JANUARY 2010 VOLUME 11, ISSUE 1 AVAILABLE ONLINE AT TDA.ORG

Inside

TDA Member Travels World toCompete in Triathlons

TDA Smiles FoundationTMOM LubbockTDASF Rewards Scholarships In The News

TDA Member Feedback to the Editor DENPACState PAC Best Practices Conference TEXAS Meeting

TSBDE Rule Update

TDA Perks Program

PCI – And Why?

February Journal News

“Legacy of Leadership” TDA Membership IssueArticles and Quotes from TDA

Members

Around the State

February 5 & 6TDA Board of Directors MeetingAustin

February 12Fluoride Fest, Lampasas

February 13Smiles on Wheels, Lampasas March 26 & 27TDA Board of Directors MeetingAustin

March 27

Texas Mission of Mercy, Tyler

Click & Connect

NEW! TDA Publications Website tda.org/tdapublications NEW! EZ Flip Texas Dental Journal

tda.org/tdapublications

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

InsideMedicaid in My Office?Yes, I Think So!Richard M. Smith, DDS

TDA Smiles FoundationTMOM gains ardent advocate

Ask the PresidentIncoming President’s messageHilton Israelson, DDS

Let’s TalkOutgoing President’s messageA. David May, Jr., DDS

2008-2009 TDA Board of Directors

Meet Your TDA StaffTDA’s new Finance Director Dee Dee Delagarza

Congratulations to TDA Component Societies

Streamline Your Insurance ClaimsSpeeding up confirmation of benefits and eligibility

TSBDE Rule UpdateRequirements for dental office radiograph machines

In the NewsTDA members in the news

July Journal NewsTooth Whitening: A Clinical Review

TDA Historical PerspectivesDentists, dental hygienists, and the dental team

The 2007 C.T. Rowland AwardOrthodontic case report

The El Paso Dental Conference

Around the StateAugust 14:TDA Board MeetingAustin, Texas

October 15-19:ADA Annual SessionSan Antonio, Texas

Click & ConnectUpdate Profile tda.org – Membership Info Ask a Colleague tda.org – Features TEXAS Meeting Photostexasmeeting.com/estore

Volunteer for ‘08 ADAtda.org/volunteerada08

Every Member MattersRise’ Lyman, DDS, TDA Future Focus Committee

Membership growth is vital to any thriving organization. The Texas Dental Association (TDA) Board is strongly committed to the Membership goal within the “TDA 2009” strategic plan, which addresses continued growth. I am proud to report that, as evidence of that commitment and for the second year in a row, the TDA received the following ADA awards in 2008:• Greatest Percentage Membership Net Gain: Texas had a net gain of 198 members in the year 2007.• Top Constituent Dental Society with Greatest Percentage of Non-Members to Membership: Represents a conversion of 4.7 percent of non-members into membership at end of year 2007.• Top Constituent Dental Society to Improve Retention Rate Percentage in 2007: Represents a 97 percent Association retention rate, which is an increase of 7 percent from the previous year.• Greatest Percentage of New Dentist Members: Represents a gain of 111 new dentist members (those dentists who are 1-9 years out of school).

Another example of the commitment to the growth of our Association is the TDA Externship Program, which builds student awareness of organized dentistry. This innovative program, created in 2007, offers students the opportunity to gain insight into the different components of organized dentistry including legislative and regulatory affairs, membership, governance, continuing education, and charitable dentistry and to gain a better understanding of their role as future leaders of the dental team. The program is open to dental students from each of the three dental schools in Texas. This year the externship program will take place June 20 – June 27 in Austin at the TDA central office. As an ongoing effort to enhance the value and benefits of the Association, the TDA Council on Membership developed a survey that was sent to all members in 2006. The results clearly showed that members have a high satisfaction rating with benefits such as the TEXAS Meeting, TDA publications, and the ability to participate philanthropically in the TDA Smiles Foundation. A great number of the discounted programs offered to members through the TDA Perks Program also received a high satisfaction rating. In accordance with the strategic plan, the Council on Membership, will survey members again in 2009. Participation from all members and a collaborative effort between the ADA, TDA, and local component societies are the keys to successful membership recruitment and retention. We encourage every member to get involved whether it is by attending local meetings, taking part in Give Kids a Smile! Day activities, volunteering at a Texas Mission of Mercy, or participating in TDA Legislative Day activities in Austin. Each member matters and is essential to the continued growth of our Association and of organized dentistry. This is the seventh and final in a series of articles focused on the TDA’s accomplishments guided by the strategic plan. To view the entire plan, log in at www.tda.org and click on “TDA 2009” under “Current Issues” on the member homepage. For more information, please contact Lyda Creus Molanphy, staff liaison to the Future Focus Committee, at the TDA central office, (512) 443-3675.

