JANUARY 2011 VOLUME 12, ISSUE 1 AVAILABLE ONLINE AT TDA.ORG

Inside

TDA Smiles Foundation

Medicaid Provider ManualFeedback neededFeedback neededFeedback

Alliance of the of the of TDAScholarships given

Governor Appoints NewTSBDE Board PresidingOfficerTSBDE alsoTSBDE alsoTSBDE elects newsecretary

TSBDE Rule Update

TEXAS Meeting Preview

TDA Perks

FebruaryJournal News

Special Evidence BasedDentistry Issue

Around the State

February 3-5Star ofStar ofStar the of the of South DentalMeetingHouston

February 12Smiles on WheelsMcCamey

February 23TDA Legislative DayTDA Extension Ribbon Cuttingand Openand Openand HouseAustin

February 24 & 25TDA Board Meeting Board Meeting BoardAustin

Click &Click &Click Connect

Register online for TDALegislative Daytda.org/legislativeday

December TDJtda.org/tdapublications

JUNE, 2008 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 6 AVAILABLE ONLINE AT TDA.ORG

Mission: To be The Voice of DenTisTry in Texas

Manpower Advocacy OrganizationalExcellence

Public Image

Development Membership

Texas Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR)Incentive Program

State Budget — Unprecedented Shortfall Faces 2011 LegislatureAccording to the State Comptroller’s recent revenue estimate, the TeTeT xas Legislature fafaf ces a budget shortfafaf ll of approximately $26 billion this session. Thestate budget is written fofof r 2-year terms so the shortfafaf ll will affeffeff ct 2012 – 2013.

State government provides fufuf nding fofof r the State Board of Dental Examiners, the Medicaid program, the dental schools, Frew Strategic Initiatives(including loan repayaya ment), and many other programs of interest to dentistry.y.y The legislature also sets fefef es dentists payaya fofof r licenses and amounts leviedfrfrf om taxaxa es such as the frfrf anchise taxaxa .

The legislature will look at every option to close the budget gap including cuts to programs such as Medicaid and entities such as dental schools, taxaxaincreases, using some or all of the Rainy Day Fund (funds set aside for use in times of need), shifting costs such as tuition to students and insurance to state employees, and increasing fees paid by professionals such as dentists for licenses.

Given the projected size of the shortfall, it is likely that most, if not all, programs throughout state government will be reduced and fees will be targeted for increase. The TDA has an extremely successful record of legislative achievement due to support of member dentists, strong leadership, an influential Political Action Committee (DENPAC), and an effective staff and lobby team. However, despite this successful record, the shortfall facing the 82nd Legislature will challenge and likely negatively affect every interest in the state, including dentistry. The TDA will be in the arena fighting hard to try and protect your interests and the interests of organized dentistry. These are unprecedented times that unfortunately will not leave anyone unaffected for the near future.

This is the second in a series of articles to keep you informed of the Texas Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program and continuing efforts to

implement health information exchange initiatives across Texas. Future articles will focus on helpful reference websites, health information exchange, meaningful use for dentists, certified EHR technology for dental practices, and other relevant topics of interest to dentists and health information technology (IT).

Dentists and other eligible professionals (EPs) may begin their program participation over the course of the next several years. First year payment can be received up to and including 2016. Since it is a 6-year program, final payment can be received up to 2021. An initial list of certified EHR products has been posted by the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC) for Health Information Technology (go to http://onc-chpl.force.com/ehrcert). Currently, there aren’t any dental systems on the list, but Texas Medicaid expects some to be added as the certification process continues and the list is updated.

The first phase of the incentive program will launch in early 2011. There are important steps Medicaid providers should take now to be ready to participate.

• Learn about the program. Visit www.cms.gov/EHRIncentivePrograms/ for initial program information.

• Sign up for email updates. Go to https://service.govdelivery.com/service/multi_subscribe.html?code=TXHHSC, enter your e-mail address, and click the box next to Health Information Technology (found in HHSC – Projects).

• Select incentive program. CMS has developed a downloadable decision tool to help eligible professionals decide whether to apply for Medicare or Medicaid incentives. Go to www.cms.gov/EHRIncentivePrograms/; click on “Eligibility”; and download the “EHR EP Decision Tool.” Eligible hospitals qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid incentive programs.

• Confirm National Provider Identifier (NPI). Confirm that you have an active NPI through the following link: https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/NPPES/.

