gda action september 2013

ACTIONTHE JOURNAL OF THE GEORGIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION SEPTEMBER 2013

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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

Meg Robinson, Director of Governmental Affairs

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 2013 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.

16 Rural Dental Health Scrutinized at Legislative Conference

18 District, Alliance Leaders Discuss Challenges for Next Year

24 Mann Discusses AssociationStrengths in Acceptance Speech

26 Honorable Fellows Recognized for Distinguished Service

27 Community Service Honorees Give Back to Less Fortunate

29 GDA Dentists Hit Service andMembership Milestones

30 GDA Meeting Photo Review: Faces and Smiles

4 Parting Shots

5 Editorial

6 Guest Editorial

8 News and Views

11 Upcoming Events

33 Classifieds

All dentists licensed by the Georgia Boardof Dentistry who have authority to prescribeor order controlled substances are nowallowed to register for access to theGeorgia Prescription Drug MonitoringProgram. By accessing the program,among other benefits, dentists can trackhow patients are filling their prescriptions,see if patients are doctor shopping, andsee how many prescriptions are beingfilled in the doctor’s name. See how toregister for the PDMP starting on page 12.

ACTIONTHE JOURNAL OF THE GEORGIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION SEPTEMBER 2013

other features sections

on the cover

Member Publication American Association of Dental Editors

ACTION

V O L U M E 3 2 , N U M B E R 9 • S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 3

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 ACTIONSEPTEMBER 2013


As a caterpillar must change into a butterfly,so must change come into our lives. Change isoccurring at blurring speed in our professionas in others. That is what life is all about, isn’tit? Each of us grows and changes as weprogress through life. For those of us whohave been around awhile, we have seen a lotof changes in what I feel are short careers.Those of you who have less time “in thetrenches” and haven’t seen that much change,just wait—you will!

All things must change over time or growstale and stagnate. We are blessed in our stateto see four distinct seasons. By the time youread this, the winds of the new fall season willbe upon us, my favorite time of the year.Football! Why all this talk of change you ask?Change is upon all Georgia dentists.

There have been many changes this year,some we knew were coming and some not soanticipated. As many of you are aware, theCollege of Dental Medicine (I’m still having ahard time with the name) has had a change ofcaptains. Dean Connie Drisko announced herintent to move on to another chapter of herlife and leave piloting the CODM toanother. In an interim capacity, the ship ispiloted by Dr. Carol Lefebvre. To you, Dr.Lefebvre, we say welcome and the GDAlooks forward to working with you and contin-uing the great relationship of the GDA withthe CODM.

In the same line of thought, the day-to-day captain of the Georgia Dental Associationhas decided that the time has come for a newchapter in her life. Martha Phillips, ourexecutive director and dedicated employee ofthe GDA, has stepped aside to allow anothercaptain to pilot the GDA ship. Notice I didnot say she retired, but stepped toward a newchapter. I don’t think either of these ladiescould ever contemplate retirement. They areobviously wired in their DNA for the profes-sion. Martha has given blood, sweat, tears,laughter, and anything else that could be men-tioned to the dentists of Georgia for the past35 years. There is no doubt that anyone whohas worked with her any length of time willsay that she has been a dedicated and

determined force for the good of Georgiadentists.

Everyone who has practiced in this stateduring Martha’s time as director has andwill continue to benefit from her vision, clarityof purpose, and determination to protect,preserve, and improve the dental professionfor practitioners and patients. Whether youhave worked with her or not, or agreed withher or not on any particular position, there isa plain and simple fact to this most complicatedperson. She may try to hide it but her heartgives it away—Martha Phillips loves thedentists of Georgia and has given to themout of this abundant love. I can tell you thatshe and indeed all of the staff that we areprivileged to work with give many folds overwhat they receive.

One of my basic goals in anything I do isto try in some measure to leave whatever I waspart of better than before. Every month I tryto bring something to those few who read thisbut now I’m going to speak directly in the firstperson. Martha, the profession we are allprivileged to be a part of is measurably betterfrom having known you and has gained muchfrom your love, dedication, and wisdom.Having said that, don’t think you can escapethat easily. For we all know as we steer ourship forward that your heart is with us andyour wisdom is nearby. Please take with youour everlasting gratitude and appreciation.Though your shoes may not be filled the sameway, the GDA will continue to make you proud.

Change is here and the GDA will moveforward, growing and ever-working for all ofus with Nelda Greene currently at the helm.Welcome to the wheelhouse, Nelda! I hopeeveryone will let these women know of theirappreciation for all that they do and havedone. I applaud and thank you and every oneof the GDA staff for a job well done.

And finally—thank you Martha (nocrying allowed, this is just the intro).

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes…

5GDA ACTIONSEPTEMBER 2013

editorialperspective

R. David Bradberry, DMD



Having grown up in Kentucky, the springtime has always been afavorite of mine. Not only is the weather terrific, but the horses arerunning those Triple Crown races. For those four-legged professionals,the goal is to finish strong, finish well, and hopefully, finish in themoney. For the owner of a thoroughbred, a good showing is alwaysimportant for the next race. Finish lines and the order of finish domatter. After breeding, it is hard to say if grooms or trainers orjockeys matter the most. Knowing me, you have already figuredthere is a sermon here somewhere that I would like to pass on. Ihope it will be of help to another GDA member.

Over the past four years, I have developed a progressiveosteoarthritis and it has particularly affected my hands. This hascertainly changed the finish line for me as I now find myself out ofa dental practice that I truly loved. In anticipation, or perhaps morefrom concern, I have had to re-think the homestretch run and inparticular, how I might continue to function and as who in the raceof life. My “finish line” for dentistry used to be undefined and verydistant. You plan for the worst while expecting the very best.

In 2002, when I served on the GDA Board of Trustees, welooked carefully and closely at endorsing a member benefit pro-gram for retirement plans and financial planning. We listened toseveral presentations and debated the issue at length. After duediligence and much discussion at many levels, from the FinanceCommittee to the House of Delegates, the GDA selected WileConsulting Group of UBS to assist those GDA members seekinghelp with their retirement plans or in need of financial planning. Iunderestimated how important that decision would become for meand my family. I am now absolutely certain that we made a verygood selection after I was forced to change my own finish line.

Harris Gignilliat and the team at UBS have managed my 401Kfor almost a decade. I brought to UBS a very inefficient and disor-ganized retirement plan, where I was responsible for all of theheavy lifting. Administering this plan was like a part-time job.Harris skillfully arranged a complex consolidation and successfullystreamlined the functions of my retirement plan. Since that time,he has been attentive to my changing needs, including suggesting

An Escort to the Finish LineJames H. Reynierson III, DMD*

guesteditorial



plan modifications based on my age and a proposed “finish line.”Not only has UBS managed my 401K office plan throughsome difficult years, but they have enabled us to rebound from2008 better than expected. My more conservative approach, andtheir guidance on plan selection, has provided me a safety net.

Several years ago, Harris had Justin Patteson of their firm takeme through a very detailed financial planning process withouteither of us knowing the dramatic changes the future had in store.This financial planning opportunity, part of the service UBS providesto all GDA members, is a terrific opportunity to assess your position(“a failure to plan is a plan to fail” type stuff). I am now veryappreciative that UBS guided me through developing ideas, goals,and ‘what-ifs.’ With things organized into a clear report that servedas our roadmap, my wife and I had a flexible template to follow.

During my difficult transition out of clinical practice, I foundUBS to be more helpful than ever. Their advice and recommendationsadded value and they played well as they worked with my personalaccountant. Their availability is incredible. UBS’s Paul Stephansprovided me additional security and advisement as we moved fundsfrom the retirement account and developed investment profilesthat are best for me with no cash flow from a dental practice. TheUBS personalities have made this relationship similar to smalltown banking yet, I am certain you are aware of how significant theUnion Bank of Switzerland really is—they are the largest privatebank in the world.

Whether in dentistry or banking, relationships matter. I’veenjoyed having a personal relationship with UBS. We meetperiodically to review my plan and talk about life. We always

planned encounters at every GDA Annual Meeting and Iappreciate my advisors’ concerns for my individual welfare, always.My experience has mirrored what personal banking truly is, a rareservice these days. The folks at UBS have been counselors andfriends when I needed certainty in a time of transition.

The Wile Group is a comprehensive team and yet, I knowevery one of them and they all know me and my situation. Moreimportantly, I get the feeling that they care. They have taken mydisappointments and laments in stride. Their approach has beenpositive, encouraging, and determined. I like the feel that I amrunning a race with a great team. The Wile Consulting Group alsooffers significant support to the GDA, which makes me feel likemy participation has a double benefit, both to me and theAssociation as a whole.

My personal experiences with UBS have been excellent. Iwould recommend you obtain their counsel and explanation ofoptions that are available to you as a GDA member, or just get asecond opinion as you move along your track. I believe our accessto UBS is a strong benefit of GDA membership and I am glad ourorganization looks out for us.

*Dr. Jim Reynierson in the Eastern District submitted thisunsolicited commentary to GDA Action with the hope that otherGDA member dentists might benefit from the insight his personalexperiences provided to him. GDA members with questions aboutany endorsed service or product may contact the GDA office byphone at (800) 432-4357 or (404) 636-7553, or visit the GDA website www.gadental.org.



The time to renew your dental license isfast approaching! Your GDA wants to helpyou make this renewal cycle quick andpainless. All individuals, includingdentists and dental hygienists, seekingto renew their professional licensesthis year will be required to submitproof of citizenship or legal residencyas part of the process. You can submitthat necessary documentation now. Thereis no requirement that you wait to submitthis citizenship documentation with yourlicense renewal information later this year.In fact if you do so now, it will help theGeorgia Board of Dentistry (Board) issueyour renewed license more expeditiously.So here is what you need to know:

• Get your secure and verifiable documentsproving your citizenship ready for submission.Any driver’s license issued by one of theUnited States, a passport or passportcard issued by the U.S. or a foreign gov-ernment, a U.S. military identificationcard, or one of the other approved formsof proof listed on the Georgia AttorneyGeneral’s web site is acceptable. Dentists canaccess the list by visiting http://law.ga.govand going to the “key issues” tab at thetop of the screen. Once there, click on“Immigration Reports” and look for thedocument entitled “list of secure andverifiable documents.”

