Come hear the stories behind the legislative and legal battles won on your behalf by NJDA this year from the dedicated officers. This annual event is an opportunity to meet the NJDA Directors and General Counsel and to witness first hand their dedication to our members. You will never ask the question, “What is organized dentistry doing for me?” after this evening. It will provide you with the opportunity to learn how to use NJDA’s vast resources to get the most of your membership.
In addition, a special presentation to our deserving New Life Members will be featured. Life Members have been members for 30 consecutive years, or 40 years total. Tonight we honor our members who have reached this milestone in their careers, and acknowledge their contributions.

The following MCDS members have achieved life membership this year.
Larry Chen, Ethan Glickman, Kent M. Hochberg, Robert Horowitz, Jay S. Kartagener, Ira Klemons, Ted Kwiatkowski, Paul Lafkowitz, Stewart D. Manela, Joseph Muscatiello, and Martin Nagel.

Note: this is the General Meeting that was rescheduled from 1/21/14 that was canceled due to snow.

Here's the link to the Life Member 2014 page.

Another wonderful year at the Middlesex County Dental Society has wrapped up for the season. I would like to thank members of the Board and the members of our Society for making it a great success. I would also like to thank everyone for their support of my role as President.
The lectures that were presented this year were outstanding. I would like to thank Dr. Genevieve Fernandes for helping to organize such a great lecture schedule and for coordinating the evenings at the Pines Manor. The number of members attending the meetings as well as residents and dental students seemed to create an energetic atmosphere. The corporate sponsors also offered great support to our society and were very informative about the products and services they have to offer. The full day course was a great success as well.
The new officers for the following year have been working hard for the society over the last few years and I wish them much success for the upcoming year. The Board has also continued to work diligently on their respective committees to continue maintaining the activities of the society.
Please take the time this summer t attend the New Jersey Dental Association’s Annual Session at the Revel in Atlantic City. The NJDA has been working very hard to put together great lectures as well as social events. Sponsors have also offered great support for the annual session as well as for the NJDA all year round.
It was a great opportunity for me to serve as the President of Middlesex County Dental Society. I would like to wish all of the members of the society on behalf of Middlesex County Dental Society a wonderful spring and summer and I look forward to seeing everyone next fall.

