GDA Action March 2012

ACTIONTHE JOURNAL OF THE GEORGIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION MARCH 2012

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MobileCat, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16National Practice Transitions, LLC . . . . . . . .27Officite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2PDQ Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Dr. Mark Padolsky—TMD Dentist . . . . . . . . .21Paragon Dental Practice Transitions . . . . . .26Professional Practice Management . . . . . . .26Shaul Beckman Paige, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22Southeast Transitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

index of advertisers

GDA ACTION (ISSN 0273-5989) The official publication ofthe Georgia Dental Association (GDA) is published monthly.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to GDA Action at7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Road N.E., Suite 200,Building 17, Atlanta, GA 30328. Phone numbers in state are(404) 636-7553 and (800) 432-4357. www.gadental.org.

Closing date for copy: first of the month preceding publicationmonth. Subscriptions: $17 of membership dues is for thenewsletter; all others, $75 per year. Periodicals postage paidat Atlanta, GA.

Dr. Jonathan Dubin Delaine HallGDA Editor GDA Managing Editor2970 Clairmont Rd 7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NESuite 195 Suite 200, Building 17Atlanta, GA 30329 Atlanta, GA 30328

2011-2012 Georgia Dental Association Officers Michael O. Vernon, DMD, PresidentSidney R. Tourial, DDS, President ElectMarshall H. Mann, DDS, Vice PresidentJames B. Hall III, DDS, MS, Secretary/TreasurerJonathan S. Dubin, DMD, Editor

GDA/GDIS Executive Office Staff Members

Martha S. Phillips, Executive Director

Nelda Greene, MBA, Associate Executive Director

Delaine Hall, Director of Communications

Skip Jones, Director of Marketing (GDIS)

Courtney Layfield, Director of Member Services

Victoria LeMaire, Medical Accounts Manager

Judy Lively, Administrative Assistant (PT)

Melana Kopman McClatchey, General Counsel

Denis Mucha, Director of Operations (GDIS)

Margo Null, Property and Casualty Accounts Manager

Patrice Williams, Administrative Assistant

Phyllis Willich, Administrative Assistant

Pamela Yungk, Director of Membership & Finance

GDA Action seeks to be an issues-driven journal focusing on current mattersaffecting Georgia dentists, patients, and their treatment, accomplished throughdisseminating information and providing a forum for member commentary.

© Copyright 2012 by the Georgia Dental Association. All rights reserved. No partof this publication may be reproduced without written permission. Publicationof any article or advertisement should not be deemed an endorsement of theopinions expressed or products advertised. The Association expressly reservesthe right to refuse publication of any article, photograph, or advertisement.

13 Dentists Care:

Dentistry from the Heart

14 Inaugural Leadership

GDA Class Blazes Trail

15 GDA and UBS Celebrate

Ten Years of Benefits

18 GDA Responds to State’s

Medicaid Re-Design Proposals

23 GDA Annual Meeting Preview:

Amazing in Amelia

4 Parting Shots

5 Editorial

7 News and Views

20 Minutes

25 Classifieds

Be counted—complete the GDA dentalworkforce census. The way you practicedentistry is at stake. Government officials andprivate foundations trumpet that there is ashortage of dentists in Georgia. This can leadto support of workforce initiatives like mid-levelproviders for which there is no proven need.The GDA needs accurate information todetermine the true dental workforce in ourstate. If you have not taken the survey, visithttp://www.marketdecisions.com/GDAsurvey(case sensitive; type carefully) as soon aspossible. See page 4 for a list of the mostFrequently Asked Questions regarding thesurvey, and thank you for participating.

ACTIONTHE JOURNAL OF THE GEORGIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION MARCH 2012

other features sections

on the cover

Member Publication American Association of Dental Editors

ACTION

V O L U M E 3 1 , N U M B E R 3 • M A R C H 2 0 1 2

Note: Publication of an advertisement is not to be construed as anendorsement or approval by the GDA or any of its subsidiaries,committees, or task forces of the product or service offered in the

advertisement unless the advertisement specifically includes anauthorized statement that such approval or endorsement hasbeen granted.

See page 30 for

President’s Cruise,

Annual Meeting hotel

room, Orthodontic

Assistant Certification,

and calendar updates!


4 GDA ACTIONMARCH 2012


Last year I wrote about how the first BabyBoomers* are turning 65, and how the agingof this diverse group signals not only thegraying of America, but also the need for ouroral health care services to cater to an olderpopulation’s needs and desires.

Most older Americans will be able toprovide for their own home care, but there isnow (and will be for the foreseeable future) apercentage of our population who will bebound to institutional living. Because of theirdependence, due to natural biological agingand / or dementia, these individuals willneed the daily help of others to assist with orprovide 100 percent of the daily routine ofcleansing of the mouth.

Residents of institutional facilities may beon numerous medications that cause xerostomia,and may have physical disabilities limitingtheir dexterity. In a short period of time thatcombination along with a lack of good oralhygiene can have a devastating effect on thecondition of the dentition and peridontium.This virtually guarantees a downward spiral ina resident’s health considering the demonstratednegative impact that oral infection has on anindividual’s systemic health and well-being.This problem makes oral health preventionand referral for professional care whennecessary imperative.

Too often, caretakers of this often forgottenand neglected population receive impropertraining or no training at all when it comes tooral health care provisions. There are obstaclesto providing good oral care in an institutionalsetting, but those obstacles are easily overcomeif a proper training program is initiated. We inGeorgia are uniquely qualified now to helpstem the deterioration of the oral health ofinstitutional residents.

Our GDA President Dr. Mike Vernon toldus in his inaugural speech last summer to dosomething amazing. I think something amazing

would be for Georgia dentists to teach all staffmembers at all institutional care facilities toprovide amazingly good oral health care totheir residents. The GDA Committee for OralHealth in Institutional Settings (which I chair)has a plan to make that amazing goal happen.Our Committee now owns an extremely welllaid out workbook, PowerPoint presentation,and video series called “Overcoming Obstaclesfor Oral Health.” This program, developed bythe University of the Pacific and adopted bythe American Dental Association, specificallytargets caregivers of persons with disabilitiesand frail elders and instructs them on how toprovide daily oral health care and when toseek professional care. What we need now aredentists who are willing to take the PowerPointpresentation into facilities upon request of theinstitution’s staff in order to effectively transferour knowledge to the caretakers. Your timecommitment at the facility would be approximatelyone-half hour for the presentation and thentime for questions.

Each GDA district has a Committeemember coordinating requests for help fromnursing facilities and connecting facilities withvolunteers. All we need is you. Make an amazingdifference and contact your district’sCommittee chair and offer your time. Thank you.

* The U.S. Census Bureau defines BabyBoomer as a person who was born betweenthe years 1946 and 1964. There were approx-imately 76 million American children bornduring that time period.

Teaching Nursing Care Facilities That Teeth Count

5GDA ACTIONMARCH 2012

Jonathan S. Dubin, DMD

editorialperspective

Committee for Oral Healthin Institutional Settings

Central: Dr. Grier Godfrey(478) 749-0109 [email protected]

Eastern: Dr. Celia Dunn(706) [email protected]

Northern: Dr. Kevin Hendler(404) 728-6432 [email protected]

Northern: Dr. Deidra Rondeno(404) 942-0086 [email protected]

Northwestern: Dr. David Kurtzman(770) [email protected]

Northwestern: Dr. Jimmy Talbot(706) [email protected]

Southeastern: Dr. Felix Maher(912) 352-0546 [email protected]

Southwestern: Dr. Bo Broadfoot (229) [email protected]

Western: Dr. Nancy Gallagher(706) [email protected]




The Georgia Dental Association is a boosterof the Georgia Health Sciences University(GHSU) College of Dental Medicine in anumber of ways. GDA dentist leaders andstaff members host events at the school.The GDA financially supports severalactivities. And the Association was a majorcontributor to the fund that helped createthe new dental building in Augusta.

