#4: Barber found guilty of offering bribe

Stephen Barber found guilty of offering bribe

Christmas Programming Guide

Byron Harris of WFAA-TV Channel 8– Dallas - will be airing an in depth documentary on crooked Medicaid dentists in Texas called “Crooked Teeth” It’s currently set to air at 11:30 on Sunday. 

Don’t miss it!

Well, this should scare the hell out of every parent in Kentucky- Merry Christmas

From the front page of the DOCS education website:

A concerned dentists writes about his worries, sadly they are directed to the wrong person.

Here is an email I received early this morning--December 23, 2011-from someone who spent all of 2 seconds on this blog.  He reports to be Dr. Glenn Krieger and from looking at my site stats, I have no reason to believe it’s not from Dr. Krieger.

Hey there.

I am a dentist of 20 years (general dentist).  I have a spot clean record and have even served on a peer review committee.

I just want to tell you that although I agree with what you are doing and why you are doing it, you are causing more harm than good. 

[Well, which is it, Dr. Krieger,  or is this your Carnegie sandwich methodology?  More harm, that good.  Hmmm….  You might want to look at your peers on that accusation. ]

There are certainly "bad apples" in dentistry and they should be removed, but scaring the general public with nasty adjective laden inflammatory obituaries is just plain wrong.

[Yes, Doc, there sure are some “bad apples”.  Do you have an estimate of just how many?  At least 2000 unqualified and/or are driven by corporate greed dentists preforming careless, reckless, and unnecessary procedures every day, and that’s a low ball number. 

No Sir, it is NOT wrong.  What is wrong is that no one else will tell it just like it is and not worry about all the political correct;soft spoken, sugar coated truths; that make it much easier for you to swallow. Can you tell me, Sir, just how many people died during dental procedures in from January 2010 to present?  If you can’t you need to be finding out!]

Dad saves son from deadly “tooth devil”

Names and location has been changed.

December 20, 2011

Seldom do I get an email from a parent whose child has entered “stainless crown hell” before the damage has been done. So it’s exciting to hear a good story for a change.

Most of the time I hear from parents only after the shocked and outraged has taken control after seeing their child post-treatment by one of the, all too common “tooth devils”. Their son or daughter was returned to them in the waiting room where they had patiently waited. Their child’s face is swelled, and bruised; the child is soaked with sweat, urine or both; the child is hysterical and inconsolable; their precious child now has a mouth full of stainless steel crowns.

That’s how it goes on a good day. On a bad one, they’ve heard an ambulance pull up and see the paramedics rush to the back, and within minutes, they see their beloved baby rushed into the ambulance, and whisked away to the nearest emergency room, and chances are high, it will not end well.

This week, however, I received a different type of email. This email was from a father who had taken his children to the dentist for a standard examination at Shortcut Dental Group. After taking several x-rays of his 7 year old, the dentist at Shortcut Dental told the father his son needed work done, but it would require sedation so they referred him to Pretty Damn Greedy (PDG) dental.

At PDG, they refused to use the x-rays from Shortcut Dental. PDG told dad that it was not “common practice” to send over the x-rays with the patient file and insisted the x-rays be retaken at PDG. Dad said it was a struggle at Shortcut Dental to get the x-rays. He now feared for his son being traumatized and exposed to the radiation once again. After the examination, Dr. K at PDG shocked dad telling him his son needed at least one tooth pulled and 7 crowns. In shock, dad questioned Dr. K telling the doctor his son has lost four of his baby teeth, and now he’s being told 8 of what his child has left needs urgent dental treatment; treatment that requires sedation! Dad had a gut feeling something wasn’t right, left and went home to do some research of his own.  Thank God for the Internet!

His research stunned him. He found that at least one patient had died at PDG in 2010 and there was almost a second death at PGD the very same day, it was the very next patient! Yet, Shortcut Dental was referring his son to this chamber of death without batting an eye.

This child was lucky. After dad’s research, and a few email exchanges, he was able to find a local dentist who still considers ethics of supreme importance; whose purpose is to create a trusting relationship with children; who is dedicated to providing a pleasant dental experience and only treat what needs treating; not how many procedures he can charge and not be questioned.

I wish there was a list of the good guys, with dentist that are truly prescreened. 

New rules in Texas could pose major problem

Appears Texas new Medicaid enrollment you must list your dentists name. Kool Smiles advises their patients to not just list Kool Smiles. HUGE problem, patient don't have clue who their doc is and with a 50% turnover rate it's not likely you will see the same doc twice.

http://www.mykoolsmiles.com/texas-medicaid

Student found dead after dental surgery–AGAIN! In Georgia–AGAIN! Wisdom Teeth Removal–AGAIN!

By Erica Byfield
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. —
A community is mourning the death of a standout basketball player.
Jerry Coleman, 19, died sometime between Sunday night and Monday morning.
His family found him in his bedroom.
Coleman passed away days after having his wisdom teeth removed.
"He was a gifted athlete with gifted talent, but far more than that he was a super human being," said his former basketball coach David Allen at Central Gwinnett High School.
"He approached life the same way he approached the game it was 100 percent," Allen said.
Coleman graduated from high school last year.
In his junior year, Coleman helped his team become the Region 8-AAAAA Boys Basketball Champions.
He was currently enrolled at Kennesaw State.
Allen told Channel 2’s Erica Byfield he hoped to walk onto the college’s basketball team next season.
Coleman's former teammates plan to honor him in some way this season.
The Gwinnett County Medical Examiner has not yet released an official cause of death.
This incident comes less than two weeks after another teen died after having his wisdom teeth removed.
Law enforcement is investigating after 14-year-old Ben Ellis died after having his wisdom teeth removed. The Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are looking into the cause of death.

Student found dead after dental surgery–AGAIN! In Georgia–AGAIN! Wisdom Teeth Removal–AGAIN!

 

By Erica Byfield Tuesday December 20, 2011

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. —

A community is mourning the death of a standout basketball player.

Jerry Coleman, 19, died sometime between Sunday night and Monday morning.

His family found him in his bedroom.

Coleman passed away days after having his wisdom teeth removed.

"He was a gifted athlete with gifted talent, but far more than that he was a super human being," said his former basketball coach David Allen at Central Gwinnett High School.

"He approached life the same way he approached the game it was 100 percent," Allen said.

Coleman graduated from high school last year.

In his junior year, Coleman helped his team become the Region 8-AAAAA Boys Basketball Champions.

He was currently enrolled at Kennesaw State.

Allen told Channel 2’s Erica Byfield he hoped to walk onto the college’s basketball team next season.

Coleman's former teammates plan to honor him in some way this season.

The Gwinnett County Medical Examiner has not yet released an official cause of death.

This incident comes less than two weeks after another teen died after having his wisdom teeth removed.

