gda action january 2014

ACTIONTHE JOURNAL OF THE GEORGIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION JANUARY 2014

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ADS South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

AFTCO Transition Consultants . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Center for TMJ Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Craniofacial Pain Center of Georgia . . . . . . . .15

Dental Care Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Dr. Mark Padolsky—TMD Dentist . . . . . . . . . .16

GDA Dental Recovery Network . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

Georgia Dental Insurance Services . . . . . . . . .28

2014 Hinman Dental Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Hospital Dentistry—Dr. Kurtzman . . . . . . . . . .20

Law Office of Stuart J. Oberman . . . . . . . . . . .17

Medical Protective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Paragon Dental Practice Transitions . . . . . . . .23

Southeast Transitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

UBS Financial Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

index of advertisers

GDA ACTION (ISSN 0273-5989) The official publication ofthe Georgia Dental Association (GDA) is published monthly.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to GDA Action at7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Road N.E., Suite 200,Building 17, Atlanta, GA 30328. Phone numbers in state are(404) 636-7553 and (800) 432-4357. www.gadental.org.

Closing date for copy: first of the month preceding publicationmonth. Subscriptions: $17 of membership dues is for thenewsletter; all others, $75 per year. Periodicals postage paidat Atlanta, GA.

Dr. David Bradberry Delaine HallGDA Editor GDA Managing Editor1070 Woodlawn Dr NE 7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NESuite 250 Suite 200, Building 17Marietta, GA 30068 Atlanta, GA 30328

2013-14 Georgia Dental Association OfficersMarshall H. Mann, DDS, PresidentDouglas B. Torbush, DDS, President ElectGreg G. Goggans, DMD, Vice PresidentJames B. Hall III, DDS, Secretary / TreasurerR. David Bradberry, DMD, Editor

GDA/GDIS Executive Office Staff Members

Nelda Greene, MBA, Interim Executive Director

Delaine Hall, Director of Communications

Skip Jones, Director of Marketing (GDIS)

Courtney Layfield, Director of Member Services

Victoria LeMaire, Medical Accounts Manager

Melana Kopman McClatchey, General Counsel

Denis Mucha, Director of Operations (GDIS)

Margo Null, Property and Casualty Accounts Manager

Patrice Williams, Administrative Assistant

Phyllis Willich, Administrative Assistant

Pamela Yungk, Director of Membership & Finance

GDA Action seeks to be an issues-driven journal focusing on current mattersaffecting Georgia dentists, patients, and their treatment, accomplished throughdisseminating information and providing a forum for member commentary.

© Copyright 2014 by the Georgia Dental Association. All rights reserved. No partof this publication may be reproduced without written permission. Publicationof any article or advertisement should not be deemed an endorsement of theopinions expressed or products advertised. The Association expressly reservesthe right to refuse publication of any article, photograph, or advertisement.

4 Reserve a Room at the Ritz for the GDA Annual Meeting

8 HIPAA: 30 Things You Can Do To Stay in Compliance

12 GDA Volunteers Provide Dental Care Via the TeamSmile Program

14 GDA Offers 22 Tips for KeepingYour Practice On Track in 2014

19 Train Employees on Revised OSHAHazard Communication Standard

4 Parting Shots

5 Editorial

6 News and Views

9 Calendar of Events

22 Classifieds

Barrels of ink and hundreds of hours havebeen devoted to the discussion of theAffordable Care Act (ACA), or ObamaCare,its unofficial moniker. Couple ACA website snafus with the realization that manywho had individual plans they werehappy with would lose their coverage,and it’s no wonder the negative press forPresident Obama and his administrationis rampant. So, where does dentistrystand with all of this? Read an overviewon page 10.

ACTIONTHE JOURNAL OF THE GEORGIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION JANUARY 2014

other features sections

on the cover

Member Publication American Association of Dental Editors

ACTION

V O L U M E 3 3 , N U M B E R 1 • J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4

Note: Publication of an advertisement is not to be construed as anendorsement or approval by the GDA or any of its subsidiaries,committees, or task forces of the product or service offered in the

advertisement unless the advertisement specifically includes anauthorized statement that such approval or endorsement hasbeen granted.


4 GDA ACTIONJANUARY 2014


For several months now I’ve talked aboutseveral items that have been on my mind.This time I believe I will take a moment ofprivilege (as if they aren’t all moments ofprivilege).

The legislative season is about to begin.Everyone has been rushing about with theirthings to do for the holiday season, but nowthe shift occurs. We are going into the newyear of 2014. The 20th century is long leftbehind and many of the issues on our mindsthen are no longer relevant. The practitionersof the early 1900s would marvel at themethods of practice and treatment of the late20th century and be absolutely speechless athow we do things today. Computer-drivenoffices are now a standard with everythingfrom impressions to radiographs beingdigitized.

And what would they think about socialmedia?

In a time when everything moves so fast,Facebook and Twitter are becoming the normover phone calls and even e-mails. I hear kidspractically daily say to each other “I’llFacebook you later.” That could be a futurenew norm—patients “facebooking” theirproblems to you looking for an answer.Seems silly on the “face” of it, but patientshave e-mailed and texted pictures to me andasked, “Do I need to come in?”

Human to human direct contact seems tobe decreasing. I have to ask, what impact doesthis have on each of us personally and profes-sionally? Some positives that I hear often arethat I can get more done in less time, I don’thave to interrupt someone, I can send athought when it comes to mind instead ofwaiting. But what about that direct contactpart? Looking someone in the eyes, hearingtheir voice inflections, seeing body movements—all of this is part of getting to know a person,the real person, behind the words.

Recently there has been a televisioncommercial that is quite funny. There are two

more-mature, very famous actors announcingwhat sound like Facebook notifications outloud. “Stephanie has sent you a friend request,”says the first actor. Actor 2 proclaims, “Youand Stephanie are now friends.” This continuesuntil Actor 1 states a name that is met with anicy stare and frown from Actor 2. No wordsare needed—obviously this will be a friendshiprequest that is denied.

The ad is intended to extol the virtues ofa phone company and its usefulness in attendingto social media updates. But the bodymovements, facial gestures, and vocalintonations of the humans communicatingface to face are what make the commercialinteresting and workable. What the commercialdoes in promoting a nonverbal, impersonalmeans of communication actually reinforcesthe value and need for person-to-person contact.One can say that words are cheap, but the lookon a person’s face … priceless!

Don’t get me wrong. There is a place forall of the technology emerging around us andmuch of it does in some ways help our lives.(Notice I did not say simplify.) But all of itneeds to be in a place that is optimal for propersocialization of human beings—that is, wherewe all work well together with a sufficientamount of human to human contact and thetechnologies that may aid us used in a healthyamount.

I want to say ‘thank you’ to every one ofyou for all the warm welcomes at meetingsand the positive comments I have received formy monthly soap box lectures. Keep lettingme know what you think (if it is good maybeI’ll “friend” you).

Oh by the way don’t forget to “like me”on Facebook.

Are You Friends?

5GDA ACTIONJANUARY 2014

editorialperspective

R. David Bradberry, DMD



The ADA Find-A-Dentist function on theconsumer web site www.MouthHealthy.orgsends patients looking for dental care tothe offices of member dentists. Having acurrent profile on ADA Find-a-Dentistis a great opportunity to help buildpractice visibility. Therefore, your GDAPublic Relations Committee encouragesall members to update their profiles.Patients can only view the informationyou update! To start the process, visitADA.org/memberprofile. Only activelicensed dentist members will be displayedin the ADA Find-a-Dentist searchresults for consumers. Get your photoand information in front of the 20,000visitors who use the Find-a-Dentistsearch function every month.

The GDA will once again email exclusivepolitical insights to GDA members duringthe state legislative session that startsJanuary 13, 2014. If you are not receivingGDA broadcast emails, please shareyour best email address with the GDAoffice—the email account you read mostoften! The GDA will treat your inbox withrespect and send you only information thatthe leadership believes will help you helpyour patients and profession. Send youremail to Delaine Hall at [email protected].

All state elected officials are up forre-election in 2014. What makes this

generalnews

LEGISLATIVE SESSIONGet GDA Insights

ADA FIND A DENTISTSubmit Your Photo

Your GDA Public Relations Committeeencourages members to update yourADA Find-a-Dentist profile. Patients canonly view the information you update!Visit ADA.org/memberprofile.

