Texas dentists participated in a very successful TDALegislative Day in Austin on February 20, 2013.Approximately 300 attendees, including dentists, their

spouses, and other dental professionals and staff met at the Stephen F. Austin Intercontinental Hotel for a short program. Participants then visited with legislators and staff at the TexasCapitol regarding the TDA legislative agenda. Dentists askedfor support for regulations to enhance patient protectionand safety at non-dentist-owned dental practices, a Medicaiddeferred compensation program, initiatives to improve access todental care, making tooth whitening the practice of dentistry,prohibiting a current or past Texas State Board of DentalExaminers’ member from giving expert testimony, and creatinga temporary charitable dental license for out-of-state dentists

Texas Speaker of the House Joe Straus addressed the attendees at the hotel. He explained that the 83rd Legislature’s top priorities were water and education, and he applauded the TDA’s continued efforts to improve accountability in patient safety.

TDA Council on Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Chair Dr Richard Black of El Paso presented Representative J.M. Lozano (R-Kingsville) with the TDA’s Excellence in Patient Advocacy award, the highest public honor from the Association, for Rep. Lozano’s work as the author of the TDA’s non-covered services legislation (SB 554) in 2011. Rep. Lozano said he was honored and looked forward to a great partnership with the TDA.

Prior to the participants’ visits to the Capitol, members of the Alliance of the TDA delivered to the legislators “goodie” bags with oral health information, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and dental floss.

MARCH 2013 VOLUME 14, ISSUE 3 AVAILABLE ONLINE AT TDA.ORG

Inside

Perks Partner News What Dentists Need to Know About the Affordable Care ActPart 2 TEXAS Meeting Meet Your StaffRachael Daigle, Membership Coordinator TDA Smiles Foundation TDA Member SpotlightMonica Anderson, DDS, of Austin

EDitorial: Thoughts from Your ED Evidence-based Tip of the Month TSBDE Rule Update

March Journal News

TDA 2012 Financial Report and 2014 Proposed Budget Soft palate length and upper airway relationship in OSA and non-OSA subjects Dental Artifacts

Around the State

April 5 & 6TDA Board of Directors meetingAustin May 2-5The TEXAS MeetingTDA 143rd Annual SessionSan Antonio

Click & Connect

Join us on Facebookgroups.to/texasdental Follow us on Twittertwitter.com/theTDA

Get LinkedInlinkedin.com, search “Texas Dental Association”

Using yoursmartphone,scan this barcodeto access the TDA website.

Dentists Descend on CapitolTDA Legislative Day 2013 Biggest in History

I n January 2013, the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) adopted new 1 Texas Administrative Code §§390.1 and 390.2 regarding

definitions and standards for the electronic exchange of health information. House Bill 300 (HB 300), 82nd Regular Session Texas Legislature, amended Chapter 182, Subchapter of the Health and Safety Code directing HHSC to review and ratify privacy and security

standards relating to the electronic exchange of health information developed by the Texas Health Services Authority (THSA).

THSA’s privacy and security standards are applicable to “covered entities” that electronically exchange, use, or disclose protected health information (PHI)” unless the data is de-identified. A dental practice is a “covered entity” if it transmits any health information electronically in connection with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) “covered transactions” (such as submitting health care claims to a health plan) or if such information is submitted electronically on the dentist’s behalf. Most dental offices are probably covered entities. To the extent that legislative intent can be interpreted, HHSC believes that the rule is meant to apply to all covered entities and not strictly health information exchanges (HIEs) in the state.

Texas Speaker of the House Joe Straus addresses attendees at TDA Legislative Day on February 20, 2013, at the Stephen F. Austin Intercontinental Hotel in Austin. Approximately 300 dentists, their spouses, and other dental professionals and staff participated in a short program at the hotel before visiting with legislators at the Texas Capitol.

Members of the Capital Area Dental Society prepare to head to the Texas Capitol to visit with legislators during TDA Legislative Day on February 20, 2013, in Austin. TDA members discussed with legislators the TDA legislative agenda.

Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson Addresses DENPAC VIPsDENPAC VIPs attended a special meeting with Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson at the Supreme Court Building during TDA Legislative Day on February 20, 2013, in Austin. This exclusive event was a very special thank you to all DENPAC Platinum Club members and members who recruited at least one new member to DENPAC through The Power of One campaign.

