On The Road AgainBy Thomas C. Harrison, DDS, TDA President, 2006–2007

J anuary is a great month for renewal and goal setting. This past year was a banner year for the Texas Dental Association with our Council onMembership reporting a full percentage increase in membership among active licensed dentists. As we begin 2007, the TDA Strategic Plancontinues to be our road map to success.

Speaking of road maps, I’ve been busy the past few weeks working on my goal to visit all 26 component dental societies before May 13, 2007. I mademy second visit to the 9th District Dental Society in Galveston on Tuesday, January 2. Their president, Dr. David Boyles, Jr., announced the beginningof a faith-based, free dental clinic that would be opening soon in Galveston. Although it isn’t a project sponsored by the dental society, many of themembers will donate their time and talents to provide care for needy patients. One week later on January 9, my wife and I attended the 20th (SanAntonio) District Dental Society meeting, along with Mary Kay Linn, TDA executive director, and Lisa Barsumian, TDA director of public affairs. I waspleased that their society will have one more delegate in the TDA House of Delegates in 2007, due to an increase in active licensed dentists joining theirsociety. San Antonio president Dr. Robbie Henwood provides excellent leadership and Evelina Stephenson, executive director, provides great organizational skills.

I attended an all-day continuing education seminar in Tyler on Friday, January 12. The speaker was Dr. Karl Keiser, an endodontist and faculty member at the University of TexasHealth Science Center at San Antonio Dental School. The meeting was well attended and I spoke during lunch.

In an adjacent room, Dr. F. Dee Rhea, northeast director on the TDA Board, was the instructor for the TDA Dental Assistant Registration Course. About 100 dental assistants tookthe course and the pass rate was 93 percent. For more information regarding the TDA Dental Assistant Registration Course, check the tda.org website for a listing of seminar dates.

On Friday, January 4, 2007, I attended a meeting about a Texas Head Start “Save Our Smiles” event. Participants included the representatives of the Texas Head Start Program, theTexas Dental Hygienists Association, and the Texas Dental Association. Linda M. Altenhoff, DDS, manager of the Oral Health Group of the Texas Department of State Health Services,served as moderator.

To date, I’ve made my “official visit” to 18 of the 26 TDA component dental societies throughout the state. The other eight components are scheduled. I love going “On the RoadAgain” and hope to be coming to a meeting near you real soon. Happy New Year! ★

A publication of the Texas Dental Association

January 2007 • Volume 8, Issue 1

TDA Today is available online at www.tda.orgTDAT o d a y

Remembering Dr. Robert B. Dixon TDA President, 1970–1971

I n October 2006, Dr. Paul E. Stubbs of Georgetown planted a yaupon tree near the front door of the Texas Dental Association (TDA) central office to honor Dr. Robert B. Dixon, whopassed away in 2004. Dr. Stubbs serves as chair of the TDA Building Committee. His mentor Dr. Dixon was a charter member of that committee and served faithfully on it until hedied. On a sunny day in November 2006, a small group of TDA dentists and staff and Dr. Dixon’s son Bobby assembled to dedicate that tree as a living memorial to Dr. Robert B.

Dixon. Dr. Stubbs remarks follow.

“Welcome to the dedication of this tree in memory of Dr. Robert B. Dixon. As we pause to commemorate this man bydedicating this tree, let us turn our thoughts not to death but to life, and to the contributions of Bob and his influence onus and this Association. May we realize that all lives which relate to us are important, and that those friends we make arevital to our understanding of life and life’s purposes. This particular tree is a Yaupon, and it is significant because of theparallels to Bob Dixon:

• the Yaupon is found primarily in the Hill Country of Texas — where Bob spent almost all of his life. Born in Tulsa,Oklahoma, he could claim two states and was easily elected American Dental Association Trustee for District 12,which at the time he held that office, was made up of 5 states, including Texas and Oklahoma;

• the Yaupon is hearty and enduring. Bob’s active career in dentistry spanned 58 years, from 1946 to 2002. He wasactive in all phases of organized dentistry, including his terms as president of the Tenth (Capital Area) District DentalSociety, president of the Texas Dental Association in 1970, and as ADA trustee from 1975 to 1981;

