SUMMER 2010, VOLUME 36, ISSUE 3
A dvo c ac y
Are You at the Table? Inside this issue: Summer 2009
2010 Texas Dentist of the Year™ Nominees 2010 -2011 Slate of Nominees for TAGD Board of Directors
Texas AGD MasterTrack • How Close Are You? TAGD wants to help you on the road to Fellowship & Mastership If you received your Fellowship before 2003 hours might be lost from your transcript. Contact the TAGD office and we will help you recover those hours. You may be closer to Mastership than you think!
MasterTrack Schedule: September 9 - 12, 2010 AT&T Executive Education & Conference Center • Austin, TX Operative Dentistry Presented by Dr. Gordon Christensen Implants Presented by Dr. Frank Higginbottom
June 23 - 26, 2011 Omni Southpark Hotel • Austin, TX
November 3 - 6, 2011 Omni Southpark Hotel • Austin, TX
Periodontics
Oral Surgery
Electives
Pediatrics
Texas AGD has worked to make the MasterTrack seminars a true benefit for TAGD members. Each session is $895 for 48 hours of participation credit - That’s only $18 for each hour!
For more information visit www.tagd.org or call the TAGD office at 512-244-0577
Let us be your dental health partner . . . And help grow your practice to include patients from the largest dental customer in the world—the TRICARE Dental Plan—which has over 167,000 enrollees in Texas.* Plus, you’ll join over 66,500 dentists nationwide and over 4,000 dentists in Texas* who enjoy network benefits, including: • Competitive and timely compensation and reimbursement • Claims submissions through our free online processing system • Online access to patients’ benefits and claims information through My Patients’ Benefits • Program updates and corporate and industry 1-866-300-9426 • www.unitedconcordia.com news in the quarterly Connection newsletter TXAGD-0608 • Texas dental products are offered by the following operating subsidaries of United Concordia Companies, Inc.—United Concordia Insurance Company for Fee-for-Service products and United Concordia Dental Plans of Texas, Inc. for DHMO products. *Based on United Concordia internal research & reports, 04/08.
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JOURNAL OF THE TEXAS ACADEMY OF GENERAL DENTISTRY
2009/2010 OFFICERS President Dan McCauley, DDS, FAGD Mount Pleasant President-Elect Joey Cazares, DDS, FAGD McAllen Immediate Past-President Ron Theiss, DDS, MAGD Nacogdoches
J O U R N A L
T A B L E
O F
O F
T H E
T E X A S
A C A D E M Y
O F
G E N E R A L
C O N T E N T S
Secretary/Treasurer Mark Peppard, DDS, MAGD Austin
SUMMER 2010
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Editor Jeff Roy, DDS, FAGD Irving Director (2010) Craig Armstrong, DDS, MAGD Houston
Advocacy: What It Is, Why It Is Important and How Can I Participate?
Minnesota Mistakes
9
Director (2010) Dean Armstrong, DDS, MAGD Amarillo Director (2011) Jamie Bone, DDS, MAGD Kerrville
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2010 Texas Dentist of the Year™ Nominees
Director (2011) Paige Sohn, DDS, MAGD Frisco
Dental Fillins ......................................................................................4
Director (2012) Carlos Garcia, DMD Weslaco
Drill Bits .............................................................................................8
Director (2012) Andrew Lazaris, DDS, FAGD Plano AGD Regional Director David Tillman, DDS, MAGD FortWorth AGD National Trustee Douglas Bogan, DDS, FAGD Houston Executive Director Connie Sonnier, CAE Round Rock
TAGD Staff Kimberly Blair • Administrative Assistant Sandy Frizzell • Programs Director Margaret Hulse • JTC Foundation Director Amy Knitt • Membership & Communications Director Lauren Oakley • Programs Assistant Summer 2010
D E N T I S T R Y
TAGD Headlines ..................................................................................7 A Great Dentist Goes to Washington Wrap-up....................................10 Lone Star Dental Conference.............................................................11 2010 Fellows and Masters.................................................................15 Texas AGD Advocacy Fund ................................................................15
NEXT ISSUE:
Texas Dentist of the Year™ REcipient Information change request: Send your new address, phone, fax and e-mail to Amy@TAGD.org Disclaimer: The TAGD does not necessarily endorse opinions or statements contained in articles or editorials published in the TexasGP. The publication of advertisements in the TexasGP does not indicate endorsement for products and services. Texas GP is published quarterly by the Texas Academy of General Dentistry, 409 West Main Street, Round Rock, TX 78664. Address changes should be sent to the TAGD. TexasGP is provided as a member service to members of the TAGD. Nonmember subscription rates are $25.00 individual and $40.00 institutional. Canadian orders add $5.00; outside the U.S. or Canada, add $10.00. Single copy rates are $3.00 to individuals and $4.50 to institutions (orders outside the U.S. add $1.00 postage). All orders must be prepaid in U.S. dollars. Printed in U.S.A. Copyright 2010, Texas Academy of General Dentistry, Round Rock, TX. No portion of TexasGP may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the TAGD. The opinions expressed by TexasGP are not necessarily endorsed by the TAGD. The publication of an advertisement in TexasGP does not indicate endorsement for products and services. TAGD/AGD approval for continuing education courses or course sponsors will be clearly stated.
