TDA Today November 2005 by Texas Dental Association

TDA

A publication of the Texas Dental Association

November 2005 • Volume 6, Issue 11 www.tda.org

T o d a y

From the President By Richard C. Black, DDS, TDA President, 2005–2006

have just returned from a visit to the 2nd District / Southeast Texas Dental Society in Beaumont. It was a highly anticipated trip by your leadership, both volunteer and staff, as most of the Texas Dental Association (TDA) has been desperate to hear news from District 2 and, of course, offer whatever help we could to our members that have been so traumatized by Hurricane Rita. I asked two members of our “disaster relief team” — Eddy Shires and Mary Kay Linn — to accompany me, and appreciated the very able assistance in getting us there from Dr. Jim Condrey, who is very familiar with the Golden Triangle portion of our state.

It was an emotional and very productive meeting, and it was heartwarming to see so many of the Southeast Texas members in attendance. Although we had some important announcements to make, I believe the most important thing that happened was that it was the first opportunity for these members to get out and see each other since the weekend of September 23. All are proving to be very resilient, all are picking up the pieces where they left off, and all are showing courage and determination in re-starting their lives and their practices. Everyone had some personal story to tell and despite the fact that some had not been damaged, they have pitched in to help those who had. It was particularly good to see their president, Dr. Robert Marroquin, and president-elect, Dr. Joel Smith. Their steady leadership during this time has made a difference to many of their members. Your Board of Directors sent me with two important documents approved by them on the TDA’s behalf at their November 4 meeting. The first was the waiver of 2006 dues to all members in District 2. The second was a check from the TDA representing the portion of District 2’s dues revenue that would normally be sent to them in 2006 for operating expenses that year. Both announcements were met with shocked surprise and, I truly believe, a feeling of “connectivity” with the rest of you whose thoughts and prayers have been with them throughout this ordeal. The tears that flowed were, frankly, from those of us who were able to be “of service” to them. I anticipate more help on the way from many of our components who have expressed a desire to help.

TDA

(From left): Southeast Texas Dental Society officers Drs. Joel L. Smith, presidentelect, and Robert Marroquin, president, visit with TDA president Dr. Richard C. Black in Beaumont on November 10, 2005.

(From left): Southeast Texas Dental Society members Drs. Maria Fiocchi, Ron Risinger, John Hackbarth, and Dod Moore visit with Dr. Jim Condrey, Greater Houston Dental Society.

The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners’ (TSBDE) Taskforce on New Testing of Dental Assistants has already met once and the TDA is extremely well-represented by Dr. Jacqueline Plemons of Dallas and Dr. Jay Adkins of Lubbock. They are carrying the banner and the message of the TDA in regards to what will constitute a new and improved way of educating and testing our dental assistants. We could not have any two better members doing the hard work required right now in the process. I might mention again that the timeline consists of establishing objectives for the new course and exam process as well as TSBDE approval of the course, which will become available after September 1, 2006. Your TDA Board continues to work carefully and quietly with the Council on Dental Education, Trade, and Ancillaries to determine what duties of dental auxiliaries should be changed or expanded. More news on these discussions will follow in the New Year. The TDA Board looks forward to spending time in February developing policy on Access to Care issues for the TDA House of Delegates to debate in San Antonio. I truly believe that your Texas Dental Association has been there for you — our valued members — and I thank you on behalf of your very capable staff and your volunteer leadership for the opportunity to serve you! ★

