A publication of the Texas Dental Association

April 2007 • Volume 8, Issue 4

TDA Today is available online at www.tda.orgTDAT o d a y

TDA LegislativePrioritiesAddressed inProposed Frew LawsuitSettlement

By Dr. S. Jerry Long, Chair, TDA Council on Legislative and Regulatory Affairs

Improving access to dental care is the goal of the Texas Dental Association’s (TDA) 2007legislative priorities. Several of TDA’s 2007 legislative priorities are being achievedthrough the proposed settlement of the decade-old Frew v. Hawkins lawsuit, negotiated

between attorneys for the plaintiffs and legislative leaders. On Monday, April 9, 2007, Federaldistrict court Judge William Wayne Justice heard an 11-point outline of the proposedsettlement, but delayed approval of the proposed settlement until the legislature passes thenew state budget in order to confirm that the settlement had been fully funded.

Q: What is the Frew lawsuit and its relationship to dental care?The Frew lawsuit is a class-action lawsuit against the State of Texas, filed in federal court

in 1993, on behalf of a group of children who were eligible for Medicaid and their parents.The lawsuit focused on various problems that these families encountered trying to obtainaccess to medical and dental care, including access to dental treatment in certain parts of thestate. The State of Texas signed a consent decree to settle the lawsuit in 1996. Subsequently,the plaintiffs alleged that the State failed to fully implement the consent decree. This led tofurther litigation, including two trips to the U.S. Supreme Court, which ruled on behalf ofthe plaintiffs both times.

Q: How would the proposed lawsuit settlement affect Texas dentists? Extremely low reimbursement rates have discouraged many Texas dentists from

enrolling as Medicaid providers. Increasing the number of participating dentists is necessaryto improve access to dental care. The proposed settlement would increase Medicaidreimbursement rates by 50 percent as an incentive to attract more dentists to becomeMedicaid providers. As this article went to press, details of the proposed settlement have notbeen finalized. However, increased use of mobile dental vans, to be operated by one or moreof the state’s dental schools, is likely to be part of the settlement, as is increased state fundingfor dental loan repayments to encourage new dentists to locate in underserved areas.

Q: When is the federal court likely to approve the proposed settlement?Attorneys for the plaintiffs asked Judge Justice not to approve the settlement until the

legislature finally approves the state budget for the next biennium, which includes fiscal years2008 and 2009, to ensure that the legislature fully funds the settlement. This final approvalprobably will not take place until mid May.

Q: Did TDA have a role in the Frew lawsuit and does TDA have any obligations underthe proposed settlement?

TDA was not a party to the lawsuit and played no formal role in the litigation. However,TDA was consulted by legislative leaders during settlement talks regarding the level ofMedicaid reimbursement rate necessary to attract more dentists to enroll as providers. TDAdoes not have any formal obligations under the proposed settlement. But, the legislature doesexpect TDA to publicize the fee increase and encourage more dentists to become Medicaidproviders. TDA also hopes to work with state officials towards successful implementation ofthe settlement as it pertains to expanding access to dental care. ★

Texas Dental Association WinsFour ADA Awards

Your Texas Dental Association is proud to report that Texas won the following four, veryprestigious membership awards at the recent American Dental Association (ADA)Recruitment and Retention Conference held March 30–31, 2007 in Chicago.

• Top constituent dental society with highest dental student conversion for class of2005 at end of year 2006 in the 3,501–7,500 member category. This award represents an88.7 percent student conversion rate which equates to 141 dental students converted out of159 dental students.

• Top constituent dental society to improve its retention rate percentage in 2006, inthe 3,501–7,500 member category, from the ADA Department of Membership Information.This award represents a 96 percent association retention rate which is an increase of .9percent from the previous year!

• Greatest Percentage Membership Net Gain of New Dentists in the 3,501–7,500member category. Texas increased market share by 3.2 percent in 2006, which equates to1,268 new dentist members!

