April 2008 Newsletter

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“Update on Odontogenic Infections and Antimicrobial Therapy”
Thomas R. Flynn, DMD

Dr. Thomas R. Flynn is an Assistant Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Flynn is an attending at the Massachusetts General Hospital and the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. Dr. Flynn received his dental education from New Jersey Dental School and training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Catholic Medical Center. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and has been involved in pre-doctoral education and resident training throughout his career.
Dr. Flynn has published numerous articles and textbook contributions on oral and maxillofacial infections. In 2007 Dr. Flynn was a co-recipient of the Laskin award. The Laskin award is presented to the authors of the most outstanding article published each year in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He will present current information on antibiotic prophylaxis, antibiotic selection in dentistry and the management of odontogenic infections.

 

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President's Message - Dr. James Courey

The State of New Jersey recognizes that there is currently a severe “access of care” issue for certain groups of people. These populations include the poverty stricken, immigrants, the housebound elderly and people with disabilities and special needs.
As some of you already know, my son Michael was diagnosed with autism before his second birthday. (Autism affects 1 in 150 children today and the incidence is rising). Now, almost 10 years old, he attends a private school that uses a science-based teaching approach to individualize intervention—he is doing very well. Through my personal introduction to the world of special needs over 7 years ago, it’s been brought to my attention that dental care is scarce for children and adults with autism and other disabilities in general. The reasons explained to me are that some of these patients require more of the doctors’ time and some dentists are less willing to treat special needs patients. As a result of infrequent professional visits, some patients with disabilities are fearful and non-compliant during treatment. Historically, I have always treated patients with special needs, however, now I do so with a sense of duty. At times it is challenging, but the satisfaction gained from the gratitude of their families and from knowing that my intervention has improved their quality of life is without measure. MCDS members, Drs. Brunsden and Villa, share my passion for helping people with disabilities; they have cared for my son Michael since he was a youngster. The need is there, waiting for more professionals to except the job of fulfilling the demand.
Recently, I chose to hire an office cleaning crew composed of adults with autism. Additionally, my office has also outsourced duties like scanning kodachrome slides to digital format, typing, data entry, mass mailing & newsletter assembly to people with autism. The employment is so valuable to them and they do a great job. The employee gets a good job opportunity, and you, the employer, enjoys completion of needed services. The services provided by adults with autism and their Life-Skills Coaches are high quality and guaranteed to satisfaction. I share this information with you because I am so impressed by the accomplishments of people with autism and hope to compel you to consider people with disabilities as employees.
Whether it is treating a patient in your office that would not typically come to your practice or hiring people with disabilities to do jobs that you normally outsource, you will be contributing to help satisfy a dire need in our society. Call it karma, good will, paying it forward, or whatever phrase you choose; the life you may be enhancing is yours.

-3.11.2008-

Attendance: Ashmen, Courey, Fahsbender, Galkin, Leizer, Modi, Patel, Prabhu, Rosen, Savage, Schambra, Silverstein, Simos, Stein, Vitale, Marlene Glickman.
Acceptance of Minutes-vote unanimous.
President’s Report-James Courey
It was presented to the BOT if anyone wanted to propose any resolutions for the annual session on NJDA. There were no resolutions proposed. It was proposed and passed that MCDS will sponsor $500 to help pay for NJDA dinner dance.
Treasurer’s Report-Robert Ashmen
See full report on page 3.
Secretary’s Report-Maya Prabhu
Nominations for State Council positions were filed with NJDA Executive Secreatary.
Editor’s Report-Bob Silverstein, Constantine Simos
Just a reminder that all submissions for inclusion in the newsletter need to be to me by the Wednesday after the General Meeting (the next day).
Website Editor’s Report-Bob Silverstein
Online registration for all of our current course offerings is available on our web site.
Program Chairperson’s Report-Constantine Simos
Plans are set for Dr. Cranham’s presentations on 3/18 and 3/19. Dr. Flynn will deliver the Symanski lecture on 4/15. Staff Night will be on 5/20 and will feature a casino theme as well many excellent prizes.
NJDA Council Reports:
Membership-Tara Savage
The Middlesex County Dental Society study Club met on March 13, 2008. Dr. Amit Vora presented a lecture on crown lengthening. There were 14 members in attendance at the meeting. Members received 1 CE credit. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2008 at 6:30pm at the Clarion in Edison. Dr. David Stein will be giving a lecture on implants. All MCDS members are welcome to attend. Please contact Marlene Glickman at 732-238-1255 in advance if you are interested in attending the next meeting.
Peer Review-John Fahsbender, Mark Vitale
Dr John Fahsbender will be stepping down as the MCDS Chair of the Peer Review Committee and Dr Sandy Goldstein will be assuming his position. Dr Fahsbender will be taking over as the Chairman of the State Peer Review Committee.
Old Business
The Clarion failed to come back with competitive prices as an alternative site to host all day courses. The Pines will continue to be the venue for these courses.
The slate of officers for 2008-2009 was presented and voted upon by the Board. This slate will be presented at the next general body meeting for a vote by the membership.
Dentsply submitted a request to sponsor our meetings. This was approved by the Board.
New Business
A small committee chaired by Scott Galkin was set up to select the appropriate category under which MCDS would compete for the Golden Apple Awards that is annually sponsored by the ADA.
Respectfully Submitted,
Maya Prabhu,
Secretary