February 2015 - New York State Dental Association
Transcription
February 2015 - New York State Dental Association
F E B R U A R Y 2 015 Volume 28 ● Issue 1 what’s inside Sleep Better at Night NYSDA members can benefit from a new enhanced insurance program aimed at taking the risk out of business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 A Fateful Day in Paris A devastating fire in 1897 helped launch the future of forensic dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Holding on to What’s Yours A restrictive covenant is one way to protect your business assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Special Needs Patients Focus of May Summit IN RESPONSE TO A GROWING FEAR that there won’t be enough skilled oral health caregivers to treat people with behavioral and developmental New York State Certified Dental Assistants disabilities, the New York State Dental Association The increasing complexity of delivering dental services within established legal protocols requires greater numbers of certified dental assistants. However, there are limited numbers of CDAs in most counties of New York State, as well as restricted annual numbers of newly licensed CDAs. demands of patient populations with special treat- A H. Barry Waldman, D.D.S., M.P.H., Ph.D.; Peter Balacky, B.S. s of July 1, 2013, there were 1,225 New York State licensed and registered certified dental assistants (CDAs) with a primary mailing address in the state. The New York State Board of Dentistry recognizes RDA (registered dental assistant) letters to be used following the name of a CDA. Twenty-five additional New York State CDAs have an out-of-state primary mailing address. (Note: all data are based on the ordinary mailing address recorded with the Office of the Professions. The address is not necessarily the licensee’s practice address.)1 Certified Dental Assistants The practice of certified dental assisting is defined as providing supportive services to a dentist in his or her performance of dental services authorized under this article. Such support includes: l Provide patient education. l Take preliminary medical histories and vital signs to be reviewed by the dentist. l Place and remove rubber dams. l Select and prefit provisional crowns. l l l l l l l l l l l l l Select and prefit orthodontic bands. Remove orthodontic arch wires and ligature ties. Place and remove matrix bands. Take impressions for study casts or diagnostic casts. Remove periodontal dressings. Remove sutures placed by a licensed dentist. Take impressions for space maintainers, orthodontic appliances and occlusal guards. Remove temporary cement. Apply topical anticariogenic agents to the teeth. Apply desensitizing agents to the teeth. Place and remove temporary separating devices. Place orthodontic ligatures. Take dental X-rays in accordance with Public Health Law. (Note: In accordance with section 3515(4) (c) of the Public Health Law and section 89.45 of the Administrative Rules and Regulations for Public Health, a person acting as a dental assistant, licensed or unlicensed, may operate radiographic dental equipment, under the supervision of a licensed dentist, for the sole will host a summit of dental professionals and policymakers to develop strategies for meeting the ment needs. “The Impending Oral Health Crisis: Ensuring Quality Dental Care and Access for New York’s Most Vulnerable Patients” will take place May 14-15 at the Legislative Office Building, Empire State Plaza, Albany. It will look at, among other issues, the impact of changing reimbursement models and the readiness of future professionals to meet the growing demand for caregivers caused by an expected increase in the number of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The summit will be hosted by NYSDA President Elect David J. Miller and Carl H. Tegtmeier, chair of the NYSDA Council on Dental Health Planning & Hospital Dentistry. Presenters at the summit will include keynote speaker Robert Lewando, executive dental director, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, and other experts from the dental schools at Stony Brook University, New York University and the University of Illinois; North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System; Interfaith Medical Center; the New York State Alzheimer’s Association; and the New York State Office of People with Developmental Disabilities Task Force on Special Needs Dentistry. continued on page 2 For more information, contact NYSDA. z NYS Certified Dental Assistants continued from page 1 EDITOR Kevin J. Hanley, D.D.S. MANAGING EDITOR Mary Grates Stoll ADVERTISING MANAGER Jeanne DeGuire ART DIRECTORS