As a renowned local dental practice offering a full range of restorative procedures and TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) therapy, Rodney Baier, DDS’s new range of cosmetic dentistry treatments, including teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and bonding, is designed to boost patients’ confidence by efficiently enhancing the appearance of their smiles.

“Having my wisdom teeth removed in my 20s sparked my commitment to helping people live better lives through better dental health,” said Dr. Rodney Baier, DDS. “I have an undergraduate degree in marketing and was working in sales when I visited a friend—a dentist—in Miami to have my wisdom teeth removed. I spent the entire day at his office and was amazed by the level of care he provided his patients in a friendly office environment. I immediately decided I wanted to help others and become a dentist, and I began taking the required science courses for entry into dental school.”

Committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care to individuals and families in Sandy Springs and nearby areas, Rodney Baier, DDS, takes the time to learn about a patient’s oral health goals before working with them to decide on the perfect treatment customized to meet their personal needs.

Combining this caring approach with Dr. Baier’s expert dental knowledge, patients can trust the highly-rated dental practice to help them attain a bright, radiant smile with its excellent cosmetic dentistry services. These include:

• Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers can cover surface flaws on a patient’s teeth and restore or enhance tooth color. Dr. Baier also uses this technique to help reshape teeth for a better smile. Today’s veneers allow him to preserve as much of the original tooth as possible and bond more strongly than veneers from just a few years ago. They are more color-fast, giving patients a more natural, longer-lasting treatment.
• Whitening: Rodney Baier, DDS, will consider the health of a patient’s teeth and the extent of the staining before prescribing the best professional whitening products to restore the beautiful shine of a smile.
• Bonding and Contouring: Contouring, or reshaping, is used to correct crooked teeth, chipped teeth, cracked teeth, or even overlapping teeth in just one session. Bonding can close gaps, repair chips and cracks, and protect exposed roots to alleviate pain for the patient.
• Invisible Braces: As a renowned dentist in Georgia, Rodney Baier, DDS, offers patients the opportunity to straighten their teeth with a series of clear, plastic aligners that provide a more comfortable and convenient solution compared to traditional metal braces.

Available online 24/7, Rodney Baier, DDS, invites those in the Sandy Springs community to contact his friendly team today via telephone or email to schedule an appointment.

About Rodney Baier, DDS

Rodney Baier, DDS, is an experienced dentist in Atlanta, Georgia, who specializes in individualized restorative and aesthetic dentistry, as well as TMJ therapy.

Dedicated to investing in the latest technology and training for his entire team, Rodney Baier, DDS, is passionate about offering every patient personalized dental care that restores the function and aesthetics of their smile.

More Information

To learn more about Rodney Baier, DDS, and the launch of the practice’s state-of-the-art cosmetic dentistry services in Atlanta, Georgia, please visit the website at https://sandyspringsdentist.dental/.

Sage Dental has acquired six dental practices in South Florida to expand its number of locations to more than 65. These practices are accepting new patients and offering teledentistry screening appointments, virtual check-ins, online scheduling, paperless billing, and more, according to the company.

“We’re excited to expand our footprint to offer Sage’s unique combination of convenient and affordable dental care to more patients in Florida,” said Cindy Roark, DMD, president of Sage Dental Group of Florida.

“Marrying the latest in cutting-edge technology with our team of patient-oriented dentists and hygienists has helped us to achieve high patient satisfaction and mutual trust in a setting that is both safe and convenient,” said Roark.

While the ADA has encouraged patients to continue with regular dental care during the COVID-19 pandemic, patient volumes remain low, with national averages estimated at 76% of pre-pandemic levels, Sage Dental said.

But with its enhanced safety protocols, SageSafe, and the rapid rollout of virtual consultations, Sage Dental said, it not only has continued to treat existing patients but also increase patient volumes to 105% of pre-pandemic levels, in part by offering flexible hours, affordable prices, and safe, effective care.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Sage dentists and staff have continued to treat patients in a safe practice environment using the most up to date infection control processes and equipment available,” said Tom Marler, president and CEO of Sage Dental Management.

“In the year ahead, Sage will continue opening new dental practices staffed with teams dedicated to bringing comprehensive dental care to patients in Florida, Georgia, and beyond,” said Marler.

With the addition of six practices, Sage Dental said, it will serve more than 250,000 patients at 65 locations across Florida and Georgia. The new Florida practices include:

• Sage Dental of Margate
• Sage Dental of West Hollywood
• Sage Dental of Cypress Lakes
• Sage Dental of Lake Park
• Sage Dental of West Lake Worth
• Sage Dental of Polo Grounds

Also, the company has added Mark Brockelman as senior vice president and chief financial officer and David Tripp as chief human resources officer.

