April 2011 Nugget by Sacramento District Dental Society (SDDS)

April 2011

April — It’s Not Just about Taxes! Inside:

Expert Financial information from SDDS Vendor Members! PLUS: Don’t miss out on the SDDF Gala — October 1, 2011

don’t miss these upcoming events! continuing education

member forum

April 8, 2011

April 21, 2011

Crown Lengthening for the General Practitioner

CE, Co

Presented by: Timothy Hempton, DDS

n d s - O n Co e

S pa c

Course Objectives: eL imited • Design a flap for a crown lengthening surgical procedure • Utilize ostectomy and osteoplasty to achieve adequate tooth exposure • Apically position a flap with periosteal sutures • Recognize when crown lengthening is contraindicated. Alternative options are reviewed

urs

8:30am–1:30pm • 5 ceu, Core sacramento hilton arden west

Practice Management: Straight Talk About Balancing it All (People, Systems, Results) Presented by: Gayle Suarez (Dental Mgmt Solutions)

CE, 20

course objectives: Attendees will learn effective solutions for immediate implementation and powerful results that matter: • • • • • • •

Effective Communication High Team Morale Happier Patients More New Patients Better Case Acceptance Higher Production Less Stress ~ More Balance!

6:30pm–8:30pm • 2 ceu, 20% Sacramento hilton arden west

general meeting April 12, 2011

recr uitme Nigh nt t!

Turn it on & off: What’s new in local anesthesia Presented by: Alan Budenz, MS, DDS, MBA Course Objectives: • Causes of local anesthesia failures • Sciences behind new anesthetic buffering and reversal agents being introduced to dental practitioners. • Latest anesthetic agent technology for daily practice and new trends in achieving patient comfort 6:00pm–9:00pm • 2 ceu, Core Sacramento Hilton — Arden West

cpr courses april 2, 2011 — Renewal

8:30am–12:30pm • 4 ceu, Core Sutter general hospital — Cancer Center (buhler building)

Aug 28, 2011 — Full Course 8:30am–12:30pm • 4 ceu, Core Sutter general hospital — Cancer Center (buhler building)

Table of Contents

THE NUGGET April 2011 Volume 57, Number 4

Features 7

2011 Economic Outlook Chris Nunn, Registered Representative Matt Fine, ChFC Eagle West Group (SDDS Vendor Member)

Recent SBA 504 Loan Program — Changes Helpful to Dentists Gordon Gerwig First U.S. Community Credit Union (SDDS Vendor Member)

Tax Planning Craig Fechter, CPA Fechter & Co. (SDDS Vendor Member)

Should You Employ Your Spouse, Your Child & Claim Other Deductions? Dennis Nelson, CPA Dennis Nelson, CPA (SDDS Vendor Member)

Surprised? Well You Should Not Be! John Urrutia Mann, Urrutia, Nelson, CPAs (SDDS Vendor Member)

New Tax Rates Could Create New Opportunities Violetta Sit Terpeluk, CFP®, MBA, CRCP® Ameriprise Financial (SDDS Vendor Member)

Are You Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset? Lucas Rayburn Principal Financial Group (SDDS Vendor Member)

Breaking Bad Money Habits Leonard Simpson, RFC®, AIF® (SDDS Vendor Member)

Specials 19

SDDS Annual Report

Dental Treatment During Pregnancy: Current Recommendations Bob Isman, DDS, MPH

Regulars 4 4 5 6 15 17 20 22 23 24–25 25 26 27 27 28 29 30 31 32 www.sdds.org

President’s Message Link of the Month From the Editor’s Desk Cathy’s Corner Foundation Update Being Social YOU: The Dentist… the Employer Committee Meeting Schedule Committee Corner Vendor Members Vendor Member Spotlights We’re Blowing Your Horn! Board Report Our Condolences Advertiser Index Membership Update Event Highlights Classified Ads SDDS Calendar of Events

The Nugget is a four-time International College of Dentists Journalism Award Winner: Golden Pen (Honorable Mention, 2007) Article or series of articles of interest to the profession

Outstanding Cover (2007) Remarkable cover

Overall Newsletter (2007) Exceptional publication overall

Platinum Pencil (2010) Outstanding use of graphics

* featured on cover November April 2011 2007 | 3| 3

President’s Message Is it Made Here Or Overseas?

A lot of merchandise we purchased in the United States is imported. Are all imports cheap? The answer is a definite NO. Is all imported merchandise of poor quality? The answer is also NO. We would agree there are lots of good products that are made overseas. Some big name products are not just good, but expensive. My 13-year-old niece can name Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Ferrari and Porsche. Dentists who have seen the ceramic restorations fabricated by Mr. Hitoshi Aoshima of Japan would agree that his works are works of art. For years, restorative dentists and prosthodontists have sent their work to Aureola, the dental laboratory directed by Mr. Aoshima. It is not inexpensive, but dentists are willing to do that because of the natural looking ceramic restorations that Aureola can produce. In dentistry, quality standards of overseas dental laboratories were brought to light in February 2008 when a media report from Ohio stated that lead was found in prosthesis manufactured in China and shipped to the U.S. The public media and our patients started to ask where their crowns and removable prosthesis were made. We know that some dental laboratories have outsourced their services. Even some U.S. dental schools outsource their dental lab works oversea. Mr. Bennett Napier, CAE, Co-Executive Director of the National Association of Dental Laboratories, stated in his 2010 Report to the American Prosthodontic Society that the percentage of work done by foreign dental laboratories is conservatively estimated at 30%. What drives the outsourcing? Is there a shortage of dental technicians or is it just because of cost? Are the products clinically acceptable? Are they safe? The 2008 CDA House of Delegates adopted a resolution calling on the CDA Policy Development Council to “study the issues affecting dental laboratory technicians, 4 | The Nugget

By Wai M. Chan, DDS including workforce characteristics, training, current and future workforce capacity and outsourcing and quality of materials.” Those issues are complex and multi-faceted. Insufficient economic incentives to attract people to a career as dental laboratory technicians,

What drives outsourcing? Is is a shortage of dental technicians or is it just because of cost? inadequate number of educational programs for dental technicians, lack of interaction between the dentists/dental students and technicians, usage of CAD/CAM, perceived reduction of new dentists’ understanding of prosthetic technology, low insurance reimbursement rate, just to name a few. Since dentists are the ones that placed the restorations in the patients’ mouths, we will have to take responsibility on the quality and safety of the restorations. The CDA Policy Development Council believe that dentists would benefit significantly from a requirement that all dental labs doing business in California provide dentists with whom they do business documentation of the place of origin and materials used by the lab. It would give dentists and patients some degree

of legal recourse should they find that they have been misled. A resolution was passed in the 2010 CDA House of Delegates directing CDA to consider sponsoring legislation on that requirement. The same resolution also directs the CDA President to appoint a task force made up of representatives from CDA, the dental laboratory industry, the California dental schools and other appropriate experts to evaluate ways to assist and enhance the statute and viability of the dental laboratory industry in California. I have no doubt that we will benefit if we have more qualified, well trained technicians. There are still a large number of dentists who want and respect a close relationship with their local dental lab technicians who can participate in treatment planning, analyze material choices, advise in shade selection and verification and consult throughout a patient case. With better communication with our dental laboratory technicians, we would be able to get better results. We will benefit if we learn from each other. Our dental lab technicians who fabricate the finished products are the ones who make us look good. Without their partnering with us, we cannot achieve our best.  Article specifics are gathered from Mr. Bennett Napier’s 2010 Report and from CDA Issue Summary on Issues affecting Dental Laboratories and Dental Laboratory Technicians.

YOU: Disaster Proofing Your Practice

link of the month continued from page

Support the Foundation at the Smile Sacramento Gala — October 1, 2011 Sign up to sponsor or attend at:

www.sdds.org/SDDF_Gala.htm Sacramento District Dental Society

From the Editor’s desk Beyond Taxes As this editorial is being written, the "Ides of March" looms ominously. Shakespeare's famous advice to Julius Caesar notwithstanding, the true danger to the modern business owner comes thirty days later when it comes time to "render" to Caesar's current successor. This issue of the Nugget will deal with the issues one should consider in the month of April, while drawing together the myriad documents, receipts, and schedules which have become such a part of our information age. While the days of digging through old shoeboxes for W-2s, and those other pesky envelopes with that "Important Tax Document" stamped on them, have been replaced by clicking through internet web

By James Musser, DDS Editor-in-Chief

sites, the need for using that information to chart a sound financial future has not changed. Indeed in the current financial morass in which we find ourselves it is even more obligatory. The days of "just do good dentistry, and the rest will take care of itself" as a philosophy, if they ever TRULY did exist, are long gone. We are fortunate to have several articles written by experts in their fields on varied fiscal subjects, from the financial outlook for the year 2011 to the advisabilty (or not) of hiring one's spouse. Other articles cover aspects of tax and financial planning, what services one should expect to receive from his or her accountant, disability insurance to insure you will have the means to get

Caesar what he requires, and how to get an SBA loan, if one becomes necessary. All in all, enough material to keep one pondering his or her future until the next quarterly tax deposit is due.

address change? Please notify:

Sacramento District Dental Society (by phone or in writing) 915 28th Street • Sacramento, CA 95816 (916) 446-1227 California Dental Board (in writing only)

Evergreen Street, Suite 1550 • Sacramento, CA 95815

DENTAL OFFICE C O N S T R U C T I O N

S P E C I A L I S T S

A THUMBS UP EXPERIENCE PE

Damon Szymanowski Orthodontics

DESIGN/BUILD NEW CONSTRUCTION

Todd Andrews & Damon Szymanowski

Because we specialize in construction for dental professionals, Andrews Construction, Inc understands the unique needs specific to dentists. Our 30+ years of experience assures you that we deliver QUALITY, SERVICE and SATISFACTION on every meticulously run project. Thumbs Up to that!

TENANT IMPROVEMENTS REMODELING

www.sdds.org

SDDS Vendor Member Since 2001

916 743-5151 andrewsconstructioninc.com

April 2011 | 5

Cathy’s Corner

Sacramento District Dental Society Amador • El Dorado • Placer • Sacramento • Yolo

Leadership

By Cathy B. Levering

and Score!

