Texas GP Spring 2009

Access to care

3rd Party Providers

SPRING 2009, VOLUME 35, ISSUE 2

Inside This Issue: Advocacy Updates From TAGD

Stresses & Strengths of Dentistry

Mentoring:FellowTrack

& MasterTrack

Leadership Development

Strategic Planning

Advocacy & TDA Legislative Day

JOURNAL OF THE TEXAS ACADEMY OF GENERAL DENTISTRY

Fellowship Exam ReviewJune 26 & 27, 2009 • Austin, Texas

The Fellowship Exam Review course aims to prepare participants to successfully complete the FAGD Exam in pursuit of their Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry.

This course is designed to:Instruct participants how to prepare for the examination•Familiarize participants with exam format•Preview material from the areas that will be covered on the exam•Use the AGD Study Guide as a testing aid•

*This review will also prepare you for the ABGD written examBiomaterials•Endodontics•Fixed Prostho• donticsImplants•Infection Control•Occlusion•Oral Pathology•Oral Surgery•

Orthodontics•Patient & Risk Management•Pediatric Dentistry•Periodontics•Radiology•Removable Prosthodontics•Restorative Dentistry•

Texas AGD Wants to Help You Achieve AGD Fellowship and Mastership

For more information on either of these programs contact Jeannie at 512-244-0577 or [email protected]

DallasAugust 6 - 9

Dallas County Dental Society BuildingRemovable Prosthodontics

“Exquisite Complete & Implant Retained Over Dentures Calibrated

for the General Practitioner”Presented by Joseph Massad

Special Patient CarePresented by Dr. Jackie Plemmons

AustinJune 4 - 7

Omni Southpark HotelPeriodontics & Operative

Both topics presented by Dr. Eric Rindler

November 5 - 8Omni Southpark HotelClinical Photography

Presented by Dr. Douglas Damm

Endodontics“Advancing Your Endodontic Skills”

Presented by Dr. Ron Lebby

HoustonSeptember 24 - 27

Norris Conference CenterOral Surgery

Speaker to be announced

Pediatrics“The Magic of Pediatric Dentistry”

Presented by Dr. Ben Taylor

2009 Texas AGD MasterTrack Schedule

Participants may join MasterTrack at any time and will earn up to 48 hours of participation credit at each session with protocol presentations.

Participation hours earned while working on Fellow-ship can now be applied to Mastership.

You do not have to complete the required three years of membership or 500 hours of CE to take the Fellowship Exam. It can be taken at any time.

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SPRING 2009

PresidentRon Theiss, DDS, MAGDNacogdoches

President-ElectDan McCauley, DDS, FAGDMount Pleasant

Immediate Past-PresidentMickey Walker, DDS, MAGDSan Antonio

Secretary/TreasurerMark Peppard, DDS, FAGDAustin

EditorMichael Payne, DDS, FAGDMesquite

Director (2009)Marko Alanis, DDSAlamo

Director (2009)Arnold Chavarria, DDSEl Paso

Director (2010)Craig Armstrong, DDS, FAGDHouston

Director (2010)Dean Armstrong, DDS, FAGDAmarillo

Director (2011)Jamie Bone, DDS, FAGDKerrville

Director (2011)Gary Jennings, DDS, MAGDHouston

AGD Regional DirectorDouglas Bogan, DDS, FAGDHouston

AGD National TrusteeRalph Cooley, DDS, FAGDConroe

Executive DirectorConnie Sonnier, CAERound Rock

2008/2009 OFFICERS

TAGD Staff

Meg HulseDirectorJack T. Clark Foundation

Amy KnittMembership & Communications Director

Jeannie RussellEducation Director

Disclaimer: The TAGD does not necessarily endorse opinions or statements contained in articles or editorials published in the TexasGP. The publication of advertisements in the TexasGP does not indicate endorsement for products and services.

Texas GP is published quarterly by the Texas Academy of General Dentistry,409 West Main Street, Round Rock, TX 78664. Address changes should be sent to the TAGD. Texas GP is provided as a member service to members of the TAGD. Nonmember subscription rates are $25.00 individual and $40.00 institutional. Canadian orders add $5.00; outside the U.S. or Canada, add $10.00. Single copy rates are $3.00 to individuals and $4.50 to institutions (orders outside the U.S. add $1.00 postage). All orders must be prepaid in U.S. dollars.

Printed in U.S.A. Copyright 2009, Texas Academy of General Dentistry, Round Rock, TX.

No portion of Texas GP may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the TAGD. The opinions expressed by Texas GP are not necessarily endorsed by the TAGD. The publication of an advertisement in Texas GP does not indicate endorsement for products and services. TAGD/AGD approval for continuing education courses or course sponsors will be clearly stated.

TAGD 512-244-0577 Toll-free 877-464-8243 Fax 512-244-0476 www.tagd.org

AGD 888-243-3368 www.agd.org

ADA 800-621-8099 www.ada.org

TDA 800-832-1145 www.tda.org

TSBDE 512-463-6400 www.tsbde.state.tx.us

Important Contacts

Information changes requested:Send your new address, phone, fax and e-mail to [email protected]

NEXT ISSUE:

2009 TEXAS DENTIST of ThE YEAR™ NoMINEES

J O U R N A L O F T H E T E X A S A C A D E M Y O F G E N E R A L D E N T I S T R Y

Dental Fillin’s..........................................................................................4Pearls of Wisdom.....................................................................................4President’s Message.................................................................................5Protecting Your Profession.........................................................................7TAGD Headlines........................................................................................8Summer CE Schedule...............................................................................13Welcome New Members...........................................................................15Membership Application..........................................................................16

Disaster Management - Are you prepared?

2009 Lone Star Dental Conference Preview

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S P R I N G 2 0 0 9

Trials & Heroes of Texas Politics

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In Memoriam • Dr. Christopher Anderson

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Dentistry has lost one of its great

leaders. Dr. Christo-pher Anderson passed away on January 18, 2009.

I was fortunate to have met Dr. Ander-son some years back. Upon meeting him, I was captivated by his character. He was soft spoken, kind, compas-sionate, and exuded an air of pleasantness. As time passed, I became aware of his tremen-dous knowledge and amazing passion for dentistry. It became readily apparent he was a true leader, one who led by example.