• Fill out and have notarized the Affidavitof Citizenship which is available on theBoard’s web site at http://gbd.georgia.govunder the “Documents” tab. Once there,dentists should click on “DownloadForms” and look for the form entitled“Affidavit Regarding Citizenship.”

• Once the Affidavit of Citizenship is fullyexecuted, submit it along with a suitablecopy of your secure and verifiable document(driver’s license, passport, etc.). Thosetwo items can be submitted via email [email protected], by fax to (678)

717-6694, or mail to the Board office at 2Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30303.

Once submitted, please do not callthe Board to verify receipt of yourdocuments. Doing so will slow downthe submission and renewal process.Note that you will NOT receive aconfirmation from the Board that theyhave received your information.

The Board anticipates that licenserenewals will begin in early October.With the transition from Macon to Atlanta,the state needed to develop certaininformation technology platforms tofacilitate payment of license renewal fees.The GDA will notify members when theBoard’s renewal process begins or you canvisit their web site to check.

The GDA reported that as part of theBoard’s transition, fees for dental licenses,renewals, permits, and fines wouldincrease. The fee increases are necessaryto ensure that the Board has the resourcesto appropriately fulfill its purpose ofprotecting the public. Beginning withthe December 2013 renewal period,dentists should expect that theirlicense renewal fee will increase to$260, up from the $175 which dentistshave previously been paying. Renewalfees for dental hygienists will NOT increase.

Kudos to Georgia Regents Universitysenior dental student Michael Winstead.He is the 2013 recipient of the GeorgiaDental Association / Georgia DentalInsurance Services Scholarship for DentalStudent Excellence. To be honored withthe $500 scholarship, a student must be ajunior or senior at GRU, have shownproven leadership in one or more GDA /ASDA organized dentistry activities, beacademically ranked in the top 25 oftheir class, and demonstrate integrity andprofessionalism. Michael, our sincerecongratulations on your scholarship andyour hard work.

For the third year, Alpharetta Children’sDentistry & Orthodontics provided freedental care to the 28 members of theDaraja Children’s Choir of Africa. Thechoir aims to provide Ugandan childrenthe opportunity to grow in confidence andlearn leadership skills to apply to everydaylife in Africa while offering spiritual praise.ACD fielded a team of 27 volunteers,including pediatric dentists, dental hygienists,dental assistants, and individuals from thecommunity to provide the care.

generalnews

DENTAL LICENSERenewal Process

SCHOLARSHIPGDA GDIS GRU

NDDSDaraja Day

GRU senior dental student MichaelWinstead receives a $500 GDA / GDISScholarship for Dental Student Excellencefrom President Marshall Mann. Dr.Mann presented the scholarship at theGRU College of Dental Medicine’sWelcome Back Luncheon in August.

Click on this image with your favoritecode reader app (i-nigma is one thatworks well) to access a video of theDaraja Children’s Choir visiting AlpharettaChildren’s Dentistry and singing.



“The day was an opportunity to have aglobal impact in providing dental care forchildren and I am so grateful that we wereable to provide our services for theseincredible children,” said Dr. GeorgeMacMaster. “We are passionate abouthelping others in need and through ourinvolvement with Daraja Day, we wereable to provide an awesome experience forkids who do not regularly receive dentalcare. When the choir visited, the day wasfilled with lots of laughter, lots of fun, andlots of singing.”

The GDA extends sympathy to the familyand colleagues of the following individuals.

Robert J. Pasersky, DDS, who diedAugust 4, 2013, at the age of 79. Dr.Pasersky was a member of the GDAthrough the Northern District. He was a1966 Emory University School ofDentistry graduate and a general dentist.He was an ADA Retired Life Member.Memorial contributions may be made tothe Elaine Clark Center, 5130 PeachtreeDunwoody Blvd, Chamblee, GA 30341.

Kenneth H. Young, DDS, who diedAugust 26, 2013, at the age of 70. Dr.

Young, who served as GDA President in1999, was a member of the GDA throughthe Northwestern District. He was a 1967Ohio State University School of Dentistrygraduate and a general dentist. He was a

GDA Honorable Fellow and ADA LifeMember. He was a Fellow of the PierreFauchard Academy, the American Collegeof Dentists, and the International Collegeof Dentists. After graduating from dentalschool, he joined the U.S. Naval ReserveDental Corps. When he came off of activeduty, Dr. Young settled in Marietta to opena private practice. Before becoming GDApresident, Dr. Young helmed the GDAPeer Review Committee, served on theADA Delegation, served in the GDAHouse of Delegates, and led theNorthwestern District as president. Bothhis daughter, Dr. Julie Tanner, and son, Dr.Jason Young, practiced with Dr. Young. Heis survived by his wife Jenny Lee, his sonand daughter-in-law, his daughter and son-in-law, and four grandchildren. In lieu offlowers, memorial donations may be madeto the Good Samaritan Health Center ofCobb, 1605 Roberta Dr, Marietta, GA30008 or to the Wounded WarriorsProject, 4899 Belfort Rd, Suite 300,Jacksonville, FL 32256.

NEWS AND VIEWSContinued page 11

DENTISTSIn Memoriam

Dr. Meaghan Kindregan of Alpharetta Children’s Dentistry with members of theDaraja Children’s Choir of Africa. The practice has provided free dental care for theinternational touring group every year for three years when they visit Georgia.


10 GDA ACTION / SEPTEMBER 2013


OCTOBER 2013

Tues, Oct 8: Eastern District MembershipMeeting and GDA Officer Visit.

Thurs, Oct 10: Western District OSHACourse, Green Island Country Club,Columbus.

Thurs-Sat, Oct 10-12: ADA Fifth DistrictCaucus (GA, AL, MS Delegations)Meeting, Atlanta.

Wed, Oct 16: Northern District CEProgram, Villa Christina, Atlanta.

Sat, Oct 19: GDA Alliance AssemblesDental Kits at GDA Office, Atlanta, 9:30AM.

Wed, Oct 23: Northwestern DistrictMembership Meeting / GDA OfficerVisit, Clarence Brown Center,Cartersville, 6-9PM.

Fri, Oct 25: Georgia Assn ofOrthodontists Expanded DutiesTraining for Ortho Assistants,Roswell. See www.gaortho.org for details.

Mon, Oct 28: Northern DistrictMembership Meeting / GDA OfficerVisit, Villa Christina, Atlanta.

Thurs-Sun, Oct 31-Nov 3: ADA AnnualSession, New Orleans, LA.

NOVEMBER 2013

Fri-Tues, Nov 1-5: ADA House ofDelegates, New Orleans, LA.

Thurs, Nov 7: Western DistrictLegislative Reception.

Fri, Nov 8: Georgia Assn of Orthodontists Expanded Duties Training for Ortho Assistants,Augusta. See www.gaortho.org for details.

Mon, Nov 11: Northern DistrictExecutive Council Meeting, GDA Office.

Tues, Nov 12: Eastern District (Augusta)Legislative Reception, West Lake CC.

Thurs, Nov 14: Southwestern District(Valdosta) Legislative Reception, SteelMagnolias, 6:30PM.

Fri, Nov 15: GDA Spokesperson TrainingProgram, GDA Office.

Fri-Sun, Nov 15-17: GDA AllianceWellness Retreat, The James MadisonInn, Madison.

Sat, Nov 16: GDA Board of TrusteesMeeting, GDA Office.

Tues, Nov 19: Eastern District (Athens)Legislative Reception.

Thurs, Nov 21: Southwestern District(Albany) Legislative Reception,Doublegate CC, 6PM.

Thurs-Fri, Nov 28-29: GDA OfficeClosed for Thanksgiving Holiday.

DECEMBER 2013

Tues, Dec 3: Central District Legislative Reception, Macon.

Wed, Dec 4: Northwestern DistrictLegislative Fish Fry, Clarence BrownCenter, Cartersville, 6-9PM.

Thurs, Dec 5: Southeastern DistrictLegislative Reception, Harper FowlkesHouse, Savannah, 6:30PM.

Fri, Dec 6: Atlanta Dental Study ClubContinuing Education, The Ritz-CarltonBuckhead, Atlanta.

Fri-Sat, Dec 6-7: GDA Expanded DutiesTraining for Dental Assistants, Columbus.

Wed, Dec 11: Northern DistrictLegislative Reception, 103 West, Atlanta, 6-8PM.

Thurs, Dec 12: Northern District HallCounty Branch Legislative Reception,Chattahoochee CC, Gainesville, 6-8PM.

Mon-Wed, Dec 23-25: GDA OfficeClosed for Christmas Holiday.

JANUARY 2014

Wed, Jan 1: GDA Office Closed for New Year Holiday.

Mon, Jan 6: Northern District ExecutiveCouncil Meeting, GDA Office.

Fri, Jan 10: GDIS / GDHC / GOHFBoard Meetings, GDA Office.

Sat, Jan 11: Board of Trustees andFinance Committee Meetings, GDA Office.

Sun, Jan 12: House of Delegates, Marriott Perimeter Center, Atlanta.

Mon, Jan 13: Dental Health Day, GDA Capitol (Distribute Dental Kits).

Thurs, Jan 16: Northern District CEEvent, The Retreat at Perimeter Center.

Fri, Jan 17: Southeastern DistrictMembership Meeting / GDA OfficerVisit, Armstrong Center, Savannah.

Fri-Sat, Jan 24-25: GAGD AnnualMeeting, Marriott Century Center,Atlanta.

Wed, Jan 29: LAW Day, GRU Dental Students, State Capitol.

FEBRUARY 2014

Wed, Feb 5: LAW Day, Georgia DentalSociety and North Georgia DentalSociety, State Capitol.

Wed, Feb 12: LAW Day, Eastern District,State Capitol.

Wed, Feb 12: Northern District CEProgram, Villa Christina, Atlanta.

Wed, Feb 19: LAW Day, NorthwesternDistrict, State Capitol.

Wed, Feb 26: LAW Day, Western Districtand Northern District (Eastern andNorthern Branches), State Capitol.

MARCH 2014

Mon, Mar 3: Northern District ExecutiveCouncil Meeting, GDA Office.

Wed, Mar 5: LAW Day, Central District,State Capitol.

