September 2008 Newsletter

Program || President's Message || MCDS Board of Trustees / Committee Reports

Treasurer's Report Detail || Announcements/Articles || Upcoming Course Registration Forms

OSHA Registration || Dr. Panagakos Course (Diabetes)

Photos from Staff Night, May 2008

Photos from Bob Silverstein

Photos from Ethan Glickman

For pictures and advertisements, see the newsletter in PDF format

Program:

“Retreatment of Endodontic Failures”
Dr. Samuel Kratchman


Dr. Sam Kratchman was born and raised in New York. He received a B.S. in Biology and a D.M.D. both from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts. Sam then entered the University of Pennsylvania, where he received a certificate of endodontics, and currently serves as an Associate Professor of Endodontics and the Assistant Director of Graduate Endodontics, in charge of the microsurgical portion of the program.
Dr. Kratchman has authored several articles and chapters on endodontics and intentional replantation for the Microsurgery in Endodontics textbook, and the Dental Clinics of North America. He also developed a patented instrument called the S Kondenser for the obturation of root canals. He serves as the District I Director for the American Association of Endodontists.
Dr. Kratchman lectures on several topics of endodontics throughout the United States, Europe, Scandinavia, and Asia. He also maintains a private practice, limited to endodontics, in Exton, Pennsylvania.
Unfortunately for endodontists, retreatments have become a significant portion of our practice. We will discuss case selection and our own limitations in trying to provide heroics. We will show the use of the latest generation of ultrasonic tips through clinical cases, and then a series of special cases, where perforations were repaired with calcium sulfate and MTA (mineral trioxide aggregate), as well as several one-step apexification procedures.

President's Message - Dr. Mark Vitale

As we wind down from our summer vacations, it’s time to prepare for another year of challenges facing the dental profession. We are very fortunate to be part of a very well respected profession that not only provides quality health care to the public, but also provides each of us with great benefits such as prosperity, friendships, education, and self- satisfaction. Despite the good times had by all, we must not become complacent in our daily activities and in our attitude. Knocking at our doors are challenges that we must be prepared for. These challenges, just to name a few, include; costly regulations on materials we use, wallet pinching taxes such as a gross receipts tax, universal health care and access to care, evidence based dentistry which while proposed to better the quality of care may be twisted by the insurance companies and used against us, increasing complexity of dental insurance policies that add to the complexity of running our practices, and last but not least, the problems facing our dental schools.
No one individual can deal with these and all of the other issues we face, but organized dentistry can. The talented staff of the NJDA, the dedicated officers of the NJDA and MCDS, and the hard working members of the NJDPAC, all work on our behalf. Because of organized dentistry we are informed, educated, and in many situations protected. The key to the organization’s success however is its’ members. Everyone MUST PARTICIPATE; attend meetings, go to courses, volunteer for a committee, play an active role. MCDS sets a great example for participation and leadership. MCDS member Dr. Daniel Krantz is currently the President of NJDA and MCDS member Dr. Richard Kahn is currently Vice-President of NJDA. Over twenty individuals are members of the MCDS Board of Trustees, each playing a critical role both on a local and state level. There is always the need for more participation.
Thanks to Dr. Maya Prabhu, we once again have an outstanding CE Program planned for this year, along with a great mentor program orchestrated by Dr. Ethan Glickman. Mark your calendars now as all of the information you need is in this newsletter. If you have a friend or colleague who is not involved in organized dentistry, bring them to a meeting as your guest. If you are interested in serving on a committee or council contact me or any of my fellow officers. Now more than ever we need active members to secure the future of our profession.

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MCDS Board of Trustees Report

