GDA Action March 2009

1859 2009

ACTIONACTIONTHE JOURNAL OF THE GEORGIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION FEBRUARY 2009THE JOURNAL OF THE GEORGIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION FEBRUARY 2009

C e l e b r a t i n g 1 5 0 Y e a r s o f S e r v i c e & A d v o c a c yC e l e b r a t i n g 1 5 0 Y e a r s o f S e r v i c e & A d v o c a c y

1859 2009

GDAction March 2009 USING.qxd 3/9/09 6:15 AM

ADS South . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

AFTCO Transition Consultants . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Atlanta Age Management Medicine . . . . . . . . .22

Center for TMJ Therapy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

The Doctor’s Safety Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Entaire Global Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

GDA Dental Recovery Network . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Georgia Dental Insurance Services . . . . . . . . .32

Great Expressions Dental Centers . . . . . . . . . .21

Hungeling & Sons PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Law Office of Stuart J. Oberman . . . . . . . . . . .26

Medical Protective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Miles & Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Paragon Dental Practice Transitions . . . . . . . .28

Professional Debt Recovery Services . . . . . . . .7

Professional Practice Management . . . . . . . . .28

Riemser Dental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Southeast Transitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

index of advertisers

GDA ACTION (ISSN 0273-5989) The official publication ofthe Georgia Dental Association (GDA) is published monthly.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to GDA Action at7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Road N.E., Suite 200,Building 17, Atlanta, GA 30328. Phone numbers in state are(404) 636-7553 and (800) 432-4357. www.gadental.org.

Closing date for copy: first of the month preceding publicationmonth. Subscriptions: $17 of membership dues is for thenewsletter; all others, $75 per year. Periodicals postage paidat Atlanta, GA.

Dr. Jonathan Dubin Delaine HallGDA Editor GDA Managing Editor2970 Clairmont Rd 7000 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NESuite 195 Suite 200, Building 17Atlanta, GA 30329 Atlanta, GA 30328

2008-2009 Georgia Dental Association Officers Mark S. Ritz, DDS, PresidentKent H. Percy, DDS, President ElectJohn F. Harrington Jr., DDS, Vice PresidentJames B. Hall III, DDS, MS, Secretary/TreasurerJonathan S. Dubin, DMD, Editor

GDA/GDIS/PDRS Executive Office Staff Members

Martha S. Phillips, Executive DirectorLisa Chandler, Director of Member Services

Nelda H. Greene, MBA, Associate Executive Director

Delaine Hall, Director of Communications

Skip Jones, Director of Operations (PDRS)

Barbara Kaul, Property and Casualty Accounts Manager

Courtney Layfield, Director of Administrative Services

Victoria LeMaire, Medical Accounts Manager

Melana Kopman McClatchey, General Counsel

Denis Mucha, Director of Operations (GDIS)

George Stewart, Operations Manager (PDRS)

Phyllis Willich, Administrative Assistant

Pamela K. Yungk, Director of Membership & Finance

GDA Action seeks to be an issues-driven journal focusing on current mattersaffecting Georgia dentists, patients, and their treatment, accomplished throughdisseminating information and providing a forum for member commentary.

© Copyright 2009 by the Georgia Dental Association. All rights reserved. No partof this publication may be reproduced without written permission. Publicationof any article or advertisement should not be deemed an endorsement of theopinions expressed or products advertised. The Association expressly reservesthe right to refuse publication of any article, photograph, or advertisement.

16 History Spotlight: GDA and Women in Dentistry

18 Wage and Hour Issues Affecting CE Vacations

20 Annual Meeting Preview: CE Speakers & Spa Appointments

21 Tips on Improving How YouCommunicate in the Dental Office

25 Annual Meeting Hotel RoomReservation Form

4 Parting Shots

5 Editorial

6 President’s Commentary

10 News and Views

23 Minutes

24 Event Calendar

27 Classifieds

As a part of its 150 Year celebration, the GDAinstituted a "150 Faces" service project tocelebrate the charitable care that dentists havehistorically provided to patients in need. Thecover highlights just a few of the dentists whoshared their touching stories. Turn to page 14 forinformation on how the GDA has used the 150Faces campaign to educate legislators, and visitwww.gadental.org for all of the stories andphotos submitted by dentists for the campaign.Shown on the cover are Drs. Marya Barnes, HenryBenson Jr., Lou Ann Best, Jinnie Cleveland,Barry Clower, Amanda Conti, Celia Dunn, BenDuval, Michael Frazier, Doug Giorgio Jr., DidierGuillaume, Jay Harris, Chris Hasty, Douglas Kallis,Clarence Kegler, Kara Moore, Thomas Moynahan,Neal Pylant, Rene Roberts, Alan Sanders, LarrySchmitz, Jeff Serff, Rhoda Sword, Dorsey Lee VanHorn, and Janice Wilmot along with their patients.

other features sections

on the cover

Member Publication American Association of Dental Editors

ACTION

V O L U M E 2 9 , N U M B E R 3 • M A R C H 2 0 0 9

Note: Publication of an advertisement is not to be construed as anendorsement or approval by the GDA or any of its subsidiaries,committees, or task forces of the product or service offered in the

advertisement unless the advertisement specifically includes anauthorized statement that such approval or endorsement hasbeen granted.


4 GDA ACTIONMARCH 2009


The first shot has been fired in the campaignthat may be titled “The War for UniversalHealthcare.” It could be that the perfectstorm is upon us and we are awash in theurgency of our economy. We have our economyin a recessional tailspin teetering on depression;we have our electoral mandate sweeping in anew Democratic administration and hog-tyingthe Republican minority in Congress; and wehave masses real or imagined braying forrelief of medical costs. So Congress is workingan economic stimulus bill moments after ournew President has secured government-backed health care for 11 million additionalchildren.

Let us look at this situation for a minute.No one would deny a child health care, just asno one would deny dental care for thosechildren (and dental care is definitely includedas a mandate in the State Children’s HealthInsurance Program, or SCHIP, expansionsigned into law by President Obama). In den-tistry, we make great efforts to alleviate dentalneeds for needy children. Give Kids a SmileDay just passed and I would challenge anyoneto find fault with dentistry’s efforts during thatcharitable event. We fight each year to keepdental codes in place in the state Medicaidand PeachCare for Kids programs and tomaintain or increase those programs’ alreadyextremely low reimbursement rates in orderto secure providers and treatment. But here ismy problem: SCHIP (a.k.a. PeachCare inGeorgia) was intended as and should remain aproduct for the working poor. We in Georgiahave defined ‘working poor’ as those makingless than 235% of the Federal Poverty Level,or $42,000 for a family of four. This I believeis more than reasonable, and I see two bigproblems with going above this figure:

1) Those making more than the 235% can andshould afford to provide for their children’s care.They must make that choice of providing theirchildren that care over other electable expenses.

2) Including more people in the plan, evenwith the Federal government covering thestate’s costs, will tax (no pun intended) a systemalready fraught with problems created by theCMO-run Medicaid / Peachcare program,

such as limits on the number of providers,mass expulsions of providers, and slashingalready too-low fees just to name a few.

Here is my fear. Providing quality dentalcare takes time, effort, and overhead on top ofour skill sets. If the government includes coveragefor children of all financial means, will ourGeorgia CMOs open up provider enrollment?And if the CMOs do this, and they keep the(in my opinion, insulting) fee schedule, whowill enroll, and who will be able to make aprofit? Like it or not, we are small businesses,precisely the animal that our governmentclaims to seek to help. So my fear is that wewill be working for minimum wage, so tospeak, and the overall quality of care will fall.If the stimulus bill does the same for adultinsurance coverage and mandates the inclusionof dental care as does the SCHIP expansionplan, where then will that leave us? I knowthis is supposed to be a temporary entitlement,but how hard will it be to take something awayonce it is handed to someone? (At least if I wasworking at minimum wage I could probablyqualify to get my children covered.)

The GDA has advised state governmentofficials on how to make PeachCare andMedicaid work—strictly enforcing eligibilitystandards, carving out dental care from the largerstate budget, bidding out the administrationof dental services, and selecting only oneadministrative vendor to establish a single setof guidelines. That advice has gone largelyignored. Will government take our advice now?

We tout that “Dentistry is the Healthcarethat Works,” and for the most part it is true. Ourlist of advancements and accomplishmentsover the past century speaks for itself; maybeto deaf ears. We cannot allow this economicdownturn and access to care issues to undothe good we have attained or damage ourprofession’s future. This is the time to voiceour concerns, and push our expertise into thedebates. Membership in organized dentistry isparamount in these times. The battle is upon us.

5GDA ACTIONMARCH 2009

First Shot Fired

Jonathan S. Dubin, DMD

editorialperspective

xx



The idea of a midlevel dental provider—someone not trained as a dentist who per-forms services, such as extractions, traditional-ly reserved for dentists—has gained tractionover the past few years. You may rememberthe introduction of the Dental Health AideTherapist (DHAT) program in Alaska, whereindividuals trained in a two-year program inNew Zealand began to provide dental care,including routine extractions and fillings, toresidents in remote Native Alaskan villages.(DENTEX, the University of WashingtonSchool of Medicine’s Dental Health AideTherapist Program, now trains DHATs inAnchorage, Alaska.) Now, a midlevel dentalprovider is on the brink of being created inMinnesota.

Meanwhile, Maine officials authorizedthe creation of an independent dental hygienepractitioner in 2008. While this provider is notcurrently authorized to perform traditionaldental procedures, in 2009, the Maine legisla-ture is reviewing bills that would expand thefunctions of this practitioner.

This article will examine the situations inMinnesota and Maine, and sum up with somethoughts regarding the potential impact ofthese new categories of dental practitioners onthe dental profession.

The Midlevel DentalProvider in MinnesotaDr. Lee Jess, the president of the MinnesotaDental Association (MDA), recently wrote aletter to MDA members to update them onlegislation that will create a midlevel dentalpractitioner. His letter is to the point: “Thereis little doubt that within the next three years,we will see the first mid-level dental practi-tioners graduate and begin practicing inMinnesota.”

