JULY 2009 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 7 AVAILABLE ONLINE AT TDA.ORG

Inside

TDA Grant RecipientsAssociation offers assistance to 501(c)(3) non profits TDA Smiles FoundationMobile vans help provide more charitable care TDA 2009 Summer Extern ProgramThree dental students participate TDA Committee for the New DentistThird installment of the podcast series Texas State Board of Dental ExaminersRenewal cards updateRulemaking Timeline

August Journal News

Innovation in Dental EducationA report from the three Texas dental schools

Around the State August 14 & 15Dentists Who Care Conference, South Padre Island

August 15Smiles on Wheels, Mineral Wells, Palo Pinto County

August 21TDA Board of Directors Meeting, Austin

August 22 TDA Strategic Planning, Austin

August 29ADA 15th Trustee District Delegation Golf Tournament, Dallas

August 30ADA 15th Trustee District Delegation First Caucus, Dallas

Click & Connect

TDA Expresstda.org – Features Personal Web Pagetda.org – Contacts Update Profiletda.org – Update Profile

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.

Legislative Update

(L-R) TDA president Dr. Matthew B. Roberts of Crockett; 1997 ADA president Dr. Gary Rainwater of Crested Butte, CO, formerly of Dallas; TDA executive director Ms. Mary Kay Linn; 1993 ADA president Dr. Jack H. Harris of Pearland; ADA 15th district trustee Dr. S. Jerry Long of Houston; and (seated) ADA president Dr. John S. Findley of Plano. Photo courtesy ADA News © 2009 American Dental Association.

(L-R) 15B District/Rio Grande Valley president Dr. Yuen Keung Lee of Edinburg, 15A District/Nueces Valley president Dr. Stephen Hunsaker of Corpus Christi, and TDA Smiles Foundation chair Dr. W. Kurt Loveless of Lubbock are pictured.

(L-R) TDA secretary-treasurer Dr. J. Preston Coleman of San Antonio visits with 24th District/River president Dr. Stephen Bennett of New Braunfels and 23rd District/Laredo president M. Carmen Ramirez-Rathmell of Laredo.

On June 19, 2009, Governor Rick Perry signed Senate Bill (SB) 455, TDA’s dental assistant bill, which goes into effect September, 1, 2009. As you are most likely aware, SB 455 amends the Dental Practice Act by allowing Texas dentists to delegate additional duties to dental assistants. Passage of this legislation concludes a 4-year workforce development study during which TDA utilized a variety

of data gathering tools to determine the membership’s workforce priorities. The 2008 TDA House of Delegates approved a series of workforce resolutions which ultimately became SB 455.

Upcoming issues of the TDA Today will describe the sections of the SB 455 and explain how they will apply in your dental office. If you have additional questions, please contact Diane Rhodes or Jess Calvert at the TDA central office (512) 443-3675.

On Saturday, June 20, 2009, 23 officers and staff representing 16 component dental societies across the state attended a leadership conference in Austin sponsored by TDA Financial Services, Inc and hosted by TDA president Dr. Matthew B. Roberts.

TDA Financial Services, Inc. president Dr. Kenneth Horwitz discussed the TDA Perks program, encouraging member participation and explaining how all TDA members benefit from the efforts of this for-profit arm of the TDA. TDA Smiles Foundation chair Dr. Kurt Loveless reported on the Foundation’s recent activity and encouraged participation in the Texas Missions of Mercy,

.

As part of its year-long observance, the American Dental Association (ADA) marked 150 years at a black-tie Sesquicentennial Celebration gala in Chicago last month.

Established in 1859 by a group of 26 men representing existing dental associations, the ADA currently has more than 156,000 members (1). The ADA’s Sesquicentennial Mission is to commemorate, celebrate, and communicate the ADA’s 150 year commitment to the public’s health.

The Association’s year-long observance will culminate at an event at the 150th annual session in Hawaii in October (1). For more information, please visit ada.org.

Reference:1. Berry, James. ADA to mark sesquicentennial with year-long celebration. 2008 Oct 7. Available

from: URL: http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/pubs/adanews/adanewsarticle asp?articleid=3236.

