GDA Action September 2011

ACTIONTHE JOURNAL OF THE GEORGIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION SEPTEMBER 2011

GDAction 0911 USING.qxd 9/19/11 6:44 PM Page 1


ADS South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

AFTCO Transition Consultants . . . . . . . . . . .31

Atlanta Age Management Medicine / Dr. Ana Casas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Center for TMJ Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Dentist Available—Dr. Mark Rabin . . . . . . . . .8

The Doctor’s Safety Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

EC Price General Contractors, Inc. . . . . . . . .30

Elite Dentistry—Dr. Ruth Clemans . . . . . . . .24

GDA Dental Recovery Network . . . . . . . . . . .30

Georgia Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry . . . .8

Georgia Dental Insurance Services . . . . . . . .32

Great Expressions Dental Centers . . . . . . . .29

Law Office of Stuart J. Oberman . . . . . . . . .21

Med Tech Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Officite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Paragon Dental Practice Transitions . . . . . .26

Professional Practice Management . . . . . . .26

Southeast Transitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

UBS Financial Services, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

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

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 2011 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.

6 Dentists Care: Special Smiles Masters

Bowling Tournament

14 Georgia Mission of Mercy:

Final Care Numbers; Goals Met

16 Annual Meeting Review:

Business, Awards, Fun, and Faces

24 Selecting a Collection Agency:

Coping Post-PDRS

4 Parting Shots

5 Editorial

7 News and Views

9 Calendar of Events

27 Classifieds

The renewed focus in Augusta on improvingevery aspect of Georgia Health SciencesUniversity and its surrounding communityto further the institution’s educationalexcellence, research growth, clinicalintegration / development, and workforcedevelopment goals was evident with theSeptember 23 grand opening of theCollege of Dental Medicine educationbuilding. Take a look on page 10 at GHSUPresident Dr. Ricardo Azziz’s developingvision for this dynamic Georgia university.(Photos: Phil Jones, GHSU.)

ACTIONTHE JOURNAL OF THE GEORGIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION SEPTEMBER 2011

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 9 • S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 1

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.


4 GDA ACTIONSEPTEMBER 2011


Navarro was missing his four front teeth. Hewould have loved to have a prosthetic made toreplace them, but as he said, “Today is not myday. Today I am here to help others.”

Navarro served as a patient escort duringthe first Georgia Mission of Mercy (or GMOM)that recently took place in Woodstock. He ledpatients through the maze of treatment protocolsthat saw Georgia Dental Association, dentalteam, and community volunteers treat 2,179people over two days. Navarro worked hardhustling from one place to the next, makingsure that patients got to their next station.Navarro was unemployed, but he did have aninterview the day after GMOM ended for achef position in a new restaurant.

Jennifer is a dental assistant. She had theearly shift starting at 5 a.m. on Day One of GMOM,a Friday. She volunteered in registration, andtackled that huge task with excellence. Whenher shift time was up, the doctor she works forand volunteered with came to see if she was readyto go. Jennifer told her she wasn’t leaving—shewas planning to stay the whole day and takecare of the people in her area of registration.

(Just an aside—early Saturday morning asI going about my GMOM duties, I looked upand there was Jennifer coming back the secondday to volunteer again. I saw that a lot, as well.)

Several GMOM volunteers told me thatNavarro was the best patient escort they hadworked with as he tirelessly and selflessly usheredpeople from location to location. ‘Can’t we dosomething for Navarro?’ those people asked me.

I pulled Navarro aside late that day andhanded him a prosthetic lab ticket. I told himthat the purpose of GMOM was to help people,and today was indeed ‘his day.’ I brought himover to Jennifer. She registered Navarro as aGMOM patient and escorted the escort to thelab for impressions. Navarro was going to thatjob interview with the ability to smile.

There were 2,179 people who receivedcare at GMOM. There are 2,179 stories.Some individuals were homeless, some werejobless, all were desperate, and all were grate-ful. There were 1,383 dental professionals andcommunity volunteers who were all happy tobe there helping their fellow man. The joy thatI saw from those 1,383 people was exhilaratingand contagious.

Our 2,179 GMOM patients benefittedfrom some 11,275 procedures, including 158prosthesis, 2,760 extractions, 1,499 fillings, 90root canals, and 513 cleanings or debridements,all provided at no charge. We can use numbersto measure how much care we gave, and howmany individuals were helped, but the truemeasure of what took place on August 12 and13, 2011, can’t be quantified. The measurecould be seen in the eyes and faces of thepatients, and it glowed from the smiles ofthose repaired.

Navarro had his interview the next day.While the restaurant isn’t yet open, and hehasn’t been offered a job yet, he is still in therunning. And hopeful.

Jackie Robinson, the first African Americanballplayer to break the color barrier in MajorLeague Baseball once said, “A life is notimportant except in the impact it has on otherlives.” Dentistry positively impacted 2,179lives in two days in August. The joyous feelingin the air was palpable. When the last proce-dure was finished on the restorative clinicfloor Saturday afternoon, two hours afteralmost every other patient had obtained theircare and departed, that last patient rose fromher chair and gave a hug to the doctor andassistant who wouldn’t quit.

The hug said it all. It was why we were there.

The Hug

5GDA ACTIONSEPTEMBER 2011

Jonathan S. Dubin, DMD

editorial

“We must educate

consumers as to

how to better care

for their health, but

is it not of even

more importance

to teach them the

value? If we cannot

change their

mindset on value,

how can we expect

the statistics

to change?”

GMOM beneficiary Navarro with Dr. WendyAuClair, Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA)staff member Lani Becker, and Dr. Ken andSandra Geiger. The GDA consulted theWDA, which has held multiple successfulMOM events, in the staging of GMOM.



The Dentists Care column features charitable dental effortscreated or supported by GDA member dentists. If you would liketo suggest a charitable dental event or organization, email DelaineHall at [email protected].

What the Charitable Effort InvolvesSpecial Olympics, Special Smiles (SOSS) is a dental screening,education, and referral program that is part of Special Olympics,Inc.’s Healthy Athletes initiative. The program relies on volunteersto provide athletes with oral hygiene instruction, mouth guards,dental screenings, a dental goody bag, and referrals to dentists intheir areas.

The GDA SOSS program is 17 years old, and traditionallyserves athletes at the Georgia Special Olympics Summer Games.However, for the past two years, GDA SOSS volunteers have alsoscreened athletes taking part in the Special Olympics MastersBowling event in Warner Robins. This year, volunteers screened262 athletes, applied fluoride varnish as indicated, and providedoral hygiene education to athletes and support personnel likecoaches and families.

The Volunteers Who Made a DifferenceDr. Jonathan Dubin is the Georgia SOSS clinical director. He waspresent August 20 to care for the athletes as were Dr. ShirleyFisher, Dr. Nitsa Gilbert, Dr. Barbara Jansen, Dr. Amy Loden, Dr.Kara Moore, Dr. Margaret Moore, Dr. Gary Pool, Dr. ChedSmaha, and Dr. Karyn Stockwell.

Several doctors who took part in the SOSS screenings inWarner Robins also volunteered at the Georgia Mission of Mercyheld the previous Friday and Saturday in Marietta. This includesDr. Dubin and Dr. Stockwell, who as GMOM co-chairs workedhundreds of hours before the event to ensure that GMOM wasable to provide free care to 2,179 low-income Georgians. Kudos tothese amazing dentists!

Joining the dentists as valuable volunteers were dentalstudents June Murakaru, Brett Page, Misty Seale, and KevinWiman from Georgia Health Sciences University, and dentalhygienists Becky Arnett and Samantha Brothers. Also contributingtheir time in an amazing way were Shannon Bradshaw, MelissaDee, Brandi Stone, and Lei Ye (dental hygiene students fromMiddle Georgia Technical College), and community volunteersRobert Fisher and Bailey Fisher.

The Impact of Dentists’ GivingThis SOSS program created awareness of the dental needs ofdevelopmentally disabled individuals, encouraged health professionalsto reach out to these individuals, and gathered non-identifiableoral health information. Dr. Dubin estimates the value for theservices provided in Warner Robins to be approximately $7,500.

How You Can Become InvolvedDentists may email Dr. Dubin at [email protected] for informationon becoming involved in future Special Smiles activities. Dentistsmay also make charitable donations at www.specialolympicsga.org.