Law enforcement is investigating after 14-year-old Ben Ellis died after having his wisdom teeth removed. The Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are looking into the cause of death.

Mystery - Dallas, Flower Mound or Roanoke Texas Dental Death??

Since December 6th (2011) or so, there is at least one visitor to this blog a day brought here by using search terms about a death of a child from dental sedation in Texas.  I can’t find anything on this.
Here are some of the “search terms” or “keywords” used:
Child death Roanoke ( I first that is was VA, but now it’s showing up as TX)
Child death Flower Mound
Child death Dallas
Texas Dental Child Death
Death Dentist Texas
7 year old girl death in dentist chair Dallas
Dentist Death Texas
Child Death in dentistry
6 year old died in dental clinic Dallas Texas
Flower Mound boy killed by anesthesia during dental treatment
Child dies in dental chair Dallas
ALSO:
Why is Banner Health in Phoenix searching for “new york pediatric death of dental patient using nitrous oxide”?
Anyone have any info?

Kokomo dentist’s licensed revoked, but who cares, right? He’s still practicing dentistry.

December 9, 2011

Kokomo dentist’s license revoked

16 patients have filed multiple complaints against Dr. Joseph Beck

By KEN de la BASTIDE and Daniel Human Tribune staff writer The Kokomo Tribune Fri Dec 09, 2011, 10:39 PM EST

Kokomo — Although his dental license was revoked by the Indiana State Board of Dentistry, Dr. Joseph Beck continues to practice dentistry in Kokomo.

The dental board voted unanimously Dec. 2 to revoke Beck’s license, according to the Indiana Attorney General’s office. The board ordered Beck to pay costs and a $31,000 fine within 60 days of the order, which had not been issued as of Friday.

According to court records, 16 of Beck’s patients have alleged he billed for procedures not performed, had assistants performing dental procedures they were not trained for, failed to keep adequate records and did not keep up-to-date on professional theory.

Patients’ accounts date as far back as 2002.

Despite the ruling, the office of Beck Family Dentistry remains open.

Sexual Pervert, Pimp Dentist out of jail and ready to drill and fill, again.

I’m wondering what kind of “drilling” and “filling” this creep plans on doing to his patients and just what cliental he expects.  However, I know a few dental mills where he would fit perfectly.  Pretty low standards in Illinois to be a healthcare provider.  Why even bother with testing and licensing at all.

 

Freed dentist eager to start drilling again

By Natasha Korecki Federal Courts Reporter nkorecki@suntimes.com December 18, 2011 5:38PM

Onetime Chicago dentist Gary Kimmel went to prison in 2009 after he admitted he aided pimps in a prostitution trafficking ring.

The aid included providing space in Marina Towers for paid sex acts to happen, buying luxury cars for pimps in his name and keeping his office open late to fix the teeth of battered prostitutes.

In one case, Kimmel fixed a prostitute’s teeth for free in exchange for her performing sex acts for his friend, according to prosecutors.

That was back when Kimmel, affectionately referred to as “Doc” by those who know him, ran a popular and successful dental practice at 233 E. Erie.

In an emergency bid at the time of his indictment, the state stripped Kimmel of his ability to practice dentistry. He was sentenced to 37 months in 2009.

Now, Kimmel is already out of prison.

And despite his felony conviction, the Chicago Sun-Times has learned he’s ready to practice dentistry again — and eligible to renew his license.

Horror story from a viewer who saw the piece on Jenny Olenick’s death

Hello:

I saw in the news about the teenager that died from her surgery on wisdom teeth. It made me so mad. I wanted to tell you what happened to me.

I went Dr. James Holley in Virginia Beach, VA. for a small cavity and some cosmetic repair with a crown.

When he did the cavity he said I had another cavity that needed a root canal. I had a seizure in the chair and could not move or speak, he continued with the procedure.  I heard his dental assistant say '”don't you think you should stop” and he said,  “I have given her more than enough”. When I was finally able to speak he told me seizures was normal for some patients.

He told his assistant to finished the filling and I asked her, “are you trained to finish root canal fillings.”  She replied, “Sort of,  he lets us do it and than he checks it.”  It was not a permanent filling, it was a temporary filling.

Because it was in the back I didn't see the infection growing. I woke up one day and there was a pimple above my front tooth. I went back to him and he said an infection was in the membranes and I had to see a endocrinologist.

Texas - State Senate to Hold Hearing on Medicaid Dental

Texas - State Senate to Hold Hearing on Medicaid Dental

 

Byron Harris
WFAA

December 16, 2011

DALLAS - Since last spring, News 8 investigations have uncovered hundreds of millions of dollars of questionable Medicaid payments for orthodontics for children. The state prohibits Medicaid expenditures for cosmetic dentistry, including braces in most cases.

But records obtained by News 8 under the Texas Public Information Act found that Texas spent $184 million providing braces for poor children under Medicaid last year alone, as much as the rest of the nation combined.
Now State Senator Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound) plans to hold hearings on the issue.

Fox News report on Jenny Olenick’s parents suing dentist after her death. Jenny died in 2011

 

There have been 24 pediatric deaths related to complications due to dental procedures in the past seven years. This number accounts only for reported pediatric deaths. Shockingly, of the 24 pediatric deaths occurring within the seven year period, 11 have been within the last 21 months. 52% of the deaths have occurred since April of 2010! What once may have been viewed as a rarity has clearly become an epidemic. Wake-up Dr. Milton Houpt!

If you add the adult deaths, the numbers skyrocket.  If we knew the exact number of pediatric deaths and adult deaths I think everyone would be is shock!  Many are unreported as taking place during dental procedures.  Just last week I heard from a person whose friend’s husband had died in Florida just a few months ago during a dental procedure. She said the man had been dead for 15 minutes before the dental assistant brought it to his attention.  This never saw the pages of a news paper or a spot on the evening news.  There are hundreds more of these same kind of stories.  Mr. Milton Houpt ,the ADA and the AAPD do NOT want the true numbers told, it’s a $3 billion dollar a year industry!

Here is a memo sent out by the AAPD after the death of Jacobi Hill in Richmond, Virginia in 2010.

Nor does the DOCS Education program; a drive thru; weekend; three day seminar to teach dentist the fine art of sedation.  Used to help general dentists increase services and revenue streams.  A very dangerous one at that!

Someone has suggested it’s only a coincidence that the major dental agencies that set the standards and shape state rules and regulations are all located at the same address in Chicago: 211 E. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

American Dental Association

Academy of General Dentistry

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

American Student Dental Association

American College of Prosthodontists

American Association of Endodontists

and…drum roll please…..

The American Association of Dental Boards

Just a coincidence? 
The ADA owns the building and simply leases it to other organizations, no conspiracy? 

