MEMBERSHIP
Quarterly FALL 2012
VOL 10 / ISSUE 2
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2013 Gala & Foundation Support Peer to Peer Dr. Munk’s More Whining 2201 Sixth Ave. Suite 1210 Seattle, WA 98121-1831 206-448-6620 www.skcds.org
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2 l 2012 SKCDS FALL QUARTERLY
Seattle-King County Dental Society Membership Quarterly
STAFF Managing Editor: Ms. Sandra R. Anderson Contributors: Ms. Krystal A, Bishop Ms. Jennifer L. Freimund Dr. Gary E. Heyamoto Dr. Alan M. Munk
FALL 2012 Volume 10, Issue 2
CONTENTS
President’s Page with Dr. Princy S. Rekhi ........................................................... 4 Gala & Foundation Support ............................................................................. 5 Society News .............................................................................................. 5 Peer to Peer ..................................................................................................6 Give Kids A Smile ........................................................................................ 7 Publisher: Bill Newcomer, BNC Printing & Graphics, Vancouver, WA Erin Go Bragh! SKCDF Gala .......................................................................... 7 COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE New Dentist Programs .................................................................................. 8 Dr. Victor Barry, Chair Dr. Gary Heyamoto Meet Dr. Michelle Caldier ............................................................................. 9 Dr. William Hooe Welcome New Members ............................................................................11 Dr. Elizabeth Lyons Patient Complaints And The Peer Committee ................................................. 12 Dr. Dan Middaugh Sweedish Community Specialty Clinic .......................................................... 12 Dr. Gregory Ogata Dr. Jason Pehling Member Profile Wally Kegel ....................................................................... 14 Dr. Christopher Pickel Support Your Dental Foundation .................................................................. 15 Dr. Douglas Walsh Swedish Community Specialty Clinic ............................................................16 Dr. Leah Worstman What’s Happening .....................................................................................17 OFFICERS CDE 2012 Programs Dr. Princy S. Rekhi, President • Is The Tooth Fractured................................................................18 Dr. Patrick E. Taylor, President-elect • 10 Most Practical Changes I Made to My Dental Practice.................19 Dr. Cynthia R. Pauley, Past president Dr. Timothy A. Hess, Treasurer • Medical Dental Implants ........................................................... 20 Dr. Kimberly A. Winton, Secretary Dental Humor with Dr. Heyamoto ................................................................. 21 Ms. Jennifer L. Freimund Executive Director Exposures with Dr. Al Munk ........................................................................ 22 EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Dr. Bart Johnson, Executive Council 2013 THANK YOU TO OUR ADVERTISERS Dr. Edmond L. Truelove, Executive Council 2013 Dr. Amrit K. Burn, Executive Council 2014 Nakanishi....................................................................................................4 Dr. Audrey K. Tatt, Executive Council 2014 O’Brien Dental Labs, Inc. ................................................................................. 5 Dr. Michelle Caldier, Executive Council 2015 WSDA. ....................................................................................................... 5 Dr. James W. Reid, Executive Council 2015 Dr. Dennis Kuplan CPA ................................................................................. 7 Dr. Joseph A. Schneider, Executive Council 2015 Medical Dental Building .............................................................................. 8 Robert L. Horchover Sleep Apnea & Snoring ................................................. 9 Change of Address: To ensure continued receipt of issues, change of Dental Professionals .................................................................................... 10 address must be reported to: SKCDS Central Office, 2201 6th Ave., Suite 1210, Seattle, WA 98121, as soon as possible -NORDIC .................................................................................................. 10 (206) 448-6620. Email: skcds@skcds.com Dr. Joe Schneider, The Guest Dentist ............................................................... 10 Ann J. Durham Attorney at Law .................................................................... 11 The information in this publication is for the exclusive benefit of SeattleHome Owners Club ................................................................................... 11 King County Dental Society members. Neither the Society nor the Dental Employment Services ......................................................................... 12 publisher makes any express or implied warranties as to the information herein, including the contents of any advertising. Opinions in the Quarterly Sleep Apnea and Facial Pain Center ............................................................ 13 do not necessarily express the official policies of the Seattle-King County Max Technologies ....................................................................................... 15 Dental Society, nor the opinions of the editor, unless so stated. DP Incorporated ........................................................................................ 16 Pacific Continental Bank ..............................................................................17 For advertising and publishing details, contact: Mr. Bill Newcomer, BNC Printing & Graphics, (503) 318-5916, (360) 573-1201, Dental Group............................................................................................ 23 bill@bnc-printing.com; ww.bnc-printing.com Constantine Builders ................................................................................. 24 2012 SKCDS FALL QUARTERLY l 3
the resident’s essage
