Virginia Dental Journal

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virginia Dental Association :~. Insurance Broker

I 13 Park Avenue. Falls Church. Virginia 22046

Call (703) 241-0011 or (800) 572-2366 (in Virginia) or Fax (03) 237-35()2

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OFFICERS President: Wallace L. Huff, Blacksburg President Elect: Charles L. Cuttino III, Richmond Immediate Past President: William H. Allison, Warrenton Secretary- Treasurer: Thomas S. Cooke III, Sandston Executive Director: William E. Zepp, CAE P.O. Box 6906, Richmond, 23230-0906

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EXECUTIVE COUNCIL Includes officers and councilors listed and: David C. Anderson, Alexandria -Vice Chairman Gus C. Vlahos, Dublin Richard H. Wood, Richmond Andrew J. Zimmer, Norfolk

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Ex Officio Members: Parliamentarian: Emory R. Thomas, Richmond Editor: Leslie S. Webb, Jr., Richmond Speaker of the House: D. Christopher Hamlin, Norfolk Dea~, School of Dentistry: Lindsay M. Hunt, Jr., Richmond

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COUNCILORS I Edward J. Weisberg, Norfolk II Bruce R. DeGinder, Williamsburg III Harold J. Neal, Jr., Emporia IV James R. Lance, Richmond V Daniel E. Grabeel, Lynchburg-Chairman VI Ronnie L. Brown, Abingdon VII William J. Viglione, Charlottesville VIII Rodney J. Klima, Burke

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SOCIETY

PRESIDENT

SECRETARY

PATIENT RELATIONS

Tidewater, I

James W. Baker 2995 Church land Blvd Chesapeake, VA 23321

Ralph Howell, Jr. 102 Western Avenue Suffolk, VA 23434-4434

James H. Nottingham, Jr. 142 W. York St, Ste 705 Norfolk, VA 23510

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Peninsula, II

Southside, III

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Richmond, IV

Piedmont, V

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Southwest. VI

Shenandoatl Valley, VII

Northern Virginia. VIII

Guy G. Levy

Wayne E. "AJ" Booker

Lawrence A. Warren

367 Denbigh Blvd

106 Yorktown Road

Newport News, VA 23608

6632 Geo Wa Mem Hwy Grafton, VA 23692

John M. Bass 212 N. Mecklenburg Ave South Hill, VA 23970

Scott E. Gerard 9401 Courthouse Road Chesterfield, VA 23832

John R. Ragsdale III 9 Holy Hill Drive Petersburg, VA 23805

Gary R. Hartwell P.O. BoX 980566 Richmond, VA 23298

Charles E. Gaskins III 703 N. Courthouse Rd, Ste 201 Richmond, VA 23236

William J. Redwine 6808 Stoneman Road Richmond, VA 23228

Frank C. Crist, Jr. 8116 Timberlake Road Lynchburg, VA 24502

Gregory T Gendron 7 Cleveland Avenue Martinsville. VA 24112

8116 Timberlake Road Lynchburg, VA 24502

William B. Thompson P.O. Box 318 Chilhowie, VA 24318

645 Park Blvd.

Manon, VA 24354

Gerald J. Brown 1871 Amherst Street Winchester, VA 22601

J. Darwin King 1220 North Augusta Street Staunton. VA 24401

Kirk M. Norbo

Neil J. Small 9940 Main Street Fairfax. VA 22031

6200 Wilson Blvd, #114 Falls Church. VA 22044

Dana Chamberlain

Tabb, VA 23693

Frank C. Crist, Jr.

Paul T Umstott

300 W Valley Street Abingdon VA 24210 Alan Robbins P.O. Box 602 Timberville. VA 22853 Paul N. Zimmet 5206 Dawes Avenue Alexandria, VA 22311

Leslie S. Webb, Jr., Editor

1. Bernard I. Einhorn 2. A. J. Booker 3. H. Reed Boyd III

Williar:n E. Zepp. CAE, Business Manager ASSOCIATE EDITORS 4. Charles E. Gaskins III 5. Barry K. Cutright 6. William B. Thompson

March 1998

7. Rebecca Scango Swett 8. Melanie R. Love School of Dentistry Thomas Burke

Number 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS 5 6 7

8 10

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15 17 18

21

22 24 25 26 28 30 30 32 34 35 37

37 39

40 42 48

Editorial Letters to the Editor Message From the President â&#x20AC;˘ Answering Questions About Dental Radiation Abstracts VDA 1997 Leadership Conference From the Executive Director Legislative Update Delegable Functions in Virginia, July 1, 1996 Virginia Congressional Delegation Listing ADA's 138th Annual Session Virginia Dentist Installed as ADA President Report on the 1997 ADA House of Delegates Upcoming Continuing Education Membership Benefit Highlights: Dental Plan Information Publication of Candidate Information Medical Savings Account Viva La Difference Executive Council Actions in Brief Virginia Businesses Choose DR VDA News Volunteer Service in Foreign Countries Alliance of the VDA Component News & Specialty News Classified Advertising

COVER: Capitol Hill Photo by Dr. Leslie S. Webb, Jr.

PUBLICATION TEMPLATE C:\Change

THE VIRGINIA DENTAL JOURNAL (ISSN 0049 6472) is published quarterly (January-March April-June, July-September; October-December)

by the Virginia Dental Association, 5006 Monumenl Avenue, PO Box 6906. Richmond. Virginia 23230-0906. Telepbone (804)358-4927

SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Annual: Members, $6.00. Others $12.00 in U.S, $24.00 Outside U.S. Single copy: $6:00)'

Second class postage paid at Richmond, Virginia Copyright Virginia Dental Association 1996 '::I

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Virginia Dental Journal. PO Box 6906, Richmond, VA 23230-0906. ",

MANUSCRIPT AND COMMUNICATION for publications: Editor, PO Box 6906, Richmond. VA 23230-0906. ..".:',:,/,;

ADVERTISING COPY, insertion orders. contracts and related information: Business Manager. PO Box 6906. Rlchmcinp. VA 23230-0906

VIRGINIA JOURNAL EDITORIAL

BOARD

Ralph L. Anderson James R. Batten Cramer L. Boswell James H. Butler Gilbert L. Button Charles L. Cuttino III Frank H. Farrington Barry I. Griffin Jeffrey L. Hudgins Wallace L. Huff Lindsay M. Hunt, Jr. Thomas E. Koertge James R. Lance Daniel M. Laskin Travis T. Patterson III W. Baxter Perkinson, Jr. Lisa Samaha David Sarrett Harvey A. Schenkein James R. SChroeder Harlan A. Schufeldt John A. Svirsky Ronald L. Tankersley Douglas C. Wendt Roger E. Wood

VDA COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN Annual Meeting Bruce R. Hutchison

Direct Reimbursement Benita A. Miller

Auxiliary Education & Relations T. Andrew Thompson

Environmental Health and Safet; Paul F. Supan

Budget and Financial Investments Raymond L. Meade

History and Necrology French H. Moore III

Cancer and Hospital Dental Service James A. Pel!

Institutional Affairs Elizabeth A. Bernhard

Caring Dentists Harry D. Simpson, Jr.

Journal Staff Leslie S. Webb, Jr.

Constitution and Bylaws/Nominating William H. Allison

Legislative T. Wayne Mostiler

Dental Benefits Programs Fred A. Coots, Jr.

Membership H. Reed Boyd III

Dental Delivery for the Special Needs Patient AI J. Stenger

New Dentist Carolyn C. Herring

Dental Health and Public Information AI J. Rizkalia

Peer Review and Patient Relations Neil J. Small

Dental Practice Regulation Albert L. Payne

Planning William H. Allison

Dental Trade and Laboratory Relations George L. Nance, Jr.

Search Committee for VA Board William H. Allison

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Education Foundation Ralph L. Howell, Jr.

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Relief Foundation Scott H. Francis

Virginia Dental Services Corporation Kenneth E. Copeland, Sr., President

1998 ADA DELEGATION Delegstes:

William H. Allison (1999) Wallace L. Huff ( 1998) Ronald L. Tankersley ( 1999)

139th ADA Session, October 24 - 28, /998, San Francisco, CA Gary R. Arbuckle (1998) M. Joan Gillespie (2000) Emanuel W. Michaels (1999) Leslie S. Webb, Jr. (2000) Raleigh H. Watson, Jr. (1998) Richard D. Wilson (1999)

Alternate Delegates: Anne C. Adams (1998) Charles L. Cuttino III (2000) Bruce R. Hutchison (1999)

David C. Anderson (1998) D. Christopher Hamlin (1998) Gus C. Vlahos (1998)

4 Virginia Dental Journal

Thomas S. Cooke III (1999) Lindsay M. Hunt, )1'. (1999) Andrew J. Zimmer (1999)

EDITORIAL

e ADA Awareness Program he ADA meeting in San Francisco this fall, the House .of Delegat~s will be ng on funding a three-year Public Awareness Campaign for dentistry at a t of $30 million per year. This will increase your ADA dues by $300 per ar! In 1996, the ADA House asked the ADA to develop a plan to promote dentistry to the public.

I 1997 House funded a one-year member outreach program to educate ADA members about television and print media dental advertising proposal. Members will then be asked to give their ice to their ADA delegates who will vote on the three-year proposal in October.

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"Ir'ginia was the first state to have the ADA program unveiled during our January committee meetings.

There is a possibility that the presentation will be repeated in the fall. We recently learned that the ADA is hoping to have videotapes of the presentation available for use by components. It would be nice to have this second presentation at our state meeting so that Virginia ADA delegates could get feedback from more members. I also think this would be a great subject for the VDA House of Delegates to debate.

The December 22, 1997, ADA Washington Report stated that, according to a Roper Public Opinion SUNey, the American public is increasingly relying on television as its primary source of health news. Many dentists feel dentistry should have a marketing campaign to educate the public about the importance of dentistry and get them into dental offices. Are members willing to pay $300 more in dues to do this? Concern has been expressed that this large dues increase will decrease membership, thus weakening the status and strength of the ADA. It is crucial for the ADA to maintain a high percentage of dentists as members to maintain its prestige and political clout. Supporters of the awareness plan state it is up to the ADA to promote dental awareness among the public and that it will lose members if the ADA doesn't act proactively on this and other issues.

I hope you were able to attend the Awareness Campaign presentation in January. If not, talk to your component members who did attend and read the ADA News to learn more about this campaign.

Then, let your VDA delegates to the ADA know your opinion. They want to hear from you!

Dr. Leslie S. Webb, Jr. Editor

Virginia Dental Journal 5

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[IILETTERS TOTHE EDI~()RJ

November 17, 1997 Dear Dr. Webb, Enclosed please find a picture of most of the Virginia Class 1:\ 1997 of the International College of Dentists inducted at the ICD Annual Meeting, held at the Renaissance Hotel in 'Nash. ington. DC on Friday, October 17,1997.

November 6, 1997 Dear Dr. Members It is with qreat pride and elation that I am writing you this note.

First let me thank all of the volunteers who helped make the 138th

ADA Annual Session so successful. If not for all ot the hard work,

sacrifice. and unselfish acts of the volunteers, chairmen, and vice颅

chairmen. the Annual Session would not be possible.

I can't tell you enough times what beautiful accolades have been

bestowed on our volunteers.

You have made yourselves and myself shine to all of the out ot

towners. Thank you for all of your help and for making this one of

the smoothest run ADA Annual Sessions.

You've made us all proud'!'!

Also, I don't know II I told you, but on January 1, 1998. I Will relieve Dr. Stephen L Bissell and become the Deputy Rege~t (for Virginia) of the International College Dentists.

Dr. Richard D. Barnes 01 Hampton will become the Counselor and Dr. Daniel M. Laskin of the Medical College of Virginia will continue as Editor, Dr. Emanual W. Michaels will be relieved by Dr. B Thomas f(ays of Charleston, South Carolina as Regent of the 16th District.

Very truly yours,

Roger H. Flagg, DDS

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Sincerely,

Alan H. Singer, D.D.S.

General Chairman of Local Arrangements

i 38th ADA Annual Session

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Vir~illia Beach: D: .J Darrel' Rice, Petersburg: Dr. ,kiT)' W. [.,bell. Peter" hllr~: Dr. A, Wright Pond. Sr. CO\0I111l1 Height.>: Dr. Em;lllll:tI W. vlichncl-; Regem I (1tl1 Di'lricl. "JOI rncmrcd Dr. .\llrcd C. GI'tllin. Jr., W,"wlltl'n.

TIll' lulluwing Virginia Denti,t, were illdueled into tile Il)"n FELLOWSI-fIr CLASS uf'the Amcric.m C"llege "I" Del1li.,t, "11 r)cl"hcl' 17, I','n ill Wa,ilinglon, D.C FI(ll1l

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Looking for info on upcoming CE courses?

What's happening at the VDA?

Want to learn more about Direct Reimbursement?

Visit the VDA's website for answers to these

questions... and much, much more.

www.vadental.org 6 Virginia Dental Journal

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=MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

A~ 1 prepare to write for the next issue ofthe VDAjournaL we in BlaCKsburg are digging out of eleven inches of snow.

I certainly hope everyone got to spend some time with their families and loved ones during the holiday season.

As always. the winter months ofthe VDA are a very busy time.

The recent Leadership Conference at the Boar's Head Inn in Charlottesville entitled "Growing the VDA: Strength for the future" featured speakers from the ADA. VDA. and other affiliate groups. with expertise in areas of ethics. membership. foundations, political action and public service (DDS). Everyone did a superb job. but 1 thought the members of the VDA and the VDA staff were outstanding and they are to be commended, along with our lobbyist Chuck Duvall.

This year's winter committee meetings were held at the Omni Hotel in Richmond. January 30-February 1. at which time there was a special presentation of the proposed ADA Public Awareness Campaign. If this proposed public awareness campaign is approved by next year's ADA House of Delegates. it will call for funding of approximately $30,000,000.00 per year for each of the three years.

Therefore. VDA members need to be informed so that they might share their thoughts concerning the campaign with members of our ADA delegation.

As you know. one of my top priorities of the VDA this year was to make certain that the needy children of Virginia have access to quality dental care. The Williamson Institute at VCU conducted the study for the Department of Medical Assistance Service (DMAS). The study showed the following reasons for dentists not accepting new Medicaid pari en ts (n on -parti ci patin g/partici pati ng): I. inadequate fees 52% ( 66% .., broken appointments 32% ( 42% 3. complex paperwork 32o/r ( 28c;t 4. limited services 29C;c (26?c 5. slow payment 18q路 (J9 c/c 6. patient behavior 14% ( 160/, 7. treatment review process 12'if ( ] 6 cYr The study made the following recommendations: l , To achieve a break even point with the thirty most frequently filed procedures. would cost6.1 million: 2. To

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adjust reimbursement to 957< ofthe UCR as recommended b y the Department of Health would cost g.1 million; and 3. To make inflation adjustments annually of fee sc hcdu le. The study also concluded that the administrative difficulties in the Medicaid system must also be addressed.

However, almost all dentists agreed that the fee schedule was the primary problem. The study concluded with a summary statement. "it is clearly evident that an increase in reimbursement is of paramount interest and importance to dental providers. An increase in fees will influence positively their level of participation their continued participation and their willingness to become participants."

With the above recommendations made by the study. the Department of Medical Assistance (DMAS) went on record of suggesting the 8. I million to the Department of Planning and Budget. But when the 1998-2000 state budget was revealed on December 19. 1997. the following proposed increases in Medicaid expenditures for dental services were: General Fund 1998-1999 1999-2()()()

$1.5 million $1.6 million

Non-General Fund $1.6 million $1.7 million

Total $3.1 million $3.3 million

Although we are appreciativc of the increases recommended in Medicaid expenditures for dental services. these amounts do not even reflect what the Williamson Institute Study concluded was necessary to achieve a break even point of the 30 most frequently reported procedures. namely $6.6 million annually, I want to thank all those members who have worked so hard in getting the word to their legislators. but we need to continue to make contact with the members of the Virginia Assembly and let them know how important it is to at least increase the expenditures for dental service by that amount recommended by the Williamson Institute Study. Until this is done. hundreds of Virginia's Medicaid eligible children will continue doing without dental care, and that includes important preventive care which we all know saves the taxpayer money in the long: run.

Wallace L. Huff

Virginia Dental Journal 7

!INFORMATION TO ASSIST IN ANSWERING QUESTIONS ABOUT DENTAL RADIATION

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submitted by Dave Milam, Medical Instruments, Ltd. Mass media seems to constantly distort the benefits of dental radiation. As a consequence, patients ask some rather informed questions. To assist in answering such questions, the following information has been prepared using data collected by this corporation from surveys of over 18,000 dental x-ray systems.

Supplemental information is obtained from tech support specs, professional publications, and related physics articles.

Offices having further questions or situations in need of a solution, please forward such request to our office. Any comments about this material are also welcome and may be directed to the postal or E-mail address at the bottom of this page.

QUESTION(A): How does dental radiography compare with say, annual background radiation?

"Annual background" is that majority of whole body radiation we humans receive each year just living. Current estimates place background at 200 to 360mR/yr. Normally, natural radiation accounts for 71 % of our total annual exposure, medical adds15%, and another 11 % comes from potassium within the human body.

The remaining 3% is tsorn consumer products and life style.' For many individuals, consumer products and life style contribute greatly to their annual exposure totals. Few people are aware of this and most simply choose to ignore the information.

Comparing dental exposure to "days in the sun" is not correct. It is best to make the comparison to background radiation which is present 24hrs/day. Background radiation is variable and depends on geography, altitude, and in what structure one lives and works.

Background radiation is significantly greater in Denver than Richmond. As for altitude, an airline stewardess will receive more mR/Day than a beach life guard. In some parts of the world the background exposure is five times the 250mR/yr I have used.

To answer the question, let's take an intraoral system rated at 80kV, 15mA, .5sec selected, standard 7.0cm diameter collimation, using paralleling ?jj1JJ1 technique. The bone marrow dose equivalent from this system for a 21 film FMX survey is similar to a whole body exposure of about 15mRem. 2 Use of Kodak's EktaspfJed Plus intraoral film would reduce exposure value by another 50% to about 7.5mR/FMX. While difficult to maintain alignment, rectangular collimation would reduce the 7.5R/FMX by another 58% to a value of 3.25mR/FMX Child and young adolescent exposure is even less."

There are many items. A few are air travel. tinted eyeglasses, bricks, television, and tobacco. Yes, tobacco! Let's look at this one consumer item of lifestyle that gives zero benefit ena.t 00% nc;~.

Smoking 1 pack of cigarettes/day for a year yields an annual dose equivalent of 16,000mR (radiation is from lead and polonium radionuc/ides deposited due to radon decay). Attempts to denve a suitable tissue weighting factor places the effective dose equivalent at 1,300mRem to the bronchial epithelium and pulmonary region" The publication, "In Health", July/August 1990. also places the annual dose equivalent at 16,000mRiyear.

For those patients that smoke, an FMX survey (21 films) has the same cancer risk as smoking an average of 42 to 121 cigarettes.

