MARCH 2012 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 3 AVAILABLE ONLINE AT TDA.ORG

Inside

TDA Smiles Foundation 9th annual Healthy Smiles Golf Classic San Antonio Texas Mission of Mercy Bragging Rights Challenge TDA Perks Partner News MK’s Board Notes November 2011 Board of Directors meeting DENPAC Health Insurance Exchanges TEXAS Meeting TSBDE Rule Update

March Journal News

TDA Speaker of the House Candidates Forum John W. Baucum III A. David May Jr2011 TDA Financial Report and 2013 TDA Proposed Budget The KPG Index — A Novel 3D Classification System for Maxillary Canine Impactions Calibration of Equipment for Analysis of Drinking Water Fluoride: A Comparison Study

Around the State

March 23 & 24TDA Board of DirectorsAustin March 29-31Star of the South Dental MeetingHouston April 27Texas State Board of Dental ExaminersAustin

Click & Connect

Join us on Facebookgroups.to/texasdental Follow us on Twittertwitter.com/theTDA Get LinkedInlinkedin.com, search “Texas Dental Association”

Using yoursmartphone,scan this barcodeto access the TDA Web site.

JUNE, 2008 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 6 AVAILABLE ONLINE AT TDA.ORG

InsideMedicaid in My Office?Yes, I Think So!Richard M. Smith, DDS

TDA Smiles FoundationTMOM gains ardent advocate

Ask the PresidentIncoming President’s messageHilton Israelson, DDS

Let’s TalkOutgoing President’s messageA. David May, Jr., DDS

2008-2009 TDA Board of Directors

Meet Your TDA StaffTDA’s new Finance Director Dee Dee Delagarza

Congratulations to TDA Component Societies

Streamline Your Insurance ClaimsSpeeding up confirmation of benefits and eligibility

TSBDE Rule UpdateRequirements for dental office radiograph machines

In the NewsTDA members in the news

July Journal NewsTooth Whitening: A Clinical Review

TDA Historical PerspectivesDentists, dental hygienists, and the dental team

The 2007 C.T. Rowland AwardOrthodontic case report

The El Paso Dental Conference

Around the StateAugust 14:TDA Board MeetingAustin, Texas

October 15-19:ADA Annual SessionSan Antonio, Texas

Click & ConnectUpdate Profile tda.org – Membership Info Ask a Colleague tda.org – Features TEXAS Meeting Photostexasmeeting.com/estore

Volunteer for ‘08 ADAtda.org/volunteerada08

Every Member MattersRise’ Lyman, DDS, TDA Future Focus Committee

Membership growth is vital to any thriving organization. The Texas Dental Association (TDA) Board is strongly committed to the Membership goal within the “TDA 2009” strategic plan, which addresses continued growth. I am proud to report that, as evidence of that commitment and for the second year in a row, the TDA received the following ADA awards in 2008:• Greatest Percentage Membership Net Gain: Texas had a net gain of 198 members in the year 2007.• Top Constituent Dental Society with Greatest Percentage of Non-Members to Membership: Represents a conversion of 4.7 percent of non-members into membership at end of year 2007.• Top Constituent Dental Society to Improve Retention Rate Percentage in 2007: Represents a 97 percent Association retention rate, which is an increase of 7 percent from the previous year.• Greatest Percentage of New Dentist Members: Represents a gain of 111 new dentist members (those dentists who are 1-9 years out of school).

Another example of the commitment to the growth of our Association is the TDA Externship Program, which builds student awareness of organized dentistry. This innovative program, created in 2007, offers students the opportunity to gain insight into the different components of organized dentistry including legislative and regulatory affairs, membership, governance, continuing education, and charitable dentistry and to gain a better understanding of their role as future leaders of the dental team. The program is open to dental students from each of the three dental schools in Texas. This year the externship program will take place June 20 – June 27 in Austin at the TDA central office. As an ongoing effort to enhance the value and benefits of the Association, the TDA Council on Membership developed a survey that was sent to all members in 2006. The results clearly showed that members have a high satisfaction rating with benefits such as the TEXAS Meeting, TDA publications, and the ability to participate philanthropically in the TDA Smiles Foundation. A great number of the discounted programs offered to members through the TDA Perks Program also received a high satisfaction rating. In accordance with the strategic plan, the Council on Membership, will survey members again in 2009. Participation from all members and a collaborative effort between the ADA, TDA, and local component societies are the keys to successful membership recruitment and retention. We encourage every member to get involved whether it is by attending local meetings, taking part in Give Kids a Smile! Day activities, volunteering at a Texas Mission of Mercy, or participating in TDA Legislative Day activities in Austin. Each member matters and is essential to the continued growth of our Association and of organized dentistry. This is the seventh and final in a series of articles focused on the TDA’s accomplishments guided by the strategic plan. To view the entire plan, log in at www.tda.org and click on “TDA 2009” under “Current Issues” on the member homepage. For more information, please contact Lyda Creus Molanphy, staff liaison to the Future Focus Committee, at the TDA central office, (512) 443-3675.

