8th District Trustee Opening

TDA Executive Office provides notice to you that 2022-2023 is the final year of Dr. Anthony Carroccia’s service as 8th District Trustee to the TDA Board of Trustees. Per Bylaws (Chapter VI, Section 3), the Executive Committee nominates at least one person and the membership votes to elect the next Trustee.

 

By January 31, 2023, any trustee nominees must submit a Conflict of Interest Statement to the TDA prior election by your component society. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rgahG75IetEdUlqQQy4QMD3OehfJ5JGI/view?usp=share_link

 

Basic expectations include:

  • Must be an Active or Life member of the TDA for at least 5 years and of the component for at least 3 years.

  • Term – 3 years / Maximum of two terms

  • Meetings – 4 per year / some in-person, some virtual; additional emails or virtual meetings as needed

  • Focuses on TDA vision and policy, not administrative matters

  • Makes decisions independent of bias for the good of the statewide membership

  • Works as a team to accomplish Board work

  • Confidentiality is essential

 

Please contact Andrea Hayes or an 8th District Officer if you have any questions!

Trustee Report from Dr. Anthony Carroccia, 28 January 2023

LEGISLATION:

New changes to Health Sub-Committee in House, Senate is stable

Working with Hygienists for a bill to get licensing from out of state easier (along with Dentists)

Looking at Medical/Dental Loss Ratios as well following the Massachusetts win last November

Many bills still to come closer to the deadline, but looking light so far

BOARD OF DENTISTRY:

Only 42% of all licensees are using CE Broker

Anesthesia will be cleaning up the CE list

UT has 110 spots/yr

UT moving RDH size from 36 to 48

UT EFDA courses doing well, to include the UT-Knoxville location

MMC now has 75 spots/yr

MMC EFDA doing well

MMC has a 67% match vs. 35-40% nationally

MMC will begin a Pediatric Dentistry program in July

MEMBERSHIP:

Between COVID and retirements, membership is down to 64.3%

However, the biggest drop is in the New Dentists and Early Career Dentists meaning more of the younger dentists are not joining and/or are dropping as the fee escalates commensurate with their years in practice to full paying dues.  At this pace, ADA is predicting that nationally, membership may drop below 50% by 2027 as nationally ADA is under 60%.  Whomever runs the New Dentist Committee for us present and in the future, much care will need to be shown as to what the benefits of membership are and how to get them.  It may be wise to have all our young dentists lead a discussion as to what they want from 8DDS/TDA/ADA and what it is that all levels provide.  ADA grants are available for New Dentist activities.

CONGRATULATIONS:

Joe Britton will be the newest TDA Fellow from 8DDS!

ANNUAL SESSION:

The Music City Dental Conference will be May 11-13 (Thursday - Saturday) at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel.

ALERT: Discounted rooms are going fast and the hotel will have rooms but not at the discounted rate!

Exhibitors are sold out!  There is a wait list.

The registration is live on the TDA's website.

ORAL HEALTH INITIATIVES:

Meeting attendance did NOT have a quorum as most members were not present.

Adult TennCare has launched.  Many private practices are not participating.

SDF position paper coming about RDHs applying.  

TRUSTEE REPORT FROM DR.CARROCCIA, 2 APRIL 2022

BOARD OF DENTISTRY REPORT

  • The January meeting was cancelled due to weather and the next one will be on April 7th.

LEGISLATIVE REPORT

  • HPV vaccination bill was pulled due to that bill getting lumped in with other vaccination bills with concerns over parental permission, etc. (which was never an issue with ours).

  • Naloxone bill states that if prescribing opioids over 3 days, then a script for naloxone would be necessary.

  • Hygienists bill is simply allowing live remote learning courses/webinars to count towards their in person CE requirement.

NEW ENDORSEMENT

  • YM Career Centers was approved.

WELLNESS REPORT

  • Number of providers is down, possibly due to COVID. This is expected to rise as deaths have risen.

  • TN is the only state to have this program available to RDAs, and one of five to extend it to RDHs as well.

  • The TDHA should be approached to contribute to the Wellness Foundation as well.

TREASURER'S REPORT

  • There will be a $25 consideration at the House of Delegates. There has not been an increase since 2017. We are still in the bottom 1/3 of states' dues. Had a motion in 2018 for an annual $5 increase been brought to the House floor, we would be in the exact same spot.

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS REPORT

  • There are some wordsmithing tweaks for consideration at the House of Delegates on the TDA Relief Fund Trustees.

TDA ANNUAL SESSION/ TDA CONNECT

  • May 12-15, 2022

  • Room block is 83% full, so don't delay. Other close hotels are MORE EXPENSIVE!

  • Getting a Renaissance reservation on your own there as of today is $636/ night!

  • All sponsors are sold out.

  • Over 500 people will be there, so why not you? And some/all of your team?

  • House of Delegates is LIVE in person and on Sunday, May 16th

SAVE THE DATE:

  • May 11-13, 2023 will be the next TDA Connect/ Annual Session

13 July 2020 TDA Board of Trustees Report

It is the new TDA President's desire to have several smaller Zoom style meetings to be more responsive to needs and to try to cut down on the longer in person meetings.  Therefore, it is logical to conclude reports will be shorter and more frequent.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SEARCH

Tufts & Associates together with our TDA Search Committee have been locking down the benefits package to present to the interested parties.