Wed, Mar 12: LAW Day, SoutheasternDistrict / Northern District Hall County Branch.

Wed, Mar 19: LAW Day, NorthernDistrict Central and Southern Branches.

Wed, Mar 26: LAW Day, SouthwesternDistrict / Alliance Dental Spouses.

Thur-Sat, Mar 27-29: Hinman DentalSociety Meeting, www.hinman.org.


Upcoming GDA / Dental Events



Georgia Prescription Drug Monitoring Program Allows Dentists Access to Rx Data

On July 26, the switch was finally flippedto turn on access to allow dentists to regis-ter and have access to the GeorgiaPrescription Drug Monitoring Program(PDMP). This means that all practitionerslicensed by the Georgia Board of Dentistrywho have authority to prescribe or ordercontrolled substances can now track howpatients use their prescriptions and discov-er, among other things, if patients are drugshopping. Georgia is one of the last statesto implement such a program, and ourprogram is based on the best features seenin other programs.

What Information You Can AccessGeorgia dentists can use the GeorgiaPDMP to determine where (in whichpharmacies) their patients are having theircontrolled substance prescriptions filled.They can also determine if their patientshave obtained similar controlled sub-stances from other practitioners and wherethose prescriptions have been filled. Theprogram will also allow a practitioner tosee how many controlled substance pre-scriptions have been filled in the name ofthe practitioner. A similar function will

allow a practitioner to see how many con-trolled substance prescriptions have beenfilling using their DEA permit number.

Why Having PrescriptionDetails Are ImportantBecause pharmacists were able to registerfor the Georgia PDMP first, almost 1,000have already registered and begun access-ing the system. One pharmacist checkedthe database for several of his patients whohe thought were only using his pharmacyto get their hydrocodone and alprazolamprescriptions filled. To his surprise, hefound that ALL of the patients he checkedhad visited multiple physicians, had visitedmultiple other pharmacies, and were get-ting the same type of prescriptions filledover and over again. The pharmacistdecided to stop filling prescriptions forthese customers. Another pharmacistchecked the database for patients she sus-pected were doctor-shopping. But to herrelief, none of those patients were gettingprescriptions filled at any other pharmacythan hers.

One dentist who recently joined thesystem found that multiple prescriptionsfor controlled substances had been issuedunder his name without his knowledge. Hesubsequently discovered that a staff mem-ber had forged several prescriptions usinghis prescription authority. Accessing thissystem can provide peace of mind for den-tists as well as pharmacists.

The System Has MoreInformation Every DayEven though dentists have just gainedaccess to the PDMP, community pharma-cies have been reporting prescription datato the PDMP since mid-May 2013. Thepharmacies were required to report theircontrolled substance prescription datastarting with prescriptions filled onSeptember 1, 2012. The reporting

Rick Allen, DirectorGeorgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency



numbers have steadily climbed and thedatabase now contains records on close to15 million prescriptions filled fromJanuary through June 2013. In Junealone, 2 million controlled substanceprescriptions were reported as filled.

How Dentists CanRegister for the PDMPPlease take the time to register for yourfree access to the PDMP. Don’t wait anylonger. Some of you have been waiting foralmost nine years for access to a PDMP, sonow is the time. To register, just followthese directions:

1) Access the Georgia PDMP web siteat www.hidinc.com/gapdmp.

2) Once you are on the main PDMP website page, click on the Practitioner /Pharmacist link located on the leftside menu.

3) On the next page, click on “RegistrationSite” and a log-in menu will appear.

4) On the log-in menu, type “newacct” inthe User Name field, then type “welcome”in the Password field, and click on “OK.”

5) The Georgia PDMP AccountRegistration Form page will appear.Complete this form. Make sure you typein your name EXACTLY as it appearson the Georgia Board of Dentistryweb site, otherwise your applicationwill be flagged for further review.Even if you have recently married or had aname change, type in only what is currentlyshown on the Board’s web site athttp://gbd.georgia.gov. When you type inyour dental license number, be sure toinclude the ‘DN0’ in front of your licensenumber. For those of you with two zeros infront of your license number, pleaseinclude both zeros.

6) After you finish your registration, youare asked to print out the form for yourrecords. Please do so!

7) During the registration process, you willbe asked to choose if you want to opt out ofreceiving notices of patients that visit morethan 5 prescribers and 5 pharmacies in amonth. If you do not choose to opt out, youwill automatically receive these notices.

As soon as your application isapproved, you will receive an email with

further instructions on completing yourregistration. This email will ask you toselect a PDMP User Name and Password.Once you complete your registration, thenyou can begin accessing the GeorgiaPDMP database for information on yourcontrolled substance prescriptions.

Restrictions on Using the PDMPDentists should take note of the confiden-tiality requirements imposed by lawregarding the use of the PDMP system.Violation of those confidentiality require-ments can result in very severe and expen-sive penalties.

Practitioners eligible to register forthe program (those with the ability to writeprescriptions for controlled substances)may access the database for the solepurpose of providing medical or pharma-ceutical care to a specific patient. Apractitioner may not access informationon fellow professionals, staff members,neighbors, or family members unless theindividual is a patient for whom the dentist

PRESCRIPTIONContinued on page 15



is providing medical or pharmaceuticalcare. The site contains several screenswhere providers must confirm that theyare only searching for information they areallowed to access.

Unauthorized use of the databasecomes with some very stiff penalties. Should adentist or other provider knowingly andinappropriately obtain or disclose theinformation they obtain from the database,the law requires that the provider bepunished by imprisonment for up to fiveyears and a fine not to exceed $50,000.00,or both. Any person who knowinglyobtains or attempts to obtain or disclosesthe electronic data under false pretenses isguilty of a felony and is required to be sen-tenced to not less than one year nor morethan five years, a fine not to exceed$100,000.00, or both.

Practitioners who have concerns overinformation they find in the database maynot print a profile or report and then sharea printed profile or report with ANYONEelse, including law enforcement agencies,another health care professional, or even

the patient involved. A practitioner shouldalso never reveal the contents of a PDMPprofile verbally or in any other fashion toanother person or organization. In fact,even law enforcement agencies may onlyaccess the PDMP armed with appropriatesearch warrants.

Dentists are encouraged to consultwith their personal attorney shouldinformation uncovered in the PDMPcause the dentist to consider personnel orpatient dismissal.

Concluding ThoughtsDespite the restrictions the law has placedon the use of PDMP database informa-tion, the Georgia PDMP is an excellenttool for prescribers who take the time touse it in order to weed out drug abuse andmisuse, and identify patients who arebeing under-treated by not having theirprescriptions filled.

If you have any questions, pleasecontact either HID (the database companyoperating the Georgia PDMP) using theircontact information at www.hidinc.com/gapdmp, or send your questions to theGeorgia PDMP managers at [email protected]. Thank you.

PRESCRIPTIONContinued from page 13 The data accessible in

the PDMP includes the:

• Dispensing health care provider’sDEA permit number

• Dispensing date for the prescription

• Prescription serial number

• Status of the prescription—new or refill

• National Drug Code for the dispensed drug

• Quantity and strength of the dispensed drug

• Number of days’ supply of the drug prescribed

• Patient name, address,date of birth, and gender

• Method of payment provided for prescription

• Prescription NPI number

• Date the prescriber issued the prescription



Dental Health in Rural Settings Scrutinized at National Legislative Conference

Thousands of state legislators from acrossthe country convened in Atlanta in Augustfor the 2013 Legislative Summit of theNational Conference of State Legislatures(NCSL). NCSL is a bipartisan organizationthat provides research and support to leg-islators and legislative staff of state legisla-tures nationwide. Each year, theLegislative Summit facilitates theexchange of ideas, best practices, andmodel legislation regarding pressing stateissues across state lines. Because this year’sLegislative Summit was in Georgia, HouseSpeaker David Ralston and LieutenantGovernor Casey Cagle served as honoraryco-chairs of the event, and it was wellattended by members of the GeorgiaGeneral Assembly. GDA staff membersMeg Robinson, Director of GovernmentalAffairs, and Melana Kopman McClatchey,General Counsel, attended many of thepolicy sessions and discussions as well.

Session Explores Dental HealthCare in Rural SettingsHealth care policy dominated the confer-ence agenda, with a two-day HealthSummit kicking off the week and numerouspanels and discussions focused onimplementation of the Affordable CareAct, innovations in access, workforceand cost containment, preventive healthsystems, and issues confronting Medicaidrounding out the week. Issues impactingoral health care delivery and dentalproviders came up in numerous contexts.

On the first morning of the confer-ence, legislators and interested partiesconvened for a session entitled “Building aLasting Health Care System in RuralAmerica.” Many states and rural commu-nities are experimenting with differentapproaches and strategies to overcome dis-tance barriers, and this panel gave legisla-tors, researchers, and experts in the fieldan opportunity to share ideas on how toaddress access to care for those living inrural areas. Three Georgia legislatorsturned out for this session: Sen. ReneeUnterman (Buford), Rep. Penny Houston

(Nashville), and Rep. Buddy Harden(Cordele).

The program was broken into hourlong segments on different strategies toaddress access to care in rural communi-ties, one of which was dedicated toimproving access to dental care inrural America and the policy leversavailable to state policy makers. Thespeaker was Dr. Amy Brock Martin, aResearch Associate Professor from theDepartment of Health Services Policy andManagement for the University of SouthCarolina and the Deputy Director of theSouth Carolina Rural Health ResearchCenter. Her presentation was premised onresearch she and her team performed indi-cating a shortage of dentists throughoutthe United States, particularly in ruralcommunities. She reported that dentalcare was identified as the most prevalentunmet health need in U.S. children, andrural children had greater unmet dentalneeds than their urban peers.

With that backdrop, Dr. Brockdescribed three “policy levers” avail-able to law makers to strengthen therural dental safety net’s ability to pro-vide dental services. The first wasreducing the level of supervision fordental auxiliary personnel performingpreventative services in safety net set-tings and creation of “alternative den-tal hygiene models.” In delving intothese concepts, Dr. Brock did indicate thatwhether this is an appropriate solution isdependent on the specific geography,workforce, and political climate in thestate. Georgia seems to be ahead of thecurve here. Based on the findings of therecent workforce census commissioned bythe GDA, Georgia has more than enoughdentists to serve patients. The censusconfirmed that only 19 out of 4,044dentists who are actively practicing inGeorgia—or 0.5 percent of the total—saythey cannot accept new patients. Georgiaalso is active regarding public healthhygiene supervision. Since at least 1987,public health hygienists have been permitted

to go in to approved facilities of theDepartment of Public Health and performservices within the scope of their licenseswithout direct supervision.