Kathryn Sikule/Ed Stevens NYSDA OFFICERS John J. Liang, D.M.D., President David J. Miller, D.D.S., President Elect Richard F. Andolina, D.D.S., Vice President Mark J. Weinberger, D.D.S., Treasurer Robert M. Peskin, D.D.S., Speaker of the House Mark J. Feldman, D.M.D., Executive Director Chad P. Gehani, ADA Trustee PRINTER Fort Orange Press, Albany The NYSDA News (ISSN 1531-684X) is published quarterly, in February, May, October and December, by the New York State Dental Association, Suite 602, 20 Corporate Woods Boulevard, Albany, NY 12211-2370. Subscription rates are $5 per year to members of the New York State Dental Association; $10 per year, or $2.50 per issue, for nonmembers. Periodicals postage paid at Albany, NY. Send address changes to NYSDA News, Suite 602, 20 Corporate Woods Boulevard, Albany, NY 12211-2370. Editorial and advertising offices are at Suite 602, 20 Corporate Woods Boulevard, Albany, NY 12211-2370. Telephone (518) 465-0044. Fax (518) 465-3219. E-mail [email protected]. Web site www.nysdental.org. Foundation Luncheon to Honor Steve Gold Proceeds to benefit fund established in his name to benefit special needs children. G. Kirk Gleason, D.D.S. A FEW YEARS AGO, the New York State Dental Foundation established the Gold Fund to collect money for the treatment of children who are badly in need of dental care but who are not able to receive it through regular channels, such as private insurance, Medicaid or Child Health Plus. In establishing this award, the NYSDF Board commemorated the work and memory of former NYSDA President Stephen B. Gold. Steve worked tirelessly to improve access to care for children with special needs, notably, leading NYSDA’s efforts to get insurance companies to cover anesthesia in cases where dental treat- continued on page 5 purpose of routine oral radiography in which the X-ray beam is limited to the patient’s head.) l Perform such other dental supportive services authorized by the dentist and consistent with New York State laws, rules and regulations, provided such functions are performed under the direct personal supervision of a licensed dentist in the course of the performance of dental services.2,3 “Direct personal supervision, for purposes of this section, means supervision of dental procedures based on instructions given by a licensed dentist in the course of a procedure who remains in the dental office where the supportive services are being performed….”2 To qualify for certification as a CDA, an applicant shall fulfill the following requirements: l Be at least 17 years of age. l Possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. l Successfully complete an approved one-year course of study in dental assisting or an alternate course of study in dental assisting acceptable to the department. l Pass an examination given by an organization that administers examinations for certifying dental assistants and which is acceptable to the department.2 Unlicensed Dental Assistants Unlicensed dental assistants may continue to assist a dentist chairside and take dental X-rays in accordance with the Public Health Law, but they may not perform functions restricted by law in New York to a licensed CDA or any other licensed professional. It is a Class E felony for an unlicensed person (other than a student in a registered dental assisting program) to do so. A Class E felony may be punishable by a fine of up to double the gain from the crime or $5,000, whichever is higher, and/or up to four years in prison. Aiding and abetting three or more individuals in such illegal practice may also be subject to felony prosecution.2 (Note: The Census Bureau annually documents the increase in the number of employees in dental establishments, i.e., dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, front and back office workers, etc. at the state and county levels. 51.9 thousand individuals were employed in New York State in 2011. There are no specific data regarding the number of unlicensed dental assistants.4) Distribution of Certified Dental Assistants There are far fewer CDAs (1,225 in 2013) in New York State than there are dental establishments(1) (9,237 in 2011). (Note: These numbers of CDAs and dental establishments are the latest data that are available. Statewide, in 2011 and 2012, respectively, “only” 114 and 98 licenses were issued to CDAs.1 Throughout this presentation, available data for these two years are used to review the distribution of CDAs. The “average” dental establishment in the state has far less than one CDA, (i.e. 1,225 CDAs ÷ 9,237 establishments). While there is no such thing as an “average” dental establishment, com- (1) An establishment is a single physical location where services are performed. It is not necessarily identical to a company or enterprise, which may consist of one or more establishments. In addition, one or more practitioners may be present in an establishment. Throughout this presentation—except where specified—the term “dental establishment” refers to facilities with employees that are subject to federal income tax. Government agency programs (hospitals and health department clinics) are not included. 