MEMBERSHIP
Quarterly FALL 2013
VOL 12 / ISSUE 1
inside...
The Presidents Message Retirement and Dreams Dr. Munk’s “Dear Patient” 2201 Sixth Ave. Suite 1210 Seattle, WA 98121-1831 206-448-6620 www.skcds.org
2 l 2013 SKCDS FALL QUARTERLY
Seattle-King County Dental Society Membership Quarterly Managing Editor: Ms. Sandra R. Anderson Contributors: Ms. Krystal A. Bishop Ms. Jennifer L. Freimund Dr. Gary E. Heyamoto Dr. Alan M. Munk
FALL 2013 Volume 12, Issue 1
CONTENTS
President’s Message with Dr. Rick Taylor .......................................................... 4 Leadership in Motion ........................................................................................ 4 Retirement Dreams ........................................................................................ 5 Publisher: Bill Newcomer, BNC Printing & Graphics, Vancouver, WA Elected Offices: Nominations Open.................................................................... 6 COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE 2014 Give Kids A Smile................................................................................... 7 Dr. Shane Ness, Chair The Role of Washington Physicians Health Program........................................... 9 Dr. Daniel Geare New Dentist Programs .................................................................................. 10 Dr. Gary Heyamoto Welcome New Members ................................................................................ 11 Dr. William Hooe Tech Corner .................................................................................................. 14 Dr. Gregory Ogata Dr. Christopher Pickel Affordable Care Act ..................................................................................... 15 Dr. Oleg Shvartsur CDE 2013-2014 Programs Dr. Douglas Walsh • Implant Dentistry’s Learning Curve.................................................17 OFFICERS • Treatment Planning Guidelines for Esthetics, Tooth Wear and Occlusion..........18 Dr. Rick Taylor, President 2014 Dental Action Day .................................................................................19 Dr. Audrey K. Tatt, President-elect Exposures with Dr. Al Munk ............................................................................. 22 Dr. Princy Rekhi, Past president Dr. Timothy A. Hess, Treasurer Dr. Megan Mulligan, Secretary Ms. Jennifer L. Freimund, Executive Director EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Dr. Amrit K. Burn, Executive Council 2014 Dr. Noah Letwin, Executive Council 2014 Dr. Michelle Caldier, Executive Council 2015 Dr. James W. Reid, Executive Council 2015 Dr. Joseph A. Schneider, Executive Council 2015 Dr. Shane Ness, Executive Council 2016 Dr. Kim Winton, Executive Council 2016 Change of Address: To ensure continued receipt of issues, change of address must be reported to: SKCDS Central Office, 2201 6th Ave., Suite 1210, Seattle, WA 98121, as soon as possible -(206) 448-6620. Email: skcds@skcds.com The information in this publication is for the exclusive benefit of SeattleKing County Dental Society members. Neither the Society nor the publisher makes any express or implied warranties as to the information herein, including the contents of any advertising. Opinions in the Quarterly do not necessarily express the official policies of the Seattle-King County Dental Society, nor the opinions of the editor, unless so stated. For advertising and publishing details, contact: Mr. Bill Newcomer, BNC Printing & Graphics, (503) 318-5916, (360) 573-1201, bill@bnc-printing.com; ww.bnc-printing.com
THANK YOU TO OUR ADVERTISERS Max Technologies ........................................................................................... 2 O’Brien Dental Labs, Inc. ................................................................................. 5 WDIA ........................................................................................................ 6 Dr. Dennis Kuplan CPA ................................................................................. 7 Dental Employment Services .......................................................................... 8 Dental Professionals ....................................................................................... 9 Pacific Continental Bank ..............................................................................11 Nakanishi....................................................................................................12 NORDIC ........................................................................................................ 13 Sleep Apnea and Facial Pain Center ................................................................. 13 Home Owners Club .......................................................................................... 14 AFTCO ......................................................................................................... 15 DP Incorporated ........................................................................................ 16 Mobile I.V. Sedation....................................................................................... 19 Robert L. Horchover Sleep Apnea & Snoring ................................................. 20 Dental Group................................................................................................. 21 Shikosha Dental Lab.................................................................................... 23 Constantine Builders ................................................................................. 24 ON THE COVER Young Dentists gather for Happy Hour – September 17, 2013. L to R: Drs. Jamie Marquez, Stephen Park, Karen Lovato and Kevin Suzuki. Photo by Dr. Brad Weinstein. 2013 SKCDS FALL QUARTERLY l 3
The
President’s Message
Dr. Rick Taylor I begin this column with a big thank you to the 21 Seattle-King County Dental Society members who served as your representatives to the Washington State Dental Association’s House of Delegates. Although we met in a beautiful location in Chelan, your delegates worked hard on your behalf. I was proud to be the 22nd delegate and chair of the SKCDS delegation. The House, which meets once a year, directs the WSDA and its Board of Directors. We consider the upcoming 2013-14 budget for the Association, approve the audit, determine member dues and set the legislative agenda for the 2014 session. In addition to these ‘house-keeping’ items, the House considers other resolutions brought in front of it by WSDA members, the Board and/or component societies. I particularly wish to recognize the hard work of Drs. Vic Barry, Rick Crinzi, Cynthia Pauley and Judson Werner, all of whom introduced resolutions for the House to consider. It is also important to recognize the many Seattle-King members who ran for elective office. In alphabetical order, they were as follows: Drs. Michelle Caldier, Bryan Edgar, Linda Edgar, Gary Heyamoto, Greg Ogata, Cynthia Pauley, James Reid, Negar Sherkat, and Judson Werner. These candidates brought a lot of passion and commitment to organized dentistry, and, while not 4 l 2013 SKCDS FALL QUARTERLY
