Bids for Small Smiles centers in by May 4, 2012, auction set for May 11, 2012, hearing for court to approve sale (if any) on May 22, 2012–trying to settle malpractice cases in the mean time.

Here is the latest filings in the bankruptcy case.
I think these so called Management Service Agreements these corporations claim they have with fake owners dentists like the Small Smiles clinics should also be used in other places to skirt laws and social practices.

What’s your thoughts?

Maybe they should replace marriage licenses. What about drivers license? I just manage the car, take care of the upkeep, fuel, taxes, etc.

Even in Church Street Health Managements latest filings on Tuesday of this week, they still contend they don’t own them, just manage them. I beg to differ.

Related:
Small Smiles Owner Doctors - A. Smith
Small Smiles ownership program – A. Smith
Fraud at Small Smiles? – The employees say yes.

After what you’ve just heard, don’t you everyone who has filed all the legal document, that are subject to perjury needs some serious jail time for each offense.

Bankrupt Small Smiles Holdings, LLC list of 1205 Creditors

• A. J. RIGGINS HEALTH SEARCH LLC
• AARON & SANDERS, PLLC
• ADIRONDACK CABLING INC.
• ADVENTURE 3 PROPERTIES LP
• ADVOCATE NETWORKS LLC
• ALABAMA ATTORNEY GENERAL
• ALFRED SMITH
• ALFRED SMITH
• ALFRED SMITH
• ALTAIR DATA RESOURCES INC.

• ALTAIR DATA RESOURCES, INC.
• ALVAREZ & MARSAL
• AMBULATORY SURGERY CENTER
• AMBULATORY SURGERY CENTER
• AMERI-FORCE MANAGEMENT SERVICES
• AMERICAN CAPITAL
• AMERICAN CAPITAL FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
• AMERICAN CAPITAL FINANCIAL SERVICES INC.
• AMERICAN CAPITAL, LTD.
• ANGELA CRAWFORD
• APPLIANCE THERAPY GROUP
• APPLIANCE THERAPY GROUP
• ARAMARK UNIFORM - SYRACUSE 308
• ARCAPITA INC.
• ARCAPITA INC. AND AT&T SERVICE AGREEMENT
• ARES CAPITAL
• ARES CAPITAL
• ARIZONA ATTORNEY GENERAL
• ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE
• ASSOCIATED BANK, N.A.
• AT&T CORP
• AUTONOMY INC.
• AUTONOMY INC.
• AVERY CROSSWHITE
• AVERY CROSSWHITE
• AXIS DIRECT INC.

See the Rest of the list here

Church Street Health Management Files for Bankruptcy With Plan for Sale - Bloomberg

I’m not really a betting person, but I’m guessing, the Small Smiles at Church Street Health Management are now down to wee little bitty smiles.  No, I’m sure they are down right frowns and have been for a while now. 
Want to take a guess where there is a ‘Big Smile” ? 
Maybe Interstate corporate dentistry is NOT exactly the investment Private Equity firms think it is! 
Read on…  documents related to the case at the end.
Church Street Health Management Files for Bankruptcy With Plan for Sale – Bloomberg
Church Street Health Management LLC and four affiliates, providers of management services to 67 dental centers, filed for bankruptcy as part of a plan to sell the businesses.
The companies had assets valued at $895.3 million and debt of $303.4 million, according to Chapter 11 documents filed yesterday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Nashville, Tennessee, where Church Street is based.
A sale in bankruptcy is the “best option to maximize the value of the assets for stakeholders and to safeguard the welfare of the patients,” Martin McGahan, Church Street’s chief restructuring officer, said in court papers.
Affiliates Small Smiles Holding Co., Forba NY LLC, EEHC Inc. and Forba Services Inc. also sought court protection from creditors. Small Smiles is the parent of a group of companies that provide management services to dental centers serving low- income families in 22 states.

Nothing But Liars! Yes, Kool Smiles, Small Smiles and others

I'm going to tell you, Kool Smiles, Small Smiles and any other dental mill that tell you how they have no rules against letting you be with your child while they torture them are LIARS!  Plain and simple!  And there is no need to complain to your state Dental Board or legislators about any of it, because they don't care!  They know it's happening and they refuse to stop it.  Many of us have been reporting on this since 2003...it's 2010!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   In my opinion if you go to a dental clinic and all you come away with is the dentist's first name...  ie..Dr. Polly...  Run  like the wind.  They don't want you to know who they really are!  Folks, the people who work in the clinics think you are the scum of the earth and don't have enough sense to get out of the rain. 

