 
|
 |
|
|
Minnesota Districts
Southeastern District
Travis A. Schmitt
Associate Editor
204 4th Street SW, Suite 144
Austin, MN 55912-4427
All In One Day?
Five Southeastern District dentists — Mike Flynn, Winona; Rick Nolting, Byron; Travis Schmitt, Austin; Thomas Schoen, Wabasha; and SEDDS president Dennis Vaillant, Red Wing — attended "Dental Day at the Capitol" Thursday, February 24. In addition to the 70-plus dentists attending, more than 60 University of Minnesota dental students showed up to express their concerns to lawmakers.
The day kicked off with breakfast and an informational meeting about the geography of the Capitol building and how business gets done. MDA lobbyist Dominic Sposeto gave attendees advice on how to communicate with legislators and presented an update on current legslative bills. Appointments were set up for attendees to meet with legislators — thank you, MDA staff! — and attendees were also given a schedule of committee meetings and other legislative activities.
Along with three of the dental students attending, I met with Senator Dan Sparks for about 35 minutes. Among the concerns we expressed were (deep breath);
• the Provider Tax,
• low reimbursements for public programs,
• multiple third-party payers for public health programs rather than just one,
• high debt levels of graduating students,
• poor pre-clinical facilities at the School of Dentistry,
• the $500 cap and how that has impacted the patient volume at the School,
• Minnesota ranking poorly on percentage of dental workforce staying in Minnesota based on Minnesota being perceived as "unfriendly" to the dental community,
• the surplus in the Health Care Access Fund and how we oppose the transfer of the GAMC program into the Health Care Access Fund.
One of the dental students told Senator Sparks that she would be graduating with about $200,000 in debt (WOW), and while she would ideally like to see public assistance patients she would be unable to financially.
We appreciate Senator Sparks' attention and concern. I gave him my e-mail address and encouraged him to contact me with questions or concerns about any upcoming dental legislation. I hope each member of our district will contact and establish a dialogue with his or her legislator.
Snapshot
The Austin Dental Society meets the third Tuesday of the month October through May at the Old Mill restaurant. Our group has 14 members. Recent topics have included the use of Arestin in periodontal therapy, implant therapy, and methamphetamine use and its impact on dentistry and our community. The Society's social functions include a Christmas Party and a Spring Banquet.
TAS
Southern District
Richard W. Brown
Associate Editor
Balaton Dental Clinic
123 Third Street
Balaton, MN 56115-9451
Dental Day at the Capitol
Dental Day at the Capitol, Thursday, February 24, took the District's Carlin Wiemers, Tim Flor, and Richard Brown to Saint Paul for an interesting day made quite impressive by the number of MDA members and U of M dental students. The MDA set up appointments when available with senators and representatives. I met with Sen. Dennis Frederickson and Rep. Mary Seifert from my voting district. Both seemed attentive to our concerns. We talked about the $500 spending cap on MNCare and MA programs, low reimbursement rates, and the Provider Tax. Aside from the clinician's perspective, we talked about the burdens placed on dental students as they try to meet patients' needs and their graduation requirements.
I am a provider in a rural practice for the programs we mentioned.
Many of my qualifying patients are hard-working and deserving and not the stereotypical negative experiences other providers encounter. I do understand the bureaucratic and financial frustrations that cause my dental colleagues to withdraw from the MA/MNCare programs. I believe many of our legislators and the governor are not aware, or do not understand or care, about the hurdles we encounter, especially those who were the originators and developers of the MNCare since 1992. I have talked to some legislators about the "three-tiered" system MNCare uses and found they were unaware of how this worked.
On Dental Day I tried to contact many legislators' staffs via a letter explaining our concerns. That day I discovered — at least came face to face with — something else we have to deal with in this process: we are not the only ones at the Capitol with "issues". The building was bustling: the Early Childhood Education Group rallying in the Rotunda, the Teachers/Educators of Minnesota, Future Farmers of America — I realized we were all vying for attention and concern.