Another idea that lawmakers wereencouraged to consider was allowingreimbursement to non-dental providers,such as physicians, physician assistants,and nurse practitioners, who applyfluoride varnish or perform a screen-ing. Along with that, Dr. Brock men-tioned one solution all dentists canagree on and that is to increase dentalreimbursement rates and reducebureaucracy in order to entice moredentists to become Medicaid providers.

The final “policy lever” mentioned byDr. Martin was recruitment and retentionprograms. As one part of a multi-prongedapproach to increasing access, Dr. Martinindicated that legislatures should look intostate-supported loan repayment programsand other incentive packages aimed atencouraging dentists to locate theirpractices in rural areas.

Panelists Discuss Using LesserTrained Individuals to Provide CareOne prevailing theme throughout theprogram was using lesser trained indi-viduals to do more to fulfill the healthcare needs of rural communities. Aprime example of this trend is theCommunity Paramedic Program. Communityparamedicine was described in theprogram to be an emerging health caredelivery model that increases access tobasic services through the use of speciallytrained emergency medical serviceproviders in an expanded role. Throughstandardized curriculum in accreditedcolleges and universities, EMS personnelwould be taught to provide primarycare, mental health services, diseasemanagement, prevention and wellness,and dental care to those who live inrural communities. The bottom line isthat across all health care professions, theinclination is to increase access with lessertrained individuals.



That same theme was evident in oneof the final panel discussions of the meeting.Entitled “Meeting the Demand: Strategiesto Improve Access to Oral HealthServices,” this panel discussion featuredAnn Lynch, the former Minnesota statelegislator who championed legislation tocreate dental therapists and the currentlegislative director for the AmericanDental Hygienists’ Association, andChristy Fogarty, the first licensed dentaltherapist in Minnesota. This panel wassponsored by the Pew Charitable Trusts.The perspective of the dental professionwas ably represented by Dr. Jane Groverfor the American Dental Association. Dr.Sara Goza, an Atlanta area pediatrician,represented the American Academy ofPediatrics. One Georgia legislator, Rep.Michele Henson (Stone Mountain) wasalso in attendance.

Julie Stitzel, campaign managerfor the Pew Children’s Dental Campaign,opened the conversation with a pres-entation framing the issue of access tooral health care as a function of adental provider shortage in parts ofthe country and an aging populationof dentists nationwide. She also cited ashortage of dentists accepting Medicaidpatients, fiscal issues facing the states, andthe lack of adult Medicaid dental benefitsas reasons why too many Americans arenot seeking oral health care through dentistsand are instead utilizing emergency roomservices. The solution she proposedwas to “expand the reach of the dentalteam” with additional providers, similarto physician’s assistants on a medicalteam, to improve access to care forvulnerable populations in a financiallysustainable way.

Following her presentation and briefopening remarks from each panelist, thepanel addressed specific questions fromthe roundtable of legislators and legislativestaff in the room. Specifically, legislatorswere advised to review the language intheir state’s respective practice acts with aneye towards what they called “unnecessarybarriers” to access to oral health care, suchas requirements that a dentist firstexamine a child before a sealant is placed.

When asked what she perceived thebarriers to mid-level providers to be, Ms.Fogarty responded that it is a fear of theunknown, and cited the many countriesthat utilize mid-levels already. Ms. Stitzelthen pointed out that the barriers are no

different than the barriers put up bydoctors prior to the introduction of nursepractitioners and physician assistants, andthat dentistry is merely 30 years behindthe times.

In addition to these policy conversations,several notable visitors addressed meetingattendees. Former Supreme Court JusticeSandra Day O’Connor was a keynotespeaker on the first day of the meeting,and spoke about the need for improvedcivics education for our country’s youngpeople. U.S. Health and Human ServicesSecretary Kathleen Sebelius addressedthose attending the Health Summit. Whileher prepared remarks to the meeting werenot controversial, she stayed in Atlanta foradditional meetings and appearances fol-lowing NCSL. In those meetings she was amuch harsher critic of Gov. Nathan Deal

for his decision not to expand Medicaidcoverage, and of Insurance CommissionerRalph Hudgens for his request of anextension on approval of rates for thefederal health care exchange to beimplemented in Georgia. These commentsunderscore just how controversialimplementation of the AffordableCare Act remains, how politicallysignificant the national conversationon health care policy is, and howimportant it is for the GDA to continueto monitor and understand trendson the national and state level aspredictors of potential opportunitiesand difficulties to come.

Julie Stitzel, campaign manager for the Pew Children’s

Dental Campaign, opened the conversation with a

presentation framing the issue of access to oral health

care as a function of a dental provider shortage in parts

of the country and an aging population of dentists nationwide.

She also cited a shortage of dentists accepting Medicaid

patients, fiscal issues facing the states, and the lack of

adult Medicaid dental benefits as reasons why too many

Americans are not seeking oral health care through

dentists and are instead utilizing emergency room

services. The solution she proposed was to “expand the

reach of the dental team” with additional providers.



Georgia Bulldogs fans Dr. Ched and

Ashleigh Smaha at a game. The Central

District President is an orthodontist

with offices in Macon and Warner Robins.

Eastern District President Dr. BradHall with wife Kimberly and daughterAvery. Dr. Hall is a general dentist inAthens.

Dr. Carol Wolff and husband Joe in their

mountain house cooking up vegetarian

fare from their garden. Dr. Wolff is a

general dentist in Atlanta.

Dr. Edward and Melanie Smith with

daughter Benson, who is quite the hat

aficionado. Dr. Smith is a general

practitioner in Columbus and is an

avid outdoorsman.

Dr. Greg and Megan Morris withsons Nicholas and Andrew. SonConnor, who just arrived thissummer, is not pictured but restassured is adorable. Dr. Morris isan orthodontist and Bulldogsfan—Central and Southwesterncould swap presidents.

Dr. Julie Ann Routhier with sonsRussell and Will at their favoriteplace—Tybee Island. The Savannahgeneral dentist just joinedGeorgia’s Delegation to theAmerican Dental Association.

Janelle Kauffman with her aunt MarieLague in Kansas City. Janelle enjoyslending a hand at the senior livingcenter for friends and family in needand plans to make oral health careeducation for seniors and institutionalstaff a focus of her Alliance year.

Dr. Stan Halpern (center) with (from left) daughter Abby,wife Robin, daughter Natalie, and future son-in-lawWoody Hales. Dr. Halpern is a periodontist in Woodstock.

2013-14 District and Alliance Presidents



District, Alliance Leaders Discuss Challenges and Hopes for Next Year

The GDA welcomed new presidents forthe seven GDA districts and the GDAAlliance dental spouses’ organization at aninstallation event in July 2013. Each ofthese individuals faces unique challengesas they lead their group over the next year,but they also bring a wide variety of talentsand experiences to their new job. Thanksto these eight leaders for their service!

Central District Dr. Ched Smaha

The Family: I have been married for oneyear to my wife Ashleigh. We have twodogs and enjoy many hobbies together. Weboth play golf, and enjoy movies andspending time with family. My newesthobby is sailing. I am attending sailingschool in October. I’m very excited!

The Practice: I am an orthodontist inMacon and Warner Robins. I work withmy father, Dr. Charles Smaha, who startedour practice in 1972. Our motto is “SmilesBy Smaha.” We make a great team!

The Hobbies: I enjoy golf and sailing as Isaid above. I also enjoy hunting, fishing,football games, racing remote control air-planes, scuba diving, and playing soccer.

District Challenge: Our biggest chal-lenge is to get doctors that don’t come tomany meetings to start coming again.Luckily, we don’t have that many of thosedoctors!

District Asset: Loyalty. Our district has alot of depth with several influential mem-bers. But our strongest asset is loyalty. Wehave great meeting participation and winthe LAW Day competition every year by alandslide!

Looking Forward: I hope to buildstronger relationships with the membersof our district. My goal is to energize asmany people as possible and promote asmuch leadership as I can. We have anannual New Dentist Reception and con-

tinuing education course that our districtpromotes every year. Each year we enjoyseeing each event grow with new doctorsand larger participation.

Eastern District Dr. Brad Hall

The Family: My wife Kimberly and I justcelebrated our 10th anniversary. We have a2-year-old daughter named Avery and a 5-year-old Boston Terrier named Brady.

The Practice: We built a scratch practicein Athens at the end of 2006 where I prac-tice general dentistry.

The Hobbies: Once upon a time I spent aconsiderable amount of time and efforttrying to resuscitate really old tractors.Then it turned out fixing teeth was somuch fun that I was comfortable with itconsuming literally all my time. So muchso, that I’d always say my job was myhobby too. Very recently however (the lasttwo years to be exact), I’ve had this strangenew desire to be home by six and find funthings to do on the weekend not necessar-ily related to occlusion.

District Challenge: Our district chal-lenges are not markedly dissimilar to ourcolleagues around the state. We recognizeand are concerned about the impact thatstudent debt has on young clinicians andpractice model shifts. We are also veryconcerned about access and attitudes tocare. Though Clarke County is very smallgeographically, it is very near the top inpoverty rate. Organizationally, our districtalso has to overcome our geographic polar-ization and the distance between ourmember hubs, Athens and Augusta.

District Asset: Without question, ourstrongest asset is our membership. WhileGeorgia Regents University is a uniqueresource, across the district we have astrong history of volunteerism and stew-ardship. Volunteers staff two free clinics inAthens alone, not to mention the silent for-

eign or local outreach that happens on adaily basis not part of a larger GDA initia-tive.

Looking Forward: I am really lookingforward to the Annual Meeting at AmeliaIsland of course. We also look forward toour Eastern District Fall Meeting andGDA Officer Visit on October 8 inWashington, and our legislative receptions.The Augusta event is November 12 atWest Lake Country Club and the Athensevent is November 19 at the AthensCountry Club. And our LAW Day isFebruary 12, 2014.

