2013%20wmdds%20holiday%20bulletin

HOLIDAY ISSUE 2013VOL. 45, NO. 6

Bulletin

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WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | HOLIDAY ISSUE 2013 1

Contents

President’s Message ..................................................................................................... 2

Editor’s Thoughts ........................................................................................................ 4

Trustee Report ............................................................................................................. 6

WMDDS CE Program ................................................................................................. 8

Kent County Oral Health Coalition ...........................................................................10

Second Health and Wellness Expo A Success ............................................................12

2013 WMDF Grant Review Committee Report ........................................................14

ADA News ....................................................................................................................18

Financial News .............................................................................................................20

Technically Speaking ...................................................................................................22

The Grand Rapids Press Health Section Article ........................................................25

Classified Ads ...............................................................................................................26

Advertiser Index ...........................................................................................................27

New Dentist Forum Update ........................................................................................28

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 2013-2014 President Dr. Margaret Gingrich President-Elect Dr. Samuel Bander Vice President Dr. Steve Conlon Secretary-Treasurer Dr. Kathleen Ellsworth Editor Dr. Jeff Smith Immediate Past President

Dr. Tyler Wolf

Directors Dr. Leonard Bartoszewicz Dr. Brian Mulder Dr. Lathe MillerArea Representatives

Kent County Dr. Kathryn Swan Ionia-Montcalm

Dr. John O’Donald

County Mecosta County Dr. Erick Perroud Ottawa County Dr. Meredith Smedley

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. Michael Palaszek Vice President Dr. Kathryn Swan Secretary Dr. James PappTreasurer Dr. Kathleen Eisin

West Michigan Dental Foundation OfficersPresident Mrs. Wendy Mc Ginnis Vice President Dr. Michael Palaszek 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.

© 2013-2014 West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

recently had the privilege (or disappointment) of going

shopping at Bed Bath and Beyond with my brother-in-

law. He can be a little pompous at times, but my main

goal was to buy new bedroom sheets. My brother-in-law

insisted that I get Egyptian cotton, with at least 1000 thread

count. What he actually said was 1,000,000, but I’m sure he

was exaggerating. He prefaced his comments with “you’re a

rich dentist, you can afford it!” I was sure he was joking again,

but then as I reflected on the comment, I wondered if he was?

Sure, I’m comfortable with my income, but “rich”? I don’t

think so. It made me think, “Is that how my patients see me?”

Surely that perception in not accurate, or at least that’s not

what I intend. I want my patients to feel that I am provid-

ing them with quality dental health care at fees that they can

afford. But really, is that what they see?

I’m fortunate to have a father who is also a dentist, and

I posed him with this question. His answer, however unex-

pected, did ring true. He said that he believes that there are

two types of patients. The first believes that dentists are rolling

in dough and resent them for it. The second group believes,

that unless a dentist is rolling in dough, they must not be very

good, so these people would not want to go to them.

Still, the perception in both cases is that we as dentists are

rich or even worse, only in it for the money. This leads me to

see how important public relations can be, both at the indi-

vidual level as well as the level of the West Michigan District

Dental Society.

As members of the WMDDS, we each incur a $45 public

relations assessment. Although some members may balk

at having to pay yet another fee, I’d like to assure you that

this is money well spent. Our Public Relations Committee,

led by Dr. Suzanne Port, can help immeasurably to correct the

misperception that we as dentists are only motivated by money.

In the past twelve months, the West Michigan District

Dental Society’s public relations funds have been used in

several ways. If any of you attended a Whitecaps game this

past summer, the electronic scoreboard/billboard is spon-

sored by WMDDS for two innings and promotes WMDDS

member dentists. There is also a full page WMDDS ad in their

stats booklet that is handed out at each game. In November,

the WMDDS joined forces with second-year GRCC dental

hygiene students at the Griffins matinee pre-game health

and wellness expo to bring the “Sip All Day, Get Decay”

message to hundreds of middle and high school students

from around the area. Several of you have been involved

with “Tooth Time” at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum

which combines dental health education and playful dental

health-oriented activities to visiting children. If you read The

Grand Rapids Press, the first Sunday of each month features

a Health Section with an article focusing on various dental

health topics. At the end of the article is a message: Brought to

you by the 600 members of the West Michigan District Dental

Soicety in Kent, Ottawa, Ionia, Montcalm and Mecosta coun-

ties. West Michigan District Dental Society dentists are also

members of the Michigan Dental Association and American

Dental Association.

The PR Committee just approved funds to provide finan-

cial support to the Kent County Oral Health Coalition. This

group is trying to improve the oral health of Kent County

citizens with an emphasis on people with limited access to

care. Speaking of access to care, these monies have also been

used to support the Mission of Mercy Event in Saginaw and

the future 2014 event in Big Rapids.

Remember, perception often becomes reality, and this

affects us all. We need to continue with our public relations

efforts in order to enhance the public’s opinion of dentistry, as

well as to demonstrate the devotion we have to our profession.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | HOLIDAY ISSUE 20132

P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E

WMDDS Public Relations Dollars Make An Impact in West MichiganBy Margaret Gingrich, DDS, WMDDS President

I


Catch the Spirit in Grand Rapids!

MDA 2014 Annual SessionDeVos Place, Grand Rapids • April 30 - May 3, 2014

Pre-Register Early!Online registration opens in January!

www.smilemichigan.com\pro

Join your colleagues for great social events, a variety of topics and speakers and nearly 200 exhibits.

SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

Joseph Best, DDS, PhDPaul Childs, DMD, CDT

Gordon Christensen, DDS, MSA, PhD

Greig Davis, CPAAngelo DiMaggio, PT

Frank Farbod, DMD, MDDavid Felton, DDS, MS

Susan Gunn, BAKevin Hale, DDS, MS

Peter Jacobsen, PhD, DDSSheri Katz, DDS

Douglas Lambert, DDSDavid Landwehr, DDSGlenn Lombardi, BA

Dennis McTigue, DDS, MSStephanie Munz, DDS

Brian Novy, DDSBetsy Reynolds, RDH, MS

Dale Sorenson, DDSJoe Suchocki

Plus keynote speakerJIM SMITH JR

And others

Michigan Dentistry’s Biggest CE Event!


e are now well into “work mode” at the office,

as most of us took off as much time as we

could during the summer to enjoy family vaca-

tions, our kids sports activities, or just to relax and soak in

as much of the summer sun (which can run at a premium

in Michigan) as was possible. This can be the time of the

year when the schedule runs without a lot of interruptions

until the holiday season begins. I don’t know if the sense of

being a little fatigued, or as I like to say that “the office got its

pound of flesh from me today” is just the result of the days

getting shorter, or if my neck, back, and/or arms are notice-

ably more achy, sharply painful, and or numb because I’m

spending more time during the week bending/hunching over

patients in an unnatural position. We all have experienced

this, especially after a particularly long day in the operatory.

But what I’m trying to describe here is something different.

This is when the aforementioned symptoms begin to occur

more regularly, and with more intensity. We can hope that

by taking a little ibuprofen, applying heat, and resting our

backs on the weekends, that the problem will go away, but

by mid-morning the following Monday, it can be back with

a vengeance.

