JUNE 2009 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 6 AVAILABLE ONLINE AT TDA.ORG

InsideTDA Smiles FoundationFalls County Smiles on Wheels in Marlin 2009 Annual Session Award Highlights Texas State Board of Dental ExaminersRenewal Cards Update In the NewsTDA Members Named Officers of American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Healthcare Heroes Awards to TDA Members

July Journal News

Geriatrics and DentistryInformed ConsentDiagnosing Oral Lesions in Older AdultsAssessing Elder Abuse and NeglectBisphosphonate MedicationsDental Management of Patients Taking Antiplatelet Medications

Around the State July 25Smiles on Wheels, Rocksprings, Edwards County

August 14 & 15Dentists Who Care Conference, South Padre Island

August 15Smiles on Wheels, Mineral Wells, Palo Pinto County

August 21TDA Board of Directors Meeting, Austin

August 22 TDA Strategic Planning, Austin

August 29ADA 15th Trustee District Delegation Golf Tournament, Dallas

August 30ADA 15th Trustee District Delegation First Caucus, Dallas

Click & Connect

Follow us on Twittertwitter.com/theTDA TDA Committee in the New Dentist Podcast Seriestda.org or iTunes 2009-10 TDA Council and Committee Appointmentstda.org

JUNE, 2008 VOLUME 9, ISSUE 6 AVAILABLE ONLINE AT TDA.ORG

InsideMedicaid in My Office?Yes, I Think So!Richard M. Smith, DDS

TDA Smiles FoundationTMOM gains ardent advocate

Ask the PresidentIncoming President’s messageHilton Israelson, DDS

Let’s TalkOutgoing President’s messageA. David May, Jr., DDS

2008-2009 TDA Board of Directors

Meet Your TDA StaffTDA’s new Finance Director Dee Dee Delagarza

Congratulations to TDA Component Societies

Streamline Your Insurance ClaimsSpeeding up confirmation of benefits and eligibility

TSBDE Rule UpdateRequirements for dental office radiograph machines

In the NewsTDA members in the news

July Journal NewsTooth Whitening: A Clinical Review

TDA Historical PerspectivesDentists, dental hygienists, and the dental team

The 2007 C.T. Rowland AwardOrthodontic case report

The El Paso Dental Conference

Around the StateAugust 14:TDA Board MeetingAustin, Texas

October 15-19:ADA Annual SessionSan Antonio, Texas

Click & ConnectUpdate Profile tda.org – Membership Info

Ask a Colleague tda.org – Features

TEXAS Meeting Photostexasmeeting.com/estore

Volunteer for ‘08 ADAtda.org/volunteerada08

Every Member MattersRise’ Lyman, DDS, TDA Future Focus Committee

Membership growth is vital to any thriving organization. The Texas Dental Association (TDA) Board is strongly committed to the Membership goal within the “TDA 2009” strategic plan, which addresses continued growth. I am proud to report that, as evidence of that commitment and for the second year in a row, the TDA received the following ADA awards in 2008:

Greatest Percentage Membership Net Gain: Texas had a net gain of 198 members in the year 2007.Top Constituent Dental Society with Greatest Percentage of Non-Members to Membership: Represents a conversion of 4.7 percent of non-members into membership at end of year 2007.Top Constituent Dental Society to Improve Retention Rate Percentage in 2007: Represents a 97 percent Association retention rate, which is an increase of 7 percent from the previous year.Greatest Percentage of New Dentist Members: Represents a gain of 111 new dentist members (those dentists who are 1-9 years out of school).

Another example of the commitment to the growth of our Association is the TDA Externship Program, which builds student awareness of organized dentistry. This innovative program, created in 2007, offers students the opportunity to gain insight into the different components of organized dentistry including legislative and regulatory affairs, membership, governance, continuing education, and charitable dentistry and to gain a better understanding of their role as future leaders of the dental team. The program is open to dental students from each of the three dental schools in Texas. This year the externship program will take place June 20 – June 27 in Austin at the TDA central office.

