2009 winter wmdds bulletin:layout2005
DESCRIPTION
Advertising Editor Elaine Fleming Executive Secretary WMDDS 511-F Waters Building Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 234-5605 [email protected] Holland-Zeeland Dental Society Officers, 2008-2009 President Ryan Lebster Treasurer Robert Ankerman Secretary Immediate Past President Directors Larissa Bishop Tylor Wolf Christopher Morgan Area Representatives Kent County Brant Erbentraut Ionia-Montcalm Kathleen Ellsworth County Mecosta County Margaret Gingrich Ottawa County Thomas PharesTRANSCRIPT
Bulletin
WINTER ISSUE 2009VOL. 41, NO. 3
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2009 1
Contents
President’s Message ...................................................................................................... 2
2009 Silent Bell Recipient William Avery ................................................................... 4
2009 Silent Bell Recipient William Rocker ................................................................. 8
Silent Bell Past Recipients ............................................................................................12
WMDDS Honors Life Members .................................................................................14
Employee Performance Reviews..................................................................................15
Project Homeless Connect...........................................................................................16
Trustee Report ..............................................................................................................18
Program Review ...........................................................................................................20
Classified Ads................................................................................................................22
Advertiser Index ...........................................................................................................23
GRCC Dental Auxiliary Program Honored with 2008 Steel Water Award ..............24
Mission StatementThe Bulletin is the newsletter of the WMDDS and its mission is to inform the membership of
upcoming and recent events, state & local issues related to dentistry, and as a forum for its officers,
representatives, and members to discuss appropriate topics of interest to the membership.
Communication & Advertising PolicyThe Bulletin will publish submitted articles from members and others that relate to the practice of
dentistry, small business, social, or political issues affecting dentists, or other subjects of interest to
the membership. All published items are subject to space restrictions and the community standards
of the WMDDS. The editors reserve the right to reject any article or advertisement deemed
inappropriate and to edit submissions as they see fit.
Submission & Publication Policy:Articles and advertisements must be submitted no later than the 1st of the month preceding
publication date. The Bulletin has six publications: the directory issue, fall issue, holiday
issue, winter issue, spring issue, and summer issue. Direct submissions or correspondences to:
Dr. Bruce Weny • 255 Washington SE • Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: 616.451.2336 FAX 616.222.1345 • Email: [email protected]
Include “Newsletter” in the subject line.
Editor Bruce Weny
Associate Editors Jeff SmithTara MeachumSeth VrugginkJames Papp
Advertising Editor Elaine FlemingExecutive SecretaryWMDDS511-F Waters BuildingGrand Rapids, MI 49503(616) [email protected]
West Michigan District Dental SocietyExecutive Board 2008-2009President Doug KillianPresident-Elect Douglas KleinVice President Seth VrugginkSecretary-Treasurer Ryan LebsterEditor Bruce WenyImmediate Past
PresidentAmy De Young
Directors Larissa BishopTylor WolfChristopher Morgan
Area RepresentativesKent County Brant ErbentrautIonia-Montcalm
Kathleen EllsworthCountyMecosta County Margaret GingrichOttawa County Thomas Phares
MDA IV District Connie VerhagenTrustees Norman Palm
Big Rapids Dental Study Club Officers, 2008-2009President Erick PerroudVice President Erick PerroudSecretary Christa SternTreasurer Erick Perroud
Holland-Zeeland Dental Society Officers, 2008-2009President Ryan LebsterTreasurer Robert AnkermanSecretaryImmediate Past
President
Ionia-Montcalm Dental Study Club Officers, 2008-2009President-Secretary Lowell SwartzVice President-
TreasurerKirkwood Faber
Kent County Dental Society Officers, 2008-2009President Paul O’GradyVice President Brant ErbentrautSecretary David ArmbrechtTreasurer Lathe Miller
West Michigan Dental Foundation OfficersPresident Thomas HarmonVice President Donald Vander LindeSecretary Matthew GietzenTreasurer Carl Kruyswyk
The Bulletin of the West Michigan Dental Societyis published six times a year (Directory issue,Sept./Oct., Nov./Dec., Jan./Feb., Mar./Apr., andMay/June). The opinions expressed in The Bulletinare not necessarily the opinions of the WestMichigan District Dental Society.
Contributions to The Bulletin are welcome andshould be addressed to The Bulletin Editor, 255Washington SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Requestsfor purchase of advertising space should be direct-ed to the Advertising Editor, Elaine Fleming, (616)234-5605. The deadline is the 1st of the monthprior to publication.
© 2008-2009 West Michigan District DentalSociety Bulletin
About the Cover
2009 Silent Bell Recipients Dr. William Avery and Dr. William Rocker.
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2009
he economic forecast for Michigan and our country
is showing few signs of improvement in the near
future. What impacts can we expect in dentistry?
Many of us are already “slowing down” and are well aware
of changes in the attitudes and concerns of our patients.
Employers and insurance companies are drastically changing
and even eliminating policies for many people who are used
to being well covered. Many patients are beginning to delay
necessary treatment until their jobs or incomes stabilize, and
some are not coming in altogether. This obviously creates
some stress and anxiety for our practices as well as our own
employees. Dentistry in our area has not experienced such a
recession in many years, and in fact, has probably had steady
growth with more emphasis towards esthetics and elective
procedures. If dentistry is experiencing some decline, are
other areas of the healthcare field experiencing the same? This
raises concerns for the overall health of our patients. Perhaps
our chair or our office is the only health-related attention
some people are receiving. I would think that an economic
recession also increases the access to care issue. It definitely is
increasing public awareness of access to care, with many more
people out of work. This is an area where we, in dentistry, have
an opportunity to take initiative and make an attempt to
address the need as exemplified with the recent Project
Homeless Connect held at Van Andel Arena in January.
Approximately 203 patients were seen and helped. Another
way to take initiative with access to care is the upcoming Oral
Health Coalition Day. Our MDA trustees highly recommend
all of us becoming involved by meeting our local legislators
to push for increased funding of Healthy Kids Dental. If you
are interested, call and we will get you some information
to attend.
The economic changes may also have some of us rethink-
ing our ways. This may, for some of us, be useful. It is a good
time to review systems and protocols within our offices.
Improved efficiency and patient care will most likely result.
Finding the time for continuing education or volunteerism
may be more attainable. More dentists are venturing into
marketing with the hopes of attracting new patients.
Marketing can be done well and tastefully, thereby maintaining
public perception of the profession and accomplishing the
goal. However, I have recently seen and heard some advertis-
ing that makes me question whether or not it was for used cars
or dentistry. This alarms me, that when times are tough,
we may potentially resort to retail-style marketing to attract
patients. It takes a tremendous amount of time, effort, and
strategy to create the proper image of our profession to the
public. It really is a matter of maintaining professionalism and
ethics which helped us climb to where we are. When we resort
to using retail tactics, we are training our patients and the
public that all we offer is a product you can buy anywhere as
opposed to a genuine specialized healthcare service. There are
so many ways to attract new patients to our offices without
compromising our integrity. Taking good care of the patients
we have is a time-tested proven strategy that will build your
office without spending a dime! I challenge all of you to use
the “slower” times productively, give a little back, and take care
of the profession we have spent so much time to build.
2
P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E
Reaching Our GoalsBy Dr. Doug Killian, WMDDS President
T
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2009 3
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2009
hen Patricia Whetzel first met William Avery
during an open house at her Ohio State sorority,
Delta Delta Delta, Bill was in dental school and
Pat was in her third year of undergraduate studies on her way
to becoming a secondary education teacher, and later, an
elementary education instructor. The tri-Delts were known to
attract more than just a few boys like Bill, a member of the
dental fraternity, Psi Omega, on the OSU campus, so it wasn’t
unusual that Bill and a half a dozen of his dental school
buddies would have been found there amongst the throng.
One thing led to another, and, before you know it, Bill is
showing his romantic and considerate side by insisting that
the lovely Patty Whetzel accept a pair of ski gloves that he
purchased just for her for a ski outing he had planned. She was
duly impressed because this was just their third date together!
Fast forward through some 35mm slides and, several years
later, a marriage and two children – Brian born in 1970 and
Laura born in 1973 – follow. In 1967, Bill and Pat were
married in Cincinnati, Pat’s hometown, before Bill entered his
final year at OSU. She readily cites Bill’s compassion, atten-
tiveness, entertaining personality, sweetness, and his “family
man” dependability that all quickly come to mind when asked
to list his many attributes. Bill jokingly states that Pat demurely
rejects his attempts to shower her with jewelry; however, she
reserves the right to change her mind about that. Bill adores
Pat’s past and present ability to selflessly serve as a great advo-
cate for her husband and her children. But before we get too
far along on the life that these two have chosen to share, let’s
snap an old carousel of slides onto the projector and look even
further back into the life and times of one Bill Avery.
