dental bits and bites

Dental Supplies Limited

Your Newfoundland and Labrador Trusted

Dental Supply and Equipment Solution Team

www.dentalsupplieslimited.com

[email protected] Call: 1-709-753-6552

Celebrating 65 years of serving the Newfoundland and Labrador Dental

Community! Volume 8, Issue 3 September, 2014

Dental Bits and BitesDental Bits and Bites Journal of the Newfoundland and Labrador Dental AssociationJournal of the Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Association

Paragraphs from the President……………...….. p.5

Dr. Jacqueline Tucker’s first couple of months have been eventful

Message from the Executive Director………..p.8

A discussion on advertising

From the Registrar’s Desk…………………….…..p.10

Inspections and Advertising

Frequently Asked Questions on WHMIS…...p.12

Ladies Gents

Associating? How Important is Your Peace of Mind? ……………..…………….…………………..………… p.16

Insurance options for the Associate

CDA Report…………………………………………....…….... p.18

CDA summer activities report

Dalhousie’s Outstanding Alumni Award………….p.22

Dr. Marina Sexton is this year’s recipient

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Barron

2014 Recipient of

Dalhousie’s Outstanding Alumni Award

Dr. Marina Sexton

mailto:[email protected]

D EN TAL B ITS AN D B ITE S

VO L UME 8, ISSUE 3 PAGE 31

D EN TAL B ITS AN D B ITE S PAGE 30 VO L UME 8, ISSUE 3 PAGE 3

Please forward any submissions, letters, or advertisements to the address below. Your input is encouraged.

1 Centennial Street, Suite 102, Mount Pearl, NL, A1N 0C9

Tel: (709) 579-2362 Fax (709) 579-1250 Email: [email protected] Web: www.nlda.net

Executive Committee

President, Dr. Jacqueline Tucker Vice President, Dr. Rob Cochran

Treasurer, Dr. Patrick Redmond

Members At Large:

Dr. Michelle Zwicker

Dr. Paul Hurley

Dr. Amin Alibhai

CORPORATE OFFICE

Executive Director, Anthony Patey Administrative Assistant, Raelene Keating

Editor, Dr. David Wright [email protected]

Suite 102, 1 Centennial St. Mt. Pearl, NL A1N 0C9

P. (709) 579-2362 F. (709) 579-1250

Email: General Office [email protected] Newsletter [email protected] Website www.nlda.net

Office Hours 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday - Friday

Editorial Content Disclaimer

Articles in Dental Bits and Bits express the

opinion and/or expertise of the individual

author/interviewee and are not official

positions of the NLDA or the Executive

Committee. The editor seeks contributors

that can provide informative and thought-

provoking points of view to share ideas

among members in their practice. If you

would like to comment on any content

presented in Dental Bits and Bites, please

email your feedback to [email protected].

Content in Dental Bits and Bites is current

at time of production.



mailto:Editor,%20Dr.%20David%20Wright%[email protected]%20



Agenda

Executive Committee Meeting

Sept. 25th 2014

6:00pm

NLDA Office 1. Approval of agenda

2. Approval of minutes – July 18th, 2014

3. Business arising from the minutes

4. New Business

a. Financial Statement August 2014

b. DMC

c. NOHAP

d. SDHP negotiations

e. OHC 2015

i) Tradeshow floor

ii) CEC

iii) Social

iv) Volunteers

v) Program

f) OMFS

g) Code of Ethics

h) Dal Student Awards

i) Orientation Day – Design of the day and the agenda

j) Hoyles Escasoni

l) Advertising

m) Canadian Academy Health Sciences

n) Other Business

o) Adjournment

D EN TAL B ITS AN D B ITE S PAGE 28

Agenda

Executive Committee Meeting

Sept. 24th 2014

6:00pm

NLDA Office 1. Dr. Jason Noel will chair

2. Approval of agenda

3. Approval of minutes—June 4th, 2014

4. Business arising from the minutes

5. New Business

a. Passing of the gavel. Dr. Tucker will chair from this point on

b. Financial statement June 2014

c. Wrap-up for the 2014 OHC

d. Volunteers for DMC

e. SDHP negotiations

f. OHC 2015

i) Tradeshow floor

ii) CEC

iii) Social

iv) Speakers

v) Volunteers

g) Dal outstanding Alumni Award

h) Orientation Day

j) FDI Policies

k) Advertising

m) Other Business

o) Adjournment


It is hard to believe summer is over and it is full steam

ahead into fall. The association has been busy over the

last couple of months as we continued negotiations with

government for the surgical dental program. It is in the

final stages and we hope to have a signed agreement in

place soon. There has also been a lot of prep work for

the upcoming convention in August, 2015 in conjunc-

tion with the Canadian Dental Association. Please help

spread the word and encourage others to come—we are

on Facebook, twitter and the CDA website. We want

this to be the best conference Canada has ever seen.

Tony, Rob and I were in Halifax recently to attend the

Atlantic Presidents and CEO’s meeting. The night be-

fore the meeting we attended a function hosted by the

Nova Scotia Dental Association to welcome dental stu-

dents to the profession. It was the first time the three

other dental associations in Atlantic Canada were invit-

ed to this event and I would have to say it was a huge

success. Over a hundred dental students attended and

we were inundated with questions about Newfoundland

and Labrador.

