Contents | Zoom in | Zoom out For navigation instructions please click here Search Issue | Next Page SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011 W__W_W__.C__D_S_.O__R_G Continuing Excellence in Dentistry + (cid:2) REMEMBERING JAMES RIDLEN (cid:2) COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS (cid:2) BRANCH NEWS Contents | Zoom in | Zoom out For navigation instructions please click here Search Issue | Next Page REVIEW qM Previous Page | Contents | Zoom in | Zoom out | Front Cover | Search Issue | Next Page qqMMqqMM Qmags THEWORLD’SNEWSSTAND® ______________________________________ ______________________________ REVIEW qM Previous Page | Contents | Zoom in | Zoom out | Front Cover | Search Issue | Next Page qqMMqqMM Qmags THEWORLD’SNEWSSTAND® REVIEW qM Previous Page | Contents | Zoom in | Zoom out | Front Cover | Search Issue | Next Page qqMMqqMM Qmags THEWORLD’SNEWSSTAND® Page One Registration for 147th Midwinter Meeting begins Nov. 1 CDS Review now available as iPad app The Midwinter Meeting may be months away yet, but most of the groundwork has been laid for what we hope will be another successful event. Starting with this issue, iPad owners will Registration for the 2012 Midwinter Meeting kicks off promptly at 9 a.m. Tuesday, be able to enjoy the digital edition of the Nov. 1. We strongly encourage attendees to pre-register online at www.cds.orgto CDS Reviewon their iPad. ensure you enroll in the courses of your choice before they sell Information out. Only attendees with tickets are guaranteed a seat. on how to Don’t procrastinate! Pre-registration by mail and fax takes download your longer. Courses may be sold out by the time your registration free iPad app arrives. Not only that, but it gets progressively more expensive to will be included register the longer you wait. Pre-registration is available Nov. 1- with your digi- Feb. 17. (Only online pre-registration is available through Feb. tal edition when 17. The deadline for mailed and faxed pre-registrations is Jan. 18.) it is delivered to your email box. Only members who have provided CDS Don’t forget to sign up for the Oct. 26 CDS Webinar with their email addresses will receive Registration has begun for the Oct. 26 CDS Webinar featuring Fred the digital edition. Margolis, DDS. If you’re not yet receiving the digital In the second webinar presented by the Chicago Dental Society, edition, please send your email address Dr. Margolis’ presentation “Clinical Applications of Lasers in Pedi- to r_e_vi_ew_@__cd_s_.o_rgand let us know that atric Dentistry” will offer instruction on the different types of lasers you’d like to be included. and how they work. Attend from the comfort of your desk! Earn 1 CE hour of credit! Officers election is Nov. 9 The CDS Webinar is free to members; $30 for non-members. Regis- Fred Margolis ter online only at www.cds.org. The 2012 Chicago Dental Society Election of Officers will be held Nov. 9 during the Regional Meeting at Drury New to www.cds.org? Be sure to create your account first Lane, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Have you visited the new CDS website yet? If not, you’ll now need to log in as a first- Terrace. time visitor in the upper right-hand corner at www.cds.org, even if you already had a The 2012 CDS officer nominees are log-in on the old website. • President: John Gerding Members must create an account using • President-elect: David Fulton Jr. their 5-digit CDS member number and a • Secretary: Richard Holba valid email address. Only those whose • Vice President: Susan Becker member dues have been paid up-to-date Doroshow will be allowed to access member-specific • Treasurer: George Zehak sections, including purchasing special Installation ceremonies will be held events tickets and paying the member dis- Sunday, Nov. 13, at the Four Seasons counted rate for classified advertising. Hotel, 120 E. Delaware Place, Chicago. To stay current with the events that are Welcome Reception: 6:15 p.m., happening at CDS, visit our calendar, Installation: 7 p.m., Dessert Reception: under the Programs & Events tab at the top of 8 p.m. (cid:3) the page or click on “View Calendar” in the center well of the home page. If you see an event you’re interested in attending, click on the event and download it straight into your own calendar. You won’t want to miss