ENDORSEMENTS

Elavon was sent notice to drop our partnership.

Arizona Dental Association has presented us with a Continuing Education opportunity.

COMMITTEES and COUNCILS

Anesthesia, Sedation and Scope of Practice was pared down from 19 to 7.

Oral Health Initiatives may be sunset or repurposed.

ANNUAL SESSION

June 25-26, 2021 at the Renaissance Hotel in Nashville.

Save the dates!

2020 TDA Annual Session/House of Delegates Report

This was the fastest meeting ever.  Ever.  And attendance was not an issue.

Dr. Terryl Propper of Nashville ceded the TDA Presidency to our Dr. Jeannie Beauchamp (representing Memphis).

ADA President Elect Candidate Dr.  Roy Thompson of Murfreesboro credited us as one of 6 states with an increase in membership and is not sure what will come of the 2020 ADA Annual Session in Orlando.

Our Dr. Jennifer Cornell was given TDA Fellowship but will be awarded in person next year.

Dr. Jim Avery of Memphis was the Jack Wells Award winner and will likewise be awarded it in person next year.

The following resolutions were adopted:

1)    Long time lobbyist, Jack Fosbinder, was given honorary TDA membership.

2)    The budget was approved.

3)    The Chair of the New Dentist Committee will be a voting member at the TDA Board of Trustees.

4)    We now have the option to add and Associate Executive Director.

5)    The Council of Scientific Affairs & Continuing Education was consolidated with the Annual Session.

6)    Councils and Committees were appointed.

7)    Component society deadline dates were altered to allow for reports and elections to be submitted no later than 60 days before the TDA Annual Session.

8)    Life membership was clarified further.

9)    Full time charitable services dues were lifted as was the reinstatement fee for lapsed members who renew.

10)  Waivers of dues were brought into line with the ADA.

5&6 June 2020 BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETINGS

COVID's impact was discussed to include reopening, the mask program, 2021 renewals, etc.

Dr. Beauchamp has begun the Executive Director search.  Interim ED Dr. McCamish has shown to be very capable in a short time.

She likewise welcomed new members to the Board of Trustees.

SAVE THE DATE:  2021 TDA Annual Session, June 5th-7th 2021 at the Marriott Renaissance Hotel in Nashville, TN

TRUSTEE REPORT FROM DR.CARROCCIA SEPTEMBER 2019

LEGISLATIVE REPORT:

1)      The Governor has health care as a priority.  There is a good outlook from the DOH, TennCare, etc. on FNA.

2)      There are some issues with telehealth (TH) and teledentistry (TD) as we are regulated by both.   TH could be rewritten by Tennessee Medical Association (TMA) and/or we could rewrite the TD to exempt ourselves from TH.

3)      Block Grant may be helping pregnant women more.

4)      They are looking at a Mississippi law that prevents insurance companies from reneging on treatment that was previously authorized.

5)      In office/membership/concierge plans: DOH says it has to be regulated as insurance.  We are looking to pass a bill or amend ourselves into the TMA law

6)      The Governor may have a Smile Tennessee plan coming next year.

7)      Do not accept virtual credit cards for payment of services by insurance companies.  They take 2-5% as a fourth party payer.  A multidoctor specialist practice reported a loss of $180,000 in one year from doing just that.

JULY BOARD OF DENTISTRY REPORT:

1)      E-prescribing has been delayed until 2021.

2)      The twenty-day category has been eliminated on the opioid law.

3)      We can now accept barter for healthcare services but it must be reported to the IRS.

4)      RDHs can prescribe fluoride agents, topical oral anesthetics and non-systemics oral microbials under general supervision and reviewed within 30 by a dentist.  CE requirements and limits will be forthcoming as it will be effective 1 July 2020.

5)      The October meeting should have some other names/entities approved to do sedation facility inspections.

6)      Do not forget that CPR cannot be done online.  Dentists with sedation permits still need 4 hours of CE on sedation/anesthesia.

ADA REPORT:

1)      Fluoridation Facts is now a free publication.

2)      There is an $11 dues increase coming.

3)      BOT votes will still be recorded.

4)      There is a dues reclassification coming for new grads and active life.

 

 

 

TDA REPORT:

1)      There is a survey coming.  Please participate!

2)      Chiropractors are now allowed into our MEWA which will help drive prices down.

3)      There is a new TDA credit card coming to replace your old one.

4)      Audits were performed for the finances.

5)      Tennessee Wellness Foundation is now completely independent from TDA.

6)      There is a coalition forming on licensure between ADA, ASDA, and ADEA that was formed last year to help streamline the process.  Learn more at the webinar on www.dentallicensure.org

EFDA REPORT:

1)      UT is doing great things in expanding their offerings to alleviate the wait list.

