Wisconsin dentists donate more than $647,000 in care for Give … · 2019. 7. 30. · Abbotsford...

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Focus on: Tobacco cessation

DEB debates delegation of duties, smoking cessation, licensure exams

The Dentistry Examining Board met March 4, 2009 in Madison.

Delegation of duties and remediable procedures

Linda Bohacek and Dr. Adrianna Jaramillo reported on their interpretation of “remediable procedures” and delegation of duties to dental assistants.

In summary, a dentist can delegate remedi-able procedures to dental assistants, only if the possible outcomes can be reversed by a den-tal assistant without causing any harm to the patient’s health. Furthermore, the procedures must be done by a properly-trained assistant with training documented by the dentist and

Mara Brooks Director of Government Services [email protected]

More than 365 Wisconsin dentists, with help from nearly 700 dental team members, dental and hygiene students and community volunteers, donated an estimated $647,677 in oral health care and education to 5,654 of the state’s low-income children Friday, Feb. 6 and dur-ing subsequent weeks in recognition of the seventh annual Give Kids A Smile® national children’s dental access day.

Events ranged from large-scale dental clinics delivering exams, cleanings and fluoride treatments to individual dentists providing fillings, extractions and crowns to underserved children in their private practices to dental professionals offering screenings and educational programs in various locations.

GKAS activities are supported by significant corporate donations from Colgate-Palmolive, Henry Schein Dental and DEXIS Digital X-ray. The Dental Record – A Division of WDA Professional Services Inc. also makes children’s dental record forms available for Wisconsin GKAS events.

AbbotsfordDrs. Christina and Troy Rens and

their dental clinic team provided exams

and sealants to 115 Abbotsford and Colby public school second graders. A Clark County public health nurse presented oral health information and scheduled follow-up care for children as needed. Dental goody bags were made available by the Abbotsford Lions Club. Amery

Four dentists and staff at Dental Arts welcomed 40 local elementary students for necessary preventive and restorative services. Children and parents learned about the importance of good dental health.Antigo

The father-daughter dental team of Drs. Timothy and Meghan O’Brien and staff welcomed 20 youngsters for exams, teeth cleaning, preventive care and oral hygiene instruction. Appleton

Drs. Jane Mathen and James Springborn and their Fox Valley Dental Associates team worked with a local public school to identify 10 low-income children needing comprehensive care. “The kids were great and the parents are very appreciative,” reports Dr. Springborn.

Dr. Roger Stanek and his eight-per-son staff worked with Big Brothers and Big Sisters to deliver needed preventive and restorative dental care to 14 children on Feb. 13. Kids also took home oral hygiene products and information.

Tri-County Community Dental Clinic coordinated care for 81 children, ages 8 to 18, from Calumet, Outagamie and Winnebago counties. Volunteers included 29 dentists, support staff and Fox Valley Technical College dental hygiene students. Care was provided at the clinic and in multiple private dental offices. Participating dentists included Drs. Robert Asp, Ryan Auth, Mike Bouressa, Dawn Brown, Tim Brown, Tipton Brown, S. William Clark, Karen Dustrude, David Emanuel, William Farrow, Ellen Fischer, David Gamm, Christopher Glapa, Thomas Grotenhuis, Jason Henderson, Amy Henderson, Tony Kraft, James Kramer, Stephanie Kramer, Thomas Langhammer, Thomas La Selle, Patricia McConnell, Ronald Possell, Joseph Schouten, Steven Stoll, Gerald Vogt, Vinh Vu, Steven Weber and Patrick White.

Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing Secretary Celia Jackson visited the Health Care Network of Racine on GKAS day. She is pictured above with Dr. Ned Murphy (far left) and Drs. Lyndsay and Wendy Knoell (to the right).

Wisconsin dentists donate more than $647,000 in care for Give Kids A Smile

Continued on page 3

Heather Willette CDE, Communications Coordinator [email protected]

Continued on page 8

Mission Statement:

The Wisconsin Dental Association

advances the interests of its members

and the dental profession by promoting

professional excellence and quality

oral health care for the public.

May 2009 • VOLUME 85, NUMBER 5

WDA continues to grow! The Wisconsin Dental Association is pleased to welcome six new members to organized dentistry. These new members, their cities of practice or residence and components (if applicable) are:

Continued on page 10

Photo courtesy of the Racine Dental Association

WDA Journal is a publication of Wisconsin Dental Association, Inc.

Dr. Robert Dwyer, OneidaBrown Door Kewaunee Dental Society

Dr. John Greiert, KeshenaShawano County Dental Society

Dr. Robert Law, MadisonDane County Dental Society

Dr. Paul Luepke, MilwaukeeGreater Milwaukee Dental Association

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May 2009 WDA Journal

I have been politically involved with the Wisconsin Dental Association and my local state representa-tive for 13 years. My political relationships started when I attend-ed a WDA Legislative Day in 1996. The speaker was from the American Dental Association and pre-sented a program on how to develop rela-tionships with your local representative and senators. The comment I remember most was, “You must be on a first-name basis with your state legislators, regardless of their political affiliation.”

My response was, “Oh, sure. That will never happen.”

A few days after the presentation, my doorbell rang and I found myself face-to-face with a candidate for state representa-tive of my district. In my head I heard another comment the ADA speaker made: “To begin a relationship with a politician, ask what you can do for them.”

As I talked to this candidate on my front porch, I said, “What can I do to help you with your campaign?” The look on his face was priceless. He said, “Well, you can put up a yard sign.”

I agreed and from that day forward, Rep. Steve Wieckert and I were on a first-name basis for the duration of the six terms he served in the Wisconsin Legislature. After our initial encounter and his election, I held fundraisers for him every election year. He would call me at home or in my office if he had questions regarding legislation involving dentistry, and we would meet in Madison every year for WDA Legislative Day. I was not only on a first-name basis with my representa-tive, but we were trusting friends and supporters.

The people who represent us will not always agree with us on every issue just because they know us by our first names, but the relationships we build do pro-vide opportunities to educate them on things that matter most to both our patients and profession.

Then the bubble burst! I found out early in 2008 that Steve was stepping down from public office and not seeking re-election. I was disappointed to say the least. My initial thoughts were that all those years of fostering this working rela-tionship and improving on the two-way communication involving various issues were gone.

I soon discovered there were two can-didates for his vacant seat; one from each party. I didn’t know either one personally and had no idea who would replace my friend and political ally.

Early in 2008, I received a phone call from the Republican candidate for Rep. Wieckert’s open seat. She was given my name by Steve as someone in the dental community she should get to know. She asked to speak with me and we met at my office. I felt comfortable with her and felt I could support her for the position.

A few days later, the Democratic can-didate for the vacant seat called my office, introduced herself and asked to talk about dental issues. I met with her, felt comfort-able and also felt I could support her for the position.

Get to know your legislator on a first-name basisJames Springborn DDS, Appleton General Dentist [email protected]

At this point I decided to support and work with both candidates. I attended fundraisers for both and asked the question “What can I do for you?” Yard signs were placed in my front yard. Passers by took a second look at both signs and wondered what was the point? The point was I discovered that having an “R” or “D” behind someone’s name is not going to dictate their position on our issues and, as odd as it may seem, it is entirely possible that opposing candidates can be equaly strong

on our core dental issues.The democratic candidate won the

election. Within days of the election, Penny Bernard Schaber e-mailed me with the name of a needy family that may have qualified for my Give Kids A Smile program. When I met with her previ-ously, I had made a point to mention the

GKAS program we run every first Friday in February. I told her I would screen them and do comprehensive dentistry at no charge.

Shortly after she was sworn in as State Representative, Rep. Schaber contacted me again about pending legislation that would clarify that the state would be the “primary liability” coverage for volunteer dentists who provide care in free clinics, like the Tri-County Community Dental Clinic in Appleton, even if those dentists have a private-sector malpractice insur-ance policy. I informed her I was 100 percent for such legislation.

I was in Madison for a Legislative Committee meeting on Feb. 18 and went to the Capitol to visit Rep. Schaber and had a chance to talk about the legisla-tion again. We had a very cordial and enlightening conversation. She ended our meeting with, “Thanks for stopping, Jim.” I replied, “See you on Legislative

Day March 25, Penny.” My goal has again been achieved. I

have made the transition to a new state legislator and we are now on a first-name basis.

I think you can see that my concern and efforts to re-establish a relationship with a new political member were work-ing; the transition was indeed smooth. Relationships with elected officials can actually happen very naturally.

The people who represent us will not always agree with us on every issue just because they know us by our first names, but the relationships we build do provide opportunities to educate them on things that matter most to both our patients and profession.

Get to know your state legislators on a first-name basis - regardless of their party affiliation. This is not a difficult as it seems and gets easier with time.

Look for us at BOOTH #505 - 506 at the Jewel of the Great Lakes Wisconsin Dental Meeting!

Concerns were expressed about recent reports that the medication Chantix has been linked to high suicidal rates when taken in conjunction with certain anti-depressants and whether dentists who have not received training in these medications

are aware of those complications.

May 2009 WDA Journaly 2

DEB hearing on foreign-trained licensure

A public hearing was held during the Dentistry Examining Board’s March 4 meeting in Madison on the pro-posed administrative rule draft to allow foreign-trained dentists who success-fully complete a Commission on Dental Accreditation-accredited post-doctoral residency program in general dentistry, the national written boards and an approved regional clinical examination in the U.S. to apply for licensure in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Dental Association Vice President Dr. Gene Shoemaker (Waukesha) testified in favor of this administrative rule. His WDA testi-mony emphasized support for an objec-tive process that successfully separates unqualified foreign-trained dentists from those who are qualified. The WDA believes acceptance to and success-ful completion of a CODA-accredited residency program in general dentistry assures those who are licensed have had their clinical skills examined rou-tinely by qualified instructors. To read this testimony, visit WDA.org and type “Dentistry Examining Board” in the search field.

Also testifying in support of this rule was the lobbyist for the Wisconsin Primary Health Care Association, which represents federally qualified health centers. The WPHCA representative said that while the proposal didn’t go as far as they would have preferred, they are hopeful this is just the first step toward loosening the state’s licensure process and making it easier for quali-fied foreign-trained dentists to practice in Wisconsin.

The Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative lobbyist, representing 35 independent rural hospitals in the state, also testified. He applauded DEB efforts to increase access to care by increas-ing the numbers of qualified dentists practicing in the state and urged them to enact more of the Governor’s Task Force on Oral Health Care recommen-dations (2004), including accepting a broader range of clinical licensure exams in Wisconsin.

The DEB also received a letter from the Wisconsin Section of the American College of Prosthodontists supporting use of a CODA-accredited specialty residency program in addition to the successful completion of the national written boards and a clinical exam in general dentistry as a potential path-way to licensure for foreign-trained dentists. The DEB discussed this issue previously and agreed that, unless specialty licenses were also enacted (all dentists in Wisconsin receive a license to practice general dentistry), they would not include specialty resi-dency programs as part of foreign-trained dentists’ pathway to licensure. DEB Chair Dr. Lori Barbeau noted the DEB would be accepting additional written public comments on this rule through March 20, 2009, at which time the DEB could review all comments received and determine if they are ready to finalize the draft and send it to the state Legislature for review.

kept on file. Procedures must be done in accordance with a treatment plan devel-oped by the dentist. Upon completion, the delegated procedures must be subject to inspection by the dentist and the dentist is required to be on the premises throughout the performance. The summary also clari-fies the dentist remains responsible for the successful completion of any procedure delegated to an assistant. Members agreed with this interpretation and asked that it be posted on the DEB Web site.

The concept of broader delegation authority was discussed and Department of Regulation and Licensing staff said physi-cians’ delegation authority is much broader than currently allowed for dentists. The Wisconsin Dental Association will pursue broader delegation authority for dentists either through a change in current admin-istrative rules and/or state statutes.