Resources for Additional Information:

• Visit the Health IT website (http://www.tmhp.com/Pages/HealthIT/HIT_Links.aspx) for more information, upcoming webinars and events, and answers to questions.

• To contact us with additional questions, please send any questions to HealthIT@tmhp.com or call (800) 925-9126.

You may also contact TDA policy manager Diane Rhodes at (512) 443-3675 or diane@tda.org.

Texas Medicaid Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program: Enrollment Process and Steps

Thursday, February 3, 2011 Two Options: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, or 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm

Topic: Learn about program participation for eligible professionals * (EPs) – steps to take and information to provide, now and during enrollment in the Texas Medicaid EHR Incentive Program. We will also demonstrate the online Texas Medicaid EHR Incentive Program enrollment process.

To Register for the Webinar: http://conta.cc/EHRwebinarJan2011 (case sensitive). Webinar connections are limited to 200, so please participate as a group, if possible.

Webinar link: Details on the agenda, webinar link, and webinar instructions will be emailed upon registration and will also be available on the Health IT website starting December 17, 2010 (go to www.tmhp.com; click on “Providers”; click on “Health IT”). For immediate questions, please contact Julia.Alejandre@hhsc.state.tx.us.

Presentation and handouts after the event: Webinar materials will be available starting January 28th at www.tmhp.com/Pages/HealthIT/HIT_Ref.aspx.

Program BackgroundTexas Medicaid will launch the first phase of the EHR Incentive Program in early 2011. The program distributes incentive payments to Medicaid providers for the meaningful use of certified EHR technology.

*Eligible ProfessionalsPhysicians, dentists, certified nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants (only PAs who are participating in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) led by a physician assistant).

Ongoing UpdatesFor regular updates on the EHR Incentive Program:

Sign up for email updates in HHSC – Projects – Health Information Technology (https://service.govdelivery.com/service/multi_subscribe.html?code=TXHHSC).

Visit the Health IT website at www.tmhp.com/Pages/HealthIT/HIT_Home.aspx.

You are Invited to a Webinar!

Alliance of the of the ofTDA Establishes aScholarship Fund

The Alliance of the of the of TDA (ATDA) TDA (ATDA) TDAestablished a scholarship a scholarship a fund atthe three Texas dental schools.

Scholarships are awarded annually to annually to annuallythird-year dental students.

ATDA MemorialATDA MemorialATDA Committee chair Ms.Sharon Bryant presented University of University of UniversityTexas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School (UTHSCSA) studentsJeff ShaoJeff ShaoJeff and Lauren Day with Day with Day $5,000 scholarships.

For more information on the ATDA, please see its listing under listing under listing Allied Groups attda.org.

January 2011 / TDA Today / 2

Happy, Healthy Smiles… That’s Our Mission!

What?Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation (TDASF) is proud to create happy, healthy smiles healthy smiles healthy through

the Texas Donated Dental Services (TXDDS) program. TXDDS helps Texans with advanced age, permanentdisabilities, or impaired health who endure painful dental problems receive comprehensive dental care throughvolunteer dentists across the state. The TXDDS program not only relieves only relieves only pain and restores smiles, butrebuilds people’s lives.

Why?Currently, applicants on the TXDDS waiting list waiting list waiting have to wait on average 3 years before they are they are they able to

receive dental care through the program. During this During this During wait many new many new many problems new problems new develop and the applicants mayspend many days many days many enduring severe enduring severe enduring pain.

Additionally, there are several counties where people are no longer able to submit application to TXDDSdue to the overwhelming waiting overwhelming waiting overwhelming list. waiting list. waiting As access to care and education are spoken goals of the of the of TDA Smiles TDA Smiles TDAFoundation, helping to helping to helping enhance the public image of dentistry of dentistry of remains dentistry remains dentistry a priority a priority a for priority for priority our organization.Communication of excessive of excessive of wait times and refusal of new of new of applications new applications new can work against work against work our mission.

How canHow canHow you help?Please consider joining us joining us joining as a TXDDS a TXDDS a volunteer for “Just One Smile” and accept one case for TXDDS

in 2011. Your efforts can be as simple as easing someone’s easing someone’s easing pain, or as rewarding as rewarding as rewarding the gift of a of a of new a new a smile. new smile. newThe patient will make an appointment with your office, you will determine the scope of services of services of you provideand you will never be asked to pay any pay any pay laboratory any laboratory any expenses! laboratory expenses! laboratory Taking on Taking on Taking just one case will help the TDA Smiles TDA Smiles TDAFoundation continue to serve those in need of access of access of to dental care.