The situation began in February 2008,when legislation was introduced in theMinnesota legislature to create an Advanced

Dental Hygiene Practitioner (ADHP). Again,Dr. Jess’ letter is goes to the point: “An ADHPwould have to be a dental hygienist, have aspecified number of years of dental hygienepractice, and have graduated from a master’sdegree level ADHP program in order to belicensed. The ADHP would be allowed todiagnose, prescribe and perform surgicalprocedures—restorations and extractions—for children and adults under a collaborativemanagement agreement with a dentist. Thatis, the ADHP would be able to operatewithout a dentist being present or ever havingexamined the patient.” In addition, theAmerican Dental Hygienists’ Association, notthe Commission on Dental Accreditation(CODA), would accredit the ADHP educa-tional program, and the ADHP would not beobligated to serve underserved populations.

The MDA opposed the ADHP legislation.The ADHP legislation failed to pass, butlanguage creating an Oral Health Practitioner(OHP) was attached to a 2008 higher educationpolicy bill, which did pass. A 13-member workgroup was created and tasked with makingrecommendations about the education, scopeof practice, and supervision of the OHP—defining a midlevel dental provider inMinnesota—to the legislature by January 15, 2009.

The work group issued recommendations,but not unanimous ones—the MDA opposedthe majority’s ideas, which advocate, accordingto Dr. Jess’ letter, a scope of practice similarto the original ADHP legislation; generalsupervision under a collaborative managementagreement (meaning that a dentist would notneed to be present when the OHP performssurgical or restorative procedures); andaccreditation of OHP educational programsby the Board of Dentistry, not CODA.

The MDA issued a dissenting reportwith 15 recommendations for the creation ofan OHP, including ensuring CODA accreditationfor the OHP educational program, having a

Midlevel Providers and IndependentDental Hygiene Practitioners:They’re Here…What Now?

Mark S. Ritz, DDSGDA President

president’scommentary



dentist onsite if an OHP provides surgicalprocedures (and having a dentist providean examination, diagnosis, and treatmentplan beforehand), preventing the OHPfrom extracting permanent teeth orprescribing medications, and requiringthat at least 50% of an OHP’s patients befrom underserved populations.

Because of the lack of consensus, theMinnesota legislature will now settle theissue. They are at press time consideringtwo bills. One, opposed by the MDA,would create an OHP mirrored on thework group’s majority report. The secondbill, supported by the MDA, authorizesstarting a dental therapist program at theUniversity of Minnesota School ofDentistry this fall along the lines of theMDA’s recommendations. This therapist,according to Dr. Jess’ letter, would not bean independent practitioner, but amember of the dental team who wouldexpand non-profit, community clinicorganizations’ capacities to provide moreservices to underserved populations.

The Independent DentalHygiene Practitioner in MaineWhile the Maine Department ofProfessional and Financial Regulationrecently recommended no action be takenon a proposal to create a midlevel dentalhygiene practitioner, in July 2008, Mainebecame the second state to authorize theindependent practice of dental hygieneregardless of setting (Colorado was thefirst). The Maine Dental Hygienists’Association contends that independentpractice would increase the availability ofservices to the public

An Independent Practice DentalHygienist (IPDH) must meet staterequirements for licensure as a dentalhygienist and, in addition, must eitherhave an associate degree in dental hygienewith three years or 6,000 hours of clinicalpractice in a private dental practice or den-tal clinic, or a bachelor’s degree in dentalhygiene with one year or 2,000 work hoursof clinical practice in a private dentalpractice or dental clinic. An IPDH may

perform the following procedures withoutsupervision by a dentist: record patientmedical and dental histories; recordpatient blood pressure, pulse, and temper-ature; perform oral inspections (recordingconditions that should be called to theattention of a dentist); periodontal anddental restorative charting; prophylaxis,including root planing; fluoride applica-tion; application of desensitizing agents,topical anesthetics, sealants, and topicalantimicrobials (excluding antibiotics);smooth and polish amalgam restorations(slow speed application only); cement ponticsand facings outside the mouth; takeimpressions for athletic mouth guards andcustom fluoride trays; place and removerubber dams; and place temporaryrestorations in compliance with Board rules.

The IPDH must provide a patientwith a written referral plan to a dentistfor any necessary dental care and have

PRESIDENT’S COMMENTARYContinued on page 8



each patient sign an acknowledgementform that informs the patient that thepractitioner is not a dentist and theservices rendered are not restorative. AnIPDH can operate their own businessor be employed by a dentist, denturist,another IPDH, or a business owned by anon-dental professional. There is norequirement for an IPDH to serveunderserved individuals.

One IPDH practice, Mid-CoastDental Hygiene Services, states that itsIPDH and licensed denturist proprietors(since 2001, Maine has licensed denturistsand permitted licensed denturists to offertheir services directly to the public withoutsupervision of a dentist) “are working tobring much needed care to local nursinghomes by providing screenings, denturecare, dental cleanings, and to assist inretaining resources for patients who maynot have an opportunity to visit a dentaloffice.” (The Lincoln County News,February 11, 2009).

Proponents of the IPDH have notstopped their legislative efforts. Billscurrently before the Maine legislaturewould allow IPDHs to perform x-rays andown x-ray equipment, include IPDHs asrecognized providers in the MaineCareMedicaid program, and mandate coveragefor dental services performed by an IPDHfrom insurers that issue individual dentalor health insurance that includes coveragefor dental services.

Perspectives on Creating MultipleCategories of Dental ProvidersThe idea of deploying a provider otherthan a dentist to care for dental patients isguaranteed to provoke strong opinions.When I shared the Minnesota informationwith GDA Editor Dr. Jonathan Dubin, hesaid, “If there is money in Minnesota topay for the services of a midlevel provider,than why is there not a viable plan toattract dentists into areas of need? If thestate’s goal is to serve the underserved, thisthen is properly a matter of attracting anddistributing dentists in these areas.Without the vision needed for resolution,it will take years of training to produce amidlevel provider and then years to findthat they are left with the same issues withthe additional problem of what to do with

this new category of provider. Perhapsthey will be able to enter dental school.”

Dr. Darryl Beard of the Illinois StateDental Society wrote an article in 2008regarding the 18-month DHAT program Ithought was astute. He stated that, “Wehave made dentistry look so easy … thatour assistants as well as our patientsbelieve that anyone can do it. Weupdate their medical history with casualconversation, use topical anesthetic, agentle injection, rubber dam and, voila,the restoration is finished before theyknow it. It is almost as though the toothmagically filled itself … We have made ourprofession look so easy that our legislatorsbelieve that a high school graduate and 18months of training can do what it has takenus eight years to learn and accomplish …Some legislators believe that this may bethe answer to our access to care problem.We need to let our legislators know that 18months of lessons or education does not“sound” like the answer.”

All Georgians would benefit from thehealth and well being benefits provided byregular dental care. But the reasons thatindividuals cannot—or do not—access

such care are complex. There is theindividual’s perceived need for care toconsider and their level of personalresponsibility for their health as well astheir financial circumstances, health IQand behaviors, cultural preferences, andtransportation issues. We must alsolook at the distribution of dentists as acontributing factor, as well as adminis-trative decisions made by the companiesdirecting Medicaid and SCHIP programsas an important influence on dentists’actions. The GDA leadership opposes theimplementation of any “solution,” which inmy opinion includes a midlevel provider orindependent dental hygienist, that couldpotentially force poorer Georgians toaccept a lower standard of care.

What are your thoughts? Email theGDA office at [email protected] toexpress your opinions to the GDA leader-ship. What happens in Minnesota, Maine,and other states exploring new categoriesof dental providers will affect actions at theADA House of Delegates this fall, andimpact other actions in Georgia in theyears to come.

PRESIDENT’S COMMENTARYContinued from page 7



GDA sponsors MCG dental student LAW Day

membersin the news

The second annual GDA LAW Day conducted especially forMedical College of Georgia School of Dentistry students was heldon February 4. Braving chilly temperatures and a bus breakdown,35 students along with dental Dean Connie Drisko and AssociateDean Carole Hanes traveled from Augusta to the Capitol inAtlanta to meet with their legislators, and then on to the GDAexecutive office for lunch and an overview of GDA services fromGDIS, PDRS, and GDA staff members. The event was onceagain a great success, and plans are being made for the thirdevent in 2010.

The students were joined at the LAW Day by Dr. JanineBethea-Freihaut. Her husband, Dr. John Freihaut, who passedaway in 2007, sponsored governmental affairs lectures at MCG.The 2009 GDA LAW Day pins are emblazoned with Dr. Freihaut’sinitials to honor his legislative involvement.

Kudos to the students who showed interest in the legislativeprocess and made the time to attend this important GDAlegislative function.

Darron AlvordWilliam BennettRyan BloomquistMichael CarrRyan CoxChris DeLeonShannon FatehiSabina GuptaBrett HesterAshley HillPaul HincheyLeigh Howell

Jeff IngallsArti JagirdarJonathan JohnsonLauren LeeJerome MartinSara MitchellWilliam MooreAshley MossAlan MyersJack O’NealAlaina PancioTommy Peterson

Patrice RobbinsRichard SchalkAnna SchultzFrancesca SetaCourtney ShawGran SumrallLeigh Ann TrotterRyan WeldonBrandon WhitworthBart WilsonMary Wolfe

Dentist Senators Dr. Lee Hawkins and Dr. Lester Jackson join MCG dental Dean Connie Drisko, Associate Dean Carole Hanes, Dr.Janine Bethea-Freihaut, GDA Executive Director Martha Phillips, and 35 students from the Medical College of Georgia School ofDentistry at the Capitol on February 4 for LAW Day.



