May 2024 Journal of the Georgia Dental Association FEATURING | GDA 2024 Annual Convention and Expo Top Events, Speakers, Agenda
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May 2024 | 3 GDACONTENTS 6 FROM THE GDA EDITOR 8 TOP CONVENTION EVENTS 9 SPEAKER FEATURES 12 FULL CONVENTION AGENDA 17 THANK YOU SPONSORS features departments 18 SEEN & HEARD Members making news. 32 MEMBER PROFILE Highlights GDA members talking about their path to dentistry and the value they find in GDA membership. in every issue 5 CONTACT GDA STAFF 34 CLASSIFIEDS 38 ADVERTISER INDEX May 2024 • Volume 43 • No. 3
4 | May 2024 Volume 43. No. 3 GDA Action (2735989) is published five times per year by the Georgia Dental Association, 1850 Parkway Place, Suite 420, Marietta, GA 30067. Periodicals postage paid at Marietta, GA and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to GDA Action, 1850 Parkway Pl, Suite 420, Marietta, GA, 30067 Dr. Erik H. Wells GDA Editor 1850 Parkway Pl, Suite 420 Marietta, GA 30067 docwells7@yahoo.com Dr. Jamie Mitchell GDA President 458 W. Washington Street P.O. Box 229 Monticello, GA 31064 jamitchelldmd@bellsouth.net GDA ACTION seeks to be an issuesdriven journal focusing on current matters affecting Georgia dentists and patients accomplished by disseminating information and providing a forum for commentary. Closing date for all editorial and advertising materials: Six weeks prior to publication. Subscriptions: $17 of GDA membership dues is for the Journal; all others, $75 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Marietta, GA and additional mailing offices. © Copyright 2024 by the Georgia Dental Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. Publication of any article or advertisement should not be deemed an endorsement of the opinions expressed or products advertised. The GDA expressly reserves the right to refuse publication of any article, photograph, or advertisement, and illustrate, reduce, or revise any article submitted.
May 2024 | 5 UPCOMINGEVENTS Visit gadental.org/events for the full GDA calendar. Government Affairs Theresa Garcia-Robertson, x-109 theresa@gadental.org Insurance Services Michele Amatulli, 770.395.0224 x-111 michele@gadental.org Professional Insurance Needs Kelly Fillingim, 770.395.0224 x-129 kelly@gadental.org Health/Medicare Supplements Christy Biddy, 770.395.0224 x-113 christy@gadental.org Insurance Sales Julie Carpenter, 770.395.0224 x-126 julie@gadental.org Renewal Account Manager (commercial) Veronica Ross, 770.395.0224 x-193 veronica@gadental.org 2024 GDA BOT and HOD Meeting Dates BOT Meetings • July 3, 2024 8am, Jekyll Island Convention Center • September 13, 2024 10am, GDA Office • December 7, 2024 8am, Location TBD HOD Meetings • July 3, 2024 1pm (caucus lunches 12pm), Jekyll Island Convention Center • December 7, 2024 1pm (caucus lunches 12pm), Location TBD Membership Mary Busby, x-114 maryb@gadental.org Kaitlyn McKenzie, x-152 kaitlyn@gadental.org Marketing and Communication Mandie Mills, x-103 mandie@gadental.org Public Relations/ GDA Foundation for Oral Health Carol Galbreath, x-119 carol@gadental.org Paula Gibson, x-116 paula@gadental.org GDA Convention & Expo Chelsea Skalski, x-100 chelsea@gadental.org GDA Plus+ Supplies/IDBG Michele Amatulli, 770.395.0224 x-111 michele@gadental.org REACHUS Reserve your tickets at gadental.org/pullforsmiles GEORGIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION 1850 Parkway Pl, Suite 420 Marietta, GA 30067 Toll Free Phone: 800.432.4357 GDIS Phone: 770.395.0224 GDA 404.636.7553 Kristen Morgan Executive Director/CEO 404.636.7553 x-189 kristen@gadental.org Jeannie Watson, Senior Executive Assistant 404.636.7553 x-108 jeannie@gadental.org Classified Advertising jobs.gadental.org Education Emily Jackson, x-128 emily@gadental.org Sheila Watson, x-131 sheila@gadental.org
6 | May 2024 It’s that time of year again when we have to spring forward, and I must admit, I’m not a fan of the back-andforth time changes every spring and fall. However, despite my dislike for the clock adjustments, I can’t help but be amazed by the internal sense of joy and comfort that comes with the arrival of spring. There’s something truly special about this season, as nature comes back to life, filling the air with the sweet scent of flowers and the sound of birds chirping. Despite the inconvenience of resetting our clocks, the anticipation of longer days and warmer weather fills me with excitement and hope. It’s almost as if someone flips a switch as soon as spring arrives. Suddenly, my attitude at work improves, I find myself more productive, and I start eagerly planning family activities for the upcoming summer. There’s a tangible energy in the air that motivates me to tackle tasks with renewed enthusiasm. With the promise of longer days and sunshine ahead, I can’t help but feel inspired to make the most of this vibrant season, both personally and professionally. Since COVID, this feeling has become much more intense. For nearly twenty-five years, much of that planning has centered around the annual GDA convention. We own a pediatric office, so summer is our busy season. Despite that, we have always made the GDA Convention the centerpiece of our limited vacation time. This year, we’re thrilled that the convention will take place at Jekyll Island in Georgia! It’s one of our favorite vacation spots, making this event even more exciting for us. With its stunning beaches, rich history, and abundance of outdoor activities, Jekyll Island holds a special place in our hearts. The GDA Staff and the Convention Planning Committee have gone to great lengths to make this an event to remember. First, as most of you know by now, the keynote speaker for our kickoff celebration will be Mark Richt, the former head coach of the University of Georgia football team. He has a reputation of being an inspirational speaker, and having heard him speak on several occasions, I’m sure this will be an event you won’t want to miss. This year, due to scheduling issues, we are having our Convention during the Fourth of July week. When I first heard that, I thought it was going to be a limitation, but after considering it for a while, I’ve come around and think it will be so awesome to experience July 4th fireworks while enjoying the beach and friends. The venue for our July 4th celebration party is literally right under the fireworks display. It’s going to be spectacular! There will be an outstanding DJ providing our entertainment, and we’ll enjoy a low country feast and fellowship in anticipation of the spectacular fireworks display. As you all know, the Board of Dentistry has rescinded the waiver that limited the amount of live CE that is required for licensure. You’ll be happy to know that there will be sixteen hours of live Spring Forward DR. ERIK WELLS GDA Editor From the GDA Editor
