See Your ADA News Inside
A M E R I C A N D E N TA L A S S O C I AT I O N W W W. A D A . O R G
March 2017, Volume XXI, Number I
Getting to Know You
Dr. Annie Jones, an endodontist in Nashville, attends a
Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field with her boyfriend,
Drew.
Why Dentistry? I have great role models in both
of my parents, who are both general dentists.
They did not put any pressure on me to become a
dentist, but they definitely led by example. They
loved practicing dentistry and also appreciated the
freedom the profession gave them to raise a family
and spend time with their three children.
Why are you an ADA member? My original
intent was just to be a part of organized dentistry.
However, I now realize the breadth and impact that
the ADA has on legislation and issues that are not
only beneficial to me, but also to my colleagues
and, most importantly, to my patients.
What was your first job? I was a lifeguard.
Being an endodontist is great…but, man, I loved
getting paid while getting a nice tan!
What has been the best time of your career
so far? I practiced general dentistry for four years
before starting my endodontic residency, and I was
nervous about making the jump. Would it be the
right decision? Was I too old to go back to school?
I’m thankful to say that it was the best decision I
ever made.
When I’m not practicing, I’m: Running. It’s a
great way to blow off steam and stay in shape.
One fun fact about me: I’m a HUGE music fan.
The Nashville music scene never disappoints.
‘We need to remember why
we came to this profession’
W
hen Dr. Nayrika Salamati entered a makeshift Jamaica has a one dentist per 100,000 patients ratio.
dental clinic inside a church in Hanover Parish in “The trip was intense because we all wanted to do as
northwestern Jamaica, it felt humid and dark. much as possible,” she said, adding that after a long day,
“We brought our own lights and our own fans,” she said. they would come back to their resort to recharge.
“It wasn’t ideal but it worked well enough.” “The dental team would have a nice dinner. There’s a pool
By 8:30 a.m., busloads of schoolchildren would arrive and fresh coconut water,” she said. “You’ll get tired but it’ll
ready to receive free dental services from a small team, be worth it. Jamaica is beautiful.”
which included two general dentists, an oral surgeon, two After her return to the United States, Dr. Salamati said
Jamaican dental students, hygienists and dental assistants she decided to immediately do another volunteer trip.
and Dr. Salamati, a pediatric dental resident. Working with the same organizations, she went to St.
By the end of the week, the team saw 721 patients, Lucia to volunteer from July 30-Aug. 7. This time, the
most of whom were children, and provided services ranging trip was part of a larger, two-week project. It consisted
from restorations to extractions, cleanings and fluoride of a bigger team — up to 50 providers, plus assistants.
treatment. The volunteers
also provided oral hygiene
instructions and prevention
education.
Two months later, Dr. Salamati
would be doing the same thing
— this time in the Village of
Canaries in St. Lucia.
For Dr. Salamati, a 2013
graduate of the University of
Washington dental school, doing
outreach, especially international
volunteer work, has been a
longtime goal.
“I believe that as dentists,
we’re fortunate to provide
needed care,” she said. “We need
to remember why we came to
this profession.”
For Dr. Salamati, who is
currently completing her
pediatric residency at Jacobi Busload: Dr. Nayrika Salamati poses for a photo with about two dozen children and their
Medical Center in New York, teacher during an international volunteer trip held May 2016 in Hanover Parish, Jamaica. The
that passion for volunteer work children had just gotten out of their school bus and lined up to sing before they were seated to
began at a young age. receive oral hygiene instructions and to be seen by a dentist.
She was inspired by the poem
“Bani Adam” by Iranian poet
Sa’adi that is also inscribed on the United Nations building However, the work was just as intense, if not more so, than
entrance. The poem calls for compassion, mercy and her work in Jamaica.
breaking down barriers between human beings. Dr. Salamati worked on the second week of the project.
“We’re all humans,” said Dr. Salamati, who is from Iran. It took over an hour in minibuses to reach the rural villages
“During my residency, everybody in the program was where they would set up shop. They saw over 900 patients.
encouraged to do outreach.” Despite the tough working conditions and hard work, Dr.
Last year, she contacted a coordinator who had given a Salamati said she probably got more out of the trips than
presentation about international work while Dr. Salamati what she provided.
was in dental school. Dr. Salamati was then put in touch “I came out of this a different person,” she said. “You
with the Tryall Foundation and Great Shape! Inc., which has become a more well-rounded health care provider. You get to
an international humanitarian dental project called 1000 meet beautiful people and work with a team who share your
Smiles. passion. Once you go, you’ll want to go again and again.”
