Dr. Alan A. Boghosian is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Dentistry at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine where he coordinates laboratory and clinical research investigations. Dr. Boghosian maintains a private practice in downtown Chicago devoted primarily to restorative dentistry. He has authored numerous publications and has lectured internationally on the subjects of dental materials and restorative procedures. He formerly was chairman of the working group on materials, instruments and equipment of the Council on Scientific Affairs of the ADA and currently serves as a consultant to the council.
Amorphous calcium phosphate’s (ACP) introduction into operatory and hygiene products has significantly impacted dentistry. These developments, to a great degree, were the results of research conducted at the Dr. Anthony Volpe Research Center (formally Paffenbarger Research center). This presentation will address the role of ACP in various aspects of the dental practice. Amongst the topics to be presented are:
• Chemistry of Calcium Phosphate Compounds
• Remineralization and Demineralization
• How fluoroapatite stabilizes enamel
• The role of pH on mineral dissolution
• Clinical Application of ACP Desensitizing agents
• ACP Containing Restorative Dental Materials
• Chemically Bonded Ceramics
• Identify the most frequently prescribed FDA-approved medications.
• Review the basic mechanism of action, principle therapeutic indications, and potential adverse reactions and drug interactions of these medications.
• Discuss the clinical dental considerations of these medications and their potential impact on dental therapy.

Quality customer service...something we all strive for in our dental practices. This past weekend I had two instances where the quality of customer service influenced my decision making and thoughts of two separate businesses. I wanted to escape Somerville, NJ for the weekend, it was the town’s St. Patrick’s Day parade on Sunday and I wanted to avoid the shenanigans that always take place, of which I have been a part of every previous year for the past 10 years. I decided to spend the weekend in New Hope and stay at a bed and breakfast. I woke up Saturday morning and headed down 202 South toward Flemington. On the way, my friend realized he forgot his sunglasses so we made a stop at the Kohl’s in Flemington. We picked out sunglasses and a few other odds and ends and headed to the register. I am not a seasoned shopper at Kohl’s so I was unaware that you wait in a maze of a line and a sales associate calls you to the next available register. I walked up to one of the registers, items in hand and was about to wait for the woman to finish with her customer. She looked at me and nastily said, “I am with a customer, you cannot be here and there is a line over there.” Well nobody was in the maze that is a line and she could not have been any meaner. We placed our items on her counter and walked out of the store. The attitude of the saleswoman was so negative that I will think twice before shopping in Kohl’s again. After that sour experience, and still without sunglasses we proceeded to the Country Griddle for breakfast. My friend called the Wedgewood Inn to make a reservation and spoke to a woman named Terrie. They had a room at the Aaron Bur house, check in was at 3 pm but since we would be there by noon she would see to it that our room was ready. We arrived at 12:20 pm and she met us at the Inn and showed us our room and gave us a tour of the B&B. Breakfast was Sunday morning from 8:30 to 11:00. She asked about food allergies and I told her I was gluten free but she did not need to make any special accommodations for me. Well, when I got to breakfast she had a gluten free bagel for me and a gluten free muffin. I was in my glory, they had smoked white fish salad and I could actually enjoy it on a bagel. She went out of her way on Saturday afternoon to get something that I could eat. That is quality customer service. She also extended the check out time due to the time change. She was so sweet that at check out, upon returning the key we exchanged hugs and kisses and promised to stay there again. It is amazing how kind caring individuals can influence an experience. I would highly recommend the B&B just based on Terrie, the innkeeper. She was not the owner but gave her all to make sure we had the best experience possible. This is what our front desk staff is all about. If they treat our patients with a smile, kindness and positive attitude our practices will grow and thrive. The staff, not us, are responsible for the quality of service we provide.