A bitewing examination is the same risk as about 2-50 Cigarettes.'

This isn't recent information. Exposure data from cigarette smoking was available as early as 1977. I have yet to obtain data on what second hand smoke contributes to the annual exposure of non-smokers. One can only imagine.

QUESTION (el:. What is a the equivalent of a 21 film FMX survey to days of annual background radiation? What about a panograph exam and its equivalent to annual background radiation?

Days of environmental exposure (annual bone marrow dose is 87 mrem/YiJ compared to bone marrow dose from an average 6.5cm diameter collimated intraoral FMX survey with 0 speed film IS 65 days of background radiation (weighted to adult marrow).2 Using Kodak's Ektaspeed Plus film would reduce this exposure 50% further to an equivalent of 33 days 3 Rectangular collimation reduces the irradiated area by 58% thus the dose is then reduced to 13 days of background.

Depending greatly on make, model, filtration, geometry, film/speed combination, the panographic exposure is about 14 days background radiation whole body equivalent." A lateral cephalometric is about 8 days, or less, of background.

QUESTION (0): As an operator of x-ray systems, how many exposures per week could an operator make before getting close to the Maximum Permissible Dose (MPD) of 100mR/week? Does pregnancy affect the MPD?

So. if the annual background (often termed "environmentaf') radiation is 250mR/yr then a FMX with Kodak's Espeed Plus film would add 7.5mR (adult) to the 250mR/yr of background radiation in our geographic area.

Using a 70kVp@7mA system (Output"'56mR1mAs@30.5cm) one could do about 3,500 seconds of exposure/week at 6 feet, with no physical barrier. before exceeding 1OOmR week." That's about 10,500 exposures usrnq 0 speed at a setting of 20/60 second Using Kodak's Ektaspeed Plus. one would have to surpass 21,000 exposures per week Š 10/60 sec to reach 100mR/week.

From the above example we can see where two bitewings/year would only increase the annual whole body exposure by 1mR per year Not a significant addition ~itb respect to whole body annual background exposure of 250mR/year. Remember this as you read further about lifestyle!

QUESTIONJID~ What are some other consumer products that i~crease an individuals background, or environmental radiation?

If pregnant. the MPD is lowered to about 14mR/week, 56mR/ mouth. or 500m/9months - Using the above exposures per week example, the pregnant operator MPD IS greatly reduced to the taking of a maxlmu_rl'1 of 2.900 Ektaspeed Plus exposures/week.

Thats 1.450 exposures/week With U speed film. Remember that this exposure example IS wit~oJd) a barrier wnich IS NOT the normal ~ office layout

8 Virginia Dental Journal

trive to minimize our .~.â&#x20AC;˘ protective barners, example one can see uired, even withQ1J1.l! n a percentage of the

1" edTLDmonitorsis<:10mR V13 us . ~any indicated on the dosimetry mount is too low to accurately e;e than 40mR/90days.3 ,i

:bf

~o office that is even 25% of the ive" is the most common dosimetry UT by improper handling, Improper rofimproperly weanng the monitors. ed value of at least zornr (background er~on per wear period. ~ls considering digital radiography. Will areas advertised?

While some offices, like endo, generany ti~n in exposure settings, other offices have ,timer~settings. If your office has confirmed systems, is using Kodak's Ektaspeed Plus essinq is confirmed to be accurate in safe "perature, and chemical activity, then the patient 'posure is as low, Qr lower, as most digital

Sheetrock, used in most office construction, provides adequate occupational shielding. Most commercial building codes specify Type X Gypsum 5/8" per wan surface. Since a wan has two surfaces, inside and outside, the combined thickness is 3cm.

This is equivalent to .07mm of lead. Lead itself is seldom used as there are so many other materials easier and less costly to Install.

Dave Milam, Physicist Medical Instruments, Ltd. Radiation Surveys & Regulatory Assistance 7249 Wilson Road Boones Mill, VA 24065-2135 Phone: (540) 344-4292 Fax: (540) 774-5427 E-Mail Address:dentalxray@aol.com

References: (1) USA Today, (excerpts NCRP & EPA) (2) White & Rose, "Bone Marrow Radiation", JADA, Vol. 98, April 1979, p553.

(3) Medical Instruments, Ltd. (4) NCRP #95, Sect 3.2.1 "Tobacco Products" 12-1987 (5) Danforth & Gibbs, J. Calif. Dent. Assoc., June 1980 (6) Richards, School of Dentistry, U of M, Ann Arbor (7) NCRP #91, Sect 11.0 "Protection of Embryo-Fetus for Occupational Exposed Mothers"

ems.' ave had to increase their intraoral timer settings to

d radiographic density. Skin entrance exposure for k Ektaspeed Plus is 60 to 90mR/film for an adult. radiography systems I have evaluated require a skin posure of 80 to 120mR/image for an adult? (Using a 6cm ion chamber.)

~;me wrong here. I like digital radiography and expect vatlve diagnostic tool to playa major role in the future of . aging. I DO think it is best to wait for the product to with the present day marketing hype. There are many that need to be incorporated in a digital rad system that lyaren't being pursued. If I had the investment capital, I am In that...wen that's another article. }fine objectives before considering purchasing the current hn?lo icallevel of digital radiography systems. Most offices ,have Informed me that the IQogJmm operating cost of a digital !'-radiographic systems, such as replacement of intraoral image intensifiers, and user software problems, can be a "Shocker".

Call me if you have questions.

QUESTION (G): What are the fundamental considerations for operator protection? Does our office need lead lined walls?

Time, distance and shielding are the fundamental factors. Lower exposure times (Kodak's E speed Plus), increase your distance between patient and operator, or obtain a physical barrier. Double the operator to tubehe ad distance, exposure =1/4. Triple the distance, exposure = 1/9.

Virginia Dental Journal 9

ABSTRACTS

The fof/owing abstracts were provided by the Department of Endodontics at VCUlMCV School of Dentistry. We appreciate the contribution that these individuals have made to the Journal.

Short JA, Morgan LA, Baumgartner JC: A Comparison of Canal

Centering Ability of Four Instrumentation Techniques. Journal of

Endodontics, 1997: 23:503-7

The goals of root canal preparation include thorough removal of

pulp tissue, necrotic debris, bacteria and dentin filings. One

means of achieving these goals is to prepare the canal sufficiently

large to incorporate anatomical irregularities. This can create

problems in root canal preparation as larger, less flexible files

tend to straighten the canals and transport the canal space in

the apical, middle, and coronal thirds. Nickel-titanium (NiTi)

instruments have been reported to have a decreased tendency

for canal transportation and therefore remain better centered.

Recently, some engine driven rotary systems usrnq NiTi

instruments of varying designs have been introduced to facilitate

cleaning and shaping. The purpose of this study was to compare

three NiTi rotary systems with step back hand filing using stainless

steel K-type files for their ability to remain centered in the canal

Fifteen pairs of extracted human mandibular molars were used

in this study. Each pair of teeth had one of four canals

instrumented with the following techniques: (1) the step-back

technique using stainless steel Flex-H hand files, (2) the McXIM

Series of NiTi rotary files, (3) Lightspeed NiTi rotary instruments,

and (4) the ProFile 0.04 Taper Series 29 NiTi rotary instruments.

Sixty root canals were instrumented in the study for a total of 15

canals per technique.

The teeth were sectioned into mesial and distal halves and

radiographed to view the anatomy and canal curvature.

Instrumentation was performed in two phases by the four

techniques as follows:

1) Step back with coronal flaring usmq a quarter turn,

pull motion.

2) McXIM Series at 340 RPM 3) Lightspeed at 2000 RPM 4) ProFile at 350 RPM No instruments separated in this study.

Following each instrumentation phase, the specimens were disassembled and sections were photographed and imaged digitally. The final images from each instrumentation phase were superimposed over the preoperative Images. The results from changes in canal area due to the instrumentation techniques are as follows: No significant differences were found for the preoperative canal area measurements between groups at any level. There were significant differences at each level of the canal when instrumented from the preoperative size to size #30. At the apical level. there was a significant difference between Maxim senes and stainless steel hand files with hand filing resulting In greater canal area. At the middle and coronal levels the ProFile system produced a significantly larger canal area in the coronal level than the McXIM To instrument from the preoperative to size #40. there were no significant differences between the rotary

10 Virginia Dental Journal

NiTi Instrumentation systems at any level. However, there V\dS a significant difference between Flex-R stainless steel hand iiles and all the NiTi rotary systems at all levels. with NiTI sYS);lns remaining better centered at all canal levels.

The results of this investigation confirm other studies that fu,md rotary NiTI Instruments to stay better centered In tile canal :,nd reduce preparation time compared to hand instrumentation With stainless steel flies.

Dr. Chris Achleithner is a first-year postgraduate student in Endodontics. He received his D.M.D. from University of Oregon Health Sciences Center in 1986. Dr. Achleithner is a Major in the U.S. Army Dental Corps.

Yared G, Dagher F: Evaluation of Lidocaine in Human inferioi Alveolar Nerve Block, Journal Of Endodontics 97;Vol 23:Pg 57=, Routine local anesthetic techniques such as the inferior alveolar nerve block often fail to provide complete anesthesia. Recently.

Bou Dagher, et aI., measured the degree of anesthesia following the administration of 1.8 ml of different solutions of 2% lidocaine and found no difference among the three solutions. The purpose of this study was to measure the degree of anesthesia following the administration of 3.6 ml of 2% lidocaine solutions with either 1:50,000, 1:80,000, or 1:100,000 epinephrine for inferior alveolar nerve block and to compare the results with those obtained followinq the administration of 1.8 ml of the same solutions.

The 30 adult subjects, 22 men and 8 women, ranging in age from 22 to 50 yr. with an average of 32 yr. who had participated in a previous recent study, were included in this study. An equal number of mandibular right and left sides were tested with the first molar, first premolar. and lateral incisor chosen as the test teeth. The contralateral canine was used as the unanesthetized control to ensure that the pulp tester was operating properly and the subject would respond during the experiment. Clinical examinations indicated that all teeth were free of canes. large restorations, and periodontal disease and that none had a history of trauma or sensitivity. Using a repeated measures design, each subject randomly received each anesthetic solution on three successive appointments at least 1 week apart. The anesthetic solutions tested were: 3.6 ml of 2~o lidocaine With 1:50.000 epinephrine. 1:80,000 epinephrine. 1 100,000 epinephrine All the injections were given blindly by one operator. For each injection. a 5-ml syringe was used to administer 3.6 ml of each solution I.e the equivalent of two 18-ml cartridges of the anesthetic solution At 1 min postinjection. the first molar was pulp tested and alveolar mucosal sticks were performed. At 2 rrun, the first premolar and lateral Incisor were tested. At 3 min, the control canine WaS tested and the subject was asked if the lip and tongue were numb. This cycle of testing was repeated every 3 min. All testing was stopped at 50 min posunjection.

There were no significant differences among the solutions with ard to the number and percentages of subjects who experienced reg sthetic success, anesthetic failure slow onset of anesthesia, an~continuous anesthesia, and anesthesia of short duration The ~o hest incidences of anesthesia for all three solutions were as f~~OWS: first molar, 87% to 93%; first premolar 93%; and lateral , cisor, 83% or 90%, There were no significant differences among ~~e solutions at any time interval. ,Comparing these results with the previous results of the study usinq 1,8 ml of the same solution showed that the incidence of anesthesia was greater when the solutions were doubled in volume, The present study demonstrated that epinephrine concentration in a 2% lidocaine hydrochloride did not influence the degree of anesthesia since the three solutions were comparable in inferior alveolar nerve blocks,

Dr. Justin Thornton is a second-year postgraduate student in Endodontics. He received his D.D.S. from VCU School of Dentistry in 1996.

Silvaggio J, Hicks ML: Effect of Heat Sterilization on the Torsional Properties of Rotary Nickel-Titanium Endodontic Files, Journal of Endodontics 1997;12:731-734, Rotary nickel-titanium endodontic instruments represent one of the newest technologies available to the dental practitioner.

Instrument separation is of great concern to dentists who use rotary NiTi files, Because these instruments are used in a rotating manner, instrument separation is more likely to occur during torsional stress.

Questions have been raised whether sterilization procedures adversely effect the ability of rotary NiTi instruments to withstand the torsional stresses encountered during root canal preparation, The purpose of this study was to determine whether heat sterilization adversely effects the torsional strength and rotational Ilexibility of rotary NiTi files, Nine hundred sizes 2 through 1001 NiTi .04 Profile Series 29 liles (Tulsa Dental Products, Tulsa, OK) were divided into groups 0110 files each and sterilized 0, 1,5, or 10 times in the steam autoclave, Statim autoclave, or dry heat sterilizer. They were then subjected to torsional testing in a Torquemeter Mernocouole. In this testing instrument device, the hub of the file is rotated at 1,6 rpm, whereas the apical 3-mm segment of the file is held stationary between two brass jaws, Complete data were collected for sized 2 through 7, but not for sizes 8 through 10 because their torque resistance exceeded the testing limits of the Torquemeter Mernocouple. A one-way analysis of variance was used to compare all experimental groups in sizes 2 through 7 with their unsterilized controls. 54 comparisons were made for torsional strength and 54 for rotational fleXibility.

Ten significant changes occurred lor torsional strength and 10 for rotational flexibility, Eight of 10 changes in torsional strength were Increases. 52 of 54 comparisons for torsional strength and 47 of 54 for rotational Ilexibility showed a significant increase or no change. These results clearly demonstrate that heat sterilization 01 rotary nickel-titanium files up to 10 times does not increase the likelihood of instrument fracture,

Dean JW, Lenox RA, Lucas FI, Culley WL, and Himel VT: Evaluation of Combined Surgical Repair and Guided Tissue Regeneration Technique to Treat Recent Root Canal Perforations, Journal of Endodontics 1997;23:525-532, The treatment of mechanical root canal or furcation perforations depends on recognition of the condition, operator training and experience, and the location of the perforation, Presently, an Ideal means of repairing these root defects does not exist. The prognosis of all root perforations depends on the time between perforation and closure, the location of the perforation on the root surface or pulp chamber floor, and the relative size of the perforation. The shorter the time lapse, the smaller the Size, and the more apical the perforation, the greater the chance for success. A new technique developed from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, holds promise for successful repair of root perforations that occur during endodontic or prosthetic post preparation therapy, The technique includes both endodontic retrofill and the perforation site with a reinforced zinc oxide and eugenol and periodontal guided tissue regeneration.

The purpose of this study was to determine clinically, radiographically, and histologically, in a dog model, the nature and extent of the healing that takes place in repaired endodontic retrofill and guided tissue regeneration technique, Six dogs had root canal therapy on the mandibular fourth premolars and first molars. The clinicians perforated the distal root of each tooth on the furcation aspect halfway between the furcation and the apex. A surgical procedure was performed to gain access to the root apices, The perforation sites were filled with IRM, A xenograft of freeze-dried demineralized bone (human) was placed in the access ostectomy site and covered with Gore-Tex Augmentation Material (GTAM). Controls included unfilled perforations and not using bone grafts and/or GTAM. Dogs were killed at 6, 12, and 24 wk post surgery.

The results 01 this study show that if root canal perforation sites are exposed and treated that it is necessary to till the perforation adequately; il not, significant inflammation and poor healing generally result. When the root perforation sites are prepared and filled with IRM, greater amounts of bone fill were found more often in surgical access defects when GTAM was used to cover the opening. The inclusion of FDDB in the treated sites had no effect on the healing observed, The radiographic healing observed in teeth with filled perloration sites, expressed as reduction in the defect radiolucency was found to be quite extensive.

In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that regenerative membranes enhance bony closure of surgical access openings after root canal perforations have been filled, The addition of a bone xenograft does not seem to enhance the healing,

Dr. Ellen Ramos Kelly is a first year postgraduate student in Endodontics at VCU School of Dentistry. She received her D.M.D. degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1994. After graduation she completed residency in Periodontics and received her certificate in June of 1997.

Dr. Katherine R. Garrett is a second-year postgraduate student in Endodontics. She received her D.D.S. degree from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1989. Dr. Garrett served in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps from 1989 to 1996.

Virginia Dental Journal 11

[~

ABSTRACTS, cont.

Thomas Mayer & Peter Eickholz: Microleakage of Temporary Restorations after Therrnocyclinq and Mechanical Loading, Journal of Endodontics 1997;23:320-322.

The marginal seal of four temporary filling materials in endodontic access cavities was examined in vitro after thermocycling and mechanical loading using dye penetration tests and a quantitative marginal analysis of replicas in the SEM. Class I cavities were prepared in 44 extracted human molars and filled with a minimum of 3.5 mm of either Cavit, Kalsogen, IRM, or TERM. After setting and the thermocycling procedure, Cavit showed less microleakage in the dye penetration test and fewer marginal crevices in the quantitative marginal analysis.

After loading, two Cavit fillings collapsed into the endodontic cavity.

The marginal conditions of Term were comparable to Cavit after thermocycling and mechanical loading. Kalsogen and IRM restorations demonstrated significantly increased microleakage and a higher percentage of marginal crevices after thermocycling and loading.

Each tooth was then removed from the acrylic and examinee for fractures and craze lines. If no fracture was pre~ent, the gutta percha was removed, canals reinstrumented to 30 /0 of root Width, obturated and evaluated as before. Teeth that did not fracture continued to be tested at 40% and 50% of root Width. O:lly complete fractures eliminated a tooth at anyone stage of canal enlargement.

Results showed that twelve of thirty-four teeth developed vertical root fracture - 5 teeth at 40% and 7 at 50% root width. 1 he remaining 19 teeth all developed craze lines by the end of tne experiment. The results show that although all teeth developed craze lines, the more tooth structure that was removed, the mora likely a root is to fracture.

While it is not common practice to remove gutta percha 3 and 4 times in a single tooth, the study IS useful to note for retreatment procedures. The repeated stressing of the tooth may also accelerate the effects of smaller, long-term stresses from poorly designed restorations.

Dr. Helen Sempira is a first-year postgraduate student in Endodontics at VCU School of Dentistry. She received her D.D.S. degree from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 1992. Dr. Sempira served in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps from 1992 to 1997.

Results of this study seem to indicate that temporary restoration with Cavit of endodontically treated teeth which are not under heavy occlusal forces provides a superior seal. If, however, the restoration will be under significant occlusal forces, then a reinforced restoration such as TERM provides a better seal.

Dr. Sean M. O'Sullivan is a first-year postgraduate student in Endodontics at VCU School of Dentistry. He received his D.D.S. degree from the University of Maryland Dental School in 1991. After graduation he joined the U.S. Army and completed an AEGD路1 year program at Fort Carson, CO, and continues to serve on active duty.

VIRGINIA BOARD OF

DENTISTRY

July 1. 1997 - June 30, 1998

Wilcox LR, Roskelley C, Sutton T: The Relationship of Root Canal Enlargement to Finger-Spreader Induced Vertical Root Fracture, Journal of Endodontics 1997; 23:533-4.

Vertical root fracture has been the cause for failure of many

endodontically treated teeth. Common reasons for vertical root fracture include, the force of condensation, spreader design, root size and post placement. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between percentage of root canal enlargement (dentin removal) and vertical root fracture.