Northern District Dr. Carol Wolff

The Family: I have been married to myhusband, Joe, for 39 years. We met in col-lege at Emory the very first day and weremarried the day before graduation. We donot have human children but have sharedour love with almost human doggies forseveral years. Right now we have twodogs—Lola, a wonder mix of sweetness,that we rescued almost 10 years ago, andLillie, a bichon cutie, who is 3 1/2 yearsold. I am very close to my two sisters,Nancy and Betty Ann, who live in Atlantaand work with me. My mom, Marcia, is therock behind us all.

The Practice: My practice is located inbusy Buckhead, but on the quiet street ofMaple Drive. I own my building with Dr.Rutledge Forney, a dermatologist, whoshares the building with me. My generalpractice is varied in character. I have beenin practice 28 years.

The Hobbies: I like walking and hiking,gardening, and traveling. I especially likeworking at my house in the mountains anddiscovering new and interesting places upthere. I also love to cook. Because Joe andI are both vegetarians, we especially love

LEADERSContinued on page 20



growing fresh vegetables and going to localfarmers’ markets.

District Challenge: Getting involvementfrom members. We are the largest district,but have the same problems with gettingmember involvement and fighting apathy.We would love to have the younger mem-bers get involved both on the local leveland on the state level, especially in the leg-islative area. We have so much potential;we just have to harness it.

District Asset: We have wonderful lead-ers in the Northern District. Our otherasset is we have a lot of diversity in theNorthern District.

Looking Forward: I am looking forwardto a year of excitement. I want to see a lotof energy with our membership, young,older, and diverse members becomingactive. We have so much to offer membersas far as camaraderie. We have readyaccess to legislative involvement, practiceand business consultation, and social activ-ities. We have a full schedule of continuingeducation programs throughout the year—just check www.ndds.org. Our legislativereception is at 103 West on December 11.This is a great chance to meet those legis-lators who can make rules that affect whatwe do and how we practice. And we had awonderful Boots and Bling Ball in Augustto raise funds for our charitable dentalclinics. Thanks to everyone who took part.

Northwestern DistrictDr. Stan Halpern

The Family: My wife, Robin, and I havebeen married for 28 years. She used towork in the dental field but has been busyraising our two daughters, Natalie andAbby. She has also done underwater pho-tography and learned with Jean MichelCousteau. Natalie graduated from WakeForest and works for the American DentalAssociation in governmental affairs inWashington, DC. Natalie will be gettingmarried in September. Abby just graduat-ed from UNC and will be attendingGeorgetown University for her mastersand then hopefully going to dental school.

The Practice: I have practiced periodon-tics for 30 years. I relocated my practicefrom Marietta to a new office inWoodstock six years ago. Dental proce-dures that I enjoy doing include bone andgingival tissue augmentation, dentalimplants, and cosmetic periodontal proce-dures. I am a visiting Clinical Instructorwith the periodontal residents at GeorgiaRegents University.

The Hobbies: I enjoy playing golf, travel-ing, watching sports, and spending timewith my family.

District Challenge: Our biggest chal-lenge as a district is to get more dentistsinvolved in organized dentistry. We will bevery focused on recruitment and retentionand new dentists this year. We are gettingmore people involved on committees andmany of them are younger dentists.

District Asset: Our strongest assets areour many involved younger dentists sup-ported and mentored by veteran dentistswith a wealth of dental knowledge andexperience in the affairs of organized den-tistry. I am very much looking forward toworking with dentists that I have knownfor many years and also leading and work-ing with many younger dentists.

Looking Forward: One of the manystrengths of the ADA, GDA, andNorthwestern District is the way that wework and the relationships that we have ingovernmental affairs. Our LegislativeReception (Fish Fry) will be on December4 in Cartersville. We will have our LAWDay on February 19, 2014. We also willhave Dr. Pat Little speak to us on embez-zlement and fraud in the dental office atour membership meeting. I encourage allof our members to attend these events andbring a dentist who is not involved.

Southeastern District Dr. Julie Ann Routhier

The Family: I have a very large, close,loving family and we love to spend as muchtime together as possible. I have two sons,Russell aged 9, and Will aged 5. Ourfavorite thing is to spend time at our beachhouse on Tybee Island, where you can findme and the boys, my parents, my brotherand his sons, my aunts, uncles, and cousins

most weekends in the summer. I have a 15-year-old mixed breed dog, Molly, that werescued from a trailer park while I was indental school, and she’s been with me eversince. I also have two parakeets, Oscar andFelix.

The Practice: I am a general dentist. Mypractice is primarily adult restorative,although I do have patients of all ages. Myaverage patient age is 60, but I have a fewwho are over 100! I like the restorativechallenges of treating older adults. Idesigned my office myself and built it in2001. It is located in Midtown Savannah,and I have been very happy working there.I enjoy my patients and I have the mostwonderful staff, most of whom have beenwith me since I started.

The Hobbies: I am a passionate gardener,and spend time working in my gardenalmost every day, even if I only have a fewminutes to pull weeds! I love flowers, par-ticularly perennials. My kids like to plantsome vegetables in the summer. I read allthe time—I love my Kindle app on myiPhone! I also love to cook, and my favoritething is having all my family gathered inmy house eating food I have cooked forthem.

District Challenge: Like other districts,our challenge is reminding our dentistshow important it is for them to getinvolved in the GDA and be active!Dentistry is changing rapidly, and there isno more effective way of protecting ourpatients and our profession than to partic-ipate in organized dentistry.

District Asset: My district’s strongestasset is our people. We have wonderful,caring, talented dentists, hygienists, assis-tants, and administrative staff.

Looking Forward: As president, I amlooking forward to doing my part to pro-vide value for our member dentists. WhileI am president, I want to create opportuni-ties for the dentists in my district to gettogether, let them know what the GDA isdoing for them and what they can do forthe GDA, and throw in some good CE,some good food, and a party or two alongthe way.

LEADERSContinued from page 19



Southwestern District Dr. Greg Morris

The Family: I met my wife Megan afterreturning to Valdosta once I completed myorthodontic training and residency atVanderbilt. I practiced general dentistry inValdosta before I made the decision tospecialize. We have three sons, Nicholas(4), Andrew (2), and Connor (1 month),who keep us on our toes! We attendCrossroads Baptist Church and enjoy thechurch family found there.

The Practice: I currently practice inValdosta with long-time partner and men-tor Wayne Hester. I opened a satelliteoffice in Waycross in 2003 where I contin-ue to practice, and also operated a satellitepractice in Moultrie from 2005 until earli-er this year. With the boys coming along inthe last few years, I recently sold theMoultrie location to devote more time tomy growing family.

The Hobbies: Jogging and biking withMegan and the boys around our neighbor-

hood provides some key family relaxation.We love boating and wakeboarding at ourlake house in Cherry Lake, Florida. I havebeen fortunate to participate in severalpheasant hunting excursions in SouthDakota and I also have the opportunity toquail hunt with some dear friends eachyear in South Georgia. I love college foot-ball and Nicholas and I are coachingAndrew on his “GO DAWGS” chant!

District Challenge: Our district is spreadover a large geographic region. Our districtcharitable care events require careful con-sideration and even with the best logisticalplanning, it is difficult for some of ourmembers to participate. Hosting multipledistrict patient care events allows moremembers to get involved in improvingaccess to care in our area. For example,last year we held the Give Kids a Smileprogram in the western part of the districtin Albany and this was balanced by theannual Kingdom Care event held inWaycross. It is also necessary for us to hosttwo legislative events each fall to accom-modate our member locations.

District Asset: Without question, theSouthwestern District’s strongest asset isand has been our people. We have beenblessed to have members such as MarkRitz, Bill Broadfoot, Ed Green, and WayneMaris, just to name a few, who have con-tributed so much to our district as well asthe GDA. Ed is still extremely active andhas been joined by Jay Phillips and ChrisHasty in filling some key GDA positions.Within our district, I have been involvedwith a fantastic Executive Committeeincluding Amanda Merritt, KeithCrummey, Bo Broadfoot, and BonitaRichter. Alan Sanders has been a phenom-enal organizer during his tenure asSecretary / Treasurer and Larry Black hasserved admirably as our district’s editorand been a key participant in our ECstructure. Steve Sample has been a dedi-cated Trustee to the GDA and does an out-standing job keeping us involved at thestate level. These people, and many otherslike them, have served as inspiration to me

LEADERSContinued on page 22



and to others in our district by exemplify-ing service to our profession. Our commit-ted leaders help to keep us united.Additionally, we have made every effort tohost district continuing education speakersof the highest caliber. We have had LindaMiles, Rhonda Savage, and Charles Blairin just the last two years and our memberattendance, as well as office staff, has beenvery high. This seems to help when we areworking to maintain our membershipnumbers as well.

Looking Forward: I am honored to servethe members of the Southwestern District.I have the most enjoyable time at ourmember meetings and very much lookforward to visiting and catching up withcolleagues from all across our district. Itwill be my distinct pleasure to lead themember meetings. My involvement withthe GDA Board of Trustees has reinforcedthe need for all of our members to beinvolved with Association legislative

efforts. I want to encourage as manymembers as possible to attend a legislativereception either in Valdosta on November14 or in Albany on November 21. Thelegislators really need to see our unitedsupport. Finally, I attended my first LAWDay last year and was absolutely blownaway by how well our GDA has organizedthese events. The messages we took to theCapitol were clear and our legislators werevery eager to meet with us. I hope we canorganize a large contingent from our districtto the 2014 LAW Day event on March 26.

Western District Dr. Edward Smith

The Family: My wife Melanie and I havea toddler daughter named Benson. I wasraised as an Army brat, living in variouscountries as well as different regions of theUnited States. But I am a Southerner atheart so I decided to settle down inColumbus where my parents grew up.

The Practice: I am a solo practitioner andhave had my own general practice inColumbus for 10 years.

The Hobbies: My hobbies include hunt-ing, fishing, and chasing our baby around.I do a lot more of the latter than the for-mer these days.

District Challenge: The biggest chal-lenge our district faces on a continuingbasis is participation, or the lack thereof.Our greatest strength is also our biggestweakness, and that is the size of our mem-bership. We are the smallest district in theGDA with under 200 members. We knoweach other better than most of the otherdistricts but sometimes getting everyone toparticipate can be a challenge.