Smoking cessation counseling and prescription by dentists

DORL legal counsel reviewed previ-ous opinions stating smoking cessation counseling and prescriptions are outside the scope of practice for dentists. Without contradicting that ruling, clinical ques-tions were posed. Ms. Bohacek indicated her support for smoking cessation counsel-ing and prescriptions by dentists, because of its incorporation in dental school cur-riculum. Nancy Rublee expressed concern that dentists performing counseling and writing prescriptions could result in medi-cal insurance plan denials.

DEB Chair Dr. Lori Barbeau focused the discussion on whether there is a sig-nificant link between smoking/tobacco use and oral disease. The DEB agreed a link exists. DORL legal counsel asked if coun-seling and prescription is done to address periodontal disease and oral cancer or to treat nicotine addiction. Dr. Barbeau clari-fied periodontal disease would probably be the most frequent clinical diagnosis for which smoking is a known contributing factor.

Concerns were expressed about recent reports that the medication Chantix has been linked to high suicidal rates when taken in conjunction with certain anti-depressants and whether dentists who have not received training in these medications are aware of those complications.

Ms. Rublee contracts with Price County

Health Department to promote tobacco cessation and noted recent information indicates most successful programs include counseling and medication. She feels if the DEB determines this is in the scope of practice for dentists, it should make sure counseling is provided in addition to medications being prescribed. Dr. Barbeau noted if a disciplinary case arises, dentists will be held to the current standard of care being practiced with regards to tobacco cessation.

Experts have been asked to provide input at the July DEB meeting about cur-rent standards of care for tobacco cessation counseling and medications and if they believe dentists should be able to provide this service to patients. The WDA was asked to contact the American Dental Association for a summary of how other states have addressed this issue.

Regional clinical examinations for licensure

Dr. Barbeau suggested the DEB agree on what clinical testing standards are most important to help protect the public. Using information from the DORL, the DEB discussed the importance of the following clinical examination criteria:

(1) Does it matter if the exam is given in a traditional testing format versus inte-grated into dental school curriculum?

(2) Does it matter if specific portions of the test are performed on a live person, a computer simulator or a manikin?

(3) What scoring system is desired? Can individuals fail one part of the exam and still pass the entire exam? Can they retake just that section or do they have to retake the entire exam?

(4) What is the difference between validity, reliability and weight?

According to DORL research, the pass rate for curriculum-integrated exams is higher than for the traditional exam for-mat. Dr. Barbeau clarified both could be viable formats.

Due to the multitude of potential prob-lems with live patients, the DEB felt mani-kins were more standardized and would likely be more scientifically valid.

DORL staff reported all regional exams require a 75 percent pass rate, all appear to test the same basic procedures and all the agencies require candidates to pass all sec-tions of the exam.

The Western Regional Examining Board or WREB allows the retaking of individual exam sections if initially failed, whereas it appears to DORL staff that other examining agencies require the entire test to be retaken if even one portion of the exam is failed.

DORL staff will provide more informa-tion on “validity”, “reliability” and “weight” for the May DEB meeting.

The DEB will gather more informa-tion prior to determining if there is a valid reason for not accepting all regional exams for licensure in Wisconsin. While the thrust of these discussions relates to the use of clinical exams for dental licensure, the DEB will also address exam decisions relating to dental hygiene licensure. The WDA is on record supporting acceptance of all regional clinical licensure exams for licensing of dentists in Wisconsin.

Continuing education requirementsDORL staff was given the green light

to draft administrative rules governing implementation of continuing educa-tion requirements for dentists and dental hygienists in Wisconsin.

The DEB discussed whether to con-sider enrollment in accredited general and specialty residency programs sufficient for meeting the required 30 hours of CE for dentists or if proof of successful comple-tion of the residency is necessary to meet the CE requirement. WDA staff is seek-ing clarification on the final decision as to whether enrollment is sufficient; this issue may appear again on the May DEB agenda.

Support for temporary charity care permit

The DEB will send a letter support-ing Assembly Bill 103, which creates a process for dentists from other states to receive a temporary permit to provide charitable dental or dental hygiene ser-vices in Wisconsin, to the state Legislature. The permit will be good for 10 days and adhere to the current process for licens-ing dentists from other states, but with-out the $180 licensure fee and state jurisprudence examination require-ment. The WDA is pursuing passage of this legislation so dentists from other states can participate in the June 2009 Mission of Mercy program in La Crosse.

Mara Brooks Director of Government Services [email protected]

DEB Continued from page 1


Dentistry is in the unique position of being able to establish close personal relationships with our patients throughout their lifetimes.

Unlike medicine, in which the majority of patient encounters are driven by disease management often under the guidance of different medical specialists, our dental profession, which consists of 80 percent general dentists, focuses on preventive vis-its and affords us the opportunity to help our patients maintain their oral health as they encounter other health challenges. This relationship is further cemented by the fact that dentists often end up treating multiple generations of the same family.

These lifelong relationships give a unique position to develop trust with our patients and help them by encouraging healthy lifestyle habits. Marketing experts have long understood that repeated mes-sages will have an impact on behavior, and we, as dentists, are well positioned to provide this service.

Tobacco cessation has been recognized as the most significant act people can take to improve their health and is recognized as a substantial reduction in financial health risk by the insurance industry. With tobacco’s effect being a significant factor in diagnosing and treating inflammatory disease and cancer of the oral cavity, it is well within our venue to be actively involved in helping our patients quit.

In response to an inquiring dentist in January 2008, Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing legal counsel issued an opinion stating it was outside the statutory scope of practice for dentists to prescribe tobacco cessation medication in conjunction with tobacco counseling.

The Wisconsin Dental Association has asked this position be reconsid-ered. To date, the information we have received from outside agencies involved with tobacco cessation has overwhelm-ingly supported dentist involvement. The Dentistry Examining Board’s approval

and the WDA’s support of the American Dental Association’s definition of den-tistry will go a long way in resolving such narrow legal interpretations in the future and allow dentists the latitude to better serve our patients.

As medicine turns toward the under-standing that oral pathology can be an early marker of systemic diseases and the presence of oral pathologies such as peri-odontal disease can exacerbate a patients’ morbidity, we may see further blurring of the boundaries between our professions. We can better encourage healthy habits like tobacco cessation, proper nutrition and high blood pressure and diabetes con-trol when we make support and resources more accessible to our patients.

As health professionals, it’s our respon-sibility to ensure we have the appropriate training, knowledge and understanding of the level of services we offer our patients and the discernment to know when to refer to our partners in health care.


WDA Journal reserves the right to edit all communications and requires that all letters be signed. The views expressed in letters, editorials and editorial cartoons are those of the individual author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the association or its subsidiaries. WDA Journal readers are invited to contribute their views on topics of interest in dentistry. Brevity is appreciated. To be considered, letters must be at or under 250-300 words.

Please address letters to: WDA Journal | 6737 W. Washington St. | Suite 2360 West Allis, WI 53214 | Fax: 414-755-4111

WDA style note: We make every effort to bold members’ names in articles.

EDITORIAL POLICY

President H. Michael Kaske, DDS | [email protected]

Messages

Editor Dennis Engel, DDS, CDE | [email protected]

Dentists should be able to help with tobacco cessation efforts

Free enterprise not about greed

“As medicine turns toward the understanding that oral pathology can be an early marker of systemic diseases and the presence of oral pathologies such as periodontal disease can exacerbate a patients’ mor-bidity, we may see further blurring of the boundaries between our professions.

The stock market lost half its value, the Madoff Ponzi scheme was uncovered, banks are failing and the buzz word on the street is GREED. Mortgage companies extended credit to individuals without proper collat-eral relying on the theory that real estate will never decrease in value.

CEOs and company executives were promised millions of dollars in bonus money for their roles in these shady deals. These people were labeled greedy.

As a member of the dental profession, it’s rare I have to address the term “greedy dentist”. I’m distressed by its ever-increas-ing use, but because of the current eco-nomic times and the ignorance of some, I can understand how one might associate the term greed with dentistry.

It’s a hard label to fight when we have seminars titled, “Are you ready to love den-tistry, have fun and GET RICH?”

It doesn’t help when our vendors focus on how much money a certain product or procedure will bring into our practices instead of focusing on improved patient care and, as a result of the efficiency, our practices will be reimbursed at an appropri-ate rate.

How do we fight comments like this: “Dentists are just so greedy; how dare they expect to actually get paid for working? It’s their entire fault, even though they were not properly consulted on government reform that forced a system of payment upon them that was about as likely to work

as trying to drill through pavement with your forehead.”

I think we have to change our posture from one of defense to offense and adjust our message accordingly. I’m afraid this will take a little education on our part.

I believe greed is a selfish and excessive desire for more of something (like money) than is needed.

Despite hearing echoes of socialism throughout our Legislature, capitalism still reigns supreme. It is an economic system in which the means of production and distri-bution are privately or corporately owned and development is proportionate to the accumulation and reinvestment of profits gained in a free market.

Free enterprise is the freedom of private business to organize and operate for profit in a competitive system without interfer-ence by government beyond regulation necessary to protect public interest and keep the national economy in balance.

When you work in a free enterprise system, it is hard to keep money out of the conversation.

The questions now are, “If you work for profit are you considered greedy? If your mechanic, plumber, electrician or grocer doesn’t give you a break on their charges, are they greedy?”

A friend of mine worked in the field repairing phones for SBC (the phone com-pany); he’s 62 years old, retired and has a $260,000 boat. Is he the greedy phone guy?

When the electric company turns off electricity due to nonpayment, are they the greedy electric company?

By definition you would have to answer, “NO”.

The message is clear; if you want free enterprise, businesses must be allowed to make a profit.

At current reimbursement rates, Medicaid dentists don’t get paid. As a mat-ter of fact, they have to pay out of their pockets to treat these patients. Just like the banking industry, too many bad patients/loans and the business collapses.

Government seems very keen to blame its own failings on those who deliver front-line care. They are very good at getting that message to the public.

It seems that there is a bit of a common theme here. We have a government-creat-ed oral health care system that is evidently failing and the blame is being laid at the door of dentists.

My message to them is it has nothing to do with greed at all. It’s about priorities and the ability to stay in business. It’s not about finding the money; it’s about the people and prioritizing quality oral health care.

History has proven the money is there; let’s strive to get oral health higher on the priority list. As long as we live in a capi-talistic society, business must be allowed to make a profit and our representatives in government must respect this.

”

“...I can understand how

one might associate the

term greed with dentistry.

It’s a hard label to fi ght

when we have seminars

titled, ‘Are you ready to

love dentistry, have fun

and GET RICH?’ ”


MAY 2009VOLUME 85, NUMBER FIVE

EditorDennis Engel, DDS, CDE Mequon262-242-8929 • [email protected]

Executive EditorMark Paget

414-755-4100 • [email protected] Editor

Heather Willette, CDE414-755-4110 • [email protected]

OFFICERSPresident

Michael Kaske, DDS, Twin Lakes262-877-2161 • [email protected]

Past-PresidentMonica Hebl, DDS, Milwaukee414-444-4334 • [email protected]

President-ElectKent Vandehaar, DDS, Chippewa Falls715-723-5688 • [email protected]

Vice PresidentGene Shoemaker, DDS, Waukesha

262-542-0431 • [email protected]

John R. Moser, DDS, Milwaukee414-273-9800 • [email protected]

EditorDennis Engel, DDS, CDE, Mequon

262-242-8929 • [email protected] of the House

Michael Donohoo, DDS, Milwaukee414-444-4334 • [email protected]

Executive DirectorMark Paget, West Allis


ADA 9th District TrusteeRaymond Gist, DDS, Flint, MI810-720-4170 • [email protected]

Region 1 NorthwestJulie Fox, DDS, Wausau

715-849-2369 • [email protected] Kenyon, DDS, Altoona

715-832-3385 • [email protected] Nehring, DDS, Mercer

715-476-3432• [email protected]

Region 2 NortheastJohn Masak, DDS, Appleton

920-733-5607 • [email protected] Nockerts, DDS, Green Bay920-469-8484 • [email protected]

Steven Stoll, DDS, Neenah920-725-4307 • [email protected]

Region 3 Greater MilwaukeePaul Levine, DDS, Milwaukee

414-355-0213 • [email protected] James Morgenroth, DDS, Brookfield

262-790-9322 • [email protected] Thomas Raimann, DDS, Hales Corners


Region 4 SoutheastRyan Braden, DDS, Lake Geneva262-248-0120 • [email protected]

Ned Murphy, DDS, Racine262-886-9440 • [email protected]

Barrett Straub, DDS, Port Washington262-284-5505 • [email protected]

Region 5 SouthwestL. Stanley Brysh, DMD, Madison608-417-6500 • [email protected]

Timothy Durtsche, DDS, La Crosse608-784-7319 • [email protected]

Julio Rodriguez, DDS, Brodhead608-897-8645 • [email protected]

Region 6 Student RegionPako Major, Marquette University

School of [email protected]

Advocate...Educate...Empower...