MembershipDentists will value membership and participation in the TDA.

Objectives1. Improve perceived value and benefits of membership in TDA. a. Increase members’ knowledge about the impact and benefits of TDA membership. b. Ensure that components are an integral aspect of the membership process. c. Create greater awareness of the availability of the Peer Review, Ethics & Judicial, and Risk Management benefits. d. Actively promote adherence to the Code of Ethics. e. Enhance communication with members and non-members. f. Build student awareness of and interest in organized dentistry and membership in TDA. g. Ensure ongoing contact with students throughout dental school. h. Work closely with dental school faculty. i. Evaluate number of nonmember dentists who attend and participate in TDA activities (TEXAS Meeting, TDA Smiles Foundation programs, etc.).Metrics1. Seventy percent of active licensed dentists in TX will be members of TDA by 2009 (baseline of 68.5% in January 2007); increase

membership retention rate to 97 percent by April 2007 (baseline 96% in 2006). a-d. Increase the number of dentists serving on component peer review and ethics and judicial affairs committees to attain a

participation rate of 2-5 percent relative to the total number of component society members by August 2009.2. Ninety percent of TX dental school graduates actively licensed in TX will be members of TDA five years after graduation (89%

dental student conversion from the graduating class of 2005 in Texas).3. Increase the number of member dentists actively participating in TDA by 1 percent a year (as measured by a variety of means

– participation at TX Meeting, TMOM, TXDDS, FSI programs, DENPAC participations, TDA legislative day) with annual report to TDA Board by the Council on Membership.

4. Establish baseline of nonmember participation at TDA activities (CAS, TDA Smiles Foundation, Membership) 5. Established baseline of members’ understanding of and satisfaction with the benefits of their TDA membership through Member

Benefits and Services Survey (completed Nov 2006), re-evaluate % increase at that time for 2009.6. Sixty-five percent of all full-time faculty will be TDA members by 2009 (2006 baseline = 63%).

Mission: To be The Voice of DenTisTry in Texas

Manpower Advocacy OrganizationalExcellence

Public Image

Development Membership

The TDA will update it’s strategic plan with another statewide retreat in August of 2008.

In 2003, Texas Dental Association members from across the state develop TDA’s first strategic plan, TDA 2009.

Southwest Dental Conference Celebrates 85th Year of Bringing Dentistry to DallasThe Dallas County Dental Society welcomed almost 10,000 dental professionals from across the country to its 85th annual Southwest Dental Conference (SWDC) January 12-14, 2012, at the Dallas Convention Center.

Dr Danette McNew, chair of the 2012 SWDC, said it is an exciting time to celebrate a new era for the conference and the city. “We are so fortunate that Dallas is embarking on major changes in conferences with the Omni Dallas Convention Center Hotel,” McNew said. “We are happy to grow with our host city and look forward to many more years of opportunity and hospitality.”

The SWDC featured more than 140 continuing education sessions providing the latest in dental research and technology for dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, lab technicians, and business assistants. The exhibit hall included approximately 375 booths with demonstrations, products, and services and the innovative Center for Knowledge, a series of live-patient demonstrations featuring the latest technologies. The SWDC also featured the Orthodontic Symposium, forums headed by experts on a variety of topics including sports dentistry, mission work and women’s issues, and an amateur photography contest.

TCEQ Regulatory AdvisoryThe information below is from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) as a reminder that dentists generating medical waste (eg, blood, sharps, etc.) and shipping it off-site for treatment, must properly package, label, and document the waste as specified in the TCEQ’s regulations. Dentists contracting with a waste disposal company should confirm that the company is following the TCEQ’s requirements. Please note that, although the requirements do not apply in situations where the U.S. Postal Service is the transporter (30 Texas Administrative Code 330.1207(c) (8), companies such as the Sharps Disposal, a TDA Perks Partner Endorsed Partner, use a tracking form attached to each Sharps Recovery System that includes the information required by TCEQ (30 Texas Administrative Code 330.1207(c) (5).

