Washington Academy of General Dentistry 2013 Spring Newsletter

A newsletter providing dentistry with the latest news and information.

Issue 29, No. 2 | Spring 2013

On the Cover

Washington

UWSOD & Washington AGD Winter Gala 2013..

Pictured is the following: Belinda Song, Tabie Swanson, Rachael Tyler, Josh Walker, Allie Guerrero, Brian Christensen & Amanda Yvonne.

AGD Credit for Study Clubs Existing or New, Dr. Linda Edgar Wants to Hear from You!!

Program Approval for Continuing Education (PACE) Each year, thousands of continuing education courses are presented by hundreds of program providers—dental schools, dental societies, and companies that specialize in course presentations.

Most provide dentists with valuable information that can be successfully integrated into the dental practice.

The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) Program Approval for Continuing Education (PACE) was created to assist members of the AGD and the dental profession in identifying and participating in quality continuing dental education.

PACE is an evaluation of the educational processes used in designing, planning and implementing continuing education.

What’s Inside Page 1 ........ AGD Credit for Study Page 1 ........ Free Course Schedule Page 2 ....... WAGD Directory Page 3 ....... Using Moutrinse Reduces Plaque Page 4 ....... 2013 William Howard Page 5 ....... Trip Down Memory Lane Page 6 ....... Winter Gala Page 7 ....... An Old Red Stone Building Page 9 ....... Please Welcome New Members Page 10 ..... AGD Government Relations Page 11........AGD launches new website Page 12...... The Upside of Maipractice Page 13...... AGD Joins Google + Page 14 .... Silent Auction/Fun Run Fundraiser Page 15...... Annual Meeting for Feature Forensic Page 16 ..... Tune Up in Tennessee Page 17...... .Tune Up in Tennessee at AGD 2013 Page 18 ..... Being Overweight Page 19 ..... Advocacy Services, Capwiz Whiz Page 20 .... .A Call for Volunteers Page 21...... Refer a Colleague, Speaker Line up Page 22..... Self Instruction Page 24..... What Winners Do

Approval by the AGD does not imply endorsement of course content, products or therapies presented, nor does this approval imply that a state or provincial board of dentistry will accept courses for re-licensure. Approved program providers are expected to comply with all relevant state and federal laws.

Continuing education offered by approved program providers will be accepted by the Academy for Fellowship/Mastership credit.

PACE reviews and approves program providers, not individual speakers or specific courses content. The applicant may be a major unit or department within an institution. To be eligible for Program Approval for Continuing Education the following criteria must be met: 1. The program provider must have been offered a planned program of continuing dental education activities for at least 12 months.

2. The program provider must ensure that all courses offered have a sound scientific basis in order to adequately protect the public. PACE reserves the right to require acceptable substantiation from providers that their courses have a sound scientific basis, proven efficacy, and ensure public safety.

3. The program provider must ensure that the educational methods and the facilities selected are appropriate to accomplishing the stated objectives of each activity.

4. You MUST NOT be representing a company.

5. You cannot provide these courses out of the state of Washington Contact Dr. Linda Edgar to request a PACE application form.

Email: drlinda@edgardentistry.com or by phone 253-838-9333. There is an application fee of $175 for AGD member, $575 for Non-AGD member. Please make checks out to the WAGD. If you are a specialist, it is not required but it appreciated if you support the AGD by joining as an Associate member. A membership application will be sent with your PACE Approval Application.

If a program provider offers courses or programs in more than one state/province, draws a significant amount of participants from more than one state/province or offers self-instruction programs that provider must apply for national approval.

The Academy of General Dentistry does not endorse any course content, products, processes, services or therapies presented

by AGD PACE-approved providers. The views and opinions of program providers expressed during education programs do not necessarily state or reflect those of the AGD. AGD PACE-approval may not be used for product or program endorsement purposes; nor does it imply acceptance by a state or provincial board of dentistry; nor does it imply accreditation of a program.

If you have questions, you may email PACE@agd.org. Or call AGD headquarters 1-888-243-3368.

WAGD PACE Chairperson Linda Edgar, DDS, MAGD Email-drlinda@edgardentistry.com 1911 SW Campus Drive Federal Way, WA 98023

Look what’s coming up; Free Courses for Members of the Washington AGD: 2013 Washington AGD CE Directory

Thursday, September 19, 2013 “How Dentists Can Become Invincible to Lawsuits and Save Thousands in Taxes.”, with Dale West, Author, Accountant, Senior Advisor Register Online www.washingtonagd.org 6:30pm-9:00pm Speaker- Dale West Please contact Valerie Bartoli to learn more about registering for these courses and getting involved in the Washington AGD’s upcoming events. Registration will be opening soon and space is limited email valbartoli@comcast.net to hold your space now!! These FREE courses are open to WAGD members only!!

Not a member yet? To become an AGD member today, complete and return the enclosed application, or visit www.agd.org to join online. We look forward to serving you as a member. Join now and go above and beyond in your dental career!

Washington AGD Approved PACE Program Provider #219331. FAGD/MAGD Credit Approval does not imply acceptance by a state or provincial board of dentistry, AGD or WAGD endorsement. Washington AGD PACE Provider (6/1/2010-5/31/2014).

Washington Academy of General Dentistry • Issue 29 • 2013 • www.washingtonagd.org • 1

2013 WAGD DIRECTORY OFFICERS

President Jim Cunnington, DDS (541) 420-2830

jimcunnington@hotmail.com

President-Elect Steven Thomas, DMD, MAGD (360) 659-8406

drthomas@drthomasfamilydentistry.com

Secretary/Treasurer Todd D. Haworth, DDS, MAGD (360) 457-5152 todd@haworthdentistry.com

Immediate Past President

David Keller, DDS, MAGD, ABGD

(360) 690-5676 drdavekeller@gmail.com

BOARD MEMBERS

Pace/Sponsor Approval Linda Edgar, DDS, MAGD (253)-838.9333 drledgar@comcast.net

Dat Giap, DDS (206) 332-1861 johnluc95@aol.com

Webmaster Puneet S. Aulakh, DDS (206) 790-1485 ppsaul@yahoo.com

Todd Haworth, DDS, MAGD (360) 457-5152 padds@olypen.com Teresa Kang, DDS (425) 821-8411 tkangdds@comcast.net

C/O Membership Chair

Joseph F. Sepe, DDS, FAGD (360) 576-0647 sepe1@qwest.net

E. Ricardo Schwedhelm, DDS, MSD (206) 543-5948 erschwed@u.washington.edu

Washington AGD Editorial Committee

Stephen Russell, DDS (360) 943-8182 Steverussell42@hotmail.com

Washington AGD New Dentist Committee Emily Y. Chu, DDS eychu@u.washington.edu

COMMITTEE CHAIR

Editor

BOARD MEMBERS Tar Chee Aw, DDS, MS (206) 543-5948 tcaw@u.washington.edu

Fesaha T. Gebrehiwot, DDS fesaha@u.washington.edu

Continuing Dental Education Gary Heyamoto, DDS, MAGD (425) 485-8885 garye.heyamoto@gmail.com

Tami Minh Trieu, DDS trieusmiles@live.com

Dental Student

Legislative Bryan Edgar, DDS, MAGD (253) 838-9333 edgardds@comcast.net

Puneet S. Aulakh, DDS (425) 255-6476 ppsaul@yahoo.com

Kooroush Mansourzadeh UW School of Dentistry Class of 2016 kooroush@uw.edu Niki Voeller UW School of Dentistry Class of 2016 nvoeller@uw.edu

Membership Dr. Kishore Shetty (713) 517-2252 orasmile@gmail.com Student Program Coordinator E. Ricardo Schwedhelm, DDS, MSD (206) 543-5948 erschwed@u.washington.edu

NATIONAL AND REGION XI OFFICERS 2013

AGD President-Elect

Region XI Trustee

Regional Director

WAGD President

Region XI

DDS, Med, MAGD, LLSR WAGD PACE CHAIR Sponsor Approval

DDS, MAGD,LLSR

DDS, MAGD

DDS

Executive Director WAGD Executive Director CDA, ED

Linda Edgar

253-838-9333 drlinda@edgardentistry.com

Gary Heyamoto

425-485-8885 garye.heyamoto@gmail.com

Guy Hanson

208-375-1012 guy@drguy.com

Jim Cunnington

541-420-2830 jimcunnington@hotmail.com

Washington Academy of General Dentistry • Issue 29 • 2013 • www.washingtonagd.org • 2

Valerie Bartoli

900 Meridian E STE #19-361 Milton, WA 98354 253-306-0730 Fax-253-891-4053 valbartoli@comcast.net

At Large Board Member Sang Bae, DDS (425) 485-8885 sbaedds@gmail.com

Constitution & By-laws Comm. Chair Todd Haworth, DDS, MAGD (360) 457-5152 drhaworth@haworthdental.com

REPRESENTATIVE Dental Student Rachael T. Smoot UW School of Dentistry Class of 2013 tylersmoot@yahoo.com

Dental Student Joshua A. Manchester UW School of Dentistry Class of 2013 jmandh90@uw.edu

Dental Student

Dental Student Mai-lan L. Phan UW School of Dentistry Class of 2013 phanm@u.washington.edu

Dental Student

CHICAGO (Feb. 19, 2013)— New research published in the January/February 2013 issue of General Dentistry, the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), indicates that the use of a germ-killing mouthrinse in addition to regular toothbrushing can significantly reduce plaque and gingivitis, more so than brushing alone.

