October 2012 Newsletter

I recently attended the 94th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in San Diego. I am happy to report that our association of over 9,000 Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons in the U.S. is strong and our specialty is continuously trying to improve the care we provide to our patients through research and education. The educational offerings at the AAOMS meeting change from year to year to cover the diverse scope of our specialty, however there is one symposium given every year which never changes. That is the Anesthesia Morbidity and Mortality review and it is an opportunity to learn from complications. Allow me to share with you some information from two of the cases presented.
In a newly constructed oral surgery office, the plumber crossed the oxygen and nitrous oxide lines and this was not discovered until three weeks into practice when 100% oxygen was needed to help remedy a complication during a general anesthetic. In another case, a 7 year old child received glycopyrrolate during a general anesthetic. All went well, the patient was discharged from the office but on the way home the car broke down. It was an unusually hot day and the child was left in the car for an extended period of time. The glycopyrrolate limited his ability to sweat and he experienced severe hyperthermia.
These are extreme examples but the point is we must be vigilant in our practices. We have to take time for reflection on our procedures, our facility, our instruments, and our office policies. It’s good to know what is working well and just as important to learn from what is not.
Is my new assistant trained properly in infection control? Is my lab still using the same quality materials as when I first started using them? Are my patients updating their health history regularly? Does my equipment require calibration or service? What are the questions you will ask yourself?
If you have never been to a monthly meeting at The Pines or have not been there in ages, I urge you to come this year. Come for the speaker or come to visit with your colleagues or come for the coconut crusted shrimp that are passed around during the cocktail hour. Come to at least one meeting and see what the society is up to, you will not be disappointed!