information on any upcoming special events, the Midwinter Meeting, or any regional meetings and webi- nars! The new website offers more interactivity, so we encourage members to get involved. SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011 CDS REVIEW 1 REVIEW qM Previous Page | Contents | Zoom in | Zoom out | Front Cover | Search Issue | Next Page qqMMqqMM Qmags THEWORLD’SNEWSSTAND® REVIEW qM Previous Page | Contents | Zoom in | Zoom out | Front Cover | Search Issue | Next Page qqMMqqMM Qmags THEWORLD’SNEWSSTAND® _______________ REVIEW qM Previous Page | Contents | Zoom in | Zoom out | Front Cover | Search Issue | Next Page qqMMqqMM Qmags THEWORLD’SNEWSSTAND® REVIEW qM Previous Page | Contents | Zoom in | Zoom out | Front Cover | Search Issue | Next Page qqMMqqMM Qmags THEWORLD’SNEWSSTAND® Copyright 2011by the Chicago Dental Society. Contents CDSReview(USPS 573-520)September/October 2011,Vol. 104, No. 5. The CDSReviewis published seven times a year by the Chicago Dental Society. STAFF Editor:Walter F. Lamacki, DDS Director of Publications and Managing Editor: Will Conkis Publications Coordinator/Designer: Tom Long Senior Writer: Joanna Brown Editorial Assistant: Rachel Azark CORRESPONDENCE & CONTRIBUTIONS Address editorial correspondence to: Chicago Dental Society CDSReview 401 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 200 Chicago, IL 60611-5585 Phone: 312.836.7300 Fax: 312.836.7337 8 12 11 email: r_ev_ie_w_@_cd_s._or_g Dr. Lamacki’s email: w_la_m_a_ck_i@_a_ol_.c_om_ All material submitted for publishing consideration Features must be emailed or typewritten, not hand-written. Original articles published herein become the The best offense is a good defense 8 .............................................................. property of the publication. Opinions and Contributor Stephanie Sisk discusses why staying on top of legislation is good for your practice. statements expressed, however, are those of the writer and not necessarily those of CDS. Remembering Dr. James Ridlen 11 ..................................................................... ADVERTISING Rachel Azark writes about the passing of 1981-82 CDS President James Ridlen. Those interested in placing a display ad should A Family Picnic 12 .............................................................................................................. email _ad_in_fo_.c_d_s@_fo_x_re_p._co_mor contact one of the following regional offices: Joanna Brown captures CDS members enjoying a day at the Brookfield Zoo. Fox-Chicago Insert 116 W. Kinzie St., Chicago, IL 60654 800.440.0232, 312.644.3888, Fax: 312.644.8718 2011-12 Branch Appointments and Committees Guide Fox-New York 347 Fifth Ave., Suite 1101, New York, NY 10016 800.826.3032, 212.725.2106, Fax: 212.779.1928 Columns Fox-Los Angeles 1445 E. Los Angeles Ave., Suite 301 President’s Perspective.......................................................................................................6 Simi Valley, CA 93065 We need to partner with foundations in the battle for access to care 805.522.0501, Fax: 805.522.0504 Fox-Detroit In Other Words.....................................................................................................................14 6765 Woodbank Dr., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301 Hiring blind 248.626.0511, Fax: 248.626.0512 It’s the Law.............................................................................................................................16 Fox-Atlanta What to do (and not to do) if you are sued 3685 Bellegrove Ridge, Marietta, GA 30062 770.977.3225, Fax: 888.853.9234 From the Ground Up.........................................................................................................18 Fox-Phoenix Solving the access to care problem will protect our profession 14300 N. Northsight Blvd., Suite 118 Final Impressions.................................................................................................................52 Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Some absurd ideas are worth trying 480.538.5021, Fax: 480.367.1110 SUBSCRIPTIONS CDS members, $17 (US/Canada); Nonmembers, $25 (US/Canada); Schools and Other Institutions, $30 (US/Canada); Foreign, $45. Single copies $5 domestic, $8 foreign; except Preliminary Program 22 24 25 26 31 issue $10 