AAOMS
saving faces | changing lives
Volume 5, Issue 6
November/December 2007
In This Issue
AAOMS President’s
Column ..............................2
Treasurer’s Account ............4
Coding Corner.................17
Calendar ..........................18
News Briefs
PAGE 8
AAOMS partners help make
events like the annual meeting
possible. AAOMS thanks our
corporate partners who gave
generously to the 2007 Annual
Meeting, Scientific Sessions and
Exhibition, the 2007 Dental
Implant Conference and the
resident organization,
ROAAOMS.
PAGE 10
House of Delegates takes
action at 2007 annual meeting.
The gavel of leadership is
passed from Dr. W. Mark Tucker
to Dr. Lee D. Pollan.
PAGE 14
Look before you cite. In the
Editor’s Corner, Dr. Laskin
borrows from the Journal of the
American Dental Association
and emphasizes accuracy in
citing references in scientific
writing.
TODAY A publication of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Hawaiian sun shines on
AAOMS 89th Annual Meeting
It’s gonna be a bright (bright) bright sun-shiny day.
T
he words of an old pop song
evoke memories of the 89th
AAOMS Annual Meeting, held
in Honolulu, Hawaii, October 8-13,
where every day brought balmy
temperatures, sun-shiny skies, and
the mighty blue Pacific waves.
AAOMS celebrates outstanding service by OMSs
D
uring the Dedication, Opening
Ceremony and Awards
Presentation of the 89th
AAOMS Annual Meeting, several
OMSs—as well as friends of
OMSs—were honored.
The ceremonies began with the
annual meeting dedication, this year
honoring the memory of Rep.
Charles Whitlow “Charlie”
Norwood (1941-2007) of Georgia.
AAOMS holds deep appreciation for
Rep. Norwood, a dentist himself,
who always supported oral
healthcare legislation. In 2002, Rep.
Norwood was the first recipient of
the AAOMS Legislator of the Year
But as with all annual meetings,
there was also plenty of yearning for
learning. An outstanding continuing
education program, an outstanding
exhibition and exciting events lured
more than 4,300 oral and
maxillofacial surgeons, their office staff and guests to the 2007 AAOMS
Annual Meeting, Scientific Sessions
and Exhibition. Held in conjunction
with the Japanese Society of Oral
and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the
Korean Association of Oral and
Maxillofacial Surgeons, more than
600 JSOMS and KAOMS members
joined their US colleagues at the
meeting. In terms of attendance, the
89th annual meeting—a good
distance for most to travel—ranks
among the 10 best-attended
programs in AAOMS history.
Let the meeting begin
From the two-day preconference
Anesthesia Update on Tuesday,
October 10, to the Combined
PALS/ACLS Course on Sunday,
October 14, this was a content-rich,
inclusive annual meeting.
Continued on page 9
Award in recognition of his key role
in getting Brevitol back in
production. His participation was
also vital to the passage of
legislation requiring anesthesia
coverage under the TRICARE
program for certain dental patients.
Dr. Robert M. Brandjord, Burnsville,
Minn., who served as ADA president
in 2006, received one of AAOMS’
highest honors, the Distinguished
Service Award, which is presented
only when there is a worthy
recipient.
AAOMS President Dr. W. Mark Tucker
presented the 2007 Distinguished Service
Continued on page 6 Award to Dr. Robert Brandjord (right).
 AAOMS TODAY IN MY VIEW
Volume 5, Issue 6
November/December 2007
AAOMS Today is published six times a year
by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial
New AAOMS president asks:
Surgeons.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, the opinions
expressed and statements made in AAOMS Today do
Can we reignite our specialty’s fire?
not imply endorsements by, nor official policy

