November Newsletter

President's Message

Dear friends and colleagues, 

As we enter the winter season, our offices will soon be busy as season returns here to Naples. It is the most wonderful time of the year, when we get to be around loved ones, and the holiday season brings a cheerful spirit to all. 

We had a great outcome for our last meeting at the Beach Club in September, and at our October meeting held at our new location, the Naples Hilton. We give many thanks to the Hilton as they were very accommodating and their spacious ballroom allowed everyone to socialize while being socially distant. Furthermore, we had the pleasure of having two wonderful guests from the West Coast District Dental Association- Dr. Craig Oldham (Past President of WCDDA) and Dr. Reza Iranmanesh (President of WCDDA) who drove all the way from Brandon and Tampa respectively. It’s great to see the continued collaboration between our local affiliate and the larger West Coast District. Additionally, they have invited our members to attend their social events: WCDDA Gasparilla tent in Tampa 1/30/2021 and Park City Utah Skiing Trip 02/24/2021 - 03/01/2021. I encourage anyone who is interested to contact Lissette at (813) 654-2500 for more information. 

I would like to personally welcome Dr. Chelsea Benza as our newest board member. Dr. Benza was born and raised in the greater Cleveland, OH area and called Ohio her home for 20 years before moving to Naples, Florida. After graduating from Hudson High School, she earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology from Miami University and her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Benza and Dr. Carr will represent CCDA on Dentist Day on the Hill in 2021. 

Last but not least, our Holiday party will be held at Hamilton Harbor Yacht Club on Friday December 4th at 6:00 PM. This year we want to brighten the smiles of our local community by giving back so we ask members to bring a toy to donate for Toys for Tots or the Humane Society of Naples. Looking forward to seeing you all there! 

Queanh Phan, DMD
CCDA President 2020-2021
2020-2021 CCDA Officers


President: Queanh Phan, DMD
President Elect: Patricia Primero, DDS
Secretary/Treasurer: Patricia Primero, DDS
Program Chairman: Juan P. Rodriguez, DDS
Assistant Program Chairs: Alexis Diaczynksy, DDS & Chelsea Benza, DMD
Newsletter Editors: Alexis Diaczynsky DDS & Chelsea Benza, DMD
Membership Chairman: Patricia Primero, DDS
Past President: Sean Carr, DDS

November 19, 2020
5111 Tamiami Trail N.
Naples, FL 34103

Check-In: 6:00 pm
Meeting: 6:30 pm


Speaker: Sergeant Bobbi Jo Edwards
with the Collier County Sheriff's Office


Course: Domestic Violence
This course is mandatory for license renewal


Please remember to RSVP! This meeting
is limited to 50 attendees.
First come, first serve!

CCDA Meeting Information & Reminder

** Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of the month, at the Hilton Naples (5111 Tamiami Trail N).

** Meetings start at 6:00 pm unless otherwise announced.

** Please RSVP and provide a 48 hour cancellation notice if needed.

** Prospective members will be admitted at no cost for their 1st dinner. Guest fee - $65.00 plus $15
per credit hour at check-in.

** We use Constant Contact, a web-based program designed to e-mail invitations to our members for
each monthly meeting, as well as e-mail the e-newsletter.
Note: You will receive a separate RSVP link via e-mail to register for the meetings.

** All RSVP's must be received by the Monday before each meeting. If you RSVP and are then unable to
attend the meeting, you must cancel 48 hours prior by calling Dr. Mark Singer at (239)777-1553.
Note: You will be charged $65.00 for the cost of the meal if you do not give a 48 hour notice.


To update your e-mail address, visit our website here, and log in to your member account to update
any changes.


Covid Cooperative

  1. All members and guests must wear face masks at meetings.
  2. Please check in with Dr. Singer or Dr. Pfent one at a time. Please do no congregate. Clean pens and sanitizer will be available.
  3. Temperatures will be taken.
  4. You will be handed a drink ticket.
  5. Please get a drink and take a seat at a table.
  6. There will be tables consisting of: 4 seats, 2 seats, and perimeter seating.
  7. Please wear your face mask during the entire lecture, except while eating.

To Our Sponsors
October 2020 Meeting Sponsor:



Alan & Mallory Katz
813.363.3309
November 2020 Meeting Sponsor:
Welcome New Members!
Dr. Kurtis Hussey

I grew up here in Naples as did my wife, Alyssa, and we always knew we would be moving back home. My father was a gastroenterologist here in Naples and I decided to follow in his footsteps, working in a healthcare field. I practice general dentistry. 

My wife and I love everything Southwest Florida has to offer including boating, fishing and diving. 
During the quarantine we watched too much Netflix and went boating.

I did all of my undergraduate and dental education at the University of Florida so I’ll be bleeding orange and blue every Saturday in football season!
Dr. Evelyn Critchfield
 
 I grew up here in Naples, FL. I attended undergrad at FGCU and completed dental school at the University of Florida (Go Gators). After graduation in 2015 I was offered a good job opportunity and decided to move back to my hometown. My entire family lives here so it was a blessing to return home. 
 