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Summer may be officially behind us, but the heat sure is on in the world of dentistry! The past few months have been a whirlwind of activity in the dental community, and many of us are still reeling from recent developments and programs. Despite how much is changing for our future, we’ve been able to remain appreciably cool, calm and collected while continuing to fight forward with the goals we have collectively set forth. It has been particularly inspiring for me to see the strong passion each and every one of you has displayed in regards to all we aim to accomplish before the end of the year. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we stand together not just as an organization but as a community of dentists with a common ambition. Though I may be the elected leader of this great group of dedicated individuals we call SKCDS, it is really you and your commitment that lead us through the next phase of challenges that may lie ahead. It’s nearly impossible to discuss the goings-on as of late without mentioning the topic that is at the forefront of our state-wide dental discussion: the mid-level provider issue. In September, the WSDA HOD passed HD-13-2012, which creates a supervised extender referred to by the resolution as an “advanced function dental auxiliary.” The concept was heavily debated in the House and though passed, there was significant apprehension as to what it spells out for our professional futures. Regardless of your opinion and regardless of the stance you support, I feel it is my job to encourage you to speak up and have your voice heard. Dentistry is not just our job, not just our career, but our true passion; at this crossroads, it demands that we be actively involved. We should not sit idly by while the profession that is such an intimate part of our lives is redefined. As such, I urge all of you to become involved in the conversation and to state your opinions while recognizing that this dialogue, precisely, is the crux of organized dentistry. 4 l 2012 SKCDS FALL QUARTERLY
The Heat is on! By Dr. Princy S. Rekhi
Despite the contentious nature of this recent policy, we have seen a huge amount of positive momentum drive us forward since the last update. Most notably, SKCDS was invited to attend the awards gala hosted by the Swedish Medical Center Foundation in honor of reaching $100 million in donations for the Campaign for Swedish. The night was a great reminder of why we continue to press on with our commitment not only to established patients in our own practices but to those who otherwise are unable to access much-needed dental care. We can say with great pride that our organization was beautifully honored with an award for donating time, money and effort into the development of the Swedish Center Dental Specialty Clinic. The impact of this Clinic was held in high regard and we were humbled by the tangible results our joint efforts have had on the dental health of the greater Seattle community. While we continue to strive towards impactful change in the surrounding society, we must also take time to focus on the needs of our own dental community here in Seattle. To this end, we’ve made it a point to forge stronger relationships with individuals whose roles and responsibilities allow them to be influential for the future generations of dentists in our state and country. It is with this objective in mind that I met recently with Dr. Joel Berg, the new Dean of the University of Washington’s School of Dentistry. Our conversation centered on the need to create a robust alliance between the Dental School and SKCDS to ensure that students being educated today are willing and eager to become active proponents in the world of organized dentistry tomorrow. Students of dentistry across the nation represent a wealth of untapped potential in regards to formidable change that we can bring about as a professional community. Dr. Berg and I agreed that the obvious manner in which to harness their energy is to ensure an amicable working relationship between our own organization
and the Dental School, an effort in which we have already made considerable headway. It seems that with all that we have accomplished during the summer, a common thread has run through our activities and actions: the concept of participation in the democratic process as it applies to dentistry. In this regard, I point out that our Dental Action Day is right around the corner, scheduled for the beginning of the new year, January 25. At a time when there is much change upon us as dentists, it is our duty and, more importantly, our civic obligation, to engage in the ideals of democratic representation. We must acknowledge and appreciate that, by contributing to the development of dental legislation, we are shaping the nature of our collective future. If that future lies in the hands of members like you, I stand well-assured that we have little about which to be concerned. In the time that I have been humbled to serve in this position, I have looked unabashedly to the membership for constant reminders of the strength and perseverance for which these times so desperately call. The spirit you each exhibit and the ardor with which you have remained steadfast on this precipice of change have illuminated for me, and for our dental community, the path which lies ahead. As we head deeper into autumn, I have faith that, though the colors of the leaves may change, one thing that will not change is the voracity with which we continue to create a lasting impact through dentistry.
Dr. Princy S. Rekhi
2013 Gala & Foundation Support Let’s be honest… we all love to support a good cause that we believe in but we REALLY love to have a great time! When we can do both, it’s even better. In a unique joint effort with the medical community, we are funding oral and medical health projects, further highlighting the importance of dentistry in the community.
The Community Specialty Clinic at Swedish Hospital Three (3) dental chairs are operational, adding dental care to the Clinic. The Clinic is currently providing three days—and ideally more soon— of treatment each week. If more volunteer general dentists and specialists participate, we can expand the care offered. Your investment will help supply and staff this critical dental safety net for our community.
your table, and we will make all the arrangements! Phone: 206.448.6620 or mail to 2201 Sixth Ave #1210, Seattle, WA 98121. If you cannot attend our Gala, we hope you will consider making a donation to the Foundation anyway so that we can continue our life-saving work.