O
of, AAOMS.
ral and maxillofacial respect from our colleagues in other
Daniel M. Laskin, DDS, MS, Editor
Robert C. Rinaldi, PhD, CAE, Executive Director surgeons are privileged to areas of dentistry and in medicine as
Janice K. Teplitz, Associate Executive Director belong to the best healthcare we limit our scope.
Janie K. Dunham, Manager, Editorial and Production
Jeannie L. Glickson, Staff Associate, Communications
association and the best profession
on the planet. Whether the While the number of applicants to
AAOMS procedures are as simple as removing OMS residency programs remains
9700 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue
Rosemont, Illinois 60018-5701 an abscessed tooth, or replacing a steady, I fear that many top dental
847/678-6200, fax 847/678-6286
www.aaoms.org missing tooth with a dental implant, students are seeking other dental
or as involved as the facial specialties, especially orthodontics
OFFICERS President Dr. Lee D. Pollan
Lee D. Pollan, DMD, MS, President reconstruction of a patient who has and periodontology. Some who do
585/594-1122 Fax: 585/594-1870 suffered a disfiguring traumatic choose oral and maxillofacial
E-Mail: ldpoms74@aol.com
4415 Buffalo Road injury, a developmental deformity, or surgery are leaving training prior to We have seen the recommendations
North Chili, New York 14514-1024
a residual defect from the resection completing their residency, primarily included in the Report of Committee
R. Lynn White, DDS, President-elect
512/346-7949 Fax: 512/ 346-9427 of a tumor, we have the ability to due to what they perceive as an H to the Commission on Dental
E-mail: rlynnwhite@austin.rr.com
enrich the lives of those who seek arduous workload, long hours and a Education and Licensure to the ADA
Austin OMS Associates
7800 Mopac Expressway, Suite 270 our services. diminished lifestyle. House of Delegates. I have testified
Austin, Texas 78959
before the ADA Reference
Ira D. Cheifetz, DMD, Vice President
609/587-2900 Fax: 609/587-1749 Oral and maxillofacial surgeons Oral and maxillofacial surgery has Committee on Education and
E-Mail: iradc@aol.com
2303 Whitehorse-Mercerville Road, Suite 5 have the training, education and the most rigorous training because it Related Matters about AAOMS’
Mercerville, New Jersey 08619-1994 experience to play a greater role in is the most demanding of the dental concerns that the report’s
Edwin W. Slade Jr., DMD, JD, Treasurer
215/345-7373 Fax: 215/345-0242 health care than our actions and specialties. However, if we continue educational double standard would
E-mail: eslade@comcast.net trends currently suggest. When it down the dentoalveolar surgery and allow a dentist who may not have
101 Progress Drive
Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18901-2509 came to managing facial implant path, what will adequate training to provide
W. Mark Tucker, DDS, Immediate Past President trauma, correcting facial prevent OMS and moderate sedation to dental patients
813/972-2000 Fax: 813/978-5864
E-Mail: w.tucker@med.va.gov deformities, and Oral and periodontology from in an office setting. AAOMS’ Board
13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd
Tampa, Florida 33612
alleviating orofacial maxillofacial becoming one dental of Trustees and the Committee on
Robert C. Rinaldi, PhD, CAE, pain, our OMS surgeons have the surgical specialty? Will Anesthesia believe that these
Executive Director and Secretary
forefathers were the those of us who educational standards should be
847/678-6200 Fax: 847/678-4302 training, education perform dentoalveolar strengthened so that a provider must
E-Mail: brinaldi@aaoms.org leaders in health care. I
9700 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue
Rosemont, Illinois 60018-5701 am afraid we are and the experience surgery and implants be able to rescue a patient from a
Steven R. Nelson, DDS, MS focusing more on those to play a greater become oral surgeons, level of sedation deeper than the one
Speaker, House of Delegates
303/758-6850 Fax: 303/758-0729 procedures that are easy role in health care while those of us who intended, work with a trained
E-Mail: snelson@rmoms.com and profitable, while perform trauma anesthesia team, and manage an
6850 E. Hampden Ave., Suite 202. than our actions and management, unintended adverse outcome.
Denver, Colorado 80224 ignoring the aspects of
our discipline that trends currently reconstructive surgery,
TRUSTEES
Joseph F. Piecuch, DMD, MD, District I brought us to where we suggest. orthognathics and TMJ The ADA House of Delegates heard
860/674-8079 Fax: 860/676-8242
E-mail: jfpiecuch@pol.net are today. surgery become oral our concerns, but failed to listen. To
34 Dale Rd, Suite 105 and maxillofacial those who mistake our efforts to
Avon, Connecticut 06001-3659
Arthur C. Jee, DMD, District II I would like us to reignite the fire surgeons? guard patient safety as an attempt to
301/498-3900 Fax: 301/317-4758 that consumed our profession 30 or control the delivery of anesthesia
E-mail: ajeeone@aol.com
13934 Baltimore Ave 40 years ago; that is the bright flame The growing trend among many of services in dentistry, I can only say
Laurel, Maryland 20707
that led us to excel in the our colleagues to limit their scope of that we will continue to be proactive
Lanny R. Garvar, DMD, District III
954/721-7990 Fax: 954/720-9484 management of facial trauma, practice to dentoalveolar procedures and act in the best interests of the
E-mail: : lrg1jaws@aol.com
orofacial pain, and the correction of at the expense of trauma public health. To that end, I have
7401 N. University Drive, Suite 102
Tamarac, Florida 33321-2991 dentofacial deformities with management, reconstructive surgery asked the chairpersons of the
Thomas J. Skiba, DDS, MS, District IV
orthognathic surgical procedures. and their hospital Committee on
815/459-5600 Fax: 815/459-5601
E-mail: tskiba@sbcglobal.net The fire that lit the way for trauma, privileges, raises Anesthesia, the
Crystal Lake OMS, Ltd
TMJ, and orthognathic surgery is another specter: that Unless we vigilantly Committee on Practice
690 North Route 31
Crystal Lake, Illinois 60012 cooling, while the fire for regulatory agencies and protect our ability to Management and
Miro A. Pavelka, DDS, MSD, District V
972/231-6661 Fax: 972/231-3161 dentoalveolar surgery and implants third parties may finish administer office- Professional Allied
E-mail: mapavelka@msn.com continues to grow and consume what we, ourselves, Staff, and the
400 S. Cottonwood based anesthesia,
Richardson, TX 75080-5708 other areas of our core for fuel. I am have begun. Committee on
Larry J. Moore, DDS, MS, District VI disturbed to hear that not only are
I fear we may lose Continuing Education
909/606-0160 Fax:909/606-4061
E-mail: drljmoore@aol.com many of our young OMSs Unless we vigilantly this privilege in the and Professional
4200 Chino Hills Pkwy, Suite 805
Chino Hills, California 91709
withdrawing from trauma call, they protect our ability to very near future. Development to develop
are not even applying for hospital administer office-based a didactic educational
AAOMS ASSOCIATE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS privileges. anesthesia, I fear we experience to teach all
Mark Adams, General Counsel, ext. 4350 may lose this privilege in the very interested dentists the basic skills of
Randi V. Andresen, Advanced Education I fear we are entering the abyss of a near future. AAOMS, along with the patient evaluation, airway and
and Professional Affairs, ext. 4337
Scott C. Farrell, Chief Financial Officer, perfect storm as a graying OMS American Dental Society of cardiovascular rescue in the case of
Business and Operations, ext. 4352 profession and the gradual Anesthesiology and the American the patient who is sedated to a level
Laura M. Jelinek, Continuing Education,
Meetings and Exhibitions, ext. 4309 withdrawal from our core Society of Anesthesiology, must deeper than the one intended. This
Janice K. Teplitz, Communications and Publications, competencies, and a singular focus continue to advocate for this safe, program will also address the
ext. 4336
on dentoalveolar surgery and cost-effective delivery of pain and educational needs of the office
Karin Wittich, Practice Management and
Governmental Affairs, ext. 4334 implants are about to collide, anxiety control.
resulting in a loss of stature and Continued on page 13
2 AAOMS Today • November/December 2007
‘Flying in’ keeps OMS contacts with Congress ‘soaring’
W
hen AAOMS leaders fly
into Washington, D.C. to
approach key legislators
about issues that are important to
OMSs, it is called a “Leadership Fly-
In.” AAOMS generally conducts two
such sessions each year. The most
recent, and the second to be held in
2007, occurred Monday and Tuesday,
September 17-18. Dr. W. Mark
Tucker, then AAOMS president; Dr.
Lee D. Pollan, then president-elect;
Dr. R. Lynn White, then vice
president; Dr. Robert C. Rinaldi,
AAOMS executive director; and Ms.
Karin K. Wittich, associate executive
director, practice management and
government affairs, met with key
congressional leaders in Washington,
D.C. On the table: Any and all issues
important to government, AAOMS
and the practice of oral and
maxillofacial surgery.
Access to care was a key item of
interest on the agenda, as AAOMS
representatives urged congressional
leaders to support the Children’s
Access to Reconstructive Evaluation
& Surgery (“CARES”) Act (HR
1655/S 1588), which requires
insurance companies to cover
treatment for children with
AAOMS presented
the 2007 AAOMS
Legislator of the Year
award to Sen. Jon Kyl
(R-Ariz), second from
right. Presenting the
award are (from left)
Drs. R. Lynn White,
W. Mark Tucker and
Lee D. Pollan.
craniofacial anomalies. AAOMS
leaders also sought support for a
change in the Medicare statute to
allow oral and maxillofacial
surgeons to refer Medicare patients
for physical therapy, something
current Medicare law prohibits.
Additionally, AAOMS advocated for
support of legislation recently
introduced by the ADA concerning
meth mouth.
While in Washington, D.C., AAOMS
leaders also took the time to
personally present the 2007 AAOMS
Legislator of the Year award to Sen.
Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) for his leadership
on healthcare issues of importance to
the specialty.
“This was a very beneficial day,”
said Dr. Tucker of the Leadership
Fly-in. “These fly-ins allow us to
build upon our annual Day on the
Hill visits by giving us another
opportunity to put AAOMS in front
of members of Congress and
reinforce our legislative issues.” ■
AAOMS Today • November/December 2007
Oral and
Maxillofacial
Surgeons Needed
in Vietnam
Health Volunteers
Overseas (HVO) is calling
for your help!
OMS volunteers are needed in
Vietnam throughout 2008.
Volunteers fulfill two-week
assignments to teach surgery,
bone grafts and dental implants at
the University of Odonto-
Stomatology in Hanoi.
The rewards are many, the
challenges great—and the feeling
that comes with reaching out to
help others: incomparable.
Contact the program department
j.kelley@hvousa.org. The subject
should be “Oral Surgeons in
Vietnam,” or visit the HVO Web
site, https://www.hvousa.org for
more information. ■
3
 TREASURER’S ACCOUNT

By all measures, 2007

annual meeting a success

S
ince returning home from the
89th Annual Meeting, I have
immersed myself in AAOMS
finances. I thank the AAOMS
membership for allowing me this
opportunity to serve as treasurer for
the next two years. This is a major
responsibility that I do not take
lightly—and given the careful Treasurer
stewardship of those who preceded Dr. Edwin Slade
me in this vital role, I know that I
have big shoes to fill. Village to experience a loud, rocking
performance by Kenny Loggins and
I am pleased to report that AAOMS’ his band.
89th Annual Meeting in Honolulu,
held in conjunction with the I congratulate both the Committee
Japanese Society of Oral and on Continuing Education and
Maxillofacial Surgeons and the Professional Development (CCEPD)
Korean Association of Oral and and the Committee on Practice
Maxillofacial Surgeons, was a Management and Professional Allied
success—an enlightening, Staff for once again presenting such
educational, interesting, social and, a strong educational program.
importantly, financial success. With
some of the expenses still being AAOMS has many groups to thank
processed, we have almost for the tremendous success of the
completed the accounting for the 89th Annual Meeting, including all
meeting. the members and their guests who
attended, our colleagues from Japan
Based only on revenue collected, we and Korea, the CCEPD and practice
can say that registration met our management committees, the
budget expectations. Exhibit hall fees exhibitors and other corporate
exceeded our budgeted levels. The sponsors, clinicians, and other
educational sessions and practice supporters, and the AAOMS staff.
management clinics were well The Board of Trustees now looks
attended (even in Hawaii!) and, once forward to next year’s annual
again, our corporate supporters were meeting in “the Emerald City,”
exceptionally generous. beautiful Seattle, where the AAOMS
Annual Meeting was last held in
Annual meeting revenues totaled 1997. ■
approximately $2.9 million, about
$300,000 more than budgeted levels.
This can be largely attributed to
exhibitor fees, which brought in an
excess of $1.1 million in revenue,
$300,000 higher than budget. We
were cautious in building the budget
for this year’s meeting, as other
associations have typically
experienced a drop in exhibitor fees
in Hawaii, given the travel distance
and issues associated with getting
exhibition materials to the islands.
But our exhibitors came out in full
force, which contributed to the
meeting’s revenue surplus.

