The Articulator
Serving the Dentists of the Northwestern Dental District
Spring 2013
What’s Inside
President’s Report Dr. Jim Hutson, President, NWDDS
House of Delegates 2 Legislative Fish Fry 5 Law Day Huge Success with Huge Attendance 6 National Children’s Dental Health Month and Give Kids a Smile 8 Members Inducted 10
The Articulator Serving the dentists of the NWDDS Editor Kumar Patel, DMD, MS Prosthodontist 3417 Canton Road, Suite 401 Marietta, GA 30066 (770) 429-1545 www.mariettadentalcare.com drkay71@yahoo.com The Articulator is the official publication of the Northwestern District Dental Society. Publication of any article or advertisement should not be an endorsement of the NWDDS. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author under whose name appear and not to be regarded as representing the views of the NWDDS. The editor expressly reserves the right to refuse publication of any article, photograph, or advertisement deemed contrary to the views of the NWDDS. All advertising materials, correspondence and articles for publication should be mailed, emailed, or faxed to the above address. Copyright, January 2012.
Balance of Power Often I am ask to carry the message of our profession to various groups who desire to know the objectives and goals of our beloved profession and I find myself standing in front of a crowd of folks that does not understand our mission, goals or purpose. Usually they are looking to us to provide clarity about our mission and our standards. After 28 years of active involvement in my district and GDA it is fairly easy to make the case for our profession that we are dedicated to the advancement of dental care for all Georgians while at the same time working to improve all facets of the practice of dentistry.
Dr. Jim Hutson, President, NWDDS
As much as we try, we cannot define our profession without using the term “business.” In an era where most professions are losing ground in the public opinion polls dentistry suffers from the same challenges many other health care professions share. Basic questions of should all people be provided dental care? Who should pay the bill? Who should deliver the care? The subtle shift to insurance companies dictating the cost of care, the level of care, the amount of care and the standard of care was ushered in when employers started providing insurance as a benefit to their employees to keep and retain the best employees. We all can agree we are the responsible party for the contractual agreements we sign but to ignore the fact/reality that the balance of power lies with the insurance company would be an understatement and foolish. In the past, because we were predominately single, stand-alone practitioners and a high percentage were fee for service, the insurance companies had less leverage and certainly less control. Welcome to the new paradigms. The norm is rapidly changing, distribution and geographic coverage of dental practices, group practice and even corporate dentistry all are changing. Computerization including coding and “data mining” (utilization/usage) info is the main driving force behind most change. It is now possible to break down the business of dentistry to raw numbers and data. This ability is power and utilized by the all the players I just listed. The ability to crunch numbers and develop strategies for business models and plans appear to be as important as developing
continued on page 3
The Articulator • Spring 2013
January House of Delegates by Kumar Patel, DMD, MS, Editor, NWDDS
models and the entire payment model for dentistry is under attack. Dr. Donna Moses and Dr. Randy Daniel were congratulated on their recent appointments. Dr. Donna Moses was appointed on the department of community health board, a first-time appointment for a dentist. Dr. Kumar Patel, Editor Randi Daniel was appointed to the Special Commission on Mandatory Benefits. This is good news for the profession. GDA had added Meg Robinson to our team. She will be serving for Governmental Affairs. Fifth District Trustee, Dr. Don Seago addressed the House and informed us about a recent poll which puts dentists at #5 for trust. Dr. Seago reported that Kellog and Pew are responsible for negative publicity. GDA was congratulated for the way we conduct ourselves and he offered his unconditional support. GDA PAC was listed as a Top 50 contributors. Contributions were made to more than 50% of Senate and 50% of House members. Contributions are spread to all who care about our issues without regard to party affiliation. Dr. Jim Reynerson presented a report on the ADA Delegation. Georgia was well represented at ADA by 10 Delegates and 10 Alternate Delegates. Some discussions took place on making ADA House of Delegates smaller for financial reasons, but this could impact small states. Dental Anesthesiology failed to be recognized by the ADA as a specialty, but it may consider this proposal again in the future.