“I am proud I was president duringthe grand opening of the most amazingdental school anywhere at Georgia HealthSciences University,” said GDA PresidentDr. Michael Vernon, an alumnus of theschool. “Many dentists around the statewere inspired to do something when askedto help raise the private money needed tomake it possible for the building to happen,and our Association as an organization wasas well. The results are amazing.”

The GDA contributed $76,000 to thebuilding fund over the course of threeyears, earning a place in the top fourtiers of donors. In recognition of theGDA’s contributions, the school named asuite in honor of the Association.

“The plaque is mounted in the receptionarea, adjacent to the office of AssociateDean and GDA member and outstandingsupporter Dr. Carole Hanes,” said Dr.Vernon. “The visibility is tremendous. Iwas happy to attend a dedication forthe plaque and suite on behalf of allmembers who contributed.”

Kudos to Dr. Robert McGuinn of NorthernDistrict. He was selected by the University ofLouisville as the 2011 Alumni Fellow for theSchool of Dentistry. Dr. McGuinn graduatedfrom the Louisville dental school in 1974.

Dr. McGuinn and his wife Penny werestalwart supporters of the developmentand construction of the dental school’sInnovative Simulation Clinic. The McGuinnshave also created and are funding:

• Endowments to provide scholarships forLouisville students from Georgia,

• An annual cash award to a facultymember who has excelled in teaching,and

• Annual support for senior studentstraveling to Atlanta for the HinmanDental Meeting.

Dr. McGuinn is also valued as a keymember and advocate of the committee tosupport renovation and renewal of thedental school facility in general.

In bestowing the award, the schoolnoted Dr. McGuinn’s multiple international(both as part of the armed services and private)and domestic charitable dental efforts.While still active in the military reserves,Dr. McGuinn started the joint ArmyIndian Reservation Dental Programs.Furthermore, he is a strong supporter andparticipant along with the 2010 AlumniFellow, Dr. William Collins, in outreachprograms within Kentucky and other ven-ues in Appalachia. (www.uoflalumni.org)

The district welcomed 250 dentists andstaff members to hear Dr. Rhonda Savageduring its Winter Meeting in January. Dr.Savage is the CEO of Miles Global andspoke on “Excellence in Dentistry.”

generalnews

DONORS SPOTLIGHTDr. Robert McGuinn

GDASuite Dedication

SWDDSSouthwestern District

(L to r): GHSU American Student DentalAssociation representative Bob Wilson,GHSU Dental Dean Dr. Connie Drisko,and GDA President Dr. Michael Vernonat a dedication ceremony honoring theGDA’s contributions to GHSU’s newdental school building. The plaquereads “Student Affairs Suite providedby the generosity of the GDA and itsmany dedicated members. Their supportand advocacy for the dental profession,commitment to educational excellenceat the College of Dental Medicine, andgenerosity to students, faculty, staff,and alumni is unwavering.” (Photo: Mr.Dale Crail.)

Louisville Dental School Alumni Fellow Dr. Robert McGuinn during a four-month termof service in Kosovo in 2005 (after a tour in Iraq in 2004). Part of his time in Kosovowas devoted to humanitarian efforts.



“Her talk was terrific,” said First VicePresident Dr. Greg Morris. “The presenta-tion was extremely entertaining as well asinformative.” The district thanks all den-tists and staff who supported the event andturned out to support the officers andspeaker.

The Georgia Health Sciences UniversityCollege of Dental Medicine held its annu-al Clinic Day on February 8. While thestudents took part in many activities,including clinic games (taking alginateimpressions of random items, buildingstructures out of wax, and participating inrelays) GDA Director of Membership PamYungk and Georgia Dental InsuranceServices Director of Marketing Skip Jonesstaffed an Association information booth.

“The booth was busy all day,” said Ms.Yungk, who has visited the school on ClinicDay for 15 years. “This is a great opportu-

nity to promote Association and insuranceservices to students, make contacts,answer questions, and start becoming aresource for them to count on.”

Attending Clinic Day is one of anumber of ways that GDA staff andleadership reach out to the dental studentsand school. Staff members and GDAofficers conduct a Senior TransitionProgram, and attend and often speak at

governmental affairs lectures, riskmanagement lectures, sporting events,and investment seminars. The GDA andGDIS also financially sponsor a number ofstudent activities including the AwardsLuncheon each spring.

Thanks to all of the students whostopped by to say ‘hi’ and learn about theGDA.

GHSUClinic Day Report

SWDDS speaker Dr. Rhonda Savagewith district First Vice President Dr. GregMorris. (Photo: Dr. Keith Crummey.)

GDIS Director of Marketing Skip Jones and GDA Director of Membership Pam Yungktalk with dental students during the GHSU clinic day. (Photo: Michael Winstead.)

District President Amanda Merritt hon-ored district Immediate Past PresidentDr. Jeff Singleton with a plaque duringthe Southwestern Winter Meeting.(Photo: Dr. Keith Crummey.)



ABCNews.com posted a story in Februaryregarding an 82-year-old woman who diedafter contracting Legionnaires’ diseasefrom an Italian dental office. Investigatorsdetermined that the woman died from thesevere, pneumonia-like illness after beingexposed to contaminants in the waterlinesin her dentist’s office. The story was basedon a case report published in the February18 issue of the medical journal The Lancet.

ABC News contacted the AmericanDental Association (ADA) about the storyand interviewed ADA expert spokespersonon infectious diseases, Dr. John Molinari,who was quoted in the ABC article.

ADA information issued on the storystates that infection control standards inthe United States are stringent. In 1995,the American Dental Association Board ofTrustees and ADA Council on ScientificAffairs first adopted a statement on dentalunit waterlines. The ADA has also devel-oped resources to assist dental offices inmaintaining dental unit waterlines. Proper

maintenance of dental unit waterlinesensures the delivery of water of an optimalmicrobiological quality to the dentalpatient.

For more information on this story ordental unit waterlines, visit www.ada.org.

The American Dental Association (ADA)is accepting applications for the new JohnW. Stanford New Investigator Award. Theaward highlights the crucial role dentalstandards play in assuring patient healthand safety and the efficacy of dental products.

Dental standards are developed bydental professionals to establish specifictechnical, performance and / or safetyrequirements for dental products. TheStanford Award was designed to encouragedentists and dental students to conductstandards-based research and standardsdevelopment.

Dental students and dentists who haveearned their dental degree no earlier than2007 are eligible to apply. Applicants are

required to submit an original research reportthat could be published and must submit anexplanation of how the research incorporatescurrent dental standards and / or contributesto the development of dental standards byAugust 31, 2012. For more information,visit: www.ada.org/dentalstandards.

In preparation for the Chicago DentalSociety’s 147th annual Midwinter Meeting,CDS members were asked in Fall 2011about current trends and dental care tips.More than 100 CDS members responded:

• What can’t a castaway dentist do with-out? If stranded on a deserted island,more than half of dentists surveyedchose an unlimited supply of toothbrush-es over toothpaste, floss, or mouthwash.

• Nearly 89 percent of dentists surveyedsay they have a personal Facebookaccount, which is up from a 60 percentresponse from last year’s survey. Twitteris also on the rise, with more than 16 per-

LEGIONNAIRE’SDental Waterlines

ADAInvestigator Award

SURVEYDental Trivia



cent of dentists on the social networkingsite, up from only an 8 percent responselast year.

• Social media for dental offices picks upsteam. More than 67 percent of dentistssurveyed say that their practice has aFacebook page, which is up from a 17percent response last year. Nearly 24percent say their practice uses Twitter,up from 6 percent, and 14 percent areusing YouTube, up from 4 percent.

• More than half of the dentists surveyedsay that their patients’ number-oneexcuse for not brushing or flossing theirteeth is they don’t have enough time.When it comes to the most interestingexplanation, we found out that pets don’tjust eat homework—they crave tooth-brushes, as well!