I also found it interesting to sit in observation from the balcony in the Senate chamber. It appeared that most of the senators were visiting with each other in casual conversation, reading the newspaper, doing all sorts of things unrelated to what the session leader was conducting from the podium. Then all of a sudden a vote would take place and the flash of red or green lights showed up on the board.
I hope our efforts and concerns are considered. We are asking to make the system and process less cumbersome and more financially sensible and equitable. Neither has been better since the changes initiated in 1992 and after. I know there were providers then who no longer participate because the negatives now outweigh the positives.
And part of the "time I took" was to let myself take in the event from a step back from the immediacy of the issues. I walked through the Rotunda admiring its impressiveness and its beauty, and realized that the last time I had been there was probably my sixth grade field trip! It is still amazing what a beautful structure our forefathers built as a representation of the greatness of our state.
RWB
Saint Paul District
Laura M. Eng
Associate Editor
411 Main Street, Suite 308
Saint Paul, MN 55102-1080
Show Your Smiles:
The SPDDS' "Exploring Dentistry for Children"
More than 1,500 people attended this very fun and successful event Saturday, February 5 at the Minnesota Children's Museum. Arriving kids received free toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and posters, and were greeted and escorted by costumed characters including Dudley the Dinosaur, Happy Tooth, Count Plaqula, and (but of course) the Tooth Fairy.
Our day's awesome activities and delightful demonstrations included:
• "Dentist for the Day", where the kids put on smocks, masks, and gloves, and with dental health checklist in hand examined the teeth of family members sitting in a real dental chair;
• "Creative Crafts" volunteers helping kids make Tooth Fairy wands;
• an "Ask the Dentist" table staffed by volunteer dentists answering questions and providing information on subjects from bad breath to dental phobia to oral piercing;
• a "Parent Information Station", with, among many other topics, a focus on soda pop decay demonstrations; and
• a sealant/proper brushing demonstration.
Our thanks to the District members who gave their Saturday in this good (and fun) cause: Children's Dental Health Day Chair Greg Hipple and staff members Donna Strom, Nicole Skjode, and Michelle Churchill; dentists Glenn Perkins, Laura Kinney, Tiffany Waki, Becky Maher, Diane Crater, Michael Kurkowski, Mary Sedivy, Michelle Meiser, and Don Erickson; dental students Jill Bles, Jennifer Idziorek, Claire Mielke, Mesa Ulwelling, Mickey Mousa, and Nicholas Lowe. From the Century College Assisting program, Lana Carlson, Jaemie Claussen, Kristen McKissock, Katie Pogalz, Aubree Kroshus, Stacey Frick, Kelly Huston, Melanie Moren, Holly O'Neil, and instructor Carie Miskell. From Dakota Technical College Assisting program: Jacki Schmitz, Ashley Milliren, Arlene Minnick, Trisha McNiff, Stacie Lambert, Brooke Mohr, June Voss-Hanson, and faculty Diana Sullivan. Dental staff Marcia Kurkowkski, Bridgett Anderson, Trine Courtright, and Sveta Tomasevich, and SPDDS staff Kathy Krauter and Cindy Smith.
A special thank you goes to Patterson Dental Supply for the use of the dental chair and intraoral camera. The two spots on KARE 11 T.V. are greatly appreciated.
Party, Party, Party
The District's Winter Social and New Member Party, traditionally a formal affair held at the Saint Paul Hotel, had a different theme and flavor this year. Our Social Committee wanted to welcome and socialize with our new members as its focus, so Saturday, February 12, took us to the Hillcrest Golf Club — conveniently decorated for Valentine's Day! Established SPDDS members were encouraged to host or sponsor a new member by extending a personal invitation and offering to pay for their registration, resulting in 12 new members, with spouses or guests, joining us for singer/musician/humorist Shawn Sweeney and caricature artist Kathy Midlo; lots of prizes, including travel mugs from 1201 Financial and Insurance Services, fleece blankets embroidered with SPDDS and logo, dinner packages for city hotspots, and a hotel and dinner treat at the Saint Paul courtesy of 1201 Financial, which was won by Linda Page.
