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Treasurer's Report Detail || Announcements/Articles || Upcoming Course Registration Forms
Course Registration Form Links: Dr. Panagakos (Diabetes) || Dr. Jablow (Latest Equipment and Software)
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Dr. Alan Atlas received his D.M.D degree in 1986 from the University of Pennsylvania and served there as acting Co-Chairman of the Department of Preventive and Restorative Sciences. Currently, Dr. Atlas is a Clinical Associate Professor, Co-Director of Restorative Dentistry Clinics and a primary care unit group leader in charge of mentoring third and fourth year dental students in advanced clinical dentistry. In addition, he is actively involved in the development and integration of clinical research studies for implants and dental materials at Penn. Dr. Atlas is an internationally recognized lecturer focused on applying scientific-based protocols to clinical dentistry. He maintains a private practice in Esthetic and Comprehensive Restorative Dentistry located in Philadelphia.
There are four major elements that will determine the success of a direct posterior composite restoration: tooth preparation, material choice, placement technique and curing method. This lecture will examine the scientific evidence to determine the how each element will play a critical role in determining which materials, systems and techniques are best to utilize when doing these procedures. Participants will learn:•Tooth preparation for initial carious lesions and replacement of existing restorations •Selection of materials, placement and curing methods for optimal direct posterior composite restorations •The most up-to-date analysis of dentin bonding agents with total-etch versus self-etch systems compared •Microleakage and nanoleakage – Materials, systems and techniques that demonstrate the best results for success in the research •Finishing and polishing techniques •The controlled placement and delayed polymerization technique for optimum long term results
Weather the storm. This is a term we have heard many times over. As an avid boater, there have been many times I have been caught in a storm and just had to wait it out. But most of the time I have avoided the storm by being proactive, planning things out, and using the resources available to me to create a smooth and enjoyable voyage. As I am writing this, we are all weathering the storm in the financial market. Unfortunately, as dentists, most of us are not trained in economics and finance, and are dependent on others for assistance in making decisions. The most frequent advice we hear right now is to sit tight and weather the storm. We don’t have much control and this of course adds to the uncertainty and stress.
Dentistry over the years has weathered many storms and will continue to do so, but most of the time we have been successful in avoiding the storm. We have defined and addressed the uncertainties and we have avoided the associated stress. As a boater I rely on the radar and other electronics along with information provided by NOAA. As a dentist I rely on organized dentistry and our PAC. Whether a boater or a dentist, these essential protective resources we have available to us come at cost, a cost that I think is well worth it.
The NJ Dental Political Action Committee doesn’t support a party; it supports a profession. It doesn’t buy votes or politicians; it buys a voice for the profession and access to those who impose regulations and taxes. There are many groups competing for the ears of the legislators, many of whom have interests that are contrary to dentistry’s interests; these include environmentalists, insurance companies and trial lawyers; all very powerful groups that want us to stop practicing the way we do today. Besides the competing groups, we now need to be concerned with the outcome of the Presidential election and the resultant impact on healthcare. There will be some form of healthcare reform, possibly some form of National Health Insurance. How will this all impact on Dentistry? We need a strong, active PAC now more than ever. We need more than the current 30% of our membership to be active.
So you may ask what has NJDPAC, the largest healthcare PAC and sixth largest overall PAC, done for me? 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 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.
I spend several hundred dollars a year to insure a pleasant and safe boat ride. We all spend thousands of dollars a year on insurance; disability, health, life, malpractice, etc. A contribution to PAC is nothing compared to our other expenses, and practically speaking, it gives you the best bang for the buck.
If you are a member of PAC, thank you very much. If you are not a member, you need to thank those who are because they are looking out for your interest; then you need to join today so that as a unified group we can avoid those storms for which we have control, and successfully weather those for which we have little control.
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-10/14/08-
Attendance: Ashmen, Bernstein, Galkin, Glickman, Goldstein, Kahn, Leizer, Modi, Nandra, Patel, Prabhu, Rizzi, Rosen, Rosenheck, Patel, Savage, Schambra, Silverstein, Simos, Stein, Villa, Vitale, Vora, Wasserman, Weiner, Marlene Glickman
Acceptance of Minutes-vote unanimous.