Those who have served with Dr. Anderson know that even in the face of uncertainty or adversity, he always remained calm while working to find the best possible solution.

Upon graduating from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1969, Dr. Anderson received his Masters in Orthodontics in 1972. While maintaining his private practice in Lubbock,

Texas, he was a member of the South Plains District Dental Society, Dallas County Dental Society, Texas Dental Association, American Dental Asso-ciation, American Asso-ciation of Orthodontists, American Cleft Palate Association, American Academy of Orofacial Pain, and the American Association of Dental Editors.

In addition to being an ordained minister, Dr. Anderson served on the South Plains Boy Scout Council Review Board and District Camping Committee. He was also active in the Christian Life Center and Christian Resource Center of Lubbock.

In 2004, Dr. Anderson was nominated for the Texas Academy of General Dentistry’s Dentist of the Year Award. Also in 2004, the Texas Dental Association awarded him a Service Recognition Award for incompa-rable service for his work as editor of the Texas Dental Journal; a position he had held

since 1999. The following year he received the Ameri-can Association of Dental Editors Dis-tinguished Dental Editor Award.

I have stated before in this publication that one of the truly wonderful aspects of being a member of the dental profession is formulating relationships with some of the most kind, compassionate, gener-ous, and knowledgeable individuals in the world. Dr. Anderson was one of those indi-viduals. I felt privileged that our paths had crossed and that he was a colleague. Since his death, there has been an outpouring of love and respect for Dr. Anderson from family, friends, colleagues, and patients. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him.

Those wishing to make a memorial contri-bution on behalf of Dr. Anderson may do so to the Felix C. Crawford Memorial Fund of the TDA’s Smiles Foundation. Even though his time on this earth is over, he is still seek-ing to help serve others in need.

Michael Payne, DDS, FAGD

Pay Before Service

In my ex-perience

with Peer Review and the State Board, at-tempts to collect a fee by a dentist

will frequently be the instigator of a com-plaint by a patient. It is for this reason that I urge the collection of the fee prior to service, or, at the very least, on the day of

the initial visit of a procedure requiring two or more appointments.

Once a procedure begins, the dentist is le-gally and ethically obligated to complete it or face charges of patient abandonment. Assume a patient having a crown prepara-tion requests to pay half of the total fee at the initial appointment and the balance at the delivery appointment; if the patient does not pay the second half at delivery, the crown must still be seated. It cannot be held hostage for the balance of the fee.

In the case of a full mouth restoration the entire fee should be collected prior to any services being initiated.

This requires some patient management, to handle the payment prior to seating the

patient in the op-eratory. Establish with the patient that the fee for a service such as this will be paid in full prior to the appointment. This can be col-lected days in advance or on the appointment day just before seating the patient.

The fee for the procedure is part of Informed Consent. Since the fee is paid prior to the procedure, it avoids allegations by the patient that the fee was unknown to him and that without knowledge of the fee, full consent was impossible.

Pearls of Wisdom

David Wilhite, DDS, MAGD

LETTERS To ThE EDIToR/PEARLS of WISDoM: If you have a comment, suggestion, or question or would like to send a pearl of wisdom to share with other dental professionals please contact the editor at [email protected]

SPRING 2009

I want to thank each and every member of TAGD for allowing me the privilege of serv-ing as your President. As I have looked back over the past six months, I have had a chance to reflect on the many positives in dentistry; but I am also reminded on a daily basis of the stresses and struggles, as well. Stressful situ-ations in life are inevitable, particularly as a general dentist. But the key to success is how one reacts to them - the contingency plans we have in place and the advanced preparation to handle the unexpected.

Lou Holtz, one of the most successful col-lege football coaches of all time, has said in his book, Wins, Losses and Lessons, “No individual or team can perform under pres-sure without preparation.” He said that when faced with tough decisions he would always reflect back on the W.I.N. principle, that is, “What’s Important Now.”

In aviation, in order to have a successful flight, a pilot must evaluate and consider sev-eral areas. The pilot must objectively evalu-ate himself to determine that he is mentally, physically and emotionally prepared to safely embark on a flight. Additionally, he must be sure that the aircraft is in safe operating con-dition through the review of the maintenance books and a pre-flight inspection of the plane before committing to a flight. One must evaluate current and forecasted weather con-ditions of departure and destination airports. Pilots are familiar with a well-known quote, “it’s better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air, than to be in the air wishing

you were on the ground.” These checkpoints must all be in agreement for you to determine the go/no-go decision.

In our recent memory is the US Airways crash that occurred in New York City three months ago, where Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger successfully landed his plane in the Hudson River. He was faced with mak-ing a quick decision: to attempt landing at nearby Teterboro Airport in New Jersey or to land in the Hudson River under controlled conditions. With only seconds to respond, his many hours of emergency training al-lowed him to apply the W.I.N. principle. He simply reacted appropriately to what he had practiced hundreds of times in the simulator throughout his many years of training. His ability to discern what’s important now was nothing short of a heroic effort which result-ed in no loss of life.

As a practicing general dentist, it is a privilege and an honor to provide oral health care to deserving patients. The relationships we have with our patients, TAGD members and col-leagues in other dental organizations make the practice of dentistry so very special. We deal with stressful situations most every day in our dental offices. However, it is the unex-pected situation outside of patient care that may impact us the hardest. Living and prac-ticing in our beautiful state of Texas has many wonderful benefits but also some weather threats as well. Due to our proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, we are threatened almost yearly by the possibility of hurricanes. We also

find ourselves suscep-tible to the threat of tornadoes, flood-ing and fires. Just this past September, many of us encoun-tered Hurricane Ike which brought wide-spread devastation to many. In addition, we have had several members of TAGD who have dealt with similar disasters, losing their offices to floods or fire. Even though insur-ance helps with these disasters, most of the time it is not enough. There is a trickle down effect not only on the dentist, but on the staff, patients, dental labs, suppliers, etc., when the daily routine of a dental office is altered.

