Dr. John Lyons, A Lyon Indeed – SmileZone Another House of Horrors?

History:

In 2008 Michael A. DeRose and Letitia (Tish) Balanced agreed to pay the US government $10 million dollars rather than to face the charges of Medicaid fraud and possibility of serious jail time.  A civil lawsuit was brought against them and a few other dentists by the parents of 6 patients for the malicious treatment these of children.  At the time the clinics were named Medicaid Dental Centers.

It took more than two years before the North Carolina Dental board got off their ass and put DeRose and Ballance on probation (DeRose didn’t care, he didn’t even treat patients!) and sanctioned the other dentists involved.  Yes, just probation.  It wasn’t until 2009 that Michael DeRose’s dental licenses were striped from him in shame.  Dr. Ballance is still practicing dentistry in North Carolina.

Suddenly, when the settlement was reached the clinics were supposedly sold to Dr. Raf Rivera and the name changed to Smile Starters.  Mike DeRose financed the so called buy out…but my guess is if you walked up to Dr. Rivera and asked how much he wanted for his practice, he would refer you to Michael Scumbag DeRose.  Michael DeRose’s account’s son runs the Smile Starters Clinics for him, Mr. Ryan Root, under the name Root Dental Management.

What is scary is that DeRose and Ballance didn’t actually do the work, they just happened to be the owners.  The dentists involved only got a letter or reprimand from the lazy North Carolina Dental Board.  Like that is some big something, let me tell you, in the dental profession, it means nothing!  

The other dentists were: Dr. John Lyons, Dr. Jeffery Zieziula, Dr. Erron Brady, Dr. Lori Petree, Dr. Christopher Ballinger, Dr. Heather Berkheimer and Dr. Michelle Wilkerson.  According to the reprimands, Dr. John Lyons and Dr. Christopher Ballinger saw the patients, developed the falsified diagnosis and treatment plan and the other stupid dentists actually went along with it and did the work.

These dentists performed 16 root canals and put stainless steel crowns on a young girl named Sarah, and a 3 year old little boy got 14!!  HE WAS 3 YEARS OLD!!!!

His mother explained it, "When he came out he was crying, his whole shirt was soaking wet with sweat," Christy Dillbeck told reporters after Brandon emerged from the office. "His whole head was soaking wet and his mouth was full of gauze, just held open."

Presently Dr. Ballance operates Carolina West Dental in Waynsville, North Carolina.  So where are the others?

Dr. John Lyons didn’t forget what Michael DeRose and the DeRose dental treatment plan in which he was so well trained.  He’s doing the exact same thing today, with troublesome arrogance I'm told, and in my opinion I believe it to be true.

Dr. John Lyons:

Dr. Lyons opened up SmileZone in Gastonia, North Carolina. 

SmileZone is located at 816 East Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054 (704) 396-6166.

He looks so pleasant doesn’t he?  Well, he's most likely NOT!  He’s quit brazen with the audacity to thumb his nose at his patients, their parents, his staff and the North Carolina Dental Board.

Don’t be fooled by the smiling child in the dental chair, please remember it’s probably a stock photo.

What Dr. Lyons should understand is that people are watching and speaking up.  Dr. Lyons might think he’s performing his services in some dark alley or basement where there are no witnesses and no cameras.  So with all of this in mind and his history, I write to Dr. Lyons the following  letter.  (Of course I could always be wrong, and as stated everything is just my opinion.  You be your own  judge.  If you have hard evidence to the contrary please pass it along.)  

To Dr. Lyons:  
 

There is a camera on cell phones these days and people know how to use them.  These phones also have voice recorders on them in case you have forgotten.  I doubt you pay your employees enough that they would go to jail for you.  If any of them recognize the fraud and don’t report it, they are guilty of fraud as well.  

To add insult to injury, it doesn’t matter if you fired every employee you have, there will always be another ready to hand your head to the Department of Justice on a silver platter.  Why wouldn’t they?  They would end up with a pretty large chunk of change by getting a percentage of the fines and settlement. 

You might want to study the case of Dr. Roy Shelburn in Virginia.  He was living just a little too high on the hog, cars were just a little too nice, home just a little to big, kids getting just a little too expensive education.  Get my drift? 


You should pass this bit of wisdom on to your hired guns too, 

Dr. Noel F. Fox

Dr. Antuan Herriott

I realize your hired associate dentists are going to be upset to make it to the Dentist The Menace site, but so be it.  If they have been stupid enough to let you lead them down the road of no redemption, I’m willing to push them along.

I’m hearing you are doing these same root canals and silver crowns on regular basis when the x-rays would indicate a filling.  

I’m hearing you do 2 hours of procedures on these little children who are crying and struggling.  

I’m hearing you are darkening the x-rays to make it appear the cavities are worse then they are.  Surely this isn’t true, is it Dr. Lyons?

• Surely you aren’t working on patients as young as 1 year old. 
• Surely kids are not vomiting during procedures and you just keep the suction going and keep on drilling. 
• Surely you don’t mention anything about the need of higher productions.
• Surely you don’t have a dentist who would rather pull wisdom teeth than have sex?  Yes, those wisdom teeth bring in more dollars for you don’t they?

As you can see Dr. Lyons, I'm hearing a lot here.  So if this is happening, I suggest you put down your drill and back the hell off these children.  

Have a great day, asshole!

PS Would it be just way too weird to have a Dr. Padula, working at a Smile Zone in Albany, NY?


Here is original complaint:

The name of the office is "The Smilezone."  He apparently was one of the dentists working under Tish Balance in Charlotte. 

**************************************************has told horror stories of the treatment given to kids at the office.  They are a medicaid billing office.  ***************they do pulpectomies and silver caps on small kids 'all the time' even when the x-rays would suggest that the cavities could be filled without difficulties. They do 2 hour procedures on little kids that are crying and struggling and also do 5 and 6 crowns in one sitting.  The dentist 'darkens' the x-rays to make it appear that the cavities are worse than they actually are. 

Patients are as young as 1 year old.  Kids vomit during procedures ************ told, 'use the high suction and keep going.' There is office talk about 'production' and billing to increase payments.  One of the dentist routinely pushes for removal of wisdom teeth even when kids aren't bothered by them because "they'll cause you problems some day if you don't go ahead and get them out."  He then told my daughter that he likes removing wisdom teeth cause they bring in a lot more money.

*********not sure about the laws or whether or not there is enough evidence to do anything.  Whom ******** talk to?

I can't thank you enough for your response! ********* not doing well.  **********to quit but unable to find another job and with bills ******can't afford to quit. ********* keep a diary.  ********just started to do this. *********************.  *********scared to death; being *************************************.  Thanks again for the info.  We'll look forward to further info regarding possible attorneys ***********************  If not,*************would like to report him although he seems to be pretty savvy at covering tracks. It sickens my stomach to **************what the kids are going through and knowing that ************** helping carry out his orders.