Since Special Smiles activities won’t gear up again until2012, dentists are invited to visit the “Volunteers” page atwww.gadental.org to find more places where their time andtalents are needed. This includes dozens of charitabledental clinics located around the state that are in need ofdentists to provide care.

dentistscare

GDA Dentists Help Pin Down Dental Issues for Special Olympics Bowlers

Dr. Barbara Jansen of Kathleen, Georgia, was a GDA SpecialSmiles volunteer on August 20.

SOSS volunteer Dr. Shirley Fisher screens a special athlete.Her husband and office manager Robert Fisher and daughterBailey also volunteered.



Debbie Torbush, spouse of Dr. DougTorbush of Conyers, will be inducted asPresident, Alliance of the AmericanDental Association (AADA), in October2011. She shares this message with the GDA:

I am so looking forward to representingnot only AADA as its President, but alsothe Georgia Alliance and Georgia DentalAssociation during the coming year.Georgia has a strong tradition of providingleadership to AADA, including three pastpresidents—Sarah Looper (1977-78),Doris Cooper (1983-84), and Bert Bentley(1993-94)—as well as many Georgiamembers who have served on the Board ofDirectors.

The Georgia Alliance is currently thelargest of any Alliance in the United States.I dare say we are the envy of the otherAlliances for our camaraderie, willingnessto provide dental health education andadvocate legislatively, and our closerelationship with our state dental association.If your spouse is not currently a member ofthis phenomenal group of men andwomen, I strongly encourage them to join.

I hope many of you will be in LasVegas and able to attend the receptionhonoring outgoing AADA President DebbiePreece and welcoming me into office. Thereception is Wednesday, October 12, from4-6 pm at the MGM Grand Hotel.

I am grateful that the GDA Alliance,Georgia Dental Association, and manyGDA districts have made donationstowards this reception. I am so humbledand appreciative of not only your personalsupport, but your financial support. Thankyou all! I look forward to seeing many ofyou in Las Vegas, especially at thePresidents’ Reception, and also throughoutthe coming year.

Going to Las Vegas for the ADA AnnualSession in October? Can you bring pairs ofsocks, hats, and oral hygiene items to the

Alliance of the American DentalAssociation (AADA) meeting going on atthe same time? AADA members arecollecting these items as part of a “Head toToe” outreach project. Drop off new items,sealed in a zip-top bag (one pair of socks,one hat, and a selection of oral care itemsper bag), in the MGM Grand Hotel PoolLobby on October 10 or 11. Items will goto either Opportunity Village or The ShadeTree. See www.allianceada.org for details.The project received coverage in theAugust 1, 2011, ADA News.

Attention Medicaid Providers: The GDAroutinely sends blast faxes and emails toproviders about breaking news pertainingto the Medicaid and PeachCare programs.For instance, the GDA sent a communicationon September 1 with important informationabout the federal Electronic HealthRecords Incentive Program. If you arenot receiving these email or faxnotices, please call or emailCourtney Layfield at the GDA office.The phone number is (800) 432-4357 andthe email is [email protected]. Withso much activity occurring in both programs,the GDA wants to make sure you stay informed.

Are you interested in preserving the legacyof quality dentistry? Are you seeking afuture associate, but would like to get toknow them before hiring? Would youlike to help dental students understandthe issues of today’s dentists? If youanswered ‘yes’ to any of these questions,please agree to serve as a mentor to adental student at Georgia Health SciencesUniversity College of Dental Medicine inAugusta. Just visit http://www.ghsu-asda.org/apprenticeship-program to complete anonline application. Several interesteddental students have already applied andare awaiting a match with their own dentistmentor!

The commitment may involve somelimited travel to Augusta, but the program’sarchitects recognize that dentists’ schedulesare packed, and are arranging to havementor / student meeting opportunities atconvenient locations around the state, suchas at the Hinman Dental Society meeting.

If you have any questions pleasecontact Bob Wilson with GHSU’sAmerican Student Dental Associationchapter. His number is (706) 340-2206 andhis email is [email protected].

As of August 31, 2011, Professional DebtRecovery Services, Inc., (PDRS) ceasedoperations. A letter concerning this matterwas mailed to current PDRS clients onAugust 4, 2011.

PDRS provided GDA member dentistsand their patients with a meaningful,valuable service for five years, collectingmore than $1.7 million for clients. However,the company could not successfullyovercome a “perfect storm” of obstacles,including a host of onerous new regulatoryrequirements that have negatively impactedthe entire collections industry. Theseinclude the December 2010 Truth inCaller ID Act which eliminates the abilityof PDRS to utilize rotating phone numbers;stricter laws concerning messages onanswering machines and services; andmore strenuous restraints on the use ofautomated dialers (can no longer use adialer for cell phones).

PDRS will continue servicing currentaccounts for a limited time after August 31,but is no longer accepting new placements.All accounts were closed by August 31. Finalclient statements were mailed in earlySeptember. Dentists with questions con-cerning accounts should contact Skip Jonesat (404) 636-7553 or [email protected].

PDRS Board Chairman Dr. Ed Greenthanks the PDRS staff for its outstandingjob. He states that the PDRS board agreedthat it is not feasible to “sell” the PDRS

generalnews

MEDICAIDEHR Update

ALLIANCEAGDA Leader

MEMBERSHIPGDA Invitation

PDRSNotice of Closure

ALLIANCESocks and Hats

NEWS AND VIEWSContinued on page 8



book of business. PDRS staff has met withother collection agencies to review theirservices, but the GDA will not endorse acollections company going forward.

The GDA Board of Trustees voted in Augustto co-endorse Hewlett Packard (HP) withthe American Dental Association. Theendorsement will allow GDA dentists tosave up to 30 percent on HP notebooks,tablets, desktops, printers, scanners,servers, and more. There is no minimumorder size, and member dentists enjoy freeU.S. ground shipping as well. GDASecretary / Treasurer Dr. Jim Hall offereda personal testimony at the board meetingthat he had ordered printer equipmentfrom HP via the ADA endorsement andenjoyed a significant savings.

For more information about howyou can set up an account with HP, call

(800) 888-4164 and mention theAmerican Dental Association, or visitwww.ada.org/6117.aspx. Dentists may alsoview the ADA’s endorsement criteria onthe web site.

The GDA endorses Whirlpool and relatedbrands JennAir, Amana, Maytag, andKitchenAid. Many members have takenadvantage of this endorsement for deals onappliances! Please note that as ofSeptember 15, 2011, the membergroup number for this endorsement ischanging to ADA5A2775. This is thenumber you use to register online orcall in orders.

Here is an incentive to use yournew group number. From September 26until October 10, dentists can receivean additional discount on selectEnergy Star® products from selectedvendors using this ADA service. Visitwww.partners.whirlpool.com with yourgroup code and start shopping!

HPGDA Endorsement

WHIRLPOOLGDA Endorsement

NEWS AND VIEWSContinued from page 7



Oct 10-13 (Mon-Thu): ADA Annual Session, Las Vegas, NV.

Oct 14 (Fri): Northern District Diversity inDentistry Meeting, Brio / Buckhead. Speaker Dr.Wilkie Stadeker: “Bisphosphonates 101.” 2-4PM.

Oct 10-13 (Mon-Thu): ADA Annual Session,Las Vegas, NV.

Oct 18 (Tue): Eastern District Meeting—GDA Officer Visit.

Oct 19 (Wed): Northern District CE Meeting, Villa Christina, Atlanta.

Oct 23 (Sun): Fisher Dental EducationFoundation Meeting, GDA Office, 11AM.

Oct 27 (Thu): Northern District Meeting—GDA Officer Visit, Druid Hills Golf Club.

Oct 29 (Sat): Alliance Legislative Dental KitProject, GDA Office.

Nov 3 (Thu): Western District LegislativeReception, Infantry Museum, Columbus.

Nov 4 (Fri): Spokesperson Training, GDA Office.

Nov 4-6 (Fri-Sun): Alliance Well-BeingConference, Madison, GA.

Nov 5 (Sat): GDA Board of Trustees Meeting,GDA Office.

Nov 8 (Tue): Eastern District (Augusta) Legislative Reception.

Nov 9 (Wed): Northwestern District Meeting—GDA Officer Visit, Clarence Brown Center,Cartersville.

Nov 10 (Thu): Southwestern District (Albany)Legislative Reception.

Nov 14 (Mon): Northern District ExecutiveCouncil Meeting, GDA Office.

Nov 15 (Tue): Eastern District (Athens) Legislative Reception.

Nov 17 (Thu): Southwestern District (Valdosta)Legislative Reception.