Important Contacts TAGD
512-244-0577 877-464-8243 (Toll-free) 512-244-0476 (Fax) www.tagd.org
AGD
888-243-3368 www.agd.org
ADA
800-621-8099 www.ada.org
TDA
800-832-1145 www.tda.org
TSBDE 512-463-6400 www.tsbde.state.tx.us 3
DENTAL FILLINS
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elcome to our first ever Advocacy Issue of this publication! It’s an exciting time of growth in our organization and we chose this issue to focus on topics that are most important to membership. We are rapidly approaching the 2011 82nd Texas Legislative Session. Town hall meetings are coming to a city near you, and the next two issues will contain important calendar dates and political charges for membership.
Minnesota AGD Past President, who has experience dealing with some of these issues.
With a finger constantly on the pulse, please know that we have an Advocacy Committee and lobbyist that are constantly watching the issues as they arise. Dr. David Tillman, who will also serve as our AGD Regional Director as Dr. Doug Bogan moves into the Trustee position, chairs the Advocacy Committee. Contact the TAGD office for questions or concerns regarding advocating for the general dentist.
We are at a point in our professional evolution where AGD may take stands on issues even before the ADA, when it applies specifically to GPs. We must preemptively represent.
This committee has lofty goals, one of which is to get more input from the membership regarding issues of member concern. With any legislative session, efforts must be focused to achieve optimum results. The broader the issue field gets, we risk inadequate efforts due to strained manpower. The Advocacy Committee will schedule four to five town hall sessions focused on the following: committee work to date, major issues with background information, discussion of emerging topics, obtaining facilitated member feedback to see where YOU stand. The committee will then process information garnered from all stops and make sure membership and committee goals mesh. Obvious current issues include mid-level providers, insurance capping, and both the illegal practice of dentistry and workforce issues. Please read the enclosed, important article from Dr. Mark Malterud,
Anything can happen between now and then “in the news,” and we don’t know what legislative bills will be filed after the November election, or up until the beginning of March. Hence, we can’t know all of the key issues that will drop.
Shout Outs Are in Order: Dr. Ralph Cooley:
What an emotional send-off as Dr. Cooley spent his last board meeting in June as our AGD Trustee for Texas. His words were heartfelt and defining; I wish all of you who know Ralph could’ve witnessed the moment. Always the gentleman, the reigning Texas Dentist of the Year thanked everyone for allowing him to serve. There is no way to encapsulate all that Ralph brought to this organization, the impact made, positions served, and the leaders he helped develop. Every room Ralph enters to work on key issues of organized dentistry, he is a vocal leader and often the most respected guy in the room. One earns that. Never saying too much, his message is content rich and succinct. Dr. Cooley is the “E. F. Hutton” of Dentistry, nationally and at home, yet would predictably deny the honor. One of my favorite quotes from Dr. Cooley, an astute baseball fan, and hopefully I won’t butcher this, “It’s amazing what gets accomplished when the focus is on the name across the front of the team jersey, opposed to the back.” If Team TAGD only had a Ring of Honor.
Connie Sonnier and the TAGD office
team:
November and December 2009 left us all in shock and fear as our beloved Executive Director faced a cancer diagnosis, Jeff Roy, DDS, FAGD surgery, and oncological therapy. For those of you who don’t know, there is no better ED in all of AGD; she is the undisputed benchmark that the position is compared to. I can recall at least one conference call Connie joined while the hospital monitors beeped in the background. “Above and beyond” defines her. Amy Knitt, Meg Hulse and Sandy Frizzell stepped up as Connie temporarily stepped back, and we grew leaps and bounds. We are stronger than ever, and still growing. It’s been a year of struggles and triumphs and I personally laud and appreciate you and your team, Connie!
Dr. Dan McCauley:
Last but not least, Dan raised the bar and the TAGD Board and staff rose to the occasion. The only thing that stopped him from accomplishing more is time. He’s been passionate and committed to his agenda for TAGD. His extensive board experience helped us streamline and rethink the ways we approached our budget, finances, and related committees. His head is probably still spinning from the travel, but I’m guessing he’ll miss this in a few months when he passes the gavel. The perfect leader to guide us into the deeper waters of advocacy, Dan walked in front of or beside us depending on the need or obstacle. The presiding officer position is demanding, and we appreciate your sacrifice, Dr. McCauley. He also deserves credit for authoring one of the funniest moments I have ever witnessed in a board meeting.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR/PEARLS OF WISDOM: If you have a comment, suggestion, question or would like to send a Pearl of Wisdom to share with other dental professionals please contact the editor at Jeffroy@21stcenturydental.com 4
JOURNAL OF THE TEXAS ACADEMY OF GENERAL DENTISTRY
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
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s an organization, we stand on the edge of tomorrow and the frontier of our future. This administrative year came with challenges to our profession. TAGD met those challenges head on and is postured to remain proactive while dealing with the issues and staying informed of the legislative priorities. We are defending our profession in Texas from mid-level providers, insurance control, and federal mandates that could affect the way we practice and the quality of care that we provide for our patients. As your president, I have been honored to serve with a very committed board of directors and certainly a model state office and staff. Of all the constituents in the United States and Canada, our TAGD has been recognized nationally as the number one constituent in AGD. To summarize our awards we received during the 2010 AGD Annual Meeting, we either won or nabbed honorable mention in these categories: • Constituent of the Year (Winner) • Continuing Education (Winner) • ACE - Communications & Publications (Honorable Mention) • Membership (Honorable Mention) • Public Information (Honorable Mention)
nationally and in Texas. Dr. Andrew Lazaris was kind enough to contribute an article in this issue summarizing his trip to D. C.; please be sure to read about his experience. Regarding continuing education, by the time you read this we will have recognized at the AGD Annual Meeting in New Orleans, 37 new Fellows, 15 Masters, and 2 Lifelong Learning and Service Recognition Award recipients from the TAGD. Our constituent and its components have offered over 30 CE courses throughout the state over the past year and we have recently added the FAGD Exam Review Course to our online course offerings. The MasterTrack program has continued on its successful path and is currently based in Austin for upcoming sessions and our student FellowTrack program now has tracks in all three dental schools. Our board of directors is working on a reorganization of state components and study clubs. This new model for the state will provide better services, more organization, and better coordination of all services that TAGD provides to our members.