4 parisons between averages (over time and between locales) do provide a picture of the evolving practice of dentistry. l 30 New York counties with a total of 2,530 dental establishments had fewer than 10 CDAs per county (a total of 147 CDAs). l 32 New York counties with a total of 6,707 establishments had a total of 1,078 CDAs. l 3 New York counties had 120 or more CDAs: 120 CDAs – Monroe County (Rochester area) 150 CDAs – Erie County (Buffalo area) 204 CDAs – Onondaga (Syracuse area) l In 7 New York counties (Allegany, Cattaraugus, Greene, Madison, Orleans, Oswego and Yates), TABLE 1. New York State Counties with 10 or More Certified Dental Assistants: 2011, 20131,4 Dental Certified Dental EstablishmentsAssistants COUNTY (2011)(2013) Albany Allegany Broome 13626 9 13 66 29 Cattaraugus 2324 Chautauqua 4514 Chemung 3317 Dutchess 13930 Erie 421150 Greene Kings 914 91718 Livingston 2316 Madison 1621 Monroe Nassau 329120 1,07925 Niagara 7442 Oneida 8016 Onondaga 204132 Ontario 4639 Orange 13743 Orleans 713 Oswego 2445 Putnam 3811 Queens 2445 Rensselaer 5621 Saratoga 9934 Schenectady 6810 Steuben 2416 St. Lawrence 31 Suffolk 17 78248 Ulster 6232 Wayne 2419 Westchester 67611 Total for counties with 10+ CDAs 6,707 1,078 2 NYSDA NEWS / FEBRUARY 2015 the average establishment had more than one CDA. l The county with the greatest number of dental establishments (1,438) New York (Manhattan) had 8 CDAs, followed by Nassau County with 1,079 dental establishments and 25 CDAs (Table 1). of the complexity of requirements and the licensing process, associated expenses and limitations in the eventual employment compensation, the need exists to exam the entire process if we are to attract sufficient numbers of individuals to join the team of dental professionals. z Challenge Queries about this article can be sent to Dr. Waldman at [email protected]. The increasing complexity of delivering dental services within established legal protocols requires greater numbers of CDAs. The reality, however, is that there are limited numbers of CDAs in the state and in most counties of the state. For example, 38.7 percent of CDAs are in three counties (Erie, Monroe and Onondagas). In addition, there are limited annual numbers of newly licensed CDAs. Whether because 3. NY State Education. Office of the Professions. Law: Article 133, Dentistry and Dental Hygiene [and Certified Dental Assisting] Website: http://www.op.nysed.gov/ prof/dent/article133.htm. Accessed December 12, 2013. 4. Census Bureau. 2011 County Business Patterns. Website: http://censtats.census.gov/cgi-bin/cbpnaic/cbpcomp.pl. Accessed December 11, 2013. REFERENCES 1. NYS Dentistry Licensing Statistics. Office of the Professions—Dentistry. Website: http://www.op.nysed. gov/dent/dentcounts.htm. Accessed December 11, 2013. 2. NY State Education. Office of the Professions. Questions & Answers about Working as a Dental Assistant. Website: http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/dent/dentasst.htm. Accessed December 12, 2013. Dr. Waldman is distinguished teaching professor, Department of General Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY. Mr. Balacky is in his fourth year in the School of Dental Medicine. SoFi Can Save You Thousands on Your Student Loan Debt Taking the Risk out of Business NYSDA-endorsed enhanced business insurance program offers members business, liability and cyber protections. NYSDA Support Services has endorsed a new member insurance program that offers policies to help protect Association members from business risks. It is being offered by Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., a nationally ranked insurance brokerage firm, through its Albany office. The core policy in the program is a business owner’s package that insures business personal property and provides general liability coverage specifically suited for dental offices. Another important offering is workers’ compensation insurance, a state-mandated coverage. Many carriers provide workers’ compensation, but this policy will be offered as a dividend-eligible safety group that has been established specifically for NYSDA members with offices in New York State. This