Brockelman has extensive experience in accounting, financial planning and analysis, mergers and acquisitions, and financial leadership across private equity and growth-oriented companies, Sage Dental said.

Previously, Brockelman was chief financial officer at National Dentex Corporation, iRise Spine and Joint Institute, GardaWorld Cash Services, and the Miami Dolphins and Sunlife Stadium.

Before joining Sage Dental, Tripp was vice president of human resources at Vision Group Holdings, Cross Country Home Services, and First Data Corporation. His background also includes experience across multiple industries, including time spent as a professional baseball player with the Oakland Athletics.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Sage at such a critical time in the company’s growth trajectory,” said Tripp.

“If the previous year has shown us anything, it’s that communication, collaboration, and care for one another need to be at the heart of all that we do, not only when engaging with patients but when working with colleagues as well,” Tripp said.

“The Sage team embodies these important attributes, and I look forward to continuing to strengthen our positive work culture as we take on additional patients in the years ahead,” Tripp said.

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Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp has issued an emergency order authorizing dentists in the state to administer the COVID-19 vaccine at public health sites on a volunteer basis.

While state statutes prohibit licensed dentists from administering vaccines, the emergency order allows dentists to specifically administer the COVID-19 vaccine in partnership with the Georgia Department of Public Health and in accordance with department guidelines. Dentists will be allowed to provide these vaccines until the Public Health State of Emergency is over.

Dentists and allied personnel also are eligible to receive the vaccine through their local public health district or their local pharmacy as part of Phase 1A of Georgia’s distribution plan. Dentists and allied personnel can register with their local public health district online.

The Georgia Dental Association (GDA) supports the emergency order.

“Governor Kemp’s January 15 executive order will further enhance dentists’ ability to assist in Georgia’s recovery efforts so that our fellow healthcare providers, the medically fragile, and ultimately all Georgians have an opportunity to receive the vaccine,” said GDA president Dr. Louvenia Annette Rainge.

As GDA president, Rainge said that she will be issuing a statewide call to action urging all of her dental colleagues to take full advantage of this volunteer opportunity.

“This is a time for Georgia dentists to unite for the common good of all Georgians,” Rainge said.

“Through GDA’s many charitable outreach programs, our dentists are widely regarded for their volunteer spirit, altruism, and strong commitment to community service,” said GDA executive director Frank J. Capaldo.

“At the onset of the pandemic, our members generously donated PPE and volunteered their time to assist with COVID-19 testing. As states turn to dentists to accelerate vaccine distribution, GDA member dentists will continue to answer the call to serve,” Capaldo said.

The GDA is working closely with the governor’s office, the Georgia Department of Public Health, and the Georgia Board of Dentistry to provide resources to Georgia-licensed dentists who are ready to assist with the COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan, the organization said.

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The Thomas P. Hinman Dental Meeting, originally scheduled for March 19 to 21 at the Georgia World Congress Center and Omni Hotel at CNN Center in Atlanta, has been cancelled due to the growing number of COVID-19 concerns domestically and abroad.

“It was a very difficult decision to make, as we know it affects thousands of attendees and industry professionals who were planning to attend the meeting next week. But, the health, safety, and well-being of our attendees, exhibitors, speakers, and members are our highest priorities,” said Dr. Bob O’Donnell, general chair of Hinman 2020.

“Our concern is not only for the health of everyone involved, but also the quality of event that we can deliver with the current logistical challenges we are facing. Hinman’s goal has always been to provide world-class continuing education and exhibits, and in the current climate, we will not be able to provide the experience that our attendees have come to expect from our organization,” O’Donnell said. 

The Hinman Meeting typically attracts more than 20,000 dentists, hygienists, assistants, students, and other dental professionals and industry personnel to Atlanta. Also, more than 400 companies exhibit at the conference. This is the third time in its 108-year history that the meeting has been cancelled.

In 1931, the meeting was cancelled out of respect for the death of its founder, prominent Atlanta dentist Dr. Thomas P. Hinman. In 1933, the meeting was cancelled due to the Great Depression. In 2008, it closed a day early due to a tornado that struck the city.

Hinman’s organizers say they have been closely monitoring the situation, reviewing daily the recommendations provided by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization as well as guidance from local government and health officials.

Many academic centers, health systems, and businesses have issued notices that do not allow for domestic travel. These travel bans and restrictions have had a direct impact on Hinman’s educational sessions and exhibits, its organizers report. 