Our thanks to Committee members Bruce Bates, Elizabeth Cooper, Paul Kirkegaard, Scott Lingle, and Greg Sheehan.
Our thanks and acknowledgment to our sponsors: Twin Cities Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery; Brett Anderson of Northwestern Mutual; 1201 Financial & Insurance Services; Acordia; Advanced Practice Management; AFTCO; Ameripride Linen & Apparel; Boos Dental Lab; HealthPartners; Joel Greenwald, M.D., Financial Advisor; Management Accounting Group; Marcus Dental; Patterson Dental Supply; and Shea Practice Transitions.
And I'll See You There...
Wednesday, May 25 , 2005
SPDDS Spouses Night & Installation Dinner
The Commodore Hotel
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Monday, July 25, 2005
SPDDS/MDDS Twin Cities Golf Day
Midland Hills Golf Course
And...
The next SPDDS Midwinter Meeting will be held Friday, January 13, 2006 to kick off the SPDDS Centennial Year, 1906-2006.
Hard to Imagine
It is no secret that receiving access to comprehensive dental care remains a challenge for many of our most needy citizens. This access crisis continues to draw the attention of many in the health care field and in the legislature. Older adults, who struggle with physical, mental health, financial, and social barriers, are among those especially vulnerable to a lack of adequate dental care.
Since 1981, Saint Paul's Wilder Senior Dental Program (WSDP) has served as a major community resource for geriatric dental care. In partnership with the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry's Oral Health Services for Older Adults (OHSOA) Program, the WSDP is one component of the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation's Division of Community Services for the Elderly, which has been serving Saint Paul area older adults, especially those with low incomes or disabilities, for almost 100 years. The WSDP has two sites, one on Wilder's Rarig Campus on Saint Paul's West Side and another at HealthEast's Dellwood Care Center on Saint Paul's East Side. These sites, along with additional dental clinics in two Presbyterian Homes facilities, constitute the primary community clinical training sites for the School of Dentistry's OHSOA program. Saint Paul District member Dr. Steve Shuman serves as Associate Professor at the dental school and is Director of OHSOA, the Wilder Senior Dental Program, and the two Presbyterian Homes Dental Programs at Arden Hills and Roseville.
The partnership between the School of Dentistry's Oral Health Services for Older Adults and the Wilder Foundation has been a long and rewarding one. OHSOA and Wilder were pioneers in geriatric dental education back in 1981 when they combined forces to launch the first M.S. program in geriatrics for dentists in the U.S. By 1995, the program was recognized with the American Dental Association's National Geriatric Oral Health Care Award for its outstanding contributions in community service, education, and research.
OHSOA offers dental residents either a one-year clinical fellowship or a two-year Masters in dentistry with added focus on leadership skills, including teaching, research, and program administration. Over the past two decades, the program has provided graduate training to 20 students who have gone on to become clinicians, researchers, teachers, and innovators in geriatric dental care delivery. Many of the program's trainees have come from other states and countries; their goals are often to return to their homes to improve dental service for their older populations through teaching, developing geriatric programs, and setting up unique practices serving the elderly. Residents and faculty also conduct research at the clinics, contributing to the body of knowledge about serving the aged population.
OHSOA and Wilder also provide consulting services for many area nursing homes, including assistance with staff in-service training in oral care, consultation on oral care planning, maintenance of documentation, and compliance with other aspects of state and federal nursing home dental regulations.
OHSOA serves as a training resource for dental, dental hygiene, and pharmacy students, along with continuing dental education. Dental hygiene students have the opportunity to work in the clinics in their final year under the guidance of OHSOA's dental hygienist Peggy Simonson, so that they can provide preventive and periodontal care for a variety of elderly patients and gain valuable experience in a community service setting.