Bill is the oldest of three children born to Allen Avery,
M.D., and Ruth (Munn) Avery. The senior Dr. Avery completed
his undergraduate studies at Denison and received his medical
degree from Western Reserve, now known as Case Western.
The family settled in Granville, Ohio, and Dr. Avery quickly
established himself as the town’s preeminent general physi-
cian and, with a year of training in obstetrics cut short by the
Depression, Dr. Avery quickly became the “go-to guy” when
the nearby Ob/Gyn wasn’t available. Although the heightened
activity this mix of Dr. Avery’s medical practice caused, Bill
has fond memories of his father and greatly appreciates the
sacrifices his father and mother made for the family. Hard
work was promoted and accepted by all as good therapy for
the heart and the soul. At a very early age, Bill learned to fill
in for his father at home and quickly became his mother’s
Mr. Fix-it.
Bill’s father passed along his fondness for trains and was
fortunate to be able to shower the boy with Lionel models
from time-to-time. Unfortunately, that first generation of “O”
gauge trains caused, as Bill puts it, “one hour of play for every
two hours of work to get the things to run.” Thus, a firm foun-
dation was formed for the necessary hand-to-eye coordination
needed for his ultimate vocation, dentistry. Bill always
remembers being good with his hands. In fact, Bill remembers
becoming quite the curiosity to the numerous Denison
University psych students who would invade the Granville
school system with its rich supply of human lab rats. Bill
became famous for mastering exercises that required tactile
agility, a superior spatial relations acuity, and the necessary
application of abstract logic. His scores were off the charts on
these tests. Little did he know it way back in the sixth grade,
but Avery child number one was well on his way to becoming
a dentist.
When Dr. and Mrs. Avery could carve out the precious
little time the medical practice would allow, Bill, Bill’s brother,
Chris, and his sister, Leslie, often found themselves crammed
into the big family auto with mom and dad for the numerous
family outings. Bill recalls his father’s propensity for cram-
ming just about everything they owned into a couple of old
Hartman steamer trunks and off the Averys would go – the
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2 0 0 9 S I L E N T B E L L R E C I P I E N T
William Avery, DDSBy Dr. Hank Milanowski
W
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2009
best dressed and best equipped family on the road at any given
time. The need for plenty of clothes was due to the fact that
Dr. Avery was considered to be a haberdasher’s dream-come-
true: the man had a penchant for only the best for himself and
his family. But don’t be mistaken. Bill wasn’t any “Little Lord
Fauntleroy” by any stretch of the imagination, although he
willingly admits to being the best-dressed kid on the block any
day of the week. Suits were worn on more than just Sundays,
as it turns out. This was of no concern to Bill, however. He was
big and tough enough to play center on the school’s basketball
team and took no flak for his groomed looks. Unfortunately,
that hand-to-eye coordination he learned early on didn’t lend
itself well to the game of basketball because his coaches
constantly accused him of watching the ball too much as he
attempted to dribble it. As it turns
out, his best sports by far were track
and football. Bill did well for himself
as a youngster. Like any kid, Bill
thought he had it tough at the time
but soon came to understand that his
upbringing was ideal in many ways.
Curiously, Bill’s father was born in
Columbus, Ohio, and his mother in
Ann Arbor, Michigan, a fact that adds
intrigue to the Avery-Munn connec-
tion to the two states. Bill’s maternal
grandfather built a log home on Lake
Bellaire, up north in Michigan’s Antrim
County. The Avery-Munn roots run
deeper in Ohio than Michigan;
however, his great-grandfather Munn
ran a mill in Flowerfield, Michigan, located just south of
Schoolcraft. The mill served as the monetary and skill basis
for that log home built in 1935 which is still standing in
Bellaire. Although the senior Dr. Avery didn’t completely
embrace the thought of leaving his extremely busy medical
practice for extended stays in northern Michigan, he obliged
willingly. Quite honestly, he’d much rather have hauled the
family down to the Greenbrier which he did quite often. If you
are unfamiliar with the Greenbrier nestled in the mountains
in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, near the New River
Gorge, think: “Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel on a giant
scale.” Although Bill’s father enjoyed the golf offered at those
turn-of-the-century courses at the Greenbrier in the ‘40s and
‘50s, Bill never caught that bug. Riding horses at the resort?
Yes. Chasing a dimpled white ball? Not so much.
When he had his own children, Bill got wise to the fact that
riding horses is a lot cheaper than actually owning and feed-
ing them. He and Patty never pushed that love onto their son
or daughter. They caught bugs of an academic nature instead.
Pat and Bill were always very supportive of their children’s
inclination towards higher – and higher and higher – education.
Maybe even a bit too supportive given the fact that Brian has
an electrical engineering degree and a computer engineering
degree from Michigan State, an M.B.A., and a law degree from
Case Western. He practices patent law in Cleveland and
reports to his parents that he enjoys
it immensely. Laura completed her
undergraduate studies at Michigan
and received her M.D. from Wayne
State. She presently is an academic
physician at Harvard University
teaching radiology there and at Mass
General in the emergency depart-
ment. Laura and her husband, Jake
Remley, an analyst and portfolio
manager for a bond fund firm in
Boston, have the only two Avery
grandchildren: William, born in
2006, and Jonathon, born in January
of this year. Even though they live out
east, both grandparents have had
numerous chances to spoil these two
little darlings. Laura has been back in Michigan with the little
ones quite often as it turns out – once to teach a radiology
class at MSU’s med school and a few other times to visit up
north and attend a wedding of someone in the extended Avery
clan. Pat has been fortunate enough to enjoy extended stays in
the Boston area after the birth of both babies. The Remleys
and the Averys are destined to keep the airlines financially
healthy for some time to come.
Bill’s interests vary widely and wildly. Beyond his love of
model railroading, which has been put on a significant hiatus
as of late, Bill could tinker ‘til dawn, Pat insists, in his three car
5
2 0 0 9 S I L E N T B E L L R E C I P I E N T
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 20096
garage in a home they built in 1985 on Lake Bellaire. His
immediate goal is to finish restoring an old ’52 Penn Yan wood
boat plus a perfectly-mated 25HP Merc motor for the grand-
kids to use someday, although brother, Chris, and he are
beginning to believe that a safer alternative may be in the
grandkids’ better interest. Other hobbies include photog -
raphy, a smattering of waterskiing, and servicing a ’69 red
Volkswagen Beetle that Pat and he purchased in Germany for
a six week jaunt around Europe. They completed that trip a
summer or two after they were married. They had it shipped
back after the European vacation and can’t find the heart to let
it go. Bill insists that he’ll teach the grandkids how to use a
stick shift someday on it. A ’69 Beetle, Bill? Maybe he may
want to rethink that like he did with the Penn Yan.
Bill’s first “hobby of choice” would probably trend towards
photography. He actually supported himself quite well through
his undergrad and grad days by working as a photographer’s
assistant and later on as a very successful photographer, thus
the affinity for all things photographic. Continuing education
lectures in days gone by would
find “A/V Avery” popping up
during a course and fiddle with
the speaker’s projector set-up. He
couldn’t resist; however, he could
always be depended upon to bail
out a speaker with the correct
replacement for a burned out
projector bulb or coax the obsti-
nate slide carousel into working
properly. Although he reports being on his fifth generation of
a digital camera, he still maintains a darkroom in his base-
ment. Dr. Avery concedes that digital is the way to go but
laments the fact that his old film-based SLR lenses may never
be able to be mated to the new technologies presently avail-
able. Bill also has quite an impressive collection of old maps,
too. Curiosities like those old lenses he has laying around the
two houses the Averys own.
Needless to say, they are plenty of activities that will keep
Bill busy if and when he ever retires. He’s mulling a transition
of his practice located on Parchment Drive, his fourth loca-
tion since leaving Columbus where, upon graduation, he
worked for a year in a federal program designed to treat the
underserved in the core of the city while Pat landed an ele-
mentary position in the Columbus ‘burbs. Without a doubt,
Bill would certainly be a wonderful mentor. Some lucky man
or woman is going to be very fortunate to end up under Bill’s
steadfast guidance.