T o d a y November 2005 • Volume 6, Issue 11 www.tda.org

Editorial Staff: Christopher F. Anderson, D.D.S., M.S.D., Editor Edwina J. Shires, Managing Editor Paul H. Schlesinger, Communications Coordinator Stefanie Clegg, Website Manager Barbara S. Donovan, Art Director BOARD OF DIRECTORS TEXAS DENTAL ASSOCIATION President RICHARD C. BLACK, D.D.S.; President-elect THOMAS C. HARRISON, D.D.S.; Past President HERBERT L. WADE, JR., D.D.S.; Vice President, Southeast MATTHEW B. ROBERTS, D.D.S.; Vice President, Southwest JAMES W. CHANCELLOR, D.D.S.; Vice President, Northwest DAVID A. DUNCAN, D.D.S.; Vice President, Northeast FRANK L. HIGGINBOTTOM, D.D.S.; Senior Director, Southeast R. RONALD COLLINS, D.D.S.; Senior Director, Southwest FREDERICK T. PHILIPS, JR., D.D.S.; Senior Director, Northwest DAVID R. COX, D.D.S.; Senior Director, Northeast JENNIFER J. BARRINGTON, D.D.S.; Director, Southeast DOUGLAS W. BOGAN, D.D.S.; Director, Southwest JOSE L. CAZARES, JR., D.D.S.; Director, Northwest V. WAYNE MCENTIRE, D.D.S.; Director, Northeast LEE P. ONEACRE, D.D.S.; SecretaryTreasurer J. PRESTON COLEMAN, D.D.S.; Speaker of the House GLEN D. HALL, D.D.S.; Parliamentarian MICHAEL L. STUART, D.D.S.; Editor CHRISTOPHER F. ANDERSON, D.D.S.; Executive Director MARY KAY LINN; Legal Counsel WILLIAM H. BINGHAM

TDA Today (USPS 022-007) is published monthly except for December by the Texas Dental Association, 1946 S. IH-35, Ste 400, Austin, Texas 78704-3698, (512) 443-3675. Periodicals Postage Paid at Austin, Texas and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to TDA TODAY, 1946 S. IH-35, Ste 400, Austin, TX 78704-3698. Annual subscriptions: Texas Dental Association (TDA) members, $5. In-state American Dental Association (ADA) affiliated, $15 + tax. Out-of-state ADA affiliated, $15. In-state non-ADA affiliated, $30 + tax. Out-of-state non-ADA affiliated, $30. Single issue price: TDA members $1. In-state ADA affiliated, $3 + tax. Out-of-state ADA affiliated, $3. In-state non-ADA affiliated, $6 + tax. Out-of-state non-ADA affiliated, $6. Contributions: Manuscripts and news items of interest to the membership of the Association are solicited. Manuscripts should be typewritten, double spaced, and the original copy should be submitted. Please refer to Instructions for Contributors in the annual August Directory of the Texas Dental Journal for more information. Every effort will be made to return unused manuscripts if a request is made but no responsibility can be accepted for failure to do so. Anonymous communications will receive no consideration whatsoever. All statements of opinion and of supposed facts are published on authority of the writer under whose name they appear and are not to be regarded as the views of the Texas Dental Association, unless such statements have been adopted by the Association. Articles are accepted with the understanding that they have not been published previously.

aa de

Texas Dentists for Healthy Smiles and YOU — Get Involved!

Smile Texas Style — A Winner!

he Texas Dentists for Healthy Smiles Foundation (TDHS) mission is to make quality dental care a reality for the most needy Texans. In addition to its two flagship programs — Texas Mission of Mercy (TMOM) and Donated Dental Services (DDS) — TDHS also develops innovative community events.

Healthy Smiles Golf Classic, 2006 The 2006 Healthy Smiles Golf Classic will be held at the beautiful Pecan Valley Golf Course in San Antonio on Friday, May 12, 2006, during the Texas Dental Association’s 136th Annual Session / TEXAS Meeting. The tournament, with planning chaired by the Texas Association of Orthodontists, is presented by the Huffman Companies. Proceeds will benefit the Texas Dentists for Healthy Smiles Foundation’s mission to provide charitable oral health care to needy Texans. Don’t miss this opportunity to play golf for a good cause — register at www.tdhsmiles.org/golfclassic today!