OHSOA's "Miniresidency in Nursing Home Care for the Dental Team" has been offered through the School of Dentistry's Continuing Dental Education and Alumni Relations Program since 1991, in collaboration with community sponsors. This unique educational program is designed to teach practicing dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants how to deliver care more effectively in nursing homes and other long-term environments, and has now been attended by more than 100 practitioners from throughout the U.S. and Canada. It consists of a two-part, five-day curriculum with additional clinical training available on site at the Wilder Senior Dental Clinic. Topics include dental delivery systems, medical issues, preventive care, patient management, common geriatric dental care challenges, ethical and legal issues, and working with nursing home staff and regulations.
The Wilder Senior Dental Program is an effective partnership between the Wilder Foundation in Saint Paul and the School of Dentistry. Wilder owns and operates two Saint Paul clinics and employs the dental support and administrative staff, while the dental school provides graduate students, faculty, and dental hygiene staff. Along with Dr. Shuman, other University personnel at OHSOA's clinics include clinical faculty member Dr. Mary Owen, an OHSOA graduate herself, and Peggy Simonson, RDH, who provides administrative support along with clinical dental hygiene services.
The Wilder clinics provide about 2,800 visits per year for patients 60 years of age and older. While the average age of clients is about 80, many are even older. The oldest was 109 when she passed away, according to Dr. Shuman, and she still had almost all of her natural teeth. Almost half of OHSOA's patients suffer from at least some level of dementia, and the program is well known for its expertise in this area. Many of the program's patients also have low incomes, and Wilder Foundation data in recent years has indicated that almost 60% of the WSDP's patients fell below 125% federal poverty levels. Wilder dental clinics are all open to the public, and they accept most insurance plans and all state assistance programs.
Working quietly in the neighborhoods of Saint Paul, these clinics serve the people who often find it challenging to obtain regular, ongoing dental care.
"The greatest rewards, beyond training dental professionals for the future, are still in the wonderful feedback we receive from our patients and their families," says Dr. Shuman. "Recently we got a card from a patient thanking us for treating her like a person, despite her disabilities. Another note simply thanked our staff for their kindness, compassion, and skill. It's hard to imagine what could make you feel better than that."
Besides serving more than 1,000 elderly patients every year, the School of Dentistry's Oral Health Services for Older Adults Program and Wilder Senior Dental Program are providing the personnel, resources, and training to enable compassionate and expert geriatric care to reach the ever-growing aging population in our community and beyond.
LME
Minneapolis District
Jonathan C. Moren
Associate Editor
4940 Viking Drive
Suite 127
Edina, MN 55435
What a Difference a Day Made
On Saturday, February 5, the MDDS held its fifth annual Give Kids a Smile Day at the Sharing and Caring Hands Dental Clinic in Minneapolis. It was truly a celebration of service to the community and a commitment to volunteerism by District members. Our thanks to Mary Jo Copeland for opening her heart and letting us do this good work. We provided approximately $44,080 in dental care to 126 children who might otherwise have no access to care. Our volunteers provided oral hygiene instruction, dental exams, tooth brush prophylaxis, fluoride treatments, radiographs, sealants, extractions, pulpotomies, stainless steel crowns, and composite and amalgam restorations. Special entertainment was provided, and every child went home with a goodie bag.
Our thanks to AppleTree Dental for again letting us rent their mobile dental units. Special thanks to Dr. Thomas Backman for helping to arrange use of portable dental chairs for exams and radiographs. This allowed us to more than double the size of the permanent dental clinic. Many thanks also to all our donors. They were: AppleTree Dental, 3M-ESPE Dental Products Division, Colgate Oral Pharmaceuticals, Crest Healthy Smiles 2010 Program, Marcus Dental Supply Company, Minnesota Dental Foundation, Pfizer, Inc., Procter & Gamble, Sullivan-Schein Dental Company, and the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.
We fielded 130 volunteer dentists, dental specialists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental students, and other dental auxiliaries as well as our volunteers. And we couldn't have done it without any of them!
