Dental X-Rays causing tumors? Highly likely, but Medicaid Dental mills don’t care, it’s part of their bread and butter or it is?

I’m highly suspicious about articles like the one below or the latest sedation dentistry media blitz. I have to wonder if these are meant to drive home the request the ADA and the AAPD made to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid dated July 12, 2011 where they were crying and whining about the audits being “too aggressive”.  Evidently they made a home run in NY since it was recently announced NY relaxing it’s audit.

• ADA letter to CMS whining about audits of children Medicaid programs.
• NY OIG forces out due to recovering too much of taxpayers money from fraud.
• New York eases Audits
• FDA Dental X-Ray Guide

 

Are Dental X-Rays Causing Brain Tumors?

 

(NEW YORK) -- “It’s time for your annual X-rays.”  This is what millions of Americans are told when they visit the dentist.  But new research out of Yale finds dental X-rays may be linked to increased rates of brain tumors.

Meningioma is the most common type of brain tumors that originate in the brain and spinal cord, making up one third of these.  People who were diagnosed with meningioma were compared with healthy individuals.  They were asked how often they had the most common type of dental X-ray, called a bitewing, which involves placing an X-ray film between the teeth and shooting the film from outside of your cheek.  In those who reported having this type of X-ray once a year or more the risk for meningioma was 1.4-1.9 times increased depending on their age.

Another type of dental X-ray, called the Panorex, that rotates around your head taking a picture of all of your teeth from outside your mouth was associated with an almost five-fold increase in rates of meningioma when the X-ray was performed before age 10.  For those older than 10 there was a 2.7 to 3 fold increased risk when this X-ray was performed once a year or more.

Current recommendations by the American Dental Association do admit that there is little use for dental X-rays in healthy people without any symptoms, but still recommends X-rays of healthy children be taken every 1-2 years and every 2-3 years for healthy adults.  The authors think these guidelines may need to be reevaluated in the wake of their findings.

Reactions to the study have been mixed. For critics, the design of the study has some serious flaws. The main weakness is the failure of the researchers to obtain any of the patient’s dental records to verify that the number of X-rays they reported having was true, says Dr. Richard Besser, ABC News' chief health and medical editor.

“People with cancer are more likely to remember having dental X-rays,” explains Besser. “They are searching for some cause of their cancer and may incorrectly attribute it to any number of factors.”  Dr. Besser also points out that the study failed to find any connection between having braces and risk for meningioma.  “When you have braces you remember that clearly, and people who have braces on average undergo more x-rays than people without braces,” says Besser.

Dr. Alan G. Lurie, a Ph.D. radiation biologist who specializes in cancer induction and is president of the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, agrees with Dr. Besser that the study has a serious flaw.

“They’re asking people to remember (in some cases) a couple of radiographs they had 30 years earlier when they were kids. They’re not going to be able to tell you what kind of X-ray machine was used…what kind of film, were there any retakes?" Lurie says.

Other doctors see this as a strong study and think that it raises valid concerns.  “The current study is well-done and confirms that even in the ‘modern era’ radiation exposure from repeated dental X-rays conveys an increased risk of these tumors,” says Dr. David Schiff of the Neuro-Oncology Center at the University of Virginia.

Overall, doctors are not surprised that dental X-rays could cause this type of tumor because the type of radiation that X-rays give off is known to be associated with brain tumors. “Ionizing radiation is the only well-accepted environmental risk factor for development of meningiomas," says Dr. Schiff.

However they warn that this study cannot prove that dental X-rays cause brain tumors.  It can only reveal a possible association between dental X-rays and tumors.

Still, there are some important things people can do to minimize their exposure to dental X-rays.  For example, patients can ask their doctors whether X-rays are completely necessary, or how much radiation will be delivered by the various options available.

“All health professionals should be thinking that for our patients, each exposure must be beneficial and we should be of a mindset to do the fewest exposures possible to obtain needed diagnostic information," explains Paul Casamassimo DDS, professor and chair of pediatric dentistry at the Ohio State University College of Dentistry and chief of dentistry at Nationwide Children's.