everyone could win, we should be grateful that so many of our members want to participate in governance. Finally, I would like to recognize our delegates who served on the various committees of the House. They are: Drs. Jeff Abolofia, Bryan Edgar, David Minahan, Greg Ogata, Audrey Tatt, Rod Wentworth and Amy Winston as well as dental student, Tyler Rumple. The House brings together 80 delegates from around the State to consider matters and resolutions. Among issues discussed included: extending a reduced faculty dues rate; re-classifying ethics and jurisprudence continuing dental education as clinical; supporting a dental home for all children and special needs adults, and a definition of dentistry in the RCW more aligned with the ADA’s recommended definition. There were also extensive discussions of DentPAC (our political action committee), WSDA rules and procedures, insurance companies and corporate practices. The House is not introducing nor supporting any mid-level provider legislation in the upcoming year. There was a great deal of thoughtful deliberation on these issues, and your delegates discussed these resolutions all day on Friday and all of Saturday morning. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their efforts. In addition to the House, your Dental Society has been busy on your behalf. We held a free risk management CDE in September that saw an attendance of over 120 members, and we encourage you to look over the upcoming CDE programs and join us this Fall. Personally, I am particularly interested in hearing from Dean Joel Berg on what the future dental practice will look like and how the Dental School is preparing students for that future (November 12th). We also have a task force that is working to involve more women in organized dentistry. If you are interested in getting involved in that, please contact Sandra Anderson in the Central Office. We are looking to update our Bylaws, and are hard at work on various other initiatives, including looking for a new and perhaps more permanent home office for the Society. In closing, I want to encourage those of you who would like to get involved to do so! Our Leadership Committee will be meeting later this Fall to put together the slate of officers and
delegates for 2014-2015. If you are interested, please let Dr. Steve Albright, chair of the Committee, or Jennifer Freimund, our executive director, know. Our Society is only as strong as our members are involved and committed. Please join us in furthering this wonderful profession of ours. PS I would welcome your thoughts, opinions or ideas. Please feel free to email me at ptendo9@aol.com or call my cell phone at 425.829.2586.
Leadership in Motion by Princy Rekhi, DDS
For many in our profession, dentistry as a career can be defined through the silhouette of our patients and practices–outlined by years of meticulous training, filled in with our accumulated skills, and colored in the shades of experience. Apart from the routine of attending to patients’ needs and completing required continuing education, then, how do we expand our realm of influence in the dental world? How do we give of ourselves in an effort to broaden our understanding of dentistry while simultaneously contributing our identity and perspective to a larger, shared stage? A NOVICE In my own experience, as I embarked on a journey towards a dental degree, it quickly became clear to me that involvement in all possible aspects of this profession would be the driving force behind my ambitions and achievements. Dentistry was a commitment that I chose to make fresh out of high school as I accepted an offer for an accelerated six-year program at the University of Missouri Kansas City (UMKC), a decision that would essentially place me in the palms of dental school at the ripe age of 17. While the curriculum was initially limited in its focus on dentistry, understandably starting with the basics before increasing its exposure to center around the dental education, the challenge was grand and certainly one that I appreciated. Armed with the vibrant energy of young student, I found myself overwhelmingly enthusiastic about the prospect of leadership and quickly came to value what a central role it would play in my education. continued on page 7
RETIREMENT DREAMS Retirement dreams and wishes are as varied as the people who imagine them. We all have days when we would love to head out of the rain and find greener, sunnier pastures. For others the prospect of not working can be very daunting. For those in the dental profession, retirement is a great time to stay connected with organized dentistry. You may not want to go into the office every day, but you might want to keep your skills sharp with teaching, working part-time in a clinic, volunteering or mentoring a young practitioner. Alternately, you maybe be ready to stay connected with dentistry from an administrative standpoint. The tripartite has a need for committee members with the wisdom and leadership of many years in the field. Whether it is the local, state or national level, organized dentistry needs to hear from those members who have experience and perspective. Here are some tips and hints for how you can continue to be involved
even if you are no longer in active practice: The ADA has several designations for those who are in the sunset of their career. You may have heard the term Life Member: as the old slogan goes, “membership has its rewards!” If you have been a member of organized dentistry for 30 consecutive years (or 40 years nonconsecutively) and are age 65 or older, you qualify for Life Membership status. SKCDS honors our Life Members annually at the last Membership Meeting in the spring.
by 100%. Unfortunately, many members do not realize this is the case. Active Life Status: If you are retiring from full-time practice but still want to work a few hours a week, a month or a year, you are Active Life status. This designation is determined by the fact that you receive pay for dentistry. Therefore, you can provide volunteer care and be considered retired member. However, if you are working - even only one day a year – you are considered Active Life. This means that your dues are reduced by 25% for all three levels of the tripartite – national, state and local.