The Atlantic Presidents and CEO’s is a group that was

organized in the last two years. It is an invaluable alli-

ance that enables Atlantic Canada to have a voice on

the national level. Together we discuss the upcoming

agenda for the National Presidents and CEO’s meeting,

debate our positions and come to resolutions regarding

the issues that will be discussed. Individually each as-

sociation has only one vote

but collectively we can influ-

ence decisions on a national

scene.

We also deal with issues

that are happening in Atlan-

tic Canada. We are working

on strengthening our rela-

tionship with Dalhousie Den-

tal School as we feel this is our dental school. We had

the pleasure of Drs. Tom Boran and Ron Bannerman

speak to us and bring us up to speed about what is hap-

pening with the program. The school continues to ex-

pand with outreach programs, community involvement

and curriculum requirements in hopes of graduating

well-rounded professionals. It was scary to learn of the

fiscal restraints by the university budget for the dental

school, as 50% of the operating costs for the school

must be obtained through fundraising.

The Atlantic dental associations are also working to-

gether to deal with issues raised by members regarding

3rd party insurers. A committee has been formed with

representatives from each province to address issues

such as insurance administration fees, audits and insur-

ers requesting code changes. Dr. Michelle Zwicker is

the chair of this committee and through discussions

with her it was determined that it would be beneficial to

Paragraphs from the President


have a survey of members to assess specific issues they

are having with the different carriers. This survey

should be sent out in the near future so please take the

time to participate and complete the survey.

On both the local and national levels, the corporatiza-

tion of dentistry is a very hot topic. There seems to be a

lot of unknowns and uncertainties regarding this issue.

I am currently part of a national discussion group that is

trying to gather as much information as possible to pro-

vide to all provincial members. It will help the individual

provinces develop guidelines and, most importantly,

help dentists make informed decisions during such

business transactions. It is the intent of the group to

have the report ready for the National meeting in Mon-

treal on October 3rd. I will keep you posted of the out-

comes.

On the local scene, I am sure that most of you have

seen ads by dentists from other provinces promoting

their practices and scope of practice to the patients of

Newfoundland and Labrador. The intent being for pa-

tients to travel outside the province for dental work.

This raises a whole lot of questions pertaining to the

practice of dentistry in Newfoundland and flow of infor-

mation to the general public. Let me start by saying I

am a strong supporter of maintaining the professional-

ism of dentistry. My first and foremost priority is that of

an oral health provider and I do not want to see the pro-

fession degraded in any way, shape, or form. The other

side of the coin is that dentistry is also a business and it

is a fine line maintaining the balance between the two.

The advertising campaigns of the out-of-province den-

tists seem to be following a different set of guidelines

than our members i.e. offering air miles, free infor-

mation sessions, and examples of satisfied patients.

This was brought to the attention of the executive com-

mittee and we approached the dental board as this was

more of a regulatory issue. After much discussion it was

decided by the executive committee to run an ad that

promoted the dentists of Newfoundland. The intent was

two-fold:

1. To level the playing field as it was felt that den-

tists from other provinces had unfair competitive

advantage advertising in this province.

2. To inform patients in Newfoundland about proce-

dures that could be done here.

The use of the term “cosmetic dentistry” in the ad has

raised the ire of the dental board. The term “cosmetic

dentistry” is part of everyday language and is readily

understood by the general public. In reality, this is part

of what we do—we treat disease and improve esthetics.

It may be as simple as restoring a decayed anterior

tooth to more complex procedures such as implants,

crowns, and bridges.

The intent was to inform patients about dentistry in

Newfoundland. Knowledge is power. Information is

power. If this gets patients discussing oral health with

their dentist then that is a good thing. It should also be

stressed that this was an ad for industry and not for an

individual practitioner. It does not advocate that one

dentist is better than another or in any way suggests

that anyone is a specialist in this area.

Dentistry is changing at an alarming rate and what was

acceptable a few years ago may not be applicable to-

day. Who could have predicted the cross-border adver-



Report from the Trust and Value Working Group

The national Trust and Value Working Group (T&VWG) is

a group of dental professionals and administrators

working towards a common goal of providing resources

nationally to aid in our efforts to foster a positive view of

the profession amongst the public. Past research has

been performed to identify the gaps that exist between

the perception of our profession from within and the

assessment of the profession by the public. The re-

search has allowed the T&VWG to provide materials

(i.e., effective communication tools) and guidance for

educational initiatives for our members and the public.

The existence of the group aids in the sharing of nation-

al initiatives working towards our common goals of rep-

utation management and national professional pride.

To determine if the national efforts to create improved

value and trust for our profession have been success-

ful, the T&VWG undertook research to measure against

the 2010 findings which demonstrated that public trust

of the profession was less than that perceived by our

dental professionals. This lack of trust was largely

founded on a lack of communication between our den-

tal professionals and patients. Dentists in the most re-

cent research acknowledge that communication is a

key factor in building a positive patient-professional re-

lationship, however many dentists continue to defer the

discussion of costs to accessory staff.

Importance of discussing fees with patients: (as refer-

enced from the T&V Essentials article)

92% of dentists feel the most important factor to

create positive relationships is communicating

the exam findings, diagnosis and recommended

treatment directly to the patient.

A majority of patients (92%) say they are more

likely to agree to their dentist’s recommendation

when it is clearly explained to them.

49% of dentists rate personally explaining treat-

ment costs to patients as the second lowest im-

portant factor in their patient relationship.

