january 2010 nugget

January 2010

dental economicsInside:What is the economy’s impact on dentistry? What can you do?PLUS: Welcome, 2010 Executive Committee & Board of Directors!

general meetingJanuary 12, 2010

more events!coming in march 2010

HR audio conferenceJanuary 20, 2010

don’t miss tHese upcoming events!

Oral Cavity… Gateway tO Oral HealtH & Disease — Oral & systemiC COnneCtiOn

Presented by: Bill Carpenter, DDS MS Cy Carpenter, MD

COurse ObjeCtives:• Understandthecurrentstateofevidenceoftheoralsystemicconnection.

• Understandriskassessmentandpersonalizingthisinformationforyourpatients.

• Identifyopportunitiestoeducateyourpatientsaboutthisoralsystemicconnection.

6:00pm–9:00pm • 3 ceu, cat ISacramento hilton — arden WeSt

march 9: general meetingtransferrinG patient CarePresented by: William Van Dyk, DDS

march 19: continuing educationmini-implants fOr tHe GpPresented by: Raymond Choi, DDS

march 25: member ForumGearinG yOur praCtiCe fOr tHe reCOveryPresented by: Chris Bell, CPA

2010 HanDbOOk upDate & labOr law

Presented by: CA Employers Association

CHanGe yOur emplOyee HanDbOOk… it’s tHe law!

Get the latest and most updated lawchanges and legal information thatneeds tobe included in your employeehandbook.Youremployeehandbookistheemployer’smostvaluableandprotectivetoolintheoffice.Updateyourstoday!

If you do not yet have an employeehandbook in place, samples (inWordformat) will be available for purchaseandcustomization.

emplOyment law

Discussed in this classwill be changesthat will affect employers in 2010 —new laws and issues such as equalemployment opportunity, wage andhour,discrimination, leavesofabsenceandprotectedgeneticinformation.NewlawswillbeineffectasofJanuary2010!This up-to-the-minute and interactiveprogram will cover everything theemployerneedstobepreparedforthenewCalifornialaborlawsinfor2010.

NooN–1:00pm • 1 ceu, cat IIin your oWn oFFice!

HygIEnE nIgHt!

need more info?vIsITWWW.sDDs.orG&ClICkoNTheCe/member eventsbUTToN

November 2007 | 3www.sdds.org

THE NUGGETJanuary 2010

Volume 56, number 1

FEatUrES7 Surviving & Succeeding Through Economic Uncertainty

Amy Morgan (CEO, Pride Institute)

8 You Think Business is Slow Now? Guy Acheson, DDS, MAGD

9 Energizing Your Practice Through Advanced Education Edwin Sims, DDS

SPECIaLS13 1,340,000 Reasons to Pursue Sedation Dentistry Training Heather Victorn

(Marketing — Writing Specialist, DOCS Education)

15 Water Conservation William Marble, DDS

20–21 Welcome 2010 SDDS Executive Committee & Board of Directors!

25 2010 MidWinter Update

rEgULarS4 President’s Message5 From the Editor’s Desk6 Cathy’s Corner17 Foundation Update22 YOU: The Dentist… the Employer23 Abstracts26 Vendor Member Spotlights27 Vendor Members28 Advertiser Index29 Committee Corner30 We’re Blowing Your Horn!31–32 Membership Update33 Link of the Month34 Event Highlights35 Classified Ads36 SDDS Calendar of Events

table of contents

January 2010 | 3

The NuggeT IS a 2007 IntErnatIonaL CoLLEgE oF DEntIStS JoUrnaLISm aWarD WInnEr In tHrEE CatEgorIES:

Golden Pen Honorable mention award

outstandinG CoVer award

oVerall newsletter award

* featured on cover

4 | The Nugget Sacramento District Dental Society

talented job prospects. Last year’s dismal dental equipment sale figures, afford us this year’s equipment buying opportunity.

Psychologists warn us that depression is contagious; if you hang around depressed people, chances are that you will become depressed. Fortunately, the reverse of this corollary is also true: optimism can be contagious too. Most of our savvy dental entrepreneurs already have an optimistic bias. The longer they are in practice, the more likely they have seen the ups and downs of the business cycle. Things do get better and prudent optimism pays big emotional and professional dividends.

What applies to our business life also applies to our professional association as well.

I am optimistic that SDDS will continue in 2010 to be a valuable resource for the practicing dentist. Information in good financial times or in bad financial times is a key asset and SDDS is an excellent source for information. We all need CE units to keep our licenses current and our skills state of the art, and SDDS continues to offer a wealth of

Consider the joy and celebration that the first day of January brings. This day, like none other, officially offers an opportunity to start anew. It presents a trifecta of promise: a new day, a new month, a new year, and if that’s not enough to infuse our spirit with hope, it also means a day off for most of us. So in keeping with this calendar induced feeling of confidence, let my first President’s Message to my colleagues be: 2010 is going to be a good year!

Even if we begin building this case for optimism with, admittedly, Business Week’s less than ringing endorsement that it can’t get much worse, I’ll take it. Last year’s downturn offered an opportunity for many businesses, including dentistry, to redirect our energy toward core services and customer services. Providing the nuts and bolts, or is it the composites and crowns, of dentistry with consistent quality, on time delivery and with an open attitude toward our patients’ concerns builds trust, enhances care and increases profits. Last year’s terrible increase in unemployment caused much suffering that I don’t intend to trivialize; but it also provides this year’s expanding dental practices a wealth of

President’smessageWHat a DIFFErEnCE a Day Can makE

classes locally at reasonable prices to meet these needs. Next month, the SDDS Midwinter Convention, “2010: A Dental Odyssey,” is a perfect example of what the future of dentistry will look like, as we explore together the universe of dental technology. How do the new digital radiographs compare? How good are digital impressions and Cad Cam milling machines? SDDS will have a variety of demonstrations and lectures to whet your appetite. Of course, SDDS provides valuable regulatory information to keep our practices in compliance with ever changing rules.

Networking is a business must. SDDS offers a variety of opportunities for getting better acquainted with dentists on the local level, the state level and even the national level. These opportunities have broadened my understanding of the dental profession, improved my knowledge of patient care and simply been a lot of fun.

You can see there is plenty to cheer about in 2010. We all have a choice. Let’s choose optimism and make 2010 the best year yet!

by Terrence W. Jones, DDS

When you are serious about selling your practice, contact PPS of The Great West. We are a no nonsense firm having anchored this activity since 1966. Our skills in listing and closing sales are legendary with most sales completed within 75-to-90 days after

our services have been engaged. Multiple Offers are typical, and everything is done from a “risk management” perspective

to protect our client, the Seller. Our marketing and sales success is simply the best in the business. See what your colleagues have to say at www.PPSsellsDDS.com under Testimonials.

Selling Dental Practices is what PPS of The Great West Does

1.800.422.2818 • www.PPSsellsDDS.com • [email protected]

OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS, THE FOLLOWING SACRAMENTO DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY AREA DENTISTS ARE PLEASED THEY ENGAGED THE SERVICES OF PPS OF THE GREAT WEST:

Warren McWilliams, DDS, Carmichael

Radek Peliks, DDS, El Dorado Hills

Antonella Rashidi, DMD, El Dorado Hills

Phuong-Lien Ngo, DDS, Folsom

James Aubrey, DDS, Elk Grove

Robert Starr, DDS, Midtown

Gllbert Larsen, DDS, Placerville

Michael Matus, DDS, Pollock Pines

Robert Church, DDS, Sacramento

Grant Staley, DDS, Sacramento

Gregory Tinloy, DDS, Sacramento

May Yue, DDS, Sacramento

Donald MacDonald, DMD, Uptown

Robert Hune, DDS, West Sacramento

IT DOES NOT COST MORE TO ENGAGE THE BEST!In fact, it costs far less when you consider the value of your time, your desire to move on in

your life and having the assurance that everything was done to protect your interests!

www.sdds.org January 2010 | 5

Fifteen years ago, I “retired” from solo private practice and took a full-time position with the division of Delta Dental that administers California’s welfare program. Inasmuch as that endeavor involved no interaction with Delta’s commercial enterprises, these remarks may be of no more than passing interest to those who have never treated DentiCal patients. Since I spent 14 ½ years with that division prior to finding myself in the vanguard of the great wave of dental consultant lay-offs in 2009, it should be noted that the job could not have been particularly onerous, and it wasn’t. I had the great good fortune to enjoy daily interaction with up to 30 or so dental colleagues and 75-80 or so former dental auxiliaries, most all of whom had a very strong ethical bias in favor of appropriate treatment plans, adequate treatment results, responsible patient behavior and conservative use of resources, particularly taxpayer monies. Those concerns were, apparently, not always shared by staff in the Department of Health Services.

A bit of relationship explanation: Delta does not own the DentiCal program; that position goes to the State of California. Consequently, it is, as I understand it, the job of the Department of Health Services to oversee the program, to set policy and guidelines, with input from other players including the legislature and the department’s own legal advisors. In practice, however, my apprehension was that most of the legwork was done by Delta staff. Those of us who processed prior authorizations and claims full time were guided by two very large loose leaf

from theeditor’s desknotES From tHE BELLy oF tHE BEaSt by James M. McNerney, DMD

binders (later digitalized), which addressed each and every procedure from apexification to x-rays that were benefits of the program; these addressed criteria for allowance and reasons for denial. During my tenure these references were essentially written by one very talented staff member after discussion with

various staff dentists including, particularly, our chief who was the primary point of contact with the DHS DentiCal department’s own dental consultants. Over 40 years ago when this relationship came into being, the writing of these documents may have been a more collaborative effort. Once the program was established, however, and frequent policy changes were necessary, it appeared as if, in most cases, state dentists would tell our chief what they wanted, our staff lady would re-write the manual and then send it up for State approval. Because State dental consultants never themselves processed pre-

auths and claims, most of the changes were first proposed by Delta dentists, then carried to State dentists for approval.