If youIf youIf are interested in taking a taking a taking TXDDS a TXDDS a patient in 2011, please e-mail Ashley Authement Ashley Authement Ashley at ashley@tda.org.

Texas Donated Dental Services Program

WE’VE GOT SPIRIT. YES WE DO! WE’VE GOT SPIRIT. HOW ‘BOUT YOU?

Do you hum “The Eyes of Texas” in your car, still welcome people with “Howdy,” or shoot “Guns Up” to fellow alum at social events? Do you secretly think your alma mater is and will always be the best in Texas? Well, put your money where your mouth is at the Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation (TDASF) Bragging Rights Challenge. Every dollar you donate on behalf of your alma mater goes to support charitable dental care programs in Texas. The alma mater that raises the most money for TDASF will be recognized at the TDA Annual Session, highlighted at the TDASF Golf Classic, plus will maintain school bragging rights for an entire year. So, don’t miss this opportunity to show your undying pride for your school, your profession, and your patients. To donate contact our office at (512) 448-2441 or visit our website at www.tdasf.org/braggingrights.

CHALLENGE STATS:#1 Texas A&M $2000.00#2 University of Houston $1000.00#3 Texas Tech $600.00

(L-R) Drs. Ben Taylor and Taylor and Taylor Lisa and Lisa and Masters, Lisa Masters, Lisa both of both of both San of San of Antonio, volunteer in volunteer in volunteer November 2010 November 2010 November at 2010 at 2010 the at the at Hondo the Hondo the Smiles on Smiles on SmilesWheels, another TDASF another TDASF another charitable TDASF charitable TDASF program. charitable program. charitable

TDASF Needs Serviceable Surgical InstrumentsDo you have extra forceps extra forceps extra lying around lying around lying that you no longer need? Don’t let those instruments gather

dust! Donate them to TDASF today and today and today let us use them at missions across the state. Your donation will helpbring smilesbring smilesbring to thousands of Texans of Texans of in 2011. We especially need especially need especially forceps, elevators, periosteal elevators, needleholders, and hemostats.

You can donate instruments at the TDASF booth at the Star of the of the of South Dental Meeting in Meeting in Meeting Houstonnext month and the TEXAS Meeting in Meeting in Meeting San Antonio in May. If you If you If are not attending a attending a attending meeting, a meeting, a or are unableto bring your bring your bring instruments to the meeting, please e-mail Melinda Biggs Melinda Biggs Melinda at melinda@tda.org to melinda@tda.org to melinda@tda.org arrange a pickup. a pickup. a

Thank youThank youThank for your continued support of TDASF. of TDASF. of

TDA Smiles Foundation Welcomes New Staff Members Staff Members StaffAshley AuthementAshley AuthementAshley is a recent a recent a addition to the TDA Smiles TDA Smiles TDA Foundation (TDASF) as theDonated Dental Services (DDS) program associate. As the DDS program associate, Ashleywill organize patient/doctor match-ups across the state of Texas of Texas of as well as handle marketingand design for TDASF.

Prior to working for working for working the TDASF, Ashley was Ashley was Ashley employed as a marketing a marketing a assistant marketing assistant marketing for an upscaleautomotive company and company and company as a volunteer a volunteer a coordinator for the AmeriCorps/VISTA program AmeriCorps/VISTA program AmeriCorps/VISTA inOrange County, CA. She holds a B.A. a B.A. a degree in visual arts from McNeese State University.

Billy CallisBilly CallisBilly is excited to join the TDASF. As a missions a missions a associate, he works closely with closely with closelyTDASF missions manager Melinda Biggs Melinda Biggs Melinda to coordinate Texas Mission of Mercy of Mercy of and Mercy and Mercy Smileson Wheels events.

Billy has Billy has Billy broad nonprofit experience, ranging from ranging from ranging event planning to planning to planning case management.Before coming to coming to coming the TDA, Billy worked Billy worked Billy with high-risk youth high-risk youth high-risk and families in Portland,Oregon. He developed curricula for curricula for curricula teens, ranging from ranging from ranging outdoor education to financialliteracy. Billy’s skills include grant writing, graphics, customer service, and Spanish language.