5/13/08
Attendance: Ashmen, Bernstein, Brunsden, Chustckie, Courey, Fertig, Galkin, Glickman, Kahn, Mir Madjlessi, Modi, Nandra, Patel, Prabhu, Rosen, Savage, Stein, Simos, Schambra, Silverstein, Villa, Vitale, Vora, Weiner, Marlene Glickman
Acceptance of Minutes-vote unanimous.
President’s Report-James Courey
Dr. Glickman is stepping down as Mentor Chairperson at the end of next year. Drs. Vora and Mir Madjlessi will be joining the Mentor Committee this year to transition into the co-chair position.
Treasurer’s Report-Robert Ashmen
See full report on page 3.
Program Chairperson-Constantine Simos
MCDS is covering the cost of residents to attend staff night.
Educational Committee/Corporate Sponsorship-David Stein
All Contracts have been signed for the Pines Manor at the prices that were agreed upon between MCDS and The Pines Manor. I also re-confirmed with Jackie at the pines the days that we will be having events at the pines, including the extra full day course.
Country Wide Practice Brokerage, Colgate along with Dr. Panagakos, Dr. Krantz has mentioned Gill Davis from TDIC and Mid Atlantic Insurance Resources, and Kim Ianotte with Aftco Practice Transitions would all like to become more involved with MCDS, This could be in the form of corporate sponsorship at meetings and with the newsletter, CE Courses, and the mentor program as well as the MCDS study club.
So for the courses in October, Marty from Benco has confirmed that he has enough sponsors to be able to commit $10,500 for the October courses.
I am in the process of confirming the sponsorship for the September meeting and the November Meeting.
NJDA Trustee Report-Nancy Villa
See full report under NJDA Noteworthy News on page 4.
NJDA Council Reports:
Dental Benefits-Mark Vitale
See full report on page 6.
Council on Dental Education-Robert Ashmen
The Council is continuing its grass roots effort to raise awareness in careers in dental assisting by reaching out to high school guidance counselors with information and brochures printed through the ADA. The Council also awarded three $500 scholarships to current students in dental assisting programs around the state. The Council also selected the speakers for upcoming Fall Weekend Study Club series, and a mailing will sent to the NJDA membership this summer outlining the schedule.
Council on Governmental and Public Affairs-Mitch Weiner
See full report on page 4.
Membership-Tara Savage
The Council on Membership met on April 17, 2008. Programs for non-member recruitment were discussed. “Call a non-member a month” is a program that began in January. Its goal is for each non-member New Jersey dentist to receive a personal phone call from a member dentist by the end of this year. In February, NJDA offered non-members one week of access to their website and held a raffle for an i-pod. NJDA offers reduced dues rates when joining mid-year. If you join starting in July you’ll pay half for that year, and if you join starting in October you’ll pay nothing for the remainder of that year. NJDA is considering providing an incentive to NJDA members for recruiting non-members, such as a dues break. Eric Elmore presented the idea of using a company called e-LocalLink Internet TV to make a promotional video that would be displayed on the NJDA website and could also be used for non-member recruitment. The video would cost $1,000 per minute and would be approximately 4 minutes in length. The membership council approved a motion to bring the idea to the Board of Trustees for a vote. The video was approved at the last Board of Trustees meeting. Sample video clips can be view at www.njda.org (go to member services and then to message from the council). NJDA ran a report to see how many dentist couples there are in NJ and how many of the couples have just one spouse who is an NJDA member. The report showed that there are 96 dentist couples in NJ and 28 of the couples have only one spouse that is a member. As of May 13, 2008 there are 4,383 NJDA members and 488 MCDS members.
New Dentists-Arpan Nandra
We are calling new dentists to invite them personally to annual session for New Dentist lecture and cocktail reception.
Committee Reports:
Mentor-Ethan Glickman
Our bi-annual OSHA program that satisfies the OSHA standard on Occupational Exposure to Blood Borne Pathogens, which is required annually for dentists and staff, will be given on June 19, 2008. Each person will receive certification that they have been properly instructed for this OSHA regulation on Infection Control. Two CEU credits will be awarded to the staff members attending this 2-hour seminar. This seminar is available to our members for $20/pp as a member benefit of MCDS. A big “Thank You” to Dr. Joe Fertig for arranging all our room accommodations for the MCDS-OSHA programs at St. Peter’s Medical Center in New Brunswick.
We welcome Dr. Amit Vora & Dr. Nima Mir Madjlessi to the Mentor Committee. We will be working together this coming year to present two additional Mentor Programs for our members.
The Central New Jersey Dental Hygiene Study Club will meet on June 11, 2008 at the Clarion Hotel, Rte 27 South, Edison NJ. Sponsored by Middlesex County Dental Society, Drs. Brunsden & Villa will present a seminar entitled:‘The Dental Hygienist’s Role in Providing Optimum Care for Children’. Two CEU credits will be awarded for the meeting. We welcome Dr. Alyssa Bernstein as the new MCDS liaison for the CNJDH study club meetings for 2008-2009. This CNJDH study club is available to our hygienists as a dentist-member benefit of MCDS. Please contact Marlene Glickman, our Exec.Sect’y for MCDS, at # 732-238-1255 for additional information and registration in advance for either program.
Oral Cancer Screening-Arpan Nandra
At the next Middlesex Study Club meeting we will see how many people are interested in forming a task force.
Old Business
Scott Galkin - Regarding the Golden Apple Award: we are modifying last year’s entry. MCDS will be submitting a nomination for the Annual Golden Apple Awards under the ‘Open Category’which will include the accomplishments of the Mentor Programs that evolve and improve every year under the direction of Ethan Glickman, the Committee Chairman.
Respectfully Submitted,
Maya Prabhu, Secretary
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Treasurer's Report