Periodic large policy changes occurred which had little to do with basic dentistry but much with the prevailing political climate. Generally, these seemed to occur when the federal government became critical (or was anticipated to become so) of the State’s running of the MediCal/DentiCal program. Access to care was a big concern. Reimbursement rates to healthcare providers have always been an impediment to participation. An excessive number of claim denials as experienced by a given dentist might prompt him or her to opt out of the program. We would become aware of these changes at consultant meetings when our chief might say something like: “The State wants us to be more provider-friendly. They’re getting too many complaints about root canals, so they want us to lighten up on those denials.” Interestingly enough, these “adjustments” were always verbal; I never once saw a written memo. What I found disturbing about that was that no paper trail ever led to the State personnel who were responsible for setting the parameters. This might all seem fair and reasonable but for some unique aspects of welfare healthcare. I used to say to colleagues: “If you could just spend a couple of hours with me, I’d show you things that you absolutely would not believe!” What sorts of things? Well, let’s see… there was the 70-plus year old Asian man with no evidence of interproximal caries who received at a single sitting occlusal amalgams in every one of his posterior teeth, including the third molars. There was the remarkable frequency of treatment plans for quadrants of root canals (pain in the area? Must be all bad!). There were innumerable treatment plans for wholesale replacement of all existing crowns due to “defective margins.” Now, does that mean it was all terrible? No, of course not. And we did have the advantage of ordering verification screening exams by

continued on page 23

Those of us who processed prior

authorizations and claims full time were guided by two very large loose-leaf binders (later digitized), which addressed each and every procedure.

From Dr. Bevan Richardson, Editor November 2009 Nugget…

“in the november issue of the Nugget, my editorial entitled ‘a license to steal’ prompted more phone calls and notes than i have ever received on any other topic in my 20 year history with the Nugget. if you have any opinions or comments on this topic, please send them as a letter to the editor and we will publish your comments. i think this topic merits more discussion!”


President — Terrence Jones, DDSImmediate Past President — Adrian Carrington, DDS

President Elect — Wai Chan, DDSTreasurer — Victor Hawkins, DDS

Secretary — Gary Ackerman, DDSEditor — James Musser, DDS

Executive Director — Cathy Levering

Amador — Dan Haberman, DDSEl Dorado — Carl Hillendahl, DDSPlacer — Matthew Comfort, DDS

Placer — Kenneth Moore, DDSSacramento — Craig Johnson, DDS

Sacramento — Jeffrey Rosa, DDSSacramento —Viren Patel, DDS

Sacramento —Brian Royse, DDSYolo — Kelly Giannetti, DDS, MS

Yolo — Kim Wallace, DDS

Kevin Keating, DDS, MSDonald Rollofson, DMD

CE: Jonathan Szymanowski, DMD, MMScCPR: Margaret Delmore, MD, DDS

Dental Health: Dean Ahmad, DDSEthics: Joseph Henneberry, III, DDS

Foundation: Kent Daft, DDSLeadership Development: Adrian Carrington, DDSLegislative: Mike Payne, DDS / Gabrielle Rasi, DDS

Membership: Jennifer Goss, DDSPeer Review: Bryan Judd, DDS / Brett Peterson, DDS

Dental Careers Workgroup: Robin Berrin, DDS Beverly Kodama, DDS

Budget & Finance Advisory: Victor Hawkins, DDSBylaws Advisory: Adrian Carrington, DDS

Fluoridation Advisory: Ken Moore, DDS / Kim Wallace, DDSForensics Advisory: George Gould, DDS

Strategic Planning Advisory: TBA

Golf Tournament: Damon Szymanowski, DMDSmiles for Kids: Donald Rollofson, DMD

SacPAC: Don Rollofson, DMD

cathy’scorner

JanUary…Time for resolutions, new plans, revitalization, reorganization, redirection and gratitude.

It’s also a time for rejuvenation and starting it all over again – for the better. 2009 was a challenging year in many ways for some of us; but, all in all, it was a good year. Sometimes, it seems, when we know the goin’ is getting a bit tough, we bear down and dig in to be preventative, cautious and … positive.

Some of us have experienced stock market worries, pension plan quarterly report denial, staff challenges, sickness and even the death of loved ones. In just our Board population alone, we have experienced eight deaths this year of a parent, best friend or loved one — this number is unusually greater than normal, for sure. But, as sad and painful as dealing with death is, it makes us realize what a family SDDS truly is.

We are always talking about “member benefit” here at SDDS. This is one of the unseen benefits. And we don’t advertise it. It’s just what being part of a family is. Whether a member is sick, injured (or pregnant!) and needs some help, the family is there to jump in. No questions; the family is just there.

So, as I reflect on the beginning of a new year, I am thankful that you all have brought me into this family. I thank you all for all that you do for the community and your profession. But, most of all, I thank you for what you do for each other.

My best,

SacraMeNTo DiSTricT DeNTal SocieTyAmador • El Dorado • Placer • Sacramento • Yolo

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Leadership

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ad hOC adVIsOryTask fOrCEsWOrkgrOUps

spECIal EVEnTs OThEr

Advertising rates and information are sent upon request. Acceptance of advertising in the Nugget in no way constitutes approval or endorsement by Sacramento District Dental Society

of products or services advertised. SDDS reserves the right to reject any advertisement.

The Nugget is an opinion and discussion magazine for SDDS membership. Opinions expressed by authors are their own, and not necessarily those of SDDS or the Nugget Editorial Board. SDDS reserves the right to edit all contributions

for clarity and length, as well as reject any material submitted.

The Nugget is published monthly (except bimonthly in June/July and Aug/Sept) by the SDDS, 915 28th Street, Sacramento, CA 95816 (916) 446-1211. Subscriptions are free to SDDS members, $50 per year for CDA/ADA members and $125 per year for non-

members for postage and handling. Third class postage paid at Sacramento, CA.

Postmaster: Send address changes to SDDS, 915 28th Street, Sacramento, CA 95816.

EDITORS EMERITuS: William Parker, DMD, MS, PhD • Bevan Richardson, DDS

sdds sTaffCathy leveringExecutive Director

della yee Program Manager/ Executive Assistant

Melissa Orth Publications Coordinator

lisa Murphy Member Liaison/ Peer Review Coordinator

Erin CastleberryMember Liaison/ Smiles for Kids Coordinator

Nugget EdITOrIal BOardJames Musser, dds

Editor

Paul Binon, DDS, MSDDavid Crippen, DDS

Donna Galante, DMDAlexander Malick, DMDJames McNerney, DMD

Paul Raskin, DDSChristy Rollofson, DDS

Sacramento District Dental Society

by cathy B. leveringsdds executive director


The conclusion we draw from these often conflicting calls is that dentistry continues to be financially secure (relatively speaking), because both functional and esthetic dentistry will always be wanted and needed by many people. Patients who desire either maintenance health care or ideal esthetic function and health will find the wherewithal to pay for their desires. We are also still dealing with a peak generation (the baby boomers) that is growing older, requires more dentistry — either for cosmetic relief, function, or health reasons — and will still, once again, find a way to pay for it. So, are the economic issues valid? Yes, to some degree, and I contend that dentists can protect themselves from economic uncertainty based on their ability to embrace and endorse certain systems basics that always lead to success.

Five to surviveThere are five basic secrets to dental practice success that, if applied completely, will prove that dentists who actively engage in their business can survive and — I dare say — prosper during any and all economic twists and turns. Are the secrets easy to apply? Not necessarily. Is it worth it? Absolutely! I know that any practice struggling in a downward trend is misapplying, or not applying, one of them. Let’s review the secrets.

secret no. 1: It is absolutely essential that you know the real signs of practice health. If you’ve been in practice for a while, it can be a challenge to not get lazy with your numbers. It is easy to focus on a few numbers that may or may not represent your practice health today, because it could have represented your practice health five years ago. Focusing on certain key statistics during times of economic upheaval is essential for a practice to prevent downward trends. The most important statistics to monitor are the following:

• Newpatientnumbers• Newpatientvalue• Caseacceptancepercentages• Productionperhour• Collections

It’s a dirty job, but someone’s got to do it! Let’s talk about the economy and its effect on dentistry in general. It never fails to amaze me that in times of economic uncertainty, dentists almost always panic and blame the economy for all that’s wrong, and even more recklessly, start to look for silver-bullet solutions to address any and all real or perceived obstacles. For example,

let’s say you live in Michigan, and while you’ve heard a boatload of bad news about the woes of Ford and GM, you have a magnificent treatment plan to present to a new patient who you are confident will immediately say yes to it. Lo and behold, the patient actually hesitates and asks if there is a way to postpone some of the work. She even mentions that she’s a little concerned about the financial obligation. But instead of analyzing the situation, your reaction is to blame the economy, decide all patients must be feeling the pinch, and immediately hit the panic button by signing up for more insurance plans, tripling the marketing budget, or even downsizing.

So, are the concerns about the economy valid at all? My answer is a resounding yes, no and maybe. How can I say that? It’s because every day at the Pride Institute, we get phone calls from doctors all across the country who report the highest levels of productivity ever — and also the lowest. In fact, sometimes the conflicting reports come from the very same neighborhood! Some dentists insist that the economy is to blame for their inability to reach their statistical goals, and other dentists are saying, “Help me, I am so busy! What can I do to slow down the patient flow?”

Exit monitors (i.e., how many patients are leaving or how many patients are asking about insurance who haven’t asked before?)

