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Transcript of 2015 WMDDS Winter Bulletin
BulletinWINTER ISSUE 2015
VOL. 47, NO. 1
800-253-92275830 Crossroads Commerce Parkway
Wyoming, MI 49519
616-261-9191 • Fax: 616-261-9889
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WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2015 1
Mission StatementThe Bulletin is the newsletter of the WMDDS and its mission is to inform the membership of
upcoming and recent events, state & local issues related to dentistry, and as a forum for its officers,
representatives, and members to discuss appropriate topics of interest to the membership.
Communication & Advertising PolicyThe Bulletin will publish submitted articles from members and others that relate to the practice of
dentistry, small business, social, or political issues affecting dentists, or other subjects of interest to
the membership. All published items are subject to space restrictions and the community standards
of the WMDDS. The editors reserve the right to reject any article or advertisement deemed
inappropriate and to edit submissions as they see fit.
Submission & Publication Policy: Articles and advertisements must be submitted no later
than the 1st of the month preceding publication date. The Bulletin has six publications: the
winter issue, spring issue, summer issue, directory issue, fall issue, holiday issue. Direct
submissions or correspondences to:
Dr. Jeffrey S. Smith • 3050 Ivanrest SW, Suite B • Grandville, MI 49418
Phone: 616.531.1554 FAX 616.531.6947 • Email: [email protected]
Include “Newsletter” in the subject line
Editor Dr. Jeff Smith
Associate Editors Dr. Seth Vruggink Dr. Derek Draft Dr. David Huyser Dr. Brian Licari
Advertising Editor Elaine Fleming Executive Secretary WMDDS 511-F Waters Building Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 234-5605 [email protected]
West Michigan District Dental Society Executive Board 2014-2015 President Dr. Samuel Bander President-Elect Dr. Steve Conlon Vice President Dr. Leonard Bartoszewicz Secretary-Treasurer Dr. Tyler Wolf Editor Dr. Jeff Smith Immediate Past President
Dr. Margaret Gingrich
Directors Dr. Brian Mulder Dr. Lathe Miller Dr. Kathleen EllsworthArea Representatives
Kent County Dr. James Papp Ionia-Montcalm
Dr. John O’Donald
County Mecosta County Dr. Erick Perroud Ottawa County Dr. Kevin Rebhan
MDA IV District Dr. Brian Cilla Trustees Dr. Colette Smiley
Big Rapids Dental Study Club OfficersPresident Dr. Erick Perroud Vice President Dr. Christa SternSecretary Dr. Christa SternTreasurer Dr. Erick Perroud
Holland-Zeeland Dental Society OfficersPresident Dr. Meredith Smedley Treasurer Secretary Immediate Past President
Ionia-Montcalm Dental Study Club OfficersPresident Treasurer Dr. Kirkwood Faber
Kent County Dental Society OfficersPresident Dr. Kathryn Swan Vice President Dr. James Papp Secretary Dr. Kathleen EisinTreasurer Dr. Christopher Leja
West Michigan Dental Foundation OfficersPresident Dr. Michael Palaszek Vice President Dr. Sarah Mahar Secretary Mrs. Dawn Kamyszek Treasurer Mr. Joe Van Laan
The Bulletin of the West Michigan Dental Society is published six times a year (the winter issue, spring issue, summer issue, directory issue, fall issue, and holiday issue). The opinions expressed in The Bulletin are not necessarily the opinions of the West Michigan District Dental Society.
Contributions to The Bulletin are welcome and should be addressed to The Bulletin Editor, 3050 Ivanrest SW, Suite B, Grandville, MI 49418. Requests for purchase of advertising space should be directed to the Advertising Editor, Elaine Fleming, (616) 234-5605. The deadline is the 1st of the month prior to publication.
© 2014-2015 West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin
Contents
President’s Message ..................................................................................................... 2
Editor’s Thoughts ........................................................................................................ 4
2015 Silent Bell Recipient: Dr. Donald French .......................................................... 6
2015 New Life Members .............................................................................................. 9
WMDDS Holiday Event Highlights ...........................................................................10
Trustee Report .............................................................................................................12
Passing on the Values Behind Your Success: Ethical Wills .......................................18
MDA News ...................................................................................................................20
WMDF News................................................................................................................27
Legal Entities and Formalities: Making Sure Your Practice Protects You ...............28
Technically Speaking ...................................................................................................32
What Dental School Never Taught You About Choosing A Financial Planner ......34
Ten Things To Ask Your Accountant This Tax Season ............................................36
Classified Ads ...............................................................................................................38
Advertiser Index ...........................................................................................................39
800-253-92275830 Crossroads Commerce Parkway
Wyoming, MI 49519
616-261-9191 • Fax: 616-261-9889
dentalservices.net/davis
The clear choice for partial dentures.• Relinable
• Repairable
• Ability to add teeth
• Optimal patient fit and comfort
At DSG Davis, we help take the chill out of the season
with quality products, stellar support and incredible value
that’s easy to warm up to. That’s why
DSG Davis Dental Laboratory is
Michigan’s first choice for relines,
repairs and restorations. Contact us
to schedule a lunch and learn and
discover the DSG difference.
All the coolest solutions for reline and repairs start with DSG Davis.
Our Network. Your Success.
dentalservicesgroup.comfacebook.com/DSGDavisDentalLaboratory
VisiClear maxillary and mandibular
About the Cover
2015 Silent Bell Recipient Dr. Donald French and his wife, Janice. Photo courtesy of Adam Bird Photographer.
he WMDDS 2014-2015 year is just past the half
way point. I am happy to report that the state of the
WMDDS is very good. As President, I have a unique
perspective. The committed dentists of West Michigan con-
tinue to serve unselfishly and continue to make a difference
in their practice and their community. Below is a brief update
on what we have been doing.
The Business of Dentistry in West MichiganDental Education – Dr. Margaret Gingrich, chair.
Many thanks to Eve Sidney, Director of the Grand Rapids
Community College Hygiene and Assisting programs, for her
report at the January Board meeting. GRCC offers full- and
part-time assisting curriculum and is considering offering a
program for a CDA to obtain their RDA. In addition, GRCC
opened their new, renovated dental clinic. Give Eve a call and
stop by to see the clinic.
Distinguished Service Award – Dr. John Bouws, chair. The
Silent Bell Banquet was held at Cascade Hills Country Club
on Dec 11, 2014. Our executive secretary, Elaine Fleming, put
together a very elegant evening to honor our Silent Bell recipi-
ent Dr. Donald French and our Life Members – Drs. Lynn
Brouwer, Kennard Creason, Tim Gietzen, John Lange, Jon
O’Brien, Norman Palm, Richard Robertson, Frederick Ruffer,
Wayne Westbrook, James Wieland, and James Zarafonetis.
Our members had a fun evening socializing with colleagues
and welcoming many guests from around the state. This is an
event you won’t want to miss next year!
Member Caring/Concern – Dr. Gene Bonofiglo, chair,
reported at the January Board meeting on the donations
made and condolences sent to families of recently deceased
members. The committee also sent “get well” cards/gifts to
members who were hospitalized or ill. Thanks for your ser-
vice, Gene!
Programs and arrangements – Dr. Steve Conlon, chair,
put together an outstanding program lineup this year. The
first two programs (Dr. Howard Farran and Dr. Stanley
Malamed) had record-breaking attendance and were out-
standing CE courses. I encourage you to attend the March 13
meeting featuring Dr. Ken Hargreaves on acute dental pain.
See you there!
Peer Review Standard of Care – Dr. Drew Hoekwater,
chair, presented his report to the Board. The committee
received four cases – two were unable to mediate and a panel
of three dentists was needed. Our peer review system contin-
ues to assist in resolving conflicts. Thanks to Dr. Hoekwater
and the entire committee for their work on this important
committee.
Leadership Nominations – Dr. Margaret Gingrich, chair. Immediate
Past President, Margaret Gingrich put together a talented slate
of delegates to the MDA HOD and officers for WMDDS next
year. Dr. Steve Conlon will be filling committees for 2015-2016.
Let him know if you want to get involved in organized dentist-
ry. His email is [email protected], or call 616.554.5974.
Legislative – Dr. Len Bartoszewicz, chair, is putting together
a Legislative Breakfast this spring. Our state legislators need
to get to know us. This breakfast is a convenient way to meet
one-on-one with our representatives. The breakfast will be
held May 29 at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
See the registration form in this issue of the WMDDS Bulletin.
Mark your calendar and sign up today!
Our CommunitySteel Water Award – Dr. Gene Bonofigilo, chair, is a past
WMDDS and MDA president, and continues to serve our
Dental Society as chair of the Steel Water Award Task Force.
This award is given to an individual or group who has made a
significant contribution to dentistry or the community. Please
let Dr. Bonofiglo know if you would like to nominate a group
or individual.
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 20152
P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E
State of the Union … (or Local Dental Society)By Samuel Bander, DDS, WMDDS President
T
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2015 3
Kent County Oral Health Coalition – Dr. Stephanie
Rashewsky agreed to be the liaison between the WMDDS
and the Kent County Oral Health Coalition. The KCOHC
was established in 2011 and is a partnership of people
and groups who want to improve the oral health of
our greater community. This is a very active group of com-
munity leaders and volunteers. Dr. Rashewsky would be
happy to help you get involved if you have a desire to serve
your community.
PromotionEditorial Policies – Dr. Jeff Smith, chair. Dr Jeff Smith’s
term as editor of the WMDDS Bulletin is coming to an end
in April. The Editor is a voting Board member and serves a
P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E
three-year term. Thank you, Dr. Smith, for your service to
the WMDDS!
Welcome to Dr. James Vincelj as the incoming editor.
James will be adding interested and creative WMDDS mem-
bers to the committee. We look forward to the continued
success of the Bulletin.
Thanks to all who give of their time to the WMDDS – you
ARE making a difference!
Otto Lee Ricker, D.D.S., M.S. 1981
Willard B. Ver Meulen, D.D.S. 1981
Clifford T. Nelson, D.D.S. 1982
William M. Creason, D.D.S. 1983
Vernor H. Eman, D.D.S., M.S. 1984
Julius Franks, Jr., D.D.S. 1985
Henry L. Homan, D.D.S. 1986
Ray E. Stevens, Jr., D.D.S. 1987
Orren A. Bolt, D.D.S. 1988
Robert F. Streelman, D.D.S. 1989
Gerald L. Vander Wall, D.D.S., M.S. 1990
David H. Seibold, D.D.S. 1991
Donald G. Hallas, D.D.S. 1992
Robert E. Reagan, D.D.S. 1993
John R. Cook, D.D.S. 1994
Eugene L. Bonofiglo, D.D.S. 1995
Lawrence R. Marcotte, D.D.S., M.S. 1996
Laurence J. Jensen, D.D.S. 1997
Harry H. Luton, D.D.S., M.S. 1997
Robert W. Browne, D.D.S., M.S. 1998
Harold O. Steele II, D.D.S. 1998
Lawrence J. Manning, D.D.S., M.S. 1999
Arnold Baker, D.D.S., M.S. 2000
Robert D. Mitus, Jr., D.D.S. 2000
Robert W. Klinesteker, D.D.S. 2001
Timothy H. Gietzen, D.D.S. 2002
James L. Wieland, D.D.S. 2003
Charles R. Caldwell, D.D.S., M.S. 2004
Henry J. Milanowski, D.D.S. 2005
John J. Stepanovich, D.D.S. 2006
Lonny E. Zietz, D.D.S., M.S. 2007
Michael H. (Reggie) VanderVeen, D.D.S. 2008
William A. Avery, D.D.S. 2009
William F. Rocker, D.D.S. 2009
Robert F. O’Brien, D.D.S. 2010
Marilyn J. Stolberg, D.D.S. 2010
John D. Bouws, D.D.S. 2011
Paul F. Korte, D.D.S. 2012
Chase Klinesteker, D.D.S. 2013
Tom Sommerdyke, D.D.S. 2013
Chris Smiley 2014
Silent Bell Past Recipients
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 20154
he more time that we spend doing anything, whether
it simply involves enjoying the high points or plow-
ing through the challenges of life (or to narrow things
down to the point of this article, our dental careers), the more
we gain an ever increasing perspective. Experience enables us
to see a clearer view of the entire forest, as we pass by each
tree one at a time. Hopefully as we continue in practice, we
become a little wiser in the decisions that we make, and the
options that we recommend to our patients as we treat them.
