[PDF] 14 may junepub - Montana Dental Association

PDF document for free

1. PDF document for free

39485_7MDA_newsletter_14_may_june.pdf

DR. HIRT LEADING MDA IN 2014-2015

A Newsletter of the Montana Dental Association Volume XXXV - Issue 3 - Summer 2014

NEWS MDA

Leaders Lobby

Congress 6

Annual

Meeting Photos 8

State Sets

Limits for

HMK 10

Former MDA

President Dr.

Daniel J. "DJ"

O'Neill Passes 11

Dental

Datebook 16 MDA Honors

Award

Recipients 12 Legislators Eye

Prescription

Drub Abuse 10

Classifieds

15 Oral Health

America

Presents Grant

to Sealants for

Smiles! 14 INSIDE

THIS

ISSUE: Two new Board members

have been selected to repre- sent their dental societies on the MDA Board of Directors. Dr. Frederick E. Anderson,

Great Falls, joins the Board as

Fourth District's board mem-

ber. Dr. Tyson C. Smith,

Lewistown will represent the

Eight District.

Dr. Anderson earned his

Doctor Dental Medicine degree

from Oregon Health Sciences

University School of Dentistry

(continued on page 3) Dr. Christopher A. Hirt, Billings, was elected as MDA's President at the MDA General Assembly in Missoula in May. Joining Dr. Hirt on MDA's officer team are President-Elect Dr. David C. Keim, Kalispell, Dr. Jane Gillette, Bozeman, as Vice-President and Dr. Charles

Wilson, Glasgow, MDA Secretary-Treasurer.

"The most important issue before the MDA is how to stay relevant to members," Dr. Hirt said. "There are so many competing ways for Mon- tana dentists to spend time out of the office. Everyone is crunched for time. It is critical for the MDA to listen to members' needs and find innovative ways to deliver what they are looking for." Dr. Hirt is a Billings native and returned to his hometown to practice as a general dentist in 2004. He is now a partner in Turley Dental Care. He has served as MDA President-Elect, Vice President, and Secretary- Treasurer, and as Ninth District representative on the MDA Board of

Directors.

Dr. Hirt graduated from Montana State University and earned his Doctor Dental Medicine degree from Oregon Health Sciences University School of Dentistry in 2004. He is a Fellow in the International Congress of Oral Implantolo- gists and was elected into the International College of Dentists in 2013. He is an organizer of the Billings Oral Health Alliance and an active volunteer with the MDA's Sealant for Smiles! project. He has been MDA's champion before the Board of Dentis- try in opposition to denturists' attempts to place dentures over implants. (continued on page 4)

Dr. Chris Hirt

MDA President

NEW MDA BOARD

M

EMBERS SELECTED D

ENTAL BOARD PROPOSES LICENSE FEE

I

NCREASES; POSTPONES X-RAY RULE

By unanimous vote the Board of Dentistry at its June 13 meeting began the administrative process to double license fees for dentists, hygienists and denturists. Dentist fees would increase to $306, hygienists to $140 and denturists to $200. A public hearing on increasing fees will be held during the Board's September 19 meeting, preceded by a written comment period. The consensus of the Board was that it had to act imme- diately to begin minimizing a projected negative cash balance. The Board cited these other factors in its decision: this is the first increase since 1995, it is not an excessive increase, and (continued on page 5)

2 MDA News 2014 -Vol. XXXV, No. 3

The MDA News is a copyrighted

publication of the Montana Dental

Association and is distributed bimonthly

to its members as a direct benefit of membership. All views expressed herin are published on authority of the writer under whose name they appear and are not to be regarded as the views of the

Association. MDA reserves the right to

reduce, revise, or reject any manuscript submitted for publication. Copy for publi- cation should be addressed to:

MDA News

Montana Dental Association

PO Box 1154

Helena MT 59624

Telephone: (406) 443-2061

(800) 257-4988 (in state)

Fax: (406) 443-1546

E-mail: info@montanadental.org

www.montanadental.org

OFFICERS

President:

Dr. Christopher A. Hirt (Billings)

President-Elect:

Dr. David C. Keim (Kalispell)

Vice President:

Dr. E. Jane Gillette (Bozeman)

Secretary/Treasurer:

Dr. Charles L. Wilson (Glasgow)

Immediate Past President:

Dr. Michael Veseth (Malta)

Delegates-at-Large:

Dr. Douglas S. Hadnot (Missoula)

Dr. Roger K. Newman

(Columbia Falls)

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Dr. Andrew C. Althauser (Missoula)

Dr. Cody Haslam (Billings)

Dr. James P. Herzog (Butte)

Dr. Brandon N. Kiesling (Helena)