Billy earned Billy earned Billy his Bachelor of Arts of Arts of degree in political science in 2006. He was born andraised in Ohio.

AshleyDonatedwilland

automotiveOrange

BillyTDASFon

BeforeOregon.literacy.

AuthementAuthement

CallisCallis

(L-R) ATDA Memorial Committee Memorial Committee Memorial chair Committee chair Committee Ms. chair Ms. chairSharon Bryant of Bryant of Bryant Duncanville of Duncanville of presents Duncanville presents Duncanville ATDA presents ATDA presentsscholarships toscholarships toscholarships UTHSCSA students Jeff students Jeff students Shao Jeff Shao Jeffand Laurenand Laurenand Day.

Perks Partner NewsDr. Mark Venincasa Wins Perks “Name the E-Newsletter” Contest and Kindle.Perks congratulates TDA member TDA member TDA Dr. Mark Venincasa Mark Venincasa Mark of Venincasa of Venincasa Dallas of Dallas of for his winning entry winning entry winning in entry in entry its “Name the E-Newsletter” contest. Perks enjoyed reading the reading the readingmany TDA-membermany TDA-membermany submissions from across the state, but selected Dr. Venincasa’s “TDA Perks “TDA Perks “TDA Works” as the perfect moniker for its new e-newsletter new e-newsletter newthat brings subscribers information about its newest partners, money-saving specials money-saving specials money-saving and more valuable news. The winning submission winning submission winning is a clever a clever a play on play on playwords: “Perks Works” refers to both Perks programs “working” (as in, they’re successful in bringing you bringing you bringing value,) and to what Perks “manufactures,” (as afactory orfactory orfactory shop would). In the latter case: Perks creates “value for your profession.”

“It [winning the [winning the [winning Kindle] was a nice a nice a surprise. I‘d forgotten about that contest entry,” says Dr. Venincasa. “The newsletter is a great a great a idea; it will give more visibility to visibility to visibility those otheropportunities we may have may have may forgotten. Having the Having the Having program more visible to us allows us to better take advantage of these of these of opportunities. I‘ve taken advantage of several of several of of them, of them, ofincluding: CareCredit, Office Depot, Insurance Answers Plus, and OSHA Review.” OSHA Review.” OSHA

Dr. Venincasa wrote Venincasa wrote Venincasa Perks a gracious a gracious a thank you thank you thank note, and relays he’s sure he’ll enjoy the enjoy the enjoy Kindle. “My wife “My wife “My and my live-in my live-in my mother-in-law each mother-in-law each mother-in-law have a Nook; a Nook; a they love they love they them.” Howdoes Dr. Venincasa plan Venincasa plan Venincasa to use his new Kindle? new Kindle? new “I don’t get to read much; however, I do love to read. For me, it will become a resource a resource a library for library for library spiritual, Christian, and Catholic books.” Thank you, Thank you, ThankDr. Venincasa, for naming the naming the naming e-newsletter, and for your support of Perks of Perks of programs!

TDA Perks Program to Exhibit at Southwest Dental and ConferenceDon’t forget to stop by the by the by TDA Perks TDA Perks TDA Program booth if you if you if plan to attend the Greater Houston Dental Society’s Star of the of the of South Conference in Houston February 3-5, February 3-5, February 2011. Perks staff members staff members staff willbe available to answer your questions and provide information. Several Perks partners will also be exhibiting at exhibiting at exhibiting the conferences. Look for Look for Look the green Perks logo on exhibitor tables, or just ask the ask the ask Perks staffto point the way. Don’t forget to pick up pick up pick a free, a free, a slick Perks slick Perks slick pen and Discount Pharmacy cards Pharmacy cards Pharmacy while you’re there.

For moreFor moreFor information more information more about TDA about TDA about Perks Program, Perks Program, Perks call (512) call (512) call 443-3675, or visit or visit or tdaperks.com. visit tdaperks.com. visit

VenincasaVenincasa

Evidence-Based PracticeTip of the of the of Month

Stephen R. Matteson, DDS, TDA Editor

January 2011 / TDA Today / 3

Dancing withDancing withDancing the Stars!