Dentistry as a profession, suffers a higher than average

rate of disability from spinal issues. While these problems

are responsible for about 30-33% of disability claims in the

general population, dental claims for the same reason range

about 8 to 10 points higher.

So what can we do? First off, watch the posture! We have

all been lectured on this topic either in dental/hygiene school,

during CE courses, or by a physical therapist (for those of us

Is Your Body Trying to Tell You Something?By Dr. Jeff Smith, WMDDS Editor

E D I T O R ’ S T H O U G H T S

who have already sought relief from spinal symptoms). We all

know most of the basics, so don’t throw them out the window

just because you have a patient who can’t be tipped back too

far, or a distal prep/margin on an upper second molar. That’s

what the little round shiny thing on the stick is for! If using

your best posture is not getting results, then seek the expertise

of a medical specialist, physical therapist, and/or chiroprac-

tor. Each of these disciplines can offer much in relief of pain,

especially when used in combination. Pilates/yoga is a great

way to strengthen the core muscles which support the lower

back, and ultimately the alignment of the entire length of the

spine. Many physical therapists and personal trainers are very

knowledgeable about exercises that can be done to counter

the imbalance in muscle strength between the upper chest

and back that affect neck posture, which many dentists and

hygienists develop over years of practice.

I have dealt with episodes of lower back pain, neck and

shoulder pain, and paresthesia (which thank goodness, never

made it down the arm as far as my hand) over the last 10 to

15 years. Fortunately, with the proper healthcare and fitness

resources, it has been possible to completely overcome and

eliminate them, but it seems that as more mileage is put on

my spine, each new episode becomes more stubborn than the

last, and requires more time and effort to resolve. The ques-

tion arises, why does everything feel absolutely fine no mat-

ter how much time is spent working in the office, and then

every three or four years, there is some kind of spinal related

flare-up? Sadly, the answer is that after it stops hurting, it

becomes very easy to focus more attention on whatever the

next pressing need of the moment is, and forget about how

important it is to maintain the gains made after conquering

the last painful episode. We give our patients grief, when after

completing a long, expensive, and sometimes uncomfortable

treatment plan, they begin to slack off on their homecare or

begin missing recall appointments. We try to explain to them

that there is no cure for periodontal disease or caries, and

without active maintenance and diligent effort on their part,

everything that we have done for them will fail. It’s frustrat-

ing because sometimes they just don’t seem to listen. Maybe

we need to listen to our bodies more. Over the years, I have

seen and known colleagues who were forced into premature

retirement because of spinal problems that they let go too

W


E D I T O R ’ S T H O U G H T S

long before seeking treatment, or did the “exercises” for a

while but then quit. We work in a profession where there is an

increased risk of spinal issues which pose a real threat to our

ability to make a living. If we want to be able to have control

of our lives, and someday make plans for a retirement on our

terms (that we can look forward to), we need to take care of

our spinal health (even when it doesn’t hurt) continuously

throughout our careers and afterwards.

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am pleased to report (if you haven’t already heard), on

behalf of the search committee and the MDA Board,

that we have selected a new Executive Director, Ms.

Karen Burgess. Ms. Burgess comes to us from the American

Dental Association where she served as the Senior Director of

Membership Marketing and Member Services. She will offi-

cially begin employment on January 2, 2014.

Looking at demographics by age and practice setting,

membership has been, and will continue to be, a priority topic

for the MDA Board. Generational differences are changing

members’ expectations regarding the services that the MDA

can and should provide.

Noting the rapid growth of corporate dentistry, many

younger practitioners seek practice in this setting as a way to

pay down debt and achieve more work/life balance. Yet oth-

ers prefer a more traditional model of practice -- indicating

a need for the MDA to identify ways to appeal to both seg-

ments. Recognizing and appreciating the differences among

our members will help the Michigan Dental Association

develop new member services while fine-tuning its existing

services, with the goal of maintaining the MDA’s position as

the leading resource for Michigan dentists.

Allow me to introduce you to a new MDA service,

Members in the Media. Members in the Media is a new initia-

tive designed to retain and reinforce MDA member dentists as

Michigan’s oral health authority.

Stefani Olds, the MDA’s member image enhancement

specialist wants to know how you give back to your commu-

nity. Supply mouth guards to the high school football team?

MDA Is Still Busy Working for UsBy Dr. Colette Smiley, MDA Trustee

Volunteer at a clinic and provide care to veterans? Have a

therapy dog to help calm patient nerves? Let the MDA tell

your story.

Members can now submit their news on the MDA’s

website with just a click of a mouse. The submitted informa-

tion will be turned into a release, and pitched to reporters

in your community. Go ahead – toot your own horn! Local

media can help build awareness of member’s knowledge and

expertise, increase members visibility in the community, and

further position MDA dentists as the oral health authority in

Michigan to the public and to government leaders. Here’s the

link: http://www.smilemichigan.com/pro/Promotion.aspx.

In addition to the services provided by the MDA, the Board

is discussing the need to look ahead and anticipate the way

today’s dentists want to give back to their profession, offering

ways for members to volunteer in organized dentistry without

requiring unduly large commitments of personal time. Call it

“bite size” volunteer opportunities.

As mentioned by Brian Cilla in the previous Trustee

Report, development of a new MDA Leadership Development

Institute, aimed at getting more member dentists involved at

the component, MDA and ADA levels, is in the works. Similar

programs have been successful in other states. The Board

will be reviewing a complete proposal for this Institute at its

December meeting.

In other news• MDA staff is monitoring plans by Governor Rick Snyder’s

Public Health Code Advisory Committee to conduct a

broad review of the code and make recommendations

for updating the code, which includes the Administrative

Rules for dentistry. The MDA will form an internal work-

group made up of dentists and staff to review the Public

Health Code and put together a report on how the code

can be updated or improved. After approval by the MDA

Board, the suggestions would be sent to the state for con-

sideration. The MDA will also send a letter to the Advisory

Committee stating the position of the MDA on dental

workforce issues.

• The Board has reviewed plans for the MDA/MDA

Foundation’s 2014 Mission of Mercy event in Big Rapids.

A Mission of Mercy event will not take place in 2015, but

I

T R U S T E E R E P O R T

a special Charitable Programs Workgroup will study the

desired costs, sponsorship, and frequency of Mission of

Mercy events and will report back to the MDA Board in

the future.

• The Michigan Dental Association Foundation is recruit-

ing for it’s first ever-Executive Director. All the money the

Foundation raises goes to scholarships and access to care

grants.

• Some of you may have staff members eligible to pur-

chase health care coverage on the Exchange. While the

Affordable Care Act has navigators that will assist individu-

als purchasing insurance on the Exchange, your staff (if

eligible for the subsidies) can pick up the phone and at no

cost to them, call the MDA’s Insurance & Financial Group

and receive assistance with questions about purchasing on

the Exchange. MDA-IFG: 1-800-860-2272

• I am also happy to report membership dues in the ADA

will not increase in 2014.

• Prefer to “watch” rather than “read”? Check out MDA

President Norm Palm’s video reports on the Board

meetings under MDA Governance > Board of Trustees @

www.smilemichigan.org.