Attendance: Simos, Ashmen, Savage, Krantz, Satwah, Fernandes, Vora, Prabhu, Silverstein, Modi, Kaha, Mir-Madjlessi, Rosen, Kahn, Weiner, Bernstein, Vitale and Marlene Glickman.
Acceptance of 5/8/12 Minutes-vote unanimous.
President’s Report-Constantine Simos
Welcome back everyone. Our focus remains on the Centennial Celebration. Committee members are following up with phone calls to the invited past presidents. Invitations were mailed out in August to all past presidents and current members of the society. The ad journal request form was also provided to all members to help facilitate the distribution to vendors and other interested people. The committee will need to meet again next week and most likely one more time prior to the function on 10/13.
Treasurer’s Report-Alyssa Bernstein
See full report on page 3.
Secretary’s Report-Devang Modi
All Board members are requested to submit their reports on the Google group at least 1 week in advance using the format and font outline by Bob Silverstein. Please keep your report informative yet succinct.
Educational Coordinator’s Report-Amit Vora
The speaker for next week is Dr. Dean Vafiadis who will be speaking on “vertical dimension of occlusion.” Right now there is a full day practice management course in April by Dr. Mark Setter. Dr. Vora will provide all required info on the speakers and 11 life member inductees to Dr. Silverstein for the newsletter.
NJDA Trustee’s Report-Mark Vitale
See full report on page 10 under “NJDA Noteworthy News.”
Executive Secretary Report-Marlene Glickman
Over 470 Middlesex members and NJDA officers were sent invitations. Only 20 confirmations have been received. We are hopeful more confirmations will be received soon. The Board received a complimentary letter from Dr. Edwin Sved. Dr. Portnoff has placed a Congratulatory advertisement along with 7 other contacts from the Annual Session. Shadowing program is on-going. Bio’s on life members (11being honored this year) are being received. A “Poetic Creations” form was distributed to provide any special memories or thoughts to Marlene so she can put them in a poem for Centennial Celebration.
NJDA Council Reports:
Annual Session-Nainesh Desai
• Annual Session dates have been chosen based on site availability. Dr. Rich reminded everyone that “a concerted effort had been made” to make the conference into a family event. The later June dates work with that concept.
• Dr. Delson feels that the Council on Annual Session is fiscally responsible and carefully handles the budget of the conference. He reported that expenses were down $29,000 over the previous year and that the Council and staff would continue to cut or hold spending in line. The information Dr. Shah asked for regarding finances was provided at the meeting and is attached for those who did not attend.
• Dr. Delson feels the new continuing education committee is a benefit both to NJDA as a whole and to the Council on Annual Session. He is a member of the CE committee, which is chaired by Dr. Rossi. Dr. Giantomas agreed that Dr. Rossi’s team was doing a great job and that the Council on Annual Session was not ceding authority, but working in concert with the CE committee.
III Recap of 2012
• Prospective member luncheon – Tricia reported that 5 prospective members attended the Saturday luncheon, 4 of whom joined. She expressed concern that leadership had attended but did not invite a prospective member as requested. Drs. Mermelstein and Giantomas believed that the requirement of bringing a non-member had not been made clear and that leadership’s presence was required at the event. Tricia also reported that most of the guests were 10 or more years out of school and that the event had been funded by an ADA grant. It is unclear at this time if the ADA will make grant money available again next year.
• GPR Fair – A last minute event suggested by Dr. Devang Modi that went over extremely well. About 40 students attended, which was also good for the show floor. Maureen suggested broadening the event next year if the Council was agreeable.
Activites for 2013
• Chiche lecture – Dr. Chiche lowered his honorarium by more than ½ after it was discovered that he had contracted with Dr. Isler’s study club to speak two months prior to the 2013 conference and on the same topic. Although Chiche accepted responsibility for the mistake, it was noted that Dr. Isler at the time was a member of this Council and should have disclosed his relationship. Dr. Emmer felt the matter should be pursued. Dr. Giantomas commended Dr. Chiche for “doing the right thing.”
• NJAO courses – The NJ Association of Orthodontists is asking for course pricing on the Celenza and McGuire courses so that they could help market the program. Dr. Dzitzer asked if the current course fee schedule covers expenses. It does. No vote was taken, although Dr. Delson did give staff leeway to adjust fees by $5 to $10 if needed to cover costs plus the $20-25 needed to cover food (McGuire is a breakfast meeting).
• Sponsorship opportunites were mentioned as a way to offset the decrease in booth sales. Maureen asked the Council to send sponsorship suggestions to her and to look over the ideas vendors shared on their surveys.
Floor plans, capacity and pricing charts were distributed for 6 possible locations. Each site has pros/cons to be considered. Dr. Giantomas asked Maureen to compare 2012 actual figures with Revel’s pricing to see how it would compare. At the moment all sites are still on the table, but a site visit to SeaView, Golden Nugget and Revel will be arranged as soon as possible. All Council members who have the time are encouraged to make the visit – date and time to be sent via email.
VI 2014 Speaker
Dr. Giantomas is suggesting Dr. Ernesto Lee, from Univ. of Penn. His honorarium request is $7500 + expenses. Biomet 3i is a possible sponsor. The Council is asked to review Dr. Lee’s bio to prepare for a vote at the next meeting.
Dental Benefits-Jeff Chustckie, Devang Modi
Dr. Krantz will be on ADA Council of Dental Benefits
Governmental Affairs-Mitch Weiner
See full report on page 8.
Membership-Tara Savage, Genevieve Fernandes
NJDA is aware that its membership experience must be relevant to each of its members as individuals. It is also aware that it must be sensitive to the collective needs of discreet ethnic/gender groups. To that end, the NJDA is aware that New Jersey is home to two groups of dentists that have experienced rapid growth over the last decade- Indian dentists and female dentists. The New Jersey Dental Association’s Membership growth plan to recruit more Indian and female dentists will focus on partnering with the Indian Dental Association of North America- New Jersey and the NJ chapter of the American Association of Women Dentists. On September 23rd, 2012, the Indian Dental Association of North America-NJ is having a full day continuing education course at the Woodbridge Hilton, NJ. NJDA is utilizing a portion of the ADA grant money received for the above purpose to sponsor this course. The course covers endodontic and oral pathology topics. IDANA-NJ is thankful for the sponsorship, and is looking forward to working together with NJDA and ADA for years to come.
Peer Review-Sandy Goldstein
There was one new case assigned this summer.
Committee Reports:
Centennial Committee-
72 confirmations have been received.
Corporate Sponsorship-David Stein
The check from 3i was received. Discussion on DSG, Kuwata, other labs and sponsors was tabeled.
Mentor-Nima Mir-Madjlessi, Amit Vora
Our bi-annual OSHA program course was held on June 28, 2012 at JFK Medical Center Conference Center in Edison, NJ. The next course will be offered on Thursday, November 15, 2012 at St. Peters Medical Center in New Brunswick, NJ. The plan is to alternate the course between both hospitals as a courtesy and convenience to our attendees.
New Dentist Committee-Sanjeev Satwah, Genevieve Fernandes
Our 2nd Dental MBA course was held on 8/21/12. There were 11 attendees. The seminar was given by Kim Ionatte from AFTCO. Chad from Bank of America was also present. Feedback from the attendees was positive. The next course is TBD.
Membership Hospitality Committee-Genevieve Fernandes
Throughout summer, monthly emails were sent to our members to bring awareness of upcoming CE courses. By establishing connection with our members, our goal is to improve attendance at all our meetings and get a good turnout for our Centennial celebration in October.
Continuing Education-Mark Schambra
Dr. Mark Setter is scheduled for a full day course on practice management in April. I need to confirm with Marty from Henry Schein about Sponsorship and amount of honorarium
Hygiene Study Club-Alyssa Bernstein
The Central New Jersey Dental Hygiene [CNJDH] Study Club The next CNJDH meeting will be on Wednesday September 19, 2012 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Edison. The lecture will be presented by Dr. Brunsden on “Treating the Autistic Patient”. 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. To register, please download the registration form from the CE Courses section of our web site.
Please contact Marlene Glickman, our Executive Secretary for MCDS, at 732-238-1255 for additional information and registration in advance for the program.
Old Business
The centennial committee was asked to stay after the meeting to discuss further planning.
New Business
A motion was made and passed to give Marlene Glickman a raise and to conduct a yearly evaluation of her performance after each educational year. The evaluation will be conducted by 4 members of the Board; the current year President and education coordinator and the new incoming President and education coordinator. There was 1 “no” vote to the raise.
A discussion took place to minimize some of the conversation on the Google group, especially when it comes to honorarium, sponsors and sponsorship amount.
Dr. Vora will look into “appreciation events” packages for possible staff night options.
A new person to manage our Facebook account is required. Gautam Govitrikar has stepped down. [Editor’s note: if you are interested, please call Dr. Simos].
Respectfully Submitted,
Devang Modi,
Secretary