SDDS Executive Director

What do you do when it’s two weeks to deadline and something happens to the existing production schedule and we need to put together a quick issue? Simple. Pool our resources! Punt and hope that it catches on… It’s the April issue — let’s do one on finance. It’s tax month. So, with that in mind, I sent out a request to all those vendors who support SDDS through their vendor membership. I gave them a four day turnaround and most of them said, “I’m in.” So, thanks so very much to our financial-based vendor members who helped put this issue together. And thanks to Dr. Musser who quickly agreed to be the associate editor for this month. Speaking of vendor members, we now have over 30 of them. Their business categories range from dental supplies to practice management consultants, to financial institutions and services (banks, financial planners, CPAs), dental services, insurance, construction and remodeling specialists, technology services and human resource consulting. Years ago, members only viewed dental suppliers as a valuable vendor resource. But today, more and more members are looking for (and asking for!) new financial relationships, financing options and advice.

• When you are thinking of starting a practice, we have vendors who will support you. • When you need gas (or have too much gas!) … we have a source for you as well! So thanks to our vendor members! And thanks to those members who continue to call them, get a bid from them or suggest new ones to us. If you have a need, let us know. We’ll find options for you! SCORE!  A Gala event to support the Foundation

Table & Corporate

Kevin Keating, DDS, MS Donald Rollofson, DMD CE: Jonathan Szymanowski, DMD, MMSc CPR: Margaret Delmore, MD, DDS Dental Health: Dean Ahmad, DDS Ethics: Volki Felahy, DDS Foundation: Robert Daby, DDS Leadership Development: Terrence Jones, DDS Legislative: Mike Payne, DDS, MSD / Gabrielle Rasi, DDS Membership: Lisa Laptalo, DDS Peer Review: Bryan Judd, DDS / Brett Peterson, DDS Dental Careers Workgroup: Robin Berrin, DDS Beverly Kodama, DDS Budget & Finance Advisory: Gary Ackerman, DDS Bylaws Advisory: Adrian Carrington, DDS Fluoridation Advisory: Kim Wallace, DDS Forensics Advisory: George Gould, DDS / Mark Porco, DDS Strategic Planning Advisory: Victor Hawkins, DDS/ Gary Ackerman, DDS

Trustees Committees Standing

Ad hoc Advisory Task Forces Workgroups

Special Events Other

Nugget Editorial Board

SDDS Staff

James Musser, DDS

Cathy Levering

Paul Binon, DDS, MSD Donna Galante, DMD Alexander Malick, DMD James McNerney, DMD Christy Rollofson, DDS Oladimeji Sorunke, BDS Ash Vasanthan, DDS, MS

Executive Director

Della Yee

Program Manager/ Executive Assistant

Melissa Orth

Publications Coordinator

Lisa Murphy

Member Liaison/ Peer Review Coordinator

Erin Castleberry

Member Liaison/ Smiles for Kids Coordinator

Editors Emeritus: William Parker, DMD, MS, PhD • Bevan Richardson, DDS

More info: (916) 446-1227

Saturday: October 1, 2011 6:30pm • Hyatt Regency Sacramento

6 | The Nugget

Board of Directors

Editor

And on and on…

A gala to benefit Sacramento District Dental Foundation

Dan Haberman, DDS, MS Carl Hillendahl, DDS Jennifer Goss, DDS Kenneth Moore, DDS Craig Johnson, DDS Viren Patel, DDS Wallace Bellamy, DMD Brian Royse, DDS Kim Wallace, DDS

Golf Tournament: Damon Szymanowski, DMD SacPAC: Donald Rollofson, DMD SDDF Gala Fundraiser: Wes Yee, DDS Smiles for Kids: Donald Rollofson, DMD

• When you are thinking of remodeling, we have vendors who will support you.

Sponsors needed!

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Advertising rates and information are sent upon request. Acceptance of advertising in the Nugget in no way constitutes approval or endorsement by Sacramento District Dental Society of products or services advertised. SDDS reserves the right to reject any advertisement. The Nugget is an opinion and discussion magazine for SDDS membership. Opinions expressed by authors are their own, and not necessarily those of SDDS or the Nugget Editorial Board. SDDS reserves the right to edit all contributions for clarity and length, as well as reject any material submitted. The Nugget is published monthly (except bimonthly in June/July and Aug/Sept) by the SDDS, 915 28th Street, Sacramento, CA 95816 (916) 446-1211. Subscriptions are free to SDDS members, $50 per year for CDA/ADA members and $125 per year for nonmembers for postage and handling. Third class postage paid at Sacramento, CA.

Postmaster: Send address changes to SDDS, 915 28th Street, Sacramento, CA 95816.

Sacramento District Dental Society

Punt —

President — Wai Chan, DDS Immediate Past President — Terrence Jones, DDS President Elect — Victor Hawkins, DDS Treasurer — Gary Ackerman, DDS Secretary — Kelly Giannetti, DMD, MS Editor — James Musser, DDS Executive Director — Cathy Levering

2011

Economic Outlook

We thought it might be helpful to outline what we expect for the economy in 2011. This represents a sampling of many different institutional investment managers and some of our own ideas.

Commodities, gold, oil, etc. — The view is less clear, and should be approached with caution. Some manager groups expect to see 19% returns; however China’s future could

U.S. stocks — 2011 is expected to be a reasonably good year. Developments in the rest of the world might derail our recovery in short term ways, but employment is showing signs of recovery, as well as general business activity. The Federal Reserve seems committed to stimulate the economy and keep interest rates low. There is a downside to what the U.S. is doing — borrowing/printing too much money and not reducing spending, but this is not expected to affect the economy until late 2011 or 2012.

The dollar is expected to get stronger over the next several years, because its financial house is not as bad as many other governments.

Inflation — High unemployment and a sluggish economy means less demand. Inflation is not expected to increase significantly over 2011, but eventually printing money will lead to significant inflation in 2012 or 2013. Bonds — In a recent discussion with an institutional bond manager, he said that people are going to have to change their expectations of bonds. Recently, bonds have not provided the risk reduction that they historically had. The correlation between bonds and stocks has increased significantly. In addition, interest rates have been in a 40-year decline. If one considers that bonds naturally make money as interest rates fall, then as we see interest rates rise, bonds will naturally face a head wind. For this reason, we approach bond exposure with caution and use bond substitutes where possible. International — There are opportunities, and possible significant pitfalls, depending on the country. Europe has a significant challenge on its hands, with countries having more debt than they can reasonably pay back. China looks good, but there is a brewing fear that their economy will eventually stall, as their population ages (because of the one child policy), and they run out of a cheap workforce coming to the cities from the countryside. www.sdds.org

By Chris Nunn, Registered Representative Matt Fine, ChFC Eagle West Group, Inc. (SDDS Vendor Member)

Matt Fine, ChFC Eagle West Group, Inc. Matt@eaglewest.us Toll Free: 877-834-1850 www.EagleWestGroup.com Registered Representative, Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisor Representative, Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Cambridge and Eagle West Group are not affiliated.

have a major impact on what happens. Gold particularly has been driven up by speculation, and we are concerned about a bubble. One reason commodity prices increase is because of a falling U.S. dollar. The dollar is expected to get stronger over the next several years, because its financial house is not as bad as many other governments. 2012 and Beyond — We continue to see a looming storm, where the economies of the developed countries, bloated with government and pension costs, clash with the growing emerging market countries. When one country is more productive than another, economics is the great leveler. In 1920, the U.S. was not a major power. Its development as a major player changed world economies benefiting the U.S., for the last 90 years. You could call this a super-cycle and we believe we are entering an 8–10 year conversion to a new super-cycle. This will be a volatile time and old portfolio ideas may not work very well in this environment. Our bias is to win by limiting losses and to grow where opportunities exist. Full articles can be found on our website. If you have any questions, please contact our office.  Contacts:

May 6, 2011 (Friday) Turkey Creek Golf Club (Lincoln, CA)

Chris Nunn, Registered Representative Eagle West Group, Inc. chris@eaglewest.us April 2011 | 7

By Gordon Gerwig

First U.S. Community Credit Union (SDDS Vendor Member)

Recent SBA 504

Loan Program Changes helpful to dentists The Small Business Administration 504 loan is the SBA’s primary commercial real estate loan program. Recently the SBA enhanced the 504 program to refinance existing loans coming due during 2011 and 2012 — see below for details. SBA 504 Basics What it’s used for: Primarily to finance commercial real estate, either an existing building or a new building. A tenant improvement project may be included in the loan, as well as dental equipment in some cases. Fees: Usually a loan origination fee of 1.25%, plus commercial appraisal fees which can run from $2500–$5000. What’s required: The buyer is required to put at least 10% down, the primary lender takes a 50% first mortgage, and the SBA takes a 40% second mortgage. The SBA portion is at a below-market fixed rate (currently 6.46%) for a maximum term of 20 years. The first mortgage may be either fixed or variable. How much: Loans available up to $12 million. Advantages: Absolutely the lowest cash requirement to purchase commercial real estate. Rates are usually lower than a regular SBA 7(a) loan. Disadvantages: The lender usually imposes a declining prepayment penalty for the first five years, such as 5% the first year, 4% the second year, and so on. Other: You are required to occupy at least 51% of an existing building, and 67% of a new building. You can also use a 504 loan to refinance raw land it if you later decide to build on it.

A typical $1 million SBA 504 deal looks like this: 8 | The Nugget

Borrower CDC First U.S. TOTAL

By John Urrutia, CPA

Mann, Urrutia, Nelson, CPAs (SDDS Vendor Member)

A typical $1 million SBA 504 deal is illustrated below. The borrower puts down 10% in cash, the lender takes a 50% first position (fixed or variable) for up to 25 years; and a Certified Development Corporation (CDC) takes a 40% debenture at below-market rates — currently 6.06% fixed for 20 years. The 504 Commercial Property Refinance Program — used to refinance existing loans with a maturity date in 2011 or 2012 — useful if your lender won’t renew your loan or will renew at higher interest rates. If you have a loan at least two years old and will mature before December 31, 2012, your loan can be refinanced with the SBA 504 program described above.

Surprised?

Well, you should not be! It’s that time of year end when you get your business and personal tax data over to your CPA. If all goes well, there should not be any surprises for you. Which leads to the question: What should your accountant be doing for you? Tax/Financial Planning: • Quarterly review of your Financial Statements

The property cannot already be financed with any SBA loan program.

• Quarterly meeting with you to project business profit for the year, meld it with your other income and deductions and determine your tax liability for each quarter

The maximum loan is 90% of appraised value or the existing loan balance, whichever is less.

• Available throughout the year to discuss equipment/vehicle purchases

In any case, the SBA 504 program is a costeffective means to acquire or refinance your existing dental building. 

• Determine if you are in the best tax structure for your situations (Sole Prop, S Corp, LLC)

Gordon Gerwig, Business Services Manager at First U.S. Community Credit Union, holds an MBA from the University of California at Davis in Finance and Accounting, an MS in Financial Analysis from the University of San Francisco, and an undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the University of California at Berkeley. He is also a Certified Financial Planner™ certificant. He may be reached at (916) 5765650, gordon@firstus.org.