Being a member of TAGD has many ben-efits, and one is the strength of our members helping one another. I am reminded of many stories related to me about TAGD members helping colleagues who were without power, needing a generator or temporary office space when their office flooded or was damaged by fire. These bumps in the road remind us that the pathway to achieving a goal may not always be a straight course. However, by regularly fo-cusing on our checkpoints, such as reviewing our insurance coverage, having emergency power sources, food and water reserves, and an emergency exit route, etc., we will have ap-plied Lou Holtz’s philosophy of preparation for performing under pressure - that moment when applying his W.I.N. principle is critical: doing “What’s Important Now.”

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENTW.I.N. • WhAt’s IMportANt NoW

Ron Theiss, DDS, MAGD

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Trials and Heroes of Texas Politics

The 81st Texas Legislature is currently about half way through its 140-day

regular session. As of the March 13 bill fil-ing deadline, legislators had introduced more than 7,150 bills, a 20 percent increase over last session. Thank goodness that Texas’ founders established a Legislature that only meets once every two years. Legislators are currently considering several bills affecting dentistry and your TAGD is working hard to help pass the bills that only strengthen our profession.

At the Senate Finance and House Appro-priations Committees, the TAGD registered support for the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners’ (TSBDE) request for additional funding, amounting to approximately $1.4 million above their current budget. The ad-ditional funding would provide salary in-creases and replace the agency’s obsolete li-censing database. If approved, the additional funding may require a $25 dental license renewal fee increase. (See next page for table regarding the TSBDE summary report).

But simply put, TSBDE can no longer op-erate with its outdated computer system. In addition, the agency has had difficulty attracting and retaining professional staff because its salaries are significantly lower and case loads higher than similar positions at other state agencies. Unfortunately, the Board recently lost its lead investigator and has had an 87 percent turnover of its legal

staff during the last fiscal year. This under-scores the need for additional funding.

The TAGD supports legislation (SB 455 and HB 3670) that would create a coronal polishing certificate for dental assistants and allow more dental assistants to place pit and fissure sealants. If enacted, the legislation would also permit dental assistants to apply fluoride under direct supervision and make dental radiographs and perform reversible procedures to treat “minor emergency den-tal conditions” under general supervision.

The TAGD strongly opposes legislation (SB 536 and HB 168) that would enable dental hygienists who complete a TSBDE-approved course to administer local anesthetic by in-filtration or block. The TAGD also opposes SB 97 and HB 456, which would expand the scope of practice for dental hygienists by allowing them to treat patients in Head Start facilities and Community Health Centers before a dentist examines those patients.

Your TAGD also supports the TSBDE “housekeeping” bill (SB 887) that would make technical and clarifying amendments to the Dental Practice Act. The bill includes a provision that would allow the Gover-nor to appoint TSBDE members to serve up to two six-year terms, rather than the single six-year term allowed under current law. Another provision would authorize the TSBDE to assess “administrative penalties” (fines) for violations of the Dental Practice Act that do not involve direct patient care. That provision would require the agency to provide a mechanism to “expunge” (delete) the record of such violations under certain conditions.

The TAGD’s Board and Legislative Com-mittee have worked tirelessly to represent its members on bills that affect dentistry. We hope you share our opinion on them but please understand that many are complex and could have far-reaching ramifications. That’s why TAGD’s Board and Legislative Committee are heroes to me.

TSBDE executive director Sherri Sanders Meek is another hero for navigating the agency towards smoother waters. During her tenure as ED, she has strengthened the agency’s relationship with the Legislature

and increased its overall effective-ness. Dr. Gary Mc-Donald, Presiding Officer of the TS-BDE; Dr. Norman Mason; and Dr. George Strunk are the current dentist Board members whose terms expire this year. They have all admirably served dentistry and the public; for their service, they are all heroes.

Another hero in dentistry is Dr. Linda Alten-hoff, Manager of the Oral Health Program at the Texas Department of State Health Services. Dr. Altenhoff has helped lead the effort to boost Medicaid dental reimburse-ment rates as part of the Frew agreement to improve dental care for children enrolled in the Texas Medicaid program. However, the battle to improve access to care has not been won. Increased Medicaid reimbursement was essential and has been achieved through the Frew agreement. General dentists should become Medicaid providers. As a Medicaid provider, dentists can deter the role these patients fit within their practice: the mini-mum patient age and frequency of visits is determined by the dentist. Currently there are simply not enough pediatric and orth-odontic dentists to reach all of the children who need care. General dentists can fill the void. To become a Medicaid provider com-plete the application on www.tmhp.com. The children of Texas will thank you.

Also high on my hero list are the leader-ship of the TDA , Executive Director Mary Kay Linn, and the entire staff. I particularly appreciate TDA’s willingness to facilitate TAGD’s advocacy efforts.

Last, but not least, my newest hero is TAGD lobbyist David Mintz. After he was hired in December, David’s knowledge and experi-ence have significantly bolstered our advo-cacy at the Capitol. I’ve called David at all hours to ask about a bill or fulfill a task and his insight has always proven invaluable. So while it’s been said that “No one’s life, lib-erty, or property is safe while the Legislature is in session,” the efforts of these heroes of dentistry help us sleep at night.

Members of Rio Grande Valley AGD at TDA’s Legislative Day

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David Tillman, DDS, MAGD

SPRING 2009

TSBDE Summary Report Agency Performance: FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2008 Number of Complaints Resolved: 956 818 674 Total Number of Complaints: 1,089 982 1,087 Number of Jurisdictional Complaints Received: 909 844 945 Average Time of Complaint Resolution (days): 372 304 372 Percent of Complaints Resulting in Disciplinary Action: 13% 10% 10% Number of Board Orders: 125* 89* 80* Active Cases: 252 441 382 * - Includes Multiple Board Orders

Regulated Population: Total: 46,100 Dentists: 13,000 Registered Dental Hygienists: 10,000 Registered Dental Assistants: 22,000 * Dental Laboratories: 1,100

Number of New Licenses/Registrations Issued: FY 2006 FY 2007 FY 2008 Dentists: 560 546 675 Registered Dental Hygienists: 465 548 564 Registered Dental Assistants: 3,916 10,869 5,754 Dental Laboratories: 49 58 59

* Effective September 1, 2004 all dental assistants exposing radiographs in Texas were required to register with the State Boards of Dental Examiners no later than September 1, 2007

References: SB 263 - Leg. 79(R) and SB 610 - 80(R)

Protecting Your ProfessionSome folks lead the parade, some watch the parade, and some don’t know that there is a parade. So goes dentistry in Texas and the legislative year.

