TDAT o d a y

A publication of the Texas Dental Association

May 2007 • Volume 8, Issue 5

TDA Today is available online at www.tda.org

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

As I write my last “On the Road Again” column, it’s been 2 weeks since I passed the gavel to Dr. David May at the TEXAS Meeting in San An-

tonio. The phone doesn’t ring as much and my e-mails have slowed to a trickle. The past 12 months was a great ride and I’ll cherish the memories for years to come. My travels since the last TDA Today included a trip

to Amarillo, and on to Hereford for the 14th Texas Mission of Mercy on Friday, April 27. The next morning, I traveled by plane, train, and automobile to Washington, D.C. to at-tend the ADA Washington Leadership Conference. While there, I was able to meet with U.S. Reps. John Culberson, Shelia Jackson–Lee, and Mike McCaul, as well as U.S. Sen. John Cornyn. The ADA legislative agenda includes reinstatement of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The best part of the trip was renewing friendships with dentists from around the country. I’ve been privileged to attend ADA grassroots con-ferences and Washington leadership conferences for 20 of the past 21 years. My last TDA trip was to San Antonio to attend the TEXAS Meeting and the TDA House of Delegates. Good discussions took place in the House, where the strategic plan-ning workforce presentation and forum provided an opportunity for many TDA members to express their opinions on the issue of delegable duties for dental hygienists and dental assistants. As I conclude this last entry in the TDA Today, I would like to thank all of you who have made comments to me about this column. It seems many of you have enjoyed keep-ing up with my trips across the state and country. All total, I traveled over 42,000 miles by plane and automobile during my year as TDA president. I did get a couple of traffic tickets along the way, but, thank goodness, no fender benders or even a flat tire. So, as Roy Rogers and Dale Evans used to sing, “Happy trails to you, until we meet again!” I extend a wish for a productive summer and safe traveling to all TDA members, their families, and their team members. H

Let’s TalkBy A. David May, Jr., DDSTDA President, 2007–2008

I have decided to use “Let’s Talk” as the title of my column in our TDA Today member newsletter. I hope to plant seeds for discussion and ideas that you

as members will talk about to each other and at your component society meetings. By talking colleague-to-colleague, we will become more informed about issues that involve us all.

So, let’s find out how other dentists feel about expanded duties, Medicaid, ethics, dental tourism, dental insur-

ance problems, the public image of dentistry, and a whole slew (that’s a West Texas term) of other things that affect the profession. Don’t be critical of ideas that differ from yours, but try to understand the reasons behind the views of your fellow dentists. Different view-points are healthy and vital to the future of our profession.

Let your TDA officers know your feelings and concerns about the future of dentistry. Let’s plan ahead and control the destiny of our profession and not let outside forces do it for us.

I look forward to visiting your component society and let’s talk!

TDA Board of Directors, 2007 - 2008

President: Dr. A. David May, Jr. President-Elect: Dr. Hilton Israelson Past President: Dr. Thomas C. Harrison

Vice Presidents: Dr. Lee P. Oneacre (NE) • Dr. Douglas W. Bogan (SE) Dr. Jose L. Cazares, (SW) • Dr. V. Wayne McEntire (NW)

Senior Directors: Dr. F. Dee Rea (NE) • Dr. R. Mark Peppard (SE) Dr. Rise’ L. Lyman (SW) • Dr. William M. Walton (NW)

Directors: Dr. Arlet R. Dunsworth (NE • Dr. Craig S. Armstrong (SE) Dr. Johnny G. Cailleteau (SW) • Dr. J. Bradley Loeffelholz (NW)

Speaker of the House: Dr. Glen D. HallParliamentarian: Dr. Michael L. StuartSecretary-Treasurer: Dr. J. Preston ColemanEditor: Dr. Christopher F. AndersonExecutive Director: Mary Kay LinnLegal Counsel: William H. Bingham H

A Texas State of Mind

2007 Report By Dr. Andrew C. Doerfler, Chair, TDA Council on Annual Session

The 2007 TEXAS Meeting’s theme was “A Texas State of Mind” and we certainly epitomized that Texas

hospitality throughout the meeting. Held again in San Antonio, we had guests from all over the world who enjoyed the TEXAS Meeting spirit, mild and sunny weather, great food, and awe-some events! This year we had nearly 13,000 attendees and another record-setting event in terms of program quality for dental profession-als in Texas.