When you don’t know your numbers, you focus on solutions that don’t necessarily address the real problems of your practice. Shame on you if you don’t have an understanding of your active patient base, a utilization analysis, a base breakdown from adults to children, and continuing-care compliance — before you ever consider investing in a “silver bullet” marketing solution that triples your promotional budget in the hope of 30 additional patients a month! Any new solutions you implement should be the result of knowing the real signs of your practice health and must always include a healthy return on investment. To invest in a new financial tool or a new piece of technology without having a significant ROI is basically fiddling while Rome is burning. Once you know the real signs of practice health, then you are ready for secret No. 2.

secret no. 2: Create clear, compelling goals that address potential challenges and reinforce success. For example, any dentist who goes to his or her office staff meeting and says to the team, “Folks, we need to be busier and more productive,” is violating the basic tenets of clear, compelling goals.

The SMART method of goal setting applies very well in this situation. A SMART goal must be Specific. You don’t just say, “I want to be busier.” What is the production per hour, per day? The goal must be Measurable. Goals such as “I want to be happier, more successful and balanced, and I want more patients saying yes” will get you nowhere. In this case, measurable means looking for a statistical interpretation of success that would result in balance, happiness and patients saying yes. A SMART goal must be Achievable. You might have been able to produce $1.2 million two years ago, but if your situation and method of operation have changed, the worst thing you could ever give your team is unachievable

Surviving & SucceedingtHroUgH EConomIC UnCErtaInty by amy Morgan

Ceo, Pride institute

So, are the concerns about the economy valid at all?

My answer is a resounding yes, no and maybe.

continued on page 24


endos and restored an implant. Tomorrow I am doing a molar endo retreatment, some crowns, extracting teeth and delivering immediate dentures, and, oh yes, a couple of composite restorations.

Frequently I find myself thinking about how different this situation would be if I only had the skill sets I had upon graduation from dental school. Direct fillings, crowns, simple

endo, simple extractions and non-surgical periodontal support services. Thing is, I know many dentists who are doing essentially the same things 20+ years in to their careers as when they started their practices. How are their practices doing? I don’t know.

How did the scope and character of my practice change so much? My current skill set is the result of a professional lifetime of continuous, unrelenting education. But it did not happen through random action or picking popular, trendy, easy or local courses. It required motivation, organization, financial and personal commitment. It required something to guide me, give me structure and feedback. For me, that something was and is the Academy of General Dentistry. Sounds silly to many but the desire to achieve Fellowship and then Mastership motivated me to keep going. The AGD also prevented me from becoming a one trick pony. You can’t just rack up hours to advance through the tiers in the AGD, your education hours must be spread over a broad subject range and I sharply recall how difficult it was to find courses to satisfy many of the subject categories.

I also recall the efforts over the years of various groups to restrict the types of services and

It’s 7:50AM and we are at the end of our morning huddle. We have reviewed every chart, discussed each patient’s needs, verified we are prepared for all scheduled procedures and discussed anticipated complications. We should be at our workstations but we are all silently staring at our computer screen. An uncomfortably long period of silence is broken by my patient coordinator saying, “I have a crown cementation I can put there.” “No,” I say. “That spot is for a new patient.”

Trouble is, that spot has been unfilled more often than not over the last couple of months. Only five new patients last month. For years it has been a four to eight week wait to schedule a new patient appointment.

“The phone is very quiet. Eerie quiet,” pipes in my patient coordinator.

This situation has been wearing on me for some time. I admit to calling my office periodically to make sure the phones are working and my staff answers correctly. I have done more frequent internet searches to verify our website is functioning and we come up on the results. I have called 411, 1-800-Dentist, and other services to verify my office is coming up. Intellectually I know what is happening. I have been hearing every day from my patients about lay-offs, furloughs, terminations, downsizing, reduced wages, job sharing and more. This economy is very different from the previous economic downturns I have experienced over the 26 years I have been in practice.

Despite these issues, my office has met my production goals every month this year. To date, there have been no lay-offs in my office. My production schedules are full for weeks in advance. How can this be?

Let’s look at my schedules. Today, I am: extracting wisdom teeth, preparing some teeth for crowns, placing an implant, fabricating a TMD appliance and doing a crown lengthening surgery. Yesterday, I had several orthodontic appointments, a reconstructive records session, completed a couple molar

You ThinkBUSInESS IS SLoW noW?

procedures that I could provide as a general dentist. Early in my career there was a big push to restrict general dentists from providing orthodontic services. It started by restricting the educational opportunities to learn orthodontics. Then, spurred on by specialty groups, it moved in to insurance companies refusing to pay for orthodontic services provided by general dentists. This thinking was also moving into other areas in dentistry. The AGD was a leader in going to battle for the general dentists and ensuring that we could provide any dental services we are competent to provide and get paid for them.

Today there are similar efforts that could significantly affect a general dentist’s practice and opportunities for professional growth. Allied dental health workers in independent practice (mid-level providers) really concern me. Allowing non-dentists to provide fillings, cleanings, non-surgical periodontal therapy and simple extractions is a direct threat to general dentists and the public. These are the same basic skill sets that new graduates from dental school are barely competent in. Think of THAT when business is slow. Where is the outcry from general dentists? Where is the value to you and society for the training you completed in four years of dental school to have the privilege of providing those services to the public? Who is speaking for the general dentists on these matters? Who is pointing out the risks to the public? While it is true the ADA has been addressing these matters from the point of view of ALL dentists, the Academy of General Dentistry is the only organization that is addressing it from the point of view of general dentists. A general dentist is impacted much differently than an orthodontist or periodontist. You younger dentists should really be thinking about these things. Especially if you think things are slow now.

Dr. Acheson earned his Fellowship and Master, Academy of General Dentistry and its Life-Long Learning and Service Award. In 2008, he was named Dentist of the Year by the California AGD. He welcomes any inquiries regarding AGD.

by Guy e. acheson, DDS, MaGD

This economy is very different from the previous

economic downturns I have experienced.


dentures. This was a different area and the patients were different. How could the result be the same? After much time and thought, Dr. Pankey found that not everything was different. The one thing that stayed the same was the dentist! He came to realize he needed to change if his practice was to change.

Dr. Pankey was a firm believer that dentists should be excellent clinicians that are well versed in comprehensive, patient-centered dentistry and how occlusion affects our patients’ health and our treatment. But he knew that to be able to help our patients make the healthy decisions in life we need to know more I’ve learned that through listening, education and developing relationships we can influence our patients’ lives for the better. We can do more than trudge through careers that feel monotonous. The beneficiaries are our patients, our Team, our families and us.

Not only has my training at the Institute given me excitement and skills but it has energized my life’s passion to make a significant difference in the lives of my patients. We practice in a time where third party influences and the economy attempt to provide the least amount of treatment our patients need. I provide my patients, through the co-discovery process, appropriate education and a lot of listening, a very thorough treatment plan. The plan is individualized, appropriate, comprehensive and relationship-based. And amazingly, almost every patient understands what decisions are the healthy ones. Not all patients have the ability to complete their treatment plans immediately but almost all of them work with us toward completion.

The goal is to involve the patient in their own health care. There is nothing in today’s medical/dental model that encourages patients

I am honored to have been invited to write an article on how my experience with the Pankey Institute has influenced and benefited my general dental practice. In one word it is excitement. That is how I feel after 26 years of practice. My perspective has changed and so have I.

At a dental school reunion almost ten years ago I listened to one of the speakers share with us his experiences. He was in a rut with his practice and his life. He felt he was busy enough but dentistry was simply a job. He was paid to fix teeth and it would be that way until he retired or died. To him, his life was mundane and his future seemed dreary. However, something changed and allowed him to see beyond a rut. He learned about the teachings of Dr. L.D. Pankey.

I had been hearing about the Pankey Institute from a classmate for years but it wasn’t until this reunion that I was ready to listen. I was surprised to learn that Dr. Frank Spear, Dr. Peter Dawson, Dr. James Pride and other well renowned dentists were all influenced by the teachings of Dr. Pankey. They were all students and/or instructors at the Institute at one time. It was not continuing education but advanced education! With a couple of SDDS colleagues we began our studies there and they still continue today.

Most post-graduate courses available will help with the technical or manual skills that dentists need but the Pankey Institute does that and more. Dr. Pankey started his dental practice in a time and part of the country where extractions and dentures where the primary treatments. He felt if he was in a more affluent area that he could practice the dentistry that allowed patients to save their teeth. So he moved to Florida and discovered his practice still was based on extractions and

Energizing Your PracticetHroUgH aDvanCED EDUCatIon

to see themselves as key players in the process. In most cases, as doctors we instruct, lecture and treat. When patients are allowed to participate they will choose health, value the care and appreciate the results.

The comprehensive treatment plans usually require an interdisciplinary approach with the general/restorative dentist as the leader. It requires more of an understanding of the specialties and specialists who are willing to work as a team. We are fortunate to have quite a few SDDS member specialists who have trained at the Institute.

The Pankey Institute has a mentor program which allows students to have a relationship with other Pankey trained dentists. This relationship has helped me with my training and in my practice. The classmate who first mentioned the Pankey Institute to me became one of my mentors as I have become a mentor for others.

My Dental Team, which includes my auxiliary personnel and lab technicians, has now increased roles and responsibilities which are exciting for them. My Team has embraced the opportunities and has an important role in our patients’ decisions and lives just as what they do provides meaning to their work and lives.

My training and education at the Pankey Institute has given me a new outlook on why I am a dentist and helped me to flourish amid the challenges of dentistry today. I no longer “fix teeth” but help patients make healthy choices which, for me, is very satisfying and fulfilling.

Dr. Sims is a past editor of this publication. He is a graduate of the Pankey Institute having completed all of its core continuums, and he is a member of the American Equilibration Society (aes-tmj.org). He welcomes inquiries regarding any of these organizations.

by edwin J. Sims, DDS

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provide them with a solution to their fears and an opportunity to redefine their experiences at the dentist. Relaxation is a powerful tool. Relaxed patients sit more comfortably in your dental chair, offer less jaw resistance, have reduced gag reflexes, don’t notice time passing and are overall more pleasant to treat. In other words—they’re anxiety free and more receptive to receiving your care. You and your patients alike can enjoy the benefits of utilizing sedation dentistry.