“It’s simple—mouthrinses can reach nearly 100 percent of the mouth’s surfaces, while brushing focuses on the teeth, which make up only 25 percent of the mouth,” says Christine A. Charles, RDH, BS, lead author of the study and director of Scientific and Professional Affairs, Global Consumer Healthcare Research

Jaclyn Hakes UW School of Dentistry Class of 2015 jaclynh@dental.washington.edu

Dental Student Dental Student Allen J. Tucker UW School of Dentistry Class of 2014 Landon King UW School of Dentistry Class of 2015 ajtucker2@gmail.com landongking@yahoo.com

and Development, Johnson & Johnson Consumer and Personal Products Worldwide. “Even with regular brushing and flossing, bacteria often are left behind.”

Using Mouthrinse Reduces Plaque and Gingivitis More Than Toothbrushing Alone

Eric W. Olendorf UW School of Dentistry Class of 2014 eric.olendorf@gmail.com

The General Dentistry study found that using a germ-killing mouthrinse twice a day, in addition to regular brushing, can significantly reduce the occurrence of plaque, as well as gingivitis—the beginning stage of gum disease. The six-month study included 139 adults with mild to moderate plaque and gingivitis who were separated into two groups. Members of the first group brushed their teeth and rinsed with a germ-killing mouthrinse twice daily; members of the second group brushed their teeth and rinsed with a placebo mouthrinse twice daily.

germkilling mouthrinse showed a reduction in gingivitis, while only 30 percent of the placebo group experienced similar results.

“The study demonstrates the oral health benefits of regular and consistent daily use of a germ killing mouthrinse,” says Ms. Charles.

“Most people brush their teeth for less than 1 minute, when, at the very least, they should be brushing for 2 minutes. Additionally, only 2 to 10 percent of people floss regularly and effectively,” adds Dr. Pliszczak.

“Adding a germ-killing mouthrinse twice a day to your daily routine is another way to attack the germs that can cause significant oral health problems.”

“Results show that the group using a germ-killing mouthrinse reduced its occurrence of plaque by up to 26.3 percent,” says AGD Spokesperson Janice Pliszczak, DDS, MS, MBA, MAGD. “Furthermore, that same group showed a 20.4 percent reduction in gingivitis.”

Additionally, following the six-month study, nearly 100 percent of participants using the

Washington Academy of General Dentistry • Issue 29 • 2013 • www.washingtonagd.org • 3

2013 WILLIAM HOWARD STUDENT CLINICAL COMPETITION

Dr. Dat Giap, ADI USA Section Chair, left to right UW Dental Students: Steven Justesen, Inna Piskorska, Octavia Swanson, Constance Brester, Devin Dickinson

The 2013 William Howard Dental Clinical Competition was held at the Airport Marriott on April 28thaspartof WAGD’s MasterTrack session. This year, there were five students who presented their cases to a panel of judges comprised from the Washington Academy of General Dentistry and the University of Washington School of Dentistry.

Seniors Constance Brester, Devin Dickinson, Steven Justesen, Inna

Piskorska and Octavia Swanson presented cases that were of post-graduate level quality. These exceptional presentations included thorough pre-treatment documentation, well defined treatment objectives, quality intraoral photographs, models and excellent discussion of results.

First prize of $1000.00 cash prize went to Octavia Swanson; Second prize of $500.00 went to Inna Piskorska; Third Prize of $300.00 went to Constance Brester and the Fourth Prize of $200.00 went to Devin Dickinson. All winners will receive their prizes at the University of Washington Dental School Honors Convocation this spring.

A Junior (Class of 2014) participant will showcase his/her presentation at the Pacific Northwest Dental Conference on Friday June 14 at 11am in the H-Juniper room. Oregon AGD’s Howard Prize winner will present at 11:30.

The Washington Academy of General Dentistry wishes to express its appreciation to all the students who participated, with special thanks to Drs. Tar Chee Aw and Ricardo Schwedhelm who have put their hearts and souls and countless hours into this program. Also, a

special ”Thank You” to the University of Washington School of Dentistry for their generous support of this clinical exercise.

The clinical skills of performing a detailed examination, obtaining pre-treatment documentation, defining post treatment objectives, triaging treatment, recording images photographically and artfully presenting the case are all critical skills each presenter can use in future study clubs or ongoing self critiquing.

In this judges’ opinion, everyone is a winner!

Gary E. Heyamoto, DDS, MAGD, LLSA WAGD Continuing Dental Education, Chair

WHL Judges back to front: Dr. Dzon Nguyen, Dr. Kwansoo Lee, Dr. Scott Martin, Dr. Tar Chee Aw, Dr. Gary Heyamoto, Dr. Puneet Aulakh, Dr. Dat Giap, Dr. Jessica Saepoff, Dr. Wendy Crisafulli, Dr. Robert Allen Students Left to Right: Steven Justesen, Inna Piskorska, Octavia Swanson, Constance Brester, Devin Dickinson

Dr. Giap & WHL Winner-Ms Octavia Swanson

Washington Academy of General Dentistry • Issue 29 • 2013 • www.washingtonagd.org • 4

Trip Down Memory Lane

Although the last four years have of classes and took our Part I National Board been extremely stressful, our class Dental Exam.

Third Year – this was our first year of could not have maintained our sanity clinical dentistry. From seeing decay for without activities such as socials in Dental the first time, to the 3-hour cavity prep or the student lounge, UW football and school at 2-appointment crown prep, students were basketball games, Intramural Sports, the introduced to challenges in dentistry on a Winter Galas, and ASDA golf tournaments.

University live patient: saliva, heme, inability to achieve We also could not have made it through of anesthesia, management of the patient’s school without the support of our friends, Washington tongue and cheeks, proper ergonomics, family, clinical instructors, but most of all, School of and scheduling patients. From our first each other. After interviewing at several Dentistry “red eye” turned pulp exposure, to an open AEGD and GPR programs around the was four contact in a posterior composite, we faced country, I am confident that my dental years filled an enormous learning curve as we tried to education at the UW School of Dentistry with become skilled clinicians. We also faced ranks well against other schools. I have studying, waxing, challenges of a lack of patients, patients’ accepted a 1-year position as a GPR prepping teeth, lab work, socials, beer, golf inability to pay for treatment, and a dental resident at the George E. Wahlen VA tournaments, Winter Galas, and most school that was searching for a new Dean. Medical Center in Salt Lake City, and I am importantly, great friendships. As I am a This summer, students spent two weeks on excited for this next chapter of my career few months away from receiving my D.D.S. off-site Pediatric rotations around the state with the opportunity to learn advanced skills degree, I’m reminiscing on how the last such as implant placement, IV Sedation, of Washington. four years of dental school has shaped the Fourth Year – next to second year, and surgical extractions. I have made some Class of 2013 as students, professionals, our last year of dental school has been of my best friends in dental school and clinicians, and friends. extremely busy as well. We took our Part created memories that will last a lifetime.

First Year – this year started with six weeks II National Board Dental Exam and began It will be sad to graduate and be separated of intense Gross Anatomy lab with Medical to explore post-graduate options. About from friends by distance, but with new Students. Muscles, arteries, veins, nerves… half of our class applied to post-doctoral technologies in social media and all were memorized and purged after our graduate programs including: Oral networking, I look forward to staying in final exam. We were then introduced to Surgery, Pedodontics, Endodontics, Dental contact and keeping up with classmates’ the dental school “right of passage” called Anesthesiology, Orthodontics, General weddings, children, and future careers as “Dental Anatomy” with Dr. Sami Dogan.

Practice Residency (GPR), and Advanced dentists.

This is the course where students spent Education in General Dentistry hours in the D1 Lab waxing teeth to ideal (AEGD). A few students signed Ready to talk about the elephant in the room? contours. The rest of this year was filled contracts with community with courses in Occlusion, Physiology, clinics, some are looking to Microbiology, Histology, Pathology, She’d like to help you pay peanuts for the purchase practices, and the Materials Science, and Periodontology. products and services you need most. rest are looking for associate This was our last free summer to travel and positions in private practice. relax, but many students chose to research, In addition to looking for a job participate in a RUOP, and volunteer with or interviewing for residencies, community outreach. > Professional Services > Personal Services fourth years are stressed Second Year – these 30 weeks were with fulfilling graduation AGD Visa Platinum Card CareCredit Liberty Mutual undoubtedly the hardest 30 weeks in our requirements and screening dental school career. With four laboratory for live WREB patients. courses (Dentures, Operative Dentistry, “MATCH Day” was extremely Dentist’s Advantage Fixed Prosthodontics, Endodontics), tense as students woke up at The Online Practice students spent upwards of 40 hours per 5:00 AM to find out where AVIS/Budget week in the D1 Lab. This was the year we they matched for post-doctoral became very close with our “pentagonresidencies. It feels like Elavon mates.” It was not uncommon to have WorldPay graduation cannot come soon a quiz or exam every single day of the Banc of America Practice enough, but then it means the Solutions Inc. quarter since we were also taking didactic WREB exam is right around the courses in Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, Hagan Benefits, Inc. corner. Our dental license will ZOLL Medical Corporation Pharmacology, Local Anesthesia, and depend on our performance Orthodontics. “Cramming” the evening on this two-day exam on live before a test was our most logical study patients that may or may not habit as our brains had a threshold where be accepted for treatment or we could not introduce new information reliable enough to arrive on until we had purged information from a time. prior exam. This summer, we had 10 weeks

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Through AGD Benefits Plus, various organizations provide exclusive offers or member discounts on a variety of high-quality products and services. For more information about the AGD Benefits Plus programs, visit the Membership section at www.agd.org, or contact our Member Services Center at 888.243.3368.