Serve!

Member Publication

Executive corner: Associations make America strong Mark Paget Executive Director [email protected]

Those of us who belong to, volun-teer with or work for an association know the positive impact these groups have on our nation. Associations make the United States stronger by advanc-ing thousands of trades and professions, as well as countless charitable initia-tives.

In addition, associations have a huge impact on our economy. With so much talk these days about the difficult economic times, I thought it would be interesting to do some research on the ways associations benefit our country.

First, what exactly is an association? The Internal Revenue Service defines an association as, “…a group of persons banded together for a specific purpose”. A sense of community is at the heart of all associations. People voluntarily join associations because they want to

work together on a common interest or cause. Associations have deep roots in U.S. history. In fact, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were volunteer leaders of associations when they ran against each other for president.

According to the American Society of Association Executives (Yes, there is an association for associations!), there are more than 86,000 trade and profes-sional associations representing nearly 2 million members and another 1 mil-lion philanthropic or charitable organi-zations. It is estimated that three new associations are formed each day!

In October 2007, ASAE reported associations had combined annual rev-enue of $33 billion, while employing more than 1 million people.

As members of the Wisconsin Dental Association, you not only sup-

port the dental profession and advocate for good oral health, but you are also part of a large and powerful association community. Beyond their positive and direct impact on the U.S. economy, associations also:

• Help inform and educate• Define and promulgate profes-

sional and ethical standards• Ensure the safety of workers and

the public• Improve quality of life• Provide volunteer opportunities

for Americans to build skills and serve communities

Be proud of your WDA member-ship and involvement. You are making a difference!

Names of dentists wanting to serve as Wisconsin Dental Association presi-dent-elect, vice president and speaker of the House of Delegates during the 2009 – 2010 term should be submitted by June 3, 2009 to the Nominating Committee:

Region 1 Dr. Timothy Cooper 715-341-6116, [email protected]

Region 2 Dr. Martin Williams, Chair 920-662-1600, [email protected] Region 3 Dr. Mark Kortebein

414-764-2880, [email protected]

Region 4 Dr. Fred Tenuta 262-654-4571 Region 5 Dr. Beth Welter

608-326-7445, [email protected]

The committee will meet via confer-ence call June 10. It will present a slate

of candidates to the WDA House of Delegates on Nov. 13, 2009 in Stevens Point, at which time nominations will also be accepted from the floor.

Digital headshots and curriculum vitae for all candidates should be sent to Lisa Chandre in the WDA Executive Office at [email protected] or FAX 414-755-4105 for publication in the WDA Journal and Executive Director’s Update and on WDA.org.

The president-elect serves for one year before automatically advancing to the pres-idency. Duties include hosting Legislative Day and working with WDA staff and the Michigan Dental Association delegation chair to coordinate caucus meetings for the American Dental Association’s 9th District. The vice president also serves for one year.

Together, the president, president-elect and vice president represent the

dental profession in meetings with gov-ernment officials and state legislators and serve as WDA spokespersons with the media and other organizations.

The speaker works with WDA staff to set the House agenda. He or she presides over all House meetings, performing duties according to parliamentary procedure. Prior to the House, the speaker meets with and briefs the Reference Committee chair. He or she also serves as an ex-officio mem-ber of the Board of Trustees. The speaker of the house is elected for a one-year term that can be renewed indefinitely.

Detailed position descriptions are available by contacting Executive Director Mark Paget at 800-234-4515 (toll-free, direct) or [email protected]. Questions about the election process should be directed to your regional Nominating Committee representative or Mr. Paget.

WDA officer nomination deadline is June 3

Look for us at BOOTH #420 at the Jewel of the Great Lakes Wisconsin Dental Meeting!


WDA co-sponsoring 5th National Summit on Smokeless and Spit TobaccoCarol Weber APR Director of Public Relations [email protected]

The Wisconsin Dental Association is a $500 co-sponsor of the 5th National Summit on Smokeless and Spit Tobacco to be held Sept. 21 – 23, 2009 at the Monona Terrace in Madison.

This year’s conference theme is “New Products, New Challenges and a New Generation of Advocacy”. According to the summit Web site, “A significant por-tion of the conference will be devoted to issues of concern to youth and those who work with youth…Participants will learn about the latest research in the field and share strategies that have proven effective and successful in the fight against smoke-less tobacco.”

One WDA dentist or staff member will join more than 400 professionals and

advocates working in the field of smoke-less tobacco use prevention and cessa-tion in attending this year’s summit. Past summit attendees have included health care, public health and policy profession-als, tobacco treatment specialists, scien-tists, physicians, nurses, clinic managers, dentists, dental hygienists and assistants, local, state and federal tobacco preven-tion and control administrators, tobacco program staff, public health educators, higher education staff, students, school and youth-serving agencies and youth advocates.

Other 2009 summit sponsors include Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Delta Dental of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Tobacco Prevention and Control

Program, American Legacy Foundation, American Cancer Society Midwest Division, Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, American Dental Association, West Virginia Division of Tobacco Prevention, Wyoming Department of Health, Montana Tobacco Use Prevention Program, Tobacco Free Nebraska, FACT (Fighting Against Corporate Tobacco) and the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh - Office of Continuing Education and Extension.

Last fall, the WDA withdrew its participation in the Stamp Out Spit Tobacco Education Program, a partner-ship with Wisconsin’s Departments of Health Services and Public Instruction, the Milwaukee Brewers and Group One Marketing.

For eight years beginning in 2001, this anti-spit tobacco program operated with an annual budget of $96,000 in state tobacco education funds and more than $225,000 in real and in-kind contribu-tions from the private partners.

Making anti-spit tobacco informa-tion available to the public on WDA.org and co-sponsoring the upcoming national summit in Madison demonstrate the dental community’s ongoing concern about smokeless tobacco use while help-ing deploy limited WDA financial and staff resources in a strategic, cost-effective way.

SEPTEM

BER 21-23, 2009 • M ADISON, WISCO

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Focus on tobacco cessation

World No Tobacco Day focuses on tobacco health warnings in ‘09

The World Health Organization selected “Tobacco Health Warnings” as the theme for the next World No Tobacco Day, which will take place on May 31, 2009.

Tobacco health warnings appear on packs of cigarettes and are among the strongest defenses against tobac-co’s global epidemic.

WHO particularly approves of tobacco health warnings that contain both pictures and words, because they are the most effective at con-vincing people to quit. Such picto-rial warnings appear in more than a dozen countries.

On World No Tobacco Day 2009, and throughout the following year, WHO will encourage governments to adopt tobacco health warnings that meet all the criteria for maximal effectiveness, such as covering more than half of the pack, appearing on both the front and back of the pack and incorporating pictures.

The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control obligates its more than 160 countries’ parties to require these “health warnings describing the harmful effects of tobacco use”. WHO works through its Tobacco Free Initiative department to help the par-ties to meet their obligation through technical and other assistance.

WHO Director General Margaret Chan says, “We hold in our hands the solution to the global tobacco epidemic that threatens the lives of 1 billion men, women and children during this century.”

Tobacco Quit Line ready to help users quit

The Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line has served more than 120,000 Wisconsinites with free, nonjudgmental and confidential help since 2001. Quit coaches help create individualized quit plans that include tips on how to live smoke-free. It also provides contact information for local quit-tobacco resources that anyone can access by visit-ing WiQuitLine.org.

Wisconsin residents who call the Quit Line at 800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) can choose to receive free quit tips and medi-cations via mail. The Quit Line offers a free 2-week starter kit of Food and Drug Administration-approved nicotine medi-cation (patch, gum or lozenges) for callers who agree to receive the science-based quitline coaching. There’s even a free,

password-protected Web site where call-ers can interact with Quit Line coaches and other callers. These resources can quadruple chances of successfully quitting over trying to quit “cold turkey” without assistance.

The Quit Line is available from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. seven days a week. At other times, callers can leave a message for a return call. Coaches who are fluent in Spanish and translators in most other languages are available.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services contracts with the University of Wisconsin Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention to provide services through the Quit Line.

Online videos for treating tobacco

dependence availableThe University of Wisconsin-Center for Tobacco Research

and Intervention has a number of videos related to treating tobacco dependence. They are available for viewing on and downloading

from the Web. The new On-Demand Video page

for health care providers is at:

http://www.ctri.wisc.edu/HC.Providers/healthcare_

ondemand.htmProviders can stream instantly or

download to a Mac or PC.



A fresh look at Wisconsin’s dental work force

Good health care policy is based on the same factors that drive the entire business world: sup-ply and demand. In 2001, the Wisconsin Dental Association, with funding support from Delta Dental of Wisconsin, completed the “Analysis of Dental Workforce, Population Needs and Policy Options in Wisconsin For The Next 10 Years.”

This study was often cited over the years in the establishment of den-tal education and state oral health initiatives. The WDA has now com-mitted to expanding this study to cover the years 2010 through 2020 along with increasing the scope of the original study. The new work will be accomplished by two University of Connecticut Health Center investiga-tors and the original study’s authors, Dr. Tryfon Beazolou and Dr. Howard Bailit, and WDA member Dr. Kathleen Roth (West Bend).

This new work force study will help support some of the measurement and surveillance requirements that are part of the recently-awarded Centers for Disease Control and Prevention oral health infrastructure cooperative agree-ment with the state of Wisconsin.

The goal of the work force study is to provide information on the expected supply of dental services in Wisconsin and its 72 counties over the next 10 years. It will assess the projected sup-ply of dental services through private practice, community health centers and educational facilities. It will also be expanded to include supply pro-jections for dental hygienists and den-tal assistants. The supply-side models developed through this study will be matched with the oral health needs assessments that will be part of the state’s CDC infrastructure agreement to provide a comprehensive picture of the supply and demand for dental ser-vices in the next 10 years. Supply and demand models from this work will provide the data needed to support decisions related to future oral care needs and policy recommendations on both the state and local levels.

The work force study has recently received Institutional Review Board approval from the University of Connecticut and data collection is already in process. Some WDA mem-bers may be asked to participate in a survey providing additional data. The study is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2009 and results will be published through reports to the WDA and peer-reviewed journal articles.

‘Back-to-basics’ awareness campaign promotes value of preventive dental careCarol Weber APR Director of Public Relations [email protected]

Prevention is, and always will be, a core precept in the delivery of oral health care.

Wisconsin Dental Association mem-bers have put their dues dollars behind this message for 15 years, producing cre-ative television and radio spots on topics from dental office safety to problems cre-ated by excessive soft-drink consumption to oral health’s impact on overall health and paying to proactively deliver them to statewide audiences.

The current economy is a “perfect storm” in the sea of oral health public awareness.

First, the WDA and its members are challenged to remind individuals preoc-cupied with bad financial news that good personal oral hygiene practices, fluorida-tion, sealants, regular exams by a dental professional and early restorative care can effectively control development of dental

disease, thereby reducing demand for more expensive and advanced dental treatment and improving a person’s overall health.

Second, the WDA is faced with unprecedented opportunities to obtain substantial, state-wide television and radio time at very affordable rates.

