2015 wmdds winter bulletin

BulletinWINTER ISSUE 2015

VOL. 47, NO. 1

800-253-92275830 Crossroads Commerce Parkway

Wyoming, MI 49519

616-261-9191 • Fax: 616-261-9889

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WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2015 1

Mission StatementThe Bulletin is the newsletter of the WMDDS and its mission is to inform the membership of

upcoming and recent events, state & local issues related to dentistry, and as a forum for its officers,

representatives, and members to discuss appropriate topics of interest to the membership.

Communication & Advertising PolicyThe Bulletin will publish submitted articles from members and others that relate to the practice of

dentistry, small business, social, or political issues affecting dentists, or other subjects of interest to

the membership. All published items are subject to space restrictions and the community standards

of the WMDDS. The editors reserve the right to reject any article or advertisement deemed

inappropriate and to edit submissions as they see fit.

Submission & Publication Policy: Articles and advertisements must be submitted no later

than the 1st of the month preceding publication date. The Bulletin has six publications: the

winter issue, spring issue, summer issue, directory issue, fall issue, holiday issue. Direct

submissions or correspondences to:

Dr. Jeffrey S. Smith • 3050 Ivanrest SW, Suite B • Grandville, MI 49418

Phone: 616.531.1554 FAX 616.531.6947 • Email: [email protected]

Include “Newsletter” in the subject line

Editor Dr. Jeff Smith

Associate Editors Dr. Seth Vruggink Dr. Derek Draft Dr. David Huyser Dr. Brian Licari

Advertising Editor Elaine Fleming Executive Secretary WMDDS 511-F Waters Building Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 234-5605 [email protected]

West Michigan District Dental Society Executive Board 2014-2015 President Dr. Samuel Bander President-Elect Dr. Steve Conlon Vice President Dr. Leonard Bartoszewicz Secretary-Treasurer Dr. Tyler Wolf Editor Dr. Jeff Smith Immediate Past President

Dr. Margaret Gingrich

Directors Dr. Brian Mulder Dr. Lathe Miller Dr. Kathleen EllsworthArea Representatives

Kent County Dr. James Papp Ionia-Montcalm

Dr. John O’Donald

County Mecosta County Dr. Erick Perroud Ottawa County Dr. Kevin Rebhan

MDA IV District Dr. Brian Cilla Trustees Dr. Colette Smiley

Big Rapids Dental Study Club OfficersPresident Dr. Erick Perroud Vice President Dr. Christa SternSecretary Dr. Christa SternTreasurer Dr. Erick Perroud

Holland-Zeeland Dental Society OfficersPresident Dr. Meredith Smedley Treasurer Secretary Immediate Past President

Ionia-Montcalm Dental Study Club OfficersPresident Treasurer Dr. Kirkwood Faber

Kent County Dental Society OfficersPresident Dr. Kathryn Swan Vice President Dr. James Papp Secretary Dr. Kathleen EisinTreasurer Dr. Christopher Leja

West Michigan Dental Foundation OfficersPresident Dr. Michael Palaszek Vice President Dr. Sarah Mahar Secretary Mrs. Dawn Kamyszek Treasurer Mr. Joe Van Laan

The Bulletin of the West Michigan Dental Society is published six times a year (the winter issue, spring issue, summer issue, directory issue, fall issue, and holiday issue). The opinions expressed in The Bulletin are not necessarily the opinions of the West Michigan District Dental Society.

Contributions to The Bulletin are welcome and should be addressed to The Bulletin Editor, 3050 Ivanrest SW, Suite B, Grandville, MI 49418. Requests for purchase of advertising space should be directed to the Advertising Editor, Elaine Fleming, (616) 234-5605. The deadline is the 1st of the month prior to publication.

© 2014-2015 West Michigan District Dental Society Bulletin

Contents

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

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

2015 Silent Bell Recipient: Dr. Donald French .......................................................... 6

2015 New Life Members .............................................................................................. 9

WMDDS Holiday Event Highlights ...........................................................................10

Trustee Report .............................................................................................................12

Passing on the Values Behind Your Success: Ethical Wills .......................................18

MDA News ...................................................................................................................20

WMDF News................................................................................................................27

Legal Entities and Formalities: Making Sure Your Practice Protects You ...............28

Technically Speaking ...................................................................................................32

What Dental School Never Taught You About Choosing A Financial Planner ......34

Ten Things To Ask Your Accountant This Tax Season ............................................36

Classified Ads ...............................................................................................................38

Advertiser Index ...........................................................................................................39

800-253-92275830 Crossroads Commerce Parkway

Wyoming, MI 49519

616-261-9191 • Fax: 616-261-9889

dentalservices.net/davis

The clear choice for partial dentures.• Relinable

• Repairable

• Ability to add teeth

• Optimal patient fit and comfort

At DSG Davis, we help take the chill out of the season

with quality products, stellar support and incredible value

that’s easy to warm up to. That’s why

DSG Davis Dental Laboratory is

Michigan’s first choice for relines,

repairs and restorations. Contact us

to schedule a lunch and learn and

discover the DSG difference.

All the coolest solutions for reline and repairs start with DSG Davis.

Our Network. Your Success.

dentalservicesgroup.comfacebook.com/DSGDavisDentalLaboratory

VisiClear maxillary and mandibular

About the Cover

2015 Silent Bell Recipient Dr. Donald French and his wife, Janice. Photo courtesy of Adam Bird Photographer.

he WMDDS 2014-2015 year is just past the half

way point. I am happy to report that the state of the

WMDDS is very good. As President, I have a unique

perspective. The committed dentists of West Michigan con-

tinue to serve unselfishly and continue to make a difference

in their practice and their community. Below is a brief update

on what we have been doing.

The Business of Dentistry in West MichiganDental Education – Dr. Margaret Gingrich, chair.

Many thanks to Eve Sidney, Director of the Grand Rapids

Community College Hygiene and Assisting programs, for her

report at the January Board meeting. GRCC offers full- and

part-time assisting curriculum and is considering offering a

program for a CDA to obtain their RDA. In addition, GRCC

opened their new, renovated dental clinic. Give Eve a call and

stop by to see the clinic.

Distinguished Service Award – Dr. John Bouws, chair. The

Silent Bell Banquet was held at Cascade Hills Country Club

on Dec 11, 2014. Our executive secretary, Elaine Fleming, put

together a very elegant evening to honor our Silent Bell recipi-

ent Dr. Donald French and our Life Members – Drs. Lynn

Brouwer, Kennard Creason, Tim Gietzen, John Lange, Jon

O’Brien, Norman Palm, Richard Robertson, Frederick Ruffer,

Wayne Westbrook, James Wieland, and James Zarafonetis.

Our members had a fun evening socializing with colleagues

and welcoming many guests from around the state. This is an

event you won’t want to miss next year!

Member Caring/Concern – Dr. Gene Bonofiglo, chair,

reported at the January Board meeting on the donations

made and condolences sent to families of recently deceased

members. The committee also sent “get well” cards/gifts to

members who were hospitalized or ill. Thanks for your ser-

vice, Gene!

Programs and arrangements – Dr. Steve Conlon, chair,

put together an outstanding program lineup this year. The

first two programs (Dr. Howard Farran and Dr. Stanley

Malamed) had record-breaking attendance and were out-

standing CE courses. I encourage you to attend the March 13

meeting featuring Dr. Ken Hargreaves on acute dental pain.

See you there!

Peer Review Standard of Care – Dr. Drew Hoekwater,

chair, presented his report to the Board. The committee

received four cases – two were unable to mediate and a panel

of three dentists was needed. Our peer review system contin-

ues to assist in resolving conflicts. Thanks to Dr. Hoekwater

and the entire committee for their work on this important

committee.

Leadership Nominations – Dr. Margaret Gingrich, chair. Immediate

Past President, Margaret Gingrich put together a talented slate

of delegates to the MDA HOD and officers for WMDDS next

year. Dr. Steve Conlon will be filling committees for 2015-2016.

Let him know if you want to get involved in organized dentist-

ry. His email is [email protected], or call 616.554.5974.

Legislative – Dr. Len Bartoszewicz, chair, is putting together

a Legislative Breakfast this spring. Our state legislators need

to get to know us. This breakfast is a convenient way to meet

one-on-one with our representatives. The breakfast will be

held May 29 at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

See the registration form in this issue of the WMDDS Bulletin.

Mark your calendar and sign up today!

Our CommunitySteel Water Award – Dr. Gene Bonofigilo, chair, is a past

WMDDS and MDA president, and continues to serve our

Dental Society as chair of the Steel Water Award Task Force.

This award is given to an individual or group who has made a

significant contribution to dentistry or the community. Please

let Dr. Bonofiglo know if you would like to nominate a group

or individual.

WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 20152

P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E

State of the Union … (or Local Dental Society)By Samuel Bander, DDS, WMDDS President

T


Kent County Oral Health Coalition – Dr. Stephanie

Rashewsky agreed to be the liaison between the WMDDS

and the Kent County Oral Health Coalition. The KCOHC

was established in 2011 and is a partnership of people

and groups who want to improve the oral health of

our greater community. This is a very active group of com-

munity leaders and volunteers. Dr. Rashewsky would be

happy to help you get involved if you have a desire to serve

your community.

PromotionEditorial Policies – Dr. Jeff Smith, chair. Dr Jeff Smith’s

term as editor of the WMDDS Bulletin is coming to an end

in April. The Editor is a voting Board member and serves a

P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E

three-year term. Thank you, Dr. Smith, for your service to

the WMDDS!

Welcome to Dr. James Vincelj as the incoming editor.

James will be adding interested and creative WMDDS mem-

bers to the committee. We look forward to the continued

success of the Bulletin.

Thanks to all who give of their time to the WMDDS – you

ARE making a difference!

Otto Lee Ricker, D.D.S., M.S. 1981

Willard B. Ver Meulen, D.D.S. 1981

Clifford T. Nelson, D.D.S. 1982

William M. Creason, D.D.S. 1983

Vernor H. Eman, D.D.S., M.S. 1984

Julius Franks, Jr., D.D.S. 1985

Henry L. Homan, D.D.S. 1986

Ray E. Stevens, Jr., D.D.S. 1987

Orren A. Bolt, D.D.S. 1988

Robert F. Streelman, D.D.S. 1989

Gerald L. Vander Wall, D.D.S., M.S. 1990

David H. Seibold, D.D.S. 1991

Donald G. Hallas, D.D.S. 1992

Robert E. Reagan, D.D.S. 1993

John R. Cook, D.D.S. 1994

Eugene L. Bonofiglo, D.D.S. 1995

Lawrence R. Marcotte, D.D.S., M.S. 1996

Laurence J. Jensen, D.D.S. 1997

Harry H. Luton, D.D.S., M.S. 1997

Robert W. Browne, D.D.S., M.S. 1998

Harold O. Steele II, D.D.S. 1998

Lawrence J. Manning, D.D.S., M.S. 1999

Arnold Baker, D.D.S., M.S. 2000

Robert D. Mitus, Jr., D.D.S. 2000

Robert W. Klinesteker, D.D.S. 2001

Timothy H. Gietzen, D.D.S. 2002

James L. Wieland, D.D.S. 2003

Charles R. Caldwell, D.D.S., M.S. 2004

Henry J. Milanowski, D.D.S. 2005

John J. Stepanovich, D.D.S. 2006

Lonny E. Zietz, D.D.S., M.S. 2007

Michael H. (Reggie) VanderVeen, D.D.S. 2008

William A. Avery, D.D.S. 2009

William F. Rocker, D.D.S. 2009

Robert F. O’Brien, D.D.S. 2010

Marilyn J. Stolberg, D.D.S. 2010

John D. Bouws, D.D.S. 2011

Paul F. Korte, D.D.S. 2012

Chase Klinesteker, D.D.S. 2013

Tom Sommerdyke, D.D.S. 2013

Chris Smiley 2014

Silent Bell Past Recipients


he more time that we spend doing anything, whether

it simply involves enjoying the high points or plow-

ing through the challenges of life (or to narrow things

down to the point of this article, our dental careers), the more

we gain an ever increasing perspective. Experience enables us

to see a clearer view of the entire forest, as we pass by each

tree one at a time. Hopefully as we continue in practice, we

become a little wiser in the decisions that we make, and the

options that we recommend to our patients as we treat them.