The TCEQ is conducting outreach to entities that generate medical waste to ensure that they are aware of specific labeling requirements that became effective in March 2006. The rule, Title 30 of

As of March 1, 2012, most children and young adults age 20 and younger enrolled in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) began receiving their dental services through one of the three state selected dental plans: Delta

Dental, DentaQuest, and MCNA Dental.

The TDA is closely monitoring the transition and is working with the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and the dental plans to identify and suggest solutions for any and all problems as they are identified. To facilitate this process, please e-mail questions or concerns to HHSC at managedcaredental@hhsc.state.tx.us.

Additionally, HHSC temporarily suspended the restriction that a Medicaid/CHIP client must be served in their main dental home. This suspension will continue through April 30, 2012. This will give clients time to contact their dental plan (ie, Delta Dental, DentaQuest, and MCNA Dental), and choose their preferred Main Dentist without any disruption in service. The temporary suspension of the Main Dentist requirement facilitates continuity of care while the dental plans address

Future Changes to Texas Medicaid Dental Program

(L-R) Dr Frank Higginbottom of Dallas and TDA President Dr J. Preston Coleman of San Antonio wear the SWDC’s trademark cowboy hats.

Team ADA Signs New TalentRepresentatives from the TDA and the Dallas County Dental Society attended American Dental Association (ADA) National Signing Day on March 8, 2012, at the Baylor College of Dentistry to recruit “new talent” and provide the tools and information for D4 students to make a smooth transition to ADA membership as a dentist.

At ADA National Signing Day, soon-to-be graduating dental students sign up for ADA membership and corresponding state and local dental societies at a reduced rate. Similar to National Signing Day in college sports when top high school prospects commit to a particular college or university, ADA National Signing Day is a huge event leading to much celebration as D4 dental students make their first step towards becoming members in organized dentistry. By signing up during these events, students can plan to see substantial savings on membership dues during the first 4 years following graduation from dental school through the ADA’s Reduced Dues Program. State and local societies also offer reduced rates for signing day memberships.

At Baylor, 97 dental students signed up for ADA tripartite membership. That is a 100% conversion rate!

The TDA and local societies will host ADA Signing Day events on March 15 at the University of Texas School of Dentistry in Houston, and March 26 at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School. Please see your April TDA Today for an article and photos on those events.

Committee on the New Dentist Hosts WorkshopMembers from around the state participated in a workshop facilitated by American Dental Association (ADA) staff and hosted by the TDA Committee on the New Dentist on March 2, 2012, in Austin.

The workshop “Get Involved. Stay Involved.” was held at the TDA Conference Center and assisted component society leaders with identifying local committee direction, organizing future committee activities, and developing new committee programs.

The group also shared success stories from local societies and received input from one another on how to grow committee involvement.

D4 Baylor College of Dentistry students Sanaz Rouhani and P’Jay Merrell sign up into active or graduate student membership at the ADA Signing Day on March 8, 2012.

Members from around the state participated in a membership workshop at the TDA in March 2012: (L-R, front row): Dr Dath Collins of Houston, Dr Brenda Landeros of Harlingen, Dr Larry Daugherty of San Antonio, Dr Selsabeel Adham of San Antonio, Dr Martha Mejia-Maidl of El Paso; (L-R, middle row): Dr Joe Zacarias of San Juan, ADA New Dentist Committee Manager Christine Chico, ADA Membership Outreach Manager Jeanine Pekkarinen, New Dentist Committee Chair Dr Andrea Keith of Irving; (L-R, back row): Dr Megan Crane, Dr Joshua Austin, and Dr Will Goodwin, all of San Antonio, and Dr Brent Hawkins and Dr Ryan Street, both of Amarillo.

Continued on page 3

Main Dentist assignment issues. It is very important to note that the temporary suspension of the Main Dentist requirement only applies to in-network clients. Meaning, the treating dentist must be a participating dentist in the client’s dental plan.

