2024 SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT | PG. 24 FEATURES: 2024 Convention Recap | PG. 20 Leadership GDA | PG. 24 Sept 2024 Journal of the Georgia Dental Association SM
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GDACONTENTS Semi-Annual Report 2024 Volume 43 • No. 4 14 A CONTINUING NEED FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION ON THE BENEFITS OF FLUORIDE 16 LEADERSHIP GDA 20 2024 CONVENTION RECAP 24 SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT 42 PATIENT PRISM: The AI Pioneer Elevating Dental Practices to New Heights features in every issue 5 CONTACT GDA STAFF 6 FROM THE GDA EDITOR 44 SEEN & HEARD 50 MEMBER PROFILE: Meet Dr. Ken Cheng 53 CLASSIFIEDS 54 ADVERTISER INDEX additional articles 8 LICENSE REQUIREMENTS SNAPSHOT 10 CRASHING THE BIOFILM PARTY: Understanding the Path to Safe Dental Unit Waterlines 12 NEW GDA FOUNDATION PROGRAM LAUNCH 38 MANAGING YOUR SECURITY AS CYBER ATTACKS INTENSIFY 40 IN MEMORIAM 48 CELEBRATING GDA MEMBERS | 3 Sept 2024
Volume 43. No. 4 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. 4 | Sept 2024
REACHUS@ GEORGIA DENTAL ASSOCIATION 1850 Parkway Pl, Suite 420 Marietta, GA 30067 Toll Free Phone: 800.432.4357 Phone: 404.636.7553 Fax: 404.633.3943 GDIS Phone: 770.395.0224 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 Accounting Michelle Lightcap, x-192 michellelightcap@gadental.org Classified Advertising jobs.gadental.org Education Emily Jackson, x-128 emily@gadental.org Sheila Watson, x-131 sheila@gadental.org Government Affairs Theresa Garcia-Robertson, x-109 theresa@gadental.org Jon Hoin, x-105 jon@gadental.org Membership Mary Busby, x-114 maryb@gadental.org Kaitlyn McKenzie, x-152 kaitlyn@gadental.org Marketing & Communications Maddie Shaw, x-127 maddie@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 Indigo Cox, x-106 indigo@gadental.org GDA Plus+ Supplies Michele Amatulli 770.395.0224, x-111 michele@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 Renewal Account Manager (Commercial) Veronica Ross 770.395.0224, x-193 veronica@gadental.org | 5 Sept 2024
Most people know me as the wife of the 2022 GDA President, Dr Zach Powell. But I also have a unique perspective on the business of dentistry. Zach and I have partnered in group dentistry for 25 years where I have supervised the business operations of three private dental groups. I have interviewed hundreds of potential employees and managed over 200 team members. As one of the largest recruiters in private dentistry for southeast Georgia, we currently staff 6 offices and oversee a workforce of 55 team members who serve patients in 10 counties. I have mentored under leading consultants in dentistry and traveled across the country studying the legalities, systems, processes, finances, and Human Resources of dentistry. My true passion in life is the business of patient-centered dentistry and I have dedicated my career to it, finding deep reward in cultivating and caring for the team members who make up this profession. Additionally, as the wife of a GDA President, I have also traveled the state, speaking with hundreds of dentists, dental auxiliary, and dental professionals including brokers, consultants, professors, and vendors. I ask lots of questions and love to listen to other people in dentistry tell their stories. Coupled with my career, this experience has given me a vast perspective on the dental workforce. So, it is not without deep contemplation that I write this letter. The future of private practice dentistry in our region of the state is in trouble. While finding associates for our region is incredibly challenging, there is a more serious and immediate problem - a dental hygienist workforce crisis is happening in Southeast Georgia, with only two hygiene Just prior to the GDA Convention on Jekyll Island, I had dinner with Zach Powell, Past-President of the GDA, and his wife Elizabeth. Elizabeth is also the Chief Operations Officer of his group practice and oversees staff recruitment and all things HR. After dinner, the subject of our current workforce shortage came up, mainly regarding the difficulty of finding hygienists and the soaring salaries they currently command. She is very passionate and has a long record in this realm. A Letter to the Editor offers an opportunity to write about a topic one feels passionate about, and I thought it would be instructive for Elizabeth to convey her concerns and potential remedies to the situation. This critical issue will have far-reaching effects on the viability of our profession well into the future, and I hope you will take time to read her thoughts. I’m very appreciative that she was willing to do this on relatively short notice. THE CHALLENGE OF Workforce Shortages DR. ERIK WELLS GDA Editor From the GDA Editor Written by Elizabeth Powell A Letter to the Editor 6 | Sept 2024
schools serving the entire southeastern quarter of the state. As our personal practices continue to grow, meeting the demand for patient care in our surrounding communities is our passion. Southeast Georgia is one of the fastestgrowing corridors in the state due to the port expansions between Savannah and Brunswick. And the patients of Southeast Georgia are more educated, more interested, and more invested than ever before in preventive dentistry. At first, our solution to the RDH shortage was to look inward. We devoured dental-specific workforce data. We renovated and created beautiful offices. We hired and trained hygiene assistants. We cultivated a positive and rewarding work culture and dug into our profitability to offer some of the highest pay for RDHs in the region. We found creative ways to offer top benefit packages, performance pay, and sign-on bonuses. We recruited outside the state and even moved team members to our area. And yet even after internal scrutiny, the declining hygienist workforce is concerning. Over half of the national RDH workforce who left the profession after the pandemic never returned, and over 30% of the current RDHs plan on retiring within the next five years. Many practices across the state don’t have openings for new patient cleanings for weeks, even months. Our state has 23 counties with zero registered dental hygienists, 70% of which are in South Georgia. We have nearly 40 counties in the state with 5 or fewer registered dental hygienists. That’s nearly 40% of our counties with zero to five hygienists in the 12th fastest-growing