But what about the decisions that we make for ourselves? For

many, the actual hands-on practice of dentistry or hygiene

will take on a physical toll over time. Is a little occasional tin-

gling or pain in our hands, wrists, or forearms something that

we simply shrug off? Or do we try to benefit from the knowl-

edge that as dental professionals, we are more susceptible to

certain injuries or problems that if left untreated, over time

may impede or shorten our careers?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) results from the compres-

sion of the median nerve as it (and nine flexor tendons) run

through the carpal tunnel, a bony concavity on the ventral side

of the wrist which is covered above by the transverse carpal

ligament. The nerve usually moves about 9 to 10 millimeters

inside the tunnel to allow the wrist to flex and extend. Long-

term compression of the nerve can prevent it from gliding

properly within the tunnel, leading to nerve injury and scar-

ring. Symptoms include tingling, pain, or weakness (increased

frequency of dropping things) involving the thumb and the

next three fingers (but not the pinky), and may also travel

up the wrist and forearm. Symptoms often occur while hold-

ing on to objects (such as the phone, newspapers, steering

wheels, or tools), or during sleep (when numbness secondary

to flexion of the wrist during sleep increases pressure on the

nerve). Many will try to relieve these symptoms by “shaking

out” their hands.

CTS can affect anyone. Approximately 5% of the American

population will at some point in their lives suffer from its

effects. It accounts for about 90% of all nerve compression

syndromes, and is more commonly seen with increasing age,

as well as in women, Caucasians, and people with a history

of wrist injury, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, fluid reten-

tion (associated with pregnancy), and/or workplace factors

(involving the use of vibrating tools and prolonged or repeti-

tive wrist flexion). Scientific evidence on these factors is con-

flicting, and has not established any of them as a direct cause

of CTS.

Diagnosis of CTS is determined by a physician or a hand

surgeon using physical examination to determine finger/hand

strength, and by reaction to pressure or tapping on the median

nerve at the wrist. Radiographs may be used to rule out other

causes of wrist pain including wrist fracture or arthritis. MRI

studies may confirm narrowing of the carpal tunnel, circula-

tory problems, or swelling of the nerve. Electromyography or

nerve conduction studies may be used to test electrical activity

of the hand muscles, or to see if electrical impulses are slowed

as they travel down the median nerve through the carpal tun-

nel. Phalen’s maneuver is a test that you can perform at home

to see if you might need medical follow up for CTS. Flex

your wrist gently to about 90 degrees (or as far as possible),

and hold this position waiting for symptoms. If numbness,

paresthesia, or pain of the median-innervated fingers results

within 45 to 60 seconds, you have a positive test. The faster

the numbness starts, the more advanced the condition. This

is one of the few tests shown to correlate with CTS severity.

Treatment for CTS can involve the short term use of oral

or locally administered steroids until a long term strategy

is developed that fits the person’s lifestyle. Wrist splints to

prevent flexion worn at night (and as much as is practical

during the day) have been shown to be effective, however,

many patients are not willing to use these braces. Surgical

release (severing) of the transverse carpal ligament to relieve

the pressure over the median nerve is recommended when

symptoms become constant, and when night splints no longer

control intermittent symptoms. However, those who undergo

T

E D I T O R ’ S T H O U G H T S

Is Your Body Trying to Tell You Something? Part 2By Jeffrey Smith, DDS, MS, Editor, West Michigan District Dental Society

E D I T O R ’ S T H O U G H T S

this surgery may be more prone to developing trigger thumb

within months following the procedure. Mild cases of CTS

can often be treated successfully at home by: (1) cessation of

activities that cause numbness or pain, or by resting the wrist

longer between these activities; (2) icing the wrist for 10 to 15

minutes once or twice an hour; (3) use of NSAIDs to relieve

pain and swelling, and; (4) use of the above mentioned wrist

splint at night, which prevents additional pressure on the

median nerve.

The prognosis for most patients who are treated with

conservative or surgical methods is good. They experience

minimal residual nerve damage and associated symptoms.

But long term untreated CTS, (like that typically seen in the

elderly) may lead to irreversible nerve damage resulting in

muscle atrophy, weakness, and numbness.

A simple three question test* exists which may help to guide

you in determining whether your symptoms are actually CTS,

and if there may be need for further medical follow up:

1. Do at least two of my fingers feel numb?

2. Are these sensations stronger when I wake up (or at night)

than they are during the daytime?

3. Does shaking or flicking my hand reduce these symptoms?

A yes answer to at least two of these questions indicates that

your symptoms are more than likely CTS.

*http://www.palomedical.com/blog/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-self-test/

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r. Don French, our 2015 Silent Bell recipient, has

led a life founded on the principals of ethics, faith,

and service to others which were instilled in him

by his parents. He learned to be a hard worker and have an

inquiring mind.

Don was born on the family farm in Midland County in

April, 1936, to Lloyd and Gladys French. Lloyd was a farmer

and Gladys a homemaker. Don was

the only boy, with three sisters.

Don describes his life on the

farm as idyllic, with space to roam,

animals to care for and gardens

to tend. By age ten, he was driv-

ing a tractor as he was consid-

ered responsible enough to take on

additional farm responsibilities. He

attended a one-room county school.

He absorbed many traits from his

parents, especially a strong work

ethic, the love of learning, a desire

to help others, a mission spirit, and

the commitment to tithe.

He was greatly influenced by

family and circumstances of his

childhood. His mother was nurtur-

ing and his father was well-respected

in the community. Living a farm life

taught him about the cycle of life

and where food comes from. His best model was his maternal

grandfather, who was a farmer and a country minister, and

whose motto was to never offend anyone – being very careful

of what he said. A giving person, he ministered to the sick in

the community, looking out for those who needed help.

His interests and activities as a young person included

sports and outdoor activities. At a young age, he became

interested in bird hunting, which has been an ongoing passion

for him. When he was in high school, it was common for the

boys to bring their guns to school and pheasant hunt during

their lunch.

Though he initially had no thoughts of going to college, the

school superintendent encouraged him to take college prep

courses and extension courses through CMU. The instruc-

D tor of the chemistry extension course became a mentor and

encouraged him to think about the possibilities of a broader

life view and encouraged him to consider dentistry.

An even more significant interest in high school was his

future wife, Janice Federspiel, who he met in geometry class.

As luck would have it, the class was seated alphabetically.

Don and Janice have been together ever since. They had like

interests in high school including

sports – Don lettered in four sports

and Janice played softball and bas-

ketball. They both attended CMU.

They were married in 1957, and

after two years, Janice received a

Bachelor of Science in elementa-

ry education and Don completed

his prerequisites. Janice became a

teacher and Don entered University

of Michigan Dental School in 1960.

During his time at University of

Michigan, Don worked as an hospi-

tal orderly while Janice taught 4th

grade at Willow Run. Don liked col-

lege and dental school. He worked

hard, kept quiet and got his work

done. He was included with the

third of the class who were excused

from the boards upon recommen-

dation of the dean.

As much as he loved Ann Arbor, he could not fathom

practicing in the same town as his instructors. He heard of

an opportunity in Big Rapids, and embraced it. He had a

private practice from 1964 until his “retirement” in 1998.

Don and Janice raised their two sons, Andrew and Nathan, in

Big Rapids. Don was a Rotarian and served several terms on

the local school board. Janice, a substitute teacher, was also

involved with the dental practice. As a family, they traveled to

the 48 contiguous states and visited Europe. Big Rapids was a

good place to settle and raise a family.

Don and Janice’s life foundation is faith and service. They

have always been involved with church, including being char-

ter members of Trinity Fellowship Church, where they were

very active in church life.

2015 Silent Bell Recipient: Dr. Donald French Submitted by Marilyn Stolberg, D.D.S. Photos by Adam Bird Photographer

2 0 1 5 S I L E N T B E L L R E C I P I E N T


Through the years, Don has been involved with dental mis-

sion work. He organized and participated in a dental mission

trip to Alaska. Through his church, he learned of medical

mission work in Guyana. He was influential in developing

the dental services for these trips and made numerous trips to

Guyana providing dental care. He recruited numerous indi-

viduals to participate in these trips as well, including dental

colleagues, Ferris dental hygiene students, and dental support

staff. Though he no longer travels to Guyana, the mission

work continues through others who have picked up the torch.

The program has grown and now includes Ferris optometry

students as well.

Though Don officially retired from private practice in

1998, he has continued to provide dental care to those in

need. He has practiced at Family Health Care in Lake and


Newaygo County for ten years, and previously provided care

to residents of the corrections facility in Lake County. He

practices at Hope House in Big Rapids, and participated in

both the Saginaw and Big Rapids Mission of Mercy events.

In his spare time, he continues to travel, most recently to

eastern Europe. He also enjoys exploring family genealogy,

reading American history, and ministering to others.

For Dr. Don French, the profession of dentistry was a

good fit. He was respected by his patients and knew that he

was appreciated. He stayed with the ethical standards that

he learned both in his family and during his dental school

education.

Faith, integrity and service clearly describes the 2015 Silent

Bell recipient, Dr. Don French.



Donald French, DDSCurriculum Vitae

Education

Breckenridge High School, 1955

Central Michigan University – three years – Pre-Dental

University of Michigan Dental School – Doctor of Dental Surgery, 1964

Work Experience

Dow Corning prior to entering CMU

Hospital orderly during time at CMU and while studying at U of M

Private dental practice from 1964 through 1998

Clinic instructor – part-time/on call – Ferris State University Dental

Hygiene Program for more than 20 years

After retiring from private practice:

Corrections facility – part-time in Baldwin until approx. 2004

Baldwin Family Health Care – part-time from 2004 to present

Professional Associations

American Dental Association – life member

Michigan Dental Association – life member

West Michigan District Dental Society

Big Rapids Area Dental Study Club

Vedder Society

Community Service Church/Spiritual Affiliations

First Baptist Church, Big Rapids – 1964 – approx. 1980 – deacon

Trinity Fellowship Church, Big Rapids – Charter member 1981 – present:

Deacon

Finance Committee

Mission Board

Church Moderator

Involved with construction of facility including dry walling new church

and refurbishing prayer room

Taught Sunday School and finance classes at church

Public Service

Rotary – member until retirement from private practice

School Board member, Big Rapids Public Schools

Ferris State University Dental Hygiene Program:

Children’s Dental Health Month Saturday open clinic – provides exams.

Has been doing this annually for at least ten years

Provides dentist coverage during the spring dental hygiene NERB exam

Mission of Mercy – Saginaw 2013 and Big Rapids 2014

Mission Work

Established dental portion of the mission initiative to Guyana that is

supported by Trinity Fellowship Church. This mission initiative was initially

for medical care only, but was expanded to include dental care. Dr. French

obtained equipment, recruited workers, and provided dental services.

Included in those who were recruited through the years for these trips

were his own office staff, dental colleagues, and students from the Ferris

Dental Hygiene Program, church members, and dental staff members from

Baldwin Family Health Care. Has participated in six trips to Guyana.

