Alaska Update
april 2017
inside this issue:
– Opioid Epidemic: Are we part of
the problem?
– Spotlight: Dr. Bill Bergeron
A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OF THE ALASKA DENTAL SOCIETY
The Light at the End of the Tunnel
Evan Young, DDS
F
or
me
t h e
start
of
the NCAA
basketball
tournament
each March
signals
the
start
of spring.
Typically my Gonzaga Bulldogs
have me crying in my beer
during the first weekend of
the tournament but this year
something unexpected has
happened.
Despite
being
chastised by most pundits for
their weak conference schedule
the Zags have found a way to
navigate through the first two
weekends of the tournament
and are now bound for Phoenix
and the Final Four. Occasionally
we are given an opportunity
in life to do something great.
Sometimes such occasions
are obvious (win 4 basketball
games to go to the national
semi-finals) and other times
they’re not. I find in my own
life that chances to be great are
typically subtler. Whether it is
as a parent, a dentist, a spouse
or a friend, acts of greatness
can take on many forms and
most of them don’t show up
on Sportscenter. Fortunately a
great crown prep doesn’t need
to generate media coverage in
order for you to know that the
patient has received a great
piece of dentistry (and I think
most of us would rather stay out
of the news anyways).
Hopefully
our
Alaskan
Legislature will ride the wave of
March Madness greatness and
work together to craft thoughtful
and meaningful legislation this
year. I had an opportunity to
meet with our ADS lobbyist,
Kris Knauss, earlier this week
and he provided me with a great
summary of the session thus far.
For those members that are not
politically active and who doubt
the benefit of having a lobbyist
I would strongly encourage
you to spend a few days in
Juneau during the legislative
session. Kris can provide a
roadmap for any legislation
that you are interested in and
provide you with background
on which legislators will be
key to any bill becoming law.
Currently HB123 (health care
cost transparency bill) is one
bill to keep an eye on as it
has the potential to impact
your dental practice directly
(and for Anchorage dentists it
could supersede the previously
passed ordinance by the
Anchorage city council). HB36
also has potential ramifications
as it could impact S corps and C
corps (it is titled the “corporate
tax loophole elimination act”).
The budget itself obviously has
the potential to impact dentists
and patients statewide if re-
imbursement or the number of
covered services is altered for
Medicaid. And of course there
is the trickle down effects that
we will all encounter as patients
are affected by economic
change. Now more than ever
it is of the utmost importance
for our profession to maintain
a strong presence in Juneau
so that legislators are provided
with meaningful input from
the dental profession. If you
have any interest in becoming
involved with government
affairs please contact Jesse
Blanco, Dave Logan or myself.
What does this mean for us
continued on page 5
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
ALASKA UPDATE | april 2017
PAGE 2
April Contents
President’s POV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cover, 5
Editor’s Insights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Executive Director’s Column . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Guest Article/Opioid
Epidemic . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Risk Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
ADS News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Legislative Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
AD-1615 FAIRBANKS, AK –Well established, 3- op practice
collecting around $300,000 annually. Excellent size for a merger or
alternative to starting from scratch. Seller open to transition as needed.
Integrity ● Service ● Results
AD-1405 KETCHIKAN, AK – Long-established G/P collecting
$600K. 100% fee-for-service. 4 ops, updated about 5 years ago.
PENDING!!! AD-1501 ANCHORAGE, AK – Excellent practice
collecting $900K. Emphasis on Prosthodontic procedures, but
production mix is varied!
PENDING!!! AD-1610 KENAI PENINSULA, AK – Exceptional,
long-established G/P collecting around $1.3 Million annually. Very
well managed practice boasts great staff and excellent cash flow!
www.practicesales.com
1-800-645-7590
AD-1622 ANCHORAGE, AK – G/P collecting around $1.6 Million
with very low overhead. 5 ops, digital x-rays, pano and good
equipment. Exceptional cash flow! Don't miss this one!
NEW!!! AD-1706 ANCHORAGE AREA – Long-established G/P
collecting around $600,000 annually. Office features 4 ops, digital xrays and digital pano located in a high traffic shopping center.
Production mix is 30% hygiene and most specialty procedures are
referred out. No Medicaid! This is a wonderful opportunity with lots
of potential!
Aaron I. Pershall, CBA
[email protected]
Practice Sales, Transitions, Mergers and Appraisals
ALASKA UPDATE | april 2017
PAGE 3
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PAGE 4
The President’s Point of View
Evan Young, DDS
The Light at the End of the Tunnel, cont.
as dentists? I think only time will tell. Hopefully
through adversity our profession in Alaska will
continue to evolve and adapt to the current
economic forces at play. Significant changes are
on the horizon however and I’m hopeful that our
profession will be able to weather the storm and
maintain a high standard of care throughout the
state. One issue that both the ADA and ADS are
facing is the current transition between retiring
dentists and young dentists. Young dentists in their
first 4 years post-graduation do not pay full dues
for their membership. This is designed to help
encourage cash strapped recent grads to maintain
their membership but it also has decreased dues
revenue. Hopefully in the long haul this will lead
to greater membership numbers but that will
take time to determine. In the next decade I see
leadership development and outreach to new
dentists as 2 areas of critical importance for the
ADA and ADS. Let me know if you have any ideas
to help in these areas, as we are always looking for
new avenues to pursue.
Last weekend my in-laws visited and I had a
chance to take them out to Knik Glacier. The ice is
nice and smooth right now and the ice caves along
the toe of the glacier are spectacular. It was fun to
see the awe and inspiration in my brother in-law’s
eyes and it made me proud to call Alaska home. As
we turn the corner towards spring I hope you find
more time to get out and explore this beautiful state
we call home. As for me, I’m headed to Phoenix
next weekend to cheer on the Zags…. Go Ducks
too I suppose unless we’re both in the title game.