But what about the decisions that we make for ourselves? For
many, the actual hands-on practice of dentistry or hygiene
will take on a physical toll over time. Is a little occasional tin-
gling or pain in our hands, wrists, or forearms something that
we simply shrug off? Or do we try to benefit from the knowl-
edge that as dental professionals, we are more susceptible to
certain injuries or problems that if left untreated, over time
may impede or shorten our careers?
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) results from the compres-
sion of the median nerve as it (and nine flexor tendons) run
through the carpal tunnel, a bony concavity on the ventral side
of the wrist which is covered above by the transverse carpal
ligament. The nerve usually moves about 9 to 10 millimeters
inside the tunnel to allow the wrist to flex and extend. Long-
term compression of the nerve can prevent it from gliding
properly within the tunnel, leading to nerve injury and scar-
ring. Symptoms include tingling, pain, or weakness (increased
frequency of dropping things) involving the thumb and the
next three fingers (but not the pinky), and may also travel
up the wrist and forearm. Symptoms often occur while hold-
ing on to objects (such as the phone, newspapers, steering
wheels, or tools), or during sleep (when numbness secondary
to flexion of the wrist during sleep increases pressure on the
nerve). Many will try to relieve these symptoms by “shaking
out” their hands.
CTS can affect anyone. Approximately 5% of the American
population will at some point in their lives suffer from its
effects. It accounts for about 90% of all nerve compression
syndromes, and is more commonly seen with increasing age,
as well as in women, Caucasians, and people with a history
of wrist injury, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, fluid reten-
tion (associated with pregnancy), and/or workplace factors
(involving the use of vibrating tools and prolonged or repeti-
tive wrist flexion). Scientific evidence on these factors is con-
flicting, and has not established any of them as a direct cause
of CTS.
Diagnosis of CTS is determined by a physician or a hand
surgeon using physical examination to determine finger/hand
strength, and by reaction to pressure or tapping on the median
nerve at the wrist. Radiographs may be used to rule out other
causes of wrist pain including wrist fracture or arthritis. MRI
studies may confirm narrowing of the carpal tunnel, circula-
tory problems, or swelling of the nerve. Electromyography or
nerve conduction studies may be used to test electrical activity
of the hand muscles, or to see if electrical impulses are slowed
as they travel down the median nerve through the carpal tun-
nel. Phalen’s maneuver is a test that you can perform at home
to see if you might need medical follow up for CTS. Flex
your wrist gently to about 90 degrees (or as far as possible),
and hold this position waiting for symptoms. If numbness,
paresthesia, or pain of the median-innervated fingers results
within 45 to 60 seconds, you have a positive test. The faster
the numbness starts, the more advanced the condition. This
is one of the few tests shown to correlate with CTS severity.
Treatment for CTS can involve the short term use of oral
or locally administered steroids until a long term strategy
is developed that fits the person’s lifestyle. Wrist splints to
prevent flexion worn at night (and as much as is practical
during the day) have been shown to be effective, however,
many patients are not willing to use these braces. Surgical
release (severing) of the transverse carpal ligament to relieve
the pressure over the median nerve is recommended when
symptoms become constant, and when night splints no longer
control intermittent symptoms. However, those who undergo
T
E D I T O R ’ S T H O U G H T S
Is Your Body Trying to Tell You Something? Part 2By Jeffrey Smith, DDS, MS, Editor, West Michigan District Dental Society
E D I T O R ’ S T H O U G H T S
this surgery may be more prone to developing trigger thumb
within months following the procedure. Mild cases of CTS
can often be treated successfully at home by: (1) cessation of
activities that cause numbness or pain, or by resting the wrist
longer between these activities; (2) icing the wrist for 10 to 15
minutes once or twice an hour; (3) use of NSAIDs to relieve
pain and swelling, and; (4) use of the above mentioned wrist
splint at night, which prevents additional pressure on the
median nerve.
The prognosis for most patients who are treated with
conservative or surgical methods is good. They experience
minimal residual nerve damage and associated symptoms.
But long term untreated CTS, (like that typically seen in the
elderly) may lead to irreversible nerve damage resulting in
muscle atrophy, weakness, and numbness.
A simple three question test* exists which may help to guide
you in determining whether your symptoms are actually CTS,
and if there may be need for further medical follow up:
1. Do at least two of my fingers feel numb?
2. Are these sensations stronger when I wake up (or at night)
than they are during the daytime?
3. Does shaking or flicking my hand reduce these symptoms?
A yes answer to at least two of these questions indicates that
your symptoms are more than likely CTS.
*http://www.palomedical.com/blog/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-self-test/
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WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 20156
r. Don French, our 2015 Silent Bell recipient, has
led a life founded on the principals of ethics, faith,
and service to others which were instilled in him
by his parents. He learned to be a hard worker and have an
inquiring mind.
Don was born on the family farm in Midland County in
April, 1936, to Lloyd and Gladys French. Lloyd was a farmer
and Gladys a homemaker. Don was
the only boy, with three sisters.
Don describes his life on the
farm as idyllic, with space to roam,
animals to care for and gardens
to tend. By age ten, he was driv-
ing a tractor as he was consid-
ered responsible enough to take on
additional farm responsibilities. He
attended a one-room county school.
He absorbed many traits from his
parents, especially a strong work
ethic, the love of learning, a desire
to help others, a mission spirit, and
the commitment to tithe.
He was greatly influenced by
family and circumstances of his
childhood. His mother was nurtur-
ing and his father was well-respected
in the community. Living a farm life
taught him about the cycle of life
and where food comes from. His best model was his maternal
grandfather, who was a farmer and a country minister, and
whose motto was to never offend anyone – being very careful
of what he said. A giving person, he ministered to the sick in
the community, looking out for those who needed help.
His interests and activities as a young person included
sports and outdoor activities. At a young age, he became
interested in bird hunting, which has been an ongoing passion
for him. When he was in high school, it was common for the
boys to bring their guns to school and pheasant hunt during
their lunch.
Though he initially had no thoughts of going to college, the
school superintendent encouraged him to take college prep
courses and extension courses through CMU. The instruc-
D tor of the chemistry extension course became a mentor and
encouraged him to think about the possibilities of a broader
life view and encouraged him to consider dentistry.
An even more significant interest in high school was his
future wife, Janice Federspiel, who he met in geometry class.
As luck would have it, the class was seated alphabetically.
Don and Janice have been together ever since. They had like
interests in high school including
sports – Don lettered in four sports
and Janice played softball and bas-
ketball. They both attended CMU.
They were married in 1957, and
after two years, Janice received a
Bachelor of Science in elementa-
ry education and Don completed
his prerequisites. Janice became a
teacher and Don entered University
of Michigan Dental School in 1960.
During his time at University of
Michigan, Don worked as an hospi-
tal orderly while Janice taught 4th
grade at Willow Run. Don liked col-
lege and dental school. He worked
hard, kept quiet and got his work
done. He was included with the
third of the class who were excused
from the boards upon recommen-
dation of the dean.
As much as he loved Ann Arbor, he could not fathom
practicing in the same town as his instructors. He heard of
an opportunity in Big Rapids, and embraced it. He had a
private practice from 1964 until his “retirement” in 1998.
Don and Janice raised their two sons, Andrew and Nathan, in
Big Rapids. Don was a Rotarian and served several terms on
the local school board. Janice, a substitute teacher, was also
involved with the dental practice. As a family, they traveled to
the 48 contiguous states and visited Europe. Big Rapids was a
good place to settle and raise a family.
Don and Janice’s life foundation is faith and service. They
have always been involved with church, including being char-
ter members of Trinity Fellowship Church, where they were
very active in church life.
2015 Silent Bell Recipient: Dr. Donald French Submitted by Marilyn Stolberg, D.D.S. Photos by Adam Bird Photographer
2 0 1 5 S I L E N T B E L L R E C I P I E N T
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2015 7
Through the years, Don has been involved with dental mis-
sion work. He organized and participated in a dental mission
trip to Alaska. Through his church, he learned of medical
mission work in Guyana. He was influential in developing
the dental services for these trips and made numerous trips to
Guyana providing dental care. He recruited numerous indi-
viduals to participate in these trips as well, including dental
colleagues, Ferris dental hygiene students, and dental support
staff. Though he no longer travels to Guyana, the mission
work continues through others who have picked up the torch.
The program has grown and now includes Ferris optometry
students as well.
Though Don officially retired from private practice in
1998, he has continued to provide dental care to those in
need. He has practiced at Family Health Care in Lake and
2 0 1 5 S I L E N T B E L L R E C I P I E N T
Newaygo County for ten years, and previously provided care
to residents of the corrections facility in Lake County. He
practices at Hope House in Big Rapids, and participated in
both the Saginaw and Big Rapids Mission of Mercy events.
In his spare time, he continues to travel, most recently to
eastern Europe. He also enjoys exploring family genealogy,
reading American history, and ministering to others.
For Dr. Don French, the profession of dentistry was a
good fit. He was respected by his patients and knew that he
was appreciated. He stayed with the ethical standards that
he learned both in his family and during his dental school
education.
Faith, integrity and service clearly describes the 2015 Silent
Bell recipient, Dr. Don French.
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 20158
2 0 1 5 S I L E N T B E L L R E C I P I E N T
Donald French, DDSCurriculum Vitae
Education
Breckenridge High School, 1955
Central Michigan University – three years – Pre-Dental
University of Michigan Dental School – Doctor of Dental Surgery, 1964
Work Experience
Dow Corning prior to entering CMU
Hospital orderly during time at CMU and while studying at U of M
Private dental practice from 1964 through 1998
Clinic instructor – part-time/on call – Ferris State University Dental
Hygiene Program for more than 20 years
After retiring from private practice:
Corrections facility – part-time in Baldwin until approx. 2004
Baldwin Family Health Care – part-time from 2004 to present
Professional Associations
American Dental Association – life member
Michigan Dental Association – life member
West Michigan District Dental Society
Big Rapids Area Dental Study Club
Vedder Society
Community Service Church/Spiritual Affiliations
First Baptist Church, Big Rapids – 1964 – approx. 1980 – deacon
Trinity Fellowship Church, Big Rapids – Charter member 1981 – present:
Deacon
Finance Committee
Mission Board
Church Moderator
Involved with construction of facility including dry walling new church
and refurbishing prayer room
Taught Sunday School and finance classes at church
Public Service
Rotary – member until retirement from private practice
School Board member, Big Rapids Public Schools
Ferris State University Dental Hygiene Program:
Children’s Dental Health Month Saturday open clinic – provides exams.
Has been doing this annually for at least ten years
Provides dentist coverage during the spring dental hygiene NERB exam
Mission of Mercy – Saginaw 2013 and Big Rapids 2014
Mission Work
Established dental portion of the mission initiative to Guyana that is
supported by Trinity Fellowship Church. This mission initiative was initially
for medical care only, but was expanded to include dental care. Dr. French
obtained equipment, recruited workers, and provided dental services.
Included in those who were recruited through the years for these trips
were his own office staff, dental colleagues, and students from the Ferris
Dental Hygiene Program, church members, and dental staff members from
Baldwin Family Health Care. Has participated in six trips to Guyana.
