District IV Report March 10, 2008
The great states comprising District IV
Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Manitoba
Submitted by your Trustee: Charles S. Czerepak D.M.D., M.S.
pinedent@aol.com
The winter board meeting was January 17 - 18, 2008. The Board of Trustees had a full agenda, and I would like to summarize sum of the issues facing the AAPD.
First, I would like to congratulate Drs. Paul Casamassimo (Ohio) and Joel Berg for their appointments for the Academy. Dr. Casamassimo has been nominated to represent the AAPD on the ADA Commission on CODA (commission on dental accreditation and licensesure) to replace Dr. Steven Adair. Dr. Casamassimo’s position as Chief of Dentistry at Children’s hospital in Columbus, makes him a perfect fit for this position.
Dr. Joel Berg was accepted to the ADA committee on Dental Education. He was nominated for the Academic position.
Financially, the Academy is on solid ground. Through the leadership of the finance committee with Dr. Rutkauskas, the AAPD’s total assets continue to exceed 100 percent of its operating expenses. The total membership number is over 7,300. Members also seem to like the online option to pay dues, with numbers approaching 25 percent if the membership choosing to pay that way.
The deadline to convert from a Post- doctoral student to Active member is December 31, 2008.
AAPD Advocacy Program: The 7th Legislative Workshop was held on September 14- 15, 2007 at the Oak Brook Hills Marriott. There were 13 participants, which brings the grand total to 108 participants from 35 different states. Speaking of advocacy, congratulations to those of you who have signed up for the first AAPD Congressional Lobby Day on Wednesday, May 21, 2008. If you have not signed up for your hotel, please do so quickly. Space is running out. This event is sure to bring a lot of media coverage, which will allow us to speak up for the kids. I am personally looking forward to representing the Midwest pediatric dentists on that day. If any of you have any stories about how the system works or doesn’t work, and you don’t mind being quoted, please send them to me.
The tentative schedule for lobby day is:
- 7 - 9 a.m. Breakfast and briefing on Capital Hill
- 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Visits to Congressional offices.
- 11 a.m. - Noon Press Conference on Capital Hill
- 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Reception on Capital Hill with invited Congressional speakers
The 3rd edition of the Handbook of Pediatric Dentistry was published in August. The handbook has been completely revised and updated. Each chapter also suggests readings and web sites for additional information. This edition is bundled with a CD ROM which also contains the entire handbook.
The AAPD website (www.aapd.org) has exceeded 1 million visitors in a calendar year for the second year in a row.
Part of my duties as a Trustee is to act as a liaison to a Council. I have been assigned to the Council on Membership and Membership Services. The Chair of the Council is Gila Dorastkar. Gila is a pediatric dentist in California and does a wonderful job as chair of the Council. She gets everyone involved and files her reports in a timely manner. You would be surprised how difficult it is for the Academy front office when Chairs and members of the Councils do not meet deadlines. I always ask myself, why did they volunteer in the first place.
During this busy year for Gila, she gave birth to her first child Jack. Hats off to a busy mom and a great professional.
Some of the tasks of the CMMS are:
- Working on a standard patient transfer form.
- Providing discussion facilitators for the Graduate Student Lunch and Learn at the General Session.
- Improving the "Find a Pediatric Dentist" link on the AAPD website.
- Developing a plan for the AAPD website to increase the visibility of the pediatric dentist career opportunities.
- Oversee the development of a committee on pediatric residents.
- Develop a marketing plan to increase the members of the AAPD
- Develop a brochure to give to undergrad dental students on choosing a career in pediatric dentistry.
- Oversee the development of undergrad chapters for prospective pediatric dentists.
- Work with the New Dentist Committee on events , CE and budget.