Attendance: Drs. Alyssa Bernstein, Robert Silverstein, Robert Ashmen, Deborah Brown, Genevieve Fernandes, Mark Vitale, Antoinette Tauk, Daniel Krantz, Devang Modi, Ira Rosen, Sunny Satwah, Mitch Weiner, Cavan Brunsden, Nima MirMadjlessi, Nainesh Desai, Peter DeSciscio, and Mark Schambra
Acceptance of 2/9/16 Minutes- vote unanimous.
Treasurer’s Report- Dr. Sunny Satwah
See full report on page 3.
Secretary’s Report- Dr. Genevieve Fernandes
The list of Delegates and alternate Delegates along with our MCDS officers that represent us within each NJDA Council were reviewed, updated, and approved by the board members in attendance. This updated list will be provided to NJDA.
Education Coordinator’s Report- Dr. Devang Modi
Dr. Scott Resnick will be speaking on “Endodontic Success” at the Pines on 3/15/16. DENTSPLY will be providing the CE credits.
NJDA Council Reports:
Dental Benefits- Dr. Devang Modi, Dr. Antoinette Tauk
The Council on Dental Benefit Programs met on February 3, 2016.
CRP Statistics: Staff provided the council with cumulative statistics for January through December, 2015 indicating a total of 125 complaints submitted to NJDA for the year. Of that number, NJDA successfully resolved 55, 11 were for data purposes, 50 are still pending and 9 were not resolvable.
Delta Dental: PPO Push/Specialty Fee Schedule: Should have seen fee increase. Most dentists have not seen a fee increase from Delta in years nor have they seen plan limitations change to give patients a higher maximum for more comprehensive treatment. Delta expects participating dentists to comply with provision of their contracts but doesn’t adequately disclosure terms and conditions for different plans and different Delta policies within or out of state. The consensus is Delta doesn’t communicate with participating doctors about their plans.
Delta Dental Conditional Credentialing Approvals: Discussed oxygen tanks and specialized requirements per office. Requirement states all dentists will have a portable tank in/near the reception room/waiting area and all staff will be trained regarding its use. Conditional credentialing went out to offices that were deficient as per the Delta survey previously disseminated to participating providers. Providers have 60 days to show compliance.
CIGNA credentialing – Offer Brighter Web Site – Patients can rank dentists on crowns, prophys, exams, etc. CIGNA ranks dentists on fees. Preliminary roll out was communicated by mail. NJDA will have conference call with Cigna and provide update at the next meeting.
Delta New Processing Policies Effective Jan 1: Delta Premier Plan possibly phasing out; pushing to PPO and specialty network.
Horizon:
New Par Contract – Modified Terms – If one dentist participates, all will need to participate. Contract is also location specific and requires re -credentialing at all locations a dentist wishes to participate at.
Horizon Delayed Medical Claims Processing – EOB handout. Horizons medical component unable to process claims adequately and oral surgeon’s offices cannot submit to dental until the medical EOB is received. NJDA is aware and has alerted Horizon. More information to follow when NJDA receives clarification.
Horizon Federal Program Check Glitch: Horizon’s Federal plan allows only one participating dentist/location to be named as recipient of checks. Consequently, all checks for Federal Plan patients are mailed to one location listed –which doesn’t necessarily correspond to the office where treatment was rendered. Checks are also being issued (by provider) to locations that are not affiliated with each other. Advise offices to please reconcile checks before depositing. Horizon has informed us there is no mechanism to correct this at this time, but they are looking into it.
Horizon Same Family, Different Fees Same Group Date DOS: Fee glitches loaded in claim processing system. New system rolling out in March.
Aetna – MultiPlan:
Expedited Agreement – no mention of how expedited or any details of how it works. Agreement states “provider accepts this Expedited Amount and agrees to reduce the liability of the Patient and the Payer. Provider agrees not to bill the patient, or financially responsible party, for the difference between the Billed Charge and the Expedited Amount…” Be careful of any hidden caveats in the proposal. Discussion about if * ADA will do re-credentialing analyses.
Refund/Audit Request Season:
If dentist participates with provider, overpayment must be returned. With any carrier, credentialing is critical for each dentist in office if expecting reimbursement as a participating provider (especially NJ Health and Medicaid plans). Use correct NPI number in both the “Treating Entity box” and “Billing Entity Box”.
MEDICAID AND ACCESS ISSUES:
Any Willing Provider: Medicare will implement “any willing provider” provisional credentialing to ease the access to care issue. It will allow docs who are willing to see Medicaid patients, treat them while they are being credentialed as the process can sometimes take up to 9 months.
Medicare Opt In/Opt Out Extension/ADA Fighting for Exemption: Deadline extended yet again to June 1, 2016. Backlog of application processing still exists (average wait time 4-5 months) encourage dentists to get applications in ASAP. ADA is once again proposing exemption for dentists, but until such time as it is passed – dentist must comply with requirements to opt-in/out.
LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY ISSUES:
PMP Program Update: Effective date was November 1, 2015. Still experiencing difficulties in gaining username and passwords. Many interpretations of regulations. NJDA’s understanding at this time is if less than 30 day supply of Sched. II is prescribed – no need to access system.
Consumer Affairs Dispensing/Disposal “Project Medicine Drop”: Anyone who dispenses Sched. II in their office is required to hand the patient a flyer from the PMD campaign as to how and where to dispose of unused medications. This can be downloaded from our site or the NJ Dept. of Consumer Affairs.
Out of Network Issue: In hospital setting, dentist will not be paid full price if law goes into effect. Bill was killed. Legislation seeking to bring it back.
Horizon Omnia: It is a platform for health insurance. The plan was approved by DOBI and wholly owned by Horizon. Omnia is looking to buy up existing hospitals and make a large Network which offers benefits for “in-network” patients and providers. Currently being “re-looked” at as it is a potential game changer for healthcare and may have many negative aspects for patients/providers out of the Omnia network.
Federal Bill: Non-covered services bill – ERISA. HR323 Non-covered services legislation is being discussed with regard to ERISA plans. Potentially has a positive implication for patients/providers in terms of accurate financial liability and responsibility being disclosed on EOB’s.
OLD BUSINESS:
FQHC Visit Proposed Dates: NJDA is working with Senator’s office to find mutually acceptable dates for an elective council visitation. Dates will be proposed as we work out details.
CDBP Future Meeting Dates: Reviewed meeting dates for 2016. It was necessary to change meeting date scheduled for May 4, 2016 to May 18, 2016.
EOB Reform (Oral): Discussed EOB reform with respect to Insured/Risk plans as well as Federal ERISA Plans. NJDA proposed simple electronic solution (an addition to carriers existing website) easily accessible to patients and offices as remedy for interim. Also, marketing attempt to promote/educate patients to visit site to define which type of plan they have. Will request specific language for patients to understand in layman’s terms what the law means and the financial implications.
NEW BUSINESS:
United Concordia Periapicals policy revisited. PA’s will not be paid and Dentist cannot charge if done on same date as periodic exam. Will reconsider reimbursement if claim is accompanied by clinical narrative (specific to the patient) as well as duplicates of films.
Delta USA - New Organization? Discussion on Delta’s intentions to go national.
Bitewing Code (Dr. Dubowsky) Re-visit request for better code modification for vert. BW as carriers will still deny code when submitted. Dr Krantz will follow-up with ADA. My understanding is the code committee meets and votes on codes in March for the previous year. This would push back the modification request from NJDA until 2018. Will get clarification and re-visit this issue with accurate time-frame.
Unlock PPO.com Service: Evaluate participation contracts and fee schedules. They will do negotiations for you. Cost is approx. $4,000.00. Charge per NPI #. Council members have used this service and feel it was worthwhile experience.
Submitted fee charged is not fee paid by provider on claims. Proper claim submission should include your normal UCR every submission and the code that best describes what service you have provided. NEVER submit claims based on coverage guidelines, diagnosis and treat patient and report what you do with your normal UCR fees. That is data carriers use to formulate respective fee schedules per 3 digit zip code.