As an ongoing effort to enhance the value and benefits of the Association, the TDA Council on Membership developed a survey that was sent to all members in 2006. The results clearly showed that members have a high satisfaction rating with benefits such as the TEXAS Meeting, TDA publications, and the ability to participate philanthropically in the TDA Smiles Foundation. A great number of the discounted programs offered to members through the TDA Perks Program also received a high satisfaction rating. In accordance with the strategic plan, the Council on Membership, will survey members again in 2009.

Participation from all members and a collaborative effort between the ADA, TDA, and local component societies are the keys to successful membership recruitment and retention. We encourage every member to get involved whether it is by attending local meetings, taking part in Give Kids a Smile! Day activities, volunteering at a Texas Mission of Mercy, or participating in TDA Legislative Day activities in Austin. Each member matters and is essential to the continued growth of our Association and of organized dentistry.

This is the seventh and final in a series of articles focused on the TDA’s accomplishments guided by the strategic plan. To view the entire plan, log in at www.tda.org and click on “TDA 2009” under “Current Issues” on the member homepage. For more information, please contact Lyda Creus Molanphy, staff liaison to the Future Focus Committee, at the TDA central office, (512) 443-3675.

MembershipDentists will value membership and participation in the TDA.

Objectives1. Improve perceived value and benefits of membership in TDA.

a. Increase members’ knowledge about the impact and benefits of TDA membership. b. Ensure that components are an integral aspect of the membership process.c. Create greater awareness of the availability of the Peer Review, Ethics & Judicial, and Risk Management benefits.d. Actively promote adherence to the Code of Ethics. e. Enhance communication with members and non-members.f. Build student awareness of and interest in organized dentistry and membership in TDA.g. Ensure ongoing contact with students throughout dental school.h. Work closely with dental school faculty.i. Evaluate number of nonmember dentists who attend and participate in TDA activities (TEXAS Meeting, TDA Smiles

Foundation programs, etc.).Metrics1. Seventy percent of active licensed dentists in TX will be members of TDA by 2009 (baseline of 68.5% in January 2007); increase

membership retention rate to 97 percent by April 2007 (baseline 96% in 2006).a-d. Increase the number of dentists serving on component peer review and ethics and judicial affairs committees to attain a participation rate of 2-5 percent relative to the total number of component society members by August 2009.

2. Ninety percent of TX dental school graduates actively licensed in TX will be members of TDA five years after graduation (89% dental student conversion from the graduating class of 2005 in Texas).

3. Increase the number of member dentists actively participating in TDA by 1 percent a year (as measured by a variety of means – participation at TX Meeting, TMOM, TXDDS, FSI programs, DENPAC participations, TDA legislative day) with annual report to TDA Board by the Council on Membership.

4. Establish baseline of nonmember participation at TDA activities (CAS, TDA Smiles Foundation, Membership) 5. Established baseline of members’ understanding of and satisfaction with the benefits of their TDA membership through Member

Benefits and Services Survey (completed Nov 2006), re-evaluate % increase at that time for 2009.6. Sixty-five percent of all full-time faculty will be TDA members by 2009 (2006 baseline = 63%).

Mission: To be The Voice of DenTisTry in Texas

Manpower Advocacy OrganizationalExcellence

PublicImage

Development Membership

The TDA will update it’s strategic plan with another statewide retreat in August of 2008.

In 2003, Texas Dental Association members from across the state develop TDA’s first strategic plan, TDA 2009.

81st Legislative Session — A Victory for Texas Dentists

Richard C. Black, DDS, Chair, Council on Legislative & Regulatory Affairs (CLRA)

Dr. Stephen F. Schwartz of Houston is this year’s recipient of TDA’s highest honor. Dr. Schwartz, an endodontist, has held countless leadership positions throughout his career, including TDA president and ADA vice president.

He currently serves as an adjunct clinical professor and special advisor to the dean at UTDB-Houston, and as a clinical professor at UTHSC – San Antonio Dental School. Please see a complete Gold Medal feature article in the November 2009 Texas Dental Journal.

See the photo spread on pages 2 and 3 of this newsletter for other 2009 TDA award winners.

Dr. Stephen F. Schwartz of Houston receives the TDA’s highest honor, the 2009 Gold Medal for Distinguished Service Award.