GDA members join Georgia Tech pre-dental students for outreach event

On December 20, 2008, students from theGeorgia Institute of Technology and theMedical College of Georgia, along with thesupport of volunteer dentists, teamed upto offer a day of their holiday vacation toserve those in need.

The event, held at the City of Refuge’sfacilities in downtown Atlanta, was theGeorgia Tech Pre-Dental Society’s secondoutreach event. Their first outreach eventwas held at the Atlanta Day Shelter forWomen and Children in April 2008. TheCity of Refuge, which offers a variety ofresources and services to Atlanta familiesin need, was excited to support the Pre-Dental Society in their efforts to help thecommunity.

Atlanta area volunteer dentists Dr.Evis Babo and Dr. John Harden helpedthe students provide free screenings formore than 40 patients, 29 of whom werechildren. Cleanings and sealants wereprovided for 20 of the children. Thosepatients with urgent needs were giveninformation on local free or low-costdental clinics where they could pursuefurther dental treatment. All who werescreened were given small bags containingtoothpaste, floss, a toothbrush, and oralhygiene instructions.

The Georgia Tech Pre-Dental societywas founded in 2004 by Shannon Fatehi,currently a freshman at MCG’s School ofDentistry. Other volunteers at the eventincluded Outreach Coordinator and lastyear’s Pre-Dental Society President JamesLee, current president Ron Hassanzadeh,Abhinav Bhatnagar, Jina Kang, HarshangPatel, and Lynn Tsai. MCG dental studentsincluded freshmen Shannon Fatehi, SarahPadolsky, Dhruti Patel, and junior studentShivane Gupta. The event was also madepossible by a generous donation of $2,000from Delta Dental of California.

Lee said that he hopes such activitieswill help students realize the great need inthe community for dental health and fur-ther their passion and pursuit towardsmaking a difference. He went on to say,

“These events are a great way for thePre-Dental Society to give back to thecommunity as well as strengthen its tieswith students from the Medical Collegeof Georgia.”

Aside from the outreach events,Georgia Tech’s pre-dental students assistMCG seniors in the summer duringexternships at the Ben Massell Clinic inAtlanta. Currently the Georgia TechPre-Dental Society plans to have theseoutreach events semi-annually and wantsto help other universities coordinatesimilar events in their communities.

GDA members (from left) Dr. John Hardenand Dr. Evis Babo with Georgia Tech Pre-Dental Society Outreach CoordinatorJames Lee at the Society’s dental careevent at Atlanta’s City of Refuge.

Shivane GuptaThird Year, MCG School of Dentistry



Members inducted into PFA Georgia Section

The Georgia Section of the PierreFauchard Academy inducted new mem-bers during its meeting in early Februaryat the Ritz Carlton Reynolds Plantationnear Lake Oconee. Congratulations to newFellows Dr. Joseph Arnold, Dr. DarenBecker, Dr. Jack Bickford, Dr. Don Brown,

Dr. Chris Hasty, Dr. Mike Loden, Dr.George Mason, Dr. Tom Jagor, Dr. RhodaSword, Dr. Barry Stacey, Dr. TimShaughnessy, Dr. Walt Stewart, Dr.Richard Thomas Jr., and Dr. Erik Wells.These new dentist inductees were joinedby inductee Mrs. Martha Phillips,

Executive Director of the Georgia DentalAssociation. The group was welcomed tothe Pierre Fauchard Academy by PFAInternational President Dr. Charles Eller,PFA Region 3 Trustee Dr. KarynStockwell, and PFA Section Chair Dr. JayHarrington.

New PFA inductees (l to r): Drs. Mike Loden, Tom Jagor,Daren Becker, Don Brown, Chris Hasty, Rhoda Sword,George Mason, Barry Stacey, Erik Wells, Walt Stewart, andJack Bickford.

(L to r): PFA International President Dr. Charles Eller,PFA Region 3 Trustee Dr. Karyn Stockwell, new PFAFellow Martha Phillips, and PFA Georgia SectionChair Dr. Jay Harrington.



ADA hosts 23rd new dentist conference

Distinguished speakers are slated to discuss oral health issues cur-rently before Congress and their impact on the dental professionas well as clinical and practice issues at the ADA’s New DentistConference at the Hyatt Regency in Miami, Florida, April 30 toMay 2, 2009.

Dentists are invited to join the ADA Committee on the NewDentist for a weekend of networking, continuing education, andcamaraderie at a conference that caters to the unique needs of newdentists—dentists who have been in practice less than 10 years.

Topics offered at this year’s conference cover a wide range ofissues from the science of dentistry to the business of dentistrysuch as a cone beam imaging, soft tissue lesions of the oral cavity,and how to run a dental practice. Attendees can earn up to 11 cred-it hours and have the opportunity to participate in special pro-gramming from the ADA-Pankey Education Connection includinghands-on workshops to be conducted at The Pankey Institute.

For more information, or to register online, visitwww.ada.org/goto/newdentconf.

Alabama judge declarescommercial tooth whitening illegal

In an order issued on February 5, 2009,Montgomery County Circuit Court JudgeTracey McCooey ruled that teeth whiten-ing procedures being performed in beautyparlors, free-standing kiosks, and othercommercial settings constituted the practiceof dentistry. Judge McCooey declared that“…the court finds that the processes bywhich the plaintiffs provide teeth whiteningservices constitute the performance of adental operation and not merely the sale ofa product. Simply put, the fact that citizensof this state may purchase and apply toothwhitening products approved by the FDAfor ‘over the counter’ sale in their homesdoes not permit plaintiffs or others notproperly licensed to advertise and performdental services or operations which affectthe public health, safety and welfare.”

Judge McCooey’s ruling was inresponse to a lawsuit filed by White SmileUSA, Inc. and one of that company’s busi-ness partners D’Markos, L.L.C. As ofresult of Judge McCooey’s ruling, theBoard of Dental Examiners of Alabamawill inform all commercial tooth whiteningbusinesses in Alabama that they are in vio-lation of Alabama law and their failure tocease and desist will subject them toappropriate action by the Board.

Judge McCooey noted that Alabamalaw provides that an individual is “… deemedto be practicing dentistry who performs orattempts or professes to perform any dentaloperation or dental service of any kind,gratuitously or for (compensation) ….”Judge McCooey’s ruling further stated“…the teeth whitening services providedand activities performed by the (plaintiffs)…fall within the scope of the practice of

dentistry. . .” During oral arguments, theplaintiff’s attorney asserted that the employeesof White Smile USA did nothing morethan facilitate their customers in using thecompany’s products to whiten their own teeth.

Judge McCooey said printed exhibitspresented by the Dental Board’s counsel,James Ward, refuted the plaintiff’s claim ofpassive involvement with their customers.The Judge stated; “…the Court finds it sig-nificant that the Plaintiff White SmileUSA, Inc. has adopted and published to itsbusiness partners, including PlaintiffD’Markos, L.L.C., ‘Application Instructions’for their cosmetic teeth whitening systemthat include a process of some twenty-sevendifferent steps, many of which call for activeparticipation by the technicians identifiedin White Smile USA’s own literature as‘cosmetic teeth whitening specialists.’ The‘Application Instructions’ are part of aWhite Smile USA’s twelve page ‘TrainingManual,’ the mere existence of which theCourt believes underscores the significantdifferences between the processes by whichthe Plaintiffs provide teeth whitening servicesand any teeth whitening products approvedby the FDA for ‘over the counter’ sale.”

Judge McCooey also cited White Smilefor possibly compromising the health andsafety of its customers in performing teethwhitening. “The Court notes the numerousproclamations regarding the safety of theproduct and processes made in WhiteSmile USA’s literature... It is the Court’sopinion that White Smile USA’s attempt toemphasize safety accentuates what is clearlyan important aspect of this case; thehealth, safety and welfare of the citizenryof this state. The Court finds that the processesby which the Plaintiffs provide teethwhitening services involve a number ofhealth and safety issues, including but notlimited to risk of cross-contamination andthe spread of disease and / or infection.Therefore, it is in the best interest of thehealth, safety and welfare of the public thatsuch activities be subject to regulation bythe Board as the practice of dentistry. TheCourt also notes that while White Smile USA’sconsent form makes reference to potentialrisks, it does not identify all instances whereteeth whitening is contraindicated. The Courtfinds that a properly trained and licenseddentist will better serve the individual patientand the public at-large in this regard.”

Al West, DDS, who died January 23,2009, at the age of 78. Dr. West was amember of the GDA through theNorthern District. The 1955 Emory

University School of Dentistry graduateand general practitioner was a retiredADA Life Member.

The GDA extends sympathy to the family and colleagues of the following individual. For afull obituary on this member dentist, visit www.gadental.org or call the GDA office.

In Memoriam



GDA 150 Faces Campaign CelebratesDentists’ Charitable Care Efforts

The Georgia Dental Association turns 150years old in 2009. As a part of its 150thanniversary celebration, the GDA instituteda fundraising project and a service project.The fundraising project centers aroundsales of a lapel pin and other commemora-tive items to raise money for the buildingfund of the Medical College of GeorgiaSchool of Dentistry. The service project,dubbed the “150 Faces Campaign,” wasinitiated to celebrate the charitable carethat dentists have historically provided topatients in need every day, such as theinstitutionalized elderly, underserved chil-dren, patients with special needs, and indi-viduals recovering from difficult lifeevents. Starting in 2008, dentists wereinvited to share their stories of providingcharitable care to patients in need until theGDA gathered 150 stories to share with leg-islators and other organizations throughout2009.

“This campaign was a great success,”said GDA President Dr. Mark Ritz. “I wantto thank all the dentists who submittedindividual cases, and the many more dentistswho notified the GDA about their workwith charitable clinics and organizationswho for a variety of reasons could not gather

personal information about their patients.The stories shared by our members highlightthe giving nature of dentists across Georgia,and that is what our 150th AnniversaryTask Force set out to accomplish. We couldhave featured far more than 150 faces.”