2014 ELECTIONSGDA Alert



particular election a bit more newsworthyis the change in the election calendar byFederal Judge Steve C. Jones. TheCourt ordered calendar is as follows:

• March 3-7, 2014: qualifying period• May 20, 2014: primary election• November 4, 2014: general election• January 6, 2015: general runoff election

One obvious implication for thisearlier election calendar is with thosecurrent legislators and the current governorthat are running for re-election. Whilethe legislature is in session, electedofficials cannot raise money for theircampaign but non-elected personscan continue to raise money while thelegislature is in session. This will proveto be a huge motivator for gettingthe 40-day session over as quickly aspossible. The GDA will need strongturnouts at each GDA LAW Day tomake an impression on distractedand time-crunched legislators.Please email [email protected] ifyou have not registered for aWednesday during January, February,or March and sign up!

Past President Mike Vernon establishedLeadership GDA in 2011 as a way tohelp dentists learn more about the work-ings of the GDA and be prepared toguide others who want to becomeinvolved. The program is meant identifydentists who seek to be in leadershippositions and give them the opportunityto grow and have their questionsanswered. Leadership GDA participantsare invited to attend GDA board andgovernance events and LAW Days,and are encouraged to complete anAmerican Dental Association orientationcourse. Attendees are also invited toattend an orientation event at theGDA office.

The GDA extends kudos to theLeadership GDA Class of 2014 and wishesthem well on their leadership journey!

Dr. Matthew Benson (Northern)Dr. Kristina Dawson (Northern)Dr. Kay Kalantari (Northwestern)

Dr. Rishi Kapur (Northern)Dr. John Iaculli (Northern)Dr. Amy Kuhmichel (Northern)Dr. Robert McGhee (Northwestern)Dr. Hannah Oh (Northern)Dr. Paul Schaner (Northwestern)Dr. Shannon Thorsteinson (Northern)Dr. Paul Trotter (Eastern)

ADA Business Resources has chosenHealthFirst as its endorsed amalgamrecovery service provider for ADAmembers. ADA members will have theexclusive benefit of significant savings, alifetime warranty on Rebec Environmentalamalgam separators, and an indemnificationfor wastewater pollution fines. ADAmembers looking for a cost-effective,reliable, environmentally friendly, turn-keysolution for amalgam recovery cancontact HealthFirst at (888) 963-6787 orvisit http://www.healthfirst.com/ada.

Although there has not been anofficial declaration that the ADA andthe EPA have finalized any language as itpertains to this issue, the fact that thisinformation has recently been providedthrough the ADA Business Resourcesclearly demonstrates that whatever finalposition is taken, the ADA has elected tomake this resource available to all of itsmembership in the form of an “endorsed”company that meets all of the necessarycriteria to be in compliance with regardto Amalgam Waste Recovery. GDAmembers are encouraged to availthemselves of the resources providedby HealthFirst, including learningmore about how to properly collectand dispose of amalgam wastewaterwithin their practices.

The GDA extends sympathy to thefamily and colleagues of the followingindividuals.

James D. Anderson Jr., DDS, ofAtlanta who died November 18, 2013, atthe age of 65. He was a 1975 EmoryUniversity School of Dentistry graduate.

He completed a residency in Oral andMaxillofacial Surgery at GeorgetownUniversity Medical Center. He was anAmerican Dental Association LifeMember. Memorial contributions maybe made to Hospice Atlanta and theAmerican Cancer Society.

William F. Helms Jr., DDS, ofGainesville (Northern District) who diedDecember 11, 2013, at the age of 66. Hewas a 1972 Emory University School ofDentistry graduate and a practicingorthodontist. He was an AmericanDental Association Life Member.

Hugh N. Mazzawi, DMD, of Snellville(Northern District) who died January 11, 2014,at the age of 70. He was a 1967 graduate ofthe Emory University dental school and ageneral dentist. His spouse, Dr. Anne Mazzawi,and five of his children are dentists, as areone daughter-in-law and a nephew. Memorialcontributions may be sent to the Drs.Hugh and Anne Mazzawi ScholarshipFund of the Emile T. Fisher Foundation,PO Box 1204, Rome, GA 30162 orwww.fisherdentaleducation.org.

LEADERSHIP GDAWelcome Members

AMALGAM RECOVERYADA Endorsement

DENTISTSIn Memoriam



GDA Members! A guide to the newHIPAA guidelines was published in theMarch 2013 GDA Action. Read thatarticle at www.gadental.org. Click thegreen For Members button, then clickthe GDA Action Journal link.

Since the new HIPAA regulations wentinto effect in 2013, we’ve seen a lot ofincorrect and scary information aboutwhat dentists are required to do in order tocomply. Here are some lists I have acompiled that hit the big areas we need tocover in order to be compliant with boththe HIPAA Privacy and Security regulations.

The most important key when itcomes to HIPAA compliance is tomake sure you establish a programand then regularly maintain it. Thatmeans you can’t just fill out the manualand forget about it. You need to regularlyevaluate patient information safety, provideregular risk assessments, have regulartraining sessions, and document all of it.Possible penalties of up to $1.5 million perinformation breach incident are at leastpartially based on the office’s effort toeffectively maintain the program, so theeffort is a worthwhile investment apartfrom being required.

HIPAA DOES NOT REQUIRE YOU TO DO THISDespite what you may have heard in webinars,conferences, or via sales solicitations,HIPAA regulations do not require youto do any of the following:

• Build glass partitions at your front deskto prevent patients from overhearingother patients’ information, or completelyreconfigure your office if you have anopen bay system.

• Take down pictures of child or adultpatients from your office hallways or bulletinboards. As part of the original paperworkpatients complete with your office, have

patients sign an authorization if they willallow the use of their images or theimages of their children to be used inyour office or online (your web site, yourFacebook page, etc.) At that point, if aparent doesn’t want their kids’ imagesused, or want their image used, they willlet you know.

• Get other doctors and specialists to signa Business Associate agreement. You alsodon’t have to have complete a BusinessAssociate agreement with insurancecompanies, dental labs, or pharmacies.(A Business Associate is an entity thatrequires access to your patients’ privatehealth information on a routine basis aspart of performing tasks apart from theabove, such as consultants, lawyers,accountants, shredding companies, dentalsoftware companies, and billing services.)

• Be paperless. Unless a significant portionof your practice consists of caring forMedicaid or Medicare patients, you arenot required to be paperless. If you doparticipate at all in Medicaid or Medicare,contact officials with these entities toensure you are in compliance with theirpaperless requirements. Otherwise, you maysee a yearly reduction in reimbursement.

HIPAA DOES REQUIRE YOU TO DO THISThese checklists are not comprehensive,but do cover most of the big areas we haveto worry about in dentistry. We hope youfind these checklists helpful and that theytake some of the mystery out of compliance.

10 HIPAA Program Things to Do

1) Assign a HIPAA Privacy andSecurity officer to oversee the program.

2) Order a compliance manual, open it,and fill it out. The manual is not helpfulif it’s wrapped in cellophane and never

used! The manual that you select shouldhave forms and policies you can configurefor use in your office. (Editor’s note: TheAmerican Dental Association sells a“Complete HIPAA Compliance Kit”(J598) at www.ADACatalog.com thatincludes a manual, training CD-ROM,and a three-year update service.)

3) Develop privacy policies and aNotice of Privacy Practices. Post thesein your office and make copies to hand outto patients.

4) Make sure all employees receiveHIPAA training at the time of initialemployment and at regular intervals asneeded in your office. Document all trainingand place it in your manual.

5) One method to help avoid thelargest penalties is to consistentlymaintain your program. Perform regularrisk assessments and audits, have regulartraining meetings, and document yourefforts. The more you can demonstratethat you are constantly trying to maintainthe privacy of patient information, the lesssevere the consequences may be in theevent of a problem.

6) Make sure employees understandthe idea of disclosing only the “minimumamount necessary” when discussing ordisclosing private health information. DONOT talk about patients’ privatehealth information outside the office!Make sure employees also understand thatimproper use of patient private healthinformation can lead to dismissal, as wellas potential fines and criminal prosecutionunder HIPAA regulations.