Dr. Martha Ann Keels reported as Chair of the Section on Pediatric Dentistry and Oral Health of the American Academy of Pediatrics. She revealed that Oral Health was the chosen topic for the "Pediatrics in the 21st Century" (PEDS 21) at the annual session of the AAP. PEDS 21 is an all day presentation that addresses emerging issues that will affect the practice of pediatrics. Drs. Huw Thomas and Andriana Segura-Donly are working on the AAPD side to acquire speakers for the event. I know that Jim Crall will be one of the presenters. It’s rewarding to see the work of the AAPD expanding the knowledge base of physicians on oral health.
In the minutes of the October Board of Trustees meeting the report: "Report of the ADA - Recognized Dental Specialty Boards", was included. Here are the gross numbers as of December 31, 2006.
Public Health
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Endodontics
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Oral Pathology
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Radiology
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Oral Surgery
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155
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792
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296
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97
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4417
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Orthodontics
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Pediatric Dentistry
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Periodontics
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Prosthodontics
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3111
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1668
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2111
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1068
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The American Board of Pediatric Dentistry:
Dr. Jeff Dean (Indiana) announced that Pediatric Dentists who applied for Board Eligibility after September 6, 1991 will be issued a time-limited certificate (10 years) after successfully completing the certificate process. A Diplomate with a 10 year time limited certificate will be eligible to apply for the web-based examination in year nine and must complete the examination prior to the end of the tenth year.
Diplomates who applied for Board eligibility prior to September 6, 1991 are not affected, but are encouraged to apply for voluntary examination. For more details please go to the ABPD website at info@abpd.org . Or call (800) 410-1250.
On another note, the AAPD has received a document from the American Dental Hygienist Association (ADHA ), entitled: "ADHA Draft Competencies for the Advanced Dental Hygiene Practitioner." At this point the AAPD is in agreement with the ADA that this document interferes with the creation of a dental home under the supervision of a dentist and has chosen to state this to the ADHA. I’m sure we will have more to say on this in future newsletters.
Undoubtedly you have seen the press releases for the AAPD Partnership with Head Start. The Office of Head Start (OHS) awarded a five-year $10 million dollar contract to the AAPD to establish dental homes. Dr. James J. Crall was appointed director of the program. Healthy Smiles, Healthy Children: the Foundation of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry will support the program through a donation from Johnson & Johnson Healthcare products.
The Regional Oral Health Consultants in our district are:
(The region numbers are Federal region designations and not AAPD regions.)
Region V: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin.
Larry Salzmann, D.D.S.
UIC College of Dentistry
01 S Paulina Street, MC850
Chicago, IL 60612
Region VII: Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska.
Nick Paul Rogers, D.D.S.
1939 N. 11th Street
Arkansas City, KS 67005
Region VIII: Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming.
Randy Kluender, D.D.S., M.S.
University of Colorado Denver
Campus Box F831
University of Colorado School of Dentistry
P.O. Box 6508
Aurora, CO 80045
As stated in the press release, "AAPD President Keith R. Morley added, 'Pediatric dentists and our professional colleagues are eager to offer their services, knowledge and commitment to help address the epidemic of childhood dental disease that continues to affect millions of American children.'"
At this point I would like to salute the volunteer leaders who have given their time to the Academy Councils over the 2007 - 2008 year.
Paul B. Andrews (ON), Homa Amini (OH), Lori R. Barbeau (WI), Susan Bordenave-Bishop (IL), Dan Briskie (MI), Paul S. Casamassimo (OH), Judi Chin (IN), Carolyn Crowell (OH), Marcio da Fonseca (OH), Robert J. Feigal (MN), Ann L. Griffen (OH), Jan Ching Chun Hu (MI), David C. Johnsen (IA), James Jones (IN), Michael J. Kanellis (IA), Gajanan V. Kulkarni (ON), Lance Lambert (IL), Dennis LaMonte (IL), Carol G. McKown (IN), Jessica A. Meeske (NE), Gail E. Molinari (MI), Philip Monroy (MI), James D. Nickman (MN), Indru C. Punwani (IL), Edward L. Rick (IL), Brian J. Sanders (IN), Ned L. Savide (IL), Eileen M. Studders (WI), Erwin G. Turner (OH), Steve Wilson (OH).