Here is the latest complaint about Kool Smiles:

At the time I thought about posting of our horrific experience with Kool Smiles but decided to keep it to myself. BUT SINCE YOU ASKED........went for cleanings on a 9 and 14 yr old...9 yr old cleaning went fine...14 yr old was traumatized..the lady cleaning her teeth had A. a very heavy accent and very hard to understand...B. a paper mask over her mouth...C. a plastic face shield...making it hard to hear her. I watched through the little two way mirror thing they have to watch your kids...(they recommend parents don't go back and baby their children unless absolutely necessary) after watching the hygienist break out the electronic cleaner thingy and torture my daughter who at this time was writhing around in pain...I went through the office and hall to see what exactly was the problem. She was yelling at my daughter to hold still and when asked why she would use that on a child she said they were behind schedule and it would be faster to use the electronic thing. While using that she ran up my daughters gums and cut it so it was bleeding badly and scaring my daughter . We went elsewhere to finish the cleaning.
My 9 yr old that was there was told to pull 3 of his own teeth while he sat in the chair. 2 were very loose so he pulled one out. The second one was not as loose so they used a tool to help but it was choking him while they were working on it. When the tooth came out, it fell in his mouth and he swallowed it. When I questioned why they were pulling the third one that was not even the slightest bit loose the tech said "oh it must be decayed" which it wasn't so I asked for the Doctor and asked the same question ....believe it or not she said the same thing and when I told her to look in his mouth and view the xrays on the light board she recanted and said "oh I see it's because it's a baby tooth with one underneath so instead of waiting we could just pull it" I expressed my opinion of the place to her and the office manager, as well as a few eavesdropping customers, took my son by the hand and left.

Dr. Robert F. Andrus-Still Small Smiles Front Man?

According to Beta Health Association Complete Specialists Directory (not dated so I don't know how "updated" this actually is) Dr. Robert F. Andrus's specialty is Pedodontics (children's dentistry). Of course as with anything to do with Small Smiles, this simply isn't the case. His current Colorado licenses lists him as a General Dentist.

Of course I knew this was probably BS since this same list has Michael DeRose's Specialty as Pedodontics as well and we know that simply 'ain't so'.

Why do I mention Dr. Robert F. Andrus, DDS you might be asking yourself? Well, on this same list it says that Dr. Andrus works in the Michael DeRose office located at 1022 Liberty Lane, Pueblo, Colorado along with Drs. Ed DeRose, Michael DeRose, Jim Mobley, Randy Ellis, Hate Haerr.

Of course there are hundreds of dentist associated with Small Smiles/FORBA and Michael DeRose but this guy seems to stand out a bit since he's applied for and received dental licenses in Kentucky, Nebraska, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Virginia and Kansas just to name a few.

So how does this associate him with Small Smiles? Well, there is an article on glsennca.org called "Small Smiles defies traditional system". In this article it says that Terry Dickinson was wary of corporate dentistry coming to the state of Virginia and would be keeping an eye on Small Smiles.

It also says that Todd Cruse, chief development officer for FORBA would be managing a Small Smiles clinic owned by a Colorado dentist, Dr. Robert Andrus. This same article says a Dr. David Jones, DDS (not of the Monkees fame) closed his private practice to come to work for Small Smiles in Roanoke (bet he regrets this move by now).

Anyway I don't know if Dr. Andrus still is fronting for Small Smiles, using his name on licenses and such but he sure did at one time and he's all but held hands with Micheal DeRose and I'm not sure they've not done that as well.

New Papoose Board Consent Tactics Surface

Today I've received two separate reports from concerned parents that indicate FORBA-Small Smiles have changed it's tactics in obtaining consent to strap children down in papoose boards.  There reports are from two separate states. 

(Boy, the Papoose board sure is an important tool for these places aren't they)

Evidently they aren't having the parent or guardian pre-consent to the use of these devices anymore.  (They are calling them "protective wraps", isn't that sweet!)

From the two reports I've gotten just this morning, they are still separating the parents from the children, taking the children back for fillings, sealants, crowns whatever, then returning to to the parents saying:

"because he was wiggling and screaming and said that he was a danger to himself and the doctors"

It makes it seem that they are in the middle of a procedure and it's imperative they sign this consent so that they can finish the procedure.

Whatever the real reason, it's clear they have changed their tactics but still pushing on tying up children at any cost.

Now, FORBA, you want to make another statement about how you are improving things?  That is just pure BS!

Oklahoma Smiles, Topeka Dental, Texas Smiles Dental Clinic, Indian Springs Dental Clinic: More DeRose Dental Torture Chambers? Of Course They Are!

In doing a search for Oklahoma Smiles, a dental chain in Oklahoma I just couldn't help noticing the website address:

OKLAHOMA SMILES DENTAL CENTERS OF SOUTH OKLAHOMA CITY Walker Square Shopping Center — 309 S.W. 59th at Walker 405-631-2700 ...

www.smallsmilesusa.com/states/Oklahoma.html - 11k -

Also as searching for job listings with Oklahoma Smiles Dental Centers I noticed this as:

FRONT OFFICE
ASSISTANT
Oklahoma Smiles Dental
Centers of Oklahoma City

Join our Dynamic Team! This State-of-the-Art Dental Of­fice provides quality dental care to children and young adults. We offer great bene­fits and bonus opportunity!
Spanish bilingual a plus!