District Asset: Right now our strongestasset is our core of present and past offi-cers. We have a great group of former dis-trict officers who are always there to helpand give advice when it is needed.

Looking Forward: I am looking forwardto getting our district members togethermore often this year. I hope to see every-one at our two continuing education cours-es this fall. On September 26 we are hold-ing a course on embezzlement prevention,and October 10 we are featuring an OSHA

LEADERSContinued from page 21



update course. Our Christmas party willreturn to The Big Eddy Club in Columbusthis year on December 5 and I hope wesee a big turnout. Our LAW Day date isFebruary 26 right in the middle of thelegislative session, so our attendees shouldhave an interesting time.

GDA Alliance Mrs. Janelle Kauffman

The Family and The Practice: I grew upin Wichita, Kansas. A lot of my family stillresides in that area, so I am out thereabout every other month dealing with thejourney of aging parents and other family.Thom (Dr. Thom Kauffman) graduatedfrom Loyola Dental School in Chicago andcompleted his residency in the Army. Hispractice has always been in downtownAtlanta. He is completely immersed innew technology. I keep looking for someslight sign of slowing his pace down butthat has not happened. We have fourchildren, all busy doing their thing. Ourfour grandchildren are our pride and joy atthis time. Our little dogs Biffy and Gracieare often mistaken as our children.

The Hobbies: I love gardening, decorating,good books, antiques, movies, and most ofall time with family and friends. I can befound most any early morning in our yardchecking on the plants.

Alliance Challenge: I think our biggestchallenge is keeping the organizationstrong and active. Membership is crucial.Everybody’s time is valuable and their pri-orities differ. Our lives today are so busyand obligated.

Alliance Challenge: Our strongest assetis our ability to work together for thecommon good of dentistry. The fabulousfriendships we make along the way suredon’t hurt. Getting involved makes it allhappen!

Looking Forward: We have a lot of greatevents planned for the fall and winter. Weoffer members a chance to get together onOctober 3 for a tour of the BotanicalGardens and lunch at the Ansley CountryClub. Our annual Wellness Retreat isNovember 15-17 at the James Madison Innin Madison. There are registration formson our web site www.gdaalliance.com.



Little did I know when I became GDAVice President what might be the mainemphasis of my term as President. As amatter of fact, I did not know that less thana month before I took office the emphasiswould change so drastically. But here weare as Martha Phillips retires and theGDA is about to embark on a new andchallenging trail.

Our executive director searchcommittee is now in place, headed by ournewest Past President Dr. Sidney Tourial.The committee will conduct a nationalsearch until a new executive director canbe voted on. We can never “replace”Martha or what she has done for the GDA,but your leadership will strive to find thebest qualified applicant to complement theoutstanding staff Martha has built at theGDA office. This monumental process willcertainly take time—not weeks, for sure,nor years, but most likely months. We willmost assuredly keep you all well-informedduring the process.

In the coming months we will alsoface other challenges. Others may feel thatwithout an executive director we are in aweakened position. I warn them that theGDA is as strong as ever, and it would be amistake to make such an assumption. Wewill continue to protect the patients ofGeorgia and the dedicated professionalswho serve them. If challenged, we willrespond, just as we always have, notmissing a beat. This is why I felt that mytheme should be to build on the theme ofPresident Tourial, “Because TOGETHERwe are diverse, TOGETHER we arestrong, TOGETHER are ONE GDA!”

In May, citing “a disturbing dentaldivide in America,” the ADA launchedAction for Dental Health, a nationalcampaign to reduce the number of

adults and children with untreated dentaldisease. This campaign is designed toaddress the dental health crisis in three areas:providing care NOW to people sufferingwith untreated disease, strengthening andexpanding the public / private safety net,and bringing dental health education anddisease prevention into more communities.In Georgia, the results of the workforcecensus commissioned by the GDA foundwhat we already suspected. Georgia hasenough dentists to serve the state, but manyof our citizens aren’t taking advantage ofthe adequate supply of dentists andaccessing needed care. When you seewithin the census that only 19 privatepractice dentists cannot take new patients,and 43% of public health districts aren’tbusy because patients don’t show up forappointments, then it’s obvious that there

isn’t a lack of dentists. There is a lackof demand!

So, how do we marry the results of ourcensus with the ADA’s campaign? I believewe continue our efforts to educate patientsand continue our initiatives to addressaccess to care, such as referral and educationprograms for patients seen in emergencyroom settings, encouraging legislators topass bills that provide incentives topractitioners who practice in underservedareas, and encouraging legislators to structureMedicaid and PeachCare programs tomake it easier for dentists to participate.

GDA dentists do their part! Justwitness GMOM 2013 where we treatedthousands of patients over two days, or theGive Kids a Smile Day events held everyyear throughout the state. The GDA isleading in many of the areas that the ADA

Dr. Marshall Mann Discusses Association Strengths in Acceptance Speech

Dr. Marshall Mann prepares to give his presidential acceptance speech on July 24 atthe GDA Annual Meeting.



identified as goals in their Action forDental Health campaign. We will not rest,we will continue to lead!

I would like to conclude by offeringsome thanks. When you mention mentors,I have a long list. Howard Jones, Ty Ivey,Nelson Conger, Mike Rainwater, JohnFreihaut, Mark Ritz … the list could go on.To all of our Northwestern District memberswho lend their talents, time, and advice, Ithank you. To my partner Jason Oyler,thank you for the understanding andpatience it takes from a practice standpointto become involved. But I need toacknowledge one special mentor. RussellRagsdale from Rome, and the 109th GDAPresident, took me under his wing when Ireturned to my hometown to begin mypractice. I remember the first time hepicked me up to take me to the legislative“fish fry” that was held at that time at RedTop Mountain State Park near Cartersville.Russ retired into my practice a few yearslater and always reminded me of the obli-gation we have as members to be active inour Association and continue the work ofprotecting the patients of Georgia, our pro-fession, and our educational and profes-sional standards. Russ is no longer with us,

but I hope that his lesson will always be abeacon to us and lead us to encourage oth-ers to join in our efforts for the bettermentof the GDA and the patients we serve.

I can’t let this moment go without acouple more thank yous. First, to my bestfriend and companion, my wife Leanne.You haven’t been with me for this entirejourney, but you have supported mefaithfully and always kept me from takingmyself too seriously. I love you with all my

heart and half my liver. One last thank yougoes to Martha Phillips. Your counsel, andthe special way you have to make sure theGDA always stays the course will surely bemissed. It must be hard to guide and directa new president every year, but you did itseamlessly, never lecturing but alwaysshepherding. The GDA will always begrateful for your leadership!

Thank you all. I am truly humbled tobe your President!

Others may feel that without an executive director we arein a weakened position. I warn them that the GDA is asstrong as ever, and it would be a mistake to make such anassumption. We will continue to protect the patients ofGeorgia and the dedicated professionals who servethem. If challenged, we will respond, just as we alwayshave, not missing a beat. This is why I felt that my themeshould be to build on the theme of President Tourial,“Because TOGETHER we are diverse, TOGETHER weare strong, TOGETHER are ONE GDA.



Each year at the Annual Meeting, the Georgia Dental Associationrecognizes a select group of dentists for their distinguished serviceto the Association by naming them as Honorable Fellows. Tobecome an Honorable Fellow, a dentist must in addition to theirGDA and district service also demonstrate integrity, honesty ofpurpose, and adherence to the Code of Ethics of the ADA; beactively involved in their community; and be an Associationmember for 10 or more consecutive years. This award is one of thehighest that the GDA can bestow. Congratulations to these GDAFellows for their recognition.

Donald F. Brown, DDSDr. Brown graduated from the EmoryUniversity School of Dentistry andpractices in Atlanta. He currentlyserves as Vice President for theNorthern District, and has served asa Northern District Delegate to theGDA House of Delegates. He is amember of the Northern DistrictExecutive Council. He has volun-teered as the Prosthetic Lead forthe Georgia Mission of Mercy in2011 and 2013.

A. Stuart Loos, DDSDr. Loos is a graduate of the EmoryUniversity School of Dentistry, andcompleted his orthodontic residencyat Howard University. He operatesa specialty dental practice in Canton.He has held numerous volunteerroles at the Northwestern Districtlevel, including serving as a districtAlternate Delegate to the GDAHouse of Delegates. He currentlyserves as Vice President for theNorthwestern District. He is a past

Tennis Chairman at the GDA Annual Meeting.

Alston Jay McCaslin VI, DMDDr. McCaslin, a practicing pediatricdentist in Savannah, graduated fromUniversity of Kentucky Lexingtondental school and received his Certificatein Pediatric Dentistry from the MedicalCollege of Georgia. He is a pastpresident of the Southeastern Districtand served as a district Delegateand Alternate Delegate to the GDAHouse of Delegates. He served formultiple years as the GDA Councilon Dental Health Children’s DentalHealth Month Liaison.

Erik H. Wells, DMDDr. Wells currently practices generaldentistry in Athens in the EasternDistrict. He received his dentaldegree from the Medical College ofGeorgia. He is a past president ofhis district and currently serves asthe district’s Trustee on the GDABoard of Trustees. He is a sittingmember of the GDA Finance andWorkforce committees and serves asthe Information Technology Liaison onthe GDA Public Relations Committee.

Michael M.Wright, DMDDr. Wright received his dentaldegree from the University of MissouriKansas City and completed a residencyin Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery atMetroHealth Medical Center inOhio. He obtained his MD degreefrom the Mercer University Schoolof Medicine in Macon and currentlypractices as an oral surgeon inMacon. He has served as a pastpresident of the Central District and

on the district’s Executive Committee, as a Delegate and AlternateDelegate to the GDA House of Delegates, and on the GDA Boardof Trustees when he was Central District President Elect.

GDA Honorable FellowshipAwarded for DistinguishedAssociation Service


Association Honors GeorgiaDentists for OutstandingCommunity ServiceThe GDA established the Community Service Award to recognizemember dentists who distinguish themselves by extraordinaryservice to the quality of life and health of persons in the local, state,national, or international community via dentistry. The intent is tohonor members whose volunteer commitments reflect well on theAssociation and raise the profile of all dentists. The GDA waspleased during the Annual Meeting to honor Dr. Richard Bennettof Northern District and Dr. John Peacock of the NorthwesternDistrict as Community Service ambassadors.