The Northwest Kidney Center Project Kidney Dialysis patients must be infection free to receive a transplant. With over $150,000 Reservations for the 2013 in donated care to date, the Center has Seattle-King County Dental Foundation provided oral disease treatment for 52 patients “Casino Royale” Gala on dialysis clearing them to receive life-saving You and your guest can make reservations transplants. Your contribution allows this directly through the SKCDF Central Office. Our staff program to thrive. will take your payments over the phone, by mail, fax or email… and now online over our website – www.skcds.org--just click on Foundation Events. We accept Visa and MasterCard and checks as well. Simply let us know who will be joining you at
2012 SKCDS FALL QUARTERLY l 5
SOCIETY NEWS 2013-14 Elective Office Openings Announced In accordance with the Seattle-King County Dental Society Bylaws, the Nominations Committee will meet in early December 2012 to formulate a slate for the 2013-14 Society year. The following leadership positions are open: •
•
President-elect The president-elect will automatically become president in the year following the year in this position. The president-elect will be a member of the Budget and Finance and Program Committees as well as the Executive Council. Executive Council – Two (2) openings for three year terms. Executive Council members meet approximately 10 times a year and always in the evening with a meal provided. This is the governing body of the Dental Society, and it is an excellent way to participate in the organization.
•
Delegates to the WSDA—Up to seven (7)* openings for three year terms This position represents the Seattle-King County Dental Society at the governing body of the Washington State Dental Association’s House of Delegates. Delegates must attend at least one—and ideally two—evening caucuses before each meeting of the House of Delegates. The delegates must also plan to attend the Washington State Dental Association’s House of Delegates meeting (usually held from Thursday evening to Saturday noon in September).
*The number of Seattle-King County Dental Society Delegate seats for the WSDA House of Delegates is determined each year based on membership as of January 2013; therefore, we do not know at press time how many seats will be open. This change in how the seats are allocated was approved by the 2005 WSDA House of Delegates. If you are interested in learning more about the duties of these positions or wish to be considered for one of the offices, please call Jennifer Freimund at 206-448-6615. We encourage your consideration of these open positions. There is a lot going on at the Society and we welcome your participation. We also thank all of our current volunteer leadership who give so freely of their time and talents on behalf of the Seattle-King County Dental Society.
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6 l 2012 SKCDS FALL QUARTERLY
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Peer to Peer: Meeting Colleagues And Sharing Ideas. What Works For You? Dr. Karen Sakuma asks monthly questions of a panel of SKCDS dentists. These dentists represent various ages, genders, geographic locations and perspectives. This month Dr. Sakuma asks “Have you had opportunities to meet many of your colleagues? Where? Would you like other opportunities to meet informally and share ideas?” Dr. Barbara Billings, a Life Member of SKCDS suggests that the Ernest Jones Lecture is a great way to meet with classmates and share ideas. Dr. Mac Hayashi practices in Kent and went to school on the east coast. He says “I’ve had the opportunity of meeting colleagues at various CE courses around the area, as well as at the New Dentist Committee meetings. I always enjoy opportunities to meet with other colleagues, whether formally or informally,
as it’s a great way to share your successes/struggles with people who truly appreciate what you are going through”. Dr. Lance Timmerman, from Tukwila, agrees and says he would “Love to hang out and share war stories”. Dr. Beatrice Gandara, who teaches at the University Of Washington School Of Dentistry, stays actively involved with her students and peers by volunteering with various access to care programs. Check out the SKCDS website for links to different volunteering opportunities for dentists and staff. Dr. Helen Youm tells us “I have been fortunate to meet many colleagues through study clubs, dental society connections, and social functions, whom I greatly respect and appreciate. Their knowledge, talent, camaraderie, and spirit of service in our dental profession has made me a better Endodontist and practice owner. It would be great to hold informal happy hours (sponsored by SKDS after work, during the week day) to informally meet and continue to share ideas. “ Dr. Youm’s idea about “informal happy hours” is a good one and one that others have expressed interest in. To that end SKCDS will be loosely coordinating opportunities for SKCDS members to meet after work. Stay tuned for more information about these “flash mob” (no dancing required – please!) social hours coming this fall!