The TDA’s Committee on Access, Medicaid and CHIP is hosting a 1-hour open session to discuss challenges with the transition from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Star of South Dental Meeting in Houston on March 30, 2012. Contact TDA Policy Manager Ms Diane Rhodes at 512-443-3675, diane@tda.org, to register for the open session. Please also note that attendees to the open session must also register with the Star of the South Dental Meeting (http://starofthesouth.org/).

Lastly, due to issues identified after the March 1st roll-out, at least 2 of the dental plans are in the process of amending their provider manuals. As a reminder, all changes to the dental plans’ provider manuals must first be approved by HHSC. Each dental plan has a process in place to notify participating dentists of policy changes. Keep checking the dental plans’ Web sites for the most current information as it becomes available.

HHSC temporarily suspended the restriction

that a Medicaid/CHIP client must be served in their

main dental home.

March 2012 / TDA Today / 2

Perks Partner News

Are You in Compliance with Texas HB 300?

Texas House Bill 300 requires “covered entities” to provide training for its employees regarding Texas Medical Privacy Act (TMPA) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Most dental practices will likely fall under the definition of “covered entity.” To help TDA members comply with the new requirements of the legislation, TDA Perks Program contracted with Smart Training LLC, a Texas-based company with a 20-year track record of efficient staff training, to design a convenient and cost effective internet-based HB 300 training module for you and your staff. The cost is $27.50 per person.* Smart Training’s system maintains the required recordkeeping for you. Register or learn more at: http://tinyurl.com/Perks-HB300. *Enter code “TDAPERKS” to receive the Perks discount. (Non-TDA member price: $37.50)

Find TDA Perks at Star of the South

TDA Perks Program and several of its partners will exhibit at the upcoming Star of the South (March 29 and 31, 2012) in Houston. Stop by their booths and find out what special benefits or discounts are available to TDA members, and meet Perks staff and partner representatives. Most Perks programs will be located near the Perks booth (539). Exhibiting Perks partners include: Best Card (credit-card processing), CareCredit, Demandforce (online marketing and communications), Insurance Answers Plus (patient insurance information), LifeGas, Prosites (website design), The Reynolds Group (commercial real estate focusing on dental industry), Sedation Resource, and TDA Financial Services Insurance. For more information regarding TDA Perks Program, visit: tdaperks.com or call 512-443-3675.

Health Insurance Exchanges This is the third in a series of articles to keep you informed about Health Insurance Exchanges (HIX) in Texas. The HIX is an online marketplace tool enabling consumers to shop, compare, and enroll in a health insurance plan. Future articles will focus on helpful reference Web sites and other information about the HIX.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) requires each state to have an insurance exchange by 2014 and health plans participating in state exchanges must provide an “essential health benefits package,” (EHB) including a pediatric oral health benefit.

On February 27, 2012, TDA staff attended a joint hearing between the House Public Health and House Insurance Committees to monitor implementation of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care PPACA and the development of a state HIX.

The TDA continues to closely monitor the HIX landscape in Texas and will publicize new information as it becomes available. For questions or comments, contact TDA Policy Manager Diane Rhodes at 512-443-3675, diane@tda.org.

142nd Annual Session of the Texas Dental Association

May 3 – 6, 2012 • San Antonio, Texas

ENHANCE Your Education. CONNECT With Colleagues. SERVE Your Profession.Whether you need continuing education and team building ideas or you want to connect with colleagues and get involved in the leadership of your profession, the TEXAS Meeting, the 142nd Annual Session of the Texas Dental Association, has something for you and your dental team. Come join us in San Antonio on May 3-6, 2012, for the largest dental meeting in Texas at a site unmatched anywhere in the state!

REGISTER TODAY — Avoid additional onsite fees and receive your materials in advance, by registering before April 5, 2012. Hands-on workshops have limited attendance. Don’t miss out! Register online at texasmeeting.com.

HOTEL RESERVATIONS — Book your hotel room by the April 5, 2012, deadline. Take advantage of special hotel rates. Make hotel reservations online at texasmeeting.com.

CE VERIFICATION — The TEXAS Meeting will meet all of your continuing education needs. Attendees can earn up to 18 hours of continuing education within 3 days. Verification certificates are available onsite or electronically following the meeting.

MOBILE APPLICATION — Sponsored by TDA Perks. Finding your way around the TEXAS Meeting has never been easier. The following resources are available as a convenience to you, all accessible via your smartphone:

• Yourcourseitinerary• Downloadyourhandouts• RecordyourCEU’s• Exhibitorlistings• Parkinginformation,mapsandweather• SanAntoniohighlightsAccess the mobile application at prereg.net/2012/tda/mobile.