Because We Love You: 30 Things You Can Do to Stay in Compliance with HIPAALaney Kay, JD

HIPAAContinued on page 18



Barrels of ink and hundreds of hours havebeen devoted to the discussion of theAffordable Care Act (ACA), or ObamaCare,its unofficial moniker. As predicted bymany, the Federal government’s web sitewas not ready in a timely manner nor easilynavigated by consumers. Health andHuman Services Secretary KathleenSibelius has been on the hot seat with themedia and with Congress enduring hoursof very pointed questions about the failureof the process.

Couple these snafus with the realizationthat many who had individual plans theywere happy with would lose their coverage,and it’s no wonder the negative press forPresident Obama and his administration isrampant. The administration placed ashort delay on the cancellation of individualplans but everyone is aware that this is justkicking the can down the road.

So, where does dentistry stand withall of this?

Effects of the ACA on Dentistry In an effort to explain the implications tomember dentists, the ADA published aseries of informative documents that canbe accessed via www.ada.org. The followinginformation is designed to provide thebottom line to dentists concerningObamaCare. For more details consult theADA’s articles on their web site.

Does the ACA Mandate Dental Coverage?Dental coverage for children (under age19) is a mandated offering but not amandated purchase within the exchanges.However, in the individual and smallgroup markets outside the exchange, thedental benefit must be purchased. There isno requirement for adult coverage. AfterJanuary 1, 2014, all individual and smallgroup market plans inside and outside theexchange must be certified as “qualifiedhealth plans” except for stand-alone dentalplans. Qualified health plans must providefor all Essential Health Benefits andpediatric dental services are included asan EHB. The GDA is continuing to

research information about dental plansbeing provided through the exchanges.While this might not be the entire list,we found the following are participat-ing in Georgia:

• Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield• Delta Dental Insurance Company• Renaissance Dental• Humana Insurance Company• Dentegra Insurance Company

Am I Required to Provide HealthInsurance for My Employees?The ACA does not require small businesseswith fewer than 50 full-time employees toprovide health insurance. More than 99percent of dental practices have fewer than50 employees. Small business employerswho pay at least 50 percent of the premiumfor employee coverage may qualify for a smallbusiness tax credit. You must have fewerthan 25 full-time equivalent employeeswhose average annual per-employee wagedoes not exceed $50,000. These tax creditsdisappear after 2016.

What Other Financial ImplicationsAre There for Dentists?To help pay for the ACA several new taxeshave been instituted:

• The 2.3 percent medical device excisetax took effect on January 1, 2013. TheADA has worked to repeal this portion ofthe ACA, but to no avail. Dentists arenot required to collect this tax but arelikely to feel an impact financially as pricesmay increase on certain medicaldevices purchased for the dentalpractice, which ultimately increases thecost of health care to consumers.

• Flexible spending accounts are nowlimited beginning in 2013 to $2,500 a yearto increase annually by a cost-of-livingadjustment.

• Also starting in 2013, there is a 0.9percent payroll surtax on wage andsalary income over $200,000 for single

filers or $250,000 for joint filers. TheMedicare tax also increased in 2013 andthe rate for self-employed personsincreased from 2.9 to 3.8 percent.

• Beginning in 2013, a 3.8 percent tax onsome investment income (rents, dividends,interest, royalties and capital gains onproperty sales) was enacted for thosewhose modified adjusted gross incomeexceeds $200,000 for single and$250,000 for joint filers.

Are There Any Other RequirementsImpacting Me as Either a Provider of Health Care or a SmallBusiness Employer?The ACA amended the Fair LaborStandards Act (FLSA) by stating that byOctober 1, 2013, all employers covered bythe FLSA (including dental offices) willhave to provide to their employees a noticethat informs them that there are newhealth insurance marketplace coverageoptions available. One notice is for thoseemployers that offer a health plan to someor all employees and a second notice is forthose employers that do not offer a healthplan. Initially, it was interpreted by theADA that this was a mandatory requirementand the GDA sent out a blast fax to allmembers informing them of this require-ment and information on how to obtainthe forms. However, the ADA later foundthat it was a ‘suggestion’ to do so. TheGDA informed members that even thoughit is not mandatory, it is still a good busi-ness practice since the Department ofLabor could at some time perform auditsand make life difficult for dentist employers.

How Does the ACA Address Orthodontic and Pediatric Care?According to an article from Kaiser HealthNews, orthodontic care may or may not becovered. Under the health law, pediatricdental coverage is one of 10 “essentialhealth benefits” that must be offered topeople who shop for plans on the healthinsurance marketplaces. Depending on

Where Dentistry Stands with the Affordable Care Act



the state, dental coverage may be offeredon a stand alone basis rather than as part ofa regular health plan. An individual wouldnot necessarily get dental insurancecoverage unless a family buys a stand aloneplan. Under the law, plans are required tocover only medically necessary orthodontia.States or insurers may define medicalnecessity differently.

The New York Times ran an article onDecember 16, 2013, regarding issues withthe ACA and pediatric dental care and howpediatric care is handled much differentlyfrom coverage of other essential benefitson federal and state exchanges. Peopleshopping on the exchanges are notrequired to buy pediatric dental care anddo not receive financial support for buyingit. Some experts are warning that theflawed implementation of this benefit onthe exchanges could leave millions ofchildren without access to dental care.

On the state and federal exchanges,children’s dental coverage generally comesin two forms. It may be “embedded” inmedical insurance plans or sold separatelyin “stand alone” plans. Generally, it is thestand alone dental plans that worry policy

experts and deter consumers on theexchanges. One problem: Stand alone den-tal plans don’t qualify for subsidies, as domedical plans on the exchange.

Stand alone dental plans are alsoexempted from the law’s limits on out-of-

pocket expenses. While out-of-pocketmaximums for health plans are capped at$12,700 per family, stand alone dentalplans may have separate maximums of$700 per child to $1,400 for two or morechildren.



On December 6, 2013, members and staff of the GeorgiaDental Association participated in a TeamSmile charitable out-reach event at Fair Street Elementary School in Gainesville.TeamSmile is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to cre-ate connections between children’s service groups, dental pro-fessionals, professional sports organizations, and their athletesto provide underserved children with a life-changing dentalexperience in which the excitement of high profile sports rein-forces the value of a life-long commitment to dental health care.

This was the first time TeamSmile staged an event in Georgia.TeamSmile (www.teamsmile.org) is based out of Kansas City buttravels to bring their program to cities with professional sportsteams throughout the nation. The GDA served as a partner for theGeorgia event along with the American Dental Association, ADAFoundation, CareCredit, Henry Schein, Dexis, and the NFL’sAtlanta Falcons. Volunteers provided 340 children with oral healtheducation, screenings, and hygiene and / or restorative services.Each child also received a take home tote bag from Colgate whichincluded a toothbrush, toothpaste, and educational materials.TeamSmile brought in a DJ to keep the kids entertained and alsorolled out an inflatable sports center so the children could play ballwhile waiting.

Atlanta Falcons tight ends Tony Gonzalez (#88), LevineToilolo (#80), Mickey Shuler (#81), and Chase Coffman (#86)attended the event, met with the children at the school whoreceived permission from their parents and guardians toreceive dental care, and gave out Shadow Buddies dolls. Thesetherapeutic dolls from The Shadow Buddies Foundation provideemotional support and education to children facing illness, disabil-

ity, or medical treatments. The Atlanta TeamSmile Shadow Buddiefeatured a figure in a Tony Gonzalez jersey holding a football justthe right size for hiding lost teeth for the Tooth Fairy.

GDA Volunteers Provide Dental CareVia the TeamSmile Program

Dr. Doug Torbush and Atlanta Falcons mascot Freddie Falcon.The mascot visited and danced with the kids receiving dentalcare at Fair Street Elementary.

Some of the fantastic GDA member dentists who volunteered to make TeamSmile a success in Georgia! Shown are Drs. Salley,Wells, Field, Choy, Harvey, Brunner, Greenlea-Taylor, Torbush, Powell, and TeamSmile co-founder Dr. Bill Busch at far right.