I say Hogwash!!

The Raven Maria Blanco Foundation helps parents whose children have died during dental treatment

The Raven Maria Blanco Foundation (RMBF)was established after 8 year old Raven Blanco died during sedation dentistry. The foundation is committed to educating parents and professional of the risks that lead to these deaths as well as safety measures that can easily be taken to reduce such risks. The Raven Maria Blanco Foundation travels as funds will allow to dental conventions across the nation where they set up their booth to promote safety and educated the dental community. They are not always met with open arms.  Here is a public service announcement from 2010

Here are the names of 39 children who have died in recent years.
I met with Nicole, Raven’s cousin and Director of the RMBF, and Mario, Raven’s father, and have to say they are some of the loveliest people you will ever meet. They truly are committed to their cause. Sadly it has been falling on many a deaf ear, but that has not deterred them for one minute. They work tirelessly and are never to busy to help.  I am proud to know such wonderful and selfless people.
The RMBF provides much needed support for parents who have suffered the pain of death of their child. They assist in raising money to help pay for funeral expenses, including traveling to fundraisers when time allows. Other times it’s putting these parents in contact with each other to help each other for support.
The RMBF has a facebook page at http://facebook.com/rmbfinc

http://www.rmbfinc.org/
http://www.ravenblanco.com

RMBF, Inc.
PO BOX 65581
Virginia Beach, VA 23467
1-757-449-3565
Currently, they RMBF is seeking dontation to assist the family of Jermaine Lee Harrison, Jr who died during a dental procedure in Stockton, California on November 11, 2011.
You can make a donation by clicking here.
RMBF, INC. is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.
.

FYI–There are more deaths than this and Dr. Milton Houpt is full of BS!

There is also an memo out there from the AAPD that was sent out to all members with a “script” on what to say…  I think it’s here on this blog someplace, look around.

 

Yahoo News

The parents of 17-year-old Jenny Olenick of Woodstock, Md., are the latest to sue a dentist for negligence in connection with a pediatric dental surgery death. Olenick died in April, according to ABC News, after suffering oxygen deprivation in the dental chair. The lawsuit charges the dentist and anesthesiologist with failure to resuscitate Olenick.

Prevalence of Dental Surgery Deaths

The pediatric dentistry chairman at New Jersey Dental School, Milton Houpt, told Tampa Bay Online last year that there are no national statistics on deaths in the dentist's chair. He says such deaths are rare, though, based on anecdotal evidence.

Media Reports of Pediatric Dental Deaths

These are some other recent deaths associated with pediatric dental procedures reported in the media:

* Tampa Bay Online said Corey Moore died at age 9 from a dental procedure performed in Tampa, Fla., in 2009.

* 5-year-old Dylan Stewart of Cedar Key, Fla., died in 2010, Tampa Bay Online said.

* ABC News reported that Ben Ellis, 14, died Dec. 8, the day after he had a wisdom tooth removed in Gilmer County, Ga.; he was found dead in his bed.

* Thirteen-year-old Marissa Kingery of Elyria, Ohio, died in January after undergoing dental surgery, the Plain Dealer reported. She fell into a coma and died two weeks after the procedure.

* A 4-year-old Stockton, Cal., boy, Jermaine Lee Harrison died in November during dental surgery. Because of pre-existing heart problems, his surgery was performed at Oakland Hospital, the Contra Costa Times said.

* In May 2010, 6-year-old Jacobi Hill died at Virginia Commonwealth University's dental clinic in Richmond, Va., ABC News reported.

* Raven Blanco, age 8, died under conscious sedation in a Virginia Beach, Va., dental office in 2007, according to WVEC.

Who May Administer Anesthesia in the Dental Office?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that three staff be present when deep sedation occurs in a dental office. The anesthesia provider should be a licensed medical or dental practitioner with certification for providing anesthesia; he should monitor the patient's vital signs, airway patency, cardiovascular and neurological status and adequacy of ventilation.

When state law permits a registered nurse anesthetist or anesthesia assistant to provide anesthesia to dental patients, the dentist himself should be trained and licensed in the administration of anesthesia, according to AAPD guidelines. AAPD also says the operating dentist and clinical staff need to maintain current expertise in basic life support in case something goes wrong.

Deaths can also occur with local anesthesia. As of Oct. 2008, it was legal in 43 states for dental hygienists to administer local anesthesia, RDH Magazine reported, and 26 allow them to administer nitrous oxide.

Problems in Pediatric Dental Death Cases

Several problems have been identified in pediatric dental death cases. Dentists' offices may not have working defibrillators as in Raven Blanco's case. Dental personnel may not be trained in life support, despite AAPD guidelines. In Corey Moore's case, the decision to sedate him knowing he'd recently eaten may have contributed to his death. And underlying medical problems may be a factor as in Jermaine Lee Harrison's case.

KRCA reported in 2006 on one pediatric dental death in Sacramento the previous summer that was ruled a homicide. In that case, the dentist reportedly covered 3-year-old Rogelio Campos-Crespo's nose and mouth to calm him and left a 4-inch by 4-inch gauze pad in his mouth, smothering and gagging him.

Jenny Olenick’s parents file suit over her death during dental surgery.

By Kevin Rector, krector@tribune.com

December 13, 2011 | 6:16 p.m.

The parents of a Woodstock teen who died 10 days after losing oxygen during a routine wisdom tooth surgery March 28 in Columbia are suing the anesthesiologist and the oral surgeon involved for medical malpractice, according to court records filed Nov. 30.

The civil suit, which also names three dental practices associated with the doctors, is the latest development in an unusual medical case that shocked the Marriotts Ridge High School community, where Jennifer "Jenny" Michelle Olenick was a smiley, 17-year-old junior involved in choir.

The suit claims that Dr. Krista Michelle Isaacs, the anesthesiologist, and Dr. Domenick Coletti, the oral surgeon, were negligent in their care of Olenick and failed to resuscitate her after her heart rate slowed to a "panic level" of 40 beats per minute and her body began losing oxygen.

The suit claims those failures led to Olenick not having a pulse when emergency responders arrived at Coletti's Columbia office, and that they directly allowed for the "massive and irreversible brain injury" that resulted in her death April 6.

Ben Ellis, 14, dies just hours after having wisdom teeth removed | Mail Online

 

A 14-year-old boy was found dead in his bed the day after having his wisdom teeth removed, Wednesday December 8, 2011.

Ben Ellis, from Gilmer County, Georgia, had the dental surgery on Wednesday morning. Less than 24 hours later he was dead.

Law enforcement is investigating the boy's mysterious death and will perform an autopsy and toxicology tests, but there is said to be a history of seizures in the family, which Ben has suffered from before.

Ben’s family told the Sheriff's Office that he seemed fine on Wednesday after the surgery, according to wsbtv.com.