• the Yaupon is giving — its berries provide beauty to us who behold it and food and protection to the birds who nesthere. My personal benefits from Bob’s generous nature began in 1970, when he was my mentor and TDA’s president.Bob and Dorothy and Peggy and Jack Moore were “assigned” to me, a new dentist, and my wife as escorts to theAugust district dental society meeting. Little did I comprehend the significance of that evening. These four becameour constant friends since that first evening together. Bob fostered me through committees of the local and stateassociations, introduced me to State Board members, encouraged me to serve in the TDA House of Delegates, andsponsored me as a Fellow in both the International College of Dentists and the American College of Dentists. Bobwas my confidant in becoming TDA president in 1990–1991; and

• the Yaupon is strong — Bob never backed away from duty or responsibility. In fact, it was Bob (and a few other“heavies” of the TDA) who literally went to Dallas, took the TDA office trappings and the one staff person (BeverlyBane) and moved the TDA headquarters from Dallas to its rightful home in the Capitol city. He continued to exercisehis strength and influence in the purchase of the TDA building and adjacent land on which this marvelous buildingstands today. He served on the TDA Building Committee, which oversees the maintenance of the building andgrounds, until the time of his death.

I am quite sure we all have stories of Bob’s influence upon us. It is therefore fitting to dedicate this tree to the living andloving memory of one of Texas’ dental patriarchs, Dr. Robert B. Dixon.

In closing, I will read for you the words from “For Good,” a song in a relatively new Broadway musical. I believe it isappropriate in that Bob had an affinity for all kinds of music, and it speaks my thoughts for this good friend.

I’ve heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason, Bringing something we must learn. And we are led to those who help us most to grow if we let them And we help them in return. Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s true, But I know I’m who I am today — because I knew you.

Like a comet pulled from orbit as it passes a sun, Like a stream that meets a boulder halfway through the wood, Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better? But because I knew you, I have been changed for good.

(Back row from left) Dr. Alan Moore, Jay Bond, Dr. TommyHarrison. (Front row from left) Dr. Jerran Hooten, LydaMolanphy, Mary Kay Linn, Dr. Paul and Jena Stubbs, Lee AnnJohnson, and Bobby Dixon fondly remember Dr. Robert B. Dixonduring the tree dedication in November 2006.

From left: Dr. Paul Stubbs, nursery employees, and Bill Carson,Native Texas Nursery owner, plant the yaupon in October 2006.

It well may be that we will never meet again in this lifetime, So let me say before we part, So much of me is made of what I learned from you. You’ll be with me like a handprint on my heart. And now whatever way our stories end, I know you have re-written mine by being my friend. Like a ship blown from its mooring by a wind off the sea, Like a seed dropped by a sky bird in a distant wood, Who can say if I’ve changed for the better? But because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”

January 2007 / TDA Today / 2

January 2007 • Volume 8 Issue 1www.tda.org

Editorial Staff: Christopher F. Anderson, D.D.S., M.S.D.,

EditorEdwina J. Shires, Managing Editor

Paul H. Schlesinger, Communications Coordinator

Stefanie Clegg, Website ManagerBarbara S. Donovan, Art Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS TEXAS DENTAL ASSOCIATION

President THOMAS C. HARRISON, D.D.S.; President-elect A.

DAVID MAY, JR., D.D.S.; Past President RICHARD C. BLACK,

D.D.S.; Vice President, Southeast R. RONALD COLLINS, D.D.S.;

Vice President, Southwest FREDERICK T. PHILIPS, JR., D.D.S.;

