iSlAnD View - Santa Barbara-Ventura County Dental … View. 2 A publicAtion of the SAntA bArbArA-VenturA countY DentAl SocietY ChARACTER CoUnTS By Larry Simpson, D.D.S In 1945 a …

1A publicAtion of the SAntA bArbArA-VenturA countY DentAl SocietY www.SbVcDS.org

A publication of the Santa Barbara-Ventura County Dental Society July/August 2009 www.sbvcds.com

Features:Character Counts 2SanVenDPAC 2President’s Message: Be Prepared 3Trustee’s Report 4Legislative Update 5Lines From Linda 6War of Words: Defamatory Comments 6SBVC Foundation Update 9Calendar of Events 13Classifieds 15

Dental Society steps up during Jesusita FirePage 3

Disaster-proofing your practicePreparation is keyBy Peter J. Ackerman, CPAPage 10

iSlAnD View

2 A publicAtion of the SAntA bArbArA-VenturA countY DentAl SocietYwww.SbVcDS.org

ChARACTER CoUnTS

By Larry Simpson, D.D.S

In 1945 a friend of my father’s found himself in a little difficulty financially. He needed $500 very quickly. I know that $500 doesn’t sound like much but in 1945, it was a tidy sum. He asked my father to loan him the money.

We were not wealthy by any stretch of the imagination, but in those days, putting mon-ey aside for a rainy day was the thing to do. Still is. My father loaned him the money on a handshake. It was going to be paid back as soon as he was able, that was the deal. It was paid back in a timely manner and all was well.

What a wonderful thing trust is! Over a short period of time trust has diminished to almost the point of being nonexistent. Fewer people today believe what they hear, what they see, and believe what they think, they should have an attorney checking everything to make sure that it is O.K.

Our patients should find that the diagno-sis we give them is in their best interest, not the best interest of the doctor. In these difficult economic times, trust seems to takes another hit.

Dentists used to rank second as the most trusted and revered profession. Last time I looked we were fourth, and the downward trend continues. It is important to our profession that we re-establish this area of trust. It can be done one patient at a time. We need to make our decision of each diagnosis based on the tested value of, What would I do for my mother? if this were her problem.

Giving patients the opportunity to participate in their treatment decisions gives patients more satisfaction with their outcomes. They become more compliant in their home care and their regularly scheduled return visits. In turn, it allows trust to reenter the picture, and it helps build your character.

Remember: Your Character Counts

The November 2009 elections were favor-able for SanVenDPAC. Of the 7 local races we were asked to support, 5 candidates were elected including two of our own members. Dr Mark Lisagor was elected to Ventura Board of Education and Dr Tom Glancy was reelected to the Thousand Oaks City Council and appointed Mayor.

We also made contributions to all statewide candidates for the 35th Assembly and the 19th

Albert J. Hernandez, DDSAlejandro G. Mizraji, DDSAlexander G. Namikas, DDSAllan M Parigian, DDSAna Maria Hernandez, DDSAndre P. Nebolon, DDSAndrew K Matsunaga, DDSAnthony L. Perez, DDSArnold R. Rudman, DDSArthur Najera, DDSBrad J. Kane, DDSBryan D Fisch, DDSCharles E. Scholler, DDSCharles F Stewart, DDSCharles S Leonard, DDSCharles W Ketcham, DDSChristoph F. Haar, DMDCurtis W. Sandahl, DDSDana A. Carlton, DDSDana L Manchester, DMDDaniel D Jahng, DDSDavid J. Paumier, DDSDavid Pokras, DDSDennis M Dwire, DDSDerek K. Carson, DDSDinh H. Nguyen, DMDDonald H. MacDonald, DMDDouglas L Smith, DDSDouglas L. Andersen, DDSFelix A Valde, DDSFrancidette Naval, DDSG L. Wan, DDSGary D Sands, DDSGeorge Kanamori, DDSGeorge R. Walseth, DDSGlenn A. Hemingway, DDSGreg Trnavsky, DDSHerschel S. Berger, DDSJ. P. Hughes, DDSJames P Witcher, DDSJanice L. Beierle, DDS

SAnTA BARBARA VEnTURA CoUnTy PAC UPDATE

Senate seats. With the May special elections over, the wagons are circling for the 2010 elections. Open seats for the 35th and 37th Assembly seats will be competitive.

The SanVenDPAC Board would like to thank all the members who have contributed $25 for the Pac for 2009. We would like to remind others it is not too late to make a 2009 contribution. You can send a check to SanVenDPAC c/o SBVCDS, 1607 E. Thompson Blvd, Ventura, CA 93001.

2009 SAnVEnDPAC ConTRiBUToRSJanice M. Sugiyama, DDSJohn Farsakian, DDSJohn V. McNeil, DDSJoseph J. Beierle, DDSJulie A. Hemingway, DDSJustina M. Sullivan, DDSKathleen A. Williams-Turk, DDSKenneth E. Kerr, DDSLan Su, DMDLarry A. Basham, DDSLarry S. Simpson, DDSLaura M Jen Kin, DDSLeroy K. Carson, DDSLisa D. Brennan, DDSMark D Pratt, DDSMark S. Lisagor, DDSMichael J. Czubiak, DDSMichael W. Thompson, DDSMohamed A. Elshafie, DDSNeal L Cole, DDSPatrick B. McDade, DDSPaul Sebastian Avolese, DDSPhilip J. Kroll, DDSPhillip P Ho, DMDPramila R. Patel, DDSRalph J. Maiello JR, JR DDSRaymond J. Faulstich, DMDRichard A. Gagne, DDSRichard A. Richards, DDSRichard J. Nagy, DDSRichard M Yamamoto, DDSRobert J. Berkenmeier, DDSRobert O Valdez, DDSRobin S. McEwan, DDSRonald G Reitz, DDSRonald K. Hunter, DDSStacy M Schmitt, DDSStephen P Kerper, DDSSteven C. Greenman, DDSTimothy A Caligiuri, DDSWalter C. Dukes, DDSWyatt A. Harris, DDS

By: Janice Sugiyama, DDS


If someone came up to you a few years ago and said there would be three large, devastating fires in Santa Barbara in a 12 month period, you would think that person was crazy. Well, we all know it did happen. The Jesusita fire, our latest fire, was the one that was the most frightening, in my opinion, as it destroyed homes and threatened businesses.

I was driving on State Street near Alamar in Santa Barbara about 4:30 pm on Wednesday, May 6 looking at what appeared to be a wall of fire and smoke blasting high in the sky like Armageddon coming down the mountain toward the heart of Santa Barbara. The fire appeared to be unstoppable and I thought Santa Barbara would burn from the mountains to the ocean, nothing spared. For the next two days the air was smoky, ashy and unhealthy, horribly, homes were burning. The night was so hot even at 11pm, fear was overcoming me and most people that I knew. ‘What will happen to my home, practice as well as those of my family, friends and colleagues?’, I thought. How will patients who experience dental emergencies be able to see their dentist if the office is on mandatory evacuation or even worse, burned to the ground? What do you do when adversity strikes? What emergency preparedness plan is in place at both office and home?

It is these times of emergency and adversity when community becomes extremely important, in my opinion. Our Dental Society community stepped up and offered assistance in any way possible. I, along with our Trustee, Janice Sugiyama, and the Board members of your Dental Society and others, offered their practices for those who needed

help. In addition, our Executive Director, Linda, offered her home for any pets that were evacuated. Dr. Dwyer offered the use of his RV for anyone needing temporary shelter. Your Dental Society posted the available offices and contact people on our website; http://www.sbvcds.org. Thank you to the ones mentioned and the silent many who offered assistance during this crisis.