Overall, experts hope that as a result of this study the public gains new awareness of a potential risk and will take their concerns to their dentist.  

Dr. Paul Casamassimo is on the Advisory board of one of the nations worst offenders- Small Smiles Dental Centers, owned and operated by the bankrupt Church Street Health Management.  Dr. Casamassimo should heed his own warnings!

He should be asking his colleague, Dr. Steven Adair about the unnecessary x-rays taken at the Small Smiles Dental centers, and the fraud involved in said unnecessary x-rays, especially at the Denver dental centers with Dr. Minh Tia and his office manager! I believe that amounted to some $200k between June 2010 and June 2011! Just saying….

 

In an article about “Dental Therapist” dated April 10, 2012, it mentions Dr. Paul Casamassimo is the AAPD Pediatric Oral Health Research and Policy Center Director.

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Responds to Kellogg Foundation Report on Dental Therapists

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Academy of General Dentistry  Responds to Dental X-Ray Warning:
Thursday April 12, 2012

CHICAGO, April 12, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Tuesday, April 10, 2012, in the journal Cancer, the American Cancer Society published an article entitled "Dental X-Rays and Risk of Meningioma," which summarized a study that sought to develop a correlation between dental radiographs and brain cancer.

According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), a professional association of more than 37,000 general dentists dedicated to providing quality dental care and oral health information to the public, the study's findings are not applicable to modern dentistry because the study was based upon an examination of outdated radiographic techniques, which produced considerably more radiation than patients would be exposed to today.

"Modern radiographic techniques and equipment provide the narrowest beam and shortest exposure, thereby limiting the area and time of exposure and reducing any possible risks while providing the highest level of diagnostic benefits," said AGD President Howard Gamble, DMD, FAGD. "Today, patient safety is always maintained with the recommended use of thyroid collars and aprons."

The article from the American Cancer Society, which received attention from many reputable news outlets, could cause the public to decide to limit or even refuse X-rays in an effort to keep their families safe.

"It is regrettable to think that an article based on outdated technology could scare the public and cause them to avoid needed treatment," said Dr. Gamble. "With the radiography techniques in use today, the amount of radiation exposure is reduced and more controlled than it was in years past."

The AGD supports radiographic guidelines provided by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, and concurs with the ADA that dentists should order dental radiographs for patients only when necessary for diagnosis and treatment.

The AGD encourages patients to discuss their concerns with their dentists in order to determine what's best for them. The AGD also encourages dentists to communicate with their patients and address any unexpressed concerns of radiographic risks in order to reduce fear and promote a better understanding of the benefits and the risks associated with the specific needs of each patient.

"Neglecting one's oral health has serious oral and systemic risks," said Dr. Gamble. "Radiographs play an important role in improving the oral health of the public, and patients should not be deterred from seeking oral health care due to misperceptions from this study."

The Cancer study contained many inconsistencies and possibilities for error, including the fact that its findings were based upon a population-based case-control study. This means that it relied upon the patients themselves to recall and self-report past events, many of which were from decades earlier.

The AGD supports ongoing scientific research on any correlations between dental radiographs and incidents of disease in an effort to provide the most accurate information to the public and to correct any misperceptions created by the Cancer study.

About the Academy of General Dentistry
The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) is a professional association of more than 37,000 general dentists dedicated to providing quality dental care and oral health education to the public. AGD members stay up-to-date in their profession through a commitment to continuing education. Founded in 1952, the AGD is the second largest dental association in the United States, and it is the only association that exclusively represents the needs and interests of general dentists. A general dentist is the primary care provider for patients of all ages and is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, management, and overall coordination of services related to patients' oral health needs. For more information about the AGD, visit www.agd.org.

SOURCE Academy of General Dentistry

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All I have to say here is that the AGD or any other of the D’s are not to quick to come out against reports that are loaded to the brim with “old” and “outdated” studies if it could possibly generate revenue.