President’s Report-Mark Vitale
-A warm welcome to Dr. Robert Rizzi, the newest member of the MCDS BOT.
Dr. Rizzi will be assisting with corporate sponsorship.
-The ADA 2008 Golden Apple Award will be presented to MCDS at the November 12th meeting of the NJDA House of Delegates. This will take place at The Pines Manor at 10am. All members of the BOT are encouraged to attend.
-Happy Birthday to our Executive Secretary, Marlene Glickman.
-A MCDS motion was approved unanimously by NJDA’s trustees; that all officers, trustees, delegates, council and committee members receive meeting packets and related information electronically unless requested otherwise.
Treasurer’s Report-Robert Ashmen
See full report on page 3.
Editor’s Report-Bob Silverstein, Constantine Simos
The October issue was sent out to 449 members and 26 received it electronically. Since our costs for each individual newsletter run about $3, we can save a considerable amount of money if members register to receive the newsletter electronically. Members can do so on the “Of Current Interest” page of our web site.
Educational Coordinator-David Stein
In regards to the last meeting and vendor exposure, I was concerned about the room set up. However when I spoke with the vendors they seemed pleased with the turnout and had mentioned that dentists had stopped by the tables to discuss their products. I vote not to let the vendors back at no cost. I would consider having them back at a reduced cost. One of the vendors has not yet paid.
At the present time I am in the process of coordinating AV services for 10-21,10-22,3-18-09, 4-21-09 and 4-22-09. I am also trying to coordinate with Jackie Marko to have back to back meetings in the same room to eliminate breakdown and resetting of AV equipment at a cost of about $400-$600 per setup. This may be a point where we can save money with the AV company. I also need to know AV requirements in advance. If the speaker brings their own projector, that can save us money. As of this time I do not think the pines can have the October meeting in the same room. Jackie said it may come down to the last minute.
According to Ethan Glickman and Dr. Ziemba, Jeff Weiss From High tech would like to get involved with the MCDS possibly in the news letter and with sponsorship and possibly speaking for our society. We will try to accommodate him.
NJDA Trustee’s Report- Nancy Villa
In light of escalating costs evident in NJDA’s upcoming budget, the MCDS board passed a motion, approved unanimously by NJDA’s trustees, that all officers, trustees, delegates, council and committee members receive meeting packets and related information electronically unless requested otherwise.
NJDA is looking into generating revenue by hosting online CE in conjunction with Dentistry Today. In the meantime we are expanding the Journal’s oral pathology CE from 4 to 8 credits with associated testing on NJDA’s website.
The August Capsule has been eliminated since there is a lot less news to report in the summer. The savings will be $6,400. In addition, there will be an annual savings of an additional $1,800 by not preprinting extra copies of the capsule that are normally mailed to members on request. They will instead be referred to the web to download the capsule.
NJDA is revamping and updating the practice management resource
area of the website.
The Monmouth-Ocean component has brought a motion before the board to revise the dues waiver process. This was referred to the council on membership.
The deputy attorney general is investigating the tooth whitening kiosks that we’ve been finding at the local malls.
The DEP is requiring that dentists register on their website regarding BMP and amalgam disposal compliance even if one is exempt from needing an amalgam separator.
NJDA has listed recyclers for amalgam waste on the website—click on the upper right hand corner of the home page.
The State Board will soon publish that registered dental hygienists will be allowed to administer local anesthetic injections after completing 20 hrs of didactic training, 20 supervised injections and a written exam by the state board. The dentist must give permission to the RDH to give anesthetic and must also choose the type of anesthetic to be administered.
NJDA and our executive board members have been exploring potential new venues for the annual session. At this point, they haven’t found a place that would serve our needs better than the sites we have used in Atlantic City. The Xanadu complex in the Meadowlands may be a possibility in the future but at this time the facility has multiple “vendors” who charge separately for meeting space and the cost would be too high.
NJDA Council Reports:
Dental Education-Bob Ashmen
Council members were assigned to introduce each of the remaining three speakers in the 2008 Weekend Study Club Series. The Council is accepting applications for speakers for the Fall 2009 Series.