'He had dental surgery at approximately 10:30 on Wednesday morning. Through the rest of the day he seemed to be doing fine. He went to bed.

'Through the day he had taken one penicillin tablet and one Oxycodone, that we’re aware of. They (his parents) checked on him around 1am, and again, he was doing fine.

'Then at 6am, when they went to get him up, they found him deceased,' Lt Frank Coleman said.

Ben Ellis, 14, dies just hours after having wisdom teeth removed | Mail Online

Dental Dreams to Healthy Smiles ?

 

Not sure about the rest of the country but in Louisiana the people who own that nasty little dental mill referred to as Dental Dreams, go under the name Health Smiles, LLC as of July 2011.

There are lots of employment ads out there, all have Chryrisse Patterson, Director of Human Resourses name attached to them.  People are to email her at cipatterson@kosservices.com. 

Kos Services is owned by Khurram Hussain, Dr. Sameera Hussain’s other half.

 

A google search on these two will give you lots of nasty stuff, including the fact they had a teen die after treatment at one of their clinics earlier 2011.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So who is Dr. Paulina Demos-Arne who has registered Health Smiles in Louisiana, well she’s not the “owner” of Health Smiles, I bet.

Mobile: Jury deadlocked in trial of Lansing-area dentist | The Republic

Mobile: Jury deadlocked in trial of Lansing-area dentist | The Republic

Top Ten Nation: Top 10: Best Ways To Avoid Litigation In Dentistry

Here is what was suggested over at TopTenNation.com.  I say these are probably NOT the top ten!!!

Top Ten Nation: Top 10: Best Ways To Avoid Litigation In Dentistry

Practicing dentists always dread a few aspects of their careers and being sued by an angry patient, or even having a complaint filed against you can ruin not only your day but destroy your happiness for months on end. Top Ten Nation believes being prudent starts in dental school. Develop good habits in dental school and continue throughout your practicing life. So what habits or tricks should you know early on? Read on and find out!
This article is not written by an attorney and this article does not in any way shape or form replace advice by an attorney. Always consult your attorney first and foremost when it comes to litigation or protection from litigation.

Top 10 Things To Know To Avoid Getting Sued As A Dentist

1. Have knowledge about who is most likely to sue or complain
Having a complaint filed against you to your state, territorial, or provincial dental board can mean missing valuable productive days as a dentist. So who complains the most when you’re practicing? You’d imagine at first it might be your irate patients. Think again! Most complaints to dental boards that dentists encounter are actually filed against them by their own employees! Employees can complain against their dentist employers for multiple reasons, but most reasons generally involve instances where employees are made to do something they believe is wrong in the first place. Forcing your employees to cut corners, jeopardize sterilization standards, or even perform tasks that demean or embarrass them can lead to complaints. Treat your employees like family and avoid litigation, treat them like subordinates and expect litigation!
2. Documentation
Quality records and chart entries reflect quality patient care, especially in the minds of tribunals/jurors. We all know this. Additional things to keep in mind in this regard:
- Make the chart entry as soon as possible after the patient’s visit
- Sign or initial the entry to clearly identify who made the entry
- Make the entry clear, concise and complete
- Do not note fees in the clinical record
- Do not make negative remarks about the patient

 

ADA, AGD, AAPD, ASDA, ACP, AAE and American Association of Dental Boards… all same Chicago address….hmmm

American Dental Association

Academy of General Dentistry

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry

American Student Dental Association

American College of Prosthodontists

American Association of Endodontists

and…drum roll please…..

The American Association of Dental Boards

I’m sure there are more….but these “associations” are all located in the same building in Chicago, IL.

211 E. Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

DR. CHRISTOPHER JON FREYERMUTH D.M.D–Smile Center, Plymouth MA billed for services he’s not qualified to perform–Othodontics

Mass. dentist accused of $250K in Medicare fraud

By DrBicuspid Staff

Dr. Bicuspid story here

December 12, 2011 -- SmileCenter, a dental office in Plymouth, MA, received at least $253,519 in unallowable reimbursements from MassHealth, the state's Medicaid program, according to the state auditor's office.

Most of the billing was for orthodontic services performed by a dentist who did not possess the required accreditation, State Auditor Suzanne Bump stated in a press release.

According to MassHealth regulations, dentists who practice orthodontics must complete a minimum of two years of training in a specialized program administered by the ADA.

SmileCenter's sole dentist, who is also its sole proprietor, did not complete such a program, but still billed and received $201,509 from MassHealth for orthodontic services.

As a result of the investigation, MassHealth will terminate SmileCenter's specialty as an orthodontic practice, transfer its members for treatment to other dentists, and seek restitution, according to the state auditor.

Small Smiles – Church Street Health Management restructuring

I’m hearing there are changes happening all over the place at CSHM.  I know none of this as fact, just rumors, but interesting rumors I must say.
1. Michael Lindley – Fired
2. Al Smith – Fired
3. Todd Cruse – Promoted to replace Michael Lindley
4. Jason Owen – the South and West Regional Manager – Fired
5. Looking for yet another Compliance Officer – seems they have serious issues in this area doesn’t it.
6. Dr. Olivia Croon – Promoted to regional manager, possibly to replace non-dentist Jason Owen.  Remains “co-fake owner”of Ohio clinics.  Poor Jason, guess he will have to get out there and “eat what he kills” as well.
7. Toledo dental center, where Dr. Croon is “lead dentist” is being closed
8. Dr. Kevin Reilly – North and East regional manager promoted.
9. Dr. Marlene Navaro hired to replace Dr. Kevin Reilly as North and East regional manager.
10. Rodney Cawood – Filing state documents changing their Registered Agent in several states.  Something, Linda Zoeller usually does.  Changing from CT Corporation Systems to National Registered Agents

Dr. Edward Dove - Bakersfield Dentist gets high-profile attention

If your child was hurt, injured, over treated or mistreated by Dr. Edward Dove, Email Me for more information about this dentist.

High-profile attorney enters fray over controversial dentist
BY KELLIE SCHMITT Californian staff writer
kschmitt@bakersfield.com | Saturday, Dec 03 2011 09:00 PM

Photo details at end of article

As the California Dental Board investigates claims that a Bakersfield dentist mistreated his young patients, some families are seeking representation from a high-profile Colorado attorney.

In August, dozens of local parents formed a Facebook group alleging Dr. Edward Dove improperly cared for their children, including scratching and hitting them while they were not sufficiently numb and restrained with Velcro straps.

This week, a representative from Dove's office said the dentist had no comment, and that office staff had been instructed not to discuss the matter, either. In a previous interview, Dove, who currently has a clean disciplinary record, told The Californian that he gave excellent care and that the parents were inventing the allegations.

