Steven Singer graduated from NYU College of Dentistry in 1982. He practiced general dentistry for more than 25 years, while teaching Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology. Prior to moving to Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, he was on the faculty of Columbia University College of Dental Medicine. Currently, he is Professor and Chair of the Department of Diagnostic Sciences, as well as Acting Director of the Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Singer is on the editorial board of Quintessence International, as well as the Journal of Orofacial Sciences. He is an ad hoc reviewer for several other journals. Dr. Singer has more than 35 publications in refereed journals, more than 60 abstracts presented, and he has given many continuing education courses. His professional interests include education in clinical Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, technology, and clinical research
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) has revolutionized advanced dental imaging by providing dimensionally accurate, three dimensional imaging for diagnosis and treatment planning. CBCT is used for implant planning and placement, endodontics, assessment of pathology, orthodontics, and oral surgery. General practitioners, as well as specialists, should be aware of the indications and contraindications for CBCT and have a basic understanding of the images produced in these scan, as well as normal anatomy and common lesions.

I have always imagined that one day I would be sitting on a white sandy beach, sipping a Margarita, salted rim, with cool gentle island breeze blowing and the sun shining warmly upon my face as I look out onto the horizon at the crystal blue water. Such is the case as I write this message from Turks and Caicos. In my imagination, I was writing a book. But in today’s reality, I’m writing a President’s message on the day of “Officer’s Night.”

My amazing trip would not have been possible without the time and commitment by our MCDS board. We have people in place who can serve in many capacity based on their skills, experience and pure passion to our organization. I was able to fully relax and enjoy myself because I could trust the dentists at MCDS. Not every component is so privileged. Having similar inter-twining, reliable pieces is equally important in your office and in life.

When I began my Presidency, I wondered what I can do to leave a mark at MCDS? What can I say in my message or do as a leader that is different or unique? I sit here and reflect back on the end of 2016 and plan ahead for 2017 as to how I can meet those goals. My emotions are my strength and my passion to teach and dance my escape. I’m sure they will guide the way. Until then, please join me on February 21st, as Dr. Steven Singer will be honored with the Sy Symanski plaque as he lectures on “CBCT: Basics, Diagnosis And Treatment Planning.” I also encourage all MCDS members to take advantage of the 2 FREE CE credits by attending the monthly MCDS study club meetings at NJDA headquarters. On February 17th, Dr. Sandy Goldstein will discuss “Peer Review: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly.”