E-mail resume to: dhale@oklahomasmilesusa.com
or fax to 405-942-7753. EOE

Check out Oklahoma Smiles Website, logo look familiar?

now look at an ad for a job with Small Smiles:

DENTAL ASSISTANT Small Smiles of Macon. Join our Dynamic Team! This State-of-the-Art Dental Office provides quality dental care to children and young adults. We offer great benefits and bonus opportunity! Experience preferred and Spanish bilingual a plus! Fax resume to Dr. Dan at 478-781-4331

Is it just me or do you think FORBA/DeRose is known as Oklahoma Smiles to the poor unsuspecting citizens of Oklahoma? Maybe it's just me. Maybe I've gotten too paranoid or something, but I don't think so.

AMAZING!! It's the same thing when you look into:

Topeka Dental Clinic
Small Smiles Dental Clinic of Wichita
Indian Springs Dental Clinic of Kansas City
Texas Smiles Dental Clinic

Only The Best Dentists for Small Smiles (sarcasm)

Dr. Troy T. Bates, Peyton, Colorado, a former Small Smiles lead dentist, Colorado license number DEN-8450, had his license suspended a mere 30 days for drug abuse in October 2007. His licenses is now Active-With Conditions. He's now under probation for 5 years and practice monitoring for 2 years.

What they should have also checked into, but guess they didn't since there was no formal complaints, was his treatment of children at the Small Smiles in Colorado Springs. This is where formal complaints to dental boards come in and are so important.

Again, I have to ask parents, employees or anyone, Who Will Save The Children, If Not You, Then Who?

If you are a dentist working for FORBA or any of these places, Kool Smiles whatever....and I've not made it to your name yet, not to worry, I will get there. A good way to stay off this list would be to come forward tell all you know to anyone who will listen and stop abusing the children, otherwise you are open game to me.

Is FORBA FORba Sale or Just Needing Money?

Wonder why Draper, Fisher and Jurvestion, an early stage venture capital company would be checking this blog out? The "keyword" they used in the search engine was "FORBA". After checking out all the other people/companies/law firms that have been 'avisitin' lately I have to wonder if someone is not trying to:

1. Unload FORBA to anyone that will take it.
2. FORBA /Small Smiles/DeRose getting their butts sued
3. Are really hurting for cash since they have to be at the top of the "red flag" list in all their billings.
(In fact, I bet a whole army of "color guards" come strolling through the Medicaid billing center)
4. FORBA is gathering up some cash for all the "settlements" and legal fees they are going to make and need.
5. FORBA is robbing from Peter to pay Paul, and that only makes for a sore Peter.

Here is the list of just a few visitors and the "keyword" they used if I know it:

Honigman, Miller, Schwartz & Cohn - Health Law Practice- "Medicaid Dental Center Settlement"
Shearman & Sterling -Law Firm
CIT Financial - Financial advisers for Arcapita
King & Spalding- Law Firm

Navigant Consulting-International Consulting Firm
Houlihan, Lokey, Howard and Zukin-Investment Bank-"FORBA and Child Abuse"
Interlink Advertising-Ad firm-"Michael DeRose"
International Monetary Fund-"DeRose Pueblo"

First Southern National Bank
Omnicom Management Services-Texas Ad Agency-"Dan DeRose"
LA SALLE CAPITAL- Investment Bank-"Forba/Small Smiles MA"
Covington and Burlington Law-Law Firm-"Delta Dental"

Veroxity Technology Partners
FTN Financial Investment bank-Investment Bank
Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP-Law Firm-"Albany Small Smiles and Rochester"
RSM MCGLADREY-Accounting firm

CSC Holding-Holding Company-"Small Smiles Arcapita"
Cratos Capital Partners
Canon Capital Advisors-"Small Smiles Billing"
NCMIC-Insurance and Finance Group-"Medicaid Dental Center"

Forbin Group-"Papoose Board"
Peabody and Arnold, LLP-Law Firm-"Small Smiles"
Poyner & Spurill-Law Firm-"Child In Papoose Dental"
Vestar Capital Partners-Investment Group-"Rafael Rivera, DDS"
Lehman Brothers-Investment Bank-"Forba For Sale"

Wesley Capital
Draper, Fisher and Jurveston-Early Stage Investments-"FORBA"
Wells Fargo-Bank-"Tish Ballance"
Morgan Lucas & Bockius-International Law Firm-"FORBA"
Haynes and Boone, LLP-Internation Law Firm-"came to blog directly"
Deloitte & Touche

Small Smiles Temp Dentist Speaks-Reposted From A Dental Forum

I just returned from a 6 week assignment from a temporary agency to a small smiles clinic. (Assignment cut short because FORBA decided not to use doctors that were not credentialed with medicare) In any event, The biggest question I had was....Why mom or dad were not back here learning how to care for the children's teeth. Then I find they are not allowed back there. I was disgusted with the way the children were treated. I wouldn't take a dead snake to that place.