The GDA was pleased that several member dentists steppedup on short notice to volunteer to provide care. Thanks to Dr.Robert Brunner, Dr. Sunny Choy, Dr. Tom Field, Dr. NancyGeller, Dr. Henry Goble, Dr. Judy Greenlea-Taylor, Dr. DonHarvey, Dr. James Hicks, Dr. Aksana Marshall, Dr. MargaretPippin, Dr. Wes Powell, Dr. Tracy Rada-Johnson, Dr. ElizabethSalley, Dr. Doug Torbush, and Dr. Erik Wells for spending theirFriday working hard to reach out to children.

As part of the dental health education offered to the children,TeamSmile utilized the 2min2x campaign created by the AdCouncil to encourage them to spend two minutes brushing theirteeth, two times a day. You can read more about this campaign atwww.2min2x.org.

GDA member Dr. Aksana Marshall smiles with a child patientafter six hours after dental screenings. (Photography suppliedby Henry Schein.)

A young Fair Street patient with his Tony Gonzalez ShadowBuddie.

Fair Street Assistant Principal Kim Davis with Atlanta Falcons players Mickey Shuler, Levine Toilolo, Tony Gonzalez, and ChaseCoffman. Principal William Campbell called the TeamSmile event “Miracle on Fair Street.”



The GDA is here to keep you on track for2014! The Association offers these select-ed tips for staying up to date on regulatoryand practice issues for the coming year.Visit the GDA web site www.gadental.orgfor more tips on 2014 deadlines and detailson regulations.

Workplace Posters: Get Them at No ChargeState and federal governments requireemployers to post specific regulatoryposters for employees to view. Dentistsmay obtain these posters by downloadingand printing them using the web site linkssupplied below. Do not be mislead bycompanies that use scare tactics aboutfines to intimidate dental offices intobuying packets of posters.

The U.S. government requires employersto post notices about:

1) Employee Polygraph Protection

2) Equal Employment Opportunity

3) Fair Labor Standards Act

4) Job Safety and Health Protection

5) Rights Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (employers of 50+ individuals), and

6) Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.

Obtain them for free from the U.S. Departmentof Labor Web site www.dol.gov/oasam/programs/osdbu/sbrefa/poster/matrix.htm.

• Georgia requires dentists to place theseworkplace posters:

1) DOL-154 (Employer Vacation)

2) DOL-4107 (Equal Pay for Equal Work Act), and

3) DOL-810 (Unemployment Insurance for Employees).

Obtain these posters at the state Departmentof Labor Web site www.dol.state.ga.us/em/required_posters.htm.

The state also requires you to post twoWorkers’ Comp notice posters:

1) WC-P1 “Panel of Physicians” with a listof six physicians (one must be an ortho-pedic surgeon and one a minority, if fea-sible) and

2) WC-BOR “Bill of Rights for the InjuredWorker.”

Obtain them at http://sbwc.georgia.gov(click on “Forms” and then “Board Forms”).

Note: The DC Circuit Court of Appealshas temporarily enjoined the NationalLabor Relations Board rule requiring theposting of a workplace poster advisingemployees of their rights under theNational Labor Relations Act. The rule,scheduled to take effect on April 30, 2012,will not take effect until the legal issues areresolved. Posting at that time may berequired by entities, including dentaloffices, with a gross annual volume of atleast $250,000. See https://www.nlrb.gov/poster for details.

Microsoft: Ending Server 3000 and XP SupportAfter April 8, 2014, Windows XP will nolonger be available, and neither willautomatic security updates that helpprotect your PC. If you continue to useWindows XP, your computer mightbecome more vulnerable to security risksand viruses. Microsoft released WindowsXP in 2002 and the software remainspopular—some 40 percent of PCs currentlydeploy the 11-year-old operating system.Windows Server 2003 support, includingsecurity updates and security-related hotfixes, will end 15 months later. The sunsetdate for Windows Server 2003 is July 14,2015.

If you continue to run these systemsafter the end of their support date you mayrun the risk of exposing your company’sprivate information to data breach. Contactyour computer support company to inquireabout updating your operating systems ifnecessary. Thanks to GMOM computerpartner Advanced Automation for theheads up on this change. You can contactAA at (770) 448-5400 if you do not have acomputer support company.

Excise Tax: What We KnowTo offset the cost of implementing thePatient Protection and Affordable CareAct, Congress has imposed a 2.3% excisetax on manufacturers of medical devices,including dental materials, products, andsupplies. The GDA and ADA believenothing in the tax will require dentiststo report or file any documents withthe IRS. However, dentists are likely tofeel an impact financially as prices mayincrease on medical devices purchased forthe dental practice. The ADA provided anexcellent overview of the tax. Read theoverview at: http://www.ada.org.

Injectable PharmacologicalTraining for DentistsBefore treating a patient with injectablepharmacologics such as Restylane, Fillers,or Botox, Georgia dentists must completea 21-hour Board of Dentistry-approvedcourse that includes, at a minimum,advanced instruction in the anatomy ofhead and neck, neurophysiology, patientselection, pharmacological effect andcontraindications, and management ofcomplications. Once a dentist has taken anapproved course, he or she should obtain acertificate of completion from the courseadministrator. Within 30 days of completingthe course, the dentist must submit to theBoard a certified copy of the certificate ofcourse completion along with an applicationto be placed on the injectable pharmacologicsregistry. Dentists should be aware thatadministration of an injectable pharmacologicmust be performed in connection with adental procedure and in a dental treatmentsetting. Details on complying with theinjectable pharmacologics rule and theregistry requirements can be found on theBoard of Dentistry’s web site at:http://gbd.georgia.gov. You can click thelarge blue “Applications and Forms” buttonat the top of the web page, then open thePDF named “Guidelines for Registrationof Injectables.” You may also visit the regulatorysection at www.gadental.org for additionalinformation on the rule.

GDA Offers 22 Tips for Keeping Your Practice on Track in 2014



PCI-Compliance: Does It Apply to Dentists?PCI Compliance is a set of securitypractices agreed upon by Payment CardIndustry Standards Council members andapplied to merchants through theiragreements with their credit card provider.The standards focus on protecting creditcard numbers and deterring identify theftand are required of every merchant thataccepts credit cards as a form of payment.The Payment Card Industry DataSecurity Standard (PCI-DSS) is a list of 12requirements that includes installing andmaintaining a protective firewall, usinganti-virus software, and encrypting thetransmission of cardholder data, amongothers. You should discuss PCI-DSS withyour payment gateway company. If you areworking with TransFirst, the vendorendorsed by the GDA to enable yourpractice to accept credit cards and checks,you are already PCI compliant. WithTransFirst all you must do to stay compliantat this time is to complete an annual PCIQuestionnaire.

CDT 2014: Newest Guide with Latest RevisionsThe American Dental Association publication“CDT 2014” contains the Code on DentalProcedures and Nomenclature, which isthe standard for recording dental servicesin patient records, on paper claim forms,and on HIPAA standard electronic claimtransactions. The “CDT 2014” contains 29new procedure codes, 18 revised procedurecodes, 4 deleted procedure codes, 7changes to the subcategories and theirdescriptors, and a fillable 2012 ADADental Claim Form. The ADA workedwith the American Association ofEndodontists and the American Associationof Orthodontists to update the endodonticand orthodontic sections.

“CDT 2014” (order code J014) isavailable for $39.95 for ADA members and$59.95 for all others at www.adacatalog.comor by calling 1-800-947-4746.

The ADA also offers the “DentalCoding Made Simple: Resource Guideand Training Manual, 2013-2014” to helpdentists and their staff members understandthe basics of today’s dental coding system.This book (order code J443) is available for

$49.95 to ADA members and $74.95 retailprice. Members receive an additionaldiscount when buying the two bookstogether.

State Dental License RenewalDentists and dental hygienists must nextrenew their state licenses by December 31,2015. Dentists are required to obtain 40hours of approved continuing education(22 hours for dental hygienists) aswell as a current CPR certification withinthe next two years. Remember, dentistsand dental hygienists can only obtainonline continuing education for up toone-half of the total hours required forrenewal. Visit the GDA web site atwww.gadental.org and the GeorgiaBoard of Dentistry web site athttp://gbd.georgia.gov for additional details.