A typical scenario is as follows:• Patientofrecordarrivesattheoffice.• Patientcomplainsofpainordiscomfort.• Dentalassistantrecordspatientdata.• Dentalassistantcallsthetreatingdentist.• Dentalassistantgivesthetreatingdentistthepatientdata(e.g.,patient’s

temporary crown came off and tooth is sensitive to thermal changes).• Treatingdentistdecidesthattheprocedure(s)maybeperformedbythe

properly trained dental assistant. The dentist retains responsibility for all work performed in the office and must determine that the dental assistant can properly perform the delegated procedure under general supervision.

• Dentistdelegatesthenecessaryproceduresorally(orinwriting)tothedental assistant.

1. Procedure must be reversible and does not involve cutting hard or soft tissue.

2. Treating dentist retains responsibility for the procedure(s).• Dentalassistantperformsdelegatedprocedure(s)(e.g.,re-cementtemporary

crown with temporary cement (Temp bond)).• Thetreatingdentistschedulesafollow-upappointmentwiththepatient

within a reasonable time.

TREATMENT OF A MINOR DENTAL EMERGENCY

Under general supervision, a dentist may authorize a dental assistant to treat certain minor dental emergencies. The dentist does not have to be physically present in the dental office under general supervision.

This provision is limited to conditions that:1. arise unexpectedly;2. cause patient discomfort or pain; and3. can be treated with reversible procedures which do not require cutting hard or soft tissue.

Such treatment may not be performed by a dental assistant unless the dental assistant has first notified the supervising dentist, who has delegated — orally or in writing — the procedures to treat the minor emergency.

Within a reasonable time, the supervising dentist is also required to schedule a follow-up appointment with a patient who received interim treatment by the dental assistant.

ADA Celebrates Sesquicentennial Anniversary

Donated Dental Services programs, and Smiles on Wheels events. In a series of briefings, TDA officers, the speaker of the house, and staff directors presented overviews of strategic planning, finances, resolutions for the House of Delegates, annual session, publications, members services, and TDA’s political action committee DENPAC. Dr. Richard Black, chair of TDA’s Council on Legislative and Regulatory Affairs, moderated a panel discussion and fielded questions from the audience.

In the afternoon, the TDA Component Society Presidents (and Presidents-elect) Committee met in the TDA Board Room with TDA President-elect Dr. Ronald L. Rhea presiding.

TDA Component Society Presidents and Presidents-elect Attend Orientation Conference

Now GOOD Freedom-of-Choice Dental Insurance is Available— through Your Office!Introducing DentalQUICK, a new TDA Perks Program that is getting TDA members excited. It’s now possible for a dentist to offer dental insurance directly in and through his office, and help patients say “yes” to dental care. DentalQUICK can also help you get licensed, and earn income in commissions from patients that are already coming to your practice. Features of the program include:

$1,500/year Benefit Validation on Day of Application No Waiting Periods No Deductibles No Pre-Authorizations No Networks

For more information: download an article from the DentalQUICK page at tdaperks.com; or visit dentalquick.com. Contact Mark Deschenes at DentalQUICK at: mark@dentalquick.com, or at:

(800) 388-2190 (Mention your TDA membership.)

DentalQUICK.com offers VoluntaryMart Dental, underwritten and administered by Time Insurance, an Assurant Health Co.

JULY 2009 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 7 AVAILABLE ONLINE AT TDA.ORG

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

Edwina J. Shires, Director of PublicationsNicole Scott, Publications Coordinator

Barbara S. Donovan, Art Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORSMatthew B. Roberts, D.D.S., President

Ronald L. Rhea, D.D.S., President-ElectHilton Israelson, D.D.S., Immediate Past President

Vice PresidentsCraig S. Armstrong, D.D.S., Southeast

Johnny 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 Director

William 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 Association, unless such statements have been adopted by the Association. Articles are accepted with the understanding that they have not been published previously.

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TSBDE Renewal Cards Update IMPORTANT TSBDE NOTICE: Reminder Postcards Have Replaced Renewal Forms Applies to all dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dental laboratories licensed and registered in Texas. As of January 1, 2009, the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) stopped mailing renewal forms. Instead, the TSBDE will mail a reminder postcard approximately 45 days before the licensee’s registration certificate expires.