Attendance: Drs. Stein, Fernandes, Goldstein, Kahn, Ashmen, Silverstein, Desai, Mir-Madjlessi, Rosen, Bernstein, Modi and Marlene Glickman.
Acceptance of 3/11/14 Minutes- vote unanimous.
President’s Report-David Stein
All members are reminded that the general, MCDS Scientific meeting at the Pines Manor will take place on April 8, 2014 and May 13, 2014. This is on the 2nd Tuesday of the month instead of the normal 3rd Tuesday. The next MCDS Board meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 6th at the Pines Manor. E-mail blast was sent to all members.
Treasurer’s Report-Amit Vora
See detailed report on page 3.
Secretary’s Report-Devang Modi
Anyone giving a report at the Board meeting must submit their report by e-mail to the Google group or to the Secretary no later then the weekend before the general meeting to ensure publication in the newsletter to membership.
Educational Coordinator’s Report-Genevieve Fernandes
On April 8th, Dr. Edward Goldin will lecture on “Advancements in CAD/CAM Implant Dentistry.” His lecture will include Encode, CAD/CAM and CAD/CAM milled bars. May 13, 2014 will be Officers Night at which time we will also honor the MCDS Life Members.
ADA Delegate’s Report-Richard Kahn
North Carolina Dental Board (NCDB) vs. Federal Trade Commission (FTC)It was reported last month that the NC State Dental Board, not unlike the Dental Board in NJ, has determined that teeth whitening is the practice of dentistry, as per the precise wording of their dental practice act. The NCDB issued cease and desist orders to tooth whitening centers claiming that they are practicing dentistry illegally. The FTC stepped in and claimed that this was anti-competitive and the NCDB was acting in a way to drive up the cost of dental care. There is some issue with how the members of the NCDB are selected that gave some strength to the FTC argument. (The members of the NJ State Board are not selected in the same way as the NCDB). The FTC sued the NCDB in North Carolina and was successful. The NCDB appealed the verdict and the FTC was successful at the appellate level. The option was to ask the US Supreme Court to hear the matter. The ADA is now building our coalition and enlisting other State Dental Associations to fight this battle where a negative verdict could be significant.
NJDA Trustee’s Report-Mitch Weiner
-A request was made on behalf of NJ’s Dental Lifeline Network (formerly Donated Dental Services) to have NJDA add a line item in their annual dues statement for a voluntary contribution due to a fiscal shortfall of approximately $34,000 per year as a result of a discontinuation of government funding. With an annual budget of less than $150,000, the shortfall is a significant part of NJ Dental Lifeline’s operating budget for much needed personnel. The Board engaged in lengthy discussion on this topic. Among the concerns discussed were adding another line item to an already densely packed dues statement and whether Dental Lifeline Network approached agencies such as Pew or Kellogg that offer grants for access to care initiatives. Although the Board took a keen interest in wanting to help Dental Lifeline Network, it decided to table a vote on the request until more information can be given to us concerning the organizations efforts to raise the shortfall funds from sources other than the NJDA membership.
-Art Meisel, Jim Schulz and NJDA President Dr. Bob Giantomas met with Dr. Ron Deblinger, Dennis Wilson and Doug Sanborn at Delta Dental of NJ to discuss the soon to be introduced Non-Covered Services Bill. Delta requested the dialogue on this particular issue. Presently, 33 states at this time have a non-covered services law that prevents insurance companies from dictating what a dentist can charge for a non-covered service. Two states have related laws already in statute or regulation that prohibited such actions. Nationally, various Deltas have been mixed in the position on the legislation. In some states Delta has supported the initiative. In others they have been staunchly opposed. And, in others, Delta has remained neutral. It is our hope that in NJ Delta will be either supportive or at least neutral. Delta did oppose the measure several years ago in Connecticut. Delta of NJ administers Delta of Connecticut. However, it was a different bill at a different time, so NJDA is hopeful that we will see a different position this time.
-We have introduced an Oral Health Coalition Bill in the NJ State Senate with Loretta Weinberg as sponsor. This would establish the Dean of the Rutgers Dental School as the NJ State Dental Director which would open NJ up for federal funds from NIH, NICDR and other foundation monies for oral health initiatives. NJ is presently one of ten states in the US with no state office for oral health. We are also one of the few US states that does not do an oral health assessment of its population.
-Art Meisel recently gave Oral Arguments in the Appellate Division on the Overpayment Recovery Lawsuit. DOBI took no position which Mr. Meisel feels is a big help. A decision can come anytime within the next 6 months.
Executive Secretary Report-Marlene Glickman
94 Doctors are registered for Dr. Cliff Ruddle course on April 11, 2014. NJDA will send an e-mail request to all GPR, AEGD and specialty residency program Directors to encourage their residents, attending and colleagues to attend the Endo course.
NJDA Council Reports:
Annual Session-Nainesh Desai
The 2014 Garden State Dental Conference and Expo will be on June 27-28 at Revel casino and resort in Atlantic City. Online registration opened on Monday, March 24. Registration books were mailed to arrive the week of the 24th. Some of the noteworthy changes for attending guests are as follows: Hotel room block closes on May 26. Conference registration closes on June 6. There is a $5 per exit fee for parking onsite. This applies to anyone parking at Revel. Attendees can purchase lunch tickets in advance for a $10 per person savings. Registration packets will not be mailed. Packets must be picked up at conference registration. Council members were reminded that they cannot attend courses unless they are a room coordinator for a particular course. Right now Jeff Delson doesn’t think he’ll need to assign council members as room coordinators. Council assignments will be made at the May meeting. Registration book design and layout was done in-house by Nicole Fredrickson working with Maureen and Lorraine, for a savings of $7,000 on graphic design. Exhibits and Sponsorships: Fourteen booths and one table were still available. NJDA spends about $35,000 with Atlantic Expo on booth construction and signage. Sponsorship total for 2014 is $22,550 for speaker sponsors, the dental specialty luncheon and the Friday afternoon Happy Hour. A $500 per component sponsorship request will offset the cost of the Friday evening dessert reception. The components will each have a business card ad in the onsite guide. Events: 1) New Dentist Conference -Maureen explained the New Dentist Conference tie-in. There will be several NDC courses/giveaways at the Garden State Dental Conference &Expo. 2) Babysitting/Child Care -Maureen had not planned on child care or camp services because Revel is not a family resort as Ocean Place was. Following a motion by M. Dzitzer and K. Sinatra, the Council voted against providing day care services at Revel. A second motion (Dzitzer/Goldstein) was made to explore evening babysitting during the President’s dinner. Following discussion on liability and other issues, the motion was unanimously opposed. 3) Invitation-only – Several events are invitation only and not listed in the registration guide, for example, the NJAO reception and the NJDA leadership conference.