Texas Missions of Mercy The Texas Mission of Mercy (TMOM) program continues to provide multi-day missions across the state. A TMOM brings together hundreds of volunteers from a local community and the dental profession statewide to provide on-the-spot treatment to patients. During the nine missions provided thus far through the TDHS foundation, approximately 7,000 patients have received charitable dental services with an estimated value of over $2.4 million. The most recent TMOM, which was held in Burnet County October 21-22, 2005, was an impressive success. Thanks to amazing volunteers and strong community support, over 774 patients were treated in just 20 hours. The next TMOM will be in Laredo on March 24-25, 2006, and we need you! For more information and to sign up online, please visit www.tdhsmiles.org/tmom.

rder your very own “Smile Texas Style” license plate! The red color is a true red as in the Texas flag. When a purchase is made, a portion of the proceeds will be used by the Texas Department of State Health Services in making grants to benefit the Texas Dental Association for the purpose of providing charitable dental care. Order your license plate at the Texas Department of Transportation’s “Specialty License Plate” webpage — http://www.dot.state.tx.us/vtr/spplates/specialplate.htm?nbr=140. You may also order the license plate by telephone at (512) 374-5010. Questions? Contact Diane Rhodes, (512) 443-3675 or drhodes@tda.org. ★

Errata

he November 2005 Texas Dental Journal (special membership issue), page 1131, incorrectly identified Dr. David L. Roberts of Dallas as a member of the 5th District / Dallas County Dental Society. Dr. Roberts is a member of the 4th District / North Texas Dental Society and currently serves as its president. His answers to the survey should have read as follows::

Dr. David L. Roberts, Dallas 4th District / North Texas Dental Society 1.

TDA president Dr. Richard C. Black at work at the Burnet County Texas Mission of Mercy, October 2005.

The Burnet Community Center is set and ready for patients at the October 21-22, 2005 Texas Mission of Mercy.

As a dental student, I thought I was studying for what would some day be my “job” as a dentist. As a practicing dentist, I have never felt like I had a “job,” but rather that I have been on a continuous educational journey that has been both challenging and rewarding. Additionally as a dental student, I could never have envisioned how much of a better career choice dentistry has become over that of medicine.

2. Dentistry is succeeding in many ways where medicine has failed. I hope that the future of dentistry will grow to become less dependent on insurance company reimbursements. The ideal relationship needs to be between the dentist and the patient with as little third-party involvement as possible. 3. The TDA must promote to its members the importance of the dentist-patient relationship as a CORE VALUE. It must educate dentists on how to develop their practices with as little third-party involvement as possible so that dentistry will not be adversely affected as a profession in the same unfortunate ways that the medical profession has been affected by such third-party intervention. Additionally, the TDA must facilitate growth and change within our profession by building bridges, rather than walls, between the special interest groups within our profession. ★

ATDA News By Ruth Ault, Publicity Secretary

Annual Report, 2006 The Foundation can never thank its contributors enough for their support. Because of the donations from hundreds of individuals and corporations, TDHS is able to keep patient care as the number one priority. So far this year, TDHS has received $60,000 in grants to provide patient care through the DDS and TMOM programs. The organizations behind these grants are the Gulf Coast Medical Foundation, Hillcrest Foundation, Harris and Eliza Kempner Fund, the Marcia & Otto Koehler Foundation, and Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas, Inc. These foundations, along with all 2005 contributors and volunteers, will be recognized in our first-ever Annual Report, to be printed in early 2006 and distributed to over 11,000 dental professionals. Keep your eyes open for a draft report listing all donors from January 1 through September 30, 2005. ★