domestic, $20 (U.S. funds) foreign. Departments C Circulation: 7,500. Periodicals postage paid at o v Chicago, IL, and at additional mailing offices. Directory.......................................................4 Applicants & Deceased Members............27 er de s Postmaster:Send address changes to: Going Local................................................20 Meeting Place............................................28 ig n Chicago Dental Society Snap Shots.................................................22 Branch News...........................................31 T: Member Services Your Health................................................24 Advertising Index....................................39 om 401 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 200 Dental Dateline..........................................25 Classified Advertising................................42 Lo n Chicago, IL 60611-5585 Looking Back..............................................26 g SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011 CDS REVIEW 3 REVIEW qM Previous Page | Contents | Zoom in | Zoom out | Front Cover | Search Issue | Next Page qqMMqqMM Qmags THEWORLD’SNEWSSTAND® REVIEW qM Previous Page | Contents | Zoom in | Zoom out | Front Cover | Search Issue | Next Page qqMMqqMM Qmags THEWORLD’SNEWSSTAND® Directory CDS Officers President: Ian Elliott; 1315 Macom Dr., Suite 106, Naperville 60564; 630.862.3600, _ie_dd_s@_a_o_l.c_o_m President-elect: John Gerding; 24W500 Maple Ave., Suite 101, Naperville 60540; 630.369.2020, _jg_er_di_ng_d_ds_@_m_sn_.c_o_m Secretary : David Fulton Jr.; 1308 Sunset Ave., Waukegan 60087; 847.249.2621, _ia_m_do_cj_r@_h_ot_m_ai_l.c_o_m 147TH MIDWINTER MEETING Vice President: Richard Holba; 1700 Ravinia Pl., Orland Park 60462; 708.349.3637, _rsh_.k_m_h_@_sb_cg_lo_b_al._ne_t FEBRUARY 23-25, 2012 Treasurer: Susan Becker Doroshow; 3901 W. Howard St., Skokie 60076; 847.677.2774, _sb_dd_d_s@_a_o_l.c_om_ PRE-REGISTRATION BEGINS AT 9 A.M. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1 Branch Officers Contact CDS ENGLEWOOD Director: Denise Hale; 9944 S. Roberts Rd., Suite 207, Palos Hills 60465; 708.599.7090, _rso_rp_a_ss_a@_c_om_c_a_st._ne_t SEND COMMENTS TO: President:Carlos Diaz-Albertini; 7600 College Dr., Palos Heights 60463; 708.361.1770, _pa_lo_sr_oo_tc_a_na_l@_c_om_c_a_st._ne_t Chicago Dental Society Correspondent:TBA 401 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 200 Chicago, IL 60611-5585 KENWOOD/HYDE PARK _re_vie_w_@_cd_s_.o_rg Director: Melanie Watson-Montgomery; 3330 W. 177th St., Unit 1G, Hazel Crest 60429; 708.798.7400, _me_lr_oz_de_n_tal_1@_y_ah_oo_.c_o_m Website: www.cds.org President:Lawrence White, 8741 S. Greenwood Ave., Suite 107, Chicago 60619; 773.731.3300, d_c_tr_law_@_a_ol_.c_om_ Correspondents:Sherece Thompson; 9127 S. Western Ave., Chicago 60643; 773.238.9777, _sth_o_m_p_so_nd_d_s@_s_bc_g_lo_ba_l._ne_t; The CDSReview reserves the right to and Kennette Crockett, 828 S. Wabash Ave., Suite 250, Chicago 60605;k_c_ro_ck_et_t@_a_m_er_ite_c_h._ne_t edit or reject any letter submitted to the editor. All submissions are edited NORTH SIDE for grammar and style in accordance Director: John Hagopian; 9101 N. Greenwood Ave., Suite 302, Niles 60714; 847.296.4030, _jo_hn_m_h9_1_9@_a_o_l.c_om_ with the Associated Press Stylebook President:David Behm; 5600 N. Sheridan Rd., Suite 15, Chicago 60660; 773.561.7729, w_e_st_ie_br_ot_h_er_s@_c_om_c_as_t._ne_t and Briefing on Media Law. Correspondent:Amy Van Fossen, 3911 N. Leavitt St., 1st Floor, Chicago 60618; 312.368.8771, a_v_fd_ds_@_ya_h_oo_.c_o_m CDS Staff NORTH SUBURBAN Director: Paul Kattner; 1300 Golf Rd., Waukegan 60087; 847.244.7900, d_o_ck_a_ttn_e_r@_a_ol_.co_m Executive Director: President:Marita Janzen; 1220 Meadow Rd., Suite 300, Northbrook 60062; 847.272.0600, _m_ar_ita_j@_a_m_er_ite_ch_.n_et Randall Grove Correspondents: Nikisha Jodhan; 900 Chicago Ave., Unit 702, Evanston 60202; 312.854.0806, n_ik_is_ha_jo_d_ha_n_@y_a_ho_o_.c_om_; 312.836.7308, _rg_ro_ve_@_cd_s_.o_rg andIngrid Schroetter; 25 E. Washington St., Suite 1901, Chicago 60602; 312.372.7752, i_ng_ri_ds_ch_ro_e_tte_r@_a_tt_.n_et Associate Executive Director: NORTHWEST SIDE Barry Ranallo Director: Louis Imburgia; 1416 S. Canfield Rd., Park Ridge 60068; 847.698.0888, d_r_im_b_ur_gi_a@_a_tt._ne_t 312.836.7314, b_r_an_al_lo_@_cd_s._or_g