The CPA with ... The Dental Touch Are you looking for a CPA who gives you straight answers to your questions? Are you dissatisfied with generic, sugar-coated responses? (Remember, sugar is not only harmful to your teeth, it is harmful to your profits.) Are you looking for a CPA who actually has practiced dentistry? (15 years) Are you looking for a CPA who is a member of SKCDS, WSDA and ADA? If your answer is yes, then call:
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2012 SKCDS FALL QUARTERLY l 7
Announcing the New Dentist Program 2013 So, we know you can extract a tooth, but how are you with negotiating a business space lease? Or, securing practice financing? What about transitioning a practice from a retiring owner? These are the tough questions that were not really covered in dental school! From January until May, the Seattle-King County Dental Society (SKCDS) hosts the New Dentist Program featuring local experts speaking on topics in practice management. Join us for a series of informative and informal presentations! All programs are held at the Seattle-King County Dental Society office on Wednesday nights at 6:30. SKCDS is located downtown at 2201 Sixth Ave, Suite 1250, between Blanchard Street and Bell Street. This year we are happy to welcome six presenters. On January 23, Verlin Frickel, of AFTCO, is speaking on practice transitions. AFTCO is one of the foremost practice transition companies in the United States, and Mr. Frickel will address the things you should look for as you transition into ownership. In February, we will look at real estate basics with Scott Welton. Mr. Welton is a lease negotiation specialist, and will look at the various issues around securing an office space. March is our “practice pearls” program
featuring Drs. Mark Walker and Vic Barry. Both of these established dentists have practiced in Seattle since the mid-1970s. They will share a lot of wisdom about running their businesses, and how organized dentistry helped them along the way. On Saturday, April 6 we will host our 3rd Annual Boot Camp. This year we have a new day, new month and some new presenters! So, even if you have attended in the past, consider joining us for more information on getting started in your career. The all-day seminar is a great place to get an overview from local professionals who understand the dental industry. Finally, we conclude in May with Phil Hoover and Michael Dinsio of Bank of America talking about Practice Financing. Bank of America has a division devoted expressly to dental practices, so come and hear what they can offer as you look to invest in your first practice. This program will be held at the University of Washington in Room 316, South Campus Center Building at 6:30. Pizza and beverages are always available at every program and – best of all – the programs are free. As if all that was not enough, you can earn CDE credit as well! We look forward to seeing you at the New Dentist program this winter. For more information or to reserve a space, please contact Sandra Anderson, Director of Member Services, at sandra@skcds.com or 206-448-6620.
February Each February,
Give Kids A Smile
thousands of the nation’s dentists and their dental team members provide free oral health care services to children from low-income families across the country. Now’s your chance to get in on the action. Last year, the Seattle-King County Dental Society Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) campaign involved more members and reached more children by incorporating individual offices throughout King County. If you participated in GKAS in 2012, you were part of a national effort that resulted in the delivery of more than $22 million in dental education, screening, treatment and products to half a million children around the country by 45,000 volunteers. We would like to repeat our success and ask that you please join us in this year’s campaign. We’ll help you brainstorm: who and how to contact those in need. We’ll provide needed forms for dental offices (e.g. release forms, etc.). We’ll help develop tools to track the value of your time/treatment efforts. We’ll work with media to increase access to and visibility of your efforts. More help is available through the ADA website: www.ada.org
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8 l 2012 SKCDS FALL QUARTERLY
Meet Dr. Michelle Caldier
Dr. Michelle Caldier is a force of nature. She moves fast, she thinks fast and she has come up with creative solutions to big problems that no one else has thought of. In the end, she is making life better for a whole group of underserved people who really need her. She knew early on after graduating from dental school that she was not going to be happy working in just one place as a dentist. Due to a tendency to get bored quickly, she needed to find a place in dentistry that would allow her the variety and range of experiences she craved, while still keeping the challenge level high. She started a practice idea of her own invention. She saw that there was a big need for mobile dental care in nursing homes. The levels of medical attention and care the patients receive vary in these homes based on need. She currently contracts with 28 skilled and assisted living facilities, two Subacute Hospitals and one Acute Hospital, with locations extending from Pierce to Skagit County. She has transformed these facilities into dental homes for her patients by bringing the dental office to them. She travels with two assistants and sets up her operatory in a room in the nursing home. With a privacy screen, a conventional dental chair, mobile handheld x-ray unit (Nomad), digital radiography, and a dental unit with fiber optic electric handpieces, she brings the dental care to them. Communication is critical to success, so she provides her staff with I-phones and brings a laptop on-site to access the office computers remotely for digital chart notes. The most amazing thing about what she has done is that she has found a way to work with the staff and within the confines of the medical profession to ensure that her patients are free of decay and enjoy stable oral health.
SLEEP APNEA & SNORING ROBERT L HORCHOVER DDS PS Retired from General Practice, Sleep Apnea & Snoring is our only focus
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Prior to her contracting with the nursing homes, most of her current patients did not have comprehensive dental care and received emergency dental care through the Emergency Department of local hospitals. For example, one home did not have comprehensive care for their patients. Of the 16 patients available for their recare appointments, 12 had decayed teeth with a total of 86 cavities. In other words, decay was present in three-fourths of this population. After one year under Michelle’s care, the decay rate was zero. I have included, in her own words, her prescription for the continued stable oral health of the clients she treats. What is your action plan for treating this population? “I do an initial assessment on whether the care plan is appropriate and recommend modifying the care plan if it is not appropriate. Essentially, I treatment plan based on caries prevention and the ability of the caregivers to clean. I try to fill teeth with composite, amalgam or glass ionomer. I extract any teeth that are non-restorable. If they are not a candidate for extraction, I smooth the tooth to gumline and contour in a dome shape. If the person is at high risk for caries or periodontal disease, I write a prescription for chlorhexidine and instruct the nursing staff to dip toothbrush in mouth rinse and brush along gum line AM and PM.” In making homecare a prescription, it must be followed to the letter by the care giving staff. This is a change from just a recommendation which can be ignored. Making it a prescription ensures the care is delivered.