The SBVCDS scrambled to provide as much support as possible. It would have been easier if there was an existing plan as a reference to guide the way. It would have been helpful having protocols established for a more effective and comprehensive response. These are retrospective thoughts for sure, but past events can guide current plans for future unknown situations. For this reason, the Dental Society will be preparing an Emergency Preparedness Plan so that future catastrophes can be handled quickly and even more efficiently. It will be presented in a future issue of the Newsletter so you will know what to do next time.

What is your emergency preparedness plan for the office and home? I hope this article helps you realize how important it is to be prepared for unknown disasters. Having protocols is crucial. Being present in the moment is also crucial to make the necessary decisions when the unexpected arises.

Now that the Santa Barbara fires are extinguished and past, most people are back to their routines and appear to be “normal.” However, there are others greatly affected physically and/or emotionally still needing the support of our community. The emergency is over and the urgency for a plan no longer seems a priority. However, this is the time for EVERYONE to create their own emergency preparedness plan for both home and office. You never know what can happen tomorrow. BE PREPARED!

Richard J. Nagy, DDSPresident, SBVCDS

January - February 2009

3. Volunteer your time - whether just a phonecall or email to express what matters to you and howyou will step up and help. Stepping up could be a rec-ommended plan of action and/or joining a committeeand/or be an Area Director or Board member. We areALL very busy in our lives and feel this may be toomuch. I felt that way when asked to join the Board. Ihave spent little to a lot of time depending which yearI have been on the Board and I am left understandinghow important our work is, and how joyful I feel know-ing that I am making a contribution to my community.

4. Get politically involved by com-ing forward with your expertise in areasthat are being disputed by the DentalBoard of California. The bills in the leg-islature can be found in the CDAnewsletter or online.

5. Be creative and come forward asyou are moved within.

Walk with integrity and envision aworld where people are safe to beexpressive of their individuality. A com-munity allows a safe container to do

this. The SBVCDS is our community. Please join your community in voice, presence and spirit. We are waiting for you.

Happy New Year!Richard Nagy

The mission of theSBVCDS is to serve theneeds and issues of itsmembers, you, and to pro-mote the improvement ofthe health and education ofthe public. This is ourMission Statement and itreally is ourmission, whywe function.How do weaccomplish

this amidst economic, political, culturaland environmental uncertainties andtransitions that abound in 2009? It is veryclear to me how important and vital acommunity needs to be. Webster definescommunity as a “body of persons ornations having a common history or com-mon social, economic, and political interests.” Thiswould hold true for the membership of SBVCDS. Theindividual is important but not powerful enough to chal-lenge the world we live in. We need to be a collectivegroup both in voice and action to carry out our Missionthat benefits dentist members by allowing people topractice as they were taught. How do we do this?

1. We have a Strategic Planning meeting sched-uled in January where the Board decides the directionthe Society will be going in for 2009. We need yourinput now to guide us on what is important for you.You can call the Society or email your thoughts [email protected].

2. Be aware of what is going on in your dentalworld by attending the Continuing Education coursesand reading the ADA, CDA and SBVCDS newsletters.So much information is provided that allows me to feelsecure that I am practicing within both the legal andethical scopes of practice.

President’s MessageBy Richard Nagy, D.D.S.President, SBVCDS

“The SBVCDS is ourcommunity. Please

join your communityin voice, presence

and spirit.”

Island View

PRESiDEnT’S MESSAGEBy Richard nagy, D.D.S., President, SBVCDS

SBVC Dental SoCietyBoarD of DireCtorS

PresidentRichard J. Nagy, DDS - (805) [email protected]

President electGreg Trnavsky, DDS - (805) [email protected]

Past-PresidentWilliam J. Clark, DDS, MD - (805) [email protected]

Secretary/treasurerSteven F. Stanley, DDS - (805) [email protected]

CDa trusteeJanice M. Sugiyama, D.D.S - 805) [email protected]

editor, island ViewSuzanne P. Berger, DDS - (818) [email protected]

Directorsarea aC J. Munce, DDS - (805) [email protected]

area BCatherine Streegan, DDS - (805) [email protected]

Director - Section iBenedict Yoong, DDS - (805) [email protected]

Director - Section iiCharles E. Scholler, DDS - (805) [email protected]

Director - Section iiiAndrew H. Chen, DDS - (805) [email protected]

Director at large - VtaRick Alter, DDS - (805) [email protected] Director at large - Santa BarbaraKevin T. Miller, DDS - (805) [email protected]

Island View is a memberpublication of the AmericanAssociation of Dental Editors.

Managing EditorLinda Lacunza, M.A.1607 East Thompson BoulevardVentura, CA [email protected]

Layout/Design and PrintingValerie JohnsonNova Graphic [email protected]

Lori WolffMailManager805-642-0072 ext. 227 [email protected]

aade

Santa Barbara-Ventura CountyDental Society1607 E. Thompson Blvd.Ventura, CA 93001

MISSION STATEMENTThe mission of the Santa Barbara-Ventura County Dental Society is to serve the needs and issues of its members, advance the art

and science of dentistry, and promote the improvement of the health and education of the public.

Need to Reach Us?From Santa Barbara County (805) 684-1220From Ventura County (805) 656-3166Dentists Only Unlisted Number (805) 643-3670Fax (805) 648-5154E-Mail: [email protected]

Important NumbersAmerican Dental Association (800) 621-8099California Dental Association (800) 736-8702Southern California Well-Being Committee’s Confidential Hotline (213) 383-2691

Direct Reimbursement Referrals (916) 554-4961

SBVC Dental SocietyBoard of Directors

PresidentRichard J. Nagy, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(805) 964-8804

[email protected] Elect

Greg Trnavsky, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(805) [email protected]

Past-PresidentWilliam J. Clark, DDS, MD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(805) 983-3131

[email protected]/Treasurer

Steven F. Stanley, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(805) [email protected]

CDA TrusteeJanice M. Sugiyama, D.D.S. . . . . . . . .(805) 684-2171

[email protected], Island View

Suzanne P. Berger, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(818) [email protected]

DirectorsArea A

C J. Munce, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(805) [email protected]

Area BMark Shultz, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(805) 688-9999

[email protected]. Section I

Benedict Yoong, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(805) [email protected]

Director. Section IICharles E. Scholler, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(805) 386-3199

[email protected]. Section III

Andrew H. Chen, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(805) [email protected]

Directors At LargeVentura County

Rick Alter, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(805) [email protected]

Santa Barbara CountyKevin T. Miller, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(805) 967-0272

[email protected] ChairsMembership

Richard Nagy, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(805) [email protected]

Continuing EducationStuart Sato, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(805) 569-1833

[email protected] Review

Robert Berkenmeier, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(805) [email protected]

Del Brunner, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(805) [email protected]

Thomas Wuesthoff, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(805) [email protected]

EthicsDaniel Jahng, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(805) 642-0233

[email protected] Renewal Course

Robert S. Kiken, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(805) [email protected]

Society Staff (805) 656-3166

Executive DirectorLinda Lacunza, M.A. . . . . . . . [email protected]

Administrative SecretaryLilia Quezada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

Office CoordinatorFelipe Diaz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]

SB | VC Dental Care FoundationBoard of Directors

PresidentDonald MacDonald, DMD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(805) 653-1599

[email protected] Elect

Mark Lisagor, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(805) [email protected]

Secretary/TreasurerAlexander Namikas, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(805) 653-1776

[email protected] Society Representative

Richard Nagy, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(805) [email protected]

Dental Society Representative (Ex Officio)Brad J. Kane, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(805) 983-0245

[email protected]

Ronald K. Hunter, DDS, MS . . . . . . . . . . . . .(805) [email protected]

DirectorCecilia Ordonez, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(805) 963-7471

[email protected]

Steven Mascagno, DDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(805) [email protected]

Legal AdvisorRonald Harrington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Foundation Staff (805) 643-3762

Executive DirectorCaroline Turner CAE . . . . . . . . . . . . .(805) 643-3762

Program CoordinatorJessica Chavez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(805) 643-3762

[email protected]

Island View is a member publication of the AmericanAssociation of Dental Editors.

www.sbvcds.org

BE PREPARED!