• Dentists have hearts. Almost 70 percentof the dentists surveyed say they volun-teer their services to dental charities.More than 80 percent say they providediscounted services at their practice,

while over 70 percent say they donatesupplies. Others provide financially tocharities or volunteer at dental clinics.

Beam Technologies is set to introduce aBluetooth-enabled toothbrush and app inMarch. The toothbrush, which will retailfor $50 for the base and $3 per brush head,contains a sensor and Bluetooth radiothat will send brushing information to asmartphone app.

The first generation toothbrush willtrack how long and when a person brushestheir teeth. The app will play songs duringthe process. Future brushes are slated toshow how long a user spends brushing incertain areas of the mouth.

The developer, Beam CEO AlexFrommeyer, would eventually like patientsto share their brushing data with theirdentists. On an individual level that couldmean more detailed patient informationbeing available to dental offices. On a

larger level it could mean organizationsstudying aggregated data from millions ofBeam Brush users, looking for patternsor shifts in how oral care is handled.(From gigaom.com)

On February 16, the Food and DrugAdministration (FDA) posted informationalerting the public about the potential forinjury while using the following models ofSpinbrush manufactured by Church &Dwight Co. Inc.: ProClean, ProCleanRecharge, Pro Whitening, SONIC,SONIC Recharge, Swirl, Classic Clean,For Kids, and Replacement Heads. AnFDA inspection last year of Church &Dwight uncovered evidence that there hadbeen numerous consumer complaints thathad not been reported to the agency.

On May 16, 2011, FDA warned thecompany of its violations of the FederalFood, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, includingfailure to report—within a reasonable time

CONNECTEDBluetooth Brush FDA

Toothbrush Alert



frame—serious injuries. After further dis-cussions with Church & Dwight about therisks of the battery-powered Spinbrush,the company has improved brush labelingabout changing brush heads, added bris-tles that change color with wear to giveconsumers a visual reminder of when toreplace the brush head, and issued safetynotices about Spinbrush.

The FDA regulates toothbrushes—whether manual or electric—as medicaldevices that are intended to help preventtooth decay.

“Electric toothbrushes can be veryeffective in removing dental plaque, and sothey can help prevent dental decay andgum disease,” says Susan Runner, DDS,chief of FDA’s dental devices branch. “Atthe same time, it’s important to supervisechildren when they use these brushes, andto look out for any malfunctions of thetoothbrush that might cause an injury.”

Injuries reported from using theSpinbrush powered toothbrush includechipped or broken teeth, cuts to the mouthand gums, swallowing and choking on bro-ken pieces, and injury to the face and eyes.

For more information, dentists andconsumers should visit www.fda.gov.

In the November 2011 GDA Action, Dr. BrentHerrin of Savannah was misidentified in aphoto on page 14. The GDA managingeditor regrets this error.

The GDA remembers these dentistswho made significant contributions tothe profession, patients, families, andcommunities and whose information wasrecently forwarded to the GDA office.

Stephen S. Fennell, DDS, who diedMay 31, 2011, at the age of 71. Dr. Fennellwas a 1964 Loyola University School ofDentistry graduate and a member of theGDA through the Eastern District. He wasan oral surgeon and an American DentalAssociation Life Member.

Charles O. McCrory, DDS, who diedJanuary 10, 2012, at the age of 72. Dr.McCrory was a 1965 Emory UniversitySchool of Dentistry graduate and a mem-ber of the GDA through the NorthernDistrict. The general dentist was a GDAHonorable Fellow and an AmericanDental Association Life Member.

CORRECTIONNames and Faces

(L to r): Welcoming then-ADA PresidentGist to Savannah are Dr. Robert Simmons,Dr. Billy Jamerson, Sen. Lester Jackson,DDS, Dr. Alda Underwood-Hall, Dr.Raymond Gist, Dr. Carole Hanes, Dr. JayMcCaslin VI, Dr. Brent Herrin, Dr. TomBroderick, and Dr. Ann Linton.

DENTISTSIn Memoriam


Marshall M. Parks Jr., DDS, who diedApril 25, 2010, at the age of 83. Dr. Parkswas a 1955 Emory University School ofDentistry graduate and a member of theGDA through the Southwestern District.He was a general dentist and an AmericanDental Association Life Member.

Doyle R. Pratt, DDS, who diedDecember 10, 2011, at the age of 83. Dr.Pratt was a 1957 Emory University Schoolof Dentistry graduate and a member of theGDA through the Central District. He wasa general dentist and an American DentalAssociation Life Member.

William D. Roberts, DDS, who diedJanuary 30, 2012, at the age of 68. Dr.Roberts was a 1966 Emory UniversitySchool of Dentistry graduate and a mem-ber of the GDA through the NorthernDistrict. He was a general dentist and anAmerican Dental Association LifeMember.

Albion Smith Jr., DDS, who diedFebruary 3, 2012, at the age of 90. Dr.Smith was a 1954 Emory University Schoolof Dentistry graduate and a member of theGDA through the Northern District. Hewas a general dentist and an AmericanDental Association Life Member.


GDA Staff Members AnswerDentist Questions:

Q: How often are dentists required toperform spore testing for autoclaves?

A: From Nelda Greene, AssociateExecutive Director: According to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), the correct functioning of sterili-zation cycles should be verified for eachsterilizer weekly. Biological indicators(i.e.; spore tests) are the most acceptedmethod for monitoring the sterilizationprocess because they assess it directly bykilling known highly resistant microor-ganisms. The rules of the Georgia Boardof Dentistry require dentists to conformto the infection control guidelines of theCDC. For a copy of the Guidelines forInfection Control in Dental Health CareSettings—2003, visit www.cdc.gov anddownload your copy.



The Dentists Care column featurescharitable dental efforts created orsupported by GDA member dentists.If you would like to suggest a charitabledental event or organization, emailDelaine Hall at [email protected].

What the Charitable Effort InvolvedDr. Michael Mansouri and Dr. Azita Mansouri,married GDA member general dentistswith practices in Gwinnett and Cobbcounties, conducted a Dentistry From TheHeart (DFTH) charitable care event forindividuals age 18 and older at their Cobboffice in November 2011. The practiceadvertised the availability of the first-come, first served, one-day, free care eventin local media outlets, and worked withcommunity and dental sponsors to ensurethat enough dental, volunteer, and patientsupplies were on hand. The doctors wereoverwhelmed by both the numbers ofpatients who lined up to receive care, andthe outpouring of support from their com-munity and vendors.

DFTH is a national non-profit organ-ization dedicated to providing free dentalcare to those who need it. Every year, indi-

vidual dentists and practices across thecountry donate their time and resources tohost their own DFTH events. The organi-zation promotes and unifies events on anational level. DFTH was founded by Dr.Vincent Monticciolo in 2001 when heoffered a full day of free dental care fromhis New Port Richey, Florida office. Theorganization has grown to include hun-dreds of hosts across the nation, and Dr.Monticciolo continues to provide free carein his office.

The Volunteers Who Made a DifferenceBy 3:30 a.m. on the Saturday of the dentalcharitable event, there were more than400 prospective patients in line. Initially,Dr. Azita and Dr. Michael expected to beable to treat 150 patients, but with a totalvolunteer turnout of 11 doctors andapproximately 70 dental staff members,217 patients were provided with much-needed care. Kudos to Drs. Grace Bae,Shahrokh Bagheri (oral surgeon), NadiaEsfandiarinia, Ami Majmundar, AliMakhmalbaf, Azita Mansouri, MichaelMansouri, Farid Moghaddam, Thuc

Nguyen, Abtin Shahriari (oral surgeon),and Robert Wunderle (oral surgeon) fortheir efforts.