Here is a rebuttal from another reader:

I have been a regular on your blog checking it out everyday. Good stuff, up until tonight.

I just read your recent post about Dr. Lyons, and I have to completely "disagree" 100% with it. From what I was told from present and past employees was that he left Smile Starters to start his own private practice that sees children and adults up to 40 years old to do things totally differently from Smile Starters. 

I have been to his practice to check it out, and I saw that he even let the parents go back to be with their children while they were being worked on for cleanings and their operative appointments. I was pleasantly surprised!!  He welcomed parental involvement, and nothing was hidden like Smile Starters that I saw. This is what you and I and everyone else has been preaching for years. Very refreshing. I never saw the papoose board used.

I will be the first to call a spade a spade, but I will also will be the first to speak up when someone is wrong. When I read your post it really looked quite defamatory/wrong without knowing the correct facts of this guy and the practice. I have learned over the years to be really careful of what you hear/post from a possible disgruntled employee. I know nothing scares you or bothers you (LOL--taking on Small Smiles ), but you seem like a very fair and honest person from my conversations with you over the years. Someone mentioned to me that the practice even see more adults than children and more private insurance. I am all for shutting down these mills, but from what I saw his practice is not one of them. People around the community that I have spoken too have said that the practice has made a difference in  a good way.  I think they do a free clinics to treat people that are in pain for the adults every couple of months .

Might not want to be so harsh on this one, and change/delete that write up.  I would have a feeling knowing what I know about him and the practice that they might have a good case for slander and defamation on this one, so just be careful, but heck what do I know.You know way more about that stuff than me with what you went through with Small Smiles.  LOL Just trying to help as always:)

Mary

Note:  The website as it is today June 14, 2010 has Dr. Brian Dedmond as a dentist.  An inquiry with Dr. Dedmond resulted in the following:

Dr. Brian Dedmond worked at the Smile Zone from June 2008 until January
2009.  He had a six month contract there fresh out of school while waiting
for he and his father's new office to be built.  Brian has not worked at
the Smile Zone since January 2009, so their website is not up to date.

Thank you,

Dedmond Family Dentistry

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.

Angela Newberry, Dr. Karen Chu, Dr. Quentin Shaw, Jason Owen and Patient Complaints

I've been wondering how Angela Newberry, who was hired to fill the fantastic, awesome, cure all position of Patient Advocate, is coming along.  I'm not sure exactly how great of a job she can do to 'advocate' for patients being that she's being paid by the abusers.  I sounds good, but not likely to produce much improvement.  I know there have been complaints made, I'm just wondering if Ms. Newberry is seeing that they are reported to HHS.

Just to let you know that there are times complaints are sent to me as they get to you, here's just one:

Dr. Karen Chu - Phoenix

I wanted to let your office and staff know that Dr. Karen was very rude and not professional at all.  If I knew that she would be working on my son then I will switch dentist's.  Dr. Karen told me to remove me hand, I was just trying to calm my son down and she was so rude about it.  The whole time she was rude to the dental assistants, ordering them around telling I believe her name is Anna, "if you don't remember the numbers you need to write it down."  that is no way to talk to a co-worker no matter what position you are in.  Dr. Karen also was telling my son during the procedure, if you don't want your teeth to be worked on, then you need to brush your teeth. I do not need Dr. Karen or anybody else treating my son  bad.  If you have any questions feel free to give me a call.
Sylvia ** ** xxx-329-74xx

This mom is talking about Dr. Karen Chu.  I hear this is the perfect Small Smiles dentist.  To say she's the devil would be a step up from what she's usually called. She's had numerous complaints filed but nothing is ever done because, after all, she's a top producer or at least was.  I'm told Dr. Karen doesn't ask the parents for permission on very much at all, she just does it and asks later.
My guess is Sylvia will get a letter soon from FORBA firing her as a client.  They've fired several lately...(a completely different story), when they fire you, they fire the siblings of the child they are abusing too.  Which by my count is GREAT!  Keep on firing those clients, FORBA, makes my day.  I know at least 400 children have been fired (saved) in the past few weeks.  More to come? You bet your ass there is...!
Alerts out today for Office Manager needed in the Phoenix Office...  I guess the one who was there, finally had enough of Chu's mouth and attitude.  How many does that make this year that have left the Arizona clinics?  
But maybe Dr. Chu is just under enormous pressure since production is down about 50% in AZ offices, due to the cut in ACCHS fees and other factors.  At one time AZ was near the top and now they are sucking hind tit. 
I hear FORBA won't buy the employees coffee, cups, etc and the only thing free around the clinics these days is water...and if they could figure out a way to charge for that, they would.  Think it could be all these legal fees they are incurring?  The fact their own liability insurance company is trying to ditch them speaks volumes doesn’t it?

Oh well, let the Arab banker open up his coffer and pay up.  It's time.   He's abused our children long enough while being allowed to pillage our Medicaid system.   Smell that...  I smell oil $$ and it's not coming from the Gulf.
Every time you take a child to FORBA Small Smiles you help plaster this man’s palace in gold.
I wonder if Dr. Chu realizes what’s she’s doing when she’s tying up a child in a papoose board and drilling away?  So she gets a nice Mercedes and a so so place to live.  Sorry, no Mercedes is worth the hell. (honestly the biggest piece of shit car I ever owned was a Mercedes). 
I know Jason Owen is on her ass every day to produce, produce and produce.  However, I don’t feel sorry for her, who would? 
At least Dr. Quentin L. Shaw was fired, and for heaven’s sake don’t take your child to him where ever he ends up hanging his next shingle.  He was the worst papoose board abuser of all in the clinic.

June 1, 2010 and FORBA Still Keeps Parents From Accompanying Their Children.

Let me see, how many times has FORBA Small Smiles said they have no policy to keep parents from accompanying their children into the torture chambers.  I’ve lost count.  Even though a film was shot and showed to company officials, they deny it.  Even when confronted with their own hand book, page 4, where it was referred to as “parent management”, they deny it…  even when they are shown a copy of an email sent out of their own Nashville office from Lisa Mullinix with a ‘script’ to use to keep parent from going back with their child, they deny… 

Thanks to a Watchdog I was alerted to a couple of things going on at a Small Smiles clinic just today.

On Small Smiles website they have a FAQ that pretty much is nothing but falsehoods, or as I referred to them, down right lies!

 

Question:

WILL I BE PERMITTED TO BE WITH MY CHILD DURING HIS OR HER TREATMENT?

Answer :

Yes. At FORBA-associated dental centers,parents are welcome to accompany their children during treatment.

 

Just today on facebook are the following entries:

In a conversation between Janie Williams and her friend Takeeva Morrison it goes like this:

Janie: I better not b sitting here long in small smiles.  Daughter has dentist appt.

Takeeva:  Aweeee  take pics

Jannie: Wish I good [sic] but they don’t allow parents in back.  Will take pic before nd[sic] after

Takeeva Morrison: Okay

Janine: Teeth r looking good.