Attorney Jim Moriarty, who said he's ready to sign with the parents, has been involved in several national healthcare matters -- including a case against Tenet Healthcare for unnecessary heart procedures at a Redding facility. That case that resulted in a $430 million settlement for the plaintiffs and a $24 million payout to the government.

More recently, Moriarty is representing hundreds of plaintiffs in a case unrelated to Dove against Small Smiles dental centers, a chain of clinics that serves low-income families throughout the nation.  (Moriarty contract information in the right had column-Jim Moriarty)

Moriarty alleges the chain makes money "by exploiting the Medicaid system," and doing unnecessary procedures that "traumatize" children. In that case, Moriarty has investigated what he describes as routine over-treatment and extremely fast care that "can't be done without emotionally and physically traumatizing children."

Moriarty, who met with some Bakersfield parents in October, said he was drawn to the local case in part because of its extraordinary mobilization effort. Parent Chris Cook, who was angry about his son's care, created a Facebook site that ultimately attracted hundreds of fellow parents, supporters and observers. The site drew patients from both Dove's Bakersfield and Chatsworth offices, who did not know each other previously.

"What Cook and these parents have done is sheer brilliance," Moriarty said. "They've done more to shine the light on this issue than any other parents in the country."

Dentist accused of Medicaid fraud–Utica, NY

Dentist accused of Medicaid fraud, pleads not-guilty

By WKTV News

Story Created: Dec 6, 2011 EST  

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - A local dentist is facing charges, accused of Medicaid fraud.

Dr. James Deyulio was doing work out of a local nursing home where the alleged fraud took place. According to the New York State Attorney General's Office, Deyulio is now charged with grand larceny.

He pleaded not-guilty to those charges in Oneida County Court on Tuesday, where the Oneida County District Attorney's Office offered him a plea deal.
Deyulio will return to Oneida County Court on January 6 to let the judge know whether he will accept or reject the plea offer.

The charges stem from work he did at a local nursing home, but authorities will not say which nursing home he was working at.

Child in braces for 9 years!–More Texas Medicaid Fraud Exposed

by BYRON HARRIS

Bio | Email

WFAA

Posted on December 6, 2011 at 10:41 PM

DALLAS - When you don't have much money, and receive medical and dental care at state expense, it's rare to complain.

Texas received only 712 complaints from Medicaid patients in the last year. But sometimes the quality of care becomes so questionable, patients speak up.
The case of a Garland girl points to some weaknesses in Medicaid Orthodontics, a program that's paid out hundreds of millions of dollars to Texas dentists in the last three years.

You can actually watch Anntornett Taylor grow up through her dental records, in the still photos taken of her when she visited her orthodontist. Medicaid paid for her first set of braces when she was 12 years old. Now she is 21. She has had braces for nine years. And they are still on.

"It would be extremely unusual for a patient to be in braces for nine years," said Dr. Larry Tadlock, Associate Clinical Professor at Baylor College of Dentistry.
That fact is lost neither on Anntornett, or her mother. Her records show her treatment was to have been completed several times in the last six years - in 2006, in 2008, and 2010. But inexplicably to the Taylors, the braces have not been removed.

"Every time they told me they'd be through in a couple of months," Antornette said. "Then a couple of months come, we'll be through in a couple of months. There's always something."

Lawyer wins braces for kids — and catches flak

 

Lawyer wins braces for kids — and catches flak

A week or two vacation to Texas would have gotten these kids braces.

Heartland Dental, ReachOut America, Dental One, and others...

I notice a lot of folks visit this blog looking for information on Heartland dental; complaints, fraud and lawsuits.  Same with this rogue Reachout Healthcare America mobile dental setup.  If you've got something you would like to share, email here.  

Thor:  

Don't go nuts, this has nothing whatsoever to do with CSHM!

IS INDIVIDUAL DENTAL COVERAGE A GOOD IDEA?

By Dr. Henry Kim D.M.D.
December 4, 2011

Your friends that work for big business have dental plans. You hear them talk about it paying for so much of their dental needs: crowns to make their front teeth pretty, and braces for their kids. You are self-employed, or work for a small family-owned business. It’s only natural to want the same great deal your friends have. Then you see a poster on a telephone pole, advertising a great family dental plan. It will cost only $20 a month, but supposedly save you 30, 40 or even 50 percent on the cost of dentistry. Should you bite?

First, it is interesting to note that dental “insurance” (a misnomer if there ever was one) was not invented as a cost-efficient way to make dental care more affordable. It was an animal birthed by labor unions in the late 1950s. They correctly saw that high progressive tax rates of the era would wipe out a lot of any wage increases they negotiated. So instead, they pushed for dental insurance, which let them shield wages from taxes.So corporate dental plans were really a clumsy and inefficient idea that were not well conceived. At least 30%, and sometimes up to 50%, of dental premium dollars is eaten up by claims administration. Not a good deal at all!

Once instituted, dental insurance became a sought-after employee benefit in the non-union sector as well. It offered the same tax-shielding benefits for non-union employees. Unfortunately, no one ever examined the efficiency or wisdom of the convoluted claims administration process employed by dental “insurance” carriers.

Blogging dentist unloads her real feelings. Maybe she picked the wrong profession.

This 36 year old dentist’s name is Lora, she is a dentist in…drum roll please…. Colorado!

← The Big Reveal

10 Reasons Your Dentist Probably Hates You Too

Posted on November 28, 2011 by lolabees

Now that I’ve left my career and cut some dead weight out of my life, I feel ready to look back and have a laugh– or just finally be able openly bitch about it.  So here’s my confession: I am a dentist who really didn’t love the dentist either being a dentist.  A few months ago I came across a funny post titled, “10 Reasons I Hate The Dentist.“  It appeared right when I was in the thick of my career transition.  It inspired me to write this, so, RedHead Chronicles, thank you for the inspiration.

10 Reasons Your Dentist Probably Hates You Too

1.  The first thing you say when you sit down in my chair is, “I hate the dentist.”  Really?!?  Did your parents teach you any manners?  Did they ever teach you that it is impolite to tell someone you hate them the moment you greet them?  What I really want to say back is, “aww, I hate you too.”

2.  You come to your appointment, and it’s obvious you haven’t brushed your teeth in days.  I’ve had some people with great hygiene come in and apologize because they’ve just eaten lunch and couldn’t brush.  This is not what I’m talking about.  I mean food and thick plaque everywhere.  After 10 years of seeing blood and rotten teeth and some really nasty things, this is still the 1 thing that makes me dry heave.  You know when you come to us that we have to be in your mouth.  Would you clean your home before having company?  Additionally, I have spent hours literally bending over backwards repairing your teeth.  Could you at least pretend that you are caring for the work that I have struggled to complete for you?