Both Dr. Azita and Dr. Michael areexceedingly grateful to their sponsors, whocovered the approximately $20,000 cost ofhosting the event. The four primary spon-sors were KeyWorth Bank, WillefordGroup, United Concordia Dental, andMICROCOPY. Others contributing werePure Life, 3M ESPE, Premier Dental,Oral-B, Henry Schein, PeacockPartnership, Discus Dental, SwitzerMedical, Chick-Fil-A Johnson Ferry,McDonald’s Lower Roswell Road, DunkinDonuts, Longhorn Lower Roswell Road,Papa John’s Lower Roswell Road,Suburban Rental Lower Roswell Road,and Johnson Ferry Baptist Church. Manyarea residents also turned out to providepatients waiting overnight with warm food.

Cobb Practice’s “Dentistry from the Heart” EventDraws Hundreds of Patients

dentistscare

Some of the nearly 100 volunteers who turned out in support of a Dentistry From The Heart charitable dental care event conductedby Dr. Azita Mansouri and Dr. Michael Mansouri of Northern District.

DENTISTS CAREContinued on page 17



President Mike Vernon came into officelast summer with several projects he waseager to tackle. One was creating aLeadership GDA program to identify andtrain future Association leaders. His goalwas to give these potential leaders a betterunderstanding of organized dentistry andto prepare them for a leadership role with-in the GDA. I was honored that he select-ed me to chair this important program.

We had an amazing inaugural class!Thanks to the following doctors who tookpart in a GDA Board of Trustees meeting,a GDIS / GDHC Stakeholder board meet-ing, the Winter 2012 House of Delegates,and a Legislative Awareness (LAW) Day:

Central DistrictDr. Jason Mann

Eastern DistrictDr. Brad Hall

Northern DistrictDr. Evis BaboDr. Sarabess BaumrindDr. Brook CorbettDr. Ron CavolaDr. Ryan VaughnDr. Lee Whitesides

Northwestern DistrictDr. Hank Bradford Dr. Casey Hart Dr. Elizabeth Lewis Dr. Freddie Padilla Dr. Kumar Patel

Southeastern DistrictDr. Cara DeLeonDr. Matt Rosenthal

Southwestern DistrictDr. Bo Broadfoot

We are also inviting this year’s classmembers to attend the GDA AnnualMeeting this summer, take part in theGDA Spokesperson Training program this

fall, and complete the American DentalAssociation “Understanding the Association”online training modules.

Candidates were selected based on aninterest in learning more about organizeddentistry (specifically the GDA) and theAssociation’s governance structure, as wellas the political process, community serviceopportunities, and public relations activi-ties. Candidates could self-select with dis-trict approval or be nominated by their dis-trict. There were not a set number of can-didates required to be chosen from eachdistrict, although all districts were encour-aged to identify candidates.

Here are some of the commentsshared by this year’s participants about thevalue of the program. If you have ques-tions about the program, or want to knowhow you can participate, email me at [email protected].

“This leadership program is an excellentopportunity to learn about the mission ofGDA, ongoing issues facing our profession,and our collective efforts to preserve ourfreedom to practice and improve care forour patients. I am sure it will encourageme to be actively involved in shaping thefuture of our profession.” Dr. KumarPatel, Marietta, Georgia.

“I am happy to be a part of the inauguralclass of the Leadership GDA program.Previously I was part of the ADA Institute

for Diversity in Leadership which provid-ed me a greater understanding of the needfor more participation by all dentists inorganized dentistry. The Georgia programis bringing the current and past adminis-tration of the GDA together with thefuture administration. I enjoyed partici-pating in this program.” Dr. Evis Babo,Atlanta, Georgia.

“A sincere ‘thank you’ to the GDA leader-ship, GDA staff, and all the rest of theClass of 2012 Leadership GDA for anenlightening and thought provoking Houseof Delegates weekend. All of us in the den-tal profession in Georgia are fortunate tohave wonderful and talented leaders whohelp guide this profession and protect ourpatients from undue influence throughoutside sources. We are blessed with such agreat group of people looking out for ourbest interest now, as in the past. Hopefullywith the inception of this GDA Leadershipprogram and other programs, future lead-ers are being groomed to fill leadershippositions later on. There is much to knowbesides practicing dentistry, and there ismuch to learn. I look forward to moreopportunities to increase my knowledgewithin the GDA organization itself. Thankyou for this opportunity.” Dr. RonCavola, Conyers, Georgia.

Inaugural Leadership GDA Class Completes Initial Slate of ActivitiesDr. Bruce CampLeadership GDA Chairman

Kudos to the Leadership GDA class members who attended the Winter House ofDelegates meeting in Atlanta: (l to r) GDA President Dr. Mike Vernon, Dr. HankBradford, Dr. Jason Mann, Dr. Freddy Padilla, Dr. Lee Whitesides, Dr. Casey Hart, Dr.Cara DeLeon, Dr. Ron Cavola, Dr. Evis Babo, Dr. Bo Broadfoot, Dr. Elizabeth Lewis,Dr. Kumar Patel, GDA Associate Executive Director Nelda Greene, and LeadershipGDA Chair Dr. Bruce Camp.



How do you ascertain the success of anAssociation endorsement partnership? Youcan look at the numbers of members whohave benefitted from the endorsed serviceor product, the level of benefit theyenjoyed, and the overall return to theAssociation. Any way you examine the 10-year-old partnership between the GeorgiaDental Association (GDA) and UBSFinancial Services, Inc., both membersand the Association are seeing success.

The PartnershipThe GDA Finance Committee, then-ExecutiveCommittee, and House of Delegates votedto endorse UBS Financial Services (thenUBS PaineWebber) in 2002 initially for acustomized retirement platform for dentalpractices. After the endorsement was inplace, a dedicated team, the WileConsulting Group, visited dental officesand conducted seminars at district and

GDA state meetings to communicate thebenefits of the retirement plan. The teamalso reached out to the students at now-Georgia Health Sciences University tohelp them begin thinking about planningfor the future.

“Finding a firm you can trust withbuilding a basis not only for your retire-ment, but for your family’s future, yourpractice’s future—this is not a choice peopletake lightly,” said GDA Executive DirectorMartha Phillips. “And they shouldn’t. Butthe dentists in the more than 100 practiceswho have chosen UBS as an investmentpartner have been pleased with the resultsand service they have experienced. Believeme, the GDA office hears about it whendentists are unhappy. We have heardmany positive reactions, so we believe thisrelationship is a success.

“We know UBS promised the GDAthat this partnership would be a commit-ment for the long haul,” Mrs. Phillips said.“I think our dentists have seen andresponded to that commitment.”

The PayoffGeorgia Dental Insurance Services(GDIS) Board of Directors Chairman Dr.John Ferguson, who helped introduceUBS services to the membership, contin-ues to be impressed with the tremendousbenefit that UBS offers exclusively to den-tists. “We have a great bargain in UBS thatevery dentist should consider,” said theMilledgeville dentist. “You cannot get theUBS level of service and pricing from anyfirm on the street.”

When the GDA / UBS plan rolled out,only 5 percent of 401K plans offered assetallocation modeling. UBS was a trendset-ter—an estimated 55 percent of 401Kplans now offer models. From the begin-ning of the partnership, the GDA / UBSplan offered six, one for practically everylevel of investing need from conservativeto aggressive. The results of this model-based planning speak volumes. Forinstance, if a GDA dentist had invested$100,000 in November 2002 with UBS,here are the results the dentist would haverealized by November 2011:

• Model 1 (Conservative): A cumulativereturn of 45.7% would have grown adentist’s investment to $145,683.

• Model 2 (Moderately Conservative): Acumulative return of 53.3% would havegrown a dentist’s investment to$153,345.

• Model 3 (Moderate): A cumulativereturn of 61.3% would have grown adentist’s investment to $161,309.

• Model 4 (Moderately Aggressive): Acumulative return of 67.8% would havegrown a dentist’s investment to$167,848.