While my office is being built, I decided to make a little money in the interim. I happened to use a temp. service that put me in a small smiles clinic. I was informed by the lead dentist that this was the last place many of the patients could go for dental services, "that we had to do what was necessary to get the job done." This sort of tugged at my heart to see these kids with so much decay and infection. Out of the five doctors that where available, I had the most experience with respect to years practiced. Most were recent grads.

We probably averaged 20 -25% usage of the papoose. It was a screaming frenzy for those few patients that did get the papoose. I did inquire "why oral sedation was not used" and was told that it was not a covered event for the Medicaid patient. From a business view point, they make a lot of cash. Even with the new doctors, it gave me the impression that it is sort of like an uncontrolled residency and a quick way of bringing your skills up to par before entering the "outside world".

They train their own assistants for the most part, because of the high turnover rate. Compensation to them is minimal. They do get enticed with a monthly bonus. I was told that they average 16K production a day. From what I saw, they must do most of that in Hygiene. I do not know what Assistants can or can not do with respect to polishing in that state, but that is used a lot. They work the assistants to the ground and they frequently have 10 hour exhaustive days. One day we saw 137 patients.

I have mixed emotions at the present time. It is obvious that a great deal of money is being made utilizing the government handout of these funds. I was told that not all states pay as well as others and that is why they are not in some of the states.

Whether or not this is true I have not investigated. They have apx. 80 offices with goals of close to 100 or so by 2009. I am not opposed to anybody making a profit. If this truly is the last stop for many of the patients, than they are performing a needed service.

Overall, you have the most inexperienced team, working on probably the hardest portion of the population. It is going to attract media attention at any given opportunity. What is the answer to the problem at hand? I can not tell you. Once again, I am grateful I am able to refer out any pediatric case.

Perhaps, instead of going to Africa, or South America all the time, we doctors can just stay home and donate our time and talents to the local community. I know that is not as glamorous as the "out of country" trip, but it certainly would be just as beneficial. Sorry, I guess I rambled at bit too much.

New York Kicking Small Smiles To The Curb

May 8, 2008
Steve Flamisch

The New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General is terminating Small Smiles Dentistry from the state Medicaid program effective May 24, CBS 6 News has learned.

A spokeswoman would not confirm any additional details, citing the need to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

Three former employees and the parents of 82 patients accuse the Colonie children's dentistry clinic of performing rushed and unnecessary procedures on its young patients, all to make money. The ex-employees claim the dentists and other staff members earn lucrative bonuses for achieving certain "production numbers," though the company patently denies that claim.


Government sources confirm that Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's office is also investigating Small Smiles. Cuomo has the power to bring civil and criminal charges in Medicaid cases, though it remains to be seen whether that will be the case.

The State Education Department, which licenses all dentists in New York, would not confirm an investigation, but did file a subpoena requesting all of the information CBS 6 uncovered. The station is cooperating, and - at the request of the parents - sharing that documentation with other state agencies, as well.

Small Smiles spokesman Don Meyer would not confirm the state's action, nor would he explain how 82 parents had come forward to corroborate allegations the company has dismissed as "baseless." In an email, Meyer said, "I have no additional information to share with you at this time."

Video Interview of Parent Forum

Finally a state has stepped forward and working on putting an end to Small Smiles/FORBA barbaric back alley dentistry and abusing children in the process.

I'm looking for more states to follow New York's lead in the near future. Let all keep our fingers crossed and hope that North Carolina realizes Smile Starters is owned and operated by the same people and kicks Smile Starters to the curb as well.

Ok, let see what states follows New Yorks lead.

Next?

On a side note:

Dr. Randall W. Ellis, DDS referred to as reviewing the patient files internally for FORBA's (Small Smiles) is a Professor at (drum roll please...... ) Creighton!! And lives.....(drum roll again)...... Pueblo!

Dentists React To Small Smiles

These are posts from a Dental Message Board in reaction to Small Smiles/FORBA

1. There is a small smiles clinic close to us and we see a lot of children who have been put through the ringer there. Most times the work is sub-standard and we are re-doing what wasn't done correctly the first time around. Many of the children who are referred are great kids and just need some TSD and patience. Unfortunately, at that point they are pretty traumatized. The thing that worries us here in our clinic is the disregard for max local anesthetic dosages, etc. It's hard to believe you can papoose a 3 year old and do 4 quadrants of dentistry in one sitting, staying within the safety limits for local anesthetic. I'm all for providing needed treatment, but I'm doubtful as to how much training and supervision there are at these clinics.