Survey of State Laws Governing the Corporate Practice of Dentistry

Ever wonder what the laws say about a corporation practicing dentistry in any one state?  Well, now we have a fantastic reference for this information.

Survey of State Laws Governing the
Corporate Practice of Dentistry

Rob Walton, and Wal-Mart version of “owner dentists”, Dr. Andre Bruini and Dr. Chris Comfort, should read these before they delve much further into the abyss and Land of Oz.
BTW, this Wal-Mart thing might get a bit “sticky” besides being “shady”.  I’m seeing Stark Law issues-if they take Mediciad-Medicaid, or Anti-Kickback issues, IRS issues on “employee vs. contractor”.  Lots of stuff on this to come.

Catching up on Church Street and Small Smiles bankruptcy this Easter weekend finds whistleblowers still waiting on their good citizen reward.

I decided to read over some more of the thousands of pages filed on the Church Street Health Management/Small Smiles dental bankruptcy filings as we did our family travels this weekend. What caught my eye was a 140 page Affidavit of Service. The list was very interesting, and what,or should I say who, was on this listed was what really made an impression.

First, in my loose estimate there are some 800 to 1000 minor children who have lawsuits pending against this criminal enterprise for abuse, mistreatment or overtreatment and blatant malpractice.

Second, you know those whistleblowers who blew the lid off this particular criminal enterprise back in 2007 The one that finally reached a settlement in January 2010. Well, they are on the “notify” list, meaning they are to be “served” copies of all these documents, or most of them anyway.

Now, that means not only did Church Street Health Management and their host of Small Smiles dental centers fail to pay the fines (they call it a settlement) imposed by several states-some states have been paid more than others-but the whisleblowers have not received their full rewar$ for the hell they went through, filing lawsuits and turning these bastards into the Department of Justice.

There were two or three in the Virginia and DC area as well as Mr. Haney in South Carolina.

I think this issue on Whistleblowing needs some tweaking! One thing for sure, is criminals aren’t good credit risks.

Speaking of credit, Church Street Health Management and their Small Smiles centers sure have a lot of people to whom they owe a shit load of money. For a criminal enterprise to go belly up just over a year after the Feds begin keeping a much closer eye on their operations, by way of that Corporate Integrity Agreement, the CEO Michael Lindley signed, says a lot. A WHOLE LOT!

To me it says, unless we break the law, and commit malpractice on most of the children we profess to care so much about, to rip off Medicaid this business model is not for the profit minded.

I’ve not downloaded and read all the documents of the bankruptcy yet, but, I certainly will. I’ve not found their detailed list of Assets and Liabilities just yet. Last I read said basically they were working on it. I’m just guessing, but I bet this one has to be the one of the most creative “assets” lists the Federal Court system has ever seen.

I’m sure there will be some sort of “pecking” order to settle up these debts, whether there is some fool ass Wall Street firm or Private Equity scumbags to snatch up this hot mess company, which I doubt, by the way.

But the children they have abused and the ones still waiting out there to be compensated for their pain and suffering should be number one, the taxpayers number two and the whistleblowers number three and it would be a tie between, Al Smith, Michael Lindley or Steve Adair down there in Hilton Head last, and should be barred from any claim whatsoever! 

Some other notables on the list are:

Lisa DeRose;
Ameris – Lindley’s other business and the one that owns the plane and the condo in Florida; and,
Jake and Jenna Kochenberger

Scary–On the one year anniversary of Jenny Olenick’s death, anesthesia dentistry is on the rise.

On the one year anniversary of Jenny Olenick’s death, Medscape posted, what I refer to as “Anesthesia Media Blitz II”. Since early March, the AAPD and other associations have released various press releases promoting putting children to sleep to perform dental procedures. The Medscape article is the second round. Medscape could have posted a story on the hazards of such practices, but didn’t. I’m not saying it was on purposely, however, I’ve learned seldom are stories published without reason.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

   

MedScape

April 6, 2012 — Pediatric dentists cannot find enough dentist anesthesiologists to meet the needs of their patients, according to a survey of pediatric dentists published in the spring 2012 issue of Anesthesia Progress.