Significant changes are on
the horizon however and I’m
hopeful that our profession
will be able to weather the
storm and maintain a high
standard of care throughout
the state.
Dr. Young parks his cub on Knik Glacier
ALASKA UPDATE | april 2017
PAGE 5
ALASKA UPDATE | april 2017
PAGE 6
Editor’s Insights
David Nielson, DDS
Thanks For Being There
W
hen someone decides to become an oral
surgeon, I wonder if they take into account
they may be called upon as the dentist of last resort
from time to time. That it won’t always be third
molar extractions on teens with double coverage,
implants and orthognathic surgery on patients with
complicated orthodontic issues. No, sometimes
you will be called on to get a general practitioner
out of a predicament, go to the ER to set a jaw
fracture on some idiot with no money who gets in
a bar fight or help out the local sliding fee clinic
with a difficult extraction on a patient who is
medically compromised and has nothing to pay.
I imagine people decide to become oral surgeons
for all kinds of reasons, but I believe I know one
of the big reasons Dr. Bill Bergeron decided to.
Helping people is in his DNA.
Young William Bergeron grew up and spent most of
his school years on the east coast. After graduating
from Villanova as an undergraduate (sorry about
your Wildcats this year Bill) with a GPA that was
“short of what medical schools were looking for” in
the late 70’s, a fraternity brother who had enrolled
in dental school showed Bill a possible new path.
By the way, Bill claims a bit too much fun in the
fraternity is what led to dental school instead of
medical school; lucky for us. He attended dental
school at the University of Maryland and right after
graduation in 1983 he joined the USAF Dental
Corp as a Captain. For the next nine years in places
like Ellsworth AFB in Rapid City, SD he worked the
“amalgam line” three days a week. And we all
know how well some of those military “amalgam
crowns” hold up. The other two days he pulled
teeth and after a mini oral surgery rotation decided
surgery was his calling. It took a bit of persistence
Another place Dr. Bergeron
makes his presence felt
in a very big way is at the
Anchorage Neighborhood
Health Clinic (ANHC).
trying to get into an Air Force sponsored residency,
but in the end the Air force thought highly enough
of him to push him towards a 4 year civilian
OMS residency and he actually ended up back at
Maryland where he graduated from the residency
in 1996. He then served two years in Germany and
five at Elmendorf AFB where the Alaska bug (not
the mosquito type) bit him and his wife Katherine.
Then a scary thing happened to Bill just as he was
trying to get a private practice going in Anchorage.
He contracted endocarditis which was severe
enough to require aortic valve replacement
surgery. After a tough recovery, he thought it best
to put private practice on hold so for the next
four years he worked as a staff oral surgeon at
the Alaska Native Medical Center before he once
again went into private practice in 2008 with Oral
Surgery Associates of Alaska. But, this little bit of
background information is just setting up the real
reason I felt compelled to tell you a little bit about
Dr. Bergeron, the real reason is to let people know
how often Bill helps patients who nobody else can
or will.
continued on page 13
ALASKA UPDATE | april 2017
PAGE 7
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PAGE 8
From the Executive Director
David Logan, DDS
Waiting for Spring
T
he hot news as we go to “press” is the failed
attempt to repeal and replace the ACA Act
(Obama Care) by the Republican House. The
challenge of keeping the parts with universal
approval while limiting the overall price tag proved
too much. The basic problem the Republicans ran
into was math. The most disliked part of Obama
Care is the individual mandate but unfortunately
for the math to work out it is necessary to have
more healthy folks enrolled than unhealthy and
without a mandate and subsidies human nature
takes over and the plans become overly super user
heavy (see Alaska’s market for how this plays out).
The future is hard to predict at this point, whether
Republicans will regroup and take another run at it
in the future or they will work the edges of the ACA
making smaller changes.
The House did pass, however, a repeal of the
McCarran-Ferguson Act. Repeal of the Act,
which granted insurance companies the ability to
exchange information without triggering antitrust
claims, should open the door to a more competitive
insurance market. Hopefully there will be action
allowing insurance to be sold across state lines to
follow which would help stabilize small markets
like Alaska.
April marks the launch of the ADA’s newly
refined Find-a-Dentist search feature. Designed
to compete with 1-800-Dentist, and generally
be more relevant, the enhanced program will be
pushed by the marketing campaign that will debut
in June. If you haven’t already taken the time, go to
the ADA website and update your profile. The ADA
has research indicating people are more inclined
to click on listing if there is a photo attached so
the priority of listings in the search that fall into the
selected geographic area will be ADA members
with a profile + photo, then ADA members with a
profile but no photo and lastly ADA members with
no profile. There is a full page ad in the newsletter
(pg. 20) detailing the program and prizes you are
eligible for by updating your profile.
Lastly time is running out to register for the meeting
in Kodiak. Especially if you want a hotel room.
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PAGE 9
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PAGE 10
ALASKA UPDATE | april 2017
PAGE 11
Editor’s Insights
David Nielson, DDS
thanks, cont.
If you talk with oral surgeons, you will not find
many who say how much they love taking call
at a hospital emergency room. In fact, you won’t
find any. First of all, there is an issue that always
seems to crop up where the ENT doctors are
asking for and often getting the “good stuff.” That
is, the jaw/facial fractures and other facial trauma
on someone with insurance who has suffered an
accident. The second problem, from what I hear,
is the hospital doesn’t pay anything for taking call
and many times you are asked to provide services
for a patient with no way to get reimbursed. For
these and other reasons,
many oral surgeons avoid ER call all together. Not
so with Dr. Bergeron, who continues to take call
at both Providence and Alaska Regional hospitals
even though he can’t really even calculate at what
cost.