Dr. Lee D. Laeupple (Havre)

Dr. Kevin L. Rencher (Helena)

Dr. Frederick E. Anderson

(Great Falls)

Dr. Tyson C. Smith (Lewistown)

Dr. Jason A. Tanguay (Bozeman)

Dr. Jesse L. Cole (Scobey)

STAFF

Executive Director: David Hemion

Executive Assistant: Jean Strainer

Office Assistant: Rosita Patrick

2014 -Vol. XXXV, No. 3 MDA News 3

N

EW BOARD MEMBERS (Continued from Page 1)

in 1981. He is past president of the Montana section of the American College of Dentists and an active member of the Fourth District Dental

Society. Dr. Anderson enjoys mentoring young

dentists in the areas of clinical dentistry, practice manage- ment and professional ethics. Dr. Smith earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from

Indiana University School of

Dentistry in 2006.

"We welcome these two leaders to the MDA

Board," said Dr. Chris Hirt, president.

Dr. Fred

Anderson

Dr. Tyson

Smith

D R. HIRT LEADING MDA IN 2014-2015 (Continued from Page 1) Dr. Keim served as MDA Vice President, member of the MDA Board of Directors repre- senting the First District Dental Society and past president of the First District. "The purpose of the MDA is to offer valid services and representation that members cannot receive elsewhere," said Dr. Keim. "A foremost issue faced by MDA leadership is to continue to ensure that members receive services and representation commensurate to, or even exceeding, the value of membership." He is a graduate of Drake University and the University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Dentistry. Dr. Keim is a Fellow of the American College of Dentists. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Flathead County Community Health Clinic and as a Board mem- ber of Daybreak Rotary. He is a Project Homeless Connect and Sealants for Smiles! volun- teer and is spearheading, organizing, and staffing the new free dental clinic offered every

Monday night at the Shepherd's Hand Free Clinic.

Dr. Gillette is MDA's Second Alternate Delegate, chairs the MDA Council on Dental Health and Health Planning and is a member of the Government Affairs Committee. She is Vice President and Board member of the Montana Oral Health Foundation and has served the Sixth District Dental Society as its president, vice president, treasurer and MDA Board of Directors representative. Dr. Gillette is Vice-Chair of the ADA Council on Access, Pre- vention and Interprofessional Relations Council and ADA's Spokesperson for Evidence- based Dentistry. She is the ADPAC Action Team Leader for Montana Congressman Steve Daines. Dr. Gillette serves on the Board of Trustees of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and is a Fellow of the International College of Dentists and the American College of Dentists. She is president of the Montana Chapter, Pierre Fauchard Academy. Dr. Gil- lette graduated from Pacific Lutheran University and the University of Washington, School of Dentistry. "At no other time has the profession of dentistry faced such vast challenges and changes

both across the nation and within Montana", said Dr. Gillette. "A steady decline in dental care utilization among

adults, rapid growth of large group and corporate dental practices, increased financial barriers to care among

young adults, improvements in oral health status among most of the segments of the population, increased

numbers of professional active dentists, and a steady decline in dentist income are just some of the monumental

changes in dentistry. Overarching all of these trends is the fact that the US health care system is on the verge of

unparalleled change due to health care reform."

"Considering these empirically forecasted turbulent times, assisting all members so that they may develop

resiliency and achieve professional successful needs to be the single most important goal of the Montana Dental

Association.

4 MDA News 2014 -Vol. XXXV, No. 3

Dr. Dave Keim

MDA

President-Elect

Dr. Jane Gillette

MDA

Vice President

The 2014 General Assembly approved the 2015 Association dues at $445. The $20 increase was recommended

by the Board of Directors in order to offset the addition of a part-time office assistant. The Assembly also

approved a resolution expressing support for closing the MDA Direct Reimbursement Account and transferring

the remaining funds into the MDA's Reserve Account. About $120,000 remains in the account, but there has

been no active DR promotion has occurred since 2010. The MDA Dental Benefits Committee reviewed the DR

program in 2012 and concluded that the program's effectiveness did not warrant continued expenditures.

2014 -Vol. XXXV, No. 3 MDA News 5

DENTAL BOARD REPORT (Continued from Page 1)

cash flow problems have resulted in suspending some Board obligations, such as screening and hearing patient complaints and actions on rule proposals, MDA requested that the Board provide more analy- sis of its projected expenses and contingent needs for the coming years and set its cash balance accordingly. Under state statute, licensing boards can accrue a balance that is two times the appropriation approved by the Legislature. Any balance above the cap must be rebated to licensees. Currently, the allowed balance would be $514,000. At the end of May, 2014 the bal- ance was $38,000. MDA's position was supported by the Montana Dental Hygienists Association. Dental board members stated they did not want to delay action on an increase by undertaking further analysis. Comments on the proposed fee increase can be made by email to: dlibsdden@mt.gov As a result of its current cash flow problems, the Board has suspended action on its proposed change to the rule regulating qualifications for dental assistants to take radiographs. The Board has approved, but not finalized, the elimination of ARM 24.13.138.406 (8) (b), which allows a dental assistant to qualify to expose radiographs if certified in dental radiology in another state. MDA has asked that the Board of Dentistry take no action to eliminate this rule.