This meeting was successful, inside

and out. Attendees found time for
recreation and relaxation within the
island’s beautiful surroundings. The
President’s Event honoring Dr.
Tucker and his wife Tina was sold
out. More than 1,200 members and
guests gathered at the Coral
Ballroom in the Hilton Hawaiian

4 AAOMS Today • November/December 2007


Straumann
Company honors
research scholars
R
ecipients of this year’s Resident
Scientific Awards, sponsored
by the Straumann Company
were honored at a dinner October
10, during the annual meeting. The
research scholars honored at the
event included:
Daniel S. Cook, DDS, MD,
Louisiana State University, New
Orleans, “Influence of Biotype on
Facial Gingival Margin Movement
on Single Implant Restorations,”
The 2007 recipients of the OMSF Daniel M. Laskin Award are (from left) Rabie Shanti
and Drs. Thomas Flynn, Norman Trieger, and Arthur Adamo.
Mark R. Ryser, DMD, MD,
Louisiana State University, New
Orleans, “Prospective Evaluation of
Immediate Temporized Implants
– Interim Analysis”
Michael S. Jaskolka, DDS, MD,
University of North Carolina –
Chapel Hill “Six-Year Changes in
Position and Periodontal Status of
Retained Third Molars in Young
Adults”
Kenneth J. Zouhary, DDS, MD,
University of Alabama – Birmingham,
“Efficient and Selective Gene Transfer
to Dental Pulp Stem Cells Using a
Chimeric Adenoviral Vector”
“What these award winners have
accomplished bodes well for the
future of the specialty,” said
AAOMS President Dr. W. Mark
Tucker. ■
On behalf of AAOMS, President Dr. W.
Mark Tucker conferred a special honorary
fellowship to president of the BAOMS,
Professor Nabil Samman (right), who is
also incoming president of IAOMS.
2007-2008
AAOMS Board
of Trustees
takes office
Lee D. Pollan, DMD, MS, North
Chili, N.Y., was installed as
AAOMS president for 2007-2008,
and W. Mark Tucker, DDS,
Tampa, Fla., will serve as
immediate past president. They
will be joined by the following
officers: R. Lynn White, DDS,
Austin, Texas; president-elect; Ira
D. Cheifetz, DMD, Mercerville,
NJ, vice-president; Edwin W.
Slade, DMD, JD, Doylestown,
Penn, treasurer; and Steven R.
Nelson, DDS, MS, Denver, Colo.,
speaker of the house.
Drs. Cheifetz and Nelson will
serve one-year terms; Dr. Slade
will serve a two-year term; and
Dr. White will succeed to the
position of president at the
conclusion of the 2008 Annual
Meeting.
Trustees re-elected to continue
their service on the Board of
Trustees are Joseph F. Piecuch,
DMD, MD, Avon, Conn, District
I trustee; Arthur C. Jee, DMD,
Laurel, Md, District II trustee;
and Larry J. Moore, DDS, MS,
Chino Hills, Calif, District VI
trustee.
Three trustees of the Board will
continue their terms: Miro A.
Pavelka, DDS, MSD, Richardson,
Texas, District V trustee; Lanny
R. Garvar, DMD, Tamarac, Fla,
District III, and Thomas J. Skiba,
DDS, MS, Crystal Lake, Ill,
Posters at the annual meeting are not only information-packed and
District IV.
instructional—they’re also user-friendly. The leisurely viewed items convey a large
amount of information for OMSs to take back to their practices. Those who view
them can learn—and share the experience with others. The AAOMS House of Delegates
also elected G. E. Ghali, DDS,
MD, Shreveport, La, to a seven-
year term on the Board of
Directors of the American Board
of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
The Internet ■
Center
provided the
high-tech
convenience
that today’s
meeting
attendees
demand. The
center enjoyed
a high volume
of traffic
throughout the
meeting.
AAOMS Today • November/December 2007 5
 AAOMS celebrates outstanding service by OMSs, continued from page 1
Dr. Louis K. Rafetto, chair of the
Committee on Continuing Education
and Professional Development,
received the Committee Person of
the Year Award, which recognizes
exceptional contributions of those who
“raise the bar” for other committee
members. Dr. Rafetto also served on
this year’s Third Molar Task Force.
The consummate volunteer, Dr. Louis K.
Rafetto (right) was honored with the 2007
Committee Person of the Year Award.
Dr. Stephen B. “Chuck” Milam
received the 2007 Presidential
Achievement Award posthumously
in recognition of his significant
contributions to AAOMS’ two
Research Summits, his work as a
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial
Surgery section editor, and as a
member of the AAOMS Advisory
Committee on Research Planning
and Technology Assessment. He also
received the Foundation’s Torch
Award.
Dr. Don Lewis, chair of the now-
sunsetted Software Development Task
Force, received the Board of Trustees
Special Citation Award for his work
in bringing OMS Vision™—the
state-of-the-art practice management
software system — to fruition.
Dr. Don Lewis (right) received the Board
of Trustees Special Citation Award from
immediate past president, Dr. Jay P.
Malmquist.
6 AAOMS Today • November/December 2007
The William J. Gies Foundation
Award, which recognizes
distinguished achievements in the
specialty, was presented to Dr. G.E.
Ghali, chair of the University of
Louisiana OMS program in
Shreveport. An expert in head and
neck oncology, Dr. Ghali is
completing a four-year term on the
ADA Commission on Dental
Accreditation’s Review Committee
on OMS.
Dr. W. Mark Tucker awarded the 2007
William J. Gies Foundation Award to Dr.
G.E. Ghali (right).
The Donald B. Osbon Award, which
honors excellence among educators,
was presented to Dr. Richard H.
Haug, professor of oral and
maxillofacial surgery and assistant
dean for Hospital Affairs at the
University of Kentucky in Lexington.
Dr. Haug has chaired the Special
Committee on Parameters of Care
and is a section editor for the
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial
Surgery.
Presenting the Donald B. Osbon Award for
Outstanding Educators to Dr. Richard H. Haug
(second from right) were (from left to right) Dr. Lee D.
Pollan, AAOMS president-elect; Dr. Peter D. Waite;
and Adam Johnson, president, BIOMET
Microfixation.
Dr. Roger Alexander, a tenured The Faculty Educator Development
professor in oral and maxillofacial Award (FEDA), established in 2002
surgery and pharmacology at Baylor by AAOMS and the OMS
Dental School, A&M Health Science Foundation to encourage promising
Center in Dallas, received the Daniel young OMSs to choose academic
M. Laskin Award for Outstanding careers and faculty members with up
Predoctoral Educator. to five years experience to remain in
academia, was presented to six
OMSs this year. Receiving the 2007
FEDAs were: Dr. Radhika
Chiurupati, University of California-
San Francisco; Dr. Joseph E. Cillo
Jr., Allegheny General Hospital.
Pittsburgh; Dr. Erik W. Evans, Ohio
State University; Dr. Carlos R.
Ibanez, University of Connecticut
Health Center, whose award was
generously supported by Nobel
Biocare through an educational
grant to the OMS Foundation; Dr.
Ma’Ann S. Sabino, University of
Minnesota; and Dr. Martin B. Steed,
Presenting the Daniel M. Laskin Award to
Emory University, whose award was
Dr. Roger Alexander (right) for
Outstanding Predoctoral Educator were supported by an educational grant to
(left) Dr. Peter D. Waite; and Dr. Lee D. AAOMS from W. Lorenz Surgical,
Pollan, AAOMS president-elect. Inc. (now known as BIOMET
Microfixation).
Recipients of 2007 FEDA Awards
included (from left) Dr. Ma’Ann S. Sabino;
Dr. Martin B. Steed; Dr. Carlos R. Ibanez;
Dr. Erik W. Evans; and Dr. Radhika
Chiurupati and inset, Dr. Joseph E. Cillo.
The second of two Presidential
Achievement Awards (the first one
awarded posthumously to Dr.
Stephen B. Milam) went to Dr. Paul
Sims, who currently chairs the
AAOMS Parameters of Care
Subcommittee on Anesthesia. Dr.
Sims has also served as a member
and president of the Montana Dental
Licensing Board, has been active with
the American Dental Association, the
American Association of Dental
Examiners, and the American Dental
Society of Anesthesiology.
U.S. Navy Capt. David Bitonti,
DMD, DC, USN, received the 2007
AAOMS Outstanding Political
Activist Award. The director of
surgical services at the National
Naval Medical Center in Bethesda,
Capt. Bionti helped educate
congressional staff about the role of
OMSs in Iraq and Afghanistan and
urged Congress to ensure that OMSs
serving in the military are eligible to
receive incentive pay.
Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ), who received
AAOMS’ “Outstanding Legislator of
the Year” award, was unable to
attend the meeting. Sen. Kyl is a
member of the Senate Finance
Committee which has jurisdiction
over healthcare issues such as
Medicare. Sen. Kyl hosted and
publicized the briefing AAOMS held
for Senate staff on the role of OMSs
in facial trauma.
Dr. Mark Kohn congratulated Dr. Thomas
Dodson as the OMSF Ambassador of the
Year.