May 2024 | 7 CE available at the convention. We have a great crew that put the CE schedule together and there should be plenty of interesting classes for those looking to knock out some of their requirements. I hope that you are all enjoying this change of seasons as much as I am and that you’ll consider joining us for a great time at Jekyll Island. It’s going to be an excellent meeting and the location can’t be beat. “This year, we’re thrilled that the convention will take place at Jekyll Island in Georgia! It’s one of our favorite vacation spots, making this event even more exciting for us. With its stunning beaches, rich history, and abundance of outdoor activities, Jekyll Island holds a special place in our hearts.” — DR. ERIK WELLS
Top Events to Attend Kickoff Breakfast with Coach Mark Richt • Start your convention experience on a high note with the Kickoff Breakfast featuring Coach Mark Richt. Gain insights from a respected figure in sports leadership, setting a motivating tone for the days ahead. Attendees will also have the chance to participate in a surprise giveaway during the event (must be present to win and you WANT this giveaway)! 4th of July Celebration • Celebrate Independence Day with a lively event featuring music, games, and a variety of food options. From BBQ favorites like Chicken Bog and BBQ Brisket to hot dogs and sliders, vegetable and salad station, and a french fry station—there’s something for everyone. The event also includes activities such as face painting, table top carnival games, oversized lawn games, an inflatable quarterback throw challenge, and more! • Attendees should note that beverages will be available for purchase at a cash bar. Exhibitor Hall Welcome Reception • Network with industry professionals at the Exhibitor Hall Welcome Reception while enjoying beverages and light appetizers. This event provides an excellent opportunity to make connections and explore the offerings of exhibitors. Attendees can also participate in door prize drawings, including a chance to win $250 in cash. New Dentists Reception & Social Hour • New dentists are invited to a special reception and social hour designed to facilitate networking and relationship-building. This event offers a relaxed environment for connecting with peers and gaining insights from experienced professionals leading right into the 4th of July celebration. Exhibit Hall Breaks & Beer Bash • Take advantage of breaks between educational sessions to refuel with light snacks and sodas at the Exhibit Hall. Additionally, attendees can unwind at the Exhibit Hall Beer Bash, where unlimited pours from a selection of kegs will be available. Door prize drawings will take place, with attendees having the opportunity to win $500 in cash. 8 | May 2024
FRIDAY | July 5, 2024 Managing Medical Emergencies in the Dental Clinic 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM SPEAKER | Glenn Maron, DMD BIO | Dr. Glenn Maron brings over three decades of expertise as Chief of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Children’s Healthcare Atlanta, Scottish Rite. He holds numerous accolades, including previously serving as the President of the Georgia Board of Dentistry. Crown Lengthening 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM SPEAKER | Peter Shatz, DDS BIO | Dr. Peter Shatz is a renowned periodontist with extensive experience in Periodontal Plastic Surgery and Dental Implantology. He brings a wealth of knowledge from his leadership roles in dental associations and contributions to dental literature. Revolutionizing Healthcare with AI 1:15 PM – 3:15 PM SPEAKER | Amol Nirgudkar BIO | Amol Nirgudkar, Co-Founder and CEO of Patient Prism, LLC, is a seasoned business consultant with a passion for helping dental practices thrive. With 20 years of experience, he offers practical insights into practice growth and management. What to Keep: Saving Teeth & Techniques 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM SPEAKER | Brad Hall, DMD BIO | Dr. Brad Hall is a respected practitioner known for his expertise in restorative dentistry and full-mouth reconstruction. With a focus on patient-centered treatment planning, he shares insights from his extensive clinical experience. Speaker Features May 2024 | 9
SATURDAY | July 6, 2024 Speaker Features Crashing the Biofilm Party: Understanding the Path to Safe Dental Unit Waterlines 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM SPEAKER | Amanda Hill, RDH BIO | Amanda Hill is a dental hygienist, speaker, and author renowned for her expertise in infection control and dental hygiene. She shares insights from her extensive experience in promoting safety and compliance in dental practices. Mastering the Art of Tax Strategy & Asset Protection 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM SPEAKER | Art McOmber BIO | Art McOmber brings a unique perspective to tax strategy and asset protection, drawing from his diverse background in law enforcement, entrepreneurship, and wealth management. With his expertise, he empowers professionals to safeguard their assets and optimize tax planning. Trends in Dental Insurance 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM SPEAKER | Patrick O’Rourke BIO | Patrick O’Rourke, an insurance expert in network building, plan design, and operations management, founded Practice Quotient to empower dentists. His company guides dentists through insurance PPO network contracts and reimbursement while Patrick himself educates them nationally on navigating dental managed care and selecting optimal insurance partners. Current Therapy & Controversies in Anticoagulation Treatment for Dental Patients 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM The Opioid Epidemic: 2024 Update 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM SPEAKER | Lee Whitesides, DMD BIO | Dr. Lee Whitesides is a distinguished oral and maxillofacial surgeon with expertise in dental implants, trauma, and risk management. He shares insights from his extensive clinical experience and academic background. 10 | May 2024
Trends in the Business of Dentistry 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM PANEL DISCUSSION | Harris Gignilliat | Patrick O’Rourke | Matt Poppert | Stuart Oberman | Ed Cooney COURSE DESCRIPTION | Join a panel of industry experts as they discuss key trends and solutions in dental practice management. Gain valuable insights into financial planning, real estate, legal considerations, and more, tailored specifically to the needs of dental professionals. SATURDAY | July 6, 2024 continued Speaker Features Harris Gignilliat Patrick O’Rourke Matt Poppert Stuart Oberman Ed Cooney We can’t wait to see you in Jekyll Island! May 2024 | 11