Another place Dr. Bergeron makes his presence
felt in a very big way is at the Anchorage
Neighborhood Health Clinic (ANHC). Even before
Dr. Ghazal Ringler arrived there as dental director
six years ago, he offered to see patients ANHC
could not help. And when she first arrived at
ANHC he went out of his way to tell her “I am here
to help you.” Since then, Dr. Ringler feels like his
“approachability” has fostered an almost brotherlike relationship. “I can call or email him a picture
or x-ray and he gets back to me right away to help
decide what to do”, she says. She estimates ANHC
may contact Dr. Bergeron between 10-15 times
per month! The staff over at ANHC told me if he
is completely booked, he still usually finds a way
to accommodate a patient in need and never asks
for anything in return. Another thing Dr. Ringler
appreciates is that he always offers a follow-up
appointment to everyone he treats. Asking what
would happen if he wasn’t around; they simply
replied “we would be in trouble.”
ALASKA UPDATE | april 2017
The desire to help those who are less fortunate has
been instilled in Bill since childhood; first from
his parents then through his long involvement in
scouting. In his words, “I believe the profession
we are involved in affords a good living and that
offering our services charitably is one of the ways
as an individual we pay for those good graces.”
Also, he believes in fee for service dentistry and
hopes the federal government does not create
a system like Medicare for dentistry. So, “we as
dentists need to spend some of our time offering
services to the less fortunate to help prevent that.”
Over the last several years Dr. Bergeron has noticed
a slight drop in referrals from general practitioners
(GP’s) and has a couple of ideas why that may be.
First, there has been an overall improvement in
dental health. Second, he has also noticed more
dentists are attempting procedures which were
historically sent to specialists. A contributing factor
may also be the proportionally higher financial
burden new dentist’s carry right out of school now.
As a result, he is somewhat concerned that if the
trend continues there may not be many specialists
around to help when GP’s really need them.
Personally, as a GP I always felt that having solid
working relationships between myself and our
specialists was a two way street and an absolutely
essential part of good quality comprehensive
care. Even in large multi-doctor group practices,
having quality relationships with local specialists
can be critical. Dr. Bergeron admits that he is a
bit concerned about some aspects of patient care
at larger “corporate” type practices depending on
the culture or practice philosophy instilled there.
But, he also understands the benefits larger groups
provide like making it easier to afford some of the
new technology offered today and increased work
flexibility. At the end of the day though and above
all else, Dr. Bergeron’s guiding principle will
always be to do what is best for the patient. We
are lucky and fortunate to have him here in Alaska.
PAGE 12
at Anchorage Radiation Therapy Center
Anchorage Radiation Therapy is the only medical center in
the state of Alaska to offer the Gamma Knife procedure, the gold
standard in brain stereotactic radiosurgery. We are happy to
offer this treatment option for your patients diagnosed with
Trigeminal Neuralgia.
Gamma Knife® radiosurgery, long considered the “gold
standard” of radiosurgery, has undergone a paradigm shift
with the development of the new Perfexion system. The
Perfexion represents a major advance in brain radiosurgery,
allowing doctors to more accurately eliminate tumors
without injury to the adjacent normal brain. It has become
a primary treatment for brain tumors, arteriovenous
malformations, trigeminal neuralgia and other disorders.
Stephen H. Settle, M.D., Ph.D.
Medical Director Alaska
Gamma-Knife Center
Gamma Knife® treatment for trigeminal neuralgia is the least
invasive surgical option. In fact, it is technically not surgery
at all. The Gamma Knife is a device that delivers precise,
controlled beams of radiation to targets inside the skull,
including the brain and associated nerves. This disrupts
the transmission of pain signals to the brain. For trigeminal
neuralgia treatment, the radiation beams are aimed at
the trigeminal nerve where it enters the brainstem. This
procedure provides significant pain control or reduction in
approximately 80+% of patients.
The procedure requires little or no anesthesia, is performed
on an outpatient basis, patients usually begin to return to
normal activities within 48 hours, and the potential side
effects of Gamma Knife surgery are few. They may include
tingling or numbness in the face (usually mild), and because
the treatment requires use of a frame that is attached to the
head with pins, so there may be mild pain at the pin sites for
approximately 1-2 days following treatment. These pins are
the key to accuracy.
facebook.com/ValleyRadiationTherapy
facebook.com/AKCancer
2841 DeBarr Road, Suite 100, Anchorage, AK 99508
907. 276.2400 • Toll-free 877.276.4655
alaskagammaknife.com
alaskaradiationtherapy.com
ALASKA UPDATE | april 2017
The expertise of a radiation oncologist, medical physicist,
and a neurosurgeon are combined to achieve safe and
effective treatment. Because
radiosurgery is the least
invasive procedure for
trigeminal neuralgia,
it is a good treatment
option for patients with
co-morbidities, high-risk
medical illness, or pain
refractory to prior
surgical
procedures.
LEKSELL
GAMMA KNIFE ®
PERFEXION™
PAGE 13
Guest Article
Rex Malcom PharmD, DMD
Opioid Epidemic: Are we part of the problem?
A
s dentists, we understand that pain control is
essential for delivering compassionate patient
care and building a successful practice. We have
many options at our disposal, from prescriptions
to over-the-counter medications to in-office
techniques. As far as prescription medications
go, traditional thinking tells us that opioids are
the best “go-to” for managing post-op pain in a
dental patient. However, that line of thought is
being challenged by research into non-narcotic
medications and as we find the country in an
“Opioid Epidemic”. The entire country is becoming
hyper-aware of the risks of opioid addiction
and the devastation to life that it can cause. All
prescribers, including dentists, are being called on
to re-evaluate their prescribing habits.
Our governor recently declared the opioid
epidemic in Alaska as a “Public Health Disaster”.
But what does this mean to us? Are dentists part of
the problem? Perhaps we’ve heard the stories (a
recent one in the Anchorage PRESS) about someone
who had never touched drugs and after receiving
an RX for opioids following a dental procedure,
ended up spending time on and off the streets.
Senator Dan Sullivan is also calling attention to the
problem and has been quoted referring to people
seeking treatment for a toothache and being
prescribed opioids and ending up addicted.