Be sure to identify yourself as an AGD member when you contact these Benefits Plus Providers to take advantage of these exclusive offers or member discounts.

AGD Benefits Plus programs are subject to change without notice.

Washington Academy of General Dentistry • Issue 29 • 2013 • www.washingtonagd.org • 5

Winter Gala 2013

Eric Olendorf, UWSOD ’14 Class President and Winter Gala Coordinator The University of Washington School of Dentistry and the Washington Academy of General Dentistry Winter Gala was held on Saturday, February 2nd at the Seattle Aquarium.

The purpose of the Gala was twofold: bring the student dental community of Washington together for an evening of fellowship, as well as to raise funds via a silent auction to support studentrun dental charities throughout King County.

WAGD sought primary sponsorship of this traditionally student-driven event in order to serve as a mechanism of recruitment of newer members and to show support for the school.

With well over 400 attendees, this proved to be the largest Gala to date!

Additionally, nearly $20,000 over expenses was raised by the students for class funds in order to achieve the extra-curricular charitable mission of the school. This gand level of fundraising could not have been accomplished without the support and dedication to our Winter Gala

Committee, who scouted locations, of Spears Education and DOCS solicited sponsorships, sought donated Education also donated items geared items, and set up our auction tables. toward continuing education. Donated dental equipment included a Velscope In addition to the large number of VX and a “Sinsational Smile” system pre-doctoral students and dental donated by Patterson Dental Supply. residents in attendance, nearly 25 In addition to all the dental-specific dentists from the Seattle-King County items, unique items like stay packages area came to the event. This showed at inns throughout Washington, several fantastic support for student activities, packages of golf outings, over 20 and with momentum generated from different wineries donated wine this year’s success, we will hopefully tastings and/or product, and nearly see the number of practicing doctors a dozen restaurants donated items. grow!

Strideline even donated several pairs of their eponymous signature socks!

The event was a very special evening The bidding for all items was hot, and centered throughout the main tanks generated a lot of buzz for the Gala. at the incomparable Aquarium. All exhibits were open to the attendees, The WAGD being our primary sponsor and staff docents were provided in helped in many ways. Firstly, we were order to give personal tours, add able to solicit several CE facilities to insight, and answer questions help bolster the continuing education throughout the evening. The majority mission of dentistry, which is a of the fellowship centered on the primary focus of the AGD. Secondly, cocktail-party setting throughout the the sponsorship afforded us the open-tank exhibit space in the main opportunity to keep ticket costs down hall where the silent auction was in order to cover expenses while also held.

Drinks and appetizers were having high student attendance. enjoyed amongst friends next to beautiful sea-life, whose unique The UWSOD and WAGD Winter Gala tanks, displays, and lighting added to would not have been possible without the glamour of the evening. Also, a the generous support of several well-known local disc jockey provided donors. In addition to the sizable outstanding music selections for donation provided by the WAGD, the mingling as well as for dancing after the following were also key contributors: silent auction ended.

Green Apple Dental, Issaquah Dental Lab, and Steve Hass at Wells Other than an opportunity for student Fargo Practice Solutions. These key fellowship, one of the big draws for sponsors were recognized with logos dentist (and student!) attendance was on the photo booth backdrop, as well the previously mentioned and rather as with projections on screens robust silent auction. Over $40,000 throughout the venue. Some even had worth of items was donated to the their logos floating in the large fish tank silent auction. Some of the items were at the hub of all the Gala festivities! dental-related, and some were decidedly not, but all added to the Convention-style bags were given uniqueness of the evening. Dr. John to the first 250 attendees through Kois of the Kois Center continued his the door. These bags featured an support of the school by donating a exceptionally unique WAGD-centric free tuition to one of his legendary logo with some fun items and snacks. three-day courses. Dr. Frank Spears It was very clear to all the WAGD was

Washington Academy of General Dentistry • Issue 29 • 2013 • www.washingtonagd.org • 6

continued on page 8

An Old Red Stone Building -

In the basement of an old red stone

building, in downtown Seattle is the Union Gospel Mission Dental Clinic. The dental clinic was established to help the homeless who cannot afford dental care.

The bright cheery, state-of-the-art clinic is a 1500 square foot facility with three dental chairs and a complete array of modern equipment and supplies.

What is even more ironic is that this dental clinic was once part of a raucous bordello and saloon in downtown Seattle during the late 1800’s. Most of the needy that come into the dental clinic are unaware of the building’s colorful history. The only remaining trace of those rowdy days is a large framed area of the original wall where dancing girls would perform on stage each night. Towards the back of the clinic, there used to be a large set of swinging doors and a stairway leading up to the women.

Graham, was into educating the girls that worked for her. When she died, reportedly, she left all her money to the Seattle School District because she wanted to help people. It is with this philanthropic attitude that the Dental Clinic continues to help people through Juanita Banks, Dental Clinic Director. The only full time paid employee.

a month at the Union Gospel Mission Dental Clinic. It’s a bridge away from his dental practice, but a world away from his usual clientele.

“This place has been such a blessing from God,” Juanita states.

“When you consider what this place used to be, and what it is now, God turned it around.”

“Some patients have never had a dental cleaning-they’re young guys in their 30s,” he says. “They’re also in some kind of program to help get them off the street,” he says, “and are often in a drug or alcohol treatment programs as well-trying to get their lives back together.

Often, the poor condition of their teeth makes it tough for them to find a job—they’re reluctant to talk

Juanita wears more than one hat at the clinic. Not only does she assist the dentists that volunteer; she also schedule patients, sterilizes instruments, charting, ordering and even answering telephone. Juanita also does all the administrate duties for the clinic. Which include monthly reports, recruiting, writing articles,

or smile during interviews.”

and searching for more donations and taking new volunteers on tours of the clinic. Juanita completes all these tasks with cheer in her voice, a smile on her face and love in her heart. Juanita’s attitude and love for the Lord is contagious for all that meet her.

Dr. David Baab, is a Bellevue The madam of the bordello, Lou periodontist, volunteers twice

Many of the dental patients are in programs that are helping them make a new start. Having their dental hygiene and dental needs taken care of and being provided with good home care instructions certainly gives them a boost to their self-esteem. Dental hygienists help improve the patient’s smiles and their self-confidence. The patients are previously screened and visits are by appointment only. The operatories have everything, including a cavitron. Often a full screening periodontal exam is completed to asses their condition, then a oral hygiene instructions and full mouth scaling and root planing under local anesthesia is completed. All of

Washington Academy of General Dentistry • Issue 29 • 2013 • www.washingtonagd.org • 7

continued on page 8

contined from page 7

the patients have had an initial dental exam, x-rays, and treatment plan by a general dentist before being referred to a dental hygienist.

Many of the patients have not had any dental care or cleanings for the past 10 to 20 years. Most of them respond very favorable to the treatment, improve their oral hygiene dramatically, and follow through with the rest of their care. The clinic offers a clean, well organized, cheerful and safe place to provide access to care for a segment of our population that is rarely seen in private practice.

Unlike a private practice, Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission takes no state or federal funds; it solely depends on generous donations from various individuals, dental supply companies, and foundations.

The ADI has supported the UGM Dental Clinic for the homeless since 2002. The clinic has the

capacity and the patient load to contined from page 6 support flexible and expanded the main sponsor! Key contributors hours of operations. Availability were offered the opportunity to place and readiness of the volunteer materials in the bags. providers are the keys to expansion.

Other contributors were: Nakanishi Having all dental professionals at Dental Lab, Michael Dinsio at Bank of Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission America Practice Solutions, WSDA, Dental Clinic five days a week is UWSOD Alumni Association, Comfort the hope for the future. Unmet Dental, WDIA, Rory Dental and dental need is constant in the Technical Arts, O’Brien Dental Lab, Pioneer Square area of Seattle. The Sam Martin at The Dental Group, LLC, dental treatment is just one part and Burkhart Dental. of the spiritual approach of the recovering programs. This building Our raised funds will directly support that was once a bordello offering community service projects generated entertainment, now offers a new by our dental students. Many of you way of life, self-confidence through already are aware that untreated dental dental services for the homeless disease is the number one epidemic in and transitionally house adults. America, and our students collectively As well as a sense of giving for the donate nearly ten thousand hours of dentists, hygienists, assistants and service hours annually to help eradicate this epidemic. These raised dollars help funding for our service projects.