Honorable Mention — Topconstituent dental society toconvert the highestpercentage of non-membersto membership in 2005 perthe ADA End of Year 2006National Recruitment andRetention Report. This awardrepresents a 3.4 percentconversion of nonmemberswhich equates to 327 newmembers!

The success in recruitmentand retention is attributed to avariety of efforts, including theinterim member category; anupdated format for statesponsored events at the dentalschools which began in 2001;and, most importantly, to thehard work and dedicated effortsof our local componentsocieties, leaders, and staff. ★

Accepting the ADA awards for Texas are Ms. Jane Evans, executivedirector, Dallas County (5th) District Dental Society; Dr. RobbieHenwood, president, San Antonio (20th) District Dental Society; Dr.Sheryl Beltrane, president-elect, San Antonio (20th) District DentalSociety; Ms. Alyson Riccardi, membership director, Dallas County (5th)District Dental Society; Ms. Evelina Stephenson, executive director, SanAntonio (20th) District Dental Society, Dr. Debra Peters, chair, ADACouncil on Membership; and Dr. Victor Rodriguez, Houston HispanicDental Society. Photo courtesy of ADA News ©2007 AmericanDental Association.

Our Public Image: What is it and Whatdoes it mean? By Jennifer Barrington, DDS, NE Vice President,TDA Board of Directors

Take a moment to remember back to the summer of2003, when a comprehensive membership survey ofall Texas Dental Association (TDA) members was

conducted, and a large diverse sampling of our membershipwas called together for a statewide retreat to establish a TDAstrategic plan for the next 5 years.

Every TDA member was represented by the diversity of those volunteers called to duty forour Association. Out of those 2 days, the areas of focus pertaining to the future of our professionand Association were determined and TDA 2009, the strategic plan, was born. After furtherrefinement and analysis by the TDA Future Focus Committee and the TDA Board, the plan wasapproved by the House of Delegates in 2004.

TDA 2009 consists of our core purpose, core values, and six goals with associated objectives toaccomplish the goals, as well as metrics to measure success. Of those six goals, one in particular haseluded definition and created considerable frustration among the individuals intimately involvedwith the daily oversight of our strategic plan. That goal, and the number one concern of themembers surveyed, is Public Image.

Over the past 2 years, the TDA Board, councils and committees, and our staff workedtirelessly to determine what public image really meant, what it should look like, how should itsound, and who really cared. Despite these efforts, agreement was indefinable and therefore, noaction could take place.

The current trend used by associations and groups to target areas of concern is to identifythem as “mega-issues” and gather interested parties together for comprehensive discussion andevaluation. Even our own American Dental Association (ADA) has used this format in the past tograpple with obscure thoughts, ideas, and concepts to arrive at agreement on matters that can meandifferent things to different people.

Continued on page 4

Happy, Healthy Smiles Across TexasBy Judith Gonzalez, TXDDS Case Manager

The Texas Dental Association SmilesFoundation is proud to create happy,healthy smiles across Texas through the

Texas Donated Dental Services (TXDDS)program. TXDDS helps people with advanced age,permanent disability, or who are medicallycompromised to receive comprehensive dental carethrough volunteer dentists across the state.

This month we highlight one of our newvolunteer dentists, Dr. Jon Williamson fromDallas. Dr. Williamson saw his first TXDDSpatient last year — a 61-year-old man with a backinjury, high blood pressure, and severe asthma.

The patient received a few extractions and a partial denture. Dr. Williamson said, “I’veenjoyed donating my services to patients through the TXDDS program because it allows meto give back to the community and my profession.” Every TXDDS volunteer receives aplaque to display in their office. Upon receiving his plaque, he said, “the plaque was a verynice surprise, unexpected, and beautiful.”

Thanks to you, Dr. Williamson and to all the TXDDS volunteers for creating happy,healthy smiles across Texas! ★

Judith Gonzalez, Texas Donated DentalServices case manager, and Dr. JonWilliamson, Dallas, TXDDS volunteerdentist.

April 2007 / TDA Today / 2

Below is a summary of actions of the Texas DentalAssociation (TDA) Board of Directors during itsmeetings on February 22–23 and March 30–31, 2007,

with TDA president Dr. Thomas C. Harrison presiding.