Vice President, Northwest DAVID R. COX, D.D.S.; Vice

President, Northeast JENNIFER J. BARRINGTON, D.D.S.; Senior

Director, Southeast DOUGLAS W. BOGAN, D.D.S.; Senior

Director, Southwest JOSE L. CAZARES, JR., D.D.S.; Senior

Director, Northwest V. WAYNE MCENTIRE, D.D.S.; Senior

Director, Northeast LEE P. ONEACRE, D.D.S.; Director, Southeast

R. MARK PEPPARD, D.D.S.; Director, Southwest RISE’ L.

LYMAN, D.D.S.; Director, Northwest WILLIAM M. WALTON,

D.D.S.; Director, Northeast F. DEE REA, D.D.S.; Secretary-

Treasurer J. PRESTON COLEMAN, D.D.S.; Speaker of the House

GLEN D. HALL, D.D.S.; Parliamentarian MICHAEL L. STUART,

D.D.S.;Editor CHRISTOPHER F. ANDERSON, D.D.S.; Executive

Director MARY KAY LINN; Legal Counsel WILLIAM H. BINGHAM

TDA Today (USPS 022-007) is published monthly except forDecember by the Texas Dental Association, 1946 S. IH-35, Ste400, Austin, Texas 78704-3698, (512) 443-3675. PeriodicalsPostage 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 Association (ADA) affiliated, $15+ tax. Out-of-state ADA affiliated, $15. In-state non-ADAaffiliated, $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-ADAaffiliated, $6 + tax. Out-of-state non-ADA affiliated, $6.Contributions: Manuscripts and news items of interest to themembership of the Association are solicited. Manuscriptsshould be typewritten, double spaced, and the original copyshould be submitted. Please refer to Instructions forContributors in the annual August Directory of the Texas DentalJournal for more information. Every effort will be made to returnunused manuscripts if a request is made but no responsibilitycan be accepted for failure to do so. Anonymouscommunications will receive no consideration whatsoever. Allstatements of opinion and of supposed facts are published onauthority of the writer under whose name they appear and arenot to be regarded as the views of the TexasDental Association, unless such statements havebeen adopted by the Association. Articles areaccepted with the understanding that they havenot been published previously.

TDAT o d a y

aade

A Texas State of MindBy Dr. Andy Doerfler, Chair, TDA Council on Annual Session

Your 137th Annual Session of the Texas Dental Association promises to be one ofthe most exciting, inspiring, and unique meetings ever presented for you. TheCouncil on Annual Session and TDA staff worked diligently to produce a top

notch, world class meeting in your own backyard! Your 2007 TEXAS Meeting willdefinitely be one for the record books.

It will be exciting because of the 81 clinicians, only 6 speakers are returning fromour awesome 2006 meeting. What that means in common terms is that you have achance to choose your courses from a fresh and stimulating group of speakers andtopics. A seasoned veteran (absent from the 2006 roster) is hygienist Karen Davis. Shecreated a new course titled “From Bugs and Drugs to Hugs” just for your 2007meeting. So did Linda Miles! Linda will present for the very first time ever, “No OneClinical is Identical: The Awesome Dental Assistant.” Now THAT is exciting!

Dr. Michael Miller (Reality Publishing) travels the world lecturing. Aninternational star, he has never lectured at the TDA Meeting. Mike will absolutelyinspire you with his unbiased discussion on up-to-date products and services in thedental marketplace. Katherine Eitel (“The Lioness Principle”) and Gary Zelesky(“Naked in Paradise”) both have programs that will lift you up and bring tears to youreyes at the same time. You want to laugh while you learn? Don’t miss Jeff Blank’sawesome cosmetics courses. So you like “CSI” stuff? Rick Cordoza will bring levity tohis incredible dental forensics course. Please note that all five of these speakers are first-timers at the TEXAS Meeting.

What will make this meeting unique? We have a New York Times best-selling author,a health spa director and author, an alternative medicine MD, an Aussie, four Canadians, aSpanish professor, and the world expert on street drugs. William Danko will talk about hisbook titled “The Millionaire Next Door.” The world-famous Canyon Ranch Spa co-director Mark Liponis, MD, will share nutrition expertise. Native American TieraonaLow Dog, MD discusses herbs and holistic value in treating our patients and ourselves.Practice management expert Kathy Metaxas will travel from Perth, Australia to WOWyou. Our neighbors to the north presenting are Uche and Kary Odiatu, Gary Glassman,and Mel Hawkins. Orlando Martinez will teach conversational Spanish for dental teams(an inaugural presentation). Known across the globe for his pharmacological knowledge isprofessor/author/Hollywood consultant — Hal Crossley.