Whether you choose to offer oral sedation, IV sedation or both, each are effective at managing dental anxiety. With the proper training and necessary equipment, your office becomes more than just a place that treats patients; it becomes vehicle for positive change.

Fearful patients seek sedation. All of the message boards, forums and searches online are evidence of that. Most of these people are willing to drive further and pay more in order to receive sedation. They want to be comfortable, feel safe and be healthy. It’s a topic of intense discussion. People who find qualified, compassionate sedation dentists don’t keep that information to themselves, they share it. They generate referrals. They pass it on by word-of-mouth.

You’ll quickly discover that sedation patients are the most gracious and grateful patients

Have you ever Googled™ dental anxiety? If not, go ahead and try it. In less than a second you’ll discover over 1,340,000 unique hits on the term. Two simple words open the doors to the vast world of dental fear. It exists. It’s real. And it’s not going away.

You can be the gentlest dentist in the world. You can have a compassionate, caring, reassuring team. You can be decorated with every credential in the book. But none of that matters in the mind of a person who has had a prior traumatic dental experience. Whether it was a negative encounter with a dentist as a

child or a pain-riddled appointment as an adult, the associations a patient has stays with them. It prevents them from seeking care later in life.

So how do you treat these patients? How do you get them to call your office, nonetheless make and keep an appointment? The answer is simpler than you’d think. You offer them sedation dentistry. In other words, you

1,340,000 Reasonsto PUrSUE SEDatIon DEntIStry traInIng

you will ever treat. The fact that you can provide them with the much-needed care they require — trauma and anxiety-free —

means they will be patients of yours for life.

Organizations such as DOCS Education offer continuing education programs in both oral and IV sedation, along with essential emergency preparedness courses to equip you with the skills and knowledge to safely and effectively administer sedation in your office.

If you’ve ever considered offering sedation dentistry at your practice, now is the time to do it. There are over 1,340,000 good reasons to pursue the training — and patients waiting in the wings to receive your care.

Heather Victorn is a marketing and writing specialist for DOCS Education. To learn more about offering sedation dentistry, go to DOCSeducation.org or call (866) 592-9617.

PROBLEM: My time is valuable and money is tight,

but I still need an edge over my competition.

If you’re looking for ways to advance your practice,

we’ve got the solution. We teach safe, effective,

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by Heather Victornmarketing — writing specialist, doCs education

Oral Surgery Emergency Services

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1. What is the water crisis?

2. What are our family’s current water use practices?

3. Why should our family conserve water?

4. What can each family member do to reduce water consumption?

5. Do we have low flow toilets and shower flow restrictors?

6. Do we water our lawn only between 8pm and 6am?

7. Are there landscape practices we might adopt to decrease outside water use?

8. What could our “family reward” be for achieving our water goals?

It seems increasingly likely that government will legislate our conservation efforts if we cannot do it voluntarily ourselves. Do we have the will?

A 200-page publication by the Department of Water Resources entitled “Urban Drought Guidelines — 2008 Updated Edition” is both fascinating and enlightening. It contains many interesting suggestions and case studies. I was struck by this statement on page 44, “Voluntary measures are normally effective only when the public is convinced that a critical water shortage or drought exists.”

is your family convinced? is mine?

There are many good aids available to help us not only become convinced but also engaged. The Department of Water Resources sponsors a helpful website at www.water.ca.gov/drought. I also suggest the home page of the Water Resources Association of Yolo County at www.yolowra.org, which contains numerous helpful links.

I return to the ancient Roman aqueduct. You might find a similar picture to help prompt you and your family to become more involved in water conservation efforts. Perhaps a photograph of an almost dry reservoir or a dry stream bed would work. Maybe a simple drawing by one of your children depicting the drought would be helpful. Consider putting the reminder on your refrigerator or somewhere equally visible.

Whatever your prompter might be, I urge us all to give greater attention to what we might each do to more efficiently use this very precious resource.

Dr. Bill Marble, a Woodland City Councilmember, serves as Chair of the Water Resources Association of Yolo County. WRA members include Woodland, Davis, West Sacramento, Winters, Yolo County, UC Davis, Yolo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District, Colusa Water District, Dunnigan Water District, and Reclamation Districts 2035 and 108.

A number of years ago my wife and I visited Israel and Egypt. The land seemed arid and dry. Near the ancient city of Caesarea we were intrigued with well-preserved portions of a large Roman aqueduct. 2,000 years ago it had carried water from Mount Carmel for over ten miles to a thirsty populace. No longer usable, it seemed to symbolize the struggles of a once powerful civilization to provide water to its people.

The picture of that aqueduct remains with me as I think about the three-year drought that threatens California’s future. Some of the driest water years on record, aging infrastructure and complex regulations have combined with our increasing population to bring about a water crisis. Its dimensions extend to people and plants, farms and fish, towns and trees.

Water conservation and efficiency must involve us all as we work together to preserve and use this very precious resource.

Think of what could happen if every child, youth, adult and family in our community would engage in thoughtful consideration and discussion of how we might increase the efficiency of our water use and decrease consumption. Think of the combined effect of every family setting some goals and taking a few steps within their own homes.

Water conservation discussions and education must continue and expand within our schools, clubs, churches and other civic organizations. But I also stress the importance of such conversations taking place at home between parents and children. Such discussions might occur around the dinner table or instead of a TV program.

Last month the Woodland City Council unanimously passed a resolution encouraging families to have dinner together. The resolution cited studies that conclusively show dramatic drops in drug, alcohol and tobacco use in youth eating at least 3 dinners a week at home with their parents. Families might use pattern as they engage in home water conservation efforts.

I suggest the following questions for the family to consider, adapted to the ages of the participants:

Water Conservation by William l. Marble, DDS

Large Roman aqueduct, near the ancient city of Caesarea


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sMIlEs fOr kIds 2010 Is In fUll sWIng!In fall of 2009, nearly 30,000 kids were scheduled to be screened through Smiles for Kids. On Smiles for Kids Day — January 30, 2010 — we plan to treat 1,000–1,200 kids at 36 different SDDS member dentists’ offices. Last year’s Smiles for Kids program provided over $1 million in treatment to underserved kids in our community and our plans for 2010 are even greater!

Please help us meet our goal for 2010 — WE CAn’T DO IT WITHOuT YOu!

We need dentists, hygienists, assistants and front office staff to volunteer at our SFK sites

on SFK Day – Saturday, January 30, 2010!

If you are interested in volunteering at one of our SFK sites on SFK Day, please contact Erin Castleberry at the SDDS office at (916) 446-1227 or by e-mail at [email protected].

We need dentists (GPs and specialists) to volunteer to “adopt” an SFK patient (or 2 or 3) and finish their

treatment through the Adopt-A-Kid program!

If you are interested in completing treatment for a patient that was seen on SFK Day who had additional needs, please contact us as well.

Make a difference for a child in your community!

Smiles for Kids, along with your support, is making great strides toward reversing the disheartening statistics that plague the children of our community. This program serves as much more than simply a means for providing treatment — it draws awareness to the issues of poor oral health and access to care, and it fosters outreach, education, and partnership within our community and with the parents of our community’s children to take responsibility for this problem. This program says that if we stand together, we can make a difference and give the children of our community what they truly deserve, a smile to last a lifetime.

SmILES For kIDS voLUntEErS nEEDED!


sacramento district dental society foundation A chAritAble 501-c3 orgAnizAtion

LotS oF SUPPort For oUr FoUnDatIon!

Remember…2010 smiles for Kids day is

JaNuary 30, 2010 and we still need Volunteers!

Contact sdds (916.446.1227) for more info.

Be a MeMBer oF THe SDDF — our FouNDaTioN!

Look on your CDA dues bill and ask (as everyone is asking):

1. What’s a FND Membership (DDS Members)? If you saw this abbreviation on your CDA Dues statement, it’s the place you check off that you want to be a member of our Foundation. It’s $75 and easy to check off and pay with your dues.

2. What’s a “Found Assoc Mem (Past Alliance)?” This is the other check off for Associate Members of the Foundation (non DDS members such as a spouse, an employee, a vendor, your dog!). This new membership is for former Alliance members and anyone else to join our SDDF.

(We apologize for this confusion and, you can bet, we will work with CDA to find better abbreviations next year, with a limit of 25 characters.)

You cAn bE A MEMbEr of our founDAtion by signing up in one of several ways:

• Check off the membership on your CDA dues statement. (It’sconfusing, we know, but still a good thing to do.)

• Sendanemailthatsays“signmeupforSDDF”andwe’llbillyou.([email protected])

• Callourofficeandsayyouwanttobeamember(446-1227).

• FillouttheflierinsertedinthisissueoftheNugget and fax back to us.

The Foundation has much of which to be proud. Our programs, our community service, our community spirit and the fact that we can do so much. Please be a part of our Foundation!

SDDF receiVeS larGe GraNT FroM Mercy (cHW) & oTHerSThis past week the SDDF was honored with the news that the Foundation received a grant in the amount of $25,000 from Mercy/Catholic Healthcare West for our Smiles for Kids program. We were told that the committee recognized… “SDDS’ long history of community service,” and “…the depth, scope and evidence-based nature of your program, especially in these challenging economic times, presented a compelling case for approval. Thank you for continuing SDDS’ legacy of proactive service and compassionate care.”

Additionally, the following grants have been received this past year:

ronald McDonald House charities, northern cA$10,000 (Smiles for Kids)

Knapp family fund number one —Sacramento region community foundation$1,000 (Smiles for Kids)

Sierra Health foundation$40,000 (Smiles for Kids)

teichert foundation$5,000 (Smiles for Big Kids)

These grants ensure that Smiles for Kids will continue for many years to come! SDDF has been applying for grants for Smiles for Kids since 2003 and, to date, we have received $377,000 for that program, providing toothbrushes for all screened children, dental health education tools, administration of all placements, anesthesia (when needed), clinic supplies as well as much needed supplies for services.