Now that the 81st Texas Legislature has adjourned sine die and, thanks to outstanding work by the TDA leadership, members of the Council on Legislative and Regulatory Affairs (CLRA),

TDA staff, and our contract lobbyists, the TDA was very successful in achieving its goals. Governor Perry has until Sunday, June 21, to sign, veto, or allow those bills to become law without his signature. Once signed, most of the new bills take effect on September 1, 2009.

Dental Assistant Duties — I am excited to report that TDA’s dental assistant bill, SB 455 by Sen. Florence Shapiro (R-Plano) and Rep. Chuck Hopson (D-Jacksonville), passed both the House and Senate and has been sent to Governor Perry for his signature. The TDA and the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry worked very closely together in passing this important legislation. The Texas Academy of General Dentistry and the Texas Dental Assistants Association also supported this effort.

In addition to authorizing all Texas dentists to delegate the placement of pit & fissure sealants to a dental assistant who is certified to do so, SB 455 will allow dental assistants to apply fluoride varnish and obtain certification to perform coronal polishing. The bill will also reduce the amount of coursework required to obtain a sealant certificate from 16 hours to 8 hours (the coronal polishing course will be 8 hours, too) and establish a 12-hour maximum continuing education requirement for dental assistants who hold certificates of registration, regardless of the number of certificates they hold.

As required by the 2008 House of Delegates workforce resolutions, TDA ensured that SB 455 included provisions allowing dental assistants to make dental radiographs and provide interim treatment for minor emergencies under general supervision.

TSBDE “Housekeeping” Bill — The TDA worked closely with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) to pass SB 887 by Sen. Jane Nelson (R-Denton) and Rep. John Zerwas (R-Richmond). This bill, which has also been sent to Governor Perry, makes various technical and clarifying amendments to the Dental Practice Act. Most importantly, and what will be of great benefit to TDA members, it authorizes the TSBDE to establish procedures to informally assess administrative penalties for violations of the Dental Practice Act (DPA) and TSBDE Rules.

State Budget/TSBDE Funding — Legislators approved a $183 billion state budget for Fiscal Years 2011 and 2012, including $12.1 billion from the federal stimulus act. TDA strongly supported the TSBDE’s efforts to obtain “exceptional item” funding for a new licensing database and for merit raises and salary reclassifications needed to help reduce staff turnover.

TDA’s legislative team can take well deserved credit for a more experienced and effective TSBDE in the future.

Taxation of Dental Practices — We also have great news for those dentists whose practices are subject to the state franchise tax. Working alongside other key stakeholder groups, the TDA successfully pushed for passage of HB 4765 by Rep. Rene Oliveira (D-Brownsville) and Sen. Dan Patrick (R-Houston). This legislation will help dental practices and other small businesses that are subject to the franchise tax by amending Section 171.002(d) of the Tax Code to increase the total exemption from the franchise tax from a revenue ceiling of $300,000 to $1 million. Under the version of the bill sent to Governor Perry, the $1 million exemption takes effect on January 1, 2010, but reverts to $600,000 on January 1, 2012. The increased exemption was funded through

a provision in another bill that increases the state sales tax on certain smokeless tobacco products.

In addition, TDA helped defeat HB 3690 by Rep. Jim Jackson (R-Carrollton), which would have imposed sales taxes on “elective cosmetic procedure[s],” including certain dental procedures.

Scope of Practice — TDA worked diligently to defeat SB 168 by Rep. Myra Crownover (R-Denton) and SB 536 by Sen. Leticia Van de Putte (D-San Antonio). Those two bills, initiated by the Texas Dental Hygienists’ Association (TDHA), would have authorized dental hygienists to administer local anesthetic.

At the direction of Rep. Lois Kolkhorst (R-Brenham), chair of the House Committee on Public Health, we worked with TDHA to reach an agreement on SB 97 by Sen. Leticia Van de Putte and Rep. Mike Villarreal (both D-San Antonio). The agreed version of SB 97 will add community health centers to the list of settings where dental hygienists are authorized to treat patients prior to a dentist’s examination. Treatment by hygienists at such settings (which include nursing homes and school-based clinics as well as community health centers) will be limited to a maximum period of 6 months. SB 97 has already beensigned by Governor Perry and will take effect on September 1, 2009.