Thirty-four extracted maxillary anterior teeth free of curvature, apical resorption, caries to the CEJ and previous root canal treatment were used. Teeth with fractures and craze lines were eliminated The roots were embedded in acrylic with a small amount of impression material to act as the periodontal ligament, and radiographed from the facial and proximat surfaces. Each canal was prepared to 20% of the total Width of the tooth and obturated with gutta percha by lateral condensation using a fine finger spreader. A constant condensation force was ensured by usmq a iig set at 3.3kg.

12 Virginia Dental Journal

The Virginia Board of Dentistry is appointed by the Governor and is composed of seven dentists. two hygienists and one citizen representative. Contact the Board office or a member of the Board on questions on rules and regulations.

Mark A. Crabtree, DDS--President French H. Moore. Jr.. DDS--Vlce-Presldent Nora M. French. DMD Monroe E. Harris, Jr., DDS Michae J Link. DDS Edmund E Mullins. DDS Gary Taylor, DDS Carolyn B. Hawkins, RDH Stephanie P Olenlc, RDH Pat K. Watkins STAFF Marcia J rJ1iller. Executive Director Pam Horner. Admlnislrative ASSistant Kathy Lackey Aorn'rustrat.ve Ass.stan: LychlCl Moms. Office Services Specialist 6606 W B'oad Street +1401 Richmond VA 23230-1717 (804)662-9906 FAX(804)662-9943

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14 Virginia Dental Journal

VIRGINIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION 1997 LEADERSHIP CONFERENCEJ

Dr. Thomas S. Cooke III, VDA Secretary/Treasurer

The Virginia Dental Association Leadership Conference was held in Charlottesville on November 14-16 at the Boars Head Inn. It began on Friday with a Goals Review Team Workshop, reviewing the goals established in 1995, defining areas where they had been met and identifying areas that needed improvement. The Foundation had a workshop on Fridayafternoon. The speaker was Robert McDonald from The Florida Dental Association Foundation. He had several good suggestions that will help in the implementation of the VDA Foundation's mission.

The program on Saturday was entitled "Growing the VDA: Strength for the Future." After opening remarks

by VDA President Dr. Wally Huff, Dr. Bruce DeGinder Elizabeth Keith (VDA Membership Coordinator) gave a Field Service Program wrap-up. Kathleen Todd, Esq., ADA Associate General Council, spoke about the ADA Code of Conduct and Ethics, and there was a lively discussion concerning advertising and the ADA response to the FTC. The ADA is presently '<awaiting approval of its position on advertising. Dr. .Joan Gillespie and a panel consisting of Kathleen 'Todd, Drs. DeGinder, Ron Tankersly, Richard Wilson and Charlie French led a lively discussion concerning ~,issues from ethical dilemmas in dental education to -"advertising on the internet. Michael A. Graham, ADA Lobbyist, spoke during lunch.

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ADA Lobbyist, Mike Graham, speaks to the importance of getting involved with grassroots networks.

,~The afternoon session included presentations by ',Robert McDonald on Growing the Foundation; Chuck Duvall, VDA Lobbyist, and Lisa Finnerty on the 1998 General Assembly; and Tanya Moore, DDS Project Coordinator, and Ron Tankersley on the Donated ~::~tal Services program. (See the fall issue of the

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16 Virginia Dental Journal

1-800-572-3044

.~

.. common practice to make. changes at the beginning of ~ new year. The VDA staff is

It . to be no exception to this rule, With several shifts In assignment and responsibility, as

. prO~lngney into 1998. The faces will certainly remain the same, but members will be contacting

â&#x20AC;˘. weJour

. . staff in new roles.

Simultaneously, our Membership Coordinator, Liz Keith, indicated her interest in working with the DDS Program. Liz and Tanya share office space at the VDA and are acquainted with each other's duties and responsibilities. Liz is well informed regarding DDS activities and is attracted by the strong relationships formed with both patient/clients and volunteer dentists, as well as the satisfaction of helping individuals improve their lives by receiving needed dental care. Liz will serve as the DDS Program Coordinator, beginning in late January; she brings a knowledge of the VDA membership, a strong awareness of the DDS operation, and a desire to serve both members of the dental community and members of the public to make the DDS Program a continued success.

If you're keeping track in your scorecard, you realize that we are now in need of a Membership Coordinator. Not to fear: Assistant Executive Director Connie Jungmann will include membership duties as a primary responsibility in 1998. Connie has worked closely with membership matters throughout her entire career with dental associations and has been an advisor to the development of the new ADA Tripartite Association lVIanagement System (TAMS), set to unveil in 1998.

Connie's work with various publications, including the Virginia Dental Journal, will transfer to Tanya Moore, and her responsibilities with many dental benefits programs, including the internal aspects of Direct Reimbursement, will be included in our new staff position. Oh yes, the new staff position ...

What began as a Publications position has evolved to the role of Marketing and Programs Coordinator, with responsibilities to the Virginia Dental Services Corporation, the VDA foundations, internal aspects of DR, Dental Benefits Programs, and electronic billing, as well as assisting Connie with our computer operations, both internally and externally. VDA has entered an era requiring increased attention to marketing and development, whether the topic is membership services, for-profit subsidiary products, or foundation development. We are currently interviewing for this position and will undoubtedly be introducing a new staff member to the VDA leadership and members during the January Committee Meetings.

Once these individuals have completed the necessary transitions and the new staff member is in place, we know that we will be able to continue the improved level of service to the VDA membership and devote necessary time and attention to newly emerging programs. We are also fortunate to have many very qualified and capable staff members at VDA, with the experience, background, and desire to insure the success of our ever-expanding endeavors.

If the changes are confusing to you, please remember that you can still contact Linda Gilliam for financial matters, Lisa Finnerty for legislative and public affairs, and Bonnie Anderson will cheerfully answer your questions or direct you to the staff member with the latest information. We are all here to serve you.

William E. Zepp, CAE Executive Director

Virginia Dental Journal 17

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Chuck Duvall, Jr., VDA Lobbyist and Lisa M. Finnerty, VDA Public Affairs Coordinator An issue of major concern at the 1997 VDA Annual Meet­ ing was Virginia's current Medicaid system. The Virginia Dental Association had already been working with several groups on the Medicaid issue. At the present time, there is an inadequate number of dental providers statewide ac­ cepting Medicaid patients. Only approximately 19.7% of those children eligible to receive Early and Periodic Screen­ ing Diagnostic Treatment (EPSDT) dental services in the Commonwealth of Virginia are receiving such preventive services. The 1997 Virginia General Assembly Appropria­ tions Act required the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) to study the availability of dentists ac­ cepting Medicaid payments. The study was to identify the geographic areas of the state with the greatest shortages and recommendations for improving access to dental care for Medicaid recipients. This study was conducted by the Williamson Institute for Health Studies at Virginia Common­ wealth University.

After holding focus groups across the Commonwealth and receiving responses from almost 1700 dentists, the Insti­ tute determined that there were several primary reasons for dentists not accepting new Medicaid patients. Included in these reasons were: inadequate fee schedule; broken appointments; complex and excessive paperwork; limita­ tions on covered services; and slow payments.

The study recommends that DMAS establish a Dental Health Coalition designed to expand availability and deliv­ ery to Medicaid children. They further suggested that DMAS dental providers need to be given additional financial in­ centives in order to accept DMAS pediatric beneficiaries.

DMAS went on record as recommending $8.1 million dollar increase in the 1998/2000 state budget to the Department of Planning and Budget.

The proposed budget was presented on December 19,1997

by Governor Allen. The budget contained a $3.1 million dollar dental Medicaid increase for 1998/99 and a $3.1 mil­ lion dollar dental Medicaid increase for 1999/2000. In light of the many budgetary demands that the Governor and his staff faced. we are certainly indebted for the recommended increase in Medicaid expenditures for dental services. How­ ever, the sums do not reflect what the Williamson Institute study concluded was necessary to achieve a break-even point with the thirty most frequently reported procedures.

That figure was $6.6 million per year. Furthermore, the Williamson Institute indicated that to adjust reimbursement to 95% of the UCR as recommended by the Department of Health would cost $8.1 million per year. Obviously. other budgetary pressures necessitated that the number be re­ duced.

18 Virginia Dental Journal

We must move forward and continue to make positive con­ tacts with members of the Virginia General Assembly to underscore the importance of (1) maintaining the amount suggested by the Governor and (2) also increasing the amount to try to secure, at a very minimum, a break-even point with regard to DMAS dental services. To achieve the breakeven amount, we need an additional $3.5 million in 1998/1999 and an additional $3.3 million in 1999/2000. Half of the funds are general fund monies with the other half coming from federal matching funds.

It is imperative that VDA members who have not made con­ tact with their legislators do so ASAP. You can contact your legislator through the General Assembly switchboard by calling (800)889-0229. If you are a Richmond resident you may call 698-1990.

POINT-OF-SERVICE Charles R. Duvall. Jr., VDA Lobbyist and Lisa M. Finnerty, VDA Public Affairs Coordinator . m used to refer to allowing patients to choose their provider at the point at which the service is delivered. In .'s a ter be able to go out of network if they desired to see a provider that did not participate with their particular ould ents ~y This rs an option which most HMO's and managed care programs do not allow. The VDA worked with co~Pt Choice (VPC), a patient-provider coalition, to make certain that a point-of-service option for managed care ~~Ie; by the Joint Commission on Health Care (JCHC) during 1997. Dr. Leslie S. Webb, Jr., a past president of VDA, u I~he POS task force which was assigned to study the issue. The task force met four times during the summer and t~ various information and actuarial analyses regarding the pas issue. At the final task force meeting on November task force voted 7-5 to recommend that the Joint Commission introduce legislation to requireall HMOs to include a \. "(POS) option as a benefit component In all HMO products. The legislation would result In a POS option being 'alf:mployees through prior enrollment in either the HMO or pas product. Employees choosing the POS option would 't1aifional costs associated with pas benefits. o¥the POS analysis and Task Force deliberations was presented at the December 16,1997, full JCHC meeting. Opponents 'ents provided testimony to the JCHC. On Tuesday, January 6,1998, the POS recommendation was once again presented CHC. The full committee voted 7-6 to introduce the pas legislation. usly a controversial issue and legislators need to hear from VDA members in support of the legislation. Proponents " employees should have the ability to enroll in a plan that provides a greater choice of providers than a traditional closed and that POS enrollees should pay an additional cost associated with that option. Opponents cite concern over the .'such a mandate will have on overall health care costs, the current availability of pas plans on the market, and the e burden on employers. like additional information please feel free to contact Lisa Finnerty at the VDA Central Office at 800/552-3886.

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L~ DELEGABLE FUNCTIONS IN VIRGINIA, JULY 1, 1996 . J~ Below is a list of dental functions which clearly deliniates which dental personnel can perform each in the dental office. fUNCTION Final diagnosis Intraoral adjustments to removable or fixed appliances Write prescriptions Sign prescriptions Write laboratory work orders Sign laboratory work orders Cement permanent or temporary restorations Pulp capping Place amalgam with carrier Condense and carve amalgam Place and contour composite Place and fit archwire Place and remove retraction cord Impressions for working models Prophylaxis'

Coronal polish Use of prophy jet Impressions for mouth quajds or custom fluoride trays Original clinical exam Preliminary dental screening Subgingival irrigation or application of Acticite Apply Sealants Hold impression after placed by dentist Impression for study model Place orthodontic separators Check for loose bands and brackets Remove arch wires Select and prefit bands and brackets Cement/bond bands and brackets Administer and adjust nitrous Monitor nitrous Place topical anesthetic Administer fluoride Application of desensitizing agents Expose radiographs Remove socket dressing Remove sutures Remove supragingival cement Place and remove periodontal dressing Instruct patient in placement & removal of appliances AFTER adjusted and fitted by DDS Obtain BP, pulse, temperature Record medical history Place and remove matrix Place and remove rubber dam Cement temporary or permanent crowns and bridges Use of TENS unit Place temporary fillings

DO~

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Xl - Exact wording dictated by dentist ~2 - Display certificate in plain view of public. Refer to Board of Dentistry Regulation 4.5.A.ll for educational requirements.

- See Board of Dentistry Regulations for definition Reproduced from the Board of Dentistry's Bulletin 1996 Fall/Winter Issue. If you have any questions, call the Board Office at (804)662-9906.

Virginia Dental Journal 21

JOHN W. WARNER (R) 225 Russell Senate Office Bulding Washington, DC 20510 Phone: (202) 224-2023 Fax: (202) 224-6295 E-mail: SENATOR@WARNER.SENATEGOV CHARLES ROBB (R) 145 Russell Senate Office Bulding Washington, DC 20510 Phone: (202) 224-4024 Fax: (202) 224-8689 E-mail: SENATOR@ROBBSENATE.GOV HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 1. HERBERT H. BATEMAN (R) 2350 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 205'10 Phone: (202) 225-4261 Fax: (202) 225-4382 2. OWEN B. PICKETT(D) 2430 Rayburn House Office BUilding Washington, DC 20510 Phone: (202) 225-4215 Fax: (202) 225-4218 E-mail: OPICKETT@HR.HOUSE.GOV

3. ROBERT C. SCOTT (D) 2464 Rayburn House Office Building Washington. DC 20510 Phone: (202) 225-8351 Fax: (202) 225-8354 4. NORMAN SISISKY (D) 2371 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: (202) 225-6365 Fax: (202) 225-1170 5. VIRGIL H. GOODE (D) 1520 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: (202) 225-4711 Fax: (202) 225-5681 6. ROBERT W. GOODLATTE (R) 123 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: (202) 225-5431 Fax: (202) 225-9681 E-mail: TALK2BOB@HR.HOUSE,GOV 7. THOMAS J. BLILEY JR. (R) 2409 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: (202) 225-2815 Fax: (202) 225-0011

8. JAMES P. MORAN (D) 1214 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: (202) 225-4376 Fax: (202) 225-0017 E-mail: JIM.MORAN@HR.HOUSE.GOV 9. RICK BOUCHER (D) 2329 Rayburn House Office BUilding Washington. DC 20510 Phone: (202) 225-3861 Fax: (202) 225-0442 E-mail: NINTHNET@HR.HOUSE.GOV 10. FRANK R. WOLF (R) 241 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: (202) 225-5136 Fax: (202) 225-0437 11. THOMAS M. DAVIS III (R) 224 Cannon House Office Building Washington, DC 20510 Phone: (202) 225-1492 Fax: (202) 225-3071 E-mail: TOMDAVIS@HR.HOUSE.GOV

CONTACTING YOUR LEGISLATOR

11]

The most successful legislative program is a partnership between the VDA lobbying efforts and the work and dedication of the scores of dentists who volunteer their time to let legislators know dentistry's position on the issues. These efforts can be as simple as making a phone call or writing a letter. These contacts will have an even greater impact if a personal relationship exists between you and your lawmaker.

You should always feel comfortable contacting your legislator. Most elected lawmakers and their staff want to know as many of their constitunts as possible. Members' opinions are a vital element of the VDA legislative program. Following are some effective ways to structure your letter to a legislator.

* Keep your letters short. Address only one issue in a letter. Identify a bill number if possible. * Do not send form letters or carbon copies. Use your own words and stationery. * Speak to issues of public policy and publlc benefit. * Speak to economic considerations - - - especially yours. * Highlight quality of care issues and impact on patients. * Write when your legislator does something you approve of; this will help your legislator remember you the next time.

Take the opportunity to maintain your involvement in the legislative process beyond the ballot box. Actively participate in fund raising, letter writing, and personal contact with and for the candidates.

22 Virginia Dental Journal

Dr. Raymond L. Bertolotti

AdhesionDentistry

Dr. Lee Lipsenthal

Nutrition-Medical Care

Dr. Gordon J. Christensen Dr. Joseph J. Massad

DentalMalerials Dr. Rella P. Christensen tn(ection Control

Removable Prosthetics

Dr. Bernard B. Fink

Dr. Carl E. Mi<ch

Dr. Michael J. McDevitt

Periodontics

Dr. Reuben R. Ro.1Ch

Esthetics Dr. Bruce R. Rothwell

Forensics-Medical Emergencies Dr. Clifford J. Ruddle

for more information. visit us at our website

http://www.hinman.org. Or. complete this form and mail or fax

to the l linman Dental SOCiety, 60 Lenox Pointe, Atlanta, (~A 30324,

Fa' (40路1) 23J-9638. Telephone (4(14) 23J-IM3.

HOll'I & Airline Reservations (800) 243-158 t.

Endodontics Dr. Sol Silverman..lr.

Nal11c"----

Practice Transitions

Implant Dentistry

OralPathology

Dr. David A. Garber

Dr. Jane A. Soxman Pediatric Dentistry Dr. frank M. Spear

Address Cit)'

Dr. Henry A. Gremillion

Dr. Frank Pavel Oral Surgery Ms. Connie Podesta

TMD

Motivation

Crown & Bridge-Esthetics

Dr. Harald O. Heymann

Dr. James R. Pride

Mr. Doug Young

Periodontics-Esthetics

Reslora tive

Practice Management

Communications

_

State

Zip

-~~-~------

Telephone

More than 35 Special Lecturers are also on the program.

Virginia Dental Journal 23

ADA'S 138TH ANNUAL SESSION

Dr. Wally Huff prepares to address the masses at A Dayan the Hill.

A Dayan the Hill brought dentists from accross the country together as a unified voice.

These troops rally with the other hundreds of dentists present on Capitol Hill.

President Whiston addresses the vaned issues dentistry currently facing

IS

Dr. Dave Whiston doesn't waste time getting down to business in his new role as President

24 Virginia Dental Journal

VIRGINIA DENTIST INSTALLED AS ADA PRESIDENT

David A. Whiston, D.D.S., who practices oral and maxillofacial surgery in Falls Church, Virginia and is past chief of Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Northern Virginia Doctors and Fairfax Hospitals, was installed October 22, 1997, as President of the American Dental Association. Dr. Whiston's installation took place in Washington, D.C., at the ADA's 138th Annual Session.

As president, he will lead the more than 140, ODD-member organization's efforts to protect and improve the public's oral health and promote advances in dentistry.

Dr. Whiston graduated with honors from the West Virginia University of Dentistry and completed graduate studies at the University of Texas and the University of Pennsylvania.

His previous responsibilities with the ADA include serving four years as Trustee from the Sixteenth District, which includes North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

He has worked on numerous ADA councils as Board liaison or chairman, served as the Association's spokesperson on regulatory issues, and has been involved with the ADA's strategic planning process since its inception.

Dr. Whiston is a member of the board of the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped and is a past president of the Northern Virginia Dental Society; the Virginia Dental Association; and the Virginia, Greater Washington and Middle Atlantic Societies of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Dr. Whiston and his wife, Julie, live in Arlington, Virginia.

Virginia's own Dave & Julie Whiston receive a standing ovation from the 1998 ADA House of Delegates.

Dr. Dave Whiston enjoys his first boxed lunch as President of the ADA.