Once 150 cases were submitted, theGDA 150th Anniversary Task Force pre-pared a 6-minute overview video about thecampaign featuring interviews with Dr.Ritz and 150th Anniversary Task ForceChair Dr. Celeste Coggin (to view thevideo, and read all of the 150 Faces cases,visit www.gadental.org). This video,along with details and photos from each ofthe 150 cases, were most recently sharedwith Georgia’s legislators.

“We wanted to present the informationabout the 150 Faces Campaign to ourlegislators in a memorable way,” said Dr.Ritz. “So on February 11, following a GDALAW Day program, we enlisted the GDAAlliance to distribute wrapped packagescontaining a customized DVD featuringthe campaign video as well as our dentists’stories and photos, a flyer about the campaign,a brochure explaining all of GDA dentists’charitable efforts, and a package of purpleand white M&Ms. Alliance volunteers told

legislators that dentists from 54 citiescontributed stories, and that they shouldwatch their DVD to find a constituent.”

The Alliance spouse members (andhelpful dentists) who attended the LAWDay event and then distributed the DVDpackages were Alliance President SherryKendrick, Dr. Jeff Kendrick, Fran Brown,Dr. Donald Brown, Tammie Talbot, Dr.Jimmy Talbot, Dr. Janine Bethea-Freihaut,Debbie Torbush, Dr. Doug Torbush, GigiKudyba, and Dr. Paul Kudyba.

The 150 Faces Campaign also receivedrecognition in the state Senate and Houseof Representatives on February 11.

“The GDA was honored by havingresolutions in recognition of the Association’sanniversary and the 150 Faces Campaignread in both the House and Senate,” saidDr. Ritz. “We had a large turnout on thisday for LAW Day, and our dentist andAlliance members watched from the Houseand Senate galleries as the resolutionswere read. It was good to have large groupsof attendees who could stand and berecognized after the resolutions were read.”

The GDA received an extra measureof recognition in the state Senate, thanksto dentist Senators Greg Goggans, LeeHawkins, and Lester Jackson. Theyarranged for Dr. Ritz to join them and Lt.

Executive Director Martha Phillips andPresident Mark Ritz with the 150 FacesDVD gift pack distributed to legislatorson February 11.

Members of the GDA Alliance, Northern District Northern Branch, and Georgia DentalSociety attended the February 11 LAW Day at the Capitol, after which Alliance andGDA members distributed the 150 Faces DVD gift packs to legislators.



This resolution was read in both the State Senate and StateHouse of Representatives on February 11, 2009, and offi-cial copies of the resolutions were presented to the GDA forframing.

Commending the Georgia Dental Association; and for otherpurposes.

WHEREAS, the Georgia Dental Association is the premierprofessional dental organization in the State dedicated topromoting and upholding the highest standards of dentistry andpatient care for all Georgians through education, advocacy, andprofessionalism; and

WHEREAS, the Georgia Dental Association was established in1859 in the City of Macon, Georgia, moved its headquartersto Atlanta, Georgia, in 1975, and is celebrating its 150thanniversary in 2009; and

WHEREAS, the Georgia Dental Association commissioned a“150 Faces” service project in honor of this 150th anniversary tohighlight the charitable care that dentists in the State havetraditionally provided to patients in need, such as theinstitutionalized elderly, children in working poor families,special needs individuals, and others overcoming life’schallenges by focusing on the stories of 150 patients, to whomdentists donated approximately $758,000 in care for this singleproject, and which the Association shall commemorate by

producing a DVD documentary to be provided to State legisla-tors and on the Association Web site; and

WHEREAS, in a 2008 Georgia Dental Association membershipsurvey, 79.1% of responding dentists stated that they providedfree or reduced fee services to indigent persons, and almost halfstated that they provide between $1,000-10,000 in donatedservices annually; and

WHEREAS, the Georgia Dental Association has committed toraising special funds during its anniversary year through avariety of mechanisms to help fund the new dental educationalbuilding at the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry inAugusta, thus ensuring that Georgians will continue to receivecomprehensive, quality care from dentists trained in the finestoral care arts well into the 21st century; and

WHEREAS, the Georgia Dental Association remains dedicatedto advancing the profession of dentistry and improving the oralhealth of the public for another 150 years.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE /HOUSE that the members of this body recognize and commendthe Georgia Dental Association on the occasion of its 150thAnniversary in 2009 and for the many contributions made by theorganization and its member dentists in every Georgia County,throughout the State of Georgia, and across the Nation.

Georgia Senate, House Pass Resolutions Lauding GDA Anniversary

Governor Casey Cagle for photos on thefloor of the Senate, as well as to addressthe Senate with remarks (which weregreeted with loud applause). A video of theSenate resolution presentation and Dr.Ritz’s remarks is linked from the GDAWeb site www.gadental.org. To read theresolutions, see below.

“We plan to celebrate the GDA’s150th anniversary throughout 2009,” saidDr. Ritz, “but I must say that February 11was especially a highlight of the celebration.Thanks to our LAW Day attendees andAlliance volunteers for their help, andespecially all of our 150 Faces dentists fortheir contributions.”

150 Faces Dentist ContributorsTo view the GDA 150 Faces video, andread the 150 Faces stories shared by GDAmembers, visit www.gadental.org. Youmay also view the video of the GDA 150thanniversary resolution read before theSenate, and remarks by Lt. GovernorCagle and GDA President Ritz.

Dr. Gerald AdamsDr. Matt AdamsDr. Chris AdkinsDr. Gordon AustinDr. Evis BaboDr. George BakerDr. Marya BarnesDr. Bowen BeallDr. Alex BellDr. Henry Benson Jr.Dr. Lou Ann BestDr. Jack BickfordDr. David BordeauxDr. David BradberryDr. Hank BradfordDr. Gordon BradyDr. Laura BraswellDr. Kathy BrittinghamDr. Bruce CampDr. Jerry CappsDr. Robert Carpenter Jr.Dr. Albert CavesDr. George ChildressDr. Jinnie ClevelandDr. Barry ClowerDr. Celeste CogginDr. Byron Colley IIIDr. Amanda ContiDr. Thomas CunninghamDr. Lloyd DarbyDr. Brent DeptaDr. Jonathan DubinDr. Joe DufresneDr. Celia DunnDr. Phillip Durden

Dr. Ben DuvalDr. Lawrence EvansDr. David FagundesDr. Tara FogleDr. Michael FrazierDr. Greg FreemanDr. Timothy FussellDr. Richard GangwischDr. Katie GarvinDr. Douglas Giorgio Jr.Dr. Brad GreenwayDr. Didier GuillaumeDr. Scott HardenDr. Chris HarmanDr. Jay HarringtonDr. Jay HarrisDr. Chris HastyDr. William HinesDr. Lindsay HollidayDr. Jim HudsonDr. Mili HuntDr. Kenneth HutchinsonDr. Paul IslerDr. Ty IveyDr. John JacksonDr. Karen JacksonDr. Tom JagorDr. Ben Jernigan Jr.Dr. David KalishDr. Doug KallisDr. Clarence KeglerDr. Doug KerseyDr. Suzanne KingDr. Victor Koehler Dr. Paul Kudyba Jr.

Dr. Robert LaneDr. Mark LawrenceDr. Roy LehrmanDr. Amy LodenDr. Michael LongDr. Richman MargesonDr. Kendrick MathewsDr. Matt MazzawiDr. Dwight McLaurinDr. Guy McMasterDr. Dale MilesDr. Joe MillerDr. Bill MillerDr. Wendy MitchellDr. Kara MooreDr. William MoormanDr. Steve MorganDr. Donna Thomas MosesDr. Robert Moss Jr.Dr. Tom MoynahanDr. Tyler MyersDr. Jason MyersonDr. Don NealDr. Emmanuel NgohDr. Terry O’SheaDr. Phil ParhamDr. Edward ParisDr. John PeacockDr. Larry PerkinsDr. Ponnie PoisalDr. Neal PylantDr. Robin ReichDr. Mark RitzDr. Rene RobertsDr. Pat Salter

Dr. Alan SandersDr. Mark SayegDr. Larry SchmitzDr. Troy SchulmanDr. Jeff SerffDr. Rico ShortDr. Kent SimmonsDr. John Simmons IVDr. Matt SmithDr. Damaries Candelario-SotoDr. Thomas SparkmanDr. Don Spillers Jr.Dr. Wilkie StadekerDr. Walter StewartDr. Karyn StockwellDr. Rhoda SwordDr. Jimmy TalbotDr. Benjamin TannerDr. Steve TeaverDr. George ThomasDr. Bill TrotterDr. Phillip TullyDr. James TyrerDr. Dorsey Lee Van HornDr. John VollenweiderDr. Rod UribeDr. Becky WeinmanDr. Richard WeinmanDr. Bill WilliamsDr. Jay WilliamsDr. Janice WilmotDr. Carol WolffDr. Thomas Wright III



Women Dentists and the History of the Georgia Dental Association

1908Dr. Daisy Zachary McGuire became thefirst female dentist graduate of theSouthern Dental College in Atlanta. Thesecond daughter of North Carolina dentistDr. James Zachary, she apprenticed withher father in the hopes of becoming a den-tist. However, the founding of the NorthCarolina State Dental Board changed herplans. Since the board required dentists tobe licensed after certain education wasobtained, Dr. McGuire enrolled in theSouthern Dental College. She earned herdegree in 1908 and traveled back north tobecome the first woman in North Carolinalicensed to practice dentistry. She marriedWayne McGuire and together they openeda dental office on Main Street in Sylva,North Carolina. Wayne entered dentalschool and in 1911, graduated, and begantreating patients along with his wife. TheDrs. McGuire raised three daughters—Noracella, Patsy, and Kitty Dean—whobecame dentists. Dr. Zachary McGuire’sgrandson Patrick was in his first year indental school in 1977 when she decided toretire at the age of 97. (Fromwww.startsmilingtoday.com, the Web pageof Dr. Patrick McGuire of North Carolina.)