state in the union. And for a myriad of reasons, our state’s hygiene schools do not currently have the ability to increase their output of new hygienists. Hygiene was already trending downward as a career-long before the pandemic. Both the Dykema DSO Industry Group and the Dentist Entrepreneur Organization recently held their national conferences where the hygienist shortage was the top concern of attendees. Touching on the question at the business panel CE class at the recent GDA Expo in Jekyll, dentists felt this was a hot-button topic as well. Dentists contracted with insurance are challenged to break even on cleanings, with rising RDH compensation alongside the soaring cost of supplies. I would argue that the hygiene shortage is the biggest problem facing dentistry in the state of Georgia - especially in rural and underserved areas. Medicaid providers will struggle to staff hygienists, deeply undercutting the ability to take care of our state’s most vulnerable population- children. In fact, several such offices in our region have closed or may soon close altogether. But while dental practice owners will find themselves losing -in some way, shape, or form- the biggest loser is the patient. Preventive dentistry is healthcare that actually WORKS. Dentists are the final frontier in preventive care with two annual checkups, and as the entryway to two of the major systems of the human body, the mouth is the best snapshot of our overall health, allowing dentists to literally save lives. Losing the ability to provide enough preventive care due to a lack of hygienists will be a huge loss for the patients of Georgia. After digesting the data, I believe that we need to look at legislative action, alerting our elected officials to the effect the hygienist shortage will have on the children, adults, and special needs patients of our state. But more specifically I want to know…What is our plan? How can I help? And who will join me? Because it will only be together, as a profession, that we can ensure how to take care of the patients of the great state of Georgia. Deeply concerned in South Georgia, Elizabeth Powell Thank you for taking the time to read this and for being a member of the GDA. I invited Elizabeth to write this letter after our conversation as it became clear that I had not understood the full gravity of the situation. It will certainly be a challenge to make meaningful changes in our ability to produce sufficient auxiliaries, specifically hygienists, in the near future. I hope some of you who read this are inspired to get involved wherever you can. While we may not always agree, and it may not be possible to publish all submissions, I invite you to share your voice on an industry topic that is important to you. Please submit your own Letter to the Editor by emailing communications@gadental.org Thank you very much. | 7 Sept 2024
REQUIREMENTS CONTINUING EDUCATION CE Requirements for Dentists in Georgia At least 40 Hours of Continuing Education must be obtained in the 2024 – 2025 biennium. Further requisites of the 40 hours: 30 hours must be clinical courses in the actual delivery of dental services to the patient or to the community 20 hours can be from webinars and other forms of online CE 20 hours must be obtained in-person 2 hours of CE regarding infection control in dentistry, including education and training regarding dental unit water lines 1 hour of CE on the impact of opioid abuse and/or the proper prescription writing and use of opioids in dental practice per renewal period 1 hour of CE in legal, ethics and professionalism in dentistry Proof of CPR certification as taught by the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, the American Health and Safety Institute, the National Safety Council, EMS Safety Services, or other such agencies approved by the board. Four credit hours for successful completion of the in-person CPR course required by Georgia law may be used to satisfy continuing education requirements per renewal period. CE Requirements for Dental Hygienists At least 22 Hours of Continuing Education must be obtained in the 2024 – 2025 biennium. Further requisites of the 22 hours include: 15 hours must be clinical courses in the actual delivery of dental services to the patient or to the community 11 hours can be from webinars and other forms of online CE 11 hours must be obtained in-person 1 hour of CE in legal, ethics and professionalism in dentistry 2 hours of CE regarding infection control in dentistry, including education and training regarding dental unit water lines Proof of CPR certification as taught by the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, the American Health and Safety Institute, the National Safety Council, EMS Safety Services, or other such agencies approved by the board. Four credit hours for successful completion of the in-person CPR course required by Georgia law may be used to satisfy continuing education requirements per renewal period. MATE/DEA Training (8 hours) Required for: DEA-registered practitioners Date required: Next DEA registration submission (This onetime training requirement will not be part of future DEA registration renewals.) OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Training Required for: Any staff that may come into contact with blood Date required: Annually HIPAA Training Required for: All staff, new hires Date required: Code of Federal Regulation (CFR § 164.530) requires HIPAA training for all staff, new hires within a reasonable period of time after hire, and any time “functions are affected by a material change in the policies or procedures” Radiation Safety Training (6 hours) Required for: Dental Assistants or anyone that did not get radiation safety training in their dental education Date required: Prior to the use of X-ray equipment Phlebotomy Training Required for: Dental Assistants, licensed Hygienists and Dentists before performing phlebotomy or venipuncture Date required: Prior to the performing phlebotomy or venipuncture Pharmacology, Anesthesia, Emergency Medicine or Sedation (4 hours) Required for: Dentists in practices with a sedation permit Date required: For license renewal – end of 2025 Administration of Local Anesthetic (2 hours) Required for: Dental Hygienists administering local anesthesia pursuant to rule 150-5-.07 Date required: Two hours per biennium Dentists and Dental Hygienists: Don’t forget these requirements! 8 | Sept 2024