MembershipDentists will value membership and participation in the TDA.

Objectives1. Improve perceived value and benefits of membership in TDA. a. Increase members’ knowledge about the impact and benefits of TDA membership. b. Ensure that components are an integral aspect of the membership process. c. Create greater awareness of the availability of the Peer Review, Ethics & Judicial, and Risk Management benefits. d. Actively promote adherence to the Code of Ethics. e. Enhance communication with members and non-members. f. Build student awareness of and interest in organized dentistry and membership in TDA. g. Ensure ongoing contact with students throughout dental school. h. Work closely with dental school faculty. i. Evaluate number of nonmember dentists who attend and participate in TDA activities (TEXAS Meeting, TDA Smiles Foundation programs, etc.).Metrics1. Seventy percent of active licensed dentists in TX will be members of TDA by 2009 (baseline of 68.5% in January 2007); increase

membership retention rate to 97 percent by April 2007 (baseline 96% in 2006). a-d. Increase the number of dentists serving on component peer review and ethics and judicial affairs committees to attain a

participation rate of 2-5 percent relative to the total number of component society members by August 2009.2. Ninety percent of TX dental school graduates actively licensed in TX will be members of TDA five years after graduation (89%

dental student conversion from the graduating class of 2005 in Texas).3. Increase the number of member dentists actively participating in TDA by 1 percent a year (as measured by a variety of means

– participation at TX Meeting, TMOM, TXDDS, FSI programs, DENPAC participations, TDA legislative day) with annual report to TDA Board by the Council on Membership.

4. Establish baseline of nonmember participation at TDA activities (CAS, TDA Smiles Foundation, Membership) 5. Established baseline of members’ understanding of and satisfaction with the benefits of their TDA membership through Member

Benefits and Services Survey (completed Nov 2006), re-evaluate % increase at that time for 2009.6. Sixty-five percent of all full-time faculty will be TDA members by 2009 (2006 baseline = 63%).

Mission: To be The Voice of DenTisTry in Texas

Manpower Advocacy OrganizationalExcellence

Public Image

Development Membership

The TDA will update it’s strategic plan with another statewide retreat in August of 2008.

In 2003, Texas Dental Association members from across the state develop TDA’s first strategic plan, TDA 2009.

Official Call for Secretary/Treasurer Nominations TDA secretary-treasurer Dr. J. Preston Coleman will not seek re-election at the May 2010 TDA House of Delegates. Therefore, the position is open for nominations. Only an active, life, or retired member in good standing of this Association shall be eligible. A curriculum vitae (CV) must accompany a letter of intent and the nominee will also have to sign a conflict of interest statement. We request that nominations are made as early as possible so that membership eligibility can be verified and the House of Delegates can be prepared for an informal vote. Duties of the Secretary-Treasurer are enumerated in the Bylaws and include the following:• ServeaschairoftheBudgetCommittee;• ServeaschairofAssetsManagementCommittee;• ExamineincomeandexpensesofTDAandreportateachBoardmeeting;• EnsurethatHouseofDelegatesandTDABoardminutesaremaintained;• Serveasanon-votingmemberofTDAExecutiveCommittee;and• PerformotherdutiesasspecifiedbytheBoardofDirectors. NominationsaretobemailedtoDr.J.PrestonColeman,TDASecretary-Treasurer,TexasDentalAssociation,1946SouthIH-35,Suite400,Austin,Texas78704;ore-mailedtoTDAExecutiveDirectorMs.MaryKayLinn,marykay@tda.org. (According to Article V, Section 10 of the Constitution of the Texas Dental Association and the TDABylaws, Chapter IV — Section 30, Chapter V — Section 40, Chapter VI — Sections 10, 20, 30, 70, and 90).

The Head Start Dental Home Initiative (DHI)Partnering to Provide Dental Homes for Head Start Children in Texas As many readers already know, TDA has been working with the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry along with the TexasAcademyofPediatricDentistry,theTexasAcademyofGeneralDentistry,theTexasDepartmentofStateHealthServices—OralHealthBranch(OHB),andtheTexasDentalHygienists’AssociationtoestablishdentalhomesforTexaschildrenenrolledinHeadStart—theDHI.Dr.PaulKennedy,Jr.,headstheDHISteeringCommitteewithDr.TommyHarrisonservingasTDA’sliaison.

WorkiswellunderwaytoplaceeveryHeadStartchildintoadentalhomebeforethe2011legislativesessionandtocreateanextensivenetworkofdentistswillingtoprovideneededdentalcaretoHeadStartenrollees.InDecember2009,representativesfromorganizeddentistry,HeadStart,andtheOHBmettofinalizethefirststageofdentistrecruitment.