The 89th Annual Meeting will long

Two Presidential Achievement Awards
were granted in 2007. One went to Dr.
Paul Sims (right), who continues to
contribute widely to the specialty. Dr.
Tucker presented the award to Dr. Sims.
On behalf of the AAOMS Board, Dr.
Tucker announced that honorary
fellowship had been conferred on
AAOMS Executive Director Dr.
Robert C. Rinaldi, whose 10 years
of service with the association has
resulted in a thriving organization.
Captain David A. Bitonti, DMD, DC,
USN, Bethesda, Md. (right), received the
2007 Outstanding Fellow Member
Political Activist Award, presented by
Dr. W. Mark Tucker.
The 2007 AAOMS Community
Service Award for Fellows and
Members was presented to Dr. Max
Murrison, Salina, Kansas. Sergeant
at Arms for the AAOMS House of
Delegates for more than 25 years,
the Rev. Dr. Murrison is also
ordained into the Holy Order of the
Diaconate at Christ Episcopal
Cathedral. The Community Service
Award honors OMSs, who in
addition to their professional
activities, also volunteer to help their
communities.
be remembered for its exceptionally
beautiful backdrop of Honolulu. But
it will also be recalled for its
outstanding scientific programs, its
vast educational opportunities, its
substantial exhibit hall— and the
members, fellows and friends who
Vice President Dr. R. Lynn White inspired us through their service.
announced the winner of the
Outstanding Legislator of the Year
Award, Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona.
Stephanie Riggs, former news anchor
at Denver’s CBS affiliate, received
the first AAOMS Award for Media
Excellence in Reporting of OMS
Issues. Ms. Riggs was unable to
attend the meeting.
President Kanichi Seto of the
Japanese Society of Oral and
Maxillofacial Surgeons, and
Professor Kyung-Wook Kim,
president of the Korean Association President Dr. W. Mark Tucker and
of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, IAOMS’ John L.I. Williams (right) pledged
spoke at the opening ceremony. continued cooperation between their
two organizations.

Dr. Tucker presented AAOMS Executive

Director Dr. Robert C. Rinaldi (right) with
an honorary fellowship in the association.
The Rev. Dr. Max Murrison (right)
received the 2007 Community Service
Award for members and fellows,
bestowed on him by Dr. W. Mark Tucker.
Prof. Kanichi Seto, president of the
Japanese Society of Oral and
Maxillofacial Surgeons, engaged the
audience with his international-focused
remarks.
Prof. Kyung-Wook Kim, president of the
Korean Association of Oral and
Maxillofacial Surgeons, brought greetings
from his organization.

AAOMS Today • November/December 2007 7

 Dr. James Baker,
Hall enjoys strong foot traffic Jr. delivers
Chalmers J. Lyons
The Exhibit Hall is an important
part of the Annual Meeting Memorial Lecture
experience, and those in attendance
Dr. James R. Baker, Jr., University of
had the opportunity to view the Michigan Center for Biologic
newest, sharpest, most innovative Nanotechnology, delivered the
equipment available on the market. Chalmers J. Lyons Memorial Lecture.
Some 193 companies specializing Dr. Baker’s research in the area of
autoimmune endocrine disease has
in oral and maxillofacial products
helped define the basis of the
and services presented a bit of the autoimmune response to thyroid
future of the specialty to attendees. auto-antigens.
No surprise that the hall was in a
continual buzz with visitors.
No SIMple mannequin
Participants tested
their on-the-job
clinical and
decision-making
skills on “SimMan,”
an evolved
mannequin with
realistic blood
pressure, pulse,
heart and lung
sounds. SimMan
even talks and
groans in pain.

AAOMS recognizes and thanks

corporate support organizations

T
he generosity of corporate • Treloar & Heisel, Inc.
A Dental Legend Presents the partners enables a level of • W. Lorenz Surgical, Inc. now
known as BIOMET Microfixation
programs and services that
AAOMS Keynote Address AAOMS is unable to provide alone.
A sincere “thank you” to all our Gold Level partners provide support

I
t was SRO in the meeting room
where Annual Meeting Keynote
Speaker Dr. George Zarb discussed
the history of dental implants in North
America and presented his thoughts on
the future of implant dentistry.
Many of those listening to Dr. Zarb
were too young to recall the Tectonic
shift in ideology caused by the
introduction of osseointegration and
the titanium implant in 1982. If you
were an oral and maxillofacial surgeon
that year, the place to be was the
Toronto Conference on
Dr. George A. Zarb Osseointegration in Clinical Dentistry,
which laid down the first parameters
on what then became the scientific benchmark for successful implant
treatment, and catalyzed the use of dental implants in North America.
Dr. Zarb, already a well-known and respected Canadian prosthodontist
and a protégé of legendary Swedish orthopedic surgeon Dr. Per Ingvar
Branemark, was one of the chief organizers of that revolutionary
Conference.
For those attending AAOMS Annual Meeting, the Keynote Lecture was
a not-to-be-missed opportunity to hear a legend in the annals of dental
history. ■
8 AAOMS Today • November/December 2007
corporate supporters who
contributed to the success of the
89th Annual Meeting, Scientific
Sessions and Exhibition, the 2007
Dental Implant Conference, the
resident organization (ROAAOMS),
and activities throughout the year.
Diamond Level corporate partners
provide support for AAOMS
activities with $100,000 or more.
The following organizations
contributed at the Diamond level
this year:
• BIOMET 3i
• Nobel Biocare USA, Inc
• Zimmer Dental
Platinum Level corporate supporters
provide support of $50,000 to
$99,999. The following
organizations contributed at the
Platinum Level this year:
• AAOMS Services, Inc.
• Astra Tech, Inc.
• Medtronic, Inc.
• OMS Vision-Henry Schein
Practice Solutions
• Straumann USA, LLC
of between $30,000 and $49,999.
The following organizations
contributed at the Gold Level this
year:
• KLS-Martin, L.P.
• Synthes CMF
The following organizations
contributed at the Silver Level:
• Criticare Systems, Inc.
• Kodak Dental Systems (Practice
Works, Inc.)
• NEOSS
Contributing at the Bronze Level
were:
• DENTSPLY Tulsa Dental
Specialties
• Elsevier, Inc. - Mosby/Saunders
Additional support was provided by:
• CareCredit (ASI Approved
Partner)
• Chase Paymentech Solutions (ASI
Approved Partner)
• Purkinje, formerly DRx (ASI
Approved Partner)
• Southern Anesthesia & Surgical,
Inc. (ASI Approved Partner)
Welcome new
fellows and
members
Congratulations to new AAOMS
fellows and members. AAOMS
hasn’t seen growth like this in more
than 10 years!
Members of the House of Delegates
elected 169 candidates to fellowship
or membership at the 2007 annual
meeting, and another 86 were elected
to provisional fellowship or
membership. Additionally, 45
provisional fellows and members
were transferred to full membership,
having completed the required
anesthesia evaluation.
AAOMS boasted of 125 fellows and
members elected to life fellowship or
membership, beginning in 2008.
AAOMS awards life status to those
fellows or members who have
completed 30 years of dues-paying
membership and have reached the age
of 65 or who have completed 35
years of membership, regardless of
age. Years as a candidate, resident or
as a retired member do not accrue
toward life membership.
Many thanks to all fellows and
members for their longtime support
of the practice of oral and
maxillofacial surgery. ■
Hawaiian sun shines on AAOMS 89th Annual Meeting, continued from page 1
Throughout the meeting, attendees
experienced a serious combination
of work and play. During the second
session of the House of Delegates,
representatives deliberated
resolutions ranging from advisory
opinions of the Commission on
Professional Conduct to anesthesia
guidelines. Details of the resolutions
appear on page 10. The AAOMS
Member Pavilion opened that
morning, in advance of the rest of
the exhibition and enjoyed heavy
traffic all day. The full exhibition
was up and running on Thursday.
Critical lessons, vital lectures
Educational sessions on Friday
maintained the high quality of the
extensive schedule, offering symposia
on topics from third molar surgery
to clefts to tongue cancer. Dr. Hans-
Florian Zeilhofer of Basel,
Switzerland, spoke on the
‘Been working
so hard,’ crowd
got Footloose at
President’s Event
Kenny Loggins
Band entertained
a receptive
President’s Event
crowd
A sold-out
crowd of 1,200
enjoyed the
concert.
innovations of high-tech surgery in
Europe. The Philip L. Maloney
Trauma Lecture dealt with care and
rehabilitation of Iraq war casualties.
President’s Event
After an intensive week of work and
study, who doesn’t need a reprieve?
AAOMS President Dr. W. Mark
Tucker and his wife Tina provided
just that with the President’s Event,
held on Friday in the Mid-Pacific
Conference Center. Aloha means
hello, good-bye and much more,
depending upon its tone. Singer and
songwriter Kenny Loggins’ magnetic
performance before a sold-out crowd
said it all: Hello, goodbye—with lots
of warm, welcoming tones. Loggins,
whose career goes back to the
1970s, is best known for a number
of soft rock and adult contemporary
hit singles.
Kenny Loggins
A stimulating schedule
to the end
Educational sessions continued into
Saturday, with a full educational day
that included symposia on
microscopic techniques and the
Chalmers J. Lyons Memorial Lecture
on nanotechnology and medicine.
Surgical and practice clinics,
assistant mini-lectures and a
combined Pediatric/Advanced Life
Support/Cardiac Advance Life
Support program rounded out
Saturday’s schedule.
The exhibit hall shut its doors at
1:00 pm as the 89th Annual
Meeting, Scientific Sessions and
Exhibition drew to a close.
This grand meeting, which truly had
it all, became one for the record
books. ■
AAOMS Today • November/December 2007
ASI Partner use
recognized
AAOMS Services, Inc., the
for-profit subsidiary of the
association, offers fellows and
members discounts and special
services from respected companies
providing high quality services
and products at competitive
prices.
When you patronize an ASI
partner you are maximizing your
AAOMS membership benefits and
providing a source of non-dues
income that will help fund
AAOMS programs. This year we
recognized oral and maxillofacial
surgeons whose practices used six
or more ASI Partner programs
during the preceding 12 months.
The practices that received the
ASI Member Award Plaque were:
• Dr. Ronen Gold
• Dr. Kevin Neshat
• Drs. Joseph Carlisle, Jeffrey
Simmons, Rhonda Carter,
Mark Billman, Marjorie
Risser, and Thomas Simpson
• Dr. Richard Paul
• Dr. Philip Koch
• Dr. Kenneth Livesay
• Dr. Michael Guthrie
• Drs. John Monterubio and
Eugenio Herbosa
• Dr. Mark Orr
• Dr. Carlos Letelier
• Drs. Lanny Garvar and
Stanley Stewart
• Drs. Gerard Koorbusch,
Scott Preisler, Charles
Crago, Tayanne Shannon,
Omar Chahal and Andrew
Afshar
• Drs. Elgan Stamper, John J.
Lytle and John L. Lytle
9
 Newly elected officers and trustees
gathered after the third session of the
House of Delegates meeting. They are
(from left) Dr. Edwin W. Slade Jr.,
House of Delegates Doylestown, Pa, newly elected AAOMS
treasurer; Dr. Larry J. Moore, Chino Hills,
Taking care of Calif; re-elected District VI trustee; Dr.
Arthur C. Jee, Laurel, Md., re-elected
business District II trustee; Dr. Joseph F. Piecuch,
Avon, Conn, re-elected District I trustee;
Dr. Lee D. Pollan, newly installed AAOMS