I have been fascinated for a few a few a years few years few now (as now (as now has a huge a huge a portion of our of our of nation) with a reality a reality a TV reality TV reality show, TV show, TV “Dancingwith the Stars”. For those of you of you of who have missed this phenomenon, the plot goes like this: A selection A selection A of the of the of world’sbest professional ballroom dancers (the “pros”) are matched with “stars” from all walks of sports of sports of and entertainment,from ice skaters, race car drivers, rodeo cowboys, professional football players, and so on. Each week the week the week pros try to try to tryteach the stars to do a variety a variety a of variety of variety classical of classical of ballroom dances. The costumes are amazing and amazing and amazing these pros actually get actually get actually somecomical and some very impressive very impressive very performances from the stars. Each week, the performances are rated by the by the by judgesand the television audience. Eventually a Eventually a Eventually winner a winner a is determined among the among the among stars and they receive they receive they the coveted “MirrorBall Trophy”.

This year, as president of the of the of Texas Dental Association, I have had the opportunity to opportunity to opportunity be one of the of the of stars. Not of the of the ofreality TVreality TVreality show, TV show, TV but of dentistry of dentistry of in dentistry in dentistry Texas. Relax, guys, I did not get to dance with Julianne Hough. I get to be a “star” a “star” abecause you elected me and I get a tremendous a tremendous a amount of help of help of from our wonderful pros, our full-time staff, attorneys,lobbyists. Like the TV show, TV show, TV our pros come back year back year back after year, and try to try to try keep us volunteers dancing presentably dancing presentably dancing and presentably and presentablynot falling on falling on falling our faces.

Each of the of the of volunteer dentists involved in governance of the of the of TDA whether TDA whether TDA you are an officer, a Board a Board a member, on acouncil or committee, or in the House of Delegates, of Delegates, of owes a debt a debt a of gratitude of gratitude of to our pros. The policies and programsthat we as volunteers determine, become reality through reality through reality their actions and knowledge.

This is as it should be. We are the dentists who daily practice daily practice daily our art in the clay of clay of clay living of living of human living human living tissue. We strugglewith the effort to run dental offices in these trying times. trying times. trying We must deal with the ethics of our of our of practices. We shoulddetermine the policies that govern our professional association and set the standards for dentistry in dentistry in dentistry Texas.

That having been having been having said, we are part-timers in the art of governance. of governance. of We cannot afford the time to analyze the nearly300 pages of the of the of Request for Proposals to administer the Medicaid program, keep track of track of track the of the of legislation as itmoves through Austin or Washington, monitor the activities of the of the of State Board of Dental of Dental of Examiners, or manage theconstruction involved in restoration of our of our of new annex. new annex. new We have day jobs! day jobs! day

Fortunately, the staff at staff at staff the TDA central TDA central TDA office have day jobs, day jobs, day too! The job of making of making of us making us making look like look like look stars! And they do they do theywonderful work; they are they are they efficient and devoted. And I hope very much very much very appreciated by each by each by of our of our of members. Andin the end, when we are judged by the by the by citizens of Texas, of Texas, of I hope we have danced well enough to be awarded our ownMirror Ball Trophy!

Ron’s Ruminations

Ronald L. Rhea, DDS, TDA President 2010-11

141st Annual Session of the of the of Texas Dental AssociationMay 5 – 8, 2011 • San Antonio, Texas

Time’s a Wastin’Steven Spivack, DDS, TDA Council on Annual Session

Mark yourMark yourMark calendars! The 141st Annual Session of the of the of TDA is TDA is TDA set for May 5-8, May 5-8, May 2011, in beautiful San Antonio, Texas.With more than 95 speakers and 220 educational sessions, there will be something for something for something everyone: lectures, workshops,a “Laba “Laba Track” program for both dentists and lab technicians, and much, much more. You will even be able to signup dental assistants for a Certification a Certification a Course for Dental Assistants on the Application of Pit of Pit of and Fissure Sealants.Since this is the first time this course has been offered at the annual session, we anticipate a full a full a house. So, if you if you if areinterested we urge you to sign up quickly.

Our exhibitors are the best. The opportunity is opportunity is opportunity there for you to see not only those only those only products that have proved to besuccessful but those that are new to new to new the market as well. You will also be able to take a look a look a at look at look goods and servicesavailable and designed to improve your personal life. The Exhibit Hall Happy Hour Happy Hour Happy on Thursday and Thursday and Thursday Friday afternoon Friday afternoon Fridayis a great a great a time to visit with the exhibitors who support our TEXAS Meeting.