safety group may produce a dividend based upon the size and performance of all of the dentists in the group. Considering that dentistry has a comparatively low claims rate in workers’ compensation, this should greatly benefit insureds. There will be two additional enhancements offered through this program to help protect dental practices from exposures not typically covered under general liability policies. The first is employment practices liability insurance (EPLI), which protects owners from wrongful acts arising from the employment process. Claims continued on page 11 3 NYSDA NEWS / FEBRUARY 2015 SoFi, the endorsed student loan refinancing program of NYSDA, has lowered its rates again. SoFi now offers 15-year variable rates starting at just over 3% APR. They also provide NYSDA members a $500 Welcome Bonus. For details, terms and conditions and to apply, go to www.sofi.com/nysda. For more information about this and other Endorsed Programs call: 800-255-2100 From Ashes to Scientific Advancement A Belle Époque blaze results in the first forensic odontology text. William James Maloney, D.D.S. M When the fire was finally put out, 126 people had lost their lives. any times, social, political and scientific reforms are born out of the ashes of horrific disasters. In the aftermath of these terrible events, the need for improvements and enhancements to various standards and procedures becomes very obvious. The 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire in New York City’s Greenwich Village brought about many worker safety reforms. The Chernobyl Nuclear Plant accident in 1986 resulted in scientific and medical advances. An event known as “Le Bazar de la Charité” is monumental in dental history, as this Parisian tragedy resulted in the world’s first forensic odontology text. The bazaar was a prominent social function put on in early summer by the French Catholic aristocracy1 to raise money for projects that would benefit the indigent of Paris. It had been held annually since 1885. The event took place in a wooden structure almost 200 feet long and over 62 feet wide with improperly marked exits.2 The interior ceiling was covered with fabric and had a decorative, gas-filled balloon suspended from it. On May 4, 1897, the second day of the planned four-day event, the crowd anxiously awaited a cinematographic exhibition. The cinema camera was illuminated by a Molteni ether lamp, which provided very poor lighting for the projectionist. His assistant, trying to provide more light, struck a match, setting off a deadly explosion. One eyewitness account described seeing a woman running into the street screaming “fire.” Onlookers could see only a small amount of smoke rising from the structure until, suddenly, the roof of the wooden edifice burst into flames. A mad rush from the building ensued as men and women, many with their hair and clothes ablaze, desperately tried to escape the inferno.3 Over a period of only 10 minutes, the fire would take 126 lives and cause extensive physical injury to an additional 200 people. Many of the bodies were burned beyond recognition. This posed an obvious dilemma in trying to identify the victims. Ultimately, the majority of the victims were identified by jewelry or other personal effects, as most of the victims were the elite of Parisian society and were wearing unique and recognizable items. However, 30 unidentified corpses remained. It was suggested by the Paraguayan Consul that the dentists of the missing persons be called in an attempt to identify the bodies.4 Drs. Burt, Brault, Duourneau, Davenport and Godon were summoned to the hall of the Palais de l’Industrie, where the unidentified bodies had been placed. Fortunately, these dentists had kept meticulous records. The dental services they had provided included extractions, crowns, and various amalgam and gold restorations.5 All but five of the victims were subsequently identified.5 Dr. Oscar Amoedo was a Cuban born dentist who was working in Paris at the time of the tragedy. Dr. Amoedo was a graduate of New York College of Dentistry (later to become New York University College of Dentistry). He saw the significance of the dental forensic work done by his colleagues in identifying the victims of the fire. Dr. Amoedo subsequently made a presentation before the Medical Congress of Moscow concerning the dental forensic efforts at the charity bazaar. His presentation was also published in Dental Cosmos 6 in November of 1897. He spoke of the lessons learned from the Parisian tragedy, the importance of maintaining proper dental records, the fact that the teeth are often one of the few bodily structures that