WilliamsBarbara Williford

Debra WilsonHiram WilsonRobert WilsonStacey WingadBruce Winter

Marvin WinterJohn WolfeCarol Wolff

George WommackJeremy Wood

Clarence WorleyMarc Wright

Michael WrightWilliam Young

GDAPACContinued from page 35

Earn double rewards at dental supply providers!With the new ADA® Visa® Business Rewards Card your practice can earn points faster where your practice spends the most – dental supplies. Earn 2X POINTS from GDA Plus+ Supplies!2

Account must be open and in good standing to earn and redeem rewards and benefits. Net purchases are purchases minus credits and returns. Not all transactions are eligible to earn rewards, such as Advances, Balance Transfers, and Convenience Checks. You will immediately lose all your Points if your Account is closed to future transactions (including, but not limited to, Program misuse, failure to pay, bankruptcy, or death). Points will expire five years from the end of the calendar quarter in which they were earned. 1 Earn up to an additional 50,000 bonus points in the first 365 days after account opening. Accounts will earn 1 bonus point in addition to the standard amount earned for each $1 of eligible net purchases, up to 50,000 bonus points. These bonus points will be awarded on your monthly billing statement. This offer may not be combined with any other bonus offer. 2 Some restrictions apply. Refer to your Program Rules at www.adavisa.com/FAQs for additional information. U.S. Bank cannot control how merchants choose to classify their business and reserves the right to determine which purchases qualify. In order to qualify for the (4) additional points on ADA purchases, the purchases must be from designated ADA-endorsed providers, as determined by the provider. Reward points are earned with your ADA Visa credit card.3 The APR may vary and as of 10/15/2020, the variable APR for Purchases and Balance Transfers is 9.99% - 21.99% based on your creditworthiness. The variable APR for Cash Advances is 25.99%. Cash Advance fee: 5% of each advance amount, $10 minimum. Convenience Check fee: 3% of each check amount, $5 minimum. Cash Equivalent fee: 5% of each cash amount, $20 minimum. Balance Transfer fee: 3% of each transfer amount, $5 minimum. There is a $2 minimum interest charge where interest is due. The annual fee is $0. Foreign Transaction fee: None. We may change APRs, fees, and other Account terms in the future based on your experience with U.S. Bank National Association and its affiliates as provided under the Cardmember Agreement and applicable law.4 Cash back is in form of statement credit.ADA is a registered trademark of the American Dental Association. The creditor and issuer of this card is U.S. Bank National Association, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. ©2021 U.S. Bank

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Friday, April 9 and Saturday, April 10, 2021

13 Hours of In-Person CE

Hotel Andaz Historic Downtown Savannah

Tracks for dentists, hygienists, dental assistants and practice managers

3 Proceeds benefit your association and profession

3 COVID-friendly seating

32 days of in-person clinical CE for dentists in a license renewal year

3 CE for the entire dental team—special team pricing for a team retreat

3Outstanding room rate for historic downtown 4-star hotel

Savannah in April should be/ on your bucket list, but don’t just take our word for it:

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You survived 2020!Treat Yourself and Your Entire Team to Spring in Savannah

PRICINGRegistration deadline: March 31, 2021. After 3/31/21 add $50 to each registration.

GDA Member Dentists$295 – Full Conference$199 – One-day

Non-Member Dentists$395 – Full Conference$250 – One-day

Dental Staff with a Full Dentist RegistrationPrice is per person$125 – Full Conference$99 – One-day

Dental Staff Only (no dentist registration)Price is per person$215 – Full Conference$175 – One-day

Dental Assistant Training Goes on Despite the PandemicExpanded Duties and Coronal Polishing courses have been more popular than ever due to staff turn-over during the pandemic. For their safety and yours, we’ve moved all of our classroom learning online, with in-person clinical evaluations in shorter, more accessible, COVID-friendly learning environments.• Online webinars allow you to take the course at your pace

from your home or office or where ever!

• 4 courses to choose from

• 1-day clinical evaluations means less travel costs

We’ll Bring the Training to You!

If you have a number of dental assistants that you want to get better-trained we may be able to bring the training to you. Please call Director of CE Scott Piper at 404.636.7553 x128 or [email protected].

