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The Official Blog of the Florida Dental Association

Tag: american dental

Reducing Aligner Challenges and Increasing Patient Compliance

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By Dr. Payam Ataii

A Case Study Using the Propel System® with Invisalign®

In the following case study (Figs. 1a and 1b) I used the Propel System® (Propel Orthodontics) in conjunction with Invisalign® clear aligner therapy (Align Technology) (Fig. 2). Through a scientifically proven, patented process called micro-osteoperforation, the Propel System® stimulates the alveolar bone to induce an inflammatory response, accelerating tooth movement in the treated areas — 50-60 percent faster movement when compared to traditional orthodontics alone1 (Fig. 3). As a result, I was able to intercept an Invisalign® case that was not tracking properly by using Propel in order to get the case back on track. Using Propel helped ensure that all challenging orthodontic movements were achieved as planned avoiding additional treatment time, patient inconvenience and cost (Fig. 4). The patient could resume treatment with her current aligners once the case went through a refinement process (Fig. 5).

During my presentation at the Florida Dental Convention (FDC) this June, I will review clinical factors such as clinician experience, patient compliance, attachment engagement and interproximal reduction accuracy using cutting-edge technology such as the Propel System®. In my opinion, the Propel system is a powerful tool to help recover the aligner protocol and finish with beautiful results on challenging cases.

Dr. Ataii will be speaking at FDC2016 on June 18. His course, “Using Micro-osteoperforations to Increase and Accelerate Aligner Cases for General Practice,” will be at 2 p.m. For questions or support in Florida, contact Jim Sieg at jsieg@propelortho.com.

(To view the photos below, click to enlarge each image.)

Figure 1A
Fig. 1a

Figure 1B
Fig. 1b

Figure 2
Fig. 2

Figure 3
Fig. 3

Figure 4
Fig. 4

Figure 5
Fig. 5       

 

1 Alikhani M, Raptis M, Zoldan B, Sangsuwon C, Lee YB, Alyami B, Corpodian C, Barrera LM, Alansari S, Khoo E, Teixeira C. Effect of micro-osteoperforations on the rate of tooth movement. Am J Orthod Dentofacial Orthop. 2013; 144 (5):639-648.


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A Beginner’s Guide to Volunteering in Dentistry

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By Dr. Natalie Bustillo, FDA Foundation Board of Directors

Volunteerism is an honored tradition in the United States and around the world, touted as a celebration of the spirit of community involvement. Certainly, our community is familiar with philanthropic work. In fact, it’s estimated that Florida’s almost 10,000 dentists may donate as much as $15,000-$30,000 in free care and treatment each year.

Some people volunteer because they want to help people, others do it for a particular cause and some volunteer to make new friends. Whatever your reason, it’s clear that volunteering provides a number of benefits.

Trying to figure out what volunteer opportunity to choose can be a confusing and time-consuming process. How do you know that the organization is doing good work? Will the project be the right fit for you? If you’ve contemplated volunteering but don’t know where to begin, ask yourself the following questions:

1. How much time do I have? It’s always better to wait until you know you have the time for community service. Consider whether you are seeking an ongoing, a short-term or a one-time assignment.

2. What causes or issues are important to me? Look for opportunities that meet your interests.

3. What skills and experience do I have to share? Many organizations are looking for qualified professionals to serve communities in need, whether overseas or right here in the United States.

4. What level of physical activity can I manage? It’s important that you be honest with yourself regarding the types of volunteer positions that are a good fit for you given your health and well-being.

5. With whom do I want to work? Do you want to work independently or with a team? Do you want to work alone, or with a group?

Once you have identified your expectations, ask your friends or colleagues about their own philanthropic activities. It’s likely that your friends will have similar interests and can suggest opportunities that are a good fit for you. The Internet has great online volunteer referral services as does your local library. If your interest is in providing dental care to underserved populations or dental health education to youth, I suggest you start with the FDA Foundation — the 2016 Florida Mission of Mercy is right around the corner and we still need volunteers! This is the perfect opportunity to sign up to volunteer your time and services to those in greatest need!

For more information and to sign up to volunteer, go to www.flamom.org. Don’t delay — volunteer registration closes on March 1!

Join Us at FDC2016!