Nov 24-25 (Thu-Fri): GDA Office Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday.

Nov 29 (Tue): Central District Legislative Reception.

Dec 1 (Thu): Northern District (Hall County)Legislative Reception, Chattahoochee Country Club, 6-9PM.

Dec 2 (Fri): Atlanta Dental Study Group Winter Meeting, Ritz-Carlton Buckhead.

Dec 7 (Wed): Northwestern District LegislativeReception, Clarence Brown Center, Cartersville.

Dec 8 (Thu): Southeastern District LegislativeReception, Harper-Fowlkes House, Savannah.

Dec 14 (Wed): Northern District LegislativeReception, Druid Hills Golf Club, 6-8PM.

Dec 23 (Fri): GDA Office Closed for Christmas Holiday.

Dec 26 (Mon): GDA Office Closed for Christmas Holiday.

Dec 30 (Fri): GDA Office Closed for New Year’s Holiday.

Jan 2 (Mon): GDA Office Closed for New Year’s Holiday.

Jan 6 (Fri): GDIS and GDHC Board Meetings,GDA Office.

Jan 7 (Sat): GDA Board of Trustees Meeting,GDA Office.

Jan 8 (Sun): GDA Winter House of DelegatesMeeting.

Jan 9 (Mon): Opening Day, Georgia Legislative Session.

Jan 11 (Wed): Northern District CE Meeting, Villa Christina, Atlanta.

Jan 13 (Fri): Southwestern District Meeting—GDA Officer Visit, UGA Center, Tifton.

Jan 23 (Mon): Northern District ExecutiveCouncil, GDA Office, Atlanta.

Jan 25 (Wed): LAW Day—GHSU Dental Students.

Feb 8 (Wed): LAW Day—Eastern District /Northern District Southern Branch.

Feb 9 (Thu): Northern District CE Meeting, Villa Christina, Atlanta.

Feb 15 (Wed): LAW Day—Central District.

Feb 22 (Wed): LAW Day—Western District /Northern District Eastern and Central Branches.

Feb 29 (Wed): LAW Day—Northwestern District.

Mar 7 (Wed): LAW Day—Southwestern District,Georgia Dental Society.

Mar 14 (Wed): LAW Day—Northern DistrictNorthern Branch.

Mar 21 (Wed): LAW Day—Southeastern District.

Mar 22-24 (Thu-Sat): Hinman Dental SocietyMeeting, Atlanta.

Mar 26 (Mon): Northern District ExecutiveCouncil, GDA Office, Atlanta.

Mar 28 (Wed): LAW Day—Alliance, Northern District Hall County.

Q: What is a GDA Officer Visit?

A: President Mike Vernon and otherstate officers visit the districts to sharestate news. Executive Director MarthaPhillips also attends, generally to reporton legislative activities.

Q: What are District LegislativeReceptions?

A: An informal way to meet your locallegislators over food and drinks. This isa great way to mingle with your col-leagues, and talk to the senators andrepresentatives who have a whole lot ofsay in how you practice.

Q: What is the Alliance Dental KitProject?

A: Dentists and dental spouses gatherat the GDA office to stuff brushes,paste, floss, and GDA legislative infor-mation into bags for distribution to allstate legislators and legislative staff onthe first day of the session (January 9,2012). Email [email protected] to vol-unteer.

Q: What is the Alliance Well-BeingConference?

A: Dental spouses who gather forwellness classes and fellowship.Held in historic Madison, this year’sevent includes a wine and cheesereception and exploration of Madison’sshops and historic buildings. [email protected] [email protected] for details.

Q: What is a GDA LAW Day?

A: An award-winning GDA advocacyactivity. Pick a date (your district dateor another), contact Nelda Greene atthe GDA Office at (800) 432-4357 [email protected], then be inAtlanta on the given day. Enjoy aSouthern breakfast and issues overview,and then visit the Capitol to speak withlegislators about dental issues.

Upcoming Dental Events



Georgia Health Sciences University(GHSU) President Ricardo Azziz toldAugusta Rotary Club meeting attendeesthis summer that Augusta lacked “coolness.”

“Health care and biomedical researchis a brain industry,” Dr. Azziz was quotedin the Augusta Chronicle. “It’s an industrythat appreciates the arts, the coolness, thequality of life, the mental stimulation.We’ve got to become cool.”

Dr. Azziz’s laser-like focus on upgradingthe “cool” element in and aroundGHSU—improving every aspect of theuniversity and surrounding communitythat would bring to fruition his ambitiouseducational excellence, research growth,clinical integration / development, andworkforce development goals—was alsoevident with the September 23 grandopening of the College of Dental Medicineeducation building. The building’s planningand fundraising began under the watch ofpast university president Dr. Dan Rahnand current Dental Dean Connie Drisko,but Dr. Azziz has gladly lauded the buildingas integral to his vision for a dynamic university.

In a meeting with GDA leaders inJuly, Dr. Azziz stated that one of his goalswas to carve out a “niche” that will attractpatients from across the country to receivetheir health and dental care at GHSU. TheCollege of Dental Medicine building, oneof the most expensive school structures theUniversity System of Georgia Board ofRegents has ever backed, fills a significantpart of that niche. In addition to attractingpatients, the university also aims for thebuilding to help bring in additional top-notch educators and researchers, as well asmore students—the new space enabledthe freshman class to grow from 70 to 80students this year. For many years, GHSUhas accepted only Georgia residents intotheir dental program. Beginning with theentering 2012 class, however, the collegewill accept up to 5 percent of studentsfrom out of state to start reaching foran eventual 100-student class goal.

GHSU Debut of Dental Education Building Signals New Direction for University

Even Dental School Artwork Meansto Attract Attention

The new GHSU College of Dental Medicine education building was designed

to be a welcoming space for patients, faculty, staff, and potential recruits. To

help achieve that end, the college has invited alumni, faculty, and staff to

donate or create artwork to crown the building’s public spaces. Thus far,

these GDA member dentists have stepped up as donors:

1. Pink and Green “Limes and Roses” painting, Dr. Kristin Cooney

2. Large Circular Abstract painting, Dr. Myles Williams

3. Large Fruit and Wine Painting, Dr. Daniel Byle

(donated by Dr. Celeste Coggin)

4. Large Maple Bowl, Dr. Keith Crummey

5. Small Wooden Bowl, Dr. Michael Chalef

6. Peruvian Wall Hanging, Dr. Janine Bethea-Freihaut

7. Alaskan Landscape Photograph, Dr. Brad Greenway

8. Wooden Boxes, Dr. James Powell

The university also commissioned a mosaic and LED-light covered

sculpture that dominates the building’s multi-story atrium. Augusta mosaic

artist Paul Pearman created a piece that the Augusta Chronicle described as

follows: “Three massive jellyfish-shaped tiers dripping with tentacles hang, one

below the other, in descending size … At the lowest, fourth level is a teardrop

pendant wrapped around a brushed chrome globe that contains a clock.”

Pearman, known for crafting mosaic belt buckles that can sell for as much

as $10,000, was invited to pitch a sculpture design for the building by Dental

Dean Connie Drisko, who admired a mosaic he created for a fireplace. The

sculpture was funded by a gift from Dr. Emile Fisher, an Atlanta periodontist,

and through other private donations.