G
DA House of Delegates meets twice a year, January and July. Delegation from NWDDS was in attendance. GDA President Dr. Sydney Tourial addressed the House and informed members of our progress. Census is now complete and its details have been discussed and available from GDA. Georgia does not have a shortage of dentists but has a demand problem. We have 5,800 licensed dentists with 4,044 actively practicing dentists. Forty-five percent of patients scheduled at public health clinics fail to attend. Report on census is available from GDA to any member who wishes to see the results. Dr. Tourial emphasized the value of Law Day and the importance of a one-to-one relationship with our legislators. Forces in favor of mid-level providers are against us and our position was clarified by the president. The new GDA leadership class was introduced. GDA Executive Director Martha Phillips addressed the House and gave a very valuable report as always. Our membership is strong. We have 85% of market share and dues have not been increased. Alliance members were thanked for their contribution for preparing kits for the legislators on Opening Day. The Affordable Healthcare Act has asked for an expansion of Medicaid to 138% of poverty level but the Supreme Court has allowed for states to make the call on the expansion. Many advocacy groups are asking Governor Deal to expand. The GDA has been asked about our position on expanding Medicaid to dentistry. Medicaid for dentistry is broken and until the system is fixed adding more people is unsustainable.
An economic downturn for dentistry started in 2010, but an American Dental Association report shows that from 2002 onward dentistry started to decline and adult visits decreased. We were updated on new medical device tax. Labs cannot charge this on prosthetic devices constructed from presecription. GDA can always provide clarification to any member.
Dr. Connie Drisko addressed the House for the last time as dean of the Dental School, Georgia Regents University. She will be stepping down as dean in June. She thanked GDA for all the support and urged that we continue to work together in the future. Two members of the Northwestern District are nominated and recognized for their contribution. Dr. Stuart Loos was nominated for Honorable Fellow of Georgia Dental Association and Dr. John Peacock was nominated for an award for community service. Congratulations to both!
Corporate dentistry and its presence is a bigger threat to a dentist. It will make competition difficult for the solo practicioner. Dentists need to streamline their operations and be very efficient to compete with this trend. Cost of care is driving this change in business
2
The Articulator • Spring 2013
President’s message continued the relationships and skill sets to master our profession. The power seems to lie with the person who can bring the greatest details of the data. There are many platforms to deliver dental care. We have choices to participate as preferred providers or to remain out of network; to accept insurance plans or to remain fee for service but no one can deny we are seeing incredible changes in the business model of old. To that end patient education remains paramount in all models. Most patients want to know what their insurance will cover before proceeding with care plans. The ability/desire of the insurance company to provide little to no accurate info or just as important, “timely” info, causes low case acceptance for most dentist. As we face these new challenges it will be imperative to rely on all of our membership to roll up their sleeves and get involved in continuing to carry our message to our patients and the public. We are dedicated to relieving pain, treating and preventing diseases of the mouth and always treating our fellow-man with the upmost respect while offering the finest in care. Never give up that power.
3
The Articulator • Spring 2013
4
The 2013 TheArticulator Articulator • • Spring Fall 2009
Legislative Fish Fry by Dr. Larry Tilley
That should be plenty of notice, so write it on your calendar now.
T
he Northwestern District Dental Society's annual Legislative Fish Fry was held at the Clarence Brown Conference Center in Cartersville, GA on December 5. As in every organization, annual events are often trivialized as routine. This year’s dinner was anything but routine thanks to reapportionment and newly elected legislators. In fact one of the run off contests was held just days before the meeting. Despite these difficulties 32 representatives and 19 senators were in attendance. A great turn out!
This will be my last year as chairman of this event. I would love to take the credit for our success but it is easy to achieve when it is built upon the shoulders of our previous leadership and the great traditions which have been established through the years. I especially appreciate Dr. Jim Hutson and Dr. Ritu Bath for all of their advice, assistance and efforts this year. I look forward to serving our district and commit to do all that I can to make the upcoming event a success. Have I mentioned my support for mandatory term limits?
The importance of our legislative outreach is seen each year with the overwhelmingly positive response given us by our legislators. More importantly however is that when pending legislation which will impact you as a small business owner, a dentist, our profession, or our patient’s well being is before them, we always have their ear as a result of these efforts. Indeed this year, as in so many others, they again came to our aid. We are humbled and thankful for this relationship. Were you there? If you weren’t, you missed an exceptionally well prepared and delicious seafood buffet (and of course there was chicken) as well as great fellowship. We are already preparing for our 2013 Legislative Fish Fry. It will be held again at the Clarence Brown Conference Center December 4th.