Policy Resolutions• 169-2006-HR-BS (P): Authorized new Section 60,

Special Assessments, in Chapter XII, Finances of theTDA Bylaws, for special assessment(s) of all duespaying members levied by the TDA House ofDelegates to fund specific project(s) of limited durationthrough a 2/3 majority. Notice must be presented in writing60 days prior to the House of Delegates, sent to each component society secretary 60 daysbefore the Annual Session, and announced to members in an official TDA publication atleast 30 days before Annual Session. (February 2007)

• 54-2007-BS (P): Directed that TDA collect information about patient problems withdental treatment received in Mexico and subsequently corrected in Texas; identifyU.S. insurers and third-party administrators paying claims submitted by dentists in Mexicoand denying claims for corrective care in Texas; and take the information to the TexasDepartment of Insurance for possible regulatory or legislative solution. (February 2007)

• 97-2007-B (P): Approved up to four pages per calendar year in Texas Dental Journal atno cost for the Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation. (February 2007)

• 98-2007-B (P): Recommended waiver of Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundationpayment portion of the Directors and Officers Policy. (February 2007)

• 100-2007-B (P): Established annual stipend for TDA Council on Legislative andRegulatory Affairs chair. (February 2007)

• 108-2007-B (P): Adopted the TDA 2008 Proposed Budget. (February 2007)

Policy Resolutions Defeated • 101-2007-B (P): Resolution to continue Texas Meetings Advisory Task Force through

2007. (February 2007)

Non-Policy and Board Resolutions APPOINTMENTS • 113-2007-B (NP): Authorized letter to Gov. Rick Perry requesting appointment of Dr.

Jacqueline M. Plemons and Dr. David A. Woolweaver to the Texas State Board ofDental Examiners. (March 2007)

• 114-2007-B (NP): Authorized letter to director of Medicaid/CHIP at the Health andHuman Services Commission requesting appointment of Dr. Michael D. Vaclav and Dr.William D. Steinhauer to the Physician Payment Advisory Committee. (March 2007)

• 123-2007-B (NP): Directed that Dr. May appoint a TDA Board Work Group to examinethe need for renovation of the fourth floor board room and report in August 2007 witha decision to proceed or not. (March 2007)

• 128-2007-B (NP): Appointed Mrs. Carol Woods to Texas Dental Association SmilesFoundation Board of Trustees. (March 2007)

• 137-2007-B (NP): Ratified February 2007 Executive Committee decision to appoint Dr.James H. Reisman and Dr. David H. Wilhite to the Council on Ethics and JudicialAffairs for one pending case to replace members who recused themselves due to potentialconflict. (March 2007)

• 138-2007-B (NP): Appointed Dr. Ron Hill (SE) to fill the unexpired term of Dr. Mark C.Frnka (SE) (2009) on the Council on Constitution and Bylaws through the adjourn-ment of the 2007 House of Delegates Annual Session on May 13, 2007. (March 2007)

• 139-2007-B (NP): Approved TDA council nominations. (March 2007) Council on Annual Session: NW: Tyler Lee Pendergrass, chair (2008); SW: C. RogerMacias, Jr. (2011). Council on Constitution & Bylaws: SW: Richard A. Eklund, chair (2008); NE: DonLutes (2011); SW: John S. Eads, III (2009) to fulfill term of Mark C. Frnka. Council on Dental Care Programs and Community Oral Health: SE: Craig S. Armstrong,chair (2008); NW: Terri B. Lovelace (2011). Council on Dental Education, Trade and Ancillaries: SW: Glenn R. Walters, Sr.,chair (2011); NE: Patricia L. Blanton, Consultant (2008); NE: Jacqueline M. Plemons,Consultant (2008). Council on Ethics and Judicial Affairs: NE: Robert M. Anderton, chair (2010); SE:Donald F. Cohen (2011). Council on Legislative and Regulatory Affairs: SW: Richard C. Black, chair (2007);SE: Matthew B. Roberts (2007); SE: James D. Condrey (2007); NW: David A. Duncan(2007); Texas Dental Association president-elect; SE: Thomas C. Harrison, immediateTDA past president; NE: Deborah J. Worsham, consultant (2007); SW: David A.Woolweaver, consultant (2007); NE: John S. Findley, Consultant (2007); NE: Patricia L.Blanton, consultant (2007); SE: Herbert L. Wade, Jr., consultant (2007). Council on Membership: SE: Joel J. Vela, chair (2008); NW: David L. Doerre (2011);NE: Barbara Sias-Chinn (2008) to fulfill unexpired term of Pamela S. Berlanga. Council on Peer Review: NE: David H. Wilhite, chair (2009) and SW: Richard H. Heard(2011).