Bill’s first Grand Rapids location was next to the old Treet’s
Pharmacy on the northwest corner of Michigan and Ball. In
light of the fact that his maternal grandfather ended up
becoming the chairman of the Ransom & Randolph board of
directors, Bill set up that first office with Mitch Sedam, a sales-
man for Litton Dental, the R&R successor. Bill worked a
summer at the Detroit branch of the old R&R and gained an
immense knowledge of how to assemble, disassemble, and
maintain dental equipment. More of that tinkering ability
quickly comes to mind. His second practice location was in a
building near the old Riley’s Pharmacy near Forest Hill and
Cascade Road. Another spot he chose was behind the present
7-Eleven on Forest Hill, north of Cascade Road. His present
locale was built in 1980. Bill points out that this practice
location has left him fortunate
enough to share space with some
outstanding medical and dental
professionals over the years and
he has no intention of leaving that
type of environment.
One of his favorite affiliations,
the Vedder Society, has benefited
from Dr. Avery’s long term
membership, along with countless
other organizations. He proudly proclaims to continue his
contributions as a chief examiner for the North East Regional
Board of Dental Examiners in that organization’s quest to
protect the public and elevate the status of the profession by
insuring that only the truly competent receive an initial
license to practice. Suffice it to say, a lengthy perusal of Bill’s
prodigious curriculum vitae will undoubtedly give the reader
a true sense of this man’s extensive and wide-ranging involve-
ment in dental and non-dental organizations.
Truly, Bill serves as a man that possesses the quintessential
body of work worthy for receiving our Society’s highest honor,
the Silent Bell. Well done, good servant, and thank you for
your selfless service to our profession and your community.
2 0 0 9 S I L E N T B E L L R E C I P I E N T
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2009
William Avery, D.D.S.
Education
Denison University, Bachelor of Science degree, 1963
Ohio State University, College of Dentistry, D.D.S. degree, 1968
General Practitioner, October 1969–present
Civic Activities
Wolverine Educational Television, President 1974
Friends of Channel 35 Television, President 1975
Channel 52 (Kalamazoo) Activation, Chairperson 1976
Civic Ballet, Board Member, 1977-1980
West Michigan Dental Foundation Incorporator, 1981
Grand Rapids East Rotary Club
Member since 1983
Club Historian since 1998
Youth Foreign Exchange, Chairperson, 1997
Social Committee 1985–present
Chairperson 1986-1994
Three Lakes Association, Board Member, 1973-1976
Lake Bellaire Railroad Purchase Association, President, 1984-1988
Donated Land to Grass River Nature Preserve, 1988
Professional Activities
American Dental Association
Student Member, 1964-1969
Member since 1969
Michigan Dental Association, Member since 1969
MDA Annual Sessions Committee
Member, 1985-1996
Chairperson, Annual Sessions, 1994
MDA Scientific Program Committee, 1994
MDA Committee on Dental Education, 1998
MDA Peer Review Committee
Member 1979-1990
Chairperson, 1985-1987
MDA “Ongoing Assessment of the Quality of Dental Care”
Validation Committee, 1979-1981
MDA House of Delegates
Delegate or Alternate 1972-1986; 2000-2004
House Communications Committee chairperson, 1992
West Michigan District Dental Society
Member since 1969
Secretary/Treasurer, 1977-1980
President, 1982-1983
Francis B. Vedder Society of Crown and Bridge Prosthodontics
Member since 1972
Membership chairperson, 1974-1977
Board member since 1974
Secretary, 1977-1979
President, 1981
Awarded Honorary Life Member 2007 (only one of five
in 49 year history)
Western Michigan Steering Committee
Founding Member, 1981
Chairperson, 1986
Pierre Fauchard Academy, Member since 1988
American College of Dentists
Member since 1990
Michigan Section American College of Dentists chairperson, 1996-1997
North East Regional Board of Dental Examiners (NERB)
Member since 1990
Nominating Committee, 1998-2001
American Dental Association
Commission on Dental Accreditation, 1998-2002
Pre-Doctoral Review Committee, 1998-1999
Dental Lab Tech Review Committee, 1999-2000
Dental Hygiene Review Committee, 2000-2001
Ad-Hoc Committee on General Anesthesia and IV Sedation, 2001-2002
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2 0 0 9 S I L E N T B E L L R E C I P I E N T
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2009
r. William Rocker was born in Plymouth,
Michigan, on July 2, 1942, the second of three
children of Claude and Charlotte (Roediger)
Rocker. Charlotte was a school teacher, and Claude studied
mechanical engineering at Lawrence Tech and worked at tool
and die shops in the Detroit area.
He spent the majority of his career,
over thirty years, at the Ford Motor
Company. The family also had an
eighty-acre farm in Plymouth,
including twenty acres of orchard.
They raised their own garden vegeta-
bles as well as dairy and beef cattle.
As a side project, the family cared for
donkeys that were used by schools
and other groups for “Donkey
Basketball,” pitting the faculty against
parents as a fundraising event.
Claude could “fix anything” and
tried to teach Bill the same skills.
Teaching the value of hard work, his
dad insisted on excellent work at all
times, nothing could be “halfway.”
Charlotte, a pianist, and Claude, a
violin and piccolo player, stimulated a love for music in Bill
that has enriched his life. He has sung in his church choir and
served for nine years on the board of the Fontana Chamber
Music Society in Kalamazoo. His parents instilled in their
young children a strong work ethic, a love of music, and a
desire for education which prepared them well for college.
One of the most significant influences in Bill’s life centered
on Camp Presque Isle, a seventeen-acre camp on Lake May
near Rogers City, Michigan, purchased by his parents, aunts,
and uncles in 1954. Bill was twelve at the time and spent his
summers there with his extended family. “Camp” was an
adventure – fishing, boating, canoeing, outdoor games, and a
strong sense of family unity. Bill and his wife, Sharon, still go
there with their children and grandchildren, continuing the
family tradition and love of the out-of-doors.
Bill’s early years were marked by his involvement in
Scouting. His scoutmaster, Edward T. Miller Jr., had a signifi-
cant influence on him, and, eventually, led to his earning the
Eagle Scout rank and learning the values of honor, leadership,
and caring for others. Church was also important to the
Rocker household, and Bill credits his first pastor, Dr. Henry
Walsh, with having a marked influence on his life.
Bill graduated from Plymouth High School in 1960
and attended Western Michigan
University from 1960-63, majoring in
chemistry with an eye on veterinary
medicine or medical school. However,
he was greatly influenced by his
uncle, Dr. “Woody” Anderson who
practiced dentistry in California and
later had an orthodontic practice in
Plymouth. Dentistry became Bill’s
choice of study, and he entered the
University of Michigan School of
Dentistry in 1963.
Let’s backtrack a little, though, to
highlight a significant phase of Bill’s
life that was sparked by the chance
meeting of a female student while
waiting in line to register for classes
at WMU. They wound up in the same
history class. Her name was Sharon
Lee Root from Royal Oak, Michigan. Eventually, they were
married on June 26, 1965.
They have two children, William Fredric Rocker Jr. born in
1968 and Bethany Christine in 1970. Bill Jr. has two children,
8
2 0 0 9 S I L E N T B E L L R E C I P I E N T
William Rocker, DDSBy Dr. Reggie Vander Veen
D
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2009
Ella, age eleven, and Martha,
age eight. Bethany (Rocker)
Else has one daughter, Anne,
age nine.
Sharon has a Masters degree
in English from WMU. After
taking out twelve years from
teaching while her children
were young, she taught Advanced Placement English and
American literature at Holland High School for twenty-three
years before retiring in 2002. She then taught at Hope College
for two years and is now tutoring at Davenport University.
Currently working part time for the First United Methodist
as their Visitation Minister, Sharon has also been involved
with the American Association of University Women, various
church activities, and helped organize the Community Action
House in Holland, which is designed to aid immigrant workers
with legal, food, and
housing issues. A high-
light of Bill and Sharon’s
life together was guiding
student trips in the
1990s to England, Italy,
Greece, and Turkey,
exposing students to
different cultures, lan-
guages, and literature.
Bill graduated from the U of M School of Dentistry in 1967
and moved to Holland, Michigan, taking with him all the
positive influences of significant people in his life:
• Parents – strong, healthy, and honest work ethic, love of
music, giving to others,
• Aunts and uncles – Camp Presque Isle, love of family,
sharing healthy activities,
• Scoutmaster – love for Scouting and its values,
• Pastor – love of God and care for others,
• Uncle Woodrow C. Anderson – inspiration for dentistry,
• Judge James Townsend – mentor for leadership in Scouting
and church,
• Sharon (Root) Rocker – love of family.
In Holland, Bill purchased Dr. Ed Fuder’s general dental
practice in 1967. After four years, he associated for nineteen
years with Drs. Landis Zylman and Bob Renzema. Bill has
been in a solo practice for the past eighteen years.