The survey responses differed somewhat by region, sex, and years in the specialty, with 20% to 40% of participants saying they currently use a dental anesthesiologist and 60% to 70% saying they would use one if one were available.

The demand for dentist anesthesiologists has been increasing in recent years in pediatric dentistry, according to a separate survey of dental anesthesiology program directors published in the same journal.

"The trend in the past has been that many dentists provided [both] anesthesia and dental care," coauthor James Jones, DDS, chair of pediatric dentistry at Indiana University in Indianapolis, told Medscape Medical News.

Now, many pediatric dentists would prefer to concentrate on the dentistry while someone else focuses on anesthesia, he said. "We're realizing that it's a safety issue."

Dr. Jones said researchers at the university had become aware of the need for anesthesia in their patients because they provide service to a lot of low-income patients who need extensive dental work of the type that often requires general anesthesia.

To see what other pedodontists were experiencing, they sent out emails to all 2586 active board-certified pediatric dentists who are members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and who made their email addresses available, asking them to participate in an online survey.

The messages bounced back from 659 of these, leaving 1927, of whom 494 completed the survey.

Participants disclosed their sex, age, years in practice, region, number of years as a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, use of in-office sedation, and use of intravenous (IV) sedation. They also commented on their use of a dentist anesthesiologist.

The respondents differed in their use of anesthesiology by demographics. Thirty-nine percent of women answered "yes" to the question, "Do you use the services of a dentist anesthesiologist?" compared with 23% of men, which is a statistically significant difference (P < .01).

Only 12% of those in practice for longer than 21 years used IV sedation in their office, and only 25% of this group used dentist anesthesiologists (P < .01). Although only 53% of this group answered "yes" to the question, "Would you use the services of a dentist anesthesiologist, if available?" this percentage was not statistically significant compared with dentists who have been in practice for fewer years.

In contrast, 30% of those in practice for 5 years or fewer used in-office IV sedation, 38% used dentist anesthesiologists, and 74% would use dentist anesthesiologists if they could (P < .01).

Group practices were least likely to administer in-office sedation; solo practices were the most likely.

Practices in the Southwest were most likely to use in-office sedation. Westerners were most likely to administer in-office IV, employ dentist anesthesiologists, and use dentist anesthesiologists if they could.

Dental Anesthesiologists Address Many Needs

Dr. Jones said the finding points to a need for more training programs for dentist anesthesiologists. "I think the demand is going to increase over time," he said.

He pointed out that bringing an anesthesiologist into the office is half as expensive as taking the patient to a hospital or day-surgery center for anesthesia.

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Spokesman John Liu, DDS, agreed, noting that hospitals and surgery centers charge for the use of their facilities.

Dr. Liu, a clinical assistant professor of dentistry at the University of Washington in Seattle, told Medscape Medical News that pediatric dentists are in greater need of help from dentist anesthesiologists for several reasons.

First, more children are being diagnosed with behavior-related conditions such as autism and attention deficit disorder, he said.

Second, fewer parents are comfortable with having their children physically restrained through frightening and sometimes painful treatments. "The reality is that it's not an easy thing to sit through something like that," Dr. Liu, who has a private practice in Issaquah, Washington, told Medscape Medical News.

Dr. Liu also said that some state dental boards prohibit dentists from providing general anesthesia or deep sedation, even if they have completed residency programs in anesthesiology, and he thinks these regulations should be changed.

"I find it tremendously helpful to have a dental anesthesiologist, as opposed to an MD anesthesiologist, because he knows exactly what I'm doing and when I'm going to be done," said Dr. Liu. "I have used a dental anesthesiologist for more than 20 years, and I don't know how anybody manages without one."