Let’s review some statistics.
- Since 1999, the amount of prescription opioids
sold in the US has nearly quadrupled.
- More than 80 Americans die every day from
opioid overdose
- A National Survey on Drug Use showed that
4.5 million adults reported non-medical use of
pain relievers in the past month
- National data suggests that dentists follow
primary care physicians as the second-leading
prescribers of immediate-release opioids
The entire country is
becoming hyper-aware of the
risks of opioid addiction and
the devastation to life that it
can cause.
- 60% of adults given opioids for dental
procedures reported having medication left
over – 20% of those reported diverting the
meds to another person
Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMP)
are now in place nationwide to assist prescribers
in identifying potential patients at risk of abuse or
misuse of controlled substances. PDMP’s are staterun electronic databases that collect information
from pharmacies on dispensed controlled
substances. This information is made available
to authorized prescribers and pharmacies. An
analysis of a National Ambulatory Medical
Care Survey (NAMCS) looking at the effects of
launching Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs
in multiple states indicates a sizable reduction in
the prescribing of opioid medications.
In Alaska, all prescribers with a DEA number are
required to register with the state PDMP by July
17, 2017. We have a responsibility to help address
this growing epidemic as we have been identified
as having an important role in opioid abuse
prevention efforts.
If any ADS member would like information or
to ask me a question, feel free to email me at:
[email protected]
- Dentists represent only 8.4% of unique
prescribers, yet we prescribe ~45% of initial
prescription-filled opioids dispensed to patients
-
ALASKA UPDATE | april 2017
Hydrocodone / Acetaminophen (APAP)
combinations are the nation’s most frequently
prescribed analgesics and the most frequently
abused prescription drugs
PAGE 14
Oral Pathology Made Fun
Friday, April 21st, 2017
Alaska Pacific University
7 CE hours presented by Dr. David Wells, Col. USAF.
Course topics include:
•
•
•
•
•
Scope of Oral Pathology
Common Oral Lesions
Odontogenic Cysts & Tumors
Vesiculoulcerative Conditions
Dermatologic Conditions
Time:
Location:
Cost:
Registration 8:00-8:30
Class: 8:30-12:00
1:00-4:30
Lunch: 12:00-1:00 (box lunch
provided)
Alaska Pacific University
Carr Gottstein Lecture Hall
4225 University Dr,
Anchorage
ADS Members: $125
Non ADS Members $350
Staff: $75 (With ADS
member only)
Call the ADS office at
907.563.3003 to register
Space is limited to 75 attendees so preregistration is requested
Dr. David Wells:
Colonel Wells is currently the Commander of the 673rd Dental
Squadron, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. He
completed his undergraduate education at Sam Houston State
University in Huntsville, Texas in 1980 and dental school at Baylor
College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas in 1984. Dr. Wells completed
residency training in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology at the
Naval Postgraduate Dental School in Bethesda, Maryland in 2004.
Previous assignments have included the Armed Forces Institute of
Pathology and the 59th Dental Squadron, Lackland AFB, Texas.
ALASKA UPDATE | april 2017
PAGE 15
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PAGE 16
RM Matters
By TDIC Risk Management Staff
Thorough, Up-To-Date Treatment Plans Build Patient Trust
I
magine taking your car to the shop for a minor repair
— say, to replace the spark plugs or patch a tire.
Now, imagine picking your car up at the end of the
day to discover that your engine has been completely
rebuilt — and you’re responsible for the bill.
This scenario would be unlikely to occur in the
auto repair industry, but it happens all too often in
the dental industry, leaving broken trust, unhappy
patients and disputed bills in its wake.
In one case reported to The Dentists Insurance
Company, a patient was diagnosed with needing a
three-surface filling. Although the patient was not
experiencing any pain, decay was visible on the
radiograph. The dentist explained to the patient that
there was a possibility a three-surface filling would
not suffice, and instead a crown may be needed,
which would be a more involved procedure. The
patient scheduled an appointment for the filling.
During treatment, the dentist discovered that the
tooth required more support and a crown would be
a better option. The dentist told the patient that the
treatment would take a bit longer and proceeded with
preparing the tooth for a crown and provisionalizing
it. He advised the patient to return in a few weeks
for the permanent crown. Upon scheduling his next
appointment, the patient was presented with a bill that
was three times the original estimate. Staff explained
the reason for the price difference and although the
patient was upset about the increased treatment cost,
he reluctantly paid with a credit card.
The patient failed the appointment to seat the
permanent crown. Instead, he disputed the charge
with his credit card company, which initiated a
chargeback to the dentist’s merchant account. The
credit card company asked for documentation to
support the charges. The office could only provide
documentation of the patient’s acceptance of the fee
for the three-surface filling, as a new treatment plan
was never presented or signed by the patient when
the treatment changed.
Trina Cervantes, Risk Management analyst with
TDIC, said the issue stemmed from the dentist’s
failure to disclose the cost involved with the crown
prior to preparing it. While he went over the cost of
the filling, and mentioned the possibility the tooth
may need a crown, he did not inform the patient that
should he need a crown, it would be significantly
more expensive.
“The patient felt ambushed,” Cervantes said. “Had he
known earlier, he could have saved up the money,
Far too often, dentists either
fail to provide a thorough
treatment plan or they fail
to update the plan once the
recommended treatment
changes.
waited until he was in a better financial situation or
set up a payment plan. Rather, he felt he was taken
advantage of and questioned the need for the crown
at all since it was not causing him pain.”
Unfortunately, this is a common scenario. Far too
often, dentists either fail to provide a thorough
treatment plan or they fail to update the plan once
the recommended treatment changes. The reasons
for this are varied. Some dentists are so focused on
clinical care that they do not consider the financial
impact for the patient. Others assume that patients
are as versed in the cost of dental treatment as they
are; to a dentist, it makes sense that a crown would
cost more, but the difference is not so obvious to a
layperson.