TRUSTEE’S REPORTBy Dr. Janice Sugiyama, SBVCDS Trustee

10 January - February 2009 Island View • www.sbvcds.org

Trustee's ReportBy Dr. Janice Sugiyama, SBVCDS Trustee

2009 is starting out on a

usual note for your Board of

Trustees. Fifteen new Trustees

begin this year. Fifteen out of 43

means we will have a almost a

35% turnover. This is almost

double our usual number of new

Trustees.

The CDA Foundation has extended the nomina-

tion deadline for the CDA Foundation Humanitarian

Award to January 31, 2009. This prestigious award

was established to recognize California dentists who

have distinguished themselves by outstanding,

unselfish leadership and contributions to others in

the field of dentistry. Nominees must be nominated

by a CDA member or a component dental society

executive director, but nominees themselves need

not be a CDA member.

For more information on the CDA Foundation

Humanitarian Award or to nominate a colleague,

please visit the CDA Foundation Web site at

www.cdafoundation.org/receive/cda_foundation_hum

anitarian_award, or contact Jolene Murray at

800.232.7645, extension 4929, or

[email protected]

The annual session of the 2008 CDA House of

Delegates (house) took place on November 14-16 at

The Beverly Hilton. The event was attended by 208

delegates representing each component, component

executive directors, CDA officers, CDA

board/council/committee chairs, past presidents,

dental school deans and representatives from other

dental associations.

Carol G. Summerhays, DDS was installed as

CDA’s new president and, after six years of service,

Matthew J. Campbell, Jr., DDS said farewell as his

term as speaker concluded. This year’s house will be

remembered for its lively debate, adoption of resolu-

tions, the contested election, the installation of CDA

volunteers as chairs and council/committee members

for 2009 and the camaraderie enjoyed by all.

Led by Dr. Campbell, delegates conducted an

efficient house, approving 57 resolutions on behalf of

CDA’s members, the dental profession and the public.

You may download the 2008 unofficial summary of

actions at cda.org/about_cda/leadership/house_of_

delegates.

Philip Maldonado, DDS was elected as CDA

Secretary during the House of Delegates (house) in

Beverly Hills. This was the first “contested election”

held in many years. Following the house, we received

a few questions regarding the process for the elec-

tion. Please be assured that the election was con-

ducted in accordance with the policies and proce-

dures set forth in the CDA Bylaws, the General

Operating Principles of the House of Delegates, and

the Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure. The

bylaws provide that the election process is super-

vised by the Committee on Credentials, which is a

committee of the house consisting of the secretary of

the association (who is the Chair of the committee)

and four delegates (Thomas W. Campbell, DDS, Brian

C. Lange, DDS, Raed S. Fawaz, DMD, Robert A.

Gandola, DDS). These individuals consulted through-

out the process with the Speaker of the House, CDA

General Counsel, and outside legal counsel with spe-

cific experience in handling contested elections. If

you have any questions regarding the election

process, please contact Matthew J. Campbell, Jr., DDS,

Andrew P. Soderstrom, DDS, or CDA General Counsel

Alison Sandman.

The Board of Trustees (board) met on

November 16. The following actions were taken and

discussions were held.

Actions Taken

Ratification of Presidential Appointments –

November 13, 2008: The board approved the presi-

dent’s appointments to positions on various councils,

committees, boards and task forces for 2009.

continued on page 11

As I look back at the last six months, things at CDA have not gone exactly as we thought. We knew revenues would be affected by the world wide economic conditions and took measures to re-duce our costs through a number of mea-sures like canceling annual conferences to biannual and trying to use telephone con-ferences call meetings as much as possible.

We knew the political climate would affect state supported dental programs, but hoped they would not eliminate them completely. With such a huge state deficit, it is hard to protect Healthy Families and adult Dentical. It is clear from the May Special Election, most voters from both parties do not want Sacra-mento’s problems solved by raising new taxes and fees. As you read this, it is hard to know if there will be a solution by August when the BOT meets again.

But by far the most unexpected outcome was the resignation of our CDA Secretary Phillip Maldonado in May. In August 2008, the BOT elected Dr Ernie Garcia as our Secretary Nom-inee and this was contested by Dr Maldonado at the November House of Delegates. The House determined in favor of Dr Maldonado. With all due respect to the members of House, the Trustees know information regarding the candidates that they cannot always share and their choices are made in this light. For reasons we do not know and out of respect for Dr Mal-

donado’s privacy, the BOT were informed of the resignation. You might ask why we did not appoint Dr Garcia to replace Dr Maldonado? While the BOT can appoint any one it wants, we have many laws that govern us to do what is in the best interests of the Association. It was determined the best option was to appoint a former ExCom member who would not seek further office and Dr Matt Campbell will serve as Interim CDA Secretary till the Nov 2009 House of Delegates ( plus he lives in Sacra-mento)

So, the August Election before the BOT in-clude Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President and a 13th District (ADA) Trustee. None of these positions are easy and do take a toll on practic-es and families. We are fortunate to have more than one candidate per office to choose from and we will do our best to elect the best.

november 6, 2009 — 9am–5pmCourtyard Marriott, oxnard600 e. esplanade Drive,oxnard, Ca 93036

$185 active Members/$80 retired Members/$85 Staff/$100 rDH7 Ce Units

to reserve your spot, call the Dental Society at (805) 656-3166 or fax (805) 648-5154, or email [email protected]

instructed by: Dr. Damon adams

What’s New in All-Ceramics?Cutting through all the hype and confusion!

CoUrSe DeSCriPtion:our awareness and basic knowledge of today’s dental materials is the key to maximizing the aesthetic and functional success of your all-ceramic restorations. This must include a basic knowledge of the history of these materials, current clinical uses, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. Dr. Adams will discuss the practical knowledge that you need to begin to make the best choices for your all-ceramic restorations including the selective use of indirect composites. he will also highlight some of the technical details that your dental technicians really want the doctor and staff to know in order to help them give you back what you are expecting. Due to Dr. Adams’ experience as a doctor-technician liaison, the role that a great relationship with your dental technicians plays in the functional and aesthetic success of yourcases will be emphasized as it relates to the context ofthis seminar. (This seminar is recommended for doctors, assistants, and dental technicians.)

The Road not Taken


AB 684 (Ma) Dental Plans-Penalties for Late Claim Payments: Increases the interest penalties for late claim payments by dental plans and dental insurers, to 20% per annum for uncontested claims not paid within 60 days of receipt, and to 25% for claims not paid within 90 days of receipt. CDA believes that current late payment penalties (10-15% per annum for claims 30-45 days past receipt) are an insufficient incentive for dental plans to reimburse providers in a timely manner. Status: Senate

AB 745 (Coto) Self-Funded Dental Plans -Patient Disclosure: Requires a third-party administrator (TPA) providing administrative services for a self-funded dental benefit plan to include specific disclosure language informing patients that their dental benefit plan is regulated by federal, rather than state, law, and providing them with the appropriate federal agency contact information if they wish to file a grievance. CDA believes that, with the proliferation of self-fund-ed dental plans in California, patients need to be made aware that those plans are not regulated by California law.Status: Senate Banking,Fin. & Ins.Committee

AB 667 (Block) Topical Fluoride Application – Fluoride Varnish: Ensures that any person, including a non-healthcare provider, may apply topical fluoride, including fluoride varnish, in public health and school-based settings once a prescription and protocol have been established by the dentist responsible for that program. CDA believes this bill will help expand children’s access to fluoride treatments through school based and other public health programs.Status: Senate

AB 1524 (Hayashi) Dental Board/Portfolio Licensure: This bill would abolish the clinical and written examination administered by the Dental Board. The bill would instead replace that examination with a “portfolio” assessment process in which an applicant is assessed while enrolled at an in-state dental school utilizing uniform standards of min-imal clinical experiences and competencies and at the end of his or her dental school program. CDA supports AB 1524 in concept, believing that a portfolio model for examining potential li-cencees during dental school would be preferable

to the current “snapshot” clinical exam process. CDA is working closely with stakeholders this year to develop a detailed consensus proposal for legislative action in 2010.