Dr. Liu and Dr. Jones have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

Anesth Prog. 2012;59:12-17. Full text

Gag and PUKE! An Inside Look at Kool Smiles - Working for Kool Smiles

 

Amazing all the things this Dr. Polly leaves out about Kool Smiles!! She should be in jail in my opinion!

Here are videos about the “real” inside of Kool Smiles.

Dentize Me! Another dental “franchise” unleashed on the unsuspecting public or a con man at play?

Meet, Nathan Nead of Maple Valley, Washington.  He’s one busy man! He's into a whole lot of internet businesses. And honestly, not very good at it, since he doesn’t even change the website design, just slaps another name on it.  Kinda like scraping the name off the door and putting up another one.  In the past he’s represented himself to be an Insurance Exchange, Energy Retailer (Enron?), Digital Signage, Pressure Washer, IRA and 401K Manager, and today he’s selling $25k pieces of a corporate dentistry franchise called Dentize. The insurance exchange thing got him into a bit of trouble with the Kansas Insurance Commissioner.  Here

 

Dentize.com Offers Dental Franchise Information for New Investors

2012-04-02 11:30:19 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Business, Money & Finance, Press Releases)

03/31/2012 // Seattle, Washington , United States // ROI.me // Dentize.com

Dentize.com is proud to announce that it is offering dental franchise information to potential new investors. This information, conveniently located on its website gives a comprehensive overview on investment, returns, and other details to candidates who are interested in becoming franchise owners.

Dentize offers investors the unique chance to gain a fully managed dental franchise with absentee ownership that has the potential to generate increased annual profits up to 40 to 60 percent more within five years. Dentize believes that it offers a good opportunity to get involved with a dental franchise without having the limitations of traditional business ownership. According to the American Dental Association, the dental industry is one of the most stable in the country and has a historical success rate of 98 percent. What sets Dentize’s offer apart from traditional franchises is that it requires little human resource expenditure and no investment in inventory or dental facilities.

The capital investment in this model requires $200,000 with the possibility to make payments in $25,000 increments. Dentize works with a select network of successful dentists who work out of facilities that are often at capacity and attract viable patients who value oral health care and possess the financial means to receive quality dental services. The patients’ payments are then divided between the franchise owner and the dentist who provided the services. The franchise owner may choose to operate the day-to-day business with limited responsibilities or leave it in the hands of an authorized management institution. Professional management services bank on a five year track record of success and will organize all of the activities related to the business and ensure the continued attraction of customers.

Corporate dentistry is dangerous to the public and the dentists who work for them.

Just last week the Georgia Board of Dentistry denies it’s ability to regulate “dental practices”, but they don’t mind to nail an individual dentist for following the “dental practice” protocol for treatment of their patients.

Georgia Board of Dentistry Denies Ability to Regulate “Dental Practices”

LETTER TO GEORGIA BOARD OF DENTISTRY

From: Concerned citizen
To: Georgia Board of Dentistry
Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Question / Comment:
Dear Director,
I'm seeking Public Record info on Actions the Georgia Dental Board may have taken against dental facilities, under the "Kool Smiles" brand, or dentists employed by this interstate company.
Thank You,
Concerned Citizen

REPLY FOR THE GEORGIA BOARD OF DENTISTRY:

From: Georgia Board of Dentistry
To: Concerned Citizen
Sent: Wednesday, March 28, 2012


Your email has been received by the Georgia Board of Dentistry. The Board does not have the authority to sanction dental practices; therefore, there are no sanctions against "Kool Smiles." Also, we would need the name of specific dentists in order to search for board orders. You can query for board orders by individual practitioner at https://secure.sos.state.ga.us/myverification/
Regards,
Georgia Board of Dentistry

I’ve gotten the same kind of info from other state dental boards over the years and it appears nothing has changed unless it’s gotten worse.

Question:
Where and with whom do the dentists who work for these “dental practices” file complaints?

Dangerous ‘eh?

You bet!

