Back to the table of contentsProgram || President's Message || MCDS Board of Trustees / Committee Reports
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No health care provider knows the oral cavity like the dentist or dental hygienist. Every oral healthcare provider will encounter patients with an oral mucosal disorder – it's unavoidable when you are looking for it! Several studies have demonstrated that 1 in 10 patients will have an abnormality of the oral mucosa. Many disorders are benign, many are chronic and painful, and some are deadly. This course will present a practical, highly interactive, case-based review of the most contemporary recognition, diagnosis, and treatment approaches for a wide variety of common – and not so common – mucosal disorders, ranging from the common aphthous ulcer, to the less common such as bullous disease and oral cancer / pre-cancer.
Dr. Sirois earned the DMD, PhD in Neuroscience, and completed a Fellowship in Oral Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania. He is the Associate Dean for Graduate Education and an Associate Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Radiology and Medicine at NYU College of Dentistry, Associate Professor of Neurology at NYU School of Medicine, a Diplomat of the American Board of Oral Medicine. He is President of the Board of Directors of the International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation, is Co-Chair of the Medical Advisory Board of the Trigeminal Neuralgia Association, and is a member of the editorial board of several biomedical journals. He maintains a private practice limited to Oral Medicine in New York City.
I often wonder about the impact our words have on our patients. A casual remark that we might make in passing may have far reaching implications. These seemingly inconsequential words or actions may either cement the bond or fragment the relationship we have with them. For example, a casual conversation between my assistant and myself during a procedure might be looked upon as unnecessary intrusion by the patient being treated. Patients are quick to pick up cues from our body language when times are hectic or when treatment is interrupted by phone calls or other distractions. When somebody complains to me of something like this at their dentist's office, it makes me pause and take stock of my own actions. How many times was I in exactly that same situation? Did I ever wonder about its effect on that patient? Let's face it—any of the above mentioned incidents have, in all probability, happened to most of us at some point in our weekly schedules. The truth of the matter is that we, as dentists, come under greater scrutiny than our physician counterparts. Our office décor, the professionalism displayed by staff members, the presence of technology, and our credentials are definitely judged on a higher scale. The reason for this is that our patients part with much more than a $20 co-pay at the front desk. Fortunately, I usually get to hear a lot of good things about dental offices. We are professionals who are held in high regard, and are sometimes consulted on issues that are often beyond the scope of our science! That is the level of trust that we work hard to build upon and sustain in our practices. I was once surprised to get a thank you letter for taking time out of my schedule to draw directions for the patient to get back home. I took note of the fact that the letter wasn't for the endodontic procedure performed. Patients take that for granted. They expect only the highest quality of care when they come to you. It is the overall dental office experience that serves to underscore and cement the relationship. Next time you visit your own doctor, tune in to what your mind is registering about your environment. This is precisely what your patients are judging you by. They expect nothing but the best. Wouldn't you?
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-2/8/11-
Attendance: Ashmen, Bernstein, Brunsden, Chustckie, Desai, Galkin, Kaga, Modi, Prabhu, Rosen, Savage, Silverstein, Simos, Stein, Villa, Vitale, Weiner, Marlene Glickman
Acceptance of Minutes-vote unanimous.
President's Report-Maya Prabhu
MCDS will be buying 30 tickets for bonfire barbecue at Ocean Place Resort & Spa where the Annual Session is to be held. The beach bonfire barbecue will feature a full barbecue dinner with live entertainment from 8-10pm. There were three requests for dues waivers from members this year. The slate of officers for the year 2011-12 will be voted upon by members at the February meeting.
Dr. Gautam Govitrikar will be taking over our Facebook page responsibilities.
Treasurer's Report-David Stein
See full report on page 3.
Educational Coordinator's Report-Alyssa Bernstein
SOCIAL MEDIA REPORT
I have started a Facebook page for the Middlesex County Dental Society. If you go onto Facebook and search for Middlesex County Dental Society you can friend and like our page. It is a work in progress, but I am excited at the idea of our dental society having this form of social media.