The Jack T. Clark Foundation held over 16 health screening events throughout the year and distributed over 200,000 educational I’d like to take this time to highlight some of brochures to educate the public about oral cancer. our accomplishments from this past year: The board of directors employed our own Also new this year, we created a state Emerlobbyist, Mr. David Mintz, to monitor all gency Preparedness Program. This comlegislative issues that affect our profession mittee currently works with the state to and specifically general dentists. We cre- implement a dental emergency response to ated an Advocacy Committee and raised any area of our state as needed, staffed by over $50,000 to fund and support efforts TAGD members. Facility usage, communito legislatively protect our profession. In the cations, and coordination with state emernext legislative year, we will pro-actively pri- gency agencies are being developed to prooritize the issues and work with the TDA to vide dental services in any state emergency. speak with one collective voice. Whether the issues include taxation of dentistry, illegal We launched a committee that was put in dentistry in Texas, mid-level provider mod- place to monitor all activities, regulations els or hygiene issues, our advocacy commit- and meetings of the State Board of Dental tee is engaged in the issues and constantly Examiners. In addition to attending all state working in committee meetings with other board meetings with our staff, board members, or our TAGD lobbyist, we have also dental organizations. convened to discuss issues such as Botox, We had our largest group ever attend A anesthesia portability, and the illegal pracGreat Dentist Goes to Washington as part tice of dentistry in Texas to name a few. of the AGD Government Relations Conference. Many of us have developed close Finally, we created a very active financial personal relationships with political leaders committee that has extensively reviewed all Summer 2010
financial policies, investments, longrange financial objectives, audits, annual budgets, and the Advocacy Fund. Recommendations and Dan McCauley, DDS, FAGD proper financial planning of this committee have kept our organization financially stable, even in this economic environment. Our long range planning committee has looked at realistic options of development of our state office. A comprehensive analysis of the future will soon give us options to either develop our present property, or develop a new world class state office with educational conference center facilities. To create an early interest in the TAGD, we also created a New Dentist Committee. They successfully implemented the New Dentist of the Year Award to recognize upcoming leadership and have had a successful first year with planning CE opportunities focused on new dentists. I encourage young dentists to look for information that will be distributed at the beginning of next year as we hold our first-ever New Dentist Conference. I want to thank all of our board for your service to our profession and TAGD. Certainly, a sincere appreciation to Connie Sonnier and her proficient staff is in order; we are blessed to have such caring and committed staff members. We started and are finishing this year strong with an impressive record of accomplishments. I am proud to have served as your President. The reward for my service is in the relationships developed with so many of you. We must continue to be strong, fiscally responsible, informed, involved, and respected for what we believe is right and in the best interest of our patients. I encourage you to be involved in organized dentistry, to be committed to being the best educated professional that you can be, and to be a true friend to your professional colleagues. We practice in a wonderful profession that provides an appreciated service to our patients. 5
An Evening at Aquarelle A Benefit for Oral Cancer Hosted by the Jack T. Clark Foundation
Thursday, October 14, 2010 Aquarelle Restaurant 606 Rio Grande Street Austin, TX 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. For more information contact Meg Hulse, Jack T. Clark Foundation Director Meg@tagd.org 512.244.0577
For best exposure and to raise as much money as possible, please include a product brochure or more information. Also, while all donations are appreciated, items that are easily shipped will bring more return for your donation. Thank you. The JTCF is a 501(c)(3) charity; gifts to the JTCF are fully deductible for United States federal income tax purposes, subject to the limitations placed on charitable gifts by the Internal Revenue Service. Be sure to check with your tax professional or attorney for specific, allowable deductions in your state.
Jack T. Clark Foundation
Silent Auction Donations
Lone Star Dental Conference • September 9 & 10, 2010 Individual/Company Name: __________________________ Contact Name:__________________________________ Street Address:______________________________________________________________ City:___________________________________ State:____________ Zip:_______________ Phone:______-______-__________ E-mail:_______________________________________ Web site address, if applicable:____________________________________________________ (Web site address will be included with your item description) Dollar value of item(s) that you are donating (please list each item separately): $________________________________ $________________________________ $________________________________ $________________________________ Description and value of item(s) (please be as detailed as possible and include applicable expiration dates or restrictions):_______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________
Auction items, such as continuing education courses, dental equipment and instruments, vacation and spa getaways, jewelry, artwork, tickets to sporting events, autographed items, luxury gift baskets and gift certificates are especially needed. Donations will be acknowledged on the Jack T. Clark Foundation web page, at the Lone Star Dental Conference on-site auction and in post-meeting materials. For questions please contact Meg Hulse at Meg@tagd.org or call 512-244-0577 6
To make a donation, complete the form below and mail or fax it to: Jack T. Clark Foundation 409 W. Main Street Round Rock, TX
Fax: 512-244-0476
Donations are needed by August 13, 2010. JOURNAL OF THE TEXAS ACADEMY OF GENERAL DENTISTRY
TAGD Headlines
*** “Thirty (30) days shall be allowed for nominations from the membership. Except for 2010 - 2011 Slate of Nominees for the office of President, which is automatiTAGD Board of Directors cally filled in accordance with Article VII, The Texas AGD Nominating Committee, Section 2, of TAGD Bylaws, any member chaired by Dr. Joey Cazares, presents the nominated by petition of 2.5 percent of the following slate of nominees for officers and voting membership shall be placed on the ballot.” directors: President*.................Joey Cazares, DDS, FAGD Pres.-Elect*......Craig Armstrong, DDS, MAGD Imm. Past Pres.*..Dan McCauley, DDS, FAGD Sec.-Treas.............Mark Peppard, DDS, MAGD Editor................................Jeff Roy, DDS, FAGD Director 2013....Kevin Gureckis, DDS, MAGD Director 2013......................Marko Alanis, DDS
*Automatic: President becomes past president; president-elect ascends to office of president.