The event allowed a private visit with Chief Justice Jefferson in the court chambers. Chief Justice Jefferson gave the DENPAC members a brief overview of the appellate and judicial system and explained in depth how the branches of government must work together during the 83rd legislative session.

In addition to Chief Justice Jefferson, the Supreme Court of Texas includes 8 justices and is the court of last resort for civil matters. The current justices have been in office since 2005, and Chief Justice Jefferson has held his position since 2001.

A covered entity that electronically exchanges, uses, or discloses PHI, must, at a minimum, comply with the following standards for confidential information in any form, to the extend applicable: (1) HIPAA Privacy, Security and Breach Notification regulations; (2) the Texas Medical Records Privacy Act, Chapter 181 of the Texas Health and Safety Code; (3) the Texas Identity Theft Act, Chapter 521 of the Texas Business and Commerce Code; and (4) other applicable state and federal laws or regulations requiring that confidential information be “safeguarded,” “used,” or “disclosed” only for “authorized purposes” by authorized users” including data held by dentists per Texas Occupations Code §§258.051 et seq., Dental-Patient Confidentiality.

The full text of the new rules may be accessed at: http://tinyurl.com/electronicpatienthealth.

To help covered entities with overall HB 300 compliance, the State Office of the Attorney General (OAG) released a form for Authorization to Disclose Protected Health Information. Covered entities may use the OAG form or any other form that complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, the Texas Medical Privacy Act, and other applicable laws. The form may be accessed at: http://tinyurl.com/OAGform.

New State Rules Governing Privacy and Security of Electronic Patient Health Information

Texas Supreme Court Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson addresses DENPAC members at the Supreme Court Building next to the Capitol at TDA Legislative Day on February 20, 2013, in Austin.

TDA President Dr Michael Stuart is pictured with Representative J.M. Lozano (R-Kingsville) at TDA Legislative Day on February 20, 2013, in Austin. Rep. Lozano received the TDA Excellence in Patient Advocacy award, the highest public honor from the Association, for his work as the author of the TDA’s non-covered services legislation (SB 554) in 2011.

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EDUCATE Your Team… INNOVATE Technology for Your Practice…INSPIRE Your PatientsWhether it’s continuing education, learning innovative technology, connecting with colleagues, inspiring your patient and team members, or getting involved in the leadership of your profession, The TEXAS Meeting, the 143rd Annual Session of the Texas Dental Association, has something for you and your dental team. Come join us in San Antonio on May 2-5, 2013, for the largest dental meeting in Texas at a site unmatched anywhere in the state!

REGISTER TODAY — Avoid additional onsite fees and receive your materials in advance by registering before April 4, 2013. Hands-on workshops have limited attendance. Don’t miss out! Register online at texasmeeting.com.

HOTEL RESERVATIONS — Don’t delay booking your hotel room. The April 9, 2013, deadline is quickly approaching. Take advantage of these special hotel rates and make hotel reservations online at texasmeeting.com.

CE VERIFICATION — The TEXAS Meeting will meet all of your continuing education needs. Attendees can earn up to 18 hours of continuing education within 3 days. Verification certificates are available onsite or electronically following the meeting.

March 2013 / TDA Today / 2

May 2-5, 2013 • San Antonio

Meet Your Staff — Rachael Daigle, Membership Coordinator

When you join TDA, you pay your dues, or you have a general membership question about the Association, you more than likely will speak with Rachael. As the membership coordinator, Rachael maintains the membership data, dues billing, and assists in recruitment and retention efforts. Rachael spends much of her day on the phone, and if you haven’t talked with her before, chances are your office staff has!

What did you do before you came here?I worked at the USGS (US Geological Survey) in the water quality lab as a student.

Where did you go to college?I started college in Massachusetts but finished my associates degree in environmental science at Austin Community College.

Why did you decide to come to the Texas Dental Association?It was very difficult to find an environmental job, and I went back to administrative work. I was placed at TDA by a temp agency and have now been here for more than 7 years.

What is your favorite thing about the job?I really love helping our members with anything I can!

What is one thing about you that might surprise people?I like to Nia dance, though I am really bad at it! It’s a barefoot dance workout that incorporates modern and jazz dance, plus aerobics and yoga.