Alaskan Mission trip – provided care to Native Alaskans and the

missionaries serving with these individuals

While working at the Corrections Facility, provided informal counseling to

incarcerated teens as well as dental care

Hope House, Big Rapids – provides dental care to underserved – current

Personal Projects and Interests

Civil War authority – has spoken locally on various topics

History

Genealogy

Travel – been to all 50 states

Avid bird hunter

Lifelong ethic of helping people who are forgotten, misunder stood, in need,

or lacking resources

Family

Married 57 years to Janice

Two children – Nathan, an attorney, and Andrew (deceased 2004 – who

served with Youth with a Mission)


2 0 1 5 N E W L I F E M E M B E R S

Dr. Timothy Gietzen, Dr. Jon O’Brien, Dr. Norm Palm, Dr. James Wieland

he following West Michigan District Dental

Society members reached the age of 65 and were

awarded ADA and MDA life membership in 2014.

Congratulations to Dr. Lynn Brouwer, Dr. Kennard Creason,

Dr. John Lange, Dr. Jon O’Brien, Dr. Norm Palm, Dr. Richard

Robertson, Dr. Frederik Ruffer, Dr. Wayne Westbrook, Dr.

James Wieland, and Dr. James Zarafonetis.

T The new life members were recognized at the WMDDS

Holiday Dinner and Awards Night on December 11, 2014

at Cascade Hills Country Club. Attending were Dr. Timothy

Gietzen, Dr. Jon O’Brien, Dr. Norm Palm, and Dr. James

Wieland.


WMDDS Holiday Event HighlightsPhotos by Adam Bird Photographer


his report is a synopsis of recent MDA activities

and of the MDA Board of Trustees meeting held in

December.

MDA Public Education Campaign Jenny Armistead and David Foe provided the Board with a

report on the MDA Public Education Campaign. The current

campaign debuted in 2010 and expired at the end of 2014.

Market research has found that the public was favorably

responding to the current “Healthy Body Healthy Mouth”

campaign.

The new campaign is a multi-channel campaign involving

members in their offices and providing resources for use by

the component dental societies. New to the 2015 campaign:

• Market research (pre- and post-campaign tracking);

• Digital elements (search, display, social media);

• More opportunities for measuring & reporting

performance;

• Campaign extensions to support local dental societies;

• Stronger emphasis on achieving campaign objectives.

The objectives of the new campaign are:

• Position MDA as Michigan’s oral health authority;

• Educate the oral health – overall health connection

(Healthy Body Healthy Mouth);

• Stress the importance of seeing an MDA dentist twice a year.

Commercials began their debut on January 19. Programming

is targeted toward women. The new campaign will have a

stronger emphasis of online marketing and expand MDA’s

exposure. More people are online in terms of interacting and

searching. Included will be paid search advertising as well as

digital display advertising which will allow the MDA to con-

nect with the people that are looking for a dentist. One benefit

is that these ads can be targeted by geographic location. There

is flexibility with moving monies to ads that are effective versus

ones that aren’t, and the MDA will monitor their effectiveness

and make adjustments as necessary.

The MDA has a new consumer-focused “Smile Michigan”

page on Facebook. This new page features our new public

information campaign and is separate from the existing MDA

Facebook page, which is geared to our membership. The

Smile Michigan Facebook page will serve as the hub for our

social media presence in the new ad campaign, “What Would

Your Mouth Say about You?”

Members are encouraged to get involved with this cam-

paign. There are display posters for use in our offices.

Additionally, there is a new brochure explaining the healthy

mouth-healthy body connection. A copy of that brochure was

included in the January MDA Journal.

Social media will be another key part of this new campaign.

The MDA may also utilize some paid search to grow this page

during the next couple of months. Funding will be through

our regular public education campaign assessment. For more

information on the campaign, contact Jenny Armistead,

MDA Director of Marketing and Communications.

Presentation on Dental TherapistBill Sullivan, Director of Government and Insurance Affairs,

provided the Board with an update on alternative dental

providers. While the Michigan legislature has not had a lot

of activity in this area, it has always been lurking in the

background. In Mr. Sullivan’s opinion, there are signs that

Michigan is taking a closer look at the mid-level provider

model and MDA should take this very seriously as the

Michigan legislature heads into its 2015 cycle. Governor

Snyder formed a work group to review the Public Health

Code to include workforce. Legislators continue to query the

MDA lobbying staff about mid-levels and access. MDA staff

has been informed that everything is on the table for discus-

sion when it comes to access to care.

Dr. James Zenk, ADA 10th District Trustee and former

President of the Minnesota Dental Association, provided the

Board with an overview of the dental therapist experience in

T

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

Winter 2015 Trustee ReportBy Dr. Brian Cilla, MDA Trustee



Minnesota. Minnesota has enough dentists to serve the popu-

lation. However, Medicaid only pays 37 cents on the dollar,

so few dentists can afford to participate with that program.

Organized dentistry attempted to change Medicaid reim-

bursement levels but was unsuccessful. To remedy the per-

ceived problem of access to dental care, Minnesota legislators

created a new dental team member in 2009. Unfortunately,

the Minnesota Dental Association had no allies in opposing

this legislative initiative.

The first class of nine dental therapists graduated from

the University of Minnesota in 2012. Metro State had room

for nine students and seven positions were filled. Minnesota

now has a dental therapist and an advanced dental therapist.

The advanced dental therapist has general supervision, and

the dentist need not to be in the office for him/her to treat

a patient. Large group practices receive a higher reimburse-

ment rate from Medicaid than smaller general practices, and

are embracing the dental therapist. By law, half of the dental

therapist’s time must be spent on Medicaid patients. Dental

therapists can now apply for their own NPI number to bill

Medicaid directly.

Dr. Zenk provided the Board with information on the

dental therapist program. This program has not received final

CODA approval. Standards will be developed in January and

schools can then request accreditation. Nevertheless, the State

Board developed a test and is licensing graduates as dental

therapists. After 2000 hours of practice, they may apply for

the advanced dental therapist license. The Scope of Practice

allows the Advanced Dental Therapist (ADT) to do restora-

tions. In Minnesota, restorative function assistants can place a

restoration once the preparation is done. The ADT is allowed

to do the preparation. Dr. Zenk noted that dental therapists

are required to have their own liability insurance. The bottom

line is that the dentist is liable for the actions of the therapist.

It is important to note that the Minnesota Delta Dental

Foundation and PEW are sponsoring trips that bring legisla-

tors from other states to view the Minnesota dental therapist

program. These organizations have money and an agenda.

As a consequence, Dr. Zenk feels that mid-level providers are

not going away any time soon. However, he also stated that

there will most likely not be a significant growth trajectory in

Minnesota. Michigan beware!

Governance UpdateDr. Norm Palm, chair of the MDA Nominating Committee,

informed the Board that the purpose of the Nominating

Committee is to carefully review the credentials of each poten-

tial candidate, seek out the most qualified candidates for each

position, and ensure, to the greatest degree possible, that the

slate of candidates proffered by the Nominating Committee

appropriately reflects the diversity of the Association’s mem-

bership. Dr. Palm provided the Board with an update on the

applications that had been received:

• 14 applications were filed for trustee

• 7 of the trustee applicants are incumbent trustees

• 1 trustee applicant is an emeritus trustee

• 6 applicants are women

• Demographically it was a challenge finding younger men.

• 2 applicants for secretary/treasurer

• 11 applicants filed for the ADA Delegation.

At the beginning of November, there were not enough

applicants to meet diversity goals and, as a consequence, the

committee began the process of recruiting additional quali-

fied individuals. This was a big job due to the fact that there

are nine trustee positions to be filled. In future years, only

three trustee positions will be available in any given year. It

is anticipated that LEAD program participants could be con-

sidered for leadership positions once they have completed the

program.

Encouraging Components to Prepare it’s Members for MDA Leadership One element of the Governance Implementation Plan is

ensuring that component dental societies are still connected

and engaged in the MDA governance process and that the

component leaders continue to play an active role in identify-

ing, developing, and encouraging members in their area to

become active volunteers. There are currently two outlets for

these activities: First, component leadership can play an active

role in encouraging individuals to submit their applications

for consideration by the Nominating Committee. Second,

they can encourage individuals to submit their applications

for consideration for the LEAD program.


Department of Community Health (DCH) Mr. Tim Becker, chief deputy director of DCH, provided the

Board with a report on department activities. He discussed

that they are currently conducting a Dental Medicaid rebid

process and that the department recognizes that Healthy

Kids Dental has been a successful initiative for the State of

Michigan. He also noted that DCH would do all that it can

to protect that brand. The intent is to have the next Medicaid

contract do more, not less. There is a push to get Healthy

Kids Dental into the remaining three counties; however that

is dependent upon adequate funding. Mr. Becker relayed that

there has been good feedback on the adult dental Medicaid

expansion program, Healthy Michigan.

DCH is aware that conventional Medicaid has low reim-

bursement and would like to see something done about this.

It was indicated that this would be evaluated, but that it

comes down to what the department can obtain in terms of

additional appropriations. The bottom line is that the adult

program will not expand until all of the children are covered.

The MDA Board shared some concerns about the Healthy

Michigan program and Healthy Kids Dental with Mr. Becker.

The following were discussed:

• Since the Healthy Michigan program has more than one

administrator, and each administrator offers different cov-

erage, there is no way at this time to determine which pro-

vider a patient has, which makes it difficult to determine

the patient’s coverage.

• Another issue is that medical providers at the emergency

room level don’t always know the dental codes, and ED

visits regarding dental issues are being billed as medical.

• In order to participate with Healthy Kids Dental, the dentist

must be a Delta provider. There would be more dentists

willing to treat patients if this requirement were not in

place. Mr. Becker stated that the Department is aware of

this issue and that it is being addressed.

It was apparent that DCH wants to preserve and expand the

utilization/participation of the Healthy Kids Dental program.

The Department wants to explore outreach and emphasize

getting the children to the dentist. It is a priority to have den-

tal benefits that will be utilized.

Mr. Becker noted that the legislature affects what the

department can accomplish. He suggested that since the

MDA has a good relationship with legislators, that the MDA

discuss these topics with them and share information so

that that the MDA and the department can work together to

accomplish shared goals.

Megatopic: Large Group Practices Aspen Dental representatives were invited to meet with

the MDA Board. Dr. Judge Arwinder, Aspen Dental Chief

Clinical Officer, provided the Board with a presentation on

the structure of Aspen Dental. Present with him were: Dr.

Nicholas Miller (Grand Rapids owner and WMDDS mem-

ber), Dr. Pritoj Gil, and Dr. Victoria Lucas-Perry.

Aspen Dental practices are independently owned and

operated. The owner dentist employs all clinical and non-

clinical staff working in their offices and is responsible for

supervising the delivery of care and all aspects of employment

relationships. The owner-dentist licenses the Aspen Dental

trade name from Aspen Dental Management, Inc. (ADMI).

Aspen Dental is a dental service organization that provides

the following services:

• Business expertise & support services;

• Leadership development;

• Payroll, benefits;

• Real Estate procurement and set-up;

• Insurance operations/billing;

• Financial analysis and reporting.

Aspen Dental sees all types of patients, but does not par-

ticipate in dental Medicaid. However, Aspen does participate

with Healthy Kids Dental and Healthy Michigan. Most dental

insurances are accepted. Fees are negotiated through ADMI/

Aspen Dental. The Aspen representatives noted that the

Healthy Michigan plan covers many services, but not all that

need to be covered.

While Aspen Dental provides some of the same services as

the MDA, it believes that organized dentistry is very impor-

tant and valuable. The Aspen Dental representatives feel that

the ADA needs to be more inviting to ethnicities, women, and

different delivery models. Dr. Arwinder acknowledged that

Aspen has been asked to work with the ADA on these issues.