71% of dentists say it is very important for their

staff to address costs with patients.

Conclusion: To more fully align with patient expecta-

tions, dentists may want to con-

sider a general discussion about

treatment costs for each of the

options they recommend. Includ-

ing treatment costs in the den-

tist’s discussion increases trans-

parency, accountability, trust, and

patient acceptance of the recom-

mended treatment.

Referrals and Insurance: (as referenced from the T&V

Essentials article)

Dentist rate patient referrals (81%) and proximity

(12%) as the top two determinants in choosing a

dentist.

Conclusion: Dentists feel practice advertising is

not the most effective way to attract patients.

54% of dentists think that insurance coverage is

what influences the frequency of patient visits,

whereas only 39% of patients feel that way.

Conclusion: Dentists and patients feel different-

ly about the role of insurance in determining the

frequency of dental visits.

Other challenges for Canadian dentists

69% report their greatest challenge is managing

the rising cost of maintaining a practice.

67% of dentists see themselves as health care

providers before business owners, while only 35%

of patients feel this way.

89% of dentists report that patients are research-

ing recommendations online risking misinfor-

mation affecting treatment decisions.

Margot Hiltz, M.Sc., D.D.S.

Trust and Value Working Group

[email protected]

VO L UME 8, ISSUE 3

PAGE 7

tising we are experiencing today and what it would

mean to our local dentists? We must adapt to change

and move forward or we will be left in the dust.

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to

the past or present are certain to miss the fu-

ture” (John F. Kennedy).

As an association, we plan on promoting the profession

on behalf of our members. The public should know

what we can do. The Dental Association is comprised

of members for members, whereas the Dental Board is

the body that acts on behalf of the public. We are two

different organizations with two different mandates

and as such we may not always agree on issues. Col-

lectively, our goal should be to provide the best dental

care possible to the patients of Newfoundland and Lab-

rador. This is our common ground.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jacqueline Tucker

President

[email protected]


Message from the Executive Director

When I first joined the Association some ten years ago,

I sat down with two honourable members and asked

about the history of Dentistry in Newfoundland. While

these were two separate and independent conversa-

tions, both these Gentlemen told me that when they

started practicing in Newfoundland 95% of the demand

from patients was for extractions and 5% would want

you to save the tooth. People came to see the Dentist

because they were in pain or had infection and you

would see them the next time they had pain or infec-

tion. In the 1940s and 1950s, it was socially OK to

have a smile with a couple of missing teeth or a black

one or a chipped one; as long as you were not in pain,

you were good.

I believe it was a result of TV and the movies spreading

around the province and into the homes that teeth

changed from a tool of utility to a part of your overall

look. No different than having a straight nose or

straight eyes or rid of an unsightly growth from the cen-

ter of your head, teeth needed to be there and be white

and straight. So in a span of 50 to 60 years everything

has flipped and now 95% ask to save the tooth and 5%

are going for extractions.

Saving the tooth does not mean drill, fill with amalgam,

and away you go anymore. It includes Bridges, Crowns,

Veneers, Implants and many other procedure options.

While these and other procedures are all legitimate

procedures used for a variety of reasons in Dentistry,

the General Public have started to refer to these types

of procedures as cosmetic. Cosmetic dentistry is not a

defined term as there is no such speciality and it in-

cludes whatever the patient thinks it includes. Howev-

er, no matter how much we believe and state and

stress that cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized speci-

ality, the term still exists in the minds of the patients

and therefore it is real. It is change and we must deal

with it.

In Newfoundland Labrador, we decided that we could

not support something that did not exist and therefore

you the members introduced advertising guidelines in

2010 and in such you said that “no” you may not refer

to yourself as a cosmetic dentist. About two years later

the Licensing Board

introduced a by-law

stating the same

thing. So it was clear

to the Dentist prac-

tising in the Province

that they may not

refer to themselves

as a cosmetic den-

tist or state that they

do cosmetic dentis-

try.

This, however, did

not translate to the public in General and now patients

believe that if you do not say you do cosmetic dentistry

it means you don’t in fact offer those procedures and

they carry on to find someone who says they do. In

many cases that means out-of-province Dentists. In

other words the by-law and the advertising policy back-

fired. The Newfoundland Patient, Dentists in other

Provinces, or Dentists in other countries plus the Ox-

ford English Dictionary all refer to cosmetic dentistry;

the world moved on without us.

With out-of-Province Dentists permitted to call them-

selves cosmetic dentists and advertise as such in New-

foundland while Newfoundland Dentists are being for-

bidden to use the term, we find ourselves at a competi-

tive disadvantage. Let me be clear, we support compe-

tition because it does make us all a bit sharper and it

weeds out bad Dentists. However, as an Association,

we cannot sit on our hands while out-of-province Den-

tists are provided special privilege based on location.

This imbalance in the playing field does not work well

for the Newfoundland patient or the Newfoundland

Dentist.

The NLDA’s suggestion is that since it is not a specialty

and all Dentists can do all that the patients assume a

cosmetic dentist can do, let’s tell the patients the truth

that “Newfoundland and Labrador Dentists can do cos-

metic dentistry” whatever they define it to be. Our

thought being is that if everyone is 10 feet then no one

is tall. In keeping with our plan announced at the 2014


Hands-On Extraction Classes

Learn advanced extraction techniques, elevating flaps, suturing, third molar removal, sinus perforation closure,

using instruments properly and how to handle large abscesses and bleeding. Classes combine lecture and par-

ticipation on live patients.