2. small smiles opened in our town about six weeks ago. a good friend of mine was working as a hygienist there--she quit after two weeks. i don't know how anyone can justify treatment like that. i see kids with medicaid as does another large pedo practice in town, as do several other family dentists i know. access to care isn't an issue in my area for these kids so they can't use the "we're your child's last hope" approach.

look at the aapd guidelines. they (small smiles) aren't compliant and i don't believe they provide the standard of care offered in my area.

previous to this story, i was talking with a friend on the local peer review on how to approach this group because i was concerned about what i was hearing.

I personally LOVED This one!!!!

3. At our SSPD meeting in September AAPD president Keith Morley said to watch out for these FORBA clinics. He said they are on the way to any rural area in which they can treat low socioeconomic children for Profit.

I too see Medicaid children b/c I feel it is my way of giving back to society. The News took the absolute worst parts of the entire story and put that on TV for everyone to watch. I've been in situations in which i've had to use a papoose board while the child screamed away b/c there was no other choice. I would think any of us pedos understand exactly what was going on there. Most of what they do may not be morally right and is against the ethics of the ADA and AAPD however it doesn't break any laws. We need to all band together and keep these clinics from opening in our areas.

4. Just completed 30 years of dealing with Medicaid. It tooks it's toll on me financially (somewhat), but more emotionally and physically (which is why I stopped). The stories I have heard even for adults can be incredible, and then we get to the "access to care" issue. Who in their right mind would like to stand in line for that kind of access?

I know that there are also some incredible providers of care to this population, adults and children. But, at times, it seems that as long as the care is being "provided" by a provider, that the state powers will look the other way. An acquaintance of mine who previously worked at a one of these facilities stated that some of the dentists, at this particular facility, should not have licenses to practice.

5. If providers would treat mediciad patients as a requirement for renewal of our state granted license to make money in this limited area, access issues would greatly diminish.

6. There is one down the street from me called Vital Smiles, formally the Tooth Zone. I used to say "Who else is going to treat these kids" (I take medicaid by the way) From seeing some of the dentistry, and hearing from patients, former staff members, and a former Dr. there, a lot of those kids would be better off if they had not even gone.

7. If the Democrates get the s-chip legislation passed they will providing about 1 million more American kids with the kind of treatment that is getting blasted. S-Chip in most states is lumped into medicaid. I could care less about Dem vs Rep, but this is to make legislaotors (sp?) look good by providing insurance to these poor kids. What kind of care will be provided? Will they have access to care with this insurance?

8. small smiles clinics do not sedate or offer GA. What upsets me is not the use of the papoose per say, but it is how the clinics are run. There are several Kool Smiles clinics in the area where I practice, and they are run in a similar fashion to Small Smiles. they over treatment plan just to do pulp and crowns. I see at least 3-5 patients from their clinics , and the parent shows me the tx plans. many times it is crowns, where simple ONE surface restorations suffice. These clinics do not have a good reputation where I live.

Should Michael DeRose Ever Been Licensed In North Carolina?

Should Michael DeRose or any corporate dentist group actually have access to treating patients under North Carolina Law is the question here. I say unless that dentist is licensed and actively practices in North Carolina, they should have their licenses revoked! But of course this is where dentists like Dr. Raf Rivera and Dr. Tish Ballance come in isn't it. They become the "local" actively practicing dentists.

If you "google" those in charge of Small Smiles, Kool Smiles, Ocean Dental and others, they have offices as well as licenses in various states across the US. But you and I both know they don't "actively" participate.

For instance, Dr. Adolph Padula, Mike DeRose's uncle) with FROBA Small Smiles says he can be seen in New York, Massachusetts, Colorado and Ohio. In the MassHealth Directory it says Dr. Padula is accepting new patients. I see this over and over. Now grant you they are a bit careful. But in the instance of getting on lists of providers not so much. The names crop up in state after state.

I understand that each state is different, but most require them to "actively" practice dentistry and it's that way for a reason. This is where Tennessee got Dr. William Mueller a few years back that was reduced to an advertising sanction. They get licensed and advertise in states where they have a licenses, but fail to "actively" practice dentistry.

Let's Look At North Carolina:

North Carolina General Statutes:

§ 90-36. Licensing practitioners of other states.

(a)The North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners may issue a license by credentials to an applicant who has been licensed to practice dentistry in any state or territory of the United States if the applicant produces satisfactory evidence to the Board that the applicant has the required education, training, and qualifications, is in good standing with the licensing jurisdiction, has passed satisfactory examinations of proficiency in the knowledge and practice of dentistry as determined by the Board, and meets all other requirements of this section and rules adopted by the Board. The Board may conduct examinations and interviews to test the qualifications of the applicant and may require additional information that would affect the applicant's ability to render competent dental care. The Board may, in its discretion, refuse to issue a license by credentials to an applicant who the Board determines is unfit to practice dentistry.