What Do You Do When You Receive Your Postcard Reminder?Unlike the renewal form, which was mailed back to the TSBDE with a check or money order, the new postcard should not be mailed back to the TSBDE to renew a license or registration. Instead, you will be encouraged to renew online by visiting www.tsbde.state.tx.us/RenewOnline.

When Can You Renew Online?A license or registration can only be renewed online (or by mail) up to 45 days prior to the expiration date and can be renewed within 1 year after it expires. A cancelled license or registration cannot be renewed. Your payment online can be made by credit card, debit card or electronic check. Your payment by mail can be made by check or money order.

Licensees Under Continuing Education AuditA license under Continuing Education Audit cannot be renewed online and must be renewed by mail.

Prefer to Renew by Mail? Print a renewal form available on the Forms & Applications section of the Dental Board website. Fill it out and mail it, along with your payment, to the TSBDE. Please allow 2 weeks for processing. Fees are listed on the front of every renewal form. If you have any questions, please contact Dental Board Licensing Renewal Staff.

E-Mail Your Request for a Renewal FormInclude in the subject line: “Renewal Form Request” In the body of your e-mail include: your name, address, telephone number, profession, and license number. The e-mail address is information@tsbde.state.tx.us.

Call or Fax Your Request for a Renewal Form Please be prepared to provide your name, address, telephone number, profession, and license number. Phone: (512) 463-6400 (Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, except holidays) FAX: (512) 463-7452 • Dentists and Dental Hygienists should ask to speak to the License Renewal Staff.• Dental Assistants should ask to speak to the Dental Assistant Coordinator.• Dental Laboratory Owners/Managers should ask to speak to the Licensing Administrator.

For more information contact Diane Rhodes at diane@tda.org or (512) 443-3675.

TSBDE Rulemaking Timeline In order to implement SB 455’s provision creating a coronal polishing certificate for dental assistants, the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) must write the administrative rules necessary to define the required coronal polishing education course. Below is a summary of that rulemaking process.• TSBDEdraftsrules:July–August2009.• DraftrulespresentedtotheTSBDEBoard:August28TSBDEmeeting.• DraftrulespublishedinTexas Register for 30-day public comment.• TSBDErefinesdraftrulestoincludesuggestionsreceivedfromthepublic.• FinalrulespresentedtotheTSBDEforavote:November20TSBDEmeeting.The rulemaking process may be delayed if suggestions received during the public comment period necessitate additional rule drafts. • FinalrulespublishedintheTexas Register and typically take effect 20 days after the date on which it is filed with the Secretary of State.

For questions about the rulemaking process, please contact Diane Rhodes at the TDA central office (512) 443-3675.

July 2009 / TDA Today / 2

Happy, Healthy Smiles …That’s Our Mission!

Helping Hand…Mission dentistry certainly has its limitations. However, there are times when the TDA Smiles Foundation (TDASF) receives enough support from partners to fulfill its mission — the ability to help more people!

TDASF’s mission programs — Smiles on Wheels and the Texas Missions of Mercy (TMOM) — can be somewhat service-limited by the number of available operatories and hours in the day. Expanding the number of functional operatories greatly increases TDASF’s capacity to serve needy Texans at any given event. Recently, TDASF has utilized two particular dental vans which provide much needed, fully equipped operatories to provide more charitable care.

The University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston (UTDB) has been a TDA F “groupie” for quite some time now. SUnder the tutelage of Dr. Tracey M. Godwin, students from the university have the opportunity to practice dentistry in the UT Mobile Dental Van, improving their hand skills while helping those in need of dental care. The van was funded through a generous grant from the Nelda C. and H. J. Lutcher Stark Foundation and is equipped with three

Meet the New TDA Staff

Josh Epstein joins the TDA Perks Program as Marketing Specialist. His expertise centers on internet marketing, business development, and sales. Josh is a natural entrepreneur. He enjoys working with vendors,

consumers, and the local community. The TDA Perks Program is consistently adding new endorsed vendors and services to enhance membership benefits. Josh adds creative and analytical marketing expertise. His focus is to maximize the non-dues revenue generated for the TDA. Josh holds a Bachelors degree in Communications from Northeastern University in Boston. He lives in South Austin with his wife Sherri, son Myles, and dog Thor.