Sedation Permits: Do ACLS orPALS Satisfy CE Requirements?Under Board of Dentistry rules, a dentistwho wishes to renew a sedation permit

22 TIPSContinued on page 16



must take 4 hours of CE every 2 years inpharmacology, anesthesia, emergencymedicine, or sedation. According to theBoard, completion of ACLS does NOTcount toward those 4 CE hours. WhileACLS / PALS counts toward the dentist’stotal 40 hours that must be earned forlicense renewal, it does not satisfy the 4CE hours necessary to renew a sedationpermit. The intent of the rule is to advanceknowledge of sedation and ensurecompetency in preventing problemsduring sedation. ACLS advances knowledgein how to handle an emergent situationduring sedation, not necessarily how toprevent it.

Coupon Web Sites and DentalPractice MarketingThe Georgia Board of Dentistry has a ruleagainst fee splitting. The rule provides that“[a] dentist shall not give rebates or splitfees with a referral source.” Fee splittinggenerally refers to a situation where a

dentist pays a fee to a third-party forreferrals on a per patient basis or apercentage basis. The Board of Dentistryis currently working on providing moredirect guidance on this issue; however,until that time, dentists should note thatunder the current rule it is possible thatGroupon-type marketing models may beperceived as fee splitting.

A dentist who receives payment froma federal program such as Medicaid orMedicare must tread with extreme cautionbefore jumping on a Groupon-type marketingbandwagon. The federal Anti-Kickbackstatute prohibits a dentist or any providerfrom offering or paying remuneration toentice a person to refer a patient who maybe eligible for services under a federalhealth care program, including Medicareor Medicaid. Because of the split of revenuebetween the dentist and the advertiser,like Groupon.com, for each patientreferred, this arrangement could posesignificant problems. Dentists should alsoensure that their marketing efforts donot run afoul of the Board of Dentistry’sregulations on advertising.

Homeland Security Form I-9 and Georgia ImmigrationRequirementsThe Department of Homeland Securityrequires that every employer verify theidentity and employment eligibility ofevery new employee at the time thatemployment begins. This includes allindividuals employed by a dental office,but does not include independentcontractors. Form I-9 was developed toverify that persons are eligible to work inthe U.S. Each employee you hire mustcomplete Form I-9 at the time he or shebegins employment. Along with acompleted Form I-9, each employee mustalso provide original documents thatestablish their identity and employmenteligibility (acceptable documentsinclude a U.S. passport, state driver’slicense or ID card, U.S. Social Securitycard, and certified birth certificate. Theemployee may need to provide multipledocuments). The employer must retainthe completed form and copies of all eligi-bility documentation for three yearsfrom the date of hire and / or one yearafter the date employment ends, whichev-er is longer. Visit www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-9.pdf for more details.

Starting July 1, 2013, the final phaseof the 2011 Georgia E-Verify law tookeffect, requiring private companies inGeorgia with more than 10 employees touse the U.S. Department of HomelandSecurity’s E-Verify system. Another pointdentists should keep in mind is that localgovernments will not grant or renew abusiness license or other governmentcertificate or permit for a private business,like a dental office, until it submits anaffidavit certifying its enrollment inthe E-Verify program or claims anexemption because it employs fewerthan 10 employees. Georgia dentistemployers would be well advised to reviewtheir employment verification policies/procedures to ensure that their I-9, E-Verifyand associated practices are fully compliant.

X-ray Regulations: Plan AheadX-ray equipment located in dental officesis required to be registered with theDepartment of Community Health priorto initial operation. An approved registra-tion requires submission of a registrationapplication, an approved shielding design,and an initial inspection. Dentists who

22 TIPSContinued from page 15



relocate their offices and x-ray equipmentmust re-register that x-ray equipment—relocations require a new application,shielding design, and initial inspection.

Plan ahead—due to a backlog ofinspections, the state’s X-ray Unit isapproximately six weeks behind in completinginitial inspections. Visit http://dch.georgia.gov(search the site for the term x-ray to findthe relevant links) for additional informationon registering your equipment.

OSHA RegulationsHave you scheduled your annual OSHAupdate? Is your paperwork documentingtraining in order? Are MSDS sheetscomplete? Are your employee medicalrecords up to date (Hepatitis B vaccination,history of exposure incidents, etc)? Areyour hazardous chemicals properly labeled?Has your Hazard Communication Programbeen explained to staff? Is your Poster3165 displayed? Are you aware of the newrequirements regarding labeling andMSDS sheet training? If you need helpwith any of these requirements, contactNelda Greene at the GDA office [email protected]. In addition, the

ADA sells an OSHA Compliance Manualfor dental offices via www.adacatalog.org.

Infection Control Guidelines: See the CDCA dentist’s license can be sanctioned forfailing to comply with the Centers forDisease Control and Prevention’s rec-ommendations for preventing thetransmission of certain diseases. Visitwww.cdc.gov to obtain a PDF copy of theCDC Guidelines for Infection Control inDental Health Care Settings, 2003. The2003 Guidelines (which are the latestones) update and revise previous guide-lines and consolidate recommendationsfrom other relevant CDC guidelines. Do asearch on the CDC web for the full title ofthe publication to find the correct page.

Address Changes: GDA and GDISKeep your membership records current byinforming the GDA office if you moveyour office or home, change your phone orfax number, or change your email address.Call (404) 636-7553 or (800) 432-4357,visit www.gadental.org and complete an

Information Update Form in the UpdateMember Listing page (see the drop downmenu under the green For Membersbutton), or email [email protected].

If you are an insurance client ofGeorgia Dental Insurance Services pleaselet them know about any practice orpersonal changes you make, such asmoving an office location, which couldaffect your coverage. Call GDIS at (404)636-7553 or (800) 432-4357.

Liability Coverage: Update YoursInform your Business Owner’s Propertyand Professional Liability insurancecarriers at least two weeks before youmove your practice about your move andnew location. Your policy may not coveryou at your new location until you notifythe insurer AND they accept the new risk.Georgia Dental Insurance Services clients:Call (800) 432-4357 or (404) 636-7553with your changes. And if you receivedadditional training in dental proceduresor have discontinued doing certain

22 TIPSContinued on page 21



7) Perform regular risk assess-ments to evaluate how patients’ privatehealth information is used, stored, andtransmitted in the office. Take precautionsto ensure that patients’ information isprotected in the office as much as possible.These precautions can include shreddingdocuments containing private healthinformation, limiting patient physicalaccess to information, locking doors, andusing an office alarm.

8) Ensure you have policies andprocedures in place in the event of abreach. Depending on the type of breach,notification must be provided to patients,the HIPAA folks, and in some cases, thelocal media. You need to be able to act fastto reduce any damages and mitigate anyharm that may be caused by thebreach, so policies and procedures arevery important.

9) Make sure a plan is in place toensure that patients’ information can beretrieved in the event of a disasteror emergency.

10) If an employee is terminated,ensure policies and procedures are inplace to make sure that the locksare changed and access codes andpasswords are changed to preventfuture access to patients’ privatehealth information.

8 HIPAA Privacy Program Things to Remember

1) Have patients sign an Acknowledgementof Receipt of Privacy Policies that showthey received a copy of the policies andplace the signed acknowledgement in thepatients’ chart. (If the Privacy Policies arechanged in the future, you are notrequired to have current patients sign anew acknowledgement; just post the newpolicies with the new changes and issuethe new policy to all new patients.)

2) Set up authorizations for release ofprotected health information, as needed.

This can include releases for the use ofpatient photos, or disclosure of informationfor financial purposes, or disclosures tocertain family members, or disclosures ifinformation is used for marketing purposes.

3) Patients have a right to limit the useof their information. For instance, if apatient asks you to place an appointmentpostcard in an envelope when sendingthem mail, or asks your office not to callthem at work, those are reasonablerequests to limit information.

4) Patients have a right to obtain acopy of their record, even if they oweyou money. If they request a copy of theirrecord from you, in writing, you mustprovide a copy within 30 days. Doctorsholding on to patient records is one of themost common reasons that patients fileHIPAA complaints. (Editor’s note: Thisrequirement to provide a copy of a recordto a patient is also codified in Georgia law.A patient must make the request in writ-ing. A dental office must provide a com-plete copy of the record. The office maycharge a reasonable fee for the copy of therecord, within certain limitations. Thedentist is required to maintain the originalpatient record and only provide the patientwith a copy.)