• Model 5 (Aggressive): A cumulativereturn of 75.5% would have grown adentist’s investment to $175,481.

• Model 6 (Very Aggressive): A cumulativereturn of 82.2% would have grown adentist’s investment to $182,167.

Although the GDA / UBS plan startedwith a focus on a retirement plan cus-tomized for dentists that featured exclusiv-ity to funds and managers and special planpricing, and has produced obviously suc-cessful results for clients utilizing thatplan, the UBS slate of services has grownsignificantly. GDA members can also nowenjoy access to financial goal analysis, edu-cation funding, estate planning, tax plan-ning, securities-backed lending, life docu-ments review, insurance reviews, incomereplacement during retirement, and SEPs.

A customized GDA / UBS “FinancialGoal Analysis” serves as a financialroadmap and is the foundation and firststep UBS takes to build a relationship witha GDA dentist. The GDA / UBS team willdefine a dentist’s long-term goals andobjectives, analyze the dentist’s current sit-uation, and make appropriate recommen-dations to ensure a dentist’s goals will bemet.

Ten Years of Partnership with UBS Produces Rewards for GDA Dentists

“I have taken advantage of

the partnership between

the GDA and UBS since its

inception in 2002. Previously,

I always felt that financial

services that I employed

primarily were interested in

their own bottom line and

mine was secondary. With

UBS I am comfortable that

my financial health is their

main concern. We have been

delighted with the service

and with our results.”

Dr. Doug and Patty Giorgio,

Savannah, Georgia

UBS PARTNERSHIPContinued on page 16



One service that has been addedcombines information and fun—theeducational events hosted by UBS forcurrent and potential clients. UBS hashosted functions at The High Museumof Art and Atlanta International Raceway,held private movie screenings, andgiven receptions at events like the GDAAnnual Meeting. UBS wants all dentistclients to understand the complicatedworld of investments and funds, andfeel comfortable with the decisions theymake in concert with UBS.

The PotentialThe number of dentists who have signedon with UBS Financial Services has grownsteadily. UBS has likewise added morequalified team members who can person-ally serve and connect with dentists.Currently, the team features the talents ofSenior Vice President-InvestmentsEdward Wile, Vice President-InvestmentsHarris Gignilliat, Account Vice PresidentLaura Wellon, Senior Wealth StrategyAssociate Paul Stephans, Assistant VicePresident Patrice Brisse, Wealth StrategyAssociate Justin Patteson, and ClientService Associates Elizabeth Foster andBetsy Currie.

“I’ve been using UBS since 2003. Harris is very accessible

and makes a point to meet with me regularly. I’ve been

very happy with his very professional and friendly help.”

Dr. David Perry, Augusta, Georgia

Results from the American Dental Association 2010 Survey onRetirement and Investment

• Age 65.5: The average age thatdentists stated they planned toretire from dental practice. (Dentistsunder the age of 40 answered thatthey planned to retire at the age of60.8).

• 39.2 percent of dentists reportedthat the recent economic downtownhad delayed their retirement plans.

• The age groups most likely to havedelayed retirement plans wereages 55 to 64 (52.2 percent) and age65 and older (49.7 percent).

• 62.4 percent of dentists stated theycounted on family retirement sav-ings to provide the largest share ofretirement income.

• Some 13 percent of dentists statedthey were counting on SocialSecurity benefits to be a source ofretirement income, while 12.7 per-cent stated they were counting onthe sale of their dental practice tosupport their golden years.

• Among dentists age 40 andyounger, only 8.6 percent expect toreceive retirement income fromSocial Security.

• The average percentage of familynet income dentists had savedspecifically for retirement at the timeof the survey was 17.3 percent.

• 75.3 percent of dentists expect topractice regular part-time hoursone to three days per week as theyneared retirement, while 10.9 percentexpect to go directly from full-timepractice to retirement.

• Dentists overall estimated they wouldneed approximately $2.8 million intotal assets in order to be able toretire.

UBS PARTNERSHIPContinued from page 15



Over the past several months, themarket has become more positive overall.UBS was ahead of that curve on behalf ofGDA clients. “By the first quarter of 2010,every GDA / UBS plan model was back tomaking GDA clients money thanks tosmart wealth management strategies,” saidMrs. Phillips. “We hope that all dentistswill look to UBS to produce similarsuccessful results for them as the markethopefully continues to move forward.”

“We invite all GDA members to atleast investigate the services that UBS canoffer them, and hopefully become happyclients,” said Dr. Ferguson. “Their level ofservice is remarkable, and the financialresults are positive. See their web site athttp://financialservicesinc.ubs.com/team/wile,call them at (404) 760-3000 ext. 3094, oremail [email protected]. You can alsocall the GDA Office at (800) 432-4357 or(404) 636-7553 if you want to talk to theoffice first about the GDA / UBS plan. Ibelieve the next 10 years are going to bringgreat things for UBS clients.”

More information on the event, includinglinks to news videos, may be found atwww.naturalsmile.biz.

The Impact of Dentists’ GivingThe Marietta Family Dental Care eventwas a great success according to Dr. Azitaand Dr. Michael. The first treatmentbegan at 4 a.m. on November 11. By 4p.m., volunteers had performed 155extractions, completed 91 fillings, and pro-vided 42 cleanings. Altogether, the volun-teers provided free dental care with avalue of $122,978 and completed 288treatments, not including x-rays andexams. Each patient also left with a goodybag containing a toothbrush, toothpaste,dental floss, and educational materials.

The Marietta Daily Journal reportedextensively on the event (as did 11Alivetelevision out of Atlanta and the AtlantaJournal Constitution). They quoted care

recipient Althea Dillard, 54, as saying “Ifeel blessed that a group of people wantedto do something like this.” Ms. Dillardstated that she had not worked sinceJanuary 2011 due to complications of astroke. She and her husband arrived at thedental office early Friday evening and leftwith their teeth cleaned some 16 hourslater. Other patients quoted in theMarietta newspaper stated that layoffs andpart-time jobs with no benefits con-tributed to their lack of funds to pay fordental care.

How You Can Become InvolvedDr. Azita Mansouri and Dr. MichaelMansouri plan to conduct another DFTHevent in November 2012. There are twoother Georgia dental practices—LakeOconee Dentistry in Greensboro (Drs.David Bradley, Patti Bradley, and PhilBoswell) and Godley Station Dental inPooler (Drs. Matthew Allen and TaitCarpenter)—who will also conduct DFTHevents in 2012. To find out more on theprogram, visit www.dentistryfromthe-heart.org.

DENTISTS CAREContinued from page 13

“I had been using a friend

who was qualified but not

organized. UBS helped me

to consolidate and organize

all of my assets and set a

plan to help me see where I

was headed long term.

Their disciplined approach

keeps me on track. I finally

feel like all my finances

are organized and I can

confidently answer my own

question: ‘How I am going

to retire?’

Dr. Cecil Myers,

Americus, Georgia



GDA Forcefully Responds to State’sMedicaid Re-DesignProposalIn January, Navigant, the company com-missioned by the Department ofCommunity Health (DCH) to analyzeGeorgia’s Medicaid program, released“Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids®Design Strategy Report.” The GDA quick-ly responded to DCH regarding theNavigant report. The response expressedthe GDA’s disappointment that oral healthcare received limited attention in theNavigant report, outlined dentistry’s con-cerns with the Medicaid program, and dis-cussed how a dental carve-out would pro-vide a long-term, fiscally-responsible solu-tion to pay for, and ensure access to, den-tal services for at-risk children in Georgia.

Dentists may read the full GDAresponse at www.gadental.org. Some of

the key points made in the GDA responseare as follows:

• [The GDA] went into [this] global analy-sis of the Medicaid and PeachCare forKids program with high hopes and anexpectation that this examination ofGeorgia’s Medicaid and PeachCare pro-grams would provide some innovativerecommendations to improve what webelieve for dental care to be a brokensystem.