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Peer Review –

Online classified ads cda.org

CDA Update and The CDA Journal

Endorsed Programs –

Legislative Advocacy –


Adrian carrington, DDSimmediate Past President

SDDS member since 1992

terry Jones, DDSPresident


Wai chan, DDSPresident-elect


gary Ackerman, DDSsecretary


Victor hawkins, DDStreasurer


welcome 2010 sdds executive committee & board of directors!

Executive Committee (2006–10)Foundation Board (2006, 2010)Delegate (2004–10, 2001–02)

alternate (2003)Smiles for Kids Site Host

Executive Committee (2007–10)SDDS Board (2005–06, 1988–92)Foundation Board (2007)Delegate (2006–10)

alternate (1992–93, 1983)

Executive Committee (2008–10)SDDS Board (2007, 2004–05)Foundation Board (2008)Delegate(2003–10)•alternate (2002)Asian Dentist of the Year (2006)CA AGD Dentist of the Year (2006)

Executive Committee (2010)SDDS Board (2005–08)Foundation Board (2010)Delegate (2004–5, 2007–8, 2009–10)

Executive Committee (2009–10)SDDS Board (2005–08)Foundation Board (2009–10)Delegate (2007–10)

alternate (2006)Smiles for Kids Site Host

CPR Committee (Instructor)Leadership Development CommitteeMembership CommitteePeer Review Committee*Various Ad Hoc CommitteesCDA Council on Peer Review

Dental Care / Health Committee*Fluoridation Advisory CommitteeLeadership Development CommitteeLegislative Committee • SacPAC CommitteeVarious Ad Hoc CommitteesCDA Councils on Communication*, Community Health • CDAF Audit Committee

Budget & Finance Committee • CE CommitteeGMC Task Force • Legislative CommitteeMidWinter Convention CommitteePeer Review Committee • Strategic Plan CommitteeCDA Policy Development Council (2007–10)ADA Alternate Delegate (2008–10)

CE Committee*MidWinter Convention CommitteeCDA Board of ManagersADA Delegate

CPR Committee*GMC Ad HocCDA Council on Continuing EducationCDAF Advisory Board — Northern CA*ADA Alternate Delegate

trus

tees Kevin Keating, DDS, MS

trustee (2008–10)SDDS member since 1981Past President (2005)

Don rollofson, DMDtrustee (2006–11)SDDS member since 1982Past President (2002)

Executive Committee(2008–10, 2002–06)

SDDS Board (1999–2000)Foundation Board (2006)

Executive Committee(2006–11, 1999–03)

Foundation Board(2004–10)

Committee Involvement: Budget & Finance Advisory* • Bylaws Advisory • Continuing Education* • Ethics • Leadership Development* • Mentor/Mentee Program • MidWinter Convention* • SacPAC • UCD Dental Clinic Task Force

CDA Judicial Council • CDA Finance Committee • SFK Adopt-A-Kid Doc

Delegate(2001–06)•alternate (2007–10)

Committee Involvement: Budget & Finance* • Bylaws Advisory* • Continuing Education • Leadership Development • Membership • SacPAC* • Smiles for Kids Ortho Program* • Smiles for Kids*

Delegate(1999–03)•alternate (2006–08) •SmilesforKidsSiteHost

ADADelegate(2006–2010)•CDA Foundation Board

Completed 2007 California International Marathon for sMiLES for Kids!

* Served as Chair or Co-Chair of the Committee


Matt comfort, DDSboard — Placer


Kelly giannetti, DDS, MSboard — yolo


Daniel haberman, DDS, MSboard — amador


craig Johnson, DDSboard — sacramento


carl hillendahl, DDSboard — el dorado


Kim Wallace, DDSboard — yolo


Virenchandra Patel, DDSboard — sacramento


Kenneth Moore, DDSboard — Placer


Jeffrey rosa, DDSboard — sacramento


brian royse, DDSboard — sacramento


ex-officio

SDDS Board (2007–10, 2004–05)Auxiliary Advisory CommitteeContinuing Education CommitteeCPR Committee Golf Tournament Committee Communications Committee*Legislative CommitteeMembership CommitteePeer Review CommitteeWebsite Ad Hoc Committee*Delegate (2008–09)

SDDS Board (2006–11)Foundation Board VP (2003–04)Foundation Board (2005, 2000–02)

Leadership Development Committee

Delegate (2008–09)alternate (2007)

SDDS Board (2009–10)

Continuing Education CommitteeMembership Committee*

SDDS Board (2008–11, 1996–97)Foundation Board (1998–99)Awards Task ForceDental Health Committee*Leadership Development CommitteeMembership Committee*Peer Review Committee*Nominating Committee*Policy & Guidelines Task Force

Delegate(2000–01)•alternate (2007)Smiles for Kids Site Host

SDDS Board (2010–11)

Ethics Committee*

SDDS Board (2008–10)Foundation Board (2002–06)

Dental Care* / Health CommitteeMembership Committee

Delegate (2006–08)alternate (2005, 2002, 1981)

Smiles for Kids Site Host

SDDS Board (2009–10)Foundation Board (2001)

Leadership Development CommitteeMembership CommitteeNugget Editorial CommitteePeer Review Committee

SDDS Board (2009–11, 2007–08)Foundation Board (2001)

Ethics Committee*Fluoridation Advisory Committee*Peer Review Committee*Policy & Guidelines Task ForceStudent Mentoring Work Group

Past Foundation President

SDDS Board (2009–2010, 2008, 2005–06)Foundation Board (2009)Continuing Education CommitteeGolf Tournament Committee*Legislative CommitteeMembership CommitteeMidWinter Convention Committee

Delegate (2006–07)

SDDS Board (2010–11, 1999–2000)Leadership Development CommitteeUCD Dental Clinic Task ForceYoung Dentists Committee*

* Se

rved

as C

hair

or

Co-

Cha

ir o

f the

Com

mitt

ee

cathy leveringexecutive director

With SDDS since 2001

Jim Musser, DDSeditor in chief


intereSteD in becoMing An SDDS leADer? Contact SDDS (446.1227) for qualifications & nomination opportunities.



SDDS HR Hotline& otHEr HUman rESoUrCE BEnEFItSfrom cea (California Employers association)

yOU arE a dEnTIsT. You’ve been to school, taken your Boards and settled into practice. End of story?

not quite. Employee evaluations, hiring and firing, labor laws and personnel files are an important part of being an employer. Are you up on the changes that happen nearly EVERY January 1st?

In this monthly column, we will offer information pertinent to you, the dentist as the employer.

youthe DentiSt, the eMPloyer

eMployee HaNDBook upDaTeS For 2010 — Make sure you are up to date and your employees’ copy of their handbook is distributed in a timely fashion. Do you HAVE an employee handbook? You should!

your DueS DollarS aT Work…• Employee handbook 2010 updates• Employment Law Poster• 2009 Salary and Benefits Survey• HR Hotline

These valuable HR tools and our partnership with California Employers Assn. are some of the best member benefits that SDDS offers.

Hr HoTliNe — So, you have an HR issue and need a quick answer. You can call the Hotline any time from 8:00AM to 5:00PM and get a procedural answer, a legal answer, or an employment answer. This is a service that we have offered to our members for the last three years and the numbers continue to increase. Please see at right the comparison for the types of calls from 2008 through 2009.

eMployMeNT laW poSTer — You need to have the new postings up by January 1st.

2009 Salary aND BeNeFiTS SurVey — more than 200 local dentists participated in this survey (and they got it for free!) Compare your benefits packages, your salary levels and much more.

[email protected] westernpracticesales.com

dentalsales.com

800.641.4179

WESTERN PRACTICE SALES John M. Cahill Associates

Working Together to Serve You Better

Tim Giroux, DDS Jon Noble, MBA Mona Chang, DDS John Cahill, MBA Ed Cahill, JD

Dentists Serving Dentists

Wage & Hour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51Termination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Handbooks/Policies/ID Theft . . 32Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Leave Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Discipline Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Poster/Records/Forms . . . . . . . . 15uI Claim/LC notice . . . . . . . . . . . 12Hiring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Health Benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Work Comp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Vacation/PTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Surveys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Investigation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Drugs/Alcohol. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Alternative Work Week . . . . . . . . 020

09 C

all s

UMM

ary (

throu

gh N

ovem

ber)

SDDS HR Hotline:1-800-399-5331

Call the HR HotliNe with all your burning Human

Resources questions!

OrdEr Employment Law Poster, Sample Employee Handbook and/or Salary and Benefits Survey Results at www.sdds.org/sale.htm

Or order using insert at the center of this issue!


abstractsMicrotensile bond strength of new self-adhesive luting agents and conventional multistep systems

R. G. Viotti, et alJ Pros Dent 102:5 2009

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the bond strengths produced by different self-adhesive cements and compare them with the conventional agents. Results of the study showed the following values; conventional 2-step etch and rinse with Single Bond and Rely X ARC, 69.6; 2-step self-etching primer SE Bond and Panavia F, 49.2; and 1-step adhesive primer ED Primer and Panavia F, 33.7. The values of the self-adhesive cements were; G Cem, 16.9; Rely X U100, 15.3; Rely X Unicem, 12.5; Maxcem, 11.5; Smart Cem, 8.5; and SeT, 4.6. The authors concluded that the bond strengths of the multistep agents were significantly higher than the self-adhesive cements.

influence of surface treatments and resin cement selection on bonding to densely-sintered zirconium-oxide ceramic

R.C. de Oyague, et alDent Mater 25:172 2009

Significant changes in zirconia surface roughness occurred after sandblasting. The bond strength of Clearfil Esthetic to zirconia was significantly higher than that of Rely X Unicem and Calibra regardless of the surface treatment. The authors state that the phosphate monomer-containing Clearfil Esthetic cement is recommended to bond zirconia ceramics and surface treatments are not necessary.

the lingual frenum

M. NorthcutJ Clin Ortho 43:9 2009

The author states that ankyloglossia is the leading cause of non-skeletal orthodontic problems. Early intervention to correct aberrant frenums will improve breastfeeding and avoid later problems with tooth and speech development. And lingual frenectomy, when necessary, should be performed at the start of orthodontic treatment so that muscle patterns can be corrected to avoid negatively affecting the treatment outcome.

