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Dr. Salvatore L. Ruggiero received his DMD degree from Harvard Dental School in 1987 and his MD degree from Harvard Medical School in 1989. Dr. Ruggiero completed his Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency at Massachusetts General Hospital in 1992 and received his certification from the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in 1994. Dr. Ruggiero is currently in private practice at the New York Center for Orthognathic and Maxillary Surgery. He also serves as an Associate Clinical Professor at Stony Brook University and Hofstra School of Medicine. Dr. Ruggiero has a special interest and expertise in trigeminal nerve surgery and the management and surgical treatment of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ).
This presentation will review the current strategies for diagnosis, prevention and management of BRONJ. Bisphosphonates are a class of agents that are widely used in the management of metastatic disease to the bone and in treatment of osteoporosis. Despite its benefits, BRONJ is an emerging complication that afflicts several patients receiving these drugs for treatment. This complication usually presents following simple dentoalveolar surgery but it can also occur spontaneously. This presentation will review diagnosis, stage-specific management, preventive strategies, and guidelines for reducing the morbidity associated with BRONJ.
Well here we are approaching the holiday season, and the weather is showing signs of turning colder. I cross my fingers that we see a milder winter on the horizon, but I enjoy the beautiful sights and feel of autumn. I hope you all have a happy and safe Halloween. This is also the time of year for political change as election day approaches. This year stands to be a potentially a drastic change in New Jersey state government, and never was there a more critical time for contribution to our PAC. Regardless of our political tendencies, we all share the common interest of the well-being of our profession. The potential for legislative changes in the current economic climate that could be injurious to dentistry are ever-daunting, and PAC allows us to have a voice in the process. It is our contributions that enable our very knowledgeable and experienced representative, Jim Shultz, access to voice the thoughts and opinions of dentistry and educate our government representatives on the issues our profession face. I strenuously encourage all the members of organized dentistry to make your contributions to PAC. Your contributions will be less than the potentials losses incurred by new legislation.
I am very pleased to report that our all-day continuing education presentation at the Pines Manor on October 19th, featuring our speaker John Ruel, was a successful and rewarding day. I'd like to thank the Chair of the Continuing Education Committee, Dr. Mark Schambra, and the Educational Coordinator, Dr. Devang Modi, for all their efforts in organizing and presenting a terrific program. Also, thanks to Schein Dental for sponsoring and organizing the sponsorship for the day. This is just another example of the many member benefits MCDS and organized dentistry provide.
As 2012 is approaching, I am excited with anticipation of celebrating the 100th anniversary of MCDS. We have now settled on plans of holding a centennial celebration dinner dance in October of 2012. This monumental occasion stands to be an evening of reflection, camaraderie, and enjoyment. We are continuing to finalize all details regarding specific date and location, but we will continue to update the membership on the information as plans are finalized. How appropriate it is that our first meeting of our centennial year is officers night and life member recognition. There is certainly a long rich history to honor and celebrate, and we plan to make it a year to remember.
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-10/11/2011-
Attendance: Ashmen, Bernstein, Desai, Goldstein, Fernandes, Kaga, MirMadjlessi, Modi, Prabhu, Satwah, Schambra, Silverstein, Simos, Stein, Vitale and Weiner.
Acceptance of Minutes-unanimous
President's Report-Robert Ashmen
Celebrations for the Centennial year are being planned by a special committee. Various options for the event dates were discussed. It was decided to keep the main event in the fall of 2012. Concerns about attendance from the membership were discussed as well.
Treasurer's Report-Alyssa Bernstein
See full report on page 3.
Editor's Report-Bob Silverstein
The list of officers and Board members of MCDS has been updated on our website.
Educational Coordinator-Devang Modi
On October 18, 2011 Dr. Jon Ruel is our featured speaker lecturing on "Making implants the treatment of choice for replacing missing teeth in your practice." He will also present a full day seminar on October 19th starting at 8:30am. All arrangements for his transportation, accommodation and AV specialist are confirmed. We have tried to advertise his course through the NJDA and MCDS website, blast e-mails to our members and NJ GPR program directors.
Give Kids a Smile-Cavan Brunsden
The next GKAS day will be on Feb 3rd 2012. It's the 10th anniversary since the inception of GKAS program. Over 25,000 children have been examined and treated in the past 10 years. More and more practices are getting involved with this noble cause. The state of New Jersey delivered more dental care than any other state.
The next meeting of the committee will be held on Wednesday, October 19th. For those schools who have reported an inability to participate due to difficulty in transportation, a new school bus reimbursement program has been added whereby dentists who would like to contribute to the event can sponsor a school bus on that day.
NJDA Council Reports:
Annual Session-Nainesh Desai
Speaker subcommittee discussion presented.
Governmental and Public Affairs-Mitch Weiner
See full report on page 5.