• During [Navigant’s] focus groups, prac-ticing dentists and GDA staff providedNavigant with several specific concernsthat are unique to dentistry and offeredfactual information on issues related tothe current managed care program.Therefore, we were disappointed thatthe Navigant study did not discuss thosekey and critical dental issues broughtforward.

• Specifically, [the GDA] expected thereport to contain information on theother states that have taken steps tocarve out or separate dental from themedical Medicaid program. Many ofthese states have realized cost savingsand have provided more access to dentalcare to their Medicaid and CHIPmembers.

• By creating a funding carve out fordentistry, the state will signal to parentsand families its commitment to ensuringthe dental health of low-incomechildren.

• The managed care companies (CMOs)promote treating the entire patient’shealth and tout coordination of care giv-ing the rationale that patients will havebetter overall health outcomes. In thealmost six years that the CMOs havemanaged Georgia’s Medicaid and CHIPprograms, we are unaware of any docu-mentation that they have achieved thisobjective.

• While the options presented by Navigantmay work well for medical care, they donot work well for dental care.

Update on Medicaid Re-Design; EHRs

Director of Membership ServicesCourtney Layfield (l) and AssociateExecutive Director Nelda Greene at theState Capitol on Children’s Day,February 28. GDA staff regularly partic-ipate in advocacy activities and relatedentistry’s message—the duo spoke tolegislators and advocates about thedental Medicaid carve out on this day.



Maintaining the status quo may lead tothe total unraveling of the oral healthinfrastructure.

• In the six years since the CMOs havemanaged dental Medicaid, dentists haveexperienced fee reductions from 15% to59% on various codes. Several dentistswhose practices are predominantlyMedicaid or PeachCare have closedtheir doors or filed for bankruptcy. It isdifficult to stay in business when thereimbursement for the service providedis anywhere from 35% less to 76% lessthan the regional average fees chargedfor the same procedure.

• The number of dental Medicaidproviders in Georgia has declined inrecent years from 1,800 in 2006 toapproximately 600 actively providing themajority of care. Numerous dentistshave expressed their concerns about theCMOs reducing fees, making numerouscontractual changes, and placing admin-

istrative burdens required for participa-tion in the plans.

• A single administrator for the dentalMedicaid program will eliminate thecurrent multiple layers of administrativecosts and profits which are significantlyhigher than commercial norms.

• Whichever option is ultimately selectedby DCH, the GDA strongly urges theDepartment to make the decision tocarve out dental outside of the otherhealth options they provide to theMedicaid and PeachCare populations.

Electronic Health Records IncentivesThrough December 2011, Georgia’sMedicaid Electronic Health Records(EHR) Incentive Program issued morethan $26 million to eligible hospitals andprofessionals. Dentists who have a mini-mum 30% Medicaid (not includingPeachCare) patient base may be eligible to

receive incentive payments under this pro-gram within certain guidelines. To theGDA’s knowledge, no individual dentisthas yet been certified.

To participate in the program, an eli-gible dentist must adopt, implement, orupgrade to an EHR technology certifiedthrough the Office of the NationalCoordinator for Health InformationTechnology (ONC). Based on GDAresearch, there are two dental-certifiedEHR products currently available—aMacPractice product and an Open Dentalproduct. Check at http://healthit.hhs.gov/CHPLto see if your software is certified.

Dentists may learn more about theMedicaid EHR Incentive Program atthese web sites:

MEDICAIDContinued on page 22



Persons Present

Board Members: Dr. Mike Vernon, presid-ing; Drs. Robert Carpenter, Byron Colley,Keith Crummey, Jonathan Dubin, JimHall, Jay Harrington, Mike Loden, JimHutson, Tom Jagor, Ben Jernigan, JimLopez, Marshall Mann, Donald Nelson,Robin Reich, Craig Taylor, Doug Torbush,Sidney Tourial, Erik Wells, Steve Sample,Michael Wright.

Visitors: Drs. Jack Bickford, CelesteCoggin, Ty Ivey, Tom Jagor, Jason Oyler,Kent Percy, Jay Phillips, Jim Reynierson,Peter Shatz and the Leadership GDAClass—Dr. Evis Babo, SarabessBaumrind, Hank Bradford, Bo Broadfoot,Ron Cavola, Brook Corbett, CaraDeLeon, Brad Hall, Casey Hart, ElizabethLewis, Jason Mann, Kumar Patel, MattRosenthal, Lee Whitesides.

GDA Staff: Martha Phillips, NeldaGreene, Delaine Hall, Skip Jones,Courtney Layfield, Melana McClatchey,Denis Mucha, Patrice Williams, PamYungk.

President’s Report

GMOM: Dr. Vernon asked Dr. JonathanDubin to update the Board on the propos-als for the 2013 Georgia Mission of Mercy(GMOM) event. Dr. Dubin stated that theGwinnett Center had made several con-cessions concerning food and were onlyrequesting payment for direct services,such as security, cleanup, and event super-visors. [12-1.01] Dr. Jonathan Dubinmoved for the GDA to recommend thatthe GDA Foundation for Oral Health con-

tract with the Gwinnett Center at a costnot to exceed $25,000 for a June 13-16,2013 Georgia Mission of Mercy event. Themotion passed unanimously.

Leadership GDA: Dr. Vernon recognizedthe inaugural class of Leadership GDAand charged them with two things: recruittheir replacement for next year and helpthe GDA to refine the program.

Legislative Issues

Mandatory Licensure: Dr. Vernon and Ms.Phillips explained the proposal to intro-duce legislation concerning physician anddentist autonomy. The MedicalAssociation of Georgia will be the lead onthis legislation. [12-1.02] Dr. Steve Samplemoved for the Board of Trustees toapprove the “Mandatory ProviderParticipation in Health Insurance Programas a Condition of Licensure” positionpaper. The motion passed unanimously.

Dental Labs: Dr. Vernon and Ms. MarthaPhillips presented proposed legislationtitled “Georgia Dental ConsumerProtection Act” that is slated to be intro-duced by Sen. Frank Ginn that wouldrequire dental labs to disclose in writing atthe time of delivery of certain dentaldevices the materials and certificates ofauthenticity. Sen. Ginn is promoting thelegislation as a tool to create “AmericanJobs” and as “Consumer Protection” andasked the GDA for its support. The Boarddiscussed the possible unintended conse-quences of the legislation and the prob-lems with failing to support the legislationand determined that the GDA would sup-port the legislation with reservations. [12-1.03] Dr. Steve Sample moved for the

GDA to support the legislation titled“Georgia Dental Consumer ProtectionAct” as discussed by the Board of Trusteesand to approve the position paper associat-ed with that legislation titled “NotifyingDentists and Their Patients About theOrigin of Dental Prosthetic Devices andAppliances.” The motion passed unani-mously.

(NOTE: With the approval of this positionpaper, the current “Dental Labs” positionpaper found on page 76 of the January2012 House of Delegates manual will berescinded.)

Medicaid Carve Out: The Board reviewedthe new Medicaid position paper concern-ing a dental carve-out. [12-1.04] Dr.Jonathan Dubin moved for the Board ofTrustees to approve the “Medicaid andPeachCare Services Carve-Out” positionpaper as a replacement for the current“Single Administrator for Dental Medicaidand PeachCare” position paper (page 70 ofthe January 2012 House of Delegatesmanual). The motion passed unanimously.

Committee Reports

Membership ServicesDr. Becky Weinman made a request con-cerning providing an Expanded DutiesCourse VI (for pediatric assistants). [12-1.05] Dr. Sidney Tourial moved for theGDA to approve the request from theMembership Services Committee Chairfor Dr. Becky Weinman to offer at leastone Course VI Expanded Duties session ather private office for pediatric assistantsand for the GDA to approve instructor andinstructor assistant fees of $510.00 Themotion passed unanimously.