T
he 2007 House of Delegates
met October 8, 10 and 11,
2007 during the AAOMS
annual meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii
and adopted several resolutions.
The House adopted Resolution A-1
(RC) that the Commission on
Professional Conduct consider
amending Advisory Opinion C.1.00
to reflect the officially adopted ADA
definition of oral and maxillofacial
surgery, and that the second
paragraph state that cosmetic
maxillofacial surgery encompasses
procedures designed to enhance and
improve form and appearance of the
maxillofacial region as outlined in
the current AAOMS Parameters of
Care (ParCare).
The House adopted Resolution A-2
(RC), which states that AAOMS
supports the ADA developing
Sedation and Anesthesia Guidelines
based on the level of sedation rather
than route of administration. AAOMS
recognizes that patient safety is the
primary goal of these ADA guidelines.
The House accepted Resolution B1
as a first reading for subsequent
consideration by the 2008 House of
Delegates. The House of Delegates
noted the provisions stipulated by
Reference Committee “B” and
requested the Board of Trustees and
Committee on Membership address
these issues as follows:
1. The potential for unintended
consequences to current and
future AAOMS membership
classifications if Resolution B-1 is
adopted;
2. The fact that there is no
grandfather clause; and
3. Are there enough instances to
merit a Bylaw change?
The B-1 resolution recommends
amending the qualifications, rights
and privileges of AAOMS
membership, by adding to the
application process that fellows must
maintain a current dental license and
specialty permit, where required,
fully complying with the statutes,
rules and regulations in the state of
practice. In states that do not offer
dental licensure, the candidate may
submit the following:
1. current medical license in the state
of practice;
2. evidence of practice in a statement
that does not prohibit an OMS
practice without a dental license;
and
3. proof of obtaining a prior dental
license in any U.S. state or
territories that was not revoked
president; Dr. Stephen R. Nelson,
Denver, Colo, re-elected speaker of the
House of Delegates; and Dr. R. Lynn
White, Austin, Texas, newly elected
president-elect. (Not pictured: Dr. Ira D.
Cheifetz of Princeton Junction, NJ, newly
elected AAOMS vice-president.)
Dr. Ira Cheifetz
Committee to address the following
provisions relating to Resolution B-2:
1. The resolution does not address
faculty and private practices.
2. The resolution should apply to a
person with a dental as well as a
medical degree.
3. The Committee on Membership,
not the component society, should

Save $$$ When You because of disciplinary action.

The House reviewed and accepted as

be the vetting agent to determine
membership eligibility; and
4. What happens if the person leaves
Complement Your a first reading of Resolution B-2 for
subsequent consideration by the 2008
academics and enters private
practice?

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component societies and counterparts,
Section 30 of the Bylaws, to amend
their bylaws by the addition of a new
qualification as follows:
Interpretive Clause on Membership:
In the instance of oral and
maxillofacial surgeons who trained
in foreign programs not recognized
by the American Dental
Association’s Commission on Dental
Accreditation, but who are teaching
within the United States, the
component society shall determine
their eligibility for membership. In
addition to the application
requirements, the candidate must
submit documentation verifying full-
time status as an academician. Such
documentation can be provided from
the candidate’s state licensing agency
or from the academic institution
where the candidate is on faculty.
The House requested that the Board
of Trustees and Membership
The House adopted Resolution
B-3, that the president-elect be added
to the Board of Trustees’ Building
Committee, serving with the
immediate past president as chair,
the treasurer and two trustees
appointed by the president.
The House adopted Resolution B-6,
that $34,250 be allocated from the
House of Delegates’ Reserve Fund to
support continuation of the Third
Molar Study for 2008.
In Resolution B-7, the House
approved a 2008 operational budget
with revenues of $14,822,121 and
expenses of $14,542,364.
The House reviewed and rejected
Resolution B-8, proposed at District
V Caucus, to publish the names of
the oral and maxillofacial surgeons
in the AAOMS Membership
Directory (printed and electronic)
and to omit the prefix “Dr.” ■

10 AAOMS Today • November/December 2007

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AAOMS Today • November/December 2007 11