Two-year bill in AssemblyAB 171 ( Jones) Dental Services – Commercial Credit Products: Prohibits a dentist, or an em-ployee or agent of that dentist, from arranging for or establishing credit extended by a 3rd party for a patient without first providing a written notice and a written treatment plan. Prohibits the arrangement or establishment of credit with regard to a patient who has been administered or is under the influence of general anesthesia, conscious sedation, or nitrous oxide.Status: Senate Business, Prof., & Econ. Dev. Cmte.

AB 403 (Fuller) Hygiene WREB:Relates to dental hygienists examinations and licensure. Provides satisfactory performance on the state clinical examination or satisfactory completion of the dental hygiene examination given by the Western Regional Examining Board or any other clinical dental hygiene examination approved by the Dental Hygiene Committee satisfies the clinical examination requirement, and the satisfactory completion of the National Dental Hygiene Board examination satisfies the national testing requirement for licensure.Status: Senate Business, Prof., & Econ. Dev. Cmte.

AB 657 (Hernandez) Workforce: Requires the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, in collaboration with the Workforce Investment Board, to establish the Health Professions Workforce Task Force to assist in the development of a health professions workforce master plan for the state. Requires the task force to submit a complete statewide health professions workforce master plan.Status: Assembly Appropriations Cmte.

AB 877 (Emmerson) Occupational Study: Requires the Director of Consumer Affairs to appoint a scope of practice committee to perform occupational analyses and prepare written reports on any bills seeking to substantially expand the scope of a healing arts practice.Status: Assembly Appropriations Cmte.

AB 1218 (Jones) Rate Increases: Requires approval by the Department of Managed Health Care or the Department of Insurance of an increase in the amount of a premium, copayment, coinsurance obligation, deductible and other charges under a health care service plan or health insurance policy. Requires the submission of a rate plan increase application and the review under regulations that would be developed by the departments. Requires notification of the public of rate application and approval. Authorizes a charge for applications. Status: Assembly Health

SB 43 (Alquist) Cultural Competency: Au-thorizes healing arts boards to collect information regarding the cultural and linguistic competency of persons licensed and subject to regulation by those boards. Requires that information be used to meet cultural and linguistic concerns of the state’s patient population. Relates to health care workforce data. Requires the Director of the Em-ployment Development Department to permit use of information in order to enable the Office of Statewide Health Planing and Development to obtain specified data.Status: Senate floor

SB 311 (Alquist) Healthy Families – Dental Only Coverage: Requires the Managed Risk Medical Insurance Board, contingent on the receipt and appropriation of funds, to provide dental-only coverage consistent with the federal Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthori-zation Act of 2009 to children who are enrolled in group health care coverage or health insurance coverage offered through an employer and who would otherwise satisfy the requirements for being a targeted low-income child. Status: Senate Appropriations Cmte. 5/28/09

SB 630 (Steinberg) Reconstructive Surgery: Provides that the requirements imposed in health care service plans and health insurers to cover reconstructive surgery includes dental or orth-odontic services that are medically necessary and related to the reconstructive surgery.Status: Senate Appropriations Cmte . 5/28/09

SB 762 (Aanestad) Healing Arts: Makes it un-lawful for a city or county to prohibit a healing arts licensee from engaging in any act or perform-ing any procedure that falls within the profession-ally recognized scope of practice of that licensee.Status: Assembly

one of the most intangible, yet most important, ways that your dues are helping you and your business is through the tremendous Legislative Support that CDA and your local SanVenDPAC provides.

on the state-level, here are some updates as of the end of May, 2010…


Lines from LindaLinda Lacunza, M.A.

Thanks to the kindness of Dr. Larry Simpson, I was able to attend the American College of Dentists’ meeting in May, joining a table shared with Dr. Ron Hunter and Dr. Phillip Snow. As always when I am with Dr. Simpson, I was once again amazed to witness the dedi-cation, altruism and love of dentistry. It was not so long ago, that I was “Jane Q. Public” and was unaware of how the wisdom and generosity of dentists continually adds to the collective good of our society. Done qui-etly and without fanfare. How I would love for the public to understand that you all, as members of the tri-partite, follow the ADA Code of Ethics, which states among other things that, “qualities of honesty, compassion, kindness, integrity, fairness and charity are

part of the ethical education of a dentist and practice of dentistry and help to define the true professional.” What a wonderful world if everyone held to that!

Sadly, there will always be mean people out there, and what do we do when they anony-mously say mean or slanderous things about us? Recently I have had several calls from members wondering what they can do when they are slandered online, so please see the following article from TDIC’s Risk Manage-ment on how to respond.

Have a safe and celebratory 4th of July and a great summer everyone!

In today’s ever expanding and developing use of technology, the application of the Web as a communication tool is expanding faster than regulations designed to limit potential abuse of this social media. Web sites like doctoroogle.com, healthgrades.com, ddsreviews.com, and localsearch.com are gaining in popularity and are examples of online venues that encourage users to rate or review dentists. The tendency for health care professionals to challenge these postings is increasing in response to the grow-ing number of patients who choose the Inter-net as a public means of expressing personal dissatisfaction with services provided. In Jan-uary 2009, a San Francisco chiropractor suc-cessfully settled a lawsuit against a patient who posted inaccurate statements about his office billing practices on yelp.com. The same Web site permitted parents to post claims against a pediatric dentist and, as a result, she has filed a defamation suit against the individuals. The dentist also attempted to sue yelp.com; however, the federal Communications Decency Act provides protection for Web sites that publish third-party information.

Dentists should have a plan of action to ad-dress defamatory comments patients may post online. Defamation is a false statement of fact about an individual to a third party in such

a way that the statement has the potential to “tarnish the person’s morality or integrity, or even to discredit the person’s financial stand-ing in the community.” Slander is defamation by the spoken word. Libel is defamation by the written word, and publishing by posting in a public forum, such as a newspaper or online, is the communication of defamatory statements.

There are specific actions dentists and their staff can take to reduce the likelihood of a pa-tient posting a negative review online. Apply interpersonal skills such as listening and re-peating back in your own words patient com-ments, concerns or questions when treating individuals or advising parents or guardians about a patient’s treatment plan. The Journal of the American Medical Association ( JAMA) reported in 2007 that breakdown in communi-cation is a causative factor in up to 80 percent of all professional liability lawsuits. The Inter-net gives unhappy patients a free and unfet-tered forum for venting displeasure rather than taking legal action. If a patient’s interactions in the dental office—from the introduction to the practice, to clarification of clinical and finan-cial expectations—are consistent, respectful and responsive to patient concerns, the chance of the patient finding fault with how he or she was treated is greatly reduced.

Documentation is an excellent defense against defamatory statements. Charting should be chronological, factual and objective, and pro-vide anyone who reviews the patient record with clear insight into how staff responded to that person’s specific concerns. It is appropriate to have members of the staff document interac-tions with the patient. For example, if the of-fice manager is the only one to hear a patient comment about how unhappy he is with the treatment he received, he or she should record it in the patient’s chart and immediately notify the dentist. It is the dentist’s responsibility to follow up with the patient and record both the discussion and outcome in the chart.

If dentist and staff strive for good communi-cation and documentation, yet a patient still chooses to write a negative posting online, ap-ply the following guidelines:

Do not attempt to publicly respond or refute the claim on the Web site. There is a common misconception that once the patient has divulged private information, his or her disclosure protects you from violating the patient’s privacy rights if or when you reply. Do not fall prey to that error. You may inad-vertently breach patient confidentiality (e.g., John Doe has hepatitis C) or make a libelous

War of Words: What can i do when i discover a patient has posted defamatory comments online?