MCDS Newsletter Online

To receive the newsletter electronically in lieu of receiving a printed copy, please visit our web site, at
www.MCDSofNJ.org.
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.

Governmental and Public Affairs

The General Supervision Law has been signed by the Governor and takes effect on Oct. 6th, 2012. While allowing hygienists to perform the full spectrum of their licensed duties on patients of record that have been seen in the office within the last 12 months when the dentist is not physically present in the office, the law further serves the NJDA membership by stipulating that only dentists can perform irreversible procedures on patients; only dentists can send insurance claims and bill/collect monies for dental services rendered; and only dentists can diagnose and treatment plan dental disease. This will safeguard New Jersey dentists from the threat of mid-level providers and independent hygiene practice for many years to come. Furthermore, it provides dentists with the opportunity to generate more revenue through expanded hygiene production hours when they (the dentists) do not have to be present (vacations, lunchtimes, etc). Please note that dentists cannot charge for an examination if they are not present to perform one.
The Affordable Care Act (‘Obamacare’)- NJ has only a limited amount of time to establish state insurance exchanges or the fed will come in and mandate their own. Organized dentistry has been asked by state and federal government officials for their input and has a strong voice at the table. As of now and due to the impending fiscal cliff and budget pressures on healthcare expenses, only an undefined level of pediatric oral care will be offered. The Council discussed suggestions from members on amending the parameters of oral care offered with no specific resolution at this time.
Old Business: Fluoridation Bill- This bill is in a ‘holding pattern’, awaiting the results on an ‘in-progress’ UMDNJ study from MPH students on fluoridation in NJ that has been slowed down as the result of a depletion of student researchers. There is currently an initiative to get Perth Amboy, which currently fluoridates at a .5ppm level (.2ppm below the therapeutic recommended .7ppm level), to fluoridate at the .7ppm level. This will make data collection for the NJ State Fluoridation study more credible scientifically.
Non-Covered Services Lawsuit- Even though the Appellate Court found that non covered services were not ‘insurance’ and not under the jurisdiction of the NJ Department of Banking and Insurance, NJDA still lost the suit against the insurance companies. There are laws in many states in the union that disallow insurance companies to set fees for non-covered services and the Council is contemplating a possible legislative move on this matter.
Overpayment Recovery Lawsuit- (NJDA vs. United Healthcare and Horizon) This suit, which NJDA brought against insurance companies attempting to collect ‘overpayments’ that by law they were not permitted to do, is in trial court and oral arguments will be heard on October 26th with a ruling expected within a month after that.
New Legislative Ideas were discussed- the Council is taking a proactive, rather than reactive stance on bringing forth legislative initiatives that are in the best interests of organized dentistry and our membership at large. Attendance is up on the Council and a majority of the NJDA components have a voice at the table on legislative initiatives.

General Supervision Advisory

The following was emailed to all NJDA members who have registered their email addresses with NJDA. This has been included in the newsletter for those of you who have not done so.