STAFF NIGHT REPORT
We are excited to announce that Bob Ashmen and Jack Kurlansik along with the rest of their band have agreed to perform at our staff night again this year; they did a great job last year. My staff was thinking of a Jersey Shore boardwalk theme for the evening. They would make Parkway exit signs, the "face from the Asbury Park" boardwalk, I think his name is Tillie, and decorate with a beach theme. We are also looking into getting a fortune teller like they have on the different boardwalks and arcade games, like skee ball, etc.
19 members have registered so far for the full day course on Friday April 8th by Dr. Terry Tanaka. This course is open to doctors and staff.
NJDA Trustee's Report-Mark Vitale
• The board approved a request for funding of the candidacy of Dr. Morris Antonelli for ADA 2nd Vice President. Dr. Antonelli is running as a 4th District candidate and is from Maryland.
• The NJ State board of Dentistry issued the following regulations:
• RDA's may now place sealants and do coronal polishing
• A dentist must hold onto all non inserted appliances; crowns, bridges, dentures, ortho appliances, etc; for a period of 3 years.
• Dr. Herb Dolinsky had been elected President and Dr. Peter DeSciscio Vice-President of the Board.
• The Council on Nominations reported the following slate of officers for 2011-2012
President: Barbara Rich
President-elect: Michael Messana
Vice-President: Robert Giantomas
Secretary: David Donati
Treasurer: Bryon Roshong
• The House of Delegates approved 2010-SAS-2
• Resolved, that in an effort to improve access to care, the New Jersey Dental Association supports a legislative approach to obtain an appropriate limited expansion of general supervision for licensed dental hygienists in New Jersey with adequate safeguards to protect the public health and safety.
NJDA Council Reports:
Give Kids a Smile-Cavan Brunsden
Friday February 4th was the GKAS day. GKAS was a huge success in NJ. New Jersey is now the second highest in the country, second only to California in the number of centers providing care and number of patients getting the same. Data is being collected and interpreted at the present time and will be presented at the next Board meeting.
Annual Session-Nainesh Desai
The Council on Annual Session met on January 18th, 2011. The Garden State Dental Conference and Expo 2011 will be a weekend event at The Ocean Place Resort in Long Branch, NJ, on June 24-26, 2011. Featured speaker, Dr Carl Misch will be presenting a full-day course on June 24th, 2011, with sponsorship from BioHorizons. There will be no full-day course on Saturday. Contracts have been finalized for a few exciting short 2-4-hour CE courses and Hands-on courses about posterior composites & endodontics (both sponsored by Dentsply) and implant prosthetics (sponsored by NobelBiocare) and Overdentures are being organized for both 24th and 25th. The details of these courses will soon be available to the members. In addition, following last year's trend, a few "Breakfast and learn", "Lunch and learn" courses have been finalized. Two half day courses on dental pharmacology and emergencies will be presented on Saturday, June 25th. The NJDAA/HA will present a full day motivational speaker on Saturday. They also are exploring presenting a speaker on special needs patients. Early registration will be available for the Misch course. Look out for registration notice for this full day course since seating will be limited. Glass Classroom, Product-Demo Classroom, the High-Tech Vendor Fair, onsite Café and the Cyber Pavilion that allowed the attending dentists to print their CE credits will all be present on the Exhibit floor. NJDA will continue to provide a hospitality suite for speakers, officers & trustees and invited guests. NJDA staff has come up with some exciting presale ideas to take this meeting to a whole new level.
Many fiscally conscious decisions have been made to cut down expenses. The Friday evening bon-fire will be a ticketed event with only $35 per person. It will be a family-friendly event from 7-8 PM. Ocean Place has a contingency plan in the event of rain. A "pre-Bon Fire" reception for VIPs and Council members has been planned. The Saturday evening President's event will be "upscale casual" with buffet style dinner followed by desserts and a night club party at the venue itself. NJDS would like to hold their officer installation and alumni reception at the show.
For dentists, the course fees were raised to $225 for a full day and $130 for a half-day. On-site course fees would be $25 more. NJDAA/HA will not be changing their course fees. Staff fees for staff enrichment series were discussed and finalized. Please mark your calendars and join us to honor and support Dr. Richard Kahn, our longtime member and the President of NJDA, at the all new Garden State Dental Conference and Expo at The Ocean Place Resort in Long Branch, NJ, on June 24-26, 2011. Bring your family and staff for a true Jersey Beach weekend this summer.