Get more schedule information and registration at gadental.org/CE

GDA Spring Conference at Savannah

800-516-4640 | www.bridgewaytransi�ons.com | info@bridgewaytransi�ons.com

Baldwin Co: Grossing $1M. 4 ops. All FFS. 2000 sq/�. Real estate for sale.

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Richmond Co: Perio. Grossing $700K. 4 ops, room to expand. Mostly FFS. Digital

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NW GA: Grossing $900K. 5 ops. PPO/FFS. Digital xray. Seller will stay on.

Gwinne� Co: Grossing $650K. 6 ops. Digital xray & PAN. Shopping center.

West of Atlanta: 4 ops. 2000 sq/�. Grossing $800K. All FFS. RE for sale.

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Gwinne� Co: Grossing $600K. 7 ops. FFS/PPO. Digital xray, PAN, Cerec.

Newton Co: Grossing $750K. All FFS. 4 ops. 2000 sq/�. Digital xray & PAN.

East Cobb: 4 ops. Mainly PPO. Grossing $330K. Great loca�on. Seller moving.

Coweta: 9 ops. Grossing $660K. Real estate available. PPO/FFS. Stand-alone.

Dougherty Co: Grossing $365K. PPO/ FFS. Real estate for sale. Seller re�ring.

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Oconee Co Pedo: Grossing $500K. All FFS. 6 chairs. Recently remodeled.

Coweta Co: Grossing $800K. Paperless. 5 ops. Digital xray, PAN & Cerec.

Fulton Co Prostho: Grossing $1.8M. 6 ops. Excellent area. Seller will stay on.

Associate opportunities available all over the state of Georgia! Call to learn more about our associate placement program!

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Now offering Medicare Supplements

Are you or someone you love thinking about Medicare? Stop here and let us answer your questions and calm your fears.

myGDIS.com



myGDIS.com



myGDIS.com

2021 Insurance CheckupWith each New Year, we look forward to changes we want to make both professionally and personally. Reviewing your insurance policies to accommodate some of these changes should be at the top of the list. Though the task may seem overwhelming or too cumbersome, you could be leaving thousands of dollars of savings on the table and could be exposed to liability due to gaps in coverages. Below are some examples of how to add financial security for both you and your family while saving premium dollars.

Always keep your insurance policies with A-rated carriers or better. Carriers with higher ratings can financially withstand widespread claim payouts and are more likely to honor your insurance contract.

A GENERAL RULE TO FOLLOW

Auto InsuranceDid you know that many auto insurance companies are now offering low mileage credits or safe driving device discounts for individuals who are commuting less due to the coronavirus? This can be as much as 30% savings on your auto insurance premium.

Homeowners and Business InsuranceRenovations or safety updates to your home or office can not only improve the value of your property but could also help you qualify for discounts and credits on your homeowners or business insurance policies.

Notify your insurance agent regarding pricey possessions or equipment. High-value items in your home (i.e. wedding rings, fine art, or collectibles) are not automatically covered under your homeowner’s policy. These items could be covered via an endorsement on your current homeowner’s policy or by a separate policy such as a personal articles policy. If you have added any new equipment to your practice be sure the content's value under your business insurance policy is sufficient enough to cover the equipment in the event of a claim.

Professional Liability CoverageGeorgia is ranked 6th among nine jurisdictions that are known as judicial “hellholes.” Select a professional liability carrier that will fight on your behalf to protect your reputation rather than one who will simply write a check for a quick and easy resolution. To help protect yourself, it is important to keep your insurance carrier up-to-date on all procedures you are performing, locations where you are practicing part-time or full-time, and the hours you are working.


You own it... use it!Call us at 770.395.0224 or visit gdaplus.com.



myGDIS.com



myGDIS.com

Life and Disability Insurance2020 taught us that disability and life insurance are vital in protecting ourselves and the ones we love. Together, life and disability insurance can help sustain you financially if you were to become ill, injured, or pass away. In the event you cannot work for a period of time, your disability and business overheard expense policy can cover your business and personal bills and expenses in the interim. In the event of your untimely death, your life insurance benefit amount could cover hospital costs, funeral arrangements, bills, the cost to run or sell your practice, etc. Now ask yourself, “Should something happen to me, would my family and my practice carry on appropriately with my current insurance coverage?”