12 | May 2024 Full Agenda WEDNESDAY | July 3, 2024 7:00 AM ET Registration Open | 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM 8:00 AM ET Board of Trustees | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM 12:00 PM ET District Caucuses | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM 1:00 PM ET House of Delegates Meeting | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM 4:00 PM ET Welcome Reception | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM 8:45 PM ET Evening Turtle Walk | 8:45 PM – 11:00 PM Driftwood Beach Horseback Ride [Sat] Nighttime Turtle Walk [Sat] Shrimp Boat Tour [Sat] DON’T MISS our exciting Morning Dolphin Tour [Sat]
May 2024 | 13 Full Agenda THURSDAY | July 4, 2024 8:00 AM ET Registration Open | 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM 10:00 AM ET Kickoff & Awards Breakfast with Coach Mark Richt | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 12:00 PM ET Exhibit Hall | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM 5:00 PM ET Social Hour/New Dentists Reception | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM 6:30 PM ET GDA Celebration | 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM Sunrise Yoga [Fri & Sat] Historic Trolley Tour [Sat] PAC Golf Tournament [Sat] Top events to attend! family-friendly excursions!
FRIDAY | July 5, 2024 7:00 AM ET Sunrise Yoga on the Beach | 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM 8:00 AM ET Managing Medical Emergencies in the Dental Clinic with Dr. Glenn Maron | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM 8:00 AM ET Registration Open | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM 10:30 AM ET Crown Lengthening with Dr. Peter Shatz | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM 11:30 AM ET Exhibit Hall | 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM 12:00 PM ET ICD/ACD/PFA Luncheon (Fellows Only) | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM 1:15 PM ET Revolutionizing Healthcare with AI with Amol Nirgudkar | 1:15 PM – 3:15 PM 3:30 PM ET What to Keep: Saving Teeth and Techniques with Dr. Brad Hall | 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM 4:00 PM ET Exhibit Hall | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM 7:30 PM ET PJ Party | 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM Full Agenda 14 | May 2024
SATURDAY | July 6, 2024 7:00 AM ET Registration Open | 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM 7:00 AM ET Sunrise Yoga on the Beach | 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM 8:00 AM ET Crashing the Biofilm Party: Understanding the Path to Safe Dental Unit Waterlines with Amanda Hill | 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM 8:00 AM ET GDAPAC Golf Tournament | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM 9:00 AM ET Morning Dolphin Tour | 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM 9:30 AM ET Driftwood Beach Horse Ride | 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM 10:15 AM ET Mastering the Art of Tax Strategy & Asset Protection with Art McOmber | 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM 11:00 AM ET Historic Jekyll Island Trolley Tour | 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM 11:30 AM ET Trends in Dental Insurance with Patrick O’Rourke | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM 1:00 PM ET Shrimp Boat Tour | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM 1:00 PM ET Trends in the Business of Dentistry with UBS Panel Discussion | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM 3:15 PM ET Current Therapy & Controversies in Anticoagulation Treatment for Dental Patients with Dr. Lee Whitesides | 3:15 PM – 5:15 PM 4:15 PM ET The Opioid Epidemic: 2024 Update with Dr. Lee Whitesides | 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM Full Agenda May 2024 | 15
16 | May 2024 July 4, 2024 | 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Ben Porter Salon Followed by the 4th of July Celebration invites you to the THANKS TO OUR RECEPTION SPONSORS NEW DENTISTS Reception Social Hour
May 2024 | 17 THANK YOU To Our 2024 GDA Convention and Expo Sponsors! DIAMOND SPONSORS GOLD SPONSORS SILVER SPONSORS BRONZE SPONSORS
18 | May 2024 SEEN&HEARDMembers making news and news for GDA members. Dental College of Georgia Students Offer Free Dental Screenings to Community Members Six times per year, dental and dental hygiene students from the Dental College of Georgia set up shop at the Augusta, Georgia Barnyard Flea Market to offer complimentary dental screenings to community residents. These efforts not only allow for hands-on collaboration between dental and dental hygiene students of varying skill levels, but it more importantly creates an opportunity for them to share the importance of good oral hygiene while creating lasting connections with drop-in patients. “The people are the fun part. The relationship you build is the fun part,” says Dr. Kim Capehart, of his six-year tenure leading the screening initiative. Students offer dental screenings, along with head and neck exams, while Dr. Capehart and more senior students oversee and offer guidance and assistance to the younger students. Depending on the weather, the group sees anywhere from ten to 60 patients during their time at the flea market. Screening dates and times are minimally advertised, occasionally on the Barnyard Flea Market’s website. According to Capehart, many of the patients are simply passing by or have heard about the initiative through wordof-mouth; like a local nursing home who bring their residents for screenings. Dr. Capehart says, “They love interacting with the students,” of the community members that have the opportunity to visit the screening booth. GDA Connects with Future Georgia Dentists The GDA was thrilled to connect with future Georgia dentists at the high school level at the HOSA Leadership Conference and with the next class of soon-to-be graduates at the DCG ASDA Vendor Fair. Students at the HOSA Leadership Conference flocked to listen eagerly to GDA President, Dr. Jamie Mitchell as he shared valuable information about potential careers in dentistry including general dentistry, orthodontia and other specialties, hygiene, dental office support, as well as various avenues for practicing that may lead to practice ownership, large group practices and military service. DCG’s students at ASDA’s Vendor Fair were eager to hear from the GDA about the benefits of membership in the tripartite, especially their first year out of dental school. Did you know that the first 18 months of GDA membership after graduation is free? Now you do!