remain intact after a disaster, and the unique ability of dentists to aid in the identification process of human remains. In 1898, Dr. Amoedo published his book, “L’Arts Dentaire en Medicine Legale.” And today he is known as the father of forensic odontology for his pioneering contributions and exemplary vision. Today, on the site of the tragedy is the Chapel of Our Lady of Consolation, which was erected in 1901. It contains many personal items taken from the disaster. The event is commemorated annually in Paris as the many people who lost their lives in such a horrific fashion are remembered. The Le Bazar de la Charité of 1897 truly was a tragedy. However, much good has sprung forth over the many decades from the embers of the bazaar’s pine wood edifice. Among the various social and political reforms that resulted from the blaze was the scientific foundation for the field of forensic odontology. Dr. Amoedo had the ability to see the unique contributions dentists are able to provide in times of disaster and the wisdom to publish his groundbreaking text. His forensic odontology texts provided the structure for the healing work that forensic dentists provide today in tragedies around the globe. z Dr. Maloney is a clinical associate professor in the Department of Cariology at New York University, New York, NY. Queries about this article can be sent to Dr. Maloney at [email protected]. REFERENCES 1. The Brisbane Courier. Terrible disaster. May 8, 1897. 2. Blume M. Remembering a Belle Époque inferno in Paris. The New York Times April 28, 2008. 3. The Free Lance. Paris in mourning. May 8, 1897;13(44). 4. Singh K, Anandani C, Bhullar RK, Agrawal A, Chaudhary H, et al. (2012) Teeth and their secrets—forensic dentistry. J Forensic Res 2012;3:141. 5. Bruce-Chwatt RM. A brief history of forensic odontology since 1775. Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine. April 2010;17(3):127-130. 6. Amoedo O. The role of the dentist in the identification of the victims of the catastrophe of the “Bazar de la Charité,” Paris, 4th of May 1897. Dental Cosmos Nov 1897; 39(11):905-912. 4 NYSDA NEWS / FEBRUARY 2015 John Santopolo Dies Active in Nassau County, NYSDA. John L. Santopolo, D.D.S., M.Sc.D., died Jan. 5 as the result of a traffic accident near his Nassau County dental office. He was 65. Dr. Santopolo was an active member of organized dentistry, having served in a variety of posts John Santopolo on both the component and state levels over many years. At the time of his death, he was a Board member and treasurer of Nassau County Dental Society; a NYSDA Delegate; and a member of the New York State Dental Foundation Board, The New York State Foundation Honors continued from page 2 ment could only be done in a hospital setting. The children we help through the Gold Fund are those who have fallen through the cracks of the healthcare system Stephen B. Gold and often need expensive care. They rely upon volunteer dentists and limited operating room availability. The Gold Fund is a valuable financial resource (with awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000) for needy young patients that enables them to receive follow-up dental treatment that their families otherwise could not afford. This June, during the NYSDA House of Delegates meeting, the foundation will host its annual Foundations of Excellence Luncheon, the proceeds of which will go toward the Gold Fund. This is an excellent opportunity for NYSDA members to remember Steve and to show support for the causes he championed. It cannot be stressed enough that the major goal of this fund is to make grants to facilitate the oral healthcare treatment of disadvantaged and/or at risk children in New York State. This is money that goes to actual care, not to posters or giveaways. The NYSDA and NYSDF websites will have information about the luncheon as we head into spring 2015. And members of the House of Delegates will be notified by mail. The NYSDF website (www.nysdentalfoundation.org) also includes a direct link to enable you to easily make a donation to the Gold Fund. In the meantime, please contact me or Laura Clark Leon, NYSDF Executive Director, to receive more information about the Gold Fund. I hope you will join us in June as we celebrate and honor Steve Gold and the mission he shared with the foundation— improving the oral health of all New Yorkers. z Dr. Gleason is chair of the New York State Dental Foundation Board of Trustees. 