• 140-2007-B (NP): Approved TDA committee nominations. (March 2007) Building Committee: SE: Paul E. Stubbs, chair; SE : Thomas R. Williams; SE: Jeran J.Hooten; SE: Kavin Kelp. Committee on Access to Medicaid and CHIP: NW: John S. Johnson; SW: T. Beth Vance;SW: William D. Steinhauer; NW: Michael D. Vaclav, consultant. Committee on the New Dentist: NW: Clinton R. Hardee, chair; SW: Courtney L.Alexander; NE: Sara A. Bender; SE: Hugh P. Patton. Communications Committee: SW: David S. Wilbanks, chair; NW: William F. Wathen;SE: Ron Collins; NW: David Tillman; TDA Editor, Christopher F. Anderson; NE: LarryD. Herwig, consultant. Finance and Audit Committee: SE: Alan B. Moore, chair; NW: David R. Cox; NE: LeeP. Oneacre; SW: Jose (Joey) L. Cazares. Future Focus Committee: NE: president-elect, chair; SE: Doug W. Bogan; SW: Rise’ L.Lyman; TDA director (to be announced).

BUDGET ISSUES • 104-2007-B: Authorized TDA executive director to hire part-time human resources

professional. (February 2007)• 106-2007-B (NP): Approved budget line items over budget (printing, telephone,

auditing, meetings, new dentist committee, council on annual session, Texas reception,and federal income tax). (February 2007)

• 107-2007-B (NP): Approved Budget Committee’s recommendations for 2006 Surplusallocations. (February 2007)

• 112-2007-B (NP): Authorized $5,000 each from the 2006 Relief Fund interest to the

MK’s Board NotesBy Mary Kay Linn, TDA Executive Director

Child Study Center, Fort Worth; Dentists Who Care, Harlingen; Covenant HealthSystem, Lubbock; HIV Project of UT Health Science Center, San Antonio; and DentalHealth, Parker County. (February 2007)

• 118-2007-B (NP): Approved budget line items over budget (temporary salaries andbank charges). (March 2007)

CORRESPONDENCE• 88-2007-EC-B (NP): Authorized letters to appropriate legislators supporting the Texas

State Board of Dental Examiners’ legislative appropriation request. (February 2007) • 115-2007-B (NP): Approved letter from Council on Ethics and Judicial Affairs chair to

Dr. Chris L. Tye regarding the issue of “itinerant specialists.” (March 2007)

MISCELLANEOUS• 87-2007-EC-B (NP): Directed the TDA president to appoint two additional members

to the Council on Ethics and Judicial Affairs for a pending case for which membershave recused themselves. (February 2007)

• 94-2007-B (NP): Authorized TDA executive director to prepare cost estimates forpossible renovations to TDA central office board rooms to accommodate efficient useof space, electronic communications, and audio-visual presentations. (February 2007)

• 95-2007-B (NP): Directed that TDA assist the Texas Head Start Save Our Smiles(S.O.S.) program with logistical assistance and recruiting TDA member dentists toparticipate in projects on September 14, 2007, in Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, and SanAntonio (Fort Worth is an alternative site). (February 2007)

• 99-2007-B (NP): Approved the 13th District Dental Society’s amendments to itsConstitution and Bylaws and Fundamentals of Principles of Ethics and Code ofProfessional Conduct. (February 2007)