Attendance: Drs. Devang Modi, Genevieve Fernandes, Sanjeev Satwah,, Alyssa Bernstein, Nima Mir-Madjlessi, Sandy Goldstein, Mitchell Weiner, Ira Rosen, Maya Prabhu, Mark Schambra, Robert Ashmen, Mario Fiorentini, Robert Silverstein, Antoinette Tauk and Stephanie Dowling.
Acceptance of 11/08/16 minutes - vote unanimous
President’s Report – Dr. Devang Modi
MCDS is planning a full day lecture by Dr. Dennis Tarnow for October 20, 2017. Please save the date.
Treasurer’s Report – Dr. Sanjeev Satwah
See full report on page 3
Clarification on the bank account balance by Dr. Ira Rosen: NJDA mistakenly reimbursed the component societies twice for dues. This is being rectified by holding back future dues payments until this amount is made up. Our account balance is currently inflated by about $20,000 for this reason.
Executive Secretary Report – Stephanie Dowling
An efax is going to be setup.
NJDA Council Reports:
Dental Benefits – Dr. Devang Modi, Dr. Antoinette Tauk
There was a Council on Dental Benefits meeting held on 11/9/16. Aetna is requiring photographs in their remarks section on the EOBs—preoperative and postoperative photographs in order to determine whether a crown is covered under a patient’s benefit plan. Council members are advised to call carriers with questions or problems. Delta Dental mailed a fee reduction letter to participating providers. Six different versions of the letter were sent out depending on your participation status. In general, fees are going down unless you are a Delta Dental Loyal provider. If you cash an Aetna VCC (virtual credit card) you will automatically be enrolled in VCC at a fee rate of 3-5%. Also, to opt out once you have already enrolled takes approximately 90 days in which you will be only reimbursed through VCC. The Medicare opt-in/opt-out deadline has been extended again until January, 2019. There are changes to the CDT Codes effective 1/1/17. Our next meeting is scheduled for 2/8/17.
Membership - Dr. Genevieve Fernandes, Dr. Nima Mir-Madijlessi
A meeting of the Council on Membership was held on 12/12/16. The topics discussed were as follows: Membership Number overview - Brendan Breen reviewed the membership numbers to date & will send the Council the year end numbers. Old Business-Waiver Guideline-Mr. Breen will create a cover letter to accompany the waiver guide emphasizing that NJDA is here to help with your situation. The Council will receive 20 copies of the guide and letter to distribute as needed. The Council also received a list of their component’s waiver designee. AnnMarie will follow-up and make any corrections. Mentor Program-The Council was shown a sample of a Mentor Program form. Suggestions include-add a practice focus question & add a town/county field to the form. Dr. Modi & Mary Thompson agreed to review the language on both the mentor and mentee forms and have a draft by the January meeting. Career Center-Mr. Breen showed the Council a draft of the new NJDA Career Center website page. The NJDA Career Center is set to launch in Q1 of 2017. Faculty Outreach-Jim Schulz & Brendan Breen recently spoke with the Rutgers faculty at a luncheon. Arthur Meisel is scheduled to speak with the faculty in January and will ask for a volunteer to join the membership council. Staff also plans on reaching out to other state dental schools. New Business-The council was asked to bring to this meeting what their component does for a new and or prospective member. The following is a compilation of their thoughts. Central- Every new or prospective member attending a meeting is assigned a mentor. The mentor also follows up giving an individual touch.
Peer Review – Dr. Sandy Goldstein
No new cases were assigned or mediated last month.
Committee Reports:
Corporate Sponsorship – Dr. Ira Rosen
We will have six corporate sponsors at our general membership meeting next week on Tuesday, January 20th, for NJDA Officers Night. Five of the sponsors are part of the NJDA Endorsed Business Associates and they include Bank of America, Horizon BC/BS, TDIC/Mid-Atlantic, Merchant Advocate and Care Credit. Also returning as a MCDS sponsor is AXA Advisors. We strongly encourage all of our members to visit the corporate sponsor tables next week and see what services they have to offer that can help you both professionally and personally.
Mentor Report – Dr. 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 15, 2017 at JFK Hospital in Edison NJ. 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. 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.
Dental Shadowing – Stephanie Dowling
Four students were interested in shadowing and the list of participating dentists were provided.
Hygiene Study Club – Dr. Alyssa Bernstein
The Central New Jersey Dental Hygiene [CNJDH] Study Club met on 11/9/16 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Edison. The speaker was Dr. Nilesh Patel. Two CEU credits were awarded to the 24 hygienists that attended this meeting. The following CNJDH meeting will be on 1/11/17 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Edison. The speaker will be Lynn Tobin, RDH, MA, and she will be lecturing on “Dental Anatomy Review for the Dental Hygienist.” 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 Stephanie Dowling, our Executive Secretary at 732-764-6237 for additional information and registration in advance for the program.
MCDS Study Club – Dr. Nima Mir-Madjlessi, Dr. Genevieve Fernandes
On January 25, 2017 Dr. Robert Silverstein will be speaking on “The Evaluation and Treatment of Children in the Mixed Dentition”. This no charge 2 CE course is being offered as a member benefit to all Middlesex County Dental Society members. The course will be held at NJDA headquarters and starts at 6:30. There will be dinner served as well at no cost to our members.
Facebook Editor - Dr. Deborah Brown
The Facebook page will be updated with our next general meeting and study club information.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dr. Antoinette Tauk,
Secretary

Editor’s Note At the January General Meeting, the following doctors were inducted as Life Members: Michael Dodd, Stephan Fanous, Ira Feldman and Joseph Perlmutter. Unfortunately, none of them were able to attend the meeting, so there are no pictures of the inductions as would typically appear in the February newsletter. Again, MCDS congratulates each of them and recognizes their contribution to our profession and commitment to organized dentistry over the course of their careers.