“Dental Support” for Children in Divorce Cases — Despite strong support from TDA, SB 1048 by Sen. Carlos Uresti (D-San Antonio) and Rep. Roberto Alonzo (D-Dallas), which would have required that dental insurance be included with health insurance in a child support order, failed to pass. Like many of bills this session, SB 1048 died on the House Calendar after House members engaged in lengthy debate (or “chubbed”) during consideration of certain non-controversial bills in order to delay action on other, unrelated legislation (Voter ID). Although Sen. Uresti added the text of SB 1048 as an amendment to another bill, the House parliamentarian determined that the amendment was not germane to the original bill, thus was removed.

CHIP Expansion — Efforts to increase the number of children eligible for the state’s Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) did not succeed. Bills filed by Sen. Kip Averitt (R-Waco) and Rep. Garnet Coleman (D-Houston) would have increased the income eligibility level for CHIP to 300 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL) and establish a CHIP buy-in program for certain children whose net family incomes were greater than 300 percent but did not exceed 400 percent of FPL. Although Sen. Averitt added the text of his CHIP legislation as an amendment to another bill, the House parliamentarian determined that the amendment was not germane to the original bill, thus was removed.

Dental Insurance — Although TDA tracked a large number of insurance-related bills this session, none became law. Significantly, those bills included the Sunset legislation for the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). Governor Perry has indicated that he will call the legislature back for a special session to address agencies that will be sunset without legislative action.

In summary, despite a great deal of turmoil and sporadic partisan strife, this was an outstanding legislative session for the TDA. The brief summaries above simply do not do justice to all of the hard work performed by our legislative team, which overcame numerous clerical and logistical challenges throughout the process. The results speak for themselves: Out of a total of 7,621 bills filed this session, SB 455 was among only 1,476 bills that passed.

Dr. Stephen Schwartz Receives TDA’s Gold Medal for Distinguished Service Award

TDAT June 09.indd 1 6/12/09 2:42:50 PM

June 2009 / TDA Today / 2

Happy, Healthy Smiles …That’s Our Mission!

Falls County Smiles on Wheels in Marlin a Success! The Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation’s (TDASF) most recent Smiles on Wheels event took place on June 6, 2009, in the small rural community of Marlin, just southeast of Waco, with a population of just under 6,000 residents. Falls County Community Hospital and Clinic served as gracious host to the event and delivered a friendly venue with unprecedented lay volunteer staff and organization.

Thank you to these dentist volunteers: Dr. Bob BatesDr. Doug BoganDr. Jerry BouquotDr. James BryanDr. BJ CurreyDr. Karen FrazerDr. Catherine FlaitzDr. Gustav GatesDr. Mike GieslerDr. Tracey GodwinDr. Michael GonzalezDr. Jennine HuetDr. Kurt LovelessDr. Don LutesDr. Ken MacaulayDr. Jennifer MolandesDr. Russell OwensDr. John ShultzDr. Richard SmithDr. Larry SpradleyDr. Kent StarrDr. Martin StarrDr. Taylor StarrDr. Howard WalkerDr. Mickey WalkerDr. Wendi WeaverDr. Brian WestfallDr. David WoodburnDr. Beverly Zinser

Standing (L–R): Drs. Fred E. Aurbach, Robert Glenn Vittetoe, Ivan McKinney, Jr., Robert C. Fielder, Chris S. Cartwright, Robert A. Hall, Ned H. Patrick, Michael D. Higgins, J. Cliff Avant, James Lee Walters, Robert L. Allen, Donald E. Hayes, Paul Frank Woodruff, and Santiago Batres. Seated (L–R): Drs. Arlet R. Dunsworth, Kenneth Joe Kuehler, William H. Stalker, Irby B. Hunter, Charles Arthur Ray III, Larry B. Schrader, Donald R. Miller, Edmundo M. Martinez, Ronald C. Auvenshine, Robert W. Henslee, Jr., Robert Lee Frazer, Jr., and Ronald Roy Morin.