“What is clear to a dentist is not necessarily clear to
a patient,” Cervantes said. “If it is not outlined in a
treatment plan, patients may not understand what
their financial obligations are.”
Cervantes says communication is key to avoiding
misunderstanding. Providing detailed treatment
plans, outlining all options and the costs associated
with them, can help mitigate any potential risk.
Dentists can easily get caught up in the moment
when the patient is in the chair. But even when the
treatment plan changes course mid-treatment, a
revised treatment plan should be printed and signed
by the patient before proceeding.
“Clear communication is critical to transparent
practices, especially when money is involved,”
Cervantes said. “It is important that dentists and staff
get in the habit of confirming that the treatment plan
is reviewed and accepted by the patient prior to
performing the work.”
continued on page 21
ALASKA UPDATE | april 2017
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ALASKA UPDATE | april 2017
PAGE 18
ADS News
First ADA female president dies at 86
First ADA female president dies at 86
Dr. Geraldine Morrow, the ADA’s first female president,
died March 21. She was 86.
Dr. Geraldine Morrow, the ADA's first female president, died March 21.
She was 86.
Dr. Morrow, who was a general dentist, served as ADS
Dr.
Morrow, who was
a general
dentist, served
as ADS
president
from
1971-72
and
aspresident
ADAfrompresident from
1971-72 and as ADA president from 1991-92. She was also the first
1991-92.
was
also her
the
first
female trustee of the ADA,
female
trustee of She
the ADA,
beginning
term
in 1984.
beginning
her
term
in
1984.
Dr. Morrow served six years as the ADA 11th District trustee,
representing Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. She
spent six years on the Council on Dental Health and Health Planning,
which she chaired from 1983-84.
from 1983-84.
Dr. Morrow served six years as the ADA 11th District
trustee, representing Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon
Dr.
Morrow
was also presidentShe
and executive
of the Alaska
and
Washington.
spentdirector
six years
on the Council on
Dental Society and a 10-year delegate to the ADA House of Delegates.
Dental
Health
and
Health
Planning,
which
she chaired
In addition, she was president and membership chair of the Alaska
Academy of General Dentistry.
Dr. Morrow was also president and executive director of the Alaska Dental
Society and a 10-year delegate to the ADA House of Delegates. In addition, she
was president and membership chair of the Alaska Academy of General Dentistry.
In addition to her private practice in Anchorage, Dr. Morrow was affiliated with the University of Alaska.
For five years, she was coordinator of the dental hygiene and dental assistant program at the university's
Anchorage Community College and later served as the school's director of allied health sciences.
Dr. Morrow served on the board of the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped, and was the
mother of four: Douglas, Nancy, Joyce and Lora. Nancy followed in her mother's footsteps and became a
dentist in California.
In addition to her private practice in Anchorage, Dr. Morrow was affiliated with
the University of Alaska. For five years, she was coordinator of the dental hygiene
and dental assistant program at the university’s Anchorage Community College
and later served as the school’s director of allied health sciences.
Dr. Morrow served on the board of the National Foundation of Dentistry for the
Handicapped, and was the mother of four: Douglas, Nancy, Joyce and Lora.
Nancy followed in her mother’s footsteps and became a dentist in California.
Gerry Morrow broke America’s dental glass ceiling
Starting in the early 1970’s from Anchorage and for the next decade, Gerry devoted her
energies to become the ADA’s first woman president. Through the process she outlasted two
groups of helpful dentists from Alaska and several more from our 14th District as well as
others form across the nation.
Her success came at a time when dentistry was beginning to evolve as a profession that
welcomes women as equals. She was a pioneer and championed the cause of equality. We
should show our appreciation to her by being active in organized dentistry in our own way.
There remain many unresolved issues in health care in our current political environment.
Gerry would want us all to continue to work for the improvement of dental health and we
who deliver it.
KUDOS to
April for
Donated
Dental
Services by
Dental Lifeline
Network:
Dentists Volunteers:
Dr. Dan Pitts of
Soldotna
Dr. Derek Priebe of
Anchorage
Dr. Aaron Frantz of
Anchorage
Dr. Christine Moleski
of Juneau
Labs Volunteers:
Greatland Dental
Laboratory
- Dr. George Shaffer
Thank You! These members have pledged to support the Dentists of Alaska
Political Action Committee (DAPAC). This list is current as of March 23, 2017.
Dr. Bradford Allen
Dr. James Arneson
Dr. Robert Bauder
Dr. Patricia Bergdahl
Dr. Jessica Blanco
Dr. Eric Buetow
Dr. Robert Cassell
Dr. Charles Cole
Dr. William Collier
Dr. Jack DuClos
Dr. Kevin Easley
ALASKA UPDATE | april 2017
Dr. John East
Dr. David Eichler
Dr. Jared Erickson
Dr. Nile Ersland
Dr. Richard Gregorin
Dr. Gregory Grubba
Dr. Kenneth Helm
Dr. Olivia Hougen
Dr. Jesse Hronkin
Dr. Brian Kelleher
Dr. Mark Keller
Dr. Michael Koropp
Dr. Justin Libby
Dr. Paul Liley
Dr. David Logan
Dr. Ronald Martinelli
Dr. Charles Michael
Dr. Christine Moleski
Dr. Michael Moriarty
Dr. David Nielson
Dr. Anthony Nizich
Dr. Hans Nordstrom
Dr. Anthony Paden
Dr. Phyllis Pendergrast
Dr. James Penfield
Dr. Darrell Peterson
Dr. Robert Pierson
Dr. Arne Pihl
Dr. Dan Pitts
Dr. Julie Robinson
Dr. Mindy Shaw
Dr. Paul Silveira
Dr. Jeffrey Symonds
Dr. Lisa Symonds
Dr. Warren Urda
Dr. Jonathan Weaver
Dr. Douglas Weaver
Dr. Dustin Wilde
Dr. Heather Willis
Dr. Timothy Woller
Dr. Brian Yamamoto
Dr. Evan Young
Dr. Zestivinal Zoubek
PAGE 19
Fill a Form,
Fill a Chair
You told the ADA you wanted to see more patients,
so this spring, we are launching an enhanced
Find-a-Dentist tool to help new patients find you.