In Memoriam

Board of Dentistry member Ms. Lorraine "Lorrie" Merrick, RDH, was fatally injured in an automobile accident on May 25, 2014. MDA expresses its sincere condolences to Ms. Merrick's family, friends and associates.

Ms. Merrick was appointed to the Board by Gover-

nor Bullock in 2013. She was employed by

Dr. Eddy Crowley in Helena.

Memorials may be sent to Seattle Cancer Care

Alliance, Attn: Donations P.O. Box 19023, Seattle,

WA 98109; Dental Hygienist Program, Great Falls

College, 2100 16th Ave. S., Great Falls, MT 59405; or Carroll College, 1601 N. Benton Ave., Helena,

MT, 59601.

6 MDA News 2014 -Vol. XXXV, No. 3

MDA LEADERS LOBBY CONGRESS ON STUDENT DEBT, MEDICAID A

UDITS AND IMPROVING ACCESS TO CARE

MDA annually sends a team of politically active members to lobby Congress during the ADA Washington Leadership Conference. In May, MDA was represented by President Dr. Chris Hirt, MoDePAC chair Dr. Kevin

Miltko, New Dentist Committee chair Dr. Mike Bow-

man, Action Team Leader Dr. Doug Hadnot (who does double duty as the ADPAC's Treasurer and 11 th District member of the ADPAC Board) and Executive Director Dave Hemion. Here are their reports explaining im- portant concerns facing dentistry and how the federal government can help or hinder. Please read and learn how you can help lobby.

Dr. Mike Bowman, Kalispell

I want you to know your association is alive and well. I had the opportunity to witness this first hand in Washington DC as a participant in the Washington Leadership Conference. I went as MDA's new dentist representative and, although I'm going on seven years in practice, I'm still wading through the murky waters of private practice, clinical dentistry, and dental activ- ism. The key point you should know is that the MDA is investing time, energy, and dollars into new dentists for the future of the association. The highlight of the conference for me was the oppor- tunity to meet Senator Jon Tester, Senator John Walsh, and Representative Steve Daines in their offices at the Capitol. We also met Arizona Congressman Paul Gosar, one of two dentists serving in Congress. Even more valuable is that we were able to discuss dental issues important to Montana dentists. I spoke to them about the issue of debt loads and the problems it creates for new dentists. It was interesting to listen to their responses to my words. They were engaged and aware of the burden graduating dentists have with student debt and how it shapes their deci- sions about practice opportunities and philosophies. The good news is that they are on board supporting ways to reduce student loan interest as well as deduc- tions for student loan debt. They also understand small businesses and cash flow impacts when paying these large debts. By freeing up financial burdens new dentists can dedicate more time and resources to activi- ties like volunteerism, activism, and even personal patient contact time. This lobbying opportunity is your dues dollars work- ing to improve dentistry in Montana by shaping the future of our profession. Someday, the connections with Montana's leadership will become immeasurable

when an issue in dentistry arises and dentists or others can make a phone call or send an email to our congress-

man and provide valuable information to help them make educated decisions. If we don't make these con- nections today, then tomorrow we won't be able to shape and guide our profession and its future.

Dr. Kevin Miltko, Missoula

One of the issues being discussed was not a piece of legislation, but a letter from Representative Gosar to the administrative staff of Health and Human Services (HHS). As a dentist, he has been a strong advocate of our profession. In this letter, Rep. Gosar is encouraging HHS to reconsider its current system of Recovery Audit Contractor (RAC) audits for dental Medicaid providers. With the current RAC audit system, the outside audi- tors are incentivized to find problems. The outside auditors are paid and bonuses based on the size of the audit's findings. This has resulted in abuses against otherwise innocent providers with difficult and expen- sive recourse. Rep. Gosar cites an example of a dentist who was found to be overpaid by Medicaid $150. Due to this overpayment by Medicaid, the RAC audit fined the dentist over $23,000. Rep. Gosar has requested a complete overhaul of the RAC audit system that more fairly reflects a balance to result in a fair and minimal- ly burdensome audit with reasonable corrective action. Our Montana representatives in DC, Sen. Tester, Sen. Walsh, and Rep. Daines and their staffers were all receptive to Rep. Gosar's letter. They all seemed to understand the inherent inequity in the current system. As always, your MDA represents your interests at the State and Federal levels on a variety of legislative topics. When things go well, you only read about these issues and do not have to experience them firsthand. Hopefully, our RAC audit discussion will help protect our Montana dentists from abusive RAC audits. It is a pleasure to serve the interests of the MDA in our na- tion's Capital.