After this report I have included the minutes of the last meeting of the North Central Society of Pediatric Dentistry http://www.aapd.org/district4/ . The officers of the NCSPD are:
President Paul Andrews (ON)
Vice President Eric teDuits (WI)
Secretary/Treasurer Homa Amini (OH)
Immediate Past President Jessica Meeske (NE)
Respectfully submitted,
Charles S. Czerepak DMD, MS
District IV Trustee
North Central Society of Pediatric Dentistry
(AAPD District IV)
Fall Meeting Minutes
AAPD Headquarters
Chicago, Illinois
November 1, 2007
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by President Meeske at 3:00 pm. Dr. Meeske welcomed the new members after introductions.
Members present were Jessica Meeske (President NCSPD, NE), Paul Andrews (Vice-President NCSPD, ON), Eric teDuits (Secretary NCSPD, WI), Charlie Czerepak (AAPD District IV Trustee, IL), Eric Hodges (NE, President of Nebraska Dental Association), Indru Punwani (IL), Jim Nickman (Past- President NCSPD, MN), Homa Amini (OH), Brent Johnson (NE - via conference call), and Neerrajah Ramaswami (MI - via conference call).
Dr. Meeske turned the meeting over to Dr. Andrews, our new president.
2. Approval of Minutes
Minutes of the General Membership meeting from May 26, 2007 were approved unanimously.
3. Future Dates
The next General Membership meeting will be held on May 24, 2008 at 1:00 pm in Washington, DC in conjunction with the AAPD annual session. Members were encouraged to participate in AAPD spokesperson training (6/2008), legislative advocacy training (9/2008), and Leadership Institute (Dec 07, 08, 09).
4. SCHIP Update
Drs. Meeske and Czerepak provided an update on SCHIP legislations. In October of 2007, President Bush vetoed legislation that would have reauthorized SCHIP for 5 years. Despite pleas by Democrats and some senior Republican legislators, the House failed to garner the necessary two-thirds vote to override Bush's veto. The program would probably continue at its current funding level until a new compromise was reached.
5. State Reports
IL- There was a dialogue between AAPD and ADA to train general practitioners in infant oral health assessment. Interested parties included Illinois Dental Society and Chicago Dental Society. UIC was previously awarded a grant to train local pediatrician’s offices in infant oral health assessment and fluoride varnish application. They are looking at outcome data and would like to see Kevin Hales’ data from his program. Illinois data revealed not many physicians were applying fluoride varnish mainly due to lack of comfort based on the 1 hour training. There were also concerns about the reimbursement rate for varnish application ($14 for DDS/once a year application, and $26 for MD/three times per year). Presently, the program was limited to Cook County from the grant money, but it was expected that it would expand to other areas. The reimbursement rate for exam, prophy and fluoride application had increased in Illinois
MI- They were awarded a HRSA grant (Points of Life) to train pediatricians through, CE courses, health fairs in infant oral health assessment and establishment of a dental home. A 1-800 phone number was created through Genesse District Dental Society for referral of patients to a dental home. No outcome data available at this point. Also, the Healthy Kids Dental Program was expanded to Genesee County, Michigan.
MN- Access to care is a hot issue. If you are a high percentage provider, the reimbursement rate is increased up to 75 percent. However, payment is usually 6-8 months late. A 2 percent healthcare tax was collected from Minnesota dentists. Out of $30 million collected, presently $15 million is unaccounted for. Minnesota legislator are discussing universal health care for the state. The state has a protocol for licensing foreign-trained dentists with mandate to see kids on Medicaid. So far 140 licenses have been awarded with 70 percent dropped off the map. A state university is developing an Advanced Dental Hygiene program with masters level education which allows hygienist to perform irreversible procedures. Dental hygienists can also enter into collaborative agreements with a dentist where they can examine and assess patients in out-of-office settings, such as group homes, public health facilities, schools and nonprofit organizations serving uninsured individuals or enrollees in public programs such as Medicaid. Community dental health coordinators (CDHC) are being trained to provide case-management for Somali immigrants in Minnesota. The model is supported by ADA. There will be an upcoming Dr. Bob Feigel Symposium (CE course).