I thank you for the privilege of being your Trustee. Please be

in contact with any concerns or comments you may have,

or if there is any way I can assist you. I can be reached at

616.560.1104 or [email protected].

T R U S T E E R E P O R T



e are still in the discovery phase of the degree to

which risks for systemic diseases and conditions

are impacted by the mouth and its microbial

inhabitants. What will additional research reveal? Is there a

realistic possibility that the existence of mouth/body connec-

tions are untrue? There is no possibility of that conclusion,

because there is no separation between the two.

How is it that a foot infection can interfere with glyce-

mic control, but not a gingival infection? Ask any podiatrist

or orthopedist and he or she will

tell you that any infection raises

blood sugar levels significantly. He

or she will tell you that even a small,

ingrown toenail causes significant

blood sugar swings. It is dogma for

our medical colleagues. Periodontal

disease is a serious bacterial infec-

tion. That is not disputed by any-

one, including the biggest naysayers

among us.

How is it that all contributors

to the total inflammatory burden

increase the risk for atherosclerosis

and cardiovascular disease, but not

periodontal disease? Periodontitis,

especially moderate to severe cases,

is accompanied by an overgrowth

of capillaries, which means that the

bloodstream is swimming in bacteria and inflammatory

mediators and all manner of infectious agents. Is it possible

that this has no effect on the body?

Live oral bacteria, including some periodontal pathogens,

have been found in coronary blood vessels by DNA analysis.

Their mere presence, regardless of how they got there, is

cause for concern. More and more research is revealing the

presence of oral bacteria in abdominal and coronary arteries,

and now a study has detected periodontal pathogens in intra-

cranial aneurysms, including Aa, Fn, and Td (J Neurol Neurosurg

Psychiatry, Jun 12, 2013). The authors of this study concluded,

“This is the first report showing evidence that dental infection

could be a part of pathophysiology in intracranial aneurysm

disease.” All of these bacteria are toxic and highly pathogenic.

What’s Next in Oral-Systemics?By Richard H. Nagelberg, D.D.S. Reprinted with the permission of Dental Economics, September 2013 issue

Fusobacterium nucleatum has the ability to break the cell-to-

cell junctions of endothelial cells, allowing the bacteria and

anything smaller to enter the arterial wall. Fn is now consid-

ered to be a facilitator of atherosclerosis by this mechanism.

How likely is it that these live bacteria will be inert while

sitting inside various vascular structures? They are geneti-

cally programmed to survive by releasing enzymes that dam-

age adjacent tissue, loosening up that tissue, facilitating

their ability to move through that tissue, and expose more

protein nutrient sources. They are

programmed to release endotoxins,

ingest proteins, and multiply. They

are not programmed to just hang

around and wait for a white blood

cell to take them out. Research cer-

tainly needs to demonstrate exactly

what they are doing while resid-

ing in arterial walls, among other

places. Research does not need

to tell us that it is highly likely

that they are up to no good. Many

people stopped smoking cigarettes

before research indicated the link

between smoking and cancer, heart

disease, etc. The coughing, wheez-

ing, and shortness of breath were

sufficient evidence for them to quit.

Do the math regarding the

number of bacteria in the oral cavity, the openings into the

bloodstream via ulcerated gingival epithelium, and the capil-

lary beds in the underlying connective tissue. In patients with

moderate to severe periodontitis, it has been estimated that

the surface area of the gum tissue involved in the infection is

about the same surface area as the palm of the hand. Other

researchers indicated the area of involved tissue is about the

size of the forearm. In either case, it is a very large surface

area of diseased, damaged tissue that does not offer a signifi-

cant barrier to the rest of the body. The micro-ulcerations in

the gingival epithelium are an open door to the circulatory

system. Many millions of bacteria reside in the diseased peri-

odontal pocket, perhaps as many as a billion in a particularly

deep site, with access to the capillary beds in the connective

W

W M D D S C E P R O G R A M

West Michigan District Dental society Presents

Patient health, not just oral health

Presented by Richard H. Nagelberg, D.D.S. Friday, January 31, 2014

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park


tissue just below those ulcerations. A few pumps of the heart

send them around the rest of the body.

We do not know what further research will reveal. We do

know it is not going to indicate that nothing is going on here.

RICHARD NAGELBERG, DDS, has practiced general dentistry in suburban

Philadelphia for more than 30 years. He is a speaker, advisory board mem-

ber, consultant, and key opinion leader for several dental companies and

organizations, and he lectures on a variety of topics centered on understand-

ing the impact dental professionals have beyond the oral cavity. Contact him

at [email protected].

W M D D S C E P R O G R A M

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.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

West Michigan Dental FoundationAnnual Golf Outing

Friday June 6, 2014 Egypt Valley Country Club

Shotgun start 9am

Watch for registration forms to arrive in April.

West Michigan District Dental Society is now on Facebook

Check us out and we’re sure you’ll “Like” us!


K E N T C O U N T Y O R A L H E A L T H C O A L I T I O N

s a dentist, you are well aware that dental dis-

ease is preventable. The Kent County Oral Health

Coalition aims to reinforce this fact and reduce the

number of Kent County residents with untreated dental dis-

ease through oral health education, disease prevention, and

increasing access to affordable, quality oral health care. As the

only collaborative, multi-stakeholder effort focused on oral

health, the Coalition is well positioned to improve the oral

health for all in our community.

West Michigan District Dental Society has been involved

with the Kent County Oral Health Coalition since it’s incep-

tion in 2011 and we welcome anyone interested in this issue

to join us. If interested, please contact Colette Smiley at

616.560.1104 or [email protected].

Kent County led the nation by being the first community to

add fluoride to its water system nearly 70 years ago – a top ten

public health achievement of the past century. But today, Kent

County is experiencing an oral health crisis. According to the

new Michigan Oral Health Coalition report, 2013 Check-Up

on Oral Health; Age One Dental Visits, Kent County ranks

lowest with only 0.2% of Medicaid-enrolled children receiv-

ing dental visits at age one. And the 2011 Community Health

Needs Assessment ranked “lack of access to dental care” in the

top five health concerns for residents. Community members

formed the Kent County Oral Health Coalition, and recently

released a report on the current oral health of county resi-

dents – The Kent County Oral Health Exam.

Basic oral health care – proper nutrition, oral hygiene,

routine cleaning, sealants and early treatment of cavities and

gum disease – is critical to our overall health and well-being.

However, thousands of children and adults in Kent County

go without that basic level of care. “We often see the toll of

untreated oral health issues in our hospitals,” said Edward

Cox, M.D., Co-Chairperson of the Kent County Oral Health

Coalition. “Lack of access to less-expensive preventive care

results in costly visits to emergency departments.”

In 2011, First Steps, a local early childhood organization,

convened a small group of concerned organizations and

people to create a community conversation about the oral

health crisis in Kent County. From that conversation emerged

The Kent County Oral Health Coalition, an active and collab-

orative group who believe that change is needed to improve

the oral health of Kent County citizens, particularly those who

have limited access to care. “Our medical community under-

stands that oral health is not separate from primary care,” said

Colette Smiley, D.D.S., Co-Chairperson of the Kent County

Oral Health Coalition. “It is critical to overall health.”