This year will mark my tenth year in the Hill Country Ride for AIDS. I completed the Danskin Triathlon in 2008 and 2009, and I did the Sweet and Twisted Triathlon in 2008. I’ve always been athletic, and I wanted to complete a triathlon before I turned 40, so I did it … twice!

Daigle

What Dentists Need to Know About the Affordable Care Act President Barack Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) into law March 23, 2010 (P.L. 111-148), as arguably the most significant legislative health reform since the creation of Medicare and Medicaid in 1965. Several ACA provisions will impact dentists as both health care providers and small business owners and employers. This is the second in a 2-part series of articles designed to help dentists prepare for the future under the ACA.

The previous article summarized the ACA’s implications on the limited availability of dental insurance for adults and how this will change may impact the “business” of running a dental practice. This article outlines “The Exercise for Preparing Your Practice.”

Dental insurance is at high risk of being dropped for adults starting in 2014. Dentists must acknowledge the potential patient paradox: “I don’t have dental insurance; therefore, I cannot go to dentist.” Many people also lack even the most basic information about dental care, its actual cost and value, and may be more likely to make irrational decisions about a key component of their health. Dentists are in a unique position to help bridge this knowledge gap. Dentists know their patients’ oral health history as well as their socioeconomic status. Thus, understanding them as both a customer (ie, patient) and a consumer.

The following information, collected in a manner that is consistent with your dental practice and patient service, will help you understand the ACA’s potential impacts on your practice and your patients’ oral health: • Numberofpeopleinapatient’shousehold. • Agesofallpersonsinthehousehold. • Thepatient’scurrentdentalinsurance(employer,self-purchased,noinsurance). • Iftheinsuranceisthroughthepatient’semployer,whethertheemployerhas: a. Fewer than 100 employees; b. Has always provided dental coverage as stand-alone coverage; c. Has always provided dental coverage as part of a comprehensive insurance program; d. Has indicated whether their insurance plans are for 2014 and beyond; and e. Name of employer and tenure in the community.

Start immediately tracking your practice revenue in cycles and subcategories. This means knowing how revenues change quarterly: • Sourceofpayment(insurance,cashpayordebit,credit); • Averagepaymentamounttenderedbythepatientatthetimeofservice(regardlessofinsurancestatus); • Lagtimefromdateofservicesrenderedtoeachsubsequentandfinalpayment,bypaymentsource; • Durationofopenandpastdueaccounts,bytimeandbalanceamount;and • Write-offpercentagesbysourceofpayment.

All the above information will be very helpful starting 4th quarter 2013 through 4th quarter 2014, and then again 4th quarter 2015 through 2nd quarter 2016. These are distinct phases of the start of exchange purchasing and subsidies, and therefore benefit and market realignment. Understanding the dynamics of your practice and your patients will help you make strategic business decisions about price, insurance network participation, and cash flow in order to maintain your patient base and continue serving your community.

The information collected will also help you develop useful information for your patients to assist them in developing a personal family dental budget for basic dental care.

Lastly, while it is important to prepare for the dental insurance changes on the horizon, not all employers will likely act in unison within your community. A survey of insurance benefit managers indicates that 49% of employers believe dental insurance is essential to maintaining workforce (1). Dental insurance cost may still be an issue, but certain employers may not make cost-only decisions.

Reference1. MetLife, 10th Annual MetLife Study of Employee Benefit Trends.

MOBILE APPLICATION Sponsored by TDA Perks

Use your smart phone to scan the QR Code for all the up-to-date information about your course itinerary, handouts, exhibits,

travel, and social events. Access the mobile application at prereg.net/2013/tda/mobile.

ONE-STOP SHOPPING — The 2013 exhibit hall promises to be the biggest and best ever. Take advantage of special pricing on the latest supplies and services to enhance your practice, and receive 1 hour of CE credit when you visit the exhibit hall.

We look forward to seeing you in San Antonio!

For additional information, please visit texasmeeting.com or call the TDA annual session staff at 512- 443-3675.