Virginia Dental Journal 25

REPORT ON THE 1997 ADA HOUSE OF DELEGATES Dr. Wallace Huff, President More than 29,000 dentists, dental team members and guests came to Washington, DC, for the 138th Annual Session of the American Dental Association, and by all accounts those who attended had a beneficial and enjoyable time at the meeting.

The highlight of the 138th Annual Session was the installation of our own Dave Whiston as ADA President. Dave had just completed his one-year term as President Elect of the ADA and was installed as the 134th President of the Association. Dave assured the House of Delegates that they could expect a maximum effort from him and the other officers. We in Virginia and the 16th District, as well as the other Districts, are aware of Dave's strong leadership. knowledge of the issues and tough decision making that he has exemplified in the past while serving on the ADA Board of Trustees and as President足 Elect. There is no doubt that he will exhibit the same strong leadership in the position of President of the ADA. Dr. Timothy Rose, a Periodontist from Appleton, Wisconsin, and currently serving as President of the American Academy of Periodontology, was voted by the House as President Elect of the ADA in a three way race.

Candidates for the offices of First Vice President, Second Vice President and Speaker of the House of Delegates ran uncontested, as did trustee candidates for four districts. Elected unanimously were Dr. Chauncy Cross of Springfield, Illinois as First Vice President and Dr. Joseph R. Kenneally of Biddeford, Main as Second Vice President. Dr. James 1. Fanno from Canton, Ohio was reelected unanimously to a third term as Speaker of the House of Delegates.

The four new Trustees are: Dr. John W Staubach. 3rd District: Dr. Henry Finger.

4th District: Dr. 1. Howard Jones. 4th District; and Dr. George L. Bletsas. 9th District. Dr. Rene M. Rosas is beginning

26 Virginia Dental Journal

his second year as Treasurer of the ADA. Another highlight of this session was the Capitol Hill Rally by the ADA House of Delegates and other dentists in support of the Patient Access to Responsible Care Act (PARCA) legislation. More than a thousand people participated in the rally which was organized by the ADA and supported by the American Dental Political Action Committee.

Dentist/Rep. Charlie Norwood from Georgia, spoke urging dentists to continue signing up PARCA sponsors.

He reminded everyone that "no never means no in this town" be firm, but don't be pushy he advised. As buses loaded to return Delegates to the business of the ADA House, other dentists headed across capitol grounds to talk to their congressman or senator about becoming a cosponsor of PARCA. PARCA would provide basic guidelines to protect patients in self-insured and other health plans. The house bill had 90 Republicans, 120 Democrats and 1 Independent as cosponsors as of December 31, 1997.

Two of the resolutions brought before the House that showed the greatest amount of activity were the resolutions calling for the recognition of two new dental specialities and both were narrowly defeated. Res. 19-1996 which called for the recognition of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology as a dental speciality was defeated after failing to achieve a majority vote in the House.

The House adopted a motion to reconsider, but defeated the resolution in a second vote. Res. 14 which would have recognized Dental Anesthesiology as a dental speciality was also defeated.

Listed below are some of the key resolutions which were passed by the House.

The House of Delegates approved a 549.00 dues increase. As of January 1. 1998. the ADA's membership dues

fee went from $316.00 to $365.00. This was the first dues increase that is to be used for general operating expenses of the Association since 1989. The expenses of the Association have been increasing steadily since that time, and the House of Delegates saw fit to make this adjustment in dues for operation expenses. This $49.00 dues increase is projected to boost the 1998 revenues to $64,550.050 with budgeted expenses of $65,512,300, which will leave a projected net surplus of $37,750.00.

Res. 32-H. Plans for the ADA's PubliC Awareness Campaign continued when the House of Delegates approved Resolution 32-H. This is a one year outreach program which has been designed to educate members on the details of the Public Awareness Campaign. This Resolution has a budget of $797,800 which will allow Jordan Associated (of Oklahoma) to produce broadcast equality versions of TV advertisements and a video outlining the campaign, as well as fund the necessary travel by Jordan staff to present the Campaign to dental constituents nationwide.

The Resolution also approves funds for a membership survey which will be designed to learn how member dentists feel about the Campaign, and the results are to be compiled in time to be acted upon by the 1998 House of Delegates in San Francisco. If passed. the proposed three-year campaign would cost approximately $30 million a year. The goals of this campaign would be to increase consumer demand for dental services and to enhance the image of the profession.

Other key resolutions under Communication and Membership Services.

Res. 105 H directs the Association to reflect the diversity of its members in its governing documents and to review and recommend changes to the ADA Bylaws, Organizations and Rules of the Board of Trustees. Standing Rules for

'ncils and Commissions and Manual 'he House of Delegates to reflect fsity, including gender neutrality, 34-H urges all constituent and 'pon ent so~ieties to comply with licable civil rights laws In their [iibership practice, $/28-H calls for the ADA to stigate options allowing foreign ned dentists to alter their ibership numbers from 143 and to Id any numbering system in the re that could discriminate against

P1' 44-H calls for a study to obtain data

;bd outthe most convenient and cost ient system that allows members .ay theirdues each month and report 'e 1998 House of Delegates, !.52-H calls for a six-step approach elping to ease the financial burden ~ew dentists. ;36-H updates the policy statement ]des, HIV infection and the practice Bentistry to conform to the .ganized code. '. 65-H calls on the ADA to support ,jslation or regulations that ensure a Jists freedom to exercise their ')cal judgement without undue ~ence from any third-party entity. It ~encourages constituent societies upport similar policy. .74-H

In 1998 the ADA Public

~irs Conference will be replaced by " nnual Grassroots Conference. The ,unCi I on Federal and State ernment Affairs and Federal Dental '. ices and ADPAC will investigate the ,tandthe value of having an Annual ',ssroots Conference and report this . ktothe 1999 House.

,s. 81-H calls for a task force "mediately) to ensure that dentistry a part in the implementation of title 'I ofthe Social Security Act (kid care). ,6 task force will report back to the 8 House.

82-H calls for the ADA to seek Sures (legislative or administrative)

that would require third-party payers to allow patients to authorize payments directly to their dentist, without changing and without regard to the practitioners practice status.

Res. 96-H calls for a special task force to study the implications of adopting a new advisory opinion to the ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct dealing with the announcement of credentials by general dentists and report back to the 1998 House.

Res. 45-H urges the Board of Trustees to continue scheduling the House of Delegates and scientific session of the ADA to meet concurrently.

Res. 85-H calls for the ADA to advise constituent and component societies and public health agencies about the morbidity of intra and perioral piercings.

As scientific information becomes available, the Council on Scientific Affairs will develop a policy statement on intra and perioral piercings.

Res. 95-H calls for the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs to review the literature and develop a research plan on appropriate and attainable levels of nitrous oxide in the dental office. This is to be a priority topic of the Association's research agenda and the Council is to submit a report to the 1998 House of Delegates.

Res. 24-H calls for the ADA's program to promote Direct Reimbursement to target those businesses which market supplies and services specifically to dentists and their practices.

Res. 42-H amends the comprehensive policy statement on Dental Auxiliary Personnel, Dental Auxiliary Education Section, third paragraph to read "Dental hygiene education programs are designed to prepare a dental hygienist to provide preventive dental services under the direction and supervision of a dentist. Two academic years of study or its equivalent in an education program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation typically prepares the dental hygienists to perform clinical dental hygiene servlces.

However, other programs, accredited or otherwise, which utilize such methods as institutionally-based didactic course work, in office clinical training or electronic distance education can be an acceptable means to train dental hygienists. Boards of Dentistry are urged to review such innovative programs for acceptance."

I would like to thank all the members of the Virginia Delegation for their preparation for the pre-convention caucus in Williamsburg, VA. I would especially like to recognize our Executive Director, Bill Zepp, and our VDA staff for the arrangements in Williamsburg. Mr. Zepp and staff thought of every detail to ensure that the 16th District (Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina) had an enjoyable meeting in a great location in preparation for the 1997 ADA House.

Thanks also for the support throughout the annual session in Washington, DC. I think the preparation and tireless effort of our Delegation was obvious at the Convention Caucus, the Reference Committee Hearings and the House of Delegate Sessions in Washington, DC. My thanks to Lynn Campbell (SC) for his leadership as the 16th District Caucus Chairman and to our Trustee, Greg Chadwick (NC), for representing us with distinction at the ADA in Chicago.

A special thanks to the outgoing South Carolina Delegation Chair, Carl Wessinger, for his leadership and service. He will be missed not only by the SC Delegation, but by the entire 16th District.

I would like to recognize members of the Virginia Delegation who serve on ADA councils and committees. They are: Les Webb, Chairman, Council on Dental Benefits Programs; Joan Gillespie, Council on Ethics, Bylaws and Judicial Affairs; and Anne Adams, Chairperson, Council on Membership.

I would like to thank the Virginia Delegation for giving me the opportunity to serve as chairman.

Virginia Dental Journal 27

UPCOMING CONTINUING EDUCATION 1998

Please note: This is the correct CE schedule for 1998. The CE schedule printed in the Octoher-Decemher issue of till' Virginia Dental Journal was in error, \Ve apologize for any inconvenience this ilia)' have caused.

~'olllpom'nt

h;lI1k .I De~aCl,lni, .II .. Allomey

"Colkctilll1.S: How To & Hll\\ NOI To"

Ricluuoud: -l)

Embass\

TJd~waler

Holiday Inn Greenbrier.

Chcxupc.rke. VA

DI. lv1ichacl Vcnot

"Re,dly PI'actic;ll DCllli'llf'

Richmond, VA

"The Alton D, Brashear School o! Medicine

1'(1,I~r"dualL' Course In Head & Neck Anatomy"

( I)

!\Ltrch C)_I::', 1'i9S

MCV Scllllol ol Dcnrixuy

Murch 1.1. !ll()X

Ri~hmond (-l)

Richmond

(4)

March ::'O,llJ'iX

NVDS

March 27, IlJl)!:\

Southwest (6)

(8)

Suit~,

Hutel

Dr. Howard Farrar:

"I'\linlcss Success in '98: The Busine-,s Dcnli.,lry Seminar"

Emoa,sy

SlIit~s

Hotel

or

Dr. Linda Bauglun

"Salivary Dysfunction in the Older Adult Patient"

Fairview Marriott

Drs, Harald Heymann, Charles Wakefield,

& Karl Leinfelder: Symposium on Adhesive

Dentisrry and Cements: a panel of 3M, Caulk, & Kerr

speakers to present and defend the clinical and

technical aspects and application of their product.

Marion, IIcnlock Haven

Sally l\1cKenzie,CMC---"Diagnosing and

Correctinj; Malfunctioning Management Systems"

Conference Center

April S, 1'i9!:\

~VDS

Crystal City Marriott Forum

Dr. Samuel Low: ---Successful Management of the

Periodontal Patient

April 16, 19'i1'S

R ichrnond (4)

Embassy Suites Hotel

Dr. B, Ellen Byrne, "Local Anesthetics"

April 2-l. jllC)k

Tidewater ( I )1 Peninsula (::')

Chesapc'"kc COnfcl'CI1Ce Center Cnesapeak,'. VA

Dr. Hl1W,lrd Farran

Hampton Road-, Dental Sympoxiurn

\-lay 7, !l)l)S

NVDS

Fairvic« Marriou

Dr. Duuic l Cirec'llstcin: "TIlL' Dr. Dan Show"

Pilx'stcl1l St;llc Park,

Bill 11;1) nc,,"!Jc\cloplng Pdllelll

RC'!;lliull,llips"

South,,,,,t 161

Pipe-tern. WV Hi~hcr hlllc',III(lll,t1

('c'lller.

.\hin",doll

!'raLI;ulIj Dcmul.

"Sl'LTCh 10 \1;1n~I!!ill!! the .\cLl,lcralcd Dcnr.rl P"dCUCC"

I )''ila!,hlln Hrll\\ II CllnkrLllLl'

CL'l1h: r. HLlcL -, hurg

cor~TINUING

EDUCATION RECOGr\ITION OJROGRAM

The Virginia Dento; Association IS recognized as a certi­ fied sponsor of conrmumq dGniol education by both the ADA CERP and the Acadr-my of General Dentistry.

28 Virginia Dental Journal

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

f-----------------,

Virginia School of Dental Assisting .. Educating Virginia's Finest Dental Assistants"

Central Virginia Campus Western Virginia Campus 1905 Huguenot Rd, #200 Roanoke, Virginia Richmond, Virginia 23235 Northern Virginia Campus Local Phone 804-794·1754 Fairfax, Virginia Toll Free in VA 1-888-99-DENTAL State Wide Fax 1-804-794-7974

~

X-ray Certification and Other Courses for Dental Assistants Several times per semester, VSDA offers "Dental Radiation Safety: as an individual course. Upon successful completion of this 8-hour course, a participant is certified to expose and develop radiographs in the State of Virginia. Our course offers training in technique as well as radiation safety and includes: • • • • • • • •

Other VSDA courses include:

All Aspects of Radiation Safety Endo Films & Quick Developing FMX Placement and Film Mounting Use of RINN XCP Holders Panoramic & Cephalometric Technique Developing & Fixing and Processor Maintenance Qualiry'Conrrol Measures and Troubleshooting And Much More!

• • •

Adult & Infant CPR Osha & Infection Control Comprehensive Dental Assisting 12 wk course (Sat. only)

See dates below.

The Fee For the Course is $99.00 & includes hand-outs and supplies. Those students enrolled in our 12 week Dental Assisting Course need not register for this course, as it is included. Space is Limited, so call today to reserve a seat for your assistant. Or you may complete the registration sheet below and mail or FAX it to VSDA at 804-794-7974.

VSDA Registration Form Spring

1998

Name

SS#

_

Print or Type Name as it should appear on you Certificate

Home Phone

Work Phone

Address

r"

_

City

ST _

Zip

_

Dental Practice Name

_

Complete Practice Address

_

Birth Date

County or City of Residence

Visa or MC #

_ Expires

Print Name of Card Holder

Signature

_ _

Please enroll me in Ihe course listed below: Check one please. This form may be duplicated for other assistants or students. Reg.. tration is accepted until class begins provided that a class is not full VSDA may cancel any class wlo notice if enrollment is low

Check Here

Course # 100 101 101 100 101 101 101

Section # 001 001 002 002 003 004 005

Date Jan 3-Mar 22 (Richmond) Feb 2B (Richmond) Mar 14 (Fairfax) Apr 4·Jun 20 (Roanoke) April 26 (Richmond) (Roanoke) May 23 (Fairfax) June 27

Time 12 Weeks Bam - 5pm Bam - 5pm 12 Weeks Bam Spm Bam - 5pm Barn Spm v

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Cost $1,595.00 $99.00 $99.00 $1,595.00 $99.00 $99.00 $99.00

Mal! this regisrrauon form and credit card information or check (payable 10 VSDA) to: Virginia School of Dental Assisting, 1905 Huguenot Road, Suite 200, Richmond, Va 23235. Or Fax it (credit card only) to 804-794-7974.

Virginia Dental Journal 29

MEMBERSHIP BENEFIT HIGHLIGHT: DENTAL PLAN INFORMATION

by Kimberly S. Swanson, D.D.S., VDA Membership Task Force

Dental Benefit Information: The staff at the ADA is available to answer questions about the design and administrative features of various dental benefit plans, including managed care plans, Direct Reimbursement, and fee-for-service plans. Information on dental plan statistics is also available. In addition, both the ADA and the VDA have staff available to contact employers in your area to offer them information on dental plan design and coverage. For information or assistance, call the ADA Council on Dental Benefit Plans at extension 2746 or the VDA Central Office.

Marketplace Issues: Dentists and patients must consider many options and issues regarding the dental marketplace and managed care. To educate the public in this area, the ADA Catalog contains literature on patient considerations in selecting a dental plan and on issues for employers in designing and offering a dental plan. Resources for dentists include a booklet on alternative dental benefits models design and their respective impact on a dental practice, available through the Council on Dental Benefits Programs, extension 2746. "A Dentist's Guide to Managed Care Marketplace Information" and "A Financial Impact Analysis of Plan Contracts," a computer spreadsheet program developed by the Council on Dental Practice, are available through the ADA Catalog. Additional resources on these and other related marketplace issues are also available through the ADA Catalog. Call 1-800-947-4746 to place catalog orders.

Quality of Care: The ADA initiated the development of Dental Practice Parameters, which place the dentist's professional judgment as the primary factor in determining the appropriateness of care. For information on Dental Practice Parameters, as well

as up-to-date information on policy and methods on quality improvement and assessment, call the ADA Office on Quality Assessment, extension 2772.

Claims Filing and Dental Procedure Codes: The ADA's Current Dental Terminology (CDT-2) lists every dental procedure code with detailed descriptions to assist in filing accurate dental claims.

CDT-2 is now also available on computer disk. To order the CDT足 2 using a credit card, call the ADA Catalog customer service staff at 1-800-947-4746. If you have specific questions regarding procedure codes that are not answered in CDT-2 call the ADA Council on Dental Benefit Programs, extension 2753.

Electronic Claims Submission: "A Dentist's Guide to Electronic Claims Processing" explains electronic claims process and the paper-less submission of claims using computer-to-computer transmission of data. This publication is free to members. To request a copy, call the ADA Council on Dental Practice, extension 2895.

Enjoy the full value of the powerful partnership that is organized dentistry! For more information on the many benefits of tripartite membership: contact the ADA at 312-440-2500 (or use the members-only toll-free number listed on the back of your membership card), the VDA at 800-552-3886, or contact your local dental society. Information may also be obtained online through the ADA (www.ada.org) and the VDA (www.vadental.org) websites.

PUBLICATION OF CANDIDATE INFORMATION IN THE VDA JOURNAL

Nominations for the elective offices of the Virginia Dental Association may be made either by a Component President on behalf of the Component he/she represents, or by obtaining signatures from a minimum of twenty-five members of the Association. These nominations should be directed to Dr. Thomas S. Cooke III, VDA Secretary-Treasurer.

500 words. Candidates for all other offices will be allowed a maximum of 250 words. Candidates are asked to limit their biographical information to major accomplishments, but to include such pertinent data as education, memberships, honors, positions of leadership held in the ADA, VDA and Component Society, and community leadership activities.

All candidates must have submitted their CV's, pictures (black & white head-shots preferred), and biographical information to the attention of Dr. Leslie S Webb, Jr., Editor at the VDA Central Office no later than March 1, 1998, for publication in the April足 May-June issue of the Virginia Dental Journal. Forms for submission of Candidate Information have been mailed to all VDA Component Society Presidents.

Due to space limitations, the VDA Journal Editor will reserve the right to condense biographical information, as necessary

Candidates for the offices of President-Elect and Secretary足 Treasurer of the Association will be allowed a maximum of

30 Virginia Dental Journal

Should you have any questions regarding the Journal criteria, please contact Dr. Les Webb either by phone 804-282-9781 or by fax 804-282-3647. If additional Journal submission forms are needed, please contact Tanya Moore at the VDA Central Office either by phone 800-552-3886 or by fax 804-353-7342.