2)      Meharry’s first EFDA course sold out and they are taking applications for the Spring 2020 course.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

1)      TDA Annual Session:   5-7 June 2020 in Franklin, TN

2)      TDA Annual Session:  24-6 June 2021 in Nashville, TN

 

 

I have the honor to be your obedient servant,

 

A.      Carroccia

TRUSTEE REPORT FROM DR. CARROCCIA April 6, 2019

UPCOMING NEWS FOR THE ANNUAL SESSION IN JUNE:

Resolution to reduce the House of Delegates by 1/3

We go from 3/102 to 2/68.  The percentage share for us remains at 0.0294117% so we are generally unaffected by this proposal.

Proposal for a bylaws change to allow the TDA to add an Associate Executive Director

No current plans, but want the freedom to allow it if/when the day should come that the BOT sees fit to hire such a person.

Proposal for merging the Annual Sessions Committee and Council on Scientific Affairs/Continuing Education

 

ADA NEWS:

Student loan refinancing is a major issue.

There is talk of coverage for birth defects, details not yet fleshed out.

We still want repeal of the McCarran Ferguson Act.

           

TDA NEWS:

News is lurking about potential savings, stay tuned.

No Journal of the TDA has been named as of now.

There is no dues increase this year.

The Wellness Committee has been sunset as they are leaving our domain and becoming the Wellness Foundation with their office in Murfreesboro.

The Anesthesia/Sedation/Scope of Practice Committee welcomes a dental anesthesiologist.  They are also sending to the Board of Dentistry their recommendation that RDAs be allowed to administer and monitor nitrous oxide and oxygen sedation upon completion the same 14 hour course that RDHs take in compliance with the 2016 ADA Guidelines for Teaching Pain Control and Sedation…  This is the first step towards change.

The Volunteer Service Awards have been eliminated.

TDA MEWA will expand to potentially cover other lives.  We are looking to expand to allow the chiropractors.

 

LEGAL NEWS:

There is no movement on several fluoride bills, both pro and anti.

It is still unlikely the Professional Privilege Tax will be removed.

There is no movement on a bill to allow dental school educators to be on the BOD

The bill to allow RDHs to Rx fluorides, etc. with BOD oversight, direct supervision of the dentist and their 30 day review has PASSED the House

There is a bill aimed at cleaning up the opioid law so that pharmacies do not harass us about 180 MME/3 days.  It will clear up partial fills, extensions for trauma and burns, etc.

It does not look like the physician exemption from jury duty bill is going well.  We were going to piggyback on that if it was.

There is a MEWA bill that will not affect the TDA MEWA.

The medical insurance “Right to Shop” bill has us amended out.  This one needs particular watching as it may come back.

 

 

 

 

I have the honor to be your obedient servant,

 

A.      Carroccia

TRUSTEE REPORT FROM DR. CARROCCIA January 28th, 2019

26 January 2019 TDA BOT Report

 NATIONAL LEVEL NEWS:

1)    Dr. Roy Thompson of Murfreesboro, past TDA President and current ADA Trustee, will be running for ADA President-Elect in 2020.

2)    He also reports that Find-A-Dentist may go away.  There is a possibility of working with a data registry company.  ADA Business Innovation Group is there to help with dental transitions.

3)    Dr. Vince Rapini, of Missouri and in our Region, is running for 2019 ADA 2nd Vice President.

4)    The ADA would love help with constructing NDBE, ADAT exams.  The DEADLINE IS 8 FEBRUARY.  Please contact me if you want to know more as I currently serve on one of these committees.

https://www.ada.org/en/education-careers/admission-tests-and-dental-exams/test-construction-information?utm_source=morninghuddle&utm_medium=email&utm_content=fromtheada

 STATE LEVEL NEWS:

1) Our own Dr. Leon Stanislav will be awarded the Jack Wells Award!  Many thanks to those who were instrumental on his nomination process.

2) The TDA Annual Session where he will receive it is again in Franklin, TN at the Cool Springs Marriott from 7-9 June.  Last year, the hotel sold out.  This year, I can already report that all the exhibitor space is sold out, so it is reasonable to think this meeting will be quite impressive again.  Registration is open and the program books have already been mailed complete with both education and social events.

3) The Wellness Committee should be fully separated from the TDA on 1 July and rechristened as the Tennessee Dental Wellness Foundation.

4) The TDA is searching for a New Editor of the Journal of the Tennessee Dental Association.  Watch for an e-blast from the TDA on the matter.  The matter will be time sensitive. 

5) Nashville’s Interfaith Dental Clinic is moving to a new building that will have 18 chairs as well as housing two other businesses surrounding health and wellness.

6) At the next House of Delegates, there will be a proposal to reduce the HOD by 1/3 equally across the state.  It does not affect us as currently we have 3/102 votes or 0.0294117%.  If this passes, we would have 2/68 votes or 0.0294117%.

LEGISLATIVE NEWS:

1)    At the current moment, our lobbyist, Mr. Fosbinder, is waiting for more bills to be filled.

2)    After the election, there are new members and new committee make-ups.

3)    He is watching three bills on the elimination of the professional privilege tax.

4)    He is awaiting a final bill from the RDH lobbyist of prescribing fluoride since 5 or 6 other states allow such.

BOARD OF DENTISTRY NEWS:

1)    Dr. Kathy Hall of Nashville is stepping down from being Chair.

2)    Teledentistry bill will be on the Governor’s desk.

3)    Dental licensing exams have had an alteration and still retain a live patient for a restorative procedure.