By the turn of the century, more than800 women practiced dentistry in theUnited States. The total continued tosurge until 1920, when women represent-ed 3 percent of all U.S. dentists. The per-centage hovered in that range for a halfcentury.

November 1961GDA member Dr. Virginia Englett ofAtlanta was elected as the President of theAssociation of American Women Dentists,and Dr. Marilyn Stone was elected asDistrict II Chair of the AAWD. TheAAWD was originally born as the Women’sDental Association in 1893. That organiza-tion lasted five years, and was reborn in

1921 as the Federation of AmericanWomen Dentists. The current AAWDname was adopted in 1929.

November 1965Dr. Marilyn Stone of Atlanta was installedas the President of the Association ofAmerican Women Dentists. When theJanuary 1966 issue of the Journal of theGeorgia Dental Association reported onthis achievement, the publication dutifullyadded that, “There are currently 14women dentists in Georgia. Eleven areCaucasian, one oriental, and two areNegroes. Of this group, seven are in gen-eral practice, three are pedodontists, twoare retired (to raise families), one is agraduate student in oral pathology and onewho is not licensed to practice in the U.S.is employed as an assistant in a dentaloffice.”

After completing work on her DDSdegree at Emory in 1955, Dr. Stone initial-ly set out to establish a practice in hernative Florida. However, she returned toGeorgia after encountering strong resist-ance among the dentists in the Palm Beacharea. One dentist told her frankly that heand his colleagues had discussed the mat-ter and would not refer a patient to awoman dentist under any circumstances.She got in her car and drove straight backto Georgia.

By 1970, U.S. dental schools had atotal of 231 women enrolled nationwide.But by 1975, the number of womenenrolled in U.S. dental schools had surgedto 1,861.

1974-75Dr. Anne Hanse became the first femaledentist to serve as President of the GDA’sCentral District Dental Society, andbecame the first female dentist to lead anyGDA district. This district has had multiplefemale dentist presidents.

December 1975GDA member Dr. Mary Lynn Morgan wasnamed the first female recipient of theNorthern District “Man of the Year”award. Years later, Dr. MarieSchweinebraten would receive the sameNorthern District award—and Dr. MaryLynn Morgan was the one who presentedher with the honor.

Dr. Morgan graduated from Atlanta-Southern Dental College in 1943, one ofthree women in the class, and practicedpediatric dentistry in Atlanta for 32 years.She joined three other dentists in foundingthe Georgia Society of Dentistry forChildren and served as the organization’spresident in 1961. She became anHonorable Fellow of the GDA in 1965.

1989Dr. Anne Hanse took office as the firstfemale president of the Georgia Board ofDentistry.

1990-91Dr. Carolyn Rude’ became the first femaledentist to serve as President of theNorthwestern District Dental Society. Thedistrict has had multiple female dentistpresidents. Dr. Rude’ was the only womanin her class at the University of TexasSchool of Dentistry when she began herstudies in 1963.

July 1997Dr. Marie Schweinebraten became thefirst female GDA state officer in theAssociation’s 138-year history when shewas elected as Vice President. She waspreviously a Northern District Editor,member of many other district commit-tees, and delegate to the GDA House ofDelegates.

In 2009, the GDA journal will examine various aspects of the GDA’s 150-year history. In honor of March as Women’s History Month,enjoy reading some highlights of the activities of Georgia’s women dentists. Do you want to read the longer chapter on the GDA andwomen in dentistry, and more about GDA history in general? Visit www.gadental.org to purchase the newly published GDA historybook Sesquicentennial for only $25!



1998-99Dr. Jennifer Diversi became the firstfemale dentist to serve as President of theNorthern District Dental Society, thus farthe only female dentist to serve as that dis-trict’s president.

1998-99Dr. Patricia Salter became the first femaledentist to serve as President of theWestern District Dental Society. Dr. CathyCook is currently serving as the district’ssecond female president.

July 1999Dr. Marie Schweinebraten became thefirst woman to serve as GDA president. Inher president’s feature in the July 1999GDA Action, she discussed that milestoneevent: “I’ve grown up in a time when I’vehad a lot of opportunities and where doorshave opened because I am female. I wentto a college, Washington and Jefferson,where I was in the first class which includ-ed women after almost 200 years. In den-

tal school, the ratio was about one womanto 20 males, and in the Army Dental Corpsthat ratio was even more unbalanced.Learning and working where there are fewother females is not new to me. On theother hand, this has produced a viewpointwhere I don’t look at becoming a femalepresident any differently than a lot of othersituations ... My concerns are basically thesame. I am here because I care for ourprofession and want to see it grow whilemaintaining the respect, intelligence, andvision it has been identified with for over100 years. If being female will attract someattention to the profession in a positiveway, and perhaps let other women under-stand that being part of organized dentistryshould be important for them, then I amflattered.”

May 2003Dr. Connie Drisko was named the firstfemale dean of the Medical College ofGeorgia School of Dentistry, and becameGeorgia’s first-ever female dental dean.

2005-06Dr. Louvenia Annette Rainge became thefirst female dentist to serve as President ofthe Eastern District Dental Society, thusfar the only female dentist to serve as thatdistrict’s president.

July 2007Dr. Donna Thomas Moses became thesecond female president of the GeorgiaDental Association. By the time Dr. Mosesreached the “home stretch” of her term aspresident in the spring of 2008, the GDAhad 535 women on its membership rolls,or about 17 percent of the association’smembership.

2007-08Dr. Beth Sheridan became the first femaledentist to serve as President of theSoutheastern District Dental Society, thusfar the only female dentist to serve as thatdistrict’s president.



Continuing Dental Education Cruises and Tours:Wage and Hour Issues for Dentists to Consider

Georgia dentists are required to completeno less than 40 hours, biennially, ofGeorgia Board of Dentistry-approvedcontinuing dental education. (O.C.G.A. §43-11-46.1; Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 150-3-.09.) Georgia dental hygienists arerequired to complete no less than 22hours, biennially. (O.C.G.A. § 43-11-73;Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 150-5-.05.) Dentalpractices sometimes offer to some or allof their professionals and staffers continuingdental education cruises (sometimes called“seminars at sea”) and travel tours. Inaddition to being a nice perk to rewardhard-working professionals and staffers,such continuing education cruises andtours may sometimes be tax-deductible,and in any event are an efficient means bywhich a practice may satisfy the continuingeducation requirements of its professionalsand staffers.

As a general rule, a practice does nothave a legal duty to pay the continuingeducation costs of its employees. Apractice may agree voluntarily to absorbthe continuing education costs of its dentalhygienists, but this is not a legal require-ment (unless the practice’s employmentcontracts with its dental hygienists requireotherwise). In any event, a practice proba-bly should clarify in its employment con-tracts or employee handbook whether thepractice covers the costs of continuingeducation.

The federal Fair Labor Standards Act(FLSA) sets minimum wage, overtime pay,equal pay, and record-keeping standardsfor employees covered under the act (andfor whom none of the specific exemptionsare applicable). See 29 U.S.C.A. §§ 201 etseq. Under the FLSA, nonexempt employ-ees (in some instances, dental hygienistsmay be exempt under the FLSA, but this isnot necessarily always the case—29 C.F.R.§ 541.301(e)(3)) must be paid no less thanthe minimum wage for hours worked, andalso must be paid no less than one andone-half times the regular rate of pay for

hours worked in excess of 40 per work-week (29 U.S.C.A. §§ 206 and 207).

For dental practices offering totheir employees continuing dentaleducation cruises and tours, a ques-tion arises about whether time spenton the cruises and tours is compensa-ble. The question is whether this time iscompensable in respect of the minimumwage rules but also, more importantly, thetime-and-a-half overtime rules.

The rule under the FLSA is thatemployers are not required to pay for non-exempt employee time in seminars andlectures only if all four of the followingconditions are met:

1) The program is voluntarily attended;

2) The program is outside of normalworking hours;

3) The program is not directly related tothe employee’s job; and

4) No other productive work is concurrently performed. (29 C.F.R. § 785.27; see U.S.Department of Labor EmploymentStandards Administration Wage andHour Division, Fact Sheet #22, Hours Worked Under the Fair LaborStandards Act, Revised July 2008.)

J. Pargen Robertson Jr. and Genny X. ZhuOwen, Gleaton, Egan, Jones & Sweeney, L.L.P.


The question of whether time iscompensable can be complicated, andnecessarily depends on the specific facts ofeach situation.

Starting with part (1) of the test, this isself-explanatory. Participation in theseminars or lectures must be voluntary. Ifan employee is required by her employerto attend, then the dentistry practicemust compensate the employee fortime spent in the seminars or lectures (29C.F.R. § 785.28).

Regarding part (2) of the test, for timespent in the seminars or lectures to benon-compensable, one requirement is thatthe seminars or lectures must be outside ofnormal working hours. If the seminars orlectures take place while the practice isopen for business and serving patients, thisrequirement would not be satisfied, andthe time spent in the seminar or lecturewould be compensable.

Regarding part (3) of the test, therequirement that the seminars or lecturesmust not be directly related to the employ-ee’s job, some courses are intended to pre-pare an employee for advancementthrough teaching the employee a higherskill. This training is not deemed, underthe FLSA, directly related to the employ-ee’s job, even though the course inciden-tally improves the employee’s skill in per-forming her regular work duties (seeC.F.R. § 785.29). Applying this part of thetest, a dental assistant’s time attending acontinuing education seminar or lecturemay not be compensable (assuming eachof the other three elements are satisfied),because the continuing education semi-nars or lectures are not directly related tothat employee’s job. By contrast, a dentalhygienist’s time attending the same contin-uing education seminars or lectures maybe compensable, simply because in thecase of the dental hygienist, unlike thedental assistant, the seminars or lecturesare required under O.C.G.A. § 43-11-73and Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 150-5-.05, andtherefore are directly related to theemployee’s job.