Last Call

Holiday Gift Cards

healthy smile spreads joy year-round! That’s why this Holiday season the Texas Dental Association invites you to support its 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable foundation, Texas Dentists for Healthy Smiles. TDHS offers $25 gift cards as a generous donation in the name of your colleagues, patients, friends, and family. And that $25 is so much more for someone in need of dental assistance. TDHS provides almost $2 million in necessary dental treatment each year to thousands of needy Texans. Our flagship programs, Donated Dental Services and Texas Mission of Mercy, are growing each year, and we need your help to continue this vital work. Inside, each gift card reads: Warmest Thoughts and Best Wishes for a Wonderful Holiday Season and a Very Happy New Year. Texas Dentists for Healthy Smiles is Dedicated to Improving the Oral Health of Texans. A Gift Has Been Made to the Foundation in Your Name from ______________________. Each gift card is $25. Order your cards online at www.tdhsmiles.org or call (877) 807-6453. ★

Rekindling Inactive Alliance Districts

indy Bates, president of the Alliance of the Texas Dental Association (ATDA), continues visits to local districts across the state. One of her goals is to reactivate and reenergize districts in keeping with her presidential mission, “May the essence of our lives be a song that others would want to sing.” Ms. Bates encourages local Alliance districts to continue their support of organized dentistry, to promote dental health education, and to foster friendships among the dental community. She also highlights projects the ATDA supports each year — the ATDA Silver Lining Fund, the Memorial Fund scholarships, and participation in Texas Missions of Mercy and TDA Legislative Day. The Alliance voluntary contribution ($35) portion of the TDA dues statement now includes (From left): Dr. Rick Williams, local local Alliance district dues ($25) and state alliance society president, ATDA president Cindy dues ($10). The $25 local portion will be returned to Bates; and TDA president Dr. Rick Black local Alliance chapters to either support ongoing participate in a meeting of the 21-A activities or to help reactivate an inactive district. ★ District / San Angelo Society.

Reminder to TDA Members From Dr. David H. Wilhite, Chair, TDA Council on Peer Review

ll TDA member dentists are encouraged to post the Peer Review Complaint sign in their dental offices. The Peer Review program is a significant benefit for members of organized dentistry. This program enlists the assistance of a group of your fellow dentists to help resolve patient problems or misunderstandings regarding dental treatment. For many patients and dentists, Peer Review is a superior alternative to a lawsuit or the filing of a complaint with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. Your TDA Council on Peer Review mailed you a copy of the sign and an explanation of the process in November 2004. The sign can be accessed and printed from the TDA website at www.tda.org. If you have questions, please call Katherine Simms, Director of Ethics & Dental Benefit Services, at (512) 443-3675, or email katherine@tda.org.★

November 2005 / TDA Today / 2

2005 House Notes American Dental Association

TDA Board Hosts Governor Rick Perry, DENPAC Announces Support for Re-Election

By Dr. John S. Findley, ADA 15th District Trustee

By Dr. Warren Branch, Vice Chair, DENPAC

he American Dental Association’s (ADA) House of Delegates deliberations in 2005 will go down in dental history as some of the most contentious and also as the most unpredictable. Positions, issues, and feelings were on coat sleeves and shoulders — waiting and even daring to be a part of the foray. Now that the dust is settling down, several lessons are very apparent. First, once again the wisdom of the House as the ultimate governing body is proven in directing the course for our profession. Second, we are in the midst of changing times and many of those changes are going to be difficult as we are simultaneously driving and being driven into the future. Our challenges are to make certain that we get stronger and stronger as a profession and that we ultimately shape the impending change so that both patient and profession are preserved. There is no need to either recite the resolutions or repeat the debate. Two of the main issues and various more recent topics, however, might be of great interest to you. If you would like to see all of the resolutions in detail, please visit www.ada.org for a complete report.

CODA and International Accreditation A resolution supporting the Commission on Dental Accreditation’s (CODA) plans to offer international consultation and accreditation received a favorable vote in the House, although this was a huge issue with most here in Texas. Along with the House’s approval comes the formation of an advisory board consisting of two representatives from CODA, two from dental practice, and one from the American Dental Association’s Board of Trustees. This advisory board will act on international accreditation issues and make appropriate recommendations to CODA, including selection of the countries and schools that might be eligible for accreditation. This will be a developing issue that will take twists and turns and it should be noted that such accreditation does not guarantee licensure. With strong state boards and appropriate regulations, the protection of patients should continue to be ensured.