Dr. Phillip Snow speaks at ACD reception honoring Drs. Redig and Hancock.


statement (e.g., Sally Smith never pays her bills on time) in return.

Check to see if the Web site has a written policy or protocol for removal of potentially libelous postings. Follow the process to request removal of the information.

Ascertain who posted the negative comments then review chart documentation to determine whether information exists that may either corroborate your position or contradict the poster’s claim.

Seek legal advice to determine what type of recourse may be available.

Under section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996, specific protections are afforded Web sites that publish or post infor-mation from a third-party online; so there is no direct legal remedy available against Inter-net domains that post libelous information. A Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation

(SLAPP) is intended to intimidate defamation defendants into withdrawing their comments by the threat of a costly lawsuit; however, Anti-SLAPP statutes have been passed in Arizona, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Minneso-ta, Nevada and Pennsylvania to prevent misuse of SLAPP litigation. Anti-SLAPP regulations allow defendants the opportunity to file a special motion to have a court determine whether the comments posted fall under the right of petition or free speech.

It has been suggested dentists have patients sign a document prohibiting the individual from posting defamatory claims on the Internet. Think carefully about what kind of message this sends. The patient may become curious as to whether the practice has received a bad review and speculate that the only reason the dentist has requested he or she sign an agreement is be-cause of poor patient relations or service in the past. Also, the patient may feel the dentist is un-fairly requesting the individual give up a basic First Amendment right—freedom of speech.

While a dentist may believe this is a proactive step to combating abuse of the online rating and review system, patients may see it as a license to practice bad dentistry without the threat of disclosure.

Patients pleased with the care they receive will refer friends and acquaintances to the practice, while less-than-satisfied individuals may com-plain openly about perceived poor service and care to anyone who will listen. Whether the complaints are slanderous or libelous in nature, the best protection a practice can offer itself is to effectively communicate with patients, colleagues and the dental team, and to document these interactions accurately and objectively. If you are unsure about how to handle a situation, please call TDIC’s Risk Management Advice Line, where a risk management analyst can assist you with finding a solution.

Copyright © 2009 The Dentists Insurance Company

At the 2009 CDA Presents!

Dr. Tom Stewart-CDA President-Elect, Daphne VonEssen-CDHA President Elect, Linda Lacunza-SBVCDS ED, Dr. Carol Summerhayes-CDA President, Noel Kelsch-CDHA President

news and notesDr. Jeremy Wilgus, a Periodontist prac-ticing in Camarillo, recently became a Diplomate with the American Academy of Periodontology and is now “Board Certified. Congratulations!

Dr. Anthony Perez’ nephew, a Navy pilot, receives Bronze Star! Lt. Cmdr. Matt Mowad, 36, grew up in Ventura and now has been awarded the Bronze Star medal for meritorious service during ground combat operations in Iraq.

This is the nation’s 10th highest military award and fourth highest combat medal, eclipsed only by the Silver Star, Navy Cross and Medal of Honor.

Mowad was awarded it in connection with combat operations against the enemy while serving as an Operational Plans Officer for a Special Operations Joint Task Force. The citation says his contributions ensured the success of a series of ground combat operations of national significance.

While deployed, Mowad also was awarded the Joint Service Achievement Medal for his preparation and execution of an information brief for Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki in support of U.S. strategic objectives and national interests in Iraq. Thank you, Cmdr. Mowad!


5th AnnuAl GivinG CAmpAiGnThe Santa Barbara-Ventura Counties Dental Care Foundation (SBVC Dental Care Foundation) conducted its Fifth Annual Giving Campaign to support the Oxnard College Dental Hygiene Program, Dental Assisting Programs in both counties, Eastside Dental Clinic and Foundation Programs and Operations.

Sustaining - $500Dr. Andrew ChenJeff Stratford Jones, DDSJ.P. Hughes, DDSJames W. McLeod, DDS & D. John Webb, DDSLisa D. Brennan, DDS

Contributing - $250Derek K. CarsonLeRoy K. CarsonDavid & Patty PaumierAnthony Cabebe, DDS

Stacy M. Schmitt, DDSThomas F. Wuesthoff, DDSMarwood M. Stout, DDS J. Michael Thompson, DDSRonald & Ellen HunterSteven N. Mascagno, DDS Stacy M. Schmitt, DDSRichard M. Yamamoto, DDSKaren A. Sue, DDSJan Beierle, DDS & Joe Beierle, DDSJack Redmond, DDS, Tim Buto, DDS & Rick Alter, DDS

member - $50-$200Edward Mikowicz, DDSPatrick B. McDade, DDSKathleen Carson, DDSRichard Ng, DDSKaren Lin, DDSLloyd Suzuki, DDSDouglas Smith, DDSJoel Goldenberg, DDSGeorge Walseth, DDSDr. William E. AshbyRobert Magnuson, DDSRichard Nagy, DDS

Robert Bankhardt, DDSNick Luizzi, DDSKent Hollenback, DDSRichard Mays, DDSRoy E. Mintzer, DDSRodney Resnik, DDSJohn H. Phreaner, DDSDennis Dwire, DDSCecilia Ordonez, DDSBryan D. Fisch, DDS

platinum $2,500 or more

Camarillo, Oxnard, Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks Children’s Dental Group

Sustaining life - $1,000/yr for 10 yrs

Tom Veal, DDS

Gold - $1,000 or more

Dr. Norman J. NagelMark Lisagor, DDSCole & Clark Oral Surgery GroupAlexander G. Namikas, DDS

preSident’S CirCle

CirCle of friendS

preSidentS’ CirCle Gold - $1,000 or more

platinum - $2,500 or more

Sustaining life - $10,000 may be payable in up to 10 annual installments of $1,000 each

life - $10,000 may be payable in up to 5 annual installments of $2,000 each

presidents’ Circle life - $25,000 may be payable in up to 5 annual installments of $5,000 each

CirCle of friendS

member - $100 Contributing - $250 Sustaining - $500

memberShip opportunitieS

name: (Please list name above exactly as you wish to be recognized in all publications)

Address:

Credit Card # expires

Amount enclosed: $ phone number:

mail to: SBVC Dental Care Foundation, 1607 East Thompson Blvd, Ventura, CA 93001fax to: (805) 648-5154


What a year this has been. The State’s bud-get crisis has affected us all in so many ways. I can imagine that your practices have been impacted if you relied on adult Denti-Cal to be part of your practice profile. I am hearing from many of you that you are choosing to see more children under the Denti-Cal pro-gram. If that is so…PLEASE…let the Foun-dation staff know so we can add your name to the referral list that is given out to patients being served by the Mobile Dental Clinic. If you are in Santa Barbara, we would like to add your name to the Adopt-A-School refer-ral list. The number to call is 805 643-3762.