(b) The applicant for licensure by credentials shall be of good moral character and shall have graduated from and have a DDS or DMD degree from a program of dentistry in a school or college accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and approved by the Board.

(c) The applicant must meet all of the following conditions:

(1) Has been actively practicing dentistry, as defined in G.S. 90-29(b)(1) through (b)(9), for a minimum of five years immediately preceding the date of application.

G.S. 90-29 (b)(1) thru (b)(9)

(1) Diagnoses, treats, operates, or prescribes for any disease, disorder, pain, deformity, injury, deficiency, defect, or other physical condition of the human teeth, gums, alveolar process, jaws, maxilla, mandible, or adjacent tissues or structures of the oral cavity;

(2) Removes stains, accretions or deposits from the human teeth;

(3) Extracts a human tooth or teeth;

(4) Performs any phase of any operation relative or incident to the replacement or restoration of all or a part of a human tooth or teeth with any artificial substance, material or device;

(5) Corrects the malposition or malformation of the human teeth;

(6) Administers an anesthetic of any kind in the treatment of dental or oral diseases or physical conditions, or in preparation for or incident to any operation within the oral cavity; provided, however, that this subsection shall not apply to a lawfully qualified nurse anesthetist who administers such anesthetic under the supervision and direction of a licensed dentist or physician;

(6a) Expired pursuant to Session Laws 1991, c. 678, s. 2.

(7) Takes or makes an impression of the human teeth, gums or jaws;

(8) Makes, builds, constructs, furnishes, processes, reproduces, repairs, adjusts, supplies or professionally places in the human mouth any prosthetic denture, bridge, appliance, corrective device, or other structure designed or constructed as a substitute for a natural human tooth or teeth or as an aid in the treatment of the malposition or malformation of a tooth or teeth, except to the extent the same may lawfully be performed in accordance with the provisions of G.S. 90‑29.1 and 90‑29.2;

(9) Uses a Roentgen or X‑ray machine or device for dental treatment or diagnostic purposes, or gives interpretations or readings of dental Roentgenograms or X rays;

(2) Has not been the subject of final or pending disciplinary action in the military, in any state or territory in which the applicant is or has ever been licensed to practice dentistry, or in any state or territory in which the applicant has held any other professional license.

(3) Presents evidence that the applicant has no felony convictions and that the applicant has no other criminal convictions that would affect the applicant's ability to render competent dental care.

(4) Has not failed an examination conducted by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners.

(d) The applicant for licensure by credentials shall submit an application to the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners, the form of which shall be determined by the Board, pay the fee required by G.S. 90-39, successfully complete examinations in Jurisprudence and Sterilization and Infection Control, and meet the criteria or requirements established by the Board.

(e) The holder of a license issued under this section shall establish a practice location and actively practice dentistry, as defined in G.S. 90-29(b)(1) through (b)(9), in North Carolina within one year from the date the license is issued. The license issued under this section shall be void upon a finding by the Board that the licensee fails to limit the licensee's practice to North Carolina or that the licensee no longer actively practices dentistry in North Carolina. (1935, c. 66, s. 9; 1971, c. 755, s. 7; 1981, c. 751, s. 6; 2002-37, s. 2.)

Does anyone reading this blog think that Michael DeRose, living in his Pueblo Colorado 3.4 million dollar recording breaking home EVER "actively" practice dentistry in North Carolina as defined?

Michael DeRose has sanctions in other states, namely Colorado for one.

He would have had to one of the following to be considered actively practicing dentistry:

(1) Diagnoses, treats, operates, or prescribes for any disease, disorder, pain, deformity, injury, deficiency, defect, or other physical condition of the human teeth, gums, alveolar process, jaws, maxilla, mandible, or adjacent tissues or structures of the oral cavity;

(2) Removes stains, accretions or deposits from the human teeth;

(3) Extracts a human tooth or teeth;

(4) Performs any phase of any operation relative or incident to the replacement or restoration of all or a part of a human tooth or teeth with any artificial substance, material or device;

(5) Corrects the malposition or malformation of the human teeth;

(6) Administers an anesthetic of any kind in the treatment of dental or oral diseases or physical conditions, or in preparation for or incident to any operation within the oral cavity; provided, however, that this subsection shall not apply to a lawfully qualified nurse anesthetist who administers such anesthetic under the supervision and direction of a licensed dentist or physician;

(6a) Expired pursuant to Session Laws 1991, c. 678, s. 2.