ByFebruary2010,invitationswillbemailedaskingdentiststoparticipateintheDHI.Thisisanexcellentopportunityforparticipatingdentiststobuild their practice while helping Head Start children and their families engage in good oral health habits that will follow them for a lifetime.

Pleaseconsiderbecominginvolvedinthisveryworthwhileproject!Formoreinformation,contactDr.PaulKennedy,Jr.,at(361)992-9500orDianeRhodesatTDA,diane@tda.orgor(512)443-3675.

TDA Kicks Off 2010 with Highest Membership Numbers in History

Asweenterintothenewdecade,TDA’smembership numbers are higher than everbeforeinTDA’shistory.Asof

December31,2009,TDA’smembershiptotalis8,133!Thisrepresentsanetincreaseof108membersfrom2008,andinthecurrenteconomicclimate, shows the strength of the tripartite system andthevalueoforganizeddentistry.

Other areas of growth include contributions toDENPAC,charitablecareprovidedbytheTDASmilesFoundation,visitstoTDA’swebsiteand social networking sites, and an increase in exhibitorsattheTEXASMeeting.

TheTDALegislativeDepartmentsuccessfullyoversawthepassageofTDA’sdentalassistantbill,SB455,duringthe81stLegislativeSessionin2009.Impressively,inanon-electionyear,DENPACcontributionswereup$18,000over2008.

TheTDAFacebookgrouppage,whichstartedinJune2009,isnowupto235members.TDA’sTwitteraccounthas44followers;LinkedINhas32;and313membersuseTDAExpressastheirhomepage. The TDA website receives an average of25,000pageviewspermonth.In2009,traffictotda.orgincreasedby58percentover2008.

In2009,TDASFheld10charitablecareevents,sevenmorethanin2008.Thevalueofcharitablecareprovidedincreasedfrom2008-09by28percentforatotalof$1,219,210.

Atotalof12,310dentalprofessionalsattendedthe2009TEXASMeetinginSanAntonio.TheTDA’sannual conference provides continuing education for all members of the dental team, as well as thestate’slargestdisplayofdentalproductsandservicesintheTEXASMeetingExhibitHall. The yearly total of the value of charitable care provided by TDASF has increased steadily since 2001.

71827304 7380 7310

7466 7441

7671

78728025

8133

6600

6800

7000

7200

7400

7600

7800

8000

8200

8400

Membership Statistics

TDA Members

TDA Membership increased by 951 members from 2000 to 2009.

January 2010 / TDA Today / 2

Happy, Healthy Smiles …

That’s Our Mission!

TDASF Supports Dental Education

Each year, the TDA Smiles Foundation (TDASF) rewards scholarships to two students at each dental school across the state from the Felix Crawford Endowment Fund.

This year’s $1,000.00 scholarship recipients are pictured here with University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston (UTDB) Associate Dean for Student and Alumni Affairs Dr. Phil Pierpont, TDASF Grants Committee chair Dr. Herb Wade, and UTDB Interim Dean Dr. John Valenza.

Congratulations to UTDB’s honorees, first-year dental students Danny Cano and Jay Littlefield.

TMOM LubbockMore than 1,000 Lubbock residents received an early holiday gift of charitable dental care through TDASF’s Texas Mission of Mercy (TMOM) at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center November 13 and 14, 2009. TMOM Lubbock was the 19th such event hosted by TDASF.

More than 1,000 volunteers provided more than $600,000 in care during the 2-day event, making it the largest event in “value-of-care-provided” in the history of the TMOM program!

Permian Basin District Dental Society president Dr. J. Teresa Wade of Andrews worked a chair alongside other professionals at the event. In the wake of the event, she sent a note to a TDA staffer: “I went to TMOM in Lubbock to help. Now I’m hooked … I totally didn’t get the importance until this weekend.”

Learn more about the TDASF programs and view footage from TMOM Lubbock at the TDA Video Library on tda.org. Or, visit youtube.com and search “Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation Video.”

“Get hooked” along with thousands of other dental professionals across Texas!

Among TMOM Lubbock’s impressive numbers was the completion of 32 root canals. Dr. Chad Sargent of Lubbock (far right) ran an impressive endodontic “assembly line” in one of the three area dental vans onsite with the help of dentists like Dr. Jennifer Molandes of Cypress (seated next to one of their patients) and Dr. Doug Bogan of Houston (not pictured) who completed fillings once the rubber dam was in place.

A team effort is needed to execute a TDASF TMOM event.