 Names in the News
Dr. Bernard J. Costello,
Pittsburgh, joins Make-A-
Wish Foundation Board
Dr. Bernard J. Costello, chief,
pediatric oral and maxillofacial
surgery, Children’s Hospital of
Pittsburgh, has been appointed to
the board of the Make-A-Wish
Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania
and Southern West Virginia.
Dr. Gary M. Gradke
appointed
to Arizona
Dental Board
Dr. Gary M. Gradke of
the North Scottsdale
Center for Oral and
Maxillofacial Surgery
has been named to the
Arizona Dental Board.
Dr. Gradke earned his
dental degree and Dr. Gary M. Gradke
completed a four-year
OMS residency at Baylor College of
Dentistry in Dallas. Prior to his
OMS training, Dr. Gradke spent two
years in the U.S. Army, before
attending the University of Texas
Dental Branch in Houston, where he
earned a master’s degree in
biomedical sciences.
Families rely on good foundations;
1-800-345-6040
www.treloarandheisel.com
12 AAOMS Today • November/December 2007
Dr. Leslie Robin Halpern Dr. Mark C. Paxton organization that sends
receives Timothy White named 2007 Citizen surgical teams to
Take a Stand Award of the Year Central and South
America. For the past
Dr. Leslie Robin Halpern was OMS Dr. Mark C. 10 years, Dr. Paxton
awarded the Timothy White Take a Paxton was selected the has traveled to
Stand Award for her dedication in 2007 Citizen of the Year Guatemala, where he
treating victims of intimate partner by the Washington State has participated in
violence and for improving the Dental Association. The nine-day surgical
medical community’s response to award was in large part missions, treating
domestic violence. Dr. Halpern is the a result of Dr. Paxton’s patients with cleft lip
trauma attending for oral and work as a volunteer with and palate, burn
Dr. Mark C. Paxton
maxillofacial surgery at the Chicago-based victims and those with
Massachusetts General Hearts in Motion, a national craniofacial tumors.
Hospital, Harvard
Vanguard Medical
Associates, Brigham
Dr. J. Thomas Soliday
and Women’s Hospital
and Beth Israel
re-elected speaker,
Deaconess Medical ADA House of Delegates
Center. Dr. J. Thomas Soliday, Gaithersburg,
Md., was re-elected speaker of the
ADA House of Delegates at the
association’s 2007 annual sessions on
September
28. Dr.
Dr. Joseph Niamtu III Soliday
has served
receives Beacon of Hope
the ADA
award
as speaker
Safe Harbor Women’s Shelter in since
Richmond, Va. honored OMS Dr. 2002. He
Joseph Niamtu III at its first Beacon also served
of Hope award ceremony on behalf as Speaker
of victims of domestic violence. Dr. of the
Beacon of Hope honoree Dr. Joseph
Niamtu has been a strong spokesman Niamtu III with Safe Harbor Women’s AAOMS
for abuse victims and has provided Shelter executive director, Shannon Dr. J. Thomas Soliday
House of
pro bono treatment to them. Heady.
Delegates for eight years, is a former
parliamentarian of the Maryland
State Dental Association, and a past
president of the Southern Maryland
Dental Association and the Maryland
Society of Oral and Maxillofacial
Surgeons.
Dr. Bennett V. York,
Specialists
Mississippi, honored with
2007 Hub Award
OMS Dr. Bennett V. York, of
rely on Specialists
Hattiesburg, Miss, was awarded
the 2007 Hub Award for his
contributions to the community and
SM dedication to public service. Former
Hattiesburg Mayor Bobby Chain
Non-Cancellable Disability Income Insurance presented the award.
and Business Overhead Expense Insurance
with NEW increased limits to qualifying specialists
Dr. York attended the University of
• Disability Buy/Sell • Long-Term Care Insurance Mississippi and received his degree
• Life Insurance • Auto /Home
in dentistry from the University of
Insurance Plans at Discounts for AAOMS Members* Tennessee. He served for two years
*Not all products and/or discounts are available in all states or on all products. as chief of oral surgery at Mather
U.S. Air Force Hospital in
Treloar
Sacramento, Calif. He returned to
Mississippi in 1970 and established a
&Heisel
private practice in Hattiesburg.
, Inc.
Since 1959
Professional Association Insurance Administrators
New AAOMS president asks:
Can we reignite our specialty’s fire? continued from page 2
assistants who are part of the continues to be troubling. It is clear
anesthesia team. If we don’t
advocate strongly for patient safety
to me that this problem must be
solved by interaction between town
and strengthen educational standards and gown, between oral and
for competency to provide anesthesia maxillofacial surgery faculty and
care, our ability to provide local practitioners. I will ask the
anesthesia services will be dictated Faculty Section, the Committee on
by others who aren’t going to be Residency Education and Training,
able to fill the void left by the and the Work Force Task Force to
limitation and/or cessation of determine whether a faculty
anesthesia services by oral and recruitment and retention problem
maxillofacial surgeons. exists and, if so, to develop strategies
to resolve it.
Last year, incoming President Dr.
Mark Tucker discussed our concerns An area in which we have been
about the accreditation of our somewhat remiss is the relationship
residency programs. I assure you between oral and maxillofacial
that I will continue the efforts begun surgery and state dental boards. Just
by Dr. Tucker to bring about a better a few short weeks ago, at the request
approach to this issue. The American of Fourth District Trustee Dr.
Dental Association and the Thomas Skiba and President Dr.
Commission on Dental Accreditation Mark Tucker, AAOMS convened a
have heard our concerns about the conference call between AAOMS
current processes, and I officers, senior
have faith that the task management team
force appointed by Many OMSs in members, and OMSs
ADA President Dr. academia, as well as who are members of
Kathy Roth and chaired state dental boards.
those involved in
by ADA Past President Many areas of interest
local, state, and
Dr. David Whiston has were discussed in a
also heard our concerns ADA politics, have frank and open manner,
and will work to suggested that including anesthesia,
improve the pursuing alternative scope of practice, and
accreditation process. legislative issues.
accreditation
Other dental specialties
also share our concerns pathways will be I believe that such
and support our efforts. interpreted as an issues beneficial to our
I may be the new intent to withdraw specialty can and
Sheriff in town, but the should be discussed at a
from dentistry
message has not face to face meeting
changed. AAOMS will among these
continue to explore our options and communities of interest. Therefore, I
other avenues open to us to ensure will ask that OMS members on state
that our residency programs function dental boards come together in
at the highest level and that our Chicago in the near future to discuss
trainees are best equipped to care for strategies that will benefit the
our patients. specialty.
Many OMSs in academia, as well as I hope we can address some of these
those involved in local, state, and areas in the coming year. I hope you
ADA politics, have suggested that share my concerns and are willing to
pursuing alternative accreditation work with the officers and Board of
pathways will be interpreted as an Trustees to build on the work and
intent to withdraw from dentistry. successes of previous AAOMS
Nothing could be further from the leaders.
truth. Let me assure you that the
leaders of AAOMS are committed to Dr. Daniel Laskin has said:
do what is best for our specialty, our “A specialty cannot grow unless it
residents and the educational and contributes to the future.”
accreditation process.
The time has come for all oral and
The faculty shortage confronting maxillofacial surgeons to contribute
oral and maxillofacial surgery to our future. ■
Oral Maxillofacial Surgery
Geisinger Wyoming Valley,Wilkes-Barre, PA
The Department of Dental Medicine and Surgery at Geisinger
Wyoming Valley, Wilkes-Barre, PA is seeking a board-certified full
time associate oral/maxillofacial surgeon to join a multi-specialty.
This position offers a full scope of procedures and is a 100%
oral/maxillofacial surgery position.The ideal candidate will be
from an ADA-approved residency program and experienced in
anesthesia, implants, orthognatic,TMJ, trauma and reconstructive
surgery.
About this position:
• Applicants must have Pennsylvania license or licensure
eligibility by the Pennsylvania Board of Dental Examiners.
• Our patients present us with a broad range of problems, our
ideal candidate should be a highly motivated, productive,
flexible individual possessing hospital experience and skills in
treating medically compromised patients.
• Has an established referral base through Geisinger Health
System’s 41 community medical groups and an integrated
network of 600 Geisinger primary and specialty physicians
linked via EPIC electronic medical record.
Geisinger offers physicians:
• Paid medical malpractice insurance with tail coverage.
• Excellent benefits package including 4 weeks vacation and 3
weeks CME with stipend annually.
• The benefits of Pennsylvania living —good schools and
affordable homes in nice neighborhoods—just an afternoon’s
drive from the Poconos, New York City, Philadelphia and
Washington, DC.
Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center is a 177-bed acute
care community hospital nestled on the edge of the Pocono
Mountains and includes a freestanding heart hospital, a
comprehensive cancer center and a Janet Weis Children’s
Hospital pediatric wing.
Last year, more than 100 physicians joined Geisinger (a large,
integrated, physician-led health system providing specialized,
tertiary/quaternary care to nearly one-third of the state of
Pennsylvania). And it’s no wonder. While many healthcare
organizations are struggling, Geisinger is experiencing
unprecedented growth. At Geisinger, you’ll experience the
support, camaraderie and professional challenges of a leading
practice while discovering the charms of Pennsylvania living.
To discuss this opportunity, contact:
Autum Kline, Recruiter, Geisinger Dept. of Pro. Staffing
100 North Academy Avenue, Danville, PA 17822-2428
Phone: 1-800-845-7112 • Fax: 1-800-622-2515
e-mail: aumkline@geisinger.edu
Geisinger is a drug-screening employer; EOE/M/F/D/V.
w w w . g e i s i n g e r. o r g / d o c j o b s
AAOMS Today • November/December 2007 13
 THE EDITOR’S CORNER

The Importance of Citation Accuracy

A
recent editorial in the
Journal of the American
Dental Association (JADA
138: 12, 2007) titled “You Are What
You Cite,” stresses the importance
that references play in scientific
publishing, not only from the
standpoint of acceptance of an
article by a journal, but also from
the standpoint of the reader in
evaluating the contents of the report.
As indicated by the editor, proper
references show how a particular
finding or opinion was reached as
well as validate or confirm
hypotheses or statements. This
means that references need to be
cited accurately so that the reader
can find the original source.
Unfortunately, this is not always
true. A recent review of articles
published in five of the major oral
and maxillofacial surgery journals
(Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial
Surgery; Oral Surgery, Oral
Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral
Radiology and Endodontics;
International Journal of Oral and
Maxillofacial Surgery; British
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial
Surgery; Journal of Cranio-
Maxillofacial Surgery) in the past
five years showed that up to 11% of
the references contained sufficiently
major errors that the original articles
could not be located. This was
unrelated to the country of origin of
the article, whether or not the lead
author’s primary language was
English, or the academic rank of the
author.
There are two main reasons why
such errors may occur. One problem
is that authors do not always check
the original source of a reference,
but merely cite it from another
article, assuming that it is accurate.
This may not only perpetuate a
reference error, but may also
continue the inaccurate citation of
information contained within the
article. Another reason for citation
inaccuracy may be carelessness on
the part of the author in listing the
reference. In the previously
mentioned survey, in addition to the
major errors that made it impossible
to find the referenced articles, the
minor errors
(mistakes in titles,
authors’ names,
punctuation and
spelling) ranged
from 23% to
42% in the
Daniel M. Laskin,
various journals. DDS, MS
Readers need to
consider that sloppiness of the
author in preparing the references
may often be a reflection of the care
put into preparation of the article
itself. Having a complete and
accurate list of references is as
important as any other component
of an article and deserves proper
attention. Anything less detracts
from the value of the report and is a
disservice to the reader. ■

TM

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14 AAOMS Today • November/December 2007