May 2024 | 19 On the Move with GDA’s Newly Appointed Executive Director, Kristen Morgan The GDA’s Executive Director, Kristen Morgan, is constantly on the move to make sure that we are serving YOU, our members, to the very best of our ability. With a quick site visit to Jekyll Island, the location for the upcoming 2024 Convention & Expo, the GDA team is more excited than ever to celebrate with you! If you haven’t registered yet for this year’s convention, we encourage you to do so as soon as you’re able. This is a convention year you don’t want to miss out on! The Dental College of Georgia is an incredibly valuable relationship for the dental community in Georgia and we are thankful for their generous hosting recently. Kristen met with Dean Nancy Young, MEd, DMD, Dr. Michael Pruett and Dr. Rhoda Sword for an inside look at DCG including a tour of the different floors of the dental school as well as conversation surrounding the collective goals between DCG and GDA. Keep your eyes peeled; our fearless leader could be coming to your city next! Dr. Rhoda Sword Wins DCG Teaching Excellence Award Dr. Rhoda Sword, a Professor in the Department of Restorative Sciences at the Dental College of Georgia (DCG), was honored with the 2023 DCG Teaching Excellence Award, the highest teaching accolade within the institution. Dr. Sword’s selection was attributed to her exemplary teaching methods, depth of knowledge, and embodiment of professional characteristics. Her handson and empathetic approach garnered praise from nominators, highlighting her commitment to student learning and development. Notably, Dr. Sword’s adaptability in catering to diverse learning styles has earned her widespread recognition. Beyond teaching, she contributes to dental research and mentors students, fostering future educators in the field. Established over 25 years ago, the DCG Teaching Excellence Award celebrates educators like Dr. Sword who exemplify unwavering dedication to enhancing dental education and positively impacting students’ lives.
20 | May 2024 SEEN&HEARD Georgia Celebrates Children’s Dental Health Month together! Decatur Macon Columbus Sandy Springs The GDA Foundation distributed over 11,000 Smile Kits during Children’s Dental Health Month. Thank you to all our members who volunteered.
May 2024 | 21 Central District members Kelly Godsey, Dr. Paulomi Shah and Amber Kerrison distributed Smile Kits to children at the Georgia Academy for the Blind in Macon. Dr. Tom Jagor and hygienist Rene Cannady visit First School of Decatur’s Pre-K class. Dr. Yasheena Cara celebrates Children’s Dental Health Month by handing out some of the first smile kits to hit schools in Sandy Springs. Puddle Jumpers Child Enrichment Center and Dr. Sigman combines Valentine’s Day with Dental Health Day in Columbus.