Dr. Richard BennettThe Good News Clinics, a charitable organization that provides awide range of free health care services to the underserved anduninsured residents of Hall County, is the lucky recipient of Dr.Bennett’s staunch support. Volunteers at the Green Warren DentalClinic within the Good News Clinics provide acute dental care,prevention and nutrition education, and cleanings and examinations.

After starting as a Green Warren volunteer dentist, Dr. Bennettbecame so passionate about the services the clinic provided to indigentGeorgians that he recruited several additional volunteer dentists todonate their time, including the dentists who became part of hispractice. “He is so effective at recruitment that I cannot think of adentist in Gainesville that does not volunteer at Good News,” saidcolleague Dr. Ben Hawkins.

Dr. Bennett was selected to serve on the Good News Clinics’Board of Directors and became board president in 2008. Under hisleadership the Good News Clinics have grown exponentially andnow provide more than 17,000 patient visits per year. The clinicshave received numerous awards during his tenure and serve as anational model for charitable health care operations.

“He feels strongly that the success of GNC can be replicatedin other communities to address the growing number of uninsuredin our nation,” said Cheryl Christian, Good News Clinics’ executivedirector. “Dr. Bennett is truly a role model for dentists.”

A native of Jesup, Georgia, Dr. Bennett graduated fromGeorgia Southern University and received a DMD degree fromthe Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry. After hisgraduation from dental school in 1998, Dr. Bennett establishedBennett Family Dentistry in Gainesville. In 2011, GovernorNathan Deal appointed Dr. Bennett to the Georgia Board ofDentistry. He currently serves as president of the Board.

Dr. John PeacockDr. Peacock has taken part in a multitudeof volunteer efforts with the 14,000-member First Baptist Church of Woodstock(FBCW), the Georgia Mission ofMercy (GMOM), and the GeorgiaBaptist Mobile Health Ministry. Hehas served with the FBCW’s Medical,Dental, and Vision Team since 2005,and participated in numerous healthmission trips to Honduras, El Salvador,and Puerto Rico as part of that team.He has volunteered with the GeorgiaBaptist Mobile Health Ministry since1994 and annually conducts multiplehealth service projects with that group,reaching out to disparate groups suchas migrant laborers and carnival workers.

As the Facilities Chairman for theGeorgia Mission of Mercy in 2011, hesecured the FBCW campus to host thehuge clinic, encouraged his fellowchurch members to volunteer, and worked tirelessly to coordinatehundreds of setup and breakdown details. He also served asMedical Chair for GMOM 2013. Dr. Peacock provided charitabledental care and recruited other volunteer dentists as part of theFBCW’s LoveLoud community outreach program for five years,and regularly provides charitable care within his office.

“John has been a role model and a quietly modest one as hehas enriched lives in Woodstock, Georgia, and internationally,” saiddistrict Past President Dr. Terry O’Shea. “He has been a greatambassador for dentists’ public image. John has encouraged,cajoled, and motivated many other dentists to get involved in projectsin the community. He thinks we are all afraid of a phone call fromhim because he will be begging us to help.”

Dr. Peacock graduated from North Georgia College in 1969,and received his dental degree from Emory University in 1973. Heserved in the U.S. Navy from 1973-75, and after his term of activeduty service established a private practice in Woodstock in 1975.


President Dr. Sidney Tourial presents Dr. Bennett with hisCommunity Service award during the 2013 Annual Meeting.

GDA Community Serviceaward recipient Dr. JohnPeacock has served inmultiple dental volunteerroles, including with theGeorgia Mission of Mercyin 2011 and 2013.



The GDA recognizes membership milestones and other member achievements during the Awards and Installation Breakfast dur-ing each Annual Meeting. Congratulations to these dentists for their service and hard work!

Committee Chairof the YearDr. Matt Mazzawi2013 Annual MeetingCommittee

PresidentialCommendationDr. Richard A. Smith

Presidential CitationMrs. Susan Tourial

Legislator of the YearState Rep. Lee Hawkins

GDA / ASDA AwardsDr. Connie Drisko2013 Outstanding GRUFaculty Member

Shiven Gandhi2013 Outstanding GRUStudent Member

State Presidential TermsDr. Sidney Tourial GDA President 2012-13

Mrs. Tammy FussellAlliance President 2012-13

RetirementsMrs. Martha PhillipsGDA Staff 1977-2013

Dr. Connie DriskoDental Dean 2003-2013

GDA 25-YearMembers

Central DistrictDr. Sidney BaggettDr. Jonathan GriggsDr. Jay HarringtonDr. David MagusiakDr. Deena Smith

Eastern DistrictDr. Jeffrey DentDr. Joseph DromskyDr. Ralph JacksonDr. Julie MarshallDr. Frederick Rueggeberg

Northern DistrictDr. Gary BartholomewDr. Gale Clarida Dr. Gregg CodelliDr. Sidney GallowayDr. Darrel GilbertDr. Robert GoldenDr. Mark HastingsDr. Fred Hedrick Jr.Dr. Kiran KamdarDr. Debra KingDr. Richard MajeskaDr. Gregory MarksDr. Robert MarshallDr. George MichaelsDr. Robert O’DonnellDr. David PearsonDr. Michael RagoneDr. Fred Simonton IIIDr. Larry SweetingDr. Peter VanstromDr. Matt Walton

Northwestern DistrictDr. David BuranDr. Michael HowardDr. Jeff KincaidDr. Parvin Ledford Jr.Dr. Holly MarkwordtDr. William McLendonDr. Gerald SmithDr. John Walton

GDA 50-YearMembers

Central DistrictDr. Charles Lewis II

Eastern DistrictDr. Joe CampbellDr. Jerry Crawford

Northern DistrictDr. Allen BlassDr. Hal Raper Jr.Dr. George Slappey Jr.Dr. William Stiefel Jr.Dr. William Wall Jr.

Northwestern DistrictDr. Roger HajosyDr. Lyndon HarderDr. Thomas PickronDr. Robert Tilley

Southeastern DistrictDr. Leon AronsonDr. Jackson ProctorDr. William Ray Jr.

Southwestern DistrictDr. William H. ChittyDr. William E. GandyDr. Jack H. Leverett Sr.

Western DistrictDr. Cephas V. Thomason III

ADA Life Members

Central DistrictDr. John BowmanDr. Lee GodfreyDr. Harold HickamDr. Thomas MaxwellDr. Richard MixonDr. Robert Vedder

Eastern DistrictDr. Steven AdairDr. Andrew AllgoodDr. Randan AshmoreDr Marion Durst IIIDr. Phillip MillerDr. Barrett TrotterDr. Joseph Wilbanks

Northern DistrictDr. James Anderson Jr.Dr. Melvin BakerDr. David BordeauxDr. Donald BrownDr. Jeffrey CarstensDr. Robert CookDr. Robert EllisDr. Harold Fountain Jr.Dr. Peter HellerDr. Durwood Johnson Jr.Dr. George QuinteroDr. Marion Stafford

Northwestern DistrictDr. Page BardenDr. Joseph DufresneDr. Carl LevittDr. Joe MosesDr. Carl Peterson Jr.Dr. Gerald SamsonDr. Barry StaceyDr. James ToddDr. Harold WoodallDr. Russell Wright

Southeastern DistrictDr. Thomas GrahamDr. Celestino Perez

Southwestern DistrictDr. Robert ParrishDr. Larry PerkinsDr. Ralph ProenzaDr. John Roan

Western DistrictDr. Thomas IsaacDr. Cecil Myers Jr.

GDA Members Celebrate Milestones



GDA Annual Meeting Photo Look Back: See More Photos at GADENTAL.ORG

Dr. Lee Hawkins receives the GDALegislator of the Year award fromPresident Sidney Tourial for hiswork on the bill that moved theGeorgia Board of Dentistry awayfrom the Secretary of State’s office.

Carolyne Witson and MiaBhasin with some of theprizes available on FamilyFun Night.

Dr. Kara and Geoffrey Moore, Drs. Amy and Mike Loden, and Drs. Katie andCameron Garvin at the GDA Volunteer Party.

Dr. Lee and Alison Andrews with their children Katie,Kelly, Lauren, and Noah and other eager Family FunNight ticket holders.

Dr. Sidney and Susan Tourial, Dr. Donnie and FranBrown, and Volunteer Party chairman Dr. RichardSugarman on their way to the party.

Dr. Ryan Vaughn, Dr. David Allen, and Dr. ThomKauffman at the GDA Volunteer Party.

Dr. Mike Vernon (but more especially DebbieVernon) happy with their GDIS door prize in theGDA Exhibit Hall.

Dr. John Johnson of SoutheasternDistrict listens during the GDAHouse of Delegates.

Dr. Doug and Debbie Torbushwith proof everyone has fun onFamily Fun Night!



Alliance President Tammy Fussell with husbandDr. Timothy Fussell, daughter Rachel, and familyfriend KC Smith.

Dr. Donald and Carrie Nelson and Dr. Craig andKathy Taylor at the GDA Volunteer Party.

Dr. Troy and Robanne Schulman with children Eastonand Kennedy and grandparents Rose and Bob at theFamily Fun Night Dr. Schulman chaired.

General Chairman Dr. Matt and LeanneMazzawi and President’s Party chair Dr. EvisBabo and husband Stephen Weizenecker.

Dr. Bobby and Tish Shirleydancing to Yacht Rock Revueduring the President’s Party.

Dr. Jay Phillips was a star onFamily Fun Night during theKen Scott Magic Show.

Drs. Richard and Becky Weinman andDr. Chris and Helen Adkins at the GDAVolunteer Party.

Dr. Katie Garvin, Dr. Brook Corbett,and Dr. Kristen McDonald at thePresident’s Party.

Alliance dental spouse members ready to have fun at the President’s Party.

Retiring Executive Director Martha Phillips with 14 GDA Past Presidentsat the Volunteer Party at the GDA Annual Meeting. The presidents, lowerrow: Drs. Leon Aronson, Ed Green, Don Johnson, Jay Harrington, DonnaThomas Moses, Sidney Tourial, David Allen, Richard Smith, and upperrow: Mike Rogers, Mike Vernon, Lee Hawkins, Richard Weinman, JimHall, and Ty Ivey.