F R O M T H E O M S F O U N D AT I O N
Thanks to donors, OMSF REAPS big rewards
T
hanks to the generosity of our
donors, the 2006-2007 REAP
Annual Campaign was a huge
success! OMSF raised more than
$383,000, well above the goal of
$312,000. Since its inception in 2005,
REAP—Research and Education
Advance Patient care—has raised
nearly $600,000 for research and
education in the specialty.
By contributing to REAP, you can
have a direct influence on the future
of patient care. We need to take
advantage of today’s scientific
advances and find solutions in those
areas that will help our patients.
REAP is our way to participate in the
research revolution that surrounds us.
This campaign can make a difference
to the specialty for those who practice
today and for future generations. The
research we support now will be part
of your practice, as well as theirs in a
few years.
Since 1985, OMSF has given the
specialty more than $8 million in
research awards, fellowships and
specialty projects. Surgeons who
receive research awards from OMSF
use this support as seed money for
additional funding from outside
sources for more research. In a recent
OMSF survey, recipients of 18 OMSF
Research Support grants informed us
that they, in total, had received more
than $15 million in additional
funding from outside sources. That’s
almost double the total amount we
have disbursed! We could not have
done it without donors like you.
Thank you for helping make REAP a
success, and don’t forget to make
your annual gift this year.
There are a variety of ways to make
an immediate gift. Gifts to OMSF
support research and education in the
oral and maxillofacial surgery
specialty.
You can write a check. A cash gift
provides immediate liquidity for
research and educational programs.
Your cash gift generates a charitable
income tax deduction for the donor
in the year of the gift. Contributing to
the REAP Annual Campaign is an
effective and generous way to make
an annual cash gift.
Giving stocks, bonds, or mutual 1. What would you like to
funds may provide greater tax accomplish with your gift?
benefits. If you have owned securities 2. What type of planned giving meets
for more than one year and the fair your needs and achieves your
market value has increased since you goals?
purchased them, you can avoid 3. Take action by making the gift.
capital gains tax and receive a 4. Have you notified the OMSF once
charitable income tax deduction you have made your planned gift,
equal to the fair market value so it can offer appropriate We honor all donors who make an
through your gift. Closely held recognition for your gift? estate gift of $10,000 or more to the
securities can be especially attractive Foundation with a membership in the
in funding charitable remainder trusts To help you with the steps listed Robert V. Walker Society. Members
or charitable remainder lead trusts. above, OMSF has created the of this prestigious society are
“Family Questionnaire: Developing recognized with an elegant reception
A gift of appreciated stock may be Your Personal Family Financial each year at the AAOMS Annual
given either by transfer of the Philosophy.” This questionnaire is Meeting.
certificate of ownership or through intended for private family use and
account transfer arranged by your will help you clarify your goals and If you would like copies of the
broker. The transfer of stock may be motivation for giving. “Philanthropic Estate Planning
made easily through Citigroup, which Guide” and the “Family
manages the Foundation’s For more information on charitable Questionnaire: Developing Your
investments. estate planning, attend one of the Personal Family Financial
foundation’s estate planning seminars, Philosophy,” you can download them
Always consult your tax and financial held during the AAOMS Annual from the OMSF Web site at
advisors before making a gift of Meeting. There you can obtain www.omsfoundation.org/giving, or
securities. current information on financial and call OMSF Executive Director
estate planning. Both seminars Dr. Frank J. Kurtz, at 847/233-4356
A Life-Changing Decision: include a presentation and question or e-mail Dr. Kurtz at
Using Resources to Plan and answer period. fkkurtz@aaoms.org. ■
Your Estate
In 2005, the Foundation conducted a
survey of AAOMS members, those
who donated and those who did not.
Most oral and maxillofacial surgeons
have planned their estate matters.
Most, however, have not made a
charitable gift to OMSF through their
estate plans. It is an opportunity lost,
in many cases.
Making an estate gift is a decision
that requires a careful deliberation.
Planned charitable gifts enable you to
contribute significantly to the
specialty’s future. In most cases, they
also allow you to increase or stabilize
income and moderate capital gains,
income and estate tax obligations.
Charitable estate gift planning can
help you retain more resources for
your family. There are many vehicles
through which to make an estate gift.
Many of these are outlined in a
booklet entitled the “Philanthropic
Estate Planning Guide,” which is
available through the OMSF.
Making a well-planned gift can be one
of life’s most satisfying experiences.
Successful donors become truly
significant in supporting the specialty.
There are several factors to consider:
AAOMS Today • November/December 2007 15
 AAOMS Business Credit Card through Bank of America: No annual fee and many
management tools for businesses. For the most current phone number and source code,
When you call an ASI partner
program, mention that you
please call ASI staff at 800/822-6637, ext. 4319 or email asi_inc@aaoms.org.
are an AAOMS member. Some AAOMS Personal Credit Card through Bank of America: No annual fee and priority points
When you call an ASI partner
partner programs require a toward travel and merchandise. 866/227-1544. Source code FAAOJ2.
program, mention that you
code to receive discounts. For
are an AAOMS member. Some
more information about the CareCredit: Patient financing programs with no recourse. 800/300-3046, ext. 4519.
partner programs require a
programs, visit the ASI Web
code to receive discounts. For Chase Paymentech Solutions: Credit card processing with special rates. 800/824-4313.
site at www.aaomsservices.org or call ASI staff
more information about the CareCredit: Patient financing programs with no recourse. 800/300-3046, ext. 4519.
at 800/822-6637, ext. 4319. You can also
programs, visit the ASI Web College Loan Corporation: Consolidate student loans at low federal interest rates.
e-mail inquiries to asi_inc@aaoms.org. Chase Paymentech Solutions: Credit card processing with special rates. 800/824-4313.
site at www.aaomsservices.org or call ASI staff 800/893-0741.
at 800/822-6637, ext. 4319. You can also
www.aaomsservices.org
e-mail inquiries to asi_inc@aaoms.org.
College
DRE: Loan Corporation:
Refurbished Consolidate
and new medical student 800/499-5373.
equipment. loans at low federal interest rates.
800/893-0741.
Henry Schein Financial Services: Financing and line of credit up to $400,000.
www.aaomsservices.org DRE: Refurbished and new medical equipment. 800/499-5373.
800/668-0629.
Henry Schein Financial Services:I.C.Financing and line
System: Debt of creditservice.
collection up to $400,000.
800/279-3511.
GROW YOUR P
PRACTICE 800/668-0629.
Lexi-Comp (NEW PARTNER): Drug information and interaction
I.C. System: Debt collection service. 800/279-3511.
GROW YOUR PRACTICE National Electronic Attachment:
software.
Lexi-Comp
800/837-5394.
Transmit (claim
NEW PARTNER
attachments
software. 800/837-5394.
with FastAttach and FastLook. 800/782-5150, ext. 2.
Source
): Drugand
code AAOMSASI.
information andrequirements
view payor
Source code AAOMSASI.
interaction

National Electronic
Nuell, Inc.: Repair ofAttachment: Transmit
powered dental claim attachments
instruments. and view payor requirements
800/829-7694.
with FastAttach and FastLook. 800/782-5150, ext. 2.
Office Depot: Office supplies, technology products and printing at a discount. Call ASI staff
Nuell, Inc.: Repair of
at 800/822-6637, ext.powered
4319 todental
enroll instruments.
in the Office 800/829-7694.
Depot program.
Office Depot: Office supplies, technology products and
Purkinje (formerly DRx): Pre-packaged prescription dispensingprinting service.
at a discount. Call ASI staff
866/935-8069.
at 800/822-6637, ext. 4319 to enroll in the Office Depot program.
Southern Anesthesia and Surgical: Pharmaceutical and surgical supplies. 800/624-5926.
Purkinje (formerly DRx): Pre-packaged prescription dispensing service. 866/935-8069.
Southern Anesthesia and Surgical: Pharmaceutical and surgical supplies. 800/624-5926.

with cost-saving ASI partner programs!

FEATURED ASI PARTNER ………
My experience with Nuell, Inc. has been great. The turnaround time for
repairs is remarkable. The quality is great and there hasn’t been a

*
need for warranty work on any of their repairs. I have on occasion
tried other repair centers and always returned to Nuell, Inc. In my opinion there is no need to try
other repair centers when AAOMS members already have a partner program with the best (repair
service). Nuell is also extremely helpful when we inquire about new or used handpieces, and they
keep us informed about the progress they have made.
Steven Wolf, DDS, Warren, MI

Congratulations to the following honorees of the 2007 ASI Member Award!

OMS of Westfield, Westfield, NJ; NuImage Surgical Center, Raleigh, NC; The Center for OMS,
Rock Hill, SC; Richard E. Paul, DMD, PC, Stockbridge, GA; Philip E. Koch, DMD, Gainesville, GA;
East Louisville Oral Surgery and Dental Implants, Louisville, KY; Michigan Avenue Oral
Surgery, Chicago, IL; Monterubio and Herbosa Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, St. Louis, MO;
Fort Collins Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Fort Collins, CO; Carlos Letelier, MD DMD DDS,
Las Vegas, NV; Garvar and Stewart, DMD, Tamarac, FL; Face and Jaw Surgeons, P.C., Bismarck,
ND; Lyle, Tate and Stamper, Inc., La Canada, CA.