The famous and much in demand “Texas Party” with food, drink, and music will be held Thursday evening Thursday evening Thursday featuring evening featuring evening TDA’s featuring TDA’s featuringown Dr. Bud Luecke and his band, ”Morning”. The fun continues on Friday with Friday with Friday the Smiles Golf Classic Golf Classic Golf and the Graduateof theof theof Last Decade reception, both of which of which of will give you the opportunity to opportunity to opportunity catch up with old and new friends. new friends. new

Housing andHousing andHousing registration are available online. In order to have the best opportunity to opportunity to opportunity hear the speakers you want andto book your book your book favorite hotel, IT IS IMPORTANT TO REGISTER EARLY. REGISTER EARLY. REGISTER Go to texasmeeting.com, and get ahead ofthe curve…and the crowds. Sign up soon. Time’s a wastin’! a wastin’! a

We look forward look forward look to seeing you seeing you seeing in San Antonio.

Abfraction

Here are two recent publications on abfraction. Both papers indicate that occlusal adjustment to treat this cervical defectin teeth is not indicated.

PMID 19228125: Michael JA, Townsend GC, Greenwood, LF, Kaidonis JA. Abfraction: separating fact separating fact separating from fiction.Aust Dent J. 2009 Mar; 54(1):2-8.

PMID 19544815: Wood ID, Kassir AS, Brinton PA. Effect of lateral of lateral of excursive movements on the progression ofabfraction lesions. Oper Dent. 2009 May-June; 34(3):273-9.

Governor Appoints New StateBoard Presiding OfficerGovernor Rick Perry Rick Perry Rick announced Perry announced Perry the appointment of Dr. of Dr. of Tamela “Tammy” Tamela “Tammy” TamelaGough, a pediatric a pediatric a dentist from McKinney, as presiding officer presiding officer presiding of the of the of TexasState Board of Dental of Dental of Examiners (TSBDE).

Dr. Gough is a member a member a of the of the of American and Texas Dental Associations, anda membera membera and past president of the of the of Texas Academy of Academy of Academy Pediatric of Pediatric of Dentistry,Southwest Society of Society of Society Pediatric of Pediatric of Dentistry, and the Paul P. Taylor Academy of Academy of AcademyPediatric Dentistry. Dr. Gough is board certified by the by the by American Board ofPediatric Dentistry and Dentistry and Dentistry is a member a member a of the of the of American Academy of Academy of Academy Pediatric of Pediatric ofDentistry. She received two Bachelor’s degrees from the University of University of University Illinois of Illinois ofand a Doctor a Doctor a of Dental of Dental of Surgery degree Surgery degree Surgery and a Master’s a Master’s a degree in pediatricdentistry fromdentistry fromdentistry Baylor College of Dentistry. of Dentistry. of

Governor Perry appointed Perry appointed Perry Dr. Gough to the TSBDE on September 7,2005. She has served has secretary of secretary of secretary the of the of Board, chair of the of the of EnforcementCommittee, and chair of the of the of Anesthesia Rules Anesthesia Rules Anesthesia Ad-hoc Committee.

State Board Elects New Secretary

TSBDE members recently elected recently elected recently Dr. Steve Austin, a general a general a dentist fromAmarillo, as board secretary. Dr. Austin is a graduate a graduate a of Amarillo of Amarillo of JuniorCollege and West Texas State University. He then earned his Master ofTheology inTheology inTheology 1981 at the Dallas Theological Seminary.

Dr. Austin received his Doctor of Dental of Dental of Surgery from Surgery from Surgery the Baylor College ofDentistry inDentistry inDentistry 1985.

Governor Perry appointed Perry appointed Perry Dr. Austin to serve on the TSBDE on June 20,2008.

The TSBDE elects a new a new a secretary new secretary new each secretary each secretary year. This year, Dr. Austin was the solenominee to replace Dr. Tamela “Tammy” Tamela “Tammy” Tamela Gough who now serves now serves now as presidingofficer. As TSBDE secretary, Dr. Austin chairs the TSBDE’s EnforcementCommittee. Prior to being elected being elected being secretary, he served as a member a member a of the of the ofEnforcement and Licensing Committees. Licensing Committees. Licensing Dr. Austin’s term continues through2013.