Dr. Salamati volunteered in Jamaica from For more information on international volunteer
May 14-25, 2016. The volunteers were opportunities, visit the ADA Foundation’s International
responsible for the cost of their own flight and Volunteer website, internationalvolunteer.ADA.org.
were asked to bring their supplies. Dr. Salamati The website includes information on how to prepare for a
was fortunate that a grant through her trip, along with a directory of programs with a searchable
residency program sponsored the trip. All other database of over 125 organizations, including Great
dental equipment and accommodations were Shape! Inc., offering volunteer opportunities for dental
provided by Great Shape. Dr. Salamati said that professionals around the world.
ADA New Dentist News is prepared by the ADA New Dentist Committee

Want more new
dentist resources?
For more information about other
ADA resources especially for new
practitioners visit ADA.org/
newdentist or reach out to the
ADA New Dentist Committee office
at 800.621.8099 or by email at
newdentist@ada.org
Disclaimer
This publication of the American
Dental Association is offered as
information only and does not
constitute practice, financial,
accounting, legal or other professional
advice. Persons need to consult with
their own professional advisors for any
such advice. Reference herein to any
products and/or services of non-ADA
resources is not to be construed as
an endorsement or approval by the
American Dental Association or any of
its subsidiaries, councils, commissions
or bureaus, or of any state or local
New Dentist Committee, of that
product or service. Non-ADA resource
manufacturers and service providers
are solely responsible for the products
and/or services they provide. ADA
is not responsible in any way for any
representation or warranty, guarantee
or any claims which may arise from
the products or services. The ADA
specifically disclaims any and all
liability for damages arising out of
the use of the services or products,
including special and consequential
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© 2016 American Dental Association
Why advocacy matters
W
ashington — From working with federal agencies to reexamine the antitrust exemption enjoyed by health
to educating members of Congress on dental- insurance companies as a result of the 1945 McCarran-
related issues, advocacy has become an integral Ferguson law, a federal law that exempts the business of
part of the dental profession’s activities. But when you’re insurance from most federal regulation. In its testimony
a full-time practitioner with a full-time life outside of
dentistry, who has time to monitor every single issue?
the ADA said, “If insurance companies had to observe the
antitrust laws when setting rates and designing coverage,
Here are some of the key advocacy issues for new they would have to compete more aggressively with each
dentists to pay attention to in 2017: other for both individual customers and purchasers of large
Repeal and group policies by
replace ACA keeping premiums
As the new comparatively
Congress considers low and benefits
replacement comparatively high…
legislation for This would include
the Affordable offering plans that
Care Act, the the most qualified
ADA is on record
stating that any
professionals would
want to participate
effort to replace in, which in turn
the existing law would help make
should not result in such plans more
Americans losing attractive to
dental coverage consumers. The
gained under the better plans that
ACA. The ADA has would result from
also told Congress insurance company
that any new competition would
legislation should likely provide for a
“emphasize value greater selection of
while supporting dental treatment
the doctor-patient relationship, ensure a competitive options and better coverage for them. These positive
insurance marketplace, and safeguard the most vulnerable developments could result in new insurance companies,
among us who rely on Medicaid for their health coverage.” different pricing, different coverage options, and different
Student debt contractual terms.”
The ADA is working with lawmakers, education leaders, Want to get involved?
dental students and others to help mitigate the alarming Sign up for ADA Engage, the American Dental Association’s
levels of educational debt that new dentists face after legislative action center.
graduating dental school. This includes reforming parts Engage allows ADA members to contact their legislators
of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which provides the and stay informed on critical public policy issues that affect
statutory authority for most federal student loan programs dentistry. The ADA uses Engage to send out action alerts
to operate, including those most widely used by dental and to inform dentists about critical public policy issues
students. that impact the dental profession. It also enables dentists
Antitrust Reform (McCarran-Ferguson) to share their voice directly with legislators. Sign up at
During a February hearing, the ADA submitted testimony to cqrcengage.com/dental/home.