There were 83 clinicians with 44 “first timers” to our meeting. Five of our speak-ers were from other countries. Two speakers had never presented at any dental meeting. Veteran speakers Linda Miles and Karen Davis gave brand new courses for the very first time. David Clark presented a 3D course where the audience had to wear special glasses. This was the very first time this three-dimensional pre-sentation was given in the dental community.

This year’s meeting offered two dental assistant registration courses that included the certification exam. Both courses have been approved by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. The 2007 program also featured programs sponsored by the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentists, the Texas Dental Assis-tants Association, and the Alliance of the Texas Dental Association. All sessions received rave reviews from our attendees. The TDA annual session’s council and staff worked very diligently to put together a world-class scientific program.

The exhibit hall was a sellout again with 470 booths offering attendees the latest and greatest technology, products, and services. Again, there was a Happy Hour on Thursday and Friday, and cash prize drawings each day which provided great incentives for people to visit the exhibit hall. We thank all our spon-sors, especially our double diamond level sponsor, TDA Financial Services, Inc., and our platinum level sponsors — Brasseler USA, Delta Dental Insurance Company, Dental Symphony, and the Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation.

On-site registration was a breeze for those attendees registering at the meeting. Long lines were nonexistent due to so many of our TDA members taking advantage of online registration. Verification for completed course-work went very smoothly and many registrants will utilize this service, which is also available online at the TEXAS Meeting website. The Photography Contest, Internet Café, and Logo Shop also added value and services to our registration area. The TEXAS Meeting was again an enor-mous success. Our annual session is considered to be one of the top dental meetings in the country. It is because our council and staff work hard every year to present the very best we have to offer and receive the support of the TDA leadership — Dr. Tommy Harrison, president, and the entire Board of Directors. We are all committed to continue making this membership benefit affordable, valuable, and at the cutting edge. H

Lois Banta presentation

Exhibit Hall opening — from left: Drs. Bill Nantz, Karen Frazer, Andy Doerfler, Tommy Harrison, Tyler Pendergrass, and Jim Reisman.

Registration area

Exhibit Hall

Dr. David Clark’s hands-on workshop

Transition

2007 Annual Session Award HighlightsPhotos and narrative by Paul H. Schlesinger

Gold Medal for Distinguished Service

Dr. Richard M. Smith (center) of Amarillo is this year’s recipient of TDA’s highest honor. Dr. Smith served the TDA as president and many years as secretary-treasurer. He is currently chair of the Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation. Accompanying him is his wife Jimmie Ruth (left), and TDA president Dr. Thomas C. Harrison.

New Dentist Leadership Award

Dr. Tyler L. Pendergrass (left) of Amarillo is TDA’s outstanding new dentist of the year. Practicing since 1999, Dr. Pendergrass has been very active in his local society and community. He is currently chair of the TDA Council on Annual Session. Presenting the award is Dr. V. Wayne McEntire.

Ms. Estelle Foster (left), dental services director of San Jose Clinic in Hous-ton, receives a Certificate of Merit in recognition of her tireless efforts to treat and serve the dental health and welfare of disadvantaged patients in the Houston area. Pre-senting the award is Dr. V. Wayne McEntire.

Ms. Eleanor Poe (left), director of the El Paso Baptist Clinic, Inc., accepts a Certificate of Merit on behalf the clinic. The clinic is recognized for its ef-forts to serve the dental health and welfare of the disadvantaged popula-tion in the El Paso area. Presenting the award is Dr. Lee P. Oneacre.