Dental Benefits-Jeff Chustckie, Devang Modi
See full report on page 5.
Governmental and Public Affairs-Mitch Weiner
-NJDA General Supervision Draft Legislation: Time is of the essence to move this forward due to the legislative calendar.
-Center for Oral Health Legislation: The Dean of the NJ Dental School would be made NJ Dental Director. The Center would go after federal monies for projects in NJ.
-New Dentist Tax Credit Legislation: $200,000 NJ Gross Income Tax deduction over 7 years (GP's or pediatric dentists) which would help out with loan repayment. This legislation is also targeted to help make new dentists aware of the impact of public policy legislation and 'bring them into the fold'.
-CRNA Legislation: NJDA is opposed. Amendments were put in that added dentists back into it. This would prevent OS from giving IV/general anesthesia in a hospital without a physician's supervision.
-Appointment Cancelling Charge Prohibition Bill: NJDA is opposed. Would place limits on dentists ability to charge patients for missed appointments.
-Division of Consumer Affairs Reform: Coalition of regulated professions to be placed under the jurisdiction of the lieutenant governor from the AG/Division of Consumer Affairs jurisdiction. 1 in 8-10 New Jerseyans are employed by a regulated profession. This should streamline things as the licensing board in Newark knows nothing about licensees as all of the information about the licensees is in Trenton.
-State Board Appointments: No word yet.
-Division of Taxation Issue (Denmat): Taxing for Lumineers (7% use tax) claiming that they have to withhold this from NJ Dentists because of the NJ Cosmetic Procedures' Tax. NJDA legal counsel disagrees. In addition, they are also charging tax on shipping which is clearly illegal. NJDA is on top of this.
-Health Care Transparency and Disclosure Act: There is NO mention of dentistry in this legislation due to NJDA's efforts.
-NJ needs dentists to run for state legislature positions. Of the three dentists that are current state legislators, one may be in his last term before retirement and one may face a challenge from a very well funded Dick Cody. We need to maintain our voice amongst the legislators in Trenton.
Membership-Tara Savage, Devang Modi
The Council on Membership held a conference call meeting on January 27, 2011.
Tricia DeCotiis announced that NJDA will begin its "Recruitment Rewards Program." Members will be receiving a postcard mailer and an email announcing and explaining the program. An announcement will also be made in the NJDA newsletter. Members will receive a $50.00 credit toward their 2012 dues for each new member they refer, limited to $250.00 per year. Credit will be given once NJDA receives the new member's completed application and dues payment for the year. Members can print applications from NJDA's website, njda.org, and fill out their names in the "referred by" section.
As an added program incentive, there will also be a "Component Recruitment Competition." The component that has the highest percentage of membership increase in 2011 will receive a $500.00 cash reward.
Tricia DeCotiis reported that over 1,000 members have used the online dues payment option. NJDA is very happy with the success of the online payment process, which saves a lot of paper work and staff time normally involved in the processing of dues.
NJDA's total number of members for 2010 was down 51 from last year. This is due mostly to a decrease in the number of new applicants. There were 217 new applications received in 2010 compared with 256 new applications in 2009.
The next Council on Membership meeting will be held on April 28, 2011.
Peer Review-Sandy Goldstein
We had one new case assigned and one case successfully mediated last month.
Committee Reports:
Corporate Sponsorship-David Stein
Thanks to the support from our sponsors, we have been able to organize some very good CE courses. We are approaching and finalizing sponsors for the 2011-2012 CE year. The guidelines set by the sponsor committee for the sponsor levels are being used for this purpose. Concerns involving poor attendance and effect on sponsors were discussed by the board at length.
Mentor-Nima Mir-Madjlessi, Amit Vora
Our 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 June 2, 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-Bob Ashmen for Mark Schambra
Dr John Ruel has been confirmed for the 2011-2012 CE year for Tuesday evening lecture and a full day course on Wednesday for October 2011. Henry Schein will be the sponsor.
Hygiene Study Club-Alyssa Bernstein
The CNJDH meeting that was scheduled for Wednesday January 12, 2011 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Edison was cancelled due to inclement weather. The next meeting of the study club will be on Wednesday February 16, 2011 at the Crowne Plaza. The speaker that evening will be Dr. Robert Ashmen. 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 at 732-238-1255 for additional information and registration in advance for the program.