10% 40% 50% 100%

$100,000 $400,000 $500,000 $1,000,000

Business Planning: Acting as a coordinator between you and other professions to ensure: • You have the proper retirement plan in place for your company and your investments are being reviewed • You have regular reviews of your health and business insurance coverages and quotes • Your annual minutes (if incorporated) are being prepared • Your business line of credit is adequate based on your income level • If you have a business partner your BuySell agreement is in place as well as you Key-Man Policy If you do a great job of planning from May to December tax time is a breeze as all major decisions have been made prior to the end of the year and most importantly there end up being… NO SURPRISES!  Sacramento District Dental Society

Tax Planning

& the “Bush Tax Cuts” As a practicing CPA, I really have to hand it to Congress and the current Administration (along with our former Presidential administration). The more they try to simplify things, the more difficult and complicated understanding the Internal Revenue Code becomes. Whether advertently or not, the tax legislation passed during 2010 assures full employment for accountants for this upcoming year and beyond, much to the dismay of most of the taxpaying public. Beyond the much ballyhooed “Bush Tax Cuts” that were set to expire at the end of 2010, Congress passed three major tax bills which changed the rules for most small business owners. While impossible to analyze the full effects of each bill in this column, we’ll examine the changes made as part of the extensions to the Bush Tax Cuts, a tax credit newly available to employers who provide health insurance to their employees, and a special state of California tax credit available to employers with less than 20 employees for the 2010 year. The first of the bills we’ll take a look at is the 2010 Tax Relief Act (“the Act”) which was signed into law by the President on January 2, 2011. The most common tax-related news item towards the end of the year was the expiration of the “Bush Tax Cuts.” In short, many tax related provisions would have reverted to pre-2001 levels if these provisions were allowed to expire. The highlights of the Act were to grant significant estate and gift tax relief, protecting key tax breaks for individuals and to extend most provisions of the “Bush Tax Cuts” by an additional two years. The changes that were made to estate and gift taxation were to raise the estate tax threshold to a $5,000,000 exemption and a top tax rate of 35% (from a $3,500,000 exemption and top tax rate near 50%). This rule change alone assures that most life-long dental practitioners will most likely not face an estate tax problem (at least in the next two years). One would think that this rule change would be a positive one for most www.sdds.org

middle to upper incomers — i.e., not having to worry about potential estate tax problems and not incurring the time and expense to prepare a proper estate plan. However, instead of permanently fixing this problem, they probably made it worse; the higher exemption amount and lower tax rates are set to expire in a short TWO years and revert

The tax legislation passed during 2010 assures full employment for accountants for this coming year and beyond. to pre-2001 levels (an exemption amount of $675,000 and a rate above 50%) which makes short and long-term estate planning basically impossible. The Act also extends most of the “Bush Tax Cuts” but with the provision of expiring – this time, instead of a ten-year expiration period, they are slated to expire in just TWO years. Once again, this provision makes short and long-term tax planning nearly impossible. Other highlights include extending the increased standard deductions and personal exemptions for two years, extending the reduced capital gains and qualified dividend rates for two years, and extending the increased AMT exemption amounts for 2010 and 2011. Overall, while admirable they were able to come to a consensus to extend many of provisions, it’s very much “kick the can down the road” politics as usual with the refusal to extend or end the provisions on a permanent basis. Another major tax bill passed during 2010 was the 2010 Health Care Act. Without navigating the political minefield this bill lays out for us, there was one interesting tax credit that the Bill provided that may affect small dental practices: For tax years beginning in

By Craig Fechter, CPA

Fechter & Co. (SDDS Vendor Member)

2010 (and no later than 2013), a tax credit will be given for employers with fewer than 25 employees and average annual wages of $50,000 who offer health insurance coverage to their employees. The tax credit will be 35% of the cost of the insurance coverage and is subject to a number of phase-outs and limitations based on what the actual average wages are and the type of coverages offered. Another major provision that isn’t discussed often is the State of California New Jobs tax credit. Employers with less than 20 employees in the state of California have a special opportunity available. This credit allows for a state of California tax credit for a maximum of $3,000 for each ADDITIONAL full-time employee hired. That is to say, if your practice had the equivalent of five full-time employees in 2009, and by the end of 2010 you had an equivalent of seven full-time employees, you could potentially receive a tax credit of $6,000 for the two new full-time equivalents on your California tax return. This tax credit must be claimed on a timely filed state of California tax return form 3527. The state has capped the total credit issued in the state at $400,000,000, so it is LIKELY that the credit may be exhausted shortly after the start of the 2010 filing season. If you think you qualify for the credit it is advisable to file as soon as possible. Taxes really are a difficult subject to navigate and Congress and our great State of California have done nothing to help make the code more manageable. However, with proper planning and analysis, most taxpayers are able to find nuggets which help them in their own personal or business tax situation. 

SDDS HR hotline

1-800-399-5331 April 2011 | 9

Should You Employ

Your spouse, your Child & Claim other deductions? The typical discussion about employing your spouse revolves around are you better off paying payroll taxes in order to get an additional retirement plan contribution and the related tax deduction? Based on the type of retirement plan you have the answer can vary. The payroll taxes will be close to 16%. The retirement contribution by you, the employer, can be 25% (or more if you have a defined benefit plan) plus

Develop a method of documentation that is simple, yet adequate, and commit to making it a habit. the working spouse can defer wages if you have a 401K or SIMPLE. Generally, if you have some form of retirement plan the doctor is better off employing his or her spouse. However, regardless of whether the doctor has a retirement plan, there is a much more compelling reason to hire your spouse. In order to deduct the cost of your spouse accompanying you on a business trip or entertainment outing, the IRS requires that your spouse must be an employee of your practice. Whether it’s a dinner with a colleague, the annual shareholder/strategic planning meeting in Maui or the host of other activities your spouse attends with you, your spouse must be your employee if you plan on deducting the cost of your escort. The amount of compensation is less important than the employment relationship. In real estate you always hear “location, location, location”, in the tax world it’s “documentation, documentation, documentation.” Often I’m asked: “Is it a red flag?” “Will it cause an audit?” The incidence of tax audits is increasing. I believe the question should not be will it cause an audit, but rather will I prevail if I am audited, because statistically you will be audited, eventually. 10 | The Nugget

If you want to deduct the cost of a business car, document your business usage. If you want to write off your entertainment, make sure you keep records of who you were with, where you went, what you talked about, when you went and, of course, how much did you spend. Having boxes full of restaurant receipts will mean nothing unless you have documented these five items. If you use credit cards, just write down who and what for on the back of the receipt, the other three items are already documented. If the expenditure was $75 or less, you don’t need a receipt, just write down the five pieces of information. That trip to Maui (or anyplace in the United States) can be deducted, but you’ll need records. The IRS deems a business day is five hours or more. Make an agenda of your business discussions and meetings that will justify five hours or more each day. If the reason for the trip is business (have a good agenda) the whole cost could be deducted. But if the reason is pleasure, only the actual business expenses you incur would be deductible, not the lodging or transportation costs. Should you hire your children? If you document their job descriptions, your dependents could be earning their college funds and you could get a tax deduction for their education. If you’re self employed, you can even avoid paying payroll taxes. The form of documentation is not prescribed by the IRS. It does not have to be fancy. You should develop a method of documentation that is simple, yet adequate, and commit to making it a habit. Too busy? Assign a staff member to create the document from the information you provide. Don’t worry about an audit, prepare for it. Have a question? Please call me and ask.  Dennis Nelson, CPA, APC has served the Sacramento Area dental community since 1991. He can be reached at 919-988-8583 or visit cpa4dentists.net

By Dennis Nelson, CPA

Dennis Nelson, CPA (SDDS Vendor Member)

licensure renewal

May 20, 2011 Licensure in a day: Infection Control Ca Dental Practice Act

Presented by: LaDonna Drury Klein, RDA, CDA, BS Infection Control: This course includes the latest language pertaining to the Dental Board of California’s (DBC) Infection Control Regulations, and includes the proper use of surface disinfectants, instrument care, sterilization procedures and barrier techniques. California Dental Practice Act: The Dental Board of California (DBC) requires all licentiates and permit holders to receive two CE units in the area of California Dental Practice Act (CDPA). This course meets all required elements such as scope of practice, license renewal requirements, use of auxiliaries in a dental practice, laws governing the prescription of drugs and acts in violation of the CDPA. This course will also include the newest scope of practice requirements for dental assisting and their impact on the licensing process.

8:30am–12:30pm • 4 ceu Sacramento Hilton — Arden West

Sacramento District Dental Society

New Tax Rates

Could Create New Opportunities

By Violetta Sit Terpeluk, CFP®, MBA, CRPC® Ameriprise Financial (SDDS Vendor Member)

Americans now know that income tax rates are not going up (at the federal level) this year. In fact, most people will temporarily pay less federal tax than was the case previously. The tax savings may create an opportunity for you to consider putting more money to work toward your key financial goals.