Dr. Robert Ashmen

3/31/08 4/30/08
Checking $16,429.90 $4056.20
Savings $4,102.29 $29,114.42
CD (4.43% matures 4/20/08) $25,979.64 $0.00
CD (3.24% matures 8/24/08) $0.00 $40,000.00
PayPal $8,491.95 $2,798.29
TOTAL: $55,003.78 $75,968.91
P&L STATEMENT CHECKING ACCOUNT
(3/31/08-4/30/08)
INCOME
CONT. EDUC.-INC. 5,035.00
CORP SPON-INC. 15,090.00
DINNER DANCE/Beach Party 2,450.00
DUES 16,925.97
HYG study club 105.00
INTEREST 9.03
MENTOR COMM-INC 1,340.00
STAFF NIGHT-INC 594.00
TOTAL INCOME 41,549.00
EXPENSES
ACCOUNTANT FEES 315.00
CD DEPOSIT 13,630.32
CONT EDUC 10,418.05
CORP SPONSOR 500.00
DINNER MEETINGS 9,750.85
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY 701.50
HYG Study Club-exp 707.35
MENTOR COMM-EXP 20.00
NEWSLETTER 540.00
OFFICE SUPPLIES 146.00
POSTAGE 99.38
TELEPHONE 94.31
TOTAL EXPENSES 36,922.76
TRANSFERS
FROM PayPal 8,000.00
TO SAVINGS -25,000.00
OVERALL TOTAL -17,000.00
P&L SAVINGS ACCOUNT
(3/31/08-4/30/08)
INCOME
INTEREST 12.13
TRANSFER FROM CHECKING 25,000.00
OVERALL TOTAL 25,012.13
P&L PAYPAL MONEY MARKET
(3/31/08-4/30/08)
REIMBURSEMENT 1.95
STAFF NIGHT 2,304.39
TRANSFER TO CHECKING -8,000.00
OVERALL TOTAL -5,693.66

 

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Announcements/Articles

In Memoriam


Dr. Raymond D. Alexander

Dr. Raymond Alexander, South River dentist, 85 Dr. Raymond D. Alexander died on Thursday, July 17, 2008, at the Francis Parker Memorial Home in Piscataway. He was 85. Funeral services will be conducted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008, at 9 a.m. from the Rezem Funeral Home, 457 Cranbury Rd., East Brunswick, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Corpus Christi R.C. Church, 100 James St., South River. Burial will follow in St. Marys Cemetery in East Brunswick. Calling hours will be on Tuesday, July 22, 2008, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. For directions, to send online condolence message or to visit the funeral home website, visit www.rezemfh.com. Born in South River,

Dr. Alexander was a lifelong resident. A graduate of South River High School, Rutgers University and the University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry, he was in practice for 45 years before retiring in 1994. Dr. Alexander served in the United States Navy during World War II and was a member of the South River Knights of Columbus Council 3001, the LyonsSchepsco VFW Post 1451 in South River, the American Dental Association and the New Jersey Dental Association.