 

FORBA Small Smiles needs to learn that with Twitter, Facebook and other social networking sites, nothing is a secret anymore.  People post things in real time… 

I knew FORBA and its settlement and signed Compliance Agreement was nothing but pure bullshit!  (sorry, to be so frank)

Don't Do It! Don't Take The $15k Bait to Work In Nebraska for Small Smiles

Signing bonuses are up at FORBA Small Smiles.  They were just $10k a few months ago, now it's $15K, or this could be just for Nebraska...who knows...  I see Jacob Kochenberger is still working for FORBA Smalll Smiles, even though his facebook page said it was EEHC, Inc last month.  Clearly FORBA is EEHC or soon will be...

Here is the link to the ad , Last updated on May 28, 2010

Source:	Omaha World-Herald
Employer:	SMALL SMILES OF OMAHA
Location:	Omaha, NE 68114 United States
Last Updated:	05/28/2010

DENTISTS NEEDED
$15,000 Signing Bonus

SEEKING LEAD DENTIST AND ASSOCIATE DENTIST in our rewarding practice in Omaha. As the nation's largest and most experienced provider to underserved children and young adults we offer an excellent guaranteed base salary, promotion opportunities and benefits (bonuses, 401k, paid vaca and 100% coverage for family health, malpractice, disability, CE, dues). Join our team of professionals providing quality dental care. General Dentists, Pediatric Dentists and new grads are encouraged to apply. Please contact Jacob at: Direct Phone: 719-562-4460 or Email: jdkochenberger@
smallsmiles.com
Or Fax: 719-584-7697

GASP!! Kool Smiles To Do Study For Virginia; Chief Dental Officer On Board; Dr. Tran (owner) Under Review In IN and GA

Smiles For Children has partnered with the dental provider, Kool Smiles (Virginia operations only), to assess the effects of best practices for decreasing broken appointment rates in specific dental clinics. Preliminary results suggest that these best practices decrease broken appointment rates. The pilot remains ongoing; however, the final results will be published in 2010 and shared with Doral’s Smiles For Children provider network to help increase provider participation, satisfaction, and member utilization. 

Read more in Virginia's 2009 report, page 5.  Note that Dr. David M. Strange is on the advisory board..  (chock and laugh)...  and he doesn't even practice in the state and is Kool Smiles Chief Dental Officer. 

Doral/DentaQuest Has Entire States of Maryland and South Carolina All To Themselves - OH NO!

Am I the only one who remembers when Maryland said there were going to be sweeping changes to the way dental services were delivered to the state's littlest Medicaid patients?  If so, you can see the report aired July 2008 here:

Being the busy person I am, I had not taken time to go back and check how things were going. (I do have a life ya know).  Well, today while gathering all the information I can find on Doral Dental USA and Atlanta Dental, Inc (ADI) now joined and named DentaQuest, I found a fantastic  announcement in its Fall 2009 Newsletter.  Doral/DentaQuest was awarded the statewide contract!!  YIPEEEEEEEEEEE!!!  


Here is the announcement:

As of July 1, 2009, the Maryland Healthy Smiles Dental Program became effective in the state. This new Maryland Medicaid dental program provides coverage for children under age 21, pregnant women 21 years of age and older and adults enrolled in the Rare and Expensive Case Management (REM) program. Under the Maryland Healthy Smiles Dental Program, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) has contracted with Doral Dental to be the sole administrator of dental benefits in the state.

Doral is responsible for building the provider network, processing and paying claims, providing member and provider support and creating outreach activities to educate members on the importance of proper oral care.  Read the entire newsletter here.

 They got the whole state of South Carolina too.  Doesn't everyone feel so much better.  NOT!  

Doral/DentaQuest is the very company who contracts with FORBA Holding/Small Smiles and NCDR/DPMS-Kool Smiles and others, giving those monstrous companies access to your child to be abused, over-treated and traumatized.

It's A Field Of Dreams... Ah...NO It's NOT!

Meet Dental Dreams, another chain claiming to be in business only to bring dental care to the "underserved"!  OMG!

Dental Dreams, LLC is owned and operated by Sameera Hussain, a licensed dentist. She graduated summa cum laude from Boston University's Goldman School of Dentistry in 1997. She has practiced dentistry almost exclusively in underserved neighborhoods, and now oversees all clinical operations for the Dental Dreams clinics. Her responsibilities include managing all vendor relations, overseeing lab work and dental supplies, and evaluating the compliance and performance of each dentist.

You know the drill, pardon the pun.  "Underserved" "Free Screenings" "Medicaid" "Fulfilling Important Needs" "Fill The Void" and all the other keywords.  They are making their way across the US now in Illinois, Texas, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Connecticut.

RICO suit filed in 2009 against Khurram Hussain, Peter Stathakis and Sameera Hussain.  Their fantastic management portion of the company is called "Field Of Dreams Dental Management, LLC.  

Keep An Eye On This Dentist; Dr. Michael Clair

April 2010

Ocean Dental Complaints

I've always had my suspicions how children were treated at Ocean Dental.  I even made a trip to the one in Louisville, Kentucky and talked with a couple of parents.  I was scared the children were receiving the same kind of care at Ocean as they do from FORBA/Small Smiles and NCDR/Kool Smiles, Smile Starters and other dental mill clinics.  However, I'm only one person and my focus has been on Small Smiles and Kool Smiles. 

Ocean Dental and Adventure Dental have been on my radar and did make the 'to do' list here at Dentist The Menace.  A couple of weeks ago the two comments below were posted. 

I was a employee of ocean dental. I was a hygienist that had to see 40- 50 patients a day. Ocean Dental commits Medicaid fraud and something needs to be done! RDH

I worked at ocean dental. ocean dental should be investigated. I also heard children cry and a doctor tell the kids to shout up. They give to much nitrous. the children are getting sick, wont allow parents to come back. now they are committing insurance fraud: bad filling!! RCT (Root Canal Therapy) failures, abscesses and fistulas not treated because they are to busy. They have fired over 20 people in three years in the Louisville office because they had been good employees, and didn't like what went on. Someone needs to do something.  I reported it to the dental board but nothing is done!! Health care and being poor should never be at the cost of our children. RDH 

I hope this employee or ex-employee takes this a step further and files a Qui Tam (Whistler Blower) lawsuit.  Surely there is some attorney in Kentucky willing to take this on.  In light of the recent settlement by FORBA and their Small Smiles clinics it's clear the same kind of abuse and fraud is taking place.  Let me appeal to "greed"...Imagine the $$'s to be made here.  As for the employee, 10% of the settlement is usually a pretty good chunk of change...  

To the poster:

I understand your frustration with the dental board.  I've written them several times, the last time ended up more like a book and have not heard a word from them.  I sent a copy of this letter to 8 lawmakers in Kentucky and I've not heard back from them either.  Clearly they could care less.  But know this, I care! 