Dr. Jose Peralez III (right), president, board of directors for Dentists Who Care, Inc., accepts a Certificate of Merit on behalf of their organization. DWC is recognized for its efforts to treat and serve the dental health and welfare of the disadvantaged population in the Rio Grande Valley area. Presenting the award is Dr. Joey L. Cazares.

Standing, from left: Drs. Terry D. Watson, Jerry P. Katz, Robert E. Lee III, Jerry P. Rice, Jerry W. Godkin, Ernest J. Erickson, Robert H. Stutts, John D. White, Tipton J. Asher, James E. Sebesta, Howard A. Marblestone, Percy C. Butcher III, Edwin F. Grimes Jr., Frank K. Eggleston, H. Edward Bridgeman, David A. Kaiser, Charles H. Moore, Richard C. Allen, and Ralph M. Arnold. Seated, from left: Drs. Richard F. Ceen, John L. Duren, Gary D. Welch, B. Philip Boswell Jr., Thomas P. Parrigin, Steven H. Benson, Jeran J. Hooten, J. Steven Norman, and Robert L. Cooley.

Standing, from left: Drs. Claude M. Starkey, Olen R. Allred, Clifton H. Hurt, Malcom D. Kennedy, Bernard E. Stratman Jr., Erwin R. Rost, and Jack B. Snowden. Seated, from left: Drs. Robert H. Johnson, Charles C. Craig, Kenneth C. Hillis, Morton L. Krumholz, J.C. Whitaker, Corwin L. Anderegg, and John Q. Long Jr.

Dr. David C. Boyles, Jr., (left) of Alvin is recognized for his role in establishing a free dental clinic in Alvin. Presenting the award is Dr. V. Wayne McEntire.

Dr. T. Bob Davis (left) of Dallas is recognized for his many years of leadership to dental students who pro-vide dental care to indigent people in Mexico. Presenting the award is Dr. Lee P. Oneacre.

Dr. Paul A. Kennedy, Jr., (left) of Corpus Christi is recognized for his outstanding and extraordinary service to dentistry through his con-tinued promotion of access to care. Presenting the award is Dr. Joey L. Cazares.

TDA Awards CommitteeDr. Douglas W. Bogan, Chair, Southeast Senior DirectorDr. Joey L. Cazares, Southwest Senior DirectorDr. V. Wayne McEntire, Northwest Senior DirectorDr. Lee P. Oneacre, Northeast Senior Director

Certificates of Merit

Service Recognition Awards

Life Members 50-Year Members

Dr. David F. Nichols (left) of Tyler is recognized for his role as a founder of Texas Missions of Mercy (TMOM), and for tirelessly providing charitable dental care. Presenting the award is Dr. Lee P. Oneacre.

Dr. Glenn R. Walters, Sr., (left) of San Antonio is recognized for his outstanding and extraordinary service to dentistry through his service to the TDA Board of Directors and numerous TDA councils and com-mittees. Presenting the award is Dr. V. Wayne McEntire.

Dr. Debrah J. Worsham (left) of Center is recognized for her service to den-tistry in the area of political advocacy. Presenting the award is Dr. Joey L. Cazares.

May 2007 / TDA Today / 2

Awards and Recognition Dr. Thomas C. Harrison, TDA president, 2006–2007, was recognized for his service to dentistry and to his community in the House of Representatives of the 80th Texas Legislature on March 8, 2007, through HR 468, introduced by Rep. William A. (Bill) Callegari (R-Katy).

Dr. Paul S. Metz, Houston, was recently granted Certification and Diplomate status by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. He received his DDS degree in 1997, followed by his Medical Doctorate in 2001 from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. Dr. Metz, a member of the Greater Houston (8th) District Dental Society, is also certified with the National Board of Dental Anes-thesiology.