The eight-month project is the artist’s biggest project to date. He

told the Augusta Chronicle that “he hopes the sculpture and the college will

enjoy a one-of-a-kind response … A project like this is like Las Vegas. If you

build it, they will come.”GHSU

Continued on page 12



• GHSU has nearly 2,500 students in five colleges: AlliedHealth Sciences, Dental Medicine, Graduate Studies, theMedical College of Georgia, and Nursing. Students comefrom most of Georgia’s 159 counties, with out-of-state andforeign scholars comprising about 2 percent of the studentbody. GHSU also provides postgraduate specialty trainingto some 500 dentists and physicians. (www.usg.edu)

• The university has a goal of enrolling 1,200 medical studentson campuses in Augusta, Athens, Savannah, Rome, Brunswick,and Albany by 2020, an increase of about 60 percent. GHSU isexpanding the College of Dental Medicine from 63 to 100 studentsper class by 2016, and expanding residency positions for dentalspecialty training from 44 to 72. The increases will put both schoolsamong the largest of their type in the nation. (www.usg.edu)

• GHSU is aggressively seeking funding to build an EducationCommons on the Augusta campus, which would provideadditional educational space for the College of DentalMedicine. WRDW-TV in Augusta reported in August thatGHSU has scaled back the initial $100 million budget for theCommons in hopes of securing more state funding. Theidea was to have the new dental building and Commonseventually support dental classes of 100 students. “We needit,” the station quotes Dental Dean Connie Drisko as sayingabout the Commons. “We can’t expand beyond 80 [students].”(www.wrdw.com)

• The final quarter of 2011 and early 2012 may bring somepainful cuts to GHSU. The university has lost $40 million instate funding over the last three years. The state cuts comeas President Azziz looks to double research and flood $1billion into the local economy. “We have to cut expenses,but that can mean people, that could be machinery, thatcould be services, that could be a number of things,” Dr.Azziz told WRDW-TV in Augusta. The station reports that Dr.Azziz agreed with a statement that said “realignment” and“discomfort” were imminent. (www.wrdw.com)

• In April 2011, a year after the Augusta Chronicle reported arise in administration salaries at GHSU, the university waspaying almost $1 million less for administration. Dr. Azziz’sannual salary of $560,000 is $15,000 less than the rate theuniversity was paying interim President James Thompsonprior to Dr. Azziz’s arrival. Dr. Azziz and Medical College ofGeorgia Dean Peter Buckley have also pledged 2.5 percentof their salaries to the university’s foundations. Beginning inJuly 1, 2011, leadership positions will have 2.5 percentwithheld that can only be earned back if the universityreaches its goals. (http://chronicle.augusta.com)

GHSU Numbers at a Glance



The five-story, 269,000-square-footbuilding is approximately 100,000 squarefeet larger than the college’s originalhome, which opened in 1971. With 317dental operatories, the building will be oneof the largest clinical facilities in the U.S.The simulation and practice labs canaccommodate 100 students at a time.Its operating room and recovery unitwill make the college one of the few inthe nation with an outpatient surgicalcenter. The building also contains morethan 100 faculty offices, and hasreceived LEED certification for usingenergy-efficient and conservation-mindedconstruction processes.

“I remember six short years agowhen we first introduced the idea of a$100-million-plus building, everyone pretty

much said, ‘We love GHSU, but that’s areally lofty goal and we’re not sure it’sachievable,’” Dental Dean Connie Driskotold the GHSU Word of Mouth. “But oursupporters came through, and here we are.”

In a June 2004 Action article, DeanDrisko stated as one of eight must-dogoals renovating or rebuilding the school’s30-plus-year-old dental building. Financingfor the building’s construction included$5 million appropriated by the state in the2008 budget, $97 million in bonds approvedby the Georgia Legislature in the 2009 and2010 budgets, and more than $8.8 millionin private gifts and pledges. A full list ofdonors to the building fund may be viewedat www.georgiahealth.edu..

The Augusta Chronicle’s editorialboard responded to Dr. Azziz’s “cool”comments in an enthusiastic manner in anAugust article. “You need only spend a fewminutes listening to Dr. Azziz beforeyou’re struck by how astute, visionary andhard-charging he is,” said the paper. “That

can only make GHSU better; Azziz’s aim isto make it the best in the country.”

The article went on to say “Consider:With nearly $90 million in research grantsflowing in, as well as another $90 million in“medical tourism”—people traveling herefor health care—and a statewide economicimpact of $8 billion, as well as all themedical professionals it produces and thehealth care it provides, it’s in our bestinterests to be Azziz’s Army and makeGHSU the best it can be.”

“Call us crazy,” the article ends,discussing Dr. Azziz’s aims for GHSU to bethe state’s nationally renowned academichealth center, to achieve it in collaborationwith other institutions, and to do it fast,“but we think that’s pretty cool.”

GHSUContinued from page 10




The Georgia Mission of Mercy (GMOM),a two-day, free dental clinic hosted by theGeorgia Dental Association and itsFoundation for Oral Health, providedcharitable dental services to 2,179 patientson August 12 and 13.

Approximately 1,000 dentists, dentalhygienists, dental assistants, and dentallaboratory technicians donated approxi-mately $1.6 million in dental care topatients who would normally not receivethis treatment due to Georgia’s poorlydesigned dental safety net and the patients’inability to pay for dental services. Inaddition to clinical professionals, approximately400 community volunteers managed patientregistration and hospitality, childcare,parking assistance, translation services,volunteer hospitality and registration,waste management, and security support.

Special thanks must be given to thosemembers of the GMOM 100% Club. Thisclub is comprised of offices that allowed100% of their employees to volunteer atGMOM. See the list on page 15. Kudos toyou for your dedication above and beyond!

A full listing of all GMOM volunteersmay be found at www.gadental.org.Enough cannot be said to these great andcaring individuals for the time and effortthey spent making a difference!

The GDA and Foundation had severalgoals in mind when staging this GMOM:

PROVIDE free access to dental care for2,000 low- and no-income individualswhile placing a high priority on patientssuffering from dental infections orpain. That goal was met and then some, as2,179 patients received care. The 11,275procedures provided included:

• 1,499 Fillings• 2,760 Extractions• 90 Root Canals• 158 Dentures / Partial Dentures

EDUCATE patients about the importanceof obtaining and maintaining optimaloral health. The volunteers workeddiligently to provide information on oralcare to every GMOM patient in whateverlanguage they spoke.

“Dental disease is preventable,” saidDr. Karyn Stockwell, GMOM co-chair.“We hope that every patient who passedthrough our clinic doors left with improvedoral health and better knowledge abouthow to control their dental destiny.”

RAISE AWARENESS of the increasingdifficulty low-income Georgia adultsface in accessing critical dental care.The media coverage certainly took themessage about urgent dental need to mil-lions—video of the thousands of peoplewaiting hours in line for GMOM caremade national news.

“While the economy may have madedental care less available for some people,the tremendous need we witnessed atGMOM is largely due to the state’s lack ofa dental safety net for adults,” said GDAPresident Dr. Michael Vernon. “GMOM isnot a permanent solution to the problem,but we wanted to provide immediate relieffor Georgians suffering from oral diseaseand pain, while also raising awareness ofthe important role our state’s decisionmakers can play in improving the oralhealth in our state.”

The GDA will make certain to takethe GMOM images that played outnationwide to the legislature in January.

In addition, attention must be givento the sponsors who became aware of thevalue of GMOM and donated money,products, and services. The goal was toraise $283,000 via financial and in-kinddonations. The numbers are still beingtallied, but financial contributionshave topped $200,000 and in-kindcontributions are near $150,000. Goalmet! A full listing of all GMOM donorsmay be found at www.gadental.org.

CHALLENGE patients, policymakers,and dental professionals to worktogether to improve the oral health ofthose who are unable to access care.The legislators who toured GMOM, andsaw the television and print coverage ofthe event, have been universally impressedby the Association’s commitment andamazed at the hard work it takes to repairdental neglect. First Lady of GeorgiaSandra Deal, the GMOM honorary chair-woman, also toured the clinic and wit-nessed firsthand the need. The GDA willcall on these individuals to help theAssociation reinforce the importance offunding preventive and restorative careduring the legislative session.Before and after: One patient among

dozens helped in the GMOM prosthodonticlaboratory.


GMOM Clinic Meets Goals, Restores Confidence

Patients spent hours in line in hopes ofreceiving free dental care at GMOM.(Credit: Travis Wilkins / Dick Ruiz, FirstBaptist Church of Woodstock).



A Touch of DivinityAesthetic & Implant Dentistry of AtlantaAtlanta Dental SupplyAtlanta Oral & Facial SurgeryBarry Vlass, DMDBella Hanono, DDS, Family DentistryBen Massell Dental ClinicBruce A. Hester, DMD, Family DentistryBuckhead Dental AssociatesBuckhead PeriodonticsBuckhead RotaryCarestream DentalCherokee Children’s DentistryDentfirst Dental CareDimensions Dental Studio, Inc.Donald F. Brown, DDSDonna Thomas Moses, DMD, PCDr. Callicutt and Dr. DayriesDr. Carol WolffDr. Clayton DavisDr. Colin RichmanDr. Cristi Y. Cheek

Dr. James A. RoosDr. James K. BegleyDr. James L. Cassidy, DMD, PADr. James Sylvan, DDSDr. Kathy A. HuberDr. Phil ParhamDr. Thomas KauffmanDr. Wayne KerrDrs. Benson & BatehDrs. Scheinfeld, Tourial & KoppEast Cobb Dental (Drs. Isler & Connelly)East-West Family DentalFirst Baptist Church of Woodstock StaffFirst Baptist Church of Woodstock

Hospitality MinistryFortis College Dental Hygiene ProgramFreemont DentalGeorgia Dental AssociationGeorgia Dental Insurance ServicesGood Samaritan Health Center of CobbGeneral Practice Residency at GHSUHall Orthodontics

Help A Child Smile (Dr. Mark Shurett)James H. Hutson DDS, PCJohn C. Sieweke, DDS, PCKennestone EndodonticsKool SmilesLifeSmiles of New HopeMansell Family & Cosmetic DentistryMarietta Dental CareMarietta Muscular Therapy CenterMcAfee DentalNancy M. Stewart, DDSNew Image Dental LaboratoryO’Shea and O’SheaPeachtree Smile CenterPrestigious Cleaning TeamReich Dental CenterSoft Touch EndodonticsStockwell Family Dentistry Susan G. Rifkin and AssociatesTalbot Dental AssociatesUnited Education InstituteWinterville Dental (Dr. Phillip Durden)

GMOM 100% Club: Every Employee Was a GMOM Volunteer!