Dental Related ServicesFor Sale: E4D Crown Milling Machine, likeNew, $80K, Awesome Deal! Call Dr. WillMiles for additional details. (229) 344-5636.

Dentists Availablefor Locum TenensDentist will fill in for illness, vacation, orcontinuing education. Licensed, insured,DEA #, call (404) 786-0229 or [email protected].

DENTIST: Need Part Time Fill In?Vacation, Illness, Maternity? GENERALDENTIST SOLD LONG ESTABLISHEDPRACTICE. GA & DEA LICENSED.(Available Expanded Atlanta Area.) 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.

Positions AvailableBusy, established practice in theGrayson area is seeking an experiencedfull-time general dentist to join our team.Excellent location in a fast growing area witha dedicated staff. Must be able to do molarroot canals. Call (770) 831-6602 or fax CV to(770) 831-6608.

CLASSIFIEDSContinued on page 34

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.



Pediatric Dentist needed including hos-pital and sedation care for practiceslocated in Atlanta or Greensboro, GA.Greensboro office is a NHSC Site for a scholarHPSA Score 17. Full-time employment,medical benefits, and paid vacation available.Fax resumes to (404) 349-8459 or Email resumesto [email protected] additional information please contactJackie Williams at (404)671-3802.

Part-Time or Full-Time AssociateDentist Needed: Well-respected, quality-oriented, successful, fun, general practicewith several locations in the greater Atlantaarea looking for a full-time or part-time gen-eral dentist. We are seeking a personable,motivated general dentist to join our practicefamily. This opportunity can transition into afull-time position with potential partnershipopportunities for the right candidate. Weoffer excellent compensation and growthopportunities. Interested professionals mayemail their CV to Karen Dawson-Davis [email protected].

Dentist Opportunities: Copperhill, TN /McCaysville, GA. Dental Partners is one ofthe fastest growing family dental practicegroups in the Southeast. We give you theability to focus on patient care while earninga base of $125K-$200K and the opportunityto earn more based on production. Benefitspackage of medical / vision / life / FSA, 401K,professional liability, and yearly CE allowance.Relocation and student loan repaymentassistance program available. Email resumeto [email protected] or callAshley Reimiller, Director of PeopleDevelopment, (321) 574-8003.

Expanding Pediatric Dental GroupSeeking Dentists for our Atlanta-BasedPractices! Large and collegial dental groupin the Atlanta region seeking GENERALDentists for growth & expansion. Brandnew, state-of-the-art facilities (fully digital),clinical autonomy, advanced technology, &well-trained administrative support are a fewbenefits this opportunity has to offer.Compensation is in the 80% of MGMA.Offer will include comprehensive benefitspackage including PTO and sign-on bonus.Full and / or part-time positions available. Newgrads welcome to apply. Please email coverletter and CV to [email protected]. Youcan visit us on the web at www.tebodental.com.

Specialist or General Dentist for ourAtlanta-Based Practices—Endo / PerioPreferred! Large and collegial dental groupin the Atlanta region seeking Endo / PerioDentists for growth & expansion. Brandnew, state-of-the-art facilities (fully digital),clinical autonomy, advanced technology, &well-trained administrative support are a fewbenefits this opportunity has to offer.Compensation is in the 80% of MGMA. Thisis a part-time position that requires travelingbetween 2 office locations. Please email coverletter and CV to [email protected]. You canvisit us on the web at www.tebodental.com.

Dentist opportunities North Georgia:Dental Partners is one of the fastest growingfamily dental practice groups in theSoutheast and is seeking dentists for PT orFT opportunities in Georgia and Tennessee.Flexible days / hours and competitive payplus benefits. Call or email Ashley Reimiller,Director of People Development, (321) 574-8003 or [email protected] site: www.dental-partners.com.

Part-Time Associate needed for fast grow-ing general, private practice in Kennesaw /Acworth area. 2-3 days per week. Fee forservice—all digital office. Please send CV [email protected].

CLASSIFIEDSContinued from page 33



Dentist: Need part-time Oral Surgeonand Endodontist. Very friendly office, goodcompensation. Please call (678) 620-5001 oremail [email protected] for more information.

We are growing and need to add anotherGeneral Dentist to our team! If you arelooking to work in a fun, fast-paced andfinancially rewarding environment … let usknow! We are an established practice in thenorthern suburbs averaging 60+ new patientsper month. 8 ops available and we offer a full rangeof services to our patients. New grads welcome.Mentoring and training available. Please emailresumes to: [email protected].

Large dental practice is looking forcomprehensive, experienced, patient-centered, and motivated general dentistto join our practice located in Sugar Hill, GA.We are a well-established, growing familypractice with a steady flow of new patients.Practice is fully digital and features CERECCAD / CAM technology. FFS and PPO patientbase. High earning potential for a motivateddentist. Interested professionals may email theirCV to [email protected] phone inquires please.




Coast Dental is one of the largestproviders of general and specialty dentalcare in the United States with practices inCalifornia, Florida, Georgia, Nevada, andTexas. Coast Dental is currently looking for GeneralDentists and Specialist to practice in thegreater Atlanta area. We have full and part-timeopportunities available for experienceddentists to practice where contributions arevalued and the sky is the limit on opportunitiesto grow. Coast Dental offers competitivewages with sign-on bonuses available forselect locations, a great benefits package anda chance to work with advanced technology anddevoted people who take a visionary approachto making every patient’s smile a work of art. Ifyou are interested in an opportunity inone of our practices, please email [email protected] or apply online athttp://www.coastdental.com/careers/dentists.

General Dentist Needed: LaGrange,GA. We are looking for a General Dentist tojoin our team in a part-time position. Wepractice a wide range of dental procedures.Please email resume to: [email protected] fax to: (706) 885-9940.

GEORGIA—ATLANTA. Multiple pediatricdental offices in Metro Atlanta are seekingpediatric dentist and general dentist to workin an extremely successful, expanding business.We offer a team motivated working environmentand a competitive salary. We believe in a highlevel of patient and parent education andmaking sure that children have an excellentdental experience at each visit. Our practiceprovides all levels of care, including oralsedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesiaat local hospitals. Candidate must have excellentcommunication skills, be enthusiastic andmotivated. For more information please call(678) 923-4466 or email [email protected]. Visit our web site atwww.dentistry4children.com.

Part-time Associate Dentist Needed: Wehave an outstanding part-time opportunity fora general dentist in our successful, well respected,quality oriented private dental practice in theAlpharetta / Milton area. We are seeking a special,motivated, personable general dentist to join ourpractice. This opportunity can transition into a full-time position with potential partnershipopportunities for the right candidate. We offerexcellent compensation and benefits. Foradditional information, please contact Ms. Moseleyat (678) 735-4590 or at [email protected].

Practices /Office Space AvailableNorth Georgia: Long-establishedpredominately fee-for-service practiceavailable for purchase. Practice collectsapproximately $800K annually on 15-16 daysper month. Four treatment ops, 1 hygieneop, and 1 additional plumbed. Office is 2300’with a 1500’ upstairs apartment. EasyDental, 5 stations. 19 new patients permonth, refers out implant placement, perio,ortho. Practice located in historic district ofdowntown. For information, contact Dr.David Griggs at [email protected] or(727) 593-5852.

Dental Space Available! Duluth, GA—Already built-out and plumbed with dentalequipment! Convenient location located offSugarloaf Parkway near I-85. Built in 2007,3-6 operatories, sterilization, consultationroom, kitchen, front office, and private doc-tor office. Split design dental space. Perfectfor new dentist or specialist satellite office.Upscale building in a high growth area withexcellent demographics. Move in ready!Contact Aubrey Scher at (404) 384-8800.





Practices for Sale: ATLANTA ORALSURGERY #8887—Gross Collections$895K; COLUMBUS AREA #8824—GrossCollections $389K; ATLANTA PERIO#5241—Gross Collections 1.3M; ATLANTA/ DUNWOODY AREA ORAL SURGEONASSOCIATE #8887—Board certified / eligi-ble OMS needed immediately; SUBURBANATLANTA ASSOCIATE NEEDED #8832;WEST GA PEDIATRIC ASSOCIATENEEDED #8906; NORTH GEORGIAMOUNTAINS ASSOCIATE NEEDED#8884; NORCROSS DENTAL OFFICEFOR SALE #8816—1750 sq. ft. + 600 sq. ft.condo collecting $500 per month. For moreinformation, call Dr. Earl Douglas (770) 664-1982 or email [email protected].

DEKALB COUNTY.Extremely well establishedFFS practice. Four ops equipped (can addanother). Collecting $400K plus can be easilygrown. Terrific opportunity! Please call oremail for details using reference #GA1038.For more information call (678) 482-7305,email [email protected], orvisit www.southeasttransitions.com.

DALTON AREA. 6 operatory general practicewith room to expand! Building also for sale.Must sell quickly! Please call or email fordetails using reference #GA1037. Formore information call (678) 482-7305, [email protected], or visitwww.southeasttransitions.com.

Dental Space for Specialist in GreaterAtlanta! Stockbridge, Fayetteville, Duluth,Dunwoody, Woodstock, Stone Mtn, andRiverdale locations. Ideal for PediatricDentist, Periodontist, Endodontist, or OralSurgeon looking to add satellite location ornew startup. Already plumbed & fullyequipped with 5 operatories and room for2-3 more. Save time & build-out costs!Contact us at: [email protected].

Specialists: Opportunity for Oral Surgeon,Pedodontist, Implantologist, Periodontist,Endodontist, or other specialist to build yourown practice in beautiful North Georgia Tri-State area. General dentist has space for youto start your practice and then expand withyour business growth. Ideal for recent gradu-ate starting your new practice or establishedspecialist wanting to create a satellite office.Call Randy to discuss details: (706) 745-6848.



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

www.gadental.org

ACTIONInside This Issue

• Honorable Fellows Recognized for Distinguished Service

• Rural Dental Health Scrutinizedat Legislative Conference

DATED MATERIALPLEASE DELIVER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE


gda action september 2013

Documents

atlanta dental imaging

rural dental health

pm page

national practice transitions

medical protective

cbc bank

peachtree dunwoody rd

year24 mann