San Antonio Christian Dental Clinic Housewarming a SuccessAlliance to the Texas Dental Association (ATDA) members attended the San Antonio Christian Dental Clinic’s (SACDC) “Housewarming” Open House at its new 12,000-square foot facility in September 2009. SACDC provides multi-disciplinary care for the homeless and qualified low-income adults from the community.

Founded in 1986, the clinic grew from one chair to eight and, up until now, operated in a 4,700-square foot facility. Last year, SACDC recorded more than 24,000 patient visits for more than 7,000 unduplicated clients, yet the clinic employs only six full-time staff and part-time employees.

All services are provided by professional volunteers: dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, sterilization specialists, and office personnel. Free dental services include exams, X-rays, oral health education, cleanings, fillings and extractions. Prosthetics include dentures, bridges, and partials.

The new clinic includes 16 dental chairs, surgical rooms with track lighting, X-ray rooms with new chairs, recovery chairs with oxygen (if needed), cabinetry, hospital grade sterilizer and sterilization with instrument washers, a complete lab for making partials and dentures, as well as computers, furnishings, and office space for dentists and other volunteers.

Attendees to the open house include Drs. Ken Krueger, Brad Bruchmiller, James Chancellor, Dirk DeKoch, Norma Partida, and ATDA members Ms. Pat Krueger, Ms. Mary Coleman, and Dr. Pat Chancellor, all of San Antonio.

To donate or volunteer, contact SACDC executive director David Phipps, (210) 226-8041, or visit sachristiandental.org.ATDA member Ms. Mary Coleman is pictured with Dr. James Chancellor at the SACDC’s open house.

Mark your Calendars and Join TDASF on Its Travels Across the State in 2010!(Calendar subject to change.)

Fluoride Fest Lampasas: Friday, February 12Smiles on Wheels Lampasas: Saturday, February 13Texas Mission of Mercy Tyler: Friday and Saturday, March 26 and 27 The Rock Climbing Wall Star of the South Dental Conference in Houston: Thurs, Fri and Sat, April 15 – 17 The Healthy Smiles Golf Classic TEXAS Meeting in San Antonio: Friday, May 7Smiles on Wheels Goliad: Saturday, May 22Texas Mission of Mercy Taylor: Friday and Saturday, June 11 and 12Smiles on Wheels Brady/Mason: July dates and final location TBD Texas Mission of Mercy Waco: Friday and Saturday, August 13 and 14 Smiles on Wheels Cactus: Saturday, September 25

In the NewsWichita Falls Dentist Volunteers Services

Dr. John R. McDavid of Wichita Falls serves at the Community Healthcare Center’s dental van during the Festival of Lights celebration in November. The dental van services the local schools in Wichita County and surrounding counties. Dr. McDavid and other volunteers visit schools and provide dental screenings and full restorative services to students.

Additions to TDA Editorial Review Board

The editor is proud to announce two new additions to the TDA Editorial Review Board, Drs. William F. Wathen of Weatherford and Douglas B. Willingham of Salado, both previous TDA editors.

Dr. Wathen served as the Texas Dental Journal editor 1975-86, and Dr. Willingham served 1986-93.

For more information, please contact TDA editor Dr. Stephen R. Matteson, smatteson@satx.rr.com.

TDA Member Competes in Triathlons Around WorldDr. Michael Dwyer of Spring runs a successful periodontics practice. He also runs marathons and participates in triathlons around the world.

And, he’s not stopping anytime soon — he’s 60 years young.

Dr. Dwyer started his running career with the Boston Marathon in 1978. After years of participating in the 26.2-mile competitions, he began triathlons, a combination of swimming, cycling, and running. He says these multi-sport endurance events are much easier on his joints and cross-training keeps us all in better health.

A nine-time USA Triathlon All-American, he has competed in four triathlons around the world since August 2009. The first triathlon was the USAT Age Group National Championship in Tuscaloosa where he finished sixth in his age group (60-64 years) with a time of 2 hours, 33 minutes. This qualified him for the ITU World Age Group Championship in September 2010 in Budapest, Hungary.

The 2008 USAT Age Group National Championship in Vancouver, British Columbia, qualified Dr. Dwyer for the ITU World Age Group Championship in September 2009 in Australia. The event included one mile swimming, 25 miles biking, and 6.2 miles running (the Olympic distance). He placed 10th in his age group (60-64 years), completing it in 2 hours, 25 minutes.

In October 2009, he finished first in his age group (60-64 years) in the Toyota U.S. Open Triathlon, which was also the Olympic distance, in Dallas with a time of 2 hours, 31 minutes, 31 seconds.

Finally, in November 2009, Dr. Dwyer competed in the Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Clearwater, Florida. He finished the 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run in 5 hours, 14 minutes, 43 seconds, placing 14th in his age group (60-64 years).