JCM
Minnesota Student District
Atty D. Smith
Associate Editor
9125 Alamo Street N.E.
Blaine, MN 55449-5661
Some People Can Just Wear Hats
Spring semester began with ASDA's Quad-Regional meeting in snowy Denver, Colorado. Thirteen U of M students attended seminars, lectures, team-building sessions, and some social events thrown in there too, all to broaden our knowledge about ASDA, organized dentistry, and to expand our tools to enhance the experience at our own local chapter.
While our next event was a long time in the planning stages, the day finally came. For the first time, the School of Dentistry particpated in the national Give Kids a Smile Day event. Third-year dental student Carly Grothe was the hardworking visionary behind the installation of this, hopefully, annual event at the School. During just the Saturday event, 138 kids were provided with free dental care ranging from sealants to operative work to extractions, all thanks to the volunteer efforts of dental students, hygiene students, faculty, staff, and other volunteers numbering more than 130. A special thanks goes out to all the volunteers and our school's administration who helped make this event possible and successful.
As we prepared to switch gears and put on our political hat, we held a training day for our annual Lobby Day at the state Capitol. MDA Executive Director Dick Diercks and MDA Director of Policy Development Pat Glasrud brought us material to study, discuss, and prepare for when lobbying for the issues that affect us as students.
A few weeks later, state Lobby Day was upon us, and we were able to put all our hard training and preparation to work. This year we proudly teamed up with dentists from across the state, thanks to organizing efforts by the MDA, to lobby for dental issues we are all faced with in Minnesota.
On the student side, Lobby Day was organized and coordinated by Melissa Naidihorski and Abby Pershke. More than 40 students met with 46 different legislators, lobbying issues focusing on the $500 Medical Assistance cap, loan forgiveness programs, the Provider Tax issue, and others. Once again, we continue to let our voice be heard and our presence felt at the Capitol. It was a good day.
ADS
Northeastern District
Gary Hedin
Associate Editor
927 Trettle Lane
Cloquet, MN 55720
See Ya Later!
William E. Stein, D.D.S.
Twenty-one years ago I started writing this report. I originally wrote in defense of my honor, having been maliciously attacked by a pissant state attorney general. Evidently things turned out all right. The reviews were favorable, and I was in. It didn't hurt that our editor Gene Ley was actively seeking a replacement.
Now I am seeking a replacement. My duties as Northwest Dentistry's Executive Editor and my studies for the Deaconate in the Catholic Church have spread me pretty thin. I have been forced by time constraints to neglect the news of our great district. It is just not fair to the members of the most active district in the state to have a less-than-active editor.
Enter Gary Hedin. I have had my eye on Gary for the last few years. As the representative of the Student District to the MDA Publications Committee, Gary distinguished himself with his contributions to Northwest Dentistry. Gary can write.
As a member of the staff of the dental school newsletter, the Central Groove, Gary proved himself the Conan O'Brien of undergrad humor. Since his recent graduation, Gary has proved himself an extremely active member of our district, joining every study club he could get his hands on.
Please join me in welcoming Gary Hedin as the new Northeastern District Associate Editor for Northwest Dentistry. Gary had to pass five tests to become editor:
1. He can golf.
2. He can fish.
3. He loves dentistry.
4. He can write.
5. He is funny.
God bless you, Gary!
I still reserve the right to contribute. It's good to be the boss!
WES
Gary the First
The sun was shining and a fresh dusting of snow covered the ground as Brian McDonald and I made our way up the "Iron Ridge" to Hibbing early one February morning. It was a perfect day for ice fishing, skiing, snowmobiling ... or the February NEDDS meeting. Jerry Pedersen had spent the previous three days a multitude of signs directing us toward a nice spread of piping hot coffee and fresh pastries outside the Hibbing Community College auditorium. A strong showing of 125 members of our dental community was in attendance to hear Dr. Robert Feigal, Director of the U's graduate program in pediatric dentistry, and Duluth's own Dr. John Coury speak about advances in pediatric dentistry. A number of topics were discussed, including the use of resin modified glass ionomers, a move toward more pulpectomies on primary teeth, fluoride supplement and baby bottle guidelines, and the value of indirect pulp caps. Both presentations were well done and full of a variety of useful information.