Delta Advisory Council request for NJDA CDB rep turned down by NJDA Board. Dr LaMorte feels the Rep position should go to the Secretary. Council feels strongly that one of our members should represent NJDA and/or at least feels the rep should attend our council meetings. Joan/Dr. Vitale will propose this at next NJDA Board.
Problem with benefit of claims between December/January. Some plans will pay benefits for services rendered in December with December benefit money – and some plans are paying it when received with January benefit money. Be aware the patient’s benefits for this year may be used to pay claims with a date of service for the previous year if it was treatment in progress (i.e.: multiple visits for crown).
The next council meeting is rescheduled for May 18, 2016.
Membership- Dr. Genevieve Fernandes, Dr. Nima Mir-Madjlessi
A membership council meeting was held on February 22nd, 2016. The only issue that was discussed was the NJDA Faculty Ambassador proposal for all of the Faculty members of Rutger’s School of Dental Medicine. After a very robust discussion, that particular proposal was rejected. However, the council decided to propose to the NJDA BOT, that all members who have a faculty position in any capacity, should be recognized by the NJDA, and that they will get access to the NJDA Monday morning email blasts. This proposal was decided on a Majority vote. We will wait on the decision of the NJDA BOT. Furthermore, Dr. Maxine Feinberg and Dr. Gregory La Morte will be invited to the membership council meeting to revisit the Faculty Ambassador proposal .
Peer Review- Dr. Sandy Goldstein
There was no new activity in peer review during the last month.
Committee Reports:
Corporate Sponsorship-Dr. Ira Rosen
I am pleased to announce that we have another new MCDS Corporate Sponsor. Solutionreach is joining MCDS as a Bronze Sponsor. At the March meeting, we will have 6 sponsors: ZimmerBiomet, Dentsply, Provident Bank, TechSpedient Networks, Acquadent Dental Laboratory and Solutionreach. The corporate sponsors allow us to provide member benefits at the highest level. Please “meet and greet” our sponsors at each meeting and see how each sponsor can help you in all aspects of your dental practice.
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 July 21st, 2016 at JFK Hospital in Edison NJ. Two CEU credits will be 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. Devang Modi for arranging all our room accommodations for the MCDS-OSHA-Mentor programs at JFK Hospital in Edison, NJ. Please see the insert in this newsletter for additional information and registration for the Mentor program.
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. Please visit our website for updated links and further details.
Hygiene Study Club- Dr. Alyssa Bernstein
The Central New Jersey Dental Hygiene [CNJDH] Study Club met on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Edison. The speaker was Tom Viola. Two CEU credits were awarded to the 24 hygienists that attended this meeting. The following CNJDH meeting will be on Wednesday March 9, 2016 the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Edison. The speaker will be Dr. James Albani and the topic will be, “Exploring new Horizons in Implant Dentistry; Materials and Methods.” 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 February 17th, 2016 there was a presentation by Dr Scott Galkin - Invisalign Basics: What you need to know. It was a very well attended course, and we were able to have a nice discussion among our colleagues and friends. Our next presentation is going to be given on March 23rd, 2016 by Dr. Mohammed Erakat- Taking the mystery out of “Teeth in a Day”. Please look at the rest of the years’ schedule and registration form on the MCDS website. This is another reminder to all of our members to take advantage of this opportunity which is one of the many membership benefits.
New Business
The Executive Secretary Position was discussed and updates will be provided at our next board meeting.
The MCDS board and general meeting dates have been reserved at NJDA and Pines Manor.
Ideas for theme nights at Tuesday lectures (dress down day, team spirit, crazy colors, Halloween) were discussed by Dr. Modi.
Fun and games events for doctors, family and/or staff (comedy nights, cosmic bowling, escape rooms, picnic, cruise) were also discussed. Details to follow once finalized.
Respectfully Submitted, Dr. Genevieve Fernandes, Secretary