For the complete details on CE requirements, contact the Georgia Board of Dentistry at 404-651-8000 or view online at: - Dentists: https://rules.sos.ga.gov/GAC/150-3-.09 - Dental Hygienists: https://rules.sos.ga.gov/GAC/150-5-.05 For more information on GDA courses that meet the requirements listed on page eight, visit gadental.org/events-ce DID You Know Radiation Safety On-Demand NOW AVAILABLE! Do you or someone on your dental team need the training required to operate radiation machines or equipment? We’ve got you covered. Recorded in May 2024, our two-part, on demand webinar teaches the components of radiation safety in dentistry. The completion of Parts 1 and 2, in addition to a post-course exam, will provide the six (6) hours of education required prior to using X-ray equipment. Cost: $169.00 for GDA members $249.00 for non-members Format: Lecture webinar Instructor: Jennifer Burrell, RDH, CDA, MSAH (Program Chair - Dental Hygiene/Assisting at Athens Technical College) For more details, scan the QR code or visit: https://www.gadental.org/events-ce/ce--virtual---on-demand CE hours can also be obtained through volunteering, teaching and assisting with investigations and licensing exams, etc. You must maintain official documentation of course attendance for at least three years after the biennium during which the courses were taken. | 9 Sept 2024
CONTINUING EDUCATION What’s all the fuss about dental unit waterlines? If you’ve been in the dental space for a long time, you’ve seen a lot of change, particularly in the infection control space. I remember practicing without gloves and masks and wiping everything down with an alcohol-soaked 2X2. Nowadays, none of us would even consider skipping gloves, and we understand the need for proper disinfection and sterilization of patient care items. But what about all this dental unit dental unit waterline stuff (DUWL)? I had been a hygienist for over 20 years before I had even heard of treating and testing waterlines. Back in 2018, I went to an annual OSHA bloodborne pathogens and infection control continuing education course, and the speaker mentioned testing and treating waterlines. I went back to my office the next day and asked if we were compliant. I was met with blank stares. Thankfully, my dentist fully supported me in taking on the project, and by the next Friday, I was shocked and testing lines. Why all of a sudden? To me, it felt like this waterline thing was brand new. But in reality, G.C. Blake highlighted the likelihood of microbial contamination of DUWL all the way back in 1963. Then, in 1993, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), followed by the American Dental Association in 1996, began looking into guidelines for DUWLs. Ultimately, in 2003, the CDC issued its Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Healthcare Settings, recommending that all dental units produce water that meets the EPA standard for safe drinking water of less than 500 CFU/ml.1 Is all this overkill? While I understood the research, I had been practicing for over twenty years and never made anyone sick. This sort of felt like busy work and one more thing in an already busy workday. But then I learned about some actual cases where people had, in fact, been sickened or even died as a result of contaminated DUWL. In the United States alone, there have been three high-profile cases and countless other cases that get settled quickly and quietly. In 2015, 24 children in Jonesboro, Georgia, were infected with nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) after receiving pulpotomies. Then, in 2016, it happened again to 71 children in Anaheim, California. These two cases shined a spotlight on dental infection control, particularly DUWLs. But it still felt pretty rare and kind of one-off. Interestingly, in the Anaheim case, the symptoms showed up in 71 children over a long period of time. The first child developed swelling one day after treatment, and the 71st kid displayed symptoms 409 days after receiving their pulpotomy. 409 days? The frightening thing about these infections is they can stay dormant for so long. If the Anaheim outbreak hadn’t been so large and well investigated by public health, more than likely, no one would have linked the last child’s infection to their dental visit. What I take from that data is all I can confidently say is I don’t know if I’ve ever made anyone sick. But with a proper protocol in place, I can ensure moving forward, my DUWL will never sicken a patient. Crashing the Biofilm Party: Understanding the path to safe dental unit waterlines with AMANDA HILL 10 | Sept 2024
Georgia regulations In 2022, the CDC issued an unprecedented Heath Alert Network2. This was the first one that focused on dentistry. It highlighted yet another case of children sickened by DUWLs and sounded the alarm for dental professionals to take this task seriously. At the time, the location wasn’t revealed, but we have learned that it was in Georgia. Thirteen children between the ages of 5-10 were infected with NTM and all required surgery. The interesting thing about this case is that it turned out the contamination came from a cracked pipe outside the dental office. A proper testing protocol would have revealed this issue, but there was none in place. The Georgia Board of Dentistry has now added requirements for continuing education for all licensed dental professionals. “Effective on and after January 1, 2024, two hours of the minimum requirement shall include education and training regarding infection control in the practice of [dentistry and] dental hygiene, which shall include education and training regarding dental unit waterlines.”3 What to do? Thankfully, achieving safe water isn’t a cumbersome process. Establishing a standard operating procedure (SOP) and educating the entire team in the necessary steps will set you up for success. Following these three simple steps will get you on the right track. Getting Everyone On Board The key to any successful protocol is consistency: do it and keep doing it. The entire team needs to understand the why and the how of DUWL maintenance, so it doesn’t just feel like busy work but an integral part of keeping the dental team and patients safe when in your office. 1 Umer F, Khan M, Khan FR, Tejani K. Managing dental unit waterlines: a quality improvement programme. BMJ Open Qual. 2022 Jun;11(2):e001685. doi: 10.1136/bmjoq-2021-001685. PMID: 35667705; PMCID: PMC9171218. 