Currently, Aspen doesn’t pay ADA/MDA membership dues



for Aspen dentists. He added that it is the doctor’s choice to

determine whether they are a member of the ADA/MDA and

owner-doctors determine whether or not they pay the dues

for their employee dentists.

Aspen believes the MDA peer review system is an impor-

tant member benefit. While there is not a specific internal

peer review process, Aspen attempts to work out disputes

when they arise between the patient and doctor. Dr. Arwinder

requested that MDA provide more information to the

Michigan Aspen Dental doctors on our peer review system.

At Aspen Dental, new graduates are trained and begin by

observing an established dentist. At the end of the day, quality

of care is going to determine whether a practice is successful.

The reason 50% of dental school graduates are joining large

group practices is because of student debt. Everyone can have

success – there is not a lack of patients. It was expressed that

the benefit of a general practitioner moving under the Aspen

umbrella is that it provides marketing and the ability to grow.

This type of practice works for new graduates as well as expe-

rienced dentists who want to practice dentistry without the

headache of running a practice.

Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Work Group It was adopted that the Michigan Dental Association approves

implementation of the recommendations of the MOA Work

Group to communicate with dental providers to ensure

that an adequate number of providers are willing to sign

memorandum of agreements to accept referrals from mobile

providers. Without adequate support from local dental pro-

viders, there is a danger that this newest MDA-endorsed

legislation on mobile dentistry will come under significant

political scrutiny.

Legislative Update Bill Sullivan presented the following information to the Board:

• The new legislative term beginning in 2015 will be much

more conservative than in previous years. It will be more

difficult to get new spending and new legislation passed.

• The MDA is now aware that the decrease in reimburse-

ment rates for new Delta Premier dentists will be $1-2

above the PPO rate, which is a significant decrease. When

the MDA first became aware of this change, it was thought

the impact would be felt only by new dentists. However, it

is now known that it may also impact the value of a dental

practice which is for sale. The MDA was informed that a

member dentist was in the process of selling his practice to

a new dentist, and the new dentist stated that the value of

the practice should be decreased because the new dentist

could not receive the same reimbursement rate from Delta

Premier.

• In September, the Board was informed that CIGNA insur-

ance will be determining a new rating system based on

what the dentist charges. Those that charge lower fees will

receive a better rating than those that charge a higher fee.

However, the New York Dental Society and the ADA chal-

lenged this new rating system. As a consequence, CIGNA

has agreed to not implement this type of rating scheme.

• A group called “Stop Overcharging” was formed by the

insurance companies in response to their failure to get

changes to the no-fault system. The initiative states that a

health provider shall not charge a consumer an amount for

medical goods or services that exceeds 150% of the lowest

amount accepted by that provider as payment in full from

another consumer for the same or similar medical goods

or services. The definitions in the petition are such that

dentists are covered by this proposed law. The group has

hired a professional signature gathering company to help

get the required signatures. If they are successful in obtain-

ing the signatures, the proposed law would be on the ballot

in November of 2016. The Michigan Health and Hospital

Association are expected to take the lead in fighting this

proposed legislation and there will be many allies.

Subsidiary Reports MDA Insurance & Financial Group: Mr. Craig Start, presi-

dent, provided the Board with a update on MDA IFG activi-

ties. The MDA Board reviewed and approved the following

endorsements: SoFi (Student Loan Consolidation), AppRiver

(Email Encryption), eScapes (Private Television Network).

Michigan Dental Association Foundation (MDAF): Nancy Maier, the new chief development officer for MDAF,

has reported that the Foundation’s recent Inner Circle mail-

ing has raised $23,905 to date. The average donation was

$215. The 2014 campaign resulted in 96 more donors than in




the past, and an average of $50 more per donor. It’s another

sign of the progress our Foundation is making. Thanks to our

many Foundation supporters!

The Board was provided with an update on Foundation

activities by MDAF President, Dr. Susan Carron. Of the MDA

members who have paid their dues to date, 53% have con-

tributed to the Foundation. The Foundation is corpus based.

Over the past 16 years, the Foundation has raised $1,822,185.

MDAF has worked hard in keeping expenses down in order

build the corpus. In the future, more will be done to publi-

cize Foundation grants to the dental community. New grant

guidelines have been developed. Dr. Carron announced that

the Foundation plans to review its Bylaws to align more

closely with that of the MDA’s.

Mission of Mercy (MOM) 2016: Dr. Steve Harris informed

the Board that the 2016 MOM will be held at Macomb

Community College facility. The college is located four miles

from Detroit. This MOM event will be on June 9-12, 2016.

Make sure to mark your calendars.

Annual SessionThe MDA “Spirit of Michigan” Annual Session will take place

April 22-25 in Lansing. We are looking for a big turnout in

our capital city. This year there will be a Women’s Leadership

Forum and a new health/wellness area on site at the Lansing

Center. Please give consideration to attending the meeting

with your staff. There are many fine CE courses and opportu-

nities to participate with fun events.

MDA Job FairThe first-ever MDA Job Fair will take place Saturday, March

21 at MDA headquarters. This event will include two CE

programs, and a Job Fair Exhibit Hall as well as informal

networking. The Job Fair is aimed at both those looking

for jobs, and those who may have positions to offer. CE

speakers will include Dr. Reggie VanderVeen (“Tips for

Successful Associateships”) and MDA Legal Counsel Dan

Schulte (“Contract Tips for New Dentists and Employers”).

For more information contact Josh Lord, the MDA Director

of Membership and Strategic Initiatives.

New MDA CommitteesAs part of a MDA strategic initiative, volunteers are being

sought to help with two new member outreach programs.

Both of these provide volunteer opportunities those seeking

to serve without committing to a long-term project.

New Dentist Committee: On January 16 the MDA held

a new dentist strategic planning workshop. The purpose of

the meeting was to work on re-establishing the MDA New

Dentist Committee.

Diversity Committee: The MDA is seeking interested

members who have a desire to help enhance relation-

ships with Michigan’s ethnic minority dentist community.

Responsibilities will include attending quarterly meetings

throughout 2015, each lasting approximately three hours.

Between-meeting work will include approximately two hours

of effort for those involved.

If you or someone you know may be interested in these

volunteer opportunities, contact Josh Lord or call 517-346-9415.

MedicareOpt-in/Out UpdateDentists need to take action to either opt-in or formally

opt-out with Medicare before June 1, 2015 – otherwise; you

and/or your patients will not be eligible for reimbursement

from Medicare. Items that are subject to these rules include:

prescription drugs covered by Medicare Part D, certain clini-

cal services (i.e. lab work, imaging services, durable medical

equipment, prosthetics/orthotics, oral sleep apnea devices),

biopsies on Medicare patients, extractions on Medicare

patients preparing for radiation, or oral exams prior to renal

transplant surgery.

Dentists who formally opt-out of Medicare cannot submit

claims to a Medicare Advantage plan or receive reimburse-

ment from Medicare for covered services. In addition, den-

tists must be enrolled in order to prescribe drugs covered

by Medicare Advantage plans. If you have not enrolled or

formally opted out and you prescribe a drug covered by a

Medicare Part D plan, the plan will not pay for the drug.

MDA Award RecipientsThe 2015 Public Service Award is going to the Big Rapids

Department of Human Services. Additionally, the Matt Uday

New Dentist Leadership Award will be presented to Dr.


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Margaret Gingrich at this year’s annual session. Both awards

are well deserved. We have been very fortunate to have

Margaret as an active and effective member of WMDDS. Her

leadership has been greatly appreciated.

As always, it is a privilege to serve as your WMDDS

Trustee. If anyone has any question or concerns about the

MDA, the please feel free to reach out. I can best be contacted

at [email protected].

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.


E S T A T E P L A N N I N G

he dynamics of wealth planning and decision-

making for parents may seem a bit complicated and

challenging. Once you start thinking about your

legacy and how you envision it taking shape, you may find

yourself asking a number of financial questions, such as: How

much money am I going to leave my children? Do I include

extended family? Who will steer the family business?

There is another crucial aspect of legacy that’s often over-

looked: the values behind your success. Seventy-four percent

of parents say values and life lessons are most important to

pass on to the next generation.

Sharing the values that shaped your success with your

family ensures they appreciate your hard work and under-

stand how much it means to you, and have an impact on

future generations. Consider implementing an ethical will to

complement estate planning.

An ethical will is a document, usually one or two pages,

mentioning the values that shape your success. It is usually

an end-of-life summary that is used in conjunction with docu-

ments that determine how your assets will be distributed. Some

families write them together during family gatherings, gather-

ing different insights and learning lessons from each other.

An ethical will may mention your vision and wishes for

your family and generations to come, encouraging them to

make a difference and to value your legacy. Some ethical wills

offer rich insights and are highly descriptive, mentioning

major life events and how they came about in shaping per-

sonal goals, beliefs and values.

Ethical wills don’t have a legal standing, but they do help

pass on important life lessons, providing your family with a

clear sense of your personal values. It also helps avoid any

discussions or misunderstandings regarding money matters,

considering it complements estate planning and can also be

used to improve communication among family members;

helping explain why your plan was set up a certain way.

1Americans’ Perspectives on New Retirement Realities and the Longevity Bonus

– a Merrill Lynch retirement study conducted in partnership with Age Wave.

Passing on the Values Behind Your Success: Ethical WillsAmanda N. Ross, Director, Personal Retirement Strategy and Solutions at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

T

The investments or strategies presented do not take into account the invest-

ment objectives or financial needs of particular investors. It is important that

you consider this information in the context of your personal risk tolerance

and investment goals.

Always consult with your independent attorney, tax advisor, investment

manager, and insurance agent for final recommendations and before chang-

ing or implementing any financial, tax, or estate planning strategy.

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management makes available products and services

offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S”)

and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”)

“Merrill Lynch” refers to any company in the Merrill Lynch & Co.,

Inc., group of companies, which are wholly owned by Bank of America

Corporation.

Investment products:

Are Not FDIC Insured

Are Not Bank Guaranteed

May Lose Value

© 2014 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

Edward Bujdos, CRPC, from

the Eccker, Bujdos & De Jonge

Group of Merrill Lynch,

Grand Rapids office at

250 Monroe Ave. NW,

Suite 600, Grand Rapids, MI

49503

For more information, please contact Edward Bujdos from

the Eccker, Bujdos & De Jonge Group of Merrill Lynch in the

Grand Rapids office at 877.774.4201 or [email protected].

Legislative Breakfast

Friday, May 29, 2015Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

1000 East Beltline NEGrand Rapids, MI 49525

Please mark your calendar and make plans now to attend the WMDDS Legislative Breakfast.

This is an important opportunity for WMDDS dentists and local legislators to meet and express views

and concerns on the issues that affect dentistry. Please make every effort to attend.

To reserve your place, please complete and return the attached form by May 20, 2015.

Name

Email address

Breakfast Buffet will be served starting at 8:00 am

Cost: $16 per person

Please make check payable to: West Michigan District Dental Society

Return by May 20, 2015 to:

West Michigan District Dental Society

161 Ottawa Avenue NW Suite 511-F

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Questions? Contact Elaine Fleming

616.234.5605 | [email protected]

or

Dr. Leonard Bartoszewicz, WMDDS Legislative Chairperson

616.245.9830 | [email protected]


M D A N E W S

New MDA Public Education Campaign LaunchesAn exciting, all-new MDA Public Education Campaign begins

this month, with two statewide TV advertisements, extensive

online search advertising and website advertising, a new Smile

Michigan Facebook site for consumers, plus other campaign

extensions on social media and in local communities. The

new MDA TV ads began airing on broadcast and cable TV

January 19.

“Oral health care is primary health care, and our campaign

reinforces this very important consumer message,” said Dr.