ONE-STOP SHOPPING — The 2012 exhibit hall promises to be the biggest and best ever. Take advantage of special pricing on the latest supplies and services to enhance your practice.

We look forward to seeing you in San Antonio! For additional information, please visit texasmeeting.com or call the TDA Annual Session staff at 512- 443-3675.

happy, healthy smiles...that’s our mission!

Don’t miss this year’s 9th annual Healthy Smiles Golf Classic! The Healthy Smiles Golf Classic, benefitting TDA Smiles Foundation (TDASF), will Friday, May 4, 2012, at The Quarry Golf Club in San Antonio. The Quarry is a gorgeous, renowned links course, conveniently located just minutes from the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. To sign up to play or sponsor, please visit tdasf.org, or sign up when you register for the TEXAS Meeting, using Course Code #F101. The Healthy Smiles Golf Classic, hosted by Texas Association of Orthodontists, is the biggest fundraising event for TDASF. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a day on the course and help TDASF bring happy, healthy smiles to Texans. Sign up today at tdasf.org or call 512-448-2441.

be

ATTENTION GOLFERS!

The TDA Today regrets the inadvertent misidentification in a photo caption in the February 2012 TDA Today. The correct photo caption on page 2 of the issue should have read: (L-R) Texas A&M Health Science Center Baylor College of Dentistry Dean Dr Lawrence E. Wolinsky of Dallas, TDASF scholarship recipients Katelyn Kennedy and Lucas Shipman, and TDASF Treasurer Dr. Larry Spradley of Bedford.

Texas A&M University2011 Winner of the TDASF Bragging Rights Challenge

The TDASF Bragging Rights Challenge ends March 30, 2012. If you’re tired of seeing maroon and white everywhere and hearing “Gig ‘em, Aggies,” then donate to the TDASF Bragging Rights Challenge before the end of the month. Every dollar you donate on behalf of your alma mater supports charitable dental care programs in Texas.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity! To donate, contact the TDASF office at 512-448-2441 or visit tdasf.org.

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TCU UT Baylor TX TECH TX A&M Rice

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San Antonio Texas Mission of Mercy (TMOM)TDASF will be host the first TMOM event of 2012 in San Antonio on April 13 and 14, 2012. Dentists, dental hygienists and community volunteers are needed. If interested, please visit tdasf.org or call 512-448-2441.

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Errata

March 2012 / TDA Today / 3

Spring is in the air, and the TDA is busier than ever preparing for the TEXAS Meeting and the House of Delegates (HOD) while still responding to the everyday issues facing its members.

Likewise, the work of the Texas Legislature is never done, and the TDA Council on Legislative & Regulatory Affairs is monitoring interim legislative charges to prepare the Association for the legislative session that starts in January 2013. Specific issues will dominate the political landscape and drive the legislature’s priorities, similar to the 82nd Texas Legislative Session in 2011. Legislators will likely review and adjust the margins tax, balance the budget in the face of a second significant budget shortfall, and debate water rights and transportation.

Additionally, as many of you know, starting March 1, 2012, most children and young adults age 20 and younger enrolled in Medicaid/CHIP began receiving their dental services through one of the 3 state selected dental plans: Delta Dental, DentaQuest, and MCNA Dental. The TDA is closely following the transition and is working with the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and the dental plans to identify and suggest solutions for any and all problems as they are occur. One of the most concerning problems surfacing during the transition is confusion surrounding the “Main Dentist” (ie, dental home) requirement. Numerous Medicaid/CHIP members failed to “self-select” their Main Dentist within the designated timeframe and were consequently “default enrolled” to a dentist they did not choose.

I have been following correspondence for the last several weeks among the members of the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (TAPD) about this problem. The TDA, the TAPD, and the Texas Academy of General Dentistry all agree that HHSC should retain the existing Main Dentist requirement wherein the Medicaid/CHIP member’s oral health care is delivered in a comprehensive and coordinated manner by a licensed dentist.

Now, more than ever, the TDA needs you. This spring, let’s all lay the seeds for a successful legislative session next year. If you have a personal relationship with a legislator and want to serve as a TDA “Contact Dentist,” please contact the TDA Department of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs.