2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, October 31). Han archive - 00478. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved April 13, 2023, from https://emergency.cdc.gov/ han/2022/han00478.asp 3 Chapter 150-5 Dental Hygiene. GA. (n.d.). https://rules.sos. ga.gov/gac/150-5#:~:text=Effective%20on%20and%20after%20 January,regarding%20dental%20unit%20water%20lines. Step 1 Shock Shocking your waterlines is using a strong disinfectant to clean out the bacteria, biofilm, and product residue that has been building up in your DUWL over time. This can be likened to non-surgical periodontal therapy from a hygienist or when the dentist removes all the decay from a tooth. The idea is to get the environment as healthy as possible before we move on to the next step. WHEN TO SHOCK: Before beginning a treatment protocol or when changing treatment products Shock regularly (recommended every 90 days to start) and extend if testing reveals less frequent is possible When your waterline test reveals a contamination of 200 CFU/mL or more. Some shocks require the product to sit overnight but not longer than 72 hours and some are as short as ten minutes, so you must time it correctly. Read the instructions and follow them. Run the shock product into every single line that can provide water. If you miss a line, you might be providing a hiding place for the biofilm. Step 2 Treat Treatment products are low-level antimicrobials that slow the spread of all the microorganisms that want to grow in your DUWLs. They help to maintain the clean environment you created when you shocked, much like our patients’ home care between visits–it keeps the biofilm and decay at bay. Treating your lines without first shocking is like brushing your teeth with your finger. You’ll remove a little plaque, but you’re not really disrupting the biofilm. Treatment products come in tablet, straw, or liquid form. Like the shock products, it’s important to read the instructions. The big thing to keep in mind is that these products are not a “Get Out of Jail Free” Card or a magic bullet. They simply are one part of the three-step process to safe water. Step 3 Test Testing is the fun part. This is how you know if all your shocking and treating efforts are working. And it’s how you prove to any inspectors that you are doing the right thing. The Organization for Sterilization and Asepis Prevention (OSAP) recommends testing monthly until you pass for two consecutive months and then moving to quarterly testing. The good news is you can do pooled sampling. This means you can collect equal amounts of water from all the lines from ONE operatory into one test vial. If you pass, the whole room passes. If you fail, you’re going to shock all the lines anyway. Much like how you test your autoclave weekly, there are in-office and mail-in tests. In-office tests are convenient, economical, and confidential. But they are imprecise. Mail-in tests offer third-party verification and precise results. My office does a mailin test once a year and in-office testing the other three quarters. | 11 Sept 2024
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GDA FOUNDATION LAUNCHES Share a Smile Program The program is unique in that it is a community-based, dentist-driven initiative. Dentists nominate patients in their community, serve on the selection committee, and treat patients who live in their city or town, furthering the opportunity to establish a dental home. “The Share a Smile program provides an opportunity for dentists to give back to the community,” said GDA Foundation Managing Director Carol Galbreath. “Through donated dental care, this program aims to to alleviate pain, prevent serious health issues, restore smiles, and improve the quality of life for disadvantaged Georgians.” The program focuses on individuals who are unable to afford comprehensive and restorative dental care. This includes adult Medicaid recipients, low-income adults, special needs adults, children with no private insurance, and veterans who do not qualify for veteran benefits. Patients are nominated by dentists and selected for the program through an application process. Selected participants receive donated care by the nominating dentist. To offset donated care costs, the GDA Foundation assists with lab materials up to $1,000 per patient. In addition to the life-changing impact on patients, the program enables the GDA Foundation to collect valuable data on the need and capture the generous amount of donated dental care by Georgia dentists, which often goes unrecorded. The GDA Foundation is seeking volunteers for this program from all GDA districts. To volunteer, scan the QR code on the adjacent page. Your participation in the Share a Smile program will not only provide immediate relief to those in need but will also contribute to a healthier Georgia, one community at a time. Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a meaningful difference. Share a Smile is the GDA Foundation’s new in-office donate dental care program. It was introduced in the Central District this year and will roll out statewide following the pilot program. Provides donated dental services Creates a dental home Educates patients on oral health The Share a Smile Program | 13 Sept 2024
Fluoride is back in the news thanks to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). This study aimed to examine neurobehavioral problems in children with higher prenatal fluoride exposure. Publication of the study comes on the heels of recent activity in the Georgia Senate that would have expanded communities’ ability to remove fluoride from their drinking water. Fluoridated drinking water has long been recognized as a key public health achievement, one of the 10 greatest of the 20th century. Both events suggest a continued need for public health education on the benefits of water fluoridation. Adding fluoride to public water sources has led to over 70 years of improvements in oral health. Fluoride functions as a natural cavity fighter by making tooth enamel stronger and rebuilding weakened enamel. Studies show that community water fluoridation reduces tooth decay by over 25% in children and adults, and the lifetime cost of fluoridation for one person is less than the cost of a single filling, making it an extremely cost-effective public health intervention. Ensuring water fluoridation remains a public health priority is a goal of the Georgia Dental Association (GDA). What Happened Recently? Several recent events suggest a need for continuing public education on the benefits of fluoride. First, legislation was briefly introduced in the Georgia Senate which A Continuing Need for Public Education on the Benefits of Fluoride Written by Jon Hoin, GDA Health Policy Specialist would have altered the rules governing regulation of fluoride levels in Georgians’ drinking water. The Senate Natural Resources Committee ultimately tabled SB408, and under current law, Georgia communities retain the ability to hold a referendum on water fluoridation if they so choose. Fluoridated water typically comes from community water systems, but even within these systems, not everyone receives fluoridated water. Over 30 Georgia counties with community water systems did not provide fluoridated water to a quarter or more of the people served in 2023. 14 | Sept 2024