cost of tuition and related expenses paid off avoiding having too much withheld and during a taxable year in 2009 and 2010, is ending up with a large tax refund every extended to 2011 and 2012. Qualification year. This is money that could be put to for the credit is subject to income limits. better use each month, specifically toward The credit is phased out for single taxpayers your key financial goals. with income over $80,000 and married • Consider taking the two percent savings couples filing a joint return with income from the temporary payroll tax holiday and Here is a rundown of what’s been put in place over $160,000. putting it to work toward your retirement effective in 2011 (or in some cases, in 2010): Also extended for 2011 and 2012 is the ability by increasing the amount directed to your of certain individuals to deduct up to $2,500 workplace savings plan, or making a regular Extension of 2010 tax rates in interest on qualified higher education contribution to an IRA. Federal income tax rates established in 2001 loans from their income taxes. The deduction • Determine if you should adjust your and scheduled to expire at the end of last year phases out for individuals earning more than investment strategies to take advantage of are now in place through 2012. Tax brackets $60,000 and married couples filing a joint the ongoing favorable rates for long-term return with income above $120,000. start at 10% and peak at 35%. capital gains and qualifying dividends. Families can continue to invest up to $2,000 per • Review your estate plan to determine if year in Coverdell Education Savings Accounts any changes are needed in light of the new For 2011 only, the 6.2% Social Security tax in 2011 and 2012. Dollars can grow on a taxestate tax laws. Make sure any trusts and deducted from your paycheck (up to the first advantaged basis and be used to pay elementary, wills are up to date and consistent with the $106,800 of Social Security wages in 2011) secondary and higher education expenses. law, especially since the most recent change will be reduced to 4.2%. That means an extra is only effective through 2012. $200 for every $10,000 of Social Security Estate tax is back, but wages you earn (up to the Social Security affects fewer people • Stay prepared for future changes. By the wage limit). Note that the reduction does end of 2012 at the latest, Congress is likely The estate tax has been in flux for several years. not apply to the employer’s contribution to to have to address many of these same In 2009, a per-person exclusion of $3.5 million Social Security and the payroll tax related to tax issues again. A regular review of your was in place. Taxable estates valued beyond Medicare for both employers and employees financial and tax situation should be part that amount were subject to a tax of 45%. remains unchanged. A similar reduction also of your routine. In 2010, the estate tax was scheduled to be applies for self-employment tax. repealed, but only for that year. Under the new • Consult with your financial and tax advisors for law, the estate tax is retroactively reinstated for more information before making any critical Extension of capital gain 2010 (but with an elect-out provision) with an decisions that could have a tax impact.  and dividend tax rates exclusion amount set at $5 million per person, Like income tax rates, existing rates on longso potentially $10 million per couple – with a Violetta Sit Terpeluk, CFP, MBA, CRPC, term capital gains and qualifying dividends tax rate of 35% applying to estates larger than Financial Advisor and Business Financial were scheduled to increase at the end of 2010. that. The higher exclusion amount and lower Advisor with Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Advisor However, the rates that existed in 2010 have rate apply for 2011 and 2012. is licensed/registered to do business with U.S. been extended through 2012. The highest applicable tax rate on most long-term capital What to consider now that rates are set residents only in the states of CA and WA. gains and qualifying dividends is 15% and for Ameriprise Financial does not provide tax or legal advice. lower-income taxpayers can be as low as 0%. Strategies that may be suitable will depend Consult your tax advisor or attorney. on your circumstances, but here are some Brokerage, investment and financial advisory services are Renewal of education tax credit and specific ideas to consider in light of the recent made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. other education-related provisions tax legislation: Member FINRA and SIPC. Some products and services may Temporary employee payroll tax holiday

The enhancements made to the Hope • Make sure that the amount being withheld Scholarship Credit (American Opportunity from your paycheck is appropriate. Now Tax Credit), which provided for a $2,500 that you know income tax rates aren’t maximum tax credit per student for the going up this year or next, you are better www.sdds.org

Are You Protecting

Your Most Valuable Asset? Your ability to work and earn a living is your most valuable asset. Most of your income is earned income. When you stop working, your income stops. When protecting your most valuable asset, you should ask yourself, “How long could I live on my savings if my income stopped this very second?” It’s shocking that many people in the richest nation in the world, are within six weeks of personal bankruptcy. Your chances of becoming disabled are high. If you’re currently between the ages of 25 and 45, your chances of becoming disabled for at least 90 days are greater than one in three1. Statistics show the longer a disability, the less likely the person will return to work. The logical solution has been to buy some form of disability income protection coverage through your insurance agent. Like most forms of insurance, disability income has its own language. To make sure you choose the kind and amount of coverage you need, here are some suggestions to consider when shopping for disability income policies. Consider buying a policy that is guaranteed to be renewable and can only be canceled if you fail to pay the premiums. You purchase insurance to make sure you get a specific result. Always buy quality coverage from a reputable carrier. Also, with a non-

cancelable policy, premium rates can not be raised at anytime for as long as you own the policy. Your rates will never go up. Look at the definition of disability. When you buy disability coverage, you are actually buying the insurance company’s definition of disability. There are three basic definitions: o Presumptive Disability: If your sickness or injury results in the loss of your eyesight, power of speech, hearing, use of both hands, both feet or one hand and one foot, then most insurance companies will consider you totally disabled. Not only that, but many companies will waive the elimination period and you could start receiving your benefits immediately. o Occupational Disability: You’ll want to avoid insurance policies that have an “any occupation” definition. If the policy pays only if the insured is unable to perform any occupation that reasonably fits, then his/her chances of getting paid are small. You want a disability policy that considers you disabled if you can not do the substantial and material duties of your regular occupation. o Partial, Residual and Income Loss: You hurt your back because you fall off a chair changing a light bulb or you lose time from work for a stress-related illness. In these situations, it’s likely you would not

By Lucas Rayburn

Principal Financial Group (SDDS Vendor Member)

be totally disabled. Look for a policy that will pay a proportional benefit if you have a partial or residual loss of income. Many definitions of disability are concerned with your ability to work part-time and do all of your regular duties; or coming to work full-time and only being able to do part of your regular duties. You need to be thorough in reviewing any clauses. To resolve this confusion, several major insurance companies have adopted loss of income provisions. These basically say that if your sickness or injury causes you to lose 20 percent of your income, you’re considered disabled. These companies generally agree that if your income loss is 75 percent or more, you’re totally disabled. Once you find a satisfactory definition of disability, look for other provisions that fit your needs. Some questions you may want to ask are: o How long should my disability benefits last? This depends on your age, income and cash position. Usually the shortest benefit period is two years. Other plans pay for five years or to age 65. Many people purchase coverage that lasts until age 65. If you can’t afford age 65 coverage, buy the longest benefit period you can afford. Many companies will allow you to upgrade coverage if your health is good. continued on page 28

INVITING YOUR CONSIDERATION WHEN YOU WISH TO REFER PATIENTS FOR: Paul D. Raskin, D.D.S. 2344 Butano Dr., Ste. C2 Sacramento, CA 95825 (916) 971-6700

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12 | The Nugget

Sacramento District Dental Society

Breaking

bad money habits

Changing your behavior may help you improve your financial picture. Many of us plan thoughtfully for all kinds of life goals. Yet many of us spend impulsively, using our money on the moment rather than saving or investing it for the future. This last recession caused us to take a second look at where our dollars go. If you seem to be making adequate money and yet dollars still appear to be slipping away from you, maybe it is time to break some budgeting and spending habits. First of all, have a budget. Many people live without one — and that includes many affluent people. This exercise is starkly simple, but might be illuminating: make a two-column chart, with the left column listing your monthly income and the right column detailing your expenses. Detail them as best as you can, type and monthly amount. Include your credit card expenses. This little exercise shows you how much you are spending on essentials and how much of your income you are assigning to comparative frivolities. Perhaps you will find some dollars you could reassign to planning for your financial future. Distinguish needs from desires. Do you need that material item or merely want it? Slick marketing and advertising leaves many consumers unable to tell the difference. They run up debts to buy what they want, rather than what they need. How many of them understand that by borrowing, they are actually spending away future earnings? Discern the difference between good and bad debt. Do you know the difference? A bad debt is a debt you incur on a disposable item or a durable good that will depreciate. It is a debt on something that has no potential to gain value. You want to avoid as many bad debts as you can. Of course, there is also good debt – for example, www.sdds.org

Provided By Leonard Simpson, RFC®, AIF®

20/20 Financial Advisers of Sacramento (SDDS Vendor Member)

a mortgage, a business loan or a student loan. These are so-called “investment debts” that can potentially create value down the road. Educate yourself. Some people are very cavalier when it comes to spending and saving money. Others are convinced that they will never be able to build wealth, so they spend their days addressing short-term financial needs and give no thought to the wealth and income they will need in maturity. In both cases, the root problem is a lack of education. Those who spend money like water don’t understand its value; those who shun financial planning and investing don’t understand its potential. People with greater degrees of financial education tend to be more rational when it comes to financial decisions. (Not always, but often.) Set financial goals and take them seriously. When people educate themselves about money – the ways to potentially make it, the ways to plan to protect it – they start to see how the financial world “works” and they tend to explore their own financial potential. This exploration may lead them to meet

with a financial advisor. That conversation can inspire them to set and plan for specific objectives, and get a relationship going — a shared commitment to wealth building. If you haven’t had such a conversation, today is as good as any day for that to happen.  Leonard R. Simpson is Managing Partner with 20/20 Financial Advisers of Sacramento, L.L.C and may be reached at lsimpson@2020fa. com, 916-989-3295 or www.2020fa.com Securities and investment advisory services offered through Ameritas Investment Corp. (“AIC”). Member FINRA/SIPC.AIC and 20/20 Financial Advisers of Sacramento, L.L.C. are not affiliated. These are the views of Peter Montoya Inc., not the named Representative nor Broker/Dealer, and should not be construed as investment advice. Neither the named Representative nor Broker/ Dealer gives tax or legal advice. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If other expert assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. Please consult your Financial Advisor for further information.

Link to your practice website on www.sdds.org! $300 for one year (renew for $100/year) SDDS members only, please. Visit www.sdds.org/MembersOnline.htm for more info. April 2011 | 13

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Sacramento District Dental Society

Sacramento district dental society foundation

A charitable 501-C3 organization

Don’t miss the Gala! October 1, 2011

Sponsorship Opportunities for the Smile Sacramento Gala $20,000 Gala Partner Sponsors (4 available at this level)

• Sponsor named in all promotions, invitations, acknowledgements, program title page, all publicity — as “partner” sponsor • 2 tables (10) for the Gala — premier seating • Representative introduced on stage as the title sponsor (named) • SDDS’ and SDDF’s sincere appreciation for your support!

$15,000 Gala Major Sponsors (6 available at this level)

• Sponsor named in all promotions, invitations, acknowledgements, program, all publicity — as “major sponsor” • 1 table (10) for the Gala — premier seating • SDDS’ and SDDF’s sincere appreciation for your support!

$10,000 Gala Sponsors (10 available at this level)

• Sponsor named in all promotions, acknowledgements, program, — as “sponsor” • 1 table (10) for the Gala • SDDS’ and SDDF’s sincere appreciation for your support!

A gala to benefit Sacramento District Dental Foundation

• Silent On-Line Auction • Cocktails, Dinner & Live Auction

Saturday: October 1, 2011 6:30pm • Hyatt Regency Sacramento For more information, contact SDDS at (916) 446-1211.

April 20, 2011

• Sponsor named in acknowledgements, program, — as “sponsor” • 1 table (10) for the Gala • SDDS’ and SDDF’s sincere appreciation for your support!

$2500 Sponsors

www.sdds.org

per person

• Entertainment & Dancing

$5,000 Gala Sponsors

• Sponsor named in acknowledgements, program, — as “sponsor” • 4 tickets for the Gala • SDDS’ and SDDF’s sincere appreciation for your support!