Lisa Christy, of Bridgman, chair of the MDA Public Relations

Advisory Committee, which oversees the campaign. “The

driving message of our MDA Public Education Campaign is

‘if you want a healthy body, start with a healthy mouth.’ That

isn’t just a slogan – this messaging has worked to convey the

importance of scheduling and keeping dental checkups, citing

the link between good oral health and overall health.” Christy

said the objectives of the campaign are to:

• position the MDA and its members as the authority on oral

health issues;

• educate the public about specific oral health issues and the

healthy mouth-healthy body connection; and

• remind consumers to see their MDA dentist twice a year

and find a dentist at www.smilemichigan.com.

“The 2015 campaign is the MDA’s most extensive yet, with

a significant emphasis on social media, online search, and

digital advertising,” Christy said. “MDA ads on various web-

sites will present the MDA message to consumers and then

provide direct links to the Find a Dentist section on the MDA

website.”

Get involved! You can bring the new MDA Public

Education Campaign into your office by displaying the new

“What Would Your Mouth Say about You?” poster and by

distributing a new MDA brochure that more fully explains

the healthy mouth-healthy body connection. The poster and

brochure feature images taken directly from the TV ads. You

can order both at the MDA Web Store at:www.smilemichigan.com/pro.

Be sure to familiarize yourself with the new MDA Public

Education Campaign and talk about it with your staff and

patients. For more information on the Public Education

MDA News from Lansing

Campaign, contact Jenny Armistead, MDA director of market-

ing and communications, at [email protected],

or at 800-589-2632, ext. 412.

MDA Plans Job Fair with Exhibits and CEAttention, members! You’re invited to connect with dentists

and dental students who are seeking employment at the first-

ever MDA Job Fair, taking place Saturday, March 21 at MDA

headquarters in Okemos. The schedule for the day includes:

• a complimentary morning CE session, “Tips for Successful

Associateships,” featuring Dr. Reggie VanderVeen, from 9

until 10 a.m.;

• a Job Fair Exhibit Hall from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.;

• a complimentary afternoon CE session, “Contract Tips for

New Dentists and Employers,” presented by MDA Legal

Counsel Dan Schulte, from 1 until 2 p.m.

For more information on the Job Fair, including information

on exhibiting, contact Josh Lord at 800-589-2632, ext. 415.

RDA Delegation Affected by Dental Rules ChangesNew General Rules of Dentistry issued by the Michigan

Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs/Bureau of

Health Services went into effect last fall, with the most notable

changes involving delegation of duties for dental auxiliaries.

The rules now allow Registered Dental Assistants to

perform the following procedures under a dentist’s general

supervision:

• trial sizing of orthodontic bands;

• holding the matrix for anterior resin restorations;

• applying of topical anesthetic solutions; and

• instructing in the use and care of dental appliances.

The revised rules also include language regarding performance

of intra-oral procedures by a Registered Dental Hygienist. The

language states that a Registered Dental Hygienist shall not

perform functions exclusive to a Registered Dental Assistant

unless the Registered Dental Hygienist is also licensed as a

Registered Dental Assistant.

According to the state, the overall goal of the rules change

was to align the rules with current law.

A revised Delegation of Duties chart for dental auxiliaries

appears on the MDA website at www.smilemichigan.com/pro.

Catch the Spirit in Lansing!

MDA 2015 Annual SessionLansing Center and Radisson Hotel, Downtown Lansing • April 22-25, 2015

Pre-Register Early!Online registration opens

in JanuaryVisit www.smilemichigan.com/pro

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

SPEAKERS INCLUDE:Jill Baskin, DDS

Michael Block, DMDRosemary Bray

David Clark, DDSMarcio da Fonseca, DDS, MS

Robert Edwab, DDSLynda Farnen, JD

Choong Foong, PhDMarie Fluent, DDS

Dennis Hartlieb, DDSMark Hyman, DDS

Cindy Kleiman, RDH, BSGerald Kugel, DMD, MS, PhDSamuel Low, DDS, MS, MEd

Michael Morgan, DDSRobert Murray, MD

Ali Nasseh, DDS, MMScChris Salierno, DDSHenry Schein Experts

Joseph SuchockiChar Sweeney

Richard Winter, DDS

Plus keynote speakerDAVE WEBER

And others

Michigan Dentistry’s Biggest CE Event!


2016 Mission of Mercy Date, Location SetThe 2016 Michigan Mission of Mercy will take place June

9-12, 2016, at Macomb Community College in Warren, the

MDA Foundation has announced.

Macomb Community College offers excellent facilities that

lend themselves well to a large event such as the MOM, said

2016 MOM co-chair Dr. Stephen Harris. The location is also

within easy access to a large potential patient population, as

well as within close proximity to a significant number of vol-

unteers, Harris said.

Michigan MOM events have been held in 2013 and 2014,

but no MOM will be held in 2015, Harris said. Michigan’s

MOM is administrated by the MDA Foundation, the MDA’s

charitable arm.

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5WMDDS Bulletin Zac ad OUTLINED.pdf 1 4/15/14 9:58 AM

West Michigan District Dental Society is an

ADA CERP Recognized Provider.

Thank you To our sponsors who have helped To make These programs available To us.

supporting sponsor:platinum sponsors:

PAY BY CHECK: Make checks payable to: West Michigan District Dental Society. Remit to: Elaine Fleming | c/o WMDDS | 161 Ottawa NW | Suite 511-F, Waters Building | Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 | Questions? Call 616.234.5605 or email [email protected]

RegistRation FoRm

NAME

ADDRESS

ADDITIONAL REGISTRANT(S) AT THIS ADDRESS

MDA-member dentist – $250

WMDDS retired member dentist – $100

per staff – $100

per non-member dentist – $500

TOTAL:

PAY BY CREDIT CARD: � VISA � Mastercard

CREDIT CARD # EXPIRATION DATE/SECURITY CODE

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SIGNATURE

successFul management oF acute Dental Pain anD

managing the enDoDontic inFection*presented by ken hargreaves, d.d.s., phd

march 13, 2015 | Frederik meijer gardens & sculpture park | Ce Credits: 7

*FulFills one-hour pain managemenT CrediT

a.m. presentation: successful management of acute dental painThis evidence-based course is designed to provide effective and practical strategies for managing acute dental pain emergencies.

The latest information of NSAIDS, acetaminophen-containing analgesics and local anesthetics will be provided with the objective of

having immediate application to your next patient emergency. This course will answer practical tips and more using a lecture style that

emphasizes interactions with the audience in answering common pain problems with useful solutions.

p.m. presentation: managing the endodontic infectionThis evidence-based course is designed to provide effective and practical strategies for managing dentoalveolar infections. The objective

is to be practical. The biology of infections is used as a foundation to allow the practitioner to select the best combination of dental and

pharmacological treatments to manage dental infections. In addition, potential

adverse effects and their management will be reviewed. This course will answer

practical tips and more, using a lecture style that emphasizes interactions with

the audience in addressing endodontic infection problems with useful solutions.


DENTAL APPRECIATION NIGHT

Presented by

MARCH 20, 2015 7:00PM VAN ANDEL ARENA The Grand Rapids Griffins invite your office to join us for all the fun and excitement of Dental Appreciation Night!

Last season, over 500 dental professionals, their families and friends enjoyed this special game.

This season’s Dental Appreciation Night will feature:• Special in-game promotions and concession specials

• Discounted tickets for your office

• Ticket proceeds benefiting the West Michigan Dental Foundation At the game, WMDDS volunteers will be doing a "Take A Bite Out Of Cancer" bone marrow drive to collect cheek swab samples that could save a life! If you haven't signed up for the registry, here's your chance. Encourage staff and family members to sign up too. Sponsored by the Michigan Dental Association, Delete Blood Cancer, and the West Michigan District Dental Society.

For more info including the game date and ticket pricing, please contact Joe Yancho at 616.774.4585 ext 3023 or [email protected]

6th Annual

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West Michigan Dental Foundation receives grant from Delta Dental Foundation to improve oral health in Kent County

est Michigan Dental Foundation recently

received a $5,000 grant from the Delta Dental

Foundation through its Brighter Futures

Community Grant Program. The funding will help pay for lab

bills for Adult Dental Services Program clients.

The Adult Dental Services Program provides dental treat-

ment to low income, uninsured, working adults in Kent

County. A network of volunteer dentists provide the den-

tal treatment and lab bills, up to $750, are paid for by

grants, such as the Delta Dental Foundation Brighter Futures

Community Grant.

Grant recipients were selected based on a number of

criteria including the number of at-risk children or adults

served by the program, the program’s uniqueness, the level

of community involvement in the program and the ability to

measure results.

“Through our Brighter Futures grant program, we pro-

vided a total of $250,000 in small community grants to orga-

nizations in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana that are dedicated to

improving the oral and overall health of children and adults,”

said Teri Battaglieri, director, Delta Dental Foundation. “We

are very proud to recognize the work being done by West

Michigan Dental Foundation by selecting it as one of our

grant recipients.”

Established in 2012, Delta Dental’s Brighter Futures ini-

tiative is dedicated to improving the oral and overall health

and wellbeing of children and adults across the state through

education, advocacy and philanthropy.

About West Michigan Dental Foundation

West Michigan Dental Foundation (WMDF) is the philan-

thropic arm of the West Michigan District Dental Society.

Besides securing funds for lab bills for the Adult Dental

Services Program, the WMDF awards tuition grants to

qualified dental, dental assisting and dental hygiene students.

The West Michigan Dental Foundation Community Grant

Program supports projects that impact oral health within its

five county service area. Grants are generally limited to no

more than fifty percent of the total cost of the program or

project. Priority is given to educational projects, treatment

based projects, supplies, and equipment. The Foundation

does not generally support salaries, operations, or research-

based projects. For more information, visit www.wmdds.org,

then go to the Foundation section.

About Delta Dental Foundation

The Delta Dental Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable orga-

nization established in 1980, which serves as the philanthrop-

ic arm of Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and North

Carolina. The Foundation’s goals are to support education

and research for the advancement of dental science, and to

promote the oral health of the public through education and

service activities, particularly for those with special needs. For

more information, visit www.deltadentalmi.com.

W M D F N E W S

W


Legal Entities and Formalities: Making Sure Your Practice Protects YouSubmitted by Nicholas H. Vander Veen, Attorney, Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge

L E G A L L Y S P E A K I N G

n an already demanding profession, dental practitioners

can often find themselves in business and legal situations

in which they are not familiar or comfortable. And, in a

number of these situations, their lack of formal preparation

and knowledge of the rules, laws, and regulations affecting

their daily operations and decisions can lead to serious mis-

steps and substantial costs.

One of the most common issues I observe among my

dental clients, and many other small business owners as well,

is the propensity to take actions that put their corporate liabil-

ity protection at risk. Losing corporate liability protection can

result from a failure to follow or observe the generally simple,

but numerous, rules and corporate formalities. Whether it is

because of a lack of funds, time-constraint issues, or a mis-

placed I-can-do-it-myself attitude, many dentists and small

business owners fail to seek the advice and answers they need,

thus opening themselves up to potential personal liability and

piercing of the corporate veil.

Fortunately, for the prudent dentist who does not wait

to take action or ask for help, a number of these common

mistakes with the rules and formalities affecting your practice

entity can be discovered and corrected before they develop

into serious issues in the future.

I. A Separate Legal EntitySole proprietors fail to understand that there is no legal dis-

tinction between the individual and the business (and all of

the liabilities running a business brings) unless they form a

legal business entity under the laws of the state in which they

reside. This is especially important for a profession in which

the dentist can be exposed to a high level of both financial and

professional liability.