Website: http://www.weteachextractions.com/

Phone: 843-488-4357

Email: [email protected]

Classified Ad

Stines Organisa-

tion, a most need-

ed and worthwhile

addition to their

services. Two

brand new Gendex

machines from

Dental Supplies

Ltd. and the

Scanex and a cou-

ple of Lumix from

Patterson.

One of the unex-

pected facets to

our activities has been the provision of used computers

to schools and orphanages there. Our own clinic, Avalon

Dental, donated ten computers, fully clean, software

loaded, and internet ready, to an orphanage in Hin-

che. Dr Price’s office has followed suit this year and

these machines will put a lot of smiles on teachers and

children's faces.

We at CIDF, will be shipping

down some crates of equip-

ment, likely towards the end

of October. May we ask for

any surgical instruments that

are excess to your needs, for-

ceps in particular would be

most useful. In addition

we would like any com-

puters that still have a

useful life left. If the hard

drives can be wiped clean

and windows installed,

along with monitors, ca-

bles, and such. We know

they would be of tremendous benefit. Anything else that

anyone has of good condition, we may well be able to

ship. Before sending anything to me please call and let

me know what is available, before sending.

Your ongoing support, financial and otherwise has been

most reassuring to all here and in Haiti. All financial do-

nations are tax deductible and we send out our tax re-

ceipts early in the new year.

Thank You.

Dr Stewart Gillies Pres

Canadian International Dental Foundation

7097261662 w 7097288116 c

Spreading smiles in Haiti-One Smile at aTime.

Enormous need Enormous need Enormous need

for computers in for computers in for computers in

schools , for-schools , for-schools , for-

ceps for clinics ceps for clinics ceps for clinics

New and used den-New and used den-New and used den-

tal equipment to tal equipment to tal equipment to

make its way to Hai-make its way to Hai-make its way to Hai-

ti this fallti this fallti this fall

http://www.weteachextractions.com/



As I write this article I am pleased to say that we are put-

ting together the final touches to another trip to Haiti in

January. The Stines Foundation have invited us again, to

complement their work in providing dental care around

the country.

The plan will likely will be quite similar to last year.

There will be some time in Port au Prince, and then we

shall be heading north to a place called Gonaive in the

Artibonnite region, for an outreach clinic. Actually quite

close to our clinic in St Marc, and if all the blocks fall

into place, we shall visit the hospital and our clinic. It

will be interesting to see how everyone is doing. We

have many friends there, and of course, we shall be tak-

ing a goodie bag of dental essentials which will find a

welcome home, and will be immensely appreciated.

Following on from that we will go down south to Bassine

Bleu, to the mountains. Alfred Stines, has recently built

a new house there where we shall be staying, rather

than in the clinic itself. He tells me that the house is

quite beautiful and the accommodation most pleasant.

Alfred, as many of you know by reading our trip reports,

is a most surprising man. A US state registered prostho-

dontist, with the clinic walls lined with accolades and

certificates from the US and beyond, from students and

colleagues alike. One of his mottoes is "that it is not a

crime to be rich, but it is a crime to die rich". This motto

always sticks in my mind as I observe his generosity.

Alfred is a charming man and a delightful host, has a

warm heart and a dry sense of humour.

He also "walks the talk", by maintaining his clinic in Pe-

tionville and also in Bassine Bleu. Our relationship has

blossomed over the half dozen times we have visited

Haiti, and he is always delighted to see us. He simply

says "the Canadians don't need any help, they just get

on with it". CIDF would love to accept the glory for all

this, but in truth CIDF does

little more than assemble a

bunch of kindred spirits, who,

with good grace and kindness,

have made such a difference

for so many.

This visit will see us again, ex-

pand the school program,

which our friends in hygiene,

so willingly and expertly deliv-

ered last trip. With the advent

of self-etch systems, we are very excited to see the hy-

gients succeed so well. Every sealed tooth is of enor-

mous benefit and for the future, reaps huge reward.

This program, last year, delivered almost six thousand

sealants to almost two thousand kids. Our capable car-

nivore "cayman" will again be baring his teeth to terror-

ise the kids with his antics of den-

tal education. Dental Supplies Ltd.

have most graciously agreed to

support this program and we ex-

tend a warm thank you on behalf

of our clients in Haiti. They have

joined Patterson Dental and to-

gether we have amplified our re-

sponse in so many ways.

In fact, through the generosity of Patterson and Dental

Supplies Ltd., we shall be delivering and also installing a

bunch of radiographic

equipment when we are

down. One significant item

is a "Scanex" opg, which is

a gem for the people of Hai-

ti. (You might remember we

also installed one at the

dental school in Port au

Prince a number of years

ago.) This one will go to the

Canadian International Dental Foundation Returns to Haiti

"The "The "The

Canadians Canadians Canadians

don’t need don’t need don’t need

any help, any help, any help,

they just get they just get they just get

on with it!" on with it!" on with it!"

Dental Supplies Dental Supplies Dental Supplies

Ltd. joins Ltd. joins Ltd. joins

Patterson Dental Patterson Dental Patterson Dental

in its support for in its support for in its support for

CIDFCIDFCIDF


Members’ Assistance Program (MAP) - Lifeline

MAP is a free, short-term counseling and referral and information service. It provides a supportive lifeline to dental

professionals and their families on a wide range of issues, including addictions, finances, and work-life balance.

