Dr. Barry Raphael graduated from U Penn in 1978 and received his Certificate in Orthodontics from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1983. He has been in the private practice of Orthodontics in Clifton since 1983, carrying on a family tradition since 1950. Dr. Raphael is past-president of Passaic County Dental Society and currently vice-president of the NJ Assoc. of Orthodontists. He is the founding chairman of Donated Orthodontic Services committee in NJ and owner/ director of The Raphael Center for Interceptive Education which opened in 2014. His mission is to teach patients, parents and professionals about techniques designed to prevent malocclusion and Airway Related Oral Dysfunctions (AROD).
Airway! Schmairway! What’s all this talk about Airway? Most dentists by now are aware of Sleep Dentistry as an area of concentration, but this lecture is about more than just sleep. It’s about how people become the victims of overnight breathing problems and all the comorbidities that it brings.
Dr. Raphael will focus on how the concept of Airway can change the focus of dentistry for the betterment of health and well being. He will show how you can assist your patients at all ages and stages along the breathing disorder continuum. He will demonstrate what an orthodontic practice (and dentistry in general) can look like as we grapple with the major chronic health challenges facing our society today.

As I sat down to write the President’s Message for this newsletter I had one topic in mind to write about but due to recent events in my life I have changed my message. Eight years ago I had a tragic event happen that could have very easily derailed me, but thanks to Dr. Ethan Glickman I was “saved”. My first husband had just passed away and I was lost. I needed something that could distract me from my sadness and loneliness, something to focus my energy on. Dr. Glickman called one afternoon and suggested that I attend a Middlesex County Executive Board meeting and consider taking on a position on the board. I went to my first meeting and subsequently accepted the position of the Central New Jersey Dental Hygiene Study Club doctor representative. The following year Dr. Maya Prabhu asked me to be her Educational Coordinator and I began my climb to the Presidency. Having the support of the board at that time in my life was just what I needed.
Three weeks ago I experienced another tragic loss, the death of my second husband and I realized once again how much the Middlesex County Dental Society has become a family to me. I would like to use this message as a way to express my appreciation to all the members that have called and written recently. Your kind words have gotten me through this once before and I know having your support will get me through this once again. Thank you again for all your sympathy and thoughtfulness.
Wishing everyone and their families a Happy Holiday Season.