4)    Facility inspections will be coming to those dentists who provide sedation.

5)    Remind your staff to keep up with their CE hours… and do such as well.

OPIOID NEWS:

1)    Some larger chain pharmacies are requiring ICD-10 codes.  Those can be found on the TDA website.  They are claiming their businesses are wanting the code above and beyond the stipulation of the law.  The TDA and several lobbyists are trying to rectify this.

2)    As of January, the pharmacies can only dispense up to 3 days of a script that exceeds the mandate of 180 MME or 3 days.

3)    The DEA is only sending out 1 email about renewing your DEA credentials.  It is imperative you check your spam/junk boxes as one member was quite embarrassed to find his local pharmacy unable to fill a script due to the license being expired.  You may wish to mark your calendars to remind yourself as a backup plan.

SURPRISE NEWS TO WATCH FOR:

1)    Watch for a TDA news release of something that could help us all in the office.

2)    Something unusual may be happening at the state level with leadership.

 

 I have the honor to be your obedient servant,

 

A.    Carroccia

TRUSTEE REPORT FROM DR. CARROCCIA OCTOBER 6th, 2018

ADULT MEDICAID

TDA supports a perinatal dental benefit to the mother-to-be during her pregnancy and 60 days

postpartum. The focus is education as dental caries is a bacterial disease that can be transmitted from

parent to child. Coverage does not include endodontics or fixed prosthodontics to include single

crowns.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

1) The July 2018 opioid rules are in place however, we have not been told about birth control

counselling guidelines, which is in violation of the law itself.

2) There are proposed violations of the opioid practice act. They are for egregious and negligent

violations. They are likely to include: reprimand, continuing education, fines and suspension.

3) CE Broker is not a requirement. It is free to dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants.

Auxiliary staff is encouraged to use this service as 75% of the violations are from the clinical

support team.

4) Resolution 33 on Medicare will be a hot topic in Hawaii. Passion is high on both ends as people

want to help the adults but don’t like the anticipated remuneration, government influence,

likely updates required, etc. It is a battle of long lasting and far reaching proportions.

ANNUAL SESSION UPDATE

1) Dentsply Sirona is a major sponsor again.

2) It will be Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 7-9 June 2019.

3) It is also CMA Weekend in Nashville. BOOK YOUR HOTEL EARLY! SERIOUSLY. Even though the

meeting is at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs Convention Center, hotels will be hard to come

by.

4) CE will be offered all three days. Reference committees will meet Friday morning. House of

Delegate meets on Saturday afternoon. And lots of opportunities for fun.

TDA NEWS

1) The Wellness Committee will be separating from the TDA soon.

2) Dues statements will go out Monday after Thanksgiving.

3) Dr. John Petty is the new Speaker of the House as Dr. Chip Clayton takes over as Trustee from

the Nashville Dental Society since Dr. Terryl Proper is now President-Elect.

4) TDA Journal is looking for a replacement for its Scientific Editor. Please contact Dr. Carroccia if

you are interested.

5) The TDA Insurance Board needs a replacement representative who can meet once a year and

participate on conference calls. Please contact Dr. Carroccia if you are interested.

6) The Committee on the Environment and Infection Control was sunset.

7) BAMM Enterprises is now endorsed. They market bleaching gel for take home kits.

www.bammenterprises.com

8) Miracle Ear is now endorsed. They market hearing protection for the workplace, firearms,

snoring partners, custom earbuds, etc. https://www.bigearinc.com

I have the pleasure to be your obedient servant,

A. Carroccia

Dental and Optometric Care (DOC) Access Act (July 2018)

For those interested, the Academy of General Dentistry recently sent out:

The AGD is asking for your help in generating support for H.R. 1606, the Dental and Optometric Care (DOC) Access Act, legislation sponsored by Rep. Buddy Carter of Georgia that would provide fairness in contracts between doctors and insurers, increase the quality of care for patients, and protect consumers from anti-competitive practices. Please take a moment to contact your Representative and urge them to support H.R. 1606 today.
 
The AGD, like many of you, has long been concerned about the current mandates in insurance provider agreements that allow insurance companies to set prices on non-covered items and services. These abusive practices have not gone unnoticed. To date, 35 states have enacted bills similar to H.R. 1606 that address coverage and fees for non-covered services, but insurance providers are often able to work around these laws due to the fact that many of the plans offered are regulated at the federal level.
 
The DOC Access Act remedies these issues by prohibiting dental and vision plans from dictating what a doctor can charge plan enrollees for non-covered services. This legislation is especially effective because it targets plans that are regulated at the federal level and often beyond the reach of state law. Under H.R. 1606, dentists will be able (and required) to charge a fair and customary amount for non-covered services rather than be subjected to an insurer's mandated fee schedule, a long-overdue change that will eliminate anti-competitive practices in health care and improve overall quality of patient care.
 
Don't delay - contact your Representative today and ask them to cosponsor H.R. 1606.

Click the link below to log in and send your message:
https://www.votervoice.net/BroadcastLinks/6c16yvDfvFJyW88RycHg5g

Dr. Carroccia, 8th DDS Trustee Update: TDA Annual Session May 4-6, 2018

Wow!  That was a wonderful meeting!  Dr. John Petty organized a wonderful time.