(7) Takes or makes an impression of the human teeth, gums or jaws;

(8) Makes, builds, constructs, furnishes, processes, reproduces, repairs, adjusts, supplies or professionally places in the human mouth any prosthetic denture, bridge, appliance, corrective device, or other structure designed or constructed as a substitute for a natural human tooth or teeth or as an aid in the treatment of the malposition or malformation of a tooth or teeth, except to the extent the same may lawfully be performed in accordance with the provisions of G.S. 90‑29.1 and 90‑29.2;

(9) Uses a Roentgen or X‑ray machine or device for dental treatment or diagnostic purposes, or gives interpretations or readings of dental Roentgenograms or X rays;

Dr. Steven Adair Is Small Smiles New Cheif Dental Officer-Ya Gotta Love it!

See how smart these people are:

They hired the one doctor who wrote an article for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentist on how papoose boards need to be modified for use in dental practice.

(chew on that in a minute...)

Small Smiles hired a Papoose Board Expert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Click Here

Doesn't sound like they plan on doing away with tied kinds down now does it?!

What surprises me is that someone with Dr. Adair's credentials would going up with such a child abusing company as FORBA/Small Smiles. If he thinks he's going to ride in on his white horse and "clean things" up that certainly will not happen. The DeRose's have been doing this since for darn near 20 years, they are set in their ways. Plus I'd say within the next year, this place will be in even worse shape in the eyes of the public, and that's all that really counts isn't it?

Funny how I just posted his article yesterday. Then I see where someone on my site had searched Dr. Adair, so I followed that link and low and behold there was this........... click here.

At the link above is a press release where Dr. Tara Schafer was appointed as the Medical College of Georgia's interim chair by the School of Dentistry Dean, Connie Drisko, a position previously held by Dr. Steven Adair.  

Paula Hinely -  2008 March 20

Dr. Tara Schafer, associate professor in the Medical College of Georgia Department of Pediatric Dentistry and an MCG alumna, has been appointed as the department’s interim chair by School of Dentistry Dean Connie Drisko.

“Dr. Schafer is a highly skilled pediatric dentist,” Dr. Drisko says. “I am certain her leadership and forward thinking will continue to advance the department in its mission of providing quality training for students and residents while maintaining a focus on patient- and family-centered care.”

Dr. Steven Adair, the department’s chair since 1990, has reduced his work commitment in the school to assume the position of chief dental officer for FORBA, Inc., the parent company of Small Smiles Dental Clinics, which treats underserved children.

God works in mysterious ways!

April 2008 Small Smiles VP in Virginia

4-11-2008
Virginia Dental Advisory Commitee Minutes

Media Coverage of Medicaid Dental Clinics

Mr. Finnerty introduced Todd Cruse, Sr. Vice President of Small Smiles who addressed the Committee about the recent negative press events around the clinical treatment provided at the Small Smiles Clinics. Mr. Cruse referenced several news stories that ran on local and national television stations on the operations in several of his clinics around the country. He reported that some of the televised reports were false and misconstrued the facts.

Claims of misconduct by clinic dentists were investigated. Audit results were positive and Small Smiles has been reinstated by affected managed care organizations. Free care was provided to children during the period of network suspensions. Small Smiles has a new Chief Dental Officer, Dr. Steven Adair, who will work to ensure quality dental services in the clinics. The use of protective stabilization occurs in approximately 4% of the children treated in the clinics.

A hotline has been established for parents to call if they have any concerns about the dental treatment provided in any of the clinics. Dr. Chema reported DMAS had performed site visits and determined that the clinical operations in the three Virginia clinics appeared to be within acceptable standards of practice.

Well what did they think Todd Cruse was going to say? Did they invite, introduce or ask for statements for all the children or parents of children who Small Smiles has tied down and done unnecessary work on, well no!

Just more hogwash!

The above mentions a hotline for complaints... where is that number exactly and who gets that call, Small Smiles office!? Yes, as we can see from past behavior they police themselves very well.

What really kills me is that Todd Cruse, Mike DeRose and even David Meyer make all these blanket statements and fail to address the real issues.


Todd evidently failed to discuss the "training manual" that devotes a full page on how to separate children from their parents.

Todd didn't address just how many papoose board they have in each clinic.

Todd didn't mention the daily emails that go out telling each clinic the days quota they were expected to make.

It amazes me that when an "board" or "agency" investigates they ask the criminal instead of the victims!

How many victims have been invited to speak in front of these dental boards? Yet, Todd can get an audience with them... Just friggin amazing!

DeRose and Crew Recruiting New Dentists-Students BeWare

From the looks of the traffic on this blog I would have to conclude Mike DeRose and cronies are visiting Dental Schools across the country trying to round up new recruits to bring to their various "management" camps.

If you are a dental student and anyone from Smile Starters, Small Smiles, Kool Smiles, FORBA, or Access West DO NOT associate yourself with these terrorists.

Take time to read this blog and run for your life!