“Political ad revenue came to a screeching halt after the 2008 elec-tions. Almost at the same time, sta-tions started seeing media buys from auto manufactur-ers, car dealers and other major consumer product lines like furniture and jewelry dry up,” notes Rick Brandjten of Group One Marketing, the

WDA’s advertising agency.The WDA Public Relations

Committee decided in March to seize this moment of critical opportunity. It is developing a low-cost, back-to-basics

public awareness campaign that will include two to four 15-second tele-vision spots that use simple screen visuals and narration, press releases and WDA.org postings.

One TV spot, for example, will feature five personal oral health to dos, like “Eat your veggies,” “Brush and floss” and “Remember: den-tist appointment today” in every-day reminder formats like a Post-It®

note, refrigerator note and family chalk board. A narrator will talk over the visuals, reminding viewers

that, “While your mother might not have been a dentist…she knew the basics of


Kathleen Roth DDS [email protected]



Mark your calendars for the eighth annual GKAS Friday, Feb. 5, 2010!

Black River FallsDrs. Steve Hegna, Jerry Overman,

Todd Reich and Rachel Steele and staff provided dental exams and basic care to 50 children, 7 to 8-years-old. The Jackson County Health and Human Services Department and local public school district helped the Community Dental team iden-tify children in need.

BrookfieldThe Midwest Dental office of Dr.

Matthew Babcock treated four children in need.

CassvilleDr. Tom Hughes continued a 26-year

tradition of delivering dental health instruc-tion to more than 200 kindergarten and third-grade students in the Cassville, Potosi and River Ridge School Districts during February. Each child took home a tooth-brush, toothpaste and oral hygiene educa-tion materials.

ChetekThe Midwest Dental office of Dr. William

Shea provided care for 20 children.

ChiltonDrs. Michael Baus and Mariah

Murphy and their team worked with Calumet County Social Services and the Salvation Army to provide preventive and restorative dental care to some 47 low-income children.

Door CountyDoor County Memorial Hospital Dental

Clinic (formerly Open Door Dental Clinic), a year-round free clinic for children ages 3 – 18, saw 25 young people for preven-tive services, restorative care and personal oral hygiene instruction on GKAS day. Volunteers included Drs. Tyler Hubbard, Regan Luders and Jennifer Olson.

Eau Claire Chippewa Valley Technical College

Health Education Center again hosted a GKAS event. Thirteen Northwest District Dental Society members, along with den-tal office staff and dental hygiene and assist-ing students provided preventive services and minor restorative care to 106 children at the school’s dental facility. Dr. Lonnette Breneman was event coordinator.

The Eau Claire Oakwood Midwest Dental office of Drs. Melinda Rosenberger and Stacey Reuss provided care for 17 children in need. The Eau Claire South Midwest Dental office of Drs. Robert Thompson and Orth Sisombath treated 20 children.

EvansvilleThe Midwest Dental office of Dr.

Benjamin Farrow provided care to 20 local children in need.

Fond du Lac Fond du Lac County Dental Society

members again teamed up with the county

health department to provide dozens of needy children with dental exams, clean-ings, X-rays and fillings and extractions as needed on GKAS day.

Dr. Orvis Johnson and dental assis-tant Dorene Gitter visited 62 children at Campbellsport Elementary School on Feb. 6 to teach kids about oral health and proper brushing and flossing.

Fort AtkinsonDr. Leslie Showalter and her Rock

River Dental team examined and treated 16 youngsters between the ages of 5 and 15 referred by the Jefferson County health nurse and Fort Atkinson School District nurse.

Green BayDrs. Chris Hansen and Daniel Tache

and their University Dental staff improved the smiles of 20 – 25 children with basic preventive and restorative care and oral hygiene instruction.

Dr. Steven Hein worked with a dental colleague and staff to deliver basic oral health care to a dozen youngsters.

Dr. Martin Williams and his Sierra Dental team welcomed 16 children to their Riverview Drive office on Feb. 13 for needed dental treatment.

Dental Associates Ltd. worked with the local health department and school nurs-es to identify 25 at-risk children in need of dental exams, teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments and restorative care.

The Midwest Dental - Green Bay East office of Drs. William Dichraff and Jamie Mlnarik treated eight low-income children in need.

MAC Dental Center saw 42 children from Ashwaubenon and Green Bay schools, doing everything from routine cleaning to a few tooth extractions. School nurses selected children who could most benefit from a free dental visit.

GreenvilleWorking with local school nurses, Dr.

Peter Hehli and team welcomed 20 chil-dren for initial preventive and restorative treatment. Children needing more compre-hensive care returned in subsequent weeks.

HartfordDr. Peter Wilk and staff provided care

to five children referred to them by Head Start.

HolmenThe Midwest Dental office of Dr.

Jennifer Lesneski treated nine low-income children.

HudsonDr. Julie Lesher and her team provided

basic dental care to 30 children.

HurleyDr. Paul Hagemann and staff, in

cooperation with the Iron County Health Department and Hurley School District,

conducted dental screenings, applied fluo-ride varnish and made care referrals for 75 Head Start and Hurley Elementary School students in October 2008 and April 2009 as well as on GKAS day. Oral health educa-tion for parents was also provided.

JacksonDr. Scott Charmoli and team educated

some 300 children, preschool through third grade, to introduce them to a dental office and provide oral health education, includ-ing a brushing and flossing demonstration.

JanesvilleHealth Net of Janesville, a community

health and dental clinic, with support from Rock County Dental Society members and other local organizations pre-scheduled appointments with young people in need of oral health care services.

KenoshaOn Feb. 11, Drs. Josephine Chianello

Berman and Susan Cable and Gateway Technical College dental assisting students examined 98 Boys & Girls Club members and instructed them in good oral hygiene and healthy lifestyle practices. This program was chaired by Heidi Gottfried-Arvold.

KewaskumOnce again, Dr. Stephen Van Ess and

staff provided dental exams, cleanings and basic preventive care to a dozen low-income children.

La Crosse CountyDr. Kurt Hulse again coordinated a

multiple-site GKAS effort involving 20 La Crosse District Dental Society members and 75 allied dental personnel. The 150 children scheduled to receive preventive and restorative care were identified in coop-eration with local government, school and youth groups.

The Midwest Dental La Crosse office of Drs. Kevin King and Jerry Utley and the Midwest Dental La Crosse – Downtown office of Dr. Todd Porter provided care to eight children each.

MadisonMidwest Dental offices – Madison East

(Drs. Shayna Kazimer and Ena Lee), Madison West (Drs. Brian Howe and Dennis Tregoning) and Madison University (Drs. Michael Spiewak and Ena Lee) – each treated about 6-8 young people.

Manitowoc Manitowoc Calumet County Dental

Society teamed up with Manitowoc County Healthiest 2010 to deliver dental exams, preventive services and much-needed restorative treatment to an estimated 1,000 local youngsters.

Participants included Dental Park den-tists and staff, Dr. Scott Behringer and his Smile Clinic staff (they participated on Feb. 5) and Midwest Dental’s Dr. Noemi Garcia-Beiersdorf.

MayvilleA mid-January notice in the local news-

paper helped Dr. Mark Brieman identify kids ages 5 – 14 in need of free dental care.

Menasha Dr. Michael Wockenfus and the Mid-

Valley Dental team welcomed 25 – 30 at-risk children referred by the Menasha Public Health Department and local public schools. Care included exams, teeth clean-ings, fluoride treatment, application of seal-ants and basic restorative care.

MenomonieDr. Gregory Green and his Lakeside

Dental team and Dr. Lisa Joyce provided basic oral hygiene education along with preventive and restorative care to 40 low-income youngsters, ages 3 to 17. The children were referred by the Dunn County Health Department, coordinating with the Rural Health Dental Clinic and local schools.

MerrillThe Midwest Dental office of Dr. Jeffrey

Nielsen treated 11 children through GKAS.

Midwest DentalDr. Jeff Moos, president and CEO of

Midwest Dental, reports company offices (noted throughout this article) provided a variety of dental services in those com-munities as part of a nearly $85,000 GKAS effort reaching 316 children at 26 clinics statewide.

Milwaukee GKAS was again celebrated with a

large-scale, cooperative effort among the Greater Milwaukee Dental Association, Marquette University School of Dentistry, Madre Angela Dental Clinic, Children’s Hospital Pediatric Dental Clinic, Milwaukee Area Technical College dental hygiene pro-gram and numerous private dental offic-es. Holt Dental Supply, Patterson Dental Company and Omni International pro-vided additional support and materials. The Marquette University Language Department offered interpreter services.

On Jan. 17, some 150 volunteers wel-comed 461 children to MUSOD where they received dental exams, cleanings and fluoride varnish. Parents were provided with oral health education. Dozens of den-tists and support staff working in dental clinics and private offices throughout the Milwaukee area delivered follow-up care to an estimated 250 children on Feb. 6 and subsequent days. Chairing this multi-day event was Dr. Lynn Lepak-McSorley.

MondoviThe Mondovi office of Drs. Moos,

David Young and Jeremy Vogel provided care to seven low-income children.

Oconto FallsDr. Debra Munes and her three-person

team provided exams, cleanings, fluoride varnish, sealants and fillings as needed to four Oconto County low-income youth.

GKAS Continued from page 1

G SGKASG S

Photo courtesy of WCCDC

Photo courtesy of WCCDC

WDA Vice President Dr. Gene Shoemaker treats a child at the Waukesha County Community Dental Clinic.

Photo by Dr. Mike Cahlamer

Photo by Dr. Mike Cahlamer

GKAS volunteers line up, ready to help screen patients at GMDA’s exam day Jan. 17.

Photo courtesy of Midwest Dental

Photo courtesy of Midwest Dental

Left to right: Dr. Jennifer Lesneski, Patient Service RepresentativeSusan Bamberg and Dental Assistant Linda Clark take a moment to smile with a young GKAS patient in Holmen.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Peter Wilk

Photo courtesy of Dr. Peter Wilk

Hygienist Kim Grensavitch of Dr. Peter Wilk’s offi ce smiles as a patient practices brushing her teeth.

and Human Services identify young-sters with urgent dental treatment needs. Participating dentists included Drs. Robert Armstrong, Rieck Beiersdorf, Matthew Bistan, George Bullard, Linda Bryce, Jerry Cooper, Dean Delasanta, Paul Gruber, George Hess, Mark Huberty, Sherri Joseph, Timothy Joseph, John Kastendiek, Kurtis Kellner, James Kuhlow, Jaime Marchi, Midwest Dental (Plymouth – Dr. Peter Muehleis), Laura Rammer, Robert Schoenenberger, Rhonda Sleiter, Christine Tempas and Midwest Dental (Sheboygan – Drs. Kenneth Geiger, Alex Grech and Robert Darling) and Joseph White.

SirenSiren Dental Clinic’s two dentists and

eight staff welcomed 30 children for preven-tive and restorative services and instructed them on personal oral hygiene.

Stevens Point Healthy Smiles for Portage County

worked with 15 dentists and 30 support staff and dental hygiene students to conduct school-based dental screening and sealant events at six schools during February. An estimated 50 children were expected to need follow-up care.

TomahDrs. Mark Mueller and Deborah

Marynak’s Deer Creek Dental Clinic welcomed 25 – 30 pediatric patients on Feb. 28 for comprehensive dental services, from oral hygiene education to exams, preventive treatments and restorative care. Patterson Dental donated supplies.

Union GroveThe Midwest Dental office of Dr. Liz

Kravig provided care to seven children through GKAS.

ViroquaDr. Steven Solverson of Midwest

Dental treated nine children.

WaukeshaWaukesha County Dental Society

members worked at the recently-opened Waukesha County Community Dental Clinic to treat 53 students identified by local health personnel. Volunteer dentists included Drs. Dennis Abere, Deanne Blazek, Kate Gilson, Paul Nemcek, Susann Norwick, Gene Shoemaker and Brett Skarr.