Of the 81 total speakers, Liponis and Martinez are presenting their programs forthe very first time to a dental audience. There are 44 new faces at the TEXAS Meeting.These clinicians are lecturing at your meeting for the very first time. Almost half of the2007 TEXAS Meeting speakers are sharing their knowledge and expertise for the firsttime ever at a major Texas meeting venue.

So make plans to bring the entire dental team. There are many exciting, inspiring,and absolutely unique choices for everyone. May 10–13, 2007 is the time for the 2007TEXAS Meeting: A Texas State of Mind. ★

CE for “MyHometown’sDentists”

The March 2006TDA Todayreported a

no-cost continuing education course(presented by Dr. Frank L. Higginbottom ofDallas) for members of the Southeast Texas /2nd District Dental Society in the aftermathof Hurricane Rita.

Somebody read that article and took itto heart. TDA staff received the followingemail:

My name is Dr. Ellen Hall and I am aperiodontist is Plano, Texas. My home town isBeaumont, Texas, and when I read in TDAToday several months ago that the Dental Societyof Southeast Texas had trouble getting speakersfor CE meetings because of Hurricane Rita, Iwanted to help.

Because of this article, I contacted the societyand volunteered my time and travel at no cost.On September 14, 2006, I gave a lecture on"Anterior Esthetics" in Beaumont for theSoutheast Texas Dental Society. I thought youmight want to know that the article in the TDAToday inspired me to help out my hometown!

In addition to Dr. Hall's generosity, 2ndDistrict president Dr. Joel Smith reportedyet another gesture. The Las Vegas Institutewas scheduled to present a 2-day seminar onocclusion aesthetics before Rita struck. Afterthe hurricane, the Institute presented thatseminar and charged no honoraria. Kindnessis contagious! ★

ComponentsCorner

ADA 15th DistrictDelegation Meetsat SWDC inDallas

The American Dental Association 15thDistrict (Texas Delegation) met January 19, 2007, at the SouthwestDental Conference in Dallas. Bad weather did not dampen spirits or

attendance! The delegation received an update from 15th district trustee Dr.John Findley on the most recent ADA Board of Trustees meeting held inChicago in December. TDA president Dr. Thomas C. Harrison provided anupdate on issues regarding the Texas Legislative Session and the upcomingmeeting in February of the TDA’s Board of Directors. Finally, the delegationheard presentations from the following members serving on ADA councilsand committees (in order of presentations) — Dr. S. Jerry Long (Council onGovernmental Affairs); Dr. David A. Duncan (Council on Dental Practice);Dr. Matthew B. Roberts (Commission on Dental Accreditation); Dr. RichardC. Black (Council on Ethics, Bylaws and Judicial Affairs); Dr. Alan B. Moore(Council on Members Insurance and Retirement Programs); Dr. Jennifer J.Barrington (Committee on the New Dentist); Dr. Rise L. Lyman (Councilon ADA Sessions); and Dr. Ralph A. Cooley (Council on Dental BenefitPrograms). The next official meeting of the Texas Delegation will be Sunday,August 26, 2007, at The Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center. The148th Annual Session of the ADA is September 27–October 2, 2007, in SanFrancisco, California.

Update:January 2007

The campaign of Dr. John S. Findley for ADA president-elect in 2007is in full-swing! Following the official campaign announcement inLas Vegas after the last meeting of the ADA’s House of Delegates,

the FINDLEY FOR OUR FUTURE campaign has been busy withsuccessful fundraisers and steering committee meetings across the state aswell as preparations for meetings with the other delegations around thecountry. For more information on the campaign, copies of brochures or lapelpins, or to host a fundraiser in your area, please contact the campaignchairman Dr. Michael Stuart at mstuartdds@ sbcglobal.net or TDA staffliaison Lyda Creus Molanphy at lyda@tda.org, (512)443-3675. ★

Dr. John Hackbarthwelcomes Dr. Ellen Hall.