Partner agencies have been working on solutions to this

crisis. The Kent County Health Department announced a

partnership with Michigan Community Dental Clinics that

will provide dental care at a recently-acquired South Dental

Clinic, slated to open in Kentwood in June of 2014. But the

group knows more needs to be done. “This is a complex issue:

a cavity or other dental issues can impact a child’s ability to

concentrate or behave in school; it impacts self-esteem, the

ability to get a job; the mouth is truly the gateway to the entire

body,” said Nelle Peck, of the Prevention and Education

Subcommittee for the Kent County Oral Health Coalition.

“Kent County is known for finding ways to solve social issues

through the grassroots efforts of community, and this team is

committed to finding solutions.”

The group is currently working on an action plan to create

better oral health in Kent County, through access as well as

education initiatives. “We need to figure out – beyond getting

people into clinics and dental chairs – how to keep people

working on prevention,” said Reggie VanderVeen, D.D.S.,

coalition member.

The comprehensive report can be located at www.firststepskent.org.

Lack of Access, Education Impact Oral Health Coalition releases finding on Oral Health of Kent County ResidentsSubmitted by Colette Smiley, Co-Chairperson, Kent County Oral Health Coalition

A


K E N T C O U N T Y O R A L H E A L T H C O A L I T I O N

Access is a significant issue• Twenty-six percent of adults in Kent County have not seen

the dentist in the past year, including 48 percent of those with-

out dental insurance (Behavioral Risk Factors Survey, 2008).

• Twenty-six percent of respondents in a Kent County Oral

Health Coalition survey of older adults reported they cur-

rently have untreated oral health issues.

• The current supply of dentists serving low-income patients

in Kent County is only 29 percent of what is needed; in

the city of Grand Rapids, it is 55 percent of what is needed

(Kent County Health Department, 2011).

• The emergency department is often a last resort for people

who do not receive preventive oral health care. In Kent

County, there were an estimated 7,667 visits to the emergency

department for preventable dental conditions in 2011

(Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, AHRQ, 2011).

• Forty-six patients in Kent County were admitted to the

hospital from the emergency department in 2011 with pre-

ventable disorders of the teeth and jaw; that number does

not include emergency department dental patients who

were admitted for trauma or accidents. The total cost for

those hospital stays was $889,594 – significantly more than

routine care that likely could have prevented the problems

(Michigan Oral Health Coalition, 2013).

Kent County residents and providers need more knowledge

• The American Dental Association, American Academy of

Pediatric Dentistry, and American Academy of Pediatrics

recommend that infants have an oral health screening

within six months of getting their first tooth or by their

first birthday, whichever comes sooner.

• In a recent survey of Kent County parents conducted for

the Coalition, only 24 percent of respondents said children

should visit the dentist by age one; 40 percent replied not

until age three or later.

• Replying to a recent survey for the Coalition, 49 percent

of local dentists recommend a first dental visit by the first

birthday. Nearly the same number said they do not recom-

mend a visit until age two or three.

• In the Coalition’s survey of older adults in Kent County,

77 percent of respondents recognize the importance of

routine dental visits even if there is no oral health emer-

gency, 95 percent say daily brushing of teeth or dentures is

important, and 94 percent say the condition of their teeth

is important to their overall health.

A Broader View of the Burden of Oral Disease• Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood

disease in the United States – five times more common

than asthma – and is considered by many to be the larg-

est unmet health need among the nation’s low-income

children (United State Department of Health and Human

Services, 2000).

• One in four third-graders in Michigan has untreated tooth

decay (Michigan Department of Community Health, 2010).

• Dental examinations of young children in Kent County’s

Head Start program, a federally funded preschool program

for children living in poverty, revealed that half of the chil-

dren had untreated cavities and one-third had five cavities

or more (Head Start for Kent County, 2012).

• One in five Michigan adults between the ages of 65-74 has

lost all of his or her natural teeth (MDCH, 2010).

• Untreated dental disease increases costs of the health care

system through the added burden of patients seeking care

through hospital emergency departments, patients in need

of costly hospital-based operating room care, and from

diminished medical outcomes resulting from dental infec-

tion’s impact on systemic conditions.


or the second year, West Michigan District Dental

Society and second-year dental hygiene students from

GRCC teamed up to promote good oral health and

healthy habits to area middle and high school students at

the pre-game health and wellness expo prior to the Griffins

matinee hockey game on November 6th at Van Andel Arena.

The dental hygiene students helped students find answers

to questions about oral health and shocked many of the

students by showing them the amount of sugar in various

sugared beverages. Hopefully the “Sip All Day, Get Decay”

information will help them make better choices in the future.

The WMDDS Public Relations committee donated $3,000

to purchase 600 tickets so students from all over the area

could participate.

A special thank you to the GRCC students who brought

visuals for the booth and their enthusiasm to make this event

a success.

Second Health and Wellness Expo A SuccessPhotos and article by Elaine Fleming

F

C O M M U N I T Y R E L A T I O N S

Back row: Danielle Arkesteyn, Elizabeth Rico, Andrea Turner, Elyssa

Hilaski, Jessica Schippa, Michelle Murdoch

Front row: Kellie Holm, Erika Randall, Stacey Richter, Sheena Herrick


C O M M U N I T Y R E L A T I O N S


he West Michigan Dental Foundation is dedicated to

the improvement of oral health through the finan-

cial support of educational and service programs

to address needs identified by the dental profession and the

communities which it serves.

The Foundation supports projects that impact oral health

within its five-county service area (Kent, Ottawa, Ionia,

Montcalm and Mecosta). Grants are generally limited to

educational projects, treatment-based projects, supplies, and

equipment. The foundation does not generally support sala-

ries, operations, or research-based projects.

The WMDF Grant Review Committee met on Wednesday,

August 14th, 2013 to review the grant applications submitted.

This year there were nine grant applications and eight grants

were awarded. Applications were reviewed by the committee

and the following grant recommendations are submitted to

the Board of the West Michigan Dental Foundation.

Baxter Community Center GAP Project – $3,237The Dental Health “GAP” (Getting Accustomed Preventative)

Project, partners with Baxter’s Jubilee Jobs program to pro-

vide care for unemployed job-seekers. The grant will subsi-

dize reduced fees for needed dental care to restore oral health

for these job seekers. WMDF previously granted $2,000 in

2012 to support the GAP program. The program has grown

to serve the needs of 74 individuals since 2007. The goal is to

fund care for an additional 20 individuals in 2013-2014.

Tooth Time – $1,618This grant is to help the WMDDS fund the Tooth Time event

at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. This program is

expected to draw 1,500-2,000 area children, their parents and

teachers in February of 2014.

Kids Food Basket – $1,618Kids Food Basket provides take-home sack dinners for chil-

dren that receive subsidized school lunches. Twice a year they

provide a toothbrush and small tube of toothpaste for the kids

at holiday breaks. This December, over 4,000 children will

receive break bags. Funds will be used to purchase brushes

and toothpaste.