5) Patients have a right to an accountingof disclosures for any disclosures notfor treatment, payment, or regularhealth care operations. If you discloseinformation to a public health official, forexample, you don’t have to get permissionfrom the patient, but you do have to docu-ment that the disclosure was made, andthe patient has a right to see a log of thosedisclosures.

6) You must have complaint proceduresin place in the event a patient has acomplaint.

7) Make sure all Business Associatesare identified and a Business Associateagreement is in place. The agreementshould specifically require a certain levelof protection of patient information andshould specify each party’s obligations inthe event of a breach. Indemnification andnotification (patients, the media, andHIPAA) must be addressed.

8) If you use social media, such asFacebook, or have an office web site,never mention private health informationin a public forum. If a patient asks apersonal question on social media, onlyanswer privately. Also, make sure thatpatients have given written permission topost photos, videos, x-rays, etc. before youpost them.

12 Security ProgramThings to Deal with NOW

1) Our most important goals are toprevent a breach a) because we wantto and must protect our patients’information and b) we want to andmust protect our businesses becausethe penalties can be so harsh finan-cially. Avoiding a breach is VERYimportant to us. Consider this:

• Whenever a patient’s information isbreached, the patient has to be notified.If the breach involves fewer than 500people in a single geographic area, thenthe breach has to be logged and reportedto the U.S. Department of Health &Human Services (HHS) at “the end of theyear in which the breach was discovered,”and patients have to be notified as soonas possible.

• If the breach involves more than 500people in a single geographic area, youmust notify HHS and your patientsimmediately and absolutely within 60days of the breach. You must then notifythe local media. This could involve callingthe local television station, or sending a pressrelease for publication to a newspaper thatserves the affected area.

• You also have to try to mitigate the situationas much as possible. When BlueCrossBlueShield suffered a breach, theyoffered credit monitoring to 2.5 millionpatients for a year. Credit monitoringcosts at least $10 a month per patient.Do the math. Add in notification costs,negative publicity costs, the hassle andstress of HIPAA coming in your office toinvestigate the breach, AND possible fines,and you are looking at an unbelievablyexpensive problem.

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HIPAAContinued on page 26



Under its new Hazard Communication

Standard, OSHA required that by

December 1, 2013, dentists and other

affected employers train employees

regarding new label elements (pictograms,

hazard statements, precautionary

statements, signal words, and the like)

and Material Safety Data Sheet formats

to facilitate recognition and understanding.

However, employers have until June 1,

2016, to update their alternative

workplace labeling and hazard

communication program as necessary,

and provide additional employee

training for newly identified physical

or health hazards.

Why is OSHA requiring training

on materials that will not be

standardized until much later? OSHA

believes that American workplaces

will soon begin to receive new labels

and SDSs since many American and

foreign chemical manufacturers have

already begun to produce new labels.

OSHA requires employers to ensure

that their employees are familiar with

new formats as they may roll out.

The Hazard Communication

Standard (HCS) is now aligned with

the Globally Harmonized System of

Classification and Labeling of

Chemicals (GHS). This update to the

Hazard Communication Standard (HCS)

will provide a common approach to

classifying chemicals and communicating

hazard information on labels and

safety data sheets. Once implemented,

the revised standard aims to improve

the quality and consistency of hazard

information in the workplace, making

it safer for workers by providing easily

understandable information on

appropriate handling and safe use of

hazardous chemicals.

In order to ensure chemical safety

in the workplace, information about

the identities and hazards of the

chemicals must be available and

understandable to workers. All

employers with hazardous chemicals

in their workplaces must have labels

and safety data sheets for their

exposed workers, and train them to

handle the chemicals appropriately.

Labels will change in several

ways. Under the revised HCS, once

the hazard classification is completed,

the standard specifies what information

is to be provided for each hazard class

and category. New labels will require

the following elements:

• Pictogram: a symbol plus other

graphic elements, such as a border,

background pattern, or color that is

intended to convey specific infor-

mation about the hazards of a

chemical. Each pictogram consists

of a different symbol on a white

background within a red square

frame set on a point (i.e. a red diamond).

There are nine pictograms under the

GHS. However, only eight pictograms

are required under the HCS. You

may view the new pictograms at

www.osha.gov.

• Signal words: A single word used to

indicate the relative level of severity

of hazard and alert the reader to a

potential hazard will be displayed

on the label. The signal words used

are “danger” and “warning.”

“Danger” is used for the more

severe hazards, while “warning” is

used for less severe hazards.

• Hazard Statement: A statement assigned

to a hazard class and category that

describes the nature of the hazard(s)

of a chemical, including, where

appropriate, the degree of hazard

will be displayed.

• Precautionary Statement: A phrase

that describes recommended measures

to be taken to minimize or prevent

adverse effects resulting from exposure

to a hazardous chemical, or improper

storage or handling of a hazardous

chemical, will be included.

The information required on the

safety data sheet (SDS) will remain

essentially the same as that in the

current standard, which indicates

what information has to be included

on an SDS, but does not specify a

format for presentation or order of

information. The revised Hazard

Communication Standard requires

that the information on the SDS be

presented using specific headings in a

specified sequence. There will now

be a specified 16-section format.

To order up-to-date OSHA

compliance manuals and keep

abreast of changes to OSHA regulations,

you may call the American Dental

Association Member Service Center at

(800) 947-4746 or visit ADAcatalog.org

and search for OSHA compliance.

You may also visit www.osha.gov for

additional information.

Dentists: Train Employees on Revised OSHA Hazard Communication Standard



procedures, notify your professionalliability carrier, as you just changed therisk the company is insuring. The samewould be true if you have changed fromfull time to part time or vice versa.

Insurance Policies: Set Up Reminders Greet 2014 with all of your policies kept ina secure location. Create a separate list ofpolicy numbers, renewal dates, and claimsdepartment contact details in case youmake a claim. Always pay your premiumspromptly prior to the renewal date to avoidlapses in coverage or late paymentpenalties. If your mailing address haschanged, notify all of your carriers so billsarrive at the correct location. Rememberto increase your insured exposure limits ifthe value of your business property hasincreased from last year from purchasesmade since the last policy renewal. Finally,review your medical insurance plan if yourecently utilized it so you are aware of anylimitations or requirements.

Business Brief Videos Keep You InformedDo you want learn more about dentalbusiness topics such as how to bill PPOs,discipline an employee, ask questions ofprospective staff members, or protect youronline reputation in three minutes or less?You need to receive the GDA’s newAssociation Business Brief emails for GDAmember dentists. The briefs are short,information-packed videos delivered viaemail twice a month that address businessissues dentists face within their practices.If you are not receiving these emails,please submit your email address toDelaine Hall at [email protected].

Get Patient Collections on Track for 2014In an ideal world, patients would alwaysprovide their correct, updated insuranceinformation at point of service. Carrierswould always process and respond toclaims filed within 45 days. Patients wouldalways pay their balances within 30 days ofreceiving their first bill. Unfortunately theworld is far from ideal. How your practicemanages its receivables and follow up has

a huge impact on profitability. Considerutilizing a vendor that provides third partyfollow up on unresolved insurance claimsand patient accounts for a fixed fee peraccount on claims and accounts that aren’tpaid promptly and require this additionalservice. An “early out” collection agencycan afford to be diplomatic and inexpensive,so that younger receivables can beassigned for third party collections andrecoverability increased. This can result inincreased collections at a lower cost andwithout loss of the doctor / patientrelationship. The GDA endorses TransWorldSystems to provide your practice withbetter tools for accounts receivable, debtrecovery, and past due accounts. Call (404) 538-6099 or visit www.transworldsystems.com/gda.html.

Amalgam Recovery: Get CoveredADA Business Resources has chosenHealthFirst as its endorsed amalgamrecovery service provider for ADAmembers. ADA members will have theexclusive benefit of significant savings, alifetime warranty on Rebec Environmentalamalgam separators, and an indemnificationfor wastewater pollution fines. ADAmembers looking for a cost-effective,reliable, environmentally friendly,turn-key solution for amalgam recoverycan contact HealthFirst at (888) 963-6787or visit http://www.healthfirst.com/ada.The ADA has elected to make thisresource available to all of its membershipin the form of an “endorsed” company thatmeets all of the necessary criteria to be incompliance with regard to AmalgamWaste Recovery.