There were 475 dentists, 243 hygienists, 219 assistants in attendance to contribute to the overall attendance of 1,269.

It was nice that there was a complete booking of 49 exhibitors and that they were not pushed aside in some back area without traffic.  They were very present with booths next to the classrooms and halls.  All the vendors I spoke with were quite appreciative and had positive things to share.  All special events were sponsored.

There was a Cinco de Mayo Fiesta and an After-Hours Dance Party on Friday.  Saturday had a TDA Reception for the running of the Kentucky Derby.  Comedian Henry Cho did not disappoint at the President’s Party and it was followed by a Dessert Reception.

There was an app for the meeting once again for smartphones.  We had two different podcasts here: “The Millennial Dentist” as well as “Life and Dentistry”.  The New Dentist Committee is really grabbing social media by the plug and going to town on it!       #TDASession2018   Speaking of which, our own Dr. Candice Coleman will be replacing Dr. Emily Boyd on that committee.  She’ll be amazing, as always!

We had no Fellowship Awardee or 50 Year Dentists from our district honored there.  Dr. Fred Heros of Memphis was the Jack Wells Award winner.  There were no Foreign or Domestic Service Awards given this year TDA wide, instead, those who served stood for a round of applause.

HOUSE OF DELEGATES

Dr. Roy Thompson, our ADA Region 6 Trustee, spoke about ADA membership being flat which affects money coming in to accomplish goals.  He warned us of a Medicare plan that may try to come about due to a poorly constructed survey.

ADA President, Dr. Joseph Crowley spoke about the ADA Credentialing service page online, CAQH style and that many insurers, etc. are beginning to turn there first.  He praised Find-A-Dentist and encouraged profile updates.  We are all encouraged to complete those sites.  There are discussions of a program called Mortar to help sell dental practices.  All that the ADA does to represent us nationally is quite overwhelming and impressive.

The motion to reduce the House of Delegates by 50% FAILED to pass.

The motion to merge Scientific Affairs and Annual Session was SENT BACK to the Board of Trustees.

The motion to extend regional Vice Presidents to two years and alternate rotations was PASSED.

The motion to outline the path for active members to reduce fees due to hardship must come through the local Trustee and be presented to the Board of Trustees PASSED.

The motion to raise dues was ruled out of order and subsequently WITHDRAWN.

IMG_3033.JPG

 

On another note… there was a moment that I was sitting at the HOD with the delegates: Dr. Stanislav, an amazing past TDA President, and our present/future leaders in Drs. Kennedy, Boyd and Dye and I felt very proud to be there and humbled as I feel like all three of them will go on to do great things as I just hold the place in this moment in time.  It was inspiring to look down our table and see them all.

 

 

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Dr. Steven Nowlin is the new Trustee from the Sixth District.

Dr. Heath Blockley is the new VP from the East.  His term is one year.

Dr. Jay Davis is the new VP from the Middle.  He has a two year term.

Dr. David Magee is the new NP from the West.  He has the other two year term.

Dr. Terryl Propper is the new President Elect.

Dr. Paul Cullum of Columbia is our new President as Dr. Richard Dycus becomes the Immediate Past President.

With Dr. Propper ascending from being the Trustee from Nashville Dental Society, it is unknown at this moment as to whom will fill that current vacancy.  I had hoped to hear from her or Dr. Jeff Yost, President of NDS, but no name was ready to be solidified at this time.

WEBSITE

The TDA seeks to make its website more patient friendly.  Be on the lookout for it!

WELLNESS COMMITTEE

Seeks to separate to form a 501c3 apart from the TDA.  This will decrease our liability and enable them to earn more grants.  It is a darling of the BOD and an example nationwide.

BOARD OF DENTISTRY

1)      Beginning 1 January 2019, all CE for all dental providers will need to be reported to CEBrokers.  They have the state contract for reporting on optometry, dentistry, chiropractic, and EMS.  TDA has a deal to not incur a fee and keep it a member benefit.  Our RDAs and RDHs are not so lucky.  Several purchase points are available for them to report their CE.

2)      The Opioid Bill is done.  We have a 3 day 180 MME limit with no checking the database or ICD codes or counselling women in child bearing years. There must be 90 days between prescribing opioids to a patient without doing all the things that were avoided, otherwise those things must occur.  This law will begin on 1 July 2018.  Failure to comply will be a misdemeanor violation and could be held against you and your license.

3)      Opioid scripting is down 33% but benzodiazepine scripting is up 115%.  Be judicious!

4)      On the Sedation, Anesthesia and Scope of Practice Committee, Dr. Kevin Kennedy and I got to see the upcoming proposal for Facility Permit from the Board of Dentistry.  Nothing is yet known about who and when or how much.  I can share that they are looking at inspecting every facility that provides sedation every five years.  This is in addition to the dentist’s sedation permit.  More to come as I have it to share.

AED’s

The TDA has gotten ahead of the likely ruling that our facilities will be required to have them in the near future.  Phillips AEDs can be bought from www.onebeatcpr.com for $795.  Thanks to the TDA for getting us such a great rate.