Also, Dr. Sarah Carlson of Midwest Dental treated eight children for GKAS.


Oneida and Vilas CountiesThroughout the year, the county health

departments’ Northwoods Dental Project educates some 1,100 public, private and home-schooled second and sixth graders on the importance of good oral hygiene prac-tices and dental health. Several hundred more children, ages 5 months to 5 years, participate in the Healthy Smiles fluoride varnish program.

PloverThe Midwest Dental office of Dr. Robert

Miklesh treated six children.

Prairie du ChienMcKeever Dental delivered pre-

ventive and restorative care and oral hygiene instruction to at least 10 low-income children living in this com-munity with non-fluoridated water.

Racine CountySome 30 Racine Dental Association

members (Drs. Richard Anderson, Robert Bissegger, Francesca DeRose, Nicolet DeRose, Paul Elcano, Ken Gould, Tod Hammes, Mark Kenfield, Kim Kind, Lyndsay Knoell, Wendy Knoell, Robert Lamberton, Jim Luetzow, Allison Linstroth-Emery, Ned Murphy, Tom Navratil, Larry Neumann, Earl Newton, Jay Oksiuta, Jerry Oksiuta, Ed Oshiro, Debbie Palmer, Mary Panyk, Jenny Quizon, David Reesman, Don Romsa, Sue Sikora, Derf Simes, Tiffany Smalkowski and Rich Wagner) and vol-unteer staff partnered again with the non-profit Health Care Network of Racine to provide 50 needy youngsters with critical dental care. The children were examined at the clinic on GKAS day before being referred out to volunteers’ private den-tal offices for follow-up care. Dr. Wendy Knoell was the program coordinator.

Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing Secretary Celia Jackson vis-ited the Racine clinic on GKAS day.

ReedsburgThe Midwest Dental office of Dr.

Chad Boers treated five local children.

River FallsThe Midwest Dental office of Dr. Katrina

Leano treated 12 children on Feb. 6.

Sheboygan Dr. Robert Darling spearheaded a

county-wide effort with other Sheboygan County Dental Society members, who worked from their private offices to provide free care to 239 children, ages 3 to 13. Two pre-screening sessions in mid-January helped the Salvation Army and Sheboygan Department of Health

Photo by Robert Darling

Photo by Robert Darling

Rhea Schwantes, RDH smiles with a GKAS patient and her family. Ms. Schwantes works for Dr. Frank Gatyas, but has helped out at Dr. Robert Darling’s Sheboygan offi ce for two GKAS and Head Start screenings.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Orvis Johnson

Photo courtesy of Dr. Orvis Johnson

Dr. Orvis Johnson (Fond du Lac) teaches elementary school children about oral health and proper oral hygiene.

WausauThe Midwest Dental office of Drs.

Caroline May and Jeremy Hoffman pro-vided care to 18 area low-income children.

WestonThe Midwest Dental office of Dr. Julie

Murphy-Morrow treated nine children for GKAS.

Wisconsin DellsDrs. David Clemens, Nicole Clemens

and Jeremy Gross and their Dells Dental team again worked with local organizations to identify 24 young people in need of pre-ventive and restorative dental care.

Wisconsin RapidsThe Midwest Dental office of Dr.

Edward Grabiec provided care to one child for GKAS.

Mark your calendars for the eighth annual GKAS Friday, Feb. 5, 2010!

GKAS MediaGKAS events were covered in the fol-

lowing media:Amery Free PressAntigo Daily JournalAppleton Post-Crescent Brillion NewsChetek AlertDaily Jefferson County UnionDoor County AdvocateDunn County NewsEvansville ReviewGreen Bay Press GazetteHudson-Star ObserverIron County MinerKaukana Times VillagerKenosha NewsLa Crosse TribuneManitowoc Herald Times ReporterMarshfield News HeraldMerrill Photo NewsMilwaukee Journal SentinelOconto County Times-HeraldPrairie du Chien Courier PressRacine Journal TimesReedsburg IndependentReedsburg Times PressSheboygan PressWaukesha FreemanWaukesha Now

WEAU-TV Channel 13 (Eau Claire)WFRV-TV Channel 5 (Green Bay)WITI Fox 6 (Milwaukee)

Clips continued to come in at the time this article went to print.



Case #95

Case History

A 59-year-old male was referred to an oral surgery clinic for the diagnosis and treatment of a purple and polypoid mucosal lesion of the lip. This com-pressible lesion of unknown duration was asymptomatic and blanched upon pressure (figure #1).

Questions:

1- What would you consider in your differential diagnosis?

A. MucoceleB. HemangiomaC. LymphangiomaD. HematomaE. All of the above

2- What would you do to make a definitive diagnosis?

A. Incisional biopsyB. Excisional biopsyC. Needle biopsyD. CT imagingE. Do nothing and watch

answers on page 15

presented byEzedin M. Sadeghi, DDS, [email protected]

figure #1

Q&A

New Members Continued from page 1

Dr. Julie Melbinger-Wagner, MilwaukeeGreater Milwaukee Dental Association

Dr. Karen Schoenike, Sun PrairieDane County Dental Society

Dentist licensure fees and separate medical examining bureau

DORL staff Tom Ryan reported on two specific items in the governor’s state budget proposal. The licensure fee pro-posals sent to the Joint Committee on Finance (JFC) were not discussed as part of the open hearing, but WDA staff has discovered the DORL memo calls for increasing new licensure fees for dentists from $53 to $75 and reducing the two-year licensure renewal fee from $131 to $123. New licensure fees for dental hygienists will increase from $53 to $75 and hygienists’ two-year licensure renewal fee will also increase from $75 to $123.

Mr. Ryan also reported on a budget proposal for a pilot that would assign Medical Examining Board activity to a separate DORL bureau with staff dedi-cated to working only on MEB investi-gations and policy issues. This model is similar to that used in other states. The current Wisconsin model is an “umbrella” approach with multiple staff working for several examining boards. If this DORL pilot project is successful it could be implemented for other state boards (such as dentistry) in the future.

Dental hygiene definition meeting The four-person Committee on

Definition of Dentistry and Specialty Licensure met following the DEB meeting to receive testimonies from invited guests on Ms. Bohacek’s proposals for changing

the definition of dental hygiene and the settings in which hygienists can practice without supervision or prescription of a dentist. Her proposals included remov-ing the word “preliminary” from before the word “examination” in the statutory definition of dental hygiene.

WDA President Dr. H. Michael Kaske (Twin Lakes) testified in opposi-tion to this recommendation saying the term “preliminary” is necessary to dif-ferentiate the comprehensive nature of a dentist’s examination from the limited screening performed by a dental hygienist. Dental hygienists argued the term “pre-

liminary” does not appear anywhere in the Commission of Dental Accreditation standards for dental hygiene and therefore should not appear in state statutes. In the public discussion that followed, Ms. Bohacek informed Dr. Kaske that she believes the exam she performs and the exam the dentist performs produce the same results.

Ms. Bohacek also proposed allow-ing for independent practice of dental hygiene in all settings, except for in the private-sector, as long as the den-tal hygienist has identified medical and dental referral sites. The WDA expressed concern this arrangement is too exclusive of the licensed dentist and, instead, testi-fied in support of a more inclusive collab-orative practice arrangement (approved by the WDA House of Delegates in 2006) between a dentist and dental hygienist in public health settings.

The WDA envisions a collaborative practice arrangement including treatment protocols, general intervals for appropriate delivery of certain hygiene services and a requirement that a patient be examined by a dentist within a certain timeframe prior to returning to receive additional hygiene services in a public health set-ting.

The committee would like to see den-tists and dental hygienists come together to discuss their differences of opinion prior to making any formal decisions on these issues.

DEB Continued from page 3

WDA President Dr. H. Michael Kaske in front of the Committee on Defi nition of Dentistry and Specialty Licensure testifi ed in response to Linda Bohacek’s proposed changes to the defi nition of dental hygiene and the settings in which hygienists can practice without the supervision or prescription of a dentist.

Photo by Mark Paget, WDA

Future DEB meetingsThe DEB meets the first Wednesday of every odd-numbered month. The open session usually concludes by noon, at which time DEB members go into closed session to deliberate disciplinary cases. All dentists are encouraged to observe the DEB, which develops policy directly impacting the licensure of dentists and practice of dentistry in this state. For a listing of 2009 meeting dates and location, please see our calendar of events section on page 14 or visit WDA.org.

American Recovery and Reinvestment ActThe American Recovery and

Reinvestment Act contains a number of provisions affecting dentistry:

• Provides a minimum of a 6.2 per-cent increase in Medicaid payments to all states. This allows states to shore up their dental programs especially for those legislatures that have considered dropping adult dental benefits.

• Provides increased funding for pre-vention and wellness programs, to gen-erate additional support for state den-tal infrastructure programs, fluoridation equipment grants and sealant projects.

• Boosts funding for general practice and pediatric dental residencies and loan repayment for dental health profession-als through the National Health Service Corps.

• Increases funding for National Institutes of Health research, including that done at the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

It is important to note that recent media coverage distorted the intent of health portions of this legislation. Contrary to these reports, the stimulus package specifically prohibits the govern-

ment from making any coverage decisions based on research called for in the bill. Dentistry is not mentioned by name in these sections of the stimulus and there is no crossover in the administration of these provisions, research or technology to create an indirect “government run” health care system.

For more information, visit http://www.ada.org/

prof/advocacy/index.asp.



Tips for closing a dental practiceThere are many issues to consider

when closing or selling a dental practice. Prior planning, if possible, helps avoid any potential problems that may arise.

An advisory team should be put together sooner rather than later to avoid struggles in the event of an untimely death or disability. This team should con-sist of, at minimum, an attorney, accoun-tant and a dental practice valuator. All important papers, names, addresses and phone numbers should be kept in a single location for easy access.

Announcing the closing or sale of a practice must be done in accordance with applicable laws. If possible, patients of record should be notified well in advance by letter or publication in the local newspaper.

When announcing the closing or sale of the practice, patients should be asked to contact the office with their record requests within a reasonable time span (such as 30 days). The notice should also state how patients may obtain their records if they wish to transfer and/or when the records will be destroyed. Patients are entitled to a copy of their dental records, although the original records remain property of the dentist.

If a rapid or unexpected closing is unavoidable, patients in the middle of a treatment plan will need assistance find-ing another dentist willing to complete their treatment. Helping patients locate another dentist will divert any allegations of patient abandonment as long as:

1) Another skilled practitioner is willing to accept the unfinished case

2) The new dentist accepting the patient has necessary clinical informa-tion about the patient and treatment

3) The patient agrees to the referral and consents to transfer their records

4) The patient completes treatment with the new dentist.

Patient records must be handled in accordance with state law. Records for an inactive adult patient can be destroyed if

that patient has not been seen in seven years; those of an inactive minor can be destroyed seven years after the child has reached age 21. To transfer records to another provider, the patient or legal guardian must sign a consent form.

A Mutual Aid Agreement can be formed between colleagues; it is a formal contract where, in the event of sudden illness or death, they agree to tempo-rarily cover for the stricken colleague through recovery or until the practice is sold. Another option is for a non-paid volunteer dentist to work in the office temporarily as a courtesy to finish single-visit cases.

In Wisconsin, a hygienist can con-tinue to provide services to patients who have had an examination by the dentist within the past 12 months, is a patient of record for not less than six months, a written or oral prescription has been made and the patient or guardian gives consent to be treated when the dentist is not on the premises. If these require-ments are not met, then the hygiene appointment must be cancelled.

Note that, unlike other states, Wisconsin law allows ownership of den-tal practices by non-dentists, so non-den-tist family members are allowed to own and operate a dental practice left to them through an estate.

However, the surviving spouse or agent cannot release repaired or newly made dental appliances directly to patients; delivery or returning dental appliances requires a valid dental license. Dental appliances can be released to the new dentist taking over treatment upon consent or a volunteer dentist can come into the office to handle these matters.