Active Life Waiver: If a Life Member is earning less than 50% of your income through the practice of dentistry, you can qualify for the Active Life Waiver. This eliminates the state and local dues leaving only the reduced amount Retired Life Member: This designation means required by the ADA. Essentially, the Life Member’s that, as a Life Member, once you are retired from dues are reduced by about 46%. This is the perfect dentistry you will be a member for life and will no option for the dentist who is almost retired but continued on page 8 longer pay annual dues. Your dues are reduced 2013 SKCDS FALL QUARTERLY l 5
SOCIETY NEWS 2014-15 Elective Office Openings Announced In accordance with the Seattle-King County Dental Society Bylaws, the Leadership Committee will meet in early December 2013 to formulate a slate for the 2014-15 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 and the Foundation Board. 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 eight (8)* 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 2014; 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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My time at the Dental School revolved heavily around student government at the main campus as I continued to explore how I could offer my own ideas while soliciting thoughts of others around me. After being elected editor of the residence hall newsletter, I found within me a desire to do more. As the Student Government Association elections came around the corner, I turned down my apprehensions and turned up my motivation with a decision to run for an elected position and was rewarded with the title of executive vice president for the student body at UMKC. There after, my eyes were opened to leadership and, more importantly, to the vitality of organization. Now, years later, this has translated into my passion for organized dentistry. As a first-year dental student, there were no second thoughts about joining the American Student Dental Association as general member, and I found myself continually fascinated by the details.
Leadership in Motion
Dr. Princy S. Rekhi
2014 Give Kids A Smile
The Seattle-King County Dental Society is teaming up with the Washington Oral Health Foundation (WOHF) for February’s Children’s Oral Health Month. If you want to get involved, contact Krystal Bishop at krystal@skcds.com and stay tuned for more!
This abstract for an article written by Dr. Princy Rekhi, DDS is being reprinted from The Journal of the American College of Dentists. Dr. Princy Rekhi, a past - president of SKCDS, practices in the greater Seattle area. Dr. Rekhi’s full article is available on the SKCDS website at www.skcds.org in the ‘For our Community’ section under Dental Health Questions.
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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REFERENCES UPON REQUEST 2013 SKCDS FALL QUARTERLY l 7
As retired members, you will continue to receive still wants to work one or two days a week. This these benefits along with much more. paperwork can be requested from the WSDA. Dr. Patrick McKenzie, who has been a member Retired Member: For those who are not Life of organized dentistry for over 43 years, retired in Members but still ready to retire, this is your 2007. Since retiring, he has been involved with category. Your dues are reduced by 75%. This both international missions and teaching at the UW designation is also determined by whether or not SOD. As a University of Washington SOD alumnus, you are receiving a fee for dentistry. If you are Dr. McKenzie feels a great deal of appreciation for working – even just one day a year, you cannot be his alma mater. “I am deeply grateful to the UW considered retired. because I wouldn’t have had this satisfying career without the University.” He goes on to add that What You Need to Do: Frequently, members he enjoys working with the young students who are not aware that they will benefit from declaring are so enthusiastic. Teaching and mentoring in the their retired status. This is unfortunate because Department of Oral Medicine one day a week retirement is a great time to stay involved. The gives him the chance to stay connected to ADA created the Retirement Waiver form for this his profession and keep his skills strong. He purpose. However, we find that members are not says “I’m challenged to remember a certain aware of this and continue to pay full dues or drop medication or procedure.” This not only helps the their membership all together. You can request a dentist stay connected, but it also assists the school Retirement Waiver from SKCDS or find it on our in keeping up its vital role of teaching new website. Fill out the form and return it to SKCDS dentists and thus maintaining the high standard for processing. It’s that easy. of dental care in our state. Opportunities for working in the UW SOD can be as little as half a What You Can Do: The SKCDS website day and parking is free. SKCDS is happy to direct (www.skcds.org) is a good resource for members to the best contact person. staying informed about volunteer opportunities. Maybe you plan to move out of state part of the As a volunteer it is important to make sure you year; volunteering occasionally with the Medical are covered by malpractice insurance as well as Teams International dental van might be perfect for making sure your license renewals are up-to-date. you. Maybe you are looking for a chance to keep The Washington State Department of Health your skills sharp close to home; consider volunteering (DOH) will pay the license renewal fees for one or two days a week with the Swedish Clinic. licensed health care providers (including dentists You could connect with students at the UW and hygienists) who only wish to use their School of Dentistry or any one of several Dental Washington State professional license for Hygiene and Dental Assisting programs in the volunteer work. However, the dental professional area by teaching and mentoring. You can also cannot be paid for dental work in any venue and share your experience with a young student through the WSDA Mentor program. Volunteers are matched with students to provide support and consultation throughout the school year. Do you have a knack for mediation? The Peer Review Committee needs members for dispute resolution several times a year. continued from page 5
For those who prefer to play outdoors or travel, stay connected to the local dental community through our publications and email newsletters. 8 l 2013 SKCDS FALL QUARTERLY
must be currently licensed when they apply for this program. This program is managed through the Western Washington Area Health Education Center. The Western Washington Area Health Education Center can also extend malpractice insurance to volunteers through its “Volunteer/ Retired Providers Program” however; the volunteer cannot be retired to take part in this. The processing for both free licensing renewal and malpractice insurance takes about two to three weeks. To apply for the free licensing fee, the dentist must be within three months of a License renewal. For more information contact the Western Washington Area Health Education Center (WWAHEC) at www.wwahec.org or ask for Jana Lindner at 206.441.7137. If retirement is approaching and you are starting to give some thought to “what now?”, SKCDS will be offering some social and educational opportunities to consider. On October 25th, we hosted a half-day symposium on Practice Transitions. Members listened to five top local consultants share ideas for selling their practice. On May 29, 2014, we will be hosting a gathering of senior practitioners and young dentists for a chance to meet and mingle. Looking for the perfect buyer? This could be the time! For more information please contact Sandra Anderson, director of membership services, at 206.448.6620 or sandra@skcds.com. If you are interested in more information on volunteer opportunities, please contact SKCDS at 206.448.6620 and we can direct you to the appropriate contact person.