Dr. Ilene Rees, San Angelo, won the Paul W. Black, MD, Endowment Award for outstanding research in May during the 64th annual meeting of the American Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Association. She presented her thesis research, “Effect of Midface Deficiency on Visual Speech Perception” in the juried session devoted to the research of investigators currently in or recently graduated from training programs dealing with cleft and craniofacial evaluation and treatment. She competed with eight others in an international class of investigators encompassing bench, clinical, and epidemiologic research. Dr. Rees is a member of the San Angelo (21-A) District Dental Society.

Dr. Ronald D. Woody, Dallas, director of implant dentistry at Baylor College of Dentistry, received the Distinguished Alumnus in Dentistry Award from Marquette University School of Dentistry (he was a 1963 graduate). The award recognizes extraordinary lifetime professional achievement as well as leadership and mentorship that reflects greatly on the dental profes-sion. Dr. Woody is a member of the Dallas County (5th) District Dental Society and is a TDA Life Member. H

Going After the Big Providers to Bring You Member Benefits By Dr. Kenneth Horwitz, President, TDA Financial Services, Inc.

There’s a new procurement method being launched by TDA Financial Services, Inc., (FSI), an affiliate of the Texas Dental Association. Borrowing a page from group purchasing organizations, FSI has contracted with a company to initiate

competitive bidding to enhance value for TDA members.

All 17 of the current vendor contracts have been scrutinized and evaluated, and contracts negotiated to offer good value opportunities for TDA members — from insurance to practice forms to one of the newest vendors that pays handsomely for precious scrap

metals. But those vendors didn’t compete head-to-head with their competitors. New vendors will.

Organized advisory groups of your fellow member dentists in Houston, Dallas, and Austin are advising FSI regarding which products and product categories are the most important to a dental practice. These groups will help determine which prod-ucts are costing you more than they should, and where to find the best quality, brands, and service.

Through competitive bidding, FSI’s goal is to save you $4,000 to $5,000 of an average practice’s $30,000 expenditure for supplies and materials associated with direct patient care. It will accomplish this through a formal request for proposal (RFP) process. All qualified suppliers of a product will receive, at the same time, an RFP with comprehensive questions about quality, service, and price. All will be given the same deadline for response.

FSI’s advisory groups will then evaluate the responses and award the best responders with the valued endorsement seal of TDA Financial Services, Inc., FSI will then let members know about the savings and special terms negotiated via its website, in your Texas Dental Journal, and in this TDA Today newsletter. It’s up to you to take advantage of the new programs and to spread the good word to your fellow TDA members.

Stay tuned! TDA Financial Services, Inc., is excited about the potential of this business model to secure even better deals for TDA members. In the meantime, be sure to check with FSI at the TDA central office in Austin, (512) 443-3675, or visit our website at www.tdamemberbenefits.com. H

Smiles Around Texas

Happy, Healthy Smiles … That’s Our Mission. CHARITy GOLF CLASSIC RAISES FuNDS, BRINGS SMILES DuRING THE TEXAS MEETING The dental profession showed record support for the TDA Smiles Foundation and its mission at the 2007 Healthy Smiles Golf Classic, held on Friday, May 11, 2007. Though the forecast called for rain, the weather was beautiful and the course was challenging and fun. Over 100 golfers and 23 contributing sponsors made this our best tournament ever.

THE TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF ORTHODONTISTS (TAO) hosted the event for the second consecutive year. We wish to offer special thanks to the entire TAO board, especially Dr. James W. Archambeau, president; Dr. Clark D. Colville, presi-dent-elect; and Dr. Paul Wiegand, past president. All proceeds from the event will go to the charitable care programs of the Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation. While expenses are still being finalized, we estimate the tournament will net over $20,000 to support access to care and education programs throughout Texas.