“Unfortunately, it left us no choice and it became very clear that we must move the meeting to a later date. It’s simply the right thing to do,” said O’Donnell. “And, of course, we couldn’t live with ourselves if even one attendee was at risk.”

Hinman will share with registered attendees and exhibitors its plans for the 2020 program on its website and social media pages in the coming days. Information regarding refunds will be posted as well. For more information, call (404) 231-1663.

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Walmart is getting into oral healthcare. The retail giant now offers dentistry at its two newly opened Health Centers in Calhoun and Dallas, Georgia, alongside other services including primary care, counseling, labs and x-rays, optometry, hearing, and more.

Roshan Parikh, DDS, head of dental for health and wellness at Walmart Health, recently explained what the new services will involve and how the company aims to improve access to care by making it more convenient and less expensive.

Q: What prompted Walmart to launch Walmart Health? 

A:Just as Walmart has brought convenience and everyday low prices to retail markets globally for 50 years, we looked at the complex problem of healthcare in America and the many different components and inconveniences that are built into it. We thought, what if we would take a step back and look at the well-being of the entire person and remove the complexity and uncertain opaque cost structure, making quality healthcare convenient and affordable so more people could get the care they need? Walmart is located within 10 miles of 90% of Americans, so we have a great opportunity to help Americans live better and healthier lives, starting in Georgia. 

Q: What kinds of dental services will Walmart Health provide? 

A: We currently offer a similar dental service offering that one would expect in a traditional private dental practice. Everything from basic diagnostics and hygiene to direct restorative, endodontics, crown and bridge, implant dentistry, dentures and removable dentistry, we offer quite a bit at Walmart Health.

Q: What kind of staffing will be providing care at Walmart Health? 

A: Dentally speaking, we have a comprehensive team of general dentists and dental hygienists that are available seven days a week with convenient morning and evening appointments available daily. 

Q: Will specialty care such as orthodontics be available? 

A: Walmart saves the average American household $2,500 a year on the retail side. Our goal is to help Americans live better, which we also are evolving to mean live healthier, and creating this kind of access is one way we can do that. We’re attracting good, strong clinicians. We’re using digital scanners, CBCT, all-ceramic restorations, and every bell and whistle that you can imagine with a transparent and affordable pricing model, while still giving patients a premium experience. The goal over time is to provide orthodontics, dental implants, and other specialty procedures. 

Q: What will the payment structure be like? 

A: Walmart’s retail model has been centered around Everyday Low Price (EDLP) and transparency, and Walmart Health is no different. Our fee schedule for dental (as well as other healthcare modalities) is published online. When we were doing our comprehensive market research, we quickly learned that not only was convenience keeping Americans from visiting their dentist, but it was also price and pricing transparency. So, our payment structure is centered around affordable prices and transparency so there are no surprises.

Q: What kinds of results have you seen from the pilot so far?  

A: The results have been very positive thus far. 

Starting from the ground up, we are building quality relationships between provider and patients, providing meaningful interactions while also delivering convenience for patients and their families. We are seeing an increase in returning patients in Walmart Health Dallas, so we believe our care model works and will continue to grow.

We also want to learn how to best optimize referral patterns across the different modalities of medicine. It is really important because it emphasizes Walmart’s overall convenience philosophy, money value, and time concept. For Americans, the most precious resource that they have is time, so integrated care and services all under one roof is more convenient and a better way to treat the whole patient.

In dental, we’re pretty isolated, so this is especially exciting for us. Nowadays, dentists are getting trained in schools to understand that the mouth is the gateway to the body. They’re taking more of a medical approach to dentistry, and Walmart Health is probably one of the first times that some dentists get to use that experience. 

Q: Are there plans for expansion? 

A: We’re very pleased with the response to Walmart Health in Dallas, Georgia, where the practitioners are servicing a full schedule of patients with great feedback from the patients and community. Clinicians tell us they appreciate the integrated care model and the ability to address the diverse health needs of this community, and patients are excited to access healthcare so conveniently and affordably.

The Walmart Health prototypes we are opening is to test the optimal layout, mix, and size of the center. We are taking a measured approach that will factor in the unique needs of the communities we serve, and we look forward to continuing to learn how best to deliver the integrated quality care customers want and deserve.

We plan to expand Walmart Health into other communities we serve, focusing on Georgia, where we will be opening a handful of sites in 2020.

Q: What impact do you think these services will have on access to care? 

A: It’s no secret that in the United States, we truly have an access to care issue. It’s front of mind of all Americans. At Walmart Health, we are hoping to make an impact in Georgia in terms of the improvement of access to care. Walmart Health also has an amazing online app where patients can register for appointment, input insurance information, and get an estimated cost of their visit in less than five minutes.