♦
The Role of Washington Physicians Health Program in Protecting Our State’s Dentists By Charles Meredith, MD, Medical Director and Amanda Shaw, MPH, Research and Communications Coordinator
The practice of clinical dentistry is physically, mentally and emotionally demanding. In 2005, the American Dental Association formally adopted a policy statement on dentist health and wellbeing. The policy resolves that dentists are “encouraged to maintain their health and wellness, construed broadly as preventing or treating acute or chronic diseases, including mental illness, addictive disorders, disabilities and occupational stress.” Initially founded by the Washington State Medical Association in 1986, the Washington Physicians Health Program (WPHP) was established to provide a formal and organized mechanism to intervene on and assist healthcare providers thought to be impaired by medical illnesses such as those specified in the ADA policy statement. In 2001, WPHP began providing similar services for dentists and since that time, the organization has informally assessed 150 dentists in the State of Washington for a wide range of concerns. WPHP is a private, nonprofit organization that helps identify, monitor the recovery, and endorse the safety of healthcare providers who have a condition, physical or mental, that affects their ability to practice their profession with reasonable safety to patients. Examples of these conditions are substance abuse or dependence, major depressive disorder, bipolar mood disorder, cognitive disorders, personality disorders, and physical disorders, such as multiple sclerosis and chronic pain. WPHP believes that early intervention and evaluation offer the best opportunity for a successful outcome and help to protect a dentist’s career and the safety of their patients. Dentists found to be potentially impaired by such a health condition are referred to expert treatment in the community, under the supervision of WPHP’s monitoring staff. The overriding goal is to prevent or minimize any disruption to the dental provider’s career. WPHP offers a variety of programs tailored to the unique needs of each client. By contract with the Washington State Department of Health, WPHP is the qualified provider of these services to physicians (MD and DO), physician assistants, dentists, veterinarians, and podiatrists. WPHP takes referrals from any individual who has a concern that a dentist may be impaired by a new or long-standing medical condition. Signs of substance abuse, significant emotional lability, significant depression, or overwhelming anxiety can be warning signs of a disease process that may disrupt the provider’s career and threaten patient care. WPHP is also able to provide assistance with issues related to disruptive behavior in the workplace and is available to consult on such cases and provide guidance to dental office staff leadership. Often, instances of disruptive behavior are the product of an underlying psychiatric condition.
WPHP provides its services as a therapeutic alternative to discipline and confidentiality is one of the program’s most critical components. WPHP is a confidential resource for dentists and their spouses, domestic partners, families, and colleagues who have concerns that a dentist might be impaired (RCW 18.130.070 and 175). Due to these legislative protections, roughly 90 percent of current WPHP clients are participating in the program confidentially, without the knowledge of their licensing boards. Of the 10 percent whose participation is known to their licensing boards, most are individuals who were identified to their board or commission by concerned patient before a colleague referred them to WPHP. Additionally, In the State of Washington, any individual holding a license through the Department of Health is legally obligated to inform either the Dental Quality Assurance Commission or WPHP of any dentist who “may not be able to practice his or her profession with reasonable skill and safety due to a mental or physical condition” (WAC 246.16.235). The efforts of WPHP protect the people of Washington through innovations in early identification of potentially impairing conditions. WPHP staff members are available to take confidential referrals and discreetly provide guidance. In addition, WPHP offers a variety of educational presentations and Continuing Education courses so that members of the medical and dental community are better able to identify colleagues who may benefit from WPHP services or require referral to the program. For more information or to make a confidential referral, please visit www.wphp.org or call WPHP at (800) 552.7236.
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phone: 206-767-4851 • fax: 206-764-0928 email: dp@dentalp.com • www.dentalp.com
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DENTIST PROGRAM
2014
SPOTLIGHT ON PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
January 22nd Marketing & Branding Cory Roleto of WEO Media Time: 6:30 PM Location: SKCDS Sponsored by: Patterson Dental February 26th Accounting Basics Maggie Boyle of the Dental Group Time: 6:30 PM Location: SKCDS Sponsored by: WEO Media March 19th Staff Management Dr. Rhonda Savage of Miles Global Consulting Time: 6:30 PM Location: SKCDS
Contact Sandra Anderson, director of membership services, for reservations: 206.448.6620 or sandra@skcds.com 10 l 2013 SKCDS FALL QUARTERLY
April 12th Boot Camp 2014 Robert Brown • Max Technologies George Constantine • CBI Scott Henderson • Keller Rohrbock Ian McNickle • WEO Media Lori Saleba • Office Wraps Jim Conner • Burkhart Dental Supply Paul Schaber • The Management Trust Time: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Location: TBA May 14th Associateships Verlin Frickel of AFTCO Time: 6:30 PM Location: UW Campus, Room 316 South Campus Building Sponsored by: UW SOD Alumni May 29th Coming and Going: Meet and Mingle with Senior Dentists Time: 6:30 PM Location: Hotel Deca Sponsored by: Bank of America Practice Solutions
Please welcome our new members! AUGUST 2013
Dr. Cynthia Alegre Dr. Jason Brester Dr. Constance Brester Dr. Reen Chung Dr. Ajay Dhankhar Dr. Devin Dickinson Dr. Shannon Farazi Dr. Brolen Freimanis Dr. Saudamini Gadgil Dr. Jim Graves Dr. Amanda Guerrero Dr. Katie Jagow Dr. Charles Kim Dr. Hilary Linton
Dr. Pamela Lloren Dr. David Moore Dr. Nicole Murray Dr. Stephen Park Dr. Atriya Salamati Dr. Jayna Sekijima Dr. Asha Sethu Madhavan Dr. Rebecca Slayton Dr. Azmer Solomon Dr. Michael Stevens Dr. Andy Trinh Dr. Cindy Tseng Dr. Josh Walker SEPTEMBER Dr. Jessica Ahn Dr. Duane Bennett II
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Dr. Jamie Clark Dr. Saraswathi Hanumanthegowda Dr. Joseph Haynes Dr. Christopher Kinslow Dr. Annie Kwan Dr. William McGlashan Dr. Kyle Sorensen Dr. Stuart Taylor Dr. Jennifer Ward OCTOBER Dr. Martin Fernunson Dr. Margaret Johnston Dr. Jordan Juarez Dr. Diana Wu 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.