Workforce Issues Workforce issues dominated much of the deliberations at the ADA Annual Meeting. The ADA Board report included many open-ended proposals and resulted in the passage of a resolution establishing a new task force on workforce issues with one member from every trustee district plus two trustees appointed by the president. Policy supporting the study of possible new types of allied dental personnel and their possible realigned roles in the work environment was established. The task force was mandated certain activities including determining the adequacy of the present workforce and to study access issues where expanded duties already exist.

Election of ADA President-elect True to predictions, the election of an ADA president-elect was “too close to call.” The House split between the two candidates with a most unusual tie vote. On a second vote, Kathy Roth was named the winner. Kathy, whose husband is also a general dentist, practices in West Bend, Wisconsin.

Honorary ADA Membership Another event that was very exciting to all of us who have been fortunate to work with TDA Executive Director Mary Kay Linn over the years was her being named an Honorary ADA Member before the House of Delegates. Finally, please be watching for two important issues — the Tecker Report, which evaluated the effectiveness of the ADA’s Washington office, and the new ADA strategic plan for 2007 – 2010. ★

TDA Leadership Lays Groundwork for 2007 Legislative Session Holds Series of Meetings with Top State Officials

I (From left): ADA president Dr. Richard Haught makes TDA executive director Mary Kay Linn an honorary member of the American Dental Association.

Texas Delegation (15th District) American Dental Association Delegates Dr. Richard C. Black Dr. Patricia L. Blanton Dr. James W. Chancellor Dr. James D. Condrey Dr. T. Bob Davis Dr. James R. Foster Dr. Glen D. Hall Dr. Thomas C. Harrison Dr. O. Z. Helmer Dr. Hilton Isrealson Dr. S. Jerry Long Dr. Don A. Lutes Dr. Alan B. Moore Dr. R. Mark Peppard Dr. James A. Person

n March 7, 2006, Texas voters will consider the re-election of Governor Rick Perry to a second full term, and a victorious outcome will make him the longest-serving Governor in Texas history. On November 4, 2005, the Texas Dental Association (TDA) Board hosted Gov. Perry at the central office to announce DENPAC’s unanimous support for his re-election. In a public statement, DENPAC Gov. Rick Perry (fourth from left) is welcomed to chair Dr. Terry Darden said, “Texas TDA by (from left) Drs. Jerry Long, Rick Box, Rick dentists are proud to stand in support of Black, Kelly Keith, and Bill Estes. Governor Rick Perry at this early and important stage of the campaign, because for more than a decade he has made oral health a priority for our state. With his support, Texas restored CHIP dental benefits and implemented key reforms to preserve a strong dental workforce for our patients for years to come.” In his address to the TDA Board, Gov. Perry said, “It is an honor to have the support of the 7,400 members of the Texas Dental Association,” said Perry. “These men and women provide quality care for Texas families on a daily basis, and they share my vision for a stronger, healthier Texas. I am proud to have them supporting my re-election in 2006.” TDA president Dr. Richard Black, in his remarks to Gov. Perry, said, “On behalf of our Association’s members, I would like to commend the Governor on his leadership in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. His steady hand made it possible for so many Texans to rise to the challenge, including dentists across the state that helped care for evacuees.” In voting without reservation to support Governor Perry for re-election, the DENPAC Board recognized the positive track that Texas dentistry is on under his leadership. As small business owners and healthcare providers, Texas dentists deserve a strong practice environment that supports the delivery of high quality dental care to people across the state. DENPAC was established in 1967 exclusively for the purpose of influencing the nomination or election of state candidates who have demonstrated their concern for the preservation of dentistry as an independent profession and for the dental health of the people of Texas. Dentistry won its battles in the 2005 Texas Legislature precisely because DENPAC handled the 2004 election cycle with the intensity, diligence, and shrewdness that have made the PAC one of the top 20 strongest political action committees in the state. To continue that strength, the DENPAC board will work through the 2006 election cycle to aggressively support friendly incumbents from Gov. Perry on down the ballot. All candidates for the 2006 elections must file papers with the Secretary of State by January 2, 2006. Early voting runs from Tuesday, February 21 through Friday, March 3, 2006. For information on DENPAC membership, contact Leigh Ann Montague, PAC Manager, at (512) 443-3675 or lmontague@tda.org. ★