RTB

January 2010 | 23

local dentists, although the State frequently complained that we were doing too many: a question of cost. The people who do this sort of utilization review work, and there are associations of them: physicians and dentists, maintain that they can prove 10% fraud and abuse, which leads them to suspect more like 20%. If true, that lends great credibility to President Obama’s claim that savings in the Medicare area can fund a great part of the proposed healthcare reform.

Let’s look at an example, one of my favorites. In DentiCal, post-op endodontic claims for payment have historically been reviewed. Sometime in 2008, as I remember, the State DentiCal department got a new director (not a dentist) who was well-known as a statistician/cost containment expert in other state agencies. One of the first things that she discovered was root canals. Specifically, a significant number of these were initially denied for payment by Delta consultants on the basis of poor quality. These denials could be resubmitted multiple times for reevaluation by another Delta dentist, and a fair number of those cases would be reversed and paid. If that didn’t happen, the providing dentist could encourage the patient to file a request for something called a Fair Hearing before an administrative law judge who, seemingly more often than not, would rule in favor of payment. I am not specific here because I was not privy to the exact numbers. The upshot was that the statistician/director received reports indicating that most of the root canals eventually got paid, and it was apparently decided that the State’s adjudication costs, particularly legal, were not worth the trouble. So a policy change was implemented whereby post-op claims would simply be paid without review. This made some sense because the teeth in question invariably came back for pre-authorization for crowns and would be looked at then, at which time they could be sent to a separate review department within Delta which would recoup the endo payment, if necessary. Of course, the patient could file for another Fair

Hearing, and the circus would continue. What about numbers? One of my former colleagues estimates that only three in ten of these endo obturations meet standard of care. Admittedly, his personal evaluations may be more critical than those of others. However, a similar program had been in effect just before I started, and the results were sobering. (I mean, we’re not talking about a millimeter long or short here; these are root canals that could make a dentist gag). Moreover, the demonstrably defective obturations could subsequently be submitted for re-treatment by another dentist, ad nauseum. The statistician presumably conferred with her dental consultant subordinate who delivered the message to us. Inasmuch as that dentist got his own start with Delta, he should have known better.

The problem for all of us, I think, is that the ultimate arbiter in these bureaucratic organizations tends not to be a dentist. Delta was begun by dentists but has been run by “civilians” for many years. My own private practice experience suggested that Delta could generally be trusted to do the “right thing” and it currently employs a DDS senior vice-president to help it do so. (Of course, we now have on the commercial side the emerging issue of fee caps on non-covered services.) Delta’s primary allegiance would seem to be not to its participating dentists, but to the entities from which it receives its income: in this case the State of California. And times are tough at present: last year’s budget shortfall prompted the State to eliminate dental benefits for adult welfare recipients. Thus the consultant lay-offs of last year. The DentiCal program is a very large part of Delta’s overall business. It is never a good idea to bite the hand that feeds one.

A cautionary tale: What if your worst enemy, in an attempt to poison you, mistakenly put sugar instead of strychnine in your coffee? No problem. What if your best friend, by mistake, put strychnine instead of sugar in your coffee? You’d be dead. Moral of the story: Watch your coffee!

Belly of the Beast…continued from page 5

Marin County Dental SocietyFebruary 27–March 2, 2010sUn VallEy, IdahO

• Round-tripairSanFranciscotoBoise• BustransferfromBoiseAirporttoSunValley• SevennightslodgingatTheSunValleyLodge• Five-daygroupliftticket• 18CEU

More info: www.mcdsweb.org


goals. Your team, knowing the goal is unattainable, will be demotivated instantly. Next, ensure the goal is Relevant. Set goals that support your vision, values and strategies. If no-shows and cancellations are not a problem in your practice, and you don’t see them ever being problems in the future, then you don’t need goals that address no-shows and cancellations. In more sophisticated offices, I often see so many statistics that the intention of the goals and statistics get lost. Finally, a SMART goal must be Timely. Are your goals set to address the actual issues of the moment, or are you two days too late to do something about a systems failure that has already happened? If you are a SMART goal setter, then you are able to accomplish this secret.

secret no. 3: Know your patients. Most of us didn’t get into dentistry to be the richest person on earth. We got into dentistry because a) we really like to help people, b) we love to tinker with the clinical stuff and c) we want to provide services that are valued, needed and wanted. Even when the economy becomes a negative factor, don’t lose sight that we are good people who want to help others. The more dental teams help others, the more likely they will continue to ride through the downturn successfully. So, what do I mean by “know your patients?” We all know the saying: “Don’t assume anything because it makes a donkey out of you and me.” If you assume that every patient has a pocketbook issue because news reports scream about an economic upheaval somewhere, then you are not hearing each individual patient’s questions and concerns and, more important, you are not customizing your approach to meet their unique desires. The only way dentists can find out what motivates and concerns their patients is by asking questions, exhibiting empathy and ultimately creating treatment plans that accommodate what they’ve just heard.

secret no. 4: Adapt your management systems. In an economic downturn, the systems that usually require the most tweaking are marketing, financial arrangements, and insurance. Yes, you may need to market your practice more aggressively if you notice a decline in the number of new patients. You may have to get out there more. Don’t expect that asking for referrals is the only way to make you successful. I don’t mean that you market in a way that doesn’t represent your vision and values; I mean that marketing is a system where I see a lot of inertia and procrastination, because it’s an area of minimal expertise for the dentist and the dental profession as a whole. The relationship your practice has with insurance may need to be viewed in a new light, because it is a gift that can be applied to the dental model and help with affordability. You may need to look at your financial arrangements. Could you be more flexible? Should you be looking at CareCredit in a new way? You need to look at solutions you may not have considered before.

secret no. 5: Stay the course. For example, while a restaurant or retail store may truly fail — actually go out of business — when the economy downshifts, dentists will always flourish and prosper when they do the right thing for the right patients, with the right staff and right systems in place. This doesn’t mean that you might not have a bad day, bad month or even a bad year, but for every patient who says no to treatment because of economic concerns, there’s another patient out there who will say yes, because you have exceeded that patient’s expectations. Your goals and strategies that have worked in the past can work again.

My kindest advice is: Don’t hit the panic button, reengage with your business proactively and respond to outside influences. If you do these things, you can continue to be successful and never fear an economic downshift again.

Surviving & Succeeding…continued from page 7

MidWinterUpdate!

30tH annual sDDs miDwinter COnventiOn & expO

at the Sacramento convention center1400 J Street • Sacramento, CA

thaNk you, mIdWINter 2010 spOnsOrs!

starrefining—Lunch Sponsor

INNovAperiodontics&ImplantDentistry(DeanAhmad,DDs,FICoF,DAbp)—Bag Sponsor

olympicMedical&DentalDevices,Inc.—Lanyard Sponsor

February 4–5, 2010

a Dental Odyssey


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REGISTRATION INFORMATION

MEETING SCHEDULE:

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH:Registration 7:00am to 5:00pmLectures 8:00am to 5:00pmLunch Served 11:30am to 1:30pmExhibits Open 11:30am to 5:30pmGalactic Gala 3:30pm to 5:30pm

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH:Registration 7:00am to NoonLectures 8:00am to 4:00pmLunch Served 11:30am to 1:30pmExhibits Open 8:00am to 1:30pm

CONTINUING EDUCATION

NETWORKING

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FEBRUARY 4–5, 2010

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at the Sacramento Convention Center1400 J Street • Sacramento, CA

a Dental Odyssey

Sacramento District Dental Society presents the 30TH ANNUAL MIDWINTER CONVENTION & EXPO

tHere’s still time tO siGn up fOr tHe event Of tHe year!

seetheinsertatthecenterofthisissuetoregister.MoreMidWinterinformationavailableonlineat:

www.sdds.org/mW2010.htm

Please note that DBC Commercial and Dental Management Solutions have elected not to renew their Vendor Membership at this time. Please remove them from your Directory. We appreciate their past support and hope that they will return soon.


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sdds vendor membersVendor Members support Sacramento District Dental Society through advertising, special discounts to members, table clinics and exhibitor space at SDDS events. SDDS members are encouraged to support our Vendor Members as oftEn AS PoSSibLE when looking for products and services.

please support SDDS Vendor Members any way you can! They help keep your dues low!

for more information on Vendor members, see the Vendor member section of your directory or www.sdds.org/vendor_member.htm

LOADS of benefits, including a banner ad like this one placed in The Nugget every month — contact SDDS at (916) 446.1211

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Member FDIC

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committee corner

Board of Directors • SDDS • 6:00pmJan 5 • Mar 2 • May 4 • Sept 7 • Nov 2

CE Committee • SDDS • 6:00pmJan 11 • Mar 22 • May 24 • Aug 23 • Oct 4

CPR Committee • SDDS • 6:30pmmay 3

Dental Careers Workgroup • SDDSfuture meetings and all training tba as needed

Dental Health Committee • SDDS • 6:00pmJan 25 • Apr 26 • Sept 13 • Nov 16

Ethics Committee • SDDS • 6:30pmJan 19 • May 18 • Oct 19

Foundation (SDDF) • SDDS • 6:00pmFeb 10 • May 17 • Sept 28 • Nov 18

Golf Committee • SDDS • 6:00pmJan 20 • Mar 24 • May 7 (TOURNEY DAY!)