What if the hygiene still remains in the unacceptable range? If oral care is poor, I have the patient back in one month for an oral hygiene follow up and fluoride application. I also ask for the charting of the chlorhexidine prescription and the care plan for oral care to confirm that the medication was written and received and that the care plan was modified. If the hygiene has improved and documentation is sufficient, I put the patient on a three-month oral hygiene follow up. If the hygiene is poor, I ask to speak with the director of nursing and explain the situation and what their dental team can do to improve the quality of care to their residents. How do you accommodate for a change in the patient’s ability to care for themselves? “With this population, the staff changes and the patient’s abilities change; so, it is very important to see them on a frequent basis, even if it is to just confirm that their daily oral care is adequate and that they apply fluoride. Usually, my assistant spends time with them once every two-three months. I am able to catch a decline in care within a few months rather than waiting for all of the teeth to decay and getting a referral when the teeth fracture to the gum line.” Dr. Caldier is on the front lines of oral health care for our elderly and disabled population. She is doing her job to a level that deserves much praise. Hopefully, her model can roll forward to help patients across the country. Her awards include being a finalist for the ADA’s 2011 Preventative Practice of the Year competition and being selected as a Best Care Practice in the Geriatric Continuum. She will be speaking as a guest at their conference this month. She is currently a member of the SKCDS Executive Council, chair of the Access Committee and a strong supporter of the Event Planning Committee which supports the charitable arm of our organization, the Seattle-King County Dental Foundation. You can contact Michelle with any follow up questions or comments about this article at email: goldenagedentistry@gmx.com. You can contact me with any questions or comments about this article, or ideas for future articles at email: cindypauley@hotmail.com. 2012 SKCDS FALL QUARTERLY l 9
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10 l 2012 SKCDS FALL QUARTERLY
TELEPHONE 206-878-1237 21024 7th Place South Des Moines, WA 98198 Dr. Joe Schneider The Guest Dentist
Please welcome our new members! AUGUST 2012 Dr. Corina Lea Dr. Tyler Radkey Dr. Sarah Schlansker Dr. Dorie White Dr. Jessica Tsukamoto Dr. Lauren Vainio Dr. Yi Ming Yang
SEPTEMBER 2012 Dr. Sirisha Bhamidipaty Dr. Timothy Chang Dr. Richard Calvo Dr. Silas Dudley Dr. Autumn Griffin Dr. Peanut Hattaway Dr. Mina Katchooi Dr. Mohammad Mainayar Dr. Jennifer Nguyen Dr. Kerry Olszewski Dr. Matthew Paige Dr. Anthony Vuong Dr. Eric Weller
The Attorney Who Gives You The Power To Succeed Ann J. Durham ATTORNEY AT LAW
D U R H A M L A W O F F I C E S PLLC New Address Coming in November 2012 FREE PARKING
206.448.1211
adurham@durhamjeffers.com
www.durhamjeffers.com Practice Transitions
Employment Contracts
Business Formations & Dissolutions
Commercial Property Leases & Purchases
Estate Planning
Restrictive Covenants
OCTOBER 2012 Dr. Aravind Budula Dr. Christen Kartaltepe Dr. Regina Lam Dr. Theron Manson Dr. Kevin Lashinsky Dr. Jamie Marquez Dr. Young Park Dr. Clio Samia-Lindenauer Dr. Christopher Steen Dr. Meghan Tsakalos Dr. Toni Waldbaum Dr Brad Jonnes Dr. Tigran Khachatryan Dr. Shwey (Polly) Chin
Members of SKCDS are encouraged to invite non-member dentists who are practicing in King County to join the Dental Society. A quick call to the WSDA Office at 206-448-1914 is all that is needed for them to apply for membership at all three levels: Seattle-King County Dental Society, Washington State Dental Association and the American Dental Association.