And, he’s not done.

His 2010 schedule is not complete, but participation in this year’s USAT Nationals and the ITU World Championship in Budapest are firmly scheduled.

“I’ve been very blessed with a supportive wife, dedicated training partners, and overall health from our God,” Dr. Dwyer says. “The first wealth is health and nutritional biochemistry is tantamount.”

Sixty-year-old Dr. Michael Dwyer of Spring competes in the USAT National Championships in 2009 in Tuscaloosa, AL

January 2010 / TDA Today / 3

Since my last TDA Today“IntheLoop”message,Ihavevisitedfivedistrictdentalsocieties,traveledtoAustinformeetingswithseveraldentalstakeholders,andreturnedfromtheADALobbyConferenceinSouthCarolina.Withoutadoubt,thetwooverridingconcernsthatIhearmostabout,notonlyfromourmembershereinTexasbutalsomembersacrossthecountry,involvethehealthcareoverhaulinWashingtonD.C.andtheencroachingexpansionofscopeofpracticeby“midlevelproviders”.WhendealingwiththehealthcareoverhaulIwouldrecommendthateachofyouvisittheADAwebsite(ada.org)forthelatestinformationandstatusofthelegislationmakingitswaythroughtheCongress,andtoreviewtheADA’spositionandpolicyregarding the ever-changing bill. Icontinuetoaskeachofyouletyourrepresentativeknowyourthoughtsonthisextremelyimportantissue.Notonlywillthislegislationaffectthewayweareabletotreatourpatients,itwillalsoaffecttheverybusinessmodelweworkunderonadailybasis.Dentalinsuranceasweknowitcouldverywelldisappear.Thealternativemaywellbenoinsurance,taxesondentalservices,and limits on coverage and fees. Stay engaged, and when asked, contact your member of Congress. There continues to be a strong push by nonprofit corporations and numerous foundations to promote a lesser trained providerofdentalservices.OnefoundationcurrentlyispromotingexpandingtheDentalHealthAideTherapistmodeltothelower48statesfromAlaska.WecontinuetobevigilanthereinTexasandpartnerwithotherstateassociationswhenpossibletocombattheexpansionofdutiesbyunqualifiedpersonnelandsecondtierservicestothecitizensofTexas.Wecontinue,Ibelieve,to have the best dental practice act in the country — in fact, members of leadership at other state dental associations often tell TDA leadership about the respect they have for it. Untilnextmonth,HappyNewYeartoallandstayIntheLoop.

In The Loop

Matthew B. Roberts, DDS, TDA President 2009-2010

Expect a New World of Speakers, Lectures, and Workshops in 2010 Victor Rodriguez, DDS, Council on Annual Session

Ifyouhaveseenthemovie“Avatar”,youweretreatedtoawonderful,visuallystimulatingmoviewithpowerfulcomputergraphics.JamesCameron’sepicmovieaboutahumantransformedtoanalienfigureminglingwiththeindigenouspopulationishighlyimaginativeandincredible.However,themovie’simaginationandoutstandinggraphicspaleincomparisontotheexceptionallistoflectureandworkshopspeakersforthe2010TEXASMeeting.WhereelsecanyouseeanarrayofnationalandinternationalspeakerswhoareimaginativeandcreativeintheirdeliveryofdentaltopicstosupportyourCEendeavors?Althoughyoumayseefloatingmountains,colorfulplantlife,oruniquenewanimalsinthemovie,you’llseecolorfulspeakers,imaginativetopics,creativelectures,anduniqueworkshopsattheTEXASMeeting.

Inthemovie“Avatar”,JakeSullyralliedhistroopstofightthehumans.TheTDACouncilonAnnualSessionswantsyoutorallyyourtroops,yourstaff,andsignupforyourchosenlecturesandworkshopsbeforetheyfillup.Thosewhowaittoolongmayfindtheirfirstchoicesoflecturesandworkshopsunavailable.LikeJakeSullyinspiredhisnewpeople,inspireyourstaffandregisterthemearly.YourstaffwillenjoyanexcitingandeventfulTEXASMeetinginSanAntonio.

Do not delay in placing your hotel reservations. Take advantage of the special 2010 TDA rates and book your reservation early. After April 6,2010,thehotelswillreleasetheirblocksreservedforTDAandincreasetheirrates.AhousingformisavailableintheDecember2009and January 2010 issues of the Texas Dental Journal.Formoreinformation,visittexasmeeting.comorcallTDAat(512)443-3675.

LookforwardtoseeingeveryoneattheTEXASMeetingMay6-9,2010!