The Winter Gala could be viewed as nothing but a fantastic success. The students and residents greatly enjoyed a formal evening of fellowship and fun, bargains were had at the auction tables, and funds were raised to help support our charitable mission. It was a lot of work to coordinate all the moving parts other volunteers that donate their with student schedules, but my team time and expertise. Reach out and was able to put together an evening to touch a life today. remember. We hope to see everyone Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission at Winter Gala 2014!

Dental Clinic is located at 318 2nd Avenue Extension South, Seattle.

For more information call Juanita’ Banks at (206) 621-7695 or send e-mail to jbanks@ugm.org

Find us on FACEBOOK Washington-Academy-of-General-Dentistry

Washington Academy of General Dentistry • Issue 29 • 2013 • www.washingtonagd.org • 8

Please welcome our new members!

Dentist Khanhlam K. Phan, DDS Holly E. Eydenberg, DMD Ilan Orgad, DDS Preeya Genz, DDS Elizabeth Lyons, DDS Jennifer K. Chu, DDS Paul Clark Fawson, III, DDS

Christine Oldenkamp Lauren M. Vainio, DDS Thoa V. Nguyen, DDS Mark J. Elmore, DDS Dr. Tom Lee Dr. Chad Kleven

Student Members Steven Justensen, Joanna Kwok, Supinderjit Dhillon, Nazanin Nehchiri, Christopher Koontz, Camille Wahl, Ellen Schriner, Caroline Olsen, Mark Sundem, Jesse Mangelsdorf, Tiffany Luu, Cameron Alexander, Prince Sharma, Colleen Hennessey, Taryn VanGerpen, Chelsea Momany, Michael McKay, Alexis Wilson, Jacqueline Wong, Justin Erickson, Rica Mackert, Kooroush Mansourzadeh Negin Nazanan

Keep Your Cash Stop paying to confirm appointments, recall patients, survey patients, and more−Use AGD Patient Alerts, a free AGD member service.

To learn more or to sign up, log in to www.agd.org and click on the Practice Management to find the AGD Patient Alerts link.

We would like to thank the following sponsors for the 2012/2013 for their contributions to our CDE programs!

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A well-planned strategy has given way to the lure of online tools and technology that promises to attract new patients. However, many dental practices are now realizing that these tools offer nothing without a good old-fashioned marketing plan.

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Washington Academy of General Dentistry • Issue 29 • 2013 • www.washingtonagd.org • 9

Legwork Social is passionate about helping you make sense of it all. We understand the online marketing environment and how to make it work for you.

So, let’s do lunch.

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ag d gover nMent relat io n s ac t ivit ies feb. 2013 AGD President Meets With Congressional Leaders

• Vermont Senate Bill 35, introduced on Jan. 16, 2013, would create dental practitioners.

On Feb. 15, 2013, AGD President Jeffrey M. Cole, DDS, MBA, FAGD, visited Washington, D.C., to meet with legislative officials and their staffs. During the meetings, Dr. Cole introduced the AGD to new congressional members and spoke about important issues facing the dental profession, including access to care, oral health literacy, and dental student debt. He also discussed the AGD’s efforts to address these issues, including its participation in the Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives Ad Council campaign, which is aimed at promoting oral health literacy.

All of these bills are still waiting to be heard in their respective committees.

AGD Welcomes Newly Elected Legislators

New AGD Website Offers Advocacy Resources

Shortly after the 133th Congress was sworn in on Jan. 3, 2013, AGD members sent letters to the nearly 100 newly elected U.S. senators and representatives, welcoming these new leaders and introducing them to the AGD and its work. Additionally, legislators were provided with a fact sheet about the AGD and a copy of the AGD’s 2012 white paper, “Barriers and Solutions to Accessing Care,” in order to help them better understand the importance of oral health care and its effect on an individual’s overall health.

The AGD is committed to being the voice of the general dentist and helping constituents speak out against independent midlevel providers. In January 2013, the AGD launched its new website at www.agd.org, providing constituents with easier access to advocacy information and resources.

The letters, sent mid-January, also informed legislators that many common oral health problems can be avoided by adhering to dentistry’s long-standing prevention model of care, which includes oral health literacy, sound hygiene, and preventive care delivered by fully trained members of a dental team under the supervision of a licensed dentist. To become involved in future advocacy efforts, email advocacy@agd.org or visit www.agd.org/ advocacy/aspx.

States Consider Midlevel Provider Legislation

• Washington House Bill 1514, introduced on Jan. 29, 2013, would create advanced function dental auxiliaries. Two additional bills in Washington— House Bill 1516, introduced on Jan. 29, and Senate Bill 5433, introduced on Jan. 30—would create dental therapists.

The AGD has developed and adopted two official policies on access to care: “Barriers and Solutions to Accessing Care” and the “White Paper on Increasing Access to and Utilization of Oral Health Care Services.” Available on the Advocacy section of the AGD website, these white papers highlight the AGD’s commitment to serving the needs and representing the interests of general dentists, as well as promoting the oral health of the public.

Also available on the Advocacy section of the AGD website is a state advocacy toolkit on alternative dental provider models. The toolkit provides background information on the issue, definitions of the various types of alternative providers, guidance on state advocacy options, and links to additional resources.

In 2012, New Hampshire, Tennessee, and Utah passed bills to change the scope of practice for dental hygienists. In Washington and Connecticut, bills that would have created midlevel provider positions—dental practitioners, dental hygiene practitioners, and advanced dental hygiene practitioners— did not pass.

Both the white papers and the toolkit can be accessed at www.agd.org/ advocacy/resourcespolicies/white-papers-and-toolkits.aspx. The AGD offers these and other advocacy resources to assist you with legislative or lobbying activities aimed at protecting the interests of both general dentists and the public at large. If you have any questions or comments, email advocacy@ agd.org.

Since Jan. 1, 2013, at least five states have introduced bills dealing with midlevel provider positions:

Task Force Focuses on Dental Student Debt

• Kansas House Bill 2157,

introduced on Jan. 30, 2013, would create dental practitioners.

• New Mexico House Bill 17, introduced on Jan. 16, 2013, would create dental therapists.

The new American Student Dental Association (ASDA)-AGD Task Force on Dental Student Debt held two meetings via conference call on Jan. 29 and Feb. 13, 2013. The group, which includes members from both organizations, was established to identify possible federal legislative proposals that could help new dentists and recent graduates manage their educational debt after graduating from dental school.

• North Dakota House Bill 1454, introduced on Jan. 22, 2013, would create dental therapists.

Washington Academy of General Dentistry • Issue 29 • 2013 • www.washingtonagd.org • 10

AGD Launches New Website The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) unveiled a new website in January 2013. The revamped agd.org features refreshed content, a new modern design, and multimedia capabilities.

The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) welcomed the new year by unveiling a new and improved website in January 2013. Featuring refreshed content, a new modern design, and multimedia capabilities, agd.org is now easier to use and optimized for mobile devices.

The Academy of General Dentistry website, agd.org, features a new design and refreshed content.

The site’s redesign was based on feedback from a comprehensive 2012 member survey and the AGD’s strategic plan. In addition to im proved navigation and search capabilities, agd.org now features updated and streamlined content, including the latest dental news.

The site also offers prominent placement of continuing education (CE) opportunities, as well as a resource-filled practice management section and easy-to-access patient education. Plus, AGD members can still use agd.org to access the resources that were available on the old site, including CE transcripts, the CE Directory, advocacy updates, and the AGD’s award-winning publications.

he AGD hopes that the site offers an improved online experience for its members. Check out the changes at T agd.org.

AGD Foundation Seeks Support The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) 2013 Annual Meeting & Exhibits will include two opportunities to support the efforts of the AGD Foundation—the Silent Auction Fundraiser and the Fun Run/Walk 5K Fundraiser. Proceeds from both events will help fund the AGD Foundation Grant Program.

The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) 2013 Annual Meeting & Exhibits, June 27 to 29, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn., will include two opportunities to support the efforts of the AGD Foundation—the Silent Auction Fundraiser and the Fun Run/Walk 5K Fundraiser. Proceeds from both events will help fund the AGD Foundation Grant Program, which offers financial support to AGD constituent outreach programs that provide oral health care and educational programming to underserved populations, children, the elderly, and those with physical and intellectual disabilities.

Washington Academy of General Dentistry • Issue 29 • 2013 • www.washingtonagd.org •11

The Upside of Malpractice

Dr. Cunnington Through the years I have heard of several recommendations for equipment and procedures to reduce my risk of being sued for dental malpractice. I agree that all these things are important to cross the t’s and dot the i’s. However I read in the book “Blink” by Malcolm Gladwell where he made a convincing case that overshadows everything else combined at affecting our odds of being entangled in the emotional rollercoaster of a malpractice lawsuit. It’s the knack or habit of establishing & maintaining a genuine, healthy doctor/patient relationship. He claimed that even if you screwed up, if you have a good relationship with your patient they just don’t want to make a claim, but if you’re aloof or condescending, then you’re setup for a bad trip even if you did everything right! How does this concept effect our prediction for the future of our profession?