The upcoming RITE TO SMILE GOLF CLASSIC & GALA will also raise money to benefit the TDA Smiles Foundation. If you are interested in this event presented by the North Texas (4th District) Dental Society, please visit www.ritetosmile.com.

uPCOMING EVENTS • Rite to Smile Gala, June 23, 2007 • Rite to Smile Golf Classic, June 25, 2007 • Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation Orientation: July 19, 2007 • Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation Board Meeting: July 20, 2007 • Houston Texas Mission of Mercy: November 2–3, 2007 H

Other Awards From the 2007 Annual Session

• Dr. Richard C. Black of El Paso, Outgoing Past President• Dr. Thomas C. Harrison of Katy, Outgoing President• Dr. A. David May, Jr., of Abilene, Incoming President• Dr. Jennifer J. Barrington of Waxahachie, Outgoing Vice President• Dr. Ron Collins of Houston, Outgoing Vice President• Dr. David R. Cox of Weatherford, Outgoing Vice President• Dr. Frederick T. Philips, Jr., of Corpus Christi, Outgoing Vice President• Dr. Donald F. Cohen of Houston, Outgoing Council Member — Ethics and Judicial Affairs• Dr. James D. Condrey of Missouri City, Outgoing Council Member — Legislative and Regulatory Affairs• Dr. John S. Eads III of El Paso, Outgoing Council Member — Constitution and Bylaws• Dr. Robbie W. Henwood of San Antonio, Outgoing Council Member — Peer Review• Dr. S. Jerry Long, Outgoing Council Member — Legislative and Regulatory Affairs• Dr. Teri B. Lovelace of Abilene, Outgoing Council Member — Membership• Dr. Kathleen Nichols of Lubbock, Outgoing Council Member — Dental Care Programs and Community Oral Health• Dr. James H. Reisman of Dallas, Outgoing Council Member — Annual Session• Dr. Matthew B. Roberts of Crockett, Outgoing Council Member — Legislative and Regulatory Affairs• Dr. Glenn R. Walters, Sr., of San Antonio, Outgoing Council Member — Dental Education, Trade, and Ancillaries• Dr. Debrah J. Worsham of Center, Outgoing Council Member — Legislative and Regulatory Affairs• Dr. Jose L. Alvarez of El Paso, Host Society Chair, District 16• Dr. Ronald D. Klein of Brady, Host Society Chair, District 21-B• Dr. Wayne M. Parks of Woodway, Host Society Chair, District 11• Dr. Mehboob S. Teja of Ballinger, Host Society Chair, District 21-A• Dr. David L. Ward of Big Spring, Host Society Chair, District 21-C• Dr. B. Gerald Whisler III of Waco, Host Society Chair, District 11• Dr. David S. Wilbanks of El Paso, Host Society Chair, District 16• Mr. Adam Clark Spencer, Outstanding Senior Dental Student — Baylor• Ms. Carin E. Doughty, Outstanding Senior Dental Student — Houston• Ms. Nicole Benson, Outstanding Senior Dental Student — San Antonio H

Drs. C. Moody Alexander (left) and William H. Gerlach enjoy a day on the links at Pecan Valley Golf Club to benefit the TDA Smiles Foundation.

May 2007 Update

In addition to attending campaign fundraisers and meeting with other state caucuses, Dr. John S. Findley, ADA 15th District Trustee, addressed the TDA House

of Delegates during its 137th Annual Session in San An-tonio, and his address will be published in the June 2007 issue of your Texas Dental Journal. To submit an issue or question to Dr. Findley or for more information on the campaign, copies of brochures or lapel pins, or to host a fundraiser in your area, please contact the campaign chairman, Dr. Michael Stuart (mstruartdds@sbcglobal.net) or staff liaison Lyda Creus Molanphy (lyda@tda) at the TDA central office.

Findley Face-to-Face Q: Why is dental education one of your top priorities?

A: Because dental education is our future as a profession and the education of future dentists must evolve. I support curriculum change and innova-tion and seek a stronger partnership between the practic-ing community and dental educators. It is essential that practicing dentists mentor dental school students and new graduates. And finally, perhaps most important to the future of our profession is ensuring a sound foundation for ethical and competent clinical care. “Ethics begins the first day of dental school. Professional responsibility must be established in the formative dental school years.” H

Dr. John S. Findley delivers the commence-ment address at the 2007 Baylor College of Dentistry graduation ceremony.