22 | May 2024 SEEN&HEARD Bright Smiles, Brighter Futures 2024 Honorees “I’ve been a volunteer for 47 years and I’m not planning to quit any time soon.” – Dr. Richard Weinman, Distinguished Liaison to Dental College of Georgia GDA was honored to sponsor the Bright Smiles, Brighter Futures fundraiser benefiting the Ben Massell Clinic on March 14. The BMDC is supported by numerous GDA members. It provides comprehensive oral healthcare and wrap-around care at no cost to uninsured, low-income residents of the Metro area. In the last year, 13,000 procedures were performed for over 1,200 clients at the Clinic. Several GDA members were recognized as distinguished honorees for their service to the clinic and to dentistry in Georgia. “It’s my personal honor to say, ‘thank you’ to the world’s most dedicated volunteers,” said BMDC Director Barbara Jones, “who continue to give back of their time and talents without reservations.” • Dr. Jonathan Dubin (NDDS) and Dr. Richard Weinman (NDDS) Liaisons to Dental College of Georgia • Dr. David Kurtzman (NWDDS) Liaison to the Dental Residency Program • Dr. Joel Adler (NDDS) Longest Serving Volunteer • Dr. Stephen Bankston (NWDDS) Chief of Staff • Dr. David Zelby (NWDDS) Immediate Past Chief of Staff • Dr. Michael Chalef (NDDS) Philanthropic Champion • Mr. Mike McDaniel Philanthropic Champion
May 2024 | 23 “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” – Mike McDaniel, Philanthropic Champion quoted John Bunyan
24 | May 2024 OSHA & HIPAA COMPLIANCE We offer: Flexible on-site trainings with a dedicated compliance expert Live virtual staff trainings with a consultant via Zoom 24/7 online training with CE credits and certificates of completion Customer support for all OSHA and HIPAA compliance questions Customized online or print compliance manuals CONTACT US Phone Email Website : : : (888) 862-6742 service@totalmedicalcompliance.com www.totalmedicalcompliance.com TMC is an endorsed partner of the Georgia Dental Association
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26 | May 2024 Communication Mishap Between Providers Leads to Malpractice Suit Marc Leffler, DDS, Esq. Proper communication between dental providers is essential when referring a patient for a procedure. In this case study, a dentist refers a patient to an oral surgeon for a tooth extraction, but a miscommunication between the providers causes the oral surgeon to extract the wrong tooth. Key Concepts • Extraction of incorrect tooth • Dental numbering systems • Staff education Background Facts An 18-year-old high school senior began April 1 by receiving the invitation to her upcoming prom that she had been hoping for; at first, she thought the question was an April Fools’ joke, but it was not. After school that day, she went to her previously scheduled dental visit to address two issues: a periodically painful impacted upper right third molar, and a supragingivally fractured upper right central incisor that had been struck by a softball a few months prior. Her general dentist clinically and radiographically examined her mouth, with focus on the areas of concern. He determined that the wisdom tooth ought to be extracted because its angulation prevented eruption, after which he would restore the central incisor (before prom night). Sarah wanted to move things along quickly, so she agreed to head to the oral surgeon the same day for the extraction, even though she was nervous about having her tooth extracted; because she had not eaten anything after breakfast, she could be sedated. Dr. G instructed the office manager to call the oral surgeon’s office to ask whether they could see Sarah to “extract the upper right #8.” The office manager spoke with Dr. O’s receptionist, used Dr. G’s exact words, and was told to “send her over now.” No written referral form or radiograph was given to Sarah to deliver to Dr. O. When she arrived at Dr. O’s office with her mother, Sarah provided a benign medical history, and then signed a “consent form for extraction of ‘upper tooth’” while she sat in the waiting room. A panoramic film was then taken, and Sarah was seated in a treatment room. Dr. O briefly introduced himself to Sarah, reviewed her medical history, looked at the panoramic and the handwritten entry on the day sheet to “extract the upper right #8”, and injected sedative medication intravenously. Once Sarah was sedated, Dr. O remarked to his assistant how unaesthetic the upper right central incisor appeared due to the sports accident. He gave an upper anterior buccal infiltration of local anesthetic and routinely extracted the upper right central incisor. When Sarah’s mother came into the recovery room, she immediately saw that the front tooth had been extracted and began to cry. As Sarah listened to her mother, she thought it was an April Fools’ joke, but it was not. Dr. O became very upset when he heard Sarah’s mother and found out why she was crying, and immediately called Dr. G: it was then that he learned that Dr. G had sought the extraction of the upper right third molar (UR8) rather than the upper right central incisor (tooth #8), the latter of which he planned to cosmetically restore. Both dentists agreed to work together to provide Sarah with an implant at the site of tooth #8 and a crown upon it, all at no charge. That treatment was ultimately carried out, but not before the prom, so Sarah attended wearing a flipper, feeling very self-conscious. Legal Action Shortly after that treatment was completed, Sarah’s newly retained attorney filed a dental malpractice lawsuit against Drs. G and O. The claim against Dr. G was essentially that he had negligently failed to properly communicate to Dr. O the treatment plan he wanted to be carried out. The allegations against Dr. O were that he extracted the wrong tooth because he delegated the interactions with Dr. G’s office solely to non-dental office staff, failed to obtain informed consent for the procedure he performed, and failed to perform the level of patient assessment necessary for this patient’s treatment. Although Sarah had no out-of-pocket expenses for the initial implant placement and restoration, her new general dentist advised her that she may well need to have the implant replaced at least once or twice, and very likely need to have the crown redone every 10–15 years. The suit sought compensation for the projected future dental costs, as well as the emotional distress she suffered and would continue to endure. Discovery & Case Resolution From the early days of the lawsuit, Dr. O acknowledged his errors and his desire to try to “make things right” for Sarah, so he encouraged the attorneys provided by his malpractice insurance carrier to settle the case by appropriately compensating Sarah. However, Dr. G did not see it the same way, believing that, in the end, the responsibility lies with the dentist actually performing the extraction to make sure that the proper tooth is extracted. So, at his deposition, Dr. G placed the entire blame on his oral surgery colleague—a concept referred to as “jousting”—and Sponsored Content