Kool Smiles Looking For A Liar

Today I found this ad from Kool Smiles.  I couldn’t help but chuckle, thinking what they were really asking from a person who took this job.

They are looking for someone to get out in the community and lie like a dog, and do it for little pay.  They do say in  some of these ads it’s a paid internship.  Good luck with that…

Kool Smiles (www.koolsmilespc.com) provides comprehensive dental services to the residents of Roxbury and surrounding communities.

We’re looking for a highly capable intern to join the team in June/July 2010 and play a key role in our future success. To best accomplish these aforementioned job responsibilities, the intern will engage in various community outreach activities with an emphasis on education and the importance of implementing good oral hygiene habits throughout the community. The intern will gain insight and be involved in all aspects of our marketing and operations.

Responsibilities:

• Positively represent Kool Smiles in the community
• Interact with and educate the community on the need for good oral health
• Distribute Kool Smiles fliers in various establishments as assigned
• Establish business contacts for dental screenings or workshops
• Assists CRS and Dental Hygienist in dental screenings and workshops, as needed
• Assist or manage other community events, as needed

Qualifications :

• Be able to proactively solve problems with an aptitude for getting things done independently
• Be organized and deadline oriented with a high attention to detail
• Excellent verbal/written communication skills
• Have an interest in communication/marketing
• Pursuing a Bachelors degree in Marketing/Communication or a related field
• Bi-Lingual in Spanish a MUST

To apply, send a resume via e-mail to Martine Russell, Community Relations Specialist, Martine Russell,  at mrussell@ncdrllc.com and tell us what you bring to the table and why you’re interested in this opportunity.

Kool Smiles Everett Washington Complaint

Amanda - Evertt Washington:

We just moved to Everett and I was looking for a dentist for my children. I wanted to let them have a great experience so I looked for a pediatric dentist only. When I found Kool Smiles I was happy-that has completely changed.

It first started when I received a phone call to confirm our appointment. I called back and confirmed. After that initial confirmation, I received FIVE more confirmation calls.

We arrived five minutes before our appointment time I was given forms to fill out that looked like they were done on a copier from 1985. One of the forms stated that I should not accompany my children and that if necessary they would restrain my child, I did not sign that consent form. When I returned the forms to the desk I had to ask to come back with my children (ages four and two)!

After TWO, yes 2 hours of waiting we were finally taken back. The hygienist informed me that they would do a lap exam and paint with fluoride. When I asked why they were not going to get a cleaning, she was surprised. She stated that they usually don't do cleanings for children that young.
After the cleaning the dentist spent about one minute looking at my children teeth and did not even address me. I was informed by the receptionist about my daughters cavity and that she would have to be sedated for a filling and then asked when I would like to make the next appointment- that is a big NO!

The staff seemed stressed out and over worked, they kept making mistakes, forgetting about patients etc.Terrible we will definitely not be returning. The only good thing was how well behaved my children were.

Former Small Smiles Dental Center executive now with Doctors Express in Colorado and Wyoming

 

Steve Nitchen, 491 W. Winterhaven Drive, Pueblo, CO 81007 is listed as owner of Doctors Express Development Group, Inc. of Pueblo, Colorado.  Formed May 18, 2009.  Same  for Doctors Express Services Group, Inc. of Pueblo, Colorado.

Doctors Express is the trade name of MLD Operations, Inc. (20091091034)formed February 11, 2009.  Registered Agent is Caplan and Earnest, LLC 1800 Broadway Street, Suite 200, Boulder, CO  80302.

I know, your first thought is another Michael DeRose medical ripoff business.  Nope, it appears the MD is Mark Damschroder.

Doctors Express is a franchise urgent care center.  November 2010 Villager report Dr. Chris Prior and Steve Nitchen opened the first one in Centennial Colorado.   Wonder who “financed” this venture?

From the story:

Nitchen stays focused on the business side of things including finance, marketing and human resources.

“The secret to our success and what our patients are enjoying is the synergy created when combining business minds and medical minds together. The physicians and medical staff focus 100 percent of their time and attention to quality patient care and customer service while I pay attention to the business stuff,” Nitchen said.

“We plan to expand Doctors Express throughout Colorado and are looking for partners who want their own business in the recession resistant field of health care,” Nitchen said. “So far, Doctors Express franchise owners typically come from corporate America, with a medical background not necessary, but certainly helpful. We find people with good management and business skills can efficiently run a medical center because they’re used to managing people in high paced business environment. The medical industry definitely needs this.”

I wouldn’t worry so much about the quality of Doctors Express in Colorado if not for the fact Nitchen is still friends with Melissa (Missy Green) and Brad Williams of Church Street Health Management- Small Smiles Dental Centers and way too close to the DeRose thieves.

 

Steve Nitchen

Sobering Reminder To Crown Happy Medicaid Dentist and Medicaid Dental Corporations

Richmond, VA May 2010

I sure hope Jacobi's dental procedure was necessary and not one of the all too common, let's over treat for medicaid dollars incidents.  In the picture, it appears he has the brightest smiles and good dental habits.

Jacobi Hill, age 6, died Tuesday May 11, 2010 during a dental procedure at Virginia Commonwealth University Dental Faculty Practice.

Crystal Lewis, Jacobi's mother said he was at the facility to have crowns put on several of his teeth.  

The most common cause of death in dental offices under anesthesia is related to an airway condition.   In the upper airway, the most common problem is the vocal cords have spasms and close down.

The second most common is the lower airway passage can close as in an asthma attack. Crystal Lewis, Jacobi's mother said he suffered from asthma.  

Medicaid officials are investigating.

The mother is demanding answers and getting none.  An Autopsy was performed but it may be weeks before all tests are completed.

Manning Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Staff there said services are scheduled for Monday May 17, 2010 at 1 p.m. at the chapel, 700 N. 25th St.

Prayers go out to Jacobi's family.

Senator David Jordan of Mississippi Needs Wake Up Call In Regards to Kool Smiles!

During the outlandish ceremony for Kool Smiles donating some toothbrushes to citizens of Yazoo City one very uninformed state Senator said this: 

"It would be like a band of angels coming into the Delta," Jordan said during a visit and tour of the North Jackson office. 

Senator David Jordan has approached the organization for expansion into the Mississippi Delta.

Am I the only one that thinks this is something much more than giving some toothbrushes to the devastated area of Yazoo City, MS?

Kool Smiles Chief Dental Offender, David M. Strange flew in from his cozy home in Colorado, local and state legislators show up, they take a tour of the Kool Smiles in North Jackson....something stinks.  

This is much more than handing out toothbrushes.....sounds more like a snow job to me. 

Sen. David Jordan needs informed as to what Kool Smiles really is or the children of Yazoo City will be in much worse shape than they already are.

You can reach Sen. Jordan here:  djordan@senate.ms.gov

Evansville, Indiana Kool Smiles Report

Yazoo City getting toothbrushes from Kool Smiles...??

Really! Legislators on hand to receive toothbrushes and toothpaste... you've got to be kidding me!