Incorporating his values in his dental practice has earned him
wide-ranging respect from dental colleagues and, of course,
his patients. He was greatly influenced by his colleagues Ron
Boven and Ed Fuder from Holland, and Bill Creason and Dave
Seibold, both from Grand Haven. This led to his professional
involvement with the Holland/Zeeland Dental Society,
WMDDS board member, legislative teams of MDA and ADA,
volunteer for Miles of Smiles Dental Van for ten years, and
an MDA Public Service Award for a Scouting Merit Badge
revision.
Bill’s involvement in his community through Scouting,
Lions Club, and church stand out because of his years of
service and leadership positions within these organizations:
Scouting – He has been involved for over fifty years locally,
regionally, and nationally, holding leadership positions at all
levels. His service to Scouting continues to this day. Countless
young men and women have been influenced by Bill and are
changing the world around them. Numerous awards have
come his way for his leadership skills, including the Silver
Beaver and Silver Antelope awards.
Lions Club – His forty years of service have been rewarded
with at least four awards – 100% President Award, the Melvin
Jones Fellowship Award, the International President’s
Leadership Award, and the International President’s
Leadership Medal – while serving at all levels of this great
organization. He has been club president, officer and board
member, and zone chairman, raising money for the blind.
Holland First United Methodist Church – Bill has served
the church for forty years, chairing numerous committees.
Sharon and Bill were also a lead couple for the Holland
Marriage Encounter program with over 300 couples experi-
encing marriage enrichment through their leadership.
Bill Rocker has been a quiet “mover and shaker” in his
world. His C.V. attests to this fact, and he still has an enthusi-
astic zest for life and helping others. One of his regrets is that
there are not enough hours in a day. No rest for this guy! His
only other regret is that he didn’t secure a B.S. degree from
WMU (not required for admission to dental school in those
days). How about graduating with one of your grandchildren,
Bill, maybe from WMU and finally nailing down that degree?
9
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WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2009
In the meantime, we might find Bill engaging in the game
of Trivial Pursuit where his wide range of knowledge and
experiences usually lead to a winning score. He has experi-
ences as an amateur radio operator, a photographer, hunter,
and fisherman. Bill writes poetry, reads history, especially
about the Civil War, and he even published an article in
Persuasions, the Jane Austen journal, entitled “Regarding Mr.
Spence” about dentistry in London in the 1800s. We also
might find him writing a manual on “How to Pack a Car.” He
is a fanatic about organizing every cubic inch of space prior to
leaving for a trip.
Getting to know Bill leads one to discover a quiet man with
an engaging smile, a sturdy, assured self-confidence, enthusi-
astic about dentistry, the world around him, and still engaging
in activities of service to others. Sharon’s description of him as
a model of integrity, unbounded dedication, and caring shines
through the discussion of the events and accomplishments of
his life.
Congratulations, Bill! You are a most worthy recipient of
the Silent Bell Award.
William F. Rocker, D.D.S.Native of Plymouth, Michigan and graduated from Plymouth High
School in 1960 Western Michigan University, Pre-dental Curriculum, 1960-1963 Employment: Private camp staff, summers of 1961-1963Employed junior year as dormitory Staff AssistantUniversity of Michigan Dental School, Fall of 1963Married Sharon Lee Root, June 26, 1965Graduated from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, 1967Private Practice, General Dentistry, Holland, July 1967
Scouting BackgroundCub ScoutBoy Scout Troop 6, ExplorerEagle Scout 1958, Order of the Arrow Attended National Jamboree in 1957 as a Patrol LeaderCamp Staff D-A Scout Ranch, 1958-1959
Adult Scouting Volunteer ServiceStarted a Boy Scout Troop in Willow Run, MichiganDistrict Adult Volunteer (began in 1967)O-A Chapter Advisor (Holland, Michigan)Training Committee (Holland, Michigan)District Commissioner (Holland, Michigan)District Chairman (Holland, Michigan)Cub Pack Committee (Holland, Michigan)Wood Badge Region Seven Canoe Base, 1969Wood Badge Staff Region Seven Canoe Base, 1972Scoutmaster Troop 10 (Holland), 1979-1986
Council Service (Grand Rapids BSA Council 266)Council Executive Board, 1969 to presentVice President of Scouting, 1974-1977Vice President of Operations, 1977-1979Council Commissioner, 1979-1991Chair Council Strategic Plan, 1990Scouting for Food Chair, 1992Boy Scout Activities Chair, 1993Vice President of Operations, 1998-2003Vice President of Program, 2003 to presentStrategic Plan Program Chair, 2002-2003National Council Representative (various years)Mackinaw Rendezvous Committee (various years)Staff on many training eventsPhilmont Incentive Program Committee, 2002Council Endowment Committee, 2003-2006
Central Region Service BSA–1998 to presentMember-at-large, Regional Board (currently)Committee Member of Regional Endowment Committee
10
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WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2009
National Council ServiceRepresented the council at many National Council Annual MeetingsStaff Key Three Training, Philmont Training Center Regional Medical Staff at 1985 National JamboreeHelped rewrite new Dentistry Merit Badge booklet
Awards in ScoutingDistrict Award of Merit, 1970Scouters KeyScouters Training AwardCouncil Valued Eagle AwardSilver Beaver 1973 Council AwardOrder of the Arrow BrotherhoodArrowman of the Year 1983 Grand Rapids CouncilJames E. West 50 Year Veteran AwardSilver Antelope 2006 Regional Award
Community ServiceCity of Holland Strategic Planning Committee in the 1970’s and
early 1990’sUnited Way Board, 1990-1991United Way Professional Campaign ChairFontana Concert Society (Kalamazoo), 1990’s Board member
and officer
Holland Marriage Encounter–Lead CoupleNearly 300 couples had a weekend marriage enrichment
experience through this program.
Holland First United Methodist ChurchAdult Leader of Methodist Youth FellowshipBoard of Trustees Finance Committee (currently)Council on Ministries ChairAdministrative BoardStewardship Committee ChairStewardship Campaign ChairMember Strategic Planning Committee 1990Communications CommitteeBuilding Committee (after fire destroyed church in 1979)Co-Chair of Building Fund DriveStaff-Parish Committee Member and Chair Sunday School TeacherChancel Choir MemberWitness Team Leader, 2004-2006
West Michigan Conference United Methodist ChurchBoard of Discipleship, 1970’sChairperson of Marriage Enrichment CommitteeEdited National Methodist Workbook on Human Sexuality
for Cokesbury Publishing
University of Michigan Alumni Club of HollandBoard MemberVice PresidentChairperson of Scholarship Committee
Lions ClubBoard Member Holland Lions ClubCurrently Vice President Past President (twice)Zone Chairman, 2001-2003100% Presidents AwardMelvin Jones FellowInternational Presidents Leadership AwardInternational President Leadership Medal – 40 years of membership
HobbiesAmateur Radio, K8NFTPhotographyHunting and FishingTravelHistory WritingLeading student groups to Europe and England
Holland High School, 1991-1999
Professional ServiceMember of Holland-Zeeland Dental SocietyPast Board member of the West Michigan District
Dental Society (Ottawa County Representative)Member Local and ADA Grass Roots Legislative TeamMember American Dental AssociationMember Michigan Dental AssociationMDA Public Service Award for Merit Badge RevisionMDA Life Membership, 2007Volunteer on Miles of Smiles Dental Van
FamilyWife: Sharon Lee (Root) Rocker
Retired Holland High School English TeacherHolland First United Methodist Church, Minister of VisitationTutor, Davenport University (Holland)
Son: William F. Rocker, Jr.Daughter: Bethany C. Rocker
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WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | HOLIDAY ISSUE 200812
Otto Lee Ricker, D.D.S., M.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1981
Willard B. Ver Meulen, D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1981
Clifford T. Nelson, D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1982
William M. Creason, D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1983
Vernor H. Eman, D.D.S., M.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1984
Julius Franks, Jr., D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1985
Henry L. Homan, D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1986
Ray E. Stevens, Jr., D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1987
Orren A. Bolt, D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1988
Robert F. Streelman, D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1989
Gerald L. Vander Wall, D.D.S., M.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1990
David H. Seibold, D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1991
Donald G. Hallas, D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1992
Robert E. Reagan, D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1993
John R. Cook, D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1994
Eugene L. Bonofiglo, D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1995
Lawrence R. Marcotte, D.D.S., M.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1996
Laurence J. Jensen, D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1997
Harry H. Luton, D.D.S., M.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1997
Robert W. Browne, D.D.S., M.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1998
Harold O. Steele II, D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1998
Lawrence J. Manning, D.D.S., M.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1999
Arnold Baker, D.D.S., M.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2000
Robert D. Mitus, Jr., D.D.S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2000
Robert W. Klinesteker, D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2001
Timothy H. Gietzen, D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2002
James L. Wieland, D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2003
Charles R. Caldwell, D.D.S., M.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2004
Henry J. Milanowski, D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2005
John J. Stepanovich, D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2006
Lonny E. Zietz, D.D.S., M.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2007
Michael H. (Reggie) VanderVeen, D.D.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2008
S I L E N T B E L L P A S T R E C I P I E N T S
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
West Michigan Dental FoundationAnnual Golf Outing
FRIDAY, June 5, 2009 Returning to
beautiful Egypt Valley Country Club
Registration begins at 10:30 amLunch 11:30 am • Golf 12:30 pm
$200 per golferFee includes golf, lunch, on-course
beverages, and dinner
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2009 13
Skilled human resources
experts helping your practice hire,
align, measure, develop and
retain the right employees.