Alaskan Mission trip – provided care to Native Alaskans and the
missionaries serving with these individuals
While working at the Corrections Facility, provided informal counseling to
incarcerated teens as well as dental care
Hope House, Big Rapids – provides dental care to underserved – current
Personal Projects and Interests
Civil War authority – has spoken locally on various topics
History
Genealogy
Travel – been to all 50 states
Avid bird hunter
Lifelong ethic of helping people who are forgotten, misunder stood, in need,
or lacking resources
Family
Married 57 years to Janice
Two children – Nathan, an attorney, and Andrew (deceased 2004 – who
served with Youth with a Mission)
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2015 9
2 0 1 5 N E W L I F E M E M B E R S
Dr. Timothy Gietzen, Dr. Jon O’Brien, Dr. Norm Palm, Dr. James Wieland
he following West Michigan District Dental
Society members reached the age of 65 and were
awarded ADA and MDA life membership in 2014.
Congratulations to Dr. Lynn Brouwer, Dr. Kennard Creason,
Dr. John Lange, Dr. Jon O’Brien, Dr. Norm Palm, Dr. Richard
Robertson, Dr. Frederik Ruffer, Dr. Wayne Westbrook, Dr.
James Wieland, and Dr. James Zarafonetis.
T The new life members were recognized at the WMDDS
Holiday Dinner and Awards Night on December 11, 2014
at Cascade Hills Country Club. Attending were Dr. Timothy
Gietzen, Dr. Jon O’Brien, Dr. Norm Palm, and Dr. James
Wieland.
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 201510
WMDDS Holiday Event HighlightsPhotos by Adam Bird Photographer
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2015 11
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 201512
his report is a synopsis of recent MDA activities
and of the MDA Board of Trustees meeting held in
December.
MDA Public Education Campaign Jenny Armistead and David Foe provided the Board with a
report on the MDA Public Education Campaign. The current
campaign debuted in 2010 and expired at the end of 2014.
Market research has found that the public was favorably
responding to the current “Healthy Body Healthy Mouth”
campaign.
The new campaign is a multi-channel campaign involving
members in their offices and providing resources for use by
the component dental societies. New to the 2015 campaign:
• Market research (pre- and post-campaign tracking);
• Digital elements (search, display, social media);
• More opportunities for measuring & reporting
performance;
• Campaign extensions to support local dental societies;
• Stronger emphasis on achieving campaign objectives.
The objectives of the new campaign are:
• Position MDA as Michigan’s oral health authority;
• Educate the oral health – overall health connection
(Healthy Body Healthy Mouth);
• Stress the importance of seeing an MDA dentist twice a year.
Commercials began their debut on January 19. Programming
is targeted toward women. The new campaign will have a
stronger emphasis of online marketing and expand MDA’s
exposure. More people are online in terms of interacting and
searching. Included will be paid search advertising as well as
digital display advertising which will allow the MDA to con-
nect with the people that are looking for a dentist. One benefit
is that these ads can be targeted by geographic location. There
is flexibility with moving monies to ads that are effective versus
ones that aren’t, and the MDA will monitor their effectiveness
and make adjustments as necessary.
The MDA has a new consumer-focused “Smile Michigan”
page on Facebook. This new page features our new public
information campaign and is separate from the existing MDA
Facebook page, which is geared to our membership. The
Smile Michigan Facebook page will serve as the hub for our
social media presence in the new ad campaign, “What Would
Your Mouth Say about You?”
Members are encouraged to get involved with this cam-
paign. There are display posters for use in our offices.
Additionally, there is a new brochure explaining the healthy
mouth-healthy body connection. A copy of that brochure was
included in the January MDA Journal.
Social media will be another key part of this new campaign.
The MDA may also utilize some paid search to grow this page
during the next couple of months. Funding will be through
our regular public education campaign assessment. For more
information on the campaign, contact Jenny Armistead,
MDA Director of Marketing and Communications.
Presentation on Dental TherapistBill Sullivan, Director of Government and Insurance Affairs,
provided the Board with an update on alternative dental
providers. While the Michigan legislature has not had a lot
of activity in this area, it has always been lurking in the
background. In Mr. Sullivan’s opinion, there are signs that
Michigan is taking a closer look at the mid-level provider
model and MDA should take this very seriously as the
Michigan legislature heads into its 2015 cycle. Governor
Snyder formed a work group to review the Public Health
Code to include workforce. Legislators continue to query the
MDA lobbying staff about mid-levels and access. MDA staff
has been informed that everything is on the table for discus-
sion when it comes to access to care.
Dr. James Zenk, ADA 10th District Trustee and former
President of the Minnesota Dental Association, provided the
Board with an overview of the dental therapist experience in
T
T R U S T E E R E P O R T
Winter 2015 Trustee ReportBy Dr. Brian Cilla, MDA Trustee
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2015 13
T R U S T E E R E P O R T
Minnesota. Minnesota has enough dentists to serve the popu-
lation. However, Medicaid only pays 37 cents on the dollar,
so few dentists can afford to participate with that program.
Organized dentistry attempted to change Medicaid reim-
bursement levels but was unsuccessful. To remedy the per-
ceived problem of access to dental care, Minnesota legislators
created a new dental team member in 2009. Unfortunately,
the Minnesota Dental Association had no allies in opposing
this legislative initiative.
The first class of nine dental therapists graduated from
the University of Minnesota in 2012. Metro State had room
for nine students and seven positions were filled. Minnesota
now has a dental therapist and an advanced dental therapist.
The advanced dental therapist has general supervision, and
the dentist need not to be in the office for him/her to treat
a patient. Large group practices receive a higher reimburse-
ment rate from Medicaid than smaller general practices, and
are embracing the dental therapist. By law, half of the dental
therapist’s time must be spent on Medicaid patients. Dental
therapists can now apply for their own NPI number to bill
Medicaid directly.
Dr. Zenk provided the Board with information on the
dental therapist program. This program has not received final
CODA approval. Standards will be developed in January and
schools can then request accreditation. Nevertheless, the State
Board developed a test and is licensing graduates as dental
therapists. After 2000 hours of practice, they may apply for
the advanced dental therapist license. The Scope of Practice
allows the Advanced Dental Therapist (ADT) to do restora-
tions. In Minnesota, restorative function assistants can place a
restoration once the preparation is done. The ADT is allowed
to do the preparation. Dr. Zenk noted that dental therapists
are required to have their own liability insurance. The bottom
line is that the dentist is liable for the actions of the therapist.
It is important to note that the Minnesota Delta Dental
Foundation and PEW are sponsoring trips that bring legisla-
tors from other states to view the Minnesota dental therapist
program. These organizations have money and an agenda.
As a consequence, Dr. Zenk feels that mid-level providers are
not going away any time soon. However, he also stated that
there will most likely not be a significant growth trajectory in
Minnesota. Michigan beware!
Governance UpdateDr. Norm Palm, chair of the MDA Nominating Committee,
informed the Board that the purpose of the Nominating
Committee is to carefully review the credentials of each poten-
tial candidate, seek out the most qualified candidates for each
position, and ensure, to the greatest degree possible, that the
slate of candidates proffered by the Nominating Committee
appropriately reflects the diversity of the Association’s mem-
bership. Dr. Palm provided the Board with an update on the
applications that had been received:
• 14 applications were filed for trustee
• 7 of the trustee applicants are incumbent trustees
• 1 trustee applicant is an emeritus trustee
• 6 applicants are women
• Demographically it was a challenge finding younger men.
• 2 applicants for secretary/treasurer
• 11 applicants filed for the ADA Delegation.
At the beginning of November, there were not enough
applicants to meet diversity goals and, as a consequence, the
committee began the process of recruiting additional quali-
fied individuals. This was a big job due to the fact that there
are nine trustee positions to be filled. In future years, only
three trustee positions will be available in any given year. It
is anticipated that LEAD program participants could be con-
sidered for leadership positions once they have completed the
program.
Encouraging Components to Prepare it’s Members for MDA Leadership One element of the Governance Implementation Plan is
ensuring that component dental societies are still connected
and engaged in the MDA governance process and that the
component leaders continue to play an active role in identify-
ing, developing, and encouraging members in their area to
become active volunteers. There are currently two outlets for
these activities: First, component leadership can play an active
role in encouraging individuals to submit their applications
for consideration by the Nominating Committee. Second,
they can encourage individuals to submit their applications
for consideration for the LEAD program.
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 201514
Department of Community Health (DCH) Mr. Tim Becker, chief deputy director of DCH, provided the
Board with a report on department activities. He discussed
that they are currently conducting a Dental Medicaid rebid
process and that the department recognizes that Healthy
Kids Dental has been a successful initiative for the State of
Michigan. He also noted that DCH would do all that it can
to protect that brand. The intent is to have the next Medicaid
contract do more, not less. There is a push to get Healthy
Kids Dental into the remaining three counties; however that
is dependent upon adequate funding. Mr. Becker relayed that
there has been good feedback on the adult dental Medicaid
expansion program, Healthy Michigan.
DCH is aware that conventional Medicaid has low reim-
bursement and would like to see something done about this.
It was indicated that this would be evaluated, but that it
comes down to what the department can obtain in terms of
additional appropriations. The bottom line is that the adult
program will not expand until all of the children are covered.
The MDA Board shared some concerns about the Healthy
Michigan program and Healthy Kids Dental with Mr. Becker.
The following were discussed:
• Since the Healthy Michigan program has more than one
administrator, and each administrator offers different cov-
erage, there is no way at this time to determine which pro-
vider a patient has, which makes it difficult to determine
the patient’s coverage.
• Another issue is that medical providers at the emergency
room level don’t always know the dental codes, and ED
visits regarding dental issues are being billed as medical.
• In order to participate with Healthy Kids Dental, the dentist
must be a Delta provider. There would be more dentists
willing to treat patients if this requirement were not in
place. Mr. Becker stated that the Department is aware of
this issue and that it is being addressed.
It was apparent that DCH wants to preserve and expand the
utilization/participation of the Healthy Kids Dental program.
The Department wants to explore outreach and emphasize
getting the children to the dentist. It is a priority to have den-
tal benefits that will be utilized.
Mr. Becker noted that the legislature affects what the
department can accomplish. He suggested that since the
MDA has a good relationship with legislators, that the MDA
discuss these topics with them and share information so
that that the MDA and the department can work together to
accomplish shared goals.
Megatopic: Large Group Practices Aspen Dental representatives were invited to meet with
the MDA Board. Dr. Judge Arwinder, Aspen Dental Chief
Clinical Officer, provided the Board with a presentation on
the structure of Aspen Dental. Present with him were: Dr.
Nicholas Miller (Grand Rapids owner and WMDDS mem-
ber), Dr. Pritoj Gil, and Dr. Victoria Lucas-Perry.
Aspen Dental practices are independently owned and
operated. The owner dentist employs all clinical and non-
clinical staff working in their offices and is responsible for
supervising the delivery of care and all aspects of employment
relationships. The owner-dentist licenses the Aspen Dental
trade name from Aspen Dental Management, Inc. (ADMI).
Aspen Dental is a dental service organization that provides
the following services:
• Business expertise & support services;
• Leadership development;
• Payroll, benefits;
• Real Estate procurement and set-up;
• Insurance operations/billing;
• Financial analysis and reporting.
Aspen Dental sees all types of patients, but does not par-
ticipate in dental Medicaid. However, Aspen does participate
with Healthy Kids Dental and Healthy Michigan. Most dental
insurances are accepted. Fees are negotiated through ADMI/
Aspen Dental. The Aspen representatives noted that the
Healthy Michigan plan covers many services, but not all that
need to be covered.