All insurance policies should be reviewed with an insurance advisor to determine which should be cancelled or kept upon retirement or death. Dentists at retirement age should contact Social Security Administration to inquire about Medicare coverage; a surviving spouse should contact Social Security Administration and Veteran Affairs Office (if applicable) to inquire about potential benefits. Any local, state or national association where membership is valid should also be informed of this change.

It is important to maintain high pro-ductivity and efficiency during any tran-sition, including maintaining adequate staff. If selling the practice to anoth-er dentist, it is important to continue to accept new patients and encourage

staff members to stay until the last day. Sufficient staff will be able to ensure fol-low up on insurance inquiries, address patient concerns, provide assistance to patients in finding a new dentist, make collection efforts to avoid financial loss and to lessen potential stress on the new dentist, the surviving spouse or personal representative of the dentist.

If a practice is going to be closed due to illness or death, the surviving spouse or agent should evaluate office security and consider making changes to avoid potential risk. Until the practice is closed or sold, the surviving spouse or agent should:

• Do all banking and check writing (a signed card on file at the practice’s bank is required)

• Allow only their name on all bank accounts

• Request final bills from suppliers and examine thoroughly; be suspicious of “new” vendor bills, expenses or staff bonuses that cannot be verified

• Ask accountant to do an audit to determine practice debts and credits

• Collect all keys and change pass-words

Ideally, the best way to market the practice for sale would be with ample time and many potential buyers. Although not always possible, acting quickly is important for future earnings stream for the next dentist when he/she purchases a practice and also has a major impact on the value of the practice. It is highly advisable dentists and others considering closing or selling a practice seek profes-sional advice.

Transition, expected or unexpected, is hard for all parties involved. Taking proper precautionary steps can help ease that impact, make the transition smooth-er and provide guidance in a time of loss. One easy step is to have an advisory team contact information sheet prepared, along with sample letters for closing or selling a practice that can be edited when needed.

Requests for sample advisory team contact sheets and closing letters, as well as further questions can be addressed to Erika Brown of the Wisconsin Dental Association Legislative Office at 608-250-3442 or [email protected]. For more detailed information, go to: “Guide to Closing a Dental Practice” at http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/topics/dentalprac-tice.asp.

Erika Brown Dental Practice and Government Relations Associate [email protected]

2009 House of Delegates Mark your calendars for Nov. 13-14, 2009 at the Holiday Inn in Stevens Point for the 2009 Wiscon-sin Dental Association House of Del-egates. Component presidents and secre-taries of record have received a let-ter requesting that they provide the names of their confi rmed delegates and alternate delegates who will serve at the 2009 WDA House. We understand components usually do not meet during the summer months. However, the mandatory fall dead-line is so tight that many feel pres-sured and say they did not receive adequate notifi cation. The deadline for submission is June 12. If you are interested in serv-ing your component and organized dentistry at this meeting, please con-tact your component president.

good oral health...” The spots will close on the WDA logo.

This public awareness campaign kicks-off in April on commercial and cable TV stations statewide. It will take advantage of high viewership of Fox Sports Net’s Brewers Network, local newscasts and programs like “Oprah”, “House”, “Dr. Phil”, “The Tonight Show” and “Seinfeld” reruns.

The 15-second spots will be placed as “bookends” during 2-minute com-mercial breaks – gaining extra attention because the WDA messages will be the first and last things viewers see during the break. When bookend slots are not avail-able, the 30-second spot “The Tuneup”, which focuses on the WDA’s periodontal disease-diabetes message, will run.

As summer approaches and public TV viewing decreases in favor of increasing radio listenership, the WDA may produce and distribute several new back-to-basics radio spots.

The PR Committee is redirecting a portion of its 2009 paid media budget into this new mini-campaign aimed at reminding consumers they can control their long-term dental care costs through good, personal oral hygiene practices and preventive care.

New awareness campaign Continued from page 7

Dental home message outreach underwayCarol Weber APR Director of Public Relations [email protected]

The dental home message is gradu-ally spreading beyond Wisconsin Dental Association member dentists and their dental teams.

A complimentary copy of the low-cost continuing education kit was mailed to 34 community dental clinics in the state in early March to help demonstrate WDA commitment to providing care to very young children and pregnant moth-ers, including those with low incomes. Federally Qualified Health Center clinics were not included in this distribution.

In a cover letter to clinic directors, WDA President Dr. H. Michael Kaske invited those dental teams to join with the WDA and its 2,900 members in work-ing toward the long-term goal of giving every child in Wisconsin access to a den-tal home by age 1.

The WDA defines a dental home as: An ongoing relationship between the dentist who is the primary dental care provider and the patient, which includes comprehensive oral health care begin-

ning no later than age 1 in a continuously accessible, coordinated and family-cen-tered way.

In addition, 70 kits were purchased by Midwest Dental for distribution to employees at its 65 practice locations in five states.

A complimentary WDA Dental Home CE kit, along with licensing infor-mation, was also mailed to the executive directors of the other 49 state dental associations.

Each kit includes an instructional DVD, supporting print materials in a familiar dental record format and an optional, CERP-approved, two-credit CE exam. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and Procter & Gamble Oral Health provided a combined $37,000 in financial support for the WDA Dental Home DVD.

As of early March, some 50 individu-als had taken the CE exam. The test is offered at minimal cost to members and associate members and at a slightly higher,

albeit affordable, fee to non-members. Test-takers are notified of their results

via e-mail or U.S. mail within 10 – 15 working days. Individuals with three or

fewer incorrect answers receive a com-pletion certificate. Individuals with four or more incorrect answers receive re-take notification; individuals choosing to retake the test must pay the fee again.

Note dentists must retain proof of their own CE activities for a minimum of six years following license renewal in the event of a random audit.

Education of general dentists consti-tutes the initial phase of the multi-year WDA Dental Home Initiative. In Phase II, the WDA will reach out to the state-

wide medical community and Marquette University School of Dentistry to help promote the dental home concept to family doctors and future dentists.

WDA Dental Home Subcommittee Chair Dr. Steve Stoll (Neenah) helped jump-start Phase II by serv-ing as a presenter for an “Imagine the General Dentist Being Comfortable and Confident in Conducting an Age One Dental Visit” symposium at the American Dental Education Association

annual session in Phoenix in mid-March.WDA practicing and retired members

who did not receive their WDA Dental Home CE kit or who want to purchase additional copies at the member-rate of $20 should contact Director of Public Relations Carol Weber at [email protected] or toll-free, direct at 866-431-9624.


Practice for SaleRetiring Dentist Has Successful Practice for Sale -- Grossing $600K 3-day week! This Mississippi River Valley practice is in beautiful West Central Wisconsin, Buffalo County, a sportsman’s paradise. 1,850 Sq Ft, 4 operatories, 715-495-3244 or e-mail [email protected]. #4-3

Practice WantedDental practice wanted near Madison or Eau Claire/Menomonie: outright sale or possible short transition. Dentist looking for single doctor practice in smaller community. Please respond to Blind Box 55, Wisconsin Dental Association, 6737 W. Washington St., Ste. 2360, West Allis, WI 53214. #5-5

Dental Practice Wanted in Appleton/Fox Cities: Either an outright sale or possible transition period to sale. Reply in confidence to Blind Box 31, Wisconsin Dental Association, 6737 W. Washington St., Ste. 2360, West Allis, WI 53214. 3-1

DISCREET, FULL-VALUE, ALL-CASH, NO-FEE TRANSITIONS.

Midwest Dental seeks to invest in established, fee-for-service dental practices in the Wisconsin

marketplace. With more than 40 years experience we know what practices are worth and allow sellers to avoid stressful and time-consuming auctions that expose your practice to nosy competition and tire-kickers. Importantly, sellers have control of their

continued clinical leadership post-closing and seller financing is never required. To learn more, please

contact Sean Epp, Director of Investments, at (715) 579-4188 or [email protected]. You can also

visit us online at www.midwest-dental.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Discover a better way to practice and live - Cherry Tree Dental is looking for dentists, group practices and private practices in Wisconsin for affiliation

and/or merger opportunities. Find out about Cherry Tree Dental’s unique approach for dentists looking to transition to retirement, change their work/life balance or improve their operations. Practice and/or retire how you want to and have the benefit of the Cherry Tree Dental network’s experienced management staff on your side to provide you with the resources and expertise to reach your goals. Contact us to inquire about ownership or affiliation opportunities for you or your practice and the different ways you can work with Cherry Tree Dental. Find out why we’re different. Call Jack Young at 608-445-8401 or e-mail [email protected]. #1-8

Dentist seeking established practice to purchase in the Fox Valley area, Green Bay, Sheboygan, Metro Milwaukee or Stevens Point area. Please send contact information to: Office Manager, PMB#208, Menasha, WI 54952. #5-10

I seek to establish a denture-focused practice/denture laboratory in Kenosha or Racine area. Will also consider other SE Wisconsin locations. Please call Dr. Jacob at 847-509-1990. #4-5

Dentists AvailableDentist Available. Have provided temporary coverage as an independent contractor for emergencies, health concerns, vacations, and CE courses. To date have aided over 30 offices. Could I be of help? Give me a call. Dr. Lawrence Watson 608-249-4486 / [email protected]. References upon request. #4-10

Retired dentist seeks part-time employment. North Milwaukee suburban preferred. Please respond to Blind Box 56, Wisconsin Dental Association, 6737 W. Washington St., Ste. 2360, West Allis, WI 53214. #5-6

Practice Position OpportunityForward Dental, come see what everyone is talking about; we are the Future of Dentistry! Join a Group Practice where you are encouraged to become an owner instead of just an employee. Treatment plan cases, and follow these patients to completion. With 28 offices in Wisconsin we are looking at adding several dentists throughout the state. Here are some facts: 95 dentists (19 of which are owners) ranging from general dentists to periodontists. Our dentists have an average of 19 years experience in dentistry, 11 of those years committed to our group, and work an average 34 hours per week. Come see why we are “Wisconsin ’s Leading Dental Group”. Visit forwarddental.com or call 414-614-1574 for more information. #5-7

Milwaukee: Associate/Ownership positions immediately available in several practices collecting $520,000-$1.6 million. New graduates welcome. Income potential $180,000-$360,000 year 1. E-mail my staff at [email protected] . 5-9

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR! You will not find a better deal anywhere! Haye Dental Group, an award winning practice in Janesville, WI is looking for an associate for our family oriented practice. Our services include periodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, implants, and cosmetic dentistry. We offer new and experienced dentists a comprehensive package including benefits and a production bonus program. Salary begins at $150,000. The chance of a lifetime is waiting for you here! VISIT: HAYEDENTAL.COM; Call: 608-752-7931; E-mail:[email protected]. #3-7

Wisconsin Health Fund is looking for a 2 day a week dentist to work in our clinic. Our facility is

located at 6200 W. Bluemound Road in Milwaukee.

The Dentist will work within the dental care delivery system to provide dental care for patients. The dentist’s primary responsibilities are to actively

provide dental care within their own ability.

We offer competitive wage & benefits, incl. medical, dental, life, vision, Rx, 401k & profit sharing,

and a generous PTO program.

Please send resume and salary requirements to C. Jansen, WHF HR Dept, 6200 W. Bluemound Rd,

Milwaukee WI 53213, email [email protected], fax 414-771-2540.