Peer Review-Sandy Goldstein
One new case was assigned to the peer review committee last month
Committee Reports:
Corporate Sponsorship-David Stein
3i has signed and committed to sponsorship for next year. Marlene has a w-9 form for any member trying to get a sponsor for our meetings. Sponsorship issues about conflicts of dates were discussed and resolved.
Budget and Finance-Ira Rosen
In the absence of Dr. Rosen, the budget was presented to the board by Dr. Ashmen. After discussion, the board approved the budget and the budget will be presented to the general membership at the general meeting on October 19, 2011, and voted on at the November meeting.
Mentor-Amit Vora/Nima MirMadjlessi
The next 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 November 3, 2011 at St. Peter's Medical Center, New Brunswick.
Two CEU credits are awarded to the Dentists & staff members attending these 2-hour seminars. These seminars are available to our members & staff for $25/pp as a member benefit of MCDS.
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 insert in this newsletter for additional information and registration for the Mentor/OSHA program.
Continuing Education-Mark Schambra
Dr. Ashmen and Schambra introduced the idea about having a possible second full day course for the current CE year. Dr. Weiner reminded the board about board's agreement (from last year) to keep only one full day course for this CE year. This decision was a result of decreased attendance from the members of our society for such well-organized events. It was finally decided to look at a full day practice management course for the fall of 2012. Ideas about a possible half day course in the spring were discussed and more details will be presented at the next board meeting.
Dental Hygiene Study Club-Alyssa Bernstein
The Central New Jersey Dental Hygiene [CNJDH] Study Club met on Wednesday September 21, 2011 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Edison, NJ and was sponsored by MCDS. The speaker Dr. Dan Reich presented a lecture on treating periodontal disease with laser energy. Two CEU credits were awarded to the 25 hygienists that attended this meeting. The next CNJDH meeting will be on Wednesday November 9, 2011 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Edison. The lecture will be presented by Dr. Michniak-Kohn on smoking cessation. 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 contact Marlene Glickman, our Executive Secretary for MCDS, at # 732-238-1255 for additional information and registration in advance for the program. Thank you.
MCDS Study Club-Tara Savage
The next MCDS study club meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 6:30 pm. Dr. Richard Kahn will be presenting a lecture titled "Real World Implants." 2 CE credits will be awarded. The location for the meeting is still to be determined. The study club is a member benefit available to all MCDS members.
Please contact Marlene Glickman, our Executive Secretary, at 732-238-1255 for additional information and registration in advance.
Old Business
Dr. Weiner brought up the issue of IRS documents from last meeting (501(c)(3)). Dr. Bernstein informed us that the letter has been forwarded to the accountant who will address the issue and inform us after it has been resolved.
New Business
Dr. Simos informed that the next educational committee meeting will be scheduled in second week of December. Dr. Fernandes said that she has made good progress and will continue to work on improving communications with the membership (especially new dentists and the ones who are not active in organized events).
Good & Welfare
Congratulations to Dr. Maha Kaga on the birth of her son, Yousef on Sunday, October 9th 2011.
Congratulations to Dr. Daniel Krantz on the birth of his fourth grandchild, Jonah on October 2nd, 2011.
Respectfully Submitted,
Nainesh Desai
Secretary
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Dr. Alyssa Bernstein
September 30, 2011
| 9/30/10 | 8/31/11 | 9/30/20111 | |
| Checking | $17,990.97 | $18,360.67 | $26,586.86 |
| Savings | $35,897.80 | $24,181.64 | $24,195.79 |
| PayPal | $1,781.40 | $18,738.87 | $20,912.74 |
| TOTAL: | $55,670.17 | $61,281.18 | $71,695.39 |
P&L STATEMENT CHECKING ACCOUNT |
|||
(9/1/2011-9/30/2011) |
|||
| INCOME | |||
| CONT ED-INC | 2100 | ||
| CORP SPON-MTNGS | 7500 | ||
| CORP SPON-NEWSL | 1140 | ||
| MENTOR COMM.-INC | 125 | ||
| DUES | 3297 | ||
| INTEREST | 0.86 | ||
| TOTAL INCOME | 14,462.86 | ||
EXPENSES |
|||
| DINNER MEETINGS | 1000 | ||
| BOARD MEMBER EXP | 570.4 | ||
| CONT. ED EXP | 712.78 | ||
| DONATIONS | 1099 | ||
| NEWSLETTER | 2492.77 | ||
| NJDA ANNUAL CONV | 135 | ||
| TELEPHONE | 227.7 | ||
| OVERALL TOTAL | 8,225.21 | ||
P&L SAVINGS ACCOUNT |
|||
(9/1/11-9/30/11) |
|||
| INTEREST INCOME | 6.96 | ||
| OVERALL TOTAL | 6.96 | ||
P&L PAYPAL MONEY MARKET |
|||
(9/1/11-9/30/11) |
|||
| CONT EDUC INC | 2,173.87 | ||
| OVERALL TOTAL | 2,173.87 | ||
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The Puerto Rico College of Dental Surgeons sues insurance companies
The Puerto Rico College of Dental Surgeons (the Colegio) has filed a $150 million class action lawsuit against most of the insurance companies in Puerto Rico, alleging that dentists have been paid late or not at all, were not paid interest and that services were downcoded or bundled, among other allegations.