Dr. Charles C. Rader Dr. Matthew B. Roberts Dr. Stephen F. Schwartz Dr. Larry W. Spradley Dr. Debra G. Stewart Dr. Michael L. Stuart Dr. Herbert L. Wade, Jr. Dr. David S. Wilbanks Alternates Dr. Craig S. Armstrong Dr. Jennifer J. Barrington Dr. Robert L. Clitheroe Dr. Ron Collins Dr. Karen E. Frazer Dr. Kathy T. Gibson

Dr. Michael J. Goulding Dr. Frank L. Higginbottom Dr. Bruce E. Howell Dr. Philip H. Hunke Dr. Paul A. Kennedy Dr. David M. Ku Dr. Risé L. Lyman Dr. Robert C. Meador Dr. Donna G. Miller Dr. Lee P. Oneacre Dr. Richard M. Smith Dr. Michael D. Vaclav Dr. David A. Woolweaver Dr. Debra J. Worsham

n a blitz of briefings in and around the Capitol in late October, Texas Dental Association (TDA) leadership began to prepare for the 2007 Texas Legislature by meeting with top state officials on critical issues facing Texas dentists. Dr. Richard C. Black, president; Dr. Patricia L. Blanton, 2003-2004 president; and Dr. S. Jerry Long, chair, TDA Council on Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, represented the Association on issues regarding implementation of the restored Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) dental benefit, access to dental services in Medicaid, and legislative improvements to dental assistant testing requirements. In a private session with Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, the TDA leadership team discussed serious concerns regarding the proposed design of the CHIP dental benefit and level of reimbursement. They also stressed the need for increased reimbursement for dental services in Medicaid and reported on the positive status of legislative reforms to dental assistant testing, thanks in part to Lt. Gov. Dewhurst’s support of Senate Bill 610 by Sen. Jane Nelson and Rep. Jodie Laubenberg. These issues also were raised in meetings with the offices of Sen. Judith Zaffirini (DLaredo), Sen. Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound), and Rep. Dianne Delisi (R-Temple). Sen. Zaffirini serves as vice chair of the Senate Finance Committee and chair of the Finance Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. Sen. Nelson chairs the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and serves on the Finance Subcommittee on Health and Human Services. Rep. Delisi chairs the House Public Health Committee and will oversee an interim legislative study on patient safety and scope of practice in health professions including dentistry. On Friday, October 28, the TDA Council on Legislative and Regulatory Affairs hosted Texas Atty. Gen. Greg Abbott in a private meeting to discuss top issues. Gen. Abbott shared his insight into the pending ruling of the Texas Supreme Court on the lawsuit brought by school districts over school finance. TDA members raised the need for Medicaid fee increases for dental providers, and praised the Attorney General for his agency’s handling of Medicaid fraud investigations. While dentistry made great strides in the 2005 Legislature, the Association must continue to identify new and emerging issues, primarily by hearing from members who contact the Association and at component society meetings throughout the state. As legislative committees begin to organize around issues to study during the interim in preparation for next session, the Association will continue its own policy research in the areas of dental workforce, Medicaid reform, access to care, and other issues as they arise. ★