If no nominations are received by August 10, the Secretary-Treasurer shall cast a unanimous ballot for the candidates listed above. Results of the election shall be announced at the next annual meeting held during the 2010 TAGD Lone Star Dental Conference, at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center in Austin, on Friday, September 10. Please check the TAGD web site for changes to our bylaws
Returning Directors: Director 2012....................Carlos Garcia, DMD Member Achievements Director 2012.....Andrew Lazaris, DDS, FAGD Director 2011.............Jamie Bone, DDS, FAGD TAGD would also like to recognize and Director 2011...........Paige Sohn, DDS, MAGD congratulate the following award recipients:
Senior Student Dental Award recipients: • Dr. Steven Chumbley & Dr. Adriel Ramirez UT Dental Branch at Houston • Dr. Rory Smith Baylor College of Dentistry • Dr. Shawna Lee Adam UTHSCA TDA Gold Medal for Distinguished Service Recipient Dr. John Findley
CenTex AGD Scholarship Recipients The Central Texas AGD Board would like to congratulate this year’s recipients of the Centex AGD CE Scholarships: Drs. Russell McFarlane & John McEntire These members will receive $1,500 towards CE courses of their choice. We would also like to thank everyone who applied for this year’s scholarships. Your continued membership and support help make opportunities like this possible.
Advocacy • What it is, Why it’s Important, and How Can I Participate?
Dave Roberts, DDS
To tackle the first question, let me define what advocacy means to me. In a nutshell, it is the cumulative process of communicating concerns to the policy-makers in the right way, at the right time, and in the right place. It encompasses all that’s invested into delivering the message to the right sources. There is a saying within the political world, “If you are not at the table, you will be on the menu.” Advocacy positions and opinions can either be directly communicated to the policy-makers through personal relationships and written communications, or can be shared through the collective efforts of professional organizations, such as Great news… the sleeping giant is beginning the TAGD. All avenues represent important to awaken from its slumber! The awakening parts of the relationship-building process. is coming via the development of advocacy efforts and programs both for and by gener- There can be no friendship without confidence and al dentists. Although we are the last dental no confidence without integrity. group within our profession to establish a -Samuel Johnson firm footing in the advocacy arena, general Advocacy is important whether you plan to practitioners must, for our profession’s sake, retire in five years, or practice for 35 more. actively participate in this process to ensure The future of general dentistry depends on a healthy future. this process and will be shaped by its wellIn times of change, it is the learners who inherit the focused presence, or lack thereof. The dental earth, while the learned find themselves beauti- license we have today will not look the same fully equipped to deal with a world that no longer in the future. The rules, regulations, and licensing policies that govern our profession exists. -Bowen F. White, M.D. are shaped at various policy-making tables As general dentists, we hold the “power broker” position of influence as it relates to our profession for many reasons. General practice, the public face of the profession, is typically where long-term trust is created and maintained, and is the essence of our collective value in the eyes of the public. Historically, many general dentists have neither appreciated nor understood this reality, and have not been accountable for the responsibility. We know our patients; this knowledge positions us to advocate in a way that is best for them and our profession. Therefore, we need to make sure our voice is heard.
Summer 2010
From left Dr. Dave Roberts, Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst, Dr. David Tillman, Dr. Dan McCauley and Dr. Bryan Moore
in many different places, but at no place more important for Texas dentists than the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. Your opinions and thoughts matter as they relate to a future in practicing dentistry. You owe it to both yourself and this respected profession to understand the importance and significance of the advocacy process. Continued on next page 7
Once you understand what advocacy is and its significance, the next step is to learn the process of participation. It’s important to learn how to affect positive influence in the advocacy process, both as an individual and as part of a professional organization’s group efforts. Individually, we must recognize who the policy-makers are and develop open lines of communication. The policy-makers may be our patients, a family member, friend, or legislator. Identify and create those essential lines of communication. Once established, avenues of communication are open to transport our opinions through sound networks of relationships with key policy-makers. Information flows both ways in the most ideal relationships. Hosting fund-raisers at an office or home is a great way to better connect and know our legislators, not to mention a great way to network within the community. The first step is to contact the legislator’s office and ask to speak to the staffer who schedules campaign events/fund-raisers. Once the contact is established, the next step involves organizing the event much like one would
plan any other type of professional or cocktail reception. As the host, you would be responsible for spirits and fare, and assuring that parking is covered. There are no expected donation levels or otherwise hidden costs. Most campaigns are looking for fresh, new venues in a neighborhood or community setting. I entered the political fund-raising world circa 1996-1997 when Governor Rick Perry, then Agriculture Commissioner, was running for Lt. Governor. I was impressed with his passion and core values that I offered to host an event supporting his campaign. His team did the rest, answering all of my questions and advising me on the various planning steps along the way. We mailed invitations to friends, neighbors, peers, hospital leaders, and pretty much anyone in my social, professional, or peer networks. Looking back, I think it is safe to say that I picked a really promising candidate to support. Maybe it was a bit of beginners luck! I’ve hosted a few more events since with various politicians (Florence Shapiro, Da-
Drill Bits • What is Your Dental License Worth? form as a general dentist, a new increase Bryan Moore, DDS in taxes for you and your patient, or a As a young dentist, how often do you ask yourself these questions: How do you assign a value to the time, expense, hard work, commitment, and sacrifice it took to obtain that dental license? How do you protect everything that license represents to you?