Preston’s Press

J. Preston Coleman, DDS, TDA President

Evidence-based Practice Tip of the Month

Stephen R. Matteson, DDS, FICD, TDA Editor

Cone Beam CT and Impacted Canines

Recent observational studies suggest that the use of cone beam computed tomography provides improved 3-D imaging to guide orthodontic treatment planning of impacted maxillary canines. The images demonstrate accurate canine crown width, canine angulation to the occlusal plane, canine angulation to the midline and the presence of root resorption of the central and lateral incisors. A critical synopsis on this topic is available at: tinyurl.com/86rekbc.

The original articles may be accessed by activating the blue Pub Med numbers shown in the above citation.

What is a QR Code?In recent issues of the TDA Today, you may have noticed the small square bar code on the lower right hand corner

of page 1. This square is called a QR code (abbreviated from Quick Response code), and if you scan it using your smartphone, it will navigate you to the home page of tda.org in your smartphone internet browser.

To scan the code, download a QR scanner application, the majority of which are free. Some of the most popular free applications for this are QR Reader, Quick Scan Pro, and Qrafter.

Below is a summary of actions of the TDA Board of Directors during the November 4 and 5, 2011, meeting with TDA President Dr J. Preston Coleman presiding.

Non-Policy and Board Policy Resolutions

BUDGET49-2012-B (NP): Approved items that are over budget, a total of $36,197.53-2012-B (NP): Approved the negotiation of a contract beginning January 1, 2012, and ending December 31, 2013, with David Sibley to provide consulting and lobby services as the lead lobbyist for the TDA.54-2012-B (NP): Approved the negotiation of a contract beginning January 1, 2012, and ending December 31, 2013, with Susan Ross to provide consulting and lobby services for the TDA.55-2012-B (NP): Approved the negotiation of a contract beginning January 1, 2012, and ending December 31, 2013, with Nora Del Bosque to provide consulting and lobby services for the TDA.57-2012-B (NP): Approved the hire of Mr Billy C. Hamilton to prepare the TDA to address any changes to the state’s tax structure that may occur during the 83rd Legislative Session. 58-2012-B (NP): Approved the TDA hire Mr Mike Geeslin to assist the TDA in addressing insurance regulatory issues.

CORRESPONDENCE59-2012-B (NP): Approved the TDA to send a letter to the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) requesting that Dr William D. Steinhauer be appointed to the Health HHSC Medicaid and CHIP Quality-Based Payment Advisory Committee.60-2012-B (NP): Approved the TDA send a letter to the HHSC requesting that Dr Nanni Baker be appointed to the HHSC Border Rates and Expenditures Advisory Committee.

MK’s Board Notes

Mary Kay Linn, TDA Executive Director

MISCELLANEOUS 52-2012-B (NP): Approved the TDA hold a statewide workshop, “Getting Involved and Staying Involved,” hosted by the TDA New Dentist Committee and facilitated by American Dental Association staff for component society new dentist committee officers in March 2012. 56-2012-B (NP): Approved the TDA “Award for Excellence in Patient Advocacy” be presented to Senator John J. Carona (R-Dallas); Representative Jim Pitts (R- Waxahachie); and Representative J.M. Lozano (D-Kingsville) in acknowledgement of each legislator’s outstanding commitment to insuring access to quality dental care in Texas.

OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL 50-2012-B (NP): Approved out-of-state travel for Dr J. Preston Coleman, president; Dr Richard C. Black, chair of the Council on Legislative and Regulatory Affairs; Dr David Sibley, TDA consultant; Ms Mary Kay Linn, executive director, Mr Jess Calvert; director of public affairs; and Ms Diane Rhodes, policy manager, to attend the 26th Annual American Dental Association Lobbyist Conference on December 1-3, 2011, in Duck Key, Florida.

Policy Resolutions

MISCELLANEOUS19-2012-B (P): Approved policy of the TDA that insurance companies should not be able to recover alleged overpayments by withholding unrelated payments on future claims on different patients, and that if the insurance carrier made a payment in error because they were not properly informed of the eligibility status of an enrollee by an employer, that the carrier should seek repayment from the employer and not the treating dentist. Also approved the TDA seek legislative action to accomplish these resolutions.51-2012-BS (P): Approved policy of the TDA that insured dental benefit plans should provide in the explanation of benefits the name, degree, license number, and direct phone number of the licensed dentist or of any other individual who makes the final decision involved in accepting or rejecting the dental claim. Also approved policy of the TDA that any person reviewing claims who makes the final decision involved in accepting or rejecting the dental claim be a Texas licensed dentist. Also approved policy of the TDA that if a dentist requests a “peer-to-peer” review in an appeal following an initial claim decision, the dental benefit plan must provide a Texas licensed dentist for the “peer-to-peer” appeal review process. Also approved that the TDA seek legislation and/or regulations supporting this policy.