2013 SKCDS FALL QUARTERLY l 11
1/10/13 7:19 PM
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How much is good customer service worth? You may never really know how good your liability insurance company is until a claim is filed against you. At NORDIC, we’re invested in you and the business of insuring you and your practice. When you call with a question, you’ll speak directly with the person handling that aspect of your policy, not a random operator. In fact, you’ll always speak with a live person unless you call after hours. We think that’s important. Those big companies? Not so much. NORDIC prides itself in excellent customer service before, during, and after a claim is filed against our customers.
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Step 3: Identify staff and budget resources upfront ADA Resources Choosing someone to plan and post consistently, • ADA’s Find-A-Dentist: www.MouthHealthy.org monitor online/social profile activity and respond Free, members-only directory allowing member Social Media Resources from the ADA to comments is important. If you have a staff dentists to manage their practice information member in mind, excellent! There are also other on the ADA’s directory free of charge. You can Social media – or web-based/mobile technologies options, such as professional services that can help also connect patients directly to your practice that enable two-way communication between you manage your profiles and online reputation. website from this feature, as well as your Facebook, users – is another way to help you reach current Each option has its costs, both in time and LinkedIn and Twitter. (and potential!) patients. Here are five simple budgets, but your return on investment (or ROI) • Sharecare: www.Sharecare.com Apply at www.ada.org/sharecare to become steps from the ADA for building a strategic social has the potential to be huge. a Sharecare contributor and answer dental media plan: questions from the public. This provides an easy and Step 4: Develop a content calendar Step 1: Set actionable business-related Once you know what you want to say, how you great opportunity for your to expands you brand by presenting your expertise to consumer audiences goals for your social media outreach want to say it, and who you want to say it for on a nationally-recognized, online community. You By asking yourself what outcome you would like you, it’s time to develop a scheduled content plan. can also integrate your answers into your Twitter to see, you’re better able to use the platform and Consider integrating your social media calendar into feed or Facebook posts! see its value to your practice. Asking the following a document that charts all of your communication, • ADA Logos: www.ada.org/memberlogo or questions will help you narrow your focus: so you can best gauge how your message(s) www.ada.org/membercenter • Who is your target audience? (Ages, geographic are reaching and impacting your audience. • ADA YouTube Videos: www.youtube.com/user/ area, income, etc.) Remember to be authentic, use pictures and videos AmericanDentalAssoc • Do you have a specialty that may cater to a whenever possible (they rank the highest on search The ADA has several YouTube channels for use particular audience? engines!), keep it short and team up – linking by ADA members and other dental professionals. • Why should someone choose your office over to non-profits you support or businesses you love There are videos in both English and Spanish, another? Be specific! to use promotes a sense of community… that’s spanning from public service announcements • To reach your goals, what are the key things you what social media is all about. (PSAs) to dental product reviews. Use these on should be saying? your website, or share from any social media • What are your other marketing efforts like? Are Step 5: Chart your progress platform! they tied to your brand? Using programs such as • Does your dental team already use social media HootSuite, Google Analytics personally? Who should manage your interactions, and Bitly are all ways to and how often do you want them to do so? track, online, how your posts and content are doing. Step 2: Select the social media tools that Are you engaging your Find contractors you can trust best help you achieve your goals audience? Have you Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, changed someone’s mind ince 1959, Seattle-area homeowners LinkedIn, blogs… the options seem endless. Each about a procedure, your have turned to the Home Owners Club for platform is slightly different, so make sure you practice, organized dentistry, help finding pre-screened contractors who will perform fine work at fair rates. choose the one(s) that best align with your goals etc? Are you seeing more from Step 1. Consider: patient interaction? How Unlike other referral services, the contractors • The type of content you want to communicate about more bookings, fewer the Club dispatches don't pay for listings or referrals. These are independent businesses (blog, pictures, facts) vs. the tone already in place missed appointments or that have proven time and again they can on that platform. For instance, Pinterest is great for greater staff excitement? provide the service and workmanship Club posting pictures with “how-to” instructions. Whatever is important to members demand. Guaranteed! • Who you want to reach; your practice to track, there Join the Club today for just $48 per year. • How frequently you or your office can/will are tools out there to help update; and, you track it. • How important it is to you that you monitor and For more information: respond. 206.622.3500
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Affordable Care Act and Oral Health: October 1st ushered in the beginning of health care reform known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA). As your Dental Society, we offer some options that can help you in your role as a dentist in understanding the ACA. Everyone will have some questions whether it is for themselves, their family, their employees, their patients or their business. A great place to start educating yourself is through the WSDA’s pullout booklet on the ACA, which they published in their October news magazine. It is also available through the WSDA’s The Source, their website of helpful practice information. This is a great resource for all our members. After reading that, you also have several options to talk with experts on this matter. They are as follows: • Mr. Paul Schaber of The Management Trust can provide consultations to members. Mr. Schaber has a long-standing relationship with SKCDS providing free consultations to member dentists about various human resource issues. His areas of expertise include such things as employee background checks, questions regarding termination, employee management and
benefits issues. Now he is willing to assist with ACA questions as they relate to your role as an employer and business owner. Mr. Schaber can be contacted by first contacting SKCDS. • We also want to refer our members to the Washington Dentists’ Insurance Agency (WDIA) as they are a great resource on how the ACA can affect your business and your patients. The WDIA staff is well informed and ready to answer your questions about what you need to do to fulfill your obligations as business owners as well as health care providers. Change is challenging, but we stand ready to support you in this historic process. Below, we have included some information reprinted from the ADA News (Volume 44, Number 14) that might be helpful. What are some of the key provisions of the ACA?