Join the Prescription DrugMonitoring ProgramDentists may register for the GeorgiaPrescription Drug Monitoring Program(PDMP) to track how patients use theirprescriptions and discover, among otherthings, if patients are drug shopping. Onedentist who recently joined the systemfound that multiple prescriptions forcontrolled substances had been issuedunder his name without his knowledge.He subsequently discovered that a staffmember had forged several prescriptionsusing his prescription authority. Accessingthis system can provide peace of mind fordentists as well as pharmacists. For step bystep instructions on how to register, visit

www.gadental.org. Click the green ForMembers button then click RegulatoryIssues.

Pharmacy Security Paper: What to BuyAs of July 1, 2013, dentists are no longerrequired to write prescriptions on securityprescription paper or pads affixed with theseal of the state Board of Pharmacy.Thanks to the GDA-supported House Bill209, prescribing dentists may now useEITHER the Pharmacy Board approvedpaper / pads OR prescription paper / padsthat meet Centers for Medicare &Medicaid Services standards. TheCMS-standards paper is easier, and lessexpensive, to obtain. GDA members withquestions about this change may contactMelana McClatchey at the GDA office at(404) 636-7553 or (800) 432-4357.

22 TIPSContinued from page 17

Get Data BreachCoverage fromYour GDISAs you read on page 26, a breach of apatient’s Personally Identifiable Informationor Protected Health Information canresult in notification costs, negativepublicity costs, and possible fineslevied by HIPAA—a huge expense!The purchase of cyber liabilitycoverage from Georgia DentalInsurance Services and The Hartfordcould mitigate that concern foryour practice.

GDIS clients: In order to purchasecyber liability coverage you must alsohave a Hartford property policy in forceor make this coverage an endorsementto a policy you will purchase throughThe Hartford. The cost of cyber liabilitycoverage can start at around $500 peryear. Costs will vary according to thesize of your practice and other riskfactors, such as the sensitivity of thedata in your possession, the controlsyou already have in place to protectpatient information, and the limits ofcoverage that you select. A GDISrepresentative can help you determinethe cost of this valuable coverage foryour practice. Call (800) 432-4357 or(404) 636-7553.



Dentists Availablefor Locum Tenens

Dentist will fill in for illness, vacation,or continuing education. Licensed,insured, DEA #. Call (404) 786-0229 oremail [email protected].

DENTIST: Need Part Time Fill In?Vacation, Illness, Maternity? GENERALDENTIST SOLD LONG ESTAB-LISHED PRACTICE. GA & DEALICENSED. (Available Expanded AtlantaArea.) Cell: (404) 219-4097. Home: (404)842-1196. Jesse Hader, DDS.

Dentist available during emergencies,vacation, CDE courses. I have a currentlicense, DEA certificate, and insurance.Contact me at (706) 291-2254 or cell (706)802-7760. I hope I can be of service to you.Patrick A. Parrino, DDS, MAGD.

Dental Equipment for Sale

FOR SALE: Planmeca EC Panoramic X-Ray—asking $4500; 2 Adec 5580 RearCabinets—asking $3500 each; AirTechVacstar 50 Evacuator system—asking$600. Must sell; all offers considered.Email offers and questions [email protected].

Dental Positions Available

Pediatric Associate Needed: For grouppractice. Associate / Buy In. Serving 3practice locations in Southwest GA. [email protected].

General dentist needed for grouppractice Associate / Buy In. Serving 3practice locations in SW Georgia. [email protected].

Buckhead general dentistry practiceseeks dental associate in busy, well estab-lished practice. Applicants should beknowledgeable and professional in allareas of general dentistry. For details call(404) 261-5388 or email inquiries to [email protected].

Pediatric Dentist Needed: We have anoutstanding full time opportunity for aPediatric Dentist / General Dentist(would require a minimum of at least 3years’ experience in pediatric dentistry) inour successful, well-respected, quality-ori-ented private pediatric dental practice forthe right candidate. We are seeking a spe-cial, motivated, personable, full-time pedi-atric dentist to join in our success. We area booming practice with tremendousgrowth and earning potential. We offer inoffice sedation. We offer excellent com-pensation and benefits. For more informa-tion, please contact Dr. Vishant Nath at(678) 763-2600 or email [email protected] or you can contact Amanda at(678) 352-1090 / (678) 429-9931 [email protected].

We are seeking a reliable and person-able general dentist part to full time inMarietta private family practice. Dentistshould have some experience. Buy inopportunity available. Please call Bill at(404) 272-7568 or Fax resume to (770)984-9256.

ATLANTA—ASSOCIATE DENTIST,ENDODONTIST, and PERIODONTISTNEEDED. We currently have threepositions available in our quality-oriented,well-established group practice with multiplelocations. This is a very lucrative opportunityfor an experienced candidate with goodinterpersonal skills. Large patient / referralbase with abundant new patients eachmonth. Well appointed, beautiful officeincluding CAD / CAM and the latesttechnology for general dentistry, state ofthe art surgical suites for periodontics, andnew microscope for endodontics. We havesuccessful systems in place, including anexceptional team of assistants and supportstaff. Come be a part of our team and joinus in creating an atmosphere of excellence,fun, and productivity. Email resumes [email protected].

classified ads

How GDA members canplace classified ads

AD FORM: Submit all ads on a GDA ClassifiedAdvertisement Form. To obtain a form,call Skip Jones at (800) 432-4357 or(404) 636-7553, or email [email protected].(Note: The GDA may accept or reject anyad for any reason and in its sole discretion.)

AD DEADLINE: Ads and ad check payments are due by thefirst of the month before the publicationmonth (i.e., Dec. 1 for January).

AD RATES: ADA member dentists pay $75.00 per60-word ad per month. There is a 25 centsper-word charge for each word over 60.Non-dentist-owned companies (real estatefirms, etc.) pay $195 per 60-word ad permonth (additional word charges as above).Non-member dentists may notplace ads.

LATE FEE:Ads for which full prepayment is notreceived by the first day of the ad’spublication month (i.e.; Nov. 1 for aNovember ad) will incur a $25 late fee inaddition to the ad rate.

FORMS OF PAYMENT: Submit a check or money order with the adform. (Make checks payable to GDA.)Credit cards are not accepted as payment.

WEB SITE PLACEMENT: Prepaid ads will appear on the GDA Website www.gadental.org for the month thead appears in print. Non-prepaid ads willNOT be placed online.



Princeton Dental Group Loganville anaward winning, rapidly growing practiceseeks a long term associate general dentist.High earning potential for a motivateddentist and an equity position for the rightperson (FFS and PPOs only). Work directlywith other general dentists and specialistsin an all digital practice with ability to focuson dentistry backed by our outstandingsupport staff. Full Benefits packageincludes: medical, vision, disability, etc.with FSA and excellent retirement plan.Send C.V. or resume to Dale Bailey [email protected].

Orthodontist Needed: Multi-officegeneral practice is seeking an orthodontistfor 2-3 days a week to start and developour orthodontic department. Positionmay turn into full time in future.Associate must be willing to travel betweenMarietta, Woodstock, and Fairmountlocations. Minimum 3 years of experiencerequired. Please email resumes [email protected].

NORTH GWINNETT / ENDODONTISTNEEDED: Twenty year old practice withbrand new office seeks Endodontist two orthree days per month. Rotary Hand piece,Schick 33 digital x-rays, receptionist, andassistant already available. Great place tostart your new endodontic practice or forestablished specialist to add satellitelocation. To see location and officepictures: www.SugarhillDentist.com [email protected] for more details.

Dentist Opportunities: Copperhill, TN/ McCaysville, GA. Dental Partners isone of the fastest growing family dentalpractice groups in the Southeast. We giveyou the ability to focus on patient carewhile earning a base of $125K-$200K andthe opportunity to earn more based onproduction. Benefits package of medical /vision / life / FSA, 401K, professional lia-bility, and yearly CE allowance. Relocationand student loan repayment assistanceprogram available. Email resume [email protected] or callAshley Reimiller, Director of PeopleDevelopment (321) 574-8003.

Full or Part-Time General Dentistneeded for a well-established practice inAtlanta suburb with opportunity for futurebuy-out. Please fax CV or resume to (678)306-0630 or call (404) 740-9797.