As has been said here "Cut off the head of the hydra & 2 more sprout out"–My Dentist Complete Care Dentistry

From the website of My Dentist Complete Care Dentistry:

 

About Dr. Pat Steffen |My Dentist Complete Care Dentistry

My Dentist is a family of dental practices in Oklahoma, Missouri and Texas. Founded in 1983 by Dr. Pat Steffen, My Dentist provides General Dentistry, with Specialists in Orthodontics, Endodontics, Oral Surgery and Prosthodontics at some offices. Because we are a group practice, you benefit from the combined knowledge and experience of all the Hygienists, General Dentists and Specialists in our group.

Providing Complete Care Dentistry sets My Dentist apart. We accept the responsibility of providing you and your family with the best care that modern dentistry has to offer. Our dental professionals never stop learning. They continually update their skills to remain on the leading edge of dental technology and allow you to benefit from new discoveries.

Every My Dentist patient receives a complete diagnostic exam and a complete treatment plan. Working together, you and your Dentist develop a strategic, long-term plan for your oral health. This long-term plan is important, because seeing the full picture helps you make the best decisions about your care. We prioritize the plan to take care of your most pressing concerns first and adapt the treatment to fit your schedule and your budget, no matter how long it takes to complete.

To help our patients receive the care they need, My Dentist offers very competitive prices. We accept all dental insurance and offer several financing options, with approved credit. We’ll work with you to get the care you need.

 

General company inquiries

My Dentist.
P.O. Box 21840
Oklahoma City, OK  73156
Please direct media inquiries to: media@mydentistinc.com
(405) 751-7131

Committed to your satisfaction.

The dentists and staff at My Dentist are committed to providing you with great service and care. If you are not satisfied with the service you received, please call the Office Manager at the My Dentist office where you were treated.

If you would like to discuss your care with someone other than the Office Manager, please fill out the Contact us form and someone from our team will get back to you as soon as possible.

Thank you for letting My Dentist help you find your smile.Know us

• Frequently Asked Questions
• News & Press Releases
• Mission Statement
• Financing & Insurance
• Join My Dentist Now
• Patient Rewards Program

Download

• My Dentist Coupons
• New Patient Forms
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Dentists Oklahoma City | Dentists Tulsa | Dentists Kansas City | Dentists Texas

 

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Disclaimer

GENERAL DENTISTRY

My Dentist Complete Care Dentistry is a provider of General Dentistry. Notice: the following dentists in this practice in Missouri: David Moyer DDS, Emily Handley DDS, Nick Catallozzi DDS, Julie Skidmore, Sarah Brent DDS, Creighton Gallagher DDS and David Vasquez DDS; and in Texas: Scott Keys DDS, Robert Esparza DDS and Matthew Gibbs DDS are General Dentists and not licensed in Missouri or Texas as specialists in the advertised dental specialties of Endodontics, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Pediatrics, Periodontics or Prosthodontics. Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry, and TMJ treatment are specialty areas not recognized by the American Dental Association that require no special educational training to advertise these services

The material contained on mydentistinc.com is offered as information only and not as professional advice. Users need to consult a licensed dentist for such advice. Information on this web site is provided as assistance for Users making decisions regarding their dental health and cannot be substitute for the individual judgment brought to each clinical situation by the patient's dentist. The information on this web site reflects the science of dentistry at the time the web site was developed, but continued research may result in new knowledge or recommendations.

Medicaid Fraud Penalties Are Unbalanced (that was the nicest word I could use)

Here is the perfect example of how the 1% stay there, and the %99 stay put as well.  Being the 1% has a whole lot of perks!

Quanah, Texas Dentist Sentenced
KAUZ-TV: NewsChannel 6 Now | Wichita Falls, TX

Posted: Mar 28, 2012 8:58 PM CDT

A Quanah dentist pleaded guilty Wednesday, March 28, to Medicaid Fraud. Dr.

Jay Parmer was sentenced to 10 years probation. He was ordered to pay a fine of $5,000 to Hardeman County, and ordered to make restitution in an amount of $158,000 to the State of Texas Medicaid program.