“Of course, the primary focus of policymakers was on the medical/hospital delivery system but a number of provisions will directly impact dentistry and it is very likely that changes in the larger delivery and payment systems will have ripple effects on dentistry in the future,” ADA president Dr. Robert A. Faiella said in a statement introducing
this series. For example, many of the systemic changes, such as paying for outcomes and not procedures and adopting health information technology (such as electronic health records), are directed at medicine but may affect dentistry at some point. A primary goal of the ACA is to increase health insurance coverage by expanding Medicaid and establishing health benefit exchanges, which are intended to facilitate the purchase of private sector coverage by small businesses and individuals who lack coverage. An estimated 3 million children will gain private sector dental benefits through the health insurance exchanges by 2018. The ACA provides for expanding Medicaid to “newly eligible” adults with incomes up to 133 percent (138 percent, net of income disregards) of the federal poverty level: $15,282 for an individual, $31,322 for a family of four. The federal government is obligated to pick up 100 percent of the cost of covering this additional population initially and 90 percent long term.
continued on page 16
Kianoosh Behshid, D.M.D. has acquired the practice of Heideh E. Eftehari, D.D.S. - Bellevue, Washington Michael A. Giardino, D.D.S. has acquired the practice of
Call 1-800-232-3826 or visit us online at www.AFTCO.net for a free practice appraisal, a $2,500 value!
Daniel R. Carey, D.D.S. - Seattle, Washington AFTCO is pleased to have represented all parties in these transitions.
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continued from page 15
The expansion of Medicaid coverage will vary significantly depending on how states respond to the Supreme Court ruling that the federal government cannot withhold all federal Medicaid funds from states that refuse to expand their programs. There is no requirement to provide dental services to newly eligible adults but states have the option to add those services at their discretion. If all the states expand their Medicaid programs along lines called for by the ACA, up to 3.2 million more children and 4.5 million adults could have access to extensive dental benefits, according to an Association-contracted study. At publication, 23 states and the District of Columbia have indicated they will participate in the expansion with several others leaning toward participation or looking for alternative ways of participating. ACA provisions that authorize increased funding for public health infrastructure and prevention programs are consistent with Association policy. But many of these new programs had not been funded as this report was written.
What are health benefit exchanges? Health benefit exchanges, or health insurance marketplaces as they are described by regulators, will be available in each state, the District of Columbia and the territories to help individuals and small businesses (up to 100 employees) buy private sector coverage. The marketplaces will be accessible online, and consumers should have access to navigators to help them make informed plan selections. Exchanges began enrolling beneficiaries by October 1 and be fully operational by January 1, 2014. Initially, the exchange will be available only to individuals and small businesses. Plan designs and premiums will vary state by state. People with incomes from 100-400 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible to receive tax credits to subsidize their coverage through the exchange. As of January 1, 2014, all plans participating in the exchange (and in the individual and small group markets outside the exchange) must meet ACA and state-established standards to become qualified health plans (QHPs) except for stand-alone dental plans. In general, all QHPs must offer an
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essential health benefit (EHB) package defined by the ACA to include pediatric dental coverage among 10 service categories. However, a QHP in the exchange does not have to offer the pediatric dental EHB if there is a stand-alone dental plan in the exchange offering the benefit. This and future ACA reports will have more to say about the effects of this coverage dichotomy. What is the status of the formation of health benefit exchanges or marketplaces? In an effort to meet the October deadline of having exchanges open to accept applications, the Obama administration launched a consumer focused website, HealthCare.gov, to help consumers understand their coverage choices. The administration’s goal is to ensure that consumers will be able to create accounts, complete online applications and shop for qualified health plans through this website. As of July, 16 state and the District of Columbia planned to operate their own state-based exchanges; seven will partner with the federal government; and 27 will rely on the federal government to run federally facilitated exchanges. continued on page 20
Implant Dentistry's Learning Curve... It's Ugly, and Far From Over. Tuesday, January 21, 2014 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Credits: 2 � �
Bellevue Sheraton 100 112th Ave NE Bellevue, WA 98004 425.455.3330
Social Hour - 6:00 p.m. – 6:45 p.m. Program - 6:45 p.m.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION Name Billing Address City / State / Zip
Dr. Warren Libman
Phone / Fax Email (required) Additional Name
Additional Name
Additional Name
Additional Name
Please list any accommodations you may require: [ ] Vegetarian [ ] Vegan [ ] Other
PAYMENT INFORMATION Type
Qty
Before 01/14/14
After 1/14/14
Total
ADA Member
$75.00
$85.00
$
Retired / Staff
$75.00
$85.00
$
Non Member
$150.00
$160.00
$ TOTAL
Payment Method
[
] Visa
[
] Master Card
Card Number:__________ - __________ - __________ - __________
[
$
] Check #
Expires ________ / ________ CVC_________
Cancellation Policy: Seattle-King County Dental Society will refund 85% of any registration fees so long as we are contacted by letter or phone two business days before the event. After that time, no refund is available. Please see our complete cancellation policy in the Membership Guide.