During lunch a special presentation was made to Hibbing orthodontist Michael Zakula: the prestigious Robert Beerhalter Award. This award recognizes a dentist in the Northeastern District who exhibits a strong dedication to participation in continuing education and clinical excellence. Mike Zakula has served the Northeastern District as its president and in many other capacities. His knowledge of his speciality of orthodontics is vast, and his willingness to share it with his colleagues is a true blessing to all the members of the Northeastern District. Congratulations to Dr. Zakula for a job well done and for setting a good example for the rest of us in Northeastern Minnesota.
Following the meeting I headed to Lake of the Woods for my annual attempt at catching a limit of walleye. Four other members of the dental class of 2004 joined in for the fun, including Steve Graber of Duluth. Two of our group are in graduate school for periodontics at the U, so they spent most of the weekend practicing implant placement and apically positioned flaps on eelpout. It was a successful trip, but those 29+ inch walleye are safe for another year.
Stepping back for a moment to the Midwinter Meeting, I'd like to call special attention to the NEDDS' Guest of Honor, Dr. Bill Stein. Many of you know better than I do that Bill has been a very active member of the Northeastern District for many years. He has also been quite involved in his church and the community of Aitkin. Apparently more than a few muskies and golf balls have fallen victim to his dedication as well. I had the pleasure of getting to know Bill while I served as one of the student representatives to the MDA's Publications Committee during my years in dental school (which only ended less than a year ago). Bill's friendly and welcoming personality and genuine dedication to the profession of dentistry really impressed me. These traits, coupled with a lifetime of devotion to many aspects of dentistry outside the operatory such as dental education and serving as Executive Editor of NWD are just a few of the many reasons Bill was honored. Congratulations to you, Bill!
GH
West Central District
Robert P. Gardetto
Associate Editor
111 Lake Street North
Big Lake, MN 55309
No Report in this Issue
Northwestern District
John E. Lueth
Associate Editor
P.O. Box 310
Bemidji, MN 56619
We May Shake and Rattle, But We Still Roll: The 2005 Winter Meeting
Many daring souls braved a winter storm to travel to Moorhead on Friday, January 27, for the Northwestern District Dental Society Winter Meeting. What had been lovely and mild winter weather the prior several days turned to freezing rain developing into horizontal blowing snow by Friday morning as dental office personnel from Moorhead-Fargo and northwestern Minnesota converged on Moorhead for our twice-a-year gathering.
With patience, state patrol updates by Vice-President Bill Erickson, and undoubtedly some superior displays of winter driving skills, the attendees made their way back home after the meeting and over the next day or two.
What brought us to the Red River Valley for our first district meeting there in quite some time was the opportunity to meet with our North Dakota neighbors and share in a program covering "Topics in Geriatric Dentistry" presented by the new Dean of the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Dr. Patrick Lloyd. With his goal being to "inspire and enlighten [us] as to what the realities are for older adults ... [and thereby] enable [us] to become an advocate for them,"
Dean Lloyd thoroughly engaged the audience with his presentation. His depth of knowledge of geriatric dentistry, wit, humor, and passion for the subject definitely showed through. Using another of his passions to illustrate his topic in many and varied ways, Dean Lloyd referred to Grant Wood's painting "American Gothic" to repeatedly remind his listeners that with regard to geriatric dentistry, "It's a lot more more complicated than it appears at first glance!"
With an unprecedented increase in the numbers of older adults, the fact that in the year 2000 there were 37 million people in the U.S. (13.1%) who were 65 years of age or older, and with the fact that all of us are heading in that direction (if not already there), it seemed we might want to consider instituting something in America like September 17 is in Japan — a national holdiay to celebrate the elderly! The Japanese Dental Association even has what they term their "8020 Campaign". Their goal is for citizens of Japan to retain at least 20 natural teeth into their 80s.