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention State Fluoridation Report *Populations and percentages include only community water systems. Non-community water systems are not included Second, a study from researchers at the University of California’s Keck School of Medicine examined urine samples and neurobehavioral data to see if prenatal fluoride exposure correlates with certain neurobehavioral issues such as emotional reactivity and anxiety. They found a few significant associations between prenatal exposure and neurobehavior; however, the methodology of the paper has been criticized. Dr. Howard Pollick, Professor of Preventative and Restorative Dental Sciences at the University of CaliforniaSan Francisco’s School of Dentistry and member of the ADA’s National Fluoridation Advisory Committee, offered several comments on the paper, referencing its small sample size and a failure to measure actual consumption of fluoridated water. He also suggested that the study should be treated as exploratory. How Can Dentists Respond? It is important to remember that good policy is based on all accumulated scientific evidence. Every single study adds to that body of evidence, but in the world of public health, rarely does a single study provide definitive causal proof of an effect. The ADA’s statement in response to the Keck School study offers a reminder that “There are decades of research and practical experience indicating community water fluoridation is safe and effective.” Additionally, it is worth noting that even if the Keck School study were conclusive proof of an effect, changes to existing recommendations would be narrowly tailored to address only pregnant women. Dentists may contribute to the creation of good public policy in many ways. All dentists are health professionals, responsible for the wellbeing of their patients. One component of that responsibility is health education. Recent events with SB408 and the Keck School of Medicine study are a reminder that public health education is an ongoing task. Not everyone fully understands the benefits of fluoride, and sometimes the findings of a study may be overstated when reported to the public. Dentists are uniquely positioned to help their patients and community members, especially their elected representatives, understand the benefits of fluoride in preventing oral health problems. GDA offers several opportunities to contribute to public health education and advocacy. Law Day 2025, a breakfast where members and students learn about legislative issues before meeting with their legislators, will be on January 28th of the coming year. GDA’s Contact Dentist Program engages local dentists in the work of communicating with local legislators about issues that matter, and the GDA Foundation appreciates the partnership and participation of dental health professionals in their community education and outreach efforts. For dentists looking to make a difference in their community, joining other members of the GDA in education and advocacy is the perfect way to do it. | 15 Sept 2024
LEADERSHIPGDA HIRE RIGHT: Play the Long-Game to WIN! If it has “been a minute” since last casting your net into the candidate pool for front office or assisting staff, the catch is likely to startle you. Dental offices are among the myriads of healthcare employers seeking quality candidates to fill jobs in the ever-expanding job market. Social and economic conditions over the last decade have radically changed the landscape of seeking and securing talented staff members. While hiring has never been an “easy” process, talented, quality staff members are less likely to be secured within a mere couple of weeks. Employers are tempted to play the short game, often hiring fast over the phone or after a quick first meeting to get a warm body to fill the vacancy. Employers choosing the longgame for hiring (a multi-step, thorough vetting process) will inevitably reach the end-game sooner. Solid jobs win. When comparing dental positions to other healthcare job posts, dental opportunities are “hot jobs!” We typically offer a 4 or 4 ½ day work week, no evenings, no weekends, engaging and challenging work, an emotionally rewarding mission, incomes that compete well within the healthcare market, and a small business culture that encourages employees to voice input and ideas that can positively impact change. Employers who are intentional about team building and leadership can more readily retain staff by building cultures that encourage meaningful relationships and provide professional growth. The challenge facing the HR manager/leader dentist in 2024 is the commitment to the “long-game” hiring process, which often requires sorting through hundreds of unqualified candidates to find those who meet or have the potential to quickly train to the standards required of your job post. Ultimately, the expenditure of time to hire right outweighs the total cost of a quick hire who is poorly matched to your team and ultimately lands you back on the gameboard at “GO,” and the search process starts again. Double down on your efforts, maintain your high standards, and trust the process to gain favorable results. Be thorough. Be fast. The adage, “Slow to hire, fast to fire” is still true, but “slow” is not at the pace of prior years. Simply stated, good people are hired fast, so you cannot afford lulls or downtime between your interview steps that leaves solid job seekers suspended. Neither can you afford to cut corners