Epstein

fully functional operatories, helping TDASF to serve about 30 patients over a single day event or about 60 at a full-sized mission. The UTDB van has been present at many events in recent years.

The Dallas County Dental Society Foundation’s dental van is a newer addition to the TDASF team, recently used in the Marlin Smiles on Wheels event. The “Making Dallas Smile” van first joined the TDASF efforts at the Dallas TMOM in 2007. The van was primarily funded by Mrs. Annette Simmons and is equipped with two operatories and a panoramic X-ray, which is a highly useful tool at the events!

If you are interested in learning more or helping out the Houston or Dallas mobile dental care programs, check out their websites at uthouston.edu and dcds.org, respectively. The TDASF, along with the thousands of Texans that it serves, thanks both of these groups for their commitment to helping provide access to dental care.

The Dallas County Dental Society Foundation’s van is known by insiders as “Annette” after its visionary and primary funder. University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston students participate in the Corpus Christi TMOM last year.

LEAD TDA WorkshopSeptember 11-12, 2009 This program is designed for the dentist who is committed to leading the way to hire and retain an exceptional team to create their ideal practice. The atmosphere is casual and conducive to dialogue and mastermind. You will leave the 2-day workshop with the following in hand: your vision, core values, team development plans, and tough conversation coaching notes … plus much more!

Tuition: $800 per DentistFee includes 1 night hotel stay; Friday lunch and snacks/break; Saturday breakfast/lunch and snacks/break.

Limited Attendance!Space is limited. Sign up by August 1, 2009.In order to allow participation in each component society, attendance must be limited – so enroll today! One participant spot is reserved for each local component society. Additional registrants will be put on a wait list and TDA will fill available spaces after August 15, 2009.

For More InformationContact Lee Ann Johnson, (512) 443-3675, leeann@tda.org.

Each year, your Texas Dental Association utilizes interest earned from its relief fund to provide financial assistance to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations affiliated with dentistry. Potential applicants submit letters of interest and an associated budget to the TDA Board of Directors. Below are brief summaries of this fiscal year’s successful applicants.

HOPE Clinic in AlvinHOPE Clinic opened in April 2008, and provides care for low-income, uninsured patients. All dentists and staff support volunteer their services. Daily expenses are met by patient fees

(patients pay a flat fee of $5 to $15 per visit) and private donations. Funding from TDA will replace the clinic sign and the skirting around the building, which were lost during Hurricane Ike.

Christian Community Action in LewisvilleChristian Community Action, a faith-based non-profit, has provided food, housing, medical care, and vocational training for 36 years. The Adult Health Center provides low-cost medical care across Denton County. The dental clinic was established in 2003

by Dr. Robert Sikes. In 2008, routine dental services were provided to 163 patients, and 14 patients received dental hygiene services.

The HOPE Project in TenahaThe HOPE Project in Tenaha (Shelby County) is designated as a Medically Underserved Area and a Health Professional Shortage Area. TDA assistance will help establish a school-based dental facility for exams, cleanings, and sealants for underprivileged children.

TDA Provides Funds to Community Non-ProfitsCommunity Health Center of LubbockThe Community Health Center of Lubbock provides medical and dental services to the underserved in Lubbock and surrounding communities. There are three dental clinics in the city of Lubbock and one mobile dental unit that travels to four adjacent counties (Garza, Crosby, Lynn, Terry) to provide services to those in need. The dental clinics provide services to both children and adults. As a participant of the First Dental Home initiative, the center can see children as young as 6 months. All patients are eligible for a Sliding Fee Scale which is administered based on income, and the Center accepts all state program dental insurances including Medicaid and CHIP.