Dr. Wendell A. Racetter–Multiple offender finally goes on trial

  Late update Wednesday 11-30-2011

Lansing Michigan Journal

LSJ.com  -  November 28, 2011 - Jury selection is underway in the trial of a 65-year-old dentist accused of sexually assaulting a child patient more than a decade ago.

Wendell Alan Racette, 65, of Delta Township, faces multiple counts of first- and second-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Authorities have said that the assaults happened between 1996 and 2000 at Racette's former office on East Saginaw Street in Lansing, when the former male patient, now 21, was between the ages of 5 and 10. The Lansing State Journal does not identify alleged victims of sexual crimes.

The alleged victim contacted Lansing police in December 2010 and made the accusations. Charges were filed in January of this year.

Racette was accused of sexual abuse twice in the 1990s, officials have said, but no charges were filed.

In the late-1990s, a state attorney general’s investigation found Racette performed shoddy work on four children. He was charged with misdemeanor child abuse based on allegations he harmed children's teeth, including allowing fillings to decay. Those charges eventually were dropped.

He also has been convicted of Medicaid fraud twice, dating back to the early 1980s, and had his license suspended and then revoked by the state in 2001. He sued to have it reinstated, and in 2009 was issued a limited license, state records show.

The trial is in Ingham County Circuit Court before Judge William Collette.

Update: Wednesday November 30,  2011

MASON - A 21-year-old man who says his pediatric dentist sexually assaulted him multiple times more than a decade ago gave graphic descriptions Tuesday of some of the alleged assaults.

The man described being raped on a couch in the dentist's private office on one occasion as the dentist twisted one arm behind his back and pushed his face into a cushion.

"I still remember what that couch tasted like," the alleged victim testified on the second day of the trial of Wendell Alan Racette.

The alleged victim further testified he passed out on the couch, where he had been taken to "sleep off" the effects of nitrous oxide. When he woke up, in extreme pain, he testified, Racette was getting dressed.

Racette had a warning, the man said: "He told me if I told anybody, he'd kill me and do it to my sister."

Racette, 65, of Delta Township, is charged with four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct involving penetration and 11 counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, involving touching.

Prosecutors say the assaults happened between 1996 and 2000 at Racette's former office on East Saginaw Street in Lansing, when the alleged victim was between the ages of 5 and 10. The Lansing State Journal does not identify alleged victims of sexual crimes.

The case is in Ingham County Circuit Court before Judge William Collette.

The alleged victim contacted Lansing police in December 2010 and made the accusations. Charges were filed in January.

Racette's attorney, Chris Bergstrom, began questioning the alleged victim late Tuesday afternoon. Bergstrom will continue his cross-examination when the trial continues Thursday.

In opening statements Monday, Bergstrom said testimony would show patients were never led to Racette's private office after being administered nitrous oxide.

The effects of the gas, he said, typically wear off in minutes.

He said the alleged victim's accusations were, in many cases, not physically possible.

Also Tuesday, the alleged victim testified the most terrifying moments happened in a treatment room, where he said Racette would belittle him in front of office assistants, hold him down and intentionally inflict pain when drilling.

"The more you would fight, the more painful it would be," he said.

Intentionally inflicting pain on young children was common at the practice, according to the testimony of former employee Joyce Sample-Franco. So was screaming, she said.

"I saw him drill without anaesthesia down to the nerve," she said, adding that Racette regularly yelled at the children.

Sample-Franco testified that she once asked Racette why he was doing that. He responded that it was faster, she said.

Racette - who has been convicted of Medicaid fraud twice and once was charged with misdemeanor child abuse - had his license suspended and then revoked by the state in 2001.

He sued to have it reinstated, and in 2009 was issued a limited license, state records show.

Church Street Health Management and FORBA Services new address

Well, it’s not really new, only the suite number has changed, but still…

It’s now:

Church Street Health Management – Small Smiles Dental Centers

618 Church Street
Suite 130  (used to be 520)
Nashville, TN  37219

Wonder if the top 4 floors blew off down there recently!  lol  Sorry, but it was funny.   

California Dental Association sues the state Medicaid Association

CDA sues government over Medicaid cutbacks

By DrBicuspid Staff

November 22, 2011 -- The California Dental Association (CDA) has joined forces with the California Medical Association (CMA), the California Pharmacists Association (CPhA), and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores in a federal lawsuit against the California Department of Healthcare Services (DHCS) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services protesting proposed cutbacks to the state's Medicaid reimbursement system.

Read the rest of the story at Dr. Biscupid

Wonder why the CDA hasn’t sued because of the waste and fraud?  Why has the CDA not taken action in house to bring an end to the waste and fraud?  Surely is it not because they are the problem and crying for a bigger piece of the pie!  Who is really behind the lawsuit?   

I’ll say it again, for the millionth time, and I’ll keep saying it, stop the abuse and fraud and there is plenty money to pay for treatment to those who need treatment.  But to stop it, dentists and dental associations have to get involved and quit leaving it to the public to fix the mess!  We can only do so much out here!!

Thanks

When given the opportunity to do what is right, correct a wrong, and end the child abuse, how do you explain not taking it? You can't, not really.

I'll be giving thanks this holiday season for all those who take the opportunity they have been given.

Smith and Lindley

 11-1-2011
I heard Al Smith and Michael Lindley are no longer President and CEO of Church Street Health Management/Small Smiles dental.

True? I don't know.

update:  11-10-2011
Confirmed!
Michale Lindley is "no longer with the company"

Still working on ole Alford Joseph.

update: 11-18-2011

I hear Todd Cruse has been put in charge to guard the hen house, taking Lindley's place.
Still not sure about Smith.

Stockton, California 4 year old, dead after dental surgery

 

RECORD Net

By Joe Goldeen

Record Staff Writer

November 16, 2011 12:00 AM

STOCKTON - On Friday, Dominique Smith brought her son Jermaine, 4, to a dentist in Oakland. She later left him with the Alameda County coroner.

Something went wrong after Jermaine was given an oral anesthetic to calm him down and subdue any pain caused by the dental procedure intended to remove some rotten teeth and cap some others. The family wants some answers.

Jermaine died after doctors unsuccessfully attempted to revive him, administering chest compressions for up to 45 minutes, his family said.

On Aug. 6, 2007, in Stockton Jermaine Lee Harrison was born with a hole in the wall that separates the right and left ventricles of his heart. He required open-heart surgery and, about 12 months later, he had a pacemaker installed. Three years later, he was thriving and healthy, his family said.

"He was playful. He never wanted to stay in the house. He was a jolly little boy, a happy little boy," said his grandmother, Pamela McElroy of Stockton, who accompanied her daughter and grandson to Children's Hospital and Research Center Oakland last week where the dental procedure was scheduled.