In addition, the lecture on March 9, 2011 is open to both hygienist and dentists, Hahn Diagnostics is presenting on marker pathogen analysis for perio. They will only present to the hygiene study club if there are at least 10 doctors present. Please consider attending this lecture.
Good & Welfare
Congratulations to Drs. Cavan Brunsden and Nancy Villa who became proud grandparents last month.
General Meeting Business 2/15/11
The General Membership unanimously approved the slate of officers for 2011-12.
Respectfully Submitted,
Nainesh Desai, Secretary
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Dr. David Stein
January 31, 2011
| 1/31/10 | 12/31/10 | 1/31/11 | |
| Checking $ 1,163.24 | $14,022.36 $10,711.49 | ||
| Savings | $35,732.03 $24,132.54 $24,139.71 | ||
| PayPal $2,277.85 $ 3,083.46 $ 3,465.80 | |||
| TOTAL: | $39,173.12 | $41,238.36 | $38,317.00 |
| P&L STATEMENT CHECKING ACCOUNT | |||
| (1/1/11-1/31/11) | |||
| INCOME | |||
| CONT. EDUC.-INC | 355 | ||
| CORP SPON NEWSLETTER | 875 | ||
| DUES | 1,940.00 | ||
| INTEREST | 25 | ||
| TOTAL INCOME | 3,195.67 | ||
| EXPENSES | |||
| DINNER MEETINGS | 4,901.09 | ||
| EXEC COMM DINNER | 234.54 | ||
| EXECUTIVE SECRETARY | 910 | ||
| OFFICE SUPPLIES | 126 | ||
| TELEPHONE | 334.91 | ||
| OVERALL TOTAL | -3,310.87 | ||
| P&L SAVINGS ACCOUNT | |||
| (1/1/11-1/31/11) | |||
| INTEREST INCOME | 7.17 | ||
| OVERALL TOTAL | 7.17 | ||
| P&L PAYPAL MONEY MARKET | |||
| (1/1/11-1/31/11) | |||
| CONT EDUC INC | 295.25 | ||
| OVERALL TOTAL | 295.25 | ||
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Recruitment Rewards Program
Recruit New Members and Earn Cash Rewards!
Receive a $50 credit towards your 2012 NJDA dues for each new member you refer, up to $250 per year. Share your membership experiences with your colleages that are not currently members. You can go to njda.org to print membership applications to give to your colleagues and enter your name in the "referred by" section. Your efforts will also increase MCDS's chance of winning the component recruitment competition. The component with the highest percentage membership increase in 2011 will receive a $500 cash reward.
Please call the membership department at the NJDA at 800-831-6532 for additional information.
MCDS CE Survey
The MCDS Board of Trustees would like input from the membership regarding our full day CE efforts. Please login to our web site (www.MCDSofNJ.org), go to the Members Only section, then Of Current Interest, and click on the link at the top of the page to take the survey, or follow this direct link
Council on Dental Benefits
CRP Statistics: There were a total of 109 complaints submitted to NJDA for the year. Of that number, NJDA successfully resolved 46. Middlesex had submitted the most CRP'S (17). Most of them were against Metlife (26) for refund request and denial of claim. Horizon (20) most for denial of claim.
Delta Participating Dentist Rules (Oral Report): Staff reported on the new Delta Dental Handbook, specifically the processing policies contained in Chapter 9. Significantly, among the host of policies involving bundling and other instances of "disallowed services", it appears that diagnostic casts are not separately billable, nor are interim/provisional restorations. Participating dentists are strongly urged to review the handbook carefully.
CDT 2011-12 Changes: The council reviewed the changes to CDT 2011-12. The most notable change is the addition of a code (D1352) for a preventive resin restoration to be used in a cavitated lesion in a pit or fissure that does not extend into dentin. This addition should ease past confusion regarding the distinction between sealants and restorations.
Horizon E-Claim Attachments: The council reviewed a communication from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield dental program concerning attachments to electronic claims. In the past, Horizon allowed dentists to submit electronic claims without documentation. Effective January 1st, dentists will be required to use National Electronic Attachment (NEA) to submit electronic attachments for certain procedures. Staff reminded members that all dentists are encouraged to obtain a "required documentation" listing from plans with which they do business to allow for the submission of "clean claims" subject to the prompt payment regulation.