Check us out on the web! www.whfund.org

Shorewood – associate to ownership. Dentist in newly remodeled and updated office looking for dentist to work extra operatories with the hopes of an eventual transition of ownership. Call 414-332-1232 or fax CV to 414-332-0349. #4-1

Madison, WI - This ad is the reason you read the classifieds in the WDA Journal. Forward Dental has just acquired its 4th Madison area practice and we are looking for a well-skilled dentist to run this office for us. The current dentist that is departing is booked out 2 months. We would like a motivated individual that practices a wide range of procedures that would like to be in charge of treatment plans, treatment without the burden of administrative duties. Call 414-614-1574 to find out more about our group and this opportunity. #5-8

ClassifiedsClassified Advertisements

The rate for classified advertisements for WDA members is $60.00 for 30 words or less; additional words 50 cents each. All ads are placed online at WDA.org. A blind box number is an additional $10.00. Non WDA members are charged an additional $25.00 for each ad, and pay-ment for the ad must be received prior to publication. Ads can also be placed on the WDA’s web site for an additional $10.00 per month. Include company logo for $25 per month. Boxed classified ads are also available in three sizes: one inch = $100; two inches = $150; or three inches = $200. Cancellation of ads must be received in writing. Please note all ads must be pre-paid. Please include payment (check or credit card number) with your classified ad when submitting. You can access a form online at WDA.org or by calling 414-755-4110. To place an ad, mail, fax or e-mail copy to the Wisconsin Dental Association, 6737 W. Washington St., Ste. 2360, West Allis, WI 53214; fax to 414-755-4111. The deadline for classified advertisements is the second Monday of the month, two months before advertisement insertion (For example, if you want your ad to appear in the March WDA Journal, which is mailed to mem-bers in mid-February, your classified ad copy must arrive in the WDA Milwaukee office by the second Monday of January). Members need not pay in advance. It is against WDA policy to do unauthorized mailings pertaining to individual clas-sified advertisements. When responding to a Blind Box, please indicate the Blind Box number on the envelope. When they are received by the WDA office, they are forwarded unopened to the address of the person holding the Blind Box. Sample: Wisconsin Dental Association, Blind Box #10, 6737 W. Washington St., Ste. 2360, West Allis, WI 53214.



DENTAL ASSOCIATE/PARTNER needed for exceptional fee-for-service practice of 27 years near Mitchell International Airport. General practice residency or comparable training desired. Fax resume to 414-483-3841. #1-10

WISCONSIN OPPORTUNITIES

Midwest Dental is seeking dentists to join practices that offer the ability to lead your own clinical team

while delegating the business liabilities. Our philosophy of supporting communities and traditional practices

allows for great flexibility, reward, and growth for each doctor. The unique mix of

experienced doctors and young professionals creates phenomenal synergies and drives

the advancement of care for each patient.

If you are looking for a rewarding practice opportunity in the beautiful Eau Claire, La Crosse

or Oshkosh areas call 715-926-5050 or e-mail [email protected]. Visit our

Web site at www.midwest-dental.com.

GENERAL DENTISTS NEEDED to work in busy practices in our Chicago, Rockford, and Waukegan locations. Earn $250k - $350k annually while working in a great environment with paid malpractice and health insurance. Please call 312-274-0308 ext. 324. E-mail CV to [email protected] or fax 312.944.9499. #6-7

Wisconsin – Madison. ASSOCIATE/FUTURE PARTNER. Fantastic opportunity in Madison, Wisconsin. This is a thriving, fee-for-service, group practice that has been in the community for over 46 years. We provide guaranteed compensation along with a generous benefit package. Visit our web site at www.associateddentists.com for additional practice information. Please e-mail resume to: [email protected]. #7-6

MICHIGAN: As associate opportunity is available in a four dentist, six hygienist group family dental practice serving Marquette, Michigan in the heart of the Upper Peninsula. If a rural practice with unlimited all-year recreation experiences interests you, send a fax with a cover letter and resume to 1-906-228-9196. Our website is www.marquettedentist.com. #5-3

Opportunities Available - Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Office of Rural Health has detailed information on general and specialty dentist positions in both smaller towns and larger cities located throughout Wisconsin. Most of these positions qualify for the $50,000 loan repayment program from the State of Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Office of Rural Health has recently added a

Western Wisconsin - Associate/Partnership. Join a beautiful, modern, high production office in a thriving community. Excellent salary and benefit package for the dentist with the right combination of skill, enthusiasm, motivation and experience. Practice in a beautiful, relaxing lodge-style office with an exceptional, well-trained staff. Check out our website, then call or e-mail for more information. 608-372-5000 or [email protected]. www.deercreekdentalclinic.com #4-4

Group practice in Appleton, WI looking for motivated general dentist to provide high-quality treatment for our patients. Beautiful, state-of-the-art office. Benefits available. Future buy-in potential. Wonderful community to raise a family. Please respond to office manager Karen at 920-380-4055. #3-14

Appleton, WI. Associate position available for 2 doctor practice looking to add a 3rd doctor. 3,000 patient base. Sign-on bonus and no non-compete initially. Buy-in option available. Please call Kurt Barnes at 920-996-9696. #12-4

Associate dentist: Established group practice is looking for a caring, energetic dentist for our Lake Geneva office. Our well-trained and experienced staff has the practice administration and clinical skills to compliment your commitment to excellence. Established and growing practice base, dedicated employees and proven practice administration for over 30 years. This is an outstanding opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated dentist. Fax resume/CV to 630-539-1681. #1-4

Dentist Placement Program to our successful Physician Placement Program. Located at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, we are a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping improve the quality of healthcare for the people of Wisconsin. For information, call Marsha Siik at 800-385-0005, e-mail [email protected], or fax CV to 608-261-1893. #9-2

Associate/partnership with buy-in/ownership opportunity. Suburban Milwaukee. Seeking experienced dentist to deliver high quality, personalize care in a fee-for-service setting. Prospering contemporary office, great location. Excellent patient base, new patient flow and revenues. 262-679-5114 (evenings). Or respond to Blind Box 1110, Wisconsin Dental Association, 6737 W. Washington St., Ste. 2360, West Allis, WI 53214. #11-10

Associate/Partner - Cherry Tree Dental is seeking full- and part-time dentists to join our established and growing modern family practices in Wausau, WI. Join our well trained and experienced doctors and staff. Highly competitive compensation and benefits. Associate and partnership options available. Please fax CV/resume to 608-829-0449, e-mail [email protected] or call 608-445-8401. #6-11

Michigan – Menominee – Associate position with ownership transition in thriving two-doctor practice. Excellent facility and staff. Providing all phases of dentistry in a fee-for-service environment. Send CV in confidence to [email protected]. Visit our website at www.newupdental.com. Enjoy living on the west shore of Lake Michigan. 906-863-2206. #2-10

Dentist needed at a four-dentist group practice in beautiful Black River Falls, a great area in which to live and raise a family. Located near a hospital and large medical clinic our office, surrounded by pine trees provides an outstanding work environment. Black River Falls features an 18-hole golf course, a large community park with aquatic and fitness center, while Jackson County has over 185,000 acres of public forest land. Within five minutes of leaving work you can fish, scuba dive, camp, canoe, ATV, hunt, cross-country ski or snowshoe. We are located on I-94 within 1 hour of University cities LaCrosse and Eau Claire. Contact [email protected] or 715-284-9409. #1-13

Excellent opportunity for a personable, quality-driven dentist of any age. Established general dentistry practice of 38 years seeks committed full or part-time associate for eventual purchase opportunity. Raise your family in a quaint southeast Wisconsin town and yet be 35 minutes from Milwaukee and 70 minutes from Chicago. Practice has a dedicated patient base with a reputation of high quality, ethical care. Total fee-for-service; no marketing, PPOs or HMOs. Grossing over 1M annually. 262-763-3430. #11-4

Green Bay – Once in a lifetime opportunity! Senior partner retiring. Seeking one outstanding dentist for associate to partnership terms. Established, high grossing, comprehensive practice. Quality dental graduates will be considered. Generous compensation package to include a signing bonus. Send C.V. in confidence to Don Stewart at [email protected] or Healthcare Management Consultants, Inc., 1350 Wittmann Drive, Menasha, WI 54952, 920-886-6565. #1-1

Properties/Offi ce Space AvailableClinic Space Available. Excellent opportunity in two northern Wisconsin communities without a dentist. Contemporary clinic and space. Locations offer quality of life and outstanding profit potential. Exceptional employment opportunity also available at www.property.galles.org; 630-770-7634. #2-7

Dental office space available in Madison. 900 sq. ft. including shared reception room. Outstanding location near University Hospital, just off University Ave. Room for 3 chairs, office, lab. Access to basement kitchen/meeting area. $1,650/month. Contact Jean Piper, DDS at [email protected]. 2701 Marshall Ct., Madison, WI 53705. 12-6

Middleton, Wisconsin – Newer dental office with 14 operatories available for lease or purchase. Offers building signage, high visibility, easy access and parking, and state-of-the-art equipment and finishes. 608-833-9955. #5-1

Hales Corners Medical Building For Sale/Lease. 860, 1,100, 2,400 and larger sq. ft. available. Southwestern Milwaukee suburb. Contact Steve #414-238-5562. #1-7

Space share, modern Milwaukee dental practice near 92nd & Beloit, M-F. Ideal, reasonable expense opportunity. Call 414-541-5800. #1-9

Equipment for Sale Harvest Smart Prep PRP. Used only twice; in excellent condition. $3,000 or best offer. Contact Dental Implant and Periodontal Solutions, Dr. Ahmad Eslami, 414-321-7200. #5-4

Miscellaneous

Sanibel Island, Florida. Recently redecorated, spacious two bedroom, two bath condo on the beach with all the amenities: swimming pool, tennis courts, etc. 10 percent discount for WDA members. Visit www.viprentals.net, Sanibel Surfside unit #233. Any questions, call 262-785-1499. #4-2



CalendarThe WDA Journal prints all continuing education courses that it becomes aware of; however, that does not imply WDA sponsorship or endorsement. Before attending any of these courses, please check the sponsor to be sure it is a course that would qualify for the 30 CE hours needed for Wisconsin licensure as a dentist (15 hours for hygienists). If in doubt, check your WDA CE folder or visit the Department of Regulation and Licensing/Dentistry Examining Board Web site at http://drl.wi.gov/prof/dent/ceu.htm.

For more information, contact Stu McCormick at 608-233-5351

30Airway Management: Airway Management, Assessment and Support Dick Mason E.M.T.-P.* For more information, call 414-288-3093 or visit www.marquette.edu/dentistrySponsored by Marquette University School of Dentistry

JULY1Dentistry Examining Board meeting8:30 a.m. • 1400 East Washington Ave.Rm. 121AMadison, Wis.

1ACLS How to treat the first five minutes of an acute lethal cardiac episode Dick Mason E.M.T.-P.*For more information, call 414-288-3093 or visit www.marquette.edu/dentistry

AUGUST14WDA Smile ContestWisconsin State Fair ParkFor more information, call 414-755-4110 or e-mail [email protected]

SEPTEMBER2Dentistry Examining Board meeting8:30 a.m. • 1400 East Washington Ave. Rm. 121AMadison, Wis.

9-109th District CaucusGrand Rapids, Mich.

11-12WDA Board of Trustees MeetingCrown Plaza Hotel

APRILApril 30 & May 1WDA Jewel of the Great LakesWisconsin Dells, Kalahari Convention CenterVisit WDA.org for more information

MAY4Radiology for Dental AuxiliariesLisa Koenig, BChD, DDS, MS, Rod Daering RTR, Sherry Ortiz RTR, Vicki Romans RTR (This course will also be offered on May 5,11,12)Sponsored by Marquette University School of DentistryFor more Information, call 414-288-3093 or visit www.marquette.edu/dentistry

6Dentistry Examining Board meeting8:30 a.m. • 1400 East Washington Ave. Rm. 121AMadison, Wis.

12ACLS How to treat the first five minutes of an acute lethal cardiac episodeDick Mason E.M.T.-P.* For more information, call 414-288-3093 or visit www.marquette.edu/dentistry

13Airway Management: Airway Management, Assessment and SupportDick Mason E.M.T.-P.* For more information, call 414-288-3093 or visit www.marquette.edu/dentistrySponsored by Marquette University School of Dentistry

15-16How to Recession Proof Your Practice!Drs. Ara Nazarian, Richard Winter and Leonard MachiFriday, May 15 – Lecture

Wauwatosa, Wis.For more information, call Lisa Chandre at 800-364-7646

112009 What’s New in Dental PharmacologyKaren Baker, BS, Rph, MSMilwaukee, Wis.Co-sponsored by Lord’s Dental Studio and Marquette University School of DentistryFor more information, visit www.lordsdental.com

18“New Challenges, New Opportunities: Dental Care for the Medically Compromised Patient”Co-sponsored by WDA and Delta Dental of WisconsinRadisson Paper Valley HotelAppleton, Wis.More information to follow.