CODE: Dental Practice Management

The Dental Practice Act and thePaperless Office Compiled by the Council on Dental Economics (Council on Dental Care Programs and Community Oral Health)

For those of you who strive to be on the cutting edge of technology, the question of compatibility of thepaperless office with regard to state regulation has probably crossed your mind at one time or another.In practice, actually achieving a paperless office today is questionable, as fear of losing virtual records

in cyberspace keeps most practitioners still grabbing for paper. However, the incorporation of new conceptsin our offices necessitates the need to evaluate how old rules apply to new technology. This article will notattempt to address the medico-legal issues of the paperless office, but rather bring to light those issues thatrelate to compliance of the digital record with the Dental Practice Act and the rules of the Texas State Boardof Dental Examiners (TSBDE).

According to TSBDE officials, the Dental Practice Act and TSBDE rules do not prevent the use ofdigital records, nor do they specifically address their use. This means that the requirements of TSBDERule 108.8 that apply to paper records also apply to digital records. In effect, the method ofdocumentation between the two types of records should be no different. The litmus test, however,occurs when TSBDE requests records from a practitioner who uses digital records. State law andTSBDE rules require a dentist to furnish all parts of a patient’s record to TSBDE when requested.

In a recent interview with Lisa Jones, the TSBDE’s Director of Enforcement, I asked forclarification of what was required of a dentist who uses digital records who is instructed to forwardpatient records to TSBDE. She simply stated “If you turn the chart upside down, anything that falls tothe floor is required to be sent, even sticky notes.” What does that mean for the digital record? Everyscreen that includes patient information will need to be printed. Some practice management softwarecurrently provides a feature for printing all aspects of the record. If yours does not, or you are unawareof this feature, contact your software provider.

Ms. Jones reports that the most common problem experienced by investigators is the failure of dentaloffices to provide all available documentation on the first request, whether the practice maintains paper ordigital records. When I asked specifically about digital records, she shared no concerns about their use. She didremind me, however, that Rule 108.8 requires dentists to maintain patient records for a minimum of five years.

This requires practitioners to maintain paper or digital records in a way that facilitates easy access.Digital records are easier and less expensive to maintain. Many practitioners maintain both writtenrecords and digital records. This requires that you perform computer backups on a routine basis. In theevent of a catastrophe, local backups may no longer be adequate. Online data storage, which requires abroadband Internet connection and is typically performed after hours, can provide a safe and affordablemeans of storing data while avoiding the risk of losing patient information.

A recent article from the Dallas Morning News compared five companies that provide online storage:AOL Xdrive, AT&T Online Vault, Carbonite, Mozy, and Spare Backup. In that article, Michael Cai ofParks Associates observed, “Online storage doesn’t have to replace local storage but rather the two methodscompliment each other.” If you are interested in online backup for digital records, I would encourage you toresearch the aforementioned companies to evaluate the solutions that might be best for your situation.

In summary, digital records have become an everyday practice for most dentists. Since the sameregulatory requirements apply to both paper and digital records, you must ensure that your digitalrecords are consistent and easily accessible.

If you have issues or questions you would like the Council to address please contact Cassidy Neal atcassidy@tda.org or call at (800) 832-1145 ext. 152. ★

January 2007 / TDA Today / 3

Awards and RecognitionTexas Dental Journal Recognized

In 2006, Dr. Christopher F. Anderson, editor,accepted a special citation award from the InternationalCollege of Dentists recognizing the many outstandingtheme issues of the Texas Dental Journal in 2005, including:

• January: The TEXAS Meeting • March: UT Dental Branch at Houston,

1905-2005, 100 Years in the Making• April: Implants • May: Baylor College of Dentistry: The First 100 Years • June: Tobacco Cessation • July: El Paso Dental Conference • September: Special Legislative Issue • October: TDA 2005 Gold Medal for Distinguished Service:

Dr. Robert Anderton • November: Fulfilling the Vision: Special Membership Issue • December: Star of the South Dental Meeting, Houston