May 2007 / TDA Today / 3

TDA president Dr. Thomas C. Harrison in the Texas House of Representatives with (second row, from left) his daughters, Jill Harrison and Katie Comer, his wife MarySue, and Rep. William A. Callegari.

Check out the new TDA Website! The TDA website was recently re-launched with a new look and feel, added ease of navigation, and enhanced features.

• Members are now able to change their username and password, update more information online, and experience more with the new Ask a Colleague discussion board. • Members can review TDA current issues and resources, pay membership dues, sign up for meetings and events, post job requests/openings with the TDA Job Board, read TDA publications online, purchase photos and logo items through the e-store, and more!

Log in at www.tda.org using your ADA # with dashes and TX + license number for your password (EX: 123-45-6789 / TX1234). Click on “New TDA Website!” on the member homepage for more details. Purchase photos from the 2007 TEXAS Meeting! All photos taken by TDA’s staff photojournalist during the 2007 TEXAS Meeting are now available on TDA’s website at www.texasmeeting.com/estore. Users can order their favorite photos in several dif-ferent sizes and formats:

• 4 x 6 photo = $5• 5 x 7 photo = $10 • 8 x 10 photo = $15• E-mail photo = $3

All prices include sales tax, shipping, and handling. Photos will be sent out in a protective TEXAS Meeting folder within 1 week of purchase. Visit TDA’s e-store! Users can also purchase items from the TEXAS Meeting logo shop online all year long. These items include T-shirts, golf shirts, kid’s shirts, padfo-lios, watches and more! Go to www.texasmeeting.com/estore to get started. There is also a link to the e-store in the top, right-hand corner on every page of the website. Questions / Comments? Contact Stefanie Clegg, TDA’s web manager at (512) 443-3675 or stefanie@tda.org. H

May 2007 • Volume 8 Issue 5 • www.tda.org

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

Edwina J. Shires, Managing EditorPaul H. Schlesinger,

Communications CoordinatorStefanie Clegg, Website ManagerBarbara S. Donovan, Art Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS TEXAS DENTAL ASSOCIATIONPresident: A. David May, Jr., D.D.S.

President-elect: Hilton Israelson, D.D.S. Past President: Thomas C. Harrison, D.D.S.

Vice Presidents: Lee P. Oneacre (NE), D.D.S.

Douglas W. Bogan (SE), D.D.S. Jose L. Cazares, (SW) , D.D.S.

V. Wayne McEntire (NW), D.D.S. Senior Directors:

F. Dee Rea (NE), D.D.S. R. Mark Peppard (SE), D.D.S.Rise’ L. Lyman (SW), D.D.S.

William M. Walton (NW), D.D.S.Directors:

Arlet R. Dunsworth (NE), D.D.S. Craig S. Armstrong (SE), D.D.S.

Johnny G. Cailleteau (SW), D.D.S. J. Bradley Loeffelholz (NW), 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 LinnLegal Counsel: William H. Bingham

TDA Today (USPS 022-007) is published monthly except for December by the Texas Dental Association, 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 Association (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 affili-ated, $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 Associa-tion 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. Every effort will be made to return unused manuscripts if a request is made but no responsibility can be accepted for failure to do so. Anonymous communications will receive no consideration whatsoever. 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 As-sociation. Articles are accepted with the understanding that they have not been published previously.