Dr. Doug Hadnot, Missoula

The routine at the Washington Leadership Confer- ence is to meet with each of our representatives in Congress, and discuss the issues that ADA has selected to highlight during the meeting. The impact of our dental profession was reflected when Congressman Steve Daines took some extra time out of his schedule to spend with us. Our team did a great job, and Mike Bowman's comments were particularly helpful on the Student Loan Interest Deduction issue. Thanks Mike.

2014 -Vol. XXXV, No. 3 MDA News 7

One of the issues that we lobbied for was the Action for Dental Health Act - H.R. 4395, sponsored by Rep.

Robin Kelly (IL-2

nd ). This bill would support the ADA Action Plan with $20M of grants to fund direct dental care to the underserved population, and dental health education and disease prevention to the underserved communities. We can be proud in Montana because we have already implemented several of these programs. During our discussions with our members of Congress, we were able to point out the MDA's ongoing efforts with Sealants for Smiles, the DDS program, the ABCD program, and our current Prevention and Awareness program. Make no mistake. The Montana Dental Association is a leader in carrying the message of Oral Health and Prevention to the citizens of Montana. We are also very influential at the national level in terms of policy making within the ADA. Job well done for all of our volunteers. Fight on!

Dr. Chris Hirt, Billings

We had some valuable face time with Sen. Walsh, Sen. Tester, Congressman Daines and their aides. Feedback from your veterans of the Washington Leadership Conference indicates this year was one of the best organized conferences in recent memory. ADA distilled the subjects that were to be presented so that everyone on Capitol Hill heard the same message at the same time. We spoke on Actions for Dental Health, Student Loan Interest Rates, Student Loan Tax Deductions and

Medicaid Recovery Audit Contractors.

Being my first time in Washington DC, I was over- whelmed with the monuments, museums and history ( If you ever have the chance to see the monuments at night with Dr. Miltko, you won't regret the history lesson.) I also had the chance to sit in the gallery of the

Senate to observe the speeches being given to just a camera. However, the best part of the experience was

sitting in the offices of Sen. Tester, Sen. Walsh and Rep. Daines shaking hands, looking each other in the eye and being the experts in our field. Our elected officials are required to know so much information it is impossible for them to make well informed decisions without our help as dental experts. In addition to the messages delivered from the ADA, we invited our Montana leadership to count on us for information regarding dental issues. We cultivated the relationship between MDA and Montana leaders by making the personal connections with them and their aids. It was remarkable how quickly our group was able to make personal and family connections or connections through common interest with each of them. These are the relationships you need to continue to foster with our Montana leaders when they come in to see you for their cleaning and check up (I know they come to someone reading this!). When they are in your office or you run into them in the grocery store (a novel- ty common only in small states like our) invite them to use you as a resource regarding dentistry. You are the experts that have the information they need to make decisions about how dentistry will be delivered. Relationships lead to conversations that lead to action. Be an action leader by reaching out to your elected officials on local, state and national levels. Politics do not have to be a part of the conversation the first few meetings. As your relationship strengthens you'll find you are giving political advice just by ex- pressing your values and concerns. Help lobby on these important issues! Be a

Grassroots Dentist Lobbyist.

Find out more about how you can take action to sup- port the message your MDA leaders have delivered on student debt, RAC audits and improving access to care. Email David Hemion, or call him at (800) 257-4988.

MDA's representatives and

Montana's Congressional

delegation gathered at the weekly Montana coffee. (left to right)

Senator Jon Tester,

Dr. Chris Hirt,

Rep. Steve Daines,

Dr. Michael Bowman,

Dr. Kevin Miltko,

Dr. Doug Hadnot,

Dr. Roger Kiesling

Executive Director

David Hemion and

Senator John Walsh.

8 MDA News 2014 -Vol. XXXV, No. 3

Ms. Kelly Brown and Ms. Helen Ward

from the office of Dr. Kevin Miltko coordinated the Montana Oral

Health Foundation auction.

MDA Director Dr. Tyson Smith (right) enjoys a

visit with 88 year old Retired Life Member

Dr. Ralph Matuska (left) of Missoula.

MDA past presidents Dr. Kurt Lindemann

(left) and Dr. Robert Bowman (right) and Dr. Mike Bowman.