Special Winter Lease Rates for VDA Members

Honda Accord LX Dodge Grand Caravan SE Ford Expedition XLT Dodge Durango SLT Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Lexus ES 300 Chevrolet Corvette

$ 265 $ 375 $ 389 $ 409 $ 435 $ 485 $ 629

Matthew Greene Creative Leasing (804) 358-8319 Monthly payments quoted. 38 month, closed end leases, 15,000 miles/year.

Fit'st payment, security deposit, taxes, tag fees and $1500 down payment due at delivery.

Dependent upon availabilty, prices subject to change Other terms and mileages available.

All makes and models available, at similar savings.

SEVEN NEW PRODUCTS ADDED TO MBNA FINANCIAL

SERVICES MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS PACKAGE

The Virginia Dental Association and MBNA America Bank have added seven new products to the VDNMBNA endorsed financial

services program offered exclusively to VDA members. The seven new products are in addition to the MBNA Gold and MBNA

Platinum MasterCard programs already offered. The new VDNMBNA endorsed programs include:

Gold Saver money market accounts, offering superior market rates and liquidity of funds. Call MBNA at (800) 345-0397 for more

information or to open an account.

Gold Certificate certificate of deposit accounts, which offer flexible terms and some of the most competitive rates in the industry. To

obtain current rate information or to open an account, call MBNA at (800) 345-0397.

Gold Option revolving loan accounts that combine the best features of a flexible line of credit and the predictability of a fixed足

payment loan. There is no annual fee, and you can select the loan term and payment schedule. For information,

call (800) 626-2760.

Gold Reserve, a line of credit that gives you the financial flexibility of immediate access to a significant cash reserve. Members will

be issued a book of GoldReserve checks that may be used any time or anywhere checks are accepted. No interest charges are

incurred until there is a balance on the account. For more information or to apply for an account, call MBNA at

(800) 626-2760 Other new VDA-endorsed MBNA financial products Include MBNA home equity loans and home equity lines of credit A home equity loan IS an installment loan secured by your home, which offers fixed monthly payments and the added advantage of tax足 deductible interest. A home equity line of credit offers a credit line secured by your home, plus loans up to 100 percent of the value of your home. For more information or to apply for these MBNA home equity products, call MBNA at (800) 841-1981.

The VDA has also endorsed MBNA's Platinum Plus for Business. a MasterCard business card that delivers the purchase convenience of MasterCard, an easy-to-use expense management system, and simplified record-keeping and tax preparation. For more information, call MBNA at (800) 598-8791.

For information on all VDA-endorsed programs, visit the VDA Website at www.vadental.org or call the VDA Central Office at (800) 552-3886.

Virginia Dental Journal 31

-ll

ADA COUNCIL ON INSURANCE WHITE PAPER ON MEDICAL SAVINGS ACCOUNTS I: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~;;;;;;;;;;~~~~~~~~;;;,;;;;;;;~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~IJ In !l)l)(" Congress enacleu the Health Insurance Portability anc Accouillability Act. also known as the Kennedy/Kassebaum bill. Among the provisions or this legislation was a tour-year pi lot program designed to implement and lest the impact of Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs).

These accounts offer tax incentives to encourage individuals to self-Insure a higher percentage of their health care costs by selecting policies having large deductible», They are available only to individuals who are self-employed or to employees of xma]] employers.

The Council on Insurance believes that many dentists will be interested in establishing MSAs and will look to con>\ituenl dental society­ endorsed or sponsored programs for coverage having the requisite deductibles. This White Paper is intended to assist the constituent societies in deciding whether to offer the type of medical insurance that is required by MSAs as well as to respond to member requests for information about these accounts.

What are MSAs? The Internal Revenue Service defines a MSA as a tax-exempt trust or custodial account established for the purpose of paying medical expenses in conjunction with a high-deductible health plan. In some ways. MSAs are similar to Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs).

Contributions by an individual to a MSA are deductible in determining adjusted gross income and contributions by an employer are excluded from the employee's income. There is generally no federal tax on earnings on the funds held in the MSA and like an IRA, MSAs may be invested in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, certificates of deposit, money market funds, etc.

However, MSAs do differ from IRAs in some important respects. For this reason, taxpayers cannot usc an IRA as an MSA and cannot combine '1I1 IRA and an MSA In a single account.

Eligibility Requirements Sell-employed individual', and those working for small employers are eligible to establish MSAs if they have medical insurance policies having dcduciibles falling within xpcci! range.s.

If thcv have more than one policy, none 01 the msur.mcc may have a deductible outside of the required range. It IS permissible to he covered by a high deductible plan aillfig with separate coverage lor dental. vision or long-term care.

For purposes or e,tablilhing ehgibllny [or MSi\,. a vmall employer i, one which has llO

32 Virginia Dental Journal

more thun SOemployees during either of the two preceding calendar years. If the employer provides a high-deductihle policy but doesn't want to offer MSAs, employees can sign up 1(11' the accouuts on their own. If the employer doesn ': oiler a high-deductible policy, the employee will not be ehgihle lor the MSA program.

The required insurance, whether purchased by the individual or by the employer, must have annuul deductiblcs (hat arc at least $1,500 but no more than $2,2S0 for an individual policy or at least $3,000 but no more than $4,SOO for a family policy. In addition, the annual out-of­ pockct expenses under the policy cannot exceed $3,000 for individual coverage or $5.500 for family coverage. Out-of-pocket expenses include deductiblcs, co-payments and other amounts that participant must pay for covered benefits, but do not include premiums.

cannot exceed the income from rue busincv, with respect to which the insurance plan is established.

If the tax payer is an employee, the contribution cannot exceed the individual's compensation attributable to the employer that sponsors the high-deductible plan. Contributions 10 a :viSA may be mudc by the employee or by the employer, hut not both in anyone year.

Contributions are deductible from gross income whether or not the Individual itemizes deductions. Employer contributions to an eligible individual's MSA are excludable from gross income, and are not subject to withholding for income tax or to Social Security and Medicare taxes. However, a tax deduction is denied to any individual who may be claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer's return.

Taxpayers with health insurance other than catastrophic coverage generally won't be able to have MSAs. However, individuals having the required high-deductible policy won't be disqualified from establishing MSAs if they also have certain limited coveragesuch as Medicare supplemental insurance, per-diem hospitalization coverage, and coverage for accidents, disability, dental care. vision care, or long-term care.

If an individual contributes more to an MSA than is permissible, or an ineligible individual contributes to a MSA, an excise tax of six percent for each tax year is imposed on the account holder. This tax may be avoided if excess contributions are returned before the due date of the individual's tax return. Any returned amount must include any investment income generated by the excess contrihutions. The returned contributions and income are included in the gross income of the individual and subject to taxation in the year received.

Eligible individuals can establish a MSA with 'I qualified trustee or custodian in much the same way they establish IRAs. No permission or authorization from the Internal Revenue Service IS necessary. A qualified MSA trustee or custodian is any insurance company or financial institution or other person who can demonstrate to the IRS that the trust will he administered correctly.

Employer contributions to a MSA are reported on the employee's Form W-2. The 1997 Form W-2 hox 13, has been revised to add a new Code R to be used to report employer contributions to a MSA for an employee. A new form, 5498­ MSA, Medical Savings Account lnformation. is to be used to report contributions made by individuals to MSAs, as well as the Account's value.

Contributions to MSAs The maximum annual contribution to a MSA is 65% of the tux payer"; insurance policy's deductihle for individual coverage and 7570 for Iaruily coverage. ltthe qualifying medical policy wa» in force for less than one year. then the contribution to the MSA would be reduced hy I /12th for eucn momh of non-qualified covcrauc.

As with IRA contributions. post-ycar-en« contrihutions to MSAs that are made hy ihc due delte for the tax return for thc prior year will be deductible. The contributiou for the year may be made in one 01' more payment-so at the convenience 01 the individual.

According to the Council lor Affordable Health Insurance, an Alexandria, VA organization that represents insurance companies mainly in the small and medium markets, 18 states allow MSAs that are not subject to state taxes. 11 is expected that states with rules that aren't quite the same as those of the Icderal povcmmcnt Will bring their rules into line with Icderul laws. It is also expected that other sturcs will make MSAs free of suuc taxes.

If the tax payer is self-cmployeu. the contnbution

Withdrawals from

MSA~

Qualified wlthura"'al s 11'0111 an MSA arc those which are used hy the petrticipating inul\luuJI

to pay mcd icul c x pcnxe s not covered by mxurance and which would qualify for the

mcdicu] expense itemized dcdurfion on the federal inc\lllle tax I'orlll, The-«: expcl1';es arc described under section 21:1 or the federal Tax Code, hut do not include premiums for insurance except lor coverage agai nst the cost or long -rcrm cure. The expenses may include those or the tnx puyur. as well as his or her spouse ,1I1d dependents, even if the high-deductible policy covers only the taxpayer. Expenses paid by fax­ free MSA distributions can't be taken as itemized deductions.

Taxpayers should not look to trustees or custodians of MSAs (e.g. banks, insurance companies, ctc.) for guidance in determining whether particular expenses are qualified, They are not required to offer such guidance, Only the account's owner makes this determination subject to approval by the IRS, II funds withdrawn from a MSA are used for any purpose that is not qualified, they are included in the taxpayer's gross income. II' non­ qualified withdrawals are made by taxpayers who are under age 65, they will be subject to alSo/<: tax in addition to the income tax, However, the additional 15'7(, will not apply if the withdrawal is made by an account holder who is disabled or from the account of an individutl who dies, Finally, it should be noted that individuals are not required to use MSAs to pay uninsured medical care costs, They could, for example, use the accounts to pay premiums for the cost of insurance against the cost of long-term care, Alternatively, they could simply allow their MSA accounts to accumulate assets for many years building an ever larger pool of funds to cover uninsured health care costs in old age, They could also use the funds for supplemental retirement income, If withdrawn from the MSA after agc 65 or in the event of disability, there would be no 150/c tax penalty, although ordinary income taxes would apply, MSAs used in this manner would be similar to IRAs,

The Pilot Program The pilot program permits up to 750,000 MSAs to be established during the four-year period during January I, 1997 and ending December :11, 2(JOO, Additional accounts may he established by individuals who are currently not covered by any medical insurance, T he ability of individuals to establish MSAs could end either he lore the year 2000 or before \ jthe 750,000 maximum is reached, if the number ul accounts established reaches certain limits in \1997, 1\)98 or I99\), For employees of small icmpillyers, the law specilles two potential cutoff [clates in 1997: Scptcm her I and October I, For Isclf-cmployed individuals. these dates are October I, and November I, 1997, respectively.

(Additional potential cutoff dates are October J, Ilc)ll8 and October L IllC)ll, for both employees

and sell'-employeel individuals, II' the xtuuuory limits arc reached and thc abilily t\l establish \1SAs ends early, the IRS will make an announcement not later than October J or the relevant year, The ability to establish MSAs will not be cut otf before the announcement i,smade, Once the overall 750,000 cap is reached, or the IRS announces a cutoff date, no new accounts can he setup, Should this happen, in succeeding yean, during the pilot period, only t h o-.c individuals who made a MSA contribution or had an employer MSA contribution 1'01' the year or a preceding year, or are emp loyed by a participating employer. would be eligible for an MSA contribution, [1' the MSA program is not continued by Congress, beginning January I, 200 I, no new contributions may be made to MSAs except by or un behalf of individuals who previously had MSA contributions, as well as employees of participating employers, A participating employer is one that made any MSA contributions for any year to a MSA on behalf of employees or had at least 20% of its covered employees make MSA contributions of at least $100, Self-employed individuals who made contributions to a MSA during the period 1997­ 2000 also may continue to make contributions after 2000.

Future of MSAs During the four-year pilot period, the General Accounting Office (GAO), the investigative arm of Congress, will conduct a study of the effects of MSAs, It will focus on the impact of MSAs on medical costs, consumer behavior and the insurance market. Congress will use the GAO study to determine whether the MSA concept should be continued beyond the year 2000, Some critics of MSAs have argued that they will favor healthier, wealthier consumers to the detriment of others, In a letter to the editor of The Hid! Street Journal, Gail S hearer, director, Health Policy Analysis, Consumers Union, stated that many consumers who would not benefit from MSAs could sec their health insurance premiums skyrocket. She argued that premiums for traditional health insurance typically having a deductible of $250 will increase by as much as 300'lr if MSAs are allowed without limits into the health insurance market. This could occur il' insured groups having low dcductibles suffer adverse selection as their healthier participants withdraw in favor of plans having high deducriblcs.

Propoucnt« of MSAs al'gue that the opposite effect could occur, They hold that higher dcductibles will increase the uffordahility of health insurance and encourage more healthy people to enter the system, The result would be u larger and he~dthier pool ofinsured individual-,

who would help finumc the L'osl or care fOI individuals needing lrcquen: n1l'dical care, It is also argued that. became holders or \1SA, will he sell'-insuring a higher percentage of their medical care, they will become more dixccrning consumers. If so, the result could be more eOl1lpetition among health carl' providcrs in tenTIS of fees and/or reduced utilization or care that the consumer believes to be discretionary, Benefits for Dentistry The advantages or MSAs lor individual dentists will depend upon their personal circumstances and the eoveragc provided by their medical insurance policies, In some cases, dentists who are consumers 01 large amounts of medical care because they or their dependents have health problems. may find it 1110re advantageous to continue insurance having low deductihlcs.

However, those not having a need for extraordinary medical care will likely always lind it more cost-effective to establish MSAs, Not only will 40% of the premiums paid 1'01' their own health insurance continue to be deductible, but they will have a 100% tax deduction for their MSA contributions. For dentists providing health insurance for their employees, the financial bcndit of higher deductibles is obvious.

However, they may find it desirable to share some or all of the premium savings with their employees by having a contribution to MSAs established for the employees' benefit. Those adopting such arrangements are required to provide comparable MSA contributions for all participating employees, It is possible that MSAs could increase the demand for dental care, As was noted by Dr. Lawrence H. Meskin. in his editorial in the May 1997 issue of the JOUI'lW! ofth« American Dental Association, since dental services can be purchased through the MSA, account holders can effectively reduce the price of dental care. In effect. they could pay for dental care with tax­ deductible dollars or the investment income generated by MSA account balances, For this reason, apart from the advantages to individual dentists, the widespread use of MSAs and their continuation beyond the pilot period, could be beneficial to the profession,

This white paper ll'as developed bv the ADA Council (}I) lnsuranccjor the cxclusiv« L1.1'C o( tlu: Association» constituent dent«! societies, It \I'as revieweel bv the consultingfinn of Milliman & Robertson. Inc.. and to the best of the COLlI/Cl!'.\ knowlcdge, the intonnation it contains is accurate. HOII'c]!'l: the Counci! is not quo!ified to provid« tax orlc-ia! iulvicc ancl lll;r.:es all users ofthis whitr !wI'Cl'to consult with their ovn accountants and attorncis to determine ifMedical Saling" A«OWIl,\ will be

in their hell interests.

Virginia Dental Journal 33

VIVA LA DIFFERENCE

submitted by Dr. Wallace L. Huff At the 1997 VDA Leadership Conference, in my summation and wrap-up session, I quoted a portion of an article by Dr. Harry Lyons entitled "Commercialism; Professionalism, Viva la difference." Since that time, I have had many requests from members of the VDA inquiring how they might get a copy of the article. The article was published in the October 1983 issue of the Virginia Dental Journal, Vol. 60.

Following is a reprint of this article in it's entirety.

In commercialism there are sales promotions, advertising to coax or stimulate business; in professionalism (In the health services) there is patient education.

Why did dentistry borrow the language and the customs of commerce?

Did dentistry improve or lower its status in the eyes of the public by "going commercial"? How much of this was a rebellion of the younger 'tost' generation against the Established Order?

On the score of language, effective communication requires that the words, phrases and sentences used between people be fully informative and accurately descriptive - or else how can one pass on a message to another? Savour the "new" professional language!

COMMERCIALISM, PROFESSIONALISM Viva la difference Harry Lyons COMMERCIALISM: commercial spirit or methods; emphasis on profit or financial success...(Webster) Commerce is characterized by marketing, huckstering, advertising, sales and bargain promotions, profit and financial gain.

PROFESSIONALISM: the conduct, aim and qualities that characterize or mark a profession or professional person ...(Webster) Professionalism is characterized by conduct guided by a code of ethics or conduct with major emphasis on promotion of human welfare.

In commercialism there are competitors; in professionalism there are colleagues.

"

In commercialism there are buyers or customers; in professionalism (in the health professions) there are patients.

In commercialism there are trade secrets; in professionalism there is sharing of knowledge, freely done.

We are now hearing about internal marketing and external marketing in dentistry. What can the adjectives "internal" and "external" mean in this context? Lo and behold, we are told that internal marketing is practice management; whatever goes on in the dentist's office. External marketing is what is done on the outside; patient education, advertising, etc. Why hide these activities under labels that are neither informative nor descriptive? What is so elegant about such language of commerce compared with the language of a health service profession? Are we hiding something? Yes, we are! We are hiding professionalism by sweeping it under the trampled rug of commercialism.

Who gains? Certainly not the dental profession and the dentist. Certainly not the public whom we are supposed to be dedicated to serve. We have all lost something: a treasure, our professionalism.

It is not enough for a few "old-timers" to weep. Our present leadership should study the history of our profession and maybe they, too, would weep - and reverse the course; not stay it.

District of Columbia Dental Society

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EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ACTIONS IN BRIEF

November 16, 1997 The_Following Recommendations Were Considered:

A. B. C. D.

I. A12J:JIDved a recommendation that on a one-time basis, a licensed dentist applying for membership, who has never been a member of the ADA and is not otherwise eligible as a new graduate, shall pay reduced dues at the rate of 50% of active member dues in the first year, and shall pay 100% dues in the second year and each year thereafter,

E. F. G. H. I.

2.

AQj;Jroved a recommendation for funding of a dental hygiene pro­ gram at Blue Ridge Community College and that financial arrange­ ments be made for the VDA lobbyist to follow this issue.

The Executive Council recommends adoption of the above recom­ mendations by the House of Delegates.

The Following Recommendations Were Approved: I. Approved a recommendation by the Legislative Committee that theVDA support the Board of Dentistry changes to Code 54.1-2702 to provide equal pay of Virginia Board Examiners as that of other SERTA members.

2.

Approved a recommendation that the policy of the Executive Com­ mittee of the VDA shall be that any announced candidate for the office of President-elect or Secretary/Treasurer shall be invited to participate in the meetings of the Executive Committee as an ad-hoc participant for the year prior to the respective election at the VDA Annual Meeting.

3.

AmJroved a recommendation that the policy of the Executive Com­ mittee shall be to approve the sites of all Leadership and Committee meetings.

4.

Approved a recommendation that the budget expense sheet has been reviewed and the Executive Committee approves the present ex­ penses in categories which are over-budget as of October 1997.