ERISA Pre-emption of State Law: The council reviewed a letter from a Middlesex member pediatric dentist concerning problems that arise with self-insured medical plans governed by ERISA and exempt from state regulation. While New Jersey state law requires medical plans to cover hospitalization and general anesthesia for disabled persons or children age 5 and younger when dental services must be performed in another setting, the federal ERISA regulations do not; this creates a "loophole" to deny coverage. The health care reform law does not address this issue. ADA has been seeking changes to ERISA for many years but opposition to the ERISA preemption of state law is formidable.
Horizon Policy on Diagnostic Casts: The council reviewed, as informational, Horizon's published Dental Policy on diagnostic casts, which concludes that "diagnostic casts are an inherent part of a more definitive service. The more definitive service is not required on the same claim." This issue has been discussed with Dr. McMurray in the past since it does not comport with the CDT, and he continues to assure the council that misleading EOB language is being reviewed and changes will be made in the future.
Medicaid Dental Cut-Backs (Nationally): The council reviewed, as informational, an article illustrating Medicaid dental cuts, including the total elimination of adult services, around the nation. Staff expects New Jersey to propose reducing or eliminating adult dental services in the upcoming budget since it is considered "optional" under federal law.
"Perth Amboy Dentists Angry About FQHC": The council discussed an article that appeared in a Central New Jersey newspaper on the growing dispute between some private practice dentists and a local community health center. According to the article, the dentists are attempting to legislatively have changes made to the allocation of state and federal funds to the clinic because the dentists believe they cannot compete financially.
CODB Insurance Course 2011: The council decided not to present a dental insurance course at the Annual Meeting in June, but may consider one to be held at NJDA headquarters.
iMedicore: Dr. Vitale reported that iMedicore has negotiated a contract with Delta Dental Plan to conduct a pilot program of its secure web portal for dentists.
Health Care Reform Update: Dr. Iserson briefed the council on the provisions of health care reform that are due to be implemented this year, including the change to Flexible Spending Accounts and the exclusion of over-the-counter health care products.
Taxability of Purchases by Dentists: The council was invited to review the out-dated listing of items that should be exempt from sales taxes. The council suggested that: veneers; implant fixtures, cover screws and related abutments; bone graft and regenerative materials; injectable fillers and biologics; and, functional appliances should be added as tax exempt. This information will be passed on to Art Meisel for consideration by the Division of Taxation.
Litigation Update: Staff updated the council on the status of several pending lawsuits, including Horizon Dental (assignment of benefits), Aetna/MetLife (non-covered services) and Beach Bum Tanning (teeth whitening by non-dentists).
A 3404 – NJ Center for Oral Health: The council discussed legislation recently passed by both houses of the legislature that would establish a NJ Center for Oral Health at UMDNJ. If signed by the Governor, it will place a much needed emphasis on oral health, and fill the void in New Jersey created by the absence of a Dental Health Director
S 2475 – Limitation on Cancellation Fees (Oral): Staff reported on pending legislation that would limit to $25.00 the amount health care practitioners could charge for missed/cancelled appointments without adequate notice. NJDA will oppose this bill.
A 3378 – Out of Network Legislation (Oral): Staff reported on this bill, which would, among other things, place onerous burdens on network physicians to communicate with patients on the current participation status of facilities and providers to whom they refer. Dentists have been excluded from this bill, but provisions would apply to dentists submitting to medical insurance.
Proposed Legislation: General Supervision of Hygienists: The council discussed the potential of proposed legislation to allow general supervision of hygienists and reviewed sample language. Council members were encouraged to communicate their opinions to their Delegates, as a special House of Delegates meeting is scheduled this month on the issue.
Proposed Rules: Administration of Injectable Pharmacologics: The council reviewed, as informational, the proposed rules on dentists' administration of injectable pharmacologics
S 2035 – Income Tax Deduction for New Dentists: This proposal would allow for a gross income tax deduction during the first seven years in practice for primary care physicians and dentists under certain circumstances. This bill probably will not move.