• 102-2007-B (NP): Approved TDA annual awards to recognize service. (February 2007) • 103-2997-B (NP): Approved Texas Dental Association Personnel Policies Handbook

for TDA central office staff, effective March 1, 2007. (February 2007) • 105-2007-B (NP): Authorized addition of a TDA past president not currently serving on

the Board of Directors as the fifth member of the TDA Personnel Committee(currently composed of the immediate past president, president, president-elect, andsecretary-treasurer) and added a charge to annually evaluate the executive director.(February 2007)

• 116-2007-B (NP): Approved minutes of February 22–23, 2007 TDA Board ofDirectors. (March 2007)

• 117-2007-B (NP): Approved minutes of March 13, 2007 conference call meeting ofTDA Board of Directors. (March 2007)

• 119-2007-B (NP): Authorized $5,000 contribution to Sen. Mario Gallegos, Jr’s.“Governor for a Day” ceremony. (March 2007)

• 121-2007-B (NP): Approved amended goals and objectives of TDA 2009 strategicplan. (March 2007)

• 122-2007-B (NP): Approved amended metrics of the TDA 2009 strategic plan. (March 2007) • 124-2007-B (NP): Authorized purchase of BoardDocs.com, the “Paperless Governance

Solution” for electronic TDA Board meetings (fee includes training and support). (March 2007) • 125-2006-B (Moot): Directed that all policy resolutions and Bylaws resolutions by the

TDA Board of Directors be forwarded in their original form (along with Board actions, andany amendments or substitute resolutions) to all delegates, alternate delegates, and componentsocieties via e-mail as soon as possible following every Board meeting. (March 2007)

• 126-2007-B (NP): Adopted duties and responsibilities of the TDA executive directoras operations administrator, including administrative planning, execution, andimplementation of all TDA programs. (March 2007)

• 127-2007-B (NP): Directed that the TDA oppose legislation or other proposals toauthorize health plans, including cross-border health plans, that fail to provideenrollees with these protections: 1) the high standard of care commensurate to thatprovided by licensed Texas dentists; 2) government regulation of all dentists commen-surate to that established by the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners; and 3) access tomeaningful legal remedies for substandard care or other problems. (March 2007)

• 129-2007-B (NP): Authorized reallocation of $5,100 from the line item for a Careers inDentistry DVD to cover the cost of printing and mailing study guides to dentalassistants participating in the TDA’s dental aAssistant registration courses. (March 2007)

• 130-2007-B (NP): Authorized that TDA maintain control of the Texas DentalAssociation Dental Assistant Registration Course by permitting presentation of thecourse only by approved licensees (formal agreement and licensing fee, who agree to a setof guidelines. (March 2007)

• 131-2007-B (NP): Approved funding to design, print, and mail a TDA membership duesinsert to market the “Smile Texas Style” license plates. (March 2007)

• 132-2007-B (NP): Authorized funding to update and maintain the professional standards of theinterior, parking garages, and landscaping of the TDA central office building. (March 2007)

• 133-2007-B (NP): Approved a TDA public affairs proposal for submittal to theAmerican Dental Association Board of Trustees. (March 2007)

• 135-2007-B (NP): Authorized funding for an outside facilitator to conduct a TDA Boardmega issue discussion on the strategic plan goal of “Public Image.” (March 2007)

• 136-2007-B (NP): Directed the Workforce Board workgroup to prepare an electronicworkforce survey of TDA members.

• 141-2007-B (NP): Directed that two paragraphs be added to the Manual of the House ofDelegates to define “Closed (Executive) Meeting” and “Attorney-Client Meeting.”

Referred for Further Study • 134-2007-B (NP): Referred an issue concerning itinerant specialists to the TDA

Council on Ethics and Judicial Affairs for further study. (March 2007) ★

Important: Get Your NPI by May 23, 2007!

I ndividual health care practitioners and provider organizations (clinics, hospitals, schools,and group practices) must have a National Provider Identifier (NPI) by May 23, 2007.The NPI is a required, government-issued, standard identification number intended to

help standardize claims and make claims processing more efficient.