Attendance: Drs. Devang Modi, Genevieve Fernandes, Nainesh Desai, Ira Rosen, Daniel Krantz, Sunny Satwah, Mitch Weiner, and Maya Prabhu
Acceptance of 9/8/15 Minutes- vote unanimous.
Treasurer’s Report- Dr. Sunny Satwah
See full report below.
Secretary’s Report- Dr. Genevieve Fernandes
Thank you to all the board members that sent in their reports before our board meeting. Their timely submission aids Dr. Bob Silverstein and me in successfully compiling the newsletter for the general membership.
Education Coordinator’s Report- Dr. Devang Modi
On October 20th, Dr. Marianna Evans will be speaking on the topic of “3D Guided Approach to Mucogingival Problems on Adult Patients.”
NJDA Trustee Report- Dr. Mitch Weiner
There has been no NJDA Trustees meeting since our last MCDS Board meeting and dinner. Our next NJDA BOT will be Wed. November 18th after the House of Delegates meeting. MCDS Board members should mark Nov 18th 10am at Pines for House of Delegates on your calendars. There will be discussion and voting on the budget/dues increase with emphasis on the funding of ADA Delegates/Alternate Delegates to the ADA convention as well as an increase in the rate that ACTIVE (not retired) life members pay for dues.
NJDA Council Reports:
Dental Benefits- Dr. Devang Modi, Dr. Antoinette Tauk
The Council on Dental Benefit Programs met on September 9, 2015 in the office of the Association.
I. DENTAL BENEFIT PLAN ISSUES:
A. CRP Statistics: Staff provided the council with cumulative statistics for May through August 2015 indicating a total of 108 complaints submitted to NJDA for the year. Of that number, NJDA successfully resolved 35, 9 were for data purposes, 58 are still pending and 6 were not resolvable. Staff also provided the council with statistics on the number of CRPs opened per component to date.
B. Assurant: Grievance Example/Refund Request/Late Entrant Limitations: Discussed particular case which was denied although dentist had all the documentation. Dentist did not appeal and refunded payment to patient. Discussed claim denials and right to a conversation with a dental consultant. ERISA law requires full disclosure. NPD self reporting – credentialing.
C. Delta Dental MN: Incomplete Service: Discussed claim for incomplete treatment regarding a crown prep date and seat date, and payment if patient fails to return for a crown. In this case Delta allowed dentist to charge patient for partial services rendered and lab fees.
D. DSO – Benefits of Private Practice Ownership (Dr. Biscuspid): Discussed article warning dentist to do due diligence regarding their contracts. The pro/s and con’s of private practice versus working as employee in large group or DSO. Why private practice is still encouraged.
E. 3 Solutions for Healing the Dental & Hygiene Schism: Article about conflict between hygienists and dentists. Perception is that ongoing conflict between hygienists and dentist is undermining the industry and not good for either provider. Article addresses issues regarding access to care and how dentist and hygienists should be working together to preserve the integrity of the profession.
F. Non-Covered Services: Talked about Delta Dental claim examples and how non-covered services are still not reflected properly on the EOB. Delta informed NJDA that as of July 1, claims would be automated, but still discrepancy exists where patient’s financial responsibilities not accurately reflected on EOB when non-covered services legislation applies. Discussed the disadvantages for dentists to be able to act on this legislation without losing patients.
G. ADA CDBP Snippets: Bitewing Images/Contract Clauses: Problem with taking segmented panorexs and submitting code 0250 to insurance. This code is generally rejected and not paid. Pan extraoral x-rays are easier to take and clearer than intraoral. Need new code. It was suggested that the Council on Dental Benefits send letter to the ADA requesting a code or clarification for segmented pans. Council requests we petition ADA to take another look at this. Discussed the new CDT book and codes with regard to this procedure, but Council feels that new code and descriptor “0251” (extra-oral posterior dental radiographic image) is still inadequate and will not result in appropriate reimbursement. Favored Nation Clauses – Discussed third party payer contracts and more prevalent use of this clause. Through this clause the dentist agrees not to charge higher fees to patients covered under this plan than he/she would to other patients. Usually an accompanying clause stipulates the dentist agrees to utilization review/audits by the payer. This can be a problem when dentist participate in more than one plan. “If a fee specified for a particular procedure under one plan exceeds the fee the dentist would charge a patient from another plan, the dentist is contractually bound to charge the first patient the lower fee.
II. MEDICAID AND ACCESS ISSUES:
A. Medicaid Provisional Credentialing – Risk Assessment Codes Covered: – Medicaid Provisional Credentialing - Risk Assessment Codes Covered: Important to do risk assessment in case of audit. For example, do prophy every 6 months, does patient get a lot of sugar, etc. Recommended is to do this for each patient at each visit. NJ Family Care takes long time to be credentialed into the system.
B. Medicare Opt In/Opt Out Update – Deadline Extension: June 2016 is the deadline. Can’t process forms fast enough. Opting out must be certified every two years. Form 8550 does not have to be renewed. Novitas is the vendor processing the forms. If the patient has a Medicare Advantage Plan, you may want to opt out of Medicare as a provider of services, but opt-in for the sole purpose of prescribing and referring by using form 8550. License renewal online– Problems with system, some schools are not on the form. You must either add or edit to enter the school not listed and move to the next screen.
C. Chemed Tour (FQHC) Jim Oral Report: It was decided that several dates would be presented to the council for a tour of the FQHC facility and meet with Senator Singer in Lakewood. This is opportunity for our council to get better educated about what FQHC’s do, how dentists provide services in this facility and to explore opportunities for recent graduates with high debt to find potential loan repayment programs and community service opportunities.
III. LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY ISSUES: Trying to have licensee records expunged. There is no statute of limitations currently. There is no dental director to represent dentists – the current director is a nurse.
A. Non-Covered Services Legislation - Status: EOB reform required to be able to take advantage of law. NJDA working on ideal EOB mock-up. Special sub-committee will be appointed to work with Jim on ideal EOB’s.
IV. NEW BUSINESS:
A. Coding Segmented Pan X-Rays:
V. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: The council reviewed the following informational items:
A. Delta Dental EOBs (Dr. Vitale): Discussed EOB’s and incorrect information. A Delta non-participating associate has to participate in a participating office. Full disclosure of in/out of network must be clear to patients so now all must participate. Delta is constructing an advisory council and is looking for representation. It was recommended that a representative on the Council on Dental Benefits to be appointed to Delta advisory council. PCI compliance was discussed. The NJDA endorsed business, Merchant Services, would help determine if the office is compliant.