Medicaid (Funding and Balanced Budget Act 1997) Hygiene issue (local anesthesia) Point-of-service (POS) Assignment of Benefits Dental Hygiene Program Funding Reimbursement for General Anesthesia for Dental Service Complaint Procedure Follow-up (on going) HB2785 Medicaid Malpractice Cap Board of Dentistry 54.1-2702 changes for Equal Pay as other SERTA members.

10. Approved a recommendation that the Executive Council actions be sent to Committee Chairmen of the VDA. 1 I. AQm:.oved a recommendation that a copy of all VADPAC contribu­ tions made to candidates be sent to the Legislative Chairman.

The Following Recommendations Were Referred To Committee: I. Referred to the Planning Committee a recommendation to study the costs and steps necessary to start a pilot non-traditional dental hy­ giene program and report back to the Executive Committee.

2.

Referred to the Planning Committee a recommendation to develop an election policy and the methodology necessary for orderly elections, to be published for the membership before the VDA Annual Meeting.

3.

ReferrecL.1iLVADPAC with recommendation to adopt: The Governor's Club anniversary dates be changed to coincide with the VDA Annual Meeting so that those joining the Governor's Club would also be a member of the ADA Capital Club in the same year.

The Following Recommendations Were Received As Information Only:

5.

AQj;Jroved a recommendation that the Executive Director work with the Annual Meeting Committee in implementing the new meeting sched­ ule for the 1998 Annual Meeting.

6.

Approved a recommendation that the Joint Commission introduce legislation to require all HMO's include a "point-of-service" option as a benefit component in all HMO products. The legislation would result in a POS option being available to all employees through their enroll­ ment in either the HMO or POS product. Employees choosing the POS option would pay all additional costs associated with the POS benefits.

This recommendation will be forwarded to the task force.

7.

Approved a recommendation that the Executive Council consider having the Foundation sponsor and receive profits of an event at the VDA Annual Meeting, i.e. a Casino Night. This would begin with 1998 Annual Meeting in Williamsburg.

8.

AQm:.oved a recommendation to endorse the Dental Benefits Com­ mittee to explore data collection and assimilation of data from VDA electronic claims 9.

Approved as amended the following resolutions in regard to the legislative priority program presented by the VDA lobbyist for the 1998 sesvron:

I. Received as information only from the Executive Committee, The Awareness Program Presentation has been scheduled for II :OOam, Janu­ ary 31, 1998. It will be a one half-hour presentation with another half­ hour, or longer, for questions and answers plus a lunch.

J Received as information only from the VDA Educational Founda­ tion the following recommendations: A. Change the name to the "Virginia Dental Association Foundation".

B. Change the bylaws to broaden scope of the mission to a general foundation.

C. Add and increase the number of directors.

D. Recruit individuals with an interest in fund raising and foundation work.

E. Create a VDA committee on continuing education as recom mended by the Ad Hoc Committee on Dental Education Issues.

3.

ReceiveiJ as information only that the Dental Delivery For The Special Needs Patient Committee will apply for funding by Donated Dental Services to provide reimbursement for directors of volunteer! free clinics for an annual presentation to the committee for special needs to coordinate efforts of grant applications and supply acquisitions, mail outs and dcliverables up to $500.00.

Virginia Dental Journal 35

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ACTIONS IN BRIEF

February 1, 1998 The FollowiIULRe<:oml11cl1datiol1s Were Considered: 3.

6.

A.v!Ho\ed a recommendation that the VDA Constitution and Bylaws be am mended to state that the c hu irm.m of the Planning Committee will be the most senior past-president serving on that Committee.

School of Deliti~tl'y .~Iittll be lCtoli1II1Cllclecl fOI Iloillilialioll to ~el \ Cd., dll AIlCI n,ttc [)eleg,ttc.

7.

4.

AllP r 0 v e d a I' e com III end at ion that 1he V D A Constitution and Bylaws he ummended to establish a standing committee of the Virginia Dental Association titled Dental Continuing Education Committee.

A.

Membership - This Committee shall consist of ten (10) members including one (I) representative from each component society and two (2) members

Duties: I.

2.

3.

4.

Establishment of continuing educa­ tion programs for member dentists and their staffs.

Monitoring VDXs central calendar of all continuing education programs in Virginia.

Continual review of new technologi­ cal advances in CE presentations, Serve as a repository for potential CE speakers.

8.

Approved a recommendation that the VDA Constitution & By i aw» be amended a" follows: Article rv Section 2 D. The elective officers shall he elected by ballot of the membership at the Annual Membership Meeting. A majority vote shall elect. In the event of an unopposed nomination, it may be that the secretary be instructed to cast the ballot of the members for the candidate or state. If no nominee receives a majority of the votes cast on the first ballot. the nominee receiving the lowest number of votes shall be dropped, and a new ballot taken.

Bullet l'oting sliall not be /Jcrl71ittcd. All elective positions shall be voted on separately, except that ADA Delegates, Alternate Delegates and Executive Councilor-At-Large shall be voted on as groups.

.6m:Jroved a recommendation that the following be included in VDA Policy:

I. 2.

The VDA president shall run the elections.

Names of nominees shall be displayed during elections.

3. Pre-printed and pre-distributed blank ballots shall be used.

4. The time periods during which votes are being counted shall be used for VADPAC and awards presentations.

5. In elections for multiple positions. ,1 ballot will be invalid if the same name is voted more than once or the number of names on the ballot does not equal the number of available positions.

6. The order of elections shall he published with the meet ing age nda.

7. Any candidate for VDA office is entitled to a two (2) minute nomination speech, unless the candidate is unopposed. iJ. Announced candidates for any elected position shall notify the VDA Journal editor of any position he/she would vacate as a result of his/her election for p u b l i c a t i o n in the Journal with their an n 0 un cc m en l.

Approved a re c o m m e n d a t i o n that the VDA Constitution & Bylaws he amended as follows: Article vrn Section 4.A 4. Constitution and Bylaws Committee: a.

Memhership: This Cornm ittcc shall consist of the immediate Past President. tlit' Spcuker of IiiI' House, the current and immediate past Parl iamen uuians. and two memhers-at-Iarge to be appointed by the President of the Association.

from the MCV /VCU School of Dentistry.

B.

Approved a rcc o mme nd.u io n that Article V. Section I of the Vl)A Constitution & Bylaws be amended hy deletion of the following: Tltc Delli of tlte MeV

9.

Approved a recommendation that the VDA Constitution & Bylaws be amended as follows: Art ic le VIII Committees Section 4. Names and Duties of Committees: A. REGULAR STANDING COMMfTTEES: 4. Constitution and Bvlaws Committee h. Duties: The duties of th i-, Committee shall include the Fol l ow i n g : k e e p i n g the BYLAWS of this Association in a consistent and accurate c o ud i t io u by proposing new and appropriate amendments to the Executive Council and the House of Delegates

Continued 011 p . ../9

~6 Virginia Dental Journal

submitted by Connie Jungmann, VDA Assistant Executive Director Virginia Businesses Choose DR We are pleased to announce that the following Virginia businesses have chosen to begin the new year by implementing Direct Reimbursement dental benefits programs for their employees: CNA Corporation - Falls Church

(Referred by Dr. AI Rizkalla);

Special Operations Group - Woodbridge (Referred by Dr. Elizabeth Tarpley); Spot Image Corporation - Reston

(ADA Referral); and

Quality Plus Services - Petersburg

(ADA Referral).

A special thanks to both Drs. Tarpley and Rizkalla for their time and efforts in promoting Direct Reimbursement!

Additionally, Benefits Administration Inc. (BAI) has converted two more of their existing Richmond-based clients to Direct Reimbursement. Those companies are Hutchens & Hutchens PC, law firm and Richmond Engraving.

staff. Originally included as part of the state-wide DR Resource Kit that was mailed to all VDA members last fall, multiple copies of the DR Quick Reference Card are available upon request from the VDA Central Office.

The promotion of Direct Reimbursement to Virginia employers will continue throughout the 1998 year with the cooperative marketing efforts of the VDA, Benefits Administration, and the ADA. The ADA's expanded national DR media and direct mail campaign will continue to target both CEO's of Human Resource Managers of Virginia-based companies. All Virginia leads generated from the ADA's media campaign are referred back to the VDA and BAI for follow up, but we still need your help. The success of Direct Reimbursement in the Commonwealth is largely dependent upon developing a relationship with the decision makers of companies within your communities. This relationship is a key step in getting through the door to talk to employers about DR and often times you hold the key to that door. If you or your staff are able to provide a referral or have a business contact who would like more information about Direct Reimbursement, please contact anyone of the individuals listed below: Connie L. Jungmann

VDA Assistant Executive Director

804/358-4927 or 804/353-7342 FAX

800/552-3886 (toll free in-state)

As the number of employers utilizing DR in Virginia continues to grow, it is vitally important that you and your staff become educated about Direct Reimbursement. The ADA's newly created brochure, "Direct Reimbursement - a Guide for the Dental Office," was created specifically to answer some of the most common questions asked by dentists and their staff about DR. A copy of this brochure was included in the October 6, 1997, issue of the ADA News mailed to all ADA members. Additional copies of this brochure are available by calling the ADA's Council on Dental Benefit Programs or Connie Jungmann at the VDA Central Office.

Additionally, the VDA and SAl have created a "DR Quick Reference Card," offering DR processing tips for the front-desk

~I

C.P. Coyner, Benefits Consultant Benefits Administration, Inc. 804/320/4500 or 804/379-3509 FAX Jon Swan, Benefits Consultant Benefits Administration, Inc. 804/378-6206 or 804/379-3509 FAX

VDA NEWS submitted by Connie Jungman, Assistant Executive Director

Broadcast Fax What is it?

Broadcast fax is computer-based faxing and allows us to fax a document to many, even hundreds, of destinations virtually sl­ rnultaneously, Almost any written communications including con­ ference information, seminar announcements, legislative updates, and particularly those documents that are time sensitive, are perfect for broadcast fax.

Why do it?

Faxes get attention -- they are read first, bypassing the daily del­ uge of mail. Faxes are faster than mail -- documents can be sent overnight or immediately.

In an effort to increase our overall communications with the mem­ bership, the VDA has recently begun to utilize broadcast fax as method for communicating timely information to VDA members whose fax numbers we have in our database. Please check your listing in the 1998 VDA Membership Directory & Resource Guide, and if we do not have your fax number listed please take a minute to update our records. You may either give us a call at 1-800­ 552-3886, or fax us your number at 804-353-7342.

The use of broadcast fax can only enhance our current methods of communication. You don't have a fax machine? Don't worry, we will continue to utilize the mail. as well as postings on the VDA Website (www.vadental.org) to keep our members informed about issues in dentistry both on the state and national level

Virginia Dental Journal 37

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38 Virginia Dental Journal

VIRGINIA DENTISTS RECOGNIZED FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES The American Dental Association Council

on ADA Session and International

programs has recognized five Virginia

dentists for their volunteer service in a

foreign country for the 1997 year. Those

individuals recognized include:

Dr. Gilbert DeBiasi - Richmond;

Dr. Gary Left - Falls Church;

Dr. Louis Leresche - McLean;

Dr. Thomas W. Littrell - Galax; and

Dr. Michael A. McCombs - Vienna.

In his letter to the VDA, Dr. Terry D.

Dickinson, Chairman, Council on ADA

Sessions and International Programs

indicated that there has already been a

great deal of interest in the Certificate of

Recognition for Volunteer Service in a

Foreign Country program among Association members. Dr. Dickinson writes, "The Council encourages you to play an active role and share in this important program to honor colleagues who deserve an expression of recognition and appreciation for their concern and generous humanitarian service. Such cooperation will be beneficial to the volunteers, the societies and schools and to the dental profession."

The deadline for submitting 1998 nominations for the Certificate Program is April 15, 1998. Nominees must meet specific criteria for qualification, and must be nominated by his or her constituent or component dental society or federal dental service.

Dental students must be nominated by their dental school.

Application forms and copies of the criteria are available on request from the Council on ADA Sessions and International Program office.

L'se of latex gloves by health care professionals has resulted in many cases of serious allergic reactions. Symptoms include contact dermatitis, rashes and swellmg Repeated exposure may develop mto asthma, hypotension and, m some cases, irnmunoglobuhn sensitivity leading to anaphylaxis. FDA research has confirmed the cause as increased protein content in latex and deemed it a "significll1t health risk."

As a result, OSI-LA. has declared latex exposure a "preventable' workplace hazard The manufacturers ol these glm'es have been subjccteci to habiluy in several states where health care worKers have been affected lr you thmk yuu may be suffering from injuncs due to

SOUTHERN ASSOCIATION

OF ORTHODONTISTS

McLean, VA~Local orthodontist Dr. Alan S. Helwig completed a year as president of the 1,800 member Southern Association of Orthodontists. He now serves as Immediate Past President. Previously, Dr. Helwig served three years as a senior director and he has represented the 11足 state SAO in the House of Delegates of the American Association of Orthodontists.

He is a member of the Virginia Association of Orthodontists, the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, the Virginia Dental Association and the Northern Virginia Dental Society.

latex exposure, regardless of when It occurred, you may be due Significant compensation and should contact MIke Pretl at the law firm of Ashcraft &1 Gercl immediately Ashcraft & Gerel is highly experienced in the invcsugation, evaluation and resolution of claims due to use of hazardous products and devices. Your interview will be conducted in total coni.deuce and without any financial obligation.

AsHCRAFT&GEREL The VictuiLI' Rlg!1tS Law Fmn 1-800-400-1949 MD-VA-DC

Virginia Dental Journal 39

ALLIANCE OF THE

VDAJ

by Jocelyn R. Lance

rationale that ''The Alliance is an instrumental part of the Association and without their assistance, we would not be as successful. It is only fitting that they hold a leadership position on the ADPAC Board." They asked that I work with Judy Sherman and submit a report on ways that the Alliance could be incorporated into the constituent grassroots activities of ADA.

Presentation to ADA Constituent Executive Directors I am here to tell you today that you have an asset out there ready and able to help you in the political arena, and is yours just for the asking. There is a group who could help you, not be a pain in the neck-who often has more time, or at least with more time management skills, who could do the leg work, make those phone calls, visit legislators, write letters, and attend committee meetings.

They are not your enemies with personal agendas but could be a part of the team- yours just for the asking. Use the untapped resource that is available from within- the spouse.

Politics is the art of the possible. This familiar phrase could be used to describe legislative activities of the spouses of dentists. I want to talk about what is possible, what has been done and present to you the possibilities of the future.

The Alliance of the American Dental Association [AADA] is an organization of almost 11,000 dental spouses, affiliated in 28 states, with members-at large in most of the rest. The only criterion for membership is marriage to a dentist- and one who is a member of the ADA. Manyof you have or have had some sort of history of involvement with the spouses in your area. I know in many states it has been a positive working relationship but in others it's a very mixed bag. I have seen problems and attitudes from the past worked out successfully.

When I joined the dental Auxiliary, we were a group of women, mostly stay at home mothers who met for the camaraderie, with only one real thing in common - we were married to dentists.

Our purpose was to help with awareness of good dental health in our communities, mostly by doing puppet shows for children and working in health fairs. We helped in schools, gave toothbrushes to the needy and yes, we had formal Teas and fashion shows, but they were fun and gave us a reason to meet.

Those things are still being done but our scope has broadened into other areas.

AADA has pretty much the same membership problems as ADA, only more so because we are limited to the pool of spouses from its membership. We have been trying to change to accept modern day family tone- two career families, and to be honest, the attitude about volunteering for anything is much different than it used to be.

Several years ago, we changed our name from Auxiliary to Alliance- to update our image, to include more male spouses, and to avoid the confusion with office staff- also referred to as Auxiliary. We have slowly been getting away from a primary focus on Dental Health Education, for many of us see the future as being more of a helpmate in the legislative arena. I am happy to say that the leadership of the American Dental Association now seems to share this attitude by the inclusion of spouses in most legislative information.

As Legislative Chair of the Dental Alliance, I am its representative on the Council on government affairs, and a Director on the ADPAC Board. At the July meeting the Board voted to grant this position "member status" on the Executive Committee-- with the

40 Virginia Dental Journal

The Alliance would like very much to be considered a valued resource to the ADA- it is a vital part of our Mission Statement.

Judy and I discussed the grassroots program and agreed that spouses could take part actively and effectively in these efforts.

However, we concluded it would be very difficult to perform or help with these tasks without official invitation to do so by our dental societies. Often this would be at the request of the dental leadership and more often- of the Executive Director.

The Alliance has no agenda other than helping ADA to meet theirs. It is a partnership in dentistry that needs only to be encouraged and developed. We have found that more than 65% of dental wives work in some capacity in the office- some of us are hygienists, some are assistants, as well as office managers and bookkeepers or the temp help when needed. It is a true family business and any political activity would just add to the power base. The support of the spouse is very different from requests or positions taken by the hygienist or assistant organizations. Alliance groups are not self-serving and should be able to function as the true partners that we are.

For more than a decade we have been trying to educate our members on the legislative responsibility of the dental community.

I have written articles in each issue of our national publications to educate and motivate, and have provided examples on how to do certain activities. At our spring Leadership Conferences, Legislative Day is the annual highlight and features presentations

by ADA staff members- usually Judy Sherman and Judy Pulice, along with workshops and seminars. Area Congressmen are invited as keynote speakers and have included people such as Nancy Kassenbaum, Phillip Crane, John Lender, and Jim Nussle.

In March, Representative, Charlie Norwood, Charles Taylor, and Cass Ballenger have already agreed to speak in Asheville, NC. Legislative Goals set by our House of Delegates support grassroots activities by our members. One goal was to provide the membership with "hands on" materials. This week we will be introducing this set of Library Resource file papers. [How to's include: Communicate With Your Legislator, Do a Dental Health Care Kit Project, Do a Legislative Resource Guide, Congressional Contact Program (meet n greets), and Legislative Project Suggestions.]

Last year a survey was sent out to our affiliated states. We found out, from those who responded, that 16 states have state PAC members and 22 have recognized ADPAC members - many at the Capital Club level. [While PAC membership is open to dentists and spouses, having their checks accepted has sometimes been difficult for spouses and recognized by those transmitting the contributions. This "technical computer problem" has been worked out. The spouse now has their own ADA identifier number - just by adding the letter S to the end of the dentist's number.] Fifteen states reported they have members on state PAC Boards and 10 states have members on state Legislative Committees. Nineteen states distributed dental care kits to .Iegislators, and I've recently heard another group will be doinq It this year There are some unable to take part because of campaign reform laws. The Board of Trustees decided that

spouses could be included in Action Teams and become Leaders, and 5 states responded they do have members on Action Teams and several serving as Leaders.

The highly successful American Medical Association Campaign School has made two slots available to ADA members. Another Board action this past year included Alliance members as those able to apply for these slots.

These are only a few ways to get spouses involved. By including them in the legislative and PAC committees they will automatically become a part of the ADA grassroots team - to host functions, work PAC booths and phone drives, attend political meetings, hold legislative workshops and many other things you would like your member to be doing. Other items suggested were to invite spouses to attend grassroots Seminars and for states to formally encourage "the spouse" to join their PACs. Let the dental leadership know that the American Dental Association considers spouses an intricate part of the program and should be included in Action Teams - especially when there is an interest in politics. Often it is the spouse who has the connections and is the "politico." Husbands and wives could even serve effectively as Co-Leaders. Let them use their skills and innate abilities to further the power of dentistry.