Law enforcement launched an investigation into Dr. Parmer billing practices in 2009. At the time, Parmer filed a complaint against his former office manager for theft.

During that investigation, she told police Parmer fraudulently billed for work he had not actually completed. On July 20, 2010, Parmer's former office manager pleaded guilty to the thefts.

The Texas Department of Public Safety executed a search warrant in August 2009 on Parmer's office in Quanah. DPS seized patient records and computers used for billing purposes.

Parmer operated offices in Quanah and Vernon, Texas.

Just two days prior, Dr. Richard Malouf who has “allegedly” stole hundreds of millions paid the government $1.2 million dollars to leave him alone.

Dentist settles fraud case, pays $1.2 million, takes CIA

In case you're wondering why OIG just entered a Corporate Integrity Agreement with the All Smiles Dental Center in Texas, here's a recap of the Medicaid fraud case:

All Smiles was a success story, and its founder Richard Malouf was rich; his $10 million French-style chateau put him on D magazine's "100 Most Expensive Homes in Dallas" list. Life was good -- you can watch a video of Malouf backup-dancing for a Michael Jackson impersonator at the All Smiles Christmas party here.

But the feds claimed Malouf got rich in part through Medicaid fraud. The Texas Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) and the FBI pursued charges that Malouf "caused 'unbundled' and other improper claims to be submitted to the Texas Medicaid program for orthodontic-related items and services between 2004 and 2007."

Back in 2010, Malouf repaid $46,000 in claims to Texas Medicaid and agreed to an 18-month Medicaid claims moratorium.

Last week, Malouf settled the legal case. He admits no wrongdoing but will pay a whopping $1.2 million settlement fee to Texas and the U.S.

The CIA requires All Smiles to put in a Compliance Officer and do training, special claims reviews, etc.

But Malouf won't have to worry about any of that: He sold the company last year. And we suspect he's still pretty rich.

Maybe complaining to the Dental Association and not the Dental Board is the best way to go–however the media seems to get more results

 

Call Kurtis: Did Your Dentist Make a Mistake? Here’s What You Can Do « CBS Sacramento

A Sacramento viewer says his dentist messed up on his root canal and doesn’t think he should have to pay for the mistake. When he couldn’t get it fixed, he decided it was time to call Kurtis.

It’s been nearly two years of pain and dental bleeding for Thomas Coker of Sacramento, he said.

“This is my mouth, and I have to get it fixed,” he said.

His dentist, Dr. Tam Hgoc Nguyen of Roseville’s Healthy Image Dental, made a mistake ruining his tooth during a root canal, he said.

“I have a problem kissing my wife. I’m scared to death that — I’m trying not to get emotional,” Coker said, collecting his thoughts. “I’m scared to death that she might smell some blood on my breath or something.”

“It’s not very good for me,” he added.

But instead of repairing the problem, he said Healthy Image refused to see him again because he wouldn’t pay for the initial root canal.

“Why should I pay for something that they caused?” he said. “They need to fix it.”

Dr. Nguyen, and about 70 percent of California dentists, belong to the California Dental Assocation.

If dental patients suspect their dentist made a mistake, the trade organization has a peer review program.

“We’d rather try to handle it outside of the court system,” said Dr. Adrian Carrington, former chair of the Sacramento District Dental Society — a division of the CDA.

[yes, I bet that had much rather do that…  Geez]

If a customer complains about one of the CDA’s members, three independent dentists will examine the case in peer review.

The CDA says about half the time it rules in the patient’s favor, forcing the dentist to give a refund or cover the treatment needed.

“As a member of CDA, part of your membership is you abide by those rules,” Carrington said.

Thomas chose to complain to the state agency that oversees dentists — the Dental Board of California — which has the power to punish dentists.

An investigation with the Dental Board could take as long as 18 months, however.

[More like an eternity, if ever!]

After CBS13 got involved, Healthy Image and Coker are close to a resolution. Thomas said he can’t wait much longer.

[I’m thinking the news media and the public get the job done, better and faster]