May 2024 | 27 then exercised his malpractice policy provision which permitted him to refuse a settlement on his behalf. Sarah and her attorney accepted the settlement offer on behalf of Dr. O and prepared to go to trial against Dr. G alone. But as that date approached, Dr. G ultimately decided that the stress and lost time from practice were not in anyone’s best interests, so he agreed to allow his carrier to make a settlement payment on his behalf, thereby ending the case. Takeaways Here, as in many dental malpractice circumstances, there are multiple factors which led to the improper treatment of this patient; had any one of those elements been realized and eliminated from the chain, Sarah would have had her wisdom tooth removed and her central incisor restored. It is far from uncommon for nondental office staff members to play critical roles in untoward outcomes, whether by misinterpreting what is said to them and passing on that incorrect information to patients or other providers, or giving dental or medical advice to patients without a dentist’s knowledge or input, or making scheduling changes which delay time-sensitive treatment. Non-dental staff are not aware of nuances relating to patient care to a degree adequate to allow for significant decision making, but their actions are legally attributed to their dentist employers, so dentists are wise to realize this and, therefore, closely monitor the actions of staff. In this situation, neither Dr. G’s office manager nor Dr. O’s receptionist likely understood the multiple—and sometimes confusing— ways that teeth are numbered, directly leading to the first mistake. Both Drs. G and O bear legal liability for the actions of their employees. When Dr. O saw the handwritten schedule entry of “extract the upper right #8,” he could have broken the error chain by considering what he clearly knew: that there are at least three tooth numbering systems in use—the universal system (#1–32), the Palmer system (quadrants of upper right, upper left, etc. with teeth numbered in each quadrant from 1–8 moving back from the midline), and the FDI system (referring to the quadrants in clockwise fashion from 1–4 and numbering the teeth from 1–8 in each numbered quadrant as in Palmer). So, the upper right third molar can be referred to as #1, UR8, or 18 (not to be confused with the lower left second molar, #18), respectively, and the upper right central incisor can be called #8, UR1, or 11 (not to be confused with the upper left canine, #11), respectively. There is no getting around the fact that these classifications are easily and often mixed up, complicated by the vintage and geography of the individual dentists involved. So, before performing any invasive dental procedure, especially when a referral is involved, it behooves the referring dentist and the referred-to dentist to be 100% certain of the tooth to be worked on. Had Dr. G taken the time to send a written communication of the desired treatment to Dr. O, or had Dr. O taken the time to call Dr. G before starting treatment, or had some combination of those actions taken place, the mistake would have been averted. Furthermore, had Dr. O not limited the informed consent process to simply giving the patient a form to sign in the waiting room, and delegated the potential back-and-forth discussion to front desk personnel, but instead fully discussed the treatment with Sarah before the sedation began, the mistake would have been averted. Dentists have lagged well behind their medical colleagues in the consistent taking of a “time out” prior to the start of invasive procedures. That process, which takes only a short time, involves the input of the entire procedure team to assure the correct patient, the correct procedure, the correct site, the correct side, and any other specific precautions determined by the person in charge to be prudent. The importance of a “time out” cannot be overstated in its effectiveness in preventing wrong-site surgery: a retrospective study of non-emergent surgeries at Vanderbilt Medical Center in 2016, and published in the journal Anesthesia & Analgesia in 2020, found that there had been no wrong-site or wrong-person surgeries when a “time out”—averaging less than one minute in duration—had been taken prior to incision; a JAMA Network publication from 2018 reported 95 wrong-patient, wrong-site, or wrong-procedure operating room events in VA facilities during 2017, all taking place with no “time out” or a faulty “time out,” with dentistry leading the way in this undesirable statistic among all healthcare practice areas. Had a “time out” been taken here, the mistake would likely have been averted. As with so many aspects of dental practice, proper, timely and clear communication plays an important and indispensable role in avoiding untoward events which often lead to malpractice and the litigation to obtain compensation for it. It cannot be denied that some practices function on the speedy treatment of patients, with the dentists practicing there being pressured to fall in line, but those are the situations most vulnerable to the types of entirely avoidable errors discussed in this case study. A Med-Pro Case Study As the nation’s leading dental malpractice insurance carrier, MedPro Group has unparalleled success in defending malpractice claims and providing patient safety & risk solutions. MedPro is the nation’s highest-rated malpractice carrier, rated A++ by A.M. Best. The Berkshire Hathaway business has been defending dentists’ assets and reputations since 1899 and will continue to for years to come.