Finally, part (4) of the test also is self-explanatory. The practice cannot requirethe employees to work on paperwork, orotherwise do the work of the practice, dur-ing the seminars or lectures. If other pro-ductive work concurrently is performed,then the time spent in the seminars or lec-tures is compensable (29 C.F.R. § 785.27).

A separate question is whetherovernight travel to the cruise or tour, duringthe cruise or tour (other than during theseminars or lectures), and returning fromthe cruise or tour also is compensable.This question also can be complicated, andnecessarily is dependent on the specificfacts of each situation, but as a generalrule, travel time to, during, and returningfrom the cruise or tour is compensablewhen it occurs during the employee’s reg-ular working hours (29 C.F.R. § 785.39).This is true whether the employee actuallyperforms work or not. Moreover, if thetravel occurs during normal workinghours on non-working days (such asSaturday and Sunday), the time generallyis compensable.

Travel outside of regular workinghours, when the employee is free to relax,generally is not compensable unless theemployee performs work while traveling(29 C.F.R. §§ 785.39 and 785.41).

In conclusion, for FLSA non-exemptemployees, the dental practice mustcompensate those employees for timespent in seminars and lectures unless eachof the elements of the four-part test issatisfied. The failure to satisfy even one ofthese four elements would require thepractice to compensate the employeesattending the seminars or lectures for theirtime. Regarding time spent traveling to,participating in, or returning home fromthe cruise or tour (other than time spent inseminars or lectures), the general rule isthat the employee must be compensatedfor such travel which occurs during theemployee’s regular working hours, but nototherwise.

This article is for informational purposesonly and is not intended to provide legaladvice. Dentists must consult with theirprivate attorneys for such advice.


Genny X. Zhu

J. Pargen Robertson Jr.

About the Authors

Pargen Robertson and Genny Zhu

practice with Owen, Gleaton, Egan,

Jones & Sweeney, L.L.P., a full-service

law firm in Atlanta. Pargen and Genny

have a general civil practice with an

emphasis on employment litigation

and counseling, health care law, general

business litigation and counseling

(including drafting and reviewing

business agreements), governmental

law, corporate formation and gover-

nance, and product liability law. They

serve as primary legal counsel to

several large and mid-sized health care

providers. View their Web site at

www.og-law.com.



Attending the 2009 Annual Meeting?

Make Arrangements in Advance for Grove Park Inn Resort SpaThe spa at The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa is more than 40,000square feet in size, 15,000 of which are amenities for you to enjoybefore and after your luxurious spa treatment. The Georgia DentalAssociation has blocked time at this world-reknowned spa on twodays during the 2009 Annual Meeting (the meeting runs July 30through August 2):

• Thursday, July 30, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (20 slots; subjectto appointments made)

• Saturday, August 1, 2009, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (30 slots;subject to appointments made).

Dentists must make spa reservations and arrange paymentsfor all spa services directly with The Grove Park Inn, butmust identify they are in the GDA room block to be givenconsideration for these dates and times. (Don’t yet have yourroom reserved? See page 25 for a room reservation form.) Guestsof the spa must be at least 18 years of age.

For a full listing of the services available at the spa and theirattendant costs, please visit www.gadental.org and click theAnnual Meeting link on the home page. The services are incrediblyvaried. Imagine registering for the “Fire, Rock, Water, and Light”service, which includes indulgences such as a softening soak, a full-body exfoliation, waterfall massage, healing body masque, and arelaxing massage. Or perhaps you would enjoy the “Grove StoneMassage,” combining the therapist’s healing touch with thetherapeutic properties of warm, smooth basalt stones. There arealso dozens of massage treatments, and treatments just for thegentlemen, so visit the GDA Web site and find out more today!

Please note that this award-winning spa is extraordinarilypopular—dentists are encouraged to make their spareservations when making their Grove Park Inn roomreservations for the Annual Meeting, or at least three orfour months in advance. The GDA cannot guarantee theavailability of any time slots or spa services.

Please note that members must make reservations byJune 30, 2009, after which all remaining GDA spa times will bereleased. You may call (800) 438-5800 to book your appointments.

The spa will add an automatic service charge of 20% to allservices rendered, with 15% going to the therapist who performs yourtreatment and the rest going to certain spa staff and to administrativecosts. You should keep in mind that the spa requests that guestsarrive one hour prior to any scheduled service. Guests needonly bring their swimsuit; the spa will provide all locker roomamenities as well as a robe and slippers.

Please visit www.gadental.org for all the details aboutGDA appointments at the Grove Park Inn spa, and allAnnual Meeting information!

GDA Annual Meeting CE HighlightsGDA 2009 Annual Meeting registration starts March 15 online atwww.gadental.org! Look for a registration brochure and form inyour April Action; one will also be mailed to your home in April.

Continuing Education Courses

• Michael Brandwein of Lincolnshire, Illinois, will address theKickoff Breakfast on how to handle stress and offer a breakout ses-sion on “The Customer is Always Bright: How to DeliverOutstanding Services and Satisfaction.”

• Dr. Jimmy Cassidy of Macon, Georgia, on “High Tech, HighTouch: Using Technology to Strengthen the Relationship BasedPractice.” This course will help dentists assess technology’s valueas it applies to everyday practice. Rapid advances in technologyhave created greater ability to care for patients. The course willcover the application of technology in treatment planning aswell as technology’s limitations.

• Dr. Scott DeRossi of Augusta, Georgia, on “Diagnosis andManagement of Oral Disease in the Older Patient.” This coursewill allow you to gain knowledge and skills related to themanagement of elderly patients, particularly those with complexmedical and oral problems; recognize the signs and symptoms oforal diseases that affect the elderly; and develop practical clinicalmanagement strategies with an emphasis on preventive care.

• Dr. Alex Fleury of Dallas, Texas, on “The Endo-RestorativeContinuum.” The lecture portion will have dentists learn how toperform endodontics in such a way that they can offer theirpatients a long-term natural dentition option as an alternative toimplants. The hands-on session will provide participants theopportunity to use “Precision-Based” techniques to “machine apreparation” and obturate canals utilizing the latest Real WorldEndo technology.

• Dr. Gary Radz of Denver, Colorado, on “Creating a CosmeticPractice Within Your General Practice.” This course will coverthe materials and techniques used to create highly estheticrestorations; indications and applications for conservatively designedporcelain veneers; reviews of the latest in esthetic materials andthe potential applications in cosmetic procedures; and discussionon the use of digital photography in office marketing.



Tips on Improving How You Communicate in the Dental Office

A dentist’s ability to communicate withpatients, employees, and colleagues cancreate an effective practice atmosphere orconfuse those with whom you are trying tocommunicate. Choose to be effective! Hereare nine ways to increase your verbal andcommunication excellence within your practice:

• The Right Tone Conveys AuthorityA high-pitched, strident, or whiny voicedoes not convey authority. In fact, having aharsh or whiny voice can make patientsand staff “tune out” your words over irrita-tion at the tone. Sometimes, stress buildup over the course of a day can contributeto an unnaturally tight or high voice. Youmight practice deep breathing exercises(inhale through the nose for eight counts,hold to a count of four, exhale to a count of

16, but don’t strain) and practice neck stretchesto reduce tension and stress. One vocalexercise that singers use is to take the “La”or “Fa” sound, take a deep breath, and say theword in a deep voice until your breath ends.

• Pace Your Words For BetterUnderstanding Patients and staff mayperceive you as nervous and unsure ofyourself if you talk overly fast, or even feeloffended that you want to end your con-versation with them as soon as possible.Take a deep breath before you begin tospeak. Pause naturally at the end of sen-tences (but don’t slow down to the pointwhere people start to help you finish yoursentence). Information delivered at toofast a pace is difficult to absorb. It is possibleto speak 250 or more words a minute, but

the average person can easily comprehendonly about 150 to 180 words a minute. Andwhen you are communicating ideas thatinvolve trigger words such as “surgery,”“repair,” or “dollars,” people may heareven fewer words out of fear.

• A Monotone Voice Does Not GiveWeight to Your Message The pitch ofyour voice when in conversation shouldrise and lower naturally. One exercise totry—listen to television news anchors (notthe shouty political and financial talkingheads, the ones sitting calmly behind theirdesks) and note how they deliver sen-tences. They were not born speaking incalm, modulated tones. Their delivery isthe result of practice.

• Speak Clearly If You Want Others toUnderstand. A “mumbler” is someonewho speaks indistinctly, usually by talkingtoo low or speaking through a partiallyclosed mouth. If people are always askingyou to repeat your words, you may be a“mumbler” (either that or you are usingclinical terminology on patients who don’tunderstand the terms you are using—check!). Mumbling can be interpreted bypatients or staff in any number of ways,including that you are not confident inyour words, including the treatment planyou are describing.

• Use Volume As Your SettingDemands Speak more softly when youare face to face with a patient in the dentalchair. Speak louder when you are speakingto larger groups or across larger spaces,but don’t shout from operatory to operato-ry or down the hall to the front desk—thatis disrespectful of your patients and staff.

• Say Names the Right Way With thenation’s increasing cultural diversity, alongwith wonderful foods, music, and stories

In the November 2008 GDA Action, several prominent practice consultants noted that one important way dentists could bolster theirpractices was to improve the level of customer service offered to current patients. To help practices reach out to patients and make themfeel appreciated, here are some tips on speaking and communicating with patients and staff (to motivate them to help your patients).

COMMUNICATEContinued on page 22



come names with which you might not befamiliar. Don’t let embarrassment keep youfrom using a patient’s proper name or allowa patient’s embarrassment keep them fromcorrecting you when you say their namethe wrong way—learn the correct way tosay the patient’s name and practice that name!