Harrington Signs Off as PresidentThe 2011 GDA meeting ended with afarewell speech from Past President JayHarrington, the swearing in of new stateand district officers and Board of Trusteesmembers, and an induction speech fromPresident Michael Vernon.

Dr. Harrington made note of severalsuccesses during his year, including thegroundwork laid for the Georgia Missionof Mercy, the passage of Non-CoveredServices and Prompt Pay legislation, andthe protection of dental Medicaid cover-age for adults and pregnant women. Healso noted the success of the GDA publicrelations program that drove home thepoint that GDA dentists are doctors andthe primary source of reliable dentalhealth information.

Dr. Harrington gave kudos to the PDRSboard, including chair Dr. Ed Green, aswell as PDRS Director Skip Jones, for fiveyears of excellent debt collection service tomembers. He acknowledged the regulatorychanges that made it impossible for PDRSto continue as a GDA subsidiary and howoperations would cease on August 31. Healso discussed plans to study the positionof GDIS in light of impending health care

reform, and how GDIS’success is the key to duesstabilization and the well-being of the Association.

Finally, Dr. Harringtonlauded the GDA staff, andcalled serving as president oneof the best experiences of hisdental career.

President Vernon Details ProjectsAfter taking office, and presenting Dr.Harrington with a commemorative plaque,Dr. Vernon elaborated on his “Do SomethingAmazing” theme, and discussed threeprojects he is supporting during his year:

• A “Leadership GDA” initiative to helpidentify dentists who want to becomeinvolved in GDA activities and helpthem learn about the GDA and paths toinvolvement. (Note: Do you know a dentistwho would benefit from this program?Are you interested in participating in thisprogram? Email [email protected] details.)

• Giving full support to the dental studentmentoring program at Georgia HealthSciences University. More than 40 studentshave asked to be matched with a GDAmentor. GDA dentists only need to visitwww.ghsu-asda.org to take a quick surveyand receive a free student.

• Find a Contact Dentist for each statelegislator. Dr. Vernon termed this program,where dentists carry key dental messagesto legislators before, during, and after thesession, the lifeblood of GDA legislativeefforts. The GDA came very close to 100percent of legislators being matchedwith a GDA dentist in 2010, and the goalis within reach.

Dr. Vernon also encouraged dentiststo register for the GDA President’scruise to Canada and New Englandscheduled over Memorial Day in 2012.See www.gadental.org for details on this“backyard” GDA trip on this side of the pond.

Mann Elected Vice PresidentThe GDA welcomed Dr. Marshall Mannof Northwestern District (Rome) as thenew vice president. He was elected at theGDA Business Meeting and installed duringthe Awards and Installation breakfast. Hejoins Dr. Vernon as president, Dr. SidneyTourial of Atlanta as president elect, Dr.Jim Hall of Macon as secretary / treasurer,and Dr. Jonathan Dubin as editor. These fivedentists comprise the GDA state officer corps.

GDA Welcomes NewLeaders, Receives StatusReport on Year

Dr. Harrington provides a president’spin for new leader Dr. Vernon (l).

Dr. Harrington and Dr. Vernon share asmile as Dr. Vernon takes over presi-dential responsibilities.

Some members of the new GDA Board of Trustees(the five state officers, the immediate past president,the speaker of the House, seven district trustees, andseven district presidents elect) pictured at the HiltonHead Marriott.



House Legislative Panel a SuccessThe GDA welcomed state Sen. ReneeUnterman and state Reps. Sharon Cooper,Richard Smith, and Joe Wilkinson to apanel held before the House of Delegates.The panel was very well received. Somecomments from the legislators:

• Rep. Richard Smith said there wasnothing wrong with the Prompt Pay billthat passed the House and Senate in2010 and was vetoed by Gov. SonnyPerdue. He said the veto was a messageto the Medical Association of Georgiaover the hospital bed tax issue. Hestated that despite the passage of thebill in 2011, and Gov. Nathan Deal’ssignature, that the Chamber ofCommerce still had issues regardingPrompt Pay. Their latest “legislativescorecard” downgrades legislators whosupported Prompt Pay. He urged den-tists who were Chamber members tomake their voices heard.

• In response to a question about pushbackon the successful passage of Non-CoveredServices legislation, Rep. Joe Wilkinsonsaid that if opponents of the measure tryto introduce legislation to combat thebenefit, they would not make it throughthe Insurance Committee.

• Sen. Unterman lauded the GMOM programand discussed her opinion that scope ofpractice issues need to be decided at theboard level, not the legislative level.

• Rep. Cooper stated that the Associationwas very lucky to have Martha Phillips asa lobbyist and gave a shout out to herdentist, Dr. Peter Trager. She discussedher disappointment with “Obamacare”and how it looked to be on track to create

two tiers of patients—those who canafford private care, and those who wouldbe receiving primary care from lessertrained providers.

ADA President Elect CalnonDraws Applause at HouseDr. William Calnon, who will takeoffice as ADA president this October,began his speech stating that the AmericanDental Association had “lots to celebrate”as a bright and relevant entity. He laudedthe ADA’s new Strategic Plan, and how thebudget was tied directly to this “active, liv-ing document.” He noted that theAssociation’s positive new steps show thatthis is an organization that is in it for thelong haul and wants to be a major policymakerand advocate for the profession.

He referenced the ADA’s recentpaper “Breaking Down Barriers to OralHealth for All Americans: The Role ofWorkforce,” that examines the challengesand solutions to bringing good oral healthto Americans. The paper emphasizes thatworkforce changes alone can never overcomethe many barriers that prevent too manyAmericans from attaining good oral health,and warns that focusing on only this onebarrier is “the policy equivalent of bailinga leaky boat.”

Dr. Calnon also told House membersthat the second paper, “Breaking Down Barriersto Oral Health for All Americans: Repairingthe Tattered Safety Net” would be releasedin August, and that the paper would discussthe absence of a coordinated, systematicapproach to treating underserved populationsand identify commonsense remedies.

(The GDA Board of Trustees voted inApril to send a letter to the ADA commendingthem on the initial workforce paper. Bothpapers may be read at www.ada.org.)

The ADA has taken important stepsto become the leader in discussions onaccess and barriers to care in Dr. Calnon’sview. He discussed the ADA’s support of stateinitiatives to preserve the doctor-patientrelationship and a recent meeting with amajor national foundation where thefoundation CEO was surprised by thedepth of ADA activities.

“We have to appropriately deliver theproper information to outside groupslike foundations,” said Dr. Calnon.“Foundations have dollars, and many statelegislators’ ears, and their willingness tofund projects for cash-strapped statesopens doors.”

Dr. Calnon also discussed a meetingwith the Federal Trade Commission thathe termed very positive toward theADA. “I feel the agencies are reallystarting to listen to us,” he said.

Dr. Calnon finally recognized Georgia’srepresentatives on ADA councils and FifthDistrict Trustee Dr. Don Seago. Hereceived a round of applause after hispresentation.

GDA ConductsBusiness, HearsADA President-Elect

GDA officers Dr. Jay Harrington, Dr. Mike Vernon, and Dr.Sidney Tourial join Sen. Renee Unterman, Rep. SharonCooper, Rep. Richard Smith, and Rep. Joe Wilkinson afterthe House of Delegates legislative panel.

ADA President Elect Dr. William Calnon(l) with Fifth District Trustee Dr. DonSeago and GDA President Dr. JayHarrington.