Call 1-800-268-5211 for confidential assistance whenever you need to reach out for help.

The Members’ Assistance Program (MAP) is offered as a CDSPI Affinity Service. Shepellfgi, the largest

provider of employee assistance programs in Canada, administers the program.

The NLDA would like to would like to welcome

the new members to the Association Dr. Rufus Meshack Dr. Jean Gauthier

AGM, the EC drafted and published such an ad. While I

have received a positive response from members I

have received a very negative response from the Li-

censing Board. You will see as you read the Paragraphs

from the Registrar that the Licensing Board has done

nothing to re-level the playing field for patients or Den-

tists. The public is being misled by a two-tier advertising

system and local dentists are being discriminated

against by this same system. We need to work to man-

age this change.

Things are changing; we have incoming on the horizon

Corporatization, Big Box Dentistry, Cross-Border Adver-

tising, Dental Tourism, Patient Poaching just to name a

few. These are issues we must deal with going forward

and we cannot do that by putting in place a by-law, rule,

or policy like ours or that of the Licensing Board be-

cause it will fall quickly when challenged under the

Charter or the Competition Act. I suggest that the Asso-

ciation and the Licensing Board get together and collec-

tively get on the same page. While we will not always

agree as we do have separate mandates and objec-

tives, we should at least be respectful of the other and

not attack them as such does not help in any way.

After this newsletter was sent to print with space for my

column, Dr. O’Brien and I met and came to conclusion

with respect to the use of the word “cosmetic” in ads.

You may use the term cosmetic in your ad but with a

small “c” because it is describing what you do not what

you are. Don’t use: “Cosmetic Dentistry” in your ads

because it does imply a possible specialty and such

may be deemed misleading to the Public. You may say

however “cosmetic procedures, or better still “cosmetic

dental procedures” or “ esthetic procedures” as these

are descriptive of what you do. Our biggest concern and

the biggest concern of the Board is misrepresentation

of the truth. Referring to yourself as a cosmetic dentist

or a stating something that would cause a patient to

get a sense that you are a specialist in an area that

may or may not be a specialty is wrong and neither the

Board nor the Association will tolerate such degrading

of the profession. Furthermore misleading statements

are not accepted by the Competition Board and they

will take action under their own act.

I think this is a reasonable positional and I ask that as

members of the Profession please guide yourself ac-

cordingly. Call me if you have any questions.

Anthony Patey

Executive Director

[email protected]


Message from the Registrar

I would like to thank all the dentists and their staff for

their efforts over the last year or so on two fronts.

In particular, I am pleased with the help and support

that Dr. Gary Butler and I have received during our visits

to so many of the offices in the province to meet the re-

quirement of assuring that a high quality of dentistry is

being maintained . We are learning, as are you, that this

is both a necessary and evolving process. By the time

you have read this we will have visited more than half

the dentists and their staff in the last year. We have

made recommendations and advisories in every office.

Overall, we have been very pleased with what we have

seen and the cooperation has been excellent.

On the issue of radiological surveys and inspections we

have contacted the Minister and the response has been

that officials from his Department and Service NL will

meet with us for discussion. I have also been in commu-

nication with the National Radiation Safety Board re-

garding training courses to meet standard inspection of

offices. If possible the goal would be that a process

would be instituted by the Board that would meet Safety

Code 30 for radiation in dental offices. I have also spo-

ken to a company seeking a contract with the Board for

such inspection services and I have also spoken to den-

tal suppliers on the matter. Dental suppliers as you

know install, repair and calibrate x-ray units. Much will

depend on what the Minister and Service NL will say.

The Government through Service NL has abandoned any

responsibility for office inspections for dental radiology.

The responsibility now sits with the owner. Who will be

responsible for certification after installation is also in

question.

The other thank you also belongs to the many dentists

and their staff for their generous acceptance of my role

as adjudicator of all Advertising. I feel we have met the

original goal; dentists cooperating with the Code of Eth-

ics and the Rules of Advertising. There were some issues

but in the end everybody suffered my dogged insistence

of conforming to the rules and principles that for so

many years dentists have complained were lacking. The

many hours I spent deliberating the code and the rules;

the hours spent explaining them to members of the as-

sociation; and most of all convincing both Board Mem-

bers and the NLDA Executive that implementation of the

rules could be successfully accomplished, may have

been for naught. That is to

say the mission was suc-

cessful but now has been

possibly abandoned by the

NLDA Executive. The Battle

won; the war lost.

Recently the NLDA Execu-

tive undertook an advertise-

ment that in my humble

opinion strikes at the very

heart of our Code and our

Rules for Advertising. The use of the term “Cosmetic

Dentistry” not only seriously detracts from what has

been accomplished but further places the onus on our

governance of advertising in the hands of one individual;

a dentist in Nova Scotia named Daniel Daniel. His adver-

tising, I am told by the ED, has been the reason they de-

signed a recent advertisement including the term Cos-

metic Dentistry as something done by our dentists.

Far be it for me to tell the Executive what they should do.