The Academy of General Dentistry mem-bers have stated that continuing education and the pursuit of personal professional ex-cellence are our first priority. Our second most important priority is advocacy. Our Academy wants to be represented and pro-tected as a profession. Your TAGD board of directors is monitoring legislation and practice changes daily that will directly af-fect how you practice dentistry, how you will be paid, and how much government regulations will require of you as an inde-pendent practitioner. Whether attending

all of the TSBDE meetings or representing you at Texas Medicaid Stakeholder’s meet-ings, we are there.

Your board of directors has also developed position papers in dental assisting, hygiene anesthesia, and has supported legislation improving the salary schedules for the TSBDE. We have provided testimony to the legislators as they debate dental issues in the Texas House and Senate. We are working with the TDA to represent den-tistry as one collective voice, but also are keenly aware of your needs as general den-tists, as we all live the same challenges in our own practices. Your board is proactive and will continue to address practice issues such as identity theft legislation, cosmetic

dentistry taxes, mobile dental van issues, mall bleach-ing, and even Bot-ox usage in offices. Organized dentist-ry and the TAGD lead our profes-sion, protect our profession, and help you to practice with limited taxation, limited government inter-vention, and keep you, the general dentist, as the gatekeeper of our profession.

So tonight as you leave the office, I encour-age you to kiss your license to practice in Texas and to say thanks to those who dili-gently are protecting our profession.

TAGD advocates for its members on the national levelAGD held its third annual A Great Dentist Goes to Washington government rela-tions conference March 9-10, in Washington, D.C. Nearly 60 leaders from across the nation attended the conference and completed over 100 meetings with members of Congress.

Members asked lawmakers for continued Title VII residency program funding after applauding funds included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. They also shared the AGD’s White Paper on Access to Care and spoke about AGD’s sup-port of both the Federal Dental Emergency Responders Act and the Meth Mouth Prevention and Community Recovery Act.

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Dan McCauley, DDS, fAGD

JOURNAL OF THE TEXAS ACADEMY OF GENERAL DENTISTRY8

You’ve Got Mail!TSBDE License Renewal Notice

Effective January 1, 2009 the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners stopped mailing renewal forms. Instead, the Board will mail a postcard approximately 60 days before the license expiration date.

License renewal may be done online by go-ing to www.tsbde.state.tx.us and following the instructions. This applies to all dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, and dental labo-ratories. The renewal may be done up to 45 days prior to expiration date.

Update your addressTAGD would like to re-mind everyone to keep us up-to-date in changes with your contact information so we can be sure you receive the latest TAGD news and

information. For changes please contact Amy at 512-244-0577 or [email protected].

New Web site & FacebookThe TAGD web site has undergone some renovations to make a more user-friendly and navigable tool for our members. Please visit the site, www.tagd.org and let us know your thoughts or suggestions. TAGD has also added a Facebook page so be sure to become a fan in order to view photos from out latest events and receive news about the organization.

Congratulations to Dr. Mary Mellard She is the latest Recipient of the AGD Life-long Learning and Service Recognition Award which was awarded to her during Dr. Berman’s course at the Star of the South Meeting. TAGD will award the LLSR to four members this year

Dr. John Valenza Named Interim Dean of UT Dental Branch

TAGD member, Dr. John A Valenza, ex-ecutive associate dean and associate profes-sor in the Department of Diagnostic Sci-ence at the UT Dental Branch at Houston, has been named the school’s interim dean, effective May 23, 2009. Dr. Valenza will transition into this new leadership role after the UT Dental Branch’s commencement ceremony on May 22 when Dr. Catherine Flaitz steps down as dean to pursue her passion for academic oral pathology and pediatric dentistry.

Dr. Valenza is a 1981 graduate of the UT Dental Branch and completed a residency in general practice at the University of Ten-nessee Memorial Hospital. He joined the faculty at the UT Dental Branch in 1987 and has since held numerous leadership roles at the school. Dr. Valenza is a Fel-low in the Academy of General Dentistry, American College of Dentists and Interna-tional College of Dentists.

TAGD New Dentist Committee

TAGD would like to announce the newest task force helping with membership initia-

tives; the New Dentist Committee

Charge to NDC:

A COMPREHENSIVE STUDENT AND NEW DENTIST OUTREACH

PROGRAM

Roster of New Dentist Committee Dr. Jamie Bone, Membership Chair

Dr. Brooke Loftis Dr. Jackie Vo Dr. Aly Sergie Dr. Manual Gonzales Dr. Anna Windham Dr. Tifani Shuttlesworth Dr. Josh Austin Dr. Shane Ricci Kim Turnbow Anthony Maggio

In Memoriam • Elena Clark

Elena Beauchamp Clark, 89, passed away Thursday, April 9, 2009, at home with family.

Mrs. Clark was born Aug. 4, 1919, in Greenville to Lena and John Beauchamp. She graduated from East Texas State University. On June 7, 1941, she married Dr. Jack T. Clark.

Mrs. Clark was an active community vol-unteer and was past president of both the Texas State Dental Auxiliary and the Fort Worth Dental Auxiliary. Other activities included memberships in the Fort Worth District Dental Alliance, Fort Worth Woman’s Club, Fort Worth Chapter of DAR, Child Study Center Foundation, Fort Worth Alpha Delta Pi Alumnae Asso-ciation, Rejebian Club, Lone Star Officers Club, Fort Worth PEO, Ridglea Garden Club, and All Saints Episcopal Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dr. Jack T. Clark; and son, Jack T. Clark Jr.

Survivors: Daughter, Gale Clark Richard-son and husband, Tommy; daughter-in-law, Sandy Clark; granddaughters, Kristen Hunter and husband, Brandon, Kendall Goldstein and husband, Michael, and Kristina Robertson and husband, Josh; and great-grandchildren, Aidan Hunter, Avery Hunter and Taylor Goldstein.

The family respectfully suggests donations to the JTC Foundation, 409 W. Main St. Round Rock, TX 78664; Community Hospice, 6100 Western Place, Suite 500, Fort Worth, Texas 76107; or All Saints Episcopal Church, 5001 Crestline Road, Fort Worth, Texas 76107.