$125

www.sdds.org/SDDF_Broadway.htm

June 2, 2011 April 2011 | 15

16 | The Nugget

Sacramento District Dental Society

NEW FEATURE! Engage social media marketing to establish branding, build your practice and protect your reputation

Being Social

The 1st Tooth or 1st Birthday campaign is hitting the streets! st

y child should visit Ever the

1 tooth OR 1st birthday by… ist

11 •S

Look for it on a bus near you!

6.12

www.sdds.org

Dr. Guess is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics, and maintains a private endodontic practice in the La Jolla/UTC area. He also developed an endodontic practice management software program called EndoTrak. His email is endo@drguess.com.

916.44

A web server computer from a hardware standpoint is not really a special computer. You don’t necessarily go to the computer store and tell them “I’d like to buy your web server, please.” A computer that provides web pages on the internet can be a simple machine that is connected to the internet, but has two specific differences over a normal home or office computer. First, web server computer needs to have an internet address that does not change. Most DSL or cable internet providers provide an internet address to your computer that is dynamic, meaning if you disconnect from the internet then reconnect, you will often end up with a different address. If your actual computer address changes, then that means the domain name server computers on the internet will not know how to route traffic when someone looks

The Domain Name System which routes internet traffic that requests your website’s name to your actual machine, enables a web server computer to reside anywhere. That means a dental practice has three options to have web server functionality: to have their own web server computer on their premises, to have their own computer off the premises (like at their home), or to have their web site completely hosted by someone else using their servers (website hosting services). It is evident from these three options that the level of involvement and responsibility varies significantly. Owning and maintaining your own web server computer provides the most control of not only the files themselves, but control of the site availability, as well as bandwidth. If you have your own server, that computer and internet connection is only serving a single site, versus an internet hosting company that may server thousands of sites, increasing their risk of a server going down due to significant traffic load or increasing exposure to hacking attempts. On the other hand, paying a company to host your web site means you depend on their systems to be functional at all times, and your also are bound by their restrictions on bandwidth

Creating a web presence involves multiple steps with various options to consider. The first step is obtaining a domain name that will represent your practice’s website on the internet. Once a domain name is determined and registered, the next step is to decide how the web pages will be delivered to the internet. Web pages consist of numerous files that enable content to be viewed or interacted with by users browsing the internet. In order for a website to exist on the internet, these special web page files need to be placed on a web server computer whose function is to respond to requests from internet computers so the content can be shared. A web server computer is an essential part to having a web presence, and there are several options available to a dental practice that vary based on initial and long-term costs, control and responsibility.

h . ht

Reprinted with permission from San Diego County Dental Society

usage and storage space. With the internet popularity and the ease of publishing web sites due to software improvements, there are many companies that now provide web hosting services for a very low fee (Google web hosting runs $5.00 per month); and you will see there are plenty of options available. Paying someone else to serve your website is cheaper in the short term but more restrictive, whereas running your own web server requires more knowledge of the process, but gives you greater flexibility overall. If you do not have the knowledge to set up and run your own server, have a computer consultant set up a machine in your office, so you can get the benefits of having your own server without having to learn a new trade. Once a web server computer is set up and running it requires minimal to no involvement: just an active internet connection, and power, and it will take care of the rest. 

stT oot

By Garrett Guess, DDS

for your website. To prevent this dynamic address change, having a static address is necessary for a web server that has to remain accessible at all times. Obtaining a static IP address is as simple as calling your internet service provider and adding static IP address functionality to your service for a small fee. Once you have a static address, the computer becomes a web server by having special web server software enabled. This software is usually open-source software that is free, and as a result is often included in the computer’s operating system architecture. For example, every Mac OS X-based computer has web server functionality built into it. Therefore, I can take an old Apple computer, give it a static IP address, enable the web server software, and presto: I have a functional web server. After the particular web page files are placed on the computer, it will become a working web server.

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Make a Presence on the Web: Serving the Site

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April 2011 | 17

d s.

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Did you know many people today can expect their retirement to last 30 years or more? A good financial plan can help you feel more confident that you won’t outlive your savings in retirement. As an Ameriprise financial advisor, I can help you seamlessly integrate both your practice and personal goals into one easy-tomanage plan to help you put a confident retirement within reach. Start preparing today. Call me for a complimentary 30-minute consultation. Our Advisors. Your Dreams. MORE WITHIN REACH®

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18 | The Nugget

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2010 SDDS Annual Report By Terrence Jones, DDS SDDS President, 2010

2010 Membership Report New Members

From Your 2010 SDDS President… No matter how you size it up — membership numbers, financial strength or member satisfaction — SDDS had an exceptional year in 2010. Many people were responsible for our success but the first set of thanks must be given to our outstanding staff: Executive Director Cathy Levering, Della Yee, Lisa Murphy, Erin Castleberry and Melissa Orth for their continued dedication and hard work. When you add a focused Board of Directors who pay close attention to details and mix in a wealth of unselfish SDDS volunteers, it’s easy to see why we are in such a good place. Our CE courses, member forums, license renewal courses and general membership meetings continue to be very popular. Never short on innovation, this year we added a twist to our programs by introducing “In Your Own Backyard,” which featured CE programs by local SDDS dental providers. This proved to be a big hit. Midwinter attendance was way up as well as exhibitor satisfaction. We started a new program called “1st Tooth or 1st Birthday,” encouraging our members to see infants early to provide that crucial assessment and anticipatory guidance necessary for a lifetime of cavity-free oral health. Financially, SDDS continued to shine. Net revenues were up and expenses were fewer. Our Building and Operating Reserves continued to grow. The increased ability of SDDS to generate non-dues revenue translated directly to our members’ pocketbooks as well, as SDDS once again did not raise our members’ component dues. Part of our mission is to enhance the oral health of the community. As a result we continued our partnership with First 5 with joint efforts to shore up community water fluoridation in Sacramento City and Sacramento County. We also successfully advocated for five new Federally Qualified Health Centers that include pediatric dental clinics. Two clinics opened and began seeing patients by the end of 2010. Our partnership with SDDS Foundation and the “Smiles for Kids” program continued to provide over $1 million in donated care. Having such a strong presence in the community means that our opinion and support matters. 2010 was an election year so, not surprisingly, candidates from both parties solicited SDDS for support. We were particularly effective in supporting candidates who backed our causes. SDDS now has a variety of political contacts who we can call on when we need support. 2010 was indeed a great year. I am proud of our accomplishments and honored to have worked with so many wonderful people who made it all happen. If last year was a harbinger of thing to come, then SDDS is in for smooth sailing for years to come.  2010 Executive Committee: President: Terrence Jones, DDS • Immediate Past President: Adrian Carrington, DDS President Elect: Wai Chan, DDS • Treasurer: Victor Hawkins, DDS • Secretary: Gary Ackerman, DDS Editor: James Musser, DDS • Executive Director: Cathy Levering

2010 Board of Directors: Matt Comfort, DDS • Kelly Giannetti, DMD, MS • Dan Haberman, DDS • Carl Hillendahl, DDS • Craig Johnson, DDS Kenneth Moore, DDS • Viren Patel, DDS • Jeffrey Rosa, DDS • Brian Royse, DDS • Kim Wallace, DDS www.sdds.org

NEW MEMBERS: 39 NEW DUAL: 1 NEW AFFILIATE: 2 NEW STUDENT: 4 NEW TRANSFERS: 26 TOTAL NEW MEMBERS FOR 2010: 72

Current Members

ACTIVE: 1,317 RETIRED: 197 DUAL: 3 AFFILIATE: 13 STUDENT: 0 DHP: 46 TOTAL MEMBERSHIP (as of 12.31.2010): 1,536

2010 fiscal year end Current Assets Cash Building Reserves Operating Reserves Accounts Receivable Prepaid Expenses

$259,185 $118,164 $274,044 $33,208 $40,146

Total Current Assets:

$724,747

Total Fixed Assets:

$374,710

Total Assets:

$1,099,457

Liabilities & Equity Current Liabilities

Accounts Payable Deferred Revenue

$24,093 $236,540

Total Current Liabilities:

$260,633 Equity

Retained Earnings Net Income Total Equity: Total Liabilities & Equity:

$803,200 $35,625 $838,824 $1,099,457 April 2011 | 19

you

the dentist, the employer

Tattooing isn’t so “Hot”

You are a dentist. You’ve been to school, taken your Boards and settled into practice. End of story? Not quite. Employee evaluations, hiring and firing, labor laws and personnel files are an important part of being an employer. Are you up on the changes that happen nearly EVERY January 1st? In this monthly column, we will offer information pertinent to you, the dentist as the employer.

in the Workplace

From California Employers Association (CEA) Piercings, particularly of the brow, lip, nose and tongue, are becoming more common and, likewise, tattoos are more prominent. Body art is a growing fashion trend. While acceptable in some environments, in the

Body art can lead to stereotyping, stigmatization and prejudices in the workplace. workplace visible tattoos and facial piercings are often seen as unprofessional and unwanted by coworkers. “Body art can lead to stereotyping, stigmatization and prejudices in the workplace,” said management professor Brian K. Miller, who recently teamed with fellow Texas State University professors to conduct a study on how body art is perceived at work. According to data published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology

in 2006, only one percent of Americans had a tattoo 30 years ago, but now the number has jumped to 24 percent. The data also reported that today 14 percent of Americans have body piercings in places other than the soft lobe of the ear. Older generations have and still get body art, but this trend is most prevalent with young people. But just because more people are inked or pierced nowadays does not mean it is acceptable. Research conducted by Miller and his colleagues suggests that people would rather not work with someone who has visible body art in situations requiring face-to-face contact with customers, even if qualified for the job. Also, people do not want to share sales commissions with body art wearers, concerned they could negatively impact their own job performance. Supporting data was found in another survey led by a web site for career information. Vault. com reported that: • 58% of managers said they would be less likely to hire an applicant with visible tattoos or body piercings.

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20 | The Nugget

• 81% of respondents thought visible piercings other than the ear are unprofessional. • 76% of respondents thought visible tattoos are unprofessional. • 67% of employees with body art conceal it while at work. 

HR audio conference April 19, 2011 top 10 sdds hr hotline questions Answers to all your burning HR questions! Noon–1pm • 2 ce, 20%

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Helping Those That Help Others (30 Years Real Estate Exp.)