I guess we all need to be putting out press releases every time we go potty...

Hey, Small Smiles....you're missing out on a PR opportunity here...

Evansville Indiana Kool Smiles Accused of Mistreating Children; Oh My!

Evansville, Indiana Kool Smiles accused of mistreating children.   Great report by WTVW Fox 7's Julie Dolan.  Julie did a fantastic job!

Evansville Dentist Office Accused of Abuse WTVW
The retired grandmother of five couldn't believe what she saw: kids screaming and crying for help at a Small Smiles Dentist Office near Washington...

Side story here is they have known this was coming out, amazingly there was a major press release yesterday about some dude who works on their computer system.  This happens all the time, where they try to drown out the bad press with anything they can find.

Just a couple of weeks ago, Small Smiles sent out two days of press releases telling the world they were going to donate a measly 1,000 toothbrushes to Haiti.  Two days!!  Geez...that's sad.

NCDR and DMPS - (Kool Smiles 1 and Kool Smiles 2 to merge)

Friedman Fleischer & Lowe is merging the two holding companies that own Kool Smiles PC.  Never really understood the point of having two divisions in the first place.  Doesn't matter what they do, until they stop abusing children to defraud medicaid they are still scum.

Here is a comment that came in just last night:

Thank goodness this is coming to light! I am a dental hygienist that was offered a job and turned it down after one 'working interview' due to the things I saw there. A cleaning on a child should never involve having to restrain them. For first visits, it should be a 'go with the flow' to set up a good relationship with the youngster for future visits. I was disgusted to see a 2 year old held down, forced to open his mouth in a 'quiet' room with his mother not allowed to be present. "No tears are allowed upon leaving" was what I was told, and they were smoothed over with a toy. Terrible terrible place. There is no amount of money that I could be paid to be a part of that. Worse yet- the schedule is set up to take 7 kids in a 15 min time period for 2 hygienists...as they stated "If they show" due to patients being unreliable. That is not enough time to PROPERLY clean and educate one child ("child" includes teenagers there). I hope they get shut down.

Parents sue over death of their son - San Antonio Express-News

 

Parents sue over death of their son

Eva Ruth Moravec, Express-News
By Eva Ruth Moravec - Express-News
Published 12:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Read more: http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/article/Parents-sue-over-death-of-their-son-787905.php#ixzz1kamS9ZHy

Parents of a toddler who died in December after a dental procedure are suing the boy's anesthesiologist and a surgical center, claiming they gave him too much morphine in doses administered too closely together.

After Maddoux Cordova's teeth were capped at the Village Specialty Surgical Center on Dec. 11, Dr. Brian Seastrunk approved giving the 22-month-old two 0.5-milligram doses of morphine intravenously within 10 minutes — a time span that didn't permit medical staff to evaluate how the drug was affecting the patient, the medical malpractice lawsuit claims.

Maddoux stopped breathing at his grandmother's home after the procedure, became brain-dead, and spent two weeks at Wilford Hall Medical Center before he was taken off a ventilator.

“The total 1 milligram dose of morphine administered for pain relief was larger than the conventional recommended pediatric drug dosage range of 0.26 milligrams — 0.65 milligrams for this 13-kilogram patient,” said Dr. Sean Boynes, director of anesthesia research at the University of Pittsburgh, who provided an expert opinion as part of the lawsuit.

The suit was brought on behalf of the parents, Monica Meza and Adam Cordova. Alleged damages include monetary loss, loss of companionship and mental anguish.

Monetary damages are sought for medical and funeral expenses, pain, suffering and mental anguish, the lawsuit states. No dollar amount for damages is specified, in accordance with laws that govern medical malpractice cases.

James Veal, who represents Seastrunk, could not be reached for comment.

The center's spokeswoman, Misty Walton, said the facility has not been served.

“We are not aware of a lawsuit at this time,” Walton wrote in an e-mail. “Everyone associated with our surgery center was deeply saddened by the death of this child, and we continue to keep the family in our thoughts and prayers.”

The Texas Medical Board doesn't track medical malpractice cases but does discipline doctors of patients who died from overdoses or reactions to anesthesia or pain medication.

Parents sue over death of their son - San Antonio Express-News

Meet Dr. David M. Strange, Jr. Faux Chief Dental Officer For Kool Smiles

Oh look, it's Dr. David M. Strange, wife and children.   They can be found here, in Colorado.

Wonder what his children are going to think when they grow up a bit more and know what he did to children for a $.

Oh Look, once again Dr. Strange appears here too!  Liar Liar, pants on fire.

So, Dr. Strange has moved back to Colorado, Dr. Pham wanted to move to El Paso, they didn't want him to, so they bought him out and NOW Dr. Tu Tran's dental licenses is under review in Georgia and Indiana, among other states....and we have idiots in Kentucky -Legislators and Medicaid Officials - gather at Kool Smiles for a pep rally. 

I'm not worried though, I'm sure Dr. Polly will keep everything under control....but if I worked at a Kool Smiles, I might be looking for another job.  But while you're at it, tell what you know, file a Qui Tam lawsuit and reap the rewards.  First come, first served! 

Dear God, help me find a way to remove the blinders. 

Sealant Recommended By DentaQuest, formerly Doral

Many know, but some do not, that states usually contract with a company who then subcontract with dental providers to get the care to the medicaid patients.  Doral is described as a dental benefit administrator. 

At its LinkedIn webpage it is said: "Doral, is a subsidiary of DSM and DentaQuest, a dental benefit administrator operating in the government sector serving nearly 50 clients, 12 million members in 24 states and the District of Columbia, and approximately 17,000 participating dentists. The mission of DSM is to improve oral health."  (put another way, Doral or DentaQuest is a government contractor)




However in searching Doral, you are directed to dentaquestgov.com,  (the gov part a bit misleading) where it says Doral and ADI have merged to become DentaQuest.

Here, guys, check it out:  DentaQuest recommends sealants.  


Hey FORBA/Small Smiles, Kool Smiles, Ocean, Smile Starters, Adventure....  think you might need to check this out!!!!!!   Root canals are NOT the first choice in treatment for God's sake!!  But it is the one that pays you the most!

Free CE for Small Smiles, Kool Smiles, Adventure Dental and Ocean Dental Dentists

After spending some time today pursuing FORBA's website, set up for their Small Smiles clinics I found a link to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry's Behavioral Control Guide for dentist,  and support staff.  Low and behold, FORBA is clear on these techniques!  They know what to do and when to do it!  OMG!  I need to check Kool Smiles to see if they have a link as well so that I'm sure they know too.

I knelt and thanked the Lord.

What I began to wonder though was, "Does or has anyone at FORBA read it"??  Just asking...

My guess is by adding a link on their website to the guide along with the statement above the links, they are trying to send a subtle message that your child is safe and they know what they are doing.  