Leadership Dev. Committee • SDDS • 6:00pmfuture meetings tba

Mass Disaster / Forensics Committee • 6:30pmspring 2010

Membership Committee • SDDS • 6:00pmJan 13 (new member dinner) Mar 1 • May 18 • Sept 20 • Nov 16

Nugget Editorial Committee • SDDS • 6:15pmJan 19 • May 18 • Sept 28

Peer Review Committee • 6:30pmJan 14 • Feb 11 • Mar 11 • Apr 8 • May 13 • June 10 July 8 • Aug 12 • Sept 9 • Oct 14 • Nov 11 • Dec 9

SacPAC Committee • SDDS • 6:00pmfuture meetings tba

2010 SDDS coMMiTTee MeeTiNGS:

YOu ASKED FOR THIS!

Nugget Survey 2009

FECHTER& COMPANYCertified Public Accountants

Craig R. Fechter, CPA2865 Sunrise Blvd. Suite 102 Rancho Cordova, CA 95742 916-979-7671 ph. | 916-244-0116 faxwww.fechtercpa.com

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“Dedicated to improvingour client's finances”

CPR CommitteeSCorES BIg!Congratulations to Dr. Margaret Delmore and her fine team of dedicated dentist/CPR instructors. This past November, the SDDS CPR Committee received 100% on its annual AHA audit. In our evaluation letter from the AHA, we were recognized for our excellent record keeping (thanks Della!), our committed and dedicated volunteer instructors (24 dentists this year), our regular offerings of BLS Renewal and our continued excellence in this program and valuable member benefit. (Did you know that SDDS is the only component dental society that is an approved American Heart Association (AHA) Training Center!)

In our evaluation, the reviewer made the following comments:• Wellorganizedcourse• Participantscameprepared• Instructorswereseasoned,clearandconcise

The Committee feels that it is imperative that SDDS continues to offer CPR within our own dental society; it provides an easy way to help members keep up their licensure requirements. Do you need to renew your CPR? Courses are in January, April, August and November. Sign up one month in advance to have the opportunity to “study up”…

cpr coursesOffereD tHis year

JAnuAry 9 • April 10AuguSt 7 • november 6Moreinfoavailableatwww.sdds.org/cpr.htm

SIgn UP toDay!


Have some news you’d like to share with the Society? New babies, achievements, retirements, new offices — we’ll report them all! Please send your information to SDDS via email ([email protected]), mail (915 28th St, Sacramento, CA 95816) or fax (916- 447-3818). Call SDDS at (916) 446-1227 for more information.

we’re blowing your horn!

CongratULatIonS to...Dr. Sarwandeep bath, on the birth of baby girl Giya on June 10, 2009 (photo at right).

Dr. rob Meaglia, on his recognition as Volunteer of the Month for Coalition of Concerned Medical Professionals (CCMP).

Dr. bryan Judd, on the birth of his first grandchild, baby boy Noah.

SDDS foundation, for the wonderful grants received this year: $25,000 (Mercy / Catholic Healthcare West); $10,000 (Ronald McDonald Charities); $1,000 (Knapp Community Fund Number One — Sacramento Region Community Foundation); $40,000 (Sierra Health Foundation) and $5,000 (Teichert Foundation).

sdds honors Dr. robert Gillis as its 2009 sdds distinguished member!among Dr. gillis’ many accomplishments are the following:•PastPresidentofSDDS•PastPresidentofSDDF•Numerouspublishedarticlesandlectures•Communityserviceinareasrangingfrom

Boy Scout trips to recreational soccer leagues and church programs

•Continuedvolunteereffortswith(amongothers) aDa, CDa, SDDS and his national specialty organization

Drs. robin Berrin & Beverly kodama 2009 President’s award recipients(Committee Chairs of the Year)Dental Careers Workgroup(formerly Auxiliary Advisory Committee)

Big sister Guresha

welcomes baby Giya to the family.


new membersWELComEto SDDS’s new members,transfers and applicants.

CliP out this handy new member uPdate and insert it into your direCtory under the “new members” tab.

January 2010

imPortant nUmBErS:

SDDS (doctor’s line) . . . . . . . (916) 446-1227

ADA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 621-8099

CDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 736-8702

CDA Contact Center . . (866) CDA-MEMBER (866-232-6362)

CDA Practice Resource Ctr . . cdacompass.com

TDIC Insurance Solutions . . (800) 733-0633

Denti-Cal Referral . . . . . . . . (800) 322-6384

totaL aCtiVe mEmBErS: 1,326totaL retired mEmBErS: 181totaL dual mEmBErS: 2totaL affiliate mEmBErS: 11

totaL student/ ProVisional mEmBErS: 5

totaL Current aPPLICantS: 7totaL dHP mEmBErS: 33

totaL new mEmBErS for 2009: 96

totaL membersHiP (as of 12/10/09): 1,565

kEEP usUPDatED!Moving? Opening another office?Offering new services?Share your information with the Society!

We can only refer you if we know where you are; and we rely on having your current information on file to keep you informed of valuable member events! Give us a call at (916) 446-1227.

The more accurate information we have, the better we can serve you!

morE

Prabhjot Grewal, DDSGeneral PractitionerPending Office AddressDr. Prabhjot Grewal graduated from the University of Detroit — Mercy in 2003 with her DDS. Dr. Grewal lives in Rocklin with her husband, Kanwar.

Sejin nam, DDSGeneral Practitioner4355 Golden Center Dr, Ste APlacerville, CA 95667(530) 622-3430Dr. Sejin Nam graduated from Seoul National University in Korea in 2002 with his DDS. She is currently practicing in Placerville with fellow SDDS member, Dr. Injoo Han. Dr. Nam lives in El Dorado Hills with his wife, Jiyoung Yang.

Eduardo roa, DDSGeneral Practitioner821 Jefferson Blvd West Sacramento, CA 95691(916) 372-3368 Dr. Eduardo Roa graduated from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia in 1986 with his DDS. He is currently practicing in West Sacramento with fellow SDDS member, Dr. Vivian Fernandez.

Hardeep Sidhu, DDSGeneral PractitionerPending Office Address Dr. Hardeep Sidhu graduated from New York University in 2009 with her DDS. Dr. Sidhu lives in Sacramento.

Edwin torres, DMDGeneral Practitioner7850 Stockton BlvdSacramento, CA 95823(916) 689-3310Dr. Edwin Torres graduated from the University of the East in the Philippines in 1987 with his DMD. He is currently practicing in Sacramento with fellow SDDS members, Drs. Marilou Tan, Tam Nguyen, Hong-Hanh Nguyen and James Barga. Dr. Torres also practices in South San Francisco and lives in Sacramento with his wife, Olivia.

My Hanh trieu, DDSGeneral Practitioner9165 Elk Grove-Florin Rd, Ste 160Elk Grove, CA 95624(916) 714-3410Dr. My Hanh Trieu graduated from the USC School of Dentistry in 1998 with her DDS. She is currently practicing in Elk Grove where she also lives with her husband, Huan Nguyen.

Ash Vasanthan, DDS, MSPeriodontist1420 E Roseville Pkwy, Ste 230Roseville, CA 95661(916) 788-1114Dr. Ash Vasanthan graduated from MGR Medical University in 2000 with his BDS. He later completed his specialty certification in periodontics at the University of Alabama in 2005 and also completed a program in 2006 to receive his DDS at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. He is currently practicing in Roseville and Auburn with fellow SDDS members, Drs. Nicky Hakimi and Bradley Townsend, and lives in Roseville with his wife, Dr. Anubama Sri.

nEW transfer mEmBErS:Matthew chung, DDSTransferred from Tri-County Dental SocietyGeneral Practitioner1111 24th St, Ste 201Sacramento, CA 95816(916) 442-5228Dr. Matthew Chung graduated from Loma Linda University in 2008 with his DDS. He is currently practicing in Sacramento.

Andrea Delurgio, DDS, MSDTransferred from Monterey Bay Dental SocietyOrthodontist8035 Madison Ave, Ste G-2Citrus Heights, CA 95610(916) 966-5517Dr. Andrea Delurgio graduated from the UOP Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in 2005 with her DDS and completed her specialty certification in orthodontics there earlier this year. She is currently practicing in Citrus Heights with fellow SDDS member, Dr. Hendrik Blom, and lives in Sacramento with her husband, Daniel Eisenman.


DUES 2010 no DUES InCrEaSES!Pay your dues in twelve (12) installments with EDP (Electronic Dues Payment) — a fantastic member benefit just for you!

EDP online sign-up closes:

Jan 8, 2010EDP sign-up information is available on www.cda.org.

need an assoCiate? staff? buyinG or sellinG a PraCtiCe?CHeCK out tHe JoB BaNk at www.sdds.orG!

Place this page in the “new

Members”sectionof your 2009

SDDS Directory

nEW affiliate mEmBEr:David Keating, DDSWestern Los Angeles Dental Society MemberGeneral PractitionerDr. David Keating graduated from the UCSF School of Dentistry in 2009 with his DDS. He is currently enrolled in a specialty certification program for endodontics at the UCLA School of Dentistry with an anticipated completion date of 2011. After his program is complete, he plans to move back to Sacramento and practice with his father and fellow SDDS member, Dr. Kevin Keating along with Drs. Kenneth Whitnack, Kathleen Greene, Aneet Bal and Sheri Opp.

nEW dual mEmBEr:Yan Kalika, DMD, MSSan Francisco Dental Society MemberOrthodontist4150 Truxel Rd, Ste A Sacramento, CA 95834(916) 419-9939 Dr. Yan Kalika graduated from Harvard Dental School in 1998 with his DMD and later completed his specialty certification in orthodontics at the UCSF School of Dentistry in 2001. He is currently practicing in both San Francisco and Sacramento.

nEW student mEmBEr:barry DunnUOP Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, 2010

nEW aPPliCants:irene Hermo-bartolome, DMDGrant irwin, DDS (returning member)Elizabeth Miltner, DDSEdward orgon, DDS (returning member)John Puig, DDSAnubama Sri, DDSbruce Zweig, DDS

rEtIrIng any time Soon?