We believe in providing moments of care for everyone, everywhere, so our goal is to provide an excellent patient experience where they feel cared for, and part of that is ease and convenience.

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Walmart has launched its second Health Center, including oral healthcare, with a January 29 grand opening adjacent to its retail Supercenter in Calhoun, Georgia. Services include exams with x-rays, cleanings, porcelain crowns, whitening, deep cleanings, emergency treatment, fillings, and clear aligners, with transparent pricing regardless of insurance status.

“We think we can make an impactful difference in affordability, convenience, and, most importantly, accessibility for the Calhoun community,” said Sean Slovenski, senior vice president and president of Walmart US Health and Wellness.

“We have a history of launching innovative products and programs that have transformed the industry and created significant healthcare savings for customers. Now, we’re focused on a solution to provide affordable integrated care that our customers want and deserve,” said Slovenski.

The Calhoun location follows the opening of Walmart’s first Health Center, which opened last September in Dallas, Georgia. Walmart Health is operated by qualified medical professionals, including physicians, nurse practitioners, dentists, behavioral health providers, and optometrists, Walmart says.

Walmart Care Hosts and Community Health Workers onsite will help customers navigate their visit, understand resources, and be a familiar presence for regular visits, Walmart says. As part of the grand opening, Walmart also will make a donation to Susan G. Komen to help meet women’s health needs through expanded access to care.

Dental exams will cost $25. Adult cleanings will start at $25, and youth exams will start at $15. Walmart expects porcelain crowns to have an average price of $675. Whitening treatment will cost $225. Deep cleanings per quad will cost $75. Emergency treatment for pain will cost $50. Fillings will range from $75 to $125. Clear aligners will cost $1,800.

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The Thomas P. Hinman Dental Meeting will be held at the George World Congress Center in Atlanta from March 19 to March 21, 2020. Air Force Colonel (Ret.) Nicole Malachowski, one of the first women to fly modern fighters in combat, will be the featured keynote speaker on March 19.

“We have an outstanding program lined up for Hinman 2020 with the theme ‘Come Home to Hinman—Where Teamwork Meets Success.’ It promises to be one big homecoming event dedicated to improving skills, expanding capabilities, and collaborating with colleagues and your dental team to achieve success,” said Dr. Bob O’Donnell, general chair.

“We are also excited to feature Col. Nicole Malachowski as our keynote speaker this year. She was not only a jet fighter pilot, but also became the first woman pilot on the Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron and defied odds to forge a successful path through many cultural changes in the military,” said O’Donnell.

Malachowski served more than 21 years as an officer, leader, and fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. She was a mission-ready fighter pilot in three operational F-15E squadrons and accumulated more than 2,300 flight hours, including 188 hours in combat. She also served as commander of a fighter squadron, was the first female Thunderbird pilot, served as a White House Fellow, and is a member of the Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame. 

However, Malachowski’s career ended when she contracted a tick-borne illness that left her unable to speak or walk for 10 months. She fought back against the disease and now draws on stories from her career and personal life to inspire others to rethink the challenges they face every day, Hinman’s organizers report. 

In addition to the keynote session, Hinman 2020 has a full slate of educational lectures and workshops presented by the best and brightest in the dental profession. Many new speakers, as well as dentistry’s favorites, will be at Hinman 2020,” added O’Donnell.

Confirmed speakers include Dr. Gordon Christensen, Ms. Susan Gunn, Dr. Henry Gremillion, Dr. Mel Hawkins, Dr. Mark Hyman, Dr. Tieraona Low Dog, Dr. Samson Ng, Dr. Uche Odiatu, Ms. Laci Phillips, Drs. Robert and Bobbi Stanley, Dr. “Sully” Sullivan, and Ms. Rachel Wall. Hinman 2020 also will feature nearly 400 companies in its exhibit hall. Registration will open on December 10. For more information, visit hinman.org.

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Krista Szewczyk and her husband John Szewczyk were indicted under Georgia’s Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act in December. The Szewczyks, neither of whom is licensed to practice dentistry, face accusations in a 52-count criminal indictment. 

The couple is further accused of fraudulently billing insurance companies for care provided by unlicensed personnel and care never delivered, unlicensed practice of dentistry, writing unlawful prescriptions, and forgery as part of their company, County Dental Providers, in Marietta, Georgia. 

John Szewczyk, a former Paulding County sheriff’s deputy, allegedly acted as business owner, paid bills, and assisted in management. Krista Szewczyk allegedly personally provided dental services such as tooth extractions and restorations such as fillings, as well as clinic management.