TAGD HEADLINES

SPRING 2009

Exquisite Complete and Implant Retained Over-Dentures Calibrated for the General Practitioner

Presented by Dr. Joseph MassadFriday, August 7, 2009

DCDS Building • Dallas, TX8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. • 8 hours lecture credit

This presentation will cover the most important aspects of complete removable dentures reloaded to include implant retained over-dentures and why unsuccessful cases are generally a result of an inadequate assessment thereby leading to a weak treatment plan. Helpful tips to eliminate this situation will be detailed. An assessment checklist designed to investigate and review those areas generally attributed to unsuccessful results will be highlighted. Making the most desirable impressions both internal and external will bring the audience up to current methods.

The number two problem plaguing removable prosthetics is an inaccurate repeatable bite. A precise bite registration will be described in detail, followed by post insertion equilibration accomplished simply and accurately in minutes utilizing the intro-oral establisher. Why some relines work and others may require so many adjustments that making a new denture is easier. See how the delivery appointment will eliminate postoperative problematic situations by utilizing the titration technique. To sum it all up come ready to learn and have fun.

Joseph Massad, DDS is an internationally renowned clinician in the field of prosthodontics. He has lectured literally around the world. Named one of the top clinicians in CE for 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005 by Dentistry Today, Massad regularly lectures at meetings of dental organizations such as the American Prosthodontic Society, the American Dental Association, the Canadian Dental Association, and the Federation Dentaire International.

A graduate of the Loyola University School of Dentistry, Massad has published scientific articles in publications such as the International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry, Compendium of Continuing Dental Education, Dentistry Today, Dental Economics, and The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry.

Dr. Massad currently holds faculty positions at the Pankey Institute in Florida, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School, and the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Massad is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists.

T Academy of General Dentistryexas Dallas MasterTrack

Provider # 219328FAGD/MAGD Credit

12/1/89-12/31/09

To register for this course call the TAGD office at 512-244-0577 or toll-free

877-464-8243 or visit www.tagd.org for a registration form.

Fees: *AGD Dentist ..........................$195Staff.............................................$95Non AGD Dentist or Staff ...$295*Members part of MasterTrack, need to register with a MasterTrack form(Breakfast and lunch included in fees)

This course is provided by TAGD’s MasterTrack Program. MasterTrack is a protocol type program set up in two-session segments for each track. We have two-session tracks in Austin, Houston and Dallas. Each session is 31/2 days beginning with protocol presentations on Thursday. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday begin new topics. Participants that complete four year tracks in Houston, Austin or Dallas will earn the minimum 400 participation hours needed for Mastership.

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What if your dental office was severely damaged or even lost due to a natural disaster? What would you do and how would you recover? Dr. Donnelly, a San Marcos dentist who had a fire at his office, recounts in his own words the days that followed.

The fire started one morning when my entire dental team and I were at the of-

fice and we had patients in the chair. It be-gan in the compressor room and the special investigator deducted that the fire was due to a short in a breaker box. I have a double fire wall in that room and it was determined that the fire had burned for 20 minutes be-fore coming out of the closet and sending flames upstairs.

The compressor did not stop running during the fire even though it was burn-ing so it continued to bring smoke into all the units in the treatment areas. The smoke was very acidic and things that we thought escaped damage started to deterio-rate.

Serve Pro came in the office starting the next morning with a full crew and started clean-ing it. The smoke damage was extensive and amazing, the smell was so strong the first week that being in there I could imagine

was like sitting in a barbecue pit!

During the initial clean up all of our mobile cabinets were emptied into boxes along with everything in our supply closets. Opened things had to be thrown out by the clini-cal staff but also inventoried for insurance to pay for the contents loss on supplies. That alone was a major task and almost overwhelming. Imagine everything in your office being pulled out and boxed up by non-dental people and then having to come back in and sort through and inventory every item before discarding and determin-ing what stays and what goes.

Luckily I was able to keep all our staff in place thanks to having insurance in place to cover our expenses in case of fire and other unforeseen and unfortunate events. Each staff member was paid their full salary during the two months we were closed. During that time a couple of other offices offered to let us use their facility for seeing emergency patients. We found that for the most part our patients were very understanding and waited for our re-open-ing.

I also have loss of income coverage which I highly recommend. It made a bad situa-

tion much more manageable. Our insur-ance company took my profit and loss statements for the last year and a half and figured my monthly income and compen-sated me that way.

Our insurance company overall was very helpful and we did not have too many dif-ficulties with them. I would advise everyone to check your policy for your building cov-erage and your contents and make sure you have enough. Look around at everything in your office and what would it be worth if you had a complete loss. Make sure you have replacement value on everything and overhead expense coverage as well as loss of income coverage. We were not sure what our coverage was because of course you never think you will need it!

Benco Dental handled all of our equipment needs. All x-ray units, panorex, computers, laser, air abrasion units, delivery systems, cavitrons, digital cameras, appliances, win-dow shades, disposable items, and many other items were replaced due to smoke damage and corrosion. The claim totaled over $500,000 for the damage by this fire.

Having Benco Dental on-hand minimized the time we were closed and it was extreme-ly helpful to have a full service dental supply company assisting us. I have never believed in spending time pouring over catalogs to save a few dollars, using a staff member that could be utilized elsewhere in the office for our patients. Benco Dental and our sales representative were awesome and due to our relationship with them they were will-ing to go the extra mile for all our needs and that helped tremendously. I could call on our sales representative and dental equip-ment techs at anytime and they were here for me.

Many people probably felt that I had a two month vacation, but believe me it was far from it. Of course, I was here to oversee ev-erything and in a rush to get back up and running as any dentist can understand. Thanks to a great staff and all the other people I mentioned, the fire is completely behind us, and though it definitely was a learning experience it is one I hope to never re-live.

UP IN SMOKE By Dr. James Donnelly

Dr. Donnelly’s compressor room where the fire started

10

SPRING 2009

LIFE LESSONS AFTER THE FIRESimilar to Dr. Donnelly, Austin dentist Dr. Michael Bell recently finished rebuilding his office after a fire in 2007 destroyed most of it. Once damages were totalled, Dr. Bell had to file a $1 million claim to his insurance company. here, Dr. Bell lends his advice to help anyone in the unfortunate situation similar to his:

1. Important to have the right insurance.

Know your policy - • It is vital to com-pletely know and understand your policy and what you are covered for. Most people won’t actually find this out until they have to file a claim so it’s very important to contact your agent and find this out beforehand.