Sacramento District Dental Society

Dental Treatment During Pregnancy:

Current Recommendations Many misconceptions persist both among pregnant women and medical and dental providers about the safety of providing oral health services to women during pregnancy. Yet good oral health before and during pregnancy is essential to a woman’s overall health and also reduces the potential for transmission of cariogenic bacteria to her children. Many of us were taught in dental school that the only safe period for treatment of a pregnant woman is during the second trimester. Is there evidence to support this belief? In February 2009 the California Dental Association Foundation (CDAF) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), District IX collaborated in convening a consensus conference of state and national medical, dental and public health experts and organizational representatives to review recent scientific literature and best practices in order to develop guidelines to assist health care professionals in private, public and community-based practices in delivering oral health services to pregnant women and their children. The result was publication of “Oral Health During Pregnancy and Early Childhood: Evidence-Based Guidelines for Health Professionals.” Below are some of the key findings of these Guidelines. The most common complications of pregnancy include spontaneous abortion (miscarriage), preterm birth, preeclampsia and gestational diabetes. The current scientific studies indicate: There is no evidence relating early spontaneous abortion to first trimester oral health care or dental procedures. Preeclampsia is a challenging condition in the management of the pregnant patient, but is not a contraindication to dental care. While research is ongoing, the best available evidence to date shows that periodontal treatment has no effect on birth outcomes of preterm labor and low birthweight and is safe for the mother and fetus. www.sdds.org

Best practice suggests that because it has been shown to be safe and effective in reducing periodontal disease and periodontal pathogens, periodontal care should be provided during pregnancy. The following consensus statement was developed by the expert panel:

Perinatal Oral Health Consensus Statement Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases, including needed dental radiographs and use of local anesthesia, are highly beneficial and can be undertaken during pregnancy with no additional fetal or maternal risk when compared to the risk of not providing care. Good oral health and control of oral disease protects a woman’s health and quality of life and has the potential to reduce the transmission of pathogenic bacteria from mothers to their children.

In addition to an extensive literature review, the Guidelines also contain specific recommendations for four different types of providers: prenatal care professionals; oral health care professionals; child health care professionals; and community-based programs. For oral health care professionals, first and foremost it is noted that “pregnancy is not a reason to defer routine dental care or treatment of oral health problems.” Also, “It is not necessary to have approval from the prenatal care provider for routine dental care of a healthy patient.” Recommendations for oral health care professionals include: Ask the woman if she has any concerns/fears about getting dental care while pregnant. Based on her response, be ready to assure her

By Bob Isman, DDS, MPH

SDDS Member

that dental care is safe during pregnancy and address specific concerns. Advise the pregnant woman that prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases, including needed dental X-rays and use of local anesthesia, are highly beneficial and can be undertaken with no additional fetal or maternal risk when compared to not providing care. Plan definitive treatment based on customary oral health considerations, including: • Chief complaint and health history • History of tobacco, alcohol or other substance use • Clinical evaluation • Radiographs and other diagnostics when indicated • Provide emergency/acute care at any time during pregnancy as indicated by oral condition. The Guidelines contain a number of additional helpful recommendations, and practitioners are encouraged to read the entire document, which is available at www.cdafoundation. org/library/docs/poh_guidelines.pdf. The Guidelines were also printed in their entirety in the June 2010 issue of the CDA Journal. In addition, there is a supplemental policy brief that accompanies the Guidelines that is available at http://www.cdafoundation.org/ library/docs/poh_policy_brief.pdf. It is unfortunate that oral health care professionals may be contributing to the fact that many women do not seek—and are not advised to seek—dental care as part of their prenatal care, despite the fact that pregnancy provides a “teachable moment” and is the only time some women are eligible for dental benefits. Hopefully use of these Guidelines and a coordinated effort between oral health and perinatal care providers will help reverse this situation and contribute to improved oral health for pregnant women and their children.  April 2011 | 21

2011 sdds Committee Meetings: Board of Directors (SDDS / 6:00pm)

Leadership Dev. Committee (SDDS / 6:00pm)

CE Committee (SDDS / 6:00pm)

Mass Disaster / Forensics Committee (Location TBA / 6:30pm)

May 3 • Sept 6 • Nov 1

May 24 • Sept 20 • Nov 29

CPR Committee (SDDS / 6:30pm) Future meetings TBA

Dental Health Committee (SDDS / 6:30pm) May 16 • Sept 12 • Nov 14

Ethics Committee (SDDS / 6:30pm) Apr 27 • Sept 28 • Nov 16

Foundation (SDDF) (SDDS / 6:00pm)

Future meetings TBA

2011 Meetings TBA

Membership Committee (SDDS / 6:00pm) May 17 • Sept 21 • Nov 15

Nugget Editorial Committee (SDDS / 6:15pm) May 17 • Sept 27

SacPAC Committee (SDDS / 6:00pm) 2011 meetings TBA

Apr 5 • Sept 12 • Nov 17

Golf Committee (SDDS / 6:00pm) Future meetings TBA 22 | The Nugget

Committee meetings, CE courses and more available 24/7 on the SDDS website. Visit www.sdds.org and click the “Calendar” button.

Sacramento District Dental Society

Committee Corner

You asked for this! Nugget Survey 2009

Ethics Committee:

Patient Threats What happens when you think you have done everything right and your patient has a problem with their bill or the portion of their bill that the insurance won’t cover? This happened recently to a dentist I know. He was working on a patient who was coming to an out-of-network provider. A treatment plan and a treatment estimate were given to the patient and he was told that it was an estimate and that because he was out-of-network, the portion his insurance would pay might be different. The patient would be responsible for the difference. The patient accepted the plan and had the treatment done. He paid his estimated portion of the bill at the time of service and went on his way. The dentist had done everything he thought he should have. He formulated a plan, he went over it with the patient, the patient accepted it and he did the very best work he knew how to do. He collected the estimated payment from the patient and all was good. A month later, the patient got a bill from the dentist because the estimated amount was different than estimated. Now all was not good. The patient assumed the dentist was trying to take advantage of him and the dentist thought the patient was trying to take advantage of him. The dentist sent another bill and the patient sent an e-mail accusing the dentist of inappropriate and fraudulent billing practices. The patient also threatened to get a lawyer and to post his grievance on Internet sites that handle patient complaints.

By David May, DDS

Ethics Committee, Tri-County Dental Society

The outstanding bill for the patient portion of the treatment was less than $500. I have got to tell you, when I first heard this I was ready to tell this dentist to forgive the bill and go about his happy life without the pain he would go through trying to deal with this situation. Then, I thought about the ethics of this situation. Isn’t the dentist ethically bound to collect the patient portion of the treatment from the patient? If the dentist had made a mistake in estimating the fees for his services, it may have made him feel better to negotiate a different amount from the patient after the treatment was complete. This dentist decided he needed to remind the patient of the circumstances that had led them to where they were in this dispute. He reminded the patient that his insurance company had altered the benefits and that he had exceeded his yearly maximum. He then reminded him that they had had a conversation about the difference between in-network and out-ofnetwork insurance coverage. He then told him that he would not allow the patient to bully or slander him into changing his mind. He finished by notifying the patient that he should consider this his 30-day notice and that he would be sending him to collections if he didn’t send his portion within the next 30 days. I think all of this was fair, but I think he should have made the point I mentioned earlier in the article—that he is required to collect the difference by the patient’s insurance company. He did tell the patient that if he had any other questions he should contact

his insurance company, but I think he missed a chance to take the moral and ethical high ground by insisting he was only doing what the patient’s insurance company required of him. Unfortunately, these kind of financial disagreements happen all too often. I believe we get in the habit of giving our patients the estimate that gives them the most benefits. What if we erred in the opposite direction and made our estimates so the patients would always not have to pay more out of pocket, but might have to receive a refund from us? If we were honestly dong this with no intent to try and overcharge the patients and gave them a quick refund, if needed, I think they would be more appreciative For further guidance, please visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Web site at hhs. gov/ocr/privacy. More information on HIPAA and the HITECH Act is also available on the CDA Compass at cdacompass.com.

than if they had to pay more after the fact. This is an example of the many ethical decisions dentists have to make, individually, each day. Whatever your decision, you need to feel at peace with your decision.  Printed with permission from Tri-County Dental Society

CSUS Pre-Dental Club presents their

5th Annual Wine & Beer Tasting Event A charity fundraiser to benefit Project Backpack, in support of the Smiles for Kids Program

April 8, 2011 @ 7:00pm • Sac State Alumni Center $25/students $40/general admission • www.csus.edu/org/predental

www.sdds.org

April 2011 | 23

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Kim Parker, Executive VP Mari Bradford, HR Hotline Manager

Lauren Herman • 209.969.6468 Kevin McKittrick • 916.765.9101

California Employers Association

since

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Crest / Oral B

since

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PATTERSON DENTAL

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24 | The Nugget

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since

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Professional Practice transitions

John Urrutia, CPA, Partner Chris Mann, CPA, Partner 916.774-4208 www.muncpas.com

Henry Schein Dental

since

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construction

David Olson

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209.366.2486 www.olsonconstructioninc.com

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Lucas Rayburn

Jim Alfheim, President of Sales & Marketing

916.773.3343 www.principal.com

RelyAid

since

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877.311.7373 www.supplydoc.com

800.775.6412 916.431.8046 www.relyaid.com

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Supply Doc, Inc.

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Nicole Deuser, Regional Manager

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Straine Consulting

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916.576.5650 www.firstus.org

Becki Bell, Marketing Director

Olivia Straine • Kerry Straine

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Chris Nunn

Kathy Olson

916.568.7200 www.straine.com

916.988.8583 www.cpa4dentists.net

since

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Dennis Nelson, CPA, APC

916.367.4540 www.eaglewestgroup.com

Sacramento Magazine

since

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Dennis Nelson, CPA

Principal Financial Group

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CPA, APC PLANNING & CONSULTING ASSOCIATES

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Resource Staffing Group

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since

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Mann, Urrutia, Nelson, CPAs

James Ryan

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Gordon Gerwig, Business Services Manager

since

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800.736.4688 www.pattersondental.com

Marc Davis • Morgan Davis • Lynda Doyle

First US Community Credit Union

JoAnne Tanner, MBA

since

construction

Blue Northern Builders

Tony Vigil, President

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JoAnne Tanner, MBA • 916.791.2120

916.928.1068 www.asimedical.com

dental Supplies

Fechter & Company

since

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DESCO Dental Equipment

The Dental Equipment Specialists

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Craig Fechter, CPA

since

Financial Services *All programs subject to credit approval and loan amounts are subject to creditworthiness. Some restrictions may apply. Loans greater than $250,000 may be eligible for a 20-year term. **Banc of America Practice Solutions may prohibit use of an account to pay off or pay down another Bank of America account. � Bank of America and Banc of America Practice Solutions are trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. Banc of America Practice Solutions is a subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation. © 2010 Bank of America Corporation

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Vendor Member A

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Transition Broker

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Philip Kong

Tim Giroux, DDS, President John Noble, MBA

Jason Wood, Esq.