My conjecture is thus: Outside investors with HUGE cauldrons of coin are descending on our communities to change the face of dental delivery by sweeping up or strangling out small individual private practices and replace them with multioffice-multidoctor/mid level provider drill mills. My observation of many of these big businesses is they tend to discourage the purchase & use of “nonessential” equipment like cancer screening devices, diagnostic photography, advanced bitane composite placement systems (instead of the cheap kidney beans or worse – tofflemeyers!), or cone beam imaging, etc. Then they are insisting on using worn out equipment, poor materials, and broken instruments. The return on investment would be just too obtuse for the pencil pushers upstairs to justify to the profit skimming venture capitalists for such an exorbitant influx of “unnecessary” capital. A high staff turnover rate, a

constant flow of new hygienists general practitioners, and a cadre of day labor specialists roving from office to office are likely to depress morale enough to produce an eventual erosion of this all important doctor/patient relationship over time well into the danger zone.

For a crusty old guy like me, this is viewed as very, very good news indeed! I met a dentist at a roundtable forum who had a good sized, very busy bread & butter general practice in a small town back east that was spreading him thin, and wearing him out.

A large corporate clinic moved in across the street.

Instead of folding up & walking away, he responded by letting go half his staff, changing his practice protocol to be much slower and more thorough. He then put under his sign out front, “When you want it right, check us out.” His claim to me was he became quite busy doing simple retreats as well as more comprehensive dentistry. His overhead plummeted, his net actually increased, he spent less time in the office, and he had the pleasure of really connecting with his patients again. Many of his new patients chose to operate outside of strictly limited insurance policies so they had more control of their treatment options, since he gave them treatment options and spread the treatment plan out enough they could afford the care they desired. He felt if somebody got sued in his town, it wouldn’t be him!

The touchstone to knowing we’re on the right track is in the quality of your relationship with our patients.

The big box stores are going to be these beacons of malpractice deep pockets to the trial lawyers.

Corporates’ ability to keep healthy morale is going to be very challenging – I believe impossible. For example, just think of how loyal you would be to the Super-hair-cuts chain cosmetologist de-jour, compared to the loyalty you would have with the hair dresser that knows you and your hair needs and has been taking care of you for years? I believe there is a business niche for dentistry for careful quality dentistry, not just the expensive fancy stuff - even in the small towns. Just as Malcolm Gladwell claims in “Blink”, the best protection by far from dental malpractice claims is in the quality of the relationships we build with our patients.

Washington Academy of General Dentistry • Issue 29 • 2013 • www.washingtonagd.org • 12

AGD Joins Google+ The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) expanded its social media reach with the launch of a new Google+ account in January 2013. Members and potential members can connect with the AGD on this new site, as well as several other social media pages.

In January 2013, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) expanded its social media reach with the launch of a new Google+ account, which will allow the AGD to continue connecting with dental professionals.

Before joining Google+, the AGD was already using social media to engage with members and potential members on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and the AGD blog.

The AGD will use Google+ like it has used these other sites—to promote advocacy and education, and to share other AGD-related information with its followers. However, Google+ also offers new, exciting options like breakout communities and hangouts where discussions can take place. Constituent members can help keep the conversation going by adding the AGD’s Google+ page to their own Google+ circle.

With more than 14,000 total followers and counting, the AGD social networking community is growing every day.

Members can get connected by:

• Liking the AGD on Facebook (facebook.com/generaldentists) for photos, links, and general dentistry news.

• Following the AGD’s Twitter handles—@AGDadvocacy for the latest on local and national advocacy issues, and @ ADGevents for the latest on upcoming AGD events.

• Joining the AGD group on LinkedIn (linkedin.com) to connect with thousands of dentists and discuss practice management tips, clinical topics, and other important general dentistry issues.

• Subscribing to the AGD YouTube channel (youtube.com/generaldentistry) to receive notifications regarding new videos on AGD topics, events, and more.

• Subscribing to the AGD blog (agdblogs.blogspot.com) to receive posts from AGD members who share pieces of their everyday personal and professional lives.

• Adding the AGD on Google+ (plus.google.com) to receive the most relevant general dentistry news affecting you and your profession.

For more information on any of the AGD’s social media accounts, email MarketingDept@agd.org.

Washington Academy of General Dentistry • Issue 29 • 2013 • www.washingtonagd.org • 13

Fun Run/Walk 5K Fundraiser

The Fun Run/Walk 5K Fundraiser, which will take place at 6 a.m.

Saturday, June 29, offers AGD members, their families, and their dental teams a way to raise funds while spending time together.

Attendees are encouraged to register for the event with their 2013 annual meeting registration.

An attendee of the AGD 2012 Meeting & Exhibits browses the AGD Foundation’s Silent Auction Fundraiser.

The AGD Foundation is in need of sponsors for the Fun Run/Walk 5K Fundraiser. Various levels of sponsorship are available, from Lead Sponsor ($5,000) and Event Sponsor ($1,000) to T-shirt sponsors, awards sponsors, and food and beverage sponsors.

AGD constituents and regions are

welcome and encouraged to take advantage of sponsorship opportunities, which will allow them to promote their organization, expand their visibility, and show their support for the AGD Foundation.

For more information, contact the AGD Foundation specialist at 888.

AGD.DENT (888.243.3368), ext.

4345, or foundation@agd.org.

The AGD Foundation is a 501(c) (3) charity; gifts to the AGD Foundation are fully deductible for United States federal income tax purposes, subject to the limitations placed on charitable gifts by the Internal Revenue Service.

Silent Auction Fundraiser The AGD Foundation is currently seeking donations for its Silent Auction Fundraiser, which will take place from Thursday, June 27, to Saturday, June 29, at Nashville’s Music City Center, the site of most annual meeting activities.

Suggested donation items include luxury gift baskets reflective of an AGD constituent or region, sports memorabilia or sporting event tickets, dental publications, vacation packages, jewelry, artwork, tours, rare books, cash, and gift certificates.

To download a donation form, visit agd.org/agd-foundation/fundraising /silent-auction-fundraiser.aspx.

Donation forms are due by March 1, 2013. For more information, contact the AGD Foundation manager at 888.AGD.DENT (888.243.3368), ext. 4329, or foundation@agd.org.

The AGD Foundation’s Fun Run/Walk 5K Fundraiser, held in conjunction with the AGD Annual Meeting & Exhibits, supports the AGD Foundation Grant Program.

Washington Academy of General Dentistry • Issue 29 • 2013 • www.washingtonagd.org • 14

Annual Meeting to Feature Forensic Anthropologist The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) 2013 Annual Meeting & Exhibits, June 27 to 30, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn., will feature keynote speaker William Bass III, PhD, a world-renowned forensic anthropologist. During the opening session, “Death’s Acres: Life as a Forensic Anthropologist,” he will discuss the ways he has revolutionized his field and share his most intriguing cases.

Keynote speaker William Bass III, PhD, will lead the opening session at the AGD 2013 Annual Meeting & Exhibits, June 27 to 30, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn.

Attendees of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) 2013 Annual Meeting & Exhibits, June 27 to 30, 2013, in Nashville, Tenn., will have a chance to go behind the scenes of “the Body Farm.” During the opening session, “Death’s Acres: Life as a Forensic Anthropologist,” keynote speaker William Bass III, PhD, will discuss the ways he has revolutionized the field of forensic anthropology and share his most intriguing cases.

A world-renowned forensic anthropologist, Dr. Bass is the founder and former director of the Forensic Anthropology Center (FAC) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. More commonly known as the Body Farm, the FAC is the world’s only laboratory devoted to the study of human decomposition.

Along with Jon Jefferson, Dr. Bass is the author the best-selling Body Farm mystery novels, the latest of which is “The Inquisitor’s Key.” The author or co-author of more than 200 scientific publications, Dr. Bass also has written a memoir about his career titled “Death’s Acre” and has been honored as National Professor of the Year by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

The AGD 2013 Annual Meeting & Exhibits also will feature the hottest topics in continuing education, an exhibit hall showcasing the latest dental products and technologies, and special networking events. For more information or to register, visit www.agd.org/nashville.

Colgate is the Presenting Sponsor of the keynote speaker.

Washington Academy of General Dentistry • Issue 29 • 2013 • www.washingtonagd.org • 15

Get Ready to Rock Your CE!

Join us for the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) 2013 Annual Meeting & Exhibits, June 27 to 30, 2013, at the brand-new Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn.

Get an entire year’s worth of continuing education (CE) in one great location.

This year’s educational program includes: • “Avoid Liability: Know Your Patients’ Medications and Their Dental Implications,” with Harold Crossley, DDS, MS, PhD • “Smile Design, Esthetic, and Occlusal Techniques,” with Gerard J. Chiche, DDS • “The Findability Formula: Draw Customers to Your Website—When They’re Ready to Buy!,” with Heather Lutze • “Overhead—It Doesn’t Have to Be Over YOUR Head,” with Bill Blatchford, DDS • “Keep Your Edge at Any Age: Inspire Your Team and Your Patients,” with Uche P. Odiatu, DMD

Learn more and register today at www.agd.org/nashville.