Get all the “bells and whistles”• - Farmer’s insurance helped Dr. Bell tre-mendously because of all the add-ons he included on his policy. Through this, he was able to receive side benefits like money to recover his computers and even a deodorizing service for the patient records he was able to salvage.

Business continuation insurance •This is what helped keep Dr. Bell’s business up and running during his rebuild. Though he didn’t have his of-fice up and running he was able to recover lost profit through his insur-ance enabling him to retain all of his staff and paying them their full-time salary. This type of insurance looks at the average over the last few years of your production, for example, if your production drops 15 percent it’ll subsidize it back up to where it was. If you’re only doing half of what you were they’ll subsidize the other half and this includes looking at all ex-penses, including salaries.

2. Hire a Public Adjustor or Attorney immediately after the fire - After any disaster where there has been significant damage and insurance will be heavily in-volved, hire a public adjuster or an attor-ney to work with your insurance. Initially after Dr. Bell’s office fire he had many at-torneys contacting him that he dismissed

as ambulance chasers. In hindsight they could have been very helpful in negotiat-ing with his building insurance company over claims and bids for construction. A public adjuster would also be valuable if you declined to hire an attorney. The ad-juster is looked at as your insurance expert and they are licensed by the state of Texas so they don’t have any special arrange-ments or agreements with contractors. Public adjusters are also less expensive than an attorney.

3. Have a copy of your old building plans - this streamlined the rebuilding process and helped the contractors.

4. Check to make sure your building is up to code - Dr. Bell incurred additional construction costs because he had to bring his office up to current city codes and up

to standards with the American Disabili-ties Act. However, his building insurance did not cover this cost since their priority was to help bring the building back to it’s original condition prior to the fire. Be sure to check with your insurance if code com-pliance and updates are covered.

5. Get metal filing cabinets that turn around - Fortunately, Dr. Bell was able to save all of his patients’ paper charts and records that they stored in their metal fil-ing cabinets. Some of them were burnt and had quite a stench but were able to be deodorized. The cabinets proved effective, though if the fire had lasted a little longer the charts would have perished.

6. Have an off-site back-up - You should always have an off-site back-up to protect your files.

11


The Hottest Topics in Dentistry Today • A Team ApproachPresented by Dr. Louis Malcmacher8:00a.m.-4:00p.m.•7hourslecturecredit

The primary goal of this seminar is to teach dentists and staff how to easily integrate the hottest topics in dentistry into their practices such as less than an hour teeth whitening, no prep porcelain veneers, resin bonding, overhead control, treatment acceptance, and patient affordability. These practical concepts will enable you to offer new dental services, reduce your stress, significantly increase your production, substantially lower your overhead, and have fun doing dentistry.

Enteral Sedation Review & Medical EmergenciesPresented by Dr. Ernie Luce8:00a.m.-3:00p.m.•6hourslecturecreditThis course will review recognition and management of common medical and sedation related urgencies and emergencies in the dental office. There will be an emphasis on the critical role of the entire dental team, not just the doctor in these situations.

Unraveling the Mysteries of OrthodonticsPresented by Dr. Jon Romer8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.4 hours hand-on credit

Differential Diagnosis of Oral Cancer & Biopsy TechniquesSpeaker to be announced8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.4 hours hands-on credit

Practice ManagementPresented by Dr. Andy McKamieSponsored by Pinnacle Practices8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.4 hours lecture credit

September 11 & 12 Austin, TXAt the brand new AT&T Executive Education Conference CenterCome for the education Take home the memories

2009 Lone Star Dental Conference

Friday CoursesBoth courses are open to the entire dental team

Saturday Workshops

Thursday • September 10TAGD Component ReceptionAll LSDC attendees are invited to the TAGD Component Reception on Thursday night where we celebrate the achievements of our local state components as well as local leaders who have demonstrated their commitment to dental excellence through education. Attendance is complimentary, guests are welcome, just RSVP with the TAGD office.

Friday • September 112009 Texas Dentist of the Year Gala™TAGD invites all attendees and their guests to the 2009 Texas Dentist of the Year Gala™ to celebrate dentists throughout the state who exhibit a commitment to continuing dental education, service to the community and have an impact in the dental profession. This is a formal, black tie event. The gala will be themed this year; black and white attire is requested.

2009 LSDC Events

For more information on 2009 LSDC courses or events please visit our web site www.tagd.org or contact the TAGD office at 512-244-0577

SPRING 200913

1-866-300-9426 • www.unitedconcordia.com

Let us be your dental health partner . . .And help grow your practice to include patients from the largest dental customer in the world—the TRICARE Dental Plan—which has over 167,000 enrollees in Texas.* Plus, you’ll join over 66,500 dentists nationwide and over 4,000 dentists in Texas* who enjoy network benefits, including: •Competitiveandtimelycompensationandreimbursement •Claimssubmissionsthroughourfreeonlineprocessingsystem •Onlineaccesstopatients’benefitsandclaims

information through My Patients’ Benefits •Programupdatesandcorporateandindustry

news in the quarterly Connection newsletter

TXAGD-0608 • Texas dental products are offered by the following operating subsidaries of United Concordia Companies, Inc. —United Concordia Insurance Company for Fee-for-Service products and United Concordia Dental Plans of Texas, Inc. for DHMO products. *Based on United Concordia internal research & reports, 04/08.