as you race around the interview track. The meaning behind the slow-to-hire rhyme is that time must be devoted to the multi-step interview process to determine if your candidate consistently exhibits the qualities you are seeking. Many great candidates are lost due to insufficient response time. June 2024 labor market conditions currently host 4.1% unemployment, which is up from 3.6% a year ago, but still well within historic lows. However, dentistry isn’t feeling any relief from this slight uptick, as the unemployment rate in the healthcare segment is 3.1%. What do these statistics mean for dental leaders? There are far more job postings than individuals to fill the positions. In the meantime, we can maintain an optimistic outlook that one day the USA will host a robust economy with an unemployment rate around 5.0% for healthcare. Until that chapter begins, the wise HR manager/dentist will adapt, overcome, and add an efficient response time to their hiring process. To be swift and thorough, follow this timeline: All candidates with qualifying resumes should receive a response from you by the next business day. Your email response should thank them for their interest in the position and ask them to complete application documents prior to scheduling their telephone interview (Documents allow the first level of factchecking prior to in-depth conversation and will often disqualify your candidate and prevent expending your time on a mismatch.) After returning your application documents, qualifying interviewees should be offered a telephone interview within 1 – 2 days. Candidates further qualifying after the telephone interview should be offered an in-person interview within 1 – 2 days. The “shadow experience” (to be further described by the author in an upcoming GDA publication!), which holds tremendous value for both the employee and employer, should follow the in-person interview within 1 – 2 business days, or as soon as the candidate’s schedule will permit. When a qualifying candidate successfully navigates each step of your interview process… an offer letter should be extended within 24 – 48 hours. Prove consistency by checking, checking, and… checking. A common error made by hiring managers is to see “dental experience” on a resume and lose sight of many “untrainable” qualities that define a successful hire. For example, consider these traits: attention to detail, job stability, and emotional regulation. Your first hint as to whether the candidate possesses attention to detail and stability is often the presentation of their resume and possibly an accompanying cover by CAROL PAIGE President PRN Dental Consulting, LLC. 16 | Sept 2024
letter. At first glance, you may notice an attractive document containing excellent sentence structure and no abject typos. Lead by the presentation of the resume and cover letter, the premature conclusion is to believe the candidate can accurately email and text patients, produce thorough narratives about payment conversations, and remit credible rebuttals to the insurance company in response to a claim denial. The candidate’s job history shows steady employment of three years with her current employer and four with the prior. The unsuspecting HR Manager/ Dentist is at risk of concluding that the employee values job stability and has the emotional steadiness to get along with staff and patients. What is unknown is if they prepared the resume, had their friend with better writing skills prepare the cover letter, or even if any of the information is true. Remember, “con” in con-artist stands for “confidence.” Each positive impression you gain should prudently be charged with a degree of curious doubt (until proven valid). The resume cannot speak to the quality of their work performance, the personality, standards or expectations of their former employer, or circumstances with other staff that may have promoted tenure. Keep this in mind: The resume functions to attract your attention. Other than that, you have no facts… yet. Truthful, transparent understanding of your candidate is gained by a quick moving, thorough interview process that contains a combination of written exercises, role-playing, cross-fact checking, learning insightful information with behavioral interview questions, and gaining input from key staff members who, additionally, spent time with the candidate. Opting to disqualify a candidate who has made it to the in-person interview process, especially after the shadow experience, requires the HR Manager/ Dentist to remember “the long-game.” When managing the pressures of a fulltime patient schedule attending the daily exchanges with qualifying candidates is an arduous process. When you begin the long-game process, gain the support you need to handle your schedule and additional responsibilities. Intentionally taking the extra time required to conduct all the steps required of a solid interview process is a responsible practice that protects you and your valuable staff from the disappointments of a “missed hire” and enables you and your team to most quickly return to the joys of daily practice with a full, talented team. Carol Paige, President of PRN Dental Consulting, LLC is a dental practice consultant and frequent speaker at dental events. PRN’s services include leadership training, human resource management coaching, staffing, and team building. Inquiries are welcome: carol@prnconsult. com. Mobile: (678) 232-2821. Meet the Leadership GDA Class of 2024 GDA is proud to introduce the Leadership GDA Program Class of 2024, a group of dentists from throughout the state who aspire to enhance their leadership effectiveness while elevating their visibility within Georgia’s dental community. We invited these dynamic, emerging leaders to share a little about themselves and how they view leadership. Dr. Thomia Campbell JLM Dental Studios, Atlanta, Northern District Dental Society I was led into the field of dentistry by way of art class and having braces. At a young age, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. Taking sculpture class in high school, winning various art competitions, and having an amazing dentist and orthodontist whom I was able to shadow during the summer before college really solidified my decision. I was the one of the first doctors in my family. When I’m not too busy being a twin mom, I enjoy traveling, reading multiple books at a time, riding my Peloton bike and running. Leadership embodies an attitude of one who is always willing to learn. I feel there should be a quiet confidence but also a sense of humility. A great leader is one who acts and makes decisions to set up everyone on the team for success and not just themselves. Being a leader involves not just being great at what you do, but empowering others to do the same and in essence having that be a domino effect. Lastly, a great leader shouldn’t be afraid to be vulnerable or admit when they are wrong or need help. Dr. Jalpa Dave Lilburn Family Dentistry, Lilburn, Northern District Dental Society I graduated from Boston University in 2007 then moved to Atlanta. I have been practicing General Dentistry since then and enjoy learning more about our profession every day at my practice in Lilburn, G.A. Besides dentistry, I love to hike, swim, cook, shop, and spend time with my two young boys, my family and my friends. | 17 Sept 2024