Ottawa County Health Department – $5,179The Ottawa County “Miles of Smiles” dental van program

will use their grant to provide dental services to low income,

at-risk, non-Medicaid eligible children in Ottawa County.

Grand Rapids Griffins Youth Hockey Foundation – $364This grant will partially cover the cost of providing mouth-

guards to 350 youth hockey players. The WMDF has sup-

ported this program since 2006.

Health Intervention Services (HIS) – $4,451HIS provides care to uninsured individuals thru the use of

volunteer providers and a reduced fee schedule. A grant of

$5,500 is being considered to support the cost of materials

and supplies used in the care of these individuals as well as

prosthetic care.

Catherine’s Health Care – $1,012Catherine’s Health Care is a free or low cost medical clinic

that mainly serves the uninsured and working poor. They

are requesting a grant for their HEALthy Smiles program.

Catherine’s has partnered with Health Intervention Services

for dental care of their patients. HIS typically sees Catherine’s

patients on an urgent/emergency basis. HIS is willing and

able to accept the grant on behalf of Catherine’s and restrict

the funds to be used for patients of Catherine’s Health Care.

Holland Free Health Clinic – $2,428The Holland Free Health Clinic operates a PA 161 dental

hygiene clinic that refers patients needing further care to

volunteer dentists in the clinic or participating private prac-

tices in the community. Last year, over $143,000 of care was

provided. The Free Health Clinic has been able to provide an

8:1 service value to donation ratio. This grant will be used to

purchase supplies and equipment.

W M D F N E W S

2013 WMDF Grant Review Committee ReportSubmitted by Sarah Mahar, DDS, Community Grant Committee Chair

T

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DENTAL APPRECIATION NIGHT

Presented by

/grgriffins @griffinshockeygriffinshockey.com1.800.2.HOCKEY

MARCH 7, 2014 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 For more info including the game date and ticket pricing, please contact Andrew Rubinstein at 616.774.4585 ext 3023 or [email protected]

5th Annual


he American Dental Association (ADA) is offering

its members a new resource to help them address

their professional and practice challenges.

The ADA Center for Professional Success, an online resource

that launched in September, is a free, one-stop shop for ADA-

member dentists who are seeking resources to help them suc-

ceed as dental practitioners and small business owners. The

website includes tips for choosing a career path to balancing

personal and professional lives to planning for retirement.

“Dentists spend their days making clinical decisions to pro-

vide the best treatment for their patients,” said ADA President

Robert A. Faiella, D.M.D., M.M.Sc. “While caring for patients

is dentists’ primary goal, they are also juggling business and

personal tasks every day. The ADA Center for Professional

Success allows members to focus on being a dentist while we

help to streamline the rest.”

Among some of the center’s features are:

• Financial calculators to factor loan payments and overhead

expenditures;

• In-person and online practice management education;

ADA Introduces New Website for Members to Manage Their Careers, Expand Their Knowledge, Balance Their Lives

A D A N E W S

• Ergonomic tips to reduce hand, neck and back pain;

• Patient communication strategies;

• Dental benefit resources;

• Information on buying and selling a practice;

• Marketing materials to recruit and retain patients;

• Staffing tips.

ADA members can expect to find something new each time

they visit because new content is added regularly. Members

can also take a virtual tour of the website and use the “Ask

the ADA” feature to ask practice management and wellness

questions to ADA staff.

The ADA Center for Professional Success is sustained

with the help of several corporate sponsors. Founding spon-

sors include ADA Business Resources and ADA Members

Insurance Plans, and Gold Sponsors are AXA Equitable –

ADA Members Retirement Programs and Procter & Gamble.

Please visit ADA.org for information on becoming an ADA

member.

T

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]

Patient health, not just oral healthPresented by Richard H. Nagelberg, D.D.S. | January 31, 2014 | Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

This presentation discusses current concepts of periodontal disease development and progression including; biofilm, bacterial invasion of the gingiva, the immuno-inflammatory response and risk factor identification and management. The interconnections between periodontal disease, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes are also examined. The presentation concludes with a discussion of salivary diagnostics and the incorporation of research findings into daily practice to enhance patient care.

Learning objectives:At the conclusion of this program attendees should understand:

• The impact dental professionals have on patient health beyond the oral cavity.• The mechanism of periodontal disease development and the immuno-inflammatory response.• Risk assessment to maximize clinical outcomes.• Interconnections between oral and systemic diseases and their clinical relevance.

Course Outline:1) The science of periodontal disease: Current concepts regarding biofilm, bacterial invasion of gingival epithelium, mechanism of periodontal

tissue destruction and the progression of gingivitis to periodontitis.2) Risk assessment: Understanding the primary role of risk factor identification and

management.3) Oral and systemic diseases update: Emerging research concerning the interconnections

between periodontal disease, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.4) Practice modifications: Incorporating research findings into daily practice, disease vs.

wellness model of practice, DNA testing, case studies, oral probiotics.West Michigan District Dental Society is an

ADA CERP Recognized Provider.

NAME

ADDRESS

ADDITIONAL REGISTRANT(S) AT THIS ADDRESS

MDA-member dentist – $225

WMDDS retired member dentist – $100

1st staff member – $100

2nd-5th staff members – $90

6th-12th staff members – $85

13th staff member and over – $80

per non-member dentist – $450

TOTAL:

PAy by CREDIT CARD: � VISA � Mastercard

CREDIT CARD # EXPIRATION DATE/SECURITy CODE

NAME ON CARD

SIGNATURE

registration ForM

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]

THaNk yOu TO OuR SPONSORS wHO Have HeLPeD TO Make THeSe PROGRaMS avaiLabLe TO uS.

Supporting Sponsor:Platinum Sponsors: Gold Sponsors:


F I N A N C I A L N E W S

s a CPA, I normally talk to dental professionals

about their finances – whether it be tax planning

strategies to minimize their bill come the March and

April deadlines, cash flow projections to determine

what their financial health will be down the road, or overhead

analysis to figure out where their money goes – we’re usually

talking about their financial capital. But there’s another

kind of capital that’s often overlooked … your social capital.

Social capital is essentially the value of your networks. And in

today’s digital landscape, that can include your online social

networks. Your clients, colleagues, friends and family all add

value to your business, but you can’t budget or forecast that in

Quickbooks. Social capital requires interaction and attention

from your constituents and the public.

Many dental practices have deployed various social media

tools to focus on patient growth, branding, and community

visibility. Does your dental practice have a social media plan

to interact with and cultivate your social capital? There are a

number of platforms available; however, each attracts a differ-

ent segment of your social circle and you’ll want to pick the

best ones for your practice.

I recently saw a great visual via Doug Ray on Instagram

(@douglaswray) that explained how people communicate on

each social platform. I have adapted it slightly for this audience:

Twitter: I am #flossing my teeth

Facebook: I like flossing my teeth

Foursquare: This is where I floss my teeth

Instagram: Here is a vintage photo of me flossing my teeth

YouTube: Here I am showing you how to floss your teeth

LinkedIn: My skills include flossing my teeth

Pinterest: Here are different colored and flavored floss

products

Google+: I am a Google employee who likes to floss

To get a better sense of each network and how it’s used, let’s

examine their characteristics.