Award of MeritThis highest GDA award was presentedposthumously in memory of Dr. Mark S.Ritz. Dr. Ritz, GDA president in 2009, passedaway due to complications of pancreaticcancer in January 2010. His wife Kathywas on hand to accept the award. She waswarm in her thanks for this recognition ofDr. Ritz’s valuable legacy of leadership.

Dr. Ed Green, a fellow SouthwesternDistrict member with Dr. Ritz and himselfa past GDA president, spoke movingly ofthe hard-working, meticulous Chicago nativewho settled in rural Homerville, Georgia,to set up his general dental practice. Hespoke of Dr. Ritz’s love for his patients, hischaritable dental care efforts, his caringattention to his colleagues, and his globalknowledge of the complex issues facing hisbeloved profession. “That was the mainreason he struggled to succeed at GDASpokesperson Training,” said Dr. Green.“What he had in his head just did not fit ina 30 second sound-bite.”

Here are just some of the commentssubmitted to the GDA in support Dr.Ritz’s nomination for the Award of Merit:

• “Mark Ritz will always stand out as oneof the most passionate and intelligentleaders that organized dentistry inGeorgia has ever known.”

• “I served on the Southwestern DistrictExecutive Committee with Mark for over10 years, and Mark’s knowledge of issuesand passion to protect our professionnever ceased to amaze me … it was thatextra enthusiasm to master the issues and thenserve our profession with his knowledgethat set Mark apart.”

• “Often when someone rises to the top oftheir profession in any arena, a noticeableegotism emerges. This malady I neverdetected in Mark; he was alwaysapproachable, respectful, and genuinelyinterested in the point of view of others.”

• “I had the privilege to work in Mark’spractice during his illness. May I reportthat he was dearly loved by his staff andpatients. Not surprisingly, the quality ofhis dentistry was excellent. In everyaspect of his professional life, Mark wasan exemplary and consummate leader.”

Honorable FellowshipDistinguished service to the GDA, eitherthrough active participation in the GDA orat the district level, is the primary requirementfor Honorable Fellow designation. AnHonorable Fellow must also demonstrateintegrity, honesty of purpose, adherence tothe ADA Code of Ethics, and community

involvement. This award is one of the mostsignificant that the GDA can bestow.Kudos to these Honorable Fellows recognizedin Hilton Head.

Dr. Bradley O. AdamsSouthwestern District, OrthodontistMedical College of Georgia School ofDentistryOrthodontics Residency, MCGDistrict Past President and Delegate tothe GDA House

Dr. Russell D. ClemmonsSoutheastern District, General DentistUniversity of Tennessee Health ScienceCenterDistrict Past President and Delegate tothe GDA HouseVolunteer, JC Lewis Union MissionDental Clinic

Dr. Wade A. DiabNorthwestern District, General DentistCase Western Reserve UniversityPeriodontics Residency, Medical Collegeof GeorgiaDistrict Past President and Delegate tothe GDA HouseFive Year Term as District Editor

Deserving Dentists Recognized with GDA Awards

Dr. Ed Green presents the posthumousAward of Merit honoring Dr. Mark Ritzto Kathy Ritz.

The Class of 2011 Honorable Fellows received certificates from Dr. Jay Harrington(left). Shown are Drs. Weinman, Schulman, Loden, Mazzawi, Diab, Clemmons, andAdams.



Dr. S. Michael LodenCentral District, General DentistMedical College of GeorgiaDistrict Trustee, District Past President,Delegate to GDA House

Dr. J. Matt MazzawiNorthern District, General DentistMedical College of GeorgiaDistrict Editor, Branch Past President,Delegate to GDA HouseDistrict Gala for Smiles Committee

Dr. Troy H. SchulmanNorthern District, General DentistLouisiana State UniversityDistrict Delegate to GDA House,Executive Committee member, Governmental Affairs member andContact DentistDistrict Gala for Smiles Committee

Dr. Rebecca C. WeinmanNorthern District, General DentistEmory UniversityDistrict Delegate to GDA HouseChair, Membership Services Committee

Community Service AwardThis award recognizes GDA dentists whodistinguish themselves by extraordinaryservice to the quality of life and health ofpersons in their community via dentistry.The intent is to highlight dentists whosevolunteer work serves as an inspiration tothe profession. Kudos to the honorees for 2011:

Dr. Edwin R. BurnetteIn 1993, the Good News Clinics in HallCounty (Northern District) opened to pro-vide free medical care to residents with noinsurance and incomes of less than 150%of the poverty level. The Green WarrenDental Clinic was added in 1997. Dr. EdBurnette was instrumental in establishingthat clinic, recruiting volunteers, andgrowing the clinic to its status of providing$1.3 million in dental services in the lastyear alone. He is the Dental Director forGood News, and volunteers in the dentalclinic every week.

“While most retirees may volunteeronce in a while, Dr. Burnette works like heis still in private practice,” said Good NewsClinics Executive Director CherylChristian. “His compassion for the less for-tunate motivates other dentist volunteersto help others who cannot afford dentalcare. Over 14,475 individuals in Hall

County who were in pain and unable toafford dental care have been treated withexpertise and compassion due to Dr.Burnette accepting the responsibility tostart a dental clinic at Good News Clinics.”

Dr. Stanley D. SatterfieldDr. Satterfield was honored for his role inestablishing and supporting the dental carecomponent of Mercy Health Center inAthens. He has served on the Center’sboard and works Fridays each month pro-viding oral surgery for patients. He oftensees Mercy patients in his private oral sur-gery office when the Center is overloaded,which it often is.

The Center opened in 2001, andmoved to a larger permanent facility in2007 due to the volume of patients seekingcare. In 2010, the Center provided a totalof 7,300 patient visits.

“I have known Stan for more than 20years and he is a man of outstanding char-acter with a passion for helping the under-served,” said fellow Eastern District den-tist Dr. Brian Hall. “He works at the MercyHealth Center performing oral surgery

and ministering to his patients. Standoesn’t just care about their oral needsbut spends the time asking about theiremotional and spiritual lives and oftenprays with them for other pressing needsand problems that they may have. Hepractices whole person care and really helpsthese people, many who are at the end oftheir ropes, feel loved and cared for.”

GDA President’s AwardsThese awards are presented at the requestof the GDA president to recognize specialvolunteer service.

Committee Chair of the YearDr. Jay Harrington named the chairs andleads of the GMOM Task Force as thewinner this year. The chairs receivedengraved silver letter openers, and theleads received engraved silver frames.

Committee Liaison of the YearDr. Jay Harrington tapped Dr. Bill Argo,the Contact Dentist Liaison, as this year’swinner. This recognition comes after hisefforts to match 100 percent of state legis-lators with GDA contact dentists.

Presidential CommendationsDr. Harrington commended Dr. JohnFerguson, a fellow Milledgeville practitioner,for his exceptional leadership in chairingthe Georgia Dental Insurance Servicesboard, and outstanding mentoring skillsthat directed Dr. Harrington’s GDAinvolvement.

Community Service honoree Dr. EdwinBurnette, who helped found the GreenWarren Dental Clinic in Gainesville.

Dr. Jay Harrington with dental mentorand GDIS Board of Directors chair Dr.John Ferguson (l). Both are members ofthe Milledgeville Mafia. Maybe thatgroup is behind the numerous CentralDistrict LAW Day Attendance Challengevictories?

Dr. Stan Satterfield, 2011 CommunityService honoree, helped create thedental clinic component of the MercyHealth Center in Athens.

AWARDSContinued on page 20


Dr. Harrington also honored Dr. Tyfor his wealth of legislative knowledge,persuasive ability, steadfast support ofthe dental scope of practice, and hisinspirational work to shape future GDAleaders.

ADA Life MembersThe class of 2012 Life Members is 69 den-tists strong! ADA Life Membership isbestowed only on those dentists who havechosen to maintain consecutive years ofmembership in our Association throughouttheir professional lives. Our Associationand profession are stronger because of thesupport of these dentists. Dr. PaulFraysure and Dr. Richard A. Smith are thenew Life Members who attended themeeting to be recognized. The remainderof the ADA Life Members may be foundat www.gadental.org.

50 Year MembersThe GDA was pleased to recognize thoseGDA members who graduated fromdental school in 1961. These dedicatedservants of our profession are worthy ofour recognition! Dr. Edwin Burnette, PastGDA President Dr. Donald Johnson, andDr. Charles Ruhl attended the meetingand received a special certificate. Thenames of the other members of theClass of 1961 may be found atwww.gadental.org.