TDAT o d a y

aade

Contact the TDA Board: ] MAY: (325) 677-5316, davidmayjrdds@yahoo.com ] ISRAELSON: (972) 669-9444, drisraelson@yahoo.com ] HARRISON (281) 492-6064, k2th@aol.com ] ONEACRE: (972) 394-2114, loneacrre@yahoo.com ] BOGAN (713) 467-3458, dwbtda@hotmail.com ] CAZARES: (956) 686-5000, cazaresdds@sbcglobal.net ] MCENTIRE: (806) 359-1644, vwm@suddenlink.net ] REA: (903), 236-7023, drea@cablelynx.com ] PEPPARD: (512) 835-9557, drpep@pepdds.com ] LYMAN: (830) 612-2229, lymanfr@78063.com ] WALTON: (325) 893-5875, bwalton66@hotmail.com ] DUNSWORTH: (214) 363-2475, arletd@sbcglobal.net ] ARMSTRONG: (832) 251-1234, carmst@aol.com ] CAILLETEAU: (915) 581-3391, endoman@att.net ] LOEFFELHOLZ: (817) 924-0506, jbldds@birch.net ] COLEMAN: (210) 656-3301, jrpc@sbcglobal.net ] HALL: (915) 698-7560, txghall@sbcglobal.net ] STUART: (972) 686-8828, mstuartdds@sbcglobal.net ] ANDERSON: (806) 792-5111, canderson@tda.org ] LINN: (512) 443-3675, marykay@tda.org ] BINGHAM: (512) 495-6000, bbingham@mcginnislaw.com

TDAT o d a y

May 2007 • Volume 8 Issue 5 • www.tda.org

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

Basic Life Support / Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Question: I know that the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) requires dentists, dental hygienists, and certain dental assis-tants to take a course in basic life support or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). How often must I take a CPR course to meet this require-ment? Can I take an on-line (Internet) CPR course?

Answer: Yes, TSBDE requires dentists and dental hygienists to document successful completion of a course in basic life sup-port to obtain or renew a dental or dental hygiene license. The Board also requires dental assistants to successfully complete such courses to obtain or renew a certificate of registration to take radiographs, to apply pit and fissure sealants, or to monitor patients receiving nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation conscious sedation. In addition, TSBDE Rule 108.7(4)(C), relating to the Minimum Standard of Care – General, requires all Texas dentists to provide training in emergency procedures to dental office personnel – including front office staff. The required training includes, but is not necessarily limited to, basic cardiac life support. The organization that issues the basic life support certificate determines the length of certification, which is usually stated on the certificate itself. For example, certificates issued by the American Red Cross are good for 1 year, while certificates issued by the American Heart Association are good for at least 2 (and sometimes 3) years. No, you can’t use an on-line basic life support course to meet TSBDE’s basic life support course requirements. TSBDE only accepts courses that include a written assessment and a hands-on demonstration of skills. Since on-line courses do not require a hands-on demonstration of skills, TSBDE will not accept certificates from Internet-based courses. TSBDE does not accept basic life support courses for continuing education (CE) credit. It does accept CE credit for advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and pediatric advanced life support (PALS) courses. (Important Note: The prohibition on TSBDE acceptance of Internet-based basic life support courses does NOT apply to online continuing education courses offered by recognized continuing education providers, which are listed in TSBDE Rule 104.2. Other restrictions governing TSBDE’s acceptance of Internet-based CE courses may be found in Rule 104.1(7), which relates to CE for dentists and dental hygienists, and Rule 114.20(d)(2)(C)(ii), which relates to CE for dental assistants who take radiographs.) For more information, please contact Jay Bond or Diane Rhodes at the TDA central office in Austin, (512) 443-3675. H

Letter to the Editor

From: Dr. L. Jack Williams, Houston

Re: Letter to the Editor (“Just pour it down the drain”), from Dr. Jim Ross, published in February 2007 TDA Today

For the past few years, I’ve been using a product called Chem-Gone. I first purchased it from Trident Dental Lab in Cali-fornia. It is a plastic, 2.5 gallon container with a neutralizer and a solidifier in it. Just add developer and fixer and it solidifies. It passes California disposal standards and I figured their standards are so high, it would work in Texas.

Sullivan Schein also sells a similar product (same name) with a hazardous materials label showing a “1: human hazard.”

Hope this will be helpful, Dr. L. Jack Williams Houston