Perks Partner News

Perks Glove Partner Offers Unprecedented DiscountFor a limited time, TDA Perks Program partner The Glove Group is offering an unprecedented discount on Kimberly-Clark Lavender gloves: a case of 2,500 gloves for $137.50 ($5.50/100). The retail price for these gloves is $199.95. To order, call 800-570-1492 or visit: http://tinyurl.com/perksGloveOffer. Mention “PromoTDA” when calling, or enter “PromoTDA” at checkout when ordering online.

Sedation Resource Catalog Arriving in MailboxesTDA Perks Program’s sedation-supply partner Sedation Resource is releasing a new catalog, which should be arriving in TDA member mailboxes soon. Through Perks, TDA members have an everyday 10% discount on the company’s entire line of sedation supplies and year-round discounts on equipment. When ordering online, enter promo code “TDAPERKS” at checkout to receive the discounted pricing. Contact Sedation Resource at 800-753-6376.

For more information regarding TDA Perks Program, visit tdaperks.com or call 512-443-3675.

TDASF Bragging Rights Challenge

Don’t forget to register for the annual Healthy Smiles Golf Classic! This fun, charity golf tournament benefits the TDA Smiles Foundation, and is held on the Friday of the TEXAS Meeting, May 3, 2013, at the Quarry Golf Club in San Antonio, with a shotgun start at 7:00 AM. Lunch will be provided and the tournament will also offer fun contests, prizes and awards. Don’t pass up this opportunity to sponsor a great cause while having a great time! To register as a player, foursome, or become a sponsor, please contact the TDASF office at 512-448-2441 or email Judith at Judith@tda.org. Help us improve access to dental care for thousands of your fellow Texans in need, and have a great time doing it!

2013 Annual Healthy Smiles Golf Classic

It’s time to put your money where your mouth is with the Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation (TDASF) Bragging Rights Challenge. Every dollar you donate on behalf of your alma mater supports charitable dental care programs in Texas. The alma mater that raises the most money for TDASF will be recognized at the TDA Annual Session, highlighted at the TDASF Healthy Smiles Golf Classic, and will maintain school bragging rights for an entire year! Currently, Texas State is in the lead with 1,425 points followed by Texas A&M and TCU. If you want to see your alma mater colors take over the Foundation for a whole year, donates today! Don’t miss out on this opportunity! To donate, contact the TDASF office at 512-448-2441 or visit tdasf.org.105

March 2013 / TDA Today / 3

As I write this article, I have just returned from Austin where we had an incredibly successful TDA Legislative Day!

It was our best attendance ever with approximately 300 members, executives, and guests who took time out of their busy lives to learn about TDA’s legislative agenda and lobby for our profession. The TDA Council on Legislative & Regulatory Affairs, chaired by Dr Rick Black of El Paso, and TDA staff do an incredible job of organizing the day.

TDA members took the capitol by storm, visiting more than 90 legislators to voice the TDA’s goals for the 83rd Legislature. Thank you, members! Your efforts provide legislators with important information as they consider our bills this session. But, we are not done. After all, “arriving at one goal is the starting point to another.” Please continue to be part of the Association’s grassroots efforts.

I want to give a special thank you to members of the Alliance of the TDA, who packed hundreds of gift bags and delivered them to each senator’s and representative’s office. Their president, Ms Diane Bogan, along with Ms Janet Crow, helped coordinate this very important effort. Ladies, we could not do it without you!

Time will tell if we are able to achieve our legislative goals, but our members came through with an unbelievable effort for Legislative Day, 2013. You have my thanks and admiration!

President’sProse

Michael L. Stuart, DDS, TDA President

Monica Anderson, DDS — Austin, Texas

This recurring section highlights the lives of TDA members outside of the office. If you have an interesting story about yourself, if you are working on a project that your peers might find interesting, or if you have a hobby that keeps you busy, please contact TDA Managing Editor Nicole Scott, nicole@tda.org, 512-443-3675.

TDA Member Spotlight

EDitorial: Thoughts from Your ED

Aaron Washburn, TDA Executive Director

Trip Database UpdateThe Trip Database is a collection of medical and dental reviews of the literature offering an easy method to search for information of interest. Google “Trip Database” and select Advanced search at the top right of the page. Select your Clinical area, I did “dentistry” and under Your Profession “Dentist.” Under Automated search: enter search terms of interest and they will send you new reviews monthly. Select Save changes at the bottom of the page and scroll down the list of choices to read.