TCEQ Regulatory Advisory, continued from page 1

the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 330, Section 330.1207(c), requires the generator to weigh each medical waste container and include the weight and other labeling requirements on the container label when sending medical waste off-site for treatment and disposal.

To assist generators with compliance, medical waste transporters may weigh each container for the generator and note the weight on the container label prior to transport of waste off-site. If transporters assist with weighing containers and label preparation, generators should verify and sign off that the container labels and the container weight is correct and in compliance with the labeling requirements before releasing the containers to transporters.

The executive director has granted enforcement discretion, until April 30, 2012, to give medical waste generators and transporters time to come into compliance. For more information on the TCEQ medical waste rules, please review the guidance document “Texas Regulations on Medical Waste” posted on the TCEQ webpage at http://www.tceq.texas.gov/publications/rg/rg-001.html.

For additional questions, contact TCEQ at 512-239-2334 or e-mail: mswpermits@tceq.texas.gov.

MARCH 2012 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 3 AVAILABLE ONLINE AT TDA.ORG

EDITORIAL STAFFStephen R. Matteson, DDS, Editor

Nicole Scott, Managing EditorLauren Oakley, Publications Coordinator

Barbara Donovan, Art DirectorPaul H. Schlesinger, Consultant

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

J. Preston Coleman, DDS, PresidentMichael L. Stuart, DDS, President-elect

Ronald L. Rhea, DDS, Immediate Past PresidentVice Presidents

Lisa B. Masters, DDS, SouthwestRobert E. Wiggins, DDS, NorthwestLarry D. Herwig, DDS, NortheastKaren E. Frazer, DDS, Southeast

Senior DirectorsT. Beth Vance, DDS, Southwest

Michael J. Goulding, DDS, NorthwestArthur C. Morchat, DDS, NortheastRita M. Cammarata, DDS, Southeast

DirectorsYvonne E. Maldonado, DDS, SouthwestDavid C. Woodburn, DDS, Northwest

Jean E. Bainbridge, DDS, NortheastGregory K. Oelfke, DDS, Southeast

Ron Collins, DDS, Secretary-TreasurerGlen D. Hall, DDS, Speaker of the HouseDavid H. McCarley, DDS, Parliamentarian

Stephen R. Matteson, DDS, EditorMary Kay Linn, Executive DirectorWilliam H. Bingham, Legal Counsel

TDA Today (USPS 022-007) is published monthly except for December by the Texas Dental As-sociation, 1946 S IH-35 Ste 400, Austin, Texas 78704-3698, 512-443-3675. Periodicals Postage Paid at Austin, Texas and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to TDA TODAY, 1946 S IH-35 Ste 400, Austin, TX 78704-3698.Annual subscriptions: Texas Dental Association (TDA) members, $5. In-state American Dental As-sociation (ADA) affiliated, $15 + tax. Out-of-state ADA affiliated, $15. In-state non-ADA affiliated, $30 + tax. Out-of-state non-ADA affiliated, $30.Single issue price: TDA members $1. In-state ADA affiliated, $3 + tax. Out-of-state ADA affiliated, $3. In-state non-ADA affiliated, $6 + tax. Out-of-state non-ADA affiliated, $6.Contributions: Manuscripts and news items of interest to the membership of the Association are solicited. Manuscripts should be typewritten, double spaced, and the original copy should be submitted. Please refer to Instructions for Contributors in the annual September Directory of the Texas Dental Journal for more information. The Information for Contributors is available at tda.org. All statements of opinion and of supposed facts are published on authority of the writer under whose name they appear and are not to be regarded as the views of the Texas Dental Associa-tion, unless such statements have been adopted by the Association. Articles are accepted with the understanding that they have not been published previously. Authors must disclose any financial or other interests they may have in products or services described in their articles. Advertisements: Publication of advertisements in this publication does not constitute a guarantee or endorsement by the Association of the quality of value of such product or of the claims made of it by its manufacturer.