For more information, contact
or call 616.915.9880
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 200914
On December 11, 2008, nine West Michigan District Dental
Society members were honored with life membership at the
annual WMDDS Holiday Dinner and Awards Night at Kent
Country Club. To be an ADA life member, one must be 65
years old with 30 continuous years of membership. A pin is
awarded for this achievement. To be an MDA life member, one
must be 65 years old with 35 total years of membership. All
recipients were recognized, and those in attendance were
introduced by WMDDS President, Dr. Doug Killian, who
highlighted their accomplishments. Congratulations to all on
this achievement!
MDA Life MemberDr. George Cripps
Dr. Birney Hoyt
ADA Life MembersDr. Robert Renzema
Dr. Clare VanWieren
N E W L I F E M E M B E R S
Life Members (left to right): Dr. Lonny Zietz, Dr. George Cripps,
Dr. Robert VanGemert, Dr. John Duiven, Dr. Clare VanWieren
West Michigan District Dental SocietyHonors Life Members
The legislation requiring dentists to install amalgam
separators is now law. The law does the following:
・Requires a dentist, by December 31, 2013, to install or
have installed and use a dental amalgam separator on
each wastewater drain in the dentist’s office that is used
to discharge dental amalgam.
・Allows a municipality to create an ordinance consistent
with this law that requires dentists to install an amalgam
separator before 2013.
・Requires a separator to have an efficiency of at least 95%.
・Preempts local units of government form requiring
dentists to install any equipment other than a separator
to reduce amalgam discharge.
・This law does not apply to: oral and maxillofacial sur-
geons, oral and maxillofacial radiologists, oral patholo-
gists, orthodontists, periodontists, or dentists providing
services in a dental school or hospital or through a local
health department.
This law does not change ordinances already in place.
Dentists in West Michigan who have purchased the G&S
Mercury system will still be in compliance. Dentists will
still be subject to having their water tested. Local munici-
palities still have to show a reduction of mercury.
The department of community health and department of
environmental quality will begin creating rules regarding
best management practices for dental amalgam collection,
disposal, recycling, and the retention and inspection of
related dental records.
This spring the MDA Journal will feature an article
providing dentists with the facts about the new law and
requirements. Also included will be an ADA professional
product review of amalgam separators. In addition, there
will be a class at MDA Annual Session for dentists and
waster water treatment supervisors for local municipalities
about the new law and ways to reduce amalgam discharge.
New Law Requires Dentists to Install Amalgam Separators
ADA and MDA Life MembersDr. John Duiven
Dr. Ronald Lambert
Dr. Howard Norlin
Dr. Robert VanGemert
Dr. Lonny Zietz
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2009 15
Dear Org Doctor:I have to start the “employee eval-uation process” this year. I alwayshate this process – it seems artifi-cial and contrived – plus I don’tfeel like it adds value. Do you haveany tips to make this a less stressful and more productiveexperience?
— “Struggling withEvaluations” in Kent County
Dear “Struggling with Evaluations”:I’m not surprised you find employee evaluations difficult. Thesurvey we distributed at the January WMDDS ContinuingEducation Seminar shows you are not alone. Many of yourcolleagues also identified that “managing employee perform-ance” is an issue for them.
If a once-a-year performance evaluation is all that you do, you are right in feeling the process is artificial and discon-nected from daily office life. The process is valuable when theevaluation is part of a greater whole which includes:1. Setting Expectations – goals, objectives, desired behaviors2. Providing Feedback – year round feedback including
employee evaluation3. Providing Resources – tools, information, authority4. Obtaining Training & Knowledge – skills and abilities to do
the job5. Addressing Motivation – reinforcement and reward systems
Only when done as a part of an ongoing, integrated systemcan the performance evaluation be truly effective.
Having said that, let’s look at making the performanceevaluation more enjoyable and effective. Strangely, the mostimportant part is not even the evaluation itself but, instead,the expectations communicated earlier in the year and thediscussion resulting from the written evaluation. Every evalu-ation process can be viewed as three components:
Pre-Evaluation: Evaluation feedback is no good if the staffmember doesn’t know what you expect. Each staff membershould have specific goals, a thorough understanding ofacceptable/desired behavior, and knowledge of how they willbe measured.
The Written Evaluation: Yes, you need to document theevaluation in written form. Whether you use a “number rating
system,” a series of statements such as “meets expectations,” ora free-form conversational system is your call. However, in theU.S., people are used to being rated – A, B, C, D, F in school, a GPA in college, scores in sporting events, etc. They will mentally translate your system into these “relative ranking”frameworks. Some basic tips for the written evaluation:
• Keep an ongoing file. Have a file of staff behaviors, commentsabout the staff member from officemates or patients, andaccomplishments. The evaluation is then just putting theseyear-long comments together.
• Focus on behavior. Saying the employee needs “a better atti-tude” has little meaning. Should the employee greetpatients more quickly, smile more often, volunteer to coverteammates shifts? Be specific.
• Avoid rating errors– Halo Effect: The employee did one good thing early on
and, in your mind, they can do no wrong. – Horns Effect: The employee did one big “wrong thing”
early on and now they can do no right.– Recency Effect: Events, good or bad, in the last few
months skews your perceptions of the entire year.– Guilt-by-Association Effect: The employee is friends
with those other employees, making them all alike.
The Discussion: A sit-down, dedicated discussion with theemployee is a must. Schedule a specific time, in a location freeof distractions, to have the performance conversation.Minimize the chit-chat and keep on message. Get right to thepoint by saying “Susan, as you know we have a yearly perform-ance evaluation. This meeting is to discuss your performanceover the last year.”
If you think the discussion could escalate, don’t hesitate tobring a third person – someone who is senior to the employee.You’ll outnumber the employee and protect yourself againstpossible violence or later outrageous accusations.
Following the advice above, performance evaluations canbe a fun, productive, and collaborative event where you andthe employee discuss their contributions and make plans forthe coming year. They are an invaluable tool to creating a successful dental practice.
The “OrgDoctor” is written by ClearTalent, an HR companyhelping organizations to hire, measure, align, and developemployees for business results. You can contact ClearTalent [email protected].
Employee Performance EvaluationsBy J. Devereaux Butler, Ph.D., Managing Partner, ClearTalent, LLC
H U M A N R E S O U R C E S N E W S
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2009
n Tuesday, January 27th, Project Homeless Connect
was held at Van Andel Arena. An estimated 820
people came to the third annual event sponsored
by the Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness.
More than 50 social service
groups and hundreds of
volunteers helped home-
less visitors receive assis-
tance ranging from blood
pressure checks, foot care,
legal guidance, a hot meal,
and clothing repair. Dr.
John VanderKolk partici-
pated in this event last year
along with Jennie Mills,
AmeriCorps coordinator
at Cherry Street Health
Services, doing dental
screenings and saw the
need for dental treatment.
This year, he recruited
Dr. Scott Hodges, Deborah
DeWit (Patterson Dental), Holly Sturges (Director of
Program Management, Grand Rapids Housing Commission),
Jennie Mills, and Dr. Doug Klein to spearhead this year’s
dental clinic.
Early on the morning of the event, Dr. Scott Hodges, who was
instrumental in organizing this year’s effort, was busy setting
up an 8-chair clinic with
Dr. Dick Nieusma in the
second level concourse
area of the arena. When
10 am arrived, the dental
clinic area quickly devel-
oped a waiting line that
lasted throughout the day.
Visitors received dental
hygiene instruction, a
goody bag, an oral exam,
and if needed, x-rays and
treatment. Over 203 people
visited the dental area, and
59 visitors received treat-
ment. Over 120 teeth were
extracted to relieve imme-
diate pain. Some visitors
also received a “ticket” to go to Cherry Street Health Services
on the Friday following the event for treatment. The people
were very grateful for the care they received.