• Eye Contact Communicates Caringand Respect Do you find it uncomfortableto meet someone’s eyes while listening tothem or addressing them? Do you find iteasier to stare at the wall behind the person,or cross your arms and look at the floor(while nodding to make it appear that youare paying attention)? These are bad habitsthat can greatly diminish your stature, andgive the impression you do not respect theperson you are speaking with. First, relaxand take a breath (and keep breathing—don’t hold your breath when speaking faceto face; chew a mint beforehand if you areself-conscious). Remember to blink nor-mally; don’t stare wide eyed. Focusing ondetermining the person’s eye color canhelp you look naturally at their eyes. And

finally, really listening to what the person issaying and watching their facial cues canhelp you to react naturally to them.

• Gestures Convey A Powerful MessageAvoid conducting conversations with patientsand staff with your arms tightly crossed, orwhile you are making fidgety movementswith your hair or a pen, or rocking backand forth on your feet with your hands inyour pockets. These gestures can makeyou look nervous, bored, or disinterested.What gestures are appropriate while speaking?Emphatic gestures can stress a word or idea.Raising your arms with slightly bentelbows with the palm up can convey adesire to pull your audience in, or bringingyour hands and fingertips together can helpyou focus the attention of your patient on aparticular word or issue. A transitionalgesture, such as counting on your fingers asyou are giving an overview of several pointsof a treatment plan, can help your patient orstaff move from one idea to the next.

• Make Your Gestures and ToneMatch Your Words If you have to delivera negative message, for example regardinga lack of home care matter with a patient,

make your words, facial expressions, andtone match the message. Don’t joke inap-propriately, or raise your voice, but conveya look of concern and a use calm, serioustone of voice. But if you are talking to apatient about a treatment plan that mayrequire a large investment in time andmoney, but will give the patient a healthy,beautiful mouth, smile and present your-self in a confident manner. You are deliv-ering a considered solution to this patientbased on your health care knowledge andtheir best interests. Don’t cringe awaybecause the patient may have questions(and even a little shock) over the invest-ment they are being asked to make.

One additional tip: Nothing can helpyou more than recording yourself pretendingto speak to a patient or staff member andplaying it back for yourself. You will besurprised at what you notice about yourposture, voice inflection, and nervoushabits. Practice makes perfect, andimproving your communication skills canimprove your productivity.

COMMUNICATEContinued from page 21



board minutes

President Mark Ritz convened the Board ofTrustees on January 10, 2009, at 8:55 a.m.following the Nominating Committee meet-ing. Dr. Kent Percy gave the invocation andled the Pledge of Allegiance. Secretary /Treasurer Jim Hall called the roll anddeclared a quorum.

Present: Dr. Mark Ritz, chair; Drs. KentPercy, Jay Harrington, Jonathan Dubin, JimHall, Donna Thomas Moses, Kent Simmons,Mike Loden, Erik Wells, Richard Weinman,Robin Reich, Byron Colley, Steve Sample,Robert Carpenter, Roy Lehrman, CeliaDunn, Ben Jernigan, Bruce Camp, LarrySchmitz, Chris Hasty, Matt Adams. Guests:Drs. Chris Adkins, Jack Bickford, CelesteCoggin, Cathy Cook, Ed Green, StanHalpern, Lindsay Holliday, Tom Jagor,Kendrick Mathews, Kara Moore, TerryO’Shea, Jimmy Talbot, Carol Wooden. GDAStaff: Martha Phillips, Nelda Greene, MelanaMcClatchey, Courtney Layfield, Skip Jones,Denis Mucha, Phyllis Willich and Pam Yungk.

Finance CommitteeThe Finance Committee convened jointlywith the Board of Trustees to review theaudit and other finance related matters. [09-1.01] Dr. Jay Phillips moved for the Board ofTrustees to accept the audit as reported andto approve the Finance Committee’s recom-mendation to place excess revenues in theamount of $120,585 to the UnrestrictedReserve Fund. The motion passed unani-mously.

MinutesThe minutes of the November 8, 2008, Boardof Trustees meeting and the December 8,2008 conference call were approved by faxvote on December 9, 2008.

President’s ReportDr. Ritz discussed the following topics:

• Review of the proposed water fluoridationposition paper. [09-1.02] Dr. Mark Ritzmoved to approve the Water Fluoridationposition paper as presented. The motionpassed unanimously. He stated that this doc-ument will be referred to the House ofDelegates for consideration and approval.

• Electronic communications and web sitelink policy: Dr. Ritz presented the 1999 policythat was enacted by the Executive Committeewhich states, [motion 99-8.07EC] Dr. PaulFraysure moved to allow links to GDA members’web pages from the GDA site as long asmembers abide by the ADA and GDA ethicalstandards. [09-1.03] Dr. Richard Weinman movedto suspend the GDA policy referenced in motion[99-8.07EC] concerning linking to GDA members’web pages from the GDA web site and refer thisissue to the GDA Information and TechnologyCommittee for recommendations on a policyto address this issue and to report at the AprilBOT meeting. The motion passed unanimously.

• Board of Dentistry’s decision to changeapproved dental hygiene examinations by“policy” rather than by “rule”: [09-1.04] Dr.Donna Thomas Moses moved that the GDAsupport adding the words “by rule” to theproposed change to Board Rules 150-5-.02(2) so that it would read, “After December31, 2005, the board will only consider thedental hygiene examination as uniformlyadministered by the Central Regional DentalTesting Service, Inc. (CRDTS) or any othertesting agency designated and approved bythe board by rule” and that the GDAPresident testify to that effect at the RulesHearing on January 16. The motion passedunanimously. [Note: the House of Delegatesapproved an amendment to this motion on

January 11, 2009. The amendment added thefollowing after ‘by rule’: to ensure adequatenotice and opportunity for public comment.]

[09-1.05] Dr. Jonathan Dubin movedthat the GDA support a similar approach ofassuring that testing agencies are approvedby rule for dental examinations as well whenthe new rule is posted. The motion passedunanimously.

Notes from the January 10, 2009,Board of Trustees MeetingEditor’s Note: Only the persons present and resolutions produced are printed here. Full minutes are available at www.gadental.orgin the member’s only section, and can be provided upon request to those members without access to the Internet. Call (800) 432-4357or (404) 636-7553, or email [email protected].

MINUTESContinued on page 26



Dr. Richard Weinman moved the fol-lowing, which was postponed until after theJanuary 16 Board of Dentistry Rules Hearingby a motion from Dr. Mike Loden: [09-1.06]Dr. Richard Weinman moved for the GDAPresident and other members to testify at theRules Committee Meeting on January 16,2009 to convey the GDA’s concerns on theissue of ‘policy’ vs. ‘rule’ and if that testimonyis not successful the BOT authorizes thePresident to investigate the possibility ofintroducing legislation. (motion postponed)

Tooth WhiteningDr. Van Haywood discussed the latest scien-tific studies and research concerning toothwhitening and patient safety. Dr. Haywoodand members of the Board of Trustees madesuggestions to the draft position paper onTooth Whitening. These suggestions wereincorporated into the draft version and werepresented in the afternoon to the BOT. [09-1.07] Dr. Jonathan Dubin moved to acceptthe Tooth Whitening position paper with the

indicated changes. The motion passed unan-imously. This document will be referred tothe House of Delegates for considerationand approval.

Committee Reports

Nominating CommitteeDr. Ritz reported on the following slate fromthe Nominating Committee. TheNominating Committee submitted for infor-mation only candidate Mike Vernon for GDAVice President and Jim Hall for Secretary /Treasurer. The Nominating Committeereceived the nomination for the new ADAAt-large Alternate Delegate Position (as aresult of the 10th Delegate / AlternateDelegate slots awarded by the ADA inOctober 2008) and accompanying CVs fromDrs. Jack Bickford, Jay McCaslin VI, andZachary Powell. The House of Delegates willelect from this slate and any appropriatenominations from the floor if CVs werereceived by the December 19, 2008 deadline.

The following nomination was submit-ted to the House of Delegates for approvalfor a three-year term as trustee on the GDABoard of Trustees effective August 2, 2009:

Dr. Richard Weinman, Northern District(term expires 7/12).

The following nominations for the ADADelegation were sent to the House ofDelegates for approval: Dr. Kara Moore(Central District delegate, term expires1/13—first term); Dr. Tom Broderick(Southeastern District delegate, term expires1/13—third term); Dr. Donna ThomasMoses (Northwestern District Delegate,term expires 1/13—first term); Dr. CarolWolff (Northern District Alternate Delegate,term expires 1/13—second term).

The following candidates for theGeorgia Board of Dentistry were forwardedto the House of Delegates for approvalbefore sending to the Governor for his con-sideration: Southwestern District—Drs.Becky Carlon, Chris Hasty, Keith Crummey,Alan Sanders; Northwestern District—Drs.Barry Stacey, Nelson Conger, Jimmy Talbot,Terry O’Shea; Northern District—Drs. TomGodfrey, Carol Wolff, Chris Adkins, JeffKendrick.

AdjournmentBeing no further business, the meetingadjourned at 3:45 p.m.

MINUTESContinued from page 23



classified ads

DENTAL RELATED SERVICES

X-RAY SAFETY CERTIFICATION fordental assistants. Complies 100% withGeorgia law. This six-hour course has certifiedover a thousand x-ray machine operators.Send $139.99 per registrant with name(s) to:Dr. Rick Waters, 385 Pinewood Circle, Athens,GA 30606. Visit www.acteva.com/go/laserfor next day delivery, credit card payment,or the NEW! online version. Call (706) 255-4499 for more information.

DENTISTS AVAILABLE FOR FILL IN WORK /LOCUM TENENS

Dentist Available Daily (DAD): Dentistavailable during vacations, emergencies andCE courses. Leave your practice in well-trained hands. I am licensed, insured, andhave a DEA registration number so I canwrite prescriptions. Call Dr. Richard Patrickat (770) 993-8838.