The profession, technology, and practice of dentistry is changing and improving at an exorbitant rate. In the last 10 years, we have seen dramatic improvements in the practice of dentistry, including digital radiographs, practice software, and in-office 3-D imaging. New technology such as electronic records, smart phones, the iPad, and remote access to records, enables us to increase efficiency and productivity. We can gather more information and communicate better than ever before with our patients. We should all be advocates for change, as long as it is for the overall good of our patients and profession. However, what if change also meant a limit on the types of services you could per8
change in how you deliver services? These are examples of current issues that face us as primary dental care providers. Often we are unaware or ill-prepared to address these policy issues before they become law. As professionals, we need to have a voice and a vote in shaping these issues, to act instead of react.
vid Dewhurst, Wallace Jefferson, and Jerry Patterson) and have become honorably connected in the advocacy world to influential and respectable political leaders. They want to meet new supporters and we want their ears on the issues; it’s a win-win situation. Think Win-Win -Habit #4 of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Steven R. Covey As one can hopefully see, it is really possible to make an impact and fun to watch the networking circle grow. Relationships are maintained by simply staying in contact with those politicians. I may get anywhere from 10 to 20 event invitations per year, and I try to make at least one or two. When I’m there, I either come early or stay late, and always try to bring a friend, making sure to communicate and secure quality face time with the legislator. It’s that simple! I encourage you to start building relationships today by either attending or hosting such events, or most importantly, supporting and understanding the advocacy cause. Let’s do it together and make the future ours!
TAGD Town Hall meeting in your area. These meetings will provide a venue to learn and discuss current legal and policy issues and to dialogue with TAGD members and leaders about issues that are important to you. “There are risks and costs to a program of action. But, they are far less than the long-range risks and costs of comfortable inaction.” – John F. Kennedy
What is the most effective way to ensure the protection of our profession? It is to become active in the TAGD, and specifically, with its advocacy fund. We are extremely fortunate that the TAGD has worked hard to create a supportive and proactive advocacy committee. This committee monitors proposed changes and advocates on behalf of the interests of general dentists. I encourage you to become involved in your area component and to annually donate to help support the advocacy fund. There is no better investment to ensure the future of our great profession! This fall, please be on the lookout for a Dr. Andrew Lazaris and Dr. Bryan Moore at the U. S. Capitol JOURNAL OF THE TEXAS ACADEMY OF GENERAL DENTISTRY
Minnesota Mistakes
Learn From Them so You Don’t Repeat Them
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law requiring a mid-level practitioner in Minnesota by 2011 is a reality. There are only a couple of steps left: a task force to come forth with a recommendation of what this position will be, and the Board of Dentistry setting up the rules and testing procedures. The mid-level practitioner in Minnesota will be called a Dental Therapist (DT) or with additional training, the Advanced Dental Therapist (ADT). Keeping engaged in the political process could have avoided this issue. Very early in the 2008 Legislative Session, legislation emerged from a freshman senator that was worded to create an Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioner or ADHP. Support was garnered in both the House and Senate before we, as general dentists, were even aware that the legislation was being presented for consideration. A small number of very vociferous hygienists lined up to tell a story of the “access to care” issues that they were focused to help resolve with this legislation. The sponsors of the bill had enough strength to limit comments from the dentist side of the issue through conference committees. Consequently, we were painted as a greedy, money hungry group that was threatened by someone treading on our turf, instead of the reality of us simply being focused on the best possible patient care. Through a short, heated legislative session, the wording and context of the bill was changed and actually even dead in the House until the bill resurfaced in a new version. The new verbiage outlined a DT and an ADT in the Senate. It was attached to an education bill that had complete support for passing in both the House and the Senate. Once again, “open” debate was limited to mainly the supporters of this bill and it passed with the Governor signing it into a law. While there are many particulars as to why this law passed, suffice it to say that if it happened in Minnesota, it can happen in any other state. The unfortunate net result will be a lower level and Summer 2010
quality of care for Minnesota residents. This would’ve been an easy situation to clarify if a large group of organized dentists were engaged in relationships with their legislators before this went down. Our mistake surrounded a general lack of engagement and organization; thus, the message that was best for our residents was never clear or fairly heard. Armed with the AGD’s paper titled White Paper on Increasing Access to and Utilization of Oral Health Care Services passed at a recent AGD House of Delegates meeting, we can now educate our legislators to the real issues that are at the heart of the access concerns and prevent further legislation from being passed under erroneous or false pretenses. The White Paper should be read by all dentists to understand the key issues and proposed solutions to the access to care issue. The White Paper will also be a valuable tool to help dentists communicate better with law makers. Keeping the quality of care at a level above a DT, ADT or whatever they ultimately call this mid-level practitioner demands that we pro-actively educate our elected representatives. We know the shortcomings and potential problems that can stem from lesser-educated providers who are not dentists. Many of us have patients who are politically active, or are current legislators, and we need to educate them on the actual issues with the claimed “access to care crisis” that is being bantered about. If you don’t have a legislator in your practice, it’s time to contact your elected representative and get to know them. Donate to their campaign fund even if you are not a supporter; this will put your name on their list and they will be more available to you when contacting them in the future. I know that the last statement is hard to digest, especially if your political opinion diverges significantly from the legislator’s. You don’t have to donate much to get on their list and you can donate much more to a legislator that you support.