Dentists volunteering included: Dr. Scott Hodges, Dr. Dick
Nieusma, Dr. Norm Palm, Dr. David Dalrymple, Dr. James
Brennan, Dr. Jerry Mulder, Dr. Bruce Weny, Dr. Brant
Erbentraut, Dr. Jerry Clore, Dr. Margaret Gingrich, Dr. Derek
Draft, and Dr. Gina Biersack. Joining them were many dental
assistants, hygienists, and office staff and dental hygiene students
from Ferris State University along with their instructor
Sandra Burns. Everyone deserves much appreciation for the
compassionate dental care they provided.
Thank you to Deborah DeWitt and Gail Howarth from
Patterson, Brett Garvin from SciCan, Alvareo Estivis and
AmeriCorps members from Cherry Street Health Services,
and Henry Schein for providing a Nomad handheld x-ray head.
16
P R O J E C T H O M E L E S S C O N N E C T
O
Van Andel Arena Provides Home forProject Homeless Connect
Some of the participating dentists included: Dr. Jerry Clore, Dr. Norm
Palm, Dr. Doug Klein, Dr. Brant Erbentraut, and Dr. David Dalrymple.
JoAnne Hodder, RDH, BS, Dr. Margaret Gingrich, and FSU dental hygiene students
assess visitors’ needs.
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2009 17
GRDAS Spring Seminar
“Sleep Apnea and Oral Appliances”Presented by Laura Sheppard, CDT of Davis Lab
When: Saturday, March 14th from 9am – 12pm, Registration at 8:30am
Where: The ATC building at GRCC, Room 120, 151 Fountain Street NE
Parking under the ATC is free, but it’s limited.
Three Credit Hours and breakfast will be provided.
The cost for everyone is $45.00
All members who bring & show their membership cards will receive a $10 discount and pay only $35.00,
but you must have card present for discount. Please pay by cash or make check or money orders out to GRDAS.
Email Kristi at [email protected] by March 4th, 2009 to pre-register, or after March 4th to register.
Note: Even though GRCC offers a greater capacity, there is still a limited amount of seating so please, reserve your seat early.
Membership in GRDASWho can join the GRDAS?
Any dental assistant can join the GRDAS
How do I join?
Come to the next GRDAS or MDAA meeting and request a membership application or
visit the ADAA’s website at www.dentalassistant.org.
By joining, you automatically become a member of all three organizations; local, state & national:
The Grand Rapids Dental Assisting Society, The Michigan Dental Assistants Association,
The American Dental Assistants Association
P R O J E C T H O M E L E S S C O N N E C T
Dr. Derek Draft prepares instrument trays. Dr. Norm Palm treats patient, assisted by Amber Shaw Rogers, Anissa
Rangel, and Lashawanda Sweet.
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 200918
ello and best regards to you. I hope by the time you
read this we’re no longer under gray skies and a
blanket of snow! This report will briefly update
you on the December 2008 Board of Trustees meeting and the
MDA’s Strategic Planning Process.
The Board and the MDA staff began the Strategic Planning
Process in June of 2008. The results I am presenting will be
forwarded to the MDA House of Delegates in April for
approval. A nationally-recognized consultant working with
non-profit professional associations was picked. Michael
Gallery will continue to guide the MDA as it strives to meet
the objectives being set as part of our strategic plan. We
started by creating a new Mission Statement. Following the
Mission, a Vision Statement, and Guiding Principles and
Values were created with staff input. Together these words
identify the MDA’s purpose:
Mission Statement
Helping Member Dentists Succeed.
Vision Statement
The MDA will be Michigan’s oral health authority committed
to the public and the profession.
Guiding Principles and Values
We are … Guided by integrity and ethics.
Committed to the improvement of the public’s overall
health.
We believe … Oral health is integral to overall health.
In an inclusive environment that embraces diversity.
Dentistry and the oral health team must be led by dentists
to endure the safety of the public.
Life long learning is critical to excellence in patient care.
Next, the Board and staff developed specific objectives to be
met over a 24- to 36-month period of time. The areas of
finance, membership, and organizational structure were
looked at and the following goals were set:
1. Increase non-dues income to 55% of total MDA revenue.
2. Adopt and implement the mission statement.
3. Increase market share by 0.5%
4. Increase practice management services to members.
5. Revise the MDA organizational structure to achieve
operational efficiencies and compliance with the Mission
Statement.
6. Increase advocacy, education, and awareness of third party
payor issues.
Specific strategies will be applied to the objectives to produce
SMART outcomes. This means that the strategies must be
Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. This
process will flow into the MDA committees and task forces,
and staff will report to the Board at each of its meetings as to
the progress to date.
At the Board’s December 5, 2008, meeting a progress report
on the new MDA headquarters was discussed. Construction
has been slowed by the hard winter weather, but the steel
superstructure is going up and the estimated completion date
is August. The Board approved a funding plan using a variety
of sources: the current $160 per year dues allocation, mort-
gage loan, line of credit or bridge loan, short-term cash
account, reserve account, and sale of the current building.
There was a discussion of the publishing of disciplinary
reports received from the Board of Dentistry. It was decided to
continue to publish the report as is currently done, adding the
disciplinary action taken on other licensed dental professionals,
RDH, and CDA, as well. The House will review a resolution to
renew the MDA Public Education Campaign in April. The
renewal will continue the current three-year special assess-
ment of $265 per member per year to conduct the Public
Education Campaign. The Board approved and also sent to
the House a proposed resolution to amend state statute apply-
ing to volunteer dentist licensure. The current applicable law
refers to “physician” only. The amendment sought would add
the term “dentist.”
At its February meeting, the Board will be looking at the
T R U S T E E R E P O R T
Highlights of December 2008 Board of TrusteesMeeting and MDA Strategic Planning ProcessBy Dr. Norm Palm, MDA Trustee
H
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2009 19
possibility of providing human resource assistance to mem-
bers free of charge. The MDA would contract with an outside
consultant and refer the many calls from members on topics
related to human resources to this consultant. Similarly, there
is consideration being given to endorsing legal services with a
specific law firm. Members would pay for legal services.
A special thanks to all those who participated in the Project
Homeless Connect venture in January, it was a big success.
Scott Hodges organized over 60 dentists, hygienists, and assis-
tants. Over 200 patients were screened and received treatment,
including hygiene instruction and extractions. The project
demonstrated the dentist is the leader of the oral health care
team to the community-at-large and called attention to the
needs of people that do not seek care in a traditional practice
setting for many reasons.
T R U S T E E R E P O R T
I hope you will plan on attending the MDA Annual Session
in Lansing April 22 thru April 25. My thanks to all the dele-
gates and alternate delegates from WMDDS that will be serv-
ing to represent you, the member, so ably.
As always, contact me with questions or comments about
your Michigan Dental Association at [email protected].
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2009
ant a healthy body? Start with a healthy
mouth … and some beans.” It’s a twist on
the popular adage, but according to Zonya
Foco’s philosophy it couldn’t be truer. Zonya is a Registered
Dietitian and Certified Health and Fitness Instructor from the
east side of the state and is the author of two books; her cook-
book, Lickety-Split Meals for Health Conscious People on the
Go, and her new weight loss novel Water with Lemon. She
spent Friday, January 16th at Frederik Meijer Gardens &
Sculpture Park teaching West Michigan dentists and their staff
about the F.A.T.S. (Food, Activity, Thoughts, and Sleep) of life.
Zonya started the seminar by discussing donuts. Donuts
are how we love people … it’s our culture. Need to celebrate
something? Here, have a donut. Need to have a meeting? Here,
have a donut. The circumstances go on
and on. Zonya showed the audience a
box of donuts she’d had for over a year
with absolutely no mold growing any-
where. She made the comment that
germs must be smarter than people.
She then listed the ingredients, most
of which she was barely able to pro-
nounce. The first ingredient was par-
tially hydrogenated vegetable oil fol-
lowed by sugar. Flour wasn’t listed until
the fourth ingredient. This was just one
example of what’s happening to society and the food we eat.
Trans fats were traded for saturated fats. Foods went fat free,
but the sugar was radically amplified. Then foods went sugar
free and the salt was increased. Zonya’s not recommending
that the world go on a diet, she’s just advising we change our
lifestyle. She has considered everything she’s learned and con-
densed it into eight habits that define a healthy lifestyle. The
acronym DIET FREE encompasses these habits: Drink water,
Include breakfast, Eat often, Tame your sweet tooth, Find the
fat, Replace processed, chemically enhanced foods for whole-
some close-to-the-farm foods, Eat only until you are no
longer hungry, and Exercise. Zonya recommends that we try
these habits for a year and evaluate all the positive changes
that will occur in our health. Knowing isn’t enough, we have
to do it and make these habits who we are.