Member Publication

Texas State Board of Dental Examiners Considers Rule ChangesThe Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) recently published two new rules and one proposed rule change in the February 17, 2012, issue of the Texas Register. The earliest possible date for rule adoption is March 18, 2012. A brief summary of the proposed rules follows.

22 Texas Administrative Code §101.6: The proposed new rule enacts requirements set forth in Senate Bill (SB) 1733, 82nd Legislature, which directs occupational licensing agencies to adopt rules for the expedited issuance of dental licenses for the spouses of persons serving on active duty as a member of the United States military. SB 1733 mandates that occupational licensing agencies include within the rule provisions allowing “alternative demonstrations of competency to meet the requirements for obtaining the license.”

22 Texas Administrative Code §103.6: the proposed new rule enacts requirements set forth in Senate Bill (SB) 1733, 82nd Legislature, which directs occupational licensing agencies to adopt rules for the expedited issuance of dental hygiene licenses for the spouses of persons serving on active duty as a member of the United States military. SB 1733 mandates that occupational licensing agencies include within the rule provisions allowing “alternative demonstrations of competency to meet the requirements for obtaining the license.”

22 Texas Administrative Code §108.8 Records of the Dentist: The proposed amendment allows dentists to conduct a tactile and visual oral examination (e.g., oral cancer exam) and document that as part of their clinical findings. The amendments do not require the dentist to conduct an oral cancer exam; however, it does require the dentist to document findings from the exam if it is performed. For more information, please contact TDA policy manager Ms. Diane Rhodes at 512-443-3675, diane@tda.org.

TSBDE Rule UpdateThis recurring section is designed to help TDA members keep up with important Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) rules, other regulations, and state law affecting their practices.

Learn about other great programs: tdaperks.com.Questions? Call: (512) 443-3675.

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Official Call to the 2012 TDA House of DelegatesHOUSE OF DELEGATES: In accordance with Chapter IV, Section 70, paragraph A of the Texas Dental Association (TDA) Bylaws, this is the official call for the 142nd meeting of the Texas Dental Association House of Delegates. The opening session of the House will convene at 8:00 am on Thursday, May 3, 2012, in Ballroom B on the street level of the San Antonio Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. The second meeting of the House will be at 8:30 am on Saturday, May 5, 2012, in Ballroom B. The Sunday, May 6, 2012 meeting will be in the Marriott Rivercenter Hotel, starting at 8:30 am.

REFERENCE COMMITTEE HEARINGS: Reference Committees will meet on Thursday, May 3, 2012, in the Convention Center (please see the on-site program for specific room assignments). Reference Committee A will start at 11:00 am or 15 minutes after the adjournment of the House of Delegates, whichever is later. Reference Committee E will start at 12:00 noon. Reference Committee B will start at 1:00 pm Reference Committee C will start at 1:30 pm. Reference Committee D will start at 2:00 pm. The agendas for these meetings will be sent to the Delegates and Alternate Delegates prior to the meetings.

REFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORTS: Reference Committee Reports will be e-mailed in PDF format to all participants and these reports may be downloaded from any location with Internet access. Printed reports will be available after 9:00 am on Friday, May 4, 2012 in front of Rooms 1066 and 1067, the TDA Convention Offices, just outside Exhibit Hall C (reports may be downloaded at this location).

CANDIDATES FORUM: As a reminder, the TDA / ADA Candidates Forum will be held on Friday, May 4, 2012, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in the Convention Center (please see the on-site program for specific room assignment).

DIVISIONAL CAUCUSES: Divisional Caucuses (Northwest, Northeast, Southwest, Southeast) will be held at 5:15 pm on Friday, May 4, 2012 (please see the on-site program for specific room assignments).

DELEGATE BOOK: In accordance with TDA Bylaws, the Delegate Book will be sent 30 days prior to the Annual Session. The supplement to the Delegate Handbook, containing the agenda and subsequent reports, will be sent after the spring TDA Board of Directors meeting, March 23-24, 2012. Delegates and alternates will receive their House book in a searchable PDF format.

When the House Book becomes available, the minutes of the TDA Board of Directors and the reference committee assignment reports will be posted on the member’s side of the TDA Web site and available to the general membership according to Resolution 164-2011-RCAS-H.