While Aspen Dental provides some of the same services as
the MDA, it believes that organized dentistry is very impor-
tant and valuable. The Aspen Dental representatives feel that
the ADA needs to be more inviting to ethnicities, women, and
different delivery models. Dr. Arwinder acknowledged that
Aspen has been asked to work with the ADA on these issues.
Currently, Aspen doesn’t pay ADA/MDA membership dues
T R U S T E E R E P O R T
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2015 15
for Aspen dentists. He added that it is the doctor’s choice to
determine whether they are a member of the ADA/MDA and
owner-doctors determine whether or not they pay the dues
for their employee dentists.
Aspen believes the MDA peer review system is an impor-
tant member benefit. While there is not a specific internal
peer review process, Aspen attempts to work out disputes
when they arise between the patient and doctor. Dr. Arwinder
requested that MDA provide more information to the
Michigan Aspen Dental doctors on our peer review system.
At Aspen Dental, new graduates are trained and begin by
observing an established dentist. At the end of the day, quality
of care is going to determine whether a practice is successful.
The reason 50% of dental school graduates are joining large
group practices is because of student debt. Everyone can have
success – there is not a lack of patients. It was expressed that
the benefit of a general practitioner moving under the Aspen
umbrella is that it provides marketing and the ability to grow.
This type of practice works for new graduates as well as expe-
rienced dentists who want to practice dentistry without the
headache of running a practice.
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Work Group It was adopted that the Michigan Dental Association approves
implementation of the recommendations of the MOA Work
Group to communicate with dental providers to ensure
that an adequate number of providers are willing to sign
memorandum of agreements to accept referrals from mobile
providers. Without adequate support from local dental pro-
viders, there is a danger that this newest MDA-endorsed
legislation on mobile dentistry will come under significant
political scrutiny.
Legislative Update Bill Sullivan presented the following information to the Board:
• The new legislative term beginning in 2015 will be much
more conservative than in previous years. It will be more
difficult to get new spending and new legislation passed.
• The MDA is now aware that the decrease in reimburse-
ment rates for new Delta Premier dentists will be $1-2
above the PPO rate, which is a significant decrease. When
the MDA first became aware of this change, it was thought
the impact would be felt only by new dentists. However, it
is now known that it may also impact the value of a dental
practice which is for sale. The MDA was informed that a
member dentist was in the process of selling his practice to
a new dentist, and the new dentist stated that the value of
the practice should be decreased because the new dentist
could not receive the same reimbursement rate from Delta
Premier.
• In September, the Board was informed that CIGNA insur-
ance will be determining a new rating system based on
what the dentist charges. Those that charge lower fees will
receive a better rating than those that charge a higher fee.
However, the New York Dental Society and the ADA chal-
lenged this new rating system. As a consequence, CIGNA
has agreed to not implement this type of rating scheme.
• A group called “Stop Overcharging” was formed by the
insurance companies in response to their failure to get
changes to the no-fault system. The initiative states that a
health provider shall not charge a consumer an amount for
medical goods or services that exceeds 150% of the lowest
amount accepted by that provider as payment in full from
another consumer for the same or similar medical goods
or services. The definitions in the petition are such that
dentists are covered by this proposed law. The group has
hired a professional signature gathering company to help
get the required signatures. If they are successful in obtain-
ing the signatures, the proposed law would be on the ballot
in November of 2016. The Michigan Health and Hospital
Association are expected to take the lead in fighting this
proposed legislation and there will be many allies.
Subsidiary Reports MDA Insurance & Financial Group: Mr. Craig Start, presi-
dent, provided the Board with a update on MDA IFG activi-
ties. The MDA Board reviewed and approved the following
endorsements: SoFi (Student Loan Consolidation), AppRiver
(Email Encryption), eScapes (Private Television Network).
Michigan Dental Association Foundation (MDAF): Nancy Maier, the new chief development officer for MDAF,
has reported that the Foundation’s recent Inner Circle mail-
ing has raised $23,905 to date. The average donation was
$215. The 2014 campaign resulted in 96 more donors than in
T R U S T E E R E P O R T
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 201516
T R U S T E E R E P O R T
the past, and an average of $50 more per donor. It’s another
sign of the progress our Foundation is making. Thanks to our
many Foundation supporters!
The Board was provided with an update on Foundation
activities by MDAF President, Dr. Susan Carron. Of the MDA
members who have paid their dues to date, 53% have con-
tributed to the Foundation. The Foundation is corpus based.
Over the past 16 years, the Foundation has raised $1,822,185.
MDAF has worked hard in keeping expenses down in order
build the corpus. In the future, more will be done to publi-
cize Foundation grants to the dental community. New grant
guidelines have been developed. Dr. Carron announced that
the Foundation plans to review its Bylaws to align more
closely with that of the MDA’s.
Mission of Mercy (MOM) 2016: Dr. Steve Harris informed
the Board that the 2016 MOM will be held at Macomb
Community College facility. The college is located four miles
from Detroit. This MOM event will be on June 9-12, 2016.
Make sure to mark your calendars.
Annual SessionThe MDA “Spirit of Michigan” Annual Session will take place
April 22-25 in Lansing. We are looking for a big turnout in
our capital city. This year there will be a Women’s Leadership
Forum and a new health/wellness area on site at the Lansing
Center. Please give consideration to attending the meeting
with your staff. There are many fine CE courses and opportu-
nities to participate with fun events.
MDA Job FairThe first-ever MDA Job Fair will take place Saturday, March
21 at MDA headquarters. This event will include two CE
programs, and a Job Fair Exhibit Hall as well as informal
networking. The Job Fair is aimed at both those looking
for jobs, and those who may have positions to offer. CE
speakers will include Dr. Reggie VanderVeen (“Tips for
Successful Associateships”) and MDA Legal Counsel Dan
Schulte (“Contract Tips for New Dentists and Employers”).
For more information contact Josh Lord, the MDA Director
of Membership and Strategic Initiatives.
New MDA CommitteesAs part of a MDA strategic initiative, volunteers are being
sought to help with two new member outreach programs.
Both of these provide volunteer opportunities those seeking
to serve without committing to a long-term project.
New Dentist Committee: On January 16 the MDA held
a new dentist strategic planning workshop. The purpose of
the meeting was to work on re-establishing the MDA New
Dentist Committee.
Diversity Committee: The MDA is seeking interested
members who have a desire to help enhance relation-
ships with Michigan’s ethnic minority dentist community.
Responsibilities will include attending quarterly meetings
throughout 2015, each lasting approximately three hours.
Between-meeting work will include approximately two hours
of effort for those involved.
If you or someone you know may be interested in these
volunteer opportunities, contact Josh Lord or call 517-346-9415.
MedicareOpt-in/Out UpdateDentists need to take action to either opt-in or formally
opt-out with Medicare before June 1, 2015 – otherwise; you
and/or your patients will not be eligible for reimbursement
from Medicare. Items that are subject to these rules include:
prescription drugs covered by Medicare Part D, certain clini-
cal services (i.e. lab work, imaging services, durable medical
equipment, prosthetics/orthotics, oral sleep apnea devices),
biopsies on Medicare patients, extractions on Medicare
patients preparing for radiation, or oral exams prior to renal
transplant surgery.
Dentists who formally opt-out of Medicare cannot submit
claims to a Medicare Advantage plan or receive reimburse-
ment from Medicare for covered services. In addition, den-
tists must be enrolled in order to prescribe drugs covered
by Medicare Advantage plans. If you have not enrolled or
formally opted out and you prescribe a drug covered by a
Medicare Part D plan, the plan will not pay for the drug.
MDA Award RecipientsThe 2015 Public Service Award is going to the Big Rapids
Department of Human Services. Additionally, the Matt Uday
New Dentist Leadership Award will be presented to Dr.
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2015 17
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T R U S T E E R E P O R T
Margaret Gingrich at this year’s annual session. Both awards
are well deserved. We have been very fortunate to have
Margaret as an active and effective member of WMDDS. Her
leadership has been greatly appreciated.
As always, it is a privilege to serve as your WMDDS
Trustee. If anyone has any question or concerns about the
MDA, the please feel free to reach out. I can best be contacted
The PoinTs of LighT ProjecT
If you would like more information regarding our project or would like to register as a participant, please visit our website at: pointsoflightonline.org.
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 201518
E S T A T E P L A N N I N G
he dynamics of wealth planning and decision-
making for parents may seem a bit complicated and
challenging. Once you start thinking about your
legacy and how you envision it taking shape, you may find
yourself asking a number of financial questions, such as: How
much money am I going to leave my children? Do I include
extended family? Who will steer the family business?
There is another crucial aspect of legacy that’s often over-
looked: the values behind your success. Seventy-four percent
of parents say values and life lessons are most important to
pass on to the next generation.
Sharing the values that shaped your success with your
family ensures they appreciate your hard work and under-
stand how much it means to you, and have an impact on
future generations. Consider implementing an ethical will to
complement estate planning.
An ethical will is a document, usually one or two pages,
mentioning the values that shape your success. It is usually
an end-of-life summary that is used in conjunction with docu-
ments that determine how your assets will be distributed. Some
families write them together during family gatherings, gather-
ing different insights and learning lessons from each other.
An ethical will may mention your vision and wishes for
your family and generations to come, encouraging them to
make a difference and to value your legacy. Some ethical wills
offer rich insights and are highly descriptive, mentioning
major life events and how they came about in shaping per-
sonal goals, beliefs and values.
Ethical wills don’t have a legal standing, but they do help
pass on important life lessons, providing your family with a
clear sense of your personal values. It also helps avoid any
discussions or misunderstandings regarding money matters,
considering it complements estate planning and can also be
used to improve communication among family members;
helping explain why your plan was set up a certain way.
1Americans’ Perspectives on New Retirement Realities and the Longevity Bonus
– a Merrill Lynch retirement study conducted in partnership with Age Wave.
Passing on the Values Behind Your Success: Ethical WillsAmanda N. Ross, Director, Personal Retirement Strategy and Solutions at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
T
The investments or strategies presented do not take into account the invest-
ment objectives or financial needs of particular investors. It is important that
you consider this information in the context of your personal risk tolerance
and investment goals.
Always consult with your independent attorney, tax advisor, investment
manager, and insurance agent for final recommendations and before chang-
ing or implementing any financial, tax, or estate planning strategy.
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management makes available products and services
offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S”)
and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”)
“Merrill Lynch” refers to any company in the Merrill Lynch & Co.,
Inc., group of companies, which are wholly owned by Bank of America
Corporation.
Investment products:
Are Not FDIC Insured
Are Not Bank Guaranteed
May Lose Value
© 2014 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.
Edward Bujdos, CRPC, from
the Eccker, Bujdos & De Jonge
Group of Merrill Lynch,
Grand Rapids office at
250 Monroe Ave. NW,
Suite 600, Grand Rapids, MI
49503
For more information, please contact Edward Bujdos from
the Eccker, Bujdos & De Jonge Group of Merrill Lynch in the
Grand Rapids office at 877.774.4201 or [email protected].
Legislative Breakfast
Friday, May 29, 2015Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
1000 East Beltline NEGrand Rapids, MI 49525
Please mark your calendar and make plans now to attend the WMDDS Legislative Breakfast.
This is an important opportunity for WMDDS dentists and local legislators to meet and express views
and concerns on the issues that affect dentistry. Please make every effort to attend.
To reserve your place, please complete and return the attached form by May 20, 2015.
Name
Email address
Breakfast Buffet will be served starting at 8:00 am
Cost: $16 per person
Please make check payable to: West Michigan District Dental Society
Return by May 20, 2015 to:
West Michigan District Dental Society
161 Ottawa Avenue NW Suite 511-F
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Questions? Contact Elaine Fleming
616.234.5605 | [email protected]
or
Dr. Leonard Bartoszewicz, WMDDS Legislative Chairperson
616.245.9830 | [email protected]
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 201520
M D A N E W S
New MDA Public Education Campaign LaunchesAn exciting, all-new MDA Public Education Campaign begins
this month, with two statewide TV advertisements, extensive
online search advertising and website advertising, a new Smile
Michigan Facebook site for consumers, plus other campaign
extensions on social media and in local communities. The
new MDA TV ads began airing on broadcast and cable TV
January 19.