November 2005 / TDA Today / 3

This recurring section is designed to help TDA members keep up with important Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) rules, other regulations, and state law affecting their practices. Hypothetical Situation: Ms. Jones, a regular patient of Dr. Smith, is scheduled for a prophy while Dr. Smith, a solo practitioner, is out of town. While being seated for the prophy, Ms. Jones tells the hygienist that her temporary crown has become loose. After completing the prophy, the hygienist asks Dr. Smith’s dental assistant to take x-rays and re-seat the temporary crown for Ms. Jones. Q: In the above hypothetical, does state law or Dental Board rules allow Dr. Smith to delegate Ms. Jones’ prophy to the hygienist? A: YES, as long as Dr. Smith has examined Ms. Jones within the preceding 12 months. Texas State law, in Section 262.151, Texas Occupations Code, authorizes a dentist to delegate a service, task, or procedure to a dental hygienist as long as the hygienist is licensed to perform the delegated duty and the supervising dentist has examined the patient either at the time the delegated task is performed by the hygienist or during the 12 calendar months preceding the date of the service. The law also states that the dentist is not required to be on premises when the dental hygienist performs a delegated act. Q: In the above hypothetical, does state law or Dental Board rules permit the dental assistant to x ray Ms. Jones and seat her temporary crown? A: NO, even if Dr. Smith is made aware of the problem and phones his office to delegate the necessary tasks. Texas State law, in Section 258.002(a), Occupations Code, requires the dentist to be physically present in the dental office to delegate a service, task, or procedure to a dental assistant. Another law, Section 265.002, Occupations Code, provides that a dental assistant is under a dentist's direct supervision if the dentist is in charge of the dental assistant and is physically present in the dental office when the dental assistant performs the delegated act.

Original in folder: NYCU 11 05 outlines cymk.eps

For additional information, please contact Jay Bond at the TDA central office, (512) 443-3675, or jbond@tda.org. ★

Tired of waiting for a fax or snail mail? Corresponding with e-mail is quick and efficient. Currently we have e-mail addresses for only 38 percent of our membership. Update your e-mail address online or call TDA’s Membership Department at (512) 443-3675. Discuss it online with “Ask a Colleague.” This feature provides online discussion groups for members to chat with their peers. You can read current postings or choose to post a new message. Go to www.tda.org and click on “Ask a Colleague” to the left of the screen. Begin by clicking on a topic. From there you can read postings, reply to a post, or choose to post a new message. To return to the topics list, click on the “Dentist” link. Questions? Contact Stefanie Clegg, TDA’s web manager at (512) 443-3675 or stefanie@tda.org. ★

Contact the TDA Board: ✽ BLACK: (915) 592-5853, rblack@tda.org ✽ HARRISON: (281) 492-6064, tharrison@tda.org ✽ WADE: (979) 776-8100, hwade@tda.org ✽ ROBERTS: (936) 544-3790, mroberts@tda.org ✽ CHANCELLOR: (210) 653-4410, jchancellor@tda.org ✽ DUNCAN: (806) 355-7401, dduncan@tda.org ✽ HIGGINBOTTOM: (214) 827-1150, fhigginbottom@tda.org ✽ COLLINS: (281) 983-5677, rcollins@tda.org ✽ PHILIPS: (361) 992-9871, fphilips@tda.org ✽ COX: (817) 596-7782, dcox@tda.org ✽ BARRINGTON: (972) 923-0374, jbarrington@tda.org ✽ BOGAN: (713) 467-3458, dougbogan@tda.org ✽ CAZARES: (956) 686-5000, cazaresdds@tda.org ✽ MCENTIRE: (806) 459-1644, wmcentire@tda.org ✽ ONEACRE: (972) 394-2114, loneacre@tda.org ✽ COLEMAN: (210) 656-3301, jcoleman@tda.org ✽ HALL: (325) 698-7560, ghall@tda.org ✽ STUART: (972) 686-8828, mstuart@tda.org ✽ ANDERSON: (806) 792-5111, canderson@tda.org ✽ LINN: (512) 443-3675, marykay@tda.org ✽ BINGHAM: (512) 495-6000, bbingham@mcginnislaw.com

TDA T o d a y

November 2005 • Volume 6, Issue 11 www.tda.org