I did however, advise them, having been asked by their

ED that institutional advertising was a means to combat

outside forces and to educate the public. Also I advised

that care should be taken in what was advertised. I fear

only part of my advice was heeded. Consequently, the

efficacy of my continuing to assist members in their ad-

vertising efforts is very questionable. The appearance

that the Executive Committee will be taking their direc-

tion from outside forces, contributes to a policy I per-

sonally will spend no part of my time adjudicating. The

Executive have ignored the decision of their own survey

on advertising and also the combined decision of the

Board and the Executive Committee themselves. Cer-

tainly no one could ask for the implementation of a poli-

cy that they themselves do not support.

I will therefore be looking to the Board for future direc-

tion in the matter, keeping in mind the spectra of Daniel

Daniel Dentistry and the great American Way to Advertis-

ing being a standard that the NLDA Executive seems

willing to support.

Dr. Paul O’Brien

Secretary—Registrar

[email protected]



President’s Remarks:

The summer is normally a quiet period but there were a

few important events and activities in August. The key

issue is the report form the Canadian Academy of

Health Sciences (CAHS) report on access to oral health

care and I would like to thank Corporate Members for

their comments in answer to our consultation with

them. CDA has also been preparing for the FDI World

Dental Congress which this year will be held in New Del-

hi, India in early September. Just as school starts in

September, so does association work and I very much

look forward to seeing the Presidents & CEOs in Mon-

treal on October 3.

Activities in Chronological Order:

Associations Presidents Teleconference:

On July 10, Dr. Gary MacDonald held a teleconference

with the Provincial Association Presidents to discuss

issues of common interest and update them on the

June board meeting and planning session.

Canadian Medical Association Annual General Meeting:

On August 18-20, Claude Paul Boivin attended the An-

nual General Meeting of the Canadian Medical Associa-

tion. Two reports were provided to the CDA Board and

the Corporate Member Executive Directors on the key

issues. The main take-way is that for the next year, the

new CMA President has made seniors health a top CMA

priority.

Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) report on

access to oral health care:

On August 18, CDA sought the views of Corporate Mem-

bers on an embargoed report from the Canadian Acade-

my of Health Sciences (CAHS) on oral health care for

vulnerable people in Canada and on CDA’s proposed

approach to the report. The launch of that report will

occur on September 13, 2014 during the Saskatche-

wan Oral Health Professionals Conference in Saska-

toon. Feedback was received form Corporate Members

who supported CDA’s intention to welcome the recom-

mendation that there be targeted programs for vulnera-

ble groups but to delay any comments on other aspects

of the report until after the dental profession has had a

chance to review it and dis-

cuss it. The meeting of the

Presidents & CEOs on Octo-

ber 3 and the CDA Board

meeting in November will be

opportunities to consider the

recommendations in the re-

port.

Canadian Dental Hygienists

Association:

On August 22, the CDA received a letter from the CDHA

expressing concern about CDA’s support of statements

in a CBC interview by ODA President, Dr. Gerald Smith.

The CDA President replied to the CDHA with a letter ex-

plaining CDA’s support for the team approach. Corpo-

rate Members received copies of the exchange of corre-

spondence.

Competition Bureau:

On August 27, CDA forwarded to the Corporate Mem-

bers and the CDA Board of Directors a copy of the Com-

petition Bureau’s report on Advertising Restrictions in

Self-Regulated Health Professions. CDRAF is aware of

this report.

World Dental Federation FDI Congress:

CDA submitted to FDI the Canadian comments on the

proposed FDI position statements. CDA expresses its

thanks to the Corporate Members and stakeholders for

their input in the consultation process.

Submitted by Dr. Linda Blakey on behalf of CDA

CDA Representative

[email protected]

Message from CDA Representative


What is WHMIS?

WHMIS stands for the Workplace Hazardous Materials

Information System. It is Canada’s national hazard

communication system and was established to provide

information to workers on working safely with controlled

products such as chemicals. WHMIS has three main

elements: labelling, Material Safety Data Sheets

(MSDSs) and worker education and training.

What is GHS and will it replace WHMIS?

GHS stands for the Globally Harmonized System. It is

anticipated it will be incorporated into WHMIS in June

2015. GHS will not replace WHMIS but it will require

changes to WHMIS such as new pictograms, new format

for MSDSs and some new hazard classes. Information

up-dates will be available on the WHSCC website.

Controlled products are addressed in

WHMIS. What are controlled products?

Controlled products are defined in federal legislation

and are categorized in the following six classes:

1. Compressed gas e.g. oxygen and acetylene cyl-

inders used in welding

2. Flammable and combustive material e.g. gaso-

line, propane

3. Oxidizing material e.g. compressed oxygen

4. Poisonous and infectious material e.g. mercury,

heap titis B virus

5. Corrosive material e.g. hydrochloric acid, sodium

hy droxide

6. Dangerously reactive material e.g. some cya-

nides

Are there exemptions from WHMIS legislation?

Yes. Some exemptions include: consumer products,

drugs, pesticides and hazardous wastes. When exempt

products are used in the workplace, there are no

WHMIS requirements for an MSDS. However, it is highly

recommended one is obtained. Provincial occupational

health and safety legislation requires worker education

and training. Workers must still be aware of the hazards

and necessary controls when working with exempt prod-

ucts.

Who must receive WHMIS education and training?

All workers

who work

with, or are in

close proximi-

ty to a con-

trolled prod-

uct, must be

informed about the hazards and know the requirements

for safe use, storage and handling. Employers must

establish an education and training program to ensure

workers understand WHMIS and the hazards of the con-

trolled products they work with or near.

Who provides WHMIS education and training?