“Oral health care is primary health care, and our campaign
reinforces this very important consumer message,” said Dr.
Lisa Christy, of Bridgman, chair of the MDA Public Relations
Advisory Committee, which oversees the campaign. “The
driving message of our MDA Public Education Campaign is
‘if you want a healthy body, start with a healthy mouth.’ That
isn’t just a slogan – this messaging has worked to convey the
importance of scheduling and keeping dental checkups, citing
the link between good oral health and overall health.” Christy
said the objectives of the campaign are to:
• position the MDA and its members as the authority on oral
health issues;
• educate the public about specific oral health issues and the
healthy mouth-healthy body connection; and
• remind consumers to see their MDA dentist twice a year
and find a dentist at www.smilemichigan.com.
“The 2015 campaign is the MDA’s most extensive yet, with
a significant emphasis on social media, online search, and
digital advertising,” Christy said. “MDA ads on various web-
sites will present the MDA message to consumers and then
provide direct links to the Find a Dentist section on the MDA
website.”
Get involved! You can bring the new MDA Public
Education Campaign into your office by displaying the new
“What Would Your Mouth Say about You?” poster and by
distributing a new MDA brochure that more fully explains
the healthy mouth-healthy body connection. The poster and
brochure feature images taken directly from the TV ads. You
can order both at the MDA Web Store at:www.smilemichigan.com/pro.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with the new MDA Public
Education Campaign and talk about it with your staff and
patients. For more information on the Public Education
MDA News from Lansing
Campaign, contact Jenny Armistead, MDA director of market-
ing and communications, at [email protected],
or at 800-589-2632, ext. 412.
MDA Plans Job Fair with Exhibits and CEAttention, members! You’re invited to connect with dentists
and dental students who are seeking employment at the first-
ever MDA Job Fair, taking place Saturday, March 21 at MDA
headquarters in Okemos. The schedule for the day includes:
• a complimentary morning CE session, “Tips for Successful
Associateships,” featuring Dr. Reggie VanderVeen, from 9
until 10 a.m.;
• a Job Fair Exhibit Hall from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.;
• a complimentary afternoon CE session, “Contract Tips for
New Dentists and Employers,” presented by MDA Legal
Counsel Dan Schulte, from 1 until 2 p.m.
For more information on the Job Fair, including information
on exhibiting, contact Josh Lord at 800-589-2632, ext. 415.
RDA Delegation Affected by Dental Rules ChangesNew General Rules of Dentistry issued by the Michigan
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs/Bureau of
Health Services went into effect last fall, with the most notable
changes involving delegation of duties for dental auxiliaries.
The rules now allow Registered Dental Assistants to
perform the following procedures under a dentist’s general
supervision:
• trial sizing of orthodontic bands;
• holding the matrix for anterior resin restorations;
• applying of topical anesthetic solutions; and
• instructing in the use and care of dental appliances.
The revised rules also include language regarding performance
of intra-oral procedures by a Registered Dental Hygienist. The
language states that a Registered Dental Hygienist shall not
perform functions exclusive to a Registered Dental Assistant
unless the Registered Dental Hygienist is also licensed as a
Registered Dental Assistant.
According to the state, the overall goal of the rules change
was to align the rules with current law.
A revised Delegation of Duties chart for dental auxiliaries
appears on the MDA website at www.smilemichigan.com/pro.
Catch the Spirit in Lansing!
MDA 2015 Annual SessionLansing Center and Radisson Hotel, Downtown Lansing • April 22-25, 2015
Pre-Register Early!Online registration opens
in JanuaryVisit www.smilemichigan.com/pro
Join your colleagues for great social events, a variety of topics and speakers and nearly 200 exhibits.
SPEAKERS INCLUDE:Jill Baskin, DDS
Michael Block, DMDRosemary Bray
David Clark, DDSMarcio da Fonseca, DDS, MS
Robert Edwab, DDSLynda Farnen, JD
Choong Foong, PhDMarie Fluent, DDS
Dennis Hartlieb, DDSMark Hyman, DDS
Cindy Kleiman, RDH, BSGerald Kugel, DMD, MS, PhDSamuel Low, DDS, MS, MEd
Michael Morgan, DDSRobert Murray, MD
Ali Nasseh, DDS, MMScChris Salierno, DDSHenry Schein Experts
Joseph SuchockiChar Sweeney
Richard Winter, DDS
Plus keynote speakerDAVE WEBER
And others
Michigan Dentistry’s Biggest CE Event!
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 201522
2016 Mission of Mercy Date, Location SetThe 2016 Michigan Mission of Mercy will take place June
9-12, 2016, at Macomb Community College in Warren, the
MDA Foundation has announced.
Macomb Community College offers excellent facilities that
lend themselves well to a large event such as the MOM, said
2016 MOM co-chair Dr. Stephen Harris. The location is also
within easy access to a large potential patient population, as
well as within close proximity to a significant number of vol-
unteers, Harris said.
Michigan MOM events have been held in 2013 and 2014,
but no MOM will be held in 2015, Harris said. Michigan’s
MOM is administrated by the MDA Foundation, the MDA’s
charitable arm.
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West Michigan District Dental Society is an
ADA CERP Recognized Provider.
Thank you To our sponsors who have helped To make These programs available To us.
supporting sponsor:platinum sponsors:
PAY BY CHECK: Make checks payable to: West Michigan District Dental Society. Remit to: Elaine Fleming | c/o WMDDS | 161 Ottawa NW | Suite 511-F, Waters Building | Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 | Questions? Call 616.234.5605 or email [email protected]
RegistRation FoRm
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successFul management oF acute Dental Pain anD
managing the enDoDontic inFection*presented by ken hargreaves, d.d.s., phd
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a.m. presentation: successful management of acute dental painThis evidence-based course is designed to provide effective and practical strategies for managing acute dental pain emergencies.
The latest information of NSAIDS, acetaminophen-containing analgesics and local anesthetics will be provided with the objective of
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p.m. presentation: managing the endodontic infectionThis evidence-based course is designed to provide effective and practical strategies for managing dentoalveolar infections. The objective
is to be practical. The biology of infections is used as a foundation to allow the practitioner to select the best combination of dental and
pharmacological treatments to manage dental infections. In addition, potential
adverse effects and their management will be reviewed. This course will answer
practical tips and more, using a lecture style that emphasizes interactions with
the audience in addressing endodontic infection problems with useful solutions.
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 201524
DENTAL APPRECIATION NIGHT
Presented by
MARCH 20, 2015 7:00PM VAN ANDEL ARENA The Grand Rapids Griffins invite your office to join us for all the fun and excitement of Dental Appreciation Night!
Last season, over 500 dental professionals, their families and friends enjoyed this special game.
This season’s Dental Appreciation Night will feature:• Special in-game promotions and concession specials
• Discounted tickets for your office
• Ticket proceeds benefiting the West Michigan Dental Foundation At the game, WMDDS volunteers will be doing a "Take A Bite Out Of Cancer" bone marrow drive to collect cheek swab samples that could save a life! If you haven't signed up for the registry, here's your chance. Encourage staff and family members to sign up too. Sponsored by the Michigan Dental Association, Delete Blood Cancer, and the West Michigan District Dental Society.
For more info including the game date and ticket pricing, please contact Joe Yancho at 616.774.4585 ext 3023 or [email protected]
6th Annual
/grgriffins /griffinshockey /griffinshockey
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2015 25
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WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 201526
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WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2015 27
West Michigan Dental Foundation receives grant from Delta Dental Foundation to improve oral health in Kent County
est Michigan Dental Foundation recently
received a $5,000 grant from the Delta Dental
Foundation through its Brighter Futures
Community Grant Program. The funding will help pay for lab
bills for Adult Dental Services Program clients.
The Adult Dental Services Program provides dental treat-
ment to low income, uninsured, working adults in Kent
County. A network of volunteer dentists provide the den-
tal treatment and lab bills, up to $750, are paid for by
grants, such as the Delta Dental Foundation Brighter Futures
Community Grant.
Grant recipients were selected based on a number of
criteria including the number of at-risk children or adults
served by the program, the program’s uniqueness, the level
of community involvement in the program and the ability to
measure results.
“Through our Brighter Futures grant program, we pro-
vided a total of $250,000 in small community grants to orga-
nizations in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana that are dedicated to
improving the oral and overall health of children and adults,”
said Teri Battaglieri, director, Delta Dental Foundation. “We
are very proud to recognize the work being done by West
Michigan Dental Foundation by selecting it as one of our
grant recipients.”
Established in 2012, Delta Dental’s Brighter Futures ini-
tiative is dedicated to improving the oral and overall health
and wellbeing of children and adults across the state through
education, advocacy and philanthropy.
About West Michigan Dental Foundation
West Michigan Dental Foundation (WMDF) is the philan-
thropic arm of the West Michigan District Dental Society.
Besides securing funds for lab bills for the Adult Dental
Services Program, the WMDF awards tuition grants to
qualified dental, dental assisting and dental hygiene students.
The West Michigan Dental Foundation Community Grant
Program supports projects that impact oral health within its
five county service area. Grants are generally limited to no
more than fifty percent of the total cost of the program or
project. Priority is given to educational projects, treatment
based projects, supplies, and equipment. The Foundation
does not generally support salaries, operations, or research-
based projects. For more information, visit www.wmdds.org,
then go to the Foundation section.
About Delta Dental Foundation
The Delta Dental Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable orga-
nization established in 1980, which serves as the philanthrop-
ic arm of Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and North
Carolina. The Foundation’s goals are to support education
and research for the advancement of dental science, and to
promote the oral health of the public through education and
service activities, particularly for those with special needs. For
more information, visit www.deltadentalmi.com.
W M D F N E W S
W
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 201528
Legal Entities and Formalities: Making Sure Your Practice Protects YouSubmitted by Nicholas H. Vander Veen, Attorney, Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge
L E G A L L Y S P E A K I N G
n an already demanding profession, dental practitioners
can often find themselves in business and legal situations
in which they are not familiar or comfortable. And, in a
number of these situations, their lack of formal preparation
and knowledge of the rules, laws, and regulations affecting
their daily operations and decisions can lead to serious mis-
steps and substantial costs.
One of the most common issues I observe among my
dental clients, and many other small business owners as well,
is the propensity to take actions that put their corporate liabil-
ity protection at risk. Losing corporate liability protection can
result from a failure to follow or observe the generally simple,
but numerous, rules and corporate formalities. Whether it is
because of a lack of funds, time-constraint issues, or a mis-
placed I-can-do-it-myself attitude, many dentists and small
business owners fail to seek the advice and answers they need,
thus opening themselves up to potential personal liability and
piercing of the corporate veil.
Fortunately, for the prudent dentist who does not wait
to take action or ask for help, a number of these common
mistakes with the rules and formalities affecting your practice
entity can be discovered and corrected before they develop
into serious issues in the future.
I. A Separate Legal EntitySole proprietors fail to understand that there is no legal dis-
tinction between the individual and the business (and all of
the liabilities running a business brings) unless they form a
legal business entity under the laws of the state in which they
reside. This is especially important for a profession in which
the dentist can be exposed to a high level of both financial and
professional liability.
Thankfully, over the past several years, it is becoming
uncommon for me to find clients who are not operating as
a Professional Corporation (PC) or Professional Limited
Liability Company (PLLC or PLC). And, for those few who
are not, it is a very simple and pain free process to do so.