Union Bank

since

2010

916.533.6882 www.unionbank.com

Western Practice Sales

800.641.4179 www.westernpracticesales.com

since

2007

Wood & Delgado

since

2010

1.800.499.1474 • 949.553.1474 www.dentalattorneys.com

Vendor Members — their support keeps your dues low! Vendor Members support Sacramento District Dental Society through advertising, special discounts to members, table clinics and exhibitor space at SDDS events. SDDS members are encouraged to support our Vendor Members as OFTEN AS POSSIBLE when looking for products and services. For more information on the Vendor Membership Program, visit www.sdds.org/vendor_member.htm

vendor member spotlights: New this year!

Analgesic Services, Inc. Complimentary In-Office Consultation – for SDDS members • Understand your practice vital signs • Discover areas of opportunity to improve your practice JoAnne has helped numerous dentists throughout the country to successfully implement her innovative techniques and management solutions and to propel their practices to new levels of success. JoAnne’s extensive dental and management background has given her a unique insight into successfully implementing programs and solid organizational procedures for her clients. She has assisted her clients in creating an environment for achievement and instill enthusiasm in the entire dental team. Our clients appreciate the highly detailed customized programs and specific, practical management solutions that we have to offer. We are proud to provide training in a variety of areas: • Creating a Productive Daily Schedule • Successful Financial Conversations • Treatment Acceptance Made Easy • Accounts Receivable Management • Increasing Profitability

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It will be our sincere pleasure to assist you in bringing about the changes that will help you to succeed and enhance your joy in practicing dentistry.

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www.sdds.org

Prompt, Reliable and Complete Medical Gas Services. Analgesic Services, Inc. offers comprehensive and prompt medical gas services, from installation and system upgrades to reliable deliveries and repairs. For over thirty years, we have been Sacramento’s only full service medical gas provider who guarantees unparalleled technical experience, unequalled product quality and unrivaled customer service. Products and Services • Medical gas deliveries and equipment • System repairs and certifications • System installations and renovations Benefits, Services, Special Pricing and/or Discounts Extended to SDDS Members • SDDS members using Analgesic Services, Inc. as their medical gas provider receive highest priority service response, loaner equipment (if repairs are needed), product and labor discounts, all from a team of dedicated medical gas professionals.

Ron Andres — President asimedical@asimedical.com

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April 2011 | 25

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re blowing your horn! Congratulations to... Drs. Bill Melarkey and Tim Herman for shaving their heads to stand in solidarity with kids fighting cancer. Donations may be made to the St. Baldrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Foundation, a volunteer-driven charity that funds childhood cancer research grants. To donate, search for the doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name at www.stbaldricks.org/participants.

Dr. Tiffany Favero Holladay and her husband Bryce, on the birth of their daughter Hannah on February 16, 2011 (photo below). Dr. Lauren Marr her husband Cory and big brother Cameron on the birth of Alice Paige Dodgson on January 27, 2011. (photo below). ď Ž

Dr. Julianne Digiorno, for riding in support of diabetes on May 1, 2011. She has set a goal to raise $1000 and ride 80 miles. If you would like to contribute to the cause, email Dr. Digiorno at: waddingfamily@att.net. Dr. Steven Frank, who passed his clinical exam for the American Board of Orthodontics and is now Board Certified. Dr. Jonathan Szymanowski and his wife Teresa, who became theSacramento-7.5x4.875.pdf proud parents of Paxton, born February9:47 1 3/9/10 21, 2011! (photo at right).

Have some news youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to share with the Society? Please send your information (via email, fax or mail) to SDDS for publication in the Nugget!

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s baby time for SDDS members! From left to right, little ones born to Drs. Szymanowski, Favero Holladay and Marr.

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26 | The Nugget

Sacramento District Dental Society

Board Report

Respectfully Submitted by Kelly Giannetti, DMD, MS

Secretary

March 1, 2011 Presidents Call to Order and Report

Executive Director’s Report

President Wai Chan called the meeting to order and welcomed Dr. Kerry Carney, Editor of the CDA Journal, and member of the CDA Executive Committee. Dr. Carney gave the Board an update on upcoming CDA Journal issues as well as an update on the disabled access lawsuits that continue to threaten small business owners, especially dental practices.

• Nugget issue — March. Culmination of last year’s Board meeting discussions regarding prophylaxis. It is a great issue; thanks to Dr. Keating for all of his work on this as the guest editor.

Secretary report Membership report, membership has increased every year since 1994. Renewals are getting in at a faster speed, mainly because of the new EFT “pay over 12 month” process. Members really like that option. Treasurer’s Report 2010 Year end fiscal report was submitted to the Board by Dr. Hawkins and Cathy Levering. The organization is in good fiscal shape. It was M/C that SDDS fund $30,000 to building and operating reserves. Dr. Ackerman reported that a quarterly report will be given next Board meeting. We are on budget for 2011, thus far.

Our Condolences

• Union issue/Hilton follow up — Hilton attorney is acting on our behalf and has sent a cease and desist letter to the Union Reps. • Foundation Gala, October 1, 2011 — All the Board is encouraged to attend and buy a table (or fill up a table) • Updates Smiles for Kids and Midwinter — Both look VERY successful this year. Unfinished Business • RAM Update from Dr. Rollofson — He discussed the Bee article that was published today and made a plea for volunteers. • Dental Health Committee update — Dr. Johnson gave an update on the status of the Dental Health Committee and the subcommittee and the Board reviewed the minutes from the Dental Health Committee meeting. The Board understood the goals and objectives of the Infant and Toddler Access Subcommittee. Since the subcommittee was appointed by the committee chair, and since most of the objectives have been met, the Board recommended the DHC Chair to disband the subcommittee. New Business

Nelva Bonucchi Richardson Nelva Bonucchi Richardson, wife of Dr. Bevan Richardson, passed away on March 11, 2011, after a two year battle with cancer. The details of her memorial service are being finalized as this issue of the Nugget goes to the printer. Dr. Richardson plans to resume working at his practice in the near future. This Editor is certain he speaks for the entire membership in offering condolences to the Richardson family at this time of such great pain and sorrow; additionally, this has been the most difficult paragraph this editor has written in his entire tenure. — Dr. Jim Musser

• General meeting speakers and topics were discussed by Dr. Ackerman. Asked Board members to keep eyes/ears open for future speakers. General membership honorarium is very small and difficult to find speakers in area. We cannot have members because we have to be careful of conflict of interest. This topic will continue in OLD Business at the May Board meeting. Good ideas generated. • Fluoride advisory committee report by Dr. Jones — Part of our mission is to enhance the oral health of the community. Dr. Jones requested help at the hearings at both the City Council and the Board of Supervisors. Trustee Report Dr. Rollofson reiterated the RAM information and CDA’s help in getting the word out.

In addition…

Adjournment

Our thoughts are with Dr. Kevin Keating, on the loss of his

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45pm. 

brother, and Dr. Kim Wallace, on the loss of his mother.  The next meeting will be on May 3, 2011 at 6:00pm. www.sdds.org

April 2011 | 27

Are You Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset?

Advertiser Index Dental Specialty Referrals

NeuBite Denture Center (Dr. Paul Raskin) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Dental Laboratories

Elite Aesthetics Dental Studio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Dental Supplies, equipment, Repair

Accurate Handpiece Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 DESCO Dental Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Henry Schein Dental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24, 30 Patterson Dental Supply, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Procter & Gamble Distributing Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 RelyAid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Supply Doc, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Financial & Insurance Services

20/20 Financial Advisers of Sacramento, Inc. . . . . . . . . 22, 24 Ameriprise Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18, 24 Banc of America Practice Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Dennis Nelson, CPA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Eagle West Group, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Fechter & Company, CPAs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 First U.S. Community Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Mann, Urrutia & Nelson, CPAs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Principal Financial Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 TDIC & TDIC Insurance Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16, 26 Union Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Human Resources

California Employers Association (CEA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Legal services

continued from page

• How long must I wait to receive benefits? Companies have various elimination periods — the period of time after you’re sick or injured before benefits begin to accrue. The elimination period can be as short as 30 days or as long as one year. The shorter the elimination period, the more expensive your policy will be. Many people choose either a 90 or 180-day elimination period. Your elimination period should consider your savings and your assets. • How does my disability policy meet inflation? Quality disability insurance companies offer cost of living agreement (COLA) riders. These riders increase your monthly disability benefit during disability to help keep pace with inflation when disabled, based on the Consumer Price Index- Urban (CPI-U). Companies offer a wide variety of COLA riders. Some are fixed rates, others are based on the CPI-U. Some are calculated on a simple basis, others on a compound basis. Determining which you buy should be based on your age, your income and your length of time to retirement. • What else should I look for? Most high-quality policies contain a rehabilitation clause. No matter how good your disability policy may be, it is not a substitute for your ability to work and earn a living. Insurance companies are interested in getting you back to work, and will often help you get rehabilitated. Some policies limit the amount of money paid for rehabilitation and some are based on a mutual agreement. Make sure you read the fine print and understand the insurance company’s responsibilities and yours.

Wood & Delgado . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 25

Find a knowledgeable insurance agent.

Medical Gas Services

When looking for an individual disability income insurance policy, you should find a knowledgeable insurance agent, especially one who specializes in your profession. He or she should know and understand professional disability product lines from all of the major companies and available association coverages.

Analgesic Services, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24, 25

Office Design & Construction

Andrews Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5, 24 Blue Northern Builders, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14, 24 Henry Schein Dental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24, 30 Olson Construction, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Practice Sales, Lease, Management and/or Consulting

Henry Schein Dental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24, 30 JoAnne Tanner, MBA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24, 25, 30 Straine Consulting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 TRI Commercial Real Estate (Gordon Stevenson) . . . . . . . . 20 Western Practice Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18, 25

Publications

Sacramento Magazine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Don’t be afraid to ask for sample policies. Make sure you read them. In insurance, only what is in the policy applies. Like other financial products and services, review and update your disability plan annually. Remember, insuring your income could be the most important thing you ever do. Even though a disability may leave you unable to earn an income, purchasing a disability income policy helps protect your ability to meet your financial obligations! 

Staffing services

For more information, contact: Lucas Rayburn, Financial Advisor, Principal Financial Group. Lic #0D80025. (916) 773-3343. Rayburn.lucas@principal.com

Technology

1 Commissioners Individual Disability Table B - Equally Weighted 30 Day Elimination Period

Waste management services

Disability Income Insurance has limitations and exclusions. For costs and complete details of coverage, contact your Principal Life representative.