Vote taken outside the Board Meeting

As per the Council on Annual Session report published in our February newsletter, there will be a Town Hall Luncheon at the NJDA Annual Session. NJDA is asking each component to contribute $500.00 toward this event. A vote was taken via the MCDS Google Group on 3/14/16, and the Board unanimously approved the $500 contribution.

General Membership Meeting Business

The 2016-2017 slate of officers that was approved by the Board was presented to the membership. The slate was unanimously approved.

NJDA Noteworthy News

-Term limits were approved by NJDA BOT. 7 years for councils, delegates, alternate delegates, Editor and Speaker of House. Will now go to NJDA HOD for approval. (Ed. note: Although approved by the Board, Richie Kahn was present at the meeting to publicy voice his dissent for term limits before the board voted). -A subcommittee that is looking into NJDA Building renovations reported to the NJDA BOT after receiving multiple construction bids and having done a walk through with and received a proposal from an architectural firm. The NJDA BOT now faces the task of deciding whether to authorize a building ‘facelift’, a full blown renovation, or sell the building and relocate elsewhere. The board approved allocating funds to appraise the NJDA building to provide guidance in the decision making process. -An ‘Ambassador Program’ for faculty at RSDM and NJ residency program attendings, that would provide certificates recognizing their contribution to the education of our professions future and some general NJDA communications without membership benefits, was approved by board. Students from the student component will offer suggestions to the membership council to strengthen the impact of this program and help recruit full time faculty to join NJDA. -A Sub Committee regarding component advertizing and sponsorship that was put together to help weaker components with non dues revenue reported to the board. There was some dissent on allocation of NJDA resources for this purpose but the majority was supportive or neutral. -Joan Monaco is putting together a seminar for future presentation on medical coding as we need to get more familiar with this topic as time goes forward. -Another round of insurance company issues: Horizon...every new CDT code on claims was kicked back as invalid. NJDA is working with Horizon to resolve and they have been very attentive. Delta...par providers renewal compliance feedback...now requiring portable oxygen tanks in waiting areas (practitioners do not think this is safe, especially in pediatric dental offices), assistance dogs available to patients (absurd mandates). NJDA had a conference call with Cigna... they are re-introducing a rating system for par Drs...patients can rate you and you will be assigned a star rating based on patient feedback on your treatment and fees. -Medicare opt in/opt out deadline was extended to Feb 2017 due to the assistance of the ADA. The ADA is working to get dentistry out of opt in/opt out. -Joan has found a niche market of NJDA members or potential NJDA members, dentists not practicing or soon to be retired looking for career path guidance, who can use Joan as resource. She will be working on this as a membership recruitment and retention tool. -OMNIA, Horizon’s tiered health care plan has been big news lately in NJ and the evolution of healthcare across country. It is defining who will be in and out of network and the hospital and physician communities are up in arms. Horizon has cleaned house at the highest levels and hired some major private sector big guns in public and governmental affairs. It is likely preparing for a big public and governmental affairs fight. Dentistry is not involved for now, but our antennas have to be prepared for future. Jim Schulz predicts 12 to 24 months away most likely on dental front. -DOBI has ruled that OMNIA is permissible even though there are no tier 1 hospital providers in Burlington County. If you need Labor and Delivery services and you live in Burlington County, you presently have to go out of county to the nearest Tier 1 provider to maximize your benefits. -DOC ACT is a federal bill for non- covered services. NJDA will be lobbying for it at next WLC (Washington Leadership Conference). -NJDA Annual Session (Garden State Expo in Princeton this May) numbers very good, lots of first time registrants, Malamed course a big draw. -Henry Schein is looking to expand the GKAS program and wants to partner with NJAAP and NJDA and the NJ Oral Health Coalition over a 3 year program to render one day care and then find a dental and medical home for the underserved. The launch would begin in 2017 with only 2 regional locations, Burlington Co. College and Rutgers Newark. -Resource day for 2016 will be Sept 28th. -NJDA staff will be invited to the President’s Dinner Dance this year.

Highlights from the March Meeting

Pictures of Our Sponsors at the March General Meeting