RetiringTurning 65? GDIS offers Medicare Supplement plans A, F, G, or N through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. Medicare Supplement insurance plans help with Medicare costs like your coinsurance, excess charges, and deductibles.

With over 75 years of combined professional and personal lines insurance experience, Georgia's dental community trusts Georgia Dental Insurance Services to protect them both professionally and personally. To get a quote or request a confidential consultation, please visit gdaplus.com or call us at 770.395.0224.

Health InsuranceHave you experienced any health issues, gone to the emergency room, or seen a specialist? Cheap health insurance plans offer savings on your premiums now, but can leave you financially devastated in the long run. Members have reported losing coverage without notification, not being able to get assistance with coverage questions, and mid-year premium increases. GDA Group Health Plans offers:• broad network coverage

• multiple plan designs to meet your needs

• no coverage limitations

• and rates are guaranteed for a year

Along with great coverage, you also have your own dedicated customer service team to assist you should coverage issues arise.

“I recently switched my office professional package and my Workers’ Comp plans to GDIS from the carrier I had been with for almost 30 years. GDIS beat my previous carrier on price by about 30%. The transition was very easy. The staff at GDIS quickly responded to all of my requests and handled everything seamlessly. I would highly recommend calling GDIS for a quote today.”

– Dr. Jamie A. and Suzy Mitchell


As your life evolves, let GDIS evolve with you.

Follow us on social media: @gadentalassn

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Visit mygdis.com today to learn about all of our products and to request your free quote. Or call us at 770-395-0224 to speak to a licensed insurance agent.

No matter what stage you are in your career, Georgia’s dental community trusts GDIS to help protect their personal and professional assets with a�ordable business, personal and medical insurance products.


7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Road NE Building 17, Suite 200

Atlanta, GA 30328T: 770.395.0224 | F: 404.634.6099

Late Career RetirementLate Career

Professional Liability

BusinessOwners

Workers'Compensation

Commercial/ Personal Umbrella

Homeowner’s Insurance

Auto Insurance

Early Career Mid-CareerDental & Grad

StudentsGDA Plus+/GDIS

Insurance Products

DisabilityInsurance

HealthInsurance

LifeInsurance

MedicareSupplements

Visit mygdis.com today to learn about all of our products and to request your free quote. Or call us at 770-395-0224 to speak to a licensed insurance agent.

No matter what stage you are in your career, Georgia’s dental community trusts GDIS to help protect their personal and professional assets with a�ordable business, personal and medical insurance products.


7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Road NE Building 17, Suite 200

Atlanta, GA 30328T: 770.395.0224 | F: 404.634.6099

Contact your local Transition Sales Consultant from

Henry Schein Professional Practice Transitions!

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As a dentist, you pride yourself in caring for your patients. But as a business owner, do you really know who they are? Have you taken the time to define what makes them unique and how knowing that can move your business forward? Many business owners think that broader is better when it comes to defining their ideal audience, or in your case patient. I can take care of anyone. You may believe that the larger your potential patient pool is, the more people you can serve in your practice, right? Not necessarily. When it comes to knowing your ideal patient, to really being able to target them, less is usually more.

Why should you better know your customer?So, let’s break this down. We are going to focus on a dentist that has focused all of their marketing and outreach in a particular geographic area. They may have only selected where their marketing efforts go based on zip code or certain towns. However, that can leave you trying to “talk” to a pretty big group of people that may have different needs and wants when it comes to a dentist.

Let’s look at an example that isn’t dental-related that will help illustrate clearly how bigger isn’t always better when it comes to marketing. Take a small business owner that has identified her ideal customer as “women.” So below you will find three women.

From left to right you have a senior woman, a middle-aged woman, and a young woman. Based on the example our business owner is saying that all of these ladies are her customer.

But would you put them all in the same group when it comes to how you would talk to them? Do you think you would find them in the same places? Do you think the same product, packaged the same way, would appeal to all of them equally? Of course not. Each of these pictures represents women at different stages in their lives.

Okay, so let’s say our small business owner reassesses things and now she says her target customer is young college women. Great, right? She isn’t thinking as broad anymore. She is looking at a narrower audience. But is it targeted enough? So, below you will find three more women.

Let’s assume that all three of these women are 20 and they are in college. But will they respond the same? From left to right you have a young single mom, a 20-year-old whose parents are paying for school, and a young woman putting herself through college while working.