May June ContinuedSaturday, May 16

Jack T. Clark FoundationDifferential Diagnosis

Richardson, TX6 hours CE credit

Contact Meg Hulse at 512-244-0577 or [email protected]

Friday, May 22Predictable & Profitable

Complete Dentures & Implant-Based Dentures

Presented by Dr. Steve Wagner & Dennis Purinton

Fort Worth, TX7 hours lecture credit

For questions call Dr. Helmer at 817-924-1111

Thursday – Sunday, June 4 – 7Austin MasterTrack

Periodontics & OperativePresented by Dr. Eric Rindler

Contact Jeannie Russell at 512-244-0577

or [email protected]

Saturday, June 6JTCF & Smiles on WheelsVolunteer Opportunity

Marlin, TXContact Meg Hulse at 512-244-0577 or [email protected]

Friday, June 12Fort Worth AGD

Restorative Disappointments & Their Impact on Dentists

& Their Loved OnesPresented by Dr. Bruce Small



Thursday – Sunday, August 6 – 9Dallas MasterTrack

Removable ProsthodonticsPresented by Dr. Joseph Massad

Special Patient CarePresented by Dr. Jackie Plemmons



Friday, August 7Texas AGD

Exquisite Complete and Implant Retained Over Dentures

Calibrated for the General Practitioner

Presented by Dr. Joseph MassadDallas, TX



Friday – SaturdaySeptember 11 - 12

2009 Lone Star Dental Conference

Featuring:The Hottest Topics in Dentistry

Today: A Team ApproachPresented by Dr. Louis Malcmacher

Enteral Sedation Review and Medical Emergencies

Presented by Dr. Ernie LuceAustin, Texas



Friday, September 18Fort Worth AGDThe Virtues of

Profitable DentistryPresented by Dr. Howard Farran



Thursday – Sunday, September 24 – 27

Houston MasterTrack The Magic of Pediatric Dentistry

w/ Dr. Ben TaylorOral surgerySpeaker TBA


or [email protected] August

September

TAGD CONTINUING EDUCATION SCHEDULE

Please visit the Texas AGD web site www.tagd.org for more information

about these events or updates on new

CE courses around the state.

August Continued September Continued


Texas Made. Innovative. Committed.

No matter where you practice in Texas, modern dentistry carries the risk of claims and lawsuits. How strong is your dental liability coverage?

Texas Medical Insurance Company is a new name to Texas dentists, but TMIC was established in 1995 as a wholly owned subsidiary of the leading medical liability carrier for Texas physicians. Headquartered in Austin, TMIC is an Exclusively Texas dental liability provider for Texas dentists offering:

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Secure your career now with strong protection from claims and lawsuits. Put our experience to work for you.

Please call 800-580-8658 or email [email protected] for a quote. We look

forward to working with you.

SPRING 2009

Ms. Shawna Adam, San AntonioDr. Saba Ahmed, houstonMs. Moyosola Ajaja, DallasDr. Jose Alamo, WacoMs. Giselle Alvarez, San AntonioDr. Michael Atkins, AzleMs. Lola Atobajern, DallasMs. Sherifat Audu, KatyMr. Sylvester Awago, DallasMr. Kaveh Azarnoush, San AntonioMr. Sam Baber, San AntonioMs. Luana Badea, San AntonioMr. Doug Baldwin, San AntonioMr. James Ball, San AntonioDr. Angela Barnes, The WoodlandsDr. Mac Bennett, MadisonvilleDr. David Bertino, WhitesboroMr. Brian Black, San AntonioDr. Danita Bolin, fort WorthMr. Jon Bonnet, DallasDr. Jackson Booth, AustinMs. Aparna Borole, San AntonioDr. Samantha Bousigues, San AntonioDr. Jose Brigman, helotesDr. William Brown, fort WorthMs. heather Brown, ArlingtonDr. James Bruce, DallasDr. Steven Bui, Texas CityDr. David Burden, Round RockMs. Brandi Burgan, DallasDr. Patrick Burchfield, College StationMs. Ellyssa Canales, LancasterDr. Michael Caparas, DallasMr. Alejandro Cavazos, San AntonioMr. Brett Chapman, San AntonioMs. Delia Chitimus, San AntonioMr. Steven Chumbley, houstonMr. Casey Clements, houstonMs. Lauren Clevenger, DallasDr. Kristine Cody, McAllenDr. Ronald Cook, Willow ParkMr. Justin Crockett, ConroeDr. Elyse Cronin, AustinDr. Ricky Cross, PlainviewDr. Sarra Cushe, San AngeloMs. Lilia Cyr, San AntonioMr. Stephen Dao, DallasMs. Diane Deng, San AntonioDr. Timothy DePalma, DallasMs. Sanaz Ekhlassi, houstonDr. Travis Epperson, LubbockMs. Clarissa Esparza, ArlingtonMr. Daron Evans, DallasMs. Kyla fant, San AntonioMs. Teri foreman, San AntonioMs. Jennifer fu, San AntonioMs. Lauren Gaines, DallasMr. Luis Galvan, San Antonio

Ms. Amber Garcia, houstonMs. Patricia Garcia-Estrada, San AntonioMs Rachael Garrett, houstonMr. Esteban Garza, DallasDr. Thomas Gerald, AmarilloMs. Elizabeth Gold, houstonMr. hector Gomez, houstonMs. Whitney Gomez, San AntonioMr. Iven Gonzalez, houstonMr. Will Goodwin, San AntonioDr. Jeffery Greene, TempleMr. Virgil Gutierrez, San AntonioMs. huma hamid, houstonMr. Andrew hanna, San AntonioDr. Mimi harmon, DallasMs. Tori harrison, San AntonioDr. Duc ho, KatyMs. hanh hoang, houstonDr. David hodges, DeKalbDr. Susan hollar, ArlingtonMr. Diego hurtado, DallasMs. Emilia Isaza, San AntonioMs. Lorraine Jacob, houstonMr. Taylor Jardine, San AntonioDr. Neerav Jayaswal, DentonMr. Tim Jessop, San AntonioMs. Anita Jhangiani, houstonMr. Arthur Johnson DallasMs. Danielle Jones, DallasMr. Chris Kahlden, DallasMr. Tony Kasallis, houstonDr. Kevin Kean, Corpus ChristiMs. Precious King, houstonDr. hristina Kiprovska-Gavrilova, AustinDr. Aric Klein, houstonDr. Amy Klein, houstonMs. Jaimie Kocian, San AntonioMr. Joseph Koyne, DallasMr. Chad Lagaly, houstonMr. Ricky Larson, LewisvilleMr. Daniel Lawrence, houstonMr. Andy Le, CarrolltonMs. Jenny Lee, houstonMs. Maria Linan, DallasMr. Chad Lindt, PearlandMs. Angela Lopez, San AntonioMs. Amanda Lopez, DallasMr. Scott Ludlow, McKinneyMr. Anthony Maggio, San AntonioMr. Mark Malley, Grand PrairieMs. Andrea Mambretti, San AntonioMs. helen Martinez, houstonMs. Vickie Martinez, houstonMs. Reena Mathew, San AntonioMr. Marshall May, San AntonioDr. Darlene McConathy, AngletonMr. Jonathan McEwan, Spring