Realize that politics is a game of strategy and education, and we are called to fight for Mark Malterud, DDS, MAGD the highest qual2007 - 2008 President Minnesota AGD ity of care for the public! We have a better chance of achieving our goals if we are not on the sidelines watching. In Minnesota, we are working towards getting our members to contact their legislators and educate them on the issues. With future votes, we can be a source of quality information for these legislators to help them make the right decision. The political season is open all year long and it is always better to have conversations with your legislators before an issue comes up so that they are informed. If a question arises, the goal is to become the established person for them to contact about an issue. New laws are passed and others are removed; the idea that there is not a chance to remove this law is erroneous; I strongly believe in that. The process has to begin now! I encourage all of you to organize and educate your elected representatives hence avoiding the issues that we are dealing with here in Minnesota. We have a steep, uphill battle that many of you can avoid by getting politically active. It’s easy to educate and let your representatives make informed decisions; it is much harder to change the mind of someone who has already formed an opinion on the direction of an issue. Please learn from our mistakes and get involved. Patients and dentistry deserve better than a mid-level provider’s standard of care. If the rest of dentistry can’t learn from Minnesota’s mistakes, they are doomed to the same outcomes. Get involved; get to know your legislators, now! To view AGD’s Access to Care White Paper visit their web site www.agd.org. The White Paper is listed under the advocacy tab. 9
A Great Dentist Goes to Washington Taking Advocacy National On April 19 and 20, 2010 the AGD held its annual A Great Dentist Goes to Washington Government Relations Conference. Representing TAGD were Drs. James and Jennifer Bone, Michael Goulding, Andrew Lazaris, Bryan Moore, David Tillman, and TAGD staff member Sandy Frizzell.
nance Committee. He was a key player in the health care reform legislation and discussed the issue from an insider’s view. The remainder of the day consisted of role-playing scenarios so that attendees could hone their lobbying skills before addressing their members of Congress.
The first day of the conference included several speakers addressing the 60 dentists that attended from across the nation. ThenAGD president Dr. David Halpern, Executive Director Chuck Macfarlane and LGA Chair Dr. Myron Bromberg welcomed the group and spoke on national issues currently facing general dentists. Elizbeth Rybicki from the Congressional Research Service reviewed health care reform legislation from its inception and various transformations to its eventual passage. Dr. Terry Dickinson, Executive Director for the Virginia Dental Association, discussed how organized dentistry came together to pass Virginia’s noncovered services bill.
On Day 2, Dr. Halpern presented the 2010 Legislator of the Year Award to Rep. John Linder. The remainder of the day consisted of attendees meeting with members of Congress. Since none of these bills had been introduced in the Senate, efforts were made to find sponsors for all three pieces of legislation and representatives were thanked for their support of these bills.
Overall this was a great opportunity for attendees to promote advocacy of dental issues on the national level. We were able to learn more about how the legislative process works and meet our congressional leaders. I encourage members to attend whether or not you are currently involved The keynote speaker was Mr. Tony Clap- in organizational leadership; this proved to sis, a Health Fellow from the Senate Fi- be a very valuable experience.
There were three main issues at the center of the conference: Issue #1 – The Dental Coverage Andrew Lazaris DDS, FAGD Value and Transparency Act of 2010. Due to recent restrictions by several large dental insurers, dentists’ fees are capped for services that the insurer does not cover, such as whitening and implants. Rep. Rob Andrews of New Jersey has introduced H.R. 5000 to prohibit the capping of non-covered services and to implement other legislative changes to improve dental insurance plans. Issue #2 – Red Flags Regulation. Attempting to protect consumers from identity theft, Congress passed the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACT Act) in 2003. The FACT Act compels the FTC to draft regulations requiring financial institutions and creditors to implement written identity theft prevention policies to detect and identify “red flags.” Although not intended for health care providers, the FTC ruled that dentists are creditors and must comply. Many members of Congress stated that it was not their intent for health care providers to be included in the Red Flags Rules and the FTC has delayed enforcement by granting three extensions. In October 2009, Rep. John Adler of New Jersey introduced legislation (H.R. 3763) to exclude dentists and other professionals from being defined as creditors. The House passed H.R. 3763 unanimously (400-0). Issue #3 – McCarran-Ferguson. The McCarran–Ferguson Act was passed by Congress in 1945 to restrict federal oversight of the insurance industry. Insurers were exempted from federal antitrust laws and regulations; over time, this lead to consolidation of the health insurance industry and anti-competitive practices. In February 2010, the House passed the Health Insurance Industry Fair Competition Act (H.R. 4626), overwhelmingly (406-19). This would subject insurers to antitrust oversight by the Department of Justice and the FTC.