Children's Hospital Oakland was familiar with Jermaine's medical history, the family said, because that's where his initial open-heart surgery was and where he returned every six months for a cardiology checkup.

The family is at a loss on what to do next. An autopsy report on the cause of death from the Coroner's Bureau of the Alameda County Sheriff's Office is not due for about a month, according to a coroner's spokesman who said it is standard procedure.

A spokeswoman for Children's Hospital Oakland said late Tuesday neither she nor hospital staff could speak about any aspect of the case without written consent from the family, which they are working on obtaining.

Anyone wishing to contact the family may call McElroy at (209) 271-3401.

Contact reporter Joe Goldeen at (209) 546-8278 or jgoldeen@recordnet.com. Visit his blog at recordnet.com/goldeenblog.

---

STOCKTON, Calif. (KCRA) -- A 4-year-old Stockton boy who survived three open-heart surgeries died Friday while having his teeth capped.

The boy’s grandmother, Pamela McElroy, said she watched as he was taken into an operating room. She never saw him alive again.

The cause of death remains a mystery, and an official at Oakland Children’s Hospital – where the dental surgery was performed Friday – said an investigation is underway.

“I just want to know what went wrong,” McElroy said.

Strange visitors indeed

Over the last 5 days there has been an increase in web traffic here.  Some of the search terms used are:

Todd Cruse
Forba Nashville Closing
Stockton 4 year old death
Eight dental office closed over billing news 8
Smile Starters Complaints
Heartland Dental Complaints
Neta DeRose Obituary

Xerox owned company contributing to dental Medicaid fraud; Fraud from the dental office to the billing processor exposed

It’s apparent to me that neither private companies or government operated health care can operate and deliver healthcare to American’s for a fair price, since theft of taxpayer dollars is part of the business plan.  I’ve said all along that people who think Obama Care will solve the problems are so wrong.  Some seem to think the government will actually operate it—which somehow would be better.  But that simply isn’t the case folks.  The government will hand out contracts to greedy corporations to oversee and operate.  The same corporations who donate and lobby our lawmakers.  All I can see Obama care doing is giving the government the ability to add their favored companies to the free-for-all raiding of the taxpayer money pot. 
 
 
Byron Harris
November 11, 2011

DALLAS - Claims procedures discovered in a News 8 investigation of "Your tax dollars aren't working," said a former claims specialist, one of several News 8 has interviewed. "You're paying for [dental] services that shouldn't be paid for."the Texas Medicaid Dental program may apply to the whole country, because of the payment process employed by a major government contractor.
In a series of investigative reports over the last several months, News 8 discovered hundreds of millions of dollars in Medicaid billing for orthodontics. Now it appears the problems, which have triggered a federal audit, may be linked as much to the way the claims are approved, as they are to the individual dentists involved.
It turns out that the claims examiners are paid by quantity, and not
Employees who might have been making $20 per claim two years ago, now are making $10 per claim. To take home the same pay, they have to push nearly twice as many claims through the system.

"People didn't know how they were going to make their mortgage payment, their car payment, pay their babysitter because every time they turned around, their pay was being reduced again because corporate felt they were making too much money," a former employee said. necessarily quality, under a program called Activity Based Compensation, or ABC. The more claims they process, the more money they make, creating a strong incentive not to take too much time with each one.
"Your tax dollars aren't working," said a former claims specialist, one of several News 8 has interviewed. "You're paying for [dental] services that shouldn't be paid for."

Latest Small Smiles Job Postings

Wait a minute, I thought Church Street Health Management was simply a “management company” contracted with dental centers to manage day to day operations.  (sarcasm) Hmmm… 

They aren’t even telling folks this is to work at their Small Smiles Dental Centers.

If anyone reading this ad has a brain cell one left, do NOT call Jacob!  It’s a trap you don’t want to be caught up in…  I promise! But if you are here at this website, you likely already know that, don’t you?

Here’s a current job posting:

Lawsuit on behalf of 23 Smile Center patients was filed sued by parents

Wednesday November 9, 2011
WOIA TV


Reported by: Brian Collister
Email: BrianCollister@woaitv.com
A chain of dental clinics here in San Antonio is hit with a massive lawsuit filed by parents who took their children to The Smile Center.

The court action is more fallout from my investigation into the clinics and allegations it did unnecessary work at taxpayers expense.

The lawsuit filed Wednesday on behalf of 23 children alleges the Smile center would routinely recommend unnecessary and excessive dental services.

The lawyer filing the suit says this is the first of many to come as they prepare to file on behalf of one-hundred children.

“The lawsuit alleges and we intend to prove with substantial evidence that a lot of the dental care received by these children was unnecessary and improper”, says Attorney Tom Crosley.
Read the entire story at WOIA TV
If your child was injured due to dental treatment received at The Smile Center, Kool Smiles or other Medicaid dental centers in San Antonio contact attorney Tom Crosley for a free case review at:
Crosley Law Firm P.C. Free Case Review
Injured Smile Center Patients Information
Attorney Tom Crosley named Texas Super Lawyer for 2011

I think Kool Smiles Dental press releases about “new jobs” is very misleading

Over the past several days Kool Smiles Dental (NCDR, LLC) has published press releases about their expansion, growth and plans to hire from 80 to 100 jobs in various states. i.e. South Carolina to get 100 new jobs, Virginia blessed with 100, Indiana 88 new jobs.
Using buzz words and phrases such as “expansion”, “bright economic outlook” “provide jobs” leaves the reader feeling warm and fuzzy about Kool Smiles doesn’t it?  Heck they are providing dental treatment for underprivileged children and children whose parents have fallen on hard times due to the poor economy and bleak job outlook.  As the cherry on top they state they are providing jobs for states and local communities. 
FANTASTIC!
Shoot, they even have lawmakers commenting about the fabulous news:

Just saying...

The only thing worse than bad people doing bad things is good people doing nothing.

North Carolina Dental Board nixed Heartland Dental’s attempt to take root, taking the bull by the horns.

It looks like North Carolina is taking the lead to put an end to the corporate take over of dentistry.  Now, if they would just look into the Smile Starters agreement with Root Dental Management, and the sales agreement between Dr. Rivera and Dr. Michael DeRose another income flow to the DeRose family might be cut off. 

If you want to understand how the corporation do business, you should read this.  It lays it all out for you.

North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners (NCBDE)

vs.

Heartland Dental Care, Inc
d/b/a Heartland Management, Inc
Gary Cameron and Associates, P.C and';
Gary L. Cameron, DDS

Case 11-CVS-2343

Heartland Dental Permanent Injunction

The NCBDE filed a complaint in Superior Court, Randolph County, North Carolina in September accusing Heartland Dental of implementing a series of transactions, contracts, documents and agreements to which Dr. Gary Cameron, DDS of Asheboro, North Carolina unlawfully transferred to Heartland Dental; Ownership, Management, Supervision and Control of his dental practice, Asheboro Dental Care..