the Senate Judiciary Committee urging committee members
Opioid primer
recommendations
for dentists. Some
highlights include:
How to safely prescribe to patients • Conduct
T
a medical and
he abuse and misuse of opioid pain relievers has dental history to
become an epidemic the government and medical determine current
professionals are paying close attention to. medications,
Since 1999, opioid prescriptions have quadrupled, and potential drug
over 183,000 people have died from prescription opioids, interactions
according to the Centers for Disease Control. The federal and history of
government, organized dentistry and state agencies are substance abuse.
trying to educate on the dangers of opioid abuse and what • Register
the prescribers of these medications can do to minimize with and use the
the harm of the drugs. state prescription
Dentistry plays a big role in the education, since drug monitoring
many people’s first experiences with an opioid is after program.
an extraction or having their third molars removed, said • Consider nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics as
Regina LaBelle, former chief of staff at the Office of the first-line therapy for acute pain management.
National Drug Control Policy. • Consider coordinating with other treating doctors,
“The ADA has done a great job at talking to dentists including pain specialists, when prescribing opioids for pain
about the important role they play,” Ms. LaBelle said. management.
“When the opioid issue really came to the forefront, it was For more information, visit ADA.org/opioids. To
really stressed that dentists and medical practitioners had attend a webinar titled “How to Discuss Safe Use,
to be really careful how much they prescribe, to whom Storage and Disposal of Medicines, Including Opioids
they prescribe and when they prescribe.” With Your Dental Patients” on March 29 from 2-3 p.m.
The ADA House of Delegates passed, in October Central time, register at https://cc.readytalk.com/r/
2016, Resolution 64H-2016 Statement on the Use of xlm7yplrtd38&eom.
Opioids in the Treatment of Dental Pain, which includes
New dentists’ voices valuable
in local fluoridation discussions 2016-2017

W
hen public utility officials in Porter County, the Indiana University School of ADA New Dentist
Indiana, were considering in 2014 whether to Dentistry. Committee
continue adding fluoride to its water supply to “Dentists are trusted members
combat tooth decay, Dr. Isaac Zeckel stepped up to help of their communities and by Chair
them make the decision. supporting community water District 14 n AZ, CO, HI, NV, NM, UT, WY
The dental director at the county’s public health center, fluoridation they are helping Emily Ishkanian, D.M.D.
Dr. Zeckel said he felt he was in a unique position to help ensure everybody receives its emily.ishkanian@yahoo.com
educate the public officials. benefits,” said Dr. Martinez Mier,
“I observe the devastating effect dental decay has on who is a member of the ADA Vice-Chair
patients during all phases of life, especially the younger National Fluoridation Advisory District 3 n PA
ones,” said Dr. Zeckel, a 2011 graduate of Indiana Committee. “They are contributing Nipa Thakkar, D.M.D.
University School of Dentistry. “Even though I was in to the overall health of their Dr. Zeckel nipa815@gmail.com
practice only a few years then, I realized that I was well- community.”
suited to speak up on behalf of those in my community For those interested in getting Committee Members
who needed a voice.” involved, awareness is key. Dentists can check to see if District 1 n CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT
Dr. Zeckel said he attended local fluoride commission the communities where they live and practice receive Andrea C. Fallon, D.M.D.
meetings in Porter County and spoke to commission fluoridated water by searching for their water systems afallondmd@gmail.com
members about the need for what he called the in the CDC’s My Water’s Fluoride website at nccd.cdc.
“preventive treatments and proven benefits water gov/DOH_MWF. Fluoridation status can also be reviewed District 2 n NY
fluoridation have shown.” in the annual Water Quality Reports made available to Tricia Quartey, D.M.D.
Dentists like Dr. Zeckel who want their patients and consumers each spring via water bills, local newspapers or drquartey@gmail.com
others to benefit from community water fluoridation community websites.
should be aware of and engaged in fluoridation discussions The CDC also says “the best way to find the fluoride District 4 n DE, DC, MD, NJ, PR, VI
in their communities, said Dr. Steven Levy, professor in the level of your local public water system is to contact your Michael Saba, D.M.D.
departments of preventive and community dentistry at the water utility provider.” mike.saba@gmail.com
University of Iowa College of Dentistry and epidemiology For dentists just starting out and learning about their
at the University of Iowa College of Public Health. He is local community water fluoridation concerns, Dr. Levy District 5 n AL, GA, MS
also a member of the ADA National Fluoridation Advisory suggests connecting with local agencies and groups. Get Britany F. Matin, D.M.D.