This Advisory is being issued to provide information and guidance to NJDA members concerning the new statute that allows dental hygienists to perform certain procedures within their scope of practice under General Supervision. The statute becomes effective on Saturday, October 6, 2012.
Some key provisions of the new law include:
·It is in the sole discretion of the dentist to allow or not allow dental hygienists to practice when the dentist is not physically present in the office.
·The general supervision of dental hygienists (known as “supervision” under the NJ Statutes) in a dental office must be authorized in writing by the dentist, who assumes full professional responsibility whether or not the dentist is physically present.
·A dental hygienist practicing under general supervision must hold current certifications in basic or advanced cardiac life support.
·Dental hygienists may perform hygiene services only on patients of record.
·No more than three dental hygienists may be supervised by any one dentist at a time.
·Proper emergency equipment, as may be required by the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry, must be readily available in the dental office that allows the general supervision of dental hygienists. (Note: At present, none are required.)
·Dental hygienists may take radiographs under general supervision if allowed in writing by the dentist.
·Dental hygienists cannot administer local anesthesia, perform other anesthetic procedures, or monitor nitrous oxide unless a dentist is physically present.
·Within the scope of their practice, dental hygienists may treat patients at any appropriately equipped school, clinic or institution, including nursing homes, veterans’ clinics, hospitals, prisons and facilities that treat persons with developmental disabilities.
·Dental hygienists cannot perform intra-oral services in a school setting on a person except for administering preventative measures, such as the application of fluorides, sealants and other recognized topical agents designed to prevent oral disease or discomfort, unless the dental hygienist reasonably believes that the person has been examined by a dentist within the immediately preceding 365-days.
·Only a New Jersey licensed dentist may diagnose, treat or perform any surgical or irreversible procedures pertaining to the dental condition of the treatment of a person and bill or receive payment for dental services.
·The law clarifies that dental hygienists may not own an independent office or practice.
A link to the statute may be found below.
Also, please find below a sample “Written Work Order Allowing General Supervision” within a dental office.

Should you or your staff have any questions, comments, or require additional information, please do not hesitate to contact Arthur Meisel or Jim Schulz, at (732) 821-9400, or via email at [email protected] or [email protected].

Link to the General Supervision Law:
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2012/Bills/PL12/29_.PDF

Sample Written Work Order Allowing General Supervision in Dental Office
Unless and until altered or revoked by me in writing, at all times when I am not physically present in the office, I hereby authorize any dental hygienist employed by my office who holds a current certification in Basic or Advanced Cardiac Life Support by an association approved by the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry to perform, upon an existing patient of record only, any service a dental hygienist is allowed by law to perform. However, when a dentist is not physically present in the office, a dental hygienist cannot, under any circumstance, (1) administer local anesthesia, (2) monitor a patient to whom nitrous oxide has been administered or (3) perform any other anesthetic procedure except as may be designated by the State Board.

NJDA Noteworty News

At the June HOD meeting and the Board of Trustees reorganizational meeting the following individuals were installed as officers of NJDA; Michael Messana, President, Robert Giantomas, President –Elect, Bryon Roshong, Vice President, Gregory LaMorte, Treasurer, Giorgio DiVincenzo, Secretary, Harvey Nisselson, Editor, Walter Chinoy, Speaker of the House.
In July an officer’s retreat was held. On Saturday July 21 a social event was held at the home of NJDA President Michael Messana as a meet and greet for officers and spouses. On Sunday July 22 a meeting was held at NJDA to focus on NJDA’s strategic plan. The three main areas addressed included: Membership; what do members perceive as value and how can we attract new members; Fiscal; evaluation of the budget and changes needed to remain fiscally sound in the current economic environment; Components; strengthen communication and leadership.
The Council on membership developed a reimbursement protocol for component recruitment activity. This would provide each component with $500 annually to be used toward an event or meeting targeted at recruiting new members.

The following business conducted at the August 15 BOT meeting is worth noting.