Thankfully, over the past several years, it is becoming

uncommon for me to find clients who are not operating as

a Professional Corporation (PC) or Professional Limited

Liability Company (PLLC or PLC). And, for those few who

are not, it is a very simple and pain free process to do so.

However, while it is good to know that practitioners are

becoming more in tune to the fact that a separate legal entity

for a business is important for liability and tax purposes, there

is often a disconnect or misunderstanding about what needs

to be done after it is formed.

II. Identifying the Correct Contracting PartyA mistake commonly made when entering into business

contracts is failing to identify the business entity as the con-

tracting party. If not done correctly and clearly, contracts

(such as leases and supply agreements), debts, and other

liabilities intended to be on behalf of the practice may be

interpreted, instead, as personal liabilities.

For example, a practitioner forms an entity of John

Dentist, D.D.S., P.C., but enters into a lease for the practice

space as John Dentist, D.D.S., and the lease is paid directly by

the business out of the business bank account. This leads to

possible double liability for both the practitioner individually

and the practice entity itself. Thus, both the personal assets

of the practitioner (such as homes, cars, savings, etc.) and

the practice assets are vulnerable in the event of an unfavor-

able judgment. Additionally, this failure to properly identify

the legal entity as tenant on the lease may lead to a general

liability insurance policy, if it was taken out in the name of the

business, refusing to cover claims and judgments against the

individual practitioner.

III. Full Name Versus Trade NamesAnother common issue is when a practitioner correctly forms

a legal entity and then files for and obtains a “doing business

as” (d/b/a), also called a trade name, for the practice to do

business under. In the interest of removing legal ambiguity

from contracts, it is in the best interest of the practitioner to

use the full legal name of the business on every contract they

enter into. For example, John Dentist, D.D.S., P.C. files for

and obtains a d/b/a of Everybody Smiles Dentistry and then

uses the d/b/a on a contract without the legal entity name. In

I


this example, it would be preferable for the contracting party

to be named fully as John Dentist, D.D.S., P.C., or better yet as

John Dentist, D.D.S., P.C. d/b/a Everybody Smiles Dentistry

so there is no confusion as to who is entering the contract and

who is liable for it.

IV. Signing in the Correct CapacityEven when correctly naming their company as the party to

the contract, many practitioners will sign just their name with

no designation of their title or capacity for the entity at the

end of the contract. This creates an issue of uncertainty as it

becomes unclear whether the business owner signed the con-

tract on behalf of the entity, individually, or as a guarantor of

the obligations of the practice. In the event of a default under

the contract, and the uncertainty as to the capacity of the

parties present, the practitioner would lose his or her liabil-

ity protection and be subject to personal liability. The name

and signature of the small business owner should always be

accompanied by the title of the signatory and the name of

the company in order to avoid personal liability. Here is an

example of a proper signature block:

John Dentist, D.D.S., P.C.

d/b/a Everybody Smiles Dentistry

_____________________

By: John Dentist, D.D.S.

Its: President

V. True Ownership of the AssetsI sometimes encounter clients who have properly formed a

corporation, but the entity does not own any actual assets or

have a bank account, while at the same time incurring debts

and liabilities. This typically occurs because the professional

in this situation attempts to create what they believe to be

insulation from legal and personal liability, with an incorrect

belief that all debts and liabilities incurred under the corpo-

rate name cannot become their personal responsibility for any

reason. Essentially, without any assets or funds behind the

liabilities incurred by the entity, the practitioner has created

a shell corporation that is a prime example of when courts

would pierce the corporate veil and remove the personal

liability protection for the practitioner in the event of default.

VI. Comingling of FundsIn the same vein as owning assets, it is very important that the

funds of the entity and the individual not be comingled. It is

improper for the director or manager of an entity to deposit

business revenues in their personal bank account, pay personal

expenses from the business funds and/or draw cash from the

business bank accounts. Such intermingling of funds and

asset ownership of the business entity will destroy the liability

protections afforded by the corporate form and possibly lead

to tax consequences as well.

VII. Maintaining Corporate FormalitiesAs noted above, there is still much to do after filing articles

of incorporation or articles of organization. However, many

practitioners believe that they have completed all the steps

necessary to operate under their new entity and completely

ignore the corporate formalities required by applicable laws.

Many owners fail to name any officers, directors, or managers

of their new business entity. In some cases they have even

failed to issue any actual shares or membership interests to

themselves or other owners. This means that they have no evi-

dence of ownership of their entity, and are thrown into panic

when asked for the same by a potential lender, insurance

agent, or other party doing business with the practitioner.

Additionally, by failing to name officers or managers, there is

no person with authority to act or make decisions on behalf

of the entity. This can cause issues when the company enters

into a contract it is later trying to enforce.

In my practice, I create formation binders for clients in

order to make sure that they have all the appropriate docu-

ments within easy reach and review when necessary. Some of

the example documents included in this binder for a PLC are:

11. Articles of Organization

12. Certificate of Good Standing

13. Assignment by Organizer

14. Initial Consent Resolutions of the Member

15. Operating Agreement

16. Membership Interest Subscription

17. Certificate of Membership Interest

18. Record of Membership Interest

19. SS-4 Application for Employer Identification Number

10. IRS Notice of Employer Identification Number Assignment



Maintaining these formalities is a constant and ongoing

responsibility since a failure to abide by the corporate for-

malities referenced above is one of the factors a court consid-

ers when deciding whether or not a creditor may pierce the

corporate veil and hold shareholders or members person-

ally liable for business debts and contracts entered into by

the entity. Small business entities are especially vulnerable

because the failure to meet such basic corporate formalities

gives the appearance of the corporation simply being an alter

ego or alias of the practitioner created solely to avoid the

claims of potential creditors.

VIII. Filing the Annual ReportOne of the easiest, and often overlooked or forgotten, formal-

ities to maintain is the need to file annual reports on behalf

of the entity. Failure to timely file an annual report can lead

financial penalties against the business entity or even suspen-

sion or dissolution by the state. Such dissolution may result

in personal liability of officers or managers acting on behalf of

the entity after its effective dissolution.

IX. Planning for SuccessionEntities without bylaws, operating agreements, or separate

shareholder agreements probably do not have a structure in

place for dealing with unplanned or unexpected succession

and change of practice ownership. This is especially impor-

tant for dental practices that have multiple partners. A far too

common example would be where one partner in a two part-

ner dental office dies unexpectedly and there is no succession

plan in place (in the bylaws or the deceased’s will), so his or

her stake in the practice would be inherited by their spouse.

This situation can be ruinous for many practices without a

proper plan in place and creates significant financial hardship.

X. Dissolving the EntityFinally, at the end of the entity’s useful life, it is important that

it is properly dissolved with the state. One cannot simply rely

on an administrative dissolution by no longer filing annual

reports since, as mentioned before, it will lead to continued

liability for the shareholders and members. Proper dissolu-

tion requires providing notice to creditors and a satisfaction

of liabilities, if possible, before the proceeds, if any, from the

practice dissolution is properly distributed to the practitioner.

In no way is this list complete with all of the potential

missteps and mistakes that can jeopardize the protections

afforded by forming a legal entity. Just as in the dental pro-

fession, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It

takes the specialized knowledge and experience of an attorney

to properly navigate and ensure you succeed in using a legal

entity to protect yourself from personal liability associated

with the operation of your practice.

Nick is a business law attorney in Grand Rapids who specializes in represent-

ing dentists and dental groups throughout Michigan and Illinois in associ-

ate agreements, partnership formations and practice purchases. He can be

contacted at 616.458.5283 or [email protected].



Updated New Dentist Forum ScheduleMARCH 5, 2015

Speaker: Dr. Jake Lueder

Topic: Dr. Lueder will discuss the critical factors in treat-

ment planning of anterior tooth replacement and identify-

ing the possible risk factors. Surgical procedures including

atraumatic extraction, simple and advanced bone and soft

tissue regeneration, and immediate placement protocols

will be shown. We will also review the economics of a sin-

gle anterior implant and the fundamentals of “prosthetic

tissue shaping.” Dr. Lueder will simplify the restorative

steps from interim removable and fixed temporization

to final restoration design considerations. The take home

messages will be case selection and the recognition of suc-

cessful treatment, as well as understanding what can be

predictably achieved surgically and restoratively.

Location: Founders Brewing Company, Centennial Room

Arrival time: 6:00 pm, Dinner and Presentation at 6:30 pm

Sponsor: Chad Caughran from Straumann and Tracey

Barrett from Dental Art Laboratories

APRIL 30, 2015

Speaker: Dr. Tom Lambert

Topic: The Future of Dentistry, Establishing a Vision For

Your Practice. We will discuss the impact of managed

care and corporate dentistry on our business models.

Additionally, we will review how to establish a vision for

your practice, become an effective leader, and how to develop

an amazing team.

Location: TBD


Sponsor: TBD

MAY 27, 2015

Speaker: Frederick Schaard from Rehmann

Topic: Patient Experience –

· What are you currently doing that you could be doing better?

· When does the patient experience begin?

· Who ultimately impacts the patient’s experience within

a practice?

· Keys to meeting and exceeding your patient’s expecta-

tions during their reservation.

· Scripting – it’s not just what you say, but how you say it

that counts.

Location: Founders Brewing Company, Centennial Room


Sponsor: Anthony Lis from PNC Bank and Frederick

Schaard from Rehmannn

RICK CHRISMAN, CPA MANAGING SHAREHOLDER [email protected](616) 949-3200

BRINGING MORE GOOD IDEASTO THE TABLE.C

M

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CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

WMDDS TABLE 7.5 x 3.25.ait 1 10/13/2014 10:52:11 AM


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

he new year is upon us. Still writing 2014 on checks?

Yeah, me too. We can be slow to change, that’s for

sure. This article is all about change, the changes we

might be seeing in dental computer technology this year. This

will also be on our blog (ddsintegration.com/blog) where the

links will be live, perhaps easier than typing them.

Tablets in dental offices – Please please please let this happen!Tablets are everywhere. Kids have them at schools. Hospitals

have them for doctors and nurses. Restaurants and food shops

have them. We in dental seem to be the only ones stuck in

pre-tablet land. Why?

Software – Eaglesoft, Dentrix, Softdent, and others just

haven’t yet made their programs friendly to tablets, or any

touch interface for that matter. Trust me, I’ve tried every-

thing. Remote desktop apps, iPads, Androids, Windows 8

tablets, none of their “solutions” are useable. Getting patients

used to tablets is going to be challenging enough without the

hassle of workarounds and the less than ideal functionality the

software gives us now.

Tablet functionality definitely goes in the “let’s hope this

happens this year” list, but there is some good news. Dexis has

an iPad app! It’s called Dexis Go, and it works with version 10

of Dexis. It gives you a way to go through a patient’s digital

images and put it in their hands. This is part of the experience

dentists have been asking for over and over again, and Dexis

has delivered.

With any luck this will just be the start. Others will likely

follow suit, and pretty soon we’ll have capability for imaging

as well as health history/consent across all of the major soft-

ware providers. Fingers crossed!

Website: http://tinyurl.com/n9m8vub

Video: http://tinyurl.com/nvz8aby

Security – It’s not fun, but it is necessary. Now more than

ever. Just watch the news. Who did we hear about this past

year? Target, Home Depot, Sony, and Ebay to name a few.

Not making the headlines were various dentists around West

Michigan who contracted nasty viruses which deleted data

and stole who knows what. Like it or not, this is now the

world we live in. No one is exempt anymore. Just don’t let it

be your patient’s data.

No one wants to go crazy with security because it limits

functionality and costs money. There are, however, some

basic steps that help get you a good baseline for being secure.

• Training – How to be a responsible internet user. How to

use good passwords.

• Firewalls – Get one, and get the subscription that goes with

it for intrusion detection and more.