The Dental Help Program, HoustonThe Dental Health for Eligible Low-income Patients (HELP) Program is a cooperative effort by The UTHSC Dental Branch and San Jose Clinic to improve and enhance access to dental care for low-income children. UT Dental Branch faculty and students work together with San Jose Clinic personnel volunteer to provide pediatric dental treatment for high-risk children residing in an urban high-poverty neighborhood. The extended operation of a monthly Saturday clinic will provide dental services to underserved children in the Houston Area.

Dental Health for Parker County, WeatherfordThe clinic, established using donated equipment and supplies, treats the indigent of Parker County (aged 19 and over) who need help in competing with others for viable employment. After dental treatment, they are better able to participate in a social environment, which enhances their quality of life. The volunteer dentists generously give their time and expertise to help others in need of dental services.

A HOPE Clinic patient gives a thank-you smile!

A dental patient receives treatment at Christian Community Action in Lewisville.

Texas Sen. Robert Nichols (yellow tie), CEO Jean Diebolt, and U.S. Rep. Louis Gohmert (red tie) participate in the ribbon cutting for the HOPE Project.

The Community Health Center of Lubbock’s mobile dental van delivers care to outlying areas.

(L–R): Estelle Foster, MT, CMRT, Director of Dental Services, San Jose Clinic; Sanford J. Fenton, DDS, MDS, Chair, Department of Pediatric Dentistry, UT Dental Branch at Houston; and Stacie J. Cokinos, CFRE, Executive Director, San Jose Clinic.

(L–R): Dental Health for Parker County officials Darrell Clark, president; Robby Evans, secretary; Dr. Saskia Vaughan; and Drs. Chad and Mike Drennan.

July 2009 / TDA Today / 3

Our country has just celebrated its 233rd birthday. My hometown had a parade around the square, a tea party protest, and a 45-minute fireworks display to celebrate the greatest country on earth. Hot and dry continues to be the weather forecast. With the passing of July 4th, from my perspective at least, the summer is half over.

Now that everyone is up to date on what is important, let me fill you in on what has been happening with the TDA since last we visited. The TDA Component Presidents/Presidents-elect Conference was held in conjunction with the June TDA Board of Directors meeting in Austin last month. As always, it is a good time to welcome new leadership to town and help fill in the gaps on TDA happenings. The new TDA Board members also go through an informative 1-day session to bring everyone up to speed on the inner workings and current projects they will be involved in over the next 3 years. We also had three student externs in Austin for the week of June 19 – 26, learning and more importantly giving input and ideas on how to improve the TDA. These student externs are a vital link between current and future membership in the TDA. At each and every meeting, your Board reviews the financial position of the Association, hears and questions reports from the affiliated TDA entities as well as the Councils and Committees, and looks at the directives from the House of Delegates. The broad range of experiences and geography really does make the TDA Board representative of the memberships’ views.

As I close, please feel free to e-mail or call with questions that affect your association or practice. You will hear over the coming months more about the recently passed dental legislation and how it impacts your practice. I hope and trust that the TDA Today continues to be informative for each of you. Until next month, keep In the Loop.

In The Loop

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

Amalgam Separators and the Dentist as Community Leader ADA Council on Dental Practice

The ADA, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (the association for wastewater treatment plants) entered into a partnership in December 2008 to promote the ADA best management practices for amalgam waste, including the use of amalgam separators.

This presents us all with a tremendous opportunity. We dentists need to be the leaders in protecting our environment by promoting the capture and recycling of waste dental amalgam. The ADA Council on Dental Practice is taking this opportunity to urge you to help by installing an amalgam separator.

The council is the voice of the practicing dentist within our Association. Our role is to address issues that directly affect the practicing dentist. We bring to our job on the council our collective experiences in our own practices. And we have done so here on the question of amalgam separators. Many of us use amalgam in our practices and continue to value it as a safe and durable treatment option. Almost all of us who place or remove amalgams either have already installed separators or are pledged to so. It was easy to do, they work well, and we urge all of our colleagues who place or remove amalgams to do so as well.

What are the benefits of voluntarily following our own best management practices?

First, using an amalgam separator will capture more than 95 percent of the amalgam in your wastewater right in your office, where it can be recycled, greatly reducing the need to mine new sources of mercury. How many steps can any of us take to protect the environment that are more than 95 percent effective?