 Currently, I work as an associate general dentist for Dental Designs. I’ve been with the company for over 4 years now. 
 
  I am the mommy of a sassy, energetic almost 2 year old that keeps me very busy when off work. The weekends are spent outside getting fresh air, going to parks, riding bikes and just doing family activities together. 
Dr. Michelle L. Thomas
 
   I was born in New Jersey but did most of my growing up in Sarasota, FL where my parents still live. I previously practiced in Jacksonville, FL but recently moved to Naples to work at a really awesome practice and be a little closer to my parents. It also helped that I have some great friends here in Naples too. 
    I am a pediatric dentist. My main focus is on education and prevention. I also love being able to work with the little ones to show them that coming to the dentist can be a fun, non-scary experience. Nothing gets me more excited than when a patient says they were looking forward to their appointment or that they want to be a dentist one day!
    I love all things outdoors - especially boating, paddle boarding, and spending time at the beach. I grew up racing sailboats all the way through college and I'm really hoping to get back into the sport - if you have any sailing leads, please let me know!
   During quarantine, aside from remaining on call for my little patients and researching covid/PPE/protocols more than any human should, I tried to have some fun at home. I turned my tiny backyard into my "at-home oasis", expanding on my cooking skills, going on long walks or bike rides after overeating my culinary creations, and above all reconnecting with friends and family via "virtual happy hours", some of which have continued weekly. 
Dr. Ruben Krebs
 
My family is originally from Lima, Peru. This is where I grew up and went to high school. I later attended the University San Martin of Porres where I obtained my dental degree. After graduation I joined my father’s practice. My father, Dr. Federico Krebs together with my brother, Dr. Freddy Krebs were my mentors and guided me on my beginnings as a dentist.

Later in life, I decided to move to the United States and picked New York as my home city. Once situated I moved forward with continuing practicing my profession and after some stumbles, I finally joined the University at Buffalo - School of Dental Medicine. After spending two years in Buffalo I decided to relocate to Naples. I am a General Dentist and enjoy most aspects of dentistry.

 In my free time I enjoy riding my bicycle, going to the beach, and enjoying a good meal. I am also into hiking and camping. During quarantine I dedicated myself to reading a little, cooking mom's recipes, and going for long walks, anything to keep the mind entertained. Being originally from South America soccer is high up in my favorite sports, followed by football. I root for the Buffalo Bills.

CCDA Corner
Featured Pictures (left to right):

  1. Dr. Iranmanesh, current President of the WCCDA, and Dr. Oldham, Past President of the WCDDA, visited Naples to attend the CCDA October Membership Meeting!
  2. CCDA's Past Presidents and current Board.
  3. Drs. Juan Rodriguez, Alexis Diaczynsky, Queanh Phan, Patricia Primero, Chelsea Benza, and Sean Carr posing for a picture!
  4. A huge thanks to Dr. Mark Singer (far left) for keeping our association united and helping to make our meetings successful!
The Florida Dental Association Political Action Committee (FDAPAC) works to protect and promote the long-term interests of the profession of dentistry in Florida. By supporting candidates who understand the value of organized dentistry, FDAPAC is the most valuable tool we have to accomplish our goals and ensure continued growth and success.

Three Reasons FDAPAC is Essential:
  1. Health care is one of the most regulated industries by the government. 
  2. We continuously have to protect our profession from fundamental transformations.
  3. It is our duty to defend patients and fellow dentists.

FDAPAC allows us to take a stand on these 10 critical issues currently facing our profession:
  1. Dental student loan repayment program 
  2. Funding for Donated Dental Services
  3. Funding for Community Water Fluoridation 
  4. Maintaining educational standards for graduates of non-accredited dental schools 
  5. Increasing funding in the Medicaid program for dental services 
  6. Maintaining direct dentist involvement in ownership of dental practices
  7. Opposing scope of practice changes for dental hygienists (outside of their training/patient protection) 
  8. Opposing the creation of dental health aide therapists (DHATs) / mid-level providers 
  9. Opposing dental hygienists receiving a Medicaid number to bill for services directly
  10. Opposing the arbitrary rating of dentists by insurance companies

The FDAPAC gives professionals the strength to make a difference in our daily practices and influence legislation that will help shape the future of dentistry in Florida. We are only as strong as our membership. Help us make an impact today by showing your support of the FDAPAC!

Contact FDAPAC:
Joe Anne Hart, Chief Legislative Officer
(850) 224-1089
Looking for a Pawsitive way to help homeless animals over the holidays?

Come participate in Humane Society Naples and Collier County Dental Association's Giving Tree project! Starting with our December Holiday Party a special holiday tree will be in the main area, festively decorated with special HSN ornaments. Take an ornament, purchase an item for a dog, cat, or bunny, and leave your gift in the lobby's decorated drop box. (You do not need to wrap your gift.)

Your generous donation will be given to a shelter resident to brighten their stay over the holidays while they are waiting for their forever family. Not sure what to buy? Your ornament will have a QR code taking you to HSN's Wish List! Prefer not to shop in person?