The Foundation has lost a very important grant from the State, “The California Chil-

Foundation UpdateBy Caroline J. Turner, CAE, Executive Director

Adopt-A-SchoolSanta Barbara County Renata Adames, DDS Lisa E. Beck, DDS Robert J. Berkenmeier, DDS Samuel Burg, DDSJeffery Calhoun, DDSBrian Carey, DDS David L. Carey, DDS Annie Pham-Cheng, DMD Harold Choi, DDSLoren Churchman, DDSMichael Harrington, DDS Adam Haws, DDS Frederick V. Hepp, DDSPage Hudson, DDS, MS Frank E. Hull, DDS Joseph Hwang, DDSGeorge Lyman, DDS, MS Nina Madavi, DDSGerald Malovos, DDS, MSJohn Marsh, DDS Edward M. Mikowicz, DDS Quyhn Nguyen, DDS Cecilia B. Ordonez, DDS Vincent K. Siefe, DDSJanice M. Sugiyama, DDSAlexander Tang, DDSDerrick Wong, DDSHancock College Dental Assisting Students

First 5 Provider Capacity BuildingVentura CountyLuz Cubillos, DDS Josie Dovidio, DDS Erin Duarte, DDSTai Duc Duong, DDSBryan Fujii, DDSDavid Garber, DDSSona Georgian, DDSJennifer Graves, DDSJinil T. Lee, DDSKambiz Mahdavi, DDSPezhman Mansourian, DDSSean Naffas, DDSSandhya Palhan, DDSDooley Pansini, DDSIsabelle Sagat, DDSCarlos Tamayo, DDS

First 5 Mobile Dental ClinicVentura CountyMark Lisagor, DDS, MS – Consultant

Tri Counties Regional CenterDental Wellness ProgramSanta Barbara & Ventura Counties Camarillo Children’s Dental GroupAndrew Chen, DDSSunil Ilopogu, DDS, MSOxnard Children’s Dental GroupYvonne Rochon, DDSRobert Ruby, DDS, MSGarrett Toy, DDS If you don’t see your name on this page or on the Annual Giving page, PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION TO THE FOUNDATION – IT IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE.

dren’s Dental Disease Prevention Program.” You may have been around thirty years ago when this program was introduced as Senate Bill III (SBIII we called it). What a blow to dentistry to have this program put on suspension (dead). It is the only oral health prevention program that the state supported and it has saved so many children pain and suffering of dental disease AND the state countless dollars in restorative care. Hard to see any logic to this decision.

I reported last issue that I would list the names of our volunteers that keep the oral health grants operating in both counties. It is so important to say thank you to the pro-fessionals that give of their time and talent

Adopt-A-School &California Children’s Dental Disease Prevention ProgramVentura County Armand Begian, DDS Marie Alexander-Buell, DDS Luz Cubillos, DDSTai D. Duong, DDSAna Maria Hernandez, DDSSunil K. Ilapogu, DDSEric Pacheco, DDSOxnard Children’s Dental GroupJuan Carlos Ramirez, DDSFrancisco Rayas, DDSGuillermo Sanchez, DDSLarry Simpson, DDSJames Speckman, DDSRobert Valdez, DDSLinda Tincher, DDSJinil Lee, DDSJennifer Graves, DDSMatt Wallace, DDSJoel Goldenberg, DDSNeda Setareh, DDSRichard Yamamoto, DDSSteven Mascasgno, DDS, MSGreg Roda, DDS, MSMark Najafe, DDSFarhad Daftary, DDS Michael Cobin, DDS, MSOxnard College Dental Hygiene StudentsRegional Occupational Dental Assisting Students

to make a difference in each community. I do not know of any other profession that gives so much. I truly feel honored to rep-resent you. The downside to making a list is that I may accidentally miss adding some-one’s name. It will not be intentional but to err is human and sometimes I am more hu-man than I want to be. If you are a volunteer and I miss adding your name, I apologize in advance and would appreciate knowing so I can add your name in the next issue.


Approximately 1,000 dentists retire each year, but more than 1,300 die. Most of them have not adequately prepared their spouses and other heirs to act efficiently and effectively to protect their interests. But with proper plan-ning, you can take steps to avoid disaster for your heirs and leave your practice in sound fi-nancial shape.

KNOW WHAT YOU HAVE AND MAXIMIZE ITBefore you can know what to do to safeguard your family, you must know what you have, including the current value of your dental practice. Shop around and select a professional practice broker that you trust, making sure to include your spouse or another heir in your meetings. In addition to providing essential valuation information in the form of an ap-praisal, your broker will act as your “quarter-back,” guiding you and your family through the sometimes daunting process of putting your affairs in order.

The practice appraisal prepares you to assess the factors that drive dental practice values in today’s sales environment. This permits you and your practice broker to take the next step of evaluating any areas of concern about your practice that can then be addressed to increase its value and marketability. It is well worth the time and expense to regularly update your ap-praisal, and subsequently complete any neces-sary retooling, at least every three to five years.

PREPARE AN EMERGENCY KITTo ensure maximum practice value in the event of your death, make sure your paperwork is in order. Your broker will help you compile the documents detailed below, each of which should be reviewed with your attorney (if you do not have a good estate planning attorney, find one). This emergency kit includes the necessary information your family, attorney and broker will need to wind up your affairs, including valuation of your practice and prepa-ration of a prospectus and financing package for the sale. The following documents must be included:

Letter of direction. Recognizing that most non-dental professionals fail to understand the necessity of immediate action following the death of a doctor due to the exponential decrease in practice value over time, this docu-ment directs your heirs, executors and those who have the ability to make decisions on your behalf and take all actions necessary for the im-mediate sale of the practice assets.

Current will and durable power of attor-ney. A durable power of attorney document authorizes an individual to act for another in the event of incapacity without having a court declare incompetence. Without such a docu-ment, an incapacitated dentist could lock up the family’s ability to either operate or dispose of the practice if the dentist is living but unable to communicate his or her wishes.

For co-owners: If you are in a co-ownership relationship, you must review your buy/sell agreement, which should address if, how and at what value you and your co-owners will be required to purchase your shares (corporation) or membership (limited liability company or “LLC”). Make sure that the remaining en-tity or owners are required to purchase the deceased or disabled shareholder/member’s portion of the practice and all agree as to value and terms.

For solo practitioners: If you are a solo practi-tioner, you must give the right to either a staff member or a family member to continue the operations of the practice. This means they must have access to the office bank accounts. The practice must be able to continue to pay the bills and accept payments for outstanding balances in the event the dentist is no longer able to do so. In July 2006, the Illinois General Assembly recognized a growingproblem and passed a law stating:

“The executor or administrator of a dentist’s es-tate or legal guardian or authorized representa-tive of a dentist who has become incapacitated may contract with another dentist or dentists to continue the operations of the deceased or inca-pacitated dentist’s practice. . .”

In order to continue operations under this statute, two conditions must be met prior to the commencement of operations: (i) Proper notice must be given to theDepartment of Financial and Professional Regulations; and (ii) letters must be sent to all patients of record who had been seen in the previous 12 months, notifying them of the condition of the dentist and how patients may obtain copies of their records. Prior to the passage of this law, the family of a dentist was technically unable to continue the operations of the practice.

Tax returns. Make complete copies of your federal tax returns for the past three years avail-able.

Patient information. Document the number of active patient charts, the number of patients treated in the past two years, the average num-ber of patients treated daily and the number of recall notices sent each month.

Production Information.Maintain a computerized printout of all pro-duction of the most recent year broken down by procedure or code. It should include the quantity of each procedure produced and the total dollar amount for all production for the year for each procedure. If you are not comput-erized, an estimated percentage breakdown of production by category (such as the percentag-es of restorative treatments, endodontic treat-ments, oral surgery, etc.) will suffice.

Fee schedules. Document your current fee schedule and fee schedules for any plans.

Contracts. Include a copy of all contracts with any associates, partners or employees. If you have an associate in your office without a well-drafted “non-compete and non-solicitation” contract, please understand that your heirs will be giving—not selling—the practice to your associate. Review these documents annually and make any changes or additions promptly.

Disaster-proofing your practicePreparation is keyBy Peter J. Ackerman, CPA


Ambulatory

Anesthesia

Services

An increasing percentage of potential patients neglecttheir dental health and avoid the dentist due to:

· Anxiety or apprehension· Lengthy or extensive procedures/surgeries· Hyper-reactive gag reflex· A reluctant child· Physical, mental, or developmental challenges

Typically these patients need the most care and do notseek treatment regularly. Now you can treat this untappedmarket of patients in your office with intravenous seda-tion/general anesthesia.