2009 Annual Session Award HighlightsNarrative by Paul H. Schlesinger, TDA Awards Committee Staff Liaison

2008-09 TDA Awards CommitteeDr. Arlet R. Dunsworth, Chair,

Senior Director, Northeast DivisionDr. Craig S. Armstrong,

Senior Director, Southeast DivisionDr. Johnny G. Cailleteau,

Senior Director, Southwest DivisionDr. J. Brad Loeffelholz,

Senior Director, Northwest Division

Dr. Joshua A. Austin of San Antonio (left) is TDA’s outstanding new dentist leader of the year. After graduating from UTHSC – San Antonio Dental School in 2006, Dr. Austin joined the TDA has been very active on district and state levels as well as his local community. He is currently a member of the TDA Committee on the New Dentist. Presenting the award is Dr. Johnny Cailleteau.

Certificates of Merit

Dr. Jennifer Bankler (left), dental health coordinator of the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, accepts a Certificate of Merit on behalf of the Health District. Clinics within the Health District are recognized for their efforts to serve the dental health and welfare of San Antonio’s disadvantaged population. Presenting the award is Dr. Craig Armstrong.

Dr. Patrice Coons (left), clinical director for St. David’s Community Health Foundation Leadership Dental Program, accepts a Certificate of Merit on behalf of the program. The program is recognized for its efforts to treat and serve the dental health and welfare of the disadvantaged children of Central Texas. Presenting the award is Dr. Johnny Cailleteau.

Ms. Tuesday Ross (left), director of health services for the Second Mile Mission Center, accepts a Certificate of Merit on behalf the center. The center is recognized for its efforts to serve the dental health and welfare of the disadvantaged population in Fort Bend County. Presenting the award is Dr. Craig Armstrong.

Standing (L–R): Drs. Guy O. Keeter, Carter Edmond Karr, Edward Ross Staffel, Bobby Harold Hughes, and Donald Peyton Morse. Seated (L–R): Drs. Arthur James Naugher, Nicholas Thomas Hallick, William G. Frick, Perry Mueller, Jr., Ottie Euegene Barrett, Jr., and William J. Lawhorn.Life Members

50-Year Members

New Dentist Leadership Award

(L–R) Dr. Beverly Zinser, Jimmie Ruth Smith, Dr. Richard M. Smith, LeGrand Spradley, Dr. Larry Spradley, Dr. Doug Bogan, TDA Alliance liaison to the TDASF Board Diane Bogan, and Janet Larson enjoy a home-cooked meal on the patio of ex-judge Mike Meyers’ working cattle ranch.

The event used 17 operatories, a new record for the Smiles on Wheels (the program usually runs with 10-12 operatories). This could not have been accomplished without the dental vans from both the Dallas County Dental Society Foundation and University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston. Our thanks to both organizations for their support! With this unprecedented level of equipment, volunteers saw an estimated 173 patients and delivered more than $96,000 in charitable care, providing a huge impact to the population of this small community’s oral and systemic health.

Please consider joining a future Smiles on Wheels events and experience the camaraderie, fun, and genuine appreciation of your talents. Our next event will be in Rocksprings on July 25, 2009. Our final Smiles on Wheels event for the year will be in Mineral Wells on August 15, 2009. Learn more or sign up at tdasf.org.

The Drs. Starr (son Taylor, father Kent, son Martin) worked operatories 2, 3, and 4 the entire day.

TDAT June 09.indd 2 6/12/09 2:43:08 PM

Photos by Paul H. Schlesinger and Jowdy Photography

June 2009 / TDA Today / 3

As I write this message, Memorial Day has just ended and summer will soon be here. More importantly perhaps is the fact that the 81st Texas Legislature has concluded. The old adage about “no one is safe while the legislature is in session” holds true on many fronts. Yet there is some very good news to report from this past session. The TDA, in partnership with the Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and support from Texas Academy of General Dentistry, successfully guided House Bill 3670/Senate Bill 455 to passage during this session of the legislature. There are many people to thank for an effort like this.