I saw several items of interest such as:

“Metal-Ceramic versus All-ceramic Dental Crowns: A Review of the Clinical and Cost-Effectiveness”

“Visual examination still the best way of detecting early carious lesions”

“Review suggests that incomplete caries removal advantageous, particularly in deep cavities”

“Guideline Summary: Guideline on pulp therapy for primary and immature permanent teeth.”

Give it a try. This is an easy and convenient way to keep up-to-date on subjects of your interest. And it is FREE.

Evidence-Based Practice

Tip of the Month

Stephen R. Matteson, DDS, FICD, TDA Editor

Dr Monica Anderson of Austin is the lead dental director for DentaQuest (Texas), which administers the state’s Medicaid dental program. A busy career woman with an even busier social and event calendar, Dr Moe, as

she’s affectionately known, is currently writing her sixth book.

Dr Moe, a native Texan, received her undergraduate degree from Baylor University and her dental degree at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in 1988. She has 2 grown sons, Tony and Adrian, and 2 grandsons, 4-year-old Anthony and 9-month-old Apollo.

She published her first book in 1994 and hasn’t stopped writing since. Dr Moe was a weekly columnist for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram from 1996 to 2004, while practicing dentistry full-time. Her second book is a collection of those articles about family life and relationships. She tackled nonfiction with her next 2 books and wrote novels that landed on bestseller lists. She published her fifth book, another novel set in her adopted hometown of Austin, in 2011.

She is a seasoned writer, a left-brained scientist and a right-brained artist, and says the titles to her books come later. “If you’ve been writing a lot, you start first with the outline. Everything I write engages the senses, which I hope creates a memorable experience for the reader.”

A dentist, an author, a mother. As if she has any free time to fit more into her schedule, Dr Moe is also a motivational speaker, delivering humorous but content-driven speeches to corporations, universities, civic groups, and educators. However, her energy and her motivation that have touched so many people were put to the ultimate test a year ago.

The first day at a new job is always unnerving. You want to wear the right attire, make the right impressions, and learn as much as you can about the organization and your duties as quickly as possible.

My first day at TDA was certainly filled with jitters. But, it also happened to be the day of the Budget Committee meeting.

I was quickly immersed in numbers: 2012 projected income and expenses, historical spending, approved 2013 budget, proposed 2014 budget, etc. Over the course of that day the committee examined departments, programs and line items to get a better understanding of the value of each line, propose cuts, adjust for inflation and make it all work to meet the goals of TDA.

It was great to see such a strong group so dedicated to the work before them (if only Washington could work this well).

At the last Board of Directors meeting, the whole board examined the work done by this committee at that meeting, and other meetings, and approved a final budget to the forward to the House. That budget projects spending of more than $300,000 LESS than 2013, supports the programs important to TDA’s success, and helps build an even better value for your TDA membership.

Their work will be printed for all members to review in the next Texas Dental Journal. As you review it, I am confident you will see how it supports the goals and mission of TDA and its members. And I hope it supports your vision for TDA as well.

It’s 5:30 AM, and Dr Moe prepares for another day at the office. She runs down her To Do list: review authorizations and claims, make calls to providers across the state, work on a presentation for the next stakeholders meeting, write an article for the newsletter. At lunch, she eats at her desk and squeezes in a call with her grandson who wants her support for ice cream for breakfast. She wraps up the afternoon, reviewing an expedited appeal and answering policy questions. Finally, she heads home at 6:00 PM to rest. And write.

Dr Monica Anderson lives life to the fullest as she skydives over Denton, Texas, in 2000. She says it was a bucket list adventure, which it sure was! “The first parachute didn’t open,” she recalls. “Thank God for back up.”

Monica Anderson, DDS, is the lead dental director for DentaQuest (Texas). The 50-year-old mother of 2 and grandmother of 2 is currently undergoing treatment for stage III cancer, but that does not stop her busy work and social schedules. Dr Moe, as she is affectionately known, is a also motivational speaker and author.

Dr Monica (Dr Moe) Anderson delivers a keynote speech. Dr Moe is currently the lead dental director for DentaQuest (Texas). Prior to this position, she was the dental director at TMF Health Quality Institution, a dentist at St. David’s Community Health Foundation, and was in private practice. Dr Moe is also the president and founder of Austin’s Black Newcomers Association.