Raymond was an avid sportsman, fisherman, hunter, avid gardener, and a communicant of Corpus Christi R.C. Church in South River. He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Jane (Gordon) Alexander, in 1999, and his three brothers, Edward, Clarence and Anthony Alexander. He is survived by sons, Raymond Dan Alexander Jr. and his wife, Beverly, of South River and Michael B. Alexander, M.D., and his wife, Mary Patricia, of Doylestown, Pa.; his brother, George Alexander of South River; his four grandchildren, Meredith Burke and her husband, Thomas; Jennifer Moore and her husband, Thomas; Matthew Alexander and his wife, Vanessa, and Patricia Alexander; his one great-granddaughter, Olivia Moore, and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions in Dr. Alexanders name can be sent to the Alzheimers Association, Greater New Jersey Chapter, 400 Morris Ave., Suite 251, Denville, N.J. 07834.


Dr. John Morgan Macom, Jr.

J. Morgan Macom Jr., D.D.S., 78, of Bay Head died Sunday, June 1, 2008, at Ocean Medical Center in Brick. Raised in New Brunswick, he graduated from Rutgers University and the New York University School of Dentistry. Following his honorable service as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, he practiced as an orthodontist for over 30 years in New Brunswick. He and his family lived in Bridgewater and summered in Bay Head, prior to moving to Bay Head year-round in 1986. Dr. Macom was a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Board of Orthodontics and served as a former president of the Middlesex County Dental Society. He was also a talented artist and a member of the New Jersey Water Color Society. He was an active member and former trustee of the Bay Head Yacht Club, where he could always be found on the tennis courts. As an accomplished tennis player and member of the United States Tennis Association, he achieved a national ranking in both singles and doubles in his age group. He was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church in Bay Head and served there as a Eucharistic Minister. His other interests included travel, photography, astronomy and genealogy. He will be remembered fondly as a loving husband, father, grandfather and a true friend to all who knew him.

He was predeceased by his parents, John Morgan Macom and Claire Schenck Macom; his wife, Mary Louise Campbell Macom, and his sister, Diane C. Mullen. Surviving are his sister, Marcia O'Connor of Merion Station, Pa.; his two daughters, Amy M. West of Shrewsbury and Holly C. McIntyre of Little Silver; three sons, John M. Macom III of Douglaston, N.Y., William C. Macom of Melbourne, Fla., and Timothy P. Macom of Toms River, and 10 grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. and 7 p.m.-9 p.m. on Wednesday, June 4, at the Van Hise & Callagan Funeral Home, 812 Arnold Ave., Point Pleasant Beach. A Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 5, at Sacred Heart Church in Bay Head. Entombment will follow at St. Catharine's Mausoleum in Sea Girt. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Sacred Heart Church, 751 Main Ave., Bay Head, NJ 08742.


Dr. Elliot Silberman

Elliot J. Silberman, DDS, age 75 of Edison, passed away on Thursday after more than 4 years of the most courageous and valiant battle with pancreatic cancer.

Dr. Silberman, born and raised in Scranton, PA, was a self employed pedodontist in Woodbridge for over 40 years. He retired at the end of December 2007.

He was a graduate of the University of Scranton, Temple University Dental School, and the postdoctoral program in Pedodontics, School of Dental Medicine, Columbia University. He was a Captain in the United States Air Force.

Dr. Silberman was a member of the dental staff at Rahway Hospital for over 20 years and an attending dentist at JFK Medical Center, Edison from 1967 to the present. He was a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the New Jersey State Dental Association, the Middlesex County Dental Society, and the New Jersey Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

He was a member of Congregation Neve Shalom and B'nai Brith. He served as a Vice President of the Jewish Community Center. He was an avid Golfer, a NY Giants and Duke Blue Devils fan, and had a wry sense of humor. He loved ballroom dancing and enjoyed traveling with family and special friends to such places as Disneyworld, Palm Desert, Hilton Head, Las Vegas, and other countries. He also sought out unusual adventures such as helihiking, sliding down zip lines, flying biplanes, and parasailing.

Surviving are his wife of over 40 years, Dr. Rosanne K., two children, Michelle Hubbard of Newton, MA and Dr. Marc Silberman of Bedminster, NJ, one son-in-law, Dr. Clark Hubbard and one daughter-in-law, Amy Silberman, 3 grandchildren, Rebecca Faith and Jaclyn Ella Silberman, and Maxwell Jackson Hubbard, and one sister, Barbara Cohan of Philadelphia.