Committee. in touch with the local health department’s dental health bmatin42@gmail.com
Fluoride occurs naturally in water, though frequently program, a dental school in the state or the local/state
there’s not enough dental association District 6 n KY, MO, TN, WV
in it to adequately and find out what Emily A. Mattingly, D.D.S.
protect teeth. Many they know about emily@msmdental.net
U.S. communities the specifics of that
choose to add community when District 7 n OH, IN
enough fluoride to it comes to water Lauren M. Czerniak, D.D.S.
meet the federal fluoridation, Dr. Levy laurenczerniak@gmail.com
recommendation from said.
the U.S. Department Talking with District 8 n IL
of Health and Human local medical Lindsey Yates, D.D.S.
Services. Drinking and public health ljkdds@gmail.com
optimally fluoridated professionals and
water keeps teeth other community District 9 n MI, WI
strong and reduces members, in addition Colleen Greene, D.M.D.
tooth decay by about to attending public greene.colleen@gmail.com
25 percent in children meetings, are good
and adults, according ways to become District 10 n IA, MN, NE, ND, SD
to the Centers for informed and Sara E. Stuefen, D.D.S.
Disease Control and engaged, Dr. Levy sarastuefendds@gmail.com
Prevention. said.
And with the The ADA also District 11 n AK, ID, MT, OR, WA
internet offering what Dr. Zeckel called “a tidal wave of offers resources for educating and for spreading the word Brittany T. Dean, D.D.S.
conflicting information” about fluoridation, “providing about the benefits of community water fluoridation. Check brittanydeandds@gmail.com
accurate information to those impacted by health care out ADA.org/fluoride for answers to frequently asked
discussions such as water fluoridation is one way I can questions, fluoride clinical guidelines, medical testimonials District 12 n LA, AR, KS, OK
make a positive contribution to my community,” he said. and more. Dental professionals can refer their patients Raymond A. Jarvis, D.D.S.
Often due to misinterpreted scientific studies about to ADA’s consumer-friendly website, MouthHealthy. rjarvisdds@gmail.com
fluoridation, specious ideas about the safety and efficacy org, for information about fluoride and community water
of water fluoridation have led to some heated discussions fluoridation. District 13 n CA
and debates in U.S. municipalities taking up the issue. The ADA offers technical assistance and training Jonathan Pascarella, D.D.S.
“Sometimes the prominence of opposition to fluoridation to professionals who are interested in advocating for jpascarella@gmail.com
on the internet makes it very confusing for those who are community water fluoridation. For more information on
unaware of the science and evidence behind it,” said Dr. this, contact Jane McGinley, ADA manager of fluoridation District 15 n TX
Levy. and preventive health activities by email at mcginleyj@ Adam C. Shisler, D.D.S.
In fact, the research that supports the safety and ada.org. acshisler@gmail.com
efficacy of community water fluoridation is so convincing For Dr. Zeckel, engaging in his community’s discussion
that most major health organizations, including the ADA, about public health helped him understand his potential to District 16 n NC, SC, VA
support it. The CDC named community water fluoridation have influence in his community when it comes to good Justin R. Norbo, D.D.S.
one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th public health. norbojr@gmail.com
century. The Porter County officials who Dr. Zeckel addressed
Dentists can be an asset to sharing with the public the ended up voting to continue water fluoridation. District 17 n FL
scientific basis for community water fluoridation, said Dr. “Taking time to understand one’s community and its Robin M. Nguyen, D.D.S.
Angeles Martinez Mier, professor and chair, department of unique needs enables (dental professionals) to provide the robinmaianh.nguyen@gmail.com
cariology, operative dentistry and dental public health at highest quality of care,” he said.

Resolve ethics
challenges
The ADA Ethics Hotline is a service
available to members, designed to help
them manage ethical problems that may
come up in their everyday practices.
Members can call 1-800-621-8099
and ask to be connected to the
hotline, where they’ll be forwarded to
a confidential voicemail system. Callers
are then matched with a member of
the ADA Council on Ethics, Bylaws and
Judicial Affairs, who arrange a time to call
the member to discuss the dilemma and
offer resources that may help.
For more information on the
ADA Ethics Hotline, visit ADA.org/
ethicshotline.
Support from spouses
Spouses of ADA members can join
the Alliance of the American Dental
Association to connect with the
husbands and wives of dentists and help
advance the oral health of the public.
The Alliance is a volunteer organization
where members support dental families
at every stage of their career and lives;
act as ambassadors for their spouses and
dentistry through legislative advocacy
and local outreach; and provide oral
health education in communities across
the country.