However, while it is good to know that practitioners are
becoming more in tune to the fact that a separate legal entity
for a business is important for liability and tax purposes, there
is often a disconnect or misunderstanding about what needs
to be done after it is formed.
II. Identifying the Correct Contracting PartyA mistake commonly made when entering into business
contracts is failing to identify the business entity as the con-
tracting party. If not done correctly and clearly, contracts
(such as leases and supply agreements), debts, and other
liabilities intended to be on behalf of the practice may be
interpreted, instead, as personal liabilities.
For example, a practitioner forms an entity of John
Dentist, D.D.S., P.C., but enters into a lease for the practice
space as John Dentist, D.D.S., and the lease is paid directly by
the business out of the business bank account. This leads to
possible double liability for both the practitioner individually
and the practice entity itself. Thus, both the personal assets
of the practitioner (such as homes, cars, savings, etc.) and
the practice assets are vulnerable in the event of an unfavor-
able judgment. Additionally, this failure to properly identify
the legal entity as tenant on the lease may lead to a general
liability insurance policy, if it was taken out in the name of the
business, refusing to cover claims and judgments against the
individual practitioner.
III. Full Name Versus Trade NamesAnother common issue is when a practitioner correctly forms
a legal entity and then files for and obtains a “doing business
as” (d/b/a), also called a trade name, for the practice to do
business under. In the interest of removing legal ambiguity
from contracts, it is in the best interest of the practitioner to
use the full legal name of the business on every contract they
enter into. For example, John Dentist, D.D.S., P.C. files for
and obtains a d/b/a of Everybody Smiles Dentistry and then
uses the d/b/a on a contract without the legal entity name. In
I
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2015 29
this example, it would be preferable for the contracting party
to be named fully as John Dentist, D.D.S., P.C., or better yet as
John Dentist, D.D.S., P.C. d/b/a Everybody Smiles Dentistry
so there is no confusion as to who is entering the contract and
who is liable for it.
IV. Signing in the Correct CapacityEven when correctly naming their company as the party to
the contract, many practitioners will sign just their name with
no designation of their title or capacity for the entity at the
end of the contract. This creates an issue of uncertainty as it
becomes unclear whether the business owner signed the con-
tract on behalf of the entity, individually, or as a guarantor of
the obligations of the practice. In the event of a default under
the contract, and the uncertainty as to the capacity of the
parties present, the practitioner would lose his or her liabil-
ity protection and be subject to personal liability. The name
and signature of the small business owner should always be
accompanied by the title of the signatory and the name of
the company in order to avoid personal liability. Here is an
example of a proper signature block:
John Dentist, D.D.S., P.C.
d/b/a Everybody Smiles Dentistry
_____________________
By: John Dentist, D.D.S.
Its: President
V. True Ownership of the AssetsI sometimes encounter clients who have properly formed a
corporation, but the entity does not own any actual assets or
have a bank account, while at the same time incurring debts
and liabilities. This typically occurs because the professional
in this situation attempts to create what they believe to be
insulation from legal and personal liability, with an incorrect
belief that all debts and liabilities incurred under the corpo-
rate name cannot become their personal responsibility for any
reason. Essentially, without any assets or funds behind the
liabilities incurred by the entity, the practitioner has created
a shell corporation that is a prime example of when courts
would pierce the corporate veil and remove the personal
liability protection for the practitioner in the event of default.
VI. Comingling of FundsIn the same vein as owning assets, it is very important that the
funds of the entity and the individual not be comingled. It is
improper for the director or manager of an entity to deposit
business revenues in their personal bank account, pay personal
expenses from the business funds and/or draw cash from the
business bank accounts. Such intermingling of funds and
asset ownership of the business entity will destroy the liability
protections afforded by the corporate form and possibly lead
to tax consequences as well.
VII. Maintaining Corporate FormalitiesAs noted above, there is still much to do after filing articles
of incorporation or articles of organization. However, many
practitioners believe that they have completed all the steps
necessary to operate under their new entity and completely
ignore the corporate formalities required by applicable laws.
Many owners fail to name any officers, directors, or managers
of their new business entity. In some cases they have even
failed to issue any actual shares or membership interests to
themselves or other owners. This means that they have no evi-
dence of ownership of their entity, and are thrown into panic
when asked for the same by a potential lender, insurance
agent, or other party doing business with the practitioner.
Additionally, by failing to name officers or managers, there is
no person with authority to act or make decisions on behalf
of the entity. This can cause issues when the company enters
into a contract it is later trying to enforce.
In my practice, I create formation binders for clients in
order to make sure that they have all the appropriate docu-
ments within easy reach and review when necessary. Some of
the example documents included in this binder for a PLC are:
11. Articles of Organization
12. Certificate of Good Standing
13. Assignment by Organizer
14. Initial Consent Resolutions of the Member
15. Operating Agreement
16. Membership Interest Subscription
17. Certificate of Membership Interest
18. Record of Membership Interest
19. SS-4 Application for Employer Identification Number
10. IRS Notice of Employer Identification Number Assignment
L E G A L L Y S P E A K I N G
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 201530
Maintaining these formalities is a constant and ongoing
responsibility since a failure to abide by the corporate for-
malities referenced above is one of the factors a court consid-
ers when deciding whether or not a creditor may pierce the
corporate veil and hold shareholders or members person-
ally liable for business debts and contracts entered into by
the entity. Small business entities are especially vulnerable
because the failure to meet such basic corporate formalities
gives the appearance of the corporation simply being an alter
ego or alias of the practitioner created solely to avoid the
claims of potential creditors.
VIII. Filing the Annual ReportOne of the easiest, and often overlooked or forgotten, formal-
ities to maintain is the need to file annual reports on behalf
of the entity. Failure to timely file an annual report can lead
financial penalties against the business entity or even suspen-
sion or dissolution by the state. Such dissolution may result
in personal liability of officers or managers acting on behalf of
the entity after its effective dissolution.
IX. Planning for SuccessionEntities without bylaws, operating agreements, or separate
shareholder agreements probably do not have a structure in
place for dealing with unplanned or unexpected succession
and change of practice ownership. This is especially impor-
tant for dental practices that have multiple partners. A far too
common example would be where one partner in a two part-
ner dental office dies unexpectedly and there is no succession
plan in place (in the bylaws or the deceased’s will), so his or
her stake in the practice would be inherited by their spouse.
This situation can be ruinous for many practices without a
proper plan in place and creates significant financial hardship.
X. Dissolving the EntityFinally, at the end of the entity’s useful life, it is important that
it is properly dissolved with the state. One cannot simply rely
on an administrative dissolution by no longer filing annual
reports since, as mentioned before, it will lead to continued
liability for the shareholders and members. Proper dissolu-
tion requires providing notice to creditors and a satisfaction
of liabilities, if possible, before the proceeds, if any, from the
practice dissolution is properly distributed to the practitioner.
In no way is this list complete with all of the potential
missteps and mistakes that can jeopardize the protections
afforded by forming a legal entity. Just as in the dental pro-
fession, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It
takes the specialized knowledge and experience of an attorney
to properly navigate and ensure you succeed in using a legal
entity to protect yourself from personal liability associated
with the operation of your practice.
Nick is a business law attorney in Grand Rapids who specializes in represent-
ing dentists and dental groups throughout Michigan and Illinois in associ-
ate agreements, partnership formations and practice purchases. He can be
contacted at 616.458.5283 or [email protected].
L E G A L L Y S P E A K I N G
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2015 31
Updated New Dentist Forum ScheduleMARCH 5, 2015
Speaker: Dr. Jake Lueder
Topic: Dr. Lueder will discuss the critical factors in treat-
ment planning of anterior tooth replacement and identify-
ing the possible risk factors. Surgical procedures including
atraumatic extraction, simple and advanced bone and soft
tissue regeneration, and immediate placement protocols
will be shown. We will also review the economics of a sin-
gle anterior implant and the fundamentals of “prosthetic
tissue shaping.” Dr. Lueder will simplify the restorative
steps from interim removable and fixed temporization
to final restoration design considerations. The take home
messages will be case selection and the recognition of suc-
cessful treatment, as well as understanding what can be
predictably achieved surgically and restoratively.
Location: Founders Brewing Company, Centennial Room
Arrival time: 6:00 pm, Dinner and Presentation at 6:30 pm
Sponsor: Chad Caughran from Straumann and Tracey
Barrett from Dental Art Laboratories
APRIL 30, 2015
Speaker: Dr. Tom Lambert
Topic: The Future of Dentistry, Establishing a Vision For
Your Practice. We will discuss the impact of managed
care and corporate dentistry on our business models.
Additionally, we will review how to establish a vision for
your practice, become an effective leader, and how to develop
an amazing team.
Location: TBD
Arrival time: 6:00 pm, Dinner and Presentation at 6:30 pm
Sponsor: TBD
MAY 27, 2015
Speaker: Frederick Schaard from Rehmann
Topic: Patient Experience –
· What are you currently doing that you could be doing better?
· When does the patient experience begin?
· Who ultimately impacts the patient’s experience within
a practice?
· Keys to meeting and exceeding your patient’s expecta-
tions during their reservation.
· Scripting – it’s not just what you say, but how you say it
that counts.
Location: Founders Brewing Company, Centennial Room
Arrival time: 6:00 pm, Dinner and Presentation at 6:30 pm
Sponsor: Anthony Lis from PNC Bank and Frederick
Schaard from Rehmannn
RICK CHRISMAN, CPA MANAGING SHAREHOLDER [email protected](616) 949-3200
BRINGING MORE GOOD IDEASTO THE TABLE.C
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WMDDS TABLE 7.5 x 3.25.ait 1 10/13/2014 10:52:11 AM
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 201532
T E C H N I C A L L Y S P E A K I N G
he new year is upon us. Still writing 2014 on checks?
Yeah, me too. We can be slow to change, that’s for
sure. This article is all about change, the changes we
might be seeing in dental computer technology this year. This
will also be on our blog (ddsintegration.com/blog) where the
links will be live, perhaps easier than typing them.
Tablets in dental offices – Please please please let this happen!Tablets are everywhere. Kids have them at schools. Hospitals
have them for doctors and nurses. Restaurants and food shops
have them. We in dental seem to be the only ones stuck in
pre-tablet land. Why?
Software – Eaglesoft, Dentrix, Softdent, and others just
haven’t yet made their programs friendly to tablets, or any
touch interface for that matter. Trust me, I’ve tried every-
thing. Remote desktop apps, iPads, Androids, Windows 8
tablets, none of their “solutions” are useable. Getting patients
used to tablets is going to be challenging enough without the
hassle of workarounds and the less than ideal functionality the
software gives us now.
Tablet functionality definitely goes in the “let’s hope this
happens this year” list, but there is some good news. Dexis has
an iPad app! It’s called Dexis Go, and it works with version 10
of Dexis. It gives you a way to go through a patient’s digital
images and put it in their hands. This is part of the experience
dentists have been asking for over and over again, and Dexis
has delivered.
With any luck this will just be the start. Others will likely
follow suit, and pretty soon we’ll have capability for imaging
as well as health history/consent across all of the major soft-
ware providers. Fingers crossed!
Website: http://tinyurl.com/n9m8vub
Video: http://tinyurl.com/nvz8aby
Security – It’s not fun, but it is necessary. Now more than
ever. Just watch the news. Who did we hear about this past
year? Target, Home Depot, Sony, and Ebay to name a few.
Not making the headlines were various dentists around West
Michigan who contracted nasty viruses which deleted data
and stole who knows what. Like it or not, this is now the
world we live in. No one is exempt anymore. Just don’t let it
be your patient’s data.
No one wants to go crazy with security because it limits
functionality and costs money. There are, however, some
basic steps that help get you a good baseline for being secure.
• Training – How to be a responsible internet user. How to
use good passwords.