NJDA Council on Governmental and Public Affairs

Legislation- The NJ Paid Family Leave Law will go into effect in 1/2009. Small businesses will not be exempt but small businesses can terminate employees who exceed their allotted time without the threat of being sued for wrongful termination. Employees must use sick/vacation time first before Family Leave pay access would take effect. Qualifying employees also include part time employees who accumulate 1000 work hours per calendar year. Family Leave pay will be funded through employee payroll deductions, which will now have to be adjusted.
A bill is being introduced in the State legislature to study the ‘deleterious effects of amalgam use in dentistry’. NJDA is working with legislators to advance a bill that would mandate reimbursement for composites by non-self funded plans in lieu of the standard downcoding of composites to the amalgam fee for reimbursement.
NJ Universal Health Care legislation is being introduced that does not clarify the impact on dentistry. NJDA will continue to monitor the evolution of this legislation.
Regulation- Department of Corrections Rule Proposal- NJDOC wants to conduct biennial dental examinations on inmates instead of usual 6 month intervals. NJDA is fighting this proposal as we do not want to take the chance that the state will use this as a benchmark for other state reimbursement programs for dental (Medicaid, etc.)
Communications- June 12th in Trenton will be Oral Health Awareness Day. NJDA Member Dentist Volunteers and staff will help conduct oral cancer screenings on NJ legislators and legislative staff.
The NJDA website has a governmental affairs link that allows member dentists to read all pending legislation that NJDA is following to get more depth on the issues. In addition, NJDA wants more member dentists to call NJDA and give them authorization to use their e-mail addresses on file for their ‘access alert system for grassroots efforts’. This will allow NJDA to maximize its mobilizing of the membership in the event of a vote on a crucial piece of legislation that will affect our member dentists.
Old Business- A new slot on the State Board of Dentistry has been created due to passage of the Dental Consultant Bill. Some members are stepping down and some are holdovers. As a result, there are several NJ State Board of Dentistry appointments awaiting action by the governor.
New Business- Anti-amalgamists have persuaded Philadelphia legislators to mandate informed consent for amalgam use. NJDA is keeping a close eye on this and any possible threat of similar action in New Jersey.
Greenwald (Budget Chair in the NJ State Assembly) Tax Legislation refers to proposed legislation that will allow local municipalities to levy their own taxes, which could lead to personal income taxes for municipalities in the state, similar to New York City income tax.

NJDA Noteworthy News

Jeffrey R. Delson (AC) has been appointed as Chairman of the Annual Session Council. The convention was featured in “Dentistry Today” as a result of the editor having visited the show. In the future, Eric Elmore will invite health care and technology journalists to events at no cost as a means of promotion.
NJDA has a new booth which will be featured in four Health Fairs and will help demonstrate to the public what good things our dental society members do in the community. We have added a live action interchangeable internet personality to the main page of our website which will provide audio and visual answers to prerecorded questions.
Dr. Michael Messana reported on the Mission of Mercy (MOM) Program and would like a target date of September 2009. There are no financial requests involving this program and the budgets run from $50,000 to $100,000, however, it pays for itself in sponsorships and grants. Dean Cecile Feldman is offering the dental school facility for the first year.
Legislation was passed in California making it the first state to establish a self-regulating agency charged with licensure, education and enforcement of dental hygiene. In NJ, the hygienists want to expand the state board to include an additional hygienist and dental assistant. NJDA opposes this.
NJDA has had legislation introduced requiring insurers to reimburse for composite restorations at the same level of UCR as amalgams. The state board maintains that amalgam is safe and is opposed to any further studies to confirm safety and also opposed to the informed consent bill. Jim Schulz reported that it is unlikely for the consent bill to be passed. The ADA has already produced a brochure available to members outlining the “informed consent” and safety of using amalgam and other dental materials for the dentists in Philadelphia where the informed consent is mandatory.
OSHA is giving out a safety alert of the dangers of working with amalgam for staff. There was discussion that this may lead to banning the use of amalgam in all state institutions.
NJDA will endorse High Point Insurance Company which writes auto ins. in NJ and will offer members a 5% discount in addition to advertising in our publications.
The weekend study club program is set with Dr.John Nosti (Sept), Dr Marty Jablow (Oct), Dr Stanley Markman (Nov) and Dr Richie Kahn (Dec).
October 1, 2008 is the deadline for prescription pads to show the NPI number and be consecutively numbered.
October 1, 2009 is the deadline for amalgam separator installation.