First and foremost is our TDA legislative team — not only the in-house staff, but also our contract lobbyists. Many would argue these folks are just doing their job, but I can tell you they work tirelessly on your behalf. Thanks also to the volunteer dentists who testified and made the daily decisions to see this through.

The legislative process is not a pretty sight to watch but our two sponsors deserve special recognition — Representative Chuck Hopson from Jacksonville and Senator Florence Shapiro from Plano carried this legislation to a successful conclusion. If you know either of these representatives, tell them thank you, or better yet drop them a note. It would be most appreciated.

There were several other pieces of legislation that TDA closely monitored. The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners housekeeping bill and a franchise tax reform bill also passed.

In the coming months I am sure you will read and hear more about educational opportunities that can be completed by your assistants to take advantage of the new workforce legislation. Stay tuned for those developments and keep In the Loop.

In The Loop

Matthew B. Roberts, DDS, TDA President 2009-2010

Other Awards• Dr. Pamela S. Berlanga of San Antonio, Service

Recognition — extraordinary work as general chair of the Committee on Local Arrangements for the 2008 ADA Annual Session in San Antonio.

• Dr. Gary W. McDonald of Humble, Service Recognition — years of service and dedication to the dental profession through the Association and the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.

• Border Children’s Center — Craniofacial Anomalies Clinic of El Paso, Certificate of Merit

• Dr. Tyler L. Pendergrass of Amarillo, Outgoing Council Member — Annual Session

• Dr. John S. Eads III of El Paso, Outgoing Council Member — Constitution and Bylaws

• Dr. Eric S. Solomon of Dallas, Outgoing Council Member — Dental Education, Trade, and Ancillaries

• Dr. Norman P. Poorman of Abilene, Host Society Chair — 17th District

• Mr. David John Hoffman, Outstanding Senior Dental Student — Baylor

• Ms. Tiffany L. Tredway-Ransom, Outstanding Senior Dental Student — Houston

• Ms. Teri Marek, Outstanding Senior Dental Student — San Antonio

Service Recognition Awards

Mrs. Janet Hooten of Austin (left) receives recognition for serving as president of the Alliance of the Texas Dental Association (2008-2009). Presenting the award is TDA president Dr. Hilton Israelson.

Mrs. Janet Crow of Spring (left) is recognized for her years of selfless service and dedication to the legislative activities of the Association. Presenting the award is Dr. Craig Armstrong.

(L–R): Dr. Russell and Mrs. Paula Owens of Burleson are recognized for their efforts to serve the dental health and welfare of the disadvantaged through their voluntary work at numerous Texas Missions of Mercy. Presenting the award is Dr. Brad Loeffelholz.

Dr. Wilfred D. Whiteside, Jr., of Corpus Christi is recognized for his years of service and dedication to the dental profession through the Association and the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners. Presenting the award is Dr. Arlet Dunsworth.

Outgoing Past PresidentDr. A. David May, Jr., of Abilene (right) served on the TDA Board of Directors as president-elect, president, and past president from 2006-2009. Presenting the award is TDA president Dr. Hilton Israelson.

Outgoing Vice Presidents

(L–R): Drs. William Walton of Clyde, F. Dee Rea of Longview, Rise’ L. Lyman of Lakehills, and Mark Peppard of Austin. Each served on the TDA Board of Directors from 2006-2009.

Outgoing Council Members

(L–R): Drs. David H. Wilhite of Plano, Peer Review; D. Bradley Dean of Plano, Dental Economics; Lee P. Oneacre of Carrollton, Legislative and Regulatory Affairs; Joel J. Vela of Bellaire, Membership; and Roy N. Burk of Littlefield, Ethics and Judicial Affairs.

President’s Awards — Dr. Hilton Israelson

Dr. William D. Steinhauer of San Antonio (left) is recognized by Dr. Israelson for his extraordinary services rendered to the Association.

Dr. A. David May, Jr., of Abilene (left) is recognized by Dr. Israelson for his lifelong dedication to the TDA.

Ms. Lee Ann Johnson (left), TDA’s director of Member Services and Administration, is recognized by Dr. Israelson for her dedication and commitment to the Association.