25 Year MembersThe GDA recognized those dentistswho have been GDA members for 25continuous years. They received a crystalpaperweight as a memento. Dr. Philip

Hanes and Dr. Jerry Williams attendedthe meeting to be recognized; the other25-year members may be viewed atwww.gadental.org.


AWARDSContinued from page 19

Dr. Ivey, at left, received a presidentialcommendation for being a legislativewhiz kid and someone who helpedguide Dr. Harrington along the GDApath to leadership.

New ADA Life Members Dr. Richard A.Smith and Dr. Paul Fraysure.

Congratulations to these GDA members and Class of 1961 dentists: Dr. Ed Burnette,Dr. Don Johnson, and Dr. Charles Ruhl. President Jay Harrington is pictured at farleft during the Awards and Installation Breakfast.

Kudos to Dr. Jerry Williams (l) and Dr.Phil Hanes for holding GDA membershipfor 25 consecutive years. 2010-11President Jay Harrington is pictured atcenter.

Visit

www.gadental.org

to view the

names of all

GDA honorees,

including

Life Members,

50 Year members,

and

25-Year members.





Drs. Jay McCaslin VI, Erik Wells, Grant Loo, and MarkDusek.

Dr. Bruce and Sandi Camp, Dr. Kent and Mary Percy, and Dr. Tomand Linda Broderick.

Dr. Mike and Dr. Amy Loden; Dr. Kara Griffin Moore andGeoff Moore.

Dr. Ed and Lorraine Green and Dr. Steve and MiliSample.

Drs. Jimmy Cassidy, GHSU Dental Dean Connie Drisko,Don Johnson, and Leon Aronson.

Drs. Chris McFarland and Marie Schweinebratenand Dr. Jim and Debbie Reynierson.

Drs. Mike Vernon and Kent Percy with GHSU dental studentsShannon Thorsteinson, Anna Schultz, and ChristopherSeibert.

Anyone see a kid? Geoff Moore andGriffin (on the Velcro Wall), spouse andson of Dr. Kara Moore.

Dr. Emmanuel Ngoh wins a$100 door prize from GDIS(Director Denis Mucha).

To view moremeeting photos, visitwww.gadental.org.



Dr. Ken and Dawn Hutchinson, and Dr.Robert and Fran Carpenter.

Dr. Robin Reich, Cindy Smith, JeanHarrington, and Sally Loos.

Dr. Wendy and Ken Mitchell.

Dr. Max and Nancy Ferguson asLucy and Ricky at thePresident’s Dinner.

Dr. Ben and CindyJernigan (as Marilynand Joe DiMaggio) atthe “stars” President’sDinner.

President’s Dinner chairs Dr. Ronnie and JeanWeathers and Dr. Don and Jan Johnson as theBlack-Eyed Peas.

General Chair Dr. Bob andJane Vedder at the President’sDinner as Marshal Dillon andMiss Kitty.

Drs. Carole and Phil Hanes,and Dr. Celia Dunn.

Dr. Mark Brunner in the GDAExhibit Hall money machine.

Dr. Nancy Gallagher and her mother JoanBrandenburg on Family Fun Night.Dr. Jay and Jean Harrington

during the President’sDinner (as Scarlett O’Haraand Garth Brooks).



With the closing of GDA subsidiaryProfessional Debt Recovery Services, Inc.,the Georgia Dental Association wanted toshare with you some of the questions weare fielding from our members pertainingto selecting a new collection agency. Choosinga collection agency is an important decisionrequiring careful considerations. Dentistsshould look for an agency that worksexclusively with dental or medical debtand provides clients with assurancethat their accounts will be handled in aprofessional manner that reflects positivelyon your practice. Here are some tips toconsider.

Q: How do I find a new collectionagency?

A: Ask around! Talk to your peers andinquire about what agency they use. Ask ifthey are satisfied with the results theiragency produces. You can also visit the

American Collections Association (ACA)International web site and search their listof agencies. ACA International is the nationalassociation for collection and credit agencies.The address is www.acainternational.org.

Q: I’ve had bad experienceswith collection agencies. Whatcan I do to ensure I won’t haveissues with a new agency?

A: Being more diligent when following-upwith your selected collection agency mayhelp create a better experience. Reviewyour accounts monthly and check for dis-crepancies in account balances. Ask youragency to provide you with either monthlyreporting, or the ability to access accountsonline. If you delegate this task to a staffmember, meet regularly with the staffmember to discuss the status of reports.Don’t assume that you can “submit and

forget” your accounts. These are still youraccounts and your patients, and your fol-low-up is key.

Q: Should I ask for referrals froman agency I am considering?

A: Sure. Just keep in mind that in mostcases the referral list will be filled withclients that are extremely satisfied withthe agency’s work. When contacting areferral client don’t be afraid to ask toughquestions like:

• Have you ever had an issue with theagency paying you on time?

• How difficult is it to get a return phonecall from the agency’s customer servicesrepresentatives?

• Have you had clients complain about thetactics or professionalism of the agency’semployees?

How to Choose a Collection Agency



• Does the agency provide you with regu-lar reports that are easy to understand?

• How long have you been with thisagency, and how did you initially find outabout them?

• Is the agency’s staffing, leadership, andpricing stable? Is there a lot of turnoverand fluctuation?

Q: The agency I am consideringdoesn’t have a contact for me tosign. Is this okay?

A: No! You should always ask for a writtenagreement in advance of partnering withan agency. If they don’t offer one, or giveyou an evasive answer, run away! You areseeking honesty and clarity in your agency.

Written agreements are important;they outline the expectations of servicesbeing offered and the fees being charged.It is important that you carefully reviewthe written agreement the agency provides,and you should consult your attorneyduring this review process and before yousign any binding document.

Q: What is the difference betweena flat fee and a contingency fee?

A: Contingency fees are when an agencyretains a percentage of any money collectedfrom a delinquent individual. Agenciesthat offer contingency fee services usuallyrequire you to pay no upfront costs.Contingency rates are generally based onthe volume of delinquent accounts placedby a business. In most cases, the lower thevolume, the higher the contingency rate.

Flat fees (sometimes called set-upfees) are when an agency charges a “flatfee” to process claims. Generally, a flat feerate is based only on an agency mailing col-lection letters, and does not include servic-es such as making collection calls to indi-viduals, making reports to the three maincredit bureaus, or initiating litigationaction. In most cases, an agency wouldassess a contingency fee rate if you wantedto benefit from these additional services.

Q: What is a reasonable contingencyfee rate an agency should charge?

A: In most cases, contingency fee rates arebased on several factors:

1. Placement volume,2. Age of the accounts being placed, and3. Account balances.

Contingency fees are often negotiable;however, most agencies will consider theprevious three factors when determining

the final fee they will offer. If you are will-ing to submit your accounts to an agencysooner in the collection process—forexample, sending out accounts that are 120days or fewer past due—then you may beable to negotiate a lower contingency feewith the agency. However, if you are turningover accounts that are far older than 120days, even upwards of one year old, expectto pay higher fees.

Q: What questions should I ask when selecting anew collection agency?

A: Here are some suggested questions you could ask when interviewinga potential collection agency. Remember, do the due diligence whenselecting your next collection agency, and don’t rush into making adecision without doing the research.

• What‘s your contingency fee rate?

• Are you a member of the American Collectors Association (ACA)International?

• Has your agency ever had to answer a complaint that’s been filed withthe Attorney General’s office?

• How does your agency handle such complaints? Do you notify theclient?

• Are there any pending lawsuits against your collection agency?

• Has your agency ever been sued?

• Is your agency willing to sign a Business Associates’ agreement?

• How do you remit money back to your clients?

• Do you allow your clients to access their accounts online?

• How do I submit collection accounts to you?

• Do you provide monthly status reports to clients?

• How many collectors do you employ?

• How many customer service representatives do you employ?

• Who is my daily contact person, and what’s the best method forgetting in touch with this person?

• Do you use an automated dialer to assist in making phone calls?

• What standards are used as related to working collection accounts, andhow will my accounts be worked?

• Do you offer credit reporting? If yes, is there a charge?

• Do you provide litigation services? If yes, what is the cost, and does theclient pay the court costs?





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.

International College of DentistsContinuing Education SeminarAnnouncement: CE AND SUNSHINESEMINAR Pain Control, MedicalEmergencies, Cardio Implications.Speaker John P. Gobetti, DDS, MS.Where: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. When:February 12-19, 2012. Sponsor:International College of Dentists. Detailswww.icd.org. Twelve ADA CERP CEcredits.