With such an aging population in the U.S., dentists in this country will be faced with more and more age-related dental issues. Dean Lloyd related the reasons for the rising rate of dental disease in later life (including the difficult and challenging risk factors associated with the development of and the existence of root caries) while exhorting every dental professional to "tell the story" — the story about dry mouth, an important and sometimes complicated issue for older adults, as well as the story of what dentistry can do for this ever-growing aging population in the country.
Dean Lloyd's presentation was excellent, and the Northwestern District was honored to have had him speak to us as one of the first areas of the state since his arrival at the University of Minnesota. His passion for the topic of geriatric dentistry was matched only by his enthusiasm and passion for his mission at the School of Dentistry. This passion to direct the dental school to even better things and higher standing than its already high national recognition was very evident throughout the day, and many dentists commented positively about their having had the opportunity to meet and listen to the new man at the helm, saying they think the School will be in good hands.
CE on a Dare
If you are looking for continuing dental education with a bit of a twist, if you like to ice fish but never thought you could pair that with dental education, if you have never ice fished in your life but are game to show up for a fun weekend like none other on the CDE circuit, then plan on coming to Sportman's Lodge on famous Lake of the Woods in January 2006!
The NWDDS is hosting a fun weekend of fishing and dental education Friday, January 27 through Sunday, January 29, 2006 for you and your staff. Your weekend package will include two nights lodging; one full day of ice fishing, including transportation to and from the fish house; fish cleaning, poles, bait, and tackle; two dinners, one a shore lunch-style dinner; two breakfasts; and a hot lunch cooked and served by the fishing guides — all this in addition to some great continuing dental education! Absolutely no ice fishing experience is necessary. If you have warm clothes and a pair of boots, you can enjoy this weekend! Watch for more details and registration information at the Star of the North Meeting as well as in Northwest Dentistry.
Park Rapids Program Receives Hospital Association Award
The Community Dental Clinic in Park Rapids received honors from the Minnesota Hospital Association for its unique method of providing dental care for public health patients. The following is excerpted from the St. Joseph's Area Health Services newsletter.
They say it takes a village to raise a child. The same could be said for St. Joseph's Community Dental Clinic in Park Rapids. It has taken the effort of so many community, state, and even national organizations to pull off this novel model. Combining the forces of a hospital, community health services, and a dental practice earned St. Joseph's the Minnesota Hospital Association Innovation of the Year in Patient Care Award recently.
The clinic functions to serve patients insured through Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare, a portion of the population who went without dental care or struggled to find adequate access to care. Daniel Rose, D.D.S., who spearheaded the project along with dentist David Anderson and Peter Jacobson, St. Joseph's president and CEO, appreciates the support of everyone who has taken an interest in the clinic, including a caring staff.
Dr. Rose can look at just about every piece of furniture or equipment in the clinic and tell you where it came from, who donated it, or which grant helped purchase it, among them Catholic Health Initiatives, Mahube, Northwest Minnesota Foundation Initiatives, the local banks, and Park Rapids Rotary. When a grant came through from Delta Dental for an autoclave, the company threw in a sonicclave for good measure.
"Support from the dentists in town has been tremendous," said Dr. Rose. He, and Drs. Clinton Roberts and Clayton Shepard may accommodate 20 to as many as 50 patient visits a day depending on the procedures scheduled.
Mr. Jacobson says it has been about a year since initial conversations with Drs. Rose and Anderson helped create this model. Even more impressive is the bigger component of the dental clinic's goals toward comprehensive long-term care which are being met. The public health and dental clinic staffs work well together, setting the stage for overall health improvements for this sector of the population. Next on the agenda will be a dental surgery program.
Copyright 2005. Minnesota Dental Association
< departments home
|
|
|
|
|