5 NYSDA NEWS / FEBRUARY 2015 Dental Journal Editorial Review Board and the Nassau Academy of Dentistry. A 1975 graduate of Georgetown University School of Dentistry, Dr. Santopolo went on to complete a general practice residency program at Peninsula Hospital and endodontics training at Boston University. Founder and president of Long Island Endodontics in Woodmere and Merrick, Dr. Santopolo had practiced dentistry for nearly 40 years. He achieved life membership in NYSDA this year. He is survived by his wife, Beth; daughters Jill, Alison and Suzanne; and granddaughter, Lilly May. z Catching up in Chicago NYSDA President Elect David J. Miller greets New York State colleagues who made presentations at ADA Presidents-Elect Conference in January in Chicago. Maria Maranga, left, ADA Council on Membership, spoke to the gathering about the ADA Diversity and Inclusion Plan. Reneida Reyes, president of the ADA Foundation, provided an update on foundation initiatives. Asset Protection If your desire to hire an assistant is outweighed by fear of losing your practice to a competitor, you’re overlooking the value of a restrictive covenant. Jennifer Kirschenbaum, J.D. "V acation sounds nice. It would sound even nicer if I had adequate practice coverage, someone I could trust in the office with patients and the staff, someone responsible who knows my practice, my methods and my patients.” Sound familiar? Possibly something you’ve said yourself countless times? It’s a sentiment that is shared among your colleagues, who have also built a successful practice and now find that they are their practice. Are Credit Card Fees Eating Away at Your Profits Then maybe it’s time you switched to Best Card. Best Card not only offers low rates but it works with dental offices to help staff better understand what causes surcharges. Best Card was created to serve dental offices so they uniquely understand your needs. Find out what you can save by emailing a current statement to [email protected] or fax to 866-717-7247, or for more information call Best Card at 877-739-3952. For more information about this and other Endorsed Programs call: 800-255-2100 The desire to have assistance is often outweighed by another dominant concern: the threat of someone coming in and taking what is yours—your practice, your staff, your patients and your revenue. These contradictory and tantamount considerations— autonomy and freedom vs. protecting income and, often, a life’s work—are difficult to balance. One form of protection is to address these issues through agreement, that is, agreeing on certain safeguards related to your practice’s proprietary value, specifically through implementation of restrictive covenants. They would have the effect of prohibiting solicitation of staff and patient base, protecting confidential information and, the most controversial protection, restricting an individual’s ability to work within a geographic range for a specified period of time during and potentially after the termination of the relationship, commonly known as, although in actuality only one type of, “restrictive covenant.” In dentistry there is a lot of confusion surrounding the appropriate use of restrictive covenants with employees and independent contractors, such as, when is the right time to attempt to implement such a restraint on another individual? Will the individual elect to pass on working with me and instead elect to go somewhere else where he or she is not restricted? And, finally, are restrictive covenants enforceable? This article will discuss and, I hope, clarify certain of these considerations. Based in Law Consideration of using restrictive covenants in general is moot if they are not enforceable. So, we start by addressing this question. In fact, New York courts have a long history of enforcing restrictive covenants for dental professionals, with some limitations. In 1971, the Court of Appeals of New York issued a landmark ruling in Karpinski v. Ingrasci, 28 N.Y.2d 45 (N.Y. 1971). In that case, Dr. Karpinski, an oral surgeon, had operated a solo practice in Auburn, Cayuga County, for many years. In 1953, he decided to expand, which he did by marketing successfully in the four neighboring counties of Tompkins, Seneca, Cortland and Ontario. He subsequently opened a second office in Ithaca and recruited an employee, Dr. Ingrasci, a local oral surgeon who had just completed his training. The two entered into an employment agreement in June 6 NYSDA NEWS / FEBRUARY 2015 1962 with a three-year term, that contained a restrictive covenant prohibiting Ingrasci during the term of his employment and forever thereafter from practicing oral surgery and/or dentistry in Cayuga, Cortland, Seneca, Tompkins or Ontario counties, except in association with Karpinski or if Karpinski terminated Ingrasci’s employment and hired another oral surgeon. When the employment