April 1997 Newsletter
President's Message | Sy
Symanski's Page
MCDS Board of Trustees Report | Treasurer's Report Detail
NJDA State Board of Trustees Report | Articles | Announcements
| Dates to Remember
President's
Message
Latex Gloves: Just the tip of the finger
More frequently, patients with latex allergies are being seen in the
dental office. Latex allergy in Dentistry is important not only because
of the problems in creating a latex free environment to treat allergic patients,
but we as health care providers can develop these allergies as well. After
the introduction of universal precautions, use of natural rubber latex gloves
increased. Respectively the increased demand may have altered the manufacturing
procedures which resulted in poor quality, highly allergenic gloves.
Natural rubber latex is derived from the sap of the Hevea brasiliensis
plant known as the rubber tree. Reactions to products containing latex can
be triggered by either the latex protein or by an additive used in the manufacturing
process which gives the product its final shape, color, and texture.
The latex protein can also bind to the powder in gloves and becomes airborne
after each glove removal.
Epidemiology
1) The prevalence of latex allergy in the general non-atopic population
is less than 1%.
2) The prevalence in health care workers is 7 - 10%.
3) Children with cogenital neutral tube defects like spina bifida have
late allergy rates from 12-64%. These patients undergo many surgeries, as
well as frequent catherizations and enemas resulting in mucosal absorption
of latex.
The populace with latex allergies can also be allergic to other plant
proteins with similar structures like avocado, banana, chestnuts and kiwi.
Reactions to latex can vary and become more severe over time with continued
exposure.
1) An irritant contact dermatitis is a non-allergic cutaneous response
to latex that can cause papular and ulcerative lesions.
2) Allergic contact dermatitis is a Type IV (delayed hypersensitivity)
reaction which is a T-cell mediated response to the manufacturing additives
to latex. Vesicular skin lesions appear on the dorsum of the hands.
3) A Type I (immediate hypersensitivity) reaction is IgE mediated and
is triggered by the latex proteins themselves. Symptoms are more severe
with rhino conjunctivitis, urticaria, wheezing, and bronchospasm. Anaphylaxis
is most often caused by exposure to surgeons gloves in the abdomen or mucosal
exposure from a barium enema and dental procedures.
There are five routes of exposure to latex proteins: cutaneous, mucous
membrane, inhalation, internal tissue, and intravascular. All can be encountered
in a dental appointment. When a patient enters an office they are exposed
to particulate latex in the air from powdered gloves. Latex is in the blood
pressure cuff tubing and stethscope tubing. Latex can leach out of the rubber
stoppers in local anesthetic cartridges or multidose vials of drugs and
be injected. Also containing latex are prophy cups, rubber dams, orthodontic
elastics, endodontic filling material, face mask straps, and adhesive tape.
Treatment Considerations
1) Preventing problems starts with a good patient history. Latex allergies
can be suspected in anyone with spina bifida, congenital urinary tract anomalies
and/or frequent catherizations. Questions can be asked about food allergies
(banana, kiwi, chestnuts, and avocado) or facial swelling after blowing
up a balloon or exposure to a rubber dam.
2) When treating a patient with latex allergy an allergist can be called
for consultation. Although anaphylactic reactions cannot be prevented, premedication
regimens including hydroxyzine, prednisone, and rantitdine can reduce symptoms.
3) The patient should be given the first appointment of the day when
there is less particulate latex in the air and no latex on your hands or
clothes.
4) Local anesthetic can be ordered in glass ampules and drawn into a
syringe with a plastic plunger.
5) Plastic sleeves can be placed over all latex tubing.
6) Anything being used on a patient needs to be handled with vinyl gloves.
7) Have emergency drugs, especially epinephrine readily available (patient
will usually carry their own).
8) Latex-free products can be ordered. Since labeling is not always accurate,
the manufacturer can be called to confirm.
1) Holzman, RR. Latex Allergy: An
Emerging Operating Room Problem.
Anesh Analg 1993; 76:635-41
2) Sussman, G. Allergy To Latex Rubber.
Ann Intern Med. 122:43-46
See you at the next meeting.
Phil Engel
Sy Symanski's Page
The leadership of our state government stopped all activities on March
13, 1997 as Assemblyman Arnone lead a ceremonial program to honor our own
Dr. Theodore 'Sy' Symanski.
Sy was honored, in this unique fashion, for distinguished service in
the field of dentistry and to his country.
We at MCDS have known for years about Sy's
commitment to Dentistry and his many years of
service to our local dental society.
Congratulations Sy!
MCDS Board of Trustees
Report
MARCH 11, 1997
Attendance: Bloom, Brunsden, Engel, Fertig, Fromkin, Glickman, Krantz,
Leizer, Perlmutter, Weiner.
Acceptance of Minutes last meeting - Feb. 2, 1997 - vote unanimous.
| Treasurer's Report: |
Previous Balance |
$ 29,176.44 |
| M. Schambra, Treasurer |
Income / Expenses |
$ 3,341.04 |
Current Balance |
$ 32,517.48 |
COMMITTEE-REPORTS
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE- N. Villa
There have been 15 applications received for membership in MCDS for the
1997 year. Six of the 15 are dental residents. An induction ceremony will
be scheduled for either the April or May meeting and Certificates will be
distributed at that time.
We need to encourage nonmember dentists to attend MCDS meetings. This
is probably the best way that we can spread the word about how valuable
membership really is. Last month's newsletter was mailed out to the "New
Dentist" group of nonmembers.
MENTOR COMMITTEE - E. Glickman
An evening of continuing education lectures is scheduled with Marcy Dental
Laboratory for April 17, 1997 from 6:15 - 9:30 pm. Three CEU credits will
be awarded for this free seminar, however, a reservation is required as
seating is limited. This program is restricted to doctors only.
Two computer courses are scheduled with Loris Enterprises for both novice
and intermediate users. Internet topics will be discussed in each course.
The program is scheduled for Thursday, May 1, 1997, 6:30 - 8:00 pm for novice
computer users, and 8:00 - 9:30 pm for intermediate users. CEU credits are
pending for each seminar. Staff members are invited to attend this course.
CHILDREN'S DENTAL-HEALTH MONTH - C. Brunsden
This year's theme for CDHM is "Uncover the Secrets to a Healthy
Smile". A county wide poster contest is being held, ending March 26th.
Savings bonds will be awarded to the winners on April 7th at the Dental
Health Show in the East Brunswick H.S. auditorium.
The Nurse's Continuing Education Program will be held Wednesday, March
26th at NJDA Headquarters at 7:00 pm. "Behavioral Management in Children"
will be presented by Dr. Stephen Schwartz.
OLD-BUSINESS
The Trenton Thunder trip is scheduled for Wednesday, June 4th. A block
of tickets have been reserved for MCDS. Contact Dr. Philip Engel to make
a reservation.
NEW-BUSINESS
Dr. Peter DeScissio was selected to be next year's Program Chairman.
Dr. Daniel Krantz was nominated for NJDA Trustee, Dr. Joseph Perlmutter
was nomin-ated for Alternate.
Dr. Joel Leizer was nominated for ADA Delegate, Dr. Peter Clemente was
nominated for Alternate.
Dr. Joseph Fertig has arranged for the St. Peter's Library to be available
for all MCDS members. An extensive dental videotape collection already exists
at St. Peter's, and can now be loaned out by presenting a valid ADA membership
card with MCDS listed as your component. The library requests a $300 flat
fee from MCDS for the first six month's use for all members. This fee will
be used to purchase dental related materials for the library. A motion was
made to pay $300 for a trial MCDS library membership, after which time further
membership will be re-evaluated. Vote unanimous.
Respectfully submitted.
Ira S. Rosen, DMD
Treasurer's Report
February 28, 1997
Treasurer: Mark Schambra, D.D.S.
Previous Balance
(1/31/97) $29,176.44
Income / Expenses
(11/97/97) $ 3,341.04
Current Balance
(1/31/97) $32,517.48
PROFIT-& LOSS STATEMENT
2/1/97 Through 2/28/97
INCOME:
Dinner Payments 110.00
Dues 8,551.25
TOTAL-INCOME $8,661.25
EXPENSES:
Dinner Meetings 2,374.55
Donations 1,000.00
Lecture Fees 500.00
Newsletter 1,079.66
Secretarial 48.00
Uncategorized Expenses 0.00
TOTAL-EXPENSES $ 5,320.21
TOTAL INCOME/EXPENSE $ 3,341.04
NJDA State Board of
Trustees Report
February 26, 1997
NJ DPAC - Dr. Fred Sterritt
NJ is printing a federal PAC to enable NJDA to contribute to our
federal legislators.
This will create two separate PACs, one state and one federal, that work
cooperatively.
Night at the Races - May 7, 1997, will be used to fund the NJ Federal
Dental PAC.
STATE-BOARD OF-DENTISTRY - Dr. Schwartz
Dental consultants working for insurance companies must hold a
current NJ license.
RN's may not perform oral examinations under the supervision of
an M.D.
COMMITTEE-ON-FINANCE & INVESTMENTS - Dr. Riva
The board authorized the solicitations of proposals on sponsorship programs
for electronic claims processing, gloves, and group purchasing of office
supplies as a source of 'non-dues' income.
PRESIDENT-ELECT's REPORT - Dr. Gelbman
The ADA President Elect's Conference focused on Direct Reimbursement,
Continuing Competency, and National Marketing.
SECRETARY's REPORT - Dr. Colton
NEBCO has proposed the payment of royalties on non-endorsed products
sold as a result of the NEBCO/NJDA Association.
LEGAL-REPORT - Mr. Art Meisel
The board approved legal action to assure prompt publications of
regulations in the NJ register. (5 state board proposals are awaiting publication).
BC/BS 'termination without cause' clause is in trial court. Legal
services are available if you have been harmed by this action.
Professional management companies that require a percentage of
revenue as payment is ongoing, in 'fee splitting' and this is prohibited.
COUNCIL ON-ANNUAL-SESSIONS: The annual session on June 6 & 7 has
limited rooms available.
COUNCIL ON-DENTAL-BENEFITS: Senate Bill 438, the NJDA-sponsored Assignment
of benefits legislation would require all dental benefit plans to send payments
directly to den-
tists, regardless of participation status, as long as the patient executes
the authorization.
Respectfully submitted Dr. Cavan Brunsden
Articles
No articles in this issue.
Announcements
MCDS Nominations: 1997-98
President: Dr. Cavan Brunsden
President Elect: Dr. Ira Rosen
Vice President: Dr. Mark Schambra
Secretary: Dr. Theodore Symanski
Treasurer: Dr. Charles Bloom
ADA Delegate: Joel Leizer
ADA Alternate
Delegate: Peter Clemente
NJDA Trustee: Daniel Krantz
NJDA Alternate
Trustee: Joseph Perlmutter
These positions will be voted on at the general membership meeting in
May.
GOOD & WELFARE: Dr. Daniel Krantz is happy to open his new office
over one year since his old office was destroyed
MCDS wishes a warm welcome to the following new members for 1997:
Dr. Daniel Armento
Dr. Daniel Boden
Dr. Cynthia Butcofski
Dr. Lynda Chen
Dr. Michael Conte
Dr. Paul Ferguson
Dr. Edwin Galkin
Dr. Wael Ibrahim
Dr. Salim Nathoo
Dr. David Pipitone
Dr. Jacqueline Reid
Dr. Vivian Rivelo
Dr. Paul Szott
Dr. Wonhi Yoo
*Nonmember dentists are always welcome to attend our continuing education
programs as guests.
MCDS VIDEO LIBRARY AT-ST. PETERS
A valid ADA membership card from a MCDS member is all that is needed
to access the extensive video collection located at St. Peter's Hospital
Library. (Hundreds of current dental videos are available).
Dr. Joseph Fertig has arranged for this additional membership benefit
that should provide all of our members with videotapes on subject matter
ranging from 'Current Bonding Techniques' to 'Staff Management and Benefit
Determination.'
Additional information and a listing of available titles is available
by contacting the St./ Peter's Library or Dr. Joseph Fertig.
MCDS MENTOR CONTINUING EDUCATION SERIES
Thursday, April 17, 1997
St. Peter's Hospital
I. Impression Taking
II. Precision Partials
III. Shade Verification
6:15 - 9:30
Three one hour video/live seminars
Three C.E.U.
Presenter: Marcy Dental, Perth Amboy
Thursday, May 1, 1997
St. Peter's Hospital
II. Introduction to Computer Use
7:00 - 8:00
II. Application of Computers
8:30 - 9:30
Each seminar costs $15.00
One C.E.U. per seminar
Presenter: Loris Enterprises, Edison
LIMITED-SPACE-AVAILABLE
Contact: Dr. Ethan Glickman
Chairman Mentor Committee
Call 572-4244
SOFTBALL CHALLENGE
· Want to swing a bat?
· Need to throw a ball?
· How about having some fun?
MY-OFFICE-AGAINST-YOURS?
Who will accept the CHALLENGE!
TRADE-IN-YOUR-PLUGGER
FOR-A-LOUISVILLE SLUGGER!
Contact
Cavan Brunsden
679-2323
A Middlesex County Dental Society Special Event!
... You can fight bumper-to-bumper traffic into New York!
... You can even park your car in the Bronx (and pray that it is
there when you get back)!
... Or you can ...
TRENTON-THUNDER vs. BOWIE ORIOLES
Wednesday, June 4th, 1997
NIGHT-GAME - 7:00 PM
Doctors,
Spouses,
Family,
Friends
Contact: Dr. Philip Engel
Dates to Remember
- March 9 - NJDA Day at the Circus
- March 19 - 'Nothing But Net' - N.B. Hyatt
- March 26 - 'Nurses Night' - NJDA: 7:00 pm
- April 6 - CDHM Awards EBHS Auditorium: 1:00 pm
- May 21 - NJDA House of Delegates
- June 4 - Trenton Thunder Baseball
- June 6&7 - Annual Session: Atlantic City
Back to the MCDS Home Page