By taking 5 minutes to update your member profile, patients
can more easily search by geography, specialty and payment
and benefit plans. The new tool also prioritizes completed
profiles in the search results, and you will have the ability to
track how many views your profile receives.
Complete your ADA®
Find-a-Dentist™ profile
by May 1, 2017 to be
entered for a chance to
win a Mercedes Benz C
class sedan or GLC SUV
12-month lease or
$10,000 cash award!*
Stand out in search results and include:
• A photo of yourself
• Payment options
• Dental benefit plans you accept
• Office hours
• Phone and email contact information
• Business address(es)
ADA.org/MyADA
Login to complete your profile for the chance to win!
*All active licensed members practicing in the U.S. are eligible to win. Visit ADA.org/fadrules
for official rules.
ALASKA UPDATE | april 2017
PAGE 20
Legislative Corner
Jessica Blanco, DMD
Midterm Updates
T
he 30th Alaska State Legislature is approaching
the 90-day session mark. Facing a budget crisis,
the Alaska legislators have devoted much of their time
to deficit-reduction legislation. Leaders of the House
majority coalition are proposing an income tax and the
Senate wants a restructured Permanent Fund to raise
new revenue and find areas to cut the budget beyond
the 13 percent already shaved from state agencies in the
past two years. The rumor is they are even considering
looking at oil taxes again. But after weeks of work, no
substantial cuts to state agencies beyond those already
proposed by Governor Bill Walker have happened.
At this rate, the legislators may not adjourn on time.
Several healthcare-related bills have been proposed
but their movement through committees has been slow.
We are following nearly ten bills this session that can
potentially affect healthcare and dentistry. Including:
HB123 is the Healthcare transparency bill that was
presented by the Health and Social Services (HSS)
Committee Chair Rep. Ivy Spohnholz. (D-Anchorage)
The bill would require providers to submit a list of
the 25 most commonly charged procedures with
corresponding fees and post them. Additional language
requires insurers to show their costs and profits. We
reached out to the ADA for guidance on HB123 and an
analysis of all the states revealed there are very few with
similar bills that have passed and dentistry has so far
been optional. The ADS has decided to wait and see if
the bill passes the House then challenge it in the Senate
if it does. Senator Shelley Hughes (R- Palmer) is planning
on introducing a similar transparency bill, which will
also include dentists; however, the requirements will
be less onerous and seem a bit friendlier. The ADS has
asked to be a part of the discussion before introduction
of this bill and the Senator has agreed to let us be a part
of it.
HB90 - occupation licensing fee-surcharge for
investigations - attempts to equalize investigation costs
for boards that have higher investigation costs and
fewer licensees. The ADS is currently neutral on HB90
since this approach reduces license fees for dentists but
expects opposition from boards who will be net losers.
HB36 - income from non-C corp. entities - would
institute a tax applying to Sub Corp S corporations and
LLC’s. Currently those entities are exempted for the state
corporate tax. The ADS is opposed to this bill.
HB89 - regulating radiologic technology - requires
licensure or certification for anyone taking x-rays.
Dentistry is exempted but the wording is ambiguous.
Dental Assistants can take x-rays under direct
supervision (x-rays would have to be read before the
patient leaves office). Hygienists may or may not be able
to take x-rays beyond direct supervision (under either
indirect or general supervision). The ADS has requested
clarifying language in the bill. The ADS is currently
neutral pending language change.
DAPAC is the political action committee for the Alaska
Dental Society. We provide campaign contributions to
candidates who show an understanding of dental issues
and can helped fulfill our mission statement. We support
candidates in both parties while focusing on whether
they will work to improve oral health in Alaska. Please
contribute today. Call the ADS office at 907.563.3003.
Visit the ADS website for updates on legislative
issues and do not hesitate to contact me at mailto:
[email protected] or 907-713-4888
Treatment Plans Build Patient Trust, cont.
TDIC recommends keeping a signed copy of
the treatment plan on file. In fact, Cervantes
says having a signed treatment plan and
consent form is the first line of defense should
a lawsuit arise.
“It is up to the dentist to outline the risks
associated with not following through with
proposed treatment,” she said. “You can’t
make the patient get the work done, but you
can show evidence of reviewing these risks
and trying to get the patient back in the office
ALASKA UPDATE | april 2017
to complete treatment.”
Another consequence of poor doctor-patient
communication is a breakdown of trust.
Patients can begin to question whether the
treatment was needed, or whether the dentist
was simply trying to make a quick and easy
buck. In some cases, unhappy patients have
filed complaints with the dental board,
placing a practice under unwanted scrutiny
and causing avoidable headaches. In other
cases, patients have turned to social media
to voice their dissatisfaction through negative
comments.
Providing patients with detailed treatment
plans with cost breakdowns is essential for
any practice owner. Communication and
transparency allow patients to make informed
decisions about their oral health, meet
patient expectations and minimize patient
complaints.
PAGE 21
EMPLOYMENT AND
OPPORTUNITIES
Associate Dentist. This is an
amazing opportunity in Soldotna,
Alaska. Based on numbers from last
year, our associate position would pay
over 250,000. Pay is based on percentage of production and a signing bonus
of 10,000 to be paid on signing of a
2 year contract. Great short term or
buy-in position. Experience or AEGD/
GPR required. Email resume to [email protected].