MCDS Newsletter Online


If you would like to receive the newsletter electronically in lieu of receiving a printed copy, please visit our web site. Click on the “Member” link, then the “Of Current Interest” Link. By registering for this, you will be able to view the newsletter about a week before it would get to you in the mail, and this will also be saving us money.

Why Contribute to PAC?

• This year is a critical building year as next year is a gubernatorial and state Assembly election (80 Assembly seats). NJDPAC had an average winning record of 96 percent in these races.
• Last year, 32 new members were state service - the most since 1971. Your PAC contributions will play a key role in establishing and developing the relationships with these legislators who do not know your profession or what it is that dentistry stands for.
• Last year, only 29 percent of NJDA members contributed to NJDPAC. In other words, fewer than 30 percent of the NJDA members funded 100% of organized dentistry’s political advocacy. Even with these numbers, NJDPAC remained the largest healthcare PAC in New Jersey – the 3rd largest among the professional PACs and the 6th largest overall out of more than 550 PACs.
• Contributing to NJDP AC is an investment in your profession. NJDP AC doesn’t “buy votes.” It opens doors. NJDP AC helps organized dentistry get the politician’s ear when so many others are competing for it. A strong PAC doesn’t guarantee success, but it does ensure that our voice gets heard.
• NJDP AC does not support a party. It supports a profession - your profession. Its sole purpose is to ensure that dentistry is best positioned with whoever is in power and those politicians know who dentistry is, what we’re all about and why they need to be receptive to listening to our position.
• NJDPAC helps stave off the opposing interests of the environmentalists, the trial lawyers, the insurance companies and hygienists - all of who want to stop you from practicing the way you do today.
• NJDPAC, coupled with a strong lobbying effort, has twice stopped a 3.5% professional services tax from being placed on dentistry saving the industry millions. It has helped bring accountability and oversight on insurance issues including dental consultants. It’s helping fight environmentalists who want to stop water fluoridation and the use of amalgam. It has stopped hygienists who want more authority on the state board. It has helped stop a requirement that dentists carry their license at all times. It has helped stop legislation requiring more scrutiny and oversight by government over dentists. It has helped gain dentists favorable policies under PIP. And, perhaps most importantly, it helps distinguish dentistry from medicine so that dentists can best determine their destiny.
• NJDPAC contribution levels: Sustaining member at $150; Diamond Club member at $350; Platinum Club member at $500 and Executive Club at $1000 annually. All PAC club-level members have their names listed in each publication of Capsule and annually in the NJDA Journal.
For a contribution form, go to our web site, www.mcdsofnj.org and follow the links for NJDA Members, then Archives.