SAVE THE DATE:  TDA ANNUAL SESSION WILL RETURN: 7-9 JUNE 2019 TO FRANKLIN, TN.

No Mother’s Day weekends or graduations to content with, so no excuses as it’s just an hour away (Nashville traffic pending)

 

Dr. Art Cole is retiring from practice after 32 years of serving our patients, many of them as the lone endodontist in town.  God speed and enjoy the retired life!

 

I have the honor to be your obedient servant,

 

A.      Carroccia

 

 

 

17 MARCH 2018: BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING Report From Dr. Carroccia

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING 17 MARCH 2018

Scams
Good news: first, we had to deal with a scam about sheriff’s offices and jury duty. Sharing that
has helped our colleagues across the state. Thanks to Dr. Dye and the other doctors who
shared their stories to help prepare others for this nefarious con.
Bad news: a new scam is out there. A letter from “Medical Compliance” located in
Washington, DC (clever) is sent threatening up to $75K per violation for not being in compliance
for training. www.MedicalComplianceCertification.com is not to be trusted. The TDA makes
updated posters available for minimal costs.
Health Insurance
The TDA Insurance Agency reports that 141 offices are covering 402 lives currently on the
MEWA health insurance plan.

LEGISLATIVE
Expanded Functions Dental Assistants
UT has expanded from 2 courses for 25 RDAs to 3 courses for 35 RDAs. Meharry is looking into
restarting a program as well which will help relieve the 2 year wait list.
Tennessee Opioid Bill
It seems that there has been some great cooperation to our benefit. Currently being discussed
is a bill that exempts us for three day scripts and up to 180 MME and no ICD codes to enter.
Sadly, it may not be so easy for our talented oral surgeons. TDA lobbyist, Jack Fosbinder and
AGD lobbyist, Mark Greene have worked so hard on this with the medical and pharmacist
groups as well.
Antifluoridation Bill
No motion
Independent Hygiene Bill
No motion

ANNUAL MEETING
As of this date, 304 dentists are registered and overall 700 persons. There are approximately
80 rooms left. All the exhibitor partnerships are filled. The parties and events are already
creating a buzz to the point that a larger ballroom is needed already. Don’t be that person who
misses out! Register today.
There are several things that will be up for a vote this year: reducing the House of Delegates by
nearly 50%, extending the terms of the Vice Presidents from one to two years, streamlining the
transfer of memberships from one component to another, streamlining dues waivers to include
various levels, Scientific Affairs absorbing the annual meeting responsibilities and a dues
increase. If anyone wishes to further discuss, please reach out to me directly.
OTHER
Waivers of dues must come through the Trustee to take to the TDA Board.
If you are on a council or committee, please attend your meetings and/or teleconferences.
If you have an interest in serving on councils or committees, please let the Trustee know.

I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
Anthony Carroccia

27 January 2018; Board of Trustees Meeting

Lots going on at this brisk and busy meeting.

ANNUAL MEETING:

Registration deadline is 14 March to save money!

In addition to the CE, there is also:  a full exhibit floor, Awards Lunch, Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, After Hours Dance Party, Kentucky Derby Party, and comedian Henry Cho at the TDA President’s Party.

This meeting is in Franklin, TN so the drive is only about an hour and hotels more affordable than Nashville.

COMMITTEES AND COUNCILS:

All positions are filled and thank you to all who serve or continue to serve.

PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY AND SEDATION:

There continues to be a shortage of time and space at Same Day Surgery Centers or hospitals to see children dental patients.  Part of the reason is the low reimbursement rates from insurers vs. costs for facilities and anesthesiologists, even for TennCare patients who are qualified.

EXPANDED FUNCTIONS DENTAL ASSISTANT UPDATE:

There has been progress.  More RDAs are being taught than ever with increased size and addition of another course.  Discussions are in place to teach RDHs to help teach later classes.  Meharry Medical College may begin to offer a course as well taught by UT.  There is some discussion about someone else offering the course there to help allay the travel and expense of packing up and teaching there.  There is discussion about establishing a bona fide waiting list to help alleviate the multiple applications as currently it is projected that the wait may be until 2021 and these steps will help to alleviate that.

WELLNESS COMMITTEE:

This committee continues to be a point of pride at the Board of Dentistry.  There is discussion about separating it from the TDA which should help them increase their grants.

ADA UPDATE:

Part D Medicare opt in/ opt out seems like dentistry will be exempt.  If you opted in, you are in for the next two years.

Make sure to sign up for Find-a-Dentist at www.ADA.org 

CVS’s will have kiosks soon to do many things include Find a Dentist.

Some preliminary discussions about Medicare/Medicaid offering a dental plan have begun.

TOSHA UPDATES:

Inspections are happening.  You may not refuse a random inspection, ask them to come back later or give them a lawyer’s card telling them to contact that person.  If it is a specific complaint driven inspection, you may do those things.

Some key points to keep in mind:

Infection Control Plans and Work Exposure Control Plans must be current and known by all of the team.

Employee health records to include immunizations.

Safety Data Sheets are up to date and any employee can access and them.

Sharps are to be discarded of at point of use.

Use the heavy duty gloves for injury prevention.

Affix a biohazard label to transport trays.