FOR STAFF USE ONLY Payment processed __ TS Entered ________
□ □
2201 Sixth Ave, Suite 1210 Seattle, WA 98121-1857 206.448.6620 FAX 206.443.9308
Academy of General Dentistry Approved PACE Program Provider FAGD/MAGD Credit Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial board of dentistry or AGD endorsement. 2012 to 2016 AGD Provider 3193
2013 SKCDS FALL QUARTERLY l 17
REGISTRATION FORM
Snohomish County Dental Society
Friday, February 28, 2014 Treatment Planning Guidelines for Esthetics, Tooth Wear and Occlusion Speaker: Terry T. Tanaka, DDS Credit Hours: 7 Location: Lynnwood Convention Center, 8:30am - 4:30pm
ATTENDEE _____________________________________________________________________________________________ NAME POSITION IN DENTAL OFFICE _____________________________________________________________________________________________
□WORK □HOME
PREFERRED MAILING ADDRESS
_____________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY STATE ZIP _____________________________________________________________________________________________ DAYTIME TELEPHONE NUMBER FAX _____________________________________________________________________________________________ *Email address required for confirmation and receipt EMAIL
ADDITIONAL ATTENDEES
_____________________________________________________________________________________________ NAME POSITION IN DENTAL OFFICE _____________________________________________________________________________________________ NAME POSITION IN DENTAL OFFICE
MEAL REQUIREMENTS:
□ Vegetarian
METHOD OF PAYMENT
□ Vegan
□Other _____________________
□DENTIST $190 □ STAFF $140 □DENTIST $200 □ STAFF $150
PRICE: On or before February 21, 2014
After February 21, 2014 Dentist(s): _____ X $190 = $__________ Staff: _____ X $140 = $__________ TOTAL DUE:
$__________
□VISA □ MasterCard □Check enclosed (Checks should be made out to Seattle-King County Dental Society)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________ CARD ACCOUNT NUMBER EXPIRATION DATE CVC CODE _____________________________________________________________________________________________ FULL NAME (AS IT APPEARS ON CARD) _____________________________________________________________________________________________ CARDHOLDERS SIGNATURE TOTAL AMOUNT OF PAYMENT: $________________
Please send this form to: Seattle-King County Dental Society 2201 Sixth Avenue, Suite 1210 Seattle, WA 98121-1832
Or fax to: Seattle-King County Dental Society 206.443.9308
Please note that confirmation emails will be sent to you one week before the course. Receipts available upon request. Questions? Call SKCDS 206.448.6620. CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICIES Refunds, minus a $40 processing fee, will be awarded up until five business days before the course. After five business days, no refunds will be awarded.
18 l 2013 SKCDS FALL QUARTERLY
DENTAL PROVIDERS MOBILE I.V. SEDATION Have your patients treated in your office with safe and proven techniques. Set your practice apart from others. Attract new patients. Increase quality referrals. Neil E. Bergstrom DDS 360.825.6596.