FacebookFacebook is largely a business to consumer platform. It

would be a great place for you to interact with your patients

on a more authentic level, and it’s easy to build your base by

encouraging your patients to “like” your page. Keep people

engaged with your practice by posting pictures of your team,

share fun facts about your office, and even repost articles that

may be of interest to your clients.

TwitterTwitter is the second largest social media outlet with 140+

million users posting in excess of 175 million tweets per

day. Twitter provides information quickly and frequently by

enabling users to convert lengthy dialogues into small snippets

of information (you only have 140 characters to work with).

This is great for directing consumers to your website to gen-

erate leads. However, before establishing a Twitter “handle”

it’s important to understand the drawbacks and limitations.

It takes time to build a following and the key to building a

group of loyal followers lies in the information being shared.

The content must be interesting, timely and brief thereby

prompting individuals to look further for more information.

LinkedInSome people have described LinkedIn as your digital resume.

This platform allows members to post details about their

qualifications, experience and achievements. Members are

able to share articles they have written or recently read with

other connections. This is a great place to stay in contact with

your colleagues, referral sources, and other business contacts.

Google+Google+ is one of the fastest growing social media outlets.

It allows users to separate their followers into “circles” or

groups, which can be a huge advantage when the marketing

focus is very targeted and specific. Some studies show that

having a Google+ account tied to your website can help boost

your organic search results, although Google has not con-

firmed this. The challenge with this network is that it doesn’t

What’s Your Social Capital? Making Social Media Work For Your BusinessBrian LaFrenier, CPA, Audit Partner

A


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

have a large, loyal fan base like Facebook. Your patients may

not be a part of Google+, but it is still worthwhile to build a

profile since it’s tied to your other Google properties, such as

your Google Local listing.

PinterestPinterest is one of the newest members to the social media club

and is climbing in popularity very quickly. With Pinterest,

visual content rules! This outlet allows users to divide con-

tent into boards enabling followers to quickly find content.

It’s terrific for sharing your business culture and personality.

You can curate interesting pins and build boards that your

clients will want to follow – be creative! You could even show

off your practice’s personality by asking your team to get

involved and curate boards of their favorite oral health tips

and tricks.

If done correctly, social media has the potential to benefit

your practice and help to cultivate your social capital. Plus,

the cost commitment makes this form of marketing appeal-

ing. The key to selecting which social media platforms are

right for your practice lies in who you’re targeting and in

having a plan.

So, similar to unclaimed tax credits, don’t leave social

capital on the table. Develop a plan and cultivate a network to

engage with your patients, colleagues and business contacts.

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

F I N A N C I A L N E W S


T E C H N I C A L L Y S P E A K I N G

n each WMDDS Bulletin I will be fielding your questions

about technology, its place in the dental practice, and

beyond. Send your questions to [email protected]

and I’ll answer them on my blog, facebook, and in each

Bulletin. This article is a little different. With the holidays

coming up, here are some of the coolest tech products and

gift ideas from 2013.

NOTE: This will also be on our blog (ddsintegration.com/blog)

where the links will be live, perhaps easier than typing them.

First, things you probably aren’t going to (or can’t yet) buySono (not yet available) – So you have loud, annoying neigh-

bors? This device has some serious promise. If you’ve used

good noise-cancelling headphones you know what a differ-

ence noise cancellation can make. Sono takes it to the next

level, your windows. The Sono is installed on your window,

customized to block only those frequencies you want blocked

(I still want to hear the pretty birdies!), and then makes the

rest of the noises go away.

Article: http://tinyurl.com/klxwlrb

Youtube video: http://tinyurl.com/nl5m42n

55” LG Curved OLED TV – So what if it cost as much as my

car? Yeah, $15,000. OLED screens are becoming more and

more common, as they are capable of producing amazing

image quality, and in a very, very thin form factor. LG’s 55”

screen is one of the first to actually curve the screen but may

be a sign of what the future holds for TV.

Website: http://tinyurl.com/o2rgyr3

Review video: http://tinyurl.com/q5gtx7h

Next, some pretty good gift ideasGoogle Chromecast – Google doesn’t want you to be sad you

didn’t buy a SmartTV. $35!!! There are an awful lot of ways

to get the content you want to your non-SmartTV these days,

but Chromecast may be the best value. AppleTV, Roku, and

others offer similar products and it really comes down to what

features, apps, and compatible devices are most important to

you. Any of these devices can be very cool.

Website: http://tinyurl.com/kjjb9u4

Official video: http://tinyurl.com/qag2vye

AppleTV vs. Chromecast: http://tinyurl.com/low5z9n

Windows 8 – Shaping the future? Here’s the thing. We all

love tablets for one reason or another. The touchscreen, the

apps, the form factor, you name it. The bottom line is they are

pretty cool and quite useful. However, we mostly leave them

at home or in the briefcase once we get to the office. At work

we’re still mostly stuck in the desktop world because we need

the compatibility, we need the keyboard, etc…

Well what if you could have both? Whether it’s a tablet or a

touchscreen computer, using Windows 8 really does allow you

to get the best of both worlds. Rather than mousing to where

you need to go you just touch the screen, and a moment later,

you’re typing on the attached keyboard. I never really thought

of mousing as a nuisance but Windows 8 makes me rethink

the future of the mouse and its traditional uses.

Additionally, Windows 8 is offered on PCs, tablets, and

phones so you could have the same experience no matter

what device you are using, which I think will be a bit of a relief

for a lot of us.

A few notable devices are the Dell XPS 12 (both a tablet

and a laptop) and the Lenovo IdeaCentre Horizon (a huge

27” touchscreen computer). Both can be configured with

Intel’s latest and greatest processor and plenty of RAM.

Also, the Microsoft Surface is incredibly affordable at $349

and when combined with a keyboard (and it comes with

Microsoft Office) can make a very nice student gift.

Let me back up. Remember I said shaping the future? In

the dental office Windows 8 isn’t yet fully supported by our

Best of Tech 2013Submitted by Greg Feutz, President, DDS Integration

Greg Feutz is President of

DDS Integration, a

Grand Rapids based dental

technology company.

I



Software vendors, but I sure hope it happens soon. We have

tested Eaglesoft 16 on an XPS 12 and it does work pretty

well, however it’s obvious it was not built for a touchscreen

interface.

XPS 12: http://tinyurl.com/q4hdkg4

Horizon: http://tinyurl.com/mvh6ofl

Surface: http://tinyurl.com/kzq29yo

Bikespike – You thought you’d steal my bike, huh? You’ll

feel pretty awkward when I track you down. Biking is not safe

from technology anymore either. Really, what is? Bikespike is

a pretty small investment when considering the cost of a nice

bike, and can do tons of cool stuff to help protect it (and you).

Like many biking and running products it can track your

rides, but more importantly it can track your stolen bike and

even send an alert if you crash. I would consider this just for

the piece of mind when mountain biking alone.