• Firewalls – Get one, and get the subscription that goes with
it for intrusion detection and more.
• Antivirus/Antispam – Get something good. Ideally some-
thing that reports back to your tech company.
• Proactive monitoring – Reporting to your tech company so
they actually know when problems arise.
• Encryption – For HIPAAs sake, for your patients sake, for
your sake, encrypt your data and your email.
Cloud – Still not all the way there for dental, but it’s getting
better. You’ve no doubt heard of cloud computing. Google
email is cloud computing. All your data (email, contacts,
calendar in this case) is stored in the cloud. Using Microsoft
Outlook or another mail client is the opposite of cloud com-
puting. All your data is stored locally on your machine. Cloud
has a lot of benefits, the biggest of which are mobility and the
ability to use it on multiple devices. Whether you’re at your
office or in Hawaii, on a computer or a tablet or a phone, you
can use your cloud software. Just add internet.
Curve Dental is the first big player in the dental cloud com-
puting market. It has gotten much better already and over-
come a lot of hurdles that traditional, server sits in your office,
computing doesn’t have. Also, because it’s web based, the
discussion about using tablets is a non-issue. Curve Dental
Changes for 2015Submitted by Greg Feutz, President, DDS Integration
Greg Feutz is President of
DDS Integration, a
Grand Rapids based dental
technology company.
T
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2015 33
T E C H N I C A L L Y S P E A K I N G
runs on smartphones and tablets, so most everything you can
do on your computer you can do on these devices too.
Personally I’m still on the fence, but as it continues to get bet-
ter I think we’ll see more and more of it. I’ve heard rumors
of the major software players developing cloud solutions too.
The rest of the world is largely moving this way, so as it goes
with most things in the technology world, dental will prob-
ably eventually follow suit.
EHR – Remember that thing that all providers are supposed
to have? Technically, your dental software is probably already
considered fully certified EHR. I guess I’m really referring
more to universally available EHR, meaning your patients as
well as other providers would have access to their data. Again,
technically you can share this already via email or other online
portals. What I’m looking forward to, however, is a single
interface to store all of it. Whether it’s dental, vision, or medi-
cal, I look forward to the day that everything about my health
is in one place where I get to manage who can see it and who
can’t. Care will be so much better when information can be
shared readily in this medium.
This medium would need to interface with Eaglesoft,
Dentrix, Softdent, etc.… as well as Cerner, Epic and all the
other hospital EHR systems out there. Who is going to come
up with this system? I don’t know, maybe I will. Look for me
on the cover of Forbes magazine.
Thanks for reading. What do you hope to see this year? The
next five years?
What are your thoughts?Comment on our blog or Facebook article. We’d love to hear
your opinions on Changes for 2015 or any other topic.
Facebook: facebook.com/ddsintegration
Blog: ddsintegration.com/blog
www.theinsuranceforprofessionals.comG L F I A
Molly MurrayYour Professional Practice Insurance Advocate
616.301.2599 OR 866.735.5344
4930 Cascade Road SEGrand Rapids, MI 49546
1494 Bayberry LaneLake City, MI 49651
Great Lakes Financial Insurance AgencyDisability Income, Business Overhead, LTC & Health
Are You Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset - Your Professional Earning Power - From Loss?
Molly Murray, Your Professional Practice Insurance Advocate from Great Lakes Financial Insurance Agency works with dental professionals to help protect their professional practice income and expenses from insurable losses.
Professional practices have unique risks from potential disability and health issues, given their success is primarily from the principals’ labor. Are you concerned about your insurability, renewal premium rate increases, or improving your coverage? Molly Murray will listen to your goals or concerns, then offer practical insurability strategies and insurance solutions for your unique situation ... today and tomorrow. Nobody will work harder on your behalf to get coverage, remove exclusions or eliminate an extra rating!
Get a free insurance review and solution proposal OR a 2nd opinion about your insurance challenges!
Contact Molly Murray - Your Professional Practice Insurance Advocate 616-301-2599 866-735-5344 [email protected]
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 201534
What Dental School Never Taught You About Choosing a Financial Planner (Part One) By Bernard Bowhuis, CLU, ChFc, CFP®, CEO, Benchmark Financial Design Group, Inc.
F I N A N C I A L N E W S
ike many of you, I am a small business owner. While I
do not spend my business day being concerned about
oral medicine, extractions, restorations, or any of the
other areas of dentistry, I am faced with some of the same
challenges of owning a private business. Like you, these tasks
include: staying up to speed on continuing education, meet-
ing vendors and other non-clients who require my time, col-
laborating on projects, meeting payroll, managing my to-do
list, and providing administration. While I am not working
on someone’s mouth, I am providing financial planning for
those who we lead.
My profession has also done a great job of finding ways to
confuse the best of you. We have insurance agents, insurance
brokers, investment advisors, financial advisors, financial
planners, and financial analysts. There are designations like
CLU, LUTC, CIMA, CFP (which are legitimate), and many,
many more that are bogus or not recognized by the industry.
A recent Forbes article1 claims that there are more than 50
confusing designations.
What I have been told repeatedly is that while dental
school teaches you about the profession, it does not necessar-
ily teach you how to seek help with things like retirement and/
or financial planning. To help you make smarter choices with
respect to your financial future, the following is the first of a
two part article on how to choose an advisor.
Following are several key questions you should ask the next
time you meet with or interview someone regarding financial
planning.
1) Are you a fiduciary?I start with this one because a fiduciary is a person who has to
place the client’s interest ahead of his or her own. Fiduciaries
must also disclose what their fees are, how they’re compen-
sated, and any other conflicts or potential conflicts of inter-
est that might influence an individual’s decision to use their
services. In contrast, non-fiduciary financial advisors might
receive a commission in exchange for selling you a particu-
lar investment that isn’t the best for you – and not tell you
how they’ve profited from it. The Certified Financial Planner
Board of Standards issues Rules of Conduct for fiduciaries,
which state, for example, that CFPs should define what ser-
vices they will provide and only offer advice in areas in which
they are competent.
2) How do you make money?There are three ways an advisor is compensated. These include
commission, fee-based, and fee only. I usually recommend
dentists work with fee-based or fee-only advisors. In my opin-
ion, this method of compensation rather that commission
has less potential for conflict of interest. In theory, since I am
compensated for my advice and not placing a product, there is
less or no incentive to sell a product. Keep in mind however,
just because someone is a fee-based or fee-only financial advi-
sor doesn’t mean he or she is a great advisor. And just because
someone is a commission-based salesperson, doesn’t mean he
or she is unethical.
3) What is your educational background? This question may look similar to the first one in that I like
to examine credentials. Advisors often pursue many differ-
ent professional credentials and many different paths. Some
credentials have rigorous, graduate-level testing requirements
that may set advisors apart from their peers in a meaning-
ful way. However, as mentioned above, many credentials
are nothing more than purchased titles or crash courses that
award a title.
Some credentials are good benchmark measures of com-
petence, due to their overall rigor, time commitment, and
ethical standards. I am prejudiced, obviously, but if I was not
in this industry and was looking to hire a financial planner, I
would want an advisor of broad experience. The CFP® would
L
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2015 35
F I N A N C I A L N E W S
be the most meaningful credential to me in this regard. If I
were looking to hire an investment advisor or money man-
ager only, the CFA® credential would stand out.
Keep in mind, no amount of professional credentials or
higher education can compensate for a bad business model
or a bad advisor. If your financial advisor has no profes-
sional credentials, you may want to ask why. If your financial
advisor has other credentials I haven’t listed, you may want
to do some additional research to determine the validation
of the marks.
4) How do you invest for your clients? How do you invest for yourself? Ask the advisor to explain how he invests money for clients.
Follow up by asking what influences (academic and profes-
sional) have helped develop his strategies over time. Ask if this
is different from the way he invests his own money.
My feeling (and rule) has always been that I would never
place a client’s money into an investment that I do not, or
would not, own for myself or a family member. This can
be a tricky proposition because I am not always in the same
financial situation or have the same goals as all of my clients.
However, the advisor you work with, or are considering to
work with, must know all the facets of any product they rep-
resent and recommend. If there is any uncertainty or doubt,
you may want to avoid placing your money there. Warren
Buffett2 has two quotes that are the basis of my personal
strategy: “Never invest in a business you cannot understand,”
and, “We will only do with your money what we would do
with our own.”
I am not trying to over-emphasize the importance of hiring
a financial planner, or other advisors. I know many people,
from professionals to laborers, who have amassed quite large
sums of money by doing their own investing. In addition,
there are a growing number of platforms and internet sites
where you can gain advice, place your own trades, and man-
age your own money. However, what I have found is that
many times it helps to have an unemotional leader to give you
direction and keep you on track to your goals.
In the next Bulletin, we will continue to look behind the
curtain of choosing a financial planner. However, if you have
some specific questions, please feel free to contact me. I would
be happy to answer them. In addition, if there are any com-
mon questions that arise I will to answer them in print in the
next section.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2013/04/25/watch-out-for-senior-
specialist-financial-advisers/
http://www.minterest.org/best-warren-buffett-quotes-on-investing/
Securities offered through Founders Financial Securities LLCMember FINRA/SIPC and Registered Investment Advisor
Benchmark Financial Design Group, Inc.Bernard Bowhuis, CLU, ChFC, CFP®, CEO2358 S. Garden Ct., Jenison, MI 49428616.667.8834 | [email protected] | www.ddsMoneyCoach.com
2016 Mission of Mercy Date, Location SetThe 2016 Michigan Mission of Mercy will take place
June 9-12, 2016, at Macomb Community College in
Warren, the MDA Foundation has announced.
Macomb Community College offers excellent
facilities that lend themselves well to a large event
such as the MOM, said 2016 MOM co-chair Dr.
Stephen Harris. The location is also within easy
access to a large potential patient population, as well
as within close proximity to a significant number of
volunteers, Harris said.
Michigan MOM events have been held in 2013
and 2014, but no MOM will be held in 2015, Harris
said. Michigan’s MOM is administrated by the MDA
Foundation, the MDA’s charitable arm.
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 201536
F I N A N C I A L N E W S
solid tax strategy should be worked on throughout
the year, but as you meet with your accountant to
prepare your 2014 return, take one last opportu-
nity to explore strategies that may minimize your tax burden.
Here are ten questions to get you started.
How will the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 affect me?The Tax Increase Prevention Act was passed in December of
2014 to reinstate 55 provisions, including Section 179 expens-
ing and bonus depreciation, which had expired in 2013. These
reinstated provisions were retroactively applied to 1/1/2014.
Although the renewal came late in the year, if you made quali-
fying purchases in 2014 you may be able to enjoy tax saving
opportunities under the extended provisions.
What are the new accelerated depreciation rules?The act renewed Section 179 expensing limits to $500,000 for
qualifying assets. There is an investment ceiling of $2,000,000
and other limitations. The expensing threshold was set to
be reduced to $25,000 prior to the extension. The act also
renewed the Section 168(k) 50% bonus deprecation for quali-
fying assets.
How do the new Tangible Property Regulations apply to me?The repair regulations offer guidance on when a repair should
be recorded as a repair or capitalized as an asset. The rules
are very difficult to follow, but may offer an opportunity for
taxpayers to correct mistakes on previously filed returns. The
new regulations require an accounting method change in
order to comply, which is filed on Form 3115. Most practices
should be filing a 3115 with their tax return this year.
Is the Personal Property Tax going away?The simple answer is no – there is a manufacturer’s exemp-
tion for manufacturing companies that will phase in from
2016 to 2026. But, there is also a Small Taxpayer Exemption
that is available for some taxpayers.
How do I know if I qualify for the Small Taxpayer Exemption?All of the taxpayer’s personal property within a local taxing
unit is exempt if the combined True Cash Value within that
taxing unit is less than $80,000.