Correction: In our Summer Quarterly issue, we neglected to mention Max Technologies’ contribution to Boot Camp 2013. We want to take this opportunity to extend our sincere apologies to Robert Brown and his staff for this oversight. We value the service and support of Max Technologies and thank them for all they do for organized dentistry in King County. 2013 SKCDS FALL QUARTERLY l 19
continued from page 16
What exchange issues most concern the ADA? The ADA believes exchanges must maximize competition among plans with dental benefits to ensure that the exchange marketplace is competitive January 1, 2014, and beyond. Plans must offer real value and provide consumers with an adequate network of providers. “Although federal regulators have been receptive to our message, only after the exchanges have been operational for some time will we know the true nature of the plan offerings and the adequacy of their networks,” said Dr. Faiella. The Association also is concerned that federal regulators have said that consumers, including those with children, do not have to purchase the pediatric dental benefit if the purchase is made inside the exchange. “The ADA disagrees with the federal government’s interpretation and believes it is inconsistent with congressional intent and that it is also bad public policy,” said Dr. Faiella. The ADA believes the exchanges should treat consumers fairly whether they select dental coverage as part of an embedded dental product or in a separate stand-alone plan and continues to advocate for cost-sharing equity with federal regulators as they implement the ACA dental benefit requirements. How are dentist employers affected? The ADA believes exchanges must maximize competition among plans with dental benefits to ensure that the exchange marketplace is competitive January 1, 2014, and beyond. Plans must offer real value and provide consumers with an adequate network of providers. “Although federal regulators have been receptive to our message, only after the exchanges have been operational for some time will we know the true nature of the plan offerings and the adequacy of their networks,” said Dr. Faiella. How are dentists as health care consumers affected? Plans in the individual and small group market are prohibited from imposing pre-existing condition limitations, excessive waiting periods and copayments or deductibles for certain preventive services. Coverage must be guaranteed issued and provide for guaranteed renewability and plans 20 l 2013 SKCDS FALL QUARTERLY
are prohibited from rescinding coverage. Plans may use age, tobacco use, where someone lives and family composition to calculate premiums and must offer coverage for dependents up to age 26. What are some of the key “revenue raisers” in the ACA that might affect dentistry? There are a number of new taxes and ACA tax code changes intended by Congress to help pay for implementation including several with dental relevance: • The ADA continues to support repeal of ACA provisions that are inconsistent with Association policy. This includes the 2.3 percent medical device excise tax that took effect January 1. Association advocacy includes support for congressional repeal efforts and, on the regulatory side, communications with Internal Revenue Service officials and comments on IRS regulations implementing the new tax. In ADA News articles and other communications, the Association has pointed out that manufacturers, not dentists, will be responsible for paying the tax but that dentists will likely see tax-related cost increases. See for example “One Step Closer to Medical Device Tax Repeal (But Miles to Go)” at the ADA advocacy website, ADA.org/advocacy. • Flexible spending accounts allow employees to set aside tax-free money to pay medical and dental bills. The FSA set-aside was limited to $2,500 a year in 2013 to increase annually by a cost-of-living adjustment; • In 2013, there is 0.9 percent payroll surtax on wage and salary income over $200,000 for single filers or $250,000 for joint filers. The 2012 Medicare Hospital Insurance (Part A) tax for the Medicare Hospital Insurance Trust Fund is 1.45 percent of all salary income with an equal 1.45 percent paid by employers. Starting in January, the tax is 2.35 percent on all earnings above $200,000 and $250,000 respectively. The rate for the self-employed increased from 2.9 to 3.8 percent; • There is also a 3.8 percent tax in 2013 on some investment income of taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income exceeds $200,000 for single and $250,000 for joint filers. Investment income includes rents, dividends, interest, royalties and capital gains on property sales (with a partial exclusion for primary residence sales). For the full ADA article, please log on to the Members Only page of the SKCDS website – www.skcds.org – and click on “Useful Links” at the top. For the Washington State Health benefit exchange go to wahealthplanningfinder.org
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DearBy AlPatient... Munk DDS Welcome to our office! I hope that we have a long and rewarding experience still. Even then, the fire together, but just to make sure that we do, here are a few guidelines to follow extinguisher will work so that you stay on our good side. better if you hold still. As you enter my office, you’ll notice a few chairs and magazines. This is of course the “waiting room.” It is designed for sitting and waiting or perhaps carefully reading the People magazine. It is not designated a whining area or a grazing area for your kids to eat rice crackers with peanut butter. It is not an area to ask to use our phone and talk to somebody for 20 minutes. It is not a good place to change diapers. If you see a recipe in one of our magazines that you like, you better not rip it out or steal the magazine because we will catch you. There are a lot of dental jokes and pictures of patient’s dogs on the bulletin board. You can look at these and laugh or put one up that you have brought from home. Don’t complain about anything to our receptionist if you know what’s good for you. If she helps you with your insurance form, consider yourself lucky.
When the doctor comes at you with the needle, do not migrate toward the dental assistant. She has been trained to block your path of transit with her knees so there is no escape there. The doctor’s chair has wheels on the bottom and he will just scoot along, chasing you around the operatory, so you may as well just stay put. If you have a large tongue, this might be a good time to swallow it. Also don’t ever do that thing where your tongue constantly wags from side to side exploring whatever excavations we are making in your tooth. We will excavate your tongue if you do. Keep your eyes closed. We do not like it when they go back and forth searching for an escape route. Keep your feet still. When you kick them up and down it makes extra little holes in your teeth which are perhaps artistic, but unnecessary causing premature wear to our cutting instruments. Eventually you will be asked to leave the waiting room. If you have been there Never say to the doctor, “no offense doctor, but I hate dentists.” We will more than five minutes and we ask you to come on in, you cannot then go to laugh but we are offended regardless of your intentions. the bathroom. You should have gone during your designated waiting period. You’ll just have to hold it until your appointment is done. If you come more than Never ask the doctor what he is filling up your teeth with. He has his favorite five minutes late for your appointment, you cannot go to the bathroom. You materials which might change from week to week and he does not care should have thought of these things earlier. The dental assistant will seat you in to explain why he is using this particular one because he many not know the dental chair and you may flirt with her at this time. Once the doctor arrives, himself. He certainly doesn’t know what’s in the stuff so don’t ask him about flirting activity must cease with the dental assistant but may then commence that either. They’re just fillings. When he is finished, smile and thank him. with the doctor. As the doctor begins to lower the chair to the operating position, Then go out to the front and pay the bill. In cash. Thank the receptionist and flirting may continue until the final position has been reached. This position the assistant also. Don’t ask for a receipt. It wastes paper. You may use the may entail having your feet near the ceiling and head near the floor. Never bathroom at this time. fear, patients have seldom slid out of the chair onto the floor. Once this final position has been reached, open your mouth and do not attempt to speak for That’s all for now from Ballard. the duration of the appointment. Do not turn your head from side to side and try to see what tools and devices we are grabbing. Do not ask us questions about what we are doing. Unless your mouth burst into flames, just shut up and hold
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