There is currently no certification process on who can

provide education and training. Private companies, in-

cluding those on-line, offer training services to help em-

ployers develop or present generic WHMIS worker edu-

cation. Employers can also prepare and deliver their

own courses, as long as all the necessary information is

covered. Following the education program, employers

must train workers on site-specific procedures that

must be followed for the particular controlled products

at their workplace. This training is best designed and

provided by on‐site personnel.

Once education and training has been provided it is im-

portant for the employer to document such training and

keep records for the individual workers.

Does WHMIS education and training expire?

No. However, the employer should review the education

and training needs on a regular basis. Education and

training may need to be up-dated if there is a change in

work conditions or as new hazard information becomes

available.

How often must MSDSs be up-dated?

MSDSs should be reviewed on a regular basis. Where

an MSDS is three years old, the employer must obtain

an up-to-date MSDS from the supplier.

For more information or additional questions please feel free to visit

our website www.whscc.nl.ca or contact WHSCC Prevention Services

at (709)778-1552 or toll free 1-800-563-9000.

Kelly Taylor, Industrial Hygienist

WHSCC

PAGE 12

Frequently Asked Questions about WHMIS

D EN TAL B ITS AN D B ITE S VO L UME 8, ISSUE 3 PAGE 21

liability. It’s not a pleasant thing to think of, to be

sure, but it’s the responsible thing to do. Also, by ob-

taining life insurance when you are young and

healthy, you have insurance in place should you con-

tract an illness or condition that would render you

uninsurable at a later date. When you can’t be in-

sured, it limits your ability to get a mortgage or other

significant loan. So a life policy doesn’t just benefit

your survivors, it can benefit you as well.

Getting a Head Start

If you’re enrolled in one of Canada’s accredited dental

schools, you can apply for CDSPI’s no-cost coverage for

Life ($100,000), AD&D ($100,000), LTD ($1,000/

month), and the TripleGuard™ Undergraduate Package

that covers dental hand instruments for up to $15,000.

When you graduate, you can receive double the Life,

AD&D and LTD coverages for half the regular premium

for three calendar years, provided you apply before your

date of graduation. (Even higher limits are available

subject to medical underwriting.)

Affordable Security

As your associate career progresses, these coverages

will continue to provide valuable protection at rates that

are as attractive as any in the industry, and you can

make arrangements to pay them monthly. The peace of

mind they provide allows you to concentrate on what

you do best… care for your patients.

The Canadian Dentists’ Insurance Program’s life, acci-

dent and disability insurance plans are underwritten by

The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company (Manulife

Financial). TripleGuard™ Insurance is underwritten by

Aviva Insurance Company of Canada.

Attribution:

Julie McGivern

Professional Insurance Advisor

[email protected]

* 2012 CDSPI survey of dentists conducted by MarketSense

CDSPI provides a number of insurance solutions from

the Canadian Dentists' Insurance Program that are

tailored specifically for associates. We are a not-for-

profit organization comprising licensed specialists who

can provide no-cost, no-obligation advice at whatever

point you may be in your practice or your life.

With the buying power that comes from serving thou-

sands of Canadian dentists, we can offer these cover-

ages at preferred rates from two of the country’s most

respected underwriters, Manulife Financial and Aviva

Insurance Company of Canada.

What would you do if your instruments were stolen? Or

you became disabled and were unable to work? Or the

office in which you practice had to close due to a fire or

flood?

The realities of running your own dental practice in Can-

ada are challenging. The costs of setting up a new prac-

tice are astronomical, and buying an existing practice is

becoming more prohibitive as demand outpaces sup-

ply, particularly in urban areas. In the face of these

harsh facts, most recent graduates choose associate

practices and a significant number are remaining on

that path for longer periods of time.*

As an associate, you may not have to worry about such

things as leases, purchase of equipment, staffing, ac-

counting and all of the other challenges of running a

full-fledged business, but there are still many things you

need to bear in mind as you build your practice. One of

the most important of these is insurance. The purpose

of this article is to discuss some of the potential threats

that may arise, and how you can protect yourself with

the right kinds of coverage.

Let’s start with the office, or offices, where you treat

patients. Here are some things you should probably

consider:

Contents

You may not own your office or the equipment in it,

but your dental hand instruments are your own and

they would be expensive to replace if stolen or de-

stroyed due to office damage.

Practice Interruption

If your office is closed down for reasons such as a

flood or vandalism, so are you. Your principal den-

tist’s insurance only covers her percentage of in-

come loss, so if you aren’t insured your income

stream stops. Some

associates assume

that they can tempo-

rarily transfer pa-

tients to another of-

fice where they are

working, but contrac-

tual agreements usually re-

strict patient movement, and

even if such an agreement is

not in place, there may not be

capacity for additional patients

at another practice.

Commercial General Liability

When a lawsuit is launched,

attorneys will usually name

every possible person associated with the defend-

ant’s business. So if a patient is injured, or a fire

causes damage to a neighbouring office, you can be

named in the suit even if you are entirely blameless.

You will need to defend yourself and we don’t need

to tell you how high those costs can run.

Those are a few of the things that you should consider

to protect yourself in the office. You should also think

about some of the risks that could impact your ability to

earn a living due to illness or injury.

Long Term Disability (LTD)

What will you do if you sustain an injury or illness

that prevents you from earning a living for an ex-

tended period of time? The rent is still due, as are

loan repayments, and the ongoing costs of living

your life. LTD insurance provides affordable security

with monthly benefits to help you cope until you can

get back to work.

Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D)

In addition to a death benefit, AD&D provides com-

pensation to cover an injury that results in perma-

nent and total "loss of use", such as the loss of an

appendage like a thumb or index finger that would

preclude you from practicing dentistry. You’ve made

a significant investment of time and money to estab-

lish your dental career. It’s important to protect that

investment should you not be able to continue on

your chosen path.

Life Insurance

If you’re young, and have no dependents, you may

see little need for life insurance now. But do you

have a student loan that your parents co-signed?

Your insurance could protect them from a sizeable

PAGE 20 D EN TAL B ITS AN D B ITE S

Associating? How Important is Your

Peace of Mind?

TripleGuard™ Insurance from

CDSPI is a three-in-one solution

that covers all of these perils

with a single, convenient, cost-

effective package.


Annual Meet the Student EventAnnual Meet the Student EventAnnual Meet the Student Event Saturday, October 25th 2014

Program

Objective: To provide students with information and the benefits of practice in Newfoundland and

Labrador.

Sponsors: NLDA, CDSPI, Dental Supplies, Dental Craft.

Invited: All Dalhousie DDS and RDH students years 1-4

Dental Director MCP

President Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Association.

NLDA members.

Time: 2:00pm to 5:00pm

Date: October 25th 2014

Location: Four Points Sheraton Hotel,1496 Hollis St., Halifax

Display: A table for Business cards and promo material

Schedule

2:00 pm NLDA President brings greetings

Dental Director, Dr. Edward Williams present on Bursary Program

CDSPI rep. present.

3:00 pm Reception with CDSPI, NLDA, Dental Supplies Limited, Dental Crafts Limited and

Doctors from offices across the Province. Pizza and Beer provided!!

:Event Sponsored by:

D EN TAL B ITS AN D B ITE S PAGE 14 VO L UME 8, ISSUE 3 PAGE 19


Each year, Dalhousie University’s Dentistry Alumni Com-

mittee (DAC) requests nominations for its Outstanding

Alumni Award. This special distinction is presented to

Dalhousie dentistry and dental hygiene graduates who

have made special and/or distinctive contributions to

their community, profession, society at large or to the

Faculty of Dentistry.

We are very pleased to announce that Dr. Marina Sex-

ton (DDS’80) of Norris Point, NL is one of this year’s re-

cipients – the other is fellow Newfoundlander Mr. Bill

Nippard (DDH’88).

“The NLDA and its supporting nominators made a very

strong case for Dr. Sexton,” says Prof. Peggy Maillet,

Vice-Chair of the DAC. “She has had a strong impact on

her community in northwestern Newfoundland, both as

an oral health professional and as an engaged citizen.

In addition, her commitment to access to care issues as

well as the need for dentists in rural Newfoundland

have helped to garner attention and support for these

important matters.”

“I knew at 15 that I wanted to be a Dentist and single-

mindedly pursued my dream,” says Dr. Sexton. “I enjoy

my work and making people want to smile is an im-

portant part of what I do. Being chosen for the Outstand-

ing Alumni Award is a cherished honour and makes me

smile back at that 15 year-old girl who really did make

the right decision.”

Dr. Sexton will be recognized at the Dalhousie Dentistry

Alumni Dinner on October 18 in Halifax, although she is

unable to attend due to a previous commitment. In-

stead, she will be honoured during Dalhousie’s alumni

reception in St. John’s during the Canadian Dental Asso-

ciation convention on August 28, 2015. Please join us

and celebrate this achievement!

Dr. Marina Sexton To Receive Dalhousie Award



CPR Course Information The following CPR courses are available through the provincial office, 1037 Topsail Rd.,

Mount Pearl, NL.

Please contact Sherry Healy, Resuscitation Program Coordinator by e-mail

([email protected]) for more information, or telephone 709 - 383 – 1031.

Courses Available

The BLS for Healthcare Provider (C) Full course teaches the skills of 1- and 2-rescuer adult, child and infant cardiopulmonary

resuscitation (CPR), choking, automated external defibrillator (AED) training and the use of bag valve mask (BVM). The course

is designed for healthcare providers who need a credentialed course and is also open to first responders who have a duty to

respond to a cardiac emergency because of job responsibilities or regulatory requirements.

Cost of this course is $75.71 per person which includes HST, the BLS HCP Provider Manual and a Course Certification Card

from the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Course length is 4 hours.

The BLS Healthcare Provider (C) Renewal course is offered to those who wish to update their knowledge and skills of cardiopul-

monary resuscitation (CPR). You must have successfully completed the Healthcare Provider (C) course (see above) within the

past 12 months. The skills re-evaluated are 1- and 2-rescuer adult, child and infant CPR, choking, including the use of barrier

device/pocket mask use, bag valve mask (BVM), and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Cost of this course is $70.06 per person, which includes HST, the BLS HCP Provider Manual and a Course Certification Card

from the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Course length is approximately 3 hours.

Course registration is restricted to a maximum of 8 participants per course.

The following dates are available for course booking. Convenient times can be arranged for these dates.

Wednesday, October 9th, 2014

Thursday, November 6th, 2014

Tuesday, December 9th, 2014

Thursday, January 15th, 2015

Wednesday, February 18th, 2015

Tuesday, March 17th, 2015



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