These Guideline were adopted in 1990 and have been revised 6 times with the last being 2008.  Soooooo.... these were the guidelines in place when good ole Dr. Spaghetti Eddie and Dr. Meatball Mike DeRose laid out their sinister plan to be the Kings of the dental kingdom.

Anyway, back to the Guidelines, let me give you a few snippets:....

Kool Smiles Ad For Employment Reveals Disregard For Quality Care

Dentist, Kool Smiles - El Paso, TX

Dentist, Kool Smiles - El Paso, TX

Kool Smiles is a general dentistry group that is providing kids and their parents in underserved communities with the dental care they desperately need.  As a dentist, you get to focus on taking care of your patients, while we take care of the business itself! [which means they tell the dentists what to do and when to do it, via the 'lead dentist and office managers] Our offices are brand new and equipped with ...

FORBA Small Smiles Employees CIA Compliance Is Up To You; Includes Warning To Future Employees

ATTN:  All FORBA Small Smiles Employees

ATTN: Potential Employees: This is a must read before you agree to be employed by FORBA or any of its Small Smile clinics.  Full disclosure is a must!

FORBA has entered into a Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA) with the Office Of Inspector General (OIG) after being caught red handed committing fraud and mistreating children.  (not only red handed but on video!)

Of course FORBA admitted no wrong doing as they will be quick to tell you.  However, anyone who would rather pay $24 million dollars plus interest and sign a 67 page set of rules to follow for the next 5 years, is probably guilty in my opinion.

[I would say FORBA was probably thinking this was a deal compared to what might happen if they didn’t agree and further delving into FORBA’s setup would likely reveal much worse things happening, that’s a scary thought isn’t it?]

When push comes to shove, it’s you, the employee on the front lines to see that the provisions in the CIA are followed.  I would highly recommend you download and take time to read the rules since you are the main one playing the game.  It’s your butt out there.  You may not have signed it, but you are as legally bound by this agreement as if...

Kool Smiles Offers To Sponsor Forgein Nationals To Come To US And Fill Their Clinics

I knew this was happening, but hadn't heard anyone of these dental mills putting it out there.

If you're a dentist who would like to continue your dental career in the U.S., Kool Smiles can help you obtain a work visa and a full-time position. Sponsorship will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

See Here

Not that this is a problem, but it kinda is a problem.

They also say they have a "Unique" Wealth Management Plan for dentists.  God only knows what that really is!  Maybe someone could tell us.

Has anyone ever wondered exactly what NCDR of Kool Smiles stands for:  National Children's Dental Research.

DPMS stands for Dental Practice Management Services. 

Appears Kool Smiles has the bonus program just like Small Smiles.  Here is an ad:

Opportunities Available in South Texas and Arkansas. Earning Potential Up To $250K (Salary + Bonus)! Change the World, One Smile at a time!
$10K Sign On Bonus! It’s a Kool Concept!
Full-time dentists earn a guaranteed base salary plus a monthly bonus based on individual production. In addition, company paid benefits include malpractice insurance, life insurance, and short and long term disability. Medical, dental and vision are also available for all employees and their families. We offer the innovative Kool Smiles Wealth Management plan - a company matched saving plan that allows you to set aside more savings every year than a traditional retirement plan. Other benefits include paid time off, company holidays, reimbursement for continuing education, licensure fees and profession dues - and much more!
Please call or email to learn more about other full-time and part-time opportunities in AZ, AR, GA, IN, MA, MS, SC, TX and VA. Relocation package available.
Ryan Murdock p/ 770-916-7044 rmurdock@ncdrllc.com

Maybe You Should Request Sealants Instead of Root Canal and Cap

Imagine the decline in tooth decay if Kool Smiles, Small Smiles and all the other dental mills used sealants on children's teeth.  Instead of the get 'em, drill 'em and cap 'em method.  Just 23% of American 8 year old's have sealants, according to United Healthcare Dental. 


Learn About Dental (tooth) Sealants here.

Tidbits Of Kool Smiles Information

Dr. Tu Tran and Dr. Thein Pham were top dentist's at Smile High clinic in Denver, owned and operated by Eddie, Michael and Dan DeRose where they learned the DeRose Way of spreading dental services to the underserved.

When they broke out on their own, they began with 1 clinic in 2002 and by December 2003 there were three clinics in Georgia.

After 2003 things took off.  By January 2006 the Kool Smiles clinic count had jumped to 14 clinics.  In January 2007 there were 29 clinics and by July of 2007 there were 36.

I know this by using the wayback machine and checking the old copies of the website.

According to what I can find, there are somewhere around 100 clinics across the US, which beats Small Smiles, so they can shut up about being the "Largest" ...unless they mean dirty rotten scoundrels....

Dr. David Malcolm Strange, DDS of Kool Smiles and Kool Kids Dental

Dr. David Strange who is listed as Chief Dental Officer at Kool Smiles is Dr. David M. (Malcolm) Strange, Jr.
His father goes by the name, Malcolm Strange.

I’m pretty sure this is the same Dr. David M. Strange, Jr. that is referred to working at Pediatric Dental Group of Colorado.  PDC has 7 locations in Colorado.

Here is the bio of the Dr. David Strange at Kool Smiles:

Dr. David M. Strange, Chief Dental Officer

Dr.David M Strange is a board certified pediatric dentist. He received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center along with his certificate of Pediatric Dentistry from the Children's Medical Center in Dallas, TX and his MS from the Baylor College of Dentistry. Dr Strange was formerly an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and previously served on the Constitution and By-Laws Committee of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. He is currently serving on theCouncil for Dental Benefits of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Virginia Dental Advisory Committee for the Smiles for Children Dental Medicaid program. Dr Strange is also a member in good standing with the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Colorado Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Georgia Dental Association and the Southwestern Society...

Where Was The Colorado Dental Board?

It took the Colorado Dental Board until June 2009 to finally order Michael A. DeRose ‘retire’ his license to practice dentistry and tell  him he is never to apply for a new license anytime in the future.

In the Order from the board it cites the two disciplinary actions taken against DeRose in North Carolina.  In December 2005 his license was suspended for 180 days for doing more than 6 pulpotomies in one visit on children at his Medicaid Dental Centers, now called Smile Starters in North Carolina.

I’m thinking 6 is still outrageous!  Think you could have 6 teeth worked on in one session?  How about being tied down, and given 6 root canals??!!  The level of lidocaine alone to keep a patient pain free seems to me would be at a dangerous level.  But they don’t worry about that, since they could care less if they even have a supply of lidocaine on hand it appears.

Then in April 2007 settled with the government for $10 million with Dr. Tish Ballance, and still every state where he was licensed let him keep his licenses.

Michael’s dad, Dr. Eddie let his licenses just expire.

William Mueller, one of the original cast of characters was forced to ‘surrender’ his licenses, but not until 2009!

Over the years these three had ‘actions’ taken against them on a few occasions in more than one state, but only the latest is currently on file at DORA, Colorado’s records search.