agreement expired after the third year, Ingrasci elected to leave the practice and open his own office, which he did in Ithaca. As a result, the majority of Karpinski’s referral sources changed their referral patterns and started referring patients to Ingrasci. Karpinski was forced to close his Ithaca practice. Not taking the course of events lightly, Karpinski initiated a lawsuit to enforce the restrictive covenant. In its analysis, the Court acknowledged Ingrasci clearly breached his restrictive covenant; however, the mere fact of the violation did not immediately warrant recovery by Karpinski, mainly because of the “powerful considerations of public policy which militate against sanctioning the loss of a man’s livelihood.” Purchasing Assoc. v. Weitz, 13 N Y 2d 267, 272; see Millet v. Slocum, 5 N Y 2d 734, affg. 4 A D 2d 528; Lynch v. Bailey, 300 N. Y. 615, affg. 275 App. Div. 527; Interstate Tea Co. v. Alt, 271 N. Y. 76, 80. Prior to determining whether to restrict Karpinski, the Court looked to the “reasonableness” of the sought restriction. It noted that it is firmly established doctrine that: “a member of one of the learned professions, upon becoming assistant to another member thereof, may, upon a sufficient consideration, bind himself not to engage in the practice of his profession upon the termination of his contract of employment, within a reasonable territorial extent, as such an agreement is not in restraint of trade or against public policy” (Ann., Restriction on Practice of Physician, 58 A. L. R. 156, 162). The Court explained that each case depends to a “great extent” upon its own facts. In the Karpinski case, the Court found that the restricted territory, “five small rural counties,” which comprised the very area from which Karpinski obtained his patients and in which Ingrasci would be in direct competition with him, was “manifestly reasonable.” Also, in its review, the Court determined that the restriction would not be declared invalid because it is unlimited as to time, forever restricting Ingrasci; in fact, under the circumstances, as nearly all of Ingrasci’s practice was and would be directly attributable to his association with his former employer, the restriction was enforceable despite the unlimited time. It is important to state that Karpinski did not win his entire case. The Court struck down a major portion of the restriction against Ingrasci, specifically that Ingrasci could not be prohibited from practicing “dentistry.” The Court explained that since Karpinski 7 NYSDA NEWS / FEBRUARY 2015 practiced only oral surgery and it was for this practice that Ingrasci was hired, Karpinski went beyond permissible limits restricting Ingrasci from dentistry stating, “it is not reasonable for a man to be excluded from a profession for which he has been trained when he does not compete with his former employer by practicing it.” Karpinski v. Ingrasci, 28 N.Y.2d 45 (N.Y. 1971). Since Karpinski, restrictive covenants have been repeatedly upheld in New York, so long as the restriction is: reasonably limited in time, geographic area and scope; viewed as necessary to protect the employer’s interests; not harmful to the public; and not unduly burdensome (see Battenkill Veterinary Equine P.C. v. Cangelosi, 1 A.D.3d 856 (N.Y. App. Div. 3d Dep’t 2003)). In the enforcement of restrictive covenants among professionals, great weight is given to the interests of the employer in restricting competition within a confined geographic area. The rationale, therefore, is that professionals are deemed to provide unique or extraordinary services (see Bdo Seidman v. Hirshberg, 93 N.Y.2d 382, 389 (N.Y. 1999)). In fact, the interests of the employer have enjoyed solicitous consideration by the courts when the restrictive covenant is in an employment agreement between doctors (see Gelder Medical Group v. Webber, 41 N.Y.2d 680 (N.Y. 1977); Albany Med. College v. Lobel, 296 A.D.2d 701 (N.Y. App. Div. 3d Dep’t 2002); North Shore Hematology/Oncology v. Zervos, 278 A.D.2d 210 (N.Y. App. Div. 2d Dep’t 2000). That’s not to say that every restriction will be upheld, however. More recently, in 2005, the Supreme Court of Monroe County struck down a restrictive covenant as unreasonable because the defendant was “not in a position to use any means of unfair competition.” In Oak Orchard Community Health Ctr. v. Blasco, 8 Misc. 3d 927 (N.Y. Sup. Ct. 2005), the defendant pediatrician signed a contract containing a restrictive covenant that prevented her from setting up a pediatric practice within 10 miles of the one she left. But when her former employer sued her for trying to set up a practice only eight miles away, the Court again looked to the continued on page 12 CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE SARATOGA COUNTY: Exceptional dental practice in upstate New York draws patients from many nearby communities. Established over 18 years with solid, active patient base. Grosses over $299K on just 1.5 days/week. 1,900 square feet, 3 ops, private office and staff lounge are among many amenities offered. New owner can expand to 5 days. Dentist wishes to retire. Contact: (518) 371-0058; or email: [email protected]. MANHATTAN: Carnegie Hall area. Beautiful office in “white glove” building. Top floor, window views. 