Dentists Available for Locum Tenens

Dentist 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.

Positions Available

Exceptional Opportunity for AssociateDentists. Join Dr. Mark Shurett’sAssociate Team to provide treatment tochildren throughout Georgia. Wellequipped and maintained offices.Positions include F/T, P/T, and LocumTenens. Multiple locations available.Friendly staff with no daily office / over-head challenges. Contact Tina Titshaw [email protected], call (678) 413-8130,or fax resume to (770) 760-1375.

Dentist Position Available in Implant,Cosmetic, and Reconstructive Practice.Paperless office, great growth opportunity,minimum of four (4) years of clinical expe-rience is required. Proficiency inEndodontics (all teeth) and extractionsrequired. Benefits available. Fax resume to(770) 381-7744.

Georgia licensed dentists needed forimmediate openings in all areas ofGeorgia. Part-time or full-time. Startingsalary of $700 / day with equipment, sup-plies, assistant, and training provided. Ourcompany, Dynamic Mobile Dentistry, pro-vides on-site preventative, restorative,prosthetic, and surgical care for nursinghome residents in the nursing facilities.Call (478) 330-5038 or (478) 737-0552 oremail [email protected] for moreinformation and / or interview.

classified ads

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 28



TIRED OF THE RAT RACE? Well-established practice in the mountains forsale. Friendly patients who appreciatewhat you do for them. Motivated, cross-trained staff. Modern equipment in abeautifully constructed, high-image, glassbuilding well-located for public awareness.Computers in all operatories. Ideal for soloor group practice. 10,000 foot buildingavailable separately or package deal forboth building and practice. Growing com-munity. NO long commute and NO 8-lanefreeways. Excellent school system. Lowcrime rate. Tons of family / sportsman out-door recreational opportunities. Closeenough to larger towns to go to the mall,but far enough away to avoid all the bigcity hassles. (706) 745-6848.

Looking for a change of pace? We’reseeking qualified dentists to work parttime within nursing homes. The positionsare a rewarding, low-stress alternative toprivate practice and offer an accommodat-ing schedule and competitive salary.Proficient in: extractions, exams, fillings,dentures, and prophys. Required: GADental License and DEA. Malpracticeprovided. Visit the “Careers” tab of ourweb site www.mahweb.com to apply!

Dentist Jobs Columbus / Albany /Macon / Valdosta. FT / PT base salaryover $100K per year with tremendouscommission and profit share upside. NoHMOs. Join our network of affiliated pri-vate family practices. Benefits includemedical, vacation, 401K. Call Dr. ToddChristie at (321) 432-5922 (confidential),email [email protected], orfax (321) 254-6800.

Associate Position Available—GeneralDentist—Warner Robins, GA. WORTHTHE DRIVE or RELOCATION—IMMEDIATE FULL SCHEDULE OFPATIENTS ready and waiting for you toJOIN OUR TEAM! Full or Part TimePosition Available. Well established,Family, Cosmetic, and Implant privatepractice in Warner Robins offering a greatopportunity to become an active partici-pant in a fast-paced, highly successfulpractice. Our highly experienced adminis-trative and clinical team provides the qual-ity and excellence in dental services to ourpatients and creates an easy transition intothe practice. Candidates with general den-tistry, surgical implant placement, oral sur-gery, and conscious IV sedation experienceare all being considered. Excellent com-pensation with base plus percentage. Fullpartnership buy-in opportunity. Pleasesend CV to [email protected].

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Practices / Office Space Available

Dental office space located inColumbus, GA, in prime high trafficlocation. 1400+ square feet / spaciousreception area / 5 treatment rooms / break-room / executive office with built-in book-case / file & storage rooms. Move-in andoccupant ready. Wired & plumbed for den-tal. Competitive monthly rate. For moreinformation call (706) 566-8818.

SAVANNAH: 30-year-plus excellent prac-tice for sale collecting over $1 million dol-lars a year consistently. 5 operatories with 2full-time hygienists. Doctor looking for atransition and will stay on. Excellent loca-tion. 3000 sq ft building for sale as well.For more information call (678) 482-7305,email [email protected] orvisit www.southeasttransitions.com.

*SHELL WITH EQUIPMENT* SNELL-VILLE: 3200 sq ft, Busy strip center, 8fully-equipped ops, 2 dr’s offices, largebusiness office, consult room, lab space,ample free parking. No patients. Below marketrent in place. The building is also for sale.For more information call (678) 482-7305,email [email protected] orvisit www.southeasttransitions.com.

Looking for an upscale, quality officein which to see your patients? Newoffice with operatories to spare for Part-Time Dentist, one with kids or one lookingto avoid hassles of ownership. Duluth /Suwanee. Dr. Bob Finkel at (770) 497-9111.

Duluth, GA. Modern Pediatric DentalOffice Space—2,620 sq ft and lots of stor-age. With Lease Hold Improvements,Equipment, Furnishings. Easy start upwith min. costs. High traffic area nearGwinnett Place Mall. Available Now.Tammy or Fran at (770) 497-9111.

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Available: BUCKHEAD: Beautiful,prime location. GAINESVILLE: Grossing$720,000, 3 operatories. GWINNETT:Grossing $823,000, 8 operatories. MARI-ETTA MERGER: Grossing $736K.ROME: $1.2 million, 5 operatories.SNELLVILLE: Merger into beautiful newfacility. SUWANEE: Grossing $575K, 4operatories. MERGERS: Buckhead,Duluth, Peachtree City. Contact RichaneSwedenburg, New South DentalTransitions: (770) 630-0436, Check newlistings, www.newsouthdental.com;[email protected].

Practices for Sale: ATLANTA #8490—Gross Collections $$1.08M; 4 days; 5 oper-atories. ATLANTA #8558—GrossCollections $785,966; 4 days; 6 operato-ries; 2,780 sq. ft. ATLANTA #8108—Grosscollections $654,993; 4 days; 5 operatories;2,200 sq. ft. office space. ATLANTA#8765—Gross Collections $1.45M; 4 days;6 operatories; 2,780 sq. ft. SOUTHEAST-ERN GEORGIA #8172—Gross collec-tions $752,638; 4 days; 5 operatories; 1,732sq. ft. office space. NW GEORGIA#8562—Gross collections $670,375; 4days; 6 ops; 2,881 sq. ft. office space.SAVANNAH AREA #8779—GrossCollections $1.05M; 4 days; 5 operatories;2660 sq. ft. office space. NORTHATLANTA #8804—Oral Surgery practicefor sale. ATLANTA PERIO #5241—GrossCollections $1.32 M, 3 days, 4 ops; 2400sq. ft. office space. AUGUSTA #8806—Fully-equipped and furnished office with 5operatories, 1800 sq. ft. office space.ATLANTA #8807—Brand new 6,000 sq.ft. state-of-the-art facility. Need a motivat-ed, energetic associate with excellentchairside manner comfortable with allaspects of general dentistry includingcrown and bridge, restorative, oral surgery,and molar root canals. Implant andCEREC experience helpful but not neces-sary. NORTH ATLANTA PERIO #5241—Associate needed for high tech perio prac-tice in North Atlanta. All phases of perioperformed. For information, call Dr.Earl Douglas, (770) 664-1982 or [email protected] BRANCH / HOSCHTON /

BRASELTON, GA: 20,000 square footdental office building for lease in the #4most economically developing area in thecountry! Under construction and will beopen November 2011! Great lease rates &TI allowance available. Goal is to create a“one-stop” dental facility in the fastestgrowing area around! Looking for PERIO,ENDO & ORAL SURGEON. In a highlyvisible area where NO specialists are locatedat this time! Be the first in the area for apromising long term career location. Whetheryou want 1,500 or 5,000 square feet, spacewill be tailored to each individual’s needs.Perfect location for a new practice startupor a 2nd satellite location! Close to the newlyapproved satellite location for NortheastGeorgia Medical Center. Demographics areoff the charts and schools are unbelievable… literally one of the most sought afterlocations around! Priority will be given ona first come / first serve basis. Please email:[email protected] more information or call (678) 612-2277.

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

www.gadental.org

ACTIONInside This Issue

• Georgia Mission of Mercy: Final Treatment Numbers

• Deserving Dentists Take Home GDA Awards

DATED MATERIALPLEASE DELIVER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE


Documents

GDA Action September 2011