President:Kenneth Hauser; 5432 W. Devon Ave., 2nd Floor, Chicago 60646; 773.775.0810, k_e_nn_e_th_.h_au_se_r@_a_ao_m_e_m_be_rs_.o_rg Correspondent:Gordon Ziols, 5399 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago 60630; 773.763.1000, z_io_ls_@_co_m_ca_s_t.n_e_t Director of Communications: Keri Kramer 312.836.7330, _kk_ra_m_er_@_cd_s._or_g NORTHWEST SUBURBAN Director: Petra von Heimburg; 618 S. Northwest Hwy., Suite 304, Barrington 60010; 847.382.2832, c_e_pr_of_@_ao_l._co_m Director of Exhibit Services: President: Scott Smoron; 421 W. Prospect Ave., Mount Prospect 60056; 847.255.2526, _inf_o@_s_m_ile_s_by_sm_o_ro_n_.c_om_ Lisa Girardi Correspondent:Angie Willox; 201 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Suite 200, Arlington Heights 60004; 847.670.9020, 312.836.7327, l_gi_ra_rd_i@_c_ds_.o_rg s_m_ile_sf_or_ki_ds_@_co_m_ca_st_.n_et Director of Member Services: SOUTH SUBURBAN Joanne Girardi Director: Philip Schefke; 9611 W. 165th St., Suite 14, Orland Park 60467; 708.460.1818, d_r_pl_sd_d_s@_a_ol_.co_m 312.836.7320, _jg_ira_rd_i@_c_ds_.o_rg President:Dominik Dubravec; 20635 Abbey Woods Ct. N, Suite 203, Frankfort 60423; 815.464.3001, _pe_ri_od_d_s@_c_om_c_a_st._ne_t Correspondent: Michael Hoffman, 333 Dixie Hwy., Chicago Heights 60411; 708.709.6347, h_o_ffm_i_ke_8_6@_a_ol_.c_om_ Director of Publications: William Conkis WEST SIDE 312.836.7325, w_c_on_k_is@_c_d_s.o_r_g Director: Donald Tuck; 1121 Warren Ave., Suite 120, Downers Grove 60515; 630.969.0654, _dn_tu_ck_@_c_om_c_as_t._ne_t President: John Perna; 101 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park 60302; 708.386.0960, _jp_er_na_@_sb_cg_lo_b_al_.n_et Director of Scientific Programs: Correspondents:Michelle Jennings, 475 W. 55th St., Suite 201, LaGrange 60525; 708.354.4545, l_ag_ra_n_ge_p_er_io_@_ya_h_oo_.c_o_m Aloysius Kleszynski, DDS and Michael Santucci, 10852 Whispering Pines Way, Rockford 61114; 815.621.1605, m_s_an_tu_c_c@_u_ic._ed_u 312.836.7312, a_k_le_sz_yn_sk_i@_c_ds_.o_rg WEST SUBURBAN Manager, Financial and Director: Andrew Browar; 40 S. Clay St., Suite 111W, Hinsdale 60521; 630.655.3737, _he_al_th_ys_m_ile_@_m_sn_.c_o_m Information Services: President:Brian Del Carlo; 1043 Curtiss St., Downers Grove 60515; 630.969.4413, d_r_de_lc_ar_lo_@_co_m_c_as_t._ne_t Mohammed Adil Correspondent:Victoria Rinando, 2 E. 22nd St., Suite 201, Lombard 60148; 630.627.4680, v_a_r8_42_5_@g_m_a_il._co_m 312.836.7316, m_k_a_di_l@_cd_s_.o_rg Manager, Mediation and Peer Review: Chicago Dental Society Foundation Helen Rabitoy 401 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 200, Chicago 60611; 312.836.7301; Fax: 312.836.7337; www.chicagodentalsocietyfoundation.org 312.836.7331, _m_ed_ia_tio_n_@_cd_s._or_g PHONE DIRECTORY American Dental Association CDS Review................312.836.7325 Communications........312.836.7330 211 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago 60611; 312.440.2500 or 800.621.8099; Fax: 312.440.7494; www.ada.org Classified advertising312.836.7323 Display advertising....312.836.7326 Membership...............312.836.7321 Illinois State Dental Society Peer Review...............312.836.7331 Referrals.....................312.836.7305 1010 S. Second St., P.O. Box 376, Springfield 62705; 217.525.1406 or 800.475.4737; Fax: 217.525.8872; www.isds.org Scientific Programs....312.836.7312 4 CDS REVIEW SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011 REVIEW qM Previous Page | Contents | Zoom in | Zoom out | Front Cover | Search Issue | Next Page qqMMqqMM Qmags THEWORLD’SNEWSSTAND® REVIEW qM Previous Page | Contents | Zoom in | Zoom out | Front Cover | Search Issue | Next Page qqMMqqMM Qmags THEWORLD’SNEWSSTAND® __________________________ ___________________________ REVIEW qM Previous Page | Contents | Zoom in | Zoom out | Front Cover | Search Issue | Next Page qqMMqqMM Qmags THEWORLD’SNEWSSTAND® REVIEW qM Previous Page | Contents | Zoom in | Zoom out | Front Cover | Search Issue | Next Page qqMMqqMM Qmags THEWORLD’SNEWSSTAND® President’s Perspective by Ian Elliott, DDS Write to Dr. Elliott at _ie_dd_s_@_ao_l_.c_om_. We need to partner with foundations in the battle for access to care I n May, the Pew Center on the States released its second House of Delegates, I’m sure you will agree that only the dentist annual “report card” grading the effort of