BOARD OF DENTISTRY UPDATE:

Kathy Hall of Nashville is now President and seems to play things by the book but with an empathetic heart.

There is supposed to be a jurisprudence no-fail online exam that dentists, hygienists and assistants need to take when renewing their licenses.  Be aware of this and make your teams aware as well.  That being said, there has been a glitch in the system.  You may need to contact the BOD for a code if it has not yet been repaired.  615-532-5073

There seems to be a push for all licensees to use a national CE clearing house.  There is a contract the BOD has that will take effect next month but reporting to them may be required next year.  It is unknown at this time if reporting to the TDA will be enough to satisfy the requirement but the TDA will work hard to potentially make it happen.  The other side of this is that the BOD would be able to generate a report which would immediately select out those providers that did not meet the CE requirement for audit and likely fine.

Finally, from 32 pages of bills,

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE HIGHLIGHTS:

HB667: Pediatrician having RDHs work in their office NOTE: seems destined to die a quiet death due to dentists and physicians not being interesting in supporting it

HB25: Taxes Business to reduce to eliminate the professional tax NOTE: this bill repeats under several other numbers like HB41, HB1034, HB13, etc.

HB1831: Changes to Prescribing Opioids NOTE: we may have to check the database for every narcotic script we write

HB1745: Study on Implementation of Teledentistry NOTE: may lead to RDHs teaching EFDAs at UT

HB1845: RDH independent practice NOTE: not with TDHA blessing, submitted out of goodwill by a politician whose friends are RDHs and losing jobs due to a dentist retiring.  Not expected to move.

Please feel free to ask if there is a specific bill that you wish to further know about or discuss.  These that were selected have been or can be the more interesting ones that were spotlighted by our TDA lobbyist.

I have the honor to be your obedient servant,

Anthony Carroccia

 

16 September 2017:  Board of Trustees Meeting

 

1.     EFDA education: We have over 500 vs. a comparable state in MO that has over 6,000.  We are expecting UT-Memphis to increase from 40 to 120 students per year.  There have been discussions on having most of the program on line and over a long weekend, completing the participation part.  A major hurdle is that courses must be at ADA school or specialty program that is in our law whereas other states do not have such requirements.  The BOT has decided to try to have a sit down with BOD and UT to help alleviate the problems.  UT Acting Dean Covington is more than willing to meet us more than half way on this.

 

2.     Health Insurance: TDA has rolled out a Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement for dental practices.  There are ways to enroll just yourself or any number of employees you wish to extend into the program.   Contact the TDA Insurance Company to speak with them about your needs.  These plans are only available to TDA member dentists and those they wish to include.  

 

3.     Legislative:

a)     Fluoride water districts are allowed to self-regulate their districts much to the dismay of the anti-fluoride persons. 

b)    The repeal of the professional tax stalled.  It is still sough t as there is a surplus. 

c)     The hygiene bill is still out there, having cleared committee and can be voted at any time AND amended to full independent practice as well.  TDA is opposed and we are asking the TN-AMA and Pediatrics groups/ lobbyists to join us in opposition.

d)    Jurisprudence test is coming, likely next year as part of renewing licenses.

e)     At July BOD meeting, Daymar was denied their dental assisting program under the new rules due to missing forms.  Will be reconsidered in October.

f)      Opioid legislation is coming.

 

4.     Governance:

a.     Reduction of HOD by about 50%.  Pending House Of Delegates bylaw change.

b.     There is now a separation of the HOD from the Annual Session at the conclusion of May 2018 Annual Meeting.

c.      Grand Division Vice Presidents will be extended from one year term to two years term.  Pending HOD approval.  With a staggering of VPs so that everyone is not replaced at the same time. 

 

5.     TDA: 

a.     New website, old address redirects therewww.tndentalassociation.com

b.     Dr. David Sain for Wellness

c.      Amy Williams: Office Manager, Board of Trustees, Strategic Planning, Annual Session

d.     Brittany Hall: Communications Coordinator- Journal, Newsletter, website, phone app

e.     Shirley Fleener: Annual Sessions, Government Affairs, TN-D-PAC

f.       Katie Voorhis: Accountant

g.     Johnsie Holloway: Peer Review, Membership Director

 

 

6.     Other:

a.     We have disbursed some funds to help the relief of TX and FL after their hurricanes.  This is consistent with the history of the TDA.

b.     Some exhibitors have spread a falsehood that there are no more Annual Meetings.  This is not true.  I’d be happy to discuss with anyone who needs more clarification.

c.      TDA Journal, coming soon, has a great editorial on governmental regulations.  Make sure you read it.

 

I have the honor to be your obedient servant,

 

Anthony Carroccia
 

DR. CARROCCIA'S REPORT FROM THE TDA ANNUAL SESSION: MAY 18-20, 2017

Recap:

What a great meeting! The weather was great, the city was not overly busy as we all know it

can be. The facility was nice and our friends in the First District, led by Drs. Richard Bateman

and Allen Burleson put on a great meeting to conclude Dr. Rick Guthrie’s wonderful presidency.

The new logo was shown as well as we celebrated 150 years. And there is/was an app for the

meeting, a sign of things to come…

1006 people came to Gatlinburg of which were 340 dentists, 151 hygienists, 181 assistants.