In February 2012, Dr Moe admitted herself to the emergency room for something she thought was very minor … benign, really. She thought she had food poisoning. Turns out, she had a very rare gastrointestinal stromal tumor that had metastasized to her liver. It was a stage III diagnosis.

“The diagnosis is devastating. It knocks you out in a way (Mike) Tyson could never do,” she says. “But cancer does not mean death. I have cancer. It doesn’t have me. I’ve survived to today! And I am not giving up.”

This optimistic attitude is what keeps Dr Moe going. “I had to really make sure that I believed what I was saying all these years,” she recalls. “I had been working all of 1 week (at DentaQuest). I was sure I’d be fired! But, they didn’t bat an eye and gave me extra support.”

Add to her ever-growing list of titles: cancer survivor. As for the title of her sixth book, it is yet to be determined and recounts life lessons learned from mothers, grandmothers, and other influential women. It’s funny, yet poignant, she says, and currently a work in progress. Fitting as she starts another new chapter in her life.

EDITORIAL STAFFStephen R. Matteson, DDS, Editor

Nicole Scott, Managing EditorLauren Oakley, Publications Coordinator

Barbara Donovan, Art DirectorPaul H. Schlesinger, Consultant

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Michael L. Stuart, DDS, PresidentDavid A. Duncan, DDS, President-elect

J. Preston Coleman, DDS, Immediate Past PresidentVice Presidents

Arthur C. Morchat, DDS, NortheastRita M. Cammarata, DDS, Southeast

T. Beth Vance, DDS, SouthwestMichael J. Goulding, DDS, Northwest

Senior DirectorsJean E. Bainbridge, DDS, NortheastGregory K. Oelfke, DDS, Southeast

Yvonne E. Maldonado, DDS, SouthwestDavid C. Woodburn, DDS, Northwest

DirectorsJerry J. Hopson, DDS, Northeast

William S. Nantz, DDS, SoutheastJoshua A. Austin, DDS, Southwest

Steven J. Hill, DDS, Northwest

Ron Collins, DDS, Secretary-TreasurerJohn W. Baucum III DDS, Speaker of the House

David H. McCarley, DDS, ParliamentarianStephen R. Matteson, DDS, Editor

Aaron Washburn, Executive DirectorWilliam H. Bingham, Legal Counsel

TDA Today (USPS 022-007) is published monthly except for December by the Texas Dental As-sociation, 1946 S IH-35 Ste 400, Austin, Texas 78704-3698, 512-443-3675. Periodicals Postage Paid at Austin, Texas and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to TDA TODAY, 1946 S IH-35 Ste 400, Austin, TX 78704-3698.Annual subscriptions: Texas Dental Association (TDA) members, $5. In-state American Dental As-sociation (ADA) affiliated, $15 + tax. Out-of-state ADA affiliated, $15. In-state non-ADA affiliated, $30 + tax. Out-of-state non-ADA affiliated, $30.Single issue price: TDA members $1. In-state ADA affiliated, $3 + tax. Out-of-state ADA affiliated, $3. In-state non-ADA affiliated, $6 + tax. Out-of-state non-ADA affiliated, $6.Contributions: Manuscripts and news items of interest to the membership of the Association are solicited. Manuscripts should be typewritten, double spaced, and the original copy should be submitted. Please refer to Instructions for Contributors in the annual September Directory of the Texas Dental Journal for more information. The Information for Contributors is available at tda.org. All statements of opinion and of supposed facts are published on authority of the writer under whose name they appear and are not to be regarded as the views of the Texas Dental Associa-tion, unless such statements have been adopted by the Association. Articles are accepted with the understanding that they have not been published previously. Authors must disclose any financial or other interests they may have in products or services described in their articles. Advertisements: Publication of advertisements in this publication does not constitute a guarantee or endorsement by the Association of the quality of value of such product or of the claims made of it by its manufacturer.

Member Publication

Learn more at: tdaperks.comQuestions about Perks? Call: (512) 443-3675.

To order, call the number below, scan the QR code, or visit: http://tinyurl.com/perksGloveOffer. Mention “PromoTDA” when calling, or enter it online at checkout.

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A Limited-Time TDA Perks Program Offer!