For more information on the Alliance
of the American Dental Association visit
allianceada.net.
Dr. Niekia Franklin shows it is never too
early to Give Kids A Smile
I
ndianapolis — In April, Dr. Niekia Ware, who has participated in the St.
Franklin will be the resident advisor
at Indiana University’s Give Kids A
Louis GKAS, and assembling a team
of motivated dental students, it was a
Smile event. perfect opportunity.”
It isn’t the first rodeo for the 2015 Dr. Franklin spreads the word
graduate of the Baylor College of whenever she can about helping out
Dentistry, scheduled to complete through GKAS. “You will be surprised
Indiana University’s pediatric dentistry how easy it is to get involved,” she said.
residency later this year. “Even if you are just a first-year dental
Dr. Franklin was the co-chair of student with minimal experience, your
Baylor College of Dentistry’s first Give efforts and enthusiasm are greatly
Kids A Smile event in 2013. appreciated. Do not be afraid to start
And in 2016, she was accepted small. Even if we only find one child
to attend the ADA Foundation’s Give with dental pain through a screening
Kids A Smile Community Leadership and help connect them to a provider,
Development Institute in St. Louis, you will have done something that
where she learned skills on organizing means so much to that child.”
successful GKAS events from other The ADA Foundation, which oversees
advisors and Dr. Jeffrey Dalin, the co- the national GKAS program, has a
founder of Give Kids A Smile. Mentoring: Dr. Jeff Dalin, co-founder of Give toll-free number for GKAS inquiries,
“One of my absolute favorite things Kids A Smile, poses with Dr. Niekia Franklin 1-844-490-GKAS (4527). Callers
about working with children is the during his GKAS event in St. Louis in 2016. can find out whether there is a GKAS
special opportunity we get to change a She was attending the GKAS Community program in their area, including
Leadership Development Institute, hosted by
child’s future,” Dr. Franklin said.
The advocate for GKAS was born and Dr. Dalin.
parents and caregivers seeking oral
health services for their children and
raised in Oklahoma, and graduated from dental team members and volunteers
the University of Oklahoma in 2011. It been inspired by the willingness of interested in volunteering can find out if
was at Baylor when she first heard of dentists and dental students to come there is a GKAS event taking place near
GKAS. out and volunteer for a great cause,” them.
“[I received] an email to volunteer she said. “While at Baylor, I knew GKAS This year marks the 15th anniversary
at the North Texas Dental Society’s was an amazing program that would of GKAS. During GKAS’ first 14 years,
GKAS event while in dental school,” thrive with a strong institution behind more than 5.5 million underserved
Dr. Franklin said. “I loved being it.” children have received free oral health
around kids, but at the time I did not Her commitment to GKAS at Baylor services from 500,000 volunteers.
know that I wanted to specialize in continued when she went to Indiana To find out more about the ADA
pediatric dentistry. I was amazed for her residency. “After attending the Foundation’s GKAS Community
by the organization, teamwork and GKAS Leadership Institute, I learned Leadership Development Institute,
compassion that went into making this about the rich history of GKAS [in the visit ADAFoundation.org/en/give-
event a success for more than 100 state of] Indiana, especially considering kids-a-smile/gkas-community-
children.” that the founder of Give Kids A Smile, leadership-development-institute.
Inspired, Dr. Franklin decided to start Dr. Jeff Dalin, was an Indiana University Information regarding the 2017 GKAS
a GKAS event at Baylor, confident that School of Dentistry alumnus,” she said. Institute will be posted on the website
it would prove fruitful. “I have always “After discussing it with Dr. Tawana in early spring.

Options for giving back

Dentists interested in giving back to
their communities and patients have a
number of options available to them.
The ADA Give Kids A Smile program
provides free dental care to children from
low-income families. Dentists nationwide
provide free dental services to children
in their communities. Visit ADA.org/
GKAS for more information.
Missions of Mercy, through America’s
Dentists Care Foundation, are local
events to provide basic dental care to
patients. Dentists can also volunteer with
the Donated Dental Services program,
coordinated by the Dental Lifeline
Network, provides access to dental care
and education for people who cannot
afford it and have a permanent disability
or who are over 65 or who are medically
fragile.
For more information on volunteer
options, visit ADA.org/public-programs/
volunteer-efforts.
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