8DDS was well represented for awards with Dr. Don Jones turning out a Fifty Year recognition.

Dr. George Lee now has a TDA Fellowship. Dr. Debbie Wallace was recognized for Volunteer

Service in a Foreign Country as was Dr. Kristy Dye (who raised the bar by earning Volunteer

Service in the United States as well).

Legislation:

Sunset passed without event for another four years.

Due to lengthy discussion about the gas tax, the professional business tax did not get repealed

this time. It is expected to be on the agenda in 2018.

A fluoride bill passed to regulate fluoride so that anti-fluoride bills will be tougher to come

forward.

Opioid legislation is due in 2018.

A wellness bill passed to exclude dental providers, etc. from immediate suspension from an

arrest.

CE will be given for volunteering in a charity clinic.

And finally, the hygienists in pediatricians’ offices bill (SB790/HB667) stalled. As a reminder,

Matt Hill pushed this bill which would allow a RDH who works for a dentist to do fluoride and

sealants in a pediatrician’s office. The bill was not received well by the dentists or the

pediatricians and was not expected to pass. Such a bill could have raised our Pew score though.

The bill has cleared committee. This means that the bill could be amended to even include full

independent hygiene practice and have a vote. The vote could come up at any time next

session from the first day to the last day. The TDA switched stances from neutral to opposed

after it cleared committee to show solidarity with the pediatric dentists, who employed their

own lobbyist. Careful diligence is due and calls to our legislators will likely be required in the

future, especially if you see any children as patients!

Other:

UT Memphis will be expanding the EFDA enrollment from 24 to 35. Dr. Beauchamp and myself

along with a few others are on a task force to further research a solution to the bottleneck.

The biannual ethics test (open book pass/fail) is on the attorney general’s desk. This could

mean it would become a requirement as soon as next year.

TDA Membership advantages announced a discount plan with the Peabody Hotel in Memphis.

Dues statements payment options are a huge success! And with credit cards! Dues will rise

$25 next year.

TDA has announced another member benefit. Tennessee’s first MEWA (multiple employer

welfare arrangement) for health insurance per the ACA is from the TDA and has partnered with

United Health Care and will be effective August 1. The strength is in the numbers as it can save

you hundreds each month on health care insurance.

SAVE THE DATES: TDA Annual Meeting: May 4-6, 2018 in Franklin, TN

Dentsply is not controlling the meeting. They are simply sponsoring the speakers. I tell you this

as there has been some rumors and misinformation out there and anyone could be asked about

it by a vendor.

The speakers include: Dr. Douglas Lambert, Dr. Timothy Bizga, Ms. Lori Trost, and Dr. Don

Tyndall. Comedian Henry Cho will be our entertainer for the President’s Party.

I have the honor to be your obedient servant,

Anthony Carroccia

Dr. Carroccia's Update

TRUSTEE MEETING: April 2017

 

Dental schools

We were updated by both dental school deans.  Both report a cost in line with the national average: Meharry is $250K; UT in state is $220K and out of state is $290K.

Legislative

The five year plan to phase out the professional tax seems to be moving along towards it passage.

The pediatrician/ RDH bill seems like it may pass because it has kids attached to it.  The pediatric dentists are opposed, the pediatricians are not impressed and the TDA is neutral.  To those who are unfamiliar with this bill, it allow a RDH to work for a dentist, in a pediatricians’ office, to do fluorides, sealants and screenings.   Much like the nursing home bill, it is expected to not see much participation- if any.

It has been discussed to award hour for hour continuing education for volunteering with a limit of eight hours.

There is a water district fluoridation bill to defer all anti-fluoridation legislation.

There is a bill about impaired providers, whereas a license would be suspended immediately if suspected.  We are trying to get out of it as it works off the reverse principle of guilty until proven innocent.

We can expect the ethics/jurisprudence exam next year as the holdup was changing companies.

The BOD wishes to proceed with sedation permit holders being inspected.  We are trying to find a common ground based upon scientific evidence in lieu of a political climate decision.

Oral Health Initiatives

There is a need for more providers to sign up for the Ryan White Program to treat individuals with HIV/AIDS.

Dues

The ADA will be raising their dues next year by $10.

The TDA will raise theirs by $25.  The last TDA increase was 3 years ago so this would represent an annual increase of 2%.  The main reason is technology and other increases that are needed since the retirement of the past Executive Director.

Dues can still be paid by installments, and online!

 

 

Annual Meeting

This is the 150th Annual Meeting of the TDA!

Come to Gatlinburg and see what the new TDA is doing and see how our brethren are recovering from their disaster.  They need us!

An app is ready for Android and is in final stages for iPhone.

Save the dates: May 4-6, 2018 in Franklin, TN.

Other

We are working hard at streamlining a board orientation process for the future leaders.

Our new ED, Mike Dvorak, has seen great enthusiasm on the dentists’ part as he smoothly has taken over the role and leads us into the current times successfully.

Dr. Richard Dycus of Cookeville will assume the TDA Presidency in May.  He has a long track record as a hard worker in organized dentistry and will serve us all well.

It is recommended that each dentist create/update his/her profile on the ADA’s Find-A-Dentist website.