2014 -Vol. XXXV, No. 3 MDA News 9

Thank you for your

participation in our Montana

Dental Association 111th

Annual Meeting. Join us next

year in Missoula

April 30 - May 1, 2015!

MDA member Dr. Jeff Green of Missoula (left) chats with Aurum Dental Ceramic representative Heath Johnson. A special thanks to Heath and Aurum for their continued support of the Montana Oral Health Foundation golf tourney.

Attendees enjoyed

the Madow Brothers.

Betty Schaefer of Paradise

Dental Technologies. A

special thanks to PDT and all meeting sponsors for their continued support.

ADA 11th District Trustee and

MDA Past President Dr. Roger Kiesling

(left) joins MDA Past President

Dr. Dave Bull of Polson.

Montana Senator John Walsh

addresses MoDePAC breakfast attendees.

10 MDA News 2014 -Vol. XXXV, No. 3

STATE SETS LIMITS FOR HEALTHY MONTANA KIDS DENTAL The Department of Public Health and Human Ser- vices (DPHHS) has revised benefits for dental services provided to children under the Healthy Montana Kids (CHIP) program, Effective July 1, a child may receive up to $1,900 in reimbursable dental services per bene- fit year. Under the old schedule, dental services that exceeded $1412 were covered by an extended dental plan, which is no longer being funded and has been discontinued. Dental services are reimbursed at 85% of billed charges. HMK dentists give a discount of 15% of the billed charges to the patient. At the 85% reimbursement rate, the maximum benefit to the dentist is $1,615.

Other changes announced by DPHHS include:

The benefit year has changed to begin each July 1

st to the following June 30 th . Only children age 5 or under are approved for same day hospital surgery and anesthesia for dental surgery. Claims must be submitted to BCBS MT for the hospital and anesthesia services. Implant Services, CDT codes D6000-D6199, are now covered with prior approval and proven medi- cal necessity. The lifetime limit for implant services is $1,500 per child. Dental implants are included in the Dental benefits. Dentists may charge families for services exceeding $1,900 per child per benefit year. Dentists and families will need to make private payment arrangements.

Dentists use the standard ADA billing forms and

billing codes. Dental providers should begin using the 2012 ADA claim form. This form will be manda- tory beginning Jan 2015. Please address questions to Barb Arnold or Gail Moloney, CHIP program officer, at 1-877-543-7669.

LEGISLATORS EYE PRESCRIPTION DRUG ABUSE ISSUES

At the direction of the 2013 Legislature the Interim

Committee on Children, Families, and Health and

Human Services has been reviewing possible legisla- tion to curb abuse of opioids used in the treatment of chronic, non-cancer pain. For more than a year, the committee has been gathering information on the status of prescription drug abuse in Montana, the operation of the state's Prescription Drug Registry, and measures to reduce abuse. At its June 24 meeting the committee reached consensus on several issues. The committee agreed to recommend legislation to the

2015 session that will allow e-prescribing for narcotics.

Another bill will clarify what information about sus- pected fraudulent prescription activity may be shared with law enforcement and creates provider immunity in reporting such activity. MDA executive director David Hemion testified in support of these measures. The committee halted the advance of a bill that would codify guidelines related to dosing and treat- ment of chronic pain. The Montana Medical Associa- tion (MMA) made a successful pitch to the committee to allow voluntary compliance with best practices on opioid prescribing. MDA's testimony to the committee

was that dentists do not treat chronic pain and should be left out of any bill that creates additional regulation.

The attorney for the Board of Dentistry joined MDA in asking that the Board not be included in any legislation. The committee recognized the work MMA is doing to create an awareness campaign on prescription drug abuse for providers and the public. MMA has asked

MDA to work with in developing the campaign from

the dentist's viewpoint. There is strong committee interest in securing addi- tional funding to improve and operate the Prescription Drug Registry. The committee will propose that the current $15 per provider fee for all professions author- ized to prescribe opioids be increased to $30 and the fee sunset be extended for another two years. Committee members have discussed using state general fund appropriations and grants from state agencies to underwrite a portion of the costs of improving the PDR. Reports and data on this issue are available online at: http://leg.mt.gov

2014 -Vol. XXXV, No. 3 MDA News 11

FORMER MDA PRESIDENT DR. DANIEL J. "DJ" O'NEILL PASSES Former MDA president and dental leader Dr. Daniel J. "DJ"

O'Neill passed away on Thursday,

May 8 in Butte. Dr. O'Neill was

president of the Montana Dental

Association in 2006-2007. He was

honored with the MDA's 2014 T. T.