Sept. 30 – Oct. 6ADA Annual Session • Honolulu, HawaiiFor more information, visit ADA.org

OCTOBER30Risk Management SeminarCrown Plaza HotelWauwatosa, Wis.Co-sponsored by WDA Insurance Programs, Inc. and CNA HealthProFor more information, contact Michelle Ramirez at 800-242-9077, ext. 4183

Do you have an event you’d like to include in the WDA Journal Calendar of Events? If so, please call Managing Editor Heather Willette at 414-755-4110 or 800-364-7646; fax to 414-755-4111 or e-mail to [email protected].

Saturday, May 16 – Live SurgeryGreen Bay, Wis.Sponsored by Wisconsin Academy of General Dentistry, with additional spon-sorship by Care Credit, Dentsply-Caulk, Zest, BioHorizons, Riemser, Imtec and Lord’s Dental StudioContact Debbie Suttner at [email protected] or call 920-437-7444 for more information

20CE Your Way: Seduced by Technology: The Appropriate Use of Screening Technologies and Diagnostic Tests for Oral DiseaseDenis Lynch, DDS, PhDSponsored by Marquette University School of DentistryFor more Information, call 414-288-3093 or visit www.marquette.edu/dentistry

JUNE3WDA officer nomination deadlineFor more information, see article on page 5

18-20WDA Board of Trustees MeetingLa Crosse RadissonLa Crosse, Wis.For more information, call Lisa Chandre at 800-364-7646

25-28Mission of Mercy (MOM)La Crosse, Wis.Visit WDA.org for more information or to register to volunteer

26The Christensen “Bottom Line” 2009Gordon J. Christensen, DDS, MSD, PhDSponsored by the Wisconsin Dental Study Club



Final Diagnosis

Hemangioma

Discussion

Hemangiomas are relatively com-

mon benign proliferations of vascular

tissue that occur mostly in mucosal or

skin tissues. They may be present at the

time of birth, or show up later on as flat

or raised asymptomatic lesions. Some

of the vascular lesions of the lips and

oral mucosa that arise in adulthood

may represent a focal reactive venous

dilatations and proliferation referred

to as Varix. Hemangiomas of the oral

mucosa are usually raised and reddish,

purple or blue. They blanch upon com-

pression. Hemangiomas might histo-

logically be made of large blood vessels

(cavernous hemangioma) or small cap-

illaries (capillary hemangioma). These

vascular lesions may also be found in

muscular or osseous tissues. Treatment

may include use of sclerosing agents,

surgical excision and laser therapy.

Acknowledgement: This case

was contributed by Dr. Christopher

Bergstrom, an oral surgeon in Appleton,

Wis.

Ezedin M. Sadeghi, DDS, MS Oral

& Maxillofacial Pathologist Associate

Professor, Marquette University School

of Dentistry Referral and Consultation:

414-288-6559. Biopsy Service: 414-

805-8440.

: 1) e 2) b

Case study Continued from page 10

The WDA Journal is published monthly by the Wisconsin Dental Association (USPS 0285-460), 6737 W. Washington St., Ste. 2360, West Allis, WI 53214. Phone 414-276-4520. Yearly subscriptions are $20 for WDA members; $100 for nonmembers; $25 for associate members; $30 for dental school students; $45 for dental schools and agencies and $125 for foreign mailings. Periodicals postage paid at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to WDA Journal, 6737 W. Washington St., Ste. 2360, West Allis, WI 53214. The Wisconsin Dental Association reserves the right to illustrate and/or edit all reader contributions. Views expressed in the WDA Journal are not necessarily those of the Wisconsin Dental Association. All advertising in the WDA Journal must comply with the advertising standards of the WDA. The publication of an advertisement is not to be construed as an endorsement for approval by the WDA or any of its subsidiaries unless the advertisement specifi-cally includes information that such approval or endorsement has been granted. The deadline for all display advertisements is the second Monday of the month, two months before advertisement insertion (For example, if you want your ad to appear in the March WDA Journal, which is mailed to members in mid-February, all advertising materials must arrive in the WDA Executive Office by the second Monday of January.) Advertising space is limited, so advertisers are encouraged to reserve space early. Back issues of the Journal are available for six months following publication, or while supplies last. Communications and copy for publication should be addressed to Dr. Dennis Engel, Editor, and may be mailed to the WDA at 6737 W. Washington St., Ste. 2360, West Allis, WI 53214; faxed to 414-755-4111 or e-mailed to [email protected]. Portions of the WDA Journal can also be found on the WDA Web page, WDA.org.

A&

WDA Pyramids of Pride: Appreciation for a job well-done

Within every community there are people who do that extra something that makes the community as a whole stronger, usually with little or no thanks. That extra something comes in many forms – com-munity service, research, political activity, leadership, mentorship and lifetimes of giving.

The dental community is no excep-tion. Many within our community just keep giving. It’s time to recognize their contributions and show appreciation for what they have done by nominating your colleagues for a Pyramid of Pride Award.

There are nine categories recognized through this program, with some having

the potential for multiple and non-dentist recipients. Recipients receive a beautiful, crystal three-dimensional pyramid at a special awards dinner in their honor dur-ing the WDA House of Delegates Meeting in Stevens Point, Wis. on Nov. 13, 2009.

If there’s someone you feel meets the criteria for any of the following categories, please submit a nomination form to the WDA by July 15, 2009. Visit the member benefits section of WDA.org for complete details.

Award categories include:Lifetime Achievement Community Outreach

Dental Care for Older Persons Media Awareness Media Relations New Dentist Leadership Outstanding Leadership in

MentoringOutstanding Service Political Action President’s Award of Honor

The WDA gratefully acknowledges the underwriting of WDA Insurance Programs Inc. and The Dental Record – A Division of WDA Professional Services, for this program.

Lani Becker CAE, Director, Member Services [email protected]

March WDA Journal Correction It was brought to our attention after the March WDA Journal (containing a Den-tistry Examining Board article) went out that public health dental hygienists and DEB members Nancy Rublee and Linda Bohacek are not currently under contract with the state of Wisconsin for dental pub-lic health services. Any dental public health service contracts they currently have would be under the local public health depart-ments.


Visit the exhibit hall – It’s a perfect FIT!Lani Becker CAE, Annual Session Coordinator [email protected]


The exhibit hall at the Jewel of the Great Lakes Wisconsin Dental Meeting is a prime place for you to meet with your existing sup-pliers, find new products for your dental office and check out the latest technologies. Even though the economy is sluggish, you’ll find the exhibit hall is the perfect FIT for your schedule and the show specials will be a perfect FIT for your pocketbook. It’s also a FITting place to meet your staff for lunch between courses.

Still aren’t sure it is a FIT for you? Then perhaps knowing that each booth you get your badge scanned at will provide you with an entry in a drawing to win a Nintendo Wii with a Wii FIT package! One package will be given away each day 15 minutes prior to the hall closing. The more booths you visit, the more chances to win.

The following is a list of exhibitors signed up to support our meeting as of early March. Please support them by stopping by their booth and saying thanks! Names of corporate sponsors are in bold.

3M ESPEA & S ConsultingA-Dec, Inc.AftcoAmeritas Group DentalAspen DentalAstra TechBelmont EquipmentBenco DentalBiomet 3i, LLCBrasseler USACode Red, LLCColgateColtene/Whaledent, Inc.Dairyland Handpiece ExpressDBI, Inc.Delta Dental of WIDental AssociatesDental Health Products, Inc.The Dental RecordDental Technology DesignsDentsply InternationalDesco Dental SystemsDesign Unlimited

Designs for Vision, Inc.DIATECHDigital Doc, LLCDoral Refining Corp.Dyste WilliamsEC Chmel Inc.Erickson Technologies, Inc.FCM CorporationGC America Inc.Gendex Dental ImagingHenry Schein DentalHolt Dental Supply, Inc.Instrumentarium/SoredexIvoclar Vivadent Inc.Jennings Dental SalesKAVO DentalKeller, Inc.Kerr CorporationKomet USALord’s Dental StudioMac Practice Maguire & Strickland RefiningMidwest Dental

Midwest Dental BenefitsMosbyNobel BiocareNu-Art Dental Laboratory, Inc.One Call Dental StaffingOpal Jewelery by Eagle’s WingsOrascoptic-KerrPatterson DentalPEB XLDentPelton & Crawe/Marus DentalPhilips SonicarePIC Wisconsin, A ProAssurance CompanyPJ’s Dental LabPlanmeca, Inc.Popp DentalPorter Royal SalesPracticeWorks/Kodak Dental SystemsPremier Dental Products Company

Procter & Gamble/Crest Oral BProfessional Sales Associates, Inc.Progeny Inc.R & D ServicesRenstrom Dental Studio, Inc.Reward Enterprises, LLCRGP DentalRobert W. BairdSaber Dental StudioSchenck Health Service SolutionsSciCan, LtdSDS Architects, Inc.SeptodontState of Wisconsin Department of CorrectionsSunstar AmericasSurgiTelSVA- Dental Practice Mgmt ServicesTess CorporationTransworld Systems Inc.

U S BankUltradent ProductsUnited Service Dental Chair UpholsteryVidentWDA Insurance Programs, Inc.WEAVRWest Bend Mutual 0Insurance Co.WIPFLI/Dental Practice Advisors, LLCWisconsin Army National GuardWPSZimmer Dental

Vendors throughout the den-tal community have made their commitment to attend the Jewel of the Great Lakes. Won’t you, too? Register today by going online to WDA.org. See you at the Jewel!

Job openings are becoming increas-ingly scarce as unemployment skyrockets and the economic outlook remains bleak, particularly for dental students nearing graduation.

The Wisconsin Dental Association’s online job board – CareerConnection – gives dental students and dental profes-sionals a central, convenient location to search for quality dental job opportunities in Wisconsin and across the country.

Visit WDA CareerConnection if you’re seeking (or want to post) job open-ings for:

• Dental students• General dentists• Dental specialists• Dental hygienists• Dental assistants• Dental technicians• Administrative, clerical, support

services (e.g., front office staff)

WDA CareerConnection is a valu-able service for job seekers and employers. Besides searching for jobs, job seekers can also post their resumes to be viewed by registered employers looking to recruit new hires. Employers now have access to a database of more than 14,000 searchable resumes since CareerConnection joined the National Healthcare Career Network in early 2009.

WDA CareerConnection is your pro-fessional association’s online job service and Wisconsin’s only site exclusively ded-icated to dental career and employment connections.

A valuable employment tool in tough timesKelly Schottler Electronic Communications Coordinator [email protected]

What’s new on wda.org

Visit http://careers.wda.org today to view (and post) dental job opportunities.

NEW IN 2009! AHA Heartsaver™ AED Comes to the Jewel of the Great Lakes!

The Wisconsin Dental Practice Act requires all dentists and hygienists “show evidence of proficiency in the use of an automated external defibril-lator in addition to showing proof of proficiency in cardiopulmonary resus-citation.” Attend one of the American Heart Association Heartsaver™ AED courses at this year’s Jewel of the Great Lakes Wisconsin Dental Meeting and let FIRST AID PLUS train you in the latest American Heart Association guidelines for the performance of CPR and the use of an AED. Textbooks will be provided and all AHA Heartsaver™ AED courses meet the requirements for Wisconsin licensure.

Look for us at BOOTH #319 & 418 at the Jewel of the Great Lakes Wisconsin Dental Meeting!

Wisconsin dentists donate more than $647,000 in care for Give … · 2019. 7. 30. · Abbotsford...

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