The Smile Behind Small Smiles-Atif Abdulmalik

This is "what's his name" when I first started reporting about Small Smiles as was listed on Arcapita's website.







This is "what's his name" as shown on Arcaptia's website now.






Wonder if this dude's got any kids he would like to take to Small Smiles for some Dental Care?

Here is the press release where Arcapita admits it's in with "existing management"

1-15-2007

ARCAPITA COMPLETES LARGEST US CORPORATE TRANSACTION
MANAMA (January 15, 2007) - Arcapita Bank B.S.C.(c), a leading international investment firm headquartered in Bahrain, announced today that it and its affiliates, together with existing management, have acquired Sanus Holdings, LLC, operating as FORBA, a leading dental practice management company that focuses on providing dental care to underprivileged children in the United States.
Headquartered in Tennessee, FORBA manages the operations of 50 dental clinics across the United States, targeted exclusively at serving the needs of children eligible for dental care benefits under Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Plan (SCHIP), which between them provide comprehensive healthcare for over 32 million children. FORBA’s innovative business model, delivering centralized buying, economies of scale and operational efficiencies, has allowed the company to build a dominant position in its market, and according to management, during 2006 FORBA had 3 times more patient visits than its nearest competitor. FORBA’s projected revenues for 2006 are $142.2 million.
Commenting on the transaction, Atif Abdulmalik, CEO of Arcapita, said: “We believe FORBA’s experienced management team, with in-depth knowledge of the Medicaid healthcare sector, is well placed to continue the company’s growth strategy which has resulted in the company’s revenues growing at a compound rate of more than 40 per cent over the past 6 years.”
The acquisition was overseen from Arcapita’s US office in Atlanta. Charles Ogburn, head of Global Corporate Investment, commented, “We expect FORBA’s growth to remain robust, as management rolls out their proven strategy of opening and developing new clinics, with an expectation of opening at least 12 to 18 clinics per year over the next five years. FORBA is the leader in an underserved market, where only 25% of a total possible market of almost 40 million customers is currently being addressed. The company has a proven business model of building large, efficiently managed clinics that operate profitably in the Medicaid/SCHIP environment.”
This acquisition is Arcapita’s largest US corporate acquisition and joins other recent transactions such as the $4.2 billion acquisition of Viridian Group plc, the Northern Ireland electricity utility and the €620 million acquisition of Paroc Group, the leading manufacturer of insulation products headquartered in Finland.

Warning For Employees of Smile Starters

Here is a warning posted as a comment from someone:

The “bay window” that someone talked about at Smile Starters is a window looking into the HYGIENE department. If a parent stays there a little too long, they are told they cannot stand there. There are also private rooms for “problem” hygiene patients. AND if a patient is having anything else done but a cleaning, parents cannot watch.

These “current employees of Smile Starters” who are so quick to defend the “owners” — who, by the way, are owners on paper only, since the corporation REALLY owns the practices — should open their eyes and see that they are lied to daily, about who owns the company, who is ultimately in charge, who is REALLY behind the clinic, etc.etc.

They should ALL read this website.

No wonder so many of the employees are leaving to go work for Tish Ballance. HAH !!!!

Like that’s an improvement.

Professionals can’t even get liability insurance because the NC DENTAL SOCIETY and ALL the insurance companies are forbidden to write policies for anyone who works for her.

Good thing she provides insurance for her employees — BUT whenever they leave her employ they are SOL because they can’t get their own insurance.

I’ve heard that a million times from all the professionals who were smart enough to distance themselves from Tish Ballance, Mike DeRose, Ryan Root, and EVERYONE else who is and was associated with these people. What a tangled web we weave…

Small Smiles In MassHealth Lists DeRose's Uncle-Adolph Padula

Here is a form listing all the dentist that accept Medicaid in the MassHealth (Massachusetts). You can enter "Small Smiles" or "Padula" where it says "Find" and keep searching through the documents using the down arrow beside the "Find" box.

Check out the names of all the dentist associated with Small Smiles in the different cities in the state!

See a pattern here, I sure do!

And guess what, Michael DeRose's uncle, Adolph Padula is on the list in at least one of the Small Smiles offices and this list is current 4-22-08! And DeRose says he "sold" Small Smiles... yeah, whatever!

MassHealth Small Smile/Kool Smiles Charted Increase In Claims

Sorry but this is hard to make out under these conditions but you can view it personally at this link: click here

In the following chart filed in a Remediation Monitors Report that has to do with recommendations with MassHealth and dental reimbursements. Note the number of dentist from 2003 and 2006 are 842 and 845 respectively: a difference of 3 providers.

In the second chart please note the great increase in claims! 302,469 was noted for Small Smiles/Kool Smiles in 2006. It was such an increase and large portion of the claims it was worth noting separately! That's a whole lot of unnecessary work don't you think!