Council on Dental Benefits

• CRP Statistics: Staff provided the council with cumulative statistics from January 1, 2008 through May 31, 2008 indicating a total of 49 complaints submitted to NJDA for the year. On a monthly basis, 16 complaints were received in April, and 11 in May. Of that number, NJDA successfully resolved 23, two were for data purposes, six were not resolvable, and 18 are still pending. Once again, the vast majority of complaints involve requests for refunds. Staff provided the council with statistics on the number of CRPs opened per component to date.
• Letter to Premier; Multiple Procedure Reduction: The council reviewed NJDA’s letter to Premier Prizm Solutions, a utilization review firm working for automobile insurance companies. NJDA objected to the application of the multiple procedure reduction formula to dental implant surgical procedures, and presented the rationale for this objection. Staff reported that no response had been received to date. However, the Personal Injury Protection (PIP) regulations do allow carriers to reduce the second and subsequent procedures done at the same time, and it is universally accepted in the medical community. In this particular instance, the oral surgeon performed two implant procedures and submitted medical codes. For this reason, NJDA is not optimistic that a favorable outcome will result from this appeal, but at least NJDA is on record with its rationale. (Subsequent to the meeting, the dentist received the second rejection).
• Update on Implant Coding: Further to previous council discussions on proper coding for an implant crown with a UCLA abutment bonded to the crown, the council reviewed ADA’s clarification that this procedure should be coded as an implant supported crown (D6065) since there is no separate abutment.
• ADA/NADP Views on Coordination of Benefits: The council reviewed ADA/NADP report on coordination of benefits, which is eighth in the series of “top ten” dentist complaints. Staff noted that the national group adheres to a COB policy that is inconsistent with state law in New Jersey and thus not applicable to New Jersey-based fully-insured groups. Self-insured plans are exempt from state regulation.
• MetLife Periodontal Maintenance Policy: The council was asked for an opinion on a MetLife policy that restricts benefits for periodontal maintenance to patients that have a history of at least two quadrants of root planing and scaling. Staff noted that the CDT descriptor is vague in this regard, but that various plans often limit benefits based on internal guidelines. As an example, ADA’s descriptor states that periodontal maintenance following active therapy should continue for the life of the dentition, but many plans now limit this benefit to two years post-therapy.
• California Medicaid Lawsuit: The council reviewed a press release on a class action lawsuit filed by a coalition of health care professional groups, including the California Dental Association, against the state of California. The suit sought an immediate injunction to block an across the board 10% cut in Medicaid payments that is being imposed to help close a significant budget gap in the state.
• PIP Dental Fee Proposal: The council reviewed the proposed new dental fee schedule for Personal Injury Protection (PIP) services, that included an across-the board 11.3% increase for the southern region (region 1) and 11.9% increase for northern counties (regions 2 and 3) based on the Consumer Price Index. The Department’s motivation for the sudden publication was NJDA’s filing of an action challenging the prior inaction of DOBI. NJDA was then contacted by the Attorney General’s office, suggesting a settlement of the appeal.
• Legislative Proposal: Mandated Dental Exams: The council reviewed a draft proposal that would require school children to furnish a dental health certificate at the same time immunization reports are required. If introduced, the bill would be supported by the Department of Health and Human Services. The proposal includes language requiring that families demonstrating financial need be given “a list of dentists who may provide comprehensive dental services on a reduced cost or free basis”.

NJDA Budget and Finance Committee and NJDA Board of Trustees Meeting 8/6/08

•There will be a $100,000 budget shortfall for 2009, and this will be funded by a $20 NJDA dues increase for 2009 and a discontinuation of funding for the 2009 NJDA Annual Board Retreat. The remainder will be taken out of NJDA available reserves. A motion was made and passed at the Trustees meeting recommending the 2009 budget to the NJDA House of Delegates for approval.
•Dr. Carmine LoMonaco has been reappointed to be the NJDA rep. to the Foundation of UMDNJ for the 10/08-09 term.
•Amalgam Separators must be installed in designated offices by Oct. 1, 2009, NOT 2008!
•The deadline for new Rx pads with NPI #’s and consecutive numbering is Oct. 1, 2008. In addition, printers must use a special non-copyable paper to print these pads with. Although at the present time this special paper is not mandated by law, the Division of Consumer Affairs will likely require it, so it is prudent to get the pads on the special paper to save added future expense.
• The NJ State Board has a new President (Dr. Alexander Hall) and a new Vice-President (Dr. Emil Cappetta). Botox has been approved by the State Board for use by dentists but they must complete a 21 hour course. Oral Surgeons, even those with duel degrees and no medical license in NJ, will have to complete the necessary course hours in order to administer Botox. Oral Surgeons as a group are not happy with this ruling, particularly because at the same meeting, the NJ State Board approved allowing hygienists to administer local anesthesia.
•On Wed. Sept. 24 at 4PM at the NJDA Headquarters, an informational “open house” meeting will be held featuring GKAS State Chair Dr. Cavan Brunsden to recruit and educate member dentists about the Give Kids a Smile program. We are hoping to increase member and patient participation in 2009, as it has been relatively flat for the last few years.
•NJDA Sponsorship packages have been redesigned and reformatted to maximize NJDA’s non-dues income potential.
•Executive Director Art Meisel reported that a member dentist was contacted by Aetna’s “Special Investigations Unit” regarding medical claims submitted as secondary insurance for dental treatment of special needs individuals. Although the dentist clearly stated on the claim that the services were provided by a dentist, Aetna claimed that they do not read the claims. They are processed electronically. Aetna claims that it is inappropriate for a dentist to submit a claim to a medical carrier. In the role of Counsel, Mr. Meisel drafted a letter to Aetna on the member dentist’s behalf saying this issue was brought to the association’s attention. The NJDA Board directed Mr. Meisel to pursue this matter.
•A motion was made and passed to table a discussion concerning more scrutiny and more defined, uniform guidelines in regards to dues waiver requests.