Take Care of NPI at the TEXAS Meeting • Visit the Delta Dental Insurance Company Booth #329 in the exhibit hall at the TEXAS

Meeting. Delta Dental representatives will help dentists complete the application; or • Visit the Committee on Access to Dental Care in Medicaid and CHIP (CAMC) education

table outside the exhibit hall. Delta Dental representatives will help dentists complete theapplication; or

• Visit the Internet Café, use the NPI Handout to access the NPI Enumeration Website(http://nppes.cms.hhs.gov.), and do it yourself. To complete the NPI application, you must have: provider name; SSN (or TIN if not

eligible for SSN); provider date of birth; country of birth; provider gender; mailing address;practice location address, phone, and fax; taxonomy (provider type); state license information;and contact name, phone, and e-mail address. NOTE: This requirement also applies toMedicaid and CHIP providers that submit paper claims. For more information, pleasecontact Diane Rhodes at drhodes@tda.org or (512) 443-3675. ★

Smiles Around Texas

Happy, HealthySmiles … That’s Our Mission.

ONLY A FEW PLAYER SPOTS LEFT! We are nearly sold out for our Charity Golf Classic tournament

during the TEXAS Meeting at the newly restored Pecan Valley GolfCourse in San Antonio, just 5 minutes away from the Henry B.Gonzalez Convention Center! We will have a 7:30 a.m. shotgun start onFriday, May 11. To be sure you get a spot, register now atwww.tdasf.org/golf or call us toll-free at (877) 807-6453. This year’sevent will be a fun get-away as we combine great prizes, games, andother treats — all for a great cause. The Texas Association ofOrthodontists serves as host.

ANNUAL REPORT ON ITS WAY Watch your mail! The TDA Smiles Foundation Annual Report is

coming to your door soon. Check your mailbox for this importantpiece, which detaisl our achievements, partnerships, and momentumfrom 2006.

NEW PARTNERSHIP The TDA Smiles Foundation partnered with the Junior League of

Austin for Kids in the Kitchen, a program that promotes healthy eatingto children. TDA Smiles Foundation provided a station to educateparticipants about brushing techniques, the importance of flossing, andhow sugar can affect your smile! All the students enjoyed thepresentation by Beth Voorhees, RDH. If you know an organization inyour area that is addressing healthy eating, let us know. We love topartner with other organizations!

PROCLAMATION LAUDS TDA MEMBERS FORCHARITABLE WORK

To commend the TDA and the TDA Smiles Foundation foroffering vital dental care to Texans through the Texas Mission of Mercyprogram, Texas Rep. Roberto Alonzo sponsored a proclamation praisingour work. The proclamation was read from the floor of the 80th TexasLegislature on April 19, 2007.

THANKS TO OUTGOING TRUSTEES On a sad note, April marks the end of a term for three of our

Trustees. Dr. William H. Gerlach, Mrs. Marcia Trowbridge, and Dr.Robert V. Walker all have long histories leading the former twofoundations — Texas Dental Foundation and Texas Dentists for HealthySmiles. We owe them many thanks for their service to the TDA andtheir exemplary commitment to oral health education and access tocare. Their leadership on the TDA Smiles Foundation Board in itsinaugural year set us on course to achieve great things for oral health inTexas.

Important dates include the Hereford Texas Mission of Mercy onApril 28 and 29, 2007; the TDASF orientation for new members on July19, 2007, followed by the TDASF Board meeting on July 20, 2007; andthe Houston Texas Mission of Mercy on November 12 and 13, 2007. ★

April 2007 / TDA Today / 3

April 2007 • Volume 8 Issue 4www.tda.org

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

EditorEdwina J. Shires, Managing Editor

Paul H. Schlesinger, Communications Coordinator

Stefanie Clegg, Website ManagerBarbara S. Donovan, Art Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS TEXAS DENTAL ASSOCIATION

President THOMAS C. HARRISON, D.D.S.; President-elect A.