HHS Recommends Adjusting Levelfor Optimally Fluoridated WaterThe Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) earlier this monthrecommended setting the level fofof r optimally fluoridated water at 0.7 parts permillion (ppm). According to HHS, “there are several reasons fofof r the changesseen over time, including that, Americans havava e access to more sources offluoride than they did when water fluoridation was first introduced in theUnited States in the 1940’s. WaWaW ter is now one of several sources of fluoride.”

Previously,y,y the recommended optimal level fofof r community water fluoridationwas 0.7 to 1.2 ppm. The adjdjd ustment to 0.7 ppm will provide an effeffeff ctive levelof fluoride to reduce the incidence of tooth decayaya while minimizing the rateof fluorosis in the general population.

The American Dental Association (A(A( DA) commended the HHS’s action torecalibrate the ratio of fluoride to water.

“This is a superb example of a government agency fufuf lfilling its mission toprotect and enhance the health of the American people,” said ADA presidentDr. Rayaya mond F.F.F Gist. “WeWeW havava e alwayaya s looked to the fefef deral health agenciesto guide us on this and other public health matters, and we will continueto do so. WeWeW applaud the Department of Health and Human Services fofof rreaffirming the safefef ty and efficacy of optimal community water fluoridation,with science on their side.”

The ADA will continue working with fefef deral and state governments andother stakeholders to educate people about the health benefits of optimallyfluoridated drinking water. The ADA strongly urges communities that already are doing so to continue fluoridating water at the levels the government recommends as safe and optimal.

Bibliography1. eMemo, American Dental Association, January 7, 2011. ADA, 211 East

Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA. 2. HHS and EPA announce new scientific assessments and actions on

fluoride, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, January 7, 2011. http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2011pres/01/20110107a.html

Provider Feedback Sought on 2010 Texas Medicaid Provider Procedures ManualThis Information was posted on TMHP website November 16, 2010.

Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership (TMHP) is soliciting provider feedback on the revised formatting and organization that was used for the 2010 Texas Medicaid Provider Procedures Manual. Providers can go to the following website address to take the survey: www.surveymonkey.com/s/95BZDG2.

The survey will be available for providers to take through February 16, 2011.

For more information, call the TMHP Contact Center at (800) 925-9126.

JANUARY 2011 VOLUME 12, ISSUE 1 AVAILABLE ONLINE AT TDA.ORG

EDITORIAL STAFFDr. Stephen R. Matteson, D.D.S., Editor

Nicole Scott, Managing EditorBarbara S. Donovan, Art DirectorPaul H. Schlesinger, Consultant

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ronald L. Rhea, D.D.S., PresidentJ. Preston Coleman, D.D.S., President-elect

Matthew B. Roberts, Immediate Past PresidentVice Presidents

R. Lee Clitheroe, D.D.S., SoutheastJohn W. Baucum III, D.D.S., Southwest

Kathleen M. Nichols, D.D.S., NorthwestDonna G. Miller, D.D.S., Northeast

Senior DirectorsKaren E. Frazer, D.D.S., SoutheastLisa B. Masters, D.D.S., Southwest

Robert E. Wiggins, Jr., D.D.S., NorthwestLarry D. Herwig, D.D.S., Northeast

DirectorsRita M. Cammarata, D.D.S., Southeast

T. Beth Vance, D.D.S., SouthwestMichael J. Goulding, D.D.S., Northwest

Arthur C. Morchat, D.D.S., Northeast

Ron Collins, D.D.S., Secretary-TreasurerGlen D. Hall, D.D.S., Speaker of the HouseMichael L. Stuart, D.D.S., Parliamentarian

Stephen R. Matteson, D.D.S., EditorMary Kay Linn, Executive DirectorWilliam H. Bingham, Legal Counsel