Website: http://bikespike.com/

Cheesy video: http://vimeo.com/61807681

Automatic – Imagining the possibilities when your phone can

talk to your car. Supported on “every US gasoline car since

1996,” Automatic plugs into your car’s ODBII port and plays

nice with your smartphone. From there it can do a lot, some

of it boring like telling you that pushing the gas decreases your

gas mileage (really?) but the cooler features include reading

engine diagnostics, automatic emergency contact in the event

of a crash, and, how many of us have asked for this since for-

ever, telling you where you parked your car!

Website: http://www.automatic.com/

Video: http://tinyurl.com/oyxld63

Tesla Model S – If you draw my name for Secret Santa, look

no further! Like a lot of you out there, I am very fond of

cool and fast cars. I also need some practicality. Four doors

and a trunk are pretty much essential, and my little Subaru

gives me a nice balance between all of the above. However,

the car maker I am most closely watching right now is Tesla.

With their all-electric cars and countless innovations, it is no

surprise the Model S won car of the year from Motor Trend.

It’s a sedan, it’s fast, it looks great, it’s techy, and it boasts a

260 mile range.

Beyond that, Tesla is already investing big into infrastruc-

ture. First, they are putting in supercharger stations that can

charge the battery to 80 percent in only 20 minutes. Even

more impressive, they now have (very few) battery swap sta-

tions where you pull in and a fully automated system below

your car changes out your battery for a fully charged one in

90 seconds. Finally, someone is trying to solve the inherent

problems with electric cars, and in a big way.

MotorTrend: http://tinyurl.com/b4hosg9

Battery swap: http://tinyurl.com/ngpx42q

3doodler – Caution! May require talent. This one is really

neat. I don’t have the talent to use it, but for those that do

it would be really fun. By now we’ve all heard of 3d printing

where your computer tells a printer what to print and it cre-

ates it in 3d form. Amazing! 3doodler does the same, except

it’s just a pen. No computer or software needed. You literally

just write with this pen in whatever 3d shape you want. They

used a kickstarter website to fund the official release. So far,

of the $30K they wanted to raise, they’re over $2 million. I’ll

let the video speak for itself.

Website: http://tinyurl.com/a66lhet

Video: http://tinyurl.com/b5spmww

Livescribe Sky smartpen – a very cool way to take pen and

paper notes to the digital world. Livescribe pens allow you to

write paper notes (and record along with them if you choose)

and then automatically upload them to your evernote account

so they are available forever. It’s an expensive proposition

at $170, but if you really want your notes digital but also

prefer taking notes the old fashioned way, this is a very cool

way to do it. They also have different pens that will sync via

Bluetooth to an iPad or iPhone.

Official Evernote video: http://tinyurl.com/mah3jaj

Engadget article: http://tinyurl.com/c4zwycu

Website: http://www.livescribe.com/int/

Neverwet – The name is not misleading. It keeps things dry.

More than anything I’ve ever seen. I don’t know how else to

describe it, so just watch the video.

Website: http://www.neverwet.com/

Video: http://tinyurl.com/kbcydof


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.


And now for our next good idea: A SIMPLER NAME.

Hungerford, Aldrin, Nichols & Carter is now

Hungerford Nichols. A simpler name for the

same great depth of expertise, friendly service,

and most of all — good ideas you’ve grown

to expect.

Please check out our new website at

HungerfordNichols.com to see our new look

and fi nd a wealth of valuable information and

resources for your dental practice.

Rick Chrisman, CPA, Managing Shareholder

[email protected]

(616) 949-3200

Not really a gift, but a possible way to put money in your pocketDwolla – A new (better?) way to send and receive money,

without all the fees. Spoiler: Dwolla doesn’t work with credit

cards so if you’re married to your points system it may not be

the solution for you. But, if you’re sick of the incredible fees

associated with credit cards, it might be worth checking out.

Dwolla works with bank accounts, rather than credit cards,

to offer incredibly low fee (25 cents per transaction, free for

transactions under $10). It’s faster, cheaper, and safer than

using credit cards. The biggest difficulty I see is people paying

you do often like to use their credit cards.

Website: https://www.dwolla.com/

Video: http://tinyurl.com/o6dtwp3

What are your thoughts?Comment on our blog or facebook article. We’d love to hear

your opinions on Best of Tech or any other topic.

Facebook: facebook.com/ddsintegration

Blog: ddsintegration.com/blog


• Brush the teeth with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste

from the ages of 2 to 6.

• Supervise brushing until your child can be counted on to

spit and not swallow toothpaste – usually not before he or

she is 6 or 7.

• Place only formula, milk, or breast milk in bottles. Avoid

filling the bottle with liquids such as sugar water, juice or

soft drinks.

• Infants should finish their bedtime and naptime bottles

before going to bed.

• If your child uses a pacifier, provide one that is clean—

don’t dip it in sugar or honey.

• Encourage your child to drink from a cup by his/her first

birthday.

• Encourage healthy eating habits.

When your child’s first tooth appears, talk to your dentist

about scheduling the first dental visit. Treat the first dental

visit as you would a well-baby checkup with the child’s physi-

cian. Remember: starting early is the key to a lifetime of good

dental health.

Brought to you by the 600 members of the West Michigan District Dental Society

in Kent, Ottawa, Ionia, Montcalm and Mecosta counties. West Michigan District

Dental Society dentists are also members of the Michigan Dental Association and

the American Dental Association.

ven though they are temporary, your child’s baby

teeth are important, and are still at risk for cavities.

Tooth decay in infants and toddlers is often referred

to as baby bottle tooth decay, or early childhood caries.

“It’s important to start infants off with good oral care to

help protect their teeth for decades to come,” according to Dr.

Margaret Gingrich, president of the West Michigan District

Dental Society. “Children need strong, healthy teeth to chew

their food, speak, and have a good-looking smile. Their first

teeth also help make sure their adult teeth come in correctly.”

What causes Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?Baby bottle tooth decay most often occurs in the upper front

teeth, but other teeth may also be affected.

Gingrich, a general dentist in Big Rapids, said “there are

many factors which can cause tooth decay. One common

cause is the frequent, prolonged exposure of the baby’s teeth

to drinks that contain sugar.” Tooth decay can occur when

the baby is put to bed with a bottle, or when a bottle is used

as a pacifier for a fussy baby.

Tooth decay is a disease that can begin with cavity-causing

bacteria being passed from the mother (or primary care-

giver) to the infant. These bacteria are passed through the

saliva. When the mother puts the baby’s feeding spoon in her

mouth, or cleans a pacifier in her mouth, the bacteria can be

passed to the baby.

“Most people are surprised to learn that tooth decay is an

infectious disease that can be passed from the mother to the

infant,” said Gingrich.

If your infant or toddler does not receive an adequate

amount of fluoride, they may also have an increased risk for

tooth decay. The good news is that decay is preventable.

Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay• Try not to share saliva with the baby through common use of

feeding spoons or licking pacifiers. After each feeding, wipe

your child’s gums with a clean, damp gauze pad or washcloth.

• When your child’s teeth come in, brush them gently with

a child-size toothbrush and water. Be sure to consult with

your child’s dentist or physician if you are considering

using fluoride toothpaste before age 2.