LOCAL COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER SERVES

AS DISTRICT 2 TRUSTEE OF NATIONAL

DENTAL ALLIANCE

Sandy Parks of Newport News began her second year as District 2 Trustee of the Alliance of the American Dental Association during the organization's recent convention in Washington, DC. District 2 includes Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia and the District of Columbia.

Mrs. Parks is a past president of the Alliance of the Virginia Dental Association. She has held numerous elective and appointed leadership positions in local, state and national dental alliances.

She currently participates in the Junior League of Hampton Roads, Hampton Roads Academy Parents' Association and the Christopher Newport Sailing Foundation and is the owner of Attic Sales, Ltd., a business specializing in moving and estate sales.

Sandy is married to Dr. William Parks, an orthodontist in Newport News, Williamsburg and Smithfield They are the parents of Allison, Meredith and Will.

The Alliance of the American Dental Association (AADA), a national organization for spouses of dentists, promotes dental health through community involvement and legislative activities.

States with or without organized Alliance groups have wives and husbands who could be contributing partners in grassroots projects. While you might not think you have any - they are out there, and just need to be identified, recognized, encouraged, trained and used. Recognition is one of the most important aspects for any volunteer. There are often problems in getting people interested in political activities, and finding that someone might be difficult, but it might be worth the effort to try. There has to be at least one person in your state who has the desire, background and can be included in activities, and would in turn, get others involved. One person can do wonders.

The Council on Federal and State Government Affairs and Federal Dental Services has submitted a Resolution to the 1997 House that recognizes the legislative involvement of members of the Alliance of the American Dental Association; and also encourages all states to further spouse participation in the political grassroots efforts of ADA. The interest is there. I have seen it develop and grow. It has been especially gratifying for me to see the spirit of this enthusiasm clearly supported by the fact that 96% of the Alliance Board of Directors hold ADPAC memberships and seven of us are Capital Club members.

The ADA leadership has also seen it develop and grow by many of the tangible things I have mentioned: Council representation, ADPAC Board and Executive Committee status, Action Teams, Campaign School, and the 1997 House Resolution. However,足 we need your support to become true full-fledged partners in the grassroots network of this Association - for you are the gatekeepers.

TAKE A CLASS ONE BITE OUT OF LIFE

I

Go with your spouse to the world-famous Grove I Park Inn Resort. Nestled in the grandeur of the Blue Ridge Mountains; it's a place you can breath deeply and relax.There's golfing, tennis, children's programs and a pool.

WHERE: Asheville, North Carolina. It's easily accessible via plane or car.

WHEN: March 18-21, 1998.

WHY: Need CE credits? Want to hear Georgia Congressman, Charlie Norwood speak? And there's a tour and banquet at The Biltmore Estates. All this is sponsored by the Alliance of the American Dental Association. An annual affair, this is their leadership and DHE conference.

CAN'T GO? We're sorry, but please send your spouse.

Phone for registration form: 1-704-274-2980 (Jean) For Grove Park: 1-800-438-5800 ($115 double) For US Air (our discount carrier) Beacon Travel: 1-800-822-0017 (John or Nancy)

HOW:

I

YOU ALL COME!

Virginia Dental Journal 41

J

( Component News

Component II Peninsula

Component III Southside

Dr. A.J. Booker, Editor

Dr. H. Reed Boyd III, Editor

To start With, a little something from Mark Twain: "Persons attempting to find a motive in this narrative will be prosecuted; persons attempting to find a moral in it will be banished; persons attempting to find a plot will be shot." And now for a little news.

Three members of Component 3 recently received an outstanding honor; Drs. Jerry Isbell, Wright Pond, and Darrell Rice were inducted into the Fellowship of the International College of Dentists. Dr. Isbell, a partner in the firm of Bissell, Isbell, O'Neill and Carlton, has practiced Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Petersburg, Virginia since 1975. Dr. Isbell graduated from the University of Illinois in 1965. He received his D.D.S. from that same institution in 1972 and finished his Oral Surgery training at MCV in 1975. Dr. Isbell is a Board Certified Oral Surgeon. Dr. Isbell has done volunteer dentistry in Guana and has served on the Hospital Authority for the City of Petersburg since 1982, as well as participating in many varied civic activities.

Component I Tidewater

fr

• Dr. Barry Einhorn, Editor New year's greetings from your colleagues in the eastern part of the Commonwealth!

We are beginning our year with a very exciting continuing education program which is a joint venture of the TDA and the local laboratories. On Friday, February 27, 1998, we will hear from Dr. Michael Venot.

His topic will be "Really Practical Dentistry" or RPD. The meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn Greenbrier in Chesapeake, VA. On Friday, April 24, 1998, in association with the Peninsula Dental Society, we will present Dr. Howard Farran. ,This meeting will be held in the brand new Chesapeake Conference Center in Chesapeake, VA. Congratulations to members Eugene Kanter and Tony Velo who were elected to the International College of Dentists.

Manny Michaels, who just seems to keep going on forever, was elected Vice President of the International College.

Larry Cash, another of our ageless wonders, has just returned from a two week stint in an indigent clinic in Israel. Ralph Futterman will spend the entire month of January at the same clinic.

We welcome a group of new members: Drs. Nella Ayat, Bruce Bosworth, Mike Chung, Winona Newman, and Dave Buckis.

Pam Morgan is the chairman of our Children's Dental Health Month celebration. She reports that there are a whole host of activities highlighted by a Dental Health Fair to be held on Saturday, February 28, 1998, at the Waterside Festival Market in No rfol k. Guest appearances by the Tooth Fairy and a clown are expected.

Until our next report, keep smiling and remember to floss!

As promised, we told all of you folks that we would keep you informed as to how President Guy Levy and his Board's new wrinkles turned out. Caribbean Cruise I\light turned out to be a hoot for both our members, as well as our legislator guests who were able to actually relax and enjoy the event. This format could become an annual event if Representative Phil Hamilton keeps getting re-elected.

Likewise, the dinner and learn concept is working and will be repeated at our March meeting. Topic of discussion that night will be orthodontics - Why Do Some Wires Have Little Edges? Future meetings this winter and spring will include more dinner and learn topics, winners of our local science fairs, a fun night for couples to be held at Mary Immaculate Hospital, and be on the lookout for another new idea called "Camp PDS". As always, members of other components are welcome to attend any of our meetings. Just give our Executive Secretary, Kim Blore, a call at 757-259­ 0594 and we'll leave a light on for you.

Once again, we are looking forward to co­ sponsoring with Component I, The Hampton Roads Dental Symposium. This year's featured speaker will be Dr. Howard Farran and will be held at the new Chesapeake Convention Center on April 24, 1998 Since we can always use a few more good colleagues, the PDS would like to welcome its newest members: Drs. Augustin Perez, Tim Overby and Randy Eberly.

Having started with Twain, it seems fitting to leave you with a quote that I think could be from my Component Board: "I have been cautioned to talk but be careful not to say anything. I do not consider this a difficult task." I was, after all, elected to this post in absentia.

Dr. Wright Pond, a Board Certified Orthodontist, has practiced in Colonial Heights, Virginia since 1974. Dr. Pond did his undergraduate study at Richard Bland College and the College of William and Mary in the late 60's. He completed his D.D.S. at MCV in 1970. He completed orthodontic training at MCV in 1973. Dr. Pond currently serves on the Board of the Foundation of Richard Bland College and is Director on the Board of the Colonial Heights Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Darrell Rice graduated from the Virginia Military Institute in 1958. He finished at MCV in 1962. He served in the Dental Corps of the U.S. Army until 1966 both in Germany and at Ft. Lee in Petersburg.

That same year he entered the private practice of general dentistry in Petersburg.

He has been active in many different civic and community affairs throughout the years, most notably serving on the Appomattox River Water Authority for 16 years, fourteen years as Chairman of that body.

These men are well deserving of this honor both from dentistry and for service to their communities. Congratulations to all three' Thank you for your dedication not only to dentistry but to the communities in which you live.

Back in November I had the opportunity to go to dentistry's Holy Grail. the ADA Building in Chicago to attend the ADA

42 Virginia Dental Journal

Annual Conference on Membership Recruitment on Retention. The conference was outstanding and I met a lot of dentists from allover the country and learned about what they were doing in their states to attract and retain dentists in organized dentistry. I learned that dues ranged from $100 to more than $500 just for the state dues, component and national dues were added to that. Of course, state budgets varied depending on the number of dentists in the particular state and the income expected from the dues. It was interesting to note what percentage of the income some states allotted for the different aspects of their budgets. I was impressed by the different projects that states were developing to attract and keep dentists in organized dentistry. As Chairman of the VDA Membership Committee, I will strive to see that we develop some equally impressive activities in our state based on ideas gained at this national conference.

The ADA Building is equally impressive.

Twenty-two stories tall in the heart of downtown Chicago, it houses an extensive library containing over 50,000 volumes.

There is a large collection of 'artifacts and gifts to the ADA, including a Japanese Samurai sword and a set of wooden dentures - not George Washington's. Of course, you can see all kinds of old instruments and read old journals from the ADA's forerunner the National Dental Association. There are two floors where dental research is being conducted; one floor devoted to conference facilities complete with an auditorium and a full­ service kitchen. The offices of the ADA President and Executive Director, along with the Board Room, are on the twenty­ second floor overlooking the downtown Chicago area and Lake Michigan. More importantly, I was very impressed with the friendliness, helpfulness, and courtesy that the employees of our national organization exhibited. They were all anxious to help and to make sure that I had everything I needed regardless of how small or insignificant it might have seemed. If you plan a trip to Chicago, I urge you to contact the ADA for a tour. Goo see our national headquarters. Meet the people who work for us. You will be impressed at their knowledge, their willingness to help, and their dedication to our great profession. I assure you they are passionate in their devotion and dedication to our careers, but go see for yourself l I urge you to get involved with the upcoming AWARENESS project that the ADA is currently previewing across the nation.

This project is in response to MEMBERS request for a national campaign to increase

the public's knowledge and awareness of dentistry. It is projected that if this project is adopted by the 1998 ADA House of Delegates next October there will be a $300 annual increase in dues for three years to fund it. IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A PROJECT THAT THE MEMBERS OF THE ADA HAVE REQUESTED AND "OUR" ADA IS RESPONDING TO THEIR REQUEST. You should form your own opinion, but I ask that you look at the project with an open mind. Once you have formed your opinion, let the Delegates to the VDA and the ADA House of Delegates know your feelings so they can vote our collective wishes at the 1998 Annual Meeting of the ADA next October. Whatever the outcome, this is a democratic organization and we must unite behind the majority decision and work to make it successful regardless of our personal feelings. We must believe that the majority decision will be in the best interest of the ADA, its membership, and the profession of dentistry as a whole.

The Southside Dental Society has held several interesting and fun events for its membership. In January, we held our annual Spouse's Night. This year, we thought it would be fun to have a truly social evening. In that spirit, we had a buffet dinner followed by "Comedy Night." We hired several "PG" rated comedians to entertain us. What a good time!

During February, our component held its annual CPR and OSHA update course. Dr. John Svirsky joined us for the morning to fulfill our annual OSHA update requirement.

As always, John is entertaining and informative. CPR training followed a deli sandwich lunch.

March will bring our semiannual business meeting and guests from the VDA, MCV, and other faraway places will be present with us.

In closing, as Chairman of the VDA's Committee on Membership, I urge you to get involved with organized dentistry. If you are like me, the more involved I have become the more I have learned and realized how important organized dentistry is to each of us. I found it a whole lot more palatable to write my dues check back in December because of what I have come to realize and have learned from my involvement and participation. I assure you that there is room for you to become involved. All you need to do is ask or raise a hand. To paraphrase John Kennedy, "ask not what dentistry can do for you, but ask what you can do for dentistry." It is a win win situation.

Component IV Richmond

~

.•

Dr. Charles E. Gaskins III, Editor As Winter continues here in Central Virginia, Component IV has begun 1998 with lots of program activities.

The Component's January monthly membership meeting featured Ms. Lynn F. Jacob, Esq., who spoke on "Employment Laws You'd Better Know." Frank J. Degaetani, Jr., Esq., addressed the February monthly membership meeting on "Collections: How To & How Not To." March's monthly meeting topic is "Salivary Dysfunction in the Older Adult Patient" and will be presented by Dr. Linda Baughan.

This year's February Children's Dental Health Month activities again are being coordinated by The Dental Health, Public Information and Community Involvement Committee, as well as by members of the Dental Alliance of the RDS. The Component's puppet show now has a new sound system, and the show has been presented at several Headstart Schools in Richmond. Many thanks are extended to those member dentists, their staffs, and Alliance members who have planned the various activities for Children's Dental Health Month, as well as helped with their presentations.

Other Alliance of the Richmond Dental Society activities included a courtesy call on the 1998 General Assembly, and an upcoming fund-raising Fashion Show on February 24th; to be held at Franco's in Richmond. Mrs. Caroline Sweeney, Alliance President, indicated that any proceeds from the show will go to help support the Cross-Over Clinic's dental services clinic in Richmond. The Clinic provides medical and dental services to the needy of the area.

Upcoming CE courses include Dr. Howard Farran on March 13, at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Richmond. He will present "Painless Success in '98: The BUSinessof Dentistry Seminar." RDS members. as well

Virginia Dental Journal 43

as non-members are invited to attend, Then, at the April monthly membership meeting, "our own" endodontist! pharmacologist, Dr. B. Ellen Byrne, will present a program on "Local Anesthetics."

Speaking of April, hopefully, Spring is "right around the corner!" Best Wishes to all!

Component V Piedmont

Dr. Barry Cutright, Editor Our component met on October 31, 1997 in Lynchburg with Lynn Garber Consultants. Having worked in a variety of different types of practices, Ms. Garber presented a senior view of office management-a few less whistles and bells like you discover in the Linda Miles seminars. Rather, her theme revisited the "common sense is not all that common" approach to office management. For example, refrain from allowing your receptionist to answer the phone by asking "who is it?" as my five year old son sometimes answers our phone at home.

We were honored to have Dr. Webb as well as approximately 155 members and staff present at this meeting.

During the business meeting the following officers and Board of Directors were confirmed for 1998:

In Roanoke, Dr. Chuck Carter has assumed the practice of the late Dr. Robert Goodwin.

Likewise, Dr. Paul Kaiser has joined Dr. O. W. Clifton in the practice of orthodontics.

Dr. Rick Sherwood has joined Dr. Fred Cornett in the practice of oral surgery. Dr, Sherwood has organized a four-part continuing education course with 31足 Implants for local general dentists. We honor Dr. Cornett for his 50 years of membership in the VDA. The new members of our component are Dr. Kristn Roberts of Martinsville and Dr. Rick Sherwood of Danville.

As we reflect back on our last quarter, please remember the families and contributions made to our profession by the followinq men who are now deceased: Dr. Robert "Ben" Goodwin, Roanoke; Dr. R. Lee Saunders, Lynchburg and Dr. Charlie J. Lovelace, Martinsville.

As the new Component V editor, I would like to share with you two thoughts. First, as General Smith stated at the beginning of one of his prosthodontics lectures some 14 years ago, "when you loosen the reins the horses sit down." Make a personal decision to stay involved in your local dental society so the profession as a whole can continue to act instead of react to the issues that arise. Finally, I feel obliged to state that the responsibility for our error is henceforward entirely my own.

Component VI Southwest

Dr. Frank Crist - President Dr. Mark Crabtree - President-Elect Dr. Gregory Gendron - SeclTreasurer Dr. Daniel Grabeel - Councilor Dr. William B. Thompson, President The Executive Council includes: Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr.

Fred Coots Robert Carlish Bill Martin Ed Snyder

Dr. James Evans is the Immediate Past President During this meeting our component voted to give $1,000.00 to the MCV Oral Biology Research Center. Also, mark your calendars for May 1, 1998, which is our next scheduled meeting at the Roanoke Marriott.

144 Virginia Dental Journal

Happy New Year from Southwest Virginia Component VI. Reflecting back on 1997, it has been a very busy and productive year for the VDA and our local dental society.

We ended the year with our last component meeting, November 21st at the Donaldson足 Brown Conference Center on the beautiful campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. Dr. Richard Wilson, from Richmond, Virginia, was our featured speaker. Dr. Wilson discussed ethics, crown and bridge, and restorative dentistry during his full day informative program.

The society business meeting, also held on November 21st, and was begun by Dr. Gus Vlahos who challenged us to have 100%

membership retention in 1998. Dr. Jo Paget updated members on the Medicai participation study. CongratUlations to Dr. Paget and Dr. Wally Huff for the many hours spent educating legislators on this important issue. Virginia legislators have allocated $3.1 million for 1998 and $3.3 million for 1999 for Medicaid reimbursements. Unfortunately, this is only half of what was recommended by the Williamson Institute Study on Medicaid benefits. Senator Marye and Delegate Shulter will be working with our lobbyist, Chuck Duvall, to co-sponsor an amendment for this legislation to bring the allotment up to the $6.6 million needed.

Dr. Paget and Dr, Huff ask that we continue to contact our legislators and thank them for what has been proposed, and to let them know of our plans to encourage this amendment. This progress towards the Medicaid reimbursement demonstrates the importance for every member to be involved with VADPAC. It allows dentistry's voice to be heard in Richmond. In 1997 Component VI had the highest percentage of VADPAC Commonwealth Club contributors. Congratulations and let us do it again in 1998! Dr. Ron Brown reported to members that Component VI has 12 participants in the Donated Dental Services Program. This program serves disabled and elderly patients who cannot afford needed dental treatment. For more information contact Tanya Moore at the 804-257-9810. Dr. Joe Paget and Dr. David Stepp discussed Direct Reimbursement (DR) information packets mailed to each member. They asked for a volunteer from each county to act as a representative to educate dentists, businesses, and local governments concerning DR. The membership of Component VI voted to support the Wytheville Community College's Dental Hygiene and Assisting Programs by contributing $3,000 worth of needed dental equipment.

Component VI would like to welcome Dr. W. Daryl Wilson from Bristol as a new member of the Southwest Virginia Dental Society. We look forward to having him as an active participant in our organization!

Our component has four excellent meetings and continuing education programs scheduled for 1998. Our spring meeting will be held at Hemlock Haven Conference Center in Marion on March 27th. The speaker will be world known practice management consultant Sallie McKenZie, CMC and the topic will be "Diagnosing and Correcting Malfunctioning Management Systems". May 15-17 will be the next meeting at Pipestem State Park

and Resort located in Pipestem, West Virginia. Bill Haynes will speak on "Developing Patient Relationships". Plan ahead to bring the family for an enjoyable weekend featuring the annual golf tournament and outdoor family barbecue.