The editor asked for feedback on two subjects recently in an edi-torial in the TexasDentalJournal on mouth guards (December 2009) and in an “Evidence-based Tip of the Month” article about alveolar osteitis in TDA Today (November 2009). The editor received the following comments from TDA members with permission to post their responses.

MOUTH GUARDS

Dear Editor: Ihaveseentheworstinjuriesin1)baseball,2)basket-ball,3)karate,and4)football.Ithinkwesometimessendamixedmessagetoourparentsbymakingmouthguardsatlittleornocost;thatseemstoimplylittleornovalue.Attheveryleast,Imakea0.150vacuum-formedguard.Themulti-layered laboratory fabricated guards are sturdier to be sure butIamnotpersonallyawareofanycompellingevidencethat they are substantially better at preventing damage in mostcases.Ihavethebestcompliancewithclearguardsthatfitwellanddon’trubthesofttissue.Weshouldchargeenough to impress upon our patients that these guards are an importantpartoftheirchildren’ssafetyequipmentandnotafashion accessory!

EdWuensch,D.D.S.,FAGD,NewBraunfels

Dear Editor: Inmyearlyyearsindentistry(the1960’s)anarticleap-pearedin,Ibelieve,theTexas Dental Journal concerning the numberofdentalinjuriesinTexas.Thiswasaboutathleticinjuries in kids before the requirement of mouth guards in interscholastic athletics and afterward. The numbers were unbelievable!IwishthatIhadkeptthearticle. Ihadanorthodonticpatientwhohadaninjurywhile“wearing his mouth guard”. He later confessed to me that he really did not have it in when injured but was afraid of paren-tal repercussions if he confessed. Iwouldlovetoseethatarticleifitisinthearchives.

BonhamMagness,D.D.S.,Houston

ALVEOLAR OSTEITIS (DRY SOCKET)

Dear Stephen: Ipracticedgeneraldentistryfor35yearsandtookoutmanyteeth,including3rds.Thebestproductfordrysocket,inmyhands,wasAlvogylbySeptodont.Itlookslikechewingtobacco, but it was a one-time placement and did not need to be changed out because it was, for the vast majority of the time,self-eliminating.Itcontainseugenol,butamben,andiodoform in a fibrous mass. Just irrigate the area, if possible, and do not pack it tightly as it may (rarely) stay too long and causerecurrentpainandirritation.Ifthepatientisverycom-fortable, but has recurrent pain in a week or longer, check the socket for non-elimination of the Alvogyl. Normally, it provides rapid relief within a few hours and the patients are willing to put up with the taste since it greatly eases the discomfort. Once in a while, you may have to repack.

JimGlenn,D.D.S.,Blanco

Dear Editor: IthoughtI’dtakeanopportunitytoreplytoyourrequestre:AO.IamaGPbutI’vebeendoingimpactionsforalmost40years.IstartedtolearnaboutthisAFTERIgotoutofschool.About6yearsago,IsoldmyofficeinWestHoustonandbeganworkingformysoninhisnewofficeinKaty,Texas(ahighgrowthwesternsuburb).SoI’vedonemoreimpactionsinthepast6yearsthanIdidintheprevious15. Intheearly1990’s,IhadreadaboutusingclindamycintopicalliquidappliedtoGelFoaminthesocketsasawayto reduce AO. This did seem to help for a number of years. Inrecentyears,itseemsthatdrysocketswerenotmuchaf-fectedbythistreatment.Infact,itseemsthatIhaveahigherpercentagethaneverfornoreasonI’vebeenabletofigure.Iwould say that about 20 percent might be the rate (without taking an actual count). IdohaveaveryeffectivetreatmentforAO.Ilearnedthisfromayoungassociatedentistworkingformealmost25years ago. He trained back east and picked it up somewhere.Itakeashortpieceofnarrowgauze(IusedtouseIodoformgauze,butitdoesn’tseemtomatter),coveritwithathinmixofIRMcement,rollitintoasmallcylinder&placeintosocket.IsupposeZOEwouldworkjustaswellbutI’veonlyhadIRMonhandforaverylongtime.Thepainusuallystopsin15-30minutes,completely.Iusuallyleaveitinplacefor4-7days.Itrarelycomesoutonitsownandyouusuallyneedapairofangledcottonplierstoaccessit.Iknowofoneor two that stayed in for a month with no problems (college students).Iwouldsayithasbeenveryeffective99.5percentofthetime.Youcanseethatyoudon’thave‘repack’after1or2 days as with some of the paste treatments.

BlakeMcKaskle,D.D.S.