In addition to the hottest topics in CE, the AGD 2013 Annual Meeting & Exhibits includes: • “Death’s Acres: Life as a Forensic Anthropologist,” the opening session with keynote speaker William Bass III, PhD, founder of “The Body Farm” and co-author of the best-selling Body Farm mystery novels Colgate is the Presenting Sponsor of the keynote speaker.

• Presidential Concert: A Night at the Ryman Auditorium, an intimate evening at the historic Nashville venue featuring a special musical guest • The latest in dental products and technologies from hundreds of exhibitors To learn more about the meeting, follow us on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter! Look for #TuneUpYourCE. See you this summer in Music City!

Washington Academy of General Dentistry • Issue 29 • 2013 • www.washingtonagd.org • 16

Tune Up in Tennessee at AGD 2013 Annual Meeting & Exhibits The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) 2013 Annual Meeting & Exhibits will take place from June 27 to 30, 2013, at the brand-new Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn. Remind your constituent members to save the date with this brief article!

Thousands of dental professionals will tune up their continuing education (CE) in Music City during the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) 2013 Annual Meeting & Exhibits, June 27 to 30, 2013, at the brand-new Music City Center in Nashville, Tenn.

The event will offer more than year’s worth of continuing education (CE), with a global faculty of dental experts presenting lecture and participation courses on the hottest topics of the day. One of the highlights of this year’s educational program will be the opening session, “Death’s Acres: Life as a Forensic Anthropologist,” with keynote speaker William Bass III, PhD. A world-renowned forensic anthropologist, Dr. Bass is the founder of the Forensic Anthropology Center at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, also known as The Body Farm, and co-author of the best-selling Body Farm mystery novels.

Annual meeting attendees also will have the chance to check out the latest innovations in dentistry at the exhibit hall and connect with colleagues at special networking events. On Saturday evening, the AGD will honor its new Fellows, Masters, and Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition recipients with the Presidential Concert: A Night at the Ryman Auditorium. Sponsored by the AGD Foundation, this intimate evening at the historic Nashville venue will feature a special musical guest, who will be announced this spring. Proceeds will benefit the Interfaith Dental Clinic, a nonprofit that delivers comprehensive dental care to low-income individuals in middle Tennessee.

Those who register for the AGD 2013 Annual Meeting & Exhibits by April 26, 2013, will receive early bird rates. For more information or to register, visit www.agd.org/nashville.

Joseph J. Massad, DDS, leads an education session at the AGD 2012 Annual Meeting & Exhibits.

Washington Academy of General Dentistry • Issue 29 • 2013 • www.washingtonagd.org • 17

Being Overweight Linked to Higher Risk of Gum Disease CHICAGO (Feb. 6, 2013)—Impacting approximately one-third of the U.S. population, obesity is a significant health concern for Americans. It’s a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and certain forms of cancer, and now, according to an article published in the January/February 2013 issue of General Dentistry, the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), it also may be a risk factor for gum disease.

“We know that being overweight can affect many aspects of a person’s health,” says Charlene Krejci, DDS, MSD, lead author of the article. “Now researchers suspect a link exists

between obesity and gum disease. Obese individuals’ bodies relentlessly produce cytokines, proteins with inflammatory properties. These cytokines may directly injure the gum tissues or reduce blood flow to the gum tissues, thus promoting the development of gum disease.”

Half of the U.S. population age 30 and older is affected by gum disease—a chronic inflammatory infection that impacts the surrounding and supporting structures of the teeth. Gum disease itself produces its own set of cytokines, which further increases the level of these inflammatory proteins in the body’s bloodstream, helping to set off a chain reaction of other inflammatory diseases throughout the body. Research on the relationship between obesity and gum disease is still ongoing. “Whether one condition is a risk factor for another or whether one disease directly causes another has yet to be discovered,” says AGD

Spokesperson Samer G. Shamoon, DDS, MAGD. “What we do know is that it’s important to visit a dentist at least twice a year so he or she can evaluate your risks for developing gum disease and offer preventive strategies.”

The best way to minimize the risk of developing gum disease is to remove plaque through daily brushing, flossing, rinsing, and professional cleanings.

“A dentist can design a personalized program of home oral care to meet each patient’s specific needs,” says Dr. Shamoon.

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Washington Academy of General Dentistry • Issue 29 • 2013 • www.washingtonagd.org • 18

Advocacy Services The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) serves as the eyes, ears, and voice for the general dentist on several key issues affecting general practice through legislative and dental care advocacy, and through professional relations with other organizations. We advocate for you on legislation and regulation (including state dental boards) in both Washington, D.C. and the various states. We also stand up for you with insurance companies and third-party payers.

To advance the interests of the general dentist, the AGD’s advocacy team provides the following services which are complimentary with AGD membership. While the following services are intended to assist members with legislative and dental care issues affecting their practices, they are not intended as legal advice and do not replace consultation with an attorney outside the AGD. • CAPWIZ—Voice your opinion today!

• Insurance Contract Analysis • Third Party Complaints Please feel free to contact the AGD advocacy team at any time should you have any questions or comments, or if you would like to find out more about these and other issues.

To read more about the activities of the Advocacy team on behalf of our members, please visit http://www.agd.org/issuesadvocacy/ advocacynews.

Become a Capwiz Whiz

Make Your Voice Heard in Washington!

Do you ever wish you had the ear of your state senator, congressman, or governor? You do—just use the AGD’s Capwiz program! The AGD’s Capwiz program is an interactive Web site that allows AGD members to quickly and easily correspond with their legislators and state dental boards while learning about issues of importance to general dentists. When there is an issue in your state that your constituent wants to take action on, whether it be the state dental board proposing onerous sedation rules or a state legislature considering a bill calling for independent practice for dental hygienists, an action alert can be created on Capwiz and an e-blast sent out to the constituent’s members asking them to visit the Capwiz site and be the voice of general dentists and their patients!

How do you access these Capwiz action alerts? It’s pretty simple.

The easiest way is to click on a link provided to you in an e-mail alert.

Alerts are sent to members who are asked to take action; each of these e-mails provides a direct link to the action alert. If you don’t see the link, simply go to the advocacy page of the AGD Web site. Once there, click on the Capwiz link. That’s it! If you want to take action on federal issues, information will be posted on this page. If you want to see what’s happening in your state, simply click on “Issues and Legislation” under “Policy Tools,” and then click on your state. You also can find out about your elected officials, election information, and Capitol Hill basics.

You can download the Capwiz instruction manual at www.agd.org/ issuesadvocacy/manuals to help you facilitate education among constituent

members to take action and voice their opinion via Capwiz. The AGD Advocacy Department urges its constituent leaders to access Capwiz action alerts if they want to support or oppose legislation or regulatory activity in their states. For more information about how to use Capwiz, contact Teresa Peavy, AGD Advocacy Coordinator at theresa.peavy@agd.org.

So, the next time you wish you had the ear of your elected officials, remember: You do!

Insurance Contract Analysis Services Do you know the ramifications of the contract you are about to sign with the dental benefits contractor or insurer?

Does the contract you have already signed allow the insurer to recoup payments already made to you? To help you answer these and other questions, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) launched its contract analysis service in 2007. The contract analysis service is free to AGD members.

Understanding third-party contracts is a key element to timely and secure reimbursements for procedures deemed necessary by you, the general dentist. While the ultimate decision whether to sign a contract with a third party insurer is yours, the AGD can assist you by discussing with you the terms of the contract and explaining their ramifications. Does your contract have a “hold harmless” clause that may require you to indemnify costs incurred by the insurance company in defending a suit against it by a patient?

Who shall decide if the services you render to your patient are necessary, you or the insurance company? Are

Washington Academy of General Dentistry • Issue 29 • 2013 • www.washingtonagd.org • 19

continued on page 20

continued from page 19

the reimbursement schedules of the insurance company dictated by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) and, if so, do you have any recourse?

If you are an AGD member and have a contract before you that you would like the AGD to review; received a letter from an insurer requesting repayment of amounts already paid to you for services you have rendered in good faith; or have any other questions or concerns regarding a third party mechanism, please contact the AGD’s Director, Dental Care Advocacy, at 888.243.3368, extension 4973, or srini.varadarajan@agd.org.

Alternatively, please feel free to use our Complaint Reporting Form.

While our services shall not constitute legal advice and shall not replace consultation with your attorney, we hope that you’ll find our services to be a valuable new asset to you and your practice!

include: • Council/Committee Assignment: These groups are appointed to work in support of the goals and objectives of the AGD’s strategic plan, AGD2010.

•Task Force Assignment: These groups are appointed to address a specific issue for a specified period of time.

• Author: Write articles for the AGD constituent publications.

• Reviewer: Review articles for the AGD publications.