Second, if dentists cannot demonstrate that we can do our share to reduce the levels of mercury reaching treatment plants, others will require that we do so. And the terms they impose may not be as reasonable as our own. Indeed, EPA cited our own efforts to promote separator use voluntarily as a key reason why a national mandate is not needed at this time.

Third, as respected community leaders, we need to speak out — and be heard — on a wide range of issues. Only by cementing our reputations as people willing to do the right thing will we maintain a powerful collective voice.Installing a separator is simple, and help is available. Simply search for “amalgam separators” on ADA.org or follow this link: www.ada.org/prof/resources/topics/amalgam_separators.asp for an overview of the topic and access to a series of helpful articles on separators, their effectiveness and the selection and installation of an appropriate separator. In addition, the Fall 2007 issue of the Professional Product Review features an evaluation of amalgam separators, including an expert panel discussion and a list of evaluated separators: www.ada.org/prof/resources/pubs/ppr/archives/07_fall.asp.

But your first stop should be your state society. Some state societies have arranged for discounts on separators and can alert you to any local requirements.

All of us enjoy the bounty of our environment, and we need to be leaders in protecting it. If we do not, we almost certainly will face legal mandates to install separators. It is a simple and effective step to take. Your Council on Dental Practice encourages you to take it with us.

The TDA Perks Program offers preferential pricing to TDA members. The TDA Perks Program has an amalgam separation endorsed vendor, Solmetex (800) 216-5505. TDA members receive a free cartridge ($200 value) with proof of purchase. Visit www.tdaperks.com to download a form.

This article was reprinted upon request of the TDA Council on Dental Economics. If you have any questions for the Council, please Cassidy Neal at (512) 443-3675 ext. 152.

ADA Council on Dental Practice. Amalgam separators and the dentist as community leader. My View. ADA News 2009; 40(6):4. Copyright ©2009 American Dental Association. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.

Dental students from University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio (UTHSCSA) and University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston (UTDB) participated inan externship program at TDA headquarters June 19-26, 2009. The program focused on core components of organized dentistry; governance, membership, continuing education, charitable care and legislative and regulatory issues.

The externs observed a Board of Directors meeting, attended the TDA Presidents and Presidents-elect Conference, met with TDA staff, and attended a Council on Membership and a Council on Annual Session meeting during their week in Austin.

Check Out the Third Installment of the TDA Committee for the New Dentist Podcast Series!The third installment of the TDA Committee for the New Dentist (TDA NDC) podcast series, conducted by Dr. Josh Austin,is an interview with Dr. John Findley, ADA President. The interview takes place at the ADA Washington Leadership Conference and includes a brief legislative update from Dr. Richard Black, chair of the TDA Council on Legislative & Regulatory Affairs.

Log in at tda.org and click on “TDA New Dentist Committee Podcast Series” or subscribe to the TDA NDC Podcast Series on iTunes to receive future podcasts automatically.

We value your feedback! Please be sure to fill out the short survey. We hope to incorporate suggestions into future podcasts.

NOTE: Information and opinions stated in the TDA N podcastDC series is not necessarily endorsed by the Texas Dental Association. If you have any questions or concerns, please notify TDA web manager Stefanie Clegg at stefanie@tda.org with the specifics of your claim.

Notice From The EditorThis is a call for recruitment for TDA members to serve as reviewers of manuscripts submitted for publication in the Texas Dental Journal. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Review of scientific manuscripts and abstracts as directed by the TDA Editor.

• Timely submission of reviews and comments (1-month or less turnaround).

• Candid reaction and opinions regarding manuscripts.

Interested members are invited to contact TDA editor Dr. Stephen R. Matteson: E-mail: smatteson@satx.rr.com; Phone: (210) 215-1515.

(L-R) TDA 2009 Externs: UTDB student Summer Ketron-Adkins, UTHSCSA student Megan Holme, and UTHSCSA student Blake Johnston.

Viewpoint

TDA 2009 Summer Externship Program

In order to ensure accuracy in the directory edition of the September 2009 Texas Dental Journal, please log in at tda.org, click on “UPDATE PROFILE” on the member homepage, and verify your contact information by August 1, 2009.