Based on the example, our business owner is saying that all these young women are her customer. And they may be. But do you think the same things would appeal to each of them? Do you think talking to them the same way would work? Probably not.

Although your practice can and will treat most patients, it is important to remember that keeping the overall focus for your practice narrow and clearly defined will enable you to focus on desired growth areas and avoid diluting your marketing efforts. If you are trying to appeal to all of the women in their 20s with one Facebook post, advertisement in a local magazine, or local event, you risk appealing to no one.

By Amy Matthews, CEO, AMI

Do You Really Know Who Your Ideal Patient Is?

Are You Sure?


If instead, if you focus your marketing and outreach efforts on a more clearly-defined ideal patient you can avoid the trap of trying to be all things to all people. This will enable you to ensure that each marketing effort, project, or sponsorship opportunity will reach your intended target.

How do you do it?By now you are seeing why less is more when it comes to targeting your ideal patient. But you are probably still wondering how to go about doing this. As with anything else, there is the traditional way of doing it using market research and there is the small business way of doing it.

Scientific market research is fantastic. And this is absolutely what you should do when you can afford to do it. It offers you just that, scientific data with which you can make decisions. It gives you a clear picture of who your current patients are and who your potential patients are likely to be. But there are two main drawbacks with this option. One is that good research costs a lot of money—often more than you have to invest in your practice. And two, it only produces good results if you have good questions. Remember I said good research costs a lot of money. But even if you spend a lot of money and do not ask the right questions, you may still fall short of getting what you need. So, if you go down the path of market research, find a reliable partner that you feel comfortable with and can afford. And make sure the right questions are being asked so that you get data that will truly help you.

Option two, the small business way of doing it, is a bit more down and dirty. It is about asking yourself and your team questions, about your patients. Sit down and examine everything you know about them. Who are they? How old are they? What are they interested in? Where do they live? Make lists. You are trying to paint a picture of your typical patient. Compare your thoughts to what your current patient database can tell you about your patients. Were you right? If yes, great. If not, where do you differ.

Once you have better defined your ideal patient you can begin to spot them easily. You can begin to see how knowing them better can positively impact your practice. You can begin to tailor everything you do in your practice to meet their needs first and foremost. And you can begin marketing directly to them.

No more throwing stuff (i.e., marketing money) at the wall to see what sticks. You will now be taking a more targeted approach. Because even though your audience is narrower, you’re growing your practice by getting a bigger share of that group to become your patient.

But how do you take the next step to make sure that your marketing is really connecting with your ideal patient? You must understand the why behind how they are choosing the dentist that is right for them. And that is what you will find in the March 2021 issue of GDA Action Journal.

Amy Matthews has spent the last 29 years building strategic marketing solutions for organizations both large and small. She believes that everything about what you do in business should begin and end with your client. They are the true north for your business and if you allow them to guide your journey you will never drift off course. You can learn more about Amy and her company at amilc.com.

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The safest place for special needs* patients with dental issues? In an O.R., of course.


GDAMEMBERPROFILEThis column highlights GDA members talking about their path to dentistry and the value they find in GDA membership. The month we hear from a Southwestern District father-daughter team, Louis A. Riccardi, DDS, PC and N. Alexandra Riccardi-Turner, DMD.

Meet Drs. Lou Riccardi and Alex Riccardi-Turner

Why did you decide to become a dentist? DR. LOU: I wanted to be in the healthcare profession, but I did not want to live the life of an MD. My father was a surgeon, and I saw first-hand the lifestyle he lived. I also always enjoyed working with my hands when growing up, and I felt that dentistry gave me the opportunity to help those in need, with more manageable hours to also be able to spend time with my family.

DR. ALEX: I always like to see people smile. I feel like people who like their smile, smile more often. I wanted to help people feel more confident about themselves. I also knew I wanted to be in the healthcare profession, but I also wanted to have a profession that would allow me to have the flexibility to be an involved mom when I become one.

What did you want to be when you were growing up? DR. LOU: A doctor.

DR. ALEX: I alternated between an orthodontist and a physical therapist.

Why did you become a GDA Member? DR. LOU: I wanted to be involved with and support my state’s dental organization like many of my role models and colleagues.