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By Brooke Martin, FDC Meeting Coordinator

The Florida Dental Association (FDA) will hold its annual meeting, the Florida Dental Convention (FDC), on June 16-18 at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Orlando. As a member benefit, FDA members receive FREE pre-registration as well as a variety of FREE continuing education (CE) courses. Click here to view the list of free courses available.

This year’s scientific program is “The Art of Modern Dentistry” and features a broad spectrum of topics — ranging from “New Paradigms in Oral Cancer” to “The Secret Sauce” — to have a successful life and practice. With more than 125 lectures, 25 workshops and three mini-residencies, there is bound to be a course for you and everyone on your dental team.

Join us each morning as our keynote speakers prepare you for a day of learning and CE earning. On Thursday, The Madow Brothers will set the tone with their high-energy, humorous opening keynote session, “ROCK Your Practice to the Top!” where they will show you how to perform at your highest level while laughing and having fun. On Friday, listen to one of the country’s most sought-after speakers, Dr. Mark Hyman, and learn the formula to create a highly successful dental practice, team and life at “The Secret Sauce!” Saturday, Mr. Lucas Boyce will be our final keynote speaker presenting, “Living Proof.” Mr. Boyce has a unique motivational style that enables him to connect with his audience in a personal and inspirational way by explaining how personal history or external conditions do not have to determine the future.

The 2016 scientific program will feature nationally renowned speakers including: Drs. Gary Glassman, Raymond Yukna, Darin Dichter and Rodrigo Nieva; Ms. Lisa Mallonne and Ms. Mary Costello. Clinical courses and hands-on workshops will equip you and your team with the necessary tools to incorporate new and emerging technology and techniques to optimize clinical skills and practice- and team-building strategies. Hot topics include: CAD/CAM, salivary diagnostics, sleep dentistry, head and neck dissection, aesthetic dentistry for teens and tots, dental stem cells and forensic dentistry. Join us for these valuable CE sessions or take advantage of the many FREE CE courses available to you as an FDA member.

This year, FDC offers a day-and-a-half, business-centric “New Dentist Program” to all recently graduated dentists (10 years or less). This program will help you jump-start your dental career by learning everything you need to know to hit the ground running as a new dentist. Click here to view more information on the New Dentist Program, “Success is Your Future: The New Dentist Practical Guide for Success.”

Come for the CE, stay for the FUN! Our nightly parties are fun filled and family friendly. Back by popular demand is the “Live Karaoke” party featuring you and your team as the stars. On Friday evening, wear your favorite superhero or villain attire, bring your family and come experience our fun-filled event, “Heroes & Villains.” If you are looking for some nightlife, join the New Dentists Friday night for “The After Party” in Wrecker’s from 10 p.m.-1 a.m. As a finale this year, we are featuring “Stay for the Magic,” where you can purchase tickets to any Disney theme park for a discounted rate. This surely will be a treat for you, your family and your team.

Come and join your colleagues June 16-18 for a memorable and invaluable experience at FDC2016! Click here to register now! For more information, visit www.floridadentalconvention.com or call 800.877.9922.

Be Cybersecure: Protect Patient Records, Avoid Fines and Safeguard Your Reputation

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By David McHale, Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer, The Doctors Company

Cybercrime costs the U.S. economy billions of dollars each year and causes organizations to devote substantial time and resources to keeping their information secure. This is even more important for health care organizations, the most frequently attacked form of business.1 Cybercriminals target health care for two main reasons: health care organizations fail to upgrade their cybersecurity as quickly as other businesses, and criminals find personal patient information particularly valuable to exploit.

Recent cyberattacks on large health insurance companies further demonstrate cybersecurity risks. On Jan. 29, 2015, Anthem, the second largest health insurer in the United States, announced it was the victim of a sophisticated cyberattack that it believed happened over several weeks starting in December 2014.2 Reported as one of the largest attacks to date, the Anthem breach exposed the information of up to 80 million current and former members, including names, birth dates, Social Security numbers, health care IDs and addresses.3 That same day, Premera Blue Cross discovered it also was a victim of a cyberattack, with an initial attack taking place in May 2014. Cybercriminals gained unauthorized access to the information of up to 11 million Premera customers dating back to 2002, ranging from birth dates and Social Security numbers to addresses and bank account information — the second largest breach, after Anthem, in the health care industry.4