Locum tenens: Filling the hole and bridgingthe gap. So you can be out, I will be in. Ihave a Georgia license, DEA number, andinsurance. Benefit from 38 years of generalpractice experience. Call B. Reighard,DDS, at (404) 786-0229 or (912) 634-6304.

Let your office PROFIT through con-tinued PRODUCTION and PEACE ofmind while you are away: Experiencedlicensed & insured dentist with over 20years of private general practice availableduring vacation, maternity leave, disability,family emergencies, attending CE courses,or unforeseen illness or medical leave. Whethera day or a month, or on short term notice, Ican help. Please contact me at (770) 552-7075 or via georgiatempdent.com to discussyour special needs.

EQUIPMENT FORSALE / LEASE

FOR SALE: (1) ADEC 5551 12:00 Rearcabinet w/Porter MXR-1 Mixing Head forNitrous. Pass through upper storage. Rearcabinet w/assistants instrumentation. $3,200

(2) ADEC 5551 12:00 Rear cabinet. Nopass through but has monitor & keyboardmount w/assistants instrumentation. $3,000for both (2) Monitor mounts for Adec 1040chairs. $400 both (1) ADEC 7115 Assistantspackage for 1040 radius chair includingtouch pad. $250 (1) Air techniques Vac Star 5,Dual head for 5 users (good condition)$2,000. Call (912) 764-5625 to make any offer.

ADEC Equipment: Two ADEC 1005chairs with sewn upholstery, each withExcellence Continental delivery. OneADEC 1005 chair with standard upholstery,and Decade delivery and vacuum. OneADEC 5542 center console. Two ADEC5551 Treatment consoles with assistant’sinstrumentation, one with pass through.One ADEC 5512 doctor’s cabinet. OneADEC 5522 assistant’s cabinet. One ADECconsole mount light. One ADEC 1600 doc-tor’s and one ADEC 1620 assistant’s stools.Equipment in very good condition andappraisal done by Atlanta Dental. Pleasecall (770) 949-0472 for more information.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

DYNAMIC MOBILE DENTISTRY, LLCis seeking GA licensed dentists to providedental care to nursing home residents on-sitein the nursing homes. Complete portableoperatory, supplies, and training provided.Part-time or full time positions available inall GDA districts. Great way to provide a neededservice, earn a good salary, and get out of theoffice routine. Excellent income for new orrecent graduate while building their own practice.Email DAWN at [email protected] foradditional information.

Golf, Fish, Hunt and Work in Georgia’sbeautiful Lake Country. Our busy generalpractice in Milledgeville needs a two day aweek associate. We are located near LakesSinclair and Oconee and Reynolds Plantation.Please send your CV to [email protected] Country Dental Care. (478) 452-3768or fax (478) 452-2704.

How GDA members canplace classified ads

AD FORM: Submit all ads on a GDA ClassifiedAdvertisement Form. To obtain a form,call Lisa Chandler at (800) 432-4357or (404) 636-7553, or [email protected]. (Note: TheGDA may accept or reject any ad for anyreason and in its sole discretion.)

AD DEADLINE: Ads and ad check payments are due by thefirst of the month before the publicationmonth (i.e., Dec. 1 for January).

AD RATES: ADA member dentists pay $75.00 per60-word ad per month. There is a 25 centsper-word charge for each word over 60.Non-dentist-owned companies (real estatefirms, etc.) pay $195 per 60-word ad permonth (additional word charges as above).Non-member dentists may notplace ads.

LATE FEE:Ads for which full prepayment is notreceived by the first day of the ad’spublication month (i.e.; Nov. 1 for aNovember ad) will incur a $25 late fee inaddition to the ad rate.

FORMS OF PAYMENT: Submit a check or money order with the adform. (Make checks payable to GDA.)Credit cards are not accepted as payment.

WEB SITE PLACEMENT: Prepaid ads will appear on the GDA Website www.gadental.org for the month thead appears in print. Non-prepaid ads willNOT be placed online.

CLASSIFIEDSContinued on page 29



Associate Dentist Wanted: Tired ofManaged Care? Come join our TEAM! Ourlarge fast-paced General Practice offerstons of new patients, state-of-the-art facility,in-house crown, bridge, and denture labs.Wonderful, committed, well-trained staff.We are looking for an enthusiastic, compas-sionate, fully functional dentist that valuesthe ability to get along with others. 2+ yearsof experience. Earn $200k+. Email resumeto [email protected].

Associate Dentist position available fora family and cosmetic dental practice locat-ed in the metro Atlanta area. Large patientbase, new-build out, state-of-the-art facility,exceptional support staff. This is youropportunity for career-high income. Pleasefax resumes to (770) 944-0343.

East Metro Atlanta—Associate Dentist.Established dynamic practice offers aunique opportunity for motivated profes-sionals. No empty chairs…No insurance

claim problems…With career high incomepotential. New graduates welcome…Nodebt and no initial practice setup. ContactTina Titshaw at [email protected] orcall (678) 413-8130 or fax resume to (770)760-1375.

PRACTICES / SPACE /LOTS FOR SALE / LEASE / SHARE

Professional office located in a highprofile area of Valdosta, GA. Designedfor General Practice and orthodontics. Maybe easily modified to satisfy requirements ofany specialty. (229) 251-0099.

PRACTICE FOR SALE – SANDERSVILLE,GEORGIA: Free standing building with 4fully equipped operatories. Beautiful, effi-cient T.H.E. design. Priced below SoutheastTransitions appraisal. Partial owner financ-ing available. Ideal start up practice or satel-lite / specialist opportunity. Walk into a well-established practice of 27 years in a nicefamily-oriented small town. Owner is retir-ing but will stay to introduce. (478) 552-1230 Day, (478) 552-2289 Evening.

North Georgia Mountains: Well-estab-lished practice for sale in beautiful, con-sistently growing area. Modern equipment.Computers in all operatories. Mountainviews. Enthusiastic cross-trained staff. Idealfor solo or group practice. Also for sale eightyear old eye-catching glass professionalbuilding available separately or with prac-tice. National recognition for office design.10,000 square feet housing this practiceplus a dental specialist and a state agency.Highly traveled highway frontage. The bestof a big-city practice in a relaxed countryatmosphere and a warm, friendly patientenvironment. (706) 745-6848.

Dental Practice / Office Condo,Jonesboro, GA. Southern RegionalHospital area. Attractive office space, 1100sq. ft., 3 operatories plumbed / 2 equipped,large lab, and private office with shower.Pay yourself rent. Move right in. Buy prac-tice or real estate only. Close to interstateand short walk to public transportation.Contact Dean Cox (678) 584-4477.

CLASSIFIEDSContinued on page 30

CLASSIFIEDSContinued from page 27



PRACTICES FOR SALE—for moreinformation, call Dr. Earl Douglas,ADS South, (770) 664-1982: ATLANTA#8557: Gross $770,141; 4 days 3 operato-ries; 1,131 sq. ft. office space. CARROLLCOUNTY #8428: Gross $609,663; 4 days 4operatories; 2,000 sq. ft. office space.Additional plumbed but unequipped opera-tory. DULUTH OFFICE SPACE &EQUIPMENT FOR SALE #8393: Five(open-bay) operatory office with aPlanmeca pan/ceph. Equipment willinclude 4 chairs, 5 delivery units, 10 com-puters, and misc. office equipment. LIL-BURN #8516: Gross $1.07 Million; 5 days 8operatories; 3,000 sq. ft. office space.RIVERDALE #8517: Gross $836,285; 4days 8 operatories; 4,030 sq. ft. office space.Two additional plumbed but unequippedoperatories. SOUTHEASTERN GEOR-GIA #8172: Gross $796,640; 4 days 5 oper-atories; 1,732 sq. ft. office space. ALSOASSOCIATE POSITIONS AVAILABLE,contact Vikki Howard (910) 523-1949.

MANY GREAT OPPORTUNITIESNOW AVAILABLE: Cumming: gross$900K; Dunwoody: gross $1.2M;Cumming: foreclosure; Buford: gross$500K; East Point: gross $320K; Jasper:gross $300K; Commerce: gross $1.1M. CallSoutheast Transitions at (678) 482-7305 oremail [email protected] orvisit www.southeasttransitions.com formore details on those and other opportunities.

GWINNETT: 1 million potential patientswalk by this practice each year. 5 operatories,recently upgraded to digital; collections$700K. All FFS and PPO. There is an associatewho would like to stay in the practice. Formore information on this opportunity contactPete Newcomb at (678) 482-7305 or [email protected].

SEEKING ASSOCIATESHIP /JOB (DENTISTS) / WANT TO BUY PRACTICE

Female dentist seeks associate positionin Atlanta area. I have eleven years ofexperience and recently relocated from the

northeast. I enjoy adult dentistry with emphasison cosmetic and implant dentistry. Pleasecontact Neda at (508) 380-0036 or email [email protected].

Dentist seeks associate position inColumbus area. 2006 UCLA Grad with 2years of GPR training including 1 year ofChief residency. ICOI Fellow with experi-ence in private and community setting.Relocating from the North East with expe-rience in Restorative, Endo, Fixed andRemovable Prosthodontics, Extractions,Implants and Esthetic Dentistry. Pleasecontact at (312) 315-7258 or Email [email protected].

Georgia licensed dentist & Emory grad,with over 24 years of private general prac-tice, seeks a position in a GreaterAtlanta fee-for-service practice. I enjoycomprehensive dentistry involving bothchildren and adults, with an emphasis oncosmetic and implant restorative dentistry.Please contact Dr. Victor Maya at (404) 543-4380 or email at [email protected].

CLASSIFIEDSContinued from page 29


Suite 200, Building 17, 7000 Peachtree Dunwoody RoadAtlanta, Georgia 30328-1655

www.gadental.org

ACTIONInside This Issue

• Wage and Hour Issues Affecting CE Vacations

• Annual Meeting Preview: CE Speakers

DATED MATERIALPLEASE DELIVER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE


GDA Action March 2009

Documents

Transcript of GDA Action March 2009