Rider Award for his service and

leadership to dentistry, his com- munity, state and country (see article on page 12) "Dr. O' Niell was an inspiration to family, friends and dentists," said Dr. Chris Hirt, MDA presi- dent. "His drive to serve in so many aspects of his life was something that set him apart. He will be greatly missed." Dr. O'Neill was a graduate of Butte Central and Carroll College. In 1981, he received his dental degree from the University of the Pacific in San Francisco, where he served as president of his dental school fraternity and received special recognition from the

ADA as a student leader.

He served the Third District Dental Society as president and as its representative on the MDA Board of Directors. He started the Third District

St. Patrick's CE course and volunteered with the

district school screenings. He was secretary- treasurer, vice president, president-elect, and president of the Montana Dental Association. He was a Fellow of the International College of Den- tists and past president of the Montana Oral

Health Foundation.

Dr. O'Neill used his MDA presidency to champi- on expansion of state support for dental students and address access to care problems. He led

MDA's efforts to pass legislation to establish a

University of Washington School of Dentistry

program at Montana State University. He worked to address the dental needs of tribal members and

oral health disparities on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation and created a plan to recruit Native Amer-

icans for dental school, expand the UW's student rotations in Indian Country, and establish dental stations at Fort Peck's schools. Dr. O'Neill joined the Montana National Guard in 2008 and became the Guard's chief dental officer with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was awarded the Army's Bronze Star for his service to the oral health needs of our soldiers in Afghanistan and supported Montana's "Partnership for Peace" mission in Kyrgyzstan. Dr. O'Neill is survived by his wife Shelia O'Neill and children: Danny, Kieran, Katie, Conner and Molly

O'Neill.

Memorials may be sent to Ft. Peck Tribes HPDP Program, Attn: Rae Jean Belgarde, Box 1027, Poplar,

MT 59255

Dr. O'Neill's obituary may be accessed online at: http://mtstandard.com

12 MDA News 2014 -Vol. XXXV, No. 3

MDA honored MDA members and members of the dental team for their leadership among their peers during the MDA's Annual Meeting in Missoula in May. Dr. Timothy C. Ballweber of Helena was presented the

2014 Clinical Excellence Award. Ms. Linda Shafer

RDH of Bozeman received the 2014 Outstanding

Dental Hygienist Award and Ms. Alicia Leukuma of Kalispell was presented the 2014 Outstanding Dental Assistant Award. Dr. Daniel J. O'Neill, who has since passed away, was presented the 2014 T. T. Rider Award at a special recognition luncheon in Butte in

March.

Dr. O'Neill was honored for his many contributions, service and leadership to dentistry, his community, state and country. He was noted for his commitment to charitable care on the courtesy dental staff at St. James Hospital, as an organizer of Butte's community dental health clinic, through the Donated Dental Services program for seniors and disabled patients and other activities. Dr. O'Neill's sense of community involve- ment was remarkable. His heart extended to others as a "Big" in the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program and he was honored as "Big Brother of the Year" in 2012. He was a past board member and bell ringer for the Salva- tion Army and a 20-year member of Kiwanis. He used his MDA presidency to champion expansion of state support for dental students and other legisla- tive issues. That experience and his early and long-time involvement in politics led him to a run for the Montana Senate as a Republican in 2012. Dr. O'Neill combined his passion for dental care for those in need with his drive to expand dental education in Montana. He created a plan to recruit Native Amer- icans for dental school, expand the University of Washington School of Dentistry's student rotations in Indian Country, and establish dental stations in Fort

Peck Indian Reservation schools.

Dr. O'Neill joined the Montana National Guard in 2008 and became the Guard's chief dental officer with the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was awarded the Army's Bronze Star for his service to the oral health needs of our soldiers in Afghanistan and supported Montana's "Partnership for Peace" mission in Kyrgyzstan. "We can all draw inspiration from Dr. O'Neill's remarkable life of family, service, compassion and

leadership, said Dr. Mike Veseth, MDA past president. "Dr. Ballweber's excellence springs from a deep

underlying commitment to always do his best to care for every patient," said Dr. Joel Maes, in the Fifth District Dental Society's nomination of Dr. Ballweber. "His determination to successfully care for his patients has informed his decisions in continuing dental educa- tion, physical plant, staff education and community involvement. He is known for accepting and expertly completing the most difficult cases without frustration. He exemplifies 'Clinical Excellence in Dentistry'." Clinical highlights of Dr. Ballweber' s 28-year dental career include presenting to study clubs and dental meetings on orthodontic treatment of cleft lip/palate and other orthodontic topics, participation in Pankey Institute specialist courses, charter member Capital City Study Club, and advanced training in numerous orthodontic treatment modalities. Dr. Ballweber is a leader and has the longest tenure for the State of Montana Children's Special Health Services Program for care and treatment of Cleft Lip/ Palate patients. He has been recognized for his gener- osity toward the working poor and indigent community in Helena and Butte. Following graduation from Western Montana College, Dr. Ballweber earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at Loma Linda University, a pediatric dentis- try degree from UCLA and masters in orthodontics from Loma Linda. Dr. Ballweber has been a strong supporter of orga- nized dentistry since 1985 as Fifth District Dental

Society president, vice president, and secretary-

treasurer. He has a mentor relationship with young dentists in Helena and Butte and is an active member of the Montana Dental Association Montana Society of

Orthodontists and served as its president.