DAVID MAY, JR., D.D.S.; Past President RICHARD C. BLACK,

D.D.S.; Vice President, Southeast R. RONALD COLLINS,

D.D.S.; Vice President, Southwest FREDERICK T. PHILIPS, JR.,

D.D.S.; Vice President, Northwest DAVID R. COX, D.D.S.;

Vice President, Northeast JENNIFER J. BARRINGTON, D.D.S.;

Senior Director, Southeast DOUGLAS W. BOGAN, D.D.S.;

Senior Director, Southwest JOSE L. CAZARES, JR., D.D.S.;

Senior Director, Northwest V. WAYNE MCENTIRE, D.D.S.;

Senior Director, Northeast LEE P. ONEACRE, D.D.S.; Director,

Southeast R. MARK PEPPARD, D.D.S.; Director, Southwest

RISE’ L. LYMAN, D.D.S.; Director, Northwest WILLIAM M.

WALTON, D.D.S.; Director, Northeast F. DEE REA, D.D.S.;

Secretary-Treasurer J. PRESTON COLEMAN, D.D.S.; Speaker

of the House GLEN D. HALL, D.D.S.; Parliamentarian

MICHAEL L. STUART, D.D.S.;Editor CHRISTOPHER F.

ANDERSON, D.D.S.; Executive Director MARY KAY LINN;

Legal Counsel WILLIAM H. BINGHAM

TDA Today (USPS 022-007) is published monthly except forDecember 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 additionalmailing offices.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to TDA TODAY, 1946S. 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-ADAaffiliated, $30.

Single issue price: TDA members $1. In-state ADA affiliated,$3 + tax. Out-of-state ADA affiliated, $3. In-state non-ADAaffiliated, $6 + tax. Out-of-state non-ADA affiliated, $6.

Contributions: Manuscripts and news items of interest to themembership of the Association are solicited. Manuscriptsshould be typewritten, double spaced, and the original copyshould be submitted. Please refer to Instructions forContributors in the annual August Directory of the TexasDental Journal for more information. Every effort will bemade to return unused manuscripts if a request is made butno responsibility can be accepted for failure to do so.Anonymous communications will receive no considerationwhatsoever. All statements of opinion and of supposed factsare published on authority of the writer under whose namethey appear and are not to be regarded asthe views of the Texas Dental Association,unless such statements have been adoptedby the Association. Articles are acceptedwith the understanding that they have notbeen published previously.

TDAT o d a y

aade

North Texas (4th) District Dental Society Hosts Gala and Golf Classic

The Rite to Smile Foundation, philanthropic arm of the North Texas (4th) District Dental Society, will host its annual Rite to Smile Gala onSaturday, June 23, 2007, and Rite to Smile Golf Classic on Monday, June 25, 2007. The Foundation raises funds in support oforganizations and programs that deliver quality charitable dental care to patients who otherwise cannot afford such treatment. Past

recipients include the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children and the Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation, which facilitates TexasMission of Mercy (TMOM) dental missions and administers the Texas Donated Dental Services (TXDDS) program.

The Gala on June 23 offers dinner, musical entertainment, and silent and live auctions. The June 25 Golf Classic at the Stonebridge RanchCountry Club in McKinney features four-person teams in a scramble format with a 1:00 p.m. shotgun start. For more information, please contactLisa McLerran at (469) 855-9965; or Dr. David Philofsky at (972) 569-8448; or visit www.ritetosmile.com.

Fort Worth (12th) District Dental Society Supports “Save A Smile” ProgramA $122,000 check from the Fort Worth (12th) District Dental Society was presented to the Cook Medical Center’s Save A Smile program on

March 6, 2007. The money was raised through the efforts of volunteer dentists, hygienists, dental staff members and spouses who played golf,volunteered time, enlisted sponsors and vendors, and purchased hole signs for the 2006 “Liz Lucas Golf Tournament.” ★

Components Corner

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

Many of you have inquired just how many miles I’ve traveled this year as TDA president. Thus far, I’ve driven over 14,500 miles and flown another24,000 for a total of approximately 38,500 miles. I do have a trip to Amarillo and a trip to Washington D.C. between now and the TEXAS meeting, soI’ll give you the grand total next month.