16 AAOMS Today • November/December 2007

CODING CORNER
Make note of changes, explanations in code reporting
New CPT Code to Report
TMJ Manipulation
As of January 1, 2008, a new CPT
code will be available for reporting
manipulation of the temporoman-
dibular joint(s) under general
anesthesia or monitored anesthesia
care (MAC). The code descriptor
follows:
21073 Manipulation of
temporomandibular joint(s)
(TMJ), therapeutic,
requiring an anesthesia
service (eg, general or
monitored anesthesia care)
(For TMJ manipulation
without an anesthesia service
[e.g., general or monitored
anesthesia care], see 97140,
98925-98929, 98943)
(For closed treatment of
temporomandibular
dislocation, see 21480, 21485)
To report this code, the manipulation
must be performed under general
anesthesia or monitored anesthesia
care. Note, however, that general
anesthesia and monitored anesthesia
care are not included in the code but
rather are separately reportable. The
American Society of Anesthesiologists
defines monitored anesthesia care as
“a specific anesthesia service in which
an anesthesiologist has been requested
to participate in the care of a patient
undergoing a diagnostic or
therapeutic procedure.”
Manipulation of the temporoman-
dibular joint(s) without general
anesthesia may be reported with
codes 97140, 98925-98929 or 98943.
As such, when performed in the office
by the same OMS who is also
administering the moderate
(conscious) sedation, code 97140 may
be reported along with an
appropriate moderate (conscious)
sedation code in the 99143-99145
range. (For more information on CPT
moderate (conscious) sedation codes
99143-99145, see the guidelines
preceding these codes in the Medicine
section of the current CPT Manual).
Conditions that this procedure is
designed to treat include internal
derangement of the
temporomandibular joint (524.69),
muscle spasm (728.85), TMJ
ankylosis/adhesions (524.61), and
late effect of radiation (909.2). ■
Reporting CPT Lesion describe intermediate closure while Lesions” codes beginning with 11400
Removal Codes codes 13100 – 13153 describe in the Surgery section of the current
complex closure. For reconstructive AMA CPT Professional Edition
Documentation of lesion excision size
closure, see 14000 – 14300, 15002 – Coding Manual. For further
is absolutely essential for code
15261 and 15570 – 15770. explanation of simple, intermediate
reporting purposes. Inadequate
and complex repairs, refer to the
documentation of such can
A second example is the removal of a definitions found immediately
potentially mean the difference
basal cell carcinoma from the face, preceding “Repair – Simple” codes
between several levels of codes and
measuring 3.0 cm x 1.0 cm, with beginning with 12001, also in the
may result in an inappropriately low
excised margins of 0.2 cm on each Surgery section of the current AMA
reimbursement. Even when
side according to the surgeon’s CPT Professional Edition Coding
documentation of lesion excision size
documentation in the operative Manual.
exists, it is necessary that the
report. The appropriate code to
appropriate measurements are
report for the lesion removal in this AAOMS coding staff has also been
selected for use in the calculation.
case is 11644 (excision, malignant asked whether practices should use
lesion including margins, face, ears, the measurements documented by the
CPT describes the total excised lesion
eyelids, nose, lips; excised diameter surgeon or those documented on the
size as the greatest clinical diameter
3.1 to 4.0 cm). The calculation pathology report when calculating
of the apparent lesion plus that
consists of 3.0 cm (greatest clinical the size of the lesion and associated
margin required for complete
diameter) + 0.2 cm + 0.2 cm = 3.4 margins removed. As lesions will
excision (lesion diameter plus the
cm. Let’s assume repair of this area shrink during the pathologist’s
most narrow margins required equals
required complex closure. As such, analysis, the surgeon’s measurements
the excised diameter). For instance, if
the appropriate code in the 13100 – as documented on the operative
an OMS removes a benign lesion
13153 range would be reported in report represent the true size of the
from the skin of a patient’s face
addition to code 11644. For excision performed and should be the
measuring 2.0 cm at its widest point
additional guidance on excision of measurements used in calculating
with margins of 0.3 cm removed on
benign and malignant lesions, refer excision diameter size for code
each side, the total excised diameter
to the guidelines immediately reporting purposes. ■
would be 2.6 cm (2.0 cm + 0.3 cm +
preceding the “Excision - Benign
0.3 cm = 2.6 cm) reportable with
CPT code 11443 (excision, other
benign lesion including margins,
except skin tag, face, ears, eyelids,
nose, lips, mucous membrane;
excised diameter 2.1 to 3.0 cm) with
an associated non-facility relative
value (RVU) of 5.43. Had the
diameter of the excised margins not
been documented, or ignored in the
calculation, code 11440 (excision,
other benign lesion including
margins, except skin tag, face, ears,
eyelids, nose, lips, mucous
membrane; excised diameter 0.5 cm
or less) with a much lower non-
facility RVU of 3.25 would have
been inappropriately reported. For
further explanation and helpful
diagrams, refer to the guidelines
immediately preceding the “Excision
- Benign Lesions” codes beginning
with 11400 in the Surgery section of
the current AMA CPT Professional
Edition Coding Manual. We defend the specialty like no one else!
More than 500 cases taken to trial with 93% favorable verdicts
Also note benign lesion excision
codes in the 11400 – 11446 range RISK MANAGEMENT BENEFITS AVAILABLE
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12001) a second code should also be
reported. Codes 12031 – 12057 OMS223 2.06
AAOMS Today • November/December 2007 17
 A publication of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
TODAY
AAOMS

PRESS
aaoms.org
KELMSCOTT
PAID Rosemont, Illinois 60018-5701
U.S. POSTAGE 9700 West Bryn Mawr Avenue
PRST STD American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

AAOMS
Educational
Opportunities
FEBRUARY 2008
February 28 – March 2, 2008
AO Annual Meeting in
conjunction with AAOMS,
AAP and AGD
Hynes Convention Center
Boston, Mass
MARCH 2008
March 1-2, 2008
Anesthesia Assistants
Review Course
San Antonio, Texas
APRIL 2008
April 5, 2008
Practice Management
Stand Alone Meeting:
OMS as the CEO
Atlanta, Ga
Held in conjunction with
the Advanced Protocols for
Medical Emergencies course
and Beyond the Basics
Coding Workshop
CALENDAR
April 5-6, 2008
Advanced Protocols for
SEPTEMBER 2008 Regional and February 28-March 1
Midwestern Society of
Medical Emergencies September 16-20, 2008
AAOMS 90th Annual
State Society Oral and Maxillofacial
Atlanta, Ga Surgeons
Held in conjunction with Meeting, Scientific Meetings Hilton Cancun Golf
the Practice Management Sessions and Exhibition and Spa Resort
Stand Alone Meeting (OMS Washington State JANUARY 2008 Cancun, Mexico
as the CEO) and Advanced Convention and
Trade Center January 19-20, 2008
Protocols for Medical
Seattle, Wash California Association of APRIL 2008
Emergencies course. Oral and Maxillofacial April 8-13, 2008
September 16-17, 2008 Surgeons Southeastern Society of
April 6-7, 2008 Pre-Annual Meeting Anesthesia Symposium Oral and Maxillofacial
Beyond the Basics Conference—Anesthesia OMNI Hotel
Coding Workshop Update for the OMS Surgeons
San Diego, Calif 59th Annual Meeting
Atlanta, Ga September 16-19, 2008
Held in conjunction with New Orleans, La
Business Sessions FEBRUARY 2008
the Practice Management
Stand Alone Meeting (OMS September 17-20, 2008 February 4, 2008 April 19, 2008
Scientific Sessions Wisconsin Society of Oral
as the CEO) and Advanced New Jersey Society of
Protocols for Medical September 18-20, 2008 Oral and Maxillofacial and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Emergencies courses. Exhibition Surgeons Annual Meeting
General business meeting Great Wolf Lodge
Woodbridge Hilton Wisconsin Dells, Wis
MAY 2008
Iselin, NJ
May 8-10, 2008 April 30, 2008
Toronto Osseointegration Middle Atlantic Society of
Conference Revisited ADVERTISING Oral and Maxillofacial
Toronto, Ontario, Canada Advertising inquiries other than classifieds should be directed to Surgeons
Mr. Danny Wang, Advertising Sales Representative, Elsevier Science, 360 Park
Avenue South, New York, New York; telephone: 212/633-3158; fax: 212/633- Turf Valley Resort
3820; e-mail: d.wang@elsevier.com. The publication of an advertisement is not to Ellicott City, Md
be construed as an endorsement or approval by the American Association of Oral
and Maxillofacial Surgeons of the product or service being offered in the
advertisement unless the advertisement specifically includes an authorized
statement that such approval or endorsement has been granted. ■