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Patient Complaints And The Peer Review Committee
Here is an example of a patient grievance: The patient called SKCDS complaining of past treatment by their dentist. The dentist had placed a bone graft, implant and crown to restore a single tooth. A night guard was also fabricated. However, the patient had subsequent pain in that area and went to seek the opinion of another general dentist. According to the patient, this second dentist told her that the grafting was placed incorrectly and this contributed to her problem. Remember, according to the ADA Principle of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct, “Patients should be informed of their present oral health status without disparaging comment about prior services.” The mediation result in this case was very frustrating. The patient actually accepted the mediator’s offer of reimbursement for the cost of the grafting. However, the dentist refused any such settlement and decided to consult an attorney. We felt the cost and time involved for the dentist who did the treatment to use an attorney was not at all practical or realistic when he could have just reimbursed for the cost of the graft and been finished forever with the case. But you never know the whole story and this was one case where we were just left wondering what else we could have done after much time and effort on the mediator’s part. Almost all of our peer reviewed cases settle with no cost to either party. I would like to remind everyone to please treat patients and dentists as you yourself would want to be treated when a patient files a complaint against you. Have you ever had a patient complain against you or your office? If you answer “no” to this question, you might not have been in practice for very long. But, yes, it happens to all of us. And one thing is almost certain: any derogatory impression a new patient gives of their previous dentist will most likely be similar to how they describe you when and if they move on to another new dentist if they leave your practice. 12 l 2012 SKCDS FALL QUARTERLY
Here is another great revelation: Any comment patients place on the internet about you cannot ever be removed. So you may as well treat all patients very nicely, whether you terminate them, dislike them, whatever. The Peer Review Committee saves countless problems for many member dentists. Remember this and please pass it on to your non-member colleagues: Any complaint towards non-member dentists (who are not members of SKCDS) usually goes straight to the Dental Quality Assurance Commission (DQAC). This involves the use of attorneys and money--not a good combination for sleeping at night. Our Committee deals with many complaints brought against dentists and patients. Almost 100% of these complaints arise for one reason: A patient was told by another dentist that something was done incorrectly or that an incorrect diagnosis was made. This is sometimes true but often times not. And besides, it is irrelevant. What is more relevant is this: If dentists would just treat the problem without mentioning anything about past diagnosis or past treatment, we would be resolving many problems faster and our Committee would hardly be necessary. It would also vastly improve the relationships between dentists and patients and between dentists themselves. What is most important with all cases is that the patients’ dental problems be treated. Unfortunately, some dentists feel that it is more important to show that they can do better dentistry than the last dentist and that the patient receive “justice” for any harmful actions done, which, by the way, are never intentional. If anyone ever has trouble explaining to their patient why or how they should have anything
retreated, feel free to give me a call; and, I will gladly explain how you might handle this with the patient. I have done it many times without the patient even thinking anything was done wrongly by a previous dentist, and I know other dentists have done the same for me. How does our Committee work? Patient complaints are mediated every day by the SKCDS staff. More difficult cases are then handed to a member dentist on our Committee who usually is able to mediate the dispute over the phone. But if they are unable to resolve the case, it goes to final mediation by a group of 3 or 4 dentists who then examine the patient and interview the dentist. A binding arbitration agreement is signed by both parties if they want to use mediation at this level. After the patient examination and dentist interview, a final letter with any suggested compromise is mailed to both patient and dentist, elucidating a final decision by the panel of dentists. Sometimes this simply explains what was or wasn’t properly done. Sometimes it involves a reimbursement to the patient. Extreme cases of wrongdoing can be referred to the Dental Quality Assurance Commission. I would encourage all members to call me if ever you have a question on how to proceed with a complaint from yourself or from a patient. A referral to the Peer Review Committee is almost always preferable to starting with a complaint at the level of DQAC. And most of those on DQAC would agree. Kal Klass, Peer Review Committee Chairman Klassdds@gmail.com 206-324-3800
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Our Swedish Community Specialty Clinic (SCSC) And Northwest Kidney Center Wonderful Volunteers THANK YOU!
the Pacific Hospital Preservation and Anoosh Afifi, DDS Anderegg, Jr., DDS, MS Development Authority (PHPDA) to build three C.R. Punitpal S. Aulakh, DDS dental operatories in the Swedish Community Moffett Burgess, DDS Specialty Clinic (SCSC). Our dream was Theresa Cheng, DDS Richard A. Crinzi, DDS, MS simple: provide free complex oral extractions Clifford J. Eckman, DDS for patients that our dental safety net clinics Phil J. Etheredge, DDS Sarah D. Fraker, DDS could not treat. Staffed by volunteer Dental George J. Gosztola, DDS Society members, the SCSC is currently open Gary E. Heyamoto, DDS Isaacson, DDS three days a week. In its first nine months, the Susan Bart S. Johnson, DDS, MS Clinic has treated over 417 patients, extracted Patricia R Kelly, DMD 1,293 teeth and provided over $422,000 in Kalman Klass, DDS Andreea M. Larhs, DDS free care. Noah E. Letwin, DDS, MS, PhD