GEORGIA—ATLANTA. Multiple pediatricdental offices in Metro Atlanta are seekingpediatric dentist and general dentist towork in an extremely successful, expandingbusiness. We offer a team motivated workingenvironment and a competitive salary. Webelieve in a high level of patient and parenteducation and making sure that childrenhave an excellent dental experience ateach visit. Our practice provides all levelsof care, including oral sedation, IVsedation, and general anesthesia at localhospitals. Candidate must have excellentcommunication skills and be enthusiasticand motivated. For more information pleasecall (678) 923-4466 or email [email protected]. Visit our web siteat www.dentistry4children.com.

CLASSIFIEDSContinued on page 24



Exciting opportunity for dentist toprovide children with dental care inGeorgia schools. No evenings or weekends.Apply at www.smileprograms.com.

Dental Practices /Office Space Available

Dental Space Available! Duluth, GA—Already built-out and plumbed with dentalequipment! Convenient location locatedoff Sugarloaf Parkway near I-85. Built in2007. Up to 6 operatories if needed,sterilization, consultation room, kitchen,front office, and private doctor office. Splitdesign dental space, perfect for newdentist or specialist satellite office.Upscale building in a high growth areawith excellent demographics. Move in ready!Contact Aubrey Scher at (404) 384-8800

Dental Space for Specialist in GreaterAtlanta! Stockbridge, Fayetteville, Duluth,Dunwoody, Woodstock, Stone Mtn, andRiverdale locations. Ideal for PediatricDentist, Periodontist, Endodontist, orOral Surgeon looking to add satellitelocation or new startup. Alreadyplumbed & fully equipped with 5operatories and room for 2-3 more.Save time & build-out costs! Contact usat: [email protected].

SPACE SHARING OR PT ASSOCIATE—East Cobb. New facility; 14 yo practice—5 equipped, latest technology. FFS,Comprehensive Dentistry. Surgery Suitefor sedation. Solo, GP looking for a GP orSPECIALIST interested in SPACESHARING for 1-3 days a week OR willconsider ASSOCIATE for 1-3 d/wk. Abilityto do endo and impacted 3rds a plus.Email cover letter with goals, resume, andcontact number to [email protected].

Gainesville, Georgia (Hall County)Orthodontist practice available.Practice since 1983 of Dr. Bill Helms(deceased). Located adjoining BrenauCollege campus in vintage home with2 exam rooms and upstairs apartment.Ideal for solo dentist or large firmwishing to expand into North Georgiamarket. Address is 424 Academy St NEor contact John Rogers (678) 725-1019 [email protected].

Former Ortho Suite Available withCourtyard Views! Located in NorthCobb. This 2000 SF Office (w/LargeWindows) is fully plumbed and equipped.Potential for Large Ortho referral basefrom adjacent Pediatric dental practice.Floor plan features 2 Restrooms, 6Operatories plus 2 Consults, PrivateDoctors’ suite, Hygiene Prep, Lab, &Steri-Center all include Built-Ins. Allutilities are included. Flexible LeaseAvailable. Contact Mike at (404) 509-4146or [email protected].

CLASSIFIEDSContinued from page 23



For Sale: High Net Practice. $850,000gross, 4 ops, FFS & INS < 1% PPO.Excellent location to raise a family. Atlanta2 1/2 hours, Beach 2 1/2 hours, Mountains3 hours. Call Bill Morris at (678) 725-6459.

Beautiful turnkey dental practice forlease. With or without equipment. Fivefully operatories, lab, private consultroom, pano room, etc. Recently renovatedprofessional building. Great medical walkby patient traffic with covered attachedparking. A must see. Great for a move toupgrade your current location or for dentalspecialist or as a satellite practice. Pleasecall Dr. Priti Bloor at (404) 259-1812.

GWINNETT COUNTY: 6 ops, generalpractice, completely digital and paperlessfor sale. Excellent visibility in a busy area.For more information, please visitwww.southeasttransitions.com, call(678) 482-7305 or email [email protected] and referencelisting ID #GA1042.

MACON AREA: Well established, allFFS, 3 operatory practice collecting$300K+ annually. For more information,please visit www.southeasttransitions.com,call (678) 482-7305 or email [email protected] and referencelisting ID #GA1041.

ROCKDALE COUNTY: PPO and FFSpractice collecting $50K per year. Mostlycrown and bridge, referring out mostEndo. The doctor would like to transitionover 6 months and the staff will stay. 5treatment rooms, (4 equipped.) Officelocated in a medical facility and lease isassignable. For more information, pleasevisit www.southeasttransitions.com, call(678) 482-7305 or email [email protected] and reference listingID #GA1045.



2) In my opinion, the most importantthing you can do to prevent a signifi-cant breach of patient information isto encrypt your hard drive. Mostbreaches in dental offices and other smallhealth care environments occur when acomputer is stolen, or a smartphone withaccess to patient information is lost orstolen, or a portable drive is lost or stolen.If such an event happens and the harddrive of the device is not encrypted, thatincident becomes a reportable breach.Although encrypted passwords, protectivefirewalls and software, and other protectionsmay be sufficient to provide protectionunder normal circumstances, they areNOT sufficient to prevent a breach if acomputer is stolen. Bottom line, if the harddrive is encrypted, it’s not a reportablebreach. If it’s not encrypted, it’s areportable breach.

3) Computers must be protected withsoftware to guard against malware andviruses as well as firewalls, passwords,and whatever other protective methodsare necessary in your office to protectprivate health information. All harddrives should be encrypted (see above) inorder to prevent a breach in the event oftheft or loss of an electronic device.

4) Physical access to computer work-stations should be limited to only thosewho should have access. If computerworkstations are accessible to patientsor others who should not have access,additional precautions must be taken toensure that private health informationcannot be accessed. For example, a computerin a consultation room must have limitedaccess to private health information andmonitors should be placed so that displayedinformation is not easily viewed by others.

5) If you offer wi-fi in the office forpatient use, make sure it is on a dif-ferent router than the one used forpatient information. Password protectboth wi-fi routers.

6) Assign employees and BusinessAssociates with unique passwords thatthey must use when accessing patientinformation on practice computers.

Address screen savers, automatic log-offs,Internet use, and other potentialcomputer security issues in yourpolicies and procedures.

7) You must develop policies andprocedures for the use of portabledevices, including smartphones, tablets,and backup devices, to ensure theyare not lost or improperly accessed.

8) Policies and procedures must bedeveloped for any electronic informationthat is backed up. Can you address howelectronic information is accessed andstored? Where the data is kept? How manydevices there are? How the data is secured?

9) You must address how computerhardware is used, stored, and destroyedin the office.

10) Schedule regular audits andreview access reports to ensure thesafety of your patient information andto ensure that data hasn’t beenimproperly accessed. Any securityincidents should be logged whether theyresulted in improper access or not.

11) Private health information mustbe transmitted securely. E-mails shouldbe encrypted or properly protected if youare transmitting private health information.

12) Any changes or updates in yourcomputer system should be documentedand the documentation placed in yourHIPAA manual. Consider requiring yourinformation technology vendor to documentall work done on a dedicated form that youdate and place in your manual. This showsthat your system is being maintained andprotected on a regular basis.

Laney Kay, JD, of Entertaining Training,LLC, has been writing and speaking ontechnical and regulatory topics andwomen’s issues since 1989. Her expertise isin taking very complex and / or incrediblyboring topics and making them fun andinformative. She has written many articlesfor state and national journals and hastaught courses at multiple Hinman DentalSociety and American Dental Associationmeetings as well as at many other national,state, and district meetings, study clubs,and individual offices all over the country.

HIPAAContinued from page 18


Suite 200, Building 17, 7000 Peachtree Dunwoody RoadAtlanta, Georgia 30328-1655

www.gadental.org

ACTIONInside This Issue

• Reserve Your Room for the 2014 Annual Meeting

• GDA Offers 22 Tips on KeepingYour Practice on Track in 2014

DATED MATERIALPLEASE DELIVER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE


gda action january 2014

Documents

gda dental recovery

hinman dental meeting

teamsmile program14

compliance12 gda volunteers

gda annual meeting8

medical protective

peachtree dunwoody rd

keepingyour practice