B. Anthem to Acquire Cigna (Money.cnn.com):
The next council meeting is scheduled for November 4, 2015.
Govermental Affairs – Dr. Mitch Weiner
There has been no Governmental Affairs meeting since our last MCDS Board meeting and dinner. Our next Governmental Affairs meeting will be next Wednesday the 21st. MCDS Board members should mark Nov 18th 10am at Pines for House of Delegates on your calendars. There will be discussion and voting on the budget/dues increase with emphasis on the funding of ADA Delegates/Alternate Delegates to the ADA convention as well as an increase in the rate that ACTIVE (not retired) life members pay for dues.
Membership- Dr. Genevieve Fernandes, Dr. Nima Mir-Madjlessi
A meeting of the Council on Membership was held on September 21, 2015 at 7pm at the Association headquarters.
Member Data- Brendan Breen reported on the membership number to date noting a deficit in revenue and number of full dues paying members.
Component Reports- The representative from each component took a few minutes to explain the membership related activities that occur at their individual component.
New Dentist Conference-This year there will be two New Dentist Conferences. The 1st will be in Southern New Jersey in Mount Laurel on Saturday, October 3rd and the 2nd will be in Northern New Jersey in Saddle Brook on Saturday, October 17th. The Registration fee is on $75 for members. The price is the same for residents. This fee includes lunch, 4 CEUs and a tool kit containing over $350 worth of supplies. The Council will be provided lists and information to promote this event.
Resource Day- This event will be held at Association Headquarters in North Brunswick on Wednesday, September 30th. This is an all day “open house” event. Registration is only $10 and many courses are free or only $5. Any student or resident that registers for $10 will be given a refund when they attend the event. We will also have a photographer available for staff pictures and a shredding truck. The Council was asked to promote this event as well.
Other State Associations-The Council watched other association promotional videos. Brendan Breen will have more information on these videos at the next meeting. Council was asked to think about: What is wrong with Organized Dentistry? Each member was asked to bring their thoughts to the next meeting.
Our next meeting will be on Monday, October 19, 2015.
Peer Review- Dr. Sandy Goldstein
There were no new peer review cases assigned or mediated during the last month.
Committee Reports:
Corporate Sponsorship-Dr. Ira Rosen
At the October General Membership meeting, all three of our gold sponsors will be in attendance– ZimmerBiomet, Dentsply International and Provident Bank. In addition, one of our bronze sponsors will be joining us– Benco Dental Supply Company. Please join me in welcoming our sponsors and be sure to visit them and view their products.
Mentor-Dr. 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 Oct 15, 2015 at St. Peter’s Medical Center, New Brunswick. To date, 61 members have registered. Two CEU credits was awarded to the Dentists & staff members attending these 2-hour seminars. These seminars are available 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.
I am in the process of setting up an Insurance workshop for our members in the near future with Mrs. Joan Monaco. I will keep membership apprised of the details as soon as possible Please see the insert in this newsletter for additional information and registration for the Mentor programs.
New Dentist Committee - Dr. Sanjeev Satwah
NJDA New Dentist Conference was held on 10/3 in Mt. Laurel with success. The same version of this Conference will be held on 10/17 in Saddlebrook. It was $75 for Members, $150 for Non Members. 4 CE credits will be awarded and lunch will be served.
Membership Hospitality Committee - Dr. Genevieve Fernandes, Dr. Deborah Brown
Email blasts are being sent out by Dr. Genevieve Fernandes with reference to upcoming courses and holidays.
Budget and Finance- Dr. Ira Rosen
The budget committee has completed a proposed MCDS budget for calendar year 2016. After any modifications and ultimate approval by the MCDS Executive Board, it will be presented to the membership at the October General Membership meeting. A copy of the budget will be published in the November newsletter and then it is to be voted upon at our November General Membership meeting.
Hygiene Study Club- Dr. Alyssa Bernstein
The Central New Jersey Dental Hygiene [CNJDH] Study Club met on Wednesday September 16, 2015 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Edison. The speaker was Dr. Robert Silverstein and the topic is “Invisalign: Understanding Limitations to Improve Outcomes”. Two CEU credits were awarded to the hygienists that attended this meeting. The following CNJDH meeting will be on Wednesday November 11, 2015 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Edison. The speaker will be Dr. David Wendell and the topic will be, “Got Belly Fat... It’s not you, It’s your Hormones.” 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 732-764-MCDS(6237) for additional information and registration in advance for the program.
MCDS Study Club- Dr. Genevieve Fernandes, Dr. Nima Mir-Madjlessi
On October 7th, 2015 Dr. Joan Monaco gave a presentation entitled: Dental Insurance overview for 2015-16. This was an excellent presentation which encompassed numerous gems of insurance processing old and new (including some pointers on challenges to be faced in the near future) as well as practice. There might be some workshops in the future to further this discussion. Please invite a friend or colleague who is not a member of NJDA/MCDS to see one of the many benefits of membership. We will have our next MCDS study club meeting on November 4th. Dr. Maya Prabhu will be our speaker and the topic will be on endodontic trauma. This will be held at NJDA headquarters at 6:00 PM
Old Business
The By-laws will continue to be reviewed by our President Dr. Bernstein with our last year’s President, and will be discussed at one of our subsequent board meetings.
New Business
The Board unanimously approved the proposed 2016 MCDS Budget.
Good and Welfare
The Board expresses our most heartfelt condolences to our President, Dr. Alyssa Bernstein, on the passing of her husband, Patrick Burt.
It was Marlene Glickman’s birthday recently and Middlesex County Dental Society will honor her with a beautiful bouquet at our general meeting.
Respectfully Submitted, Dr. Genevieve Fernandes, Secretary

General Membership Meeting Business

The 2016 budget was presented to the General Membership and the floor was opened for discussion. There being none, the budget will be voted upon at the next general meeting in November..

Provide MCDS with your email address!

By having your email address, we can get vital and timely information to you, such as meeting cancellations due to inclement weather. Register by clicking here.

Insurance Claims Problems?

The Board would like to remind you that Claims Resolution Service is available through the NJDA to help you resolve any dental claim issue. Please contact Dr. Joan Monaco at 732-821-9400. This service is provided free to you as a member benefit.

MCDS welcomes JFK and RWJ Residents

Highlights from the October Meeting