In 2009, we started a pilot project with the Northwest Kidney Center where we provided free dental care to dialysis patients. In order to receive life-saving kidney transplants, the patients must first be cleared of all infection including dental. Since many of these patients We could not have done this important work without the following wonderful volunteers! were unable to work and adult dental Medicaid has been virtually eliminated, getting clear of dental infection was a significant barrier. Since this program has started up, ten dialysis patients have received a kidney patient after being cleared of dental infection. In 2012, we partnered with the Swedish Medical Center, Project Access Northwest and
Patrick J. McCoy, DDS Shane T. Ness, DDS Nikole R. O’Bryan, DMD Cynthia R. Pauley, DDS Stephen A. Rodgers, DMD Thomas P. Sweeney, DDS Binh T. Tran, DDS Thomas Vo, DDS Tracy M. Wayman, DDS Amy M. Winston, DDS Grace Hsaio Wu, DMD, MPH
Ken Akimoto, DDS, MSD Franco Audia, DDS, MS Sang H. Bae, DDS Geoffrey Y. Chan, DDS Terry L. Chun, DDS Dominick J. Curalli, DDS Linda J. Edgar, DDS Gary R. Feldman, DDS, MD Dat-Phuc P. Giap, DMD Timothy A. Hess, DDS William E. Hooe, DDS, MS Kathleen Isdith, DDS, MS Robert E. Johnson, DDS Michael Kitsis, DMD Michael S. Korn, DDS Josephine K. Lee, DDS Jurga Martini, DMD Craig E. Neal, DDS, MD Lindsay P. Newberry, DDS Kinnari Patel, DDS Christopher Pickel, DDS Jung Song, DDS, MSD Patrick E. Taylor, DDS, MSD L. Douglas Trimble, DMD, MD Richard M. Voget, DDS Judson A. Werner, DDS Leah D. Worstman, DDS Teresa K. Yagi, DDS
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My name: Wally Kegel
MEMBER PROFILE
Childhood ambition: To be a Soccer (Football) star but realistically I always wanted to be a Dentist since I was 14 years old . Fondest memory: Meeting my wife on Clifton Beach in South Africa. What was your first LP or CD? (LP because as my assistant says that I am older than dirt) Beatles: Hard Day’s Night. Wildest dream: To travel around the world completing my “Bucket list ” of countries. to visit and to understand the cultures in all the countries that I will visit. Proudest moment: Completing my Dental and Periodontal training. Biggest challenge: Completing all the things that I want to do. “Time is speeding up”. First job: Security guard at a grocery store . This taught me to get an education and to become my own boss. Last purchase: Apple computer Favorite movie: Old “Shane” (1953) Current: “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” What is your idea of perfect happiness? Dinner or a trip (preferably an exotic distant country) with my entire family. Which historical figure do you most identify with? No one . I can’t remember that far back . Which living person do you most admire? Bernice, my wife especially as she has to put up with me as she keeps reminding me about how embarrassing I can be . What is your greatest extravagance? Travel at every opportunity, especially International What is your favorite journey? Many, but especially the ones that we have travelled as a family. What do you dislike most about your appearance? My expanding and aging body. Which talent would you most like to have? Be able to do great projects of glass blowing like Dale Chihuly, Martin Blank, Richard Royal and other super stars. If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be? I would not like to come back as anyone else other than myself. What is your most treasured possession? My first leather coat that I bought with money that I saved when I was 16 years old. I still have it. All my camera’s What do you most value in your friends? Honesty Who is your favorite hero of fiction? James Bond 007 Who are your heroes in real life? All my friends. Dr. Wally Kegel, Periodontics 14 l 2012 SKCDS FALL QUARTERLY
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Swedish Community Specialty Clinic The Swedish Community Specialty Clinic (SCSC) operates a dental extraction clinic in partnership with Swedish Medical Center, the Seattle-King County Dental Society and Foundation, Project Access Northwest and Pacific Hospital Preservation and Development Association. The SCSC provides oral surgery services including simple extractions, surgical extractions, impacted tooth removal, biopsy services and pre-prosthetic surgery to lowincome individuals who have no other access to care. To be seen at the SCSC, patients must meet strict financial criteria and are accepted into the program only after approval by Project Access Northwest and a referral from a local Community Health Center.
The priority of the SCSC is to keep patients out of the local Emergency Rooms by providing a much-needed oral surgery resource for the Community Health Centers. The goal is to take care of these patients before their needs become emergent. The cost of dental care in our local Emergency Rooms is approximately $1000 per visit and typically is only palliative. Patients often present to the ER with multiple areas of infection, any of which could lead to a life-threatening emergency and/or an expensive hospital stay. Our ability to provide this important care is based largely upon the willingness of dental professionals to volunteer their time. We are looking for volunteers who are comfortable with a wide array of dentoalveolar surgery. While not required, advanced training in an AEGD, GPR, Periodontal or Oral Surgery Residency is encouraged. The clinic is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, but the
Building Inspiring Dental Environments. On Budget. On Schedule. Dental clinic construction requires extreme attention to detail and a contractor with an eye for excellence. For over 20 years, DP Incorporated has worked with area dentists to achieve this while delivering first-rate clinics that are both welcoming and exciting to work in. Whether your project is new construction or clinic rejuvenation, we handle all the details so you can focus on the opportunities your new space will provide. From pre-lease budget pricing to the final punch list, we build value and trust every step of the way. Visit our website at www.dpinc.net to see some of our success stories and find out more about all that DP Incorporated can offer you.