MDA HONORS AWARD RECIPIENTS DURING ANNUAL MEETING

Dr. Tim Ballweber and wife Shawna (left) with

their children Katie and Amy.

2014 -Vol. XXXV, No. 3 MDA News 13

"Linda Shafer has been a dedicated dental hygienist for 29 years," said Dr. Thad Langford in her nomina- tion to be MDA's 2014 Outstanding Dental Hygienist. "She demonstrates the professional qualities that students and colleagues can choose to emulate. She is dedicated to her profession, professionalism, love of dentistry, community involvement and exemplary family devotion as wife and mother." "Linda always considers the best treatment options for the patient and how that may be achieved. She encourages participation toward better health on a time line that meets financial and ability constraints of the patient." Ms. Shafer is a member of Montana Dental Hygienist Association and served as its president for 1986-1987. "When she served as MDHA President, she was able to maintain a wider view of dentistry, not just a hygienist perspective," Dr. Langford said. She is an active member of the Bozeman Kiwanis Club, Kiwanis Heritage Society and Kiwanis Founda- tion of Montana Legacy Society. She has received Kiwanis International's "George F. Hixson Award" and "George E. Snell Fellowship". Ms. Shafer is a leader in Gallatin Cursillo/Journey and was its core group presi- dent from 2008 to 2011. Ms. Alicia Leukuma, lead assistant for Dr. David

Keim at Glacier Dental Group in Kalispell.

"She has made a significant positive impact in our community through her professional dental contribu- tions," said Dr. Keim. "Our patients benefit daily from her skill and compassion, which has set the finest example for training assistants. She is very proficient and knowledgeable and has expanded the functions and duties of her profession within our practice. " Ms. Leukuma is an active dental care leader and volunteer. She is the weekly coordinator for the Shep- herd's Hand free dental clinic, the Flathead Valley coordinator for the Sealants for Smiles! school sealants program, and helps coordinate dental care for

Kalispell's Project Homeless Connect.

"She is respected by all dental professionals in the Valley for her professional leadership and guidance in her many philanthropic endeavors," notes Dr, Keim. "I feel privileged to work with her in our practice and on a volunteer basis," Dr. Keim said. "Our practice significantly benefits from her in influence and abili- ties, as does our community as a whole."

Dr. Mike Veseth with Linda

Schaeffer and Dr. Thad Langford.

Alica Leukuma with Dr. Mike Veseth

and Dr. David Keim.

14 MDA News 2014 -Vol. XXXV, No. 3

ORAL HEALTH AMERICA PRESENTS GRANT TO SEALANTS FOR S

MILES! DURING MDA ANNUAL MEETING

Beth Truett, president and CEO, Oral Health

America (center), presents a $20,000 grant to

Sealants For Smiles! program representatives

May 2 at the Montana Dental Association Annu-

al Meeting in Missoula. Also pictured, from left, are Dr. Christopher Hirt, Montana Dental

Association president; Dr. Mike Veseth, MDA

immediate past president; Dr. Jane Gillette, program director and Montana Senator John

Walsh.

For the complete story visit www.ADA.org.

2014 -Vol. XXXV, No. 3 MDA News 15

Practice for Sale or Lease

Missoula, Montana - Ideal start-up $350,000 practice, 50% overhead, large growth potential, fee-for-service

patient base. 406-462-5615.

Great Falls, Montana - Dental office for sale or long term lease, available now. 1300 sq. ft. on main floor, reception

area, 4 large operatories, sterilization area, dark room, large basement with a private office, lab. Private bath-

room with shower, lunch room, utility room. Occupied by a general dentist since 1975 in a dental office complex area

with (7) other general dentists, (1) orthodontist and (1) endodontist. Close to our hospital. Contact Don Blevins

D.D.S. (406) 453-2328.

Great Falls, Montana - Dental office space available for sale or lease. Contact (406) 453-1043.

Missoula - Dental building for sale or long-term lease. 5 operatories with some cabinetry, but dental/office equip-

ment not included. Inquire mslanordstrom@msn.com or call (406)544-4936.