DR. ALEX: I saw my dad involved with the GDA, and I too wanted to support

Hooding Ceremony May 2015

Left to right: Donnie McMickle, Kara McMickle, David Fowler, Haley Fowler, Wes Turner, Dr. Alex Riccardi-Turner, Dr. Lou Riccardi, Candy Riccardi, Ashley Skandalakis, and Dr. Lee Skandalakis


our state’s dental organization. I was also involved with ASDA and GDA LAW day while in dental school.

What would you tell a dental student about GDA? DR. LOU: The GDA affords you a variety of avenues of services that you can utilize as you go through life.

DR. ALEX: It provides you connections to other dentists and colleagues. It also keeps you up to date with events, CEs, and our ever-progressing profession.

What is the single most important thing, in your opinion, the GDA can do to help members? DR. LOU: Keeping me informed on changes in dentistry and important events and CEs that help us to continue to provide the most up-to-date and best dental care for our patients.

DR. ALEX: I second what my dad said. I think it is so important for the GDA to keep us updated on things that are happening in our profession so we can provide the best care for our patients.

What was your most memorable GDA experience? DR. LOU: One of the years I went to the GDA convention in St. Simons at the King and Prince.

DR. ALEX: The GDA convention at the Ritz-Carlton of Amelia a few years ago.

What advice would you give to an aspiring dental student? DR. LOU: Work constantly to make good grades, be involved with sports or another extracurricular activity that allows you to work with a team of individuals, and always be willing to volunteer your time or help with community service.

DR. ALEX: Shadow as many general dentists and specialists as possible. Make sure that you work hard in school and always be willing to learn.

What was your first job? DR. LOU: Road construction on Roswell Road.

DR. ALEX: Filing charts and answering the phone at the dental office during my summer breaks in high school.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? DR. LOU: Watching and attending any University of Georgia sporting event (especially football), working in my yard, and running/walking.

DR. ALEX: Working out and running, traveling, spending time with my friends, and attending UGA football games.

Without saying “I am a dentist,” what would you say if someone asked what you do? DR. LOU: I help my patients keep their oral cavity healthy and wholesome, while striving to provide treatment for their teeth to provide health, function, and pleasing aesthetics.

DR. ALEX: I am a doctor of the oral cavity. My goal is to keep their teeth, tongue, gums, and bone healthy, so that they can enjoy eating, smiling, and a healthy overall mouth.

What is your all-time dream vacation? DR. LOU: Explore Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.

DR. ALEX: Visit the Maldives, and stay in an over the water bungalow with a glass floor.

Left to right: Wes Turner, Dr. Alex Riccardi-Turner, Candy Riccardi, and Dr. Lou Riccardi


DENTIST AVAILABLEOVER 30 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE in solo, group, and military practice. I am available to take care of your hygiene and triage emergencies while you are away. FAGD eligible with Georgia license. DEA registered and insured. Call Kevin Mitch-ell, DDS, at 404.808.7508 or email [email protected].

DENTIST (TEMP FILL IN) Current GA, FL, AL licenses. 27 years in solo practice. Also, group, faculty, civilian mission trip, and military prac-tice experience. DEA# and insured staff friendly. E-mail [email protected] or call Richard Glass, DMD at 770.656.5269/770.380.7487. “Have licenses, will travel.”

POSITIONS AVAILABLEDENTIST NEEDED part-time 1 to 2 days a week for endo, Tucker, GA. Must be proficient in Molar endo. Send CV to [email protected]. 770.939.9293.

GREAT OPPORTUNITY for a full-time general dentist in a new, state of the art facility with room for growth. Dentists provide a full range of services from oral surgery to restorative and cosmetic dentistry, endodontics, implant res-toration, pediatric dentistry, prosthodontics and TMD diagnosis and treatment, willing to expand services as education and interests permit. This busy practice currently employs 2 FT dentists and 2 FT dental hygienists. Patients’ schedules booked through December, 2020. Will be hired as an associate with opportunity in the future for partnership in an established practice in Americus, GA where the small town atmosphere is ideal for someone looking to establish their family in an area with good schools, good quality of life, low cost of living and great for outdoor sporting and recreational activities, but within an hour to 1 ½ of Macon, Columbus and Albany. Less than 3 hours from Atlanta. The downtown area has been revital-ized and the surrounding community offers a comfortable, affordable life style, where you can make a difference and provide quality oral healthcare services.You can visit our website www.drriccardi.com. If you are interested please contact us at 229.924.2224 and email your re-sume to [email protected].