states to improve can deliver the high quality, professional dental care that all children’s access to oral healthcare. patients deserve. In fact, Kellogg is quick to point out that den- According to a communication from the American Dental tal therapists work under the supervision of dentists. Association sent to leadership of constituents and components, While that is better then unsupervised therapists, it isn’t the the report, The State of Children’s Dental Health: Making Coverage best solution to increasing access to the professional care the Matter, is refocused to a degree on the ability of states to serve patient deserves. “insured and soon-to-be-insured” children (the 5.3 million chil- I firmly believe there would be more access to care if Medic- dren that will have dental coverage by 2014 under the 2010 aid fees were the customary rate for delivering quality oral Healthcare Reform law). healthcare. That’s why the Chicago Dental Society and I support The report also graded states on how they are doing at the Bridge to Healthy Smiles campaign (www.bridgetohealthys- ______________ improving access to dental care for children. Some got higher miles.com). ______ marks, some stayed the same and a few went down. It was At some point, the powers that be must place a value on noted in the ADA communication that the report is very similar quality oral healthcare and its importance and relationship to to last year, with two rather big exceptions. overall general health. However, getting a fair market value This year the report features greater emphasis on mid-level Medicaid fee structure from the government is far easier said providers as a solution to access disparities. The press confer- than done. But it could be a bit easier if the likes of Pew and ence in advance of the release of Kellogg were fighting with us. the report reportedly also As a follow-up on my previous column regarding the closing emphasized the role of the mid- of the DuPage Community dental clinic in Wheaton, the clinic I firmly believe there level provider. did close its doors June 30. That’s the bad news. The good news During the media “briefing,” is that through the efforts of dedicated dental professionals, a would be more access Sterling Speirn, president of the new board has been created with the mission of establishing a to care if Medicaid fees W.K. Kellogg Foundation, was new dental clinic in DuPage County. on hand. In his remarks to the The new board consists of dentists that have been active in were the customary rate press he promoted mid-level the DuPage Community Dental Clinic. They are: Kevin King, for delivering quality providers, citing their use in chair; Joseph Ladone, vice chair; Petra von Heimburg, secretary; Alaska and in unidentified coun- and Joseph Morrissey, treasurer. The Board of Trustees includes oral healthcare. That’s tries as the solution to serving Stephen Palatinus, Ruben Alacorn, Denise Murmann, Yishiung why the Chicago Dental the underserved. Huang and Glenn DeWeirdt. That’s not too surprising. Kel- They obviously have a considerable amount of work ahead of Society and I support logg is reportedly investing more them to get the new clinic established, including the creation of the Bridge to Healthy than $16 million through 2014 a not-for-profit charitable organization and a site for the new in a community-controlled Den- clinic in DuPage County. The clinic will need the financial help Smiles campaign. tal Therapist Project in Kansas, of the various existing community foundations, including the New Mexico, Ohio, Vermont CDS Foundation. By the way, CDS was able to take stewardship and Washington. The goal is to of the dental equipment so that it can be used in a new clinic. provide access to oral healthcare by adding dental therapists to Kudos to Dr. King and his colleagues for taking the position the dental team. I believe Kellogg is sincerely interested in help- that closing the DuPage Community dental clinic is not accept- ing the underserved. able and then doing something about it. But like you and the majority of the delegates in the last ADA Score one for the good guys; thanks for stepping up. (cid:3) 6 CDS REVIEW SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011 REVIEW qM Previous Page | Contents | Zoom in | Zoom out | Front Cover | Search Issue | Next Page