Helena - Orthodontic office space of 36 years available March 1. Ready to move in and set up. 1400 square feet with

room for 4 or 5 dental chairs. Ample parking. Centrally located for middle school and high school patients. Contact

Dr. Dan Fiehrer, 406 442 3720.

Temporary Coverage of Your Dental Practice

DENTIST HELPING DENTISTS SINCE 1984. Locum Tenens Interim Office Coverage: Vacations, Illness,

Maternity Leave. Also, Excellent Job Opportunities. Forest Irons & Associates 800-433-2603. www.forestirons.com

Locum Dentist: providing coverage for any montana dental practice. I am a 47 year old, born and raised Montana

Dentist with over 20 years of private practice experience. I will cover your practice any way you want it han-

dled. Maintaining consistency, flow and production to allow you the time away you deserve...uninterrupted or ease up

your schedule if you just need an extra hand. Call, lets talk...Rod R Spencer DDS 1-406-253-7633

For Sale

Rotating, locking filing cabinet. Accessible from front and back. Cabinet holds approximately 600 patient charts -

300 on each side (depending on size), and is in near perfect condition. Approximately 6 ft x 25 in x 37 in, $600 or best

offer. Pick up only. Can send pictures. 406-543-8591 or email frontdesk@annembreum.com

Unitek Metalcraft Ortho Chair (tan color), Adec Micro-Cart Model #2514 (with slow and high speed Midwest

American handpieces), and Ritter Super Starlite Model K dental light (pole mounted) are all in excellent condi-

tion and being sold together as a unit. Call Dr. Pardo at (406) 585-8498 or ipardo@q.com. Bozeman, MT

Peri-Pro III Film Processor with daylight loader and all accessories. $450 - well maintained and in excellent

condition.

3M Elipar Free Light 2 curing light, cordless LED polymerization unit, $100; Scan X Digital Imaging System by

Air Techniques model A/T ScanX, includes 30 size #2, 7 size #1, 7 size #0 phosphor plates, 5 transfer boxes. Unit in

working order and can be used to take a digital panoramic image with older film based systems. Contact Kim at Twin

Cranes dental group (406) 728-9442 or email twincranes@hotmail.com.

Oregon - Dentist Needed for Mobile Dental Van

We have a unique opportunity for a caring and energetic dentist to join our highly successful state-of-the-art mobile dental clinic that travels throughout Oregon bringing comprehensive dental care to children (K-12). Based out of Portland, this overnight travelling position is full-time and year-round, spending a week at each site location. Open to experienced dentists and new grads, this position offers competitive salary and benefits, and a rewarding adventure. For more on the Tooth Taxi, visit www.SmileOnOregon.org. Inter- ested candidates please e-mail C.V. to Mary Daly at mary.daly@modahealth.com or call (503) 329-8877.

September

4 MDA Executive Committee, Helena 5 Board of Directors, Helena

19 Board of Dentistry, Helena

October

9-14 ADA Annual Session, San Antonio

17 MDA Continuing Education, Dr. Jack Turbyfill, "Prosthodontics - Does Dentistry Still Need This

Discipline?", Helena. See insert.

December

5 Board of Dentistry, Helena

January

22-23 Billings Mid-Winter Meeting

23 MDA Dental Day at the Legislature

24 MDA Board of Directors, Helena

March

13 Board of Dentistry, Helena

April-May

10 Montana Study Club CE featuring Dave Mathews.

Information contact: rogernewman@centurytel.net

30-1 MDA Annual Meeting, Hilton Garden Inn,

Missoula. Friday, May 1, David Meinz.

If you are an MDA member and learn

of a new dentist in your community who has not yet joined the association, please invite him or her to join.

To obtain an application form, log on to

www.montanadental.org or telephone the

MDA central office at 1-800-257-4988.

MDA WELCOMES

N

EWEST MEMBERS

Jonathan E. Nelson, DMD - Missoula

Andrew T. Ordelheide, DDS - Plains

Jennifer D. Sanders, DMD - Frenchtown

Michael W. Stuart, DDS - Billings

Jessica R. Swoboda, DDS, MSD - Helena

Jeffrey J. Tullett, DDS - Billings

Dentistry Documents PDF, PPT , Doc

[PDF] bone dentistry test

1. Science

2. Health Science

3. Dentistry

[PDF] bristol dentistry grade requirements

[PDF] butler dentist tell city

[PDF] butler dentistry

[PDF] butler dentistry madison indiana

[PDF] butte dentistry

[PDF] butterfly dentistry

[PDF] buttermilk dentistry

[PDF] butternut dentistry

[PDF] can a pregnant woman go to the dentist

12345 Next 200000 acticles