LEADERSHIPGDA A great leader is one who can motivate others to pursue common goals and do the right things. People instinctively follow this kind of leader not by force but through inspiration. They are empathetic, adaptable, and capable of making tough decisions in a timely manner. I believe a great leader creates a positive environment, encourages teamwork, and builds trust and respect among their team and followers. Dr. Devon Paris Krawczyk Gentle Dentistry of Columbus, Columbus, Western District Dental Society My whole life, I had the opportunity to shadow my father who is an endodontist. Observing his skillful and compassionate care for patients left a lasting impression on me. Witnessing firsthand how he alleviated dental issues and restored smiles sparked my interest in dentistry. His dedication to improving patients’ oral health and quality of life inspired me to pursue a career where I could make a similar impact through dental care and expertise. A great leader guides and inspires others towards a common goal or vision. They succeed in doing this by displaying empathy, integrity, and effective communication. Leading a team involves not only making tough decisions but also empowering others to contribute their best and grow. A leader should embody trustworthiness, humility, and the ability to listen attentively to diverse perspectives. Ultimately, leadership is about fostering a supportive environment where individuals feel valued, motivated, and capable of achieving collective success. A leader’s aim should be to leave their team more successful and self-assured than when they initially took charge. Dr. Michelle Lee Midtown Atlanta, Northern District Dental Society I was drawn to dentistry because it beautifully combines my passion for science, hands-on skills, and caring for patients. In my free time, I find joy in cooking, exploring new destinations through travel, and staying centered with yoga. Additionally, I cherish spending quality time with my family and friends, as they are an essential part of my life. To me, leadership in dentistry means inspiring and guiding my team to provide exceptional patient care while fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. A great leader in this field is someone who leads by example, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. They possess strong communication skills, show empathy towards both patients and team members, and are adept at making informed decisions that benefit both the practice and the community. Dr. John Morris Thielke Morris Family Dentistry, Augusta, Eastern District Dental Society Many people aren’t confident in their smiles. What I love about dentistry is that we are able to give patients their confidence back! Dentistry lets me make a difference in people’s lives while also maintaining a good work-life balance. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, playing pickleball, and watching college football. A great leader does the right thing when no one’s looking. It’s easy to lead by example when you’re on a stage or leading a crowd, but leadership counts most when there’s no one there to hold you accountable. Dr. Cherie Murray Christ Community Health Services, Augusta, Eastern District Dental Society I am affectionately known as “Dr. C” by my patients, and I have three, four-legged canine boys (Jesse, Louie and Peter). I am actively involved in the betterment of my community through various community-oriented organizations including my church and my sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. I have visited 4 out of the 7 continents of the world, love sushi and vegetables! I like to garden and try new foods and restaurants. I was introduced to dentistry through a close relative who was my childhood dentist. A leader is an individual who is patient, relatable, a great problem-solver, a visionary, and someone with conflict resolution skills. A great leader isn’t afraid of challenges or opportunities for growth. They may ask for forgiveness before they ask for permission. Self-motivated, influential, purposeful, committed, and’s devoted are all characteristics of a great leader as well. In my opinion, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is and was one of the most influential and impactful leaders for humanity. Dr. Kendra Ousley East Cobb Family Dentistry, Marietta, Northern District Dental Society I first developed my passion for dentistry at the age of 13. I was introduced and mentored by my family dentist and have loved saving teeth and creating great smiles ever since. I am married to my lovely high school sweet-heart, Omara. We have a beautiful 2-year-old girl named Grace, that brings us daily joy! I love baking, music, movies and theater! Good leadership requires creating an environment that influences others to be their best. A consistent, loyal, caring and open-hearted leader will evoke in others the capacity to dream. Humility, integrity, ethics, a servant-leader outlook, vision and love are all needed for great leadership. Two of my favorite leadership quotes: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” – John Maxwell and “The most effective way to do it is to do it.” – Amelia Earhart. Meet the Leadership GDA Class of 2024 | continued 18 | Sept 2024 The Georgia Dental Association is pleased to announce that the Leadership GDA program is now accepting applications and nominations for the Class of 2025. Your leadership journey starts here! Learn more about LGDA by scanning the QR code now.