Immediate Associate opportunity for a full time General
Dentist! Great Opportunity to work
in one of the most beautiful places in
the world in Homer Alaska. Our office
has a committed team of experienced
Dental professionals to support the
practice success. You can contact me
directly, Sue Polis DDS [email protected]
A fantastic opportunity in a
beautiful Alaska location for a Pediatric Dentist. We are seeking a full time,
highly motivated associate to join our
successful and fun dental team. The
ideal candidate is highly skilled in
talking with children and their parents, and is dedicated to providing
unmatched patient care. Please email
your CV to [email protected]
Oral Surgeon needed in the Valley for 2-3 days per month. Can earn
very good money. Flexible with specific days. Own equipment for sedation
a plus, but not a deal breaker. Need
to fill position ASAP. Call for more details.907-357-5018
Vibrant general practice in
downtown Homer, Alaska.
This 4 op modern office is paper/chartless. 2015 collections at $1M with net
at $360K. Strong new patient flow with
well-trained staff. Seller to assist transition in any way possible. Please contact Dave Knutzen at 760-574-447760
or [email protected]
Fully equipped office perfect
for a start-up or if looking to move
an office to a prime location. Location
is near the Dimond Mall in the Moose
Building. Currently has five operatories
but could be configured for six. Office
has most of the equipment needed to
start working tomorrow. Most equipment is older but functioning. Options
would be to buy existing equipment
and assume lease or assume lease and
bring your own equipment. Bob Morehead, 382-7296.
DENTIST - Part time, 3 days per
week Are you looking to enhance
your dental career in the Last Frontier?
The Anchorage Neighborhood Health
Center (ANHC) could be the place
you’ve been searching for. This position provides dental care to patients
of Anchorage Neighborhood Health
Center; promotes positive patient
ALASKA UPDATE | april 2017
relations, and participates in quality assurance/improvement activities.
Graduation from an accredited dental
school and licensure by the State of
Alaska to practice dentistry. Minimum
of two years of experience is preferred
but not required. Visit our website at
http://anhc.org/careers/ or email
us for more information at gringler@
anhc.org.
Are you looking for an environment that will support
and encourage your growth
as a provider? Do you appreciate
a network of mentorship and opportunity? Alaska Premier Dental Group is
seeking a dynamic Associate Dentist
to join our team. We thrive in a large
team environment which is organized
into nuclear doctor groups providing
consistency for you and the patient.
We support our dentists to provide excellent patient care with access to the
best technology, continuing education
and training with Total Patient Services
Institute. Please email cover letter and
resume to [email protected] or call 907-337-0404.
Well established, recently remodeled South Anchorage
office looking for a recent
grad associate who wants to
build their own patient base and be
mentored by a veteran dentist with
35 years’ experience. Huge existing
patient base, a great front desk that is
Dentrix driven, and we pride ourselves
on skill, care and judgment. Income
has been very consistent for many
years, which is backed up by records.
Brand new, top of the line equipment
and expanded duty dental assistants.
Ideal associate would be outgoing and
a good communicator. Please email
resume or CV to dfdc1000@gmail.
com.
Part Time/Full Time DENTISTS
and DENTAL HYGIENISTS We are
currently looking to hire both part time
(someone who wants to pick-up extra
hours in the evening) and full time
Dentists and Dental Hygienists. bty
DENTAL Group offers a friendly and
knowledgeable work environment.
Competitive remuneration package
awaits. Contact Shey Khoo/HR Director at (907)333-6666. E-mail your resume to [email protected] or
visit our website at www.btydental.
com.
Long established, busy general dentistry practice in
Anchorage is seeking an Associate Dentist to be a part of our
team. We would like someone that
has the ability to communicate care
and compassion. Our office is fully
digital and well-staffed. Experience or
residency completion desired. Please
email your CV with professional references to susan@alcandentalgroup.
com – visit our website at alcandentalanchorage.com.
Anchorage
dental
office
space for rent or sale; partially
equipped; suitable for new practice
or for expansion or relocation site;
configured best for pediatric or orthodontic practice and modifiable for
other. Call Jim Case, D.M.D. (907244-4832).
Dental Assistant/Schedule Coordinator (Palmer) needed for
professional, friendly, general dental
practice at our beautiful Valley office.
We have an opening for an experienced, outgoing team member. Knowledge in Dentrix is highly preferred.
Applicant must be well versed in dental terminology and procedures. Must
be flexible, self-motivated and able to
perform both assisting and front desk
responsibilities, or be willing to crosstrain for front desk. Position available
will be our 2nd dental assistant/ sterile
tech while also supporting our front
desk team by performing tasks such
as; answering phones, scheduling,
confirming patient appointments, as
well as other front desk duties. Hours
: Mon - Thur 8am-5:00pm (Occasionally 5:30). Submit resume and references to [email protected] or
fax to 907-745-6820.
lipse, xray equipment/instruments, Lab
equipment, vacuforms, amalgamators,
Misc. instruments, Cabinents, Conference table. Everything negotiable.
Contact Janice at 907-333-1211
Vatech PaX-i 2D Digital Pan Excellent Condition. 1 year of usage. Includes floor stand. Appraised
Value $16,500. Will take offers. Call
Chris: 907-479-3326 or email office@
spruceroots.net.
Anchorage Senior Activity
Center is looking for a dental
chair to be used for hair cutting and
foot care services available to members. If you know of someone looking
to re-home such an item, please contact Malorie at ASAC at phone number
770-2002.
Accucam Concept IV camera
with foot pedal. $400 or best offer. (907) DENTIST (336-8478)
E4D machine for sale $20,000
OBO, includes scanner, computer
tower and mill. Contact Stacie 907357-5018
Our office is seeking a part
time general dentist and a
part time oral surgeon to add
to our team. We offer flexible hours
and a full, well trained staff. Please
call Roberta at 907-333-1211 for details.
For Rent --Quaint Stand Alone
Dental Office on Fireweed
Lane: Five operatories, all wired for
digital radiography, purchase is possible but would include a total of four
lots and two other rental buildings.
Please call 907-980-1943.