T H E G R A N D R A P I D S P R E S S H E A L T H S E C T I O N A R T I C L E

Baby Bottle Tooth DecayInfants’ Cavities Can be Prevented

Reprinted from The Grand Rapids Press, October 6, 2013

E


C L A S S I F I E D A D S

Associate position wanted – Newly

graduated dentist from UDM looking

for full time position as an associate

of progressive dental practice in

Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

Please call 616.617.9725 or email

[email protected].

Associate Position Wanted – Fourth-

year at University of Florida COD

and Michigan native seeking full-time

associate level opportunities in greater

Grand Rapids area beginning summer/

fall 2013. [email protected] or

248.568.0839.

Kavo Handpieces for Sale –

6000B have 5 at $400/handpiece,

6500B have 6 at $400/ handpiece,



649B have 2 at $200/handpiece.

Call 616-453-6323.

Too busy in your own office and need the extra help? Dentist with

nine years of experience looking for

part-time employment. Please email

[email protected].

For Sale – Kavo GentleRay 980 Diode

LASER. Specializes in management

of all soft tissue procedures such as

gingival troughing, aphthous ulcer

treatment, and perio pocket treatment

as well as bleaching. Features a large,

bright touch screen with built in clini-

cial tutorials for easy practice integra-

tion. Like new, used approximately

15 times. Includes ALL accessories

needed for immediate use including

protective eyewear for doctor, patient

and assistant and 3 tips for handpiece.

Also includes rolling cart for portabil-

ity. Please call or email for details/

photos. Phone 616.606.3263, or email

[email protected]. Purchased

for approximately $10K. Asking

$5,500/obo.

Well established high quality practice in Kentwood area is

looking for an associate between

1 and 2.5 days a week. Would prefer

a seasoned dentist who has experience

providing high quality patient service.

Please send an email to:

[email protected].

Dental Office Space for Lease/Possible Buyin – 2554 Woodmeadow

Drive, SE (near Breton and 28th

Street), 1300 sq. ft., 4 ops, private

office, lab, reception, staff lounge, full

basement with lockable storage, excel-

lent parking, plumbed for dentistry

and cabled for digital dentistry. Three

other dental suites in an all dental

building. Very competitive lease rate.

Available April 2014. For more infor-

mation, email [email protected]

or call 616.401.5134.

Hudsonville, MI – Dental office

seeking maternity coverage for dentist

beginning mid-November. Potential

opportunity for associate position

following coverage. Send cover

letter and resume to:

[email protected].

For Sale – Lab Master Foster Model

Trimmer, Model # MT115, like new

$600. Contact 616.949.7510.

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.

We need your help in changing lives, one smile at time. Michigan

Community Dental Clinics, Inc. is

seeking dentists to join our elite group

of 60 quality oriented dental practitioners.

We have experienced exponential

growth throughout Michigan over a

five year period. Our growth contin-

ues, and we have several more offices

opening in the coming years. We wel-

come talking to dentists and dental

specialists who have a mindset of con-

tinuous quality improvement. Our

culture is one which places “patients

first.” Due to recently increased capac-

ity, we have outstanding full and part-

time opportunities. Our facilities fully

utilize an electronic patient record,

state-of-the-art equipment and the

finest sundries available in dentistry.

Our facilities are operated utilizing

a private-practice model with poli-

cies and procedures that encourages

efficiency, productivity, improving

quality, and cost control. We operate

Monday through Friday with no eve-

ning or weekend hours. Our full-time

positions offer very competitive remu-

neration and a comprehensive benefits

package that includes paid holidays,

medical, dental, vision, retirement,

disability, paid Continuing Education,

professional liability insurance, and a

wellness program. For more informa-

tion on specific clinic openings con-

tact Wendie Rodriguez, Professional

Talent Acquisition Coordinator at

[email protected] or call

231.437.4739, or visit our website at

www.midental.org to learn more.


C L A S S I F I E D A D S

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 ......................................21

DDS Integration .... outside back cover

Davis Dental

Laboratory ............... inside front cover

Founders Bank & Trust ......................5

Great Lakes Financial Insurance ......18

Henry Schein ............inside back cover

Hungerford Nichols .........................24

Keystone Pharmacy ..........................28

MDA IFG ...........................................15

Professional Solutions ......................16

A D V E R T I S E R I N D E X

Ottawa County Department of Public Health is currently in the process

of recruiting a part-time dentist to provide services on the county’s 40 foot,

state-of-the-art “Miles of Smiles” Mobile Dental Unit. The mobile unit

provides comprehensive dental services for children at schools, summer

programs, and health department locations throughout Ottawa County

(Grand Haven, Holland, etc.)

Employment will involve 2-4 days per month (6 hours /day).

Competitive wage.

If you are interested in this position, please e-mail a resume to:

[email protected]

Debra J. Bassett R.D.H., B.H.S.

Oral Health Team Supervisor

Ottawa County Health Department

12251 James St., Suite 400

Holland, MI 49424

We look forward to hearing from you!

Exciting opportunity for dentists

to provide children with dental care

in Grand Rapids area schools. No

evenings or weekends. Apply at

www.smileprograms.com.

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.

Antique Dental Drill for Sale – $70.

Please call 616.241.4061 and ask for Sue

deHaan or email [email protected].

Immediate opening for an associate

dentist in the Grand Rapids area. We

are an up-to-date, modern office that

is completely paperless. Our office

performs all aspects of general and

cosmetic dentistry. Email your resume

to [email protected].


NEW DENTIST FORUM UPDATEOrthodontic Referral Guidelines

The lecture will discuss referral guidelines for Orthodontic treatment.

We will discuss what to look for and when a referral

should be made as well as when it can wait. Clinical cases will help to

make the decision of when to refer simplified.

A laminated copy of the guidelines will be given to all who attend.

Speaker: Mark Powell DDS, MS

CE: 1 Hour

Cost: Free (Dinner Included)

Time: January 16, 2014

Arrive: 6:30

Lecture & Dinner: 7:00 – 8:00

Location: Pietro’s 2780 Birchcrest Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Keystone Pharmacy uses the latest technology and purest ingredients to create custom, compounded medications, according to your prescription. We also offer the convenience of free delivery to your office or patient’s home. Call Keystone today—your accredited compounding experts!

creams & gels • gummies, lollipops & lozenges sterile medications • suppositories, sprays and more

KEYSTONE PHARMACYSpecializing In Your Health

4021 Cascade Road SEGrand Rapids, MI 49546616-974- 9792www.keystonerx.com

Happier Patients—One Compound at a Time

WE’VE MOVED

Don’t miss our Equipment& Technology Specials!

Ask your Henry Schein Consultant for details.

Henry Schein Dental

2689 Walkent Drive NW, Suite F

Walker, MI 49544

Phone: 616-791-2358

Fax: 616-791-2973

STOP BY AND VISIT OUR NEW SHOWROOM!

©2012 Henry Schein, Inc. No copying without permission. Not responsible for typographical errors.

12BS7160_moved ad 1/23/13 4:25 PM Page 1

WEST MICHIGAN DENTAL SOCIETY

511-F Waters Building

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDGRAND RAPIDS, MI

PERMIT # 657

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