Added to the original gift from the GDA and Dr. Fisher’s generous donations, contributions from GDA members led to the awarding of nearly $1.7 million in scholarships. Additionally, because of Dr. Fisher’s legacy gift, The Fisher Foundation will award a four-year scholarship starting in 2024 to a deserving dental school student to help offset the rising costs of dental education. Currently serving on the Fisher Foundation Board are dentists with active GDA status, staff members of the Dental College of Georgia and GDA, a former banker, and an outstanding, longserving business manager. At our latest board meeting, two specific goals were established: 1. Increase the awareness of The Emile T. Fisher Foundation for Dental Education in Georgia, Inc., and increase the number of contributions to the Foundation from GDA members through the dues check-off. To join this initiative, simply click on the box when paying your GDA dues. Your support will keep the corpus continually funded thereby allowing more dental profession students the ability to receive financial support for education. 2. Increase the number of legacy gifts designated in the estate plans of dentists. For more information, please contact Barbara McCollum at bpmccollum@yahoo.com. I hope you will consider joining the Board and me in making a meaningful contribution to The Emile T. Fisher Foundation for Dental Education in Georgia, Inc. We thank you for your past support and future consideration of helping the next line of future dental and dental hygiene students. You can make donations through our website: https://www.fisherdentaleducation.org/ One of the verses in Tim McGraw’s song “Humble and Kind” tells us, “Don’t forget to turn around and help the next one in line.” The members of the Georgia Dental Association (GDA) have served generations of young dental professionals through The Emile T. Fisher Foundation for Dental Education in Georgia, Inc. Beginning in 1985 with a $50,000 donation from the GDA, The Georgia Dental Education Foundation was established to award scholarships to dental and dental hygiene students to ensure a continuous supply of welltrained dental professionals. In 2005, Dr. Emile T. Fisher made a significant financial contribution through his estate planning for the promotion of education for dental professionals, and the foundation was renamed The Emile T. Fisher Foundation for Dental Education in Georgia, Inc. In June of 2020, Dr. Fisher passed away leaving a legacy gift to honor his commitment to dental professional education. DR. EMILE T. FISHER Fisher Foundation Supports Dental Education in Georgia By Jay McCaslin, President, The Emile T. Fisher Foundation for Dental Education in Georgia Dr. Emile T. Fisher was committed to dental professional education. Through his legacy gift the Fisher Foundation will award a four-year scholarship starting this year. | 19 Sept 2024
THANK YOU to our 2024 Convention & Expo Exhibitors & Sponsors! Thank you 2024 GDA Convention & Expo Exhibitors: Philips Oral Care Affinity Bank Brassler Carestream Colgate Ddsmatch South Dentaquest Elevate Oral Care Fortune Lawfirm Garfield Refining Henry Schein Kettenbach Nsk America Oberman Lawfirm Pittman Dental Laboratory Surgitel Total Medical Compliance Cutco Cutlery Advanced Auomation Anthem Core-Scientific Jekyll Island Medpro Medical Solutions Luminos Pro Atlanta Dental Provide Mediloupes Sga Dental Partners Revv Billing Systems Ubs Lumadent Legacy Practice Transitions Thero Marketing Fortune Management Centene Dental Services Flossy Healthmed RECAP: The GDA 20 | Sept 2024
The GDA team offers a heartfelt thanks to Coach Mark Richt, former head football coach for the University of Georgia and the University of Miami! We appreciate your wisdom and encouragement at the 2024 GDA Convention and Expo. Thank you! Coach Mark Richt SUPPORT THE RICHT FAMILY FOUNDATION The Richt Family Foundation is focused on raising awareness and funding for Crohn’s and Parkinson’s Research. These diseases have affected Coach Richt’s family personally. His Granddaughter, Jadyn, was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease as an infant in 2015. Then in 2021, Mark was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Visit www.markricht.org/richt-family-foundation for more information. Convention & Expo 2024 | 21 Sept 2024
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