Some of the documents mention referring problems to the state Attorney General’s office for further review.  But I can’t find one time any of them were ever seriously considered for prosecution.

The laws in Colorado were changed at least twice to curtail these guys from abusing children for profit, but the Dental Board never revoked their licenses as they should have.  They allowed Dr. Michael DeRose continue with this abuse from 1982 until 2009!  That’s 27 years!!!!!!

Now look where we are.

Had the Colorado Dental Board done their job, there would be no Small Smiles, Kool Smiles or Adventure Dental out there tying up children and drilling out perfectly good teeth, causing horrific trauma to small children, devastating the trust children have in their parents and adults and scamming Medicaid (you tax dollars) out of 100’s of millions of dollars.

Somehow through all of this the uncle, Dr. Adolph Ralph Padula came away unscathed.  His license is as pure as the white driven snow.

Dr. William Mueller (UPIN# 64458) was finally locked out of the medicaid program March 18, 2010.

FORBA’s 1,000 Toothbrushes to Haiti Requires Two Days of Press Releases! Embarrassing!

Are you kidding me?!  It’s embarrassing guys!  It should have been 100,000 and no press release what so ever!  If you have to send out press releases because you donated 1,000 toothbrushes, you must be really really hurting for any kind of good press. 

There is no doubt in my mind that the person putting out these stupid press releases about FORBA donating some toothbrushes to Haiti lives in Washington, DC.  I know this because only someone in Washington could make this statement about FORBA and it's Small Smiles dental centers without chocking to death on their words. 

"the nation's largest dental practice management company focused on high-quality dental care for children in underserved communities" here

I’ve always been told you go to hell for lying.

Don Myers, did you put this crap out there?! How do you sleep at night?  I guess you are paid well to lie and mislead the public aren’t  you?  Do you have a line at all that you won’t cross?  Just saying…

I can think of at least 10 adjectives to describe FORBA and it's string of dental clinics and none of them are in the above statement.  What I will say straight up is, high-quality my ass.

It blows my mind to think there has been two days of press releases out of there to tell the world it donated 1,000 toothbrushes!!!!  OMG! 

FORBA sending toothbrushes to Haiti, Oh NO!

FORBA donating toothbrushes to Haiti! 

The disgrace is that it is just 1,000.   That's like one case.  

Wonder if they are trying to dump the toothbrushes talked about here.

When I posted this, I can't tell  you what a fire storm of empolyees wrote in telling me about how these toothbrushes were stained, the bristles would fall out and more....  I was surprised to see such reaction to toothbrushes but boy is sure enlightened me.

Someone wanna take it from here and tell us about those toothbrushes?  

FORBA – Go Straight to... Haiti And Take Your Toothbrushes With You

EUREKA! 

FORBA Small Smiles has hit the Mother Load!

Oh wait, no, they aren't sending help, they are sending a few toothbrushes.  Hell, I could send 1,000 toothbrushes.  

Dr. Robert Andrus Back In Business, Giggles

Dr. Robert (Bob) Andrus

It appears they are letting Dr. Robert (Bob) Andrus practice dentistry in Colorado.  Since his departure with FORBA’s Small Smiles as regional manager he’s opened his own clinic.  He has given it the cutest little name-Giggles.  Anyone want to guess whether he accepts children on Medicaid or not?  Of Course!

---

ID Number:

20091343076

Trade Name:

Giggles

True Name of Registrant:

DR. ROBERT ANDRUS D.D.S., LLC

Formation Date: 6-25-2009

---

Dr. Bob, remember is one of the many dentists who lent his name and license number to be added to business registration required in most states, along with Dr. Kenneth Knot (Ken Knott) also known as Dr. Can Not.

Kallene West, Dr. Robert Andrus and Dr. Ken Knott were fired from FORBA in late summer of 2008.  There were some discrepancies in how Dr. Bob and Dr. Ken were able to renew their dental license and it is said Kallene took online Continuing Education courses or forged the credentialing documents, maybe both.  I do not know.  


I am also told Kallene did the same for Dr. Bridget Merritt-Brooks, yet Dr. Bridget was not fired.  She is one of the top producers for FORBA and their string of Small Smiles Clinics.


Dr. Bob is also the dentist who is known for fits of anger and rage in the operatories.  Throwing instruments and even one report from a dental assistant who told me he was treating a small 3 year old in an Ohio clinic and the child was not being very cooperative.  Dr. Bob proceed to poke the examination mirror down the child's throat and cause the child to gag.  He then leaned down in whispered in the child's ear, "if you do not cooperate, I will do it again." 

Dentists Associated With Kool Smiles, Evansville, Indiana Operation

How many dentists do you think can work at one Kool Smiles dental mill?  10?  15?  20?

Never mind, don’t answer, I’ll just tell you.  The answer seems to be 60!  

Of course we know that 60 dentists can’t possibly work at one Kool Smiles, so they must float around the state from office to office.

But if you check out indianamedicaid.com you will find there are 60 dentists listed as providers at the Evansville, Indiana clinic at 400 E. Diamond Ave.

Dr. Falastin Abu Smn

Dr. Daniel P. Aldulenscu

Dr. John Ambrose

Dr. Kevin W. Beadle

Dr. Jennifer L. Beavin

Dr. Vidya R. Bettagere

Dr. Angelina J. Blass

Dr. Jessica E. Bolander

Dr. Randall W. Moorman Brigham

Dr. Jessica Brown

Dr. Michael W. Brown

Dr. Polly B. Buckey

Dr. Steven W. Buedel Dr. Brian O. Burke

Dr. Matthew A. Butler

Dr. Meghan E. Butler

Dr. Shane T. Cope

Dr. Joshua B. Davis

Dr. Emani Sreekanth

Dr. Shadrach G. Gonqueh

Dr. Kent M. Gross

Dr. Allison M. Heuer

Dr. Amber R. Hobbs-Buchner

Dr. Ted L. Huppert

Dr. Jeffery M. Jones

Dr. Phillip L. Jones

Dr. Ajay P. Joshi

Dr. Edna F. Kemp

Dr. Anthony r. Klein

Dr. Pooja Kumar

Dr. Shalesh Kumar

Dr. Connie Kunelis

Dr. Michael J. Lawyer

Dr. Tinna Lee

Dr. Elizabeth Maletta

Dr. Lucas B. Marrs

Dr. Yovnne R. Mcleod

Dr.Jacob E. Myers

Dr. Raghunandan B. Narasimhamurthy

Dr. Marlene Navedo

Dr. Tiffany Nicole Nightengale

Dr. Karen J. Noel

Dr. Nassim F. Olabi

Dr. Uma Peeta

Dr. Thien C. Pham, owner

Dr. Michael L. Rudolph

Dr. Afsaneh Samimi

Dr. Dipesh P. Sitaram

Dr. Peter Smith

Dr. David M. Strange, Chief Dental Officer

Dr. Pavel D. Svilenov

Dr. Juanita R. Taylor

Dr. Tu Tran, owner

Dr. Ryan D. Tschetter

Dr. Roger P. Valliere

Dr. David M. Vieth, Corporate level, stepped in when Dr. Pham sold out.