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Home Office: Principal Life Insurance Company, Des Moines, IA 50392. www.principal.com DI2200 | t10100701u7

28 | The Nugget

Sacramento District Dental Society

Welcome to SDDS’s new members, transfers and applicants.

Important Numbers: SDDS (doctor’s line) . . . . . . . (916) 446-1227 ADA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 621-8099 CDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 736-8702 CDA Contact Center . . (866) CDA-MEMBER (866-232-6362) CDA Practice Resource Ctr . . cdacompass.com TDIC Insurance Solutions . . . (800) 733-0633 Denti-Cal Referral . . . . . . . . . (800) 322-6384 Central Valley Well Being Committee . . . . . (559) 359-5631

New Members Wel co bac me k!

L. Ted Brush, DDS Retired Dr. L. Ted Brush graduated from the USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry in 1978 with his DDS. He retired from dentistry in 2005 and is now living in Reno, Nevada. Jose Terraza, DDS General Practitioner 8461 Elk Grove Blvd Elk Grove, CA 95758 (916) 683-3775 Dr. Jose Terraza graduated from the Universidad Mariano Galvez in 2002 with his DDS. He is currently practicing in Elk Grove with fellow SDDS member, Dr. Antonio Acosta-Cuevas as well as in Rocklin. Dr. Terraza lives in Elk Grove. Robert Wright, DDS, MS Prosthodontist 4944 Windplay Dr, Ste 300 El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 (916) 941-2333 Dr. Robert Wright graduated from the University of Dundee - Scotland in 1975 with his DDS and later completed his specialty certification in prosthodontics at the USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry in 2000. He is currently practicing with fellow SDDS members, Drs. Gene Gowdey, Steve Murphy and Veronica Alvarado.

SDDS Membership Committee presents the

Keep us updated! Moving? Opening another office? Offering new services? Share your information with the Society! We can only refer you if we know where you are; and we rely on having your current information on file to keep you informed of valuable member events! Give us a call at (916) 446-1227. The more accurate information we have, the better we can serve you!

www.sdds.org

2010 New Member Dinner April 6, 2011

April 2011

New Transfer Members: David Gabor, DDS Transferred from Contra Costa Dental Society General Practitioner 1016 Riley St, Ste 1 Folsom, CA 95630 (916) 984-4140 Dr. David Gabor graduated from Marquette University in 1968 with his DDS. He is currently practicing in Folsom and lives in Sacramento. Jose Juarez, DDS Transferred from San Joaquin Dental Society General Practitioner Wel co 7227 29th St bac me Sacramento, CA 95822 k! (916) 391-2101 Dr. Jose Juarez graduated from the UOP Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in 2005 with his DDS and later completed a residency at the University Hospital SUNY in 2006. He is currently practicing in Sacramento and Stockton with fellow SDDS member dentists, Drs. Aaron Reeves, Jeff McComb, Samantha Lee and Mark Macaoay. Dr. Juarez lives in Rancho Cordova. Mark Saini, DDS Transferred from Monterey Bay Dental Society General Practitioner 79 Scripps Dr, Ste 204 Sacramento, CA 95825 (916) 565-2570 Dr. Mark Saini graduated from the USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry in 2003 with his DDS. He is currently practicing in Sacramento and lives in El Dorado Hills.

New Applicants: Maryam Seirafi, DDS

6pm • Old Spaghetti Factory New Members FREE! Call to reserve your spot! (916.446.1227)

CLIP OUT this handy NEW MEMBER UPDATE and insert it into your DIRECTORY under the “NEW MEMBERS” tab.

total membership (as of 3/11/11): 1,572 total active members: 1,319 total retired members: 200 total Dual members: 2 total affiliate members: 12

total student/ provisional members: 3 total current applicants: 1 total dhp members: 35

total new members for 2011: 18 April 2011 | 29

Event highlights March General Membership Meeting March 8, 2011 — Spouse Night

1: Dr. Robin Berrin, Dr. Barry Dunn, Leslie Mendoza, Jennifer Olson and Dr. Paul Phillips catch up before the meeting begins. 2: Drs. Brad Townsend and Matt Comfort enjoy the social hour with Dr. Viren Patel and his wife Sonja. 3: New Members for the month of March, Drs. Nima Aflatooni, David Gabor and An Le, are introduced by Dr. Lisa Laptalo, Membership Committee Chair. 4: Dr. Robert Daby reminds attendees to participate in the Crowns for Kids program. 5: Dr. Wes Yee delivers a stellar impersonation of Arnold Schwarzenegger, as he promotes the Smile Sacramento Gala to benefit Sacramento District Dental Foundation (October 1, 2011). 6: Dr. Barbara Burrall begins her presentation on Oral Cancer.

SDDS MEMBERS ONLY:

15% off your ﬁrst case! 1911 DOUGLAS BOULEVARD, STE 85-438 • ROSEVILLE, CA 95661

916.990.6279 • eadentalstudio.com

30 | The Nugget

Sacramento District Dental Society

design your own dental suite offering generous tenant improvements for this 800 sq ft office space. Rent negotiation is available. The suite is in a three story midtown dental complex. (916) 448-5702. 11-10 suite for lease — in Midtown Sacramento at 30th & P. Ideal for perio, endo or oral surgery. Improvements + allowance for modification. Signage, high visibility, on-site parking and freeway access. In the midst of Sutter’s medical campus expansion. (916) 473-8810. Lic. 01227233. 02-11

Stop the Screaming! In-office sedation services by MD anesthesiologist • Pedo/Adults • Medi-Cal Provider • 20 years experience • Call (800) 853-4819 or info@propofolmd.com. 05-07 Locum Tenens — I am an experienced dentist, UOP graduate and I will temporarily maintain and grow your practice if you are ill / maternity leave or on extended vacation. (530) 644-3438. 04-10 Locum Tenens — Loma Linda grad, 1980. Temporary dentist for emergencies, vacations and maternity leaves. (530) 823-0502. 02-11

dentists serving dentists — Western Practice Sales invites you to visit our website, westernpracticesales. com to view all of our practices for sale and to see why we are the broker of choice throughout Northern California. (800) 641-4179. 03-09 For sale — Santa Cruz General Practice. 30+ years. Fee-for-service, no PPO except Delta. Please contact at Gadwalldds@gmail.com. 04-11

For lease — 2,255 sf former dental space at 1610 Arden Wy (across from Arden Fair Mall). On-site parking, 6 ops, offices, lab, reception. Hines (916) 923-5600. 04-11 office space sharing roseville / granite bay. 1250 sf modern facility, digital/paperless, in a prof’l one-story office w/ street signage. Currently used 3 days/week. Ideal for mature, low-volume, high-end practice. dmd@surewest.net. 04-C1

Have an upcoming presentation? The SDDS LCD projector is available for rent! (3 days — $100) Members only please Call SDDS at (916) 446-1227 for more information or to place a reservation.

We’re goin’ to the zoo…

How about you?

Join SDDS for a day of fun at the Sacramento Zoo, with CE for you and fun for your whole family. See insert for more details and to sign up!

4 CE • MAY 14, 2011 • $119 Member Price

You asked for this!

New Classified Sections!

Nugget Survey 2009

Contact SDDS at (916) 446-1227 for more information.

Vacation homes • Misc items for sale • Home rentals / sales • Tickets

”

April 2011 | 31 H

www.sdds.org

Selling your practice? Need an associate? Have office space to lease? Place a classified ad in the Nugget and see the results! SDDS member dentists get one complimentary, professionally related classified ad per year (30 word maximum; additional words are billed at $.50 per word). Rates for non-members are $45 for the first 30 words and $.60 per word after that. Add color to your ad for just $10! For more information on placing a classified ad, please call the SDDS office (916) 446-1227. Deadlines are the first of the month before the issue in which you’d like to run.

3‘-8

SDDS member dentists can place classified ads for free!

PRSRT STD

915 28th Street Sacramento, CA 95816 916.446.1211 www.sdds.org

US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 557 SACRAMENTO, CA

Address service requested

sdds calendar of events April 2 5 6 8

CPR BLS Renewal Sutter General Hospital 8:30am–12:30pm Foundation Board Meeting 6:00pm / SDDS Office New Member Dinner 6:30pm / Old Spaghetti Factory Executive Committee Meeting 7:00am / Del Paso Country Club Continuing Education Crown Lengthening Workshop for the General Practitioner Timothy Hempton, DDS Sacramento Hilton — Arden West 2200 Harvard Street, Sacramento 8:00am–1:30pm

For more calendar info, visit

www.sdds.org

12 General Membership Meeting Turn it On & Off: What’s New in Local Anesthesia Alan Budenz, MS, DDS, MBA Recruitment Night Sacramento Hilton — Arden West 2200 Harvard Street, Sacramento 6:00pm Social 7:00pm Dinner & Program 19 Member Forum HR Audio Conference Top 10 SDDS Hotline Questions Noon–1:00pm 20 SDDF Broadway Series Young Frankenstein 8:00pm / Sac Community Center 21 Member Forum Practice Management: Straight Talk About Balancing it All (People, Systems, Results) Gayle Suarez (Dental Management Solutions) Sacramento Hilton — Arden West 2200 Harvard Street, Sacramento 6:00pm–8:30pm

You asked for this! Nugget Survey 2009

Past Presidents’ Dinner 6:30pm / Spataro Restaurant Ethics Committee 6:00pm / SDDS Office

May 3 4 6 10

Board of Directors Meeting 6:00pm / SDDS Office Peer Review Calibration 6:30pm / SDDS Office SDDF Golf Tournament 7:00am / Turkey Creek Golf Club General Membership Meeting Oh Baby: The When, Why & How of Infant & Toddler Oral Health Jeffrey Wood, DDS Foundation Night Sacramento Hilton — Arden West 2200 Harvard Street, Sacramento 6:00pm Social 7:00pm Dinner & Program

Save the date for the 32nd annual MidWinter Convention Tons of CE & a great time! you won’t want to miss it! February 9–10, 2012 earn

ce units!

May 10, 2011:

Oh Baby: The When, Why & How of Infant & Toddler Oral Health

Presented by: Jeffrey Wood, DDS

Course Objectives: • Enhance their appreciation for early oral care

6pm: Social & Table Clinics 7pm: Dinner & Program Sacramento Hilton, Arden West (2200 Harvard Street, Sac)

• Improve their understanding of the carious process in infants & toddlers • Add techniques to their repertoire to improve the care that they provide for young children

May General Membership Meeting: Foundation Night