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JOURNAL OF THE TEXAS ACADEMY OF GENERAL DENTISTRY
2010 Lone Star Dental Conference September 9 - 11 • Austin, Texas
AT & T E x e c u t i v e E d u c a t i o n & C o n f e r e n c e C e n t e r
Your Future
Friday Lecture • 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. NEW ASPECTS OF DENTISTRY 2010 Presented by Dr. Gordon Christensen Open to the entire dental team 7 hours lecture credit • AGD Code: 250
Topics include: • • • • • •
This full day program includes many of the new concepts in restorative dentistry compared to the long proven products and techniques. The morning session is a comparison of porcelain-fused-to metal restorations and the several competing types of all-ceramic crowns and fixed prostheses. The afternoon session is a fast paced, multi-topic discussion and comparison of the many techniques and materials used in fixed prosthodontics.
Ridge preservation for optimum pontic anatomy Building-up teeth rapidly and well The best posts and cores compared New tooth preparations Air vs. electric hand pieces for fixed prosthodontics A brief clinical comparison of PFM and all-ceramic crowns
• • • • •
Conventional and digital impressions. Which is best? Interocclusal records The best cements for specific situations Repair of ceramic restorations Many everyday dilemmas and solutions
# 219328 1/1/06 - 12/31/10
Saturday Workshops Stain & Glaze Made Easy Presented by Dr. Todd Ehrlich 8:00 a.m.- Noon • 4 hours hands-on credit AGD Code: 610 & 780 Sponsored by Ivoclar Vivadent Inc.
How to Use Digital Imaging to Improve Your Case Acceptance Presented by Dr. Mike Malone 8:00 a.m.- Noon • 4 hours hands-on credit AGD Code: 130 & 730 Sponsored by PracticeWorks Kodak Dental Systems
The Abused Mouth Presented by
First Dental Home Training
Presented by Dr. Jerry Bouquot 8:00 a.m.- Noon • 4 hours hands-on credit
Presented by Dr. Linda Altenhoff 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 2 hours lecture credit
AGD Code: 730 & 750 Sponsored by the Jack T. Clark Foundation
AGD Code: 430 Provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services
2010 Lone Star Dental Conference Events Thursday • September 9 TAGD Leadership Reception
All LSDC attendees are invited to the Leadership Reception on Thursday night where we celebrate the achievements of our local state components as well as local leaders who have demonstrated their commitment to dental excellence through education. TAGD will also announce its second New Dentist of the Year recipient at this event. Attendance is complimentary, guests are welcome, just RSVP with the TAGD office.
Friday • September 10
Texas Dentist of the Year Gala™
The 2010 Texas Dentist of the Year Gala™ celebrates dentists throughout the state who exhibit a commitment to continuing dental education, service to the community and activism in the dental profession. Nominees are selected by their colleagues from dental societies and local components around the state. Tickets are $95. This is a formal,
black tie event.
For more information, or if you would like to register, visit www.tagd.org Space is limited in all courses so be sure to register today! Summer 2010
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The Texas Academy of General Dentistry is proud to announce the 2010 Texas Dentist of the Year Nominees ™
Please join us on Friday, September 10, 2010 as TAGD announces the 48th Texas Dentist of the Year™ . Nominees demonstrate dedication to the profession, service to the community, commitment to continuing education, and have been involved with activities that demonstrate their character and excellence in the profession of dentistry.
Jennifer Barrington, DDS Waxahachie Sixth District Dental Society
Douglas Bogan, DDS Houston Greater Houston Dental Society
Steven Caldwell, DDS El Paso El Paso AGD & El Paso District Dental Society
Tom Karr, DDS Amarillo Panhandle AGD
Stanley LaCroix, DDS Austin Capital Area Dental Society
Scott Logan, DDS Huntsville
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Brazos Valley AGD & Brazos Valley Dental Society
James Cooper, DDS Corpus Christi Nueces Valley Dental Society
Rick Heard, DDS Victoria Guadalupe Valley Dental Society
Arthur Morchat, DDS Kilgore East Texas Dental Society
Robert Neal, DDS Frisco North Texas Dental Society JOURNAL OF THE TEXAS ACADEMY OF GENERAL DENTISTRY
Kathleen Nichols, DDS Lubbock South Plains Dental Society
Lee Oneacre, DDS Dallas Dallas County Dental Society
Dee Rea, DDS Longview East Texas AGD
James Reisman, DDS Dallas Dallas AGD
William Roddy, DDS Fort Worth Fort Worth AGD
Bernard Rust, DDS San Antonio San Antonio AGD
Glenn Ruthven, DDS Mason Heart of Texas Dental Society
Arthur Shaw, DDS Beaumont Dental Society of Southeast Texas
Ben Taylor, DDS San Antonio San Antonio District Dental Society
Kermit Welch, DDS San Marcos River District Dental Society
David Woodburn, DDS Amarillo Panhandle Dental Society
Gabriel Yammine, DDS Humble Houston AGD
Texas AGD would also like to recognize our 2010 New Dentist of the Year Nominees. Ensy Atarod, DDS Austin Capital Area Dental Society