NWDDS Members and State Leadership and Legislators
5
TheArticulator Articulator • • Spring Fall 2009 The 2013
LAW Day Huge Success with Huge Attendance by Dr. Kumar Patel
A
s always Law Day was well attended and remains a highlight event. In my five years of attendance this was the most exciting Law Day so far. Our attendance made a big difference this time. We started the morning with a breakfast meeting and a briefing from GDA Executive Director, Martha Phillips along with Nelda Greene. Our day was spent informing Senate members about HB 132 which made way for the Board of Dentistry to come under the Department of Community Health along with the Medical Board from the Secretary of State’s office. This transition will make the Board more efficient and provide more resources and ultimately serve citizens and dentistry more effectively. It had resistance in its early phases but our direct conversations and persistance with our legislators was heard and the bill was eventually passed. This Law Day signified the importance of our direct involvement and valuable relationship with our legislators. Our District has traditionally done well and is encouraged by our results.
First time attendees to Law Day
6
The 2013 TheArticulator Articulator •• Spring Fall 2009
The Articulator • Spring 2013
National Children’s Dental Health Month and Give Kids a Smile Dr. Denise Hall
F
ebruary is National Children's Dental Health Month (NCDHM). In recognition of this important month of dental awareness focused on children, dentists and their support staff nationwide provided much needed dental care to underprivileged children in their local communities.
The Northwestern District of the Georgia Dental
Association sponsored its annual Give Kids A Smile event on Friday, February 1. Dental services were provided for 57 local children at the Dental Hygiene school at West Georgia Technical College in Douglasville. Volunteers included 9 dentists, 3 dental assistants, 9 hygienists, 30 hygiene students and 8 support staff. Children received examinations, cleanings, sealants and important information to help
Give Kids a Smile
“ I only have one regret about selling my practice. I should have called Dr. Earl Douglas sooner.” Sound Advice. TTrust rust us us for for all all your your dental dental transition transition needs. needs. •A Appraisals ppraisals •B rokering Brokering • PPractice ractice FFinancing inancing
•A ssociate PPlacement lacement Associate •E quity A ssociateships Equity Associateships
ADSSouth.com Practice P ractice Transitions Transitions Made Made Perfect Perfect™ PPC P PC is is now now A ADS DS S South. outh.
GEORGIA, LOUISIANA & TENNESSEE
N. CAROLINA, S. CAROLINA & VIRGINIA
Earl Douglas, DDS, MBA, BVAL
James J. Howard, DMD
( 770) 664 -1982 earl@adssouth.com
(910) 523 -1430 jim@adssouth.com
ALABAMA, MISSISSIPPI & W. TENNESSEE
8
OFFICE MANAGER
Rebecca Kyatt
Virginia Douglas
( 205) 253 - 9094 rebecca@adssouth.com
(770) 664-1982 virginia@adssouth.com
The 2013 TheArticulator Articulator •• Spring Fall 2009
them understand the benefits of good oral health and consistent home care. The combined efforts of the volunteers, services, supplies and facility totaled $22,062 for the 6 hrs of services provided for the day. We remain grateful to all those who provided their time, services and supplies for this very worthy cause. Special thanks to Dr. Valarie Carter director of the dental hygiene school for her participation in GKAS. DATA COLLECTION Date: 2/1/13 Event location: Fortis College, Smyrna Program Director: Dr. Carter Number of patients seen: 57 Value of care: $22,062 Procedures: education/oral hygiene instructions, oral screenings, cleanings, x-rays, fluoride treatment with fluoride varnish and dental sealants Children referred for care: 39 Participating dentists: Kay Kalantari, Faith Bates, Chris Shim, Melanie Tang, Lechandre Wadley, David Bradberry and Julius Park Donations: Drs. Bruce Camp, Jason Boutwell, Paul Isler, Hank Bradford, and Michael Leingang, Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola and Darby Dental Offices that reported involvement in National Children’s Dental Health Month: Dr. Atusha Patel 9
The Articulator Articulator •• Spring Spring 2013 2013 The
National Speaker
Member News
Dr. Peter Shatz has been invited to speak on Soft Tissue Grafting at the 2013 ADA annual meeting in New Orleans, LA.
by Dr. Kumar Patel
Members Inducted into PFA Members of the NWDDS inducted into the Pierre Fauchard Academy. Doctors from left to right: Kumar Patel, Casey Hart, Karyn Stockwell, PFA President Ernesto Acuna, Ritu Bath, Stan Halpern and John Peacock.
National Publishing Congratulations to Dr. Rico Short for his article and cover in national publication, Dentistry Today.
10