CASE OF 2,500 GLOVES$137.50 Perks Promo Price$199.95 Retail

TSBDE Rule UpdateThis recurring section is designed to help TDA members keep up with important Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) rules, other regulations, and state law affecting their practices.

The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE) adopted new Business Promotion Rules (ie, advertising) under 22 Texas Administra-tive Code (TAC) §§108.50 – 108.63. This update is the second in a series of articles devoted to summarizing the new rules.

The TSBDE voted to delay enforcement of the rules from May 1,2013, to September 1, 2013, in order to give licensees ample time tocomply with the new requirements.

22 TAC §108.53 Fees. This section governs the fees that dentists may advertise. Dentists are prohibited from representing or advertising the fees they charge in a false or misleading manner. Dentists must state the availability and price of goods, appliances, or services in a “clear and non-deceptive manner” including all information to fully inform the public about the nature of the goods, etc., offered at the announced price.

No dentist, dental hygienist, or other registrant shall “divide, share, split or allocate, either directly or indirectly, any fee for dental ser-vices, appliances, or materials with another dentist or physician.” A division of services or responsibilities is allowed as long as it is done with the prior knowledge and written approval of the patient. Re-quiring the patient’s prior knowledge and written approval protects the patient from misleading payment schemes.

Advertisements including the price of dental services must disclose (1) the professional service offered in the advertisement, (2) any re-lated service usually required in conjunction with the advertised ser-vice for which additional fess may be charged, (3) a disclosure state-

ment that the fee advertised is a minimum fee and that the charges may increase depending on the treatment required, (4) and the dates for which the advertised service will be available at the advertised price. If the service is advertised at a discount, the advertisement must include the standard fee for the service and whether the dis-count is limited to a cash payment. If the advertisement quotes a range of fees for a service, the advertisement must include “all the basic considerations upon which the actual fee shall be determined.”

If insurance deductibles or copayments are required for dental ser-vices, dentists are prohibited from representing that they may be waived or are not applicable. Furthermore, dentists are prohibited from representing that health plan benefits will be accepted as full payment when insurance deductibles or copayments are required. In individual cases, if the possibility of additional fees may be rea-sonably predicted by the dentist, the dentist must disclose that ad-ditional fees may be involved. Referring to a fee for dental services without this disclosure is prohibited.

Dentist shall not represent that services are “free” when there is re-muneration by a 3-party payor, including Medicaid or Medicare or offer a discount for dental services without disclosing the total fee to which the discount will apply.

The April 2013 TDA Today TSBDE Rule Update will summarize §§108.54 – 108.57.

For more information, please contact TDA Policy Manager Diane Rhodes at 512-443-3675, diane@tda.org.

MARCH 2013 VOLUME 14, ISSUE 3 AVAILABLE ONLINE AT TDA.ORG

Texas Dental Program Medicaid/CHIPThe Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) confirmed that claims can no longer be submitted, either through the dental plans (ie, DentaQuest and MCNA) or the Texas Medicaid and Health Care Partnership, containing discontinued 2012 CDT codes for 2013 dates of services. As of February 27, 2013, any claims submitted with discontinued 2012 CDT codes and a 2013 date of service will be denied. This includes fluoride codes D1203 and D1204 that became D1208 in the 2013 CDT codes.

CHIP benefit information accessed through the dental plans’ web portals (ie, DentaQuest and MCNA) may not reflect a true representation of the funds available for a CHIP patient. Due to a lag time in claims processing, there may be a discrepancy between the remaining benefit amounts shown via the portal and the true remaining benefit amounts. This is because outstanding claims may still be in the system and not yet processed.

The TDA’s next quarterly meeting with the dental plans is scheduled for April 25, 2013, and the Association wants to hear from YOU! E-mail your feedback about the dental plans to TDA Policy Manager Diane Rhodes at diane@tda.org before April 8, 2013.

Texas Dental Program WebpageThe TDA’s new Texas Dental Program webpage on the member side of the TDA website was “live” as of March 15, 2013. It is a “one-stop shop” for Medicaid/CHIP dental information from the state and the dental plans. Please visit tda.org/medicaid and let us know your thoughts. E-mail your feedback about the webpage to TDA Policy Manager Diane Rhodes at diane@tda.org.