Dr. Cameron was selling his dental practice to a corporation, “an unlicensed individual or entity.”

Heartland denied Dr. Cameron transferred ownership or management to anyone and maintained Dr. Cameron merely sold certain assets to Heartland then entered into a lawful management agreement with Heartland.

This violates North Carolina’s Dental Practice Act (N.C. Gen. Stat. 90-22) and the Management Arrangement Rule (21 N.C. Admin. Code 126X.0101).

Heartland Dental denied the allegation that Dr. Gary Cameron transferred ownership or management to anyone and maintained Dr. Cameron merely sold certain assets to Heartland Dental then entered into a lawful management agreement with Heartland.

[I’m seriously trying not to roll on the floor while laughing at Heartland’s position]

However, in 2009, Dr. Cameron hired Roger K. Hill and Company to assess and valuate his dental practice and provide him with a valuation of $2,350,800.00.  I’m not even going to get into what was likely done to make sure the the clinic had a high value.

By December 1, 2009 Dr. Cameron and Heartland agreed on a price of $2,450,000.00 PLUS the value of his accounts receivable and entered into a “Letter of Intent to Acquire Certain Assets”.  In this letter of intent it listed the “assets of the Seller” to be:

”All operating assets, leasehold improvements, office equipment, dental equipment, supplies, inventory, trade receivables, licenses, contracts,
trademarks, and other tangible and intangible property necessary to the operation of the Seller”

In January 2010 Dr. Cameron established a new company called Gary Cameron and Associates, P. C. with him being the sole owner.

Is this Kool Smiles way of pretending they are paying back the millions defrauded or trying to head off some bad publicity in the works?

Can you consider  “patient shopping” a donated service?  Here is their Press Release for today:

Kool Smiles Donates $12.5 Million in Dental Services to Underserved Communities and Launches Facebook Campaign to Donate a Toothbrush for Every "Like"

ATLANTA, Nov 4, 2011  Kool Smiles is proud to announce that so far this year it has donated over $12.5 million in free dental services to underserved communities. In celebration, they are launching a new Facebook page. In addition to keeping the community engaged in its vision and efforts to increase accessible dental health nationwide, the page allows individuals to have an impact on the wellbeing of children in need. For every "Like" the Kool Smiles Facebook page receives, a toothbrush will be donated to an underserved child.

Quality dental care at a young age plays an important role in both the physical and psychological well-being of children and adults. Now, Kool Smiles is empowering every person who "likes" its efforts by donating a free toothbrush and is prepared to provide up to a million toothbrushes for a million healthy smiles.

Dr. Tung Thai Nguyen Pleads Guilty To Health Care Fraud-Greensboro, NC

  NC Dental Board Action 2009

Silva and Silva DMD Pllc 
(used to be Nguyen, Silva and Silva, P.A. D.M.D –dissolved 1-12-2011)
Silva and Silva, LLC
Dr. Enrico Silva
Dr. Ha Hguyen Silva
1505 West Lee Street
Greensboro, NC  27403
336-510-2600

November 4, 2011
From WMFY News

Greensboro, NC-- A Greensboro dentist has admitted to health care fraud. 

Thursday, the US Attorney's Office accepted a plea deal with Tung Thai Nguyen. Nguyen pleaded guilty to health care fraud charges in connection with false claims submitted to Medicaid.

Dr. Nguyen, 40, pleaded guilty, in A Winston-Salem federal court room,  to two counts of violating health care fraud and one count of violating 18 false entries in a matter involving a health care benefit program.

According to documents filed in Court, Dr. Nguyen submitted claims to the Medicaid program for dental restorations not actually performed. Dr. Nguyen also submitted a claim to the Medicaid program for the installation of one type of partial denture when he actually furnished a less expensive and different partial denture to the patient.

Nguyen will be sentence in February 2012. He faces the maximum possible penalty for a health care fraud violation, which is not more than ten years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release not to exceed three years. The maximum possible penalty for a false entry violation is not more than five years imprisonment, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release not to exceed three years.

The Court may also order the defendant to pay restitution to the health care benefit program.

The case was investigated by the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the North Carolina Attorney General's Medicaid Investigations Unit and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert Hamilton.

So why are there no Medicaid dental mills in Florida?

Florida ranks near the bottom in access to dental care.  So why are the dental mills staying away; other than the denture places like Aspen? I’d like to hear your thoughts on why Florida is spared.
cckaddie@yahoo.com or post in the comment section.

5TH Circuit Court of Appeal Declares Florida Medicaid Fraud Statute 409.920(2) (A) Unconstitutional
from South Florida Health Care News 

This case deals with two very important subjects: The ability of Healthcare providers to market using practice management companies as well as reaffirming the principle in Florida that one cannot be criminally liable for filing a false claim by accident , error or negligence

Facts

In 2001, two Miami dentists contracted with a dental management company to open a dental office in Orlando Florida. The management company agreed to provide a turn-key dental facility. In addition, the dental management company would manage the business and marketing aspects of the practice including marketing the dental practice to Medicaid eligible recipients. In return the management company is paid between 42% and 43% of the compensation received by the dentists for their services.

In 2003, the state filed a 130 count information against appellees Sonia Guzman and Ana Maria Mendez and three co-defendants John Rubio, Ileana Martin-Fernandez and Gustavo Fernandez. Counts I and 2 charged all defendants with racketeering and conspiracy to commit racketeering in violation of section 895.03, Florida Statutes. Counts 3 — 55 charged various defendants with Medicaid provider fraud in violation of section 409.920(2) (a), Florida Statutes. Counts 56 — 129 charged various defendants with patient brokering by engaging in a split-fee arrangement in violation of section 817.505, Florida Statutes. Count 130 charged all defendants with violating the White Collar Crime Victim Protection Act, section 775.0844, Florida Statutes.

Assess, Communicate, Decide; guidelines impossible for dentists working for corporate dental mills

The American College of Dentists (ACD) produces a card for the wallet that contains on one side the Core Values, which guide the ethical behavior of Fellows of the ACD, and on the reverse a list of questions called the ACD Test for Ethical Decisions, following the ACD acronym.

Assess
Is it true?
Is it accurate?
Is it fair?
Is it quality?
Is it legal?

Communicate
Have you listened?
Have you informed the patient?
Have you explained outcomes?
Have you presented alternatives?

Decide
Is now the best time?
Is it within your ability?
Is it in the best interest of the patient?
Is it what you would want for yourself?
This is a simplified but excellent reminder.

PC Holder = Owner Dentist

Just saying...

Sugar plums can dance in one's head.