A decision was made to implement a new schedule for mailing of the scholarship applications in an effort to increase the number of applicants participating in the program. The applications will now be mailed by August 1st of each year and the deadline for submissions will be October 1st.
The Power Point presentation promoting careers in dental assisting developed by Ms. DeCotiis and Mr. Eric Elmore will be sent to each council member to potentially present at career days at local high schools.
Ms. DeCotiis and Dr. Rossi will attend the 2008 New Jersey School Counselors Association Annual Meeting in Long Branch, New Jersey on October 19, 2008 to promote careers in dental assisting.
At the recommendation of Dr. Robert Hersh, the Council was asked to consider a course in emergency medical response in the dental office offered to the entire dental team. The Council agreed that it should pursue this course idea.
Mr. Eric Elmore submitted a written report to inform the Council that he and Dr. Messana are having meetings with Dentistry Today magazine to discuss joint ventures in conducting on-line CE. Meetings are in the very preliminary stages and Dr. Rossi will be kept apprised of the progress.
Membership-Tara Savage/Devang Modi
Dates have been set for the student programs at UMDNJ. NJDA staff will be at the dental school on October 22, 2008 from 1-2pm for a sophomore luncheon, on November 19, 2008 from 12-1pm for a freshman luncheon, and on December 9, 2008 from 1-2pm for the junior past president’s luncheon. All luncheons will be held in room B723.
The MCDS study club met on September 11, 2008. Jim Brooks from 3i gave a hands-on course on the restoration of dental implants. The meeting was well attended with 17 members in attendance, each earning 2 CEU credits. The next study club meeting will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2008 at 6:30pm at the Clarion Hotel in Edison, NJ. Matt Shoukas from Invisalign along with Dr. Korwin from Middletown, NJ will be giving a presentation on Invisalign treatment.
Please contact Marlene Glickman, our executive secretary, at 732-258-1255 for additional information about joining the study club and for registration in advance.
Committee Reports:
Budget and Finance-Ira Rosen
The 2008-2009 budget was presented to the Board for discussion. See New Business below for further information.
Mentor-Ethan Glickman/Amit Vora/Nima MirMadjlessi
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 October 23, 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 & staff for $20/pp as a member benefit of MCDS.
The next OSHA seminar will be presented on June 11, 2009.
The next mentor program will be presented on November 17, 2008. Fotinos Panagakos, DMD, PhD, Director of Professional Relations-Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Dr. Panagakos will speak about: Diabetes: “The Two Way Street We All Travel On.”
Dr. Marty Jablow will present the next Mentor program on December 11, 2008. His seminar is entitled:” Rewiring the Dental World- From G.V. Black to Google.”
Kim Iannotte from the Aftco Company will present the next Mentor program on April 30, 2009. She will speak about:
“Analyzing Practice Numbers, Adding an Associate, Practice Mergers & Practice Transition Options.”
A very big “Thank You” to Dr. Joe Fertig, Director of Dental Services - St. Peter’s Medical Center, for arranging all our room accommodations for the MCDS-OSHA-Mentor programs at St. Peter’s Medical Center in New Brunswick.
Please see the inserts in this newsletter for additional information and registration for the OSHA & Mentor programs.
Please contact Marlene Glickman, our Exec.Sect’y for MCDS, at # 732-238-1255 for additional information and registration in advance for the programs. Thank you.
Oral Cancer Screening-Arpan Nandra,
I had contacted Delta Dental about the oral cancer screenings that they had sponsored in the beginning of this year. I was given a contact, Bob Schermer, who sets up the screenings in April. I will be working with him to set up a site in Middlesex County for oral cancer screenings in April ‘09, which is oral cancer awareness month. There are also plans for an oral cancer prevention walk-a-thon in April 09. I look forward to having Middlesex County represented at this walk-a-thon. Bob and I will be meeting to start planning for these activities. In addition, I spoke to Dr. Lederman about getting involved at the state level and also starting up cancer screenings and educational awareness activities on a local level. I will be attending the Workgroup in Dec and will have more information once I attend this meeting. Finally, I have members of the Middlesex County Study Club that are looking to get involved and will be a part of the Task Force.