• Antivirus/Antispam – Get something good. Ideally some-

thing that reports back to your tech company.

• Proactive monitoring – Reporting to your tech company so

they actually know when problems arise.

• Encryption – For HIPAAs sake, for your patients sake, for

your sake, encrypt your data and your email.

Cloud – Still not all the way there for dental, but it’s getting

better. You’ve no doubt heard of cloud computing. Google

email is cloud computing. All your data (email, contacts,

calendar in this case) is stored in the cloud. Using Microsoft

Outlook or another mail client is the opposite of cloud com-

puting. All your data is stored locally on your machine. Cloud

has a lot of benefits, the biggest of which are mobility and the

ability to use it on multiple devices. Whether you’re at your

office or in Hawaii, on a computer or a tablet or a phone, you

can use your cloud software. Just add internet.

Curve Dental is the first big player in the dental cloud com-

puting market. It has gotten much better already and over-

come a lot of hurdles that traditional, server sits in your office,

computing doesn’t have. Also, because it’s web based, the

discussion about using tablets is a non-issue. Curve Dental

Changes for 2015Submitted by Greg Feutz, President, DDS Integration

Greg Feutz is President of

DDS Integration, a

Grand Rapids based dental

technology company.

T


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

runs on smartphones and tablets, so most everything you can

do on your computer you can do on these devices too.

Personally I’m still on the fence, but as it continues to get bet-

ter I think we’ll see more and more of it. I’ve heard rumors

of the major software players developing cloud solutions too.

The rest of the world is largely moving this way, so as it goes

with most things in the technology world, dental will prob-

ably eventually follow suit.

EHR – Remember that thing that all providers are supposed

to have? Technically, your dental software is probably already

considered fully certified EHR. I guess I’m really referring

more to universally available EHR, meaning your patients as

well as other providers would have access to their data. Again,

technically you can share this already via email or other online

portals. What I’m looking forward to, however, is a single

interface to store all of it. Whether it’s dental, vision, or medi-

cal, I look forward to the day that everything about my health

is in one place where I get to manage who can see it and who

can’t. Care will be so much better when information can be

shared readily in this medium.

This medium would need to interface with Eaglesoft,

Dentrix, Softdent, etc.… as well as Cerner, Epic and all the

other hospital EHR systems out there. Who is going to come

up with this system? I don’t know, maybe I will. Look for me

on the cover of Forbes magazine.

Thanks for reading. What do you hope to see this year? The

next five years?

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

your opinions on Changes for 2015 or any other topic.

Facebook: facebook.com/ddsintegration

Blog: ddsintegration.com/blog

www.theinsuranceforprofessionals.comG L F I A

Molly MurrayYour Professional Practice Insurance Advocate

616.301.2599 OR 866.735.5344

4930 Cascade Road SEGrand Rapids, MI 49546

1494 Bayberry LaneLake City, MI 49651

Great Lakes Financial Insurance AgencyDisability Income, Business Overhead, LTC & Health

Are You Protecting Your Most Valuable Asset - Your Professional Earning Power - From Loss?

Molly Murray, Your Professional Practice Insurance Advocate from Great Lakes Financial Insurance Agency works with dental professionals to help protect their professional practice income and expenses from insurable losses.

Professional practices have unique risks from potential disability and health issues, given their success is primarily from the principals’ labor. Are you concerned about your insurability, renewal premium rate increases, or improving your coverage? Molly Murray will listen to your goals or concerns, then offer practical insurability strategies and insurance solutions for your unique situation ... today and tomorrow. Nobody will work harder on your behalf to get coverage, remove exclusions or eliminate an extra rating!

Get a free insurance review and solution proposal OR a 2nd opinion about your insurance challenges!

Contact Molly Murray - Your Professional Practice Insurance Advocate 616-301-2599 866-735-5344 [email protected]


What Dental School Never Taught You About Choosing a Financial Planner (Part One) By Bernard Bowhuis, CLU, ChFc, CFP®, CEO, Benchmark Financial Design Group, Inc.

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

ike many of you, I am a small business owner. While I

do not spend my business day being concerned about

oral medicine, extractions, restorations, or any of the

other areas of dentistry, I am faced with some of the same

challenges of owning a private business. Like you, these tasks

include: staying up to speed on continuing education, meet-

ing vendors and other non-clients who require my time, col-

laborating on projects, meeting payroll, managing my to-do

list, and providing administration. While I am not working

on someone’s mouth, I am providing financial planning for

those who we lead.

My profession has also done a great job of finding ways to

confuse the best of you. We have insurance agents, insurance

brokers, investment advisors, financial advisors, financial

planners, and financial analysts. There are designations like

CLU, LUTC, CIMA, CFP (which are legitimate), and many,

many more that are bogus or not recognized by the industry.

A recent Forbes article1 claims that there are more than 50

confusing designations.

What I have been told repeatedly is that while dental

school teaches you about the profession, it does not necessar-

ily teach you how to seek help with things like retirement and/

or financial planning. To help you make smarter choices with

respect to your financial future, the following is the first of a

two part article on how to choose an advisor.

Following are several key questions you should ask the next

time you meet with or interview someone regarding financial

planning.

1) Are you a fiduciary?I start with this one because a fiduciary is a person who has to

place the client’s interest ahead of his or her own. Fiduciaries

must also disclose what their fees are, how they’re compen-

sated, and any other conflicts or potential conflicts of inter-

est that might influence an individual’s decision to use their

services. In contrast, non-fiduciary financial advisors might

receive a commission in exchange for selling you a particu-

lar investment that isn’t the best for you – and not tell you

how they’ve profited from it. The Certified Financial Planner

Board of Standards issues Rules of Conduct for fiduciaries,

which state, for example, that CFPs should define what ser-

vices they will provide and only offer advice in areas in which

they are competent.

2) How do you make money?There are three ways an advisor is compensated. These include

commission, fee-based, and fee only. I usually recommend

dentists work with fee-based or fee-only advisors. In my opin-

ion, this method of compensation rather that commission

has less potential for conflict of interest. In theory, since I am

compensated for my advice and not placing a product, there is

less or no incentive to sell a product. Keep in mind however,

just because someone is a fee-based or fee-only financial advi-

sor doesn’t mean he or she is a great advisor. And just because

someone is a commission-based salesperson, doesn’t mean he

or she is unethical.

3) What is your educational background? This question may look similar to the first one in that I like

to examine credentials. Advisors often pursue many differ-

ent professional credentials and many different paths. Some

credentials have rigorous, graduate-level testing requirements

that may set advisors apart from their peers in a meaning-

ful way. However, as mentioned above, many credentials

are nothing more than purchased titles or crash courses that

award a title.

Some credentials are good benchmark measures of com-

petence, due to their overall rigor, time commitment, and

ethical standards. I am prejudiced, obviously, but if I was not

in this industry and was looking to hire a financial planner, I

would want an advisor of broad experience. The CFP® would

L



be the most meaningful credential to me in this regard. If I

were looking to hire an investment advisor or money man-

ager only, the CFA® credential would stand out.

Keep in mind, no amount of professional credentials or

higher education can compensate for a bad business model

or a bad advisor. If your financial advisor has no profes-

sional credentials, you may want to ask why. If your financial

advisor has other credentials I haven’t listed, you may want

to do some additional research to determine the validation

of the marks.

4) How do you invest for your clients? How do you invest for yourself? Ask the advisor to explain how he invests money for clients.

Follow up by asking what influences (academic and profes-

sional) have helped develop his strategies over time. Ask if this

is different from the way he invests his own money.

My feeling (and rule) has always been that I would never

place a client’s money into an investment that I do not, or

would not, own for myself or a family member. This can

be a tricky proposition because I am not always in the same

financial situation or have the same goals as all of my clients.

However, the advisor you work with, or are considering to

work with, must know all the facets of any product they rep-

resent and recommend. If there is any uncertainty or doubt,

you may want to avoid placing your money there. Warren

Buffett2 has two quotes that are the basis of my personal

strategy: “Never invest in a business you cannot understand,”

and, “We will only do with your money what we would do

with our own.”

I am not trying to over-emphasize the importance of hiring

a financial planner, or other advisors. I know many people,

from professionals to laborers, who have amassed quite large

sums of money by doing their own investing. In addition,

there are a growing number of platforms and internet sites

where you can gain advice, place your own trades, and man-

age your own money. However, what I have found is that

many times it helps to have an unemotional leader to give you

direction and keep you on track to your goals.

In the next Bulletin, we will continue to look behind the

curtain of choosing a financial planner. However, if you have

some specific questions, please feel free to contact me. I would

be happy to answer them. In addition, if there are any com-

mon questions that arise I will to answer them in print in the

next section.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2013/04/25/watch-out-for-senior-

specialist-financial-advisers/

http://www.minterest.org/best-warren-buffett-quotes-on-investing/

Securities offered through Founders Financial Securities LLCMember FINRA/SIPC and Registered Investment Advisor

Benchmark Financial Design Group, Inc.Bernard Bowhuis, CLU, ChFC, CFP®, CEO2358 S. Garden Ct., Jenison, MI 49428616.667.8834 | [email protected] | www.ddsMoneyCoach.com

2016 Mission of Mercy Date, Location SetThe 2016 Michigan Mission of Mercy will take place

June 9-12, 2016, at Macomb Community College in

Warren, the MDA Foundation has announced.

Macomb Community College offers excellent

facilities that lend themselves well to a large event

such as the MOM, said 2016 MOM co-chair Dr.

Stephen Harris. The location is also within easy

access to a large potential patient population, as well

as within close proximity to a significant number of

volunteers, Harris said.

Michigan MOM events have been held in 2013

and 2014, but no MOM will be held in 2015, Harris

said. Michigan’s MOM is administrated by the MDA

Foundation, the MDA’s charitable arm.



solid tax strategy should be worked on throughout

the year, but as you meet with your accountant to

prepare your 2014 return, take one last opportu-

nity to explore strategies that may minimize your tax burden.

Here are ten questions to get you started.

How will the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014 affect me?The Tax Increase Prevention Act was passed in December of

2014 to reinstate 55 provisions, including Section 179 expens-

ing and bonus depreciation, which had expired in 2013. These

reinstated provisions were retroactively applied to 1/1/2014.

Although the renewal came late in the year, if you made quali-

fying purchases in 2014 you may be able to enjoy tax saving

opportunities under the extended provisions.

What are the new accelerated depreciation rules?The act renewed Section 179 expensing limits to $500,000 for

qualifying assets. There is an investment ceiling of $2,000,000

and other limitations. The expensing threshold was set to

be reduced to $25,000 prior to the extension. The act also

renewed the Section 168(k) 50% bonus deprecation for quali-

fying assets.

How do the new Tangible Property Regulations apply to me?The repair regulations offer guidance on when a repair should

be recorded as a repair or capitalized as an asset. The rules

are very difficult to follow, but may offer an opportunity for

taxpayers to correct mistakes on previously filed returns. The

new regulations require an accounting method change in

order to comply, which is filed on Form 3115. Most practices

should be filing a 3115 with their tax return this year.

Is the Personal Property Tax going away?The simple answer is no – there is a manufacturer’s exemp-

tion for manufacturing companies that will phase in from

2016 to 2026. But, there is also a Small Taxpayer Exemption

that is available for some taxpayers.

How do I know if I qualify for the Small Taxpayer Exemption?All of the taxpayer’s personal property within a local taxing

unit is exempt if the combined True Cash Value within that

taxing unit is less than $80,000.

This threshold is what is referred to as cliff, meaning if you

have $80,001 of True Cash Value you will not qualify. If you

do qualify, you need to prepare Form 5076, which is an affi-

davit claiming the exemption. This form needs to be filed by

February 10th each and every year you qualify, and you must

maintain books and records supporting the claim for exemption.