GDACLASSIFIEDSWELL ESTABLISHED FEE for service general dental practice desires an associate 4 days a week. We are seeking a dentist who is pas-sionate about dentistry and patient care. Our mission is to exceed patients’ expectations while improving their overall health and well being. We offer a broad spectrum of services to assist our patients in maintaining exceptional dental health to accomplish our mission. This is an excellent opportunity for the right candidate to expand and prosper with our continually growing practice. [email protected].

ASSOCIATE NEEDED IN GLYNN COUNTY–Georgia’s Golden Isles, two miles from the beach, one hour from Savannah and Jackson-ville. Excellent opportunity for motivated Gen-eral Dentist with exceptional communication skills. Enjoy working with an experienced, sup-portive team. Well established Family practice chartless software, digital x-rays with a great re-call Hygiene program in place. Associate should have skills in all aspects of General Dentistry, with an emphasis on Restorative, Removable and Crown and Bridge. Salary range $150,000-$300,000 annually. Compensation is production based, with a guaranteed minimum and a future buy out option available. Work 2 to 4 days per week, 8:30 – 5:00. Why work under corporate pressure? Have clinical freedom, competitive rates and malpractice assistance while living on the Coast. Interested candidates reply to [email protected].

FULL-TIME DENTAL ASSOCIATE needed to join high quality, busy, long-standing general dentistry practice in the Buckhead area of Atlan-ta with the opportunity to buy in. General Prac-tice Residency and/or some practice experience a plus. We provide all types of dentistry includ-ing implants, endo, reconstructive, family, and cosmetic procedures. [email protected].

ARE YOU LOOKING for a practice where un-compromising patient care is supported by proactive leadership/communications, supe-rior clinical skills and a genuine excitement and passion for dentistry? Our two successful longstanding practices located 30-45 minutes Northeast of Atlanta are seeking an associate. We provide an extraordinary standard of care with a wide array of services including routine restorative, endodontics, cosmetic dentistry, implant restoration and aligner orthodontics along with advanced technology of CEREC, CBCT and SOLEA laser. Our professionally coached teams are dedicated to constant and never-ending improvement as we partner with our patients to address their dental needs and desires in a warm and friendly environment. This associate position is perfect for someone seeking a solid long-term position with poten-tial for partnership. Implant, sedation, and endo experience is a huge plus. Salary commensu-rate with production/collection. Please email resume to [email protected].

PRACTICES/OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLEBUILDING FOR SALE with 2, 1700sq ft suites; 1700 sq ft plumbed for 5 dental operatories- avail Jan/2022, remaining suite leased out; site has additional 1/2 acre zoned OP; Roswell, by river and historic area; upper middle class area. [email protected].

GENERAL PRACTICE IN WALTON COUNTY for sale. Mix PPO-FFS 6 op stand alone facility 1mm in annual revenue with 22% EBIDTA. Practice proforma and after tax cash flow available once NDA is in place. [email protected].

LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT PRACTICE? Choose an established practice with men-torship or buy 100% and make it your very own. See what you can find with ADA Practice Transitions: ADAPracticeTransitions/practices. [email protected].


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JAN/FEB2021AFTCO ...................................................... 50

Atlanta Dental Group (Dr. Padolsky) ... 42

Bridgeway Transitions ............................ 39

CARR HR ...................................................... 4

Center for TMJ Therapy— Dr. Manoj Maggan ..................................... 4

GDA Plus+ Insurance/ GDIS.................................... 51, Back Cover

Hospital Dentistry— Dr. David Kurtzman ............................... 45

MedPro ....................................................... 49

Professional Practice Transitions (Henry Schein) .......................................... 43

Oberman Law Firm ................................ 10

US Bank ................................................... 37

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Journal of the Georgia Dental Association7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Road NESuite 200, Building 17, Atlanta, GA 30328

INSIDE THIS ISSUE2020 Year in ReviewPresident's InitiativesChildren's Dental Health Month Poster2021 Legislative PreviewUpcoming CE CoursesGDIS Insurance Checkup

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S 2020 Year in Review