TDA Member Feedback to the Editor

Stephen R. Matteson, DDS, Editor

Digital DawningMark Peppard, DDS, DENPAC Board of Directors

Inmynewrolesas15thDistrictADPACboardmemberandDENPACboardmember,IhadtheprivilegeofattendingthenewStatePACBestPracticesConferencehosted by the ADA in November. The purpose of the conference was to bring states together to highlight the successes and short comings of their political action

processes as well as discover innovative methodologies to inform and involvetheirmembership.Agreatteamgoingbythename“TexasPACRatz”broughtthehousedownwithaveryinteractiveanddynamicpresentationentitled,“GrowingYourStatePAC:BestPractices.”Thisteam,consistingofDr.WarrenBranch,Dr.DebrahWorsham,LeighAnn Montague, and myself, received rave reviews. Oneofthekeynotespeakers,Mr.MonteLutzofEdelmanPublicRelationspresented“SocialMediaandItsImpactonGrassrootsLobbying.”HebroughthomeamessageofextremerealityandtimelysignificancethatIfeelisimportantforallourmemberstounderstand—theimportanceof“DigitalAdvocacy.”Mr.LutzfascinatedattendeeswithhisextensiveanalysisofthesuccessofdigitaladvocacyinboththeObamaandMcCaincampaigns,butthedelineationofthe sheer facts of our media world is what shook the room beyond what we felt we knew.

Did you know?More than 120 news publications shut down last year.„ Newspaperreadershipisdown30percent.„ Broadcastnewsviewershipisdown67percent.„ More people get their news online than from newspapers.„ 300millionpeoplein60languagesareonFacebook,50millionareonTwitter.„ 40percentofallAmericanswillsendatextmessagetoday;90percentoftextmessageswillberead.„ 25million“Millennials”(age18-30)havesignedapetitiononline.„ The2008politicalprocessinvolved74percentofInternetusers.

Whatdoestheinformationabovetellus?Ourorganizationandourmembershipbettergetdigitallysavvyquickly,becausethosethat have control of our government and our professions are way ahead of us.

Survey Says:„ 90percentofCongressionalstaffersareactiveonline;averageageis31.„ 86percentofcandidatesformid-term2010electionshavealreadyutilizedFacebook,Twitterandotherdigitalmedia.„ Inthelastyear,e-mailserversinournation’sCapitalwereshutdowntwiceduee-mailvolume.

Whatthestatisticsaboveshowisasignificantneedforourmemberstounderstandandutilizetheseavenuesofcommunicationthat will allow us to promote our position and protect our profession and livelihood.

(L-R): DENPAC director Dr. Mark Peppard of Austin, DENPAC past chair Dr. Debrah Worsham of Center, TDA DENPAC manager Leigh Ann Montague, and DENPAC chair Dr. Warren Branch of San Antonio make up the Texas PAC Rats team at the ADA’s State PAC Best Practices Conference.

Visit the newly-revamped TDA Perks website (tdaperks.com), and register to win a Dell Inspiron™ 15 Laptop! The site has new features, like online reviews on Perks programs (below), links to Perks’ new social media outlets, and much more. Winners will be announced and prizes distributed at the 2010 TEXAS Meeting in the special TDA Perks Program area in aisle 500. Questions? Call the TDA Perks offi ce at (512) 443-3675.

ENTER NOW AT: TDAPERKS.COM

InsuranceAnsw

ers

Win a Dell Laptop!January 2010 VOLUME 11, ISSUE 1 AVAILABLE ONLINE AT TDA.ORG

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

Nicole Scott, Managing EditorBarbara S. Donovan, Art Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Matthew B. Roberts, D.D.S., PresidentRonald L. Rhea, D.D.S., President-Elect

Hilton Israelson, D.D.S., Immediate Past President Vice Presidents

Craig S. Armstrong, D.D.S., SoutheastJohnny G. Cailleteau, D.D.S., Southwest J. Brad Loeffelholz, D.D.S., Northwest Arlet R. Dunsworth, D.D.S., Northeast

Senior DirectorsR. Lee Clitheroe, D.D.S., Southeast

John W. Baucum III, D.D.S., Southwest Kathleen Nichols, D.D.S., Northwest Donna G. Miller, D.D.S., Northeast

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

Robert E. Wiggins, D.D.S., Northwest Larry D. Herwig, D.D.S., Northeast

J. Preston Coleman, D.D.S., Secretary-TreasurerGlen D. Hall, D.D.S., Speaker of the HouseMichael L. Stuart, D.D.S., Parliamentarian