Ms. Diane Rhodes (left), TDA’s public policy manager, is recognized by Dr. Israelson for her professionalism and commitment to the Association.

Host Society Chairs

(L–R) Drs. V. Wayne McEntire of Amarillo (18th District), Don W. Heyen of Wichita Falls (13th District), and Micheal W. Scott of Lubbock (19th District ) receive recognition for serving as chairs of their respective TDA district dental societies hosting this year’s Annual Session.

Incoming President AwardDr. Matthew B. Roberts of Crockett (right) receives the Incoming President’s Award from outgoing TDA president Dr. Hilton Israelson at the Sunday House of Delegates.

Outgoing President Award

Dr. Hilton Israelson of Richardson (left) joins the “club” of TDA past presidents with the official Past President’s Pin, presented by past president Dr. A. David May, Jr., at the Saturday past president’s breakfast.

Dr. Hilton Israelson of Richardson (right) receives the Outgoing President’s Award from the new TDA president Dr. Matthew B. Roberts at the Sunday House of Delegates.

Meet the New TDA StaffShawn Brady joins the TDA Smiles Foundation as the Missions Manager. He has a background of volunteer management and community service from his work as the Volunteer Coordinator of the San Antonio Food Bank and as the Texas Lutheran University Community Service Coordinator. He graduated

with his Bachelors of Arts in history from Texas Lutheran University and will graduate in August with his Masters of Science in Non Profit Management from Our Lady of the Lake University. He resides in Georgetown, and although he is not very good at golf, he does enjoy playing with his family and friends.

Kim Robago joins the TDA team as the financial accountant. She has an undergraduate degree in accounting from East Carolina University and a Masters in Professional Accounting from the University of Texas. She has 5 years experience in public accounting, working for Ernst & Young and Novogradac &

Company. She currently lives in south Austin with her husband Tim and their three dogs.

Brady

Robago

TDAT June 09.indd 3 6/12/09 2:43:31 PM

To obtain copies of these photos, please contact Paul H. Schlesinger at 12) 443-3675(5

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JUNE 2009 VOLUME 10, ISSUE 6 AVAILABLE ONLINE AT TDA.ORG

EDITORIAL STAFFDr. Stephen R. Matteson, D.D.S., Editor

Edwina J. Shires, Director of PublicationsNicole Scott, Publications Coordinator

Barbara S. Donovan, Art Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORSMatthew B. Roberts, D.D.S., President

Ronald L. Rhea, D.D.S., President-ElectHilton Israelson, D.D.S., Immediate Past President

Vice PresidentsCraig S. Armstrong, D.D.S., Southeast

Johnny G. Cailleteau, D.D.S., Southwest J. Brad Loeffelholz, D.D.S., Northwest Arlet R. Dunsworth, D.D.S., Northeast

Senior DirectorsR. Lee Clitheroe, D.D.S., Southeast

John W. Baucum III, D.D.S., Southwest Kathleen Nichols, D.D.S., Northwest Donna G. Miller, D.D.S., Northeast

DirectorsKaren E. Frazer, D.D.S., SoutheastLisa B. Masters, D.D.S., Southwest

Robert E. Wiggins, D.D.S., Northwest Larry D. Herwig, D.D.S., Northeast

J. Preston Coleman, D.D.S., Secretary-TreasurerGlen D. Hall, D.D.S., Speaker of the HouseMichael L. Stuart, D.D.S., Parliamentarian

Stephen R. Matteson, D.D.S., EditorMary Kay Linn, Executive DirectorWilliam H. Bingham, Legal Counsel