• Constituent Speaker/Spokesperson Bureau: Represent the AGD at various presentations (schools, health fairs, etc.) or in media interviews as an expert on a variety of oral health topics.

• Constituent Volunteer: Serve as an AGD constituent by giving time in an area of interest or for a specific project.

• Public Liaison: Interact with the general public to increase dental awareness.

• Liaison to Other Dental Organizations: Represent the AGD at meetings of other dental organizations and offer suggestions for collaboration.

Volunteering is a rewarding experience.

You gain recognition as a leader who is committed to your profession; an opportunity to network with peers; speaking opportunities; leadership and development training; and access The Academy of General Dentistry’s to future leadership roles in the (AGD) Call for Volunteer Leaders is association. a rewarding way to become more involved with the AGD and truly realize For more information about the AGD the potential of your AGD membership. Call for Volunteer Leaders, view the In an effort to involve more members available positions and descriptions, and identify potential volunteers at all or to fill out an application to be a levels of the organization, the AGD is volunteer leader, visit the AGD’s Call actively recruiting future leaders. The for Volunteer Leaders Web site at Call for Volunteer Leaders will give all www.agd.org /about/governance/ AGD members an opportunity to serve CFVL/. the needs and advance the value and excellence of general dentistry.

A Call for Volunteer Leaders

The AGD’s volunteer opportunities

ADVERTISE IN THE WASHINGTON ACADEMY OF GENERAL DENTISTRY NEWSLETTER First of all, our thanks to you as a loyal advertiser in The WAGD quarterly newsletter.

These publications reach the almost 4500 member dentists practicing in Washington. Here are our 2012-13 Plans: We will publish our quarterly newsletter in November, February, June and September. We’re also offering classified advertising.

If you would like to share an article please email bill@bnc-printing.com.

Note: We are continuing our popular 5% discount to those who commit to all 4 publications! You will also receive a complimentary copy of the Newsletter. If you have questions, please e-mail our publisher, Bill Newcomer, bill@bnc-printing.com or call him at

503.318.5916 or 360.573.1201

DO YOU HAVE OFFICE SPACE TO LEASE, EQUIPMENT TO SELL, PLACE AN AD IN THE NEWSLETTER.

Washington Academy of General Dentistry • Issue 29 • 2013 • www.washingtonagd.org • 20

Refer a Colleague There is no better time to recruit for Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) membership. The AGD’s Refer Colleague program recognizes and rewards members for their recruitment efforts through out the year. Recruit the most new members and you could win prizes from gift baskets to concert tickets.

Have someone in mind? Fill out the AGD Referral Form and fax or mail it to AGD, and we’ll contact your colleagues for you! Or send your colleague’s information to membership@agd.org.

For more information about the AGD membership or the Refer a Colleague program, contact the Membership Services Center at 888.AGD.DENT (243.3368) or membership@agd.org.

AGD and the Dental Team The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) is not just for general dentists!

Dental team members are an essential and valued part of the general dentistry community, and we invite them to be a part of the AGD team!

What do does the dental team receive with AGD membership? As an affiliate member, they would be granted access to the following AGD benefits: • Free online courses, cutting edge patient information, and valuable online services at www.agd.org.

• Case studies, best practices, success from your colleagues—information from AGD publications like AGD Impact and General Dentistry.

• Networking within the AGD Career Center.

• Opportunities to interact with peers through AGD Web forums.

• A dedicated dental team track at the AGD Annual Meeting & Exhibits.

• Money-saving opportunities on office products and services, education finance solutions, car rentals, and insurance through AGD Benefits Plus programs.

Why become a member of the AGD? You should become a member because: • The AGD is the only organization dedicated to advancing the value and excellence of general dentistry.

• Issues of general dentistry and patient care are important to you! The AGD not only advocates on behalf of the general dentist, we work with other professional organizations for the good of the overall general dentistry community.

• The AGD is an accessible, member focused organization that exists to help members answer questions and find solutions.

MasterTrack

We are warming up some outstanding speakers for our 2013-2014 Handson MasterTrack year!! Do not forget to reserve your spot today!! Join us for this Hands-On MasterTrack program!! Here are a few of the Premier Speaker that will be joining us for 2013-2014: Dr. Karl Koerner Atraumatic and Efficient Exodontia: New Concepts and Technology in Oral Surgery, PARTICIPATION COURSE IN LASER DENTISTRY - A STANDARD PROFICIENCY CERTIFICATION COURSE with Dr. Robert Convissar and much, much more!!

Open to all dentists, AGD member or not who seek a comprehensive hands-on post graduate continuing education program-600 hours of AGD PACE approved Participation & Lecture Credits The Washington AGD is offering a program that showcases courses in at least 16 different disciplines. This program will give each participant over 5 years, 600 hours (with protocol) of PACE approved continuing dental education credits, of which 400 hours are participation hours. *For those dentists seeking a well balanced hands-on interdisciplinary education, this study club program will answer that call! *For those dentists seeking Fellowship in the AGD, This program contains all of the requirements to reach this goal. *For those seeking Mastership in the AGD, this program over 5 years contains all of the requirements to achieve Mastership.

Speaker Line Up for 2013-2014 September 19-22, 2013 James Moquin-Oral Med/Diagnosis Dr. Karl Koerner-Oral Surgery Dr. Karl Koerner-Bone Grafting Oral Surgery

Masters Case Presentation November 14-17, 2013 Dr. Henry Gremillion-Occlusion Dr. Loubna Pla-Endodontics Dr. Marc Cooper-Practice Management

Masters Case Presentation January 23-26, 2014 Dr. Mark Malterud-Ozone Dentistry Dr. Robert Convissar-Esthetic Lasers in Periodontics Dr. Robert Convissar-Operative Lasers in Restorative

Masters Case Presentation April 24-27, 2014 Dr. Gene McCoy-Occlusion Dr. Greg Psaltis-Pedio Dr. Binh Tran-Orthodontics Masters Case Presentations

Washington Academy of General Dentistry • Issue 29 • 2012 • www.washingtonagd.org • 21

Self-Instruction Follow the Instructions Are you looking for high-quality continuing education at an affordable price? The General Dentistry Self-Instruction program is an easy and fun way to earn continuing education (CE) hours toward Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) membership maintenance, the AGD Fellowship and Mastership awards, and licensure renewal in most states.

(Licensure requirements vary by state, please check with your state dental board to confirm approval.)

Each issue of General Dentistry, the AGD’s award-winning, peer reviewed clinical journal, includes three articles that have been specifically selected for the Self-Instruction program. Once enrolled, participants read the article(s), answer the questions in the corresponding exercises, submit their answers, and earn two CE credits for each exercise they pass. Like all AGD CE products, Self-Instruction is PACE-approved.

In addition to being available in each issue of the journal, SelfInstruction exercises can also be found on the AGD Web site at www.agd.org /publications/gd/ selfinstruct/exercises.asp.

This way, members can plan their CE around their lives, rather than planning their lives around their CE.

the exercises you’ve completed and how many CE credits you’ve earned.

Self-Instruction program highlights: • Participants can enroll for one exercise or as many as 12 exercises at a time • Articles and exercises are available both in print and online • Enrollment is available via journal, Web site, or phone • AGD members see credits posted to their transcript automatically (no extra paperwork to submit) • AGD members can log on to the Self-Instruction home page at any time see how many exercises they have remaining Contact Cassandra Bannon, Self-Instruction Coordinator, toll-free at 888.243.3368 ext. 4353, or e-mail dart@agd.org, with questions or to enroll in the program.

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The Self-Instruction Program is a convenient program that allows you to either “pay-as-you-go” or sign up for a one-year enrollment.

In addition, it’s easy to keep track of Washington Academy of General Dentistry • Issue 29 • 2013 • www.washingtonagd.org • 22

What happens when WISHA walks in?

It’s no secret that WISHA inspectors are investigating dental offices throughout the state at record numbers. More dental offices were randomly selected for a WISHA inspection in the first three months of this year than were randomly inspected in 2008 and 2009 combined.

And, according to the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (the folks from Labor and Industries who do the inspecting), they’re not done yet.

Being ready when the inspector walks through y our door is crucial. Each regulation has a different mandate and a variety of rules and making sure you’re in compliance can be confusing and frustrating. HARRISBIOMEDICAL has been helping dentists navigate the compliance maze for years. In times like these a call to the “Compliance Company” is a good first step.

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“It’s like having a full-time compliance expert on staff.”

WISHA programs and staff training I think Dr. Weiler needs to handle this one.

HIPAA programs and staff training I’m not sure that’s what HIPAA had in mind,

1st Aid / BLS CPR staff training

Yes, Chrissie, I’d call that a needlestick. ©

Telephone: 866-548-2468 ** FAX: 206-575-8177 ** www.harrisbiomedical.net ** info@harrisbiomedical.net Washington Academy of General Dentistry • Issue 29 • 2013 • www.washingtonagd.org • 23

What Winners Do and Losers Don’t

by Howard Farran, DDS, MAGD, MBA, DICOI, Publisher, Dentaltown Magazine

For the last 25 years, I have been interested in what winners do and losers don’t. There are varying definitions of “what winners do,” so to make sure you understand what this column is about, I’m not defining winners as dentists who fit crowns within a few microns. I’m talking about the big picture here.