If you plan to retire between now and the

end of December, please call the SDDS office so

that you can officially change status before the

next dues year.

it SavES you monEy!

SDDS Membership Committeepresents the

2010 nEW MEMBER DInnERJanUary 13, 20106pm•OldSpaghettiFactorynew Members FREE!Call to reserve your spot! (916.446.1227)

CliP out this handy new member uPdate and insert it into your direCtory under the “new members” tab.


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liNk of THE moNTH

2010 employment law… are you up to date?

all your employment law essentials areavailablethroughSDDS.

Purchase your… Sample employee Handbook

(with 2010 updates!), 2010 employment law poster

and the 2009 Salary & Benefits Survey at:

www.sdds.org/sale.htm


December 8, 2009SDDS AnnuAl HoliDAy PArty Silent Auction & inStAllAtion of officerS

Drs. Jennifer Goss and Rosemary Wu greet the holiday season with good cheer!

Betty Dobak chooses carefully from the many Silent Auction items available.

The Past Presidents scrapbook was a big hit with attendees wishing to reminisce!

Over 30 items were available for bidding at the Silent Auction, to benefit the SDDS Foundation.

SDDS Past Presidents (from left to right) — Back row: Drs. Ken Fat, Kent Farnsworth, Kent Daft, Don Rollofson, Marty Rosa, Glen Tueller, Kevin Keating, Jerome Dobak, Jim Oates, Kevin McCurry, Robert Gillis, Robert Daby, Gordon Harris, Steve Cavagnolo. Front row: Drs. Matt Campbell, Daniel Miyasaki, Nicky Hakimi, George Koch

Dr. Adrian Carrington recognizes outgoing SDDS Board Member, Gayle Peterson.

Dr. Adrian Carr ington (r ight) prepares to “pass the gavel” to Dr. Terry Jones (left).

Dr. Terry Jones takes the podium as the President of SDDS for 2010.

Dr. Gordon Harris introduces new Board Member, Dr. Carl Hillendahl, and the 2010 SDDS Executive Committee: Drs. Wai Chan (President Elect), Gary Ackerman (Secretary), Victor Hawkins (Treasurer), Terry Jones (President) and Adrian Carrington (Immediate Past President).

Life Members, Drs. Kent Farnsworth, Steve Cavagnolo and Bob Gillis are recognized by Dr. Wai Chan (right).

Outgoing SDDF Board Members, Drs. Jeff Rosa and Skip Lawrence, are honored.

Selling your practice? Need an associate? Have office space to lease? Place a classified ad in the nugget and see the results! sdds member dentists get one complimentary, professionally related classified ad per year (30 word maximum; additional words are billed at $.50 per word). Rates for non-members are $45 for the first 30 words and $.60 per word after that. Add color to your ad for just $10! For more information on placing a classified ad, please call the SDDS office (916) 446-1227. Deadlines are the first of the month before the issue in which you’d like to run.

SDDS mEmBEr DEntIStS Can PLaCE CLaSSIFIED

aDS For FrEE!


DENTAL SPACE $0.95 psf — In an established Carmichael dental building. 1,200 sf. 2–3 exam rooms, waiting room, reception and private office. Nicely appointed and ADA accessible. Call Owner/Agent (916) 443-1500. Lic. #01413910. 02-09

Suite for leaSe — Midtown: 6 months free rent. 2 operatory. Sacramento Dental Complex. Possible to purchase existing equipment. Great for new practice. Please call (916) 448-5702. 04-09

DAviS DeNtAl OffiCe in professional complex — 1238 Sf. 2+ exam rooms, reception, waiting room, private office(s). Multiple entrances ideal for subleasing part if desired. Broker, (530) 757-3637. [email protected]. 10-09

PlACerville DeNtAl OffiCe fOr leASe. 4 operatories — approximately 1200 sq ft — plumbed for nitrous. Good location with easy access. Self contained with own parking. Option to purchase or lease existing equipment. Contact Sandy: (530) 622-6164. 10-09

OffiCe SPACe ShAriNG rOSeville / GrANite bAy. 1250 sf modern facility, digital/paperless, in a prof’l one-story office w/ street signage. Currently used 3 days/week. ideal for mature, low-volume, high-end practice. [email protected]. 10-09

PrACtiCe fOr leASe iN eStAbliSheD SOuth SACrAmeNtO AreA. 3 fully equipped operatories. Ge panolipse machine included. Existing plumbing for nitrous oxide. Please call for lease information and equipment included (916) 391-9200. 01-10

fOr SAle — Panorex x-ray, film-based, excellent condition. 1998 Cranex 3+ model. Purchased from Patterson. $4,000. Call (916) 786-6431. 03-09

DOC StAtiON (all-in-one imaging system) by rfamerica.com, 2 y.o. $1000 obo. Please email [email protected]. 01-C1

DENTISTS SErvING DENTISTS — Western Practice Sales invites you to visit our website, westernpracticesales.com to view all of our practices for sale and to see why we are the broker of choice throughout Northern California. (800) 641-4179. 03-09

mODeStO AND SOlANO COuNty — Excellent dental practices available in modesto and Solano County. visit www.practicetransitions.com or call Practice Transition Partners at (888) 789-1085 about dental practices throughout California and the u.S. 10-09

ArDeN wAy DeNtAl OffiCe. 1400 sf. 6 chairs. Open bay. easy access. Great parking. Sale or lease. Owner (916) 802-9842 or (209) 223-2850. 11-09

fully equiPPeD DeNtAl OffiCe fOr SAle — GreAt fOlSOm lOCAtiON! New travertine, carpet and paint. Almost new equipment. 5 operatories. $775,000 includes real estate and equipment. Call John @ (916) 625-0300, ext. 1. 12-09

A GreAt OPPOrtuNity! if you are planning or considering opening a practice in el Dorado hills, give me a call!!! Dr. Linssen (916) 952-1459. 02-09

CertifieD OrAl SurGeON NeeDeD to work with our friendly and professional, multi=specialty, multi-office group. Part-time. State-of-the-art equipment, digital office. Please fax your resume to (916) 817-4376. 10-09

exCitiNG OPPOrtuNity fOr eNDODONtiSt — Advanced practice with beautiful, new high tech office in foothills of Jackson, California looking for an endodontist to work one day per week, developing into a full practice with great potential. Please fax resume to (209) 223-2719. 01-10

Stop the ScreaMing! in-office sedation services by mD anesthesiologist • Pedo/Adults • medi-Cal Provider • 20 years experience • Call (800) 853-4819 or [email protected]. 05-07

lOCum teNeNS — i am an experienced dentist, uOP graduate and i will temporarily maintain and grow your practice if you are ill / maternity leave or on extended vacation. (530) 644-3438. 02-09

nEW CLaSSIFIED SECtIonS!Vacationhomes•Miscitemsforsale•Homerentals/sales•Tickets

Contact SDDS at (916) 446-1227 for more information.

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YOu ASKED FOR THIS!

Nugget Survey 2009

HaVe aN upcoMiNG preSeNTaTioN?TheSDDSLCDprojectorisavailableforrent!(3days—$100)MembersonlypleaseCall sdds at (916) 446-1227 for more information or to place a reservation.

sdds calendar of eventsJaNUary1 New Years Day SDDS office closed

5 board of Directors Meeting 6:00pm / SDDS Office

9 cPr bLS renewal Sutter General Hospital 8:30am–12:30pm

11 continuing Education committee 6:00pm / SDDS Office

12 General Membership Meeting Oral Cavity… Gateway to Oral Health

& Disease — Oral Systemic Connection William “Bill” Carpenter, DDS, MS Cy Carpenter, MD Hygiene Night Sacramento Hilton — Arden West 2200 Harvard Street, Sacramento 6:00pm Social 7:00pm Dinner & Program

13 new Member Dinner 6:00pm / Old Spaghetti Factory

14 Peer review committee 6:30pm

18 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day SDDS office closed

19 Nugget Editorial committee 6:15pm / SDDS Office

Ethics committee 6:30pm / SDDS Office

20 continuing Education HR Audio Conference 2010 Labor Law Update

Handbook Update Noon–1:00pm

Golf committee 6:00pm / SDDS Office

DOn’T “SPACE OuT” On THE 30Th annUal MIdWInTEr COnVEnTIOnTOnS OF CE & A GREAT TIME! YOu WOn’T WAnT TO MISS IT! fEBrUary 4–5, 2010

25 Dental Health committee 6:00pm / SDDS Office

30 Smiles for Kids Day

fEbrUary5 30th Annual SDDS

MidWinter convention & Expo Sacramento Convention Center

10 foundation board Meeting 6:30pm / SDDS Office

11 Peer review committee 6:30pm

15 President’s Day SDDS office closed

19 Executive committee Meeting 7:00am / Del Paso Country Club

January 12, 2010:Oral Cavity… Gateway to Oral Health & Disease

— Oral Systemic Connection

Earn

3CE UnITs!

JAnuARY GEnERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETInG: hygIEnE nIghT

Morecalendarinformationavailableat:www.sdds.org

6pm: Social & Table Clinics7pm: Dinner & Program

Sacramento Hilton, Arden West (2200 Harvard Street, Sac)

Presented by:Bill Carpenter, dds, Ms Cy Carpenter, Md

pre-regiSter by

JaN 22, 2010

COuRSE OBJECTIVES:• Understand the current state of evidence of the oral systemic connection.

• Understand risk assessment and personalizing this information for your patients.

• Identify opportunities to educate your patients about this oral systemic connection.

YOu ASKED FOR THIS!Nugget Survey 2009

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PAID

PERMIT NO. 557

SACRAMENTO, CA

915 28th StreetSacramento, CA 95816916.446.1211www.sdds.org

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