TDA Today (USPS 022-007) is published monthly except for December by the Texas Dental Association, 1946 S. IH-35, Ste 400, Austin, Texas 78704-3698, (512) 443-3675. Periodicals Postage Paid at Austin, Texas and at additional mailing offices.POSTMASTER: Send address changes to TDA TODAY, 1946 S. IH-35, Ste 400, Austin, TX 78704-3698.Annual subscriptions: Texas Dental Association (TDA) members, $5. In-state American Dental Association (ADA) affiliated, $15 + tax. Out-of-state ADA affiliated, $15. In-state non-ADA affiliated, $30 + tax. Out-of-state non-ADA affiliated, $30.Single issue price: TDA members $1. In-state ADA affiliated, $3 + tax. Out-of-state ADA affili-ated, $3. In-state non-ADA affiliated, $6 + tax. Out-of-state non-ADA affiliated, $6.Contributions: Manuscripts and news items of interest to the membership of the Associa-tion are solicited. Manuscripts should be typewritten, double spaced, and the original copy should be submitted. Please refer to Instructions for Contributors in the annual September Directory of the Texas Dental Journal for more information. Every effort will be made to return unused manuscripts if a request is made but no responsibility can be accepted for failure to do so. Anonymous communications will receive no consideration whatsoever. All statements of opinion and of supposed facts are published on authority of the writer under whose name they appear and are not to be regarded as the views of the Texas Dental Association, unless such statements have been adopted by the Association. Articles are accepted with the understanding that they have not been published previously.

aade

TSBDE Renewal Cards Update IMPORTANT TSBDE NOTICE: Reminder Postcards Have Replaced Renewal Forms Applies to all dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dental laboratories licensed and registered in Texas. As of January 1, 2009, the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) stopped mailing renewal forms. Instead, the TSBDE will mail a reminder postcard approximately 60 days before the license or registration expiration date.

What Do You Do When You Receive Your Postcard Reminder?Unlike the renewal form, which was mailed back to the TSBDE with a check or money order, the new postcard should not be sent back to the TSBDE to renew a license or registration. Instead, you will be encouraged to renew online by visiting tsbde.state.tx.us.

When Can You Renew Online?A license or registration can only be renewed online up to 45 days prior to the expiration date and any time after the expiration date. A cancelled license or registration is nonrenewable. Your payment online can be made by credit card, debit card or electronic check.

Licensees Under Continuing Education AuditA license under Continuing Education Audit cannot be renewed online and must be renewed by mail.

Prefer to Renew by Mail? Print a renewal form for your profession from the website, then fill it out and mail it to the TSBDE with your payment. Please allow 2 weeks for processing. Fees are listed on the front of every renewal form. If you have any questions, please contact our licensing renewal staff.

E-Mail Your Request for a Renewal FormInclude in the subject line: “Renewal Form Request” In the body of your e-mail include: your name, address, telephone number, profession, and license number. The e-mail address is information@tsbde.state.tx.us. This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it.

Call or Fax Your Request for a Renewal FormPlease be prepared to provide your name, address, telephone number, profession, and license number. Phone: (512) 463-6400 (Mon-Fri, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, except holidays) FAX: (512) 463-7452. • Dentists and dental hygienists should ask to speak to the License Renewal Assistant.• Dental assistants should ask to speak to the dental assistant coordinator.• Dental laboratory personnel should ask to speak to the licensing administrator.

For more information, contact Diane Rhodes at diane@tda.org or (512) 443-3675.

In the NewsDrs. Zeb F. Poindexter, Jr. and Zeb F. Poindexter III of Poindexter Dental, Inc. recently received the Houston Business Journal’s “Health Care Heroes Award” for the dentistry category. The awards honor health care providers who serve their community, are innovative in their techniques, and save lives. Nominator Crystal Brown-Tatum, founder/CEO of Crystal Clear Communications, decided to nominate the men behind Poindexter Dental, Inc. because “they continue to maintain quality family dental care while never losing sight of the rich tradition of giving back to the community they serve.”Dr. William C. Berlocher of Corpus Christi was recently installed as the new president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). His presidential agenda includes promoting the importance of the dental home, advocating for access to care, and advancing the field of pediatric dentistry. His achievements have been recognized through the AAPD Merle C. Hunter Leadership Award and the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio.Dr. Kevin J. Donly, professor and chair of Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Texas San Antonio Health Science Center, will serve as AAPD’s At-Large Trustee. A 20-year member of the AAPD, Dr. Donly received AAPD’s Merle C. Hunter Leadership Award in 2007, and Pediatric Dentist of the Year Award in 2003.

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