You can read the full story online at http://www.ada.org/news/6302.aspx
General Membership Meeting Business
The 2012 budget was presented to the General Membership for discussion. There was none. The budget will be voted on at the November General Meeting.
Council on Public and Governmental Affairs
A joint meeting with the NJDA Council on Dental Benefits was held. Governmental Affairs related topics are reported on.
1. Access to care- NJ received an F grade from the Pew Report on access but there are deficiencies in their data that point to NJ deserving a much better grade. The department of education has agreed to help with data collection in schools (screenings for DMFS and sealant presence). Of the 62 schools targeted, only 2 are signed on right now, slowing down the anticipated pace of collecting this data and refuting Pew's findings. On the national front, the department of health and human services has earmarked funding for mid-level provider pilot programs, though none in NJ.
2 FQHC's (Federal Qualified Healthcare Centers)- These centers, which must be in low income areas but provide care for patients of all incomes regardless of their ability to pay, are not going away. The North Hudson FQHC has a good working relationship with NJDA and the governor's office. Gov. Christie will be going there soon to publicize the FQHC's success. The FQHC in Perth Amboy has been looked at less favorably by numerous MCDS member and non-member dentists, some who see it as directly competing for patients with private practitioners in their area.
3. Department of Health- NJDA reps. met with reps. from the NJ Department of Health to discuss chronic problems with them that are not being resolved. Funding for DDS (donated dental services) is experiencing grave difficulties and Senator Menendez has placed a 2 million dollar funding appropriation for DDS in pending legislation.
4. CDS Fees- There is a 62 million dollar surplus from the NJ licensing boards. The NJ State Board of Dentistry currently has a 3.5 million dollar surplus. In the past, we were able to get a roll back on our licensing fees due to this surplus. However, due to consolidation and shared expenses with other departments within the Division of Consumer Affairs ('fuzzy math'), no rollback of licensing or registration fees is pending.
5. Taxation- Additional dental products have been approved by the NJ Division of Taxation for Sales and Use Tax Exemption. These items are Veneers, implant fixtures, cover screws and related abutments, bone grafting and regenerative materials, injectable fillers and biologics, functional appliances and crown forms.
6. Cosmetic Procedures Tax- A bill phasing out the cosmetic procedures tax over a 3 year period is making its way through the NJ legislature and hopefully will come up for a vote soon.
7. UMDNJ- The medical school will become part of Rutgers; Rowan University is acquiring the Osteopathic School. The Dental School is basically up for grabs with hints that NJIT may bring it into its fold. Nothing is set in stone yet and given that the news was just breaking at the time of the COPGA meeting, future updates should clarify the dental schools fate.
8. Health Insurance Exchanges- The federal government has mandated that Health Benefit Exchanges be established in order to reduce the number of uninsured by creating a system that individuals can purchase affordable, quality healthcare coverage; claim available tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies; and meet personal responsibility requirements imposed by the federal act. Most states are moving to establish their own Exchange so they will not have the specific federal mandate imposed upon them. The federal program contains a line item for mandatory pediatric oral health benefits. NJDA plans on working with legislators in NJ to add more oral health coverage requirements to this mandate in the NJ Exchange legislation. NJ Assemblyman Herb Conaway Jr, a very good friend of organized dentistry with an MD and JD degree, is one of the primary sponsors of the 'NJ Health Benefit and Exchange Act' and the Councils guest speaker for the meeting. Dr. Conaway engaged the NJDA Dental Benefits and COPGA reps. for a candid 1 hour discussion on the legislation, seeking out organized dentistry's input and answering council representatives questions, with NJDA governmental affairs director Jim Schulz moderating the conversation. It is a comforting feeling to see firsthand the strong rapport and access NJDA (through Governmental Affairs and NJDPAC) has with our legislators and the impact this relationship has in protecting our collective interests as a profession.
9. NJDA Lawsuits Pending:
a. The suit involving insurance companies imposing maximum fees dentists can charge for non-covered services is scheduled for a 10/17 argument date in the NJ Appellate Division.
b. The suit against Horizon for not obeying the assignment of benefits for non-par dental providers is scheduled for an 11/1 argument date in the NJ Appellate Division.
c. In the suit against 'Beach Bum Tanning' for violation of the dental practice act for providing bleaching services, no argument date has been set but Art Meisel believes it will be sometime in December or January.
d. A suit has been filed against United Healthcare and Horizon for decreasing claim payments to non-par dentists due to previous 'overpayments' for claims payments on patients that were not directly involved in the supposed 'overpayment'. This is illegal and many insurers are still involved in this practice.