5 ops, private office, kitchen lab, interior bath. Mature, 32-year-old FFS practice. Excellent opportunity to customize the pending lease to your priorities. Intraoral cameras, laser, wired for multi-station computers. Please call (212) 246-0573; or email: [email protected]. MARYLAND, DC, VIRGINIA SALES: No buyer’s fees. St. Mary’s, MD – 3 ops grossing $575K part time. High net. Near Naval base. Carroll County – Retiring. 3-4 ops grossing $400K. Restorative. College Park – Grossing $500K. Frederick – 3 ops, retiring doctor, part-time practice grossing $375K. Call Polcari Associates for more information: (800) 544-1297; or email: info@ polcariassociates.com. MANHATTAN: General practice for sale in Midtown. Gorgeous décor and equipment. Digital X-ray/pan, Dentrix and Dexis. 4 ops equipped, 3 plumbed and ready to go. Great lease and location right on Madison Avenue. Excellent signage. Average 40-50 patients/month. $800K gross on 3 days/week. Doctor moving out of area. Price: $680K. 100% financing for qualified individual. Contact: [email protected]. OUTSIDE ALBANY: Walk into success with this 36+ years established dental practice located just outside Albany. Approximately 2,400 square feet. 5 ops, doctor’s private office and staff lounge. 1,500 active patients waiting. Practice grosses over $450K on just 3 days/week. Real estate also available. Dentist wishes to retire. Contact (518) 371-0058; or email: [email protected]. ALBANY: General practice for sale; owner retiring. 2013 gross $912K. Asking $675K. Contact: (518) 588-9788; or email: [email protected]. CHEMUNG COUNTY: General practice grossing $680K, plus real estate with rental income. High net. Seller wants buyer to succeed and will help with transition. 5 ops, panograph, 1,800 square feet. Great long-term staff with loyal FFS patients. Tremendous growth potential as seller does very little marketing and refers out endo, perio, ortho and implant surgery. Contact Dr. Tom Bonsack at (410) 218-4061; or email: [email protected]. PARAGON Practice Opportunities “We Put the SUCCESS in SUCCESSion” Syracuse: $2 MILLION/year, 7 ops. Beautiful! Oneida County: $900K/year, 6 ops, fully computerized and digital. Syracuse: Perio. $785K/year, 50% overhead, LOTS of time off. Rochester: $570K/year, 4 ops, <50% overhead. Tompkins County: $875K/year <50% overhead! 1,800 active FFS patients. Suffolk: Oral Surgery. $1.7 million/year. State of the art. Middle Westchester County: $880K/year, 800+ active FFS patients. Lower Westchester: 3-4 ops, $730K/year, 1,500 patients almost all FFS. Southern Suffolk: $500K/year, over 1,200 active patients. Staten Island: 3 ops, digital + Pan. $680K/year on 3 days/ week. 1,000 patients. Eastern Suffolk: 2 locations with $1.6 million total annual collections. Over 4,400 patients. Visit our website www.paragon.us.com to learn more about all of our opportunities or contact us today! Dr. Jonathan S. Carey (Upstate NY) Dr. Berdj & Katherine Feredjian (Downstate NY) Phone: (866) 898-1867 Email: [email protected]. CHEMUNG COUNTY: General practice grossing $680K, plus real estate with rental income. High net. Seller wants buyer to succeed and will help with transition. 5 ops, panograph, 1,800 square feet. Great, long-term staff with loyal FFS patients. Tremendous growth potential as seller does very little marketing and refers out endo, perio, ortho and implant surgery. Contact Dr. Tom Bonsack at (410) 218-4061; or email: [email protected]. STATEN ISLAND: Port Richmond commercial district, half block from P.S. 20. Free-standing dental office with 2 operatories, chairs, supplies, equipment and furniture included. Asking $225K. Call Dr. Ronald Altman at (908) 295-0672 and leave message. ROCKVILLE CENTRE: Dental office building for sale on Merrick Road. Five equipped operatories; 1,390 square feet on first level, 900 square feet on second level. Full basement with lab and onsite parking. All equipment, cabinetry and furnishings included. Periodontal practice to be continued elsewhere. Priced at $750K. Call (516) 652-9238. MIDTOWