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Linda Miles, Founder of Linda Miles and Associates, an INC 500 Company, is a true pioneer in the field of practice management consulting. Spanning a career of four decades in dentistry and 29 years as a speaker, consultant, and author, Linda’s newest achievement is teaming up with the new owner/CEO of LLM&A, Dr. Rhonda Savage to take Linda Miles and Associates worldwide.
In addition to being a member of Academy of Dental Management Consultants, Linda is a 25-year member of the National Speakers Association, earning her CSP award in 1983. She also earned her Certified Management Consult designation of the Institute of Management Consultants in 1993. Linda has spoken in all fifty states and on four continents to thousands of dentists and staff. She has written three books and produced numerous DVDs, CDs and Videos over the years.
Many of Linda’s consulting clients rank in the top percentile of successful practices in North America with the best-trained team members in dentistry. In March of 2005, Linda was bestowed the highest honor of her career when she received the Distinguished Service Award at the Hinman Dental Meeting in Atlanta. In the 97 years of Hinman, this award has been given only eleven times. Other recipients include Dr. Peter Dawson, Dr. LD Pankey, and Dr. Gordon Christensen to name a few.
In order to have a successful practice; the clinical side of the success triangle is only one side. The business acumen is the second side which includes practice systems, personnel, budgeting and leadership. At the foundation of the triangle is effective communication. Never in the past 40 years of dentistry has this foundation been more important than it is today.
Starting with the dentist’s role, this exciting one-day seminar outlines hiring tips that bring in the best candidates and more importantly how to keep the good staff the practice attracts. Many dentists hold onto some employees who have become “anchors thrown overboard”. Not knowing how to communicate their goals to the team, many dentists end up with frustrated employees and unmet expectations, leading to less than ideal practice outcomes.
Every member of the team will have their role as practice communicators outlined. This includes communication to their employer, co-workers and patients. Specific verbal skills for various practice situations will be outlined and shared. Having just the right words at the right time will make each member of the team be able to see themselves as the patients see them. It will also allow each person to have a higher degree of respect for each member of their work family and the workload that each person contributes.
Key objectives of this course include:
1) Outlining the importance of communication (verbal and non verbal)
2) Strengthening the dentist’s role as the leader
3) Outlining the importance of the hygienist as an effective educator
4) How the role of clinical assistant has changed for the better
The changing duties of the business staff based on new technology
I was writing this month’s President’s message when I received a letter that warranted me changing the topic. The letter was from Dr. Mark Feldman, President of the ADA, informing me that Middlesex County Dental Society has been named a 2008 Golden Apple Award recipient. In the nineteen year history of the award this is a first for MCDS. The award is presented annually to constituent and component dental societies in recognition of their leaders, members and staff, for accomplishments in one or more of the following areas; legislative achievement, membership recruitment and retention, dental health promotion to the public, member related services, promotion of dental ethics, dental school/student involvement, science fair programs, dentist well being programs, and careers in dental education. We are receiving the award for an open category involving several of the above.
As you are well aware, MCDS has long been an innovative constituent component of NJDA. It’s goals have included promoting professional camaraderie, attract and maintain members, and develop future leaders. This has been made possible through monthly meetings, continuing education and social events. Not only has our outstanding CE program been recognized, special tribute has gone to our mentor program. This program, led by Dr. Ethan Glickman, has provided courses especially attractive to young and new dentists since these courses target early dental growth and development. In addition, our membership program has been applauded introducing new members to organized dentistry via the “MCDS New Member Welcoming Program”. This program assigns each new member to a “senior” member to act as their host at society meetings and events, and to introduce them to the benefits of membership. This, in conjunction with the “MCDS New Member Study Club”, has been very well received by our membership.
The growth and success of all MCDS programs can be attributed to the past and present officers of the organization, their dedication, hard work and leadership. A special thank you to Dr. Scott Galkin, Dr. Richard Kahn, and Dr. Mitchell Weiner for compiling the document submitted to the ADA, “Middlesex County Dental Society’s Look Into The Future”.
In addition to MCDS being recognized this year, NJDA is also a recipient of a 2008 Golden Apple Award for legislative achievement. The Dental Consultant bill, which passed this year was a great legislative accomplishment for organized dentistry.
Congratulations to the members and officers of MCDS and NJDA.