I will say that this has been the best year of my professional life. One of the reasons is all the great people I’ve been able to meet while “on the road again.”Since my last column, I’ve been to Austin three times, Bryan/College Station twice, and Dallas once. In addition, Mary Sue and I took a road trip together anddrove to Fredericksburg to attend the Heart of Texas (21-B) District Dental Society meeting on April 9. The wildflowers were in full bloom, and the shopping inFredericksburg was one of the reasons Mary Sue tagged along. All in all, it was a great trip and we both enjoyed the hospitality extended to us by the dentists andtheir spouses.

My last component society visit was on April 17 to the Dallas County (5th) District Dental Society. Former TDA president Dr. Pat Blanton picked me up atLove Field and took me to the meeting. I was able to meet new members and renew old friendships. President Dr. Linda Niessen is a strong leader and this washer last monthly meeting to preside. She received a standing ovation as she thanked the members for the opportunity to serve. Linda is like all 26 of our

component society presidents who attend countless meetings and spend many dedicated hours to help maintain dentistry’s position as one of the most respected professions. I’ve reached my goal of making official visits to all 26 component dental societies during my year as TDA president. This is a big state, full of individuals with big hearts, and a dental family

that cares about each other and the patients we are privileged to serve. I cherish the opportunity you’ve given me and I look forward to the years ahead as I continue to give back to a profession thathas given so much to me. I’ll give my final farewell in next month’s TDA Today, and until then, I’ll be “on the road again” hoping we cross paths. ★

April 2007 Update

The campaign of Dr. John S. Findley for ADA president-elect in 2007 continues to gain momentum. Dr. Findleydelivered his first major speech of the campaign to the

ADA’s First District at the New England Dental LeadershipConference on March 23, in which he outlined his vision for thefuture of dentistry. Juggling his leadership commitments as trustee ofthe TDA delegation to the American Dental Association with hisdedication to his patients at his active dental practice, Dr. Findleymaintains a constant travel schedule as he is determined to meetwith as many of his colleagues as possible across the country andwithin Texas to listen and learn about what is important to you.

To submit an issue or question to Dr. Findley or for moreinformation on the campaign, copies of brochures or lapel pins, or tohost a fundraiser in your area, please contact the campaign chairmanDr. Michael Stuart (mstuart@sbcglobal.net) or staff liaison LydaCreus Molanphy (lyda@tda.org) at the TDA central office.

FindleyFace-to-FaceQ: What do you feelare the most pressingissues facing the profession of dentistrytoday? A: As I think about thefuture, three topics keeprising to the top — allclosely tied to my visionand the American DentalAssociation’s Strategic Plan: Education, Access, andCommunication. These issues are truly pivotal for dentistrybecause, if we don’t get these three issues right, our profession, ourpractices and our patients will suffer.

Education is critical for the future of our profession. We mustsupport dental education and that the practicing community andeducators must work together in a partnership on all issues rangingfrom funding, to curriculum to professional responsibility. Access, aswe all well know, is a problem that affects all of us. I have served asan elected public official, worked with government at every level,and will work tirelessly to advance our commitment to quality oralhealth care that serves the patient interest before the bottom line.Communication is essential, and I know how to listen and buildconsensus for action. I promise to communicate and advocateeffectively to ensure that the ADA is the most credible andreferenced source in the world for oral health information. ★

Dr. Ron Lee, president of the Fort Worth (12th)District Dental Society; Dr. Tonya Fuqua, SaveA Smile program director; Liz Lucas executivedirector of the Fort Worth (12th) District Society;and Mr. Russell Tolman, president/CEO of CookMedical Center celebrate a generous donation tothe Save A Smile program on March 6, 2007.

Dr. John S. Findley meets with Dallas-areadentists and students at the Dallas County(5th) District Dental Society’s“International Pot Luck.”