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patient demand is so great that we plan to open additional days in the near future. A volunteer can specify time, date, and level of complexity of treatment he or she is comfortable providing. Full or half days are available. Volunteer participation fulfills up to seven annual hours of continuing education credit under WAC 246-817-440 – one credit for each hour volunteered. Like all hospitals, Swedish Medical Center requires all providers to undergo a credentialing process. This results in full medical staff privileges and an appointment in the Department of Surgery. Volunteers can also choose to have their assistants credentialed, although experienced assistants are provided at the SCSC. Swedish is waiving its credentialing fee for all dentist and assistant volunteers. For additional information or an application for privileges please contact Noah Letwin DDS, PhD, Dental director of the SCSC at (206) 860-6656 or email at noah.letwin@swedish.org.
WHAT’S HAPPENING:
Busy Summer and Fall at SKCDS! In July we had the great privilege of presenting PROVAIL and Medical Teams International with checks from the SKCD Foundation. We kicked off the fall with our first Membership Meeting on September 11. The topic was Mid-Level Providers and 50 people, were in attendance voicing strong opinions and sharing ideas. On September 26, we welcomed New Dentists on a Lake Washington Cruise which as co-sponsored by the WSDA and ADA. In October we hosted our first Young Dentist Social Hour at Amber downtown. We had 30 young dentists and everyone had a great time eating, drinking and getting acquainted. Stay tuned for more great events and activities coming up this winter!
L to R: Dr. Brittany Dean, Dr. David Dean and Dr. Danny Warner , WSDA President.
Dr. Mina Katchooi and her husband Dr. Mehdi Bardool
Membership Meeting at Medical-Dental Building on September 11
L to R: Dr. Brittany Dean, Dr. David Dean and Dr. Danny Warner , WSDA President.
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“The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent SKCDS”
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More Whining By Al Munk DDS I just turned 62. I hope I am not turning into Andy Rooney but it is possible. I am maybe a little less tolerant of all the irritating things in the world than I used to be—at least it seems that way sometimes. Or maybe there are just more irritating things happening in the world these days—in any case, I thought I’d write about them in case they irritate you as well and we can have one big pity party. We may as well start with my wife. We have been married almost 35 years so it’s hard to know where to begin when it comes to annoyances. I think she could write a book about me as well. It’s hard to categorize one’s own inequities but I’m sure most of what I do drives her crazy. But enough about me, let’s get back to her. It is baseball and golf season. There are a lot of baseball and golf events on TV this time of year. My wife’s timing is impeccable, in that she always comes into my man-cave with some inane pronouncement right at the most critical point of the match. It’s always two out in the bottom of the ninth and in she strolls with a soliloquy which cannot wait for five minutes to be presented. Just give me five minutes and the game will be over and I will give you my undivided attention. Instead, I either try to divide my attention (a fatal mistake), ignore her completely (worse than death) or miss the final out. There should be a law against this type of sports-viewing abuse. I’m going to check the ESPN website tonight to see if there has been a supreme court ruling in this regard. Speaking of TV, I just got one of those enormous new TV’s about the size of a wall, just in time to have political ads and conventions plastered across it 24/7. This is a waste of precious TV space and a waste of my time and yours. How about next time, we give the candidates two weeks to do everything—all the politicking, ads, smears etc. A lot of dirt can be flung in two weeks after all. Then we have the election and be done with it. Short and sweet and we get back to baseball and golf on TV as we should. Then there are the kids. My kids are grown up, supposedly. They are old enough, anyway, to assume those sorts of responsibilities. So how come they are not? At this point, I would not trust them to select my long-term-care
EXPOSURES
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facility or my next weedeater for that matter. There are several other problems with kids. One glaring problem is they give me too much information. “TMI” is the common acronym as it is used in cyber space. When I was their age, I would not under any circumstances tell my parents what was going on in my life, certainly what was going wrong in my life. I have plenty of problems of my own that cannot be solved without having to try and solve their unsolvable problems. Besides, about half of their problems can only be nudged with a check from dear old Dad. What retirement?? Of course, no good deed goes unpunished. My son left his car at my house for a week while he went on vacation. Like a good dad, I drove it to the oil-change place for service, only to get pulled over by the cops for the crime of expired license tabs. Thoughts of homicide. Finally, there is the mail. Most of what comes in the mail is worthless junk. One can almost sort it by weight—the heavier the piece is, the less valuable it is. I stack the throw-away dental journals on the floor next to my desk and when the pile starts to tip over like the Titanic, I carry the whole mess out to the recycle bin. But amid the detritus is the occasional piece of mail that must be read. I got one last week from our dear WDS. It was to inform me that once again, I may not raise my fees for the next year. This is not new news. We have gotten several of these notices informing us of either no more ups, or take those fees way down before. I shall go on public record here to WDS: no need to send me any more bad news. Got enough of that. Only good news in my mailbox from here on out. That’s all for now from Ballard.
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