qqMMqqMM Qmags THEWORLD’SNEWSSTAND® RCEVIEDW PrevSious Page | Contents | Zoom in | Zoom out | Front Cover | Search Issue | Next Page qqqMMMqqMM Qmags THEWORLD’SNEWSSTAND® WEBINAR CHICAGO DENTAL SOCIETY Continuing Excellence in Dentistry Fred Margolis , DDS Attend from the comfort of your desk! In the second webinar presented by the Chicago Dental Society, Dr. Margolis will offer instruction on the different types of lasers and how they work. Clinical cases will be shown, comparing the differences between using hard tissue laser Oct. 26 devices versus a high-speed handpiece and air abrasion. Both erbium and diode lasers will be used in this presentation. Following the presentation, attendees are encouraged to participate in a question-and-answer session. Course topics: • Soft tissue cutting and coagulation techniques will be illustrated. • Class I through VI cavity preparations will be shown. 1 CE HOUR FREE TO CDS MEMBERS • The research on lasers in dentistry will be reviewed. $30 FOR NON-MEMBERS • Purchasing a laser, marketing and return on investment will be discussed. REGISTRATION BEGINS AT 9 A.M. About our speaker: TUESDAY, SEPT. 6 www.cds.org Dr. Margolis is no stranger to CDS members. A pediatric dentist with a practice in Buffalo Grove, Dr. Margolis is a distinguished speaker who has published If you sign up but can’t attend the lecture when articles in numerous professional journals and has written the book “Beautiful it is presented, you will receive a link to watch Smiles for Special People,” a manual for dental personnel interested in working a recording of the event whenever you’d like. with disabled individuals. He is also co-author of a new book, “Pediatric Laser Only registered attendees may earn CE credit. Dentistry.” CDS is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider. ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. CDS designates this webinar for 1 continuing education credit. Sponsored by: REVIEW qM Previous Page | Contents | Zoom in | Zoom out | Front Cover | Search Issue | Next Page qqMMqqMM Qmags THEWORLD’SNEWSSTAND® REVIEW qM Previous Page | Contents | Zoom in | Zoom out | Front Cover | Search Issue | Next Page qqMMqqMM Qmags THEWORLD’SNEWSSTAND® The best offense is a good defense WHY STAYING ON TOP OF FEDERAL AND STATE LEGISLATION IS GOOD FOR YOUR PRACTICE by Stephanie Sisk process: this summer’s raucous, self-serving showdown over raising the nation’s debt ceiling is but the latest evidence. Such a steady diet of Washing- ton, DC, partisanship has left many disillusioned over the last 30 years. T Still, for dentists, tuning out poses a serious risk. Legislation of all stripes ake a look around your office. can have far-reaching effects on a practice, touching everything from health- Thousands of dollars in equipment care coverage for employees to anesthesia use, from small business taxation to and supplies; trained, valued and dental research, from identity theft to medical liability reforms, from financial trusted staff members; loyal patients in reimbursement to patient privacy. need of your professional expertise. Fortunately there’s help to make tuning in easier. It’s enough to keep dentists busy – and Both the Illinois State Dental Society and the American Dental Associa- then some – on any given day, but all tion have affiliated political action committees, known as PACs, that serve to those “assets” can change dramatically with lobby and inform decision makers about issues that touch practitioners. And a pen stroke that signs off on new legisla- our “wired” world has spawned nonpartisan, nonprofit organizations with tion or regulatory changes. easy-to-navigate websites that make it easier than ever to be a vigilant, Everyone’s heard the old adage about an engaged citizen-dentist. informed and engaged citizen being the It was back in the 1970s that PACs were born in response to campaign bedrock of our democracy. But it’s easy to finance reforms that required organizations, associations and businesses to see why citizens feel bruised by the political separate and finance their lobbying efforts apart from other activities. Often 8 CDS REVIEW SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2011 REVIEW qM Previous Page | Contents | Zoom in | Zoom out | Front Cover | Search Issue | Next Page qqMMqqMM Qmags THEWORLD’SNEWSSTAND®