Texas Dentists: ICD Fellows and Officers In October 2006, at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, the following

Texas dentists were inducted to Fellowship in the International College of Dentists(ICD):

• Dr. Jose Luis Cazares, Jr., McAllen • Dr. Gilbert F. Coats, Fort Worth • Dr. Brian D. Collins, Dallas • Dr. William H. Gerlach, Plano • Dr. Michael L. Giesler, Atlanta • Dr. David M. Grogan, Waco • Dr. Robbie W. Henwood, San Antonio • Dr. James Dean Jensen, Plano • Dr. Gary Lionel Koehl, San Antonio • Dr. Gordon A. Pratt, Jr., Bryan • Dr. Kathleen Vendrell Rankin, Dallas

USA Section of ICDDr. Leighton A. Wier of San Antonio was elected vice president of the USA

Section of the International College of Dentists. Dr. William R. Clitheroe of SugarLand was elected treasurer of the USA Section Foundation, as well as treasurer of theworldwide International College of Dentists.

Texas Section (District 15), USA Section of ICD New officers for the Texas Section (District 15) of the USA Section of the

International College of Dentists are:

• Regent: Dr. Paul Stubbs of Georgetown • Vice Regent: Dr. William R. Birdwell of Bryan • Deputy Regent: Dr. Richard M. Smith of Amarillo ★

Update: Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

CHIP Claims Processing … Electronic DataInterchange (EDI) Is Coming! Q. May a dental office submit CHIP claims electronically? A. Yes. Electronic claims submission became available in August 2006. Contracting dentaloffices interested in submitting claims electronically should contact the Delta Dental ProviderServices Department at (866) 561-5891 to obtain a copy of Delta Dental’s Electronic DocumentInterchange (EDI) Companion Guide. Delta Dental’s IT department will work with the dentaloffice to set up electronic claims submission capability.

You may also contact Delta Dental’s Provider Call Center for an EDI enrollment packetor access forms directly from the website (http://www.deltadentalca.org/tchip/). Theenrollment packet consists of the following:

• Delta Dental State Government Programs (DDSGP); • Telecommunications Provider and Biller Application/Agreement; • Provider Service Office Electronic Data Interchange Option Selection Form; • EDI Supply Request Form; and • EDI How-to Guide. To submit your TX CHIP Dental Services claims electronically: • Contact practice management system vendor to verify that your software is

compatible to DDSGP EDI specifications. • Complete the Provider and Biller Application and Option Selection Form. • Delta will confirm receipt of your enrollment letter. • Your claims will be rejected if you are not enrolled as a Texas CHIP Dental Services

EDI provider prior to submitting claims electronically. For more information, please contact Diane Rhodes at the TDA central office: (512) 443-3675

or drhodes@tda.org.

CHIP Tier Benefits Explained The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides medical and dental benefits

to children in Texas, whose family’s income is above the federal poverty level but does notqualify for Medicaid and cannot afford private insurance. The dental portion of the programcovers diagnostic and preventive care, as well as therapeutic services such as fillings,laboratory processed crowns, root canals, and extractions.

TIER HISTORY Program benefits are divided into tiers. Preventive benefits have a $175 maximum

reimbursement for a 12-month period. The annual maximum for therapeutic services isadministered in a three-tiered progressive approach. The three tiers are: • Tier I: Preventive services plus up to $200 of therapeutic services • Tier II: Preventive services plus up to $300 of therapeutic services • Tier III: Preventive services plus up to $400 of therapeutic services

Tiers are based on a child’s eligibility history for CHIP medical coverage and not thenumber of months the child was eligible for CHIP dental as some providers believe.

A child’s tier level depends on many factors, such as renewing on time, the amount oftime a child has been enrolled in CHIP and recent gaps in coverage.

INCREASING A CHILD’S DENTAL BENEFITS Starting November 1, 2006, some children became eligible for a tier increase and

therefore start with a new, 12-month benefit period. Another group of children becameeligible for a tier increase in December, and monthly increases will follow.