Drink water and think before you drink anything else.
What’s the first thing most people drink? Coffee or juice; both
are dehydrating. For every cup of coffee consumed, 1¼ cup is
urinated. Zonya stressed that we will do our body wonders if
we can just drink water first thing in the morning every single
day and have a glass of water every time we urinate. Lack of
water is the number one cause of daytime fatigue and can
cause a 2% drop in short-term memory. Studies show that
staying sufficiently hydrated can lower our risk of breast
cancer by 79% and five glasses of water per day can lower our
risk of having a heart attack by up to 55%. Drinking water
may be even better than taking aspirin! If we can drink water
and keep non-milk beverages to less than 200 calories per day,
we can lose 10-50 pounds this year.
Include breakfast and stop eating two or three hours before
bed. Did you ever notice how if you eat breakfast in the morn-
ing, you are hungry a few hours later?
This is a great example of this habit
working. Eating breakfast will boost
your metabolism and set the tone for
your day. A good breakfast consists of a
serving of fruit or vegetables, some
whole grains, some protein, and a little
bit of good fat. For example, add a little
spinach to scrambled eggs, a piece of
toast, and a glass of milk. After a full
year of following this habit, we can be
up to 30 pounds lighter.
Eat often and include a fruit or vegetable each time we eat.
This habit will help to keep our mood level throughout the
day. Most of us do not eat near enough servings of fruits and
vegetables. These foods are full of fiber and antioxidants, are
naturally sweet, and often come in their own single serving
packages. The fiber will help fill us up longer and the natural
sweetness will help to curb our sweet cravings. A good tip is to
look at our grocery cart as a whole before we check out. If we
eat a piece of fruit with every meal or snack, that’s six pieces a
day, and 42 pieces a week per person. Does our grocery cart
reflect that? Stick with this habit and we could drop 20 pounds
this year.
Tame our sweet tooth so we will naturally eat as little sugar
as possible. Would we rather live our life craving sweets every
day and every day denying ourselves? Or would we rather
tame our sweet tooth so we don’t have those cravings at all? If
we can dial down our sweetness acuity it will be much easier.
20
P R O G R A M R E V I E W
The F.A.T.S. of Life According To Zonya FocoBy Dr. Tara Meachum
“W
Zonya signs her cookbook for Dr. Scott Pirochta.
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2009
Consuming Splenda or other artificial sweeteners will actually
heighten our sweetness acuity. It conditions us to like things
that taste sweeter and sweeter, thus increasing our cravings.
Studies show that people who drink diet soda actually con-
sume more sugar throughout the day than people who don’t.
Zonya recommends diluting juice and when baking, use half
the sugar. Eventually we may even come to like the taste
better. The four steps to decreasing our sugar intake naturally
are: 1) eat one piece of fruit and drink one glass of water every
four hours while awake; 2) lower
our sweetness acuity by choosing
to consume things less sweet;
3) look forward to one to two
small sweet treats every day; and
4) when we’re faced with a fat -
tening, full-sugar dessert “half it
and we can have it.” These simple
changes can lead to a 10-30
pound weight loss by the end of
one year.
Find the fat. Choose foods that
are as low in fat as possible and
then add back limited amounts of
good fat. There was a big move-
ment recently to take the trans fats out of food. Consider the
donuts from the aforementioned example. When we buy
those donuts today, the trans fats have been taken out but the
company nearly doubled the total fat grams and increased the
total calories by about 20%. People don’t understand that
trans fat-free junk food is still junk food. Zonya recommends
cleaning our pantry and ridding it of anything labeled
“partially hydrogenated” or “hydrogenated.” Then, stock our
houses with salmon, olive oil, canola oil, nuts, and seeds.
However, be sure to keep portion sizes in mind.
Replace processed, chemically-enhanced foods with whole-
some close-to-the-farm foods. Food coloring does absolutely
nothing but make us want to buy more, yet it is added into
most foods at the grocery store and could be causing ADD in
our children. Eating clean has three advantages: 1) keeps sodi-
um low; 2) limits preservatives; and 3) keeps fiber high. Eating
a diet high in fiber reduces the incidence of colon and rectal
cancer as well as heart disease. Carrots and broccoli are high
in fiber. Putting it in dental terms; eating them is like flossing
our colons. There are four steps we can follow to insure we get
the proper amount of fiber in our diets: 1) eat three servings
of fruit per day; 2) eat three servings of vegetables per day;
3) eat four servings of whole grains per day; and 4) eat beans
four times per week.
Eat only until we are no longer hungry. Our body is incred-
ibly smart; it knows exactly how many calories we need each
day. With the way portion sizes have changed in today’s society,
overweight people eat typical portions while normal-weight
people eat less. Because it takes 15
minutes for the brain to even reg-
ister that we’re full, we need to
learn to eat more slowly and give
that message a chance to reach
our brains. We’ll soon begin to
notice that we’re full before the
typical portion size has been
consumed. Following this habit
could lead to a 50 pound weight
loss over the course of a year.
Exercise. We need to exercise
every single day. Some of this can
be accomplished just by being
more active in our everyday
routines. Zonya does leg lifts when she brushes her teeth
because this is a habit she has twice a day anyway. If we can tie
small movements into our everyday routines, imagine how
this will build up over the course of a month – or a year. It all
adds up. Zonya also recommends we be curious and coura-
geous and try something new. If we keep it fresh, it won’t seem
like such a chore. Our exercise routine should encompass both
aerobic and strength training exercises. Studies show that just
two months of strength training can reverse two decades of
muscle loss! Lastly, as dentists especially, we need to “respect
the stretch.” Our body eventually limits itself to positions it
sees most often. Zona suggests we explore yoga or pilates.
So … if we follow everything Zonya says, it seems we have
the potential to lose up to 180 pounds before next February!
Zonya’s seminar was energetic and full of useful information
even for the most health-conscious person. Be sure to visit her
website, www.Zonya.com, where you can learn more and sign
up for her free newsletter.
21
P R O G R A M R E V I E W
Zonya has the audience participate in some simple exercises to help
us be more active everyday.
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | HOLIDAY ISSUE 200822
Grand Haven – It can be a slow startfor young dentists in private practicein this economy, but the rewards arethere if you are willing to work towardsthem. We are two general dentists inour late 50’s who are looking for afull-time associate who would buy intoour practice over a 3-5 year period. Tenops, 4 hygienists, and as nice a high-tech family practice as they come. Itwould be important to us that you livein and are an active part of our won-derful community. Please send yourresumé to Drs. Kennard Creason andWalter Weber, 333A Jackson Street,Grand Haven, MI 49417. Call 616.842.0822.
Dental Equipment Sale – Five opera-tories of dental equipment for sale. 5Dental Ez chairs, 4 Pelton Crane Tracklights, one chair mounted light, 3Forest over the patient dental units, 2assistant dental carts, 5 Telecam IntraOral Cameras & 5 wall mountedMitsubishi TV’s, photo printer, 5 assis-tant stools, 5 operator stools, 2 SSWhite x-ray machines, 2 rear deliveryunits, all other operatory cabinetry,vacuum pump, compressor, receptionroom furniture, 5 business officechairs, doctors office and businessoffice desk/bookshelf cabinetry, con-ference table, 2 large patient recordsfile cabinets, and more! Call 887.7389.
Space for Lease – Holland (greatnorth side neighborhood location).Previous tenant was a family practicedentist. High visibility sign available.Building interior is ready for equip-ment installation. Three ops and smalllab. Owner is willing to adapt buildingto needs. Call 616.245.9098 or800.669.0717.
Kentwood, Muskegon, Fowlerville –We have three practices for sale. Theseopportunities are excellent starters and satellite offices. Kentwood andFowlerville have buildings also forpurchase. Starting gross of $470,000 to$600,000. Financing and working cap-ital available. Contact Dr. Jim David,Henry Schein PPT Sales at 586.530.0800or [email protected].
Office Space for Lease – Great loca-tion! 2426 Burton St. SE, 915 sq. ft., 3 operatories, lab, private office, reception, business office, basement.Contact Dr. Sam Bander at616.949.5980 or email at [email protected]
West Michigan: Associate Wantedwith Transition to Partner – Verybusy, modern practice with elevenoperatories and three full-time hygien-ists, seeking ambitious dentist who iscommitted to serving the general den-tistry needs of our surrounding ruralcommunity. Our practice is located inan attractive lakeside village with amunicipal airport. We are looking fora general dentist with some experienceto work 2–3 days a week to start.Transition to 4–5 days per week assenior partner shifts towards retire-ment. Contact [email protected] [email protected] with resuméand contact information.