NE- Nebraska Dental Association has been working with EFDA and Dental Hygiene Association. A bill was passed to allow dental assistants apply dental sealants. Dr. Meeske suggested that AAPD sponsor an all day event on use of EFDA in Pediatric Dentistry and review best practice models in pediatric dental offices. Dr. Andrews indicated that Canada developed EFDA models 15 years ago to address the workforce issues. However, the government could not afford them and the program did not go well. However, some private offices in the US have doubled their capacity using EFDAs. Nebraska also held a one day seminar on Medicaid Fraud.
ON- In Canada, a bill was passed allowing independent dental hygiene practice after two years of additional training. However, due to new elections, the independent practice did not get implemented. The other issue in Canada was related to work force and credentialing of foreign-trained professionals. The government had asked each profession to develop the mechanism for assessment and credentialing of these individuals, otherwise the government would develop its own process. Pediatric dentistry has developed a testing system for assessing qualifications of foreign-trained pediatric dentists.
OH- Medicaid now reimburses physicians for fluoride varnish application (Code D1203). Fluoride varnish application is limited to one application every 180 days per provider type (e.g. physician, dentist) from first tooth eruption to the third birthday. The new governor has promised to restore the 2006 Medicaid cuts to adult dental program and increase the fees by 3% across the board. House Bill 131 has been introduced which will provide funding to local health departments to purchase portable equipment for use by dentists; it provides loan repayment and funding for dental education (OHIO project). Ohio will hold its Second Statewide Oral Health Summit in Nov. 2007. The goal of the summit is to address problems associated with access to oral health care for low-income Ohioans and develop a future action plan for the state. Workshops included in the summit are: fluoride varnish application by non-dental professionals, early Head Start programs, school-based programs, best practices, and workforce.
WI- State budget passed in senate included provisions to increase medical reimbursements in three counties to 75 percentile to see if it results in increased utilization. $8 million was allocated to FQHCs to provide dental care to more children. There are concerns about whether this is the best use of money and whether the FQHCs are efficient systems (paid per visit) in increasing access to dental care for children. Also, Wisconsin has developed a video on Dental Home by age 1.
6. Report of District Trustee
Dr. Czerepak reported that AAPD has been awarded a 5 year contract to work with Head Start programs and develop strategies to get the HS kids the needed dental care. AAPD will shortly provide a press release with more information on this event. The AAPD leadership has approved hiring of a new staff member as Chief Financial Officer due to the growth of the academy finances. Also, Dr. Rutkauskas title would change to Chief Executive Officer. At Board level, the Clinical Affairs Council has been charged to create the second version of CAT geared toward non-dentist. The current CAT is geared toward dentists. Dr. Czerepak encouraged all the members to participate in the AAPD Lobby Day in DC. He discussed the issue of standardization of state reports and development of a state liaison list serve for better communication. The group discussed asking AAPD to make a template for state reports and help with better communications (budget for communications and maintaining an updated website). Dr. Czerepak would like to receive information from states regarding their meeting dates, CE speakers, and the meeting minutes.
7. New Officers
The new officers were recognized for 2007/2008.
President Paul Andrews
Vice President Eric teDuits
Secretary/Treasurer Homa Amini
Immediate Past President Jessica Meeske
8. New Business
It was proposed that district focus on developing five year plans with specific goals and objectives. The district trustee was asked to approach AAPD regarding resources for web communications and updating the list of state officers on the website.
9. Adjournment
Dr. Andrews thanked the members joining via conference call and in-person. Dr. Meeske was recognized for her contributions to NCSPD these past years. The meeting was adjourned by President Andrews at 5:30 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Homa Amini, DDS, MS
Secretary-Treasurer
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