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4/30/08 8/31/08
Checking $4056.20 $17,550.40
Savings $29,114.42 $17,710.09
CD (3.25% matures 8/24/08) $40,000.00 $0.00
CD (3.46% matures 12/28/08)
$0.00 $25,000.00
PayPal $2,798.29 $3,176.25
TOTAL: $75,968.91 $63,436.74
P&L STATEMENT CHECKING ACCOUNT
(4/30/08-8/31/08)
INCOME
CONT. EDUC.-INC. 320.00
CORP SPON-mtngs 1,500.00
DINNER DANCE/Beach Party 2,045.00
DUES 16,228.03
HYG study club 400.00
INTEREST 7.95
MEMBERSHIP 1,056.00
MENTOR COMM-INC 2,100.00
STAFF NIGHT-INC 6,595.00
TOTAL INCOME 30,251.98
EXPENSES
BOARD MEMBER EXPENSES 679.00
CDHM 782.96
CONT EDUC 1,466.40
DINNER DANCE 3,292.74
DINNER MEETINGS 1,640.07
DONATIONS 800.00
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY 1,702.00
HYG Study Club-exp 4,666.78
MEMBERSHIP 1,056.00
MENTOR COMM-EXP 390.29
NAME BADGES 52.09
NEWSLETTER 3,237.99
OFFICE SUPPLIES 32.00
POSTAGE 42.00
STAFF NIGHT 27,537.49
TELEPHONE 328.76
TOTAL EXPENSES 47,706.57
TRANSFERS
FROM 4-month CD 15,446.60
FROM PayPal 4,000.00
FROM SAVINGS 11,502.19
OVERALL TOTAL 30,948.79
P&L SAVINGS ACCOUNT
(4/30/08-8/31/08)
INTEREST 85.54
BANK EXPENSES -10.00
TRANSFER TO CHECKING -11,502.19
OVERALL TOTAL -11,426.65
P&L PAYPAL MONEY MARKET
(4/30/08-8/31/08)
CONT ED INC 2,020.31
DINNERDANCE 235.76
MENTOR COMM 629.05
STAFF NIGHT INC 2867.34
CONT ED EXP -196.94
STAFF NIGHT EXP -1,177.56
TRANSFER TO CHECKING -4000
OVERALL TOTAL 377.96
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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.
Dr. Morgan Macom passed away. He was a past President of the MCDS and practiced orthodontics in New Brunswick for over 30 years and was a Retired Life Member of the Association.
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.
Congratulations to Dr. John Fahsbender, who was recently appointed state chairperson of the
NJDA Council on Peer Review!
Many thanks to John for his years of service as chair of the MCDS Peer Review committee and
his leadership as part of the MCDS Board of Trustees.
Council on Dental Benefits
The council met on June 11, 2008 and the following items were reviewed.
- 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”.
Give Kids A Smile! Set for 2009, Information Session Scheduled for October
Friday, February 6, 2009, will mark the 7th year of the American Dental Association’s Give Kids A Smile! (GKAS) National Dental Access Day. The program’s mission is to deliver free dental care to as many children in need as possible on this day (ages 12 and under). It’s your chance to serve as a good will ambassador for dentistry while introducing the world of good oral health to children from every corner of the Garden State.
New Jersey has participated each year with more than 1,000 volunteers and has one of the most organized and successful programs in the country. More than 13,000 children have come through our program since 2003, and we have delivered nearly $2.4 million dollars in dental care. But, in order to grow our program and reach as many children in need as possible, we need more volunteers. This is where you can help.
On Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 4pm, at the New Jersey Dental Association headquarters in North Brunswick, Dr. Cavan Brunsden, pediatric dentist and statewide chairman of GKAS, will hold a two-hour open house information session on the program. It is designed for dental professionals and clinic management who have never participated in the event, but would like to learn all about it and what it entails. We are particularly in need of dentists and clinics in Cape May, Hunterdon, Mercer and Warren Counties. Dinner will be provided.
Some of the program’s veteran volunteers will discuss tips and techniques to make your GKAS program a success, and NJDA staff will teach you how to maximize your exposure to local area schools, businesses, houses of worship and the media. You do not have to own a practice to volunteer. Many large clinic-based sites need dentists and you can volunteer at a site in your area on February 6.
If you would like to attend the GKAS open house information session, please RSVP right away, as space is limited. You can RSVP with your name, the town and county in which you practice and the number of people you are bringing (assistants, hygienists, other office staff, etc.) to Eric Elmore at [email protected] or by calling (800) 831-NJDA and asking for Eric. We hope to see you there.