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

TDA Today (USPS 022-007) is published monthly except for December by the Texas Dental Association, 1946 S. IH-35, Ste 400, Austin, Texas 78704-3698, (512) 443-3675. Periodicals Postage Paid at Austin, Texas and at additional mailing offices.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to TDA TODAY, 1946 S. IH-35, Ste 400, Austin, TX 78704-3698.Annual subscriptions: Texas Dental Association (TDA) members, $5. In-state American Dental Association (ADA) affiliated, $15 + tax. Out-of-state ADA affiliated, $15. In-state non-ADA affiliated, $30 + tax. Out-of-state non-ADA affiliated, $30.Single issue price: TDA members $1. In-state ADA affiliated, $3 + tax. Out-of-state ADA affili-ated, $3. In-state non-ADA affiliated, $6 + tax. Out-of-state non-ADA affiliated, $6.Contributions: Manuscripts and news items of interest to the membership of the Associa-tion are solicited. Manuscripts should be typewritten, double spaced, and the original copy should be submitted. Please refer to Instructions for Contributors in the annual September Directory of the Texas Dental Journal for more information. Every effort will be made to return unused manuscripts if a request is made but no responsibility can be accepted for failure to do so. Anonymous communications will receive no consideration whatsoever. All statements of opinion and of supposed facts are published on authority of the writer under whose name they appear and are not to be regarded as the views of the Texas Dental As-sociation, unless such statements have been adopted by the Association. Articles are accepted with the understanding that they have not been pub-lished previously. The Information for Contributors is available at tda.org.

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

Question: Are dentists required to carry malpractice insurance coverage in Texas?

Answer: DentistsarenotrequiredtocarrymalpracticeinsurancecoverageinTexas.However,theTexasStateBoardofDentalExaminersencourages every dental practitioner to carry an appropriate amount of malpractice insurance for the protection of the dentist.

FormoreinformationcontactDianeRhodesat(512)443-3675ordiane@tda.org.

PCI—and “Why”

First you had OSHA, then HIPAA; more recently, Red-Flag laws, and now PCI? Whatisit?PCIstandsforPayment Card Industry Data Security Standards.Forthemostpart,PCIfocuseson protecting credit card numbers, and compliance with these regulations are required of every merchant that accepts credit cards as a form of payment.) The main impetus of the new regulations is deterring identity theft. Keepinmindthatdentalstaffareoftenprivytosensitivepersonalinformationsuchaspatientbirthdates,social-security, and credit card numbers.

Ifyouhavenotbeencontactedbyyourcreditcardprocessoryet,youprobablywillbethismonth.Mostprocessorsarecharginganannualfeeof$25to$179.InordertomeetPCI-securityrequirements,you’llmostlikelybeaskedtologontoanauthorizedPCIwebsite,andanswerquestionsregardingwhetheryouuseaterminal(lowestlevelofcompliancerequired)oranInternet-basedsystem(whichrequiresahigherlevelofcompliance).Mostdentalofficesthatuseacreditcardterminalwillonlyneedtocompletethequestionnaire,writeashortpolicyabouthowitprotectsitspatients’creditcardinformation,andassignadesignatedPCI-securitycontactperson.IfyouuseasystemthatconnectstotheInternetforprocessingpayments,you’llneedtoprovidethesamedocumentation as above, but your questionnaire will be much longer.

Yourwrittenpolicyshould,atminimum,reflectthat:• Allpatientrecordscontainingcredit-cardnumbersareproperlysecuredandunavailabletoothers.• Creditcardreceiptsandrelatedrecordsareproperlyshreddedafteryourretentionperiodexpires.Keepsignedreceiptsatleast

6months,incaseyoureceiveachargebackandneedtoprovideasignedcopy.• Creditcardprocessingbatchesarecloseddaily.Mostprocessorshaveupdatedtheirsoftwaretotruncate(showonlythefirst

and last four digits of a credit card number) both the merchant and customer copies of a receipt. This may have required a softwaredownload.TruncatingbothcopiesofareceiptismandatoryinCaliforniaandTennesseeonly.Atthistime,Texaslawonly requires that the customer copy be truncated.

Severalcreditcardprocessingcompaniesarefaxingand/orcallingdentalpracticesandtellingthemthattheirequipmentisnotPCI-compliant.Thesecompanieswillnotknowwhatkindofequipmenttheofficeshave.Theyaresimplyusingamarketingploytotrytobecometheirmerchantprocessor.NearlyallcreditcardterminalsarePCI-compliant,orareabletotakeasoftwaredownloadtobecome so. However, some pin pads will not be, because of their ability to store pin numbers (four-digit codes for debit cards). Most dentalpracticesdon’thaveapinpad.Ifyoursdoes,pleasecallyourmerchantprocessortofindoutifit’scompliant.

IfyouhaveadditionalquestionsregardingPCI,youmaycallyourpresentprocessor,oryoucancalltheTDAPerksProgram-endorsedcreditcardprocessingcompany,BestCard,at(877)739-3952.