Orlando Barrera, DDS Houston Greater Houston Dental Society
Pat Grisanti, DDS Rockwall Dallas AGD
Ashley Strickland, DDS Buda CenTex AGD
Joshua Austin, DDS San Antonio San Antonio AGD & San Antonio District Dental Society
Cody Graves, DDS Goldthwaite Heart of Texas Dental Society
Enas Nimri, DDS Houston Houston AGD
Jose Zacarias, DDS San Juan Rio Grande Valley AGD
Summer 2010
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JOURNAL OF THE TEXAS ACADEMY OF GENERAL DENTISTRY
Congratulations to our 2010 TAGD Award Recipients 2010 Fellows
Kathleen McRobbie, DDS, FAGD
Ben A. Bratcher, DDS, FAGD
Timothy J. Molloy, DDS, FAGD
Timothy Barber, DMD, MAGD, ABGD
Todd Brownlee, DDS, FAGD
Brady Morehead, DDS, FAGD
James S. Bone, DDS, MAGD
Dave S. Carpenter, DDS, FAGD
T. John Parsi, DDS, FAGD
Michael M. Chan, DDS, FAGD
Sarah Tevis-Poteet, DDS, FAGD
Linda Cheng, DDS, FAGD Shandon M. Colter, DDS, FAGD Joseph C. de Graffenried, DDS, FAGD Jarred K. Donald, DDS, FAGD Ahmad El-Bjeirami, DDS, FAGD Patrick Grisanti, II, DDS, FAGD B. Joey Hall, Jr. DDS, FAGD Helen H. Harless, DDS, FAGD
Carol L. Price DDS, FAGD Jaspreet Randhawa, DMD, FAGD Amos B. Ross, DDS, FAGD Jeena L. Samuel, DMD, FAGD John W. Scott, DDS, FAGD Majid Sehat, DDS, FAGD Aly A. Sergie, DDS, FAGD
2010 Masters
Jennifer J. Bone, DDS, MAGD Scott G. Clinton, DDS, MAGD T. Bob Davis, DMD, MAGD James V. Delwood, DDS, MAGD Jeb S. James, DDS, MAGD William L. Krell, Jr., DDS, MAGD David Mikitka, DDS, MAGD Vernon R. Nesmith, DDS, MAGD Melissa S. Scaggs, DDS, MAGD David R. Seguin, DDS, MAGD
L. Stan Shelton, DDS, FAGD
Steven P. Thompson, DDS, MAGD
Jennifer R. Jupio, DDS, FAGD
Maureen St. Clair, DDS, FAGD
Jim G. Tyree, DDS, MAGD
Michael A. Karleskint, DDS, FAGD
Robert J. Stroumpos, DDS, FAGD
Jill Wade, DDS, MAGD
J. Anthony Kososki, DDS, FAGD
Quynh-Thuyen Tan, DDS, FAGD
Sally A. Landon, DDS, FAGD
John T. Thompson, DDS, FAGD
Lloyd L. Laughlin, DDS, FAGD
Thu Tran, DDS, FAGD
Lifelong Learning & Service Recognition Award
Mark T. McGrath, DDS, FAGD
Anna N. Willison, DDS, FAGD
James H. Holt, DDS, FAGD
Charles J. Pybus, DDS, MAGD Gabriel Yammine, DDS, MAGD
Texas Advocacy Fund The Texas Advocacy Fund provides TAGD with resources needed to protect the rights and privileges of the General Dentist before the legislature and regulatory bodies. The TAGD has long heard that our members want us to advocate legislatively on their behalf; now is the chance to have your voice heard by making a contribution to the Texas Advocacy Fund. To make a contribution, or if you have questions about the fund, contact Fund Chairman Dr. Craig Armstrong at carmst@aol.com or Sandy Frizzell at 512-244-0577.
Summer 2010
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Texas Academy of General Dentistry 409 West Main Street Round Rock, TX 78664 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Texas AGD Membership Application Starting July 1 through October 1, dues are half-price!
3. Send in your application and dues
Only full dues are eligible for the half price rate. The new dentist special 2010 Academy Dues - State & National dues rate will remain the same. CE tracking for members receiving half
Student Dues
price dues begins July 1.
1. Choose your interests Check any areas of interest that you would like to know more about or participate in: Educational Programs Advocacy
Fellowship/Mastership Award
Networking
Leadership/Involvement
$504 $252 $16
Or New Dentist Special Dues Rates - State & National 2006 Graduate $435 2007 Graduate $332 2008 Graduate $227 2009/2010 Graduate or Resident $131
Jack T. Clark Foundation/Volunteering
Local Component Dues $_________ Other:___________________________________________ Dues vary by component area, see chart
2. Tell us about you Name______________________________________________ Address____________________________________________ City, State, Zip_______________________________________ Phone______-______-________ Fax______-______-_______ E-mail______________________________________ Date of Birth _______/_______/_________ M
F
License #_______________ Year of Graduation*___________
Brazos Valley $25 Panhandle Central Texas $35 Rio Grande Valley Dallas $45 River District East Texas $20 San Antonio El Paso $10 Southeast Texas Fort Worth $40 Houston Heart of Texas $15 2010 Grad Lubbock $35 2009 Grad 2008 Grad
Dental School___________________________ New Dentist?* Total Amount Due *If you graduated less than five years ago your dues are less (see Payment Information
$0 $40 $15 $50 $10 $50 $25 $35 $45
$___________
special rates on the right)
Check Enclosed (Payable to Texas AGD)
Type of Practice - Check all that apply
Discover
Solo Associateship
Card #__________-____________-___________-___________
Group
Master Card
Visa
Federal Services (specify)____________________________ Card Expiration Date________/_________ Specialist (specify)__________________________________ Signature___________________________________________ Mail or fax your completed form to: Texas Academy of General Dentistry • 409 West Main Street • Round Rock, TX 78664 • Fax 512-244-0476