Unofficial Minutes of the January 7, 2012, Board of Trustees

boardminutes

Please note: This report includes persons present, all resolutions considered, and key actions taken. The full minutes may be found atwww.gadental.org in the Member’s Only section.



Finance Committee [12-1.06] Dr. Jim Hall moved for theBoard of Trustees to accept the FinanceCommittee’s recommendation to approvethe audit. The motion passed unanimously.

Nominating Committee

Editor’s Note: All of the nominations asreported below unless otherwise notedwere approved by the January 2012 GDAHouse of Delegates.

Dr. Vernon reported on the following slatefrom the Nominating Committee.

The committee offered the nomina-tion of Dr. Doug Torbush for GDA vicepresident, which will be voted on at theGDA Business Meeting on July 20, 2012.

The Nominating Committee receivedthe nomination for the ADA At-largedelegate position (term expires 1/16) andaccompanying CV from Dr. Ed Green.The [January 2012] House of Delegateswill elect from this slate and any appropri-ate nominations from the floor if CVswere received by the December 20, 2011deadline.

The following nominations were sub-mitted to the [January 2012] House ofDelegates for approval for a three-yearterm as trustees on the GDA Board ofTrustees effective July 22, 2012: Dr. MikeLoden, Central District (term expires7/15); Dr. Ben Jernigan, Northern District(term expires 7/15); Dr. Steve Sample,Southwestern District (term expires 7/15).

The following nomination for theADA Delegation was sent to the [January2012] House of Delegates for approval:Dr. Robin Reich (Northwestern DistrictAlternate Delegate, filling the unexpiredterm of Dr. Marshall Mann, term expires1/14).

The following candidates for theGeorgia Board of Dentistry were forward-ed to the House of Delegates for approvalbefore sending to the Governor for hisconsideration: Southeastern District (termexpires 8/1/12, held by Dr. ClydeAndrews): Drs. Julie Ann Routhier,William Clance, Thomas Broderick, JayMcCaslin VI.



• Georgia Department of CommunityHealth, www.dch.georgia.gov. Click onthe link for the Medicaid EHRIncentives Program. Here you will findFAQs, a Toolkit for Eligible Professionals,a Quick Start Guide, and more.

• ADA’s Dental Practice Hub, ElectronicHealth Records section (member log inrequired). Visit www.ada.org, underProfessional Resources, MemberCenter/Practice Resources links.

PeachCare for Kids® State HealthBenefit Plan Enrollment

As of mid-January, 4,205 dependents from2,465 State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP)families had enrolled in the PeachCare forKids program. This voluntary option is anew part of the SHBP for 2012. SHBP willreach out to members about this option toenroll their dependents in PeachCare forKids through June 30, 2012.

Get Up to Date Informationon Medicaid ActivitiesDCH and HP Enterprises publish aquarterly newsletter, Provider Focus. Alink to the newsletter is posted atwww.mmis.georgia.gov. The most recentedition was posted on January 30, 2012,and can be found under the ProviderInformation tab under Provider Notices.

This newsletter contains importantinformation regarding 5010 compliancefor electronic claims, requirements forenrollment, instructions on how to uploadcertain attachments to claims, and fieldrepresentatives for HP, among otherimportant items. The GDA encourages allMedicaid providers to read this newsletter.

Please also look for the “BannerMessages” that are printed on or postedwith your Remittance Advice (RA). RAsare also available on the mmis.georgia.govweb portal under Provider Informationand then Provider Messages.

MEDICAIDContinued from page 19







Dental Related Services X-RAY SAFETY CERTIFICATION forassistants is required by Georgia law.This up-to-date take-home course haseffectively certified thousands of x-raymachine operators. Send $149.99 per reg-istrant with name(s) to: Dr. Rick Waters,385 Pinewood Circle, Athens, GA 30606.Visit www.gaxray.com for credit card pay-ment or to use the immediate-accessonline version. Call (706) 255-4499 formore information.

Dentists Availablefor Locum TenensDentist will fill in for illness, vacation, orcontinuing education. Licensed, insured,DEA #. Call (404) 786-0229 or [email protected].

Dentist Available Daily (DAD): Dentistavailable during vacations, emergencies,and CE courses. Leave your practice inwell-trained hands. I am licensed, insured,and have a DEA registration number so Ican write prescriptions. Call Dr. RichardPatrick at (770) 993-8838.

DENTIST: Need Part Time Fill In?Vacation, Illness, Maternity? GENERALDENTIST SOLD LONG ESTAB-LISHED PRACTICE. GA & DEALICENSED. (Available Expanded AtlantaArea.) Cell: (404) 219-4097. Home: (404)842-1196. Jesse Hader, DDS.

Dentist available during emergencies,vacation, CDE courses. I have a currentlicense, DEA certificate, and insurance.Contact me at (706) 291-2254 or cell (706)802-7760. I hope I can be of service to you.Patrick A. Parrino, DDS, MAGD.

Equipment for SaleFor Sale: Sirona Orthophos 3NS DigitalPanorex, $5000.00, Contact Chris at (404)329-0000.

Positions Available—Dental Full Time Associate Wanted: State-of-the-art private practice located in Marietta& Lawrenceville is looking for an experi-enced, proficient and energetic doctor tojoin our team. We are a family orienteddental practice with a large active patientbase. Rewarding compensation packagewith additional pay as you grow the prac-tice. Feel free to contact Dr. Mansouri ifyou have any further questions at (267)441-2565 or email [email protected]. Please visit our web site to seeboth of our office locations atwww.NaturalSmile.biz.

Associate Dentist Buford - Sugar Hill.State of the Art digital practice in busyGwinnett County. Full-time. Fax resumeto (770) 945-1449 or email [email protected] or call (770) 845-9159.

Busy Pediatric Practice seekingAssociate Dentist: Pediatric Dentist orGeneral Dentist that specializes in chil-dren. We are seeking a dentist with superi-or clinical skills and a chair side mannerthat makes every patient feel comfortable.Contact Cheryl Glaze [email protected], call (678) 851-5912,or fax resume to (678) 479-7007.

Two Associate Positions from ADSSOUTH: ASSOCIATE NEEDED INEAST ATLANTA SUBURB—Potential$600K production per year. NORTHATLANTA PERIO #5241—Associateneeded for high tech perio practice. Allphases of perio performed. For informa-tion on either position, call Dr. EarlDouglas, (770) 664-1982 or [email protected].

How GDA members canplace classified ads

AD FORM: Submit all ads on a GDA ClassifiedAdvertisement Form. To obtain a form,call Skip Jones at (800) 432-4357 or (404)636-7553, or email [email protected].(Note: The GDA may accept or reject anyad for any reason and in its sole discretion.)

AD DEADLINE: Ads and ad check payments are due by thefirst of the month before the publicationmonth (i.e., Dec. 1 for January).

AD RATES: ADA member dentists pay $75.00 per60-word ad per month. There is a 25 centsper-word charge for each word over 60.Non-dentist-owned companies (real estatefirms, etc.) pay $195 per 60-word ad permonth (additional word charges as above).Non-member dentists may notplace ads.

LATE FEE:Ads for which full prepayment is notreceived by the first day of the ad’spublication month (i.e.; Nov. 1 for aNovember ad) will incur a $25 late fee inaddition to the ad rate.

FORMS OF PAYMENT: Submit a check or money order with the adform. (Make checks payable to GDA.)Credit cards are not accepted as payment.

WEB SITE PLACEMENT: Prepaid ads will appear on the GDA Website www.gadental.org for the month thead appears in print. Non-prepaid ads willNOT be placed online.