This threshold is what is referred to as cliff, meaning if you
have $80,001 of True Cash Value you will not qualify. If you
do qualify, you need to prepare Form 5076, which is an affi-
davit claiming the exemption. This form needs to be filed by
February 10th each and every year you qualify, and you must
maintain books and records supporting the claim for exemption.
I sold my practice this year. What rate will I pay for capital gains tax?The answer depends on your tax bracket. Individuals in
the 10% and 15% tax brackets will pay 0% on capital gains.
Individuals in the 25%, 33%, and 35% brackets will pay 15%
on capital gains. Individuals in the top tax bracket of 39.6%
will pay 20% on capital gains.
At what level will my Personal Exemptions be phased out? For single taxpayers, personal exemptions start phasing out
at $254,200 and are completely phased out at $376,700. For
married, filing jointly taxpayers, the starting point is $305,500
with complete phase out at $427,500. The phase out is 2% for
every $2,500 over the base.
The phase out for most itemized deductions is 3% of the
amount over $254,200 and $305,500 for single and married
taxpayers, respectively.
Your accountant may be able to help you develop a strat-
egy to keep your income under the phase out threshold, and
help minimize your tax burden.
Ten Things To Ask Your Accountant This Tax SeasonBrian LaFrenier, CPA, Audit Partner, Beene Garter, LLP
A
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2015 37
F I N A N C I A L N E W S
56 Grandville Avenue sw . Suite 100Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 . 616 235 5200
Your practice depends on the individualized service you provide each and every client. So does ours.With extensive hands-on experience in the healthcare industry, our team focuses on the financial and operational challenges you face everyday. We are committed to providing industry-specific expertise relevant to you, without compromising your patient focus.
For more information please visit BeeneGarter.com or contact Brian LaFrenier at (616) 235-5200.
Evolving your practice today for a healthier tomorrow.
Tax Planning and Preparation
Sales and Use Tax
Accounting Software Installation and Support
Bookkeeping and Assistance
Start-Up Consulting
Choice of Entity Analysis
Cash Flow Projections
Overhead Analysis
IRS Representation
Payroll Processing
Retirement Plan Design and Administration
Human Resources
Succession Planning
Business Valuation
Estate Planning and Wealth Management
Copyright © B
eene Garter LLP An independent m
ember of M
oore Stephens International Limited
When should I start saving for retirement?As soon as possible! In addition to simply having more time
to amass money for retirement, there are smart tax-saving
strategies that can be employed to help minimize your tax
burden now and later.
If it’s too late for 2014, what can be done to minimize my tax liability for my 2015 return?Gaining a solid understanding of how your practice is per-
forming and having your accountant run tax projections early
in the fall will enable you to make decisions about the timing
of income, expenses, retirement contributions and equipment
purchases to minimize your tax burden.
How often should we meet?Your accountant should be one of your most trusted busi-
ness advisors and a partner in your success. Our objective is
to help you achieve your financial goals in a tax-efficient and
responsible manner. As a result, we recommend meeting on
no less than a quarterly basis to review your financial and
business goals.
If you have questions, or for more information on suc-
cession planning, contact Brian LaFrenier at 616.235.5200.
Connect with Brian LaFrenier on LinkedIn at:
www.linkedin.com/in/blafy
Like Beene Garter on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/BeeneGarter
Follow Beene Garter on Twitter at:
https://twitter.com/BeeneGarter
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 201538
C L A S S I F I E D A D S
For Sale – Family practice in Grand
Rapids NE that is part time with great
potential, located in an excellent high-
visibility location. There is 2050 sq.ft.
with 5 ops and a 6th op is plumbed
in. Opportunity for more footage if
desired. Call 616.485.4884 for details.
Kavo Handpieces for Sale –
6000B have 5 at $400/handpiece,
6500B have 6 at $400/ handpiece,
647B have 8 at $200/handpiece,
640B have 2 at $200/handpiece,
649B have 2 at $200/handpiece.
Call 616-453-6323.
Dr. Matthew T. Lubbers has a Part-Time, Soon to be Full-time, Dental Associate Opportunity – available
in his successful, well-established,
growing, and privately owned general
dentistry practice located between
Holland and Grand Rapids, MI.
Hudsonville Family Dentistry offers
the entire family a quality dental
experience in a comfortable setting.
We are looking for a motivated, posi-
tive, and compassionate dentist with
an outgoing personality who wants to
make a difference in the lives of his/
her patients. If you feel you fit this
description and are looking for a
long-term relationship with growth
potential with an outstanding team,
please send your resume to:
For Sale – Lab Master Foster Model
Trimmer, Model # MT115, like new
$400. Contact 616.949.7510.
We are looking for a confident, personable, and energetic dentist who
has a positive attitude and relates well
with others. You will enjoy the tradi-
tional doctor-patient relationship in
a team environment, with the profes-
sional and clinical support you need
to best service your patients. You will
also enjoy living within a short drive
from Lake Michigan, fine inland lakes,
rivers, and woodlands. Swim, hunt,
fish, golf, ski, or go boating, all within
minutes from home. The area also
boasts of fine restaurants, breweries,
orchards, and vineyards. Live where
many others come to vacation!
Candidates must be competent
with all restorative procedures, and
be comfortable with extractions,
endodontic and prosthodontic pro-
cedures, and be focused on excellent
patient care.
If you fit this description and are
looking for a long-term relationship
with growth potential with an
outstanding team, please send the
following documents to
Cover Letter - Explaining who you
are, what you are looking for in an
associate’s position, your qualifica-
tions, skills, talents, and what makes
you uniquely qualified for this position.
Curriculum Vitae – Including
employment history, with references,
education, licensure, and current
contact information.
The classified ad rate is $10.00 up to and including 30 words; additional words 15¢ each. Space permitting, WMDDS members may
place ads free of charge as a membership service. Ads should be submitted in writing and sent with payment to Elaine Fleming,
WMDDS, 511-F Waters Building, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Telephone numbers and hyphenations count as two words, abbrevia-
tions count as one word. Ads received after the first of the month prior to publication may appear in the following issue.
Part-time Dentist needed at Ferris State University’s Dental Hygiene Clinic – Dentist needed 1–2 days a
week to provide legal clinical coverage,
conduct and supervise clinical per-
formance of dental hygiene students,
and act as a dental resource person for
clinical dental hygiene faculty, staff,
and students. For further information,
please email [email protected]
or call 231.591.2284. Detailed posting
and application available at
https://employment.ferris.edu/
Panoramic x-ray unit (Gendex GX Pan. 70-98KVp. Film Size 5” x 12”) for Sale – Was in a good working
order when disassembled by dental
technicians. No longer needed.
Asking $2000 O.B.O. Please email
General Dental Practice in Walker, MI – Two ops. Third room can be
equipped. 825 active patients. New
equipment. Well-maintained suite.
Lease transferable. Asking $100,000.
Interested parties please contact
Associateship opportunity in NE Grand Rapids – Busy, established
practice; 3-4 days per week available.
Potential for future partnership.
Please call 616.742.6735 or email:
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2015 39
C L A S S I F I E D A D S
Holland, Michigan – Associate dentist
needed for busy practice one or two
days a week. Would prefer Fridays. A
bit early but will be retiring in three to
five years. Fee-for-service practice with
no medicare/medicaid. Please contact
Kate at 616.399.4490.
Part Time Associate Dentist – posi-
tion is available at the office of Dr.
Sam Bander, Cosmetic and Family
Dentistry. Dr. Bander is a well estab-
lished general dentist in the southeast
Grand Rapids area. He is a graduate
of the Misch International Implant
Institute in Beverly Hills, MI and
the renowned Kois Center in Seattle,
WA. Dr. Bander is now a mentor at
the Kois Center. Our office is a 2500
sq. ft., state-of-the-art facility with
room for expansion. Our practice is
completely paperless, uses dentrix
software and all digital x-rays. We are
a busy practice providing a range of
dental services from routine preven-
tion and maintenance to full mouth
reconstruction, cosmetic dentistry and
implant placement. The position is
2-3 days per week with the probability
of growing and possibly progressing
to partnership. Ideal candidate would
have 2 to 5 years of experience and
enjoy all phases of dentistry. Please
submit resume to drsambander@
gmail.com or contact Dr. Bander at
616.949.5980. Visit our website at
www.drsambander.com.
Dental Equipment for Sale – After
merging two offices, I have 4 rooms
full of dental equipment for sale.
Everything is in good shape and work-
ing order (no junk). All equipment is
still installed and can be tested before
you buy it. X-ray units, cabinets,
panoramic, Dent-X 9000, Zoom, c
ompressor, air dryer, suction, lab
equipment and much more. Just ask
me and there’s a chance I have it.
Please email me with your questions
to: [email protected].
Dental Dreams desires motivated, quality oriented associate dentist –
for its offices in Muskegon,
Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Saginaw,
Flint, Ypsilanti and Eastpointe – out-
side Detroit. At Dental Dreams, we
focus on providing the entire family
superior quality general dentistry in
a modern technologically advanced
setting with experienced support staff.
Our average colleague dentist earns on
average $230,000 per year plus ben-
efits. Sign on/relocation bonus for cer-
tain locations. Please contact Kristyn
McIntosh at 312.274.4530 or email
Exciting Opportunities – for dentists,
hygienists, and assistants to provide
children with quality dental care in
schools in Southeast and Western
Michigan. No evenings or weekends.
Email resumes to:
The Bulletin wishes to thank our valued
advertisers who support organized
dentistry by helping to defray the cost
of printing and mailing.
Advertising in the Bulletin is seen
by over 90% of the dentists in the
West Michigan District. This includes
five of the fastest growing counties
in the state: Kent, Ottawa, Ionia,
Montcalm and Mecosta.
For information on advertising rates,
call Elaine Fleming, WMDDS Executive
Secretary at 234-5605. Target your Market
– advertise in the Bulletin!
Beene Garter ......................................37
DDS Integration .... outside back cover
Davis Dental
Laboratory ............... inside front cover
Founders Bank & Trust ......................5
Great Lakes Financial .......................33
Henry Schein ............inside back cover
Hungerford Nichols .........................31
Lake Michigan Credit Union ...........22
MDA IFG ...........................................25
Merrill Lynch ....................................26
Smith Haughey .................................40
Studio 2 Dental .................................17
A D V E R T I S E R I N D E X
Mission Statement: An organization dedicated to the improvement of oral health through the
financial support of education and service programs to address the needs identified by the dental
profession and the communities it serves in Kent, Ottawa, Ionia, Mecosta and Montcalm counties.
West Michigan Dental Foundation Annual Golf Outing
Friday May 15, 2015
NEW LOCATION: Thousand Oaks Golf Club
WATCh FOr rEGIsTrATION FOrMs TO ArrIvE IN MArCh 2015.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 201540
Ann Arbor GrAnd rApids MuskeGon TrAverse CiTy
Contact Nicholas H. Vander Veen
FROM START TO FINISH.
Practice transitions
Partnership formations
Associate agreements
616-458-5283 | [email protected]
Our attorneys are here every step of the way.
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training, to seminars on dental coding,we’ve got the tools to support you.
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Only Henry Schein can offer such a vast array of strategic resourcesthat encompass everything you need to succeed, plus...
Over 90,000 products In-stock, ready to ship Fast, same-day shipping
Rely on Usto help you operate a productive practice.
Grand Rapids Center616.791.23582689 Walkent Dr. NW, Suite F, Grand Rapids, MI 49544
15DM3010 Regional Ad_Layout 1 1/15/15 9:15 AM Page 1
WEST MICHIGAN DENTAL SOCIETY
511-F Waters Building
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
PrsrT sTDUs POsTAGE
PAIDGrAND rAPIDs, MI
PErMIT # 657