The repercussions of security breaches can be daunting. A business that suffers a breach of more than 500 records of unencrypted personal health information (PHI) must report the breach to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (OCR). This is the federal body with the power to enforce the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and issue fines. To date, the OCR has levied more than $25 million in fines, with the largest single fine totaling $4.8 million.5 In 2014, U.S. health care data breaches cost companies an average of $314 per record — the highest of any industry.6

A health care organization’s brand and reputation also are at stake. The OCR maintains a searchable database (informally known as a “wall of shame”) that publicly lists all entities that were fined for breaches that meet the 500-record requirement.7

To help safeguard your systems, know the most common ways a breach occurs. The theft of unencrypted electronic devices or physical records is the most common method, accounting for 29 percent of breaches across all industries in the United States.2 Also common are hacking (23 percent) and public distribution of personal records (20 percent). A breach in the latter category led to the largest OCR fine to date when two affiliated hospitals accidentally made patient records public on the Internet.5

If you think you may not be fully compliant with HIPAA privacy and security rules, consider taking the following steps:

  • Identify all areas of potential vulnerability. Develop secure office processes, such as:
    • sign-in sheets that ask for only minimal information.
    • procedures for the handling and destruction of paper records.
    • policies detailing which devices are allowed to contain PHI and under what circumstances those devices may leave the office.
  • Encrypt all devices that contain PHI (laptops, desktops, thumb drives and centralized storage devices). Make sure that thumb drives are encrypted and that the encryption code is not inscribed on or included with the thumb drive. Encryption is the best way to prevent a breach.
  • Train your staff on how to protect PHI. This includes not only making sure policies and procedures are HIPAA-compliant, but also instructing staff not to openly discuss patient PHI.
  • Audit and test your physical and electronic security policies and procedures regularly, including what steps to take in case of a breach. The OCR audits entities that have had a breach, as well as those that have not. The OCR will check if you have procedures in place in case of a breach. Taking the proper steps in the event of a breach may help you avoid a fine.
  • Insure. Make sure that your practice has insurance to assist with certain costs in case of a breach.

 

References

1Visser S, Osinoff G, Hardin B, et al. Information security & data breach report—March 2014 update. Navigant. March 31, 2014. http://www.navigant.com/~/media/WWW/Site/Insights/Disputes%20Investigations/Data%20Breach%20Annual%202013_Final%20Version_March%202014%20issue%202.ashx. Accessed June 17, 2014.

2How to Access & Sign Up for Identity Theft Repair & Credit Monitoring Services. Anthem, Inc. February 13, 2015. https://www.anthemfacts.com. Accessed March 19, 2015.

3McCann E. Hackers swipe Anthem data in massive cyberattack. Healthcare IT News. February 5, 2015. http://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/hackers-swipe-anthem-data-huge-breach-attack. Accessed March 19, 2015.

4Miliard M. Premera Blue Cross hack exposes 11M. Healthcare IT News. March 18, 2015. http://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/premera-blue-cross-hack-exposes-data-11m. Accessed March 19, 2015.

5McCann E. Hospitals fined $4.8M for HIPAA violation. Government Health IT. May 9, 2014. http://www.govhealthit.com/news/hospitals-fined-48m-hipaa-violation. Accessed June 24, 2014.

6Ponemon Institute LLC. 2014 cost of data breach study: United States. May 2014. Study sponsored by IBM. http://www.accudatasystems.com/assets/2014-cost-of-a-data-breach-study.pdf. Accessed March 20, 2015.

7Breaches affecting 500 or more individuals. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/administrative/breachnotificationrule/breachtool.html. Accessed June 23, 2014.


David McHale is The Doctors Company’s Chief Legal Officer. He holds a law degree from the University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law and an MBA from the University of Illinois. He is a Certified HIPAA Compliance Officer (AIHC) and a regular presenter before insurance trade organizations and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

Contributed by The Doctors Company. For more patient safety articles and practice tips, visit www.thedoctors.com/patientsafety.

The guidelines suggested here are not rules, do not constitute legal advice, and do not ensure a successful outcome. The ultimate decision regarding the appropriateness of any treatment must be made by each health care provider in light of all circumstances prevailing in the individual situation and in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which the care is rendered.