Simply order from your favorite site and have your gift shipped to:
Human Society Naples
370 Airport Pulling Road, Naples, FL 34104
ATTN: Project Giving Tree.

Thank you for supporting the furry residents of Humane Society Naples!

Dr. Caesar Sabates elected President-Elect



In balloting Monday at the ADA House of Delegates, Dr. Cesar R. Sabates, of Coral Gables, Florida, was voted president-elect.

Dr. Sabates previously served as the 17th District trustee for the ADA Board of Trustees from 2016 to 2020 and as a delegate in the ADA House of Delegates from 2000 to 2016. He is also past president of the Florida Dental Association and South Florida District Dental Association.

Dr. Sabates received his dental degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, Hispanic Dental Association, American College of Dentists, International College of Dentists and Pierre Fauchard Academy.

Continuing reading the article here.
Dental License Renewal
License Renewal & CE
Biennium: March 1, 2020 - February 28, 2022

  • 30 hours of Continuing Education Which Must Include:
  • 2 hours in the prevention of Medical Errors
  • 2 hours in Domestic Violence (every 3rd biennium)
  • 1 hour in Human Trafficking
  • 2 hours in Safe and Effective Prescribing of Controlled Substances
  • Each dentist must complete a CPR course at the basic life support level
  • Important Topics:
  • Electronic Tracking System - The Florida Department of Health
  • License Renewal Fee
  • Human Trafficking Bill
  • Human Trafficking Mandatory Signage
  • Controlled Substance Prescribing requirements at each renewal for all dentists

For more information, or to get a free copy of the WCDDA's Biennium Requirements 2020-2022 Folder, please contact their office at (813) 654-2500 or by email at heather@wcdental.org.
 
The WCDDA's Biennium Folder states specific information on the CPR course and the Important Topics section above.

The Florida Department of Health now requires dentists to report continuing education hours as a condition of license renewal. To review the CE requirements specific to our profession, you will need to log into your MQA Services Account here.

If you are completing continuing education courses offered by a Florida Board approved provider, the provider will be responsible for reporting your course completion. However, you can create a free account in the electronic tracking system to view course history and verify the transcript. You need to complete this 90 days prior to license renewal.
Smile Train is an international children’s charity with a sustainable approach to a single, solvable problem: cleft lip and palate.

Many children with clefts around the world live in isolation, but more importantly, have difficulty eating, breathing, hearing, and speaking. Cleft repair surgery is safe, and the transformation is immediate. Our sustainable model provides training, funding, and resources to empower local medical professionals in 90+ countries to provide 100%-free cleft repair surgery and comprehensive cleft care in their own communities.

Donate Now and Change a Child's Life Forever

1 in 700 babies are born with a cleft lip and/or palate globally. While surgery can take as little as 45 minutes and costs as little as $250.00, it is out of reach for many around the world.

Help provide a forever smile and second chance at life to a child living with an untreated cleft. Donate now to transform a child's life!

Visit Smile Train's website here to read more about their mission.

To donate, simply click the button below.
Neighborhood Health Clinic utilizes over 700 volunteers to deliver quality medical and dental care to low income, uninsured working adults in Collier County.
Volunteering is easy to do:
-- No in depth paperwork and fingerprinting is necessary
-- Sovereign immunity from malpractice
-- Patient relationships remain with the Clinic
-- Hours and days woven around your schedule
-- Primary & Specialty Clinics
-- Easy to sign up

Click here to sign up for volunteering.
For more information about Neighborhood Health Clinic, click here.
January 29, 2021
CAMLS Center, Downtown Tampa


The Annual Winter Meeting is held in downtown Tampa. This one-day meeting is a great opportunity for the entire dental team to learn/review new techniques, visit local vendors, build relationships and network with colleagues. In-person or virtual! Come join us on ​January 29, 2021.

Featured Program includes:

"Accountability = Energized Team & Satisfied Patients and Your Fantastic Dental Team and What Makes it Work" presented by Dr. Rhonda Savage


COVID-19 Update:
Due to coronavirus, this meeting will now be hybrid. There are only 41 seats available for the in-person meeting and our virtual platform will be out of this world, so make sure to register!

Click here to visit the WCDDA Annual Meeting page.

For inquires, please contact the WCDDA office at 813.654.2500
or by email at kelsey@wcdental.org.


WCDDA Pirate Hospitality Tent
January 30, 2021
Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa


Join your WCDDA colleagues and friends for the Gasparilla Pirate Fest! WCDDA's Annual Meeting will be held on Friday, January 29th at CAMLS in Downtown Tampa, with the Gasparilla parade on Saturday, January 30th on Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa.

This is a fantastic opportunity for you to participate in a unique and limited event with dental family, friends, parade goers and pirates! This private outdoor area includes food, beer and private restrooms.

WCDDA Member:
$175 per ticket, max. 4 per member.

Non-Member WCDDA Dentists:
$225 per ticket, max. 4 per non-member.

Click here to Register.