TDA Today (USPS 022-007) is published monthly except for December by the Texas Dental As-sociation, 1946 S. IH-35, Ste 400, Austin, Texas 78704-3698, (512) 443-3675. Periodicals Postage Paid at Austin, Texas and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to TDA TODAY, 1946 S. IH-35, Ste 400, Austin, TX 78704-3698.Annual subscriptions: Texas Dental Association (TDA) members, $5. In-state American Dental As-sociation (ADA) affiliated, $15 + tax. Out-of-state ADA affiliated, $15. In-state non-ADA affiliated, $30 + tax. Out-of-state non-ADA affiliated, $30.Single issue price: TDA members $1. In-state ADA affiliated, $3 + tax. Out-of-state ADA affiliated, $3. In-state non-ADA affiliated, $6 + tax. Out-of-state non-ADA affiliated, $6.Contributions: Manuscripts and news items of interest to the membership of the Association are solicited. Manuscripts should be typewritten, double spaced, and the original copy should be submitted. Please refer to Instructions for Contributors in the annual September Directory of the Texas Dental Journal for more information. The Information for Contributors is available at tda.org. All statements of opinion and of supposed facts are published on authority of the writer under whose name they appear and are not to be regarded as the views of the Texas Dental Association, unless such statements have been adopted by the Association. Articles are ac-cepted with the understanding that they have not been published previously. Authors must disclose any financial or other interests they may have in products or services described in their articles. Advertisements: Publication of advertisements in this publication does not constitute a guarantee or endorsement by the Association of the quality of value of such product or of the claims made of it by its manufacturer.

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The August 2010 TSBDE Update focused upon the delegation of coronal polishing by a dentist to a dental assistant and if coronal polishing may be billed as a prophylaxis.

On November 1, 2010, the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (TAPD) submitted a letter to the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) requesting additional clarification on the issue of coronal polishing and prophylaxis.

TSBDE Rule UpdateThis recurring section is designed to help TDA members keep up with important Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) rules, other regulations, and state law affecting their practices.

In particular, the TAPD requested clarification on whether a dentist may bill for a prophylaxis if coronal polishing was performed prior to the prophylaxis itself during the same office visit.

According to the TSBDE’s general counsel Ms. Joy Sparks, coronal polishing may be performed either before or after a prophylaxis. Although a dental assistant may perform coronal polishing as part of a “team approach” to a prophylaxis, it is

In the NewsAmerican Academy of Periodontology 2010 Gold Medal Award

Dr. Lloyd K. Croft of Boerne was named the American Academy of Periodontology’s (AAP) 2010 Gold Medal Award recipient for his outstanding contributions to the field of periodontics. Dr. Croft received the award, the highest honor bestowed by AAP, at the academy’s 96th annual meeting October 30 - November 2, 2010, in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Dr. Croft served on the AAP Board of Trustees from 1987 to 1990, during which time he helped to establish the AAP Foundation (AAPF).

For more information, please visit perio.org.

2010 Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric DentistryA number of TDA members completed the necessary certification examination and are now diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD).

Congratulations to Drs. Kristopher Bennion of New Braunfels, Alfred Burns of Seguin, Shelly Clark of Cedar Hill, Ivette Diaz of Pearland, Christina Gonzales of San Antonio, Sergio Guzman of Mission, Brian Harris of Sherman, Steven Hernandez of Austin, Jeffrey Holt of Dallas, Faisal Khan of Houston, Mark Kogut of Dallas, Manivara Krone of Southlake, Zarmin Lalani-Walji of Dallas, Linh Luu of Houston, Duane Martin of Corpus Christi, Ashley Montoya of Dallas, Francisco Moreno of Austin, Jo Royster Hernandez of Austin, David Tang of Houston, Eddie Tennison of Austin, Mark Urbach of Houston, George Wickersham of Flower Mound, and Vajahat Yar Khan of Missouri City.

For more information on ABPD, please visit abpd.org.

(L-R) AAP president Dr. Sam Low presents the AAP 2010 Gold Medal Award to Dr. Lloyd K. Croft of Boerne.

a violation of Rule 114.5 (Coronal Polishing Certificate) for a dentist to bill for a procedure performed solely by a dental assistant as a prophylaxis.

To read both the TAPD’s letter to the TSBDE and the TSBDE’s response, please go to www.tda.org.

For more information, please contact TDA policy manager Ms. Diane Rhodes at (512) 443-3675, diane@tda.org.

Perks wants to share discounts with your staff, and make working in TDA- member offi ces even more rewarding.

Now you have the opportunity to pass Perks value on to your staff. Why not tell your staff about the great discounts available to them through the new Perks Staff Rewards program? Participation in Perks programs generates revenue, which is passed to TDA and keeps TDA-membership dues down; so everyone wins! Learn what Perks offers your team at: www.tdaperks.com. Questions? Contact TDA Perks Program at (512) 443-3675.

Your Sta� CanHave Perks, too.