- Mr. Jonathan Burns, representing Bank of America, addressed the Board to inform it of the programs provided by Bank of America in practice solutions and dental practice financials. He explained how we can grow as a partnership, how they can aid in acquisitions and start-up with 100% financing and hold more seminars so that they can address the needs of new dentists. He informed the Board of two upcoming events; one on September 13th with Kim Iannotte of AFTCO which addresses the concerns of doctors preparing to exit the profession successfully and another on October 5th explaining the demographics of starting up a new office.
- Dr. Arnold Rosenheck spoke about the reorganization of the UMDNJ. There are twelve committees working with one another in reorganizing UMDNJ into Rutgers. He is hopeful that they will keep the UMDNJ administration the same; the dental school is not anticipating any changes. It has received a federal grant in the amount of 2.5 million to develop a full time faculty workforce.
- The Committee to Review Continuing Education met twice to finalize courses in which to provide the CE program brochure prior to Annual Session. It was felt that a central committee is needed to continue. A motion was made to make this committee a standing committee of the Board. The committee would consist of two trustees, one of whom will serve as Chair; the President-Elect; Vice President; the Chair of Annual Session Council; the Chair of Membership and the Chair of the Council on Dental Education.
-The Board approved the 2013 NJDA budget with amendments from the version submitted by the Committee on Budget and Finance. It will now be voted on at the November 7, 2012 House of Delegates meeting.
- In May a letter was mailed to Component Presidents & Secretaries asking them to make nominations of any member interested in serving as NJDA Trustee to the Foundation of UMDNJ Board of Trustees. Two candidates were interested. Each was invited to either come to the Board meeting or present a written statement presenting his credentials. A motion was made, seconded and unanimously adopted by closed ballot to approve the nomination of Dr. Carmine LoMonaco as NJDA’s representative to serve as trustee for a one year term to the Foundation of UMDNJ Board of Trustees.
- The Association received a letter from the Acting Associate Dean for Research at UMDNJ Foundation seeking funding for the Student Summer Research Fellowship program in the amount of $3,000.00. A motion was made, seconded and adopted by the Board to approve the funding for the Student Summer Research Fellowship program in the amount of $3,000. This passed with one abstention. A report will need to be submitted to the board outlining the project and it’s outcomes.
- The Board was asked to review the Council on Membership’s recommendation to implement a 12 month dues payment plan option in 2013.
- NJDA had approached the State Board with a suggestion that NJDA be allowed to offer remedial CE for those individuals who receive such a mandate by the Board. Most of these CE program are very expensive and only offered out of state on a limited basis.
-As previously reported via NJDA email blasts, the General Supervision bill was signed by the Governor and goes into effect October 6, 2012. Members are strongly encouraged to review the bill carefully and contact NJDA with any questions. There are provisions which must be strictly adhered to.
Respectfully submitted,
Mark A. Vitale, DMD
Trustee

	8/31/11	4/30/12	8/31/12
Checking	18,360.67	40,537.43	42,669.90
Savings	24,181.64	24,230.67	24,232.03
PayPal	18,738.87	6,612.91	8,746.70
TOTAL:	61,281.18	71,381.01	72,271.39
(05/01/2012 through 08/31/2012)
P&L STATEMENT CHECKING ACCOUNT
INCOME
Centennial Celebration dinner dance			1000
Centennial Celebration donation			400
CORP SPON-mtngs			600
CORP SPON-newsl			1,440.00
CORP SPON-NJDA CONV			2000
DINNERMEETINGS- INC			50
DUES			11,155.41
INTEREST			5.07
MENTOR COMM-INC			2290
STAFF NIGHT-inc			2,120.00
TOTAL INCOME			23,205.66
EXPENSES
BANK EXPENSES			80.27
BOARD MEMBER EXPENSES			416.75
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION			1318.02
Executive Salary			1,350.00
MEMORIALS AND GIFTS			339.3
OFFICE SUPPLIES			119
Refund			90
STAFF NIGHT			14,592.55
TAXES			375
TELEPHONE			247.12
TOTAL EXPENSES			18,928.01
OVERALL TOTAL			2,132.47
P&L SAVINGS ACCOUNT
INCOME
INTEREST			11.39
TOTAL INCOME			11.39
EXPENSES
BANK EXPENSES			15
TOTAL EXPENSES			15
OVERALL TOTAL			-3.61
P&L PAYPAL MONEY MARKET
INCOME
MENTOR COMM-INC			386.89
STAFF NIGHT-inc			1,746.90
TOTAL INCOME			2,133.79
OVERALL TOTAL			2,133.79

October 2012 Newsletter

Program:

October 16, 2012

Featured Speaker: Dr. Gary Hartwell
“Perforation Repair”

President's Message - Dr. Constantine Simos

MCDS Board of Trustees Report

Treasurer's Report

Announcements/Articles

Highlights from the September Meeting

MCDS Newsletter Online

Governmental and Public Affairs

General Supervision Advisory

NJDA Noteworty News

October 2012 Newsletter

Program:

October 16, 2012

Featured Speaker: Dr. Gary Hartwell “Perforation Repair”

President's Message - Dr. Constantine Simos

MCDS Board of Trustees Report

Treasurer's Report

Announcements/Articles

Highlights from the September Meeting

MCDS Newsletter Online

Governmental and Public Affairs

General Supervision Advisory

NJDA Noteworty News

Featured Speaker: Dr. Gary Hartwell
“Perforation Repair”