28 | May 2024 800-516-4640 | www.bridgewaytransi�ons.com | info@bridgewaytransi�ons.com West of Atlanta: All FFS prac�ce collec�ng $450K per year. 7 ops, lots of poten�al. Seller re�ring. North Atlanta Ortho: 100% FFS. 5 chairs in 2100 sq/�. Open 1 day/week. Priced to sell. Greater Atlanta Prostho: Spacious 6 op prac�ce. Well established. Collecting $650K+. All FFS pa�ent base. East Cobb: Grossing $650K. Digital, paperless. PPO/FFS. Low overhead. Atlanta: Large rooms with windows. 4 ops, room to expand. Mainly FFS. Collects $500K. Digital with CBCT. Gwinne�: Brand new prac�ce. 6,000 sq/�. 6 ops. High-end equipment. Digital with CBCT. Real estate avail. N. Atlanta: Prostho. Collec�ng over $2M. 6 ops. Recently renovated. Seller will stay on as needed. Gwinne�: 6 ops collec�ng $600K. CBCT. Digital and paperless. PPO pa�ent base. Great visibility. West of Atlanta: Grossing $800K. PPO/FFS. 4 ops. RE for sale. NE GA Pedo: Collec�ng $375K. All FFS. Real estate for sale or lease. Seller will help with transi�on. S. GA: 6 ops, room to expand. Mainly FFS pa�ent base. $600K in revenue. Very profitable. North Atlanta: 10 operatory prac�ce collec�ng $900K. On-site lab. Digital, paperless, CBCT. Lots of windows. Buckhead: Collec�ng $450K. FFS/PPO pa�ents. Refers out many procedures. Seller wishes to re�re. Marie�a Pedo: 4 open bay chairs, 2 private ops. Room to add more. Part-�me prac�ce. West of Atlanta: 4 ops. 2000 sq/�. Grossing $800K. All FFS. RE for sale. Gwinne�: Shell prac�ce. 5 equipped ops, recently renovated. Shopping center with lots of traffic. All digital. N. Atlanta: 4 ops, highly profitable prac�ce. FFS/PPO pa�ents. Collec�ng $700K/year. Digital, paperless. DeKalb Co Perio: 5 treatment rooms. Grossing $830K. FFS/PPO. Great area. Near Augusta: 100% FFS. 5 ops, CBCT, recently remodeled. Collects $825K+. Strong cashflow. Stand alone building. East of Atlanta: Grossing $550K. PPO/FFS. 5 ops. Digital and paperless. Associate opportunities available all over the state of Georgia! Call to learn more about our associate placement program! Prac�ces for Sale Meet us at the Hinman Dental Mee�ng! Booth 1124 March 21-23 We are pleased to announce Dr. Rochelle Asher has acquired the prac�ce of Dr. Charles Chung Marie�a, Georgia (Pictured left.) PRACTICE TRANSITIONS & ASSOCIATE PLACEMENT
May 2024 | 29 practice solutions Dental practice financing.1 Our practice specialists can help you achieve your goals. 1 All programs subject to credit approval and loan amounts are subject to creditworthiness. Some restrictions may apply. The term, amount, interest rate and repayment schedule for your loan, and any product features, including interest rate locks, may vary depending on your creditworthiness and on the type, amount and collateral for your loan. 2 Bank of America Practice Solutions may prohibit use of an account to pay off or pay down another Bank of America account. 3 Commercial Real Estate products are subject to product availability and subject to change. Actual loan terms, loan to value requirements, and documentation requirements are subject to product criteria and credit approval. For owner-occupied commercial real estate loans (OOCRE), a loan term of up to 15 years and owner occupancy of 51% or more are required. Small Business Administration (SBA) financing is subject to approval through the SBA 504 and SBA 7(a) programs. Subject to credit approval. Some restrictions may apply. All products are subject to availability, and products and the product criteria are subject to change. All promotional and marketing materials are Bank of America Practice Solutions property and, as such, cannot be changed, altered or modified, orally or in writing. All questions regarding these materials should be directed or referred to a Bank of America Practice Solutions Sales Associate. Sponsorship of endorser’s products and services is not an expressed opinion or approval by the Bank. Bank of America and the Bank of America logo are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. Bank of America Practice Solutions is a division of Bank of America, N.A. ©2022 Bank of America Corporation. MAP3769258 | AD-09-21-0334.A | 09/2022 ● New office startups: Get started with up to 100% project financing.1 ● Practice sales and acquisitions: Benefit from our many years of experience helping clients purchase practices. ● Business debt consolidation2: Let us help you restructure your debt and improve your cash flow. We’ll work with you to determine the financing solutions that best fit your plans and help guide you through the process. ● Office improvement and expansion: Enjoy competitive terms when you remodel or expand. ● Commercial real estate3: Buy, refinance1 or relocate, with loans up to $5 million. ● Equipment financing: Choose from a variety of options and flexible terms tailored to meet your needs. Bank of America can also help you with cash management, employer solutions and your personal banking and financial needs. To learn more, call 800.428.2847 to talk to a practice specialist, or visit bankofamerica.com/practicesolutions.
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May 2024 | 31 Need Help With a Wellbeing or Substance Use issue? Contact GDA Dental Recovery Network Director Jane Walter at 404.376.5987, or email her at jwgda@aol.com. AFTER HOURS HELP IS AVAILABLE. ASSISTANCE IS CONFIDENTIAL. A program of the Georgia Dental Association.
32 | May 2024 GDAMEMBERPROFILE This column highlights GDA members talking about their path to dentistry and the value they find in GDA membership. This month we hear from Northern District Dental Society, Dr. Anthea Drew Mazzawi, who practices Pediatric Dentistry at Cherokee Children’s Dentistry. Dr. Anthea Mazzawi Dr. Anthea Drew Mazzawi is a BoardCertified pediatric dentist who earned her dental degree from the University of Florida before completing her pediatric dentistry at the Medical University of South Carolina. In 2007, Dr. Mazzawi and her husband Dr. Miles Mazzawi, established the first pediatric dental practice in north Cherokee County, Cherokee Children’s Dentistry. She currently serves as the President of the Georgia Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and Chair of the Scientific Program Committee and as a Consultant for the Council on Membership and Membership Benefits for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). Dr. Mazzawi is a recipient of the prestigious AAPD Jerome B. Miller “For the Kids” Award and is a Past-President for the College of Diplomates of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Mazzawi has been distinguished as a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and American College of Dentists. Q: When did you discover that you love working with pediatric patients? A: I always knew I wanted to work with children. They are so energetic and full of life. That somewhat describes me…. always full of energy, always on the go, and always enjoying life! I love working with children to help shape their outlook on life and oral health. Q: What inspired you to become a dentist? A: Growing up in Florida, my parents, Phill and Mary Drew, always instilled in us a strong work ethic with a passion of helping others. With that, I was curious about healthcare. Thanks to some tremendous mentors, I found myself being drawn to dentistry. I enjoyed the relationships we build with our patients thru recalls, and the opportunity to work with our hands preforming tiny surgical procedures every day. I learned that the dentist/patient relationship is one built on TRUST, and that is unique and special. Q: What surprised you in your first years of practice? A: When my husband, Dr. Miles Mazzawi, and I opened our practice, Cherokee Children’s