“Neither Krista Szewczyk or John Szewczyk are licensed dentists but owned and operated a business that provided dental services,” the indictment said. Under Georgia law, only a duly licensed dentist may own and operate a dental practice. 

Krista Szewczyk was initially indicted by a grand jury in August 2018 on 48 counts inclusive of 40 counts of practicing dentistry without a license. New charges arose from additional former patients coming forward and continued state and county investigations.

“The company is a business service organization, which means we don’t do dentistry or get involved in the decisions made between dentist and patient,” said the County Dental Providers’ website on August 28, 2018, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 

“Our affiliated dentists spend most of their time with their patients delivering high-quality patient care, while our highly-trained business professionals manage the business aspects,” the website continued.

The defendants apparently very openly categorized their role in the dental practice as operating a “business service organization,” also frequently called a dental service organization (DSO). This becomes highly significant as precedence in case law, as this is the first time RICO statutes have been applied to principals engaged with a DSO.

Georgia RICO statutes are largely patterned on federal RICO laws. RICO is often utilized when an alleged legal business is used as a facade for unlawful purposes. It allows prosecutors to include various defendants in the same indictment and to allege they all conspired in the same criminal enterprise.

By at least 2014, the Georgia Board of Dentistry knew that Krista Szewczyk was engaged in unlawful dental practice. Yet rather than issue an immediate cease and desist order and a fine to protect the public interest, the board referred the case to county prosecutors. The dental board held the power to file an administrative court legal action and/or ask a court for an immediate injunction to halt the illegal activity. The board elected not to do so.

County prosecutors naturally had a conflict of interest since John Szewczyk was a deputy in the county sheriff’s department. Later in 2014, Krista Szewczyk entered into a pretrial diversion program to avoid prosecution. Evidently, her unlawful activities continued with business-as-usual.

Even after her initial criminal arrest in August 2018, Krista Szewczyk was back the next day after posting bail, engaging in the same allegedly unlawful actions at her dental clinic. Obviously, wrist-slap regulation had little impact.

The implications for this case run nationally. For example, Samson Dental Partners and ImmediaDent recently settled with the US Department of Justice for $5.1 million over allegations of dental Medicaid fraud. Included in the government’s pleadings were claims that defendant DSOs and their principals in management engaged in the unlicensed and unlawful practice of dentistry. Any larger DSO that might potentially be associated or affiliated with the Szewczyks’ operations, then, may also face potential liabilities.

One can only speculate when RICO statute violations will extend to criminal prosecution of officers, directors, and beneficial owners of DSOs outside of the pending case with Krista and John Szewczyk. Significant precedence of dental case law may be established.

Dr. Davis practices general dentistry in Santa Fe, NM. He assists as an expert witness in dental fraud and malpractice legal cases. He currently chairs the Santa Fe District Dental Society Peer-Review Committee and serves as a state dental association member to its house of delegates. He extensively writes and lectures on related matters. He may be reached at mwdavisdds@comcast.net or smilesofsantafe.com.

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Heartland Dental added 11 new offices across seven states through affiliation or new construction in November, bringing its network to more than 890 supported offices across 37 states. The new locations include:

• Fountain, Colorado
• Naples, Mulberry, Winter Garden, and Jacksonville, Florida
• Wichita, Kansas
• Evans, McDonough, and Pooler, Georgia
• Anthem, Arizona
• Bluffton, South Carolina

In 2018, Heartland Dental has added 81 offices, including 47 through doctor affiliation and 34 through new construction.

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The ability of hygienists to work with low-income patients in Georgia was in jeopardy.

But nothing will change now that the rejected a law that would have required a dentist to examine a patient before a hygienist was allowed to apply any type of sealant, clean teeth or perform any other kind of dental service to a patient.

As of now, Georgia hygienists are allowed to visit schools and examine patients in low-income areas. If a dentist was required to examine the patient first, hygienists wouldn’t be able to perform any kind of dental treatment on their own.

The Georgia Dental Association claimed that this proposed law would have clearly defined what a dental hygienist is allowed to do.

It was determined that the law will be voted on again in 90 days. The proposal was originally introduced in January.

But the Georgia Board of Dentistry saw a great deal of opposition to the rule. The Georgia Dental Hygienists’ Association was not only concerned with the impact it would have on the hygienists, but the ability for people to receive dental care as well.

The Federal Trade Commission is against the proposed law because the cost of dental services would likely increase and the amount of people who receive dental care would likely decrease.

Despite the decision to not put the law in place, this controversy may not go away any time soon.