I sold my practice this year. What rate will I pay for capital gains tax?The answer depends on your tax bracket. Individuals in

the 10% and 15% tax brackets will pay 0% on capital gains.

Individuals in the 25%, 33%, and 35% brackets will pay 15%

on capital gains. Individuals in the top tax bracket of 39.6%

will pay 20% on capital gains.

At what level will my Personal Exemptions be phased out? For single taxpayers, personal exemptions start phasing out

at $254,200 and are completely phased out at $376,700. For

married, filing jointly taxpayers, the starting point is $305,500

with complete phase out at $427,500. The phase out is 2% for

every $2,500 over the base.

The phase out for most itemized deductions is 3% of the

amount over $254,200 and $305,500 for single and married

taxpayers, respectively.

Your accountant may be able to help you develop a strat-

egy to keep your income under the phase out threshold, and

help minimize your tax burden.

Ten Things To Ask Your Accountant This Tax SeasonBrian LaFrenier, CPA, Audit Partner, Beene Garter, LLP

A



56 Grandville Avenue sw . Suite 100Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 . 616 235 5200

Your practice depends on the individualized service you provide each and every client. So does ours.With extensive hands-on experience in the healthcare industry, our team focuses on the financial and operational challenges you face everyday. We are committed to providing industry-specific expertise relevant to you, without compromising your patient focus.

For more information please visit BeeneGarter.com or contact Brian LaFrenier at (616) 235-5200.

Evolving your practice today for a healthier tomorrow.

Tax Planning and Preparation

Sales and Use Tax

Accounting Software Installation and Support

Bookkeeping and Assistance

Start-Up Consulting

Choice of Entity Analysis

Cash Flow Projections

Overhead Analysis

IRS Representation

Payroll Processing

Retirement Plan Design and Administration

Human Resources

Succession Planning

Business Valuation

Estate Planning and Wealth Management

Copyright © B

eene Garter LLP An independent m

ember of M

oore Stephens International Limited

When should I start saving for retirement?As soon as possible! In addition to simply having more time

to amass money for retirement, there are smart tax-saving

strategies that can be employed to help minimize your tax

burden now and later.

If it’s too late for 2014, what can be done to minimize my tax liability for my 2015 return?Gaining a solid understanding of how your practice is per-

forming and having your accountant run tax projections early

in the fall will enable you to make decisions about the timing

of income, expenses, retirement contributions and equipment

purchases to minimize your tax burden.

How often should we meet?Your accountant should be one of your most trusted busi-

ness advisors and a partner in your success. Our objective is

to help you achieve your financial goals in a tax-efficient and

responsible manner. As a result, we recommend meeting on

no less than a quarterly basis to review your financial and

business goals.

If you have questions, or for more information on suc-

cession planning, contact Brian LaFrenier at 616.235.5200.

Connect with Brian LaFrenier on LinkedIn at:

www.linkedin.com/in/blafy

Like Beene Garter on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/BeeneGarter

Follow Beene Garter on Twitter at:

https://twitter.com/BeeneGarter


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

For Sale – Family practice in Grand

Rapids NE that is part time with great

potential, located in an excellent high-

visibility location. There is 2050 sq.ft.

with 5 ops and a 6th op is plumbed

in. Opportunity for more footage if

desired. Call 616.485.4884 for details.

Kavo Handpieces for Sale –

6000B have 5 at $400/handpiece,

6500B have 6 at $400/ handpiece,



649B have 2 at $200/handpiece.

Call 616-453-6323.

Dr. Matthew T. Lubbers has a Part-Time, Soon to be Full-time, Dental Associate Opportunity – available

in his successful, well-established,

growing, and privately owned general

dentistry practice located between

Holland and Grand Rapids, MI.

Hudsonville Family Dentistry offers

the entire family a quality dental

experience in a comfortable setting.

We are looking for a motivated, posi-

tive, and compassionate dentist with

an outgoing personality who wants to

make a difference in the lives of his/

her patients. If you feel you fit this

description and are looking for a

long-term relationship with growth

potential with an outstanding team,

please send your resume to:

[email protected]

For Sale – Lab Master Foster Model

Trimmer, Model # MT115, like new

$400. Contact 616.949.7510.

We are looking for a confident, personable, and energetic dentist who

has a positive attitude and relates well

with others. You will enjoy the tradi-

tional doctor-patient relationship in

a team environment, with the profes-

sional and clinical support you need

to best service your patients. You will

also enjoy living within a short drive

from Lake Michigan, fine inland lakes,

rivers, and woodlands. Swim, hunt,

fish, golf, ski, or go boating, all within

minutes from home. The area also

boasts of fine restaurants, breweries,

orchards, and vineyards. Live where

many others come to vacation!

Candidates must be competent

with all restorative procedures, and

be comfortable with extractions,

endodontic and prosthodontic pro-

cedures, and be focused on excellent

patient care.

If you fit this description and are

looking for a long-term relationship

with growth potential with an

outstanding team, please send the

following documents to

[email protected]:

Cover Letter - Explaining who you

are, what you are looking for in an

associate’s position, your qualifica-

tions, skills, talents, and what makes

you uniquely qualified for this position.

Curriculum Vitae – Including

employment history, with references,

education, licensure, and current

contact information.

The classified ad rate is $10.00 up to and including 30 words; additional words 15¢ each. Space permitting, WMDDS members may

place ads free of charge as a membership service. Ads should be submitted in writing and sent with payment to Elaine Fleming,

WMDDS, 511-F Waters Building, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Telephone numbers and hyphenations count as two words, abbrevia-

tions count as one word. Ads received after the first of the month prior to publication may appear in the following issue.

Part-time Dentist needed at Ferris State University’s Dental Hygiene Clinic – Dentist needed 1–2 days a

week to provide legal clinical coverage,

conduct and supervise clinical per-

formance of dental hygiene students,

and act as a dental resource person for

clinical dental hygiene faculty, staff,

and students. For further information,

please email [email protected]

or call 231.591.2284. Detailed posting

and application available at

https://employment.ferris.edu/

Panoramic x-ray unit (Gendex GX Pan. 70-98KVp. Film Size 5” x 12”) for Sale – Was in a good working

order when disassembled by dental

technicians. No longer needed.

Asking $2000 O.B.O. Please email

to [email protected].

General Dental Practice in Walker, MI – Two ops. Third room can be

equipped. 825 active patients. New

equipment. Well-maintained suite.

Lease transferable. Asking $100,000.

Interested parties please contact

[email protected].

Associateship opportunity in NE Grand Rapids – Busy, established

practice; 3-4 days per week available.

Potential for future partnership.

Please call 616.742.6735 or email:

[email protected]


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

Holland, Michigan – Associate dentist

needed for busy practice one or two

days a week. Would prefer Fridays. A

bit early but will be retiring in three to

five years. Fee-for-service practice with

no medicare/medicaid. Please contact

Kate at 616.399.4490.

Part Time Associate Dentist – posi-

tion is available at the office of Dr.

Sam Bander, Cosmetic and Family

Dentistry. Dr. Bander is a well estab-

lished general dentist in the southeast

Grand Rapids area. He is a graduate

of the Misch International Implant

Institute in Beverly Hills, MI and

the renowned Kois Center in Seattle,

WA. Dr. Bander is now a mentor at

the Kois Center. Our office is a 2500

sq. ft., state-of-the-art facility with

room for expansion. Our practice is

completely paperless, uses dentrix

software and all digital x-rays. We are

a busy practice providing a range of

dental services from routine preven-

tion and maintenance to full mouth

reconstruction, cosmetic dentistry and

implant placement. The position is

2-3 days per week with the probability

of growing and possibly progressing

to partnership. Ideal candidate would

have 2 to 5 years of experience and

enjoy all phases of dentistry. Please

submit resume to drsambander@

gmail.com or contact Dr. Bander at

616.949.5980. Visit our website at

www.drsambander.com.

Dental Equipment for Sale – After

merging two offices, I have 4 rooms

full of dental equipment for sale.

Everything is in good shape and work-

ing order (no junk). All equipment is

still installed and can be tested before

you buy it. X-ray units, cabinets,

panoramic, Dent-X 9000, Zoom, c

ompressor, air dryer, suction, lab

equipment and much more. Just ask

me and there’s a chance I have it.

Please email me with your questions

to: [email protected].

Dental Dreams desires motivated, quality oriented associate dentist –

for its offices in Muskegon,

Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Saginaw,

Flint, Ypsilanti and Eastpointe – out-

side Detroit. At Dental Dreams, we

focus on providing the entire family

superior quality general dentistry in

a modern technologically advanced

setting with experienced support staff.

Our average colleague dentist earns on

average $230,000 per year plus ben-

efits. Sign on/relocation bonus for cer-

tain locations. Please contact Kristyn

McIntosh at 312.274.4530 or email

[email protected].

Exciting Opportunities – for dentists,

hygienists, and assistants to provide

children with quality dental care in

schools in Southeast and Western

Michigan. No evenings or weekends.

Email resumes to:

[email protected].

The Bulletin wishes to thank our valued

advertisers who support organized

dentistry by helping to defray the cost

of printing and mailing.

Advertising in the Bulletin is seen

by over 90% of the dentists in the

West Michigan District. This includes

five of the fastest growing counties

in the state: Kent, Ottawa, Ionia,

Montcalm and Mecosta.

For information on advertising rates,

call Elaine Fleming, WMDDS Executive

Secretary at 234-5605. Target your Market

– advertise in the Bulletin!

Beene Garter ......................................37

DDS Integration .... outside back cover

Davis Dental

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

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

Great Lakes Financial .......................33

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

Hungerford Nichols .........................31

Lake Michigan Credit Union ...........22

MDA IFG ...........................................25

Merrill Lynch ....................................26

Smith Haughey .................................40

Studio 2 Dental .................................17

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

Mission Statement: An organization dedicated to the improvement of oral health through the

financial support of education and service programs to address the needs identified by the dental

profession and the communities it serves in Kent, Ottawa, Ionia, Mecosta and Montcalm counties.

West Michigan Dental Foundation Annual Golf Outing

Friday May 15, 2015

NEW LOCATION: Thousand Oaks Golf Club

WATCh FOr rEGIsTrATION FOrMs TO ArrIvE IN MArCh 2015.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR


Ann Arbor GrAnd rApids MuskeGon TrAverse CiTy

Contact Nicholas H. Vander Veen

FROM START TO FINISH.

Practice transitions

Partnership formations

Associate agreements

616-458-5283 | [email protected]

Our attorneys are here every step of the way.

#1 Dental SoftwareWe’ve got the #1 dental

practice management softwarein the world, Dentrix.

Equipment & TechnologyMeet with our team of Specialiststo plan, design, and choose your

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Practice AnalysisOur team of expert sales consultants

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Business SolutionsFrom marketing, to in-office OSHA

training, to seminars on dental coding,we’ve got the tools to support you.

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Only Henry Schein can offer such a vast array of strategic resourcesthat encompass everything you need to succeed, plus...

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Rely on Usto help you operate a productive practice.

Grand Rapids Center616.791.23582689 Walkent Dr. NW, Suite F, Grand Rapids, MI 49544

15DM3010 Regional Ad_Layout 1 1/15/15 9:15 AM Page 1

WEST MICHIGAN DENTAL SOCIETY

511-F Waters Building

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

PrsrT sTDUs POsTAGE

PAIDGrAND rAPIDs, MI

PErMIT # 657

2015 wmdds winter bulletin

Documents

spring issue

directory issue

summer issue

holiday issue

bulletinwinter issue

dsg davis dental laboratory

erick perroud vice president

comfortat dsg davis