The summer meeting will be held at Virginia Highlands Community College Higher Education Conference Center, located in historic Abingdon on August 14th. The meeting coincides with the famous Virginia Highlands Arts and Crafts Festival also held in Abingdon The featured speakers at this meeting will be Dr. Jasper Lewis and Ms. Anne Page Griffith, founders of Practicon. Their topic will be "Secrets to Managing the Accelerated Dental Practice". The last component meeting of the year will be held in Blacksburg on November 13th, with an innovative program to be announced.

On behalf of Component VI, I wish you all a healthy and prosperous New Year!

Component VII Shenandoah Valley

I:

ADA Senior Congressional Lobbyist, Michael Graham, gave a strong presentation on the Grassroots program and our legislative future. We are very fortunate to have such a confident, well versed person working for us at the national level. Along the same lines of legislature, our VDA lobbyist Chuck Duvall gave an overview on what he foresees in the 1998 Virginia General Assembly.

Tanya Moore, the project coordinator for the Donated Dental Services (DDS), described this program and the steps that we as dentists can take in providing donated care to those in need. (This program was outlined in the fall VDA Journal if you need more information on it.)

The conference was very informative and if any of the members in our component are interested in going next year, you are more than welcome! Just a reminder, the winter committee meetings are scheduled for January 31 through February 2 in Richmond.

Everyone mark your calendars for the next SVDA meeting scheduled for April 24, featuring Carol Tekavee. See you all then!

Component VII' Northern Virginia Dr. Rebecca Scango Swett, Editor This year's Leadership Conference, "Growing the VDA: Strength for the Future," was jam packed with enlightening information for the members of the VDA. One of the highlights of the conference affecting our component directly was Dr. Bruce DeGinder's wrap up of the results of the Membership Field Service program.

The Task Force involved in this program worked very hard this year attracting new members and keeping existing members content with the services the ADA, VDA and their local component provide them.

An interesting discussion entitled "Professional Growth: Ethics & Code of Conduct" was presented by Kathleen Todd, Esq., ADA Associate General Counsel.

This discussion was followed up by a question and answer period with an ethics panel from the VDA. The range of topics discussed included what is appropriate in advertising on the Internet, to dealings with insurance companies, to the standard of care given in your office.

Dr. Melanie R. Love, Editor Happy New Year! We at Component VIII finished an exciting 1997 with a fully (and then some) attended course presented by Dr. Gordon Christensen. We welcomed many members of neighboring components along with our members and their staffs for his 1997 Clinical Update.

Scheduled for the beginning of 1998 is Ms. Susan Boswell speaking on 'The Mystery Patients: Uncovering Unspoken Attitudes" (February 6) and a Symposium on Adhesive Dentistry and Cements with a panel of 3M, Caulk, and Kerr speakers (March 20).

amount of $70,000 for the first of three years. In addition, there is potentially another $20,000 from a matching grant.

This allows contributions from members and other sources to be matched dollar足 for-dollar up to $20,000 This Grant will allow the Clinic to hire a second full-time dental assistant which in turn will allow additional scheduling of volunteers concurrently. This results in more people in the community being served and because of the increased use of the Clinic, there are better chances for further funding.

The theme for 1998 and the Northern Virginia Dental Clinic is VOLUNTEERISM! The goal is for a 20% increase in volunteers to the Clinic-unfortunately, there was a decrease in 1997. What does this mean to those of our members who have not yet volunteered at the Clinic?

Tom Wilson, the Director of the Clinic, stated it in the simplest of ways: EIGHT HOURS per YEAR per member is all that is needed. This is not even one hour per month. Think what we are giving back to our community during perhaps two afternoons per YEAR! Remember, future funding for the Clinic (funding necessary for its existence) depends on its performance.

Thanks go to all of those members who contributed to the Northern Virginia Dental Society Christmas Card Campaign.

Because of your generosity, $9500 was raised for the Dental Clinic. We are looking forward to seeing many more of you in person at the Clinic this year.

From all of our members of Component VIII, I would like to wish you a very healthy, happy and successful 1998!

Our Northern Virginia Dental Clinic continues to be recognized for its efforts to take care of our community. Most recently, the Clinic received a major grant from the Arlington Health Foundation in the

Virginia Dental Journal 45

VAG Notes

Public Health News

Dr. M.R. McCorkle, Jr., Immediate Past President

Dr. Karen C. Day, Director of Division of Dental Health

Members of the Virginia Association of Orthodontists lucky enough to travel to the Southern Association of Orthodontists annual meeting were treated in November to an excellent opportunity to relax and gain information from continuating education lectures. The meeting was held on Marco Island off Florida's gulf coast.

The speaker this year focused on practice management and promotion.

Of particular interest was discussion of managed practice organizations - so called "franchised" orthodontic clinics.

These organizations have become numerous in the past two years and orthodontists across the nation are being approached about trying this new method of practicing, Mr. John McGill gave a very informative lecture that included comparative pluses and minuses that a practitioner should anticipate before joining such a group. ,"Caveat emptor" would seem to apply.

The Division of Dental Health, Virginia Department of Health, recently developed and coordinated a statewide assessment and education program about Baby Bottle Tooth Decay (BBTD). Prevalence data was obtained by reviewing 2,604 dental charts of preschoolers enrolled in Head Start programs across the state. Children were identified as having BBTD according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention classification in which at least two out of four primary maxillary incisors are charted as decayed, missing, or filled.

The next meeting of the VAO. will be the 1998 winter seminar to be held in Vail, Colorado. All dentists and specialists are invited to attend this meeting, which is being held after a few years hiatus. Skiing will be sandwiched between morning and afternoon lectures by Dr. Baxter Perkinson. Make plans to attend next year if yOU would like to have a break in the "bleak midwinter."

The VAO. Board Of Directors will next meet on March 1st in Richmond. Anyone with suggestions or concerns can call the board member closet to you - we are listed in the blue pages of the V.D.A. Membership Directory and Resource Guide.

With all regions of the state represented in the sample, the overall prevalence of BBTD was 13.3%. Geographically, 11.1 % of urban Head Start children had BBTD compared to 14% of those children in rural Head Start centers. Prevalence differed according to race with 15.4% of Black children having BBTD, compared to 11% Hispanic and 9.6% White. There was no significant difference in prevalence rates in children with regard to Medicaid coverage.

The education and training phase of the project was planned with the Division of Chronic Disease Prevention/ Nutrition, targeting both public health nutrition and dental staff. Nutritionists attended a one­ day workshop regarding the etiology and prevention of BBTD. BBTD pamphlets, posters and exhibits were developed for community education. Nutritionists and dental staff were supplied sipper cups to give new mothers to encourage weaning from the bottle at an appropriate age. Head Start centers across the state are also receiving the educational materials and sipper cups to be used in their parent education programs. Training videotapes about preventing BBTD have been made available to all local Health Departments.

An additional education project this year for the Division was the development of materials about dental sealants, Table-top exhibits, posters and pamphlets have been distributed to dental public health staff. For limited numbers of the sealant or BBTD pamphlets and posters you may contact the Division of Dental Health at 804· 786­ 3556.

46 Virginia Dental Journal

( School of Dentistry Notes) Thomas C. Burke, .Ir, Assistant Dean DENTAL STUDENT NAMED TO

NATIONAL OFFICE

Mr. Gary Hartman a sophomore dental student has been selected to serve as a National Officer-at-Large for the National Student Research Group for 1998-99.

Gary will serve on the organizations' Executive Board and be responsible for judging the Caulk/Densply research competition which will be held at the American Association of Dental Research Annual Meeting in Minneapolis. In addition, he will be asked to attend the International Association of Dental Research meeting and coordinate communication between Student Research Groups throughout the United States as well as internationally.

It was noted in a recent letter of congratulation from the National NSRG office that Gary was selected because of his enthusiasm and dedication to beginning a Student Research Group at the School. It was stated that he accomplished this "with a little more than a few ideas and determination and this is what makes him the ideal officer." Gary will be officially installed at the groups annual meeting in March.

HOLIDAY PARTY SERVES-UP

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

The School's annual Holiday Party and Service Award Recognition program was held on December 10 at the Science Museum of Virginia. The reception was well attended with over 200 full and part足 time faculty members and their guests.

This annual event provides the School with an opportunity to recognize our part-time faculty while also celebrating the season.

The following part-time faculty members were recognized for their dedicated service to the School on their five year anniversary date. In 1997, the following clinical faculty were recognized: ~5

YEARS OF SERVICE Dr. Lewis Rogers 35 YEARS OF SERVICE Dr. Philip Peters Dr. Maury Hubbard 25 YEARS OF SERVICE Dr. Charles Cuttino Dr. Charles Clough Dr. James Lance Dr. Francis Carr

2iLYEARS OF SERVICE Dr. Herbert Kaplan Dr. Perry Jones Dr. Guenther Hennig Dr. Martin Hoard Dr. Nancy WaitkUS 15 YEARS OF SERVICE Dr. Richard Lieb Dr. James Nelson Dr. Alan Golden Dr. Fred Kennett Dr. John Kittrell Dr. Claire Kaugars 10 YEARS OF SERVICE Dr. William Hunter Dr. Steve Evens Dr. Kenneth Stoner Dr. Ronald Tankersley Dr. Barry Griffin 5 YEARS OF SERVICE Dr. Bach Bui Dr. Beatrice Muncy Dr. Hanna EI-Jor Ms. Sharon Logue Dr. Meera Gokli Dr. Howard Schneider Dr. Tim Johnson Dr. AI Stenger Dr. John Tullner Dr. Allyn Janney Dr. Walter Saxton This event also provided an excellent opportunity to recognize Dr. and Mrs. Lindsay Hunt for their 13 years of service to the School and its extended family of alumni and friends. Dr. Eugene Trani, President of Virginia Commonwealth University made stirring remarks about the many accomplishments contributed to the School and the University by the Hunts'.

Dr. Trani, then presented Lindsay and Pat with a gift certificate for a weekend of fun and relaxation at Keswick in Charlottesville provided by the full-time faculty. Dr. Hunt, thanked the full-time faculty for the gift and recognized both faculties for their dedicated service to the School and its students.

The reception also provided an opportunity to recognize two contributors to the "Excellence Through Research - An Investment In Our Future Campaign." Dr. Jeff Levin presented special recognition plaques to Dr. William Covington (Club of Excellence) and Dr. Mike McMunn (Club of Commitment.) Dr. Levin, closed his comments by reporting that the Campaign has received cash and pledges totaling $3 Million towards its $4 Million goal.

DEANS SERVE STAFF A

HEARTY BREAFAST

On January 14, a dental school tradition was continued, when the deans of the School attired in blue shirts and red ties, donned aprons and served the dedicated dental school staff a wholesome buffet breakfast in celebration of Staff Appreciation Day. Staff Appreciation Day was begun in 1988 and has become an annual dental school event held to recognize the many contributions made by our staff for the betterment of the School and its patients. It also provides an opportunity to select one staff member for special recognition. This individual is designated as the Staff Member of the Year.

The winner is presented a $100 cash prize, a certificate of appreciation, and his/her name is inscribed on a plaque with the previous winners. The selection process is based on written nomination forms submitted by taculty, staff, and students to non-dental school university a administrator who selects the winner.

The previous winner of the Staff Member of the Year Award are: 1988 Ms. Opel Chandler 1989 Mr. Jim Ostrander Ms. Mary Hawley Mr. Dick Pearson 1990 Ms. Pat Fleming 1991 Ms. Debra Doyle Mr. Steve Gross 1992 Mr. Calvin Howerton 1993 Ms. Joyce Gunter 1994 Ms. Darlene McElderry 1995 Mr. Greg Council 1996 Mrs. Carolyn Snyder 1997 Ms. Dixie Jones The 1997 winner is Ms. Dixie Jones. It was noted that Dixie was selected for this award due to her dedication and willingness to assist her fellow staff members, students, and faculty. I know many of you will recognize Dixie's name as she has served on the staff of the School for more years than I'm willing to put in writing.

Virginia Dental Journal 47

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Classified advertising rates are $30 for up to 30 words.

Additional words .25 each. All advertisements must be prepaid and cannot be accepted by phone or fax. Checks should be payable to the Virginia Dental Association. The closing dates for all copy will be the 15th of December, March, June, and September. Example: March 15, at 5pm is the closing date for the April-May-June Journal issue. After the deadline closes, the Journal can accept no ads nor can it alter or cancel previously ordered ads. This deadline is firm.

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As a membership service, ads are restricted to VDA and ADA members and are restricted to non-commercial copy.

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The Virginia Dental Association reserves the right to edit copy and does not assume liability for the contents of classified advertising.

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Continued };'0111 p. 36 when deemed necessary; rel'icwing (/1/ CONSTITUTION or BYLAWS a m e nd m cn t s proposed hy the Executil'c COUJJcil; reviewing all CONST ITUTI ON or B YLA WS amendments proposed in reports of Reference Committees of the House of Delegates before action by the House; and reviewing after passage any CONSTITUTION or BY-LAWS change which the House may have adopted in a version differing from that proposed by the Reference Committee.

Review shall be for the purpose of assuring clarity and appropriateness of language, consistency with other parts of the CONSTITUTION and BYLAWS. and correctness of numbering. In such review. the Committee is authorized to make necessary changes in wording or in numbering which will in no way alter the sense of the intent of the amendment as passed by the House. The Committee shall also revise the House of Delegates Manual of Standing Rules for the Annual Session as necessary so that the Manual will conform to the CONSTITUTION and BYLAWS.

The Executive Council recommends adoption of the above recommendations by the House of Delegates.

The Following Recommendations Were Approved: 19. Approved a recommendation that each committee of the Association will, at its first meeting, elect a vice足 chairman to serve for a one year term. The vice足 chairman of the Budget and Financial Affairs Committee will be appointed by the president in consultation wi th the secretary/treasurer.

20. Approved a recommendation to accept the resignation of William E. Zepp as a member of the VDSC Board of Directors effective January I, 1998.

21. Approved a recommendation that a complete feasibility study be done by the Dental Benefits Programs Committee regarding electronic claims data. detailing the following: I. Data Required: Format and/or negotiation with ADA for method of data collection.

2. System Hardware/Software Requirements: A vendor to collect our data for VDA. 3. Time Fr a m e s: Immediate .'i years/IO years projections of data outcome and its' marketing.

4. Expected Practice Benefits (Both Qualitative and Financial ):

B. Data collection for treatment outcome scenarios to better predict a given treatment (research universities).

22. Approved a recommendation that the VDA Dental Benefits Programs Cornmi ttce refer recommendations to the ADA Council on Dental Benefits Programs that the ADA Legal Department revise the standard insurance claim form, patient authorization block, to include language that would permit an insurance company to release information to the dentist.

23. Approved a recommendation that a speaker be selected to present a mouth guard program on behalf of the VDA at the summer clinic for coaches at the Hampton Holiday Inn. The Committee recommends that the speaker be knowledgeable and enthusiastic and that printed materials and/or audio visuals be provided to each coach attending the meeting.

24. Approved a recommendation that in accordance with established VDA Goals, the Dental Health and Public Information Committee make arrangements to conduct an "ADA Spokespersons Training Seminar" to be held in the spring of 1999.

25. Approved a recommendation that the VDA suggest the elimination of #2 under 18 VAC 60-20-220 Dental Hygienists of the Board of Dentistry Rules & Regulations.

26. Approved a recommendation that the coordination and the dissemination of the ADA Public Awareness Campaign information to components and other organizations be under the purview of the VDA Membership Committee.

27. Approved a recommendation that the VDA schedule an additional presentation of the ADA Public Awareness Campaign at the opening session of the House of Delegates and that the 1998 VDA House of Delegates be directed to vote approval/disapproval of the Campaign.

28. Approved a r e c o m m c n d a t i o u that a survey be developed and included with each showing of the ADA Public Awareness Campaign video. with results returned and compiled through the VDA Central Office and distributed to the Membership Committee and Executive Council.

29. Am2l:lLved a recommendation that the Dental Delivery for the Special Needs Patient Con.mittee conduct a workshop to e d u c a t c Free Clinic Directors/ representatives and volunteer dentists to be prescnted at the 1999 VDA Annual Meeting.

A. Financial benefits to VDA (selling of statistical anal: I.ation to vendors)

Virginia Dental Journal 49

Continued from p. 49 30. Approved a recommendation for funding of a dental hygiene program at Blue Ridge Community College and that financial arrangements be made for the VDA lobbyist to follow this issue.

The Following Recommendations were Received As Information Only 4.

31. Approved a recommendation to endorse the establishment of dental hygiene programs in the Shenandoah Valley in those communities with the support of the local dentists.

32. Approved a recommendation that the VDA lobbying team be given specific direction regarding the Assignment of Benefits Issue b v introducing an amendment to existing regulation relating to non-s~tock corporations. The amendment would specify inclusion of all carriers.

33. Approved a recommendation that in situations where it is necessary to vote on motions of the Executive Council by fax vote, that these motions and voting results be reported as information only at the next scheduled meeting of the Executive Council.

The Following Recommendations Were Referred To Committee: 4.

5.

6.

Referred back to the Caring Dentist Committee for further study a recommendation to the MCV /VCU School of Dentistry conduct urine drug screening on ill student applicants for the School of Dentistry and that all present dental students, dental faculty and dental staff be subject to random urine drug screening.

Referred to the Infection Control and Environmental Safety Committee a recommendation that in light of recent concern regarding allergies associated with latex protein glove dust, an investigation be conducted and findings and recommendations reported to the Executive Council for dissemination to the general membership.

Referred back to the Institutional Affairs Committee for clarification a recommendation that dentists not in private practice (i.e. those who are salaried and do not receive income direclly from patient fees) should be exempt from the proposed dues increase for the ADA Public Awareness Campaign.

50 Virginia Dental Journal

Received as information only that the Annual Meeting Committee discussed and developed the followin; policy concerning the Casino Night Event at the 199X VDA Annual Meeting, sponsored by the VDA Foundation. The Foundation will be responsible for paying all direct costs of running the event including. but not limited to, outside vendors, food and beverage service. room fees. The Foundation will receive all revenues from the event including ticket sales, sales of extra script, donated gifts, and sponsor fees. Any funds donated by sponsors for Casino Night or the VDA Foundation are to be retained by the Foundation.

5. Received as information only a recommendation that the Constitution and Bylaws Committee will review with legal counsel and pertinent committees the Bylaws changes regarding Affiliate Staff/Surviving Spouse amendments and report to the June committee meeting.

6. Received as information only that information on sleep apnea/sleep medicine will be gathered by the Cancer and Hospital Dental Services Committee and made available to the VDA for educational purposes to the membership.

7.

Received as information only a recommendation that the Caring Dentist Committee continue to work very closely with Virginia Monitoring, Inc. and to continue with all aspects in which the Committee now functions, but in cooperation with Virginia Monitoring.

Inc.

8. Received as information only the appointment of Dr. Harry Shiflet to the VDSC Board of Directors.

9. VADPAC reported newly elected officers as follows: Dr. Rodney J. Klima - Chairman; Dr. Gerald J. Brown - Vice Chairman; and Dr. Harvey H. Shiflet 足 Secretary/Treasurer. The Secretary /Treasurer will serve as the at large member on the VADPAC Review Committee.

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