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE / WANTED
Wanted: small office 400 – 500
sq. ft. office for two employees needed
in a quiet professional building in Anchorage. Able to sign long term lease.
Would like to move in end of June
2017. Please call ADS office at 5633003 or email [email protected].
Working Dental EquipmentPelton Crane Chairs w/dr. and assist
delivery system. Dental Carts, Pano-
ALASKA DENTAL SOCIETY CLASSIFIED
ADVERTISEMENTS
Member dentists may place a classified ad of 50 words or less
for up to four consecutive months in the newsletter at no charge.
An additional four months may be granted by request. Classified
ads are limited to practice for sale or lease, property/office space
availability, dentist or staff opportunity, and equipment for sale/
wanted. Non-members ads will no longer be published beginning
January 1, 2017. Submit ads via email to [email protected]. All
ads are subject to approval by the ADS editorial staff.
PAGE 22
Board of Dental Examiner Meetings
editor
Dr. David Nielson
Anchorage: [email protected]
Friday, May 5, 2017 – Anchorage
OFFICERS
save the date
Evan Young, DDS, President
Anchorage: [email protected]
2017 AK Annual Session
May 26-27, 2017, Best Western Kodiak Inn and Convention Center, Kodiak
Melissa Webster, DMD, President-Elect
Fairbanks: [email protected]
Jesse Hronkin, DMD, Past President.
Wasilla: [email protected]
Component Meetings
David Albertson, DDS, Secretary/Treasurer
Southeast: [email protected]
Anchorage component meetings:
April 5th 6:30 pm
Hearth Artisan Pizza,1200 W. Northern Lights Blvd.
ADA DELEGATES
North Central component meetings:
Second Tuesday of each month through May at Pike’s Waterfront Lodge
Southeast component meetings:
First Wednesday of each month at Ocean View Restaurant 12 noon – 1pm
Julie Robinson, DDS
Anchorage: [email protected]
Heather Willis, DDS
Fairbanks: [email protected]
COmPONENT SOCIETY
PRESIDENTS
Anchorage DS | Shannon Spalding, DMD
[email protected]
Coastal DS | Olivia Hougen, DDS
[email protected]
Juneau DS | Jessica Blanco, DMD
[email protected]
Kenai-Kodiak DS | Jay Marley, DDS
[email protected]
WE NEED CALCULUS!
Mat-Su
Do you have patients that need great dental care and cannot commit to your treatment plan
dueDS | Craig Mullet, DDS
[email protected]
financial difficulties? We would love for you to send them our way! Our students, during the academic
Centralare
DS | Jon Woller, DMD
year are always searching for patients with heavy calculus. We, at University of Alaska,North
Anchorage
[email protected]
proud of our students and this program. We develop competent caring hygienists that will
benefit our
Southeast DS | David Albertson, DDS
communities and the dental practices in this state.
[email protected]
Do
you
have
patients
that
need
great
dental
care
and
cannot
commit
The current senior class is looking for people who qualify as patients for the upcoming Western
to yourLicensing
treatmentExam
plan(WREB).
due financial
difficulties?
We
love
Regional
Contact
Rena below
to would
see what
the qualifications are. Please
11th DISTRICT TRUSTEE
for
you
to
send
them
our
way!
Our
students,
during
the
academic
partner with us and refer your patients to provide the challenges our students need for their
success at
Rick Asai, DDS
are always
searching
forHygiene
patientsProgram.
with heavy
calculus.
We,questions,
at
theyear
University
of Alaska
Dental
If you
have any
please contact
Rena
503- 646-4600
University
Alaska,
Anchorage
are
of our students
and this
Queja,
DentalofClinic
Office
Manager,
at proud
(907)786-0303
or our direct
appointment line is (907)786program. We develop competent caring hygienists that will benefit
6960.
Thank you in advance for your support!
ADS ADmIN STAFF
our communities and the dental practices in this state.
We Need Calculus!
·
·
·
·
9170 Jewel Lake Rd #100
99502
P: 907-563-3003 F: 907-563-3009
In Alaska only: 1-800-478-4675
[email protected]/www. akdental.org
Executive Director: David Logan, DDS
Executive Manager: Marie Maiden
Director of Membership: Mary Lee-Allen
Special Projects Manager: David Nielson,
DDS
Anchorage, Alaska
3211
Providence
Dr,senior
AHS 131class
Anchorage,
Alaska 99508-4614
The
current
is looking
for peopleT 907.786.6960
who qualifyF 907.786-6937
as patients www.uaa.alaska.edu/alliedhealth/dentalclinic
for the upcoming Western Regional Licensing Exam (WREB). Contact
Rena below to see what the qualifications are. Please partner with us
and refer your patients to provide the challenges our students need
for their success at the University of Alaska Dental Hygiene Program.
If you have any questions, please contact Rena Queja, Dental Clinic
Office Manager, at (907)786-0303 or our direct appointment line
is (907)786- 6960.
Thank you in advance for your support!
3211 Providence Dr, AHS 131 · Anchorage, Alaska 99508-4614
T 907.786.6960 · F 907.786-6937
www.uaa.alaska.edu/alliedhealth/dentalclinic
ALASKA UPDATE | april 2017
PAGE 23
You have goals. PARAGON
can help you reach them.
Are you thinking of buying a dental practice, merging, or
selling your practice? The future you want is closer than
you think. Our guidance makes all the difference.
Take your next step with confidence.
Call PARAGON today.
Your local PARAGON dental transition consultant
Mark Fleming, DDS
866.898.1867
[email protected]
paragon.us.com
Approved PACE Program Provider
FAGD/MAGD Credit
Approval does not imply acceptance
by a state or provincial board of
dentistry or AGD endorsement
4/1/2016 to 3/31/2020
Provider ID# 302387.
ALASKA – SEPTEMBER 2016 – 1/4 Page 4/C – 3.875”(W) x 5”(H)
ALASKA UPDATE | april 2017
PAGE 24