Thursday, May 27, 2010
GASP!! Kool Smiles To Do Study For Virginia; Chief Dental Officer On Board; Dr. Tran (owner) Under Review In IN and GA
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!
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.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
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
Sunday, May 23, 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!
Friday, May 21, 2010
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 neededQualifications :
• 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 MUSTTo 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.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Kool Smiles Everett Washington Complaint
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.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
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.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Sobering Reminder To Crown Happy Medicaid Dentist and Medicaid Dental Corporations
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.
Senator David Jordan of Mississippi Needs Wake Up Call In Regards to Kool Smiles!
"It would be like a band of angels coming into the Delta," Jordan said during a visit and tour of the North Jackson office.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Yazoo City getting toothbrushes from Kool Smiles...??
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 Dentist Office Accused of Abuse WTVWSide 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.
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...
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.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
NCDR and DMPS - (Kool Smiles 1 and Kool Smiles 2 to merge)
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.
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
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, 2010Parents 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
Friday, April 30, 2010
Meet Dr. David M. Strange, Jr. Faux Chief Dental Officer For Kool Smiles
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.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Sealant Recommended By DentaQuest, formerly Doral
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!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Free CE for Small Smiles, Kool Smiles, Adventure Dental and Ocean Dental Dentists
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.
Kool Smiles Ad For Employment Reveals Disregard For Quality Care
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 ...
Monday, April 26, 2010
FORBA Small Smiles Employees CIA Compliance Is Up To You; Includes Warning To Future Employees
Friday, April 23, 2010
Kool Smiles Offers To Sponsor Forgein Nationals To Come To US And Fill Their Clinics
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
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Maybe You Should Request Sealants Instead of Root Canal and Cap
Learn About Dental (tooth) Sealants here.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Tidbits Of Kool Smiles Information
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
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?
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.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
FORBA’s 1,000 Toothbrushes to Haiti Requires Two Days of Press Releases! Embarrassing!
Friday, April 16, 2010
FORBA sending toothbrushes to Haiti, Oh NO!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
FORBA – Go Straight to... Haiti And Take Your Toothbrushes With You
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.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Dr. Robert Andrus Back In Business, Giggles
Dr. Robert (Bob) Andrus |
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."
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Dentists Associated With Kool Smiles, Evansville, Indiana Operation
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
FORBA Worried About Adventure Dental's Employee Benefits
"adventure dental employee benefits" |
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Pueblo Gala Only Raises $2000; 400 People Attended, Including Dan DeRose
Posted: Sunday, March 28, 2010 12:00 amBy SANDY STEIN | THE PUEBO CHIEFTAIN | 0 commentsCustom 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.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Another Day Another Claim
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
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Database Is Growing
Actually 2 in Maryland, one is pending.
...and one that really has me concerned is Janis P. Madkins, DDS. This one has licenses here and there and back again...down to Karuk Tribe Happy Camp, CA
FORBA Rented Your Dental Licenses?
They didn't mention that Dr. Mohammad Reza Akbar doesn't even live in Kansas!"It is not uncommon for doctors and dentists to hire or outsource various professional and specialized services, including advertising, computer technical support, legal advice, and even human resource specialists to assist them in managing their practices. For example, the Kansas Medical Society created a practice management firm to provide a broad range of office management services to physician practices around the state. Such services are provided under a management services agreement, include a variety of services and are done for a negotiated fee, much like our agreement with Dr. Reza."
Michael Lindley has been making a living off the skins of children in the US for years. Her deserves a who blog to himself:
Just to name a few:
Tulsa dentist, Dr. William Letcher accused of mixing pain killing cocktail for patients, without patients knowledge
Posted: Mar 12, 2010 4:18 PM CST
Updated: Mar 13, 2010 2:10 PM CST
Featured Video
Enlarge this pictureTulsa Dentist Dr. William Letcher will face charges at the State Dental Board on Friday.
Enlarge this pictureThe dentist, who also got in trouble with the board in 1995 and 2000, is accused of using his patients' drugs himself among other things.
Enlarge this pictureDr. Letcher's attorney says the accusations come from a disgruntled former employee.By Lori Fullbright, The News On 6
TULSA, OK -- A Tulsa dentist is being accused of being a drug addict, using patients as guinea pigs and performing procedures without permits. The State Board of Dentistry has called an emergency hearing to hear the case against Dr. William Letcher next week.
It's not the first time Dr. Letcher has been in trouble. In 1995, the board put him on two-year probation after he admitted he failed to keep track of a large number of controlled drugs, like hydrocodone and valium.
In 2000, his license was suspended for a year, and he got another four years probation. That time he was ordered to get treatment for alcohol addiction, admitted giving controlled drugs to family members and performing procedures prohibited by the state.
This time, the accusations call him negligent, incompetent and a menace to public health.
Dr. Bill Letcher has had a dental license in Oklahoma since 1976. The latest allegations cover the past year and accuse him of being addicted to drugs and using his practice to divert controlled drugs from his patients for his own personal use.
It says patients have called after surgery, saying medication is missing from their bottle.
Another allegation is that Dr. Letcher has mixed morphine and septocaine to see if the combination of pain killers works better than morphine alone, but not telling patients he's doing it - essentially making them test subjects.
Another claim is that while he's allowed to administer conscious sedation, he lets patients become unconscious - which he's not authorized to do - then leaves them alone in the room with a dental assistant.
They say he's dispensing drugs without a permit and lies when he tells patients a resin appliance is better than porcelain ones and that his patented process is superior to traditional methods.
Dr. Letcher's attorney says they just recently received the petition, and the majority of the allegations are based on statements from a disgruntled former employee. He says the doctor will answer the board's questions directly and honestly.
At next Friday's hearing, people can testify, and Dr. Letcher can respond.
The state board could find there's no truth to the claims or find there is and take action on Letcher's license. The News On 6 will report on the outcome.
Hey FORBA when are you going to put the FORBA clinic in Gary, IN on your site?!
I see you have EEHC, Inc registered there as well.