One of the strongest predictors of being a winner is having a massive intellectual curiosity, which is easily measured by the number of hours of continuing education one takes.

You will be a success if you pursue a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD) designation. I’ve never met a dentist with an MAGD who has gone bankrupt. I just haven’t.

If all you can do is take an X-ray, and do cleanings, fillings and crowns, you’re just not going to be successful.

By the time you have forced yourself to cross-train in the very structured 16 different categories of continuing education requirements to get your Fellowship of the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) and then take another 600 hours to get your MAGD, you know how to recognize, diagnose and treat so many different oral health issues that you’re just always busy.

A dentist with an MAGD can do twice as much dentistry on the same number of patients a regular dentist sees because an MAGD dentist can

see it, understand it and diagnose it better.

Another element in determining success is presenting treatment. It seems like everybody I know who takes home $300,000 a year always has a separate person presenting the treatment. These dentists do not present the treatment plans themselves. Dentists by and large are introverts and have a difficult time explaining things like gingivitis and irreversible pulpitis in layman’s terms to their patients. I still contend that 99 percent of all physicians, dentists and lawyers could never make the income they make if they were salespeople. Just because you’re the dentist and you own the business, it doesn’t mean you’re the best person to explain treatment. When you find an energetic person who can understand the treatment plan and can explain (aka, “sell”) it to your patients, your treatment acceptance skyrockets. It is very important to know what you’re good at, but I think it’s more important to know what you’re not good at. Data has shown that the average dentist fills 38 out of 100 cavities diagnosed. You should go to your report generator and look up your own numbers, but why is it some offices have an 80 percent close rate and other dentists have less than half that? How can you call yourself a winner when two-out-of-three people who come into your office with a cavity leave with a cavity and still have a cavity at the end of the year?

I tire of the so-called 20-20-20 dentists (dentists who are so proud that they bond with a greater than 20 megapascal strength, their wear rates are less than 20 microns a year and their indirect crowns, inlays and onlays fit within 20 microns), who are so into the science and themselves that they completely ignore the big picture enough to realize they suck at getting actual dentistry done! Tell me again how well your inlays fit when you only do one out of every three you diagnose.

The true litmus test for me is in answering, “Would I send my own

children to your office?” I don’t want to send my four babies to a dentist who only has a one-in-three chance of even removing the cavity. I’d rather send my kids to a dentist whose fillings were 30 microns of wear a year and whose crowns fit at greater than 30 microns a year as long as the dentist at least numbed up the tooth and removed the decay.

Another variable that determines success is whether or not you have an emergency operatory. We always talk about new patients, new patients, new patients. We all want more new patients. If I could sum up your receptionist’s job description in one sentence, it’s, “Your receptionist sells appointments.” If someone were to call your practice and say, “My tooth really hurts. Can I come in?” and all your operatories are scheduled, the answer is, “No.” So the patient calls another practice that will see her.

My practice keeps an operatory open for emergencies all the time. Nobody schedules it. If you’re saying you can’t do this because of your schedule, you’re the same dentist who continually complains about no-shows and cancellations. Free up one of your operatories! These practices probably make $50,000 a year more than the ones that don’t.

Another success factor is whether your practice is hidden in some office building that you don’t own or if you have a standalone practice that you do own. For years I’ve told every dentist I know to stop renting and move their practices to a visible commercial space. If you only have one or two operatories, get some courage and look for a bigger space. Almost every dentist I’ve talked to who built out their own space tells me if they could do it over again they would have made their practice bigger. Ever notice the companies that design 10’x12’ operatories never have to work in them? The happiest dentists I know are in operatories that are 15’x15’ or larger! Why would you want to work the rest of your life in a tuna can?

Double your space! It’s so cheap right

Washington Academy of General Dentistry • Issue 29 • 2012 • www.washingtonagd.org • 24

continued on page 26

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Total Amount Enclosed: ..................................................... $429.00 Individuals joining 7/1–9/30 pay half the annual headquarters membership dues. (Does not apply to student, resident, or first year graduate members). Individuals joining 10/1–12/31/12 enjoy membership through the end of 2013. Paid dues will be applied to the upcoming year.

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Washington Academy of General Dentistry • Issue 29 • 2013 • www.washingtonagd.org • 25

continued from page 24

now! Make the move!

These are just a few variables of what I think differentiate the winners from the losers. Initially I thought about telling you what the winners do and the losers don’t from only my own perspective, but I thought, “That’s kind of a big responsibility to put on myself.”

I want to always make sure I give good advice, so I contacted some of my friends - heavy hitters in the dental profession - and asked them what they think winners do and losers don’t. Here are some outstanding responses from Dr. Rhonda Savage, Sally McKenzie, Dr. Dan Fischer, Dr. Rick Workman, Linda Miles, Dr. Gary Kadi, Dr. Gordon Christensen, Cindy Kushner, Dr. Rick Kushner and Sandy Pardue. I know you’re going to appreciate this.

Dr. Rhonda Savage Winners close their office doors and focus on patients, patient care (including correspondence with specialists and insurance company rebuttals) and staff training. Winners are warm. They connect. They listen well. Winners are focused. Winners ask for staff input and are fierce about communication systems like team meetings, morning huddles and performance reviews. Winners hire carefully. Winners train well and are clear about their expectations. Winners follow up, coaching and appreciating.

Winners are positive. Winners show up early or at least before the start time. Winners start on time respecting the team and their patients’ time.

Winners are passionate and inspire others. They share their short-term and longterm goals. Winners discuss the “why.”

Sally McKenzie Winners seek and learn and execute and measure and share in celebrating.

Unsuccessful practices just do the same old thing the same old way.

Dr. Dan Fischer Winners have integrity. They listen well.

They put their patients first and treat them with respect. They communicate and educate. They inform before they perform. They are not egocentric.

Winners keep current on new technology. They do not push their own agendas. They are generally happy, enthusiastic people.

Dr. Rick Workman Winners are open, positive and mentally flexible. They have an optimistic mindset and seek to build relationships with their team and patients. They seek to solve problems versus place blame. They visit other dental practices and study the world around them. They strive for mastery of their craft. They understand entrepreneurialism to a degree and realize success is up to them.

Linda Miles Winners realize their business is only as focused, ethical, and accountable to customers/clients/patients as their leader. They have outstanding clinical skills and instruments, and expect the same of their staff. They communicate effectively with their team, patients and colleagues.

Dr. Gary Kadi Winners ask, “How do we find a way?” instead of letting themselves off the hook. Winners focus on outcomes versus activity. They operate on a foundation of honoring their word - the builder of trust, empowerment and workability. Winners are not whiners.

Winners face their fears. They are authentic and vulnerable. Winners have a clear vision and engage and enroll others to support them. They focus on value creation in every interaction; losers are value consumers.

Winners do not sabotage opportunities when offered.

Cindy Kushner The difference between winners and losers is simply the willingness to work hard - do whatever it takes to make a practice successful (within the realm of ethics). Winners try things outside their comfort zone. They have good work ethic and never believe they deserve success, but rather believe they can create it.

Dr. Rick Kushner Winners accept responsibility for everything. They know their success, or lack thereof, is about them and nothing else. Losers always have something or someone else to blame.

Sandy Pardue Winners realize the business aspect of the practice is different than technical skills. They are great at building relationships. They are willing to spend time focusing on the business of their practice because they understand that accountability, research, development and practice evolution all contribute to practice success. They are effective communicators. They have a skilled person answering the phone. Winners have set production targets for all providers in the practice. They keep as many services as they can inhouse versus referring them out. They have incorporated additional services such as implants, ortho etc. There is a solid recall system in place. Winners know if they continue to learn and make improvements, they will continue to improve and be more profitable.

Winners insist on high ethical standards. They are strong leaders and they don’t let staff dictate the direction of the practice. They know that systematized training for staff and written procedures on how to do their jobs will increase efficiency, production and profitability. The practice has production goals set for each provider.

The practice has a vision and goals that they created together. They understand that successful practices are built on good relationships.

They delegate effectively.

Dr. Gordon Christensen Winners are patient-centered. They offer a great value for patients, including moderate fees. They are not ego-oriented. They don’t over-treat.

They are honest, authentic and live by the Golden Rule. They treat employees as equals and they keep up-to-date on technology and products.

Reprinted with permission of Dentaltown Magazine and Dentaltown.com

Washington Academy of General Dentistry • Issue 29 • 2013 • www.washingtonagd.org • 26

Constituent of the Academy of General Dentistry Valerie A. Bartoli, Executive Director

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Mission The Washington AGD mission is to serve the needs and represent the interests of general dentists, to promote the oral health of the public, and to foster continued proficiency of general dentists through quality continuing dental education in order to better serve the public. *As a Non-Profit entity, Washington AGD does not endorse, partner or solely support companies, products or speakers, but rather recognizes speakers, products and sponsors for their services to our Washington AGD educational programs. The views and opinions of the speakers or companies expressed during the educational programs, do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Washington AGD.

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