CLASSIFIEDSContinued on page 27

classifiedads





Multi-location General Dental prac-tice providing high quality care islooking for an Associate Dentist on apart-time basis to join our team of highlyskilled professionals. The candidate mustbe willing to travel between ourWoodstock & Fairmont GA locations. NewGrads are welcome to apply. Great oppor-tunity as our offices are expanding. Pleaseemail resume to [email protected].

We have an outstanding opportunityin our successful well-respected, qual-ity oriented private pediatric dentalpractice for the right candidate. We areseeking special, motivated, personableindividual to join our success. Generaldentist would require a minimum of atleast 2 years experience in pediatric den-tistry. We are a booming practice withtremendous growth and earning potential.We offer in house sedation. We offer excel-lent compensation and benefits. For more

information please contact AmandaMoseley at [email protected] call (678) 352-1090 or (678) 429-9931.

Full time associate dentist wanted for amulti-dentist, fee for service, high techcosmetic restorative general practice locat-ed in Midtown Atlanta. We are a dentalteam dedicated to helping patients gethealthy aesthetic dentitions through theuse of the latest dental technology andquality dental labs. Our office is a PremierPreferred Provider of Invisalign. CERECand all ceramic restorations are the domi-nant restoration produced in our practice.We are completely digital and approachingpaperless. All doctor operatories areequipped with the latest ADEC equip-ment, W&H electric hand-pieces, digital x-rays, LED lights, computers with CAESYpatient educational systems in all 10 oper-atories. We use Cone Beam technology tohelp diagnose and treatment plan dentalimplant surgeries. The incoming new den-tist associate will be taught how to use theCEREC CAD / CAM computer by a certi-fied CEREC trainer along with how toincorporate digital extra-oral photography

when presenting treatment plans. This isan excellent opportunity for a FT dentist toexperience the clinical integration of thelatest technology in dentistry. One of thedentists working a FT schedule is movingto Florida and someone is needed to takeover his patient load which averages 30-40fee-for-service new patients per month.We do not participate in any PPO or HMOdental plans. Interested parties emailSheila Miranda; [email protected] orcall her at (404) 671-2890.

Dentist Jobs: Aspen Dental offers tremendousearning potential and a practice supportmodel that empowers dentists to achievegoals. We eliminate obstacles for dentiststo own their own practice. To learn moreabout our compelling proposition and toapply, please call (877) 332-9154 or visitwww.AspenDentalJobs.com. EOE.

CLASSIFIEDSContinued from page 25




Volunteer Specialist Needed: GoodSamaritan Health Center is a healthcareministry to uninsured, low-income familiesin greater Atlanta. GSHC needs volunteerspecialists including (but not limited to):Periodontists, orthodontists, endodontists,prosthodontists, and oral surgeons.Doctors can earn up to 10 CE hours byproviding uncompensated care in Georgia!Contact Crystal Harris at (678) 553-4937or [email protected].

Positions Available—Staff Seeking experienced, licensed, andmotivated hygienist to fill second full-time Hygiene position in a thriving andgrowing dental practice in Columbus, GA.Forward resume, license, and 2 referenceletters to fax no. (706) 689-7490.

Practices/Office Space Available

Savannah: Successful, turnkey ORALAND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERYpractice. Doctor retiring. Two surgicalsuites. Great staff. Electric hand pieces.Plumbed for dry air pneumatic handpieces. Excellent location in modern pro-fessional building. $300K+ a 3 1/2 days /week. Great place to live and play. Pricedto sell at $190K. Contact Dean Cox @ (678) 584-4855.

Fully equipped dental office for leasein the heart of Norcross. Just bring yourpatients and start practicing. Two chairs,Pan, X-ray units all new. Modern, well-dec-orated reception room, four operatories,two bathrooms, doc’s office, dark room,and break room. Located just minutesfrom old town Norcross. Affluent, wellpopulated suburbs close by. Call Sean @(678) 877-5438. [email protected].

FLOWERY BRANCH / HOSCHTON /BRASELTON, GA: 20,000 square footdental office building for lease in the #4most economically developing area in thecountry! Now Leasing and Interior BuildOut Can Begin Immediately! Great leaserates & TI allowance available. Looking forPERIO, ENDO & ORAL SURGEON. Ina highly visible area where NO specialistsare located at this time! Be the first in thearea for a promising long term career loca-tion. Whether you want 1,500 or 5,000square feet, space will be tailored to eachindividual’s needs. Perfect location for anew practice startup or a 2nd satellite loca-tion! Close to the newly approved satellitelocation for Northeast Georgia MedicalCenter. Demographics are off the chartsand schools are unbelievable … literallyone of the most sought after locationsaround! Priority will be given on a firstcome / first serve basis. Please e-mail:[email protected] more information or call (678) 612-2277.







NORTH EAST GEORGIA Excellentopportunity for sale! Practice has consis-tently collected over $600K the last threeyears. Free standing building that is alsofor sale houses 4 operatories loaded withtechnology including CEREC. The prac-tice has a strong hygiene department andlots of patients! All FFS / PPO. Seller ismoving out of state. For more infor-mation call (678) 482-7305, [email protected] or visitwww.southeasttransitions.com.

POWDER SPRINGS AREA Greatopportunity west of Atlanta in a growingarea. There is plenty of room in this 2000sq ft space with 5 equipped operatories.The practice is located on a busy road andis loaded with technology. Practice collects$330K annually. For more informationcall (678) 482-7305, [email protected] or visitwww.southeasttransitions.com.

GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITYin beautiful north Georgia. Ten year old10,000 sq ft high image glass building welllocated for public awareness along withdental practice in this same location for 39years. State Agency also renting with thebuilding, some vacant space available forrent to dental specialist, physicians orother professional businesses. Close tohospital. Motivated cross-trained staff.Friendly patients who appreciate what youdo for them. Modern equipment.Computers in all operatories. Ideal for soloor group practice. Growing communitywith excellent school system. Low crimerate. Tons of family / sportsman outdoorrecreation. Call soon to arrange a conven-ient time to meet us and see our facility.(706) 745-6848.

STOCKBRIDGE DON’T WAIT!Beautiful, five operatory, bread-and-buttergeneral dentistry practice for sale. Thispractice is loaded with technology and hasplenty of room. Gross collections for 2011was $590K. For more information call(678) 482-7305, email [email protected], or visit www.south-easttransitions.com.

Available: BUCKHEAD: Beautiful,prime location. GAINESVILLE: Grossing$600,000, 3 operatories. GWINNETT:Grossing $550,000, 4 operatories. SNEL-LVILLE: Grossing $580,000, 5 operato-ries. TUCKER: Grossing $350,000, 5operatories. MERGERS: Buckhead,Duluth, Peachtree City. Contact RichaneSwedenburg, New South DentalTransitions: (770) 630-0436 or [email protected]; check new listings atwww.newsouthdental.com.

Available: ATLANTA #8490—GrossCollections $1.08M; 4 days; 5 operatories;3850 sq. ft. office space. SAVANNAHAREA #8779—Gross Collections $1.05M;4 days; 5 operatories; 2660 sq. ft. officespace. ATLANTA PERIO #5241—GrossCollections $1.32M, 3 days, 4 ops; 2400 sq.ft. office space. PAULDING COUNTY#8799—Gross Collections $653K, 4.5days, 6 ops, 3600 sq. ft. office space. NWGA #8816—Gross Collections $1.09M; 4days; 5 ops; 2450 sq. ft. office space.COLUMBUS AREA #8824—GrossCollections $310K; 4 days, 6 ops; 3000 sq.ft. office space. For information, call Dr.Earl Douglas, (770) 664-1982 or [email protected].




Suite 200, Building 17, 7000 Peachtree Dunwoody RoadAtlanta, Georgia 30328-1655

www.gadental.org

ACTIONInside This Issue

• Volunteers Needed for Nursing Home InstructionalProject - Page 5

• GDA Responds to State MedicaidRe-Design Proposals

DATED MATERIALPLEASE DELIVER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE


Documents

GDA Action March 2012