Dental Hygeine Study Club- Alyssa Bernstein
The Central New Jersey Dental Hygiene [CNJDH] Study Club met on September 24, 2008 at the Clarion Hotel, Rte 27 South, Edison NJ. Sponsored by Middlesex County Dental Society, Dr Brian Dubin presented a seminar entitled: “Understanding the Concepts of Invisalign.” The Invisalign rep., Matt, also spoke about Invisalign and its utilization.
Two CEU credits were awarded to the 30 Hygienists that attended this meeting. The next CNJDH meeting will be November 12, 2008. Karine Matacchiera; a Colgate Professional Sales Representative and Trainer will speak about “Advances in Preventive Oral Hygiene.” Two CEU credits will be awarded for this seminar.
This CNJDH study club is available to our hygienists as a Dentist-member benefit of MCDS.
Please see the insert in this newsletter for additional information and registration for the Central New Jersey Dental Hygiene Study Club program.
Please contact Marlene Glickman, our Exec.Sect’y for MCDS, at # 732-238-1255 for additional information and registration in advance for the program. Thank you.
New Business
A motion was made by Dr. Kahn to fund Dr. Ziemba’s attendance at the NJDA Annual Session for up to three nights. Dr. Desai is currently the MCDS representative for the annual session however Dr. Ziemba continues to volunteer significant time for the event. The motion was passed.
A motion was made by Dr. Weiner to accept the 2009 budget with board approved modifications. The Board voted to adopt the budget with the recommended modifications, and is please to announce that the MCDS Executive Board’s prudent fiscal management will resulting in no increase in the MCDS portion of the 2009 dues.
Good & Welfare
NJDA is sponsoring a ski trip to Stratton Mountain, Vermont on March 2-4th, 2009. Please contact NJDA for further details.
Respectfully Submitted,
Constantine Simos, Secretary
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9/30/07 8/31/08 9/30/08
Checking $4,675.13 $17,550.40 $31,636.46
Savings $29,888.50 $17,710.09 $17,731.72
CD (3.46% matures 12/28/08)
$25,000.00 $25,000.00 $25,000.00
PayPal $4,162.26 $3,176.25 $978.34
TOTAL: $63,725.89 $63,436.74 $75,346.52
P&L STATEMENT CHECKING ACCOUNT
(8/31/08 - 9/30/08)
INCOME
CONT. EDUC.-INC. 7,525.00
CORP SPON-c.ed. 7,500.00
CORP SPON-mtngs 1,500.00
CORP SPON-newsl 125.00
DUES 120.00
HYG study club 1,857.35
INTEREST 3.13
MENTOR COMM-INC 540.00
TOTAL INCOME 19,170.48
EXPENSES
BANK EXPENSES 58.75
CONT EDUC 3,760.75
EXEC.COMM.DINNER 1,721.45
HYG Study Club-exp 1,200.00
NEWSLETTER 2,481.12
NJDA Annual Session 1,280.40
PLAQUES 424.33
TELEPHONE 157.62
TOTAL EXPENSES 11,084.42
TRANSFERS
FROM PayPal 6,000.00
OVERALL TOTAL 14,086.06
P&L SAVINGS ACCOUNT
(8/31/08 - 9/30/08)
INTEREST INCOME 43.95
OVERALL TOTAL 43.95
P&L PAYPAL MONEY MARKET
(8/31/08 - 9/30/08)
CONT ED INC 4,044.24
STAFF NIGHT INC 345.00
STAFF NIGHT EXP -587.15
TRANSFER TO CHECKING -6000.00
OVERALL TOTAL -2,197.91
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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.
Provide NJDA with your email address!
By having your email address, NJDA can get vital and timely information to you. Register at www.NJDA.org.
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.
What’s with the Golden Apple logo on the front of the newsletter?
As Dr. Vitale described in his President’s Message last month, MCDS recently received a Golden Apple award from the ADA. The Golden Apple logo will appear on the rest of the 2008-09 newsletter issues to serve as a reminder of the dedication and leadership exemplified by our Board. Congratulations to MCDS on this outstanding achievement!