2015 Conference: 1) CE suggestions – Dr. Scalia put out a question to members in the Monday email alert asking for CE suggestions. Response has not been good to date. suggestions welcome.
2) Speaker and speaker sponsors were discussed. New Dentist Conference was generating interest among other companies and Maureen already has Dentsply Tulsa interested in programming for NDC and a tie-in at the 2015 conference. Financial shortfalls for the last two years were about $10,000 a year, excluding staff time. Dr. LaMorte said discussions at the NJDA’s last board meeting, included “reinventing” annual session. Suggestions included holding HOD at a different time and place and having the President’s event held within their component. Locations – Art noted that only two locations are big enough to hold the conference as it is designed now – the Taj and Revel. We have a tentative agreement with Revel for 2015, and if we see a profit, we may stay there one more year. A very large number of comps are given each year in the form of guest rooms, courses, meals and the dinner dance. We lose money on each dinner dance ticket, including full price paid tickets. Maureen said that in 2013 comps totaled $70,000. Art noted that VIPs from other state societies are only a small part of that amount. Art noted that only about 12 – 13% of membership attends the conference. Consider the time, effort and cost going into drawing this small number. Dr. Shah said that the cost of the conference and all the comps given are not fair to the bulk dues paying members who do not attend. Final decision for 2015 may have to be tabled. Any new configuration is subject to board approval. Practically speaking changes probably cannot be made prior to the 2016 conference. Dates for 2014-2015 council meeting were finalized. Next meeting on Thursday, May 22 will be the final council meeting before conference.
Dental Benefits-Devang Modi, Antoinette Tauk
The next council meeting is scheduled for May 14, 2014.
Membership- Genevieve Fernandes, Nima Mir-Madjlessi
The first meeting of the committee working towards developing a more intimate relationship with the Rutgers dental students was completed. It was held at the dental school on March 13, 2014. Erin Halpin and Shruti Shah (student members of the membership council), Dr. Robert Shekitka and Dr. Rosa Chaviano-Moran (dental school Alumni association), Meha Shah and Allison Striano (student trustees) and Mrs. Patricia DeCotiis (Assistant Executive Director from NJDA) were in attendance. The dental students appear to be very interested in a mentor-mentee relationship outside of the dental school setting and all of the components are supposed to have a list of members who are voluntarily interested in providing mentorship. (This is an initiative that has begun on the grassroots level by several MCDS members). If you are interested in being a mentor at your office please provide our executive secretary Mrs. Marlene Glickman with your name, office address, telephone number, e-mail address and days available. Our next meeting will be on May 12, 2014.
Peer Review-Sandy Goldstein
There were no new cases assigned or mediated last month.
Committee Reports:
Corporate Sponsorship-Ira Rosen
Biomet 3i, Benco Dental Supply Company, DENTSPLY, TD Bank, and DSG lab will be our sponsors at the April meeting. All members are encouraged to visit with our sponsors. Two $50 VISA gift cards will be raffled to those members that visit all of our sponsors and have every sponsor stamp your card.
Mentor-Nima Mir-Madjlessi
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 June 19, 2014 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 program
New Dentist Committee-Sanjeev Satwah
The New Dentist Conference was a success. Registration was filled at 40 with a waiting list of about 5. Feedback was very positive and a few members showed interest in sitting on the committee. We are meeting on 4/1 as a follow up on the conference and a discussion for future events.
Budget and Finance-Ira Rosen
Dr. Desai made a motion to allow RWJ and JFK residency programs to combine the 2013/2014 MCDS grant money for the purchase of a digital camera. Neither program has used the grant money for the past 2 years. The motion was seconded by Dr. Goldstein and approved unanimously by the Board. Dr. Rosen will confirm the best price for the camera for both programs combined.
Hygiene Study Club-Alyssa Bernstein
The next CNJDH meeting will be on Wednesday May 7, 2014 at the New Jersey Dental Association Building in North Brunswick. The speaker will be Dr. Martin Kaminker and he will be lecturing on “Handling Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office”. 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.
MCDS Study Club-Genevieve Fernandes, Nima Mir-Madjlessi
The MCDS study club is back! We’ve compiled a great evening event at NJDA
Dr. Nainesh Desai will speak on “Complications in Implant Dentistry” on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 from 6pm-9pm at the NJDA headquarters. The study club is FREE to all members as a member benefit and 2 CE credits will be awarded.
Respectfully Submitted,
Devang Modi, Secretary

Provide MCDS with your email address!

As those of you who have registered your email addresses with us know, the Board is becoming more pro-active in notifying you with timely unformation, such as upcoming early registration deadlines, reminders about the change in date for the April General Meeting, course reminders, etc. By having your email address, we can get such vital and timely information to you. You can register by going to the “Of Current Interest.” page.

General Meeting Business

The 2014-5 Slate of Officers was unanimously approved at the 4/8/14 General Meeting.

Our officers for 2014-2015 are:

Dr. Nainesh Desai-President

Dr. Alyssa Bernstein- President Elect

Dr. Devang Modi- Vice-President

Dr. Amit Vora-Treasurer

Dr. Genevieve Fernandes-Secretary

Educational Coordinator- Sanjeev Satwah