Associate/Partnership – Great oppor-tunity for a full / part time generaldentist. Profitable, fee for service office.This is a well established family prac-tice. Excellent location in Spring Lake/Grand Haven area. Call 616.842.1562or e-mail [email protected].
C L A S S I F I E D A D S
The classified ad rate is $10.00 up to and including 30 words; additional words 15¢ each. Space permitting, WMDDS members mayplace ads free of charge as a membership service. Ads should be submitted in writing and sent with payment to Elaine Fleming,WMDDS, 511-F Waters Building, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Telephone numbers and hyphenations count as two words, abbrevi-ations count as one word. Ads received after the first of the month prior to publication may appear in the following issue.
Storage Space for Lease – Safe, secure,24/7 access. Ideal for records, models,or just stuff you need to store. Locatedin the basement at 1151 East Paris Ave. Contact Dr. Sam Bander at616.949.5980 or [email protected] more information.
Dental Practice For Sale – Jenison,Michigan. Established and growingdental practice on major Jenison traffic route. Great income potential.Call for details 616.245.2767 or cell616.485.1348.
Half of Building (2,424 Square Feet)for Lease. Other half is a full-servicedental laboratory. Two year old build-ing, excellent for a dental practice.Great location in Kentwood on thecorner of Breton and 32nd Street. Ifinterested please call 447.0190.
Established Dentist with an ExistingOffice in Grand Rapids Wants to Buy– in or partner with another dentist.Open to all options. Please contactP.O. Box 141661, Grand Rapids, MI,49514-1661.
Grandville: 2000+ sq. ft. office spaceavailable for lease in exclusive profes-sional office building. Other tenantsinclude endodontist, family dentist,pediatric dentist, oral surgeon andorthodontist. Building partnershipbuy-in also possible as investment.Call 616.531.6377 or 616.531.1260.
Dental Practices Wanted to Buy –Two dentists separately looking for apractice to buy in the Grand Rapidsarea. Contact Greg McGlaun ofProveer at 616.425.5523 [email protected].
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 2009 23
The Bulletin wishes to thank our valued
advertisers who support organized
dentistry by helping to defray the cost
of printing and mailing.
Advertising in the Bulletin is seen by
over 90% of the dentists in the West
Michigan District. This includes five of
the fastest growing counties in the
state: Kent, Ottawa, Ionia, Montcalm
and Mecosta.
For information on advertising rates,
call Elaine Fleming, WMDDS Executive
Secretary at 234-5605. Target your Market
– advertise in the Bulletin!
Cleartalent .........................................13
CPR Collections, Inc.........................13
Davis Dental
Laboratory................inside front cover
Founders Bank & Trust .................... 3
Henry Schein ............inside back cover
MDA IFG..................................... 3, 19
Professional
Solutions .................outside back cover
A D V E R T I S E R I N D E XC L A S S I F I E D A D S
Grand Rapids Area – I am looking topurchase a dental practice with orwith out a transition. please call Dr.Martin 616.406.9399.
For Lease – Desirable SE GrandRapids location. Some shared space(reception room, lab, etc.) with twoother general dentists. Great opportu-nity for general, specialty, or start-up.Excellent terms. Call 616.949.8990.
Dental Office Suite/Three Opera toriesfor Lease – Desirable SE Grand Rapidslocation. Some shared space (recep-tion room, lab, etc.) with two othergeneral dentists. Great opportunity forgeneral, specialty, or start-up. Excellentterms. Call 616.949.8990.
General Dentist – An excellent oppor-tunity to join a progressive, fast-pace,well-established, practice in Grant,Michigan. Immediate opening for full-time or part-time general dentist (new grads welcome). Compensationcommensurate with experience. Send resume and letter of interest to:Human Resources, Baldwin FamilyHealth Care, Inc., 1615 MichiganAvenue, Baldwin MI 49304, [email protected], orFAX 231.745.3690.
For Lease – 1,500 sq. ft. (approx.) dental office suite with three operato-ries in newer (5-year-old) building.Beautiful water views. Located onForest Hill Avenue south of Burton.Convenient, highly visible location.For more information, please call Janieat 616.942.3343.
Dental Office for Lease – Sparta, MI.2,000 sq ft with $75,000 improve-ments, includes two X-ray machines,vacuum extraction, cabinetry, lab -oratory. $1795.00/mo, plus utilities.Traffic flow/14,000 daily.616.874.4192.
Dental Vacuum Pump – 2 Hp MatrixModel Max-2000. Excellent condition.Recently appraised at $1200. Will take $800 or best offer. Contact ChaseKlinesteker at 949-8665 or [email protected].
General Dentist – Family Health Care,a federally qualified health center, hasan excellent opportunity to join a progressive, fast-pace, well-establishedpractice in northwest Michigan.Immediate openings in our Grant and White Cloud offices for full-timeor part-time general dentist (new grads welcome). Compensation commensurate with experience. Send CV and letter of interest to:Human Resources, Baldwin FamilyHealth Care, Inc., 1615 MichiganAvenue, Baldwin MI 49304. Email:[email protected]: 231.745.3690.
Spielmaker Accounting, Inc. –Specializing in medical practiceaccounting. Individually owned andoperated by Holly Oudhoff, in practiceover 20 years. Call today @ 616.897.1257or 616.885.0432. References availableon request.
RDH/RDA – Dental professional withover 5 years experience seeking full-time, part-time or subbing opportuni-ties where I will be able to utilize myprofessional experience with patients.Please contact me at 616.262.8719.
Opening a Satellite Office. Lookingfor a good used panoramic x-ray andsome other used equipment (in goodshape). Please email: [email protected] call my office at 616.774.9402 or cellphone 616.307.2213 (leave message).
For Sale – 1998 Gendex GX-Pan,$4500. Also available: 1970 MossLateral Ceph. Make offer. Call 538.5920Mon.–Thurs.
WEST MICHIGAN DISTRICT DENTAL SOCIETY | WINTER ISSUE 200924
n 2007, the West Michigan District Dental Society Board
and a group of WMDDS dentists came to the realization
that there was no award to honor and recognize non-
dentists in our community for out-
standing contributions to dentistry
and oral health in the WMDDS
area. For a year-and-a-half, a
special task force worked to create
and establish this new tradition.
The task force members include: Dr.
Amy DeYoung (2007-2008), Dr.
Eugene Bonofilgo (chair), Dr.
Arnold Baker, Dr. Larissa Bishop,
Dr. Gerald Vander Wall, and Dr.
Doug Killian (2008-2009). It was
originally named the Community
Contributor Award, but has been
officially renamed the Steel Water Award. The committee
selected Grand Rapids Community College’s Dental Auxiliary
Programs to be the first recipient of this award for the out-
standing contributions they have made in the community
educating dental auxiliary since 1964. The award was presented
at the WMDDS continuing education seminar on January 16,
2009 at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
Representing Grand Rapids Community College at the
award presentation were Eve
Sidney, program director, Bunny
Bookwalter, past program director,
Maureen Munger, first program
director, and instructors Christine
Dobberstein, Jean Verwys, Deb
Schultz, and Julie Bera. Also repre-
senting the college was Paula
Sullivan, Associate Dean for the
School of Workforce Development.
Upon accepting the award, Eve
Sidney said, “The Steel Water sculp-
ture reaches thirty-three feet up into
the vast skyline of Grand Rapids, so
will our programs continue to reach new heights as we grow
in the future.”
Congratulations to Grand Rapids Community College’s
Dental Auxiliary Program!
G R C C N E W S
WMDDS Honors Grand Rapids Community College’s DentalAuxiliary Program with the 2008 Steel Water Award
I
The WMDDS recently created a new award to honor an
individual or group that has made a significant contribu-
tion to dentistry or the community in the five-county area
of the WMDDS. Nominees must be non-dentists. The first
recipient of the Steel Water Award was Grand Rapids
Community College’s Dental Auxiliary Program. The
award was presented on January 16, 2009.
If you would like nominate an individual or group for this
award, please send supporting information about your
nominee to the WMDDS Central Office by mail to West
Michigan District Dental Society, 161 Ottawa Avenue NW,
Suite 511-F, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, or by email to
[email protected] (put Steel Water Award Nomination in
the subject line).
Nominations are due by April 15, 2009.
Steel Water Award Nominations Are Being Accepted
L to R: Chris Dobberstein, Bunny Bookwalter, Eve Sidney, Deb
Schultz, Jean Verwys, Julie Bera. Seated: Maureen Munger.
WEST MICHIGAN DENTAL SOCIETY
511-F Waters Building
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE
PAIDGRAND RAPIDS, MI
PERMIT # 657