Dr. Carl Williams

Dr. Sara J. Willingham White

One name jumped out in this long list.  Dr. Tiffany Noel Nightengale.  Tiffany is also a provider in Indiana, Virginia and Ohio for FORBA’s Small Smiles.   Some dentist are also provers in Kentucky.  Dr. Polly Buckey for example.

We can take Dr. Thien Pham off the list, since according to the minutes of the Arizona Dental Board for August 2009, he says he has left the company.  Wonder why one of the founders is gone?  I’ll be looking into that.

I noticed Dr. Pham was missing from the Kool Smiles ‘About Us’ page the other day.  In his place is Dr. David M. Vieth. 

FORBA Worried About Adventure Dental's Employee Benefits

I just saw the funniest 'search terms' that lead someone to this blog in a long time.  I honestly cracked up!

They came from FORBA and the term they had googled was:

drum roll....  

	"adventure dental employee benefits"

Pueblo Gala Only Raises $2000; 400 People Attended, Including Dan DeRose

Another year for the Sons of Italy Gala in Pueblo.  My, how time flies.  Wonder why there are no daughters of Italy? Hmm...  Anyway, from the piece about all I got was how nice the tables looked and the food that was served (when I picture of that would have done nicely). I think the bigger story here is why did 400 people only manage to raise $2,000?   Read the mention of names and you have to wonder, right?  That is almost embarrassing..ok not almost it IS embarrassing. And wow, those scholarships!  $750 each!  It's not the 1960's folks...and hardly worth something called a "Gala" to hand them out.  Actually, if they only raised $2.000 and handed out 19 scholarships, they are in the hole, big time, and those checks might not be worth the paper they were written on!  Dan, ole boy, your well isn't dry...write those kids a 'real' check since that's where you made your money, destroying their health, their teeth and GOD knows what else!  The Chieftain needs to stop powder puffing the DeRose family's ass and get on with the real story!  When will they get then in a corner and drill them like they drill teeth about their Small Smiles, gold mine.

Posted: Sunday, March 28, 2010 12:00 am 

By SANDY STEIN | THE PUEBO CHIEFTAIN | 0 comments

  Custom touches create stellar socials with foreign flair for large and intimate gatherings.

  "Our Story: The Italian American" themed the 11th annual Sons of Italy's early-March annual gala at the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center's Jackson Ballroom. Nearly 400 supporters raised $2,000 for student scholarships at the event, which starred comedian Sebastian Maniscalco and was co-chaired by Gino Carleo and Al Spinuzzi.

   Accordion players Margie and Mike Aman entertained Denverite Bob Taylor, Dorsey and Louie Carleo, Gina and John Panepinto, Michael Salardino, Fran and Ed Posa and Sandie and John Obrin, among others, during the cocktail hour preceding the serving of the traditional-style family menu. The meal featured antipasto, Italian salad, pasta with meatballs, sausage, roasted pork and pancetta. White-and-black-clothed tables were styled with Italian and American flags atop gold posts in centerpiece baskets filled with cheese, bread, grapes and garlic.

   Personalized labels on wine jugs also decorated the table tops, denoting scholarship memorials with photos of donors and posthumous scholarship honorees. Framed photos of the donors and recipients were gifts to each scholarship winner.

   The 19 students, who were honored with $750 academic scholarships and gift baskets of restaurant certificates and entertainment passes, arrived onstage accompanied by video presentations of their accomplishments. The organization has awarded more than $125,000 in scholarships at the galas, which also include a surprise presentation for the Italian Citizen of the Year. [wonder who that was, or was the author trying to tell us that John Carochi got the award and was also given a plaque...I dunno]

   John Carochi, state Sons of Italy Grand Lodge president, was given a plaque for his local, state and national leadership to promote Italian culture. A film reviewing Italian courage, pride, loyalty and professional successes was followed by Rich Foresta's humorous Italian language presentation, incorporating New York idioms and slang.

   Maniscalco, who has performed in a variety of venues — from the Las Vegas Palms Casino to Jay Leno's "Tonight Show" — was absolutely hilarious with his quick-witted comments playing off audience localites Mike Occhiato, Barbara Fortino, Diana and Greg Armstrong, Dan DeRose, Sonny LeMaster and others. His ethnic humor hit home with Vivian and Frank Sagona, Jim and Ben Bacino, Tony Ianne, Amie and David Gohn and even the few non-Italian supporters. [I bet it did, he probably didn't realize how close to the truth he really was!]

  Alice and Ori Birch, Joe Prutch, Anthony Andenucio, Tom and Nick Rusler, J.J. Patti and Jan and Ralph Williams were some of the high bidders for the 50 silent-auction items, which included an antique slot machine, autographed sports paraphernalia and books, jewelry, artwork, baskets and more. Actually, everyone there felt like a winner with the fine food, top entertainment and outstanding student recipients.

   TRISH AND SCOTT SMILEY, Wynona and Wally Sullivan and Linda and Ray Kogovsek bid up the foundation dinner with honoree Judy Fonda for the silent-auction item at the annual Parkview Starlight Gala. Sharon and Keith Swerdfeger donated their exquisite Pueblo West home as the venue and Chartwell's donated the five-course Asian meal with an American twist.

  The dinner took place on the same evening as the Sons of Italy fundraiser. The black-clothed long table was accented with bronze metal napkin rings holding the black linen napkins and bronze chargers under the ivory plates.

   The centerpieces featured an octet of ivory square candles in a long, narrow bronze holder flanked with a duo of round ivory rose and calla lily arrangements, highlighted with bronze leaves.
   Partyers, including Judy's husband Roger, enjoyed fruit and cheeses before the seated dinner that began with pea shoots, cucumbers and carrots wrapped in phyllo with lemon vinaigrette. The carrot ginger soup shooters were accompanied by Asian tofu croutons followed by black-and-white sesame-crusted halibut over shredded radicchio.

   The nouveau cuisine, served on small plates, continued with a serving of hoisin grilled beef tenderloin and sushi tuna with eggplant batons. Dessert sushi with cookie chopsticks and sweet caviar served as the grand finale for the special evening of dining to start off the month for the generous group of folks.

Another Day Another Claim

You just never know who is going to claim owning and managing Small Smiles / FORBA dental clinics.  Sounds so healthy and sweet doesn't it?  

About Us

Small Smiles / Children's Dental centers are managed by a family owned company. Our operating philosophy is modeled after our founder’s dental practice, which was established in 1965 in Pueblo, Colorado. We identify, develop and manage our practices with the mission to provide premium dental care to patients starting with their first tooth to 21 years of age. We strive to improve access for patients on Medicaid and the State Child Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

Please be sure to click on the link to the left to review all of the opportunities we have available with Children's Dental in addition to Small Smiles.

Read it here