Ms. Alexis McKendall, San AntonioDr. Judith Medina-Rivera, Cedar ParkMs. Christina Meiners, San AntonioMr. Andres Mendoza, San AntonioMs. Karina Mendoza, San AntonioDr. Rafael Mercado, San AntonioMs. Jessica Milburn, DallasDr. Adam Mileski, DallasMr. James Miller, houstonMs. Rebecca Montalvo, San AntonioMr. Aron Montgomery, San AntonioMr. Ryan Montgomery, San AntonioMr. Shamim Moslemi, houstonMs. Sara Mouzi, houstonMs. Monica Muller-Delgado, houstonMr. Justin Mund, houstonMr. Sergio Munoz, San AntonioMs. Marina Narowetz, RoanokeMr. Bernuy Neker, San AntonioMs. Audrey Nghrem, MansfieldMs. Phuong Ngo, houstonMr. Kevin Nguyen, TerrellDr. Nhung Nguyen, houstonMr. Kip Nielson, San AntonioMs. Elizabeth o’Donnell, San AntonioDr. Jill ombrello, LancasterMr. Thomas orme, San AntonioMs. Lisette ortega, DallasMr. Jason Packard, San AntonioDr. Lynette Page, DallasDr. Jennifer Parker, MansfieldMr. Bill Patel, San AntonioMs. Depal Patel, San AntonioMs. Jaanki Patel, SugarlandMr. Neel Patel, San AntonioMs. hailey Patton, San AntonioMs. holly Pavlick, houstonMr. Dwight Peccora, houstonMs. Thanh Pham, houstonMs Tonya Pickett, houstonMs. Katy Poramapornpilas, houstonMr. Adriel Ramirez, houstonMs. Monica Ramos, San AntonioMs. Krystal Reyes, DallasMs. Jihoon Rha, houstonMr. Jordan Risinger, houstonMs. Jennifer Rodrigues, DallasMr. Richard Rouse, houstonMr. Daniel San Martin, houstonMr. Kenneth Sandberg, MarvelDr. Valerie Santiago-Doyle, PearlandDr. Alison Scott, houstonMs. Leslie Scruggs, League CityMs. Kristen Seagren, San AntonioMs. Shivani Shah, San AntonioMr. Brandon Shamblin, San AntonioMs. Nandar Shar, PlanoMs. Kayla Sherrer, San Anotnio

Mr. Adam Shisler, houstonMs. Maheen Siddiqi, DallasMr. Jeremy Simpson, San AntonioMr. Sridhar Sista, Missouri CityMr. Jacob Smith, San AntonioDr. Ronald Smith, humbleDr. James Spiger, AustinMs. Livia Stancu, San AntonioMr. Garrett Stigall, DallasDr. Kara Sumbera, ConroeMs. Naven Taiym, San AntonioMr. Stephen Tapp, houstonMs. Connie Taylor, DallasMs. Rosemary Thomas, houstonDr. Sheela Thomas, RockwallDr. Derek Tillman, houstonDr. Susan Tran, IrvingMs. Tiffany Tredway-Ransom, houstonMs. Kim Turnbow, New BraunfelsMs. Poonam Vallabhbhai, houstonDavid Van Zandt, houstonMr. Andrew Verrett, San AntonioMr. Andres Villasenor, houstonDr. Glenn Vo, IrvingDr. Cameron Wallace, farmers BranchDr. Timothy Warren, fort WorthDr. William Whittle, fort WorthDr. Phillip Wilson, CrandallDr. Logan Wood, VictoriaMr. Aaron Wood, San AntonioMr. Martin Youngs, houstonMs. Estera Zanca, DallasMs. Yuliya Zebrowski, San AntonioMr. Joseph Zimmerman, San AntonioDr. Michael Zingalis, Belton

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

If you are interested in joining the Texas Academy of General

Dentistry, or know someone who is, please fill out the application

located on the back of the TexasGP and return it to the TAGD office or call Amy Knitt, Membership

Director, at 512-244-0577 or toll free 877-464-8243

15

Texas Academy of General Dentistry409 West Main StreetRound Rock, TX 78664

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

1. Choose your interests

Check any areas of interest that you would like to know more about

or participate in:

q Educational Programs q fellowship/Mastership Award

q Jack T. Clark foundation q Volunteer opportunities

q financial Planning Program q other:_____________________

2. Tell us about you

Name__________________________________________________

Address_________________________________________________

City, State, Zip___________________________________________

Phone______-_______-________ fax______-_______-________

E-mail_________________________________________________

Date of Birth ______/______/________ q Male q female

License #_____________________ Year of Graduation*__________

Dental School______________________________ New Dentist?**If you graduated less than five years ago your dues are less (see special rates on the right)

Type of Practice - Check all that applyq Solo q Associateship q Groupq federal Services (specify)______________________________q Specialist (specify)___________________________________

Sponsor Name (optional)___________________________________

3. Send in your application and duesToday’s Date______/______/__________q 2009 Academy Dues - State & National $494q Student Dues $16Or New Dentist Special Dues Rates - State & Nationalq 2005 Graduate $425q 2006 Graduate $324q 2007 Graduate $221q 2008 Graduate or Resident $127

Local Component Dues $_________Dues vary by component area, see chart below

Total Amount Due $_________q Check Enclosed (Payable to Texas AGD)q Discover q Master Card q VisaCard #____________________________Expiration Date__________Signature________________________________________________

q Brazos Valley $25 q Panhandle $0q Central Texas $35 q Rio Grande Valley $35q Dallas $45 q River District $15q East Texas $20 q San Antonio $35q El Paso $10 q South East Texas $10q fort Worth $40 q houston $50q heart of Texas $15 q2008 Grad $25q Lubbock $35 q2007 Grad $35 q2006 Grad $45

Texas AGD Membership Application

Mail or fax your completed form to: Texas Academy of General Dentistry • 409 West Main Street • Round Rock, TX 78664 • Fax 512-244-0476

Documents

Texas GP Spring 2009