Dentistry, in 2007, I quickly realized there was a whole world of practice management and business I needed to learn… and fast! Dental school at the University of Florida did a great job of preparing me to practice dentistry, but when it came to reading profit & loss statements, managing our staff, or running an effective marketing plan, etc., I was in the dark. Thankfully, I wasn’t on my own! Miles and I make a great team, and we were able to navigate these waters together. Practice ownership is not for the faint of heart and I am grateful to have my partner in life as my partner in business! Q: Is there a certain technology that has been a game-changer for you and your patients? A: Pediatric Dentistry is pretty straight forward and has been for decades. The challenge in pediatrics is not necessary the technique of dentist, but rather managing the behavior of our little patients (and their families). Lots of psychology, encouragement, and coaching involved. We do a lot of conscious sedation in our practice, which allows us to safely, and effectively render treatment on children who would otherwise be uncooperative. Parents are so happy to have their child’s dental needs treated in one appointment so they can start again with a healthy, disease-free mouth. It has been surprising how many pediatric dentists and general dentists refer patients to our practice for families looking for an alternative to IV sedation. Q: What do you value about being a member of the Georgia Dental Association? A: As a profession, it is SO IMPORTANT for us to have a unified voice. The advocacy efforts of the GDA in our state help preserve the way we practice dentistry. If no one informs lawmakers of our concerns, we lose the integrity of our profession entirely. For comparison, referencing the pediatric realm, in the state of GA, we have about 2,000+ pediatricians and Pediatric Dentist, President of the Georgia Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and World Traveler
May 2024 | 33 only 272 pediatric dentists. I’m sure the overall physician:dentist ratio is equally as low. As dentists, we are a small group, and it is imperative we stick together with one unified voice so our concerns/ issues are heard. Q: As President of the Georgia Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Chairman of the Scientific Program Committee for the Annual Session, and the Chairman of the Greater Atlanta Dental Foundation Gala Committee, volunteerism is clearly a priority for you. How does volunteering help you? A: I love being a part of organized dentistry. It allows me to expand beyond the four walls of our dental practice and influence our profession. I have developed great friendships all over the state and the country. I love working with colleagues to advance our profession by creating comprehensive educational experiences, advocacy efforts, and leading charitable events. Creating these opportunities for collegial interactions are where we can bond together over the struggles with private practice, treatment modalities, discuss case studies, etc. As dentists we need each other, and we all have so much to contribute to our profession and friends. Q: What advice would you offer a dental student? A: Stick with it, listen to your instructors, keep your eye on the prize. Dentistry is the best profession… and it has so much to offer! And have FUN… these are some of the best years of your life and you will cherish these experiences and the lifelong friendships made within your class. GET involved in organized dentistry—the return on this time investment is 100% worth it! Q: You are part of a big family of dentists. What is that like? A: I love being a part of the Mazzawi family! Fifteen years ago, I was blessed to marry my husband, Miles Mazzawi. And with him, I married into this incredible family of dentists! Eight dentists in total: my in-laws Drs. Hugh and Anne Mazzawi; their five children: Dr. Mark Mazzawi, Dr. Matt Mazzawi, Dr. Miles Mazzawi (my husband), Dr. Marty Mazzawi, Dr. Megan Mazzawi, and their cousin, Dr. Darin Wasileski. We also have four members of the family’s next generation at the University of Georgia— all Pre-Dental! My father-in-law, the late Dr. Hugh, and my mother-in-law, Dr. Anne, have been such great mentors for me in my personal life and professional life. They laid down a foundation of family and hard work ethic. Through the example they set years ago, our family holds itself to a high standard of dental professionalism and excellence. The motto of the three Mazzawi Dental practices is “Let Our Family Treat Your Family.” This is 100% how we operate our practices and treat our patients… it’s all about family and relationship-based dentistry. Also instilled in the Mazzawi family fabric is the importance of giving back to our profession and communities. We are so incredibly blessed! Dentistry affords us so many opportunities. My prayer and hope is to help in the preservation our amazing corner of healthcare for the future generations of dentists. Q: How do you decompress, Doctor Mazzawi? A: Miles and I are adventurous! We love to travel with our twin daughters, Anne and Mary, and explore different countries and cultures. We also enjoy the great outdoors… whether it’s a beach/boating vacation or a ski trip, we appreciate the opportunity to be away and (hopefully) escape the stressors of daily life. Closer to home, our hobbies are centered on doing things as a family—cooking, walks with our dogs, planning our next trip and, of course, college football at UGA! Q: If you were getting on a plane right now, where would you be heading? A: GREECE! My family is from Greece, and we travel back to visit every year. It has been fun exposing our girls to their Greek heritage with my parents and our friends. We are usually traveling with a crew (at one point we travelled with 22 people!) which has been fun over the years to introduce the country of my background to our friends and extended family. Opa! Each year, Dr. Mazzawi and her husband bring their daughters, Anne and Mary, to travel back to visit family in Greece. They often bring friends along for the adventure. Dentistry is a Mazzawi family transition with eight dentists and four pre-dental students. In 2007, Dr. Mazzawi and her husband Dr. Miles Mazzawi, established the first pediatric dental practice in north Cherokee County, Cherokee Children’s Dentistry.
34 | May 2024 GDACLASSIFIEDS PRACTICES/OFFICES GENERAL DENTAL OFFICE FOR SALE — ATLANTA EAST. Solid 100% FFS practice for sale in eastern suburb of Atlanta. 5 operatories, fully digital, Dentrix, no implants, little surgery. Owner retiring and flexible. Contact: atlantadentist2014@gmail.com. FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA !
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