Each child in CHIP will receive additional dental coverage each year until the maximumbenefit is reached. These extra dental benefits are a bonus when the child’s CHIP medicalcoverage is renewed on time. CHIP members must: 1. Make sure to fill out the CHIP renewal form. 2. Mail the renewal form on time. 3. Pay the enrollment fee promptly, if required.

Although dental benefits cover a 12-month period, in order to maintain a child’s dentalcoverage, the CHIP members must renew their CHIP medical coverage every 6 months.

For more information, please contact Diane Rhodes at the TDA central office: (512)-443-3675or drhodes@tda.org. ★

Challenge to House SpeakerFails; TDA Moves Forward withLegislative Agenda

House speaker Tom Craddick (R-Midland) prevailed against a late-breakingchallenge from a member of his own leadership team. House AppropriationsCommittee chair Rep. Jim Pitts (R-Waxahachie), a top lieutenant in the

Speaker’s leadership team, withdrew his challenge just before he could be nominatedas a candidate. In response to a call for secret ballots, the Speaker’s supportersproposed a revised voting method using ballots instead of the electronic voting board,signed by each House member, and releasing the members’ votes immediately. Secretballot advocates offered two alternative proposals. The failure of the first of the twoalternative proposals by a vote of 68-80 caused Pitts to withdraw his challenge tospare the House any further rancor.

The 2007 TDA legislative agenda is focused on improving access to dental care.TDA initiatives include:

• appropriating additional funds to the Dental Loan Repayment Program toencourage more new dentists to practice in underserved areas;

• increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates; • reinstating emergency dental services voucher program where school nurses

provide vouchers to public schoolstudents with dental emergencies($700,000);

• reinstating five dental hygienepositions so each state PublicHealth District dental healthteam can be fully staffed with onedentist and two dental hygienists($500,000); and

• expanding Medicaid coverage todental services for pregnantwomen.

For more information, pleasecontact Lisa Barsumian, TDA directorof public affairs, lisab@tda.org, or(512 443-3675. ★

Good News: Paid Dental By Dr. Edward H. Sauer, President, Paid Dental Benefits, Inc.

After 20 years of setting industry standards for quality,simplicity, and flexibility, the Texas DentalAssociation’s (TDA) freedom-of-choice dental plan,

Paid Dental, is now partnered with underwriter LincolnFinancial Group, and United Benefit Advisors, a nationwidebenefits brokerage firm.

These partnerships set Paid Dental on course to becomemore innovative and service-oriented than ever. Bringing ahistory of financial strength and commitment to productenhancements, the A+ rated Lincoln Financial Group offersgroup dental insurance through the reputable Jefferson Pilot Financial Insurance Company.

To gain marketing and sales momentum for this unique plan, Paid Dental has chosenUnited Benefit Advisors (UBA). UBA is a unique national organization that brings togetherthe expertise, products, and services of many of the country’s most successful and respectedindependent employee benefits firms. These select brokers are well-equipped to spread thefreedom-of-choice message nationwide. Historically, Paid Dental has only found a presencehere in Texas along with New Mexico, Arizona, and Oklahoma. Through licensing agree-ments with other state dental associations, Paid Dental is planning a national expansion.

TDA member dentists can be proud of their freedom-of-choice dental plan, Paid Dental.Not only do we promote fee-for-service dentistry, quality and access to oral healthcare, andthe freedom to choose any licensed dentist, Paid Dental also contributes non-dues income tothe TDA.

At your next district society meeting, please announce the good news that Paid Dental isset to be the best plan for dentistry in Texas. If you have a patient who is a decision-maker intheir company, contact General Manager David Baker, david@tda.org, (512) 443-3675. Hewill introduce them to the nearest UBA member. ★

• Dr. Matthew B. Roberts, Crockett • Dr. Janis M. Rollow, Dallas • Dr. Tommy L. Russell, Winters • Dr. Alex C. Salinas, San Antonio • Dr. David R. Senn, San Antonio • Dr. Jack I. Shirley, San Antonio • Dr. William Benjamin Taylor,

San Antonio • Dr. David H. Wilhite, Plano • Dr. Debrah J. Worsham, Center