For further information, please call:

Andrew H. Chen, D.D.S., FADSA(805) 480-0092

Office lease. If you lease, include a copy of your current lease and all renewal options.

Keys. Attach your office keys to written in-structions for security systems.

Telephone numbers. Do not forget to in-clude the important telephone numbers for your broker, accountant, attorney, banker and a colleague who will provide treatment until the practice is sold.

Miscellaneous. Make sure to include your personal information, such as the names of the institutions from which you graduated (undergraduate as well as graduate and den-tal school), as well as the degrees earned and the years of graduation. If your spouse is em-ployed by the practice, include his or her job title, position description and salary. As the practice owner, include how much time you work at the practice on a daily, weekly and monthly basis, as well as your salary and the practice’s hours of operation. Also include any information about any litigation in which you have been involved including malpractice litigation, civil or criminal litigation, bank-ruptcy, tax issues and whether you have been disciplined by the State dental board.

HELP YOUR PRACTICE SURVIVE UN-TIL IT IS SOLDDental practice death and disability support

groups can be extraordinary resources for the support of both the family and the practice in such a situation. One inherent issue that arises with temporary coverage from such a group, however, is the perceived and real concern of prospective purchasers with the patient base being treated by local competitors. With the help of a practice broker, you should be able to arrange a cross-cover with a “sister” death and disability group from a separate but commut-able community. This arrangement eliminates the concern of prospects that your patient base will leave the practice for a competitor while at the same time maintaining coverage by quality professional temporary dentists.

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCEIt is essential to appreciate and be equipped for what happens in this situation in order to protect your family from destruction in value of your practice. Following is the typical chain of events:

Week One. Within a week of the practice owner’s demise or incapacity, the broker should have established a team that includes an accountant, attorney, lender, landlord and staff (patients may also be helpful). The broker will create a comprehensive marketing plan and will already have begun to seek prospects by identifying and contacting dentists currently looking to purchase a practice.The practice and/or real estate should be ap-

praised within the first week.Patients will begin receiving letters announc-ing the dentist’s death and informing them who will be treating them until the practice is sold. If a temporary dentist has not already been retained to treat patients, the broker will arrange coverage.

Month One. Within a month of the doctor’s demise, the broker should be showing the prac-tice and fielding offers. As a side note, a good broker will never stop showing the practice until the sale is closed. Perfect prospects have been known to suffer cold feet, and time is not a friend. Regardless of how carefully a tempo-rary replacement has been chosen, and regard-less of how well that dentist treats the patients, some patients will leave a practice that is in transition—and the practice value decreases with every lost patient.

Month Two. In my experience, practices not sold within eight weeks of the dentist’s death are very difficult to sell.

IN SUMMARYAs you know from your daily work, a dental practice requires constant attention to survive. Without proper recognition of this fact, the value of one of your most valuable assets will

Continued on page 13.


Unique Clinical & Lab Servicesin Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

Lan Su, DMD, PhDDiplomate, American Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology

31332 Via Colinas, Suite 109Westlake Village, CA 91362

Telephone: 818 865 1039

We provide the following services for your patients:

• Biopsyorrelatedmicroscopicdiagnosticservices

• Diagnosisandtherapeuticmanagementoforalmucosallesions such as chronic ulcers; vesiculobulous disorders; burning or dry mouth, etc

• Diagnosisofambiguouswhite/redlesions(oralcancer/precancer) andclinicalfollow-upprograms

• Radiographicconsultationsofintrobonylesions

• Comprehensivecareofprior/postradiotherapyforhead/neckcancers

• NeuropathicpainandTMJdisorders

SB | VC Dental Care foUnDationBoarD of DireCtorS

PresidentAlexander Namikas, DDS(805)[email protected]

President electMark Lisagor, DDS(805)[email protected]

Secretary/treasurerBrad J. Kane, DDS(805)[email protected]

Dental Society representativeGreg Trnavsky, DDS(805)494-3772 [email protected]

Dental Society representative William Clark, DDS, MD(805)[email protected]

DirectorsRonald K. Hunter, DDS, MS(805)[email protected]

Cecilia Ordonez, DDS(805)[email protected]

Steven Mascagno, DDS(805)[email protected]

Annie Pham-Cheng DDS, MS (805)[email protected]

Donald MacDonald, DMD(805)[email protected]

legal advisorRonald Harrington

executive DirectorCaroline Turner CAE (805)[email protected]

Program CoordinatorJessica Chavez(805)[email protected]


CALEnDAR OF EVENTSDate Event Fee

Jul 10 CE-Crown Length- Tim Hempton, DDS $185

Jul 16 Goleta Study Club - Lecture on implants (Holiday Inn)

Jul 21 CPR Renewal $55

Jul 28 Implant Study Club $50

Aug 7 Infection Control/ DPA $150

Aug 27 Radiology Safety Course (Call for Availability) $350

Sep 10 Radiology Safety Course (Call for Availability) $350

Sep 11 CDAScientificSessions(800-232-7645)

Sep 15 CPR Renewal $55



Sep 30 [email protected]

unnecessarily dissipate. Instead, I urge you to spend a few moments and follow the steps out-lined above. Not only will you maximize the value of your estate for your loved ones, but you will give them the gift of removing the burdens and stresses that unprepared families must handle. ■

Mr. Ackerman is president of The Dental Marketplace Inc., and past president of ADS Transitions. Contact him at (312)240-9595 or [email protected].

THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS

1. You’re young and healthy. You won’t need a will or durable power of attorney until some-time in the future. You can always take stock of your practice “next year.”

2. Keep your spouse in the dark regarding your business; it’s not as if he/she can understand the workings of the practice. Anyway, the practice is paying the bills and making a profit. What could possibly go wrong?

3. You’re not buying or selling a practice, so you don’t need the services of a professional prac-tice broker.

4. Assume your partner or co-owner will treat your spouse fairly should you die or become disabled. Assume your best friends will step in and run the practice in your absence.

5. Your office manager will know without be-ing instructed how you want the practice man-aged should you die or become disabled.

6. You are pretty sure your spouse keeps old tax records and your college transcripts in a box under the bed with other family memorabilia, bills, receipts and deeds.

7. Your patients are loyal to you and they will be loyal to your survivors. They’ll stay with your practice no matter what, in deference to you.

—Elizabeth GiangregoThis article reprinted with permission of the Chicago Dental Society

Disaster-proofing your practice. Preparation is key

Continued from page 11

Implant maintenance is essential to the long-term success of dental implants. This course will present assessment strategies and treat-ment technologies available to implement a successful implant maintenance program. Lecture sponsored by Dentsply.

Holiday Inn Goleta 5650 Calle Real

Goleta, CA 93117 July 16, 2009, 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Goleta Study Club !

Come join your local colleagues for a fun & informative meeting.

Contact your SB Area Director, Dr. Kevin Miller at 805-967-0272 or

[email protected]


Dr. Russell WrightDr. Russell Wright lived a full life from August 17, 1919 until his pass-ing on Feb. 22, 2009. Born to a father who was both a teacher and Quaker, he had a “belief in humility and service” that were essential to

Russell’s character. He enlisted in the Navy and by the end of the World War Two, he had been promoted to lieutenant.

After the war, Russell graduated from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. He worked for the U.S. Public Health Ser-vice in San Francisco, where his responsibility included serving as a dentist on Alcatraz. It was in San Francisco that he met and married Marcia Perry of Santa Barbara. Their family finally settled in Ventura in 1953..

His service in the Navy provided a lifetime of war stories, which he regaled captive patients with, and a love of the ocean, jazz, basketball, and sweets! He was also an active member of Community Presbyterian Church.

Surviving family includes his wife, Marcia; sons, Robert and Roger (wife, Kate); daugh-ter, Lynn Bartosh (husband, Robert); grand-children, Trevor and Desiree Wright, and Ha-ley Bartosh; and generations of smiles. In lieu of flowers, please floss.

David Y. Hakimi, DDS911 Hampshire RdWestlake Village805.497.9585

Sajid Jivraj, BDSProsthodontics300 Esplanade Dr., Ste. 1600Oxnard805.488.8985Univ. of Manchester U.K/USC

Keisha Renae Morehead, DDS330 E. State St.Santa Barbara323.819.4865UCSF/Harbor UCLA

new Members

Vanessa Lai Si West, DDS2955 N. Moorpark Rd., Ste.BThousand Oaks805.492.5050University of Washington

Roger H. West, DDS2955 N. Moorpark Rd., Ste.BThousand Oaks805.492.5050Univ. of the Pacific

Bob S. Perkins, DDS3090 Cochran, Ste. ESimi Valley805.955.0181

Mystery MemberCan you ID this member

who volunteered during the fire?

Give us a call! Prize for first one to get it right! 656-3166


CLASSiFiEDS

1-800-399-5331We ALL have questionsNow YOU can get some answers!

Santa Barbara-Ventura County Dental Society has partnered with California Employers Association to provide all SBVCDS members with access to a FREE Human Resources HOTLINE!

The HOTLINE is available NOW! Protect your business from costly fines and penalties. Pick up the phone and call!

FREE HumanResources HOTLINE

PartnerSHiPS / aSSoCiateSHiPS / PoSitionS

Seeking to Share: Santa Barbara Specialist desires to share a dental office with specialist /general dentist in Santa Barbara starting August 1st. Need 2 operatories on Monday only. Call (805)680-7550.

Seeking Space to rent: 1 or 2 days /wk in SB area. Have own supplies, etc. or will share. [email protected] or contact Dr. Hull @ (805) 845-5370

assoc./ Partnership: associate/ Partnership considered call Dr. Bruce A. Pence (805)485-1605 Fax (805)485-9838 or email [email protected]

Seeking associate: Modern, well established dental office with a great patient base and experienced team is looking for a P/T Associate. This would be the environment to work in. Please call Radhika at (805)483-9537 or email at [email protected]

associate to Partnership needed: Small office in Oxnard Medical Center, same owner for 14 years, adults and cosmetic only, 11am to 7pm, any day, Dr. Pansini (805)988-8888 x2

Seeking associate to Join Camarillo Practice: 40 - 50 % payrate, PPO, cash office. All interested parties, please call Dr. Eric Yum (805)746-2508

endodondist: Dentist looking for endodondist to work 1 day a week at newly renovated Valencia office. Please call Dr. Kelly Smudde at (661)510-5515.

Got Staff?

Your Dental Society maintains lists of applicants seeking dental positions. On our website (www.sbvcds.org), click on “Staff Applicants” and enter your ADA number as both your username and password, or call us at (805)656-3166 for a FAX.

SPaCe offereD

for Sale: Fully-equipped dental office on Loma Vista Rd in Ventura. Two ops, 740 sq. ft. Rent is $1008/mo. Asking $15k. Great low-cost startup or second office opportuinity. Call Dr. Ray Faulstich (805)642-7443

to Share: Santa Barbara-New High tech office to share. Fully computerized, Cerec, Lasers, etc. Great staff. Could be new or established practice. Call Dr. Thompson 805-730-7565 or [email protected]

for lease: Victorian building, historical landmark, near Buenaventura Mission, perfect location for dental office. 4600 sq. ft. rent all or part, Santa Clara and Figeroa St. Call Don Parish (805)340-1204

to Share: 3000+ sq. ft./ 8 op. Oxnard office with a view from all ops. Architectually designed. Contact Dr. Bruce A. Pence (805)485-1605

for Sale: Beautiful 3600 sq ft. home, completely furnished, three car garage, North Ranch, and implant and cosmetic practice, 5 chairs, beautiful and modern office, did $900,000+ in 2008 (5 minutes from each other) and a part time Beverly Hills practice on 435 North Bedford - $2.4 milliion - offered as a complete package - principals/qualified individuals only, no agents. Inquires in confidence to [email protected].

to Share: Thousand Oaks office, all new equipment. Please call or email for details.(805)557-0100, [email protected]

Dental office for rent: :Modern, high tech, Downtown Santa Barbara dental office has space available for rent. Share space. Dentrix G4 dental software. Contact [email protected] or (805)966-6325

eqUiPMent for Sale / Want to BUy

for Sale: Coating Machine & Torch, Surveyor and Wand plus anesthetic syringe. Call (818)613-8040

Dental equipment for Sale: Instant X-ray developer, articulators, Vanr Hydrocloride Btron unit, laboratory vibrators and misc. equipment. All in as new condition. (805)646-6329

Brewer doctor’s and assistant’s chairs: Brown, fully adjustable, great condition $100. Galaxy Assts. chair $50. Velpex processor $200. GE Panelipse, make offer. Lot’s of other equipment. (805)642-7645.

Hygiene Handpiece: Midwest RDH Handpiece. Brand New $400. (Schein sells for $665). Contact via email at rcaraco@ verizon.net. for Sale: Biolase MD. Brand new; never taken out of box. Please call (805)527-2266 or (310)613-3236.

MDt 5000 Chemiclave. Operational was replaced with larger unit. $100 OBO. Call (805)526-9043.

SerViCeS

locum tenens (temporary General Dentistry Services). Available for any reason. John McNeil, California-trained dentist, ADA life member (805)646-1391.

locum tenens Dentistry (temporary Dental Services) specializing in long-term, maternity and vacation leaves. Dr. Cole 1978 USC graduate (805)953-5224 www.smilesforalifetime.com

MiSSion StateMentThe mission of the Santa Barbara-Ventura County Dental Society is to serve the needs and issues of its members, advance the art and science of dentistry, and promote the improvement of the health and education of the public.

SOCIETY STAFF

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Linda Lacunza, M.A. [email protected]

ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY

Lilia Quezada [email protected]

OFFICE COORDINATOR

Felipe [email protected]

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

AMERICAN DENTAL ASSOCIATION

(800) 621-8099

CALIFORNIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION (800) 736-8702

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WELL-BEING

COMMITTEE’S CONFIDENTIAL HOTLINE (213) 383-2691

DIRECT REIMBURSEMENT REFERRALS (916) 554-4961

Santa Barbara-Ventura County Dental Society1607 E. Thompson Blvd.Ventura, CA 93001

NEED TO REACH US?

FROM SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

(805) 684-1220

FROM VENTURA COUNTY (805) 656-3166

DENTISTS ONLY UNLISTED NUMBER (805) 643-3670

FAX (805) 648-5154

E-MAIL: [email protected]

www.sbvcds.org

“Noel has taken an other wise dry subject and turned a fascinating day of learning.” Debbie S.

“This course focuses on keeping patients safe and teaches how to keep the practitioner safe and healthy. My only question is when is she coming back?” Cindy K.

“You will go away laughing but, more over you will go away having learned the joy of infection control. Her passion is contagious.” Brenda R.

“This course not only leaves you laughing and crying but, it meets both OSHA requirements. For the first time in my career I wanted to know more about infection control!” David M.

infection Control & dental practice Act

august 07, 2009 — 9am–1pmWestlake Village inn, Westlake Village4 Ce Units - $150 per attendee

to reserve your spot, call the Dental Society at (805) 656-3166 or fax (805) 648-5154, or email [email protected]

Presented by: noel Kelsch, rDH

Ever sit though an infection control classes and wish you had a pillow? Noel Kelsch RDH decided to change that using her warped sense of humor and cutting edge information. Here are some quotes from her audiences:

reQuired CourSeS!!

Documents

iSlAnD View - Santa Barbara-Ventura County Dental … View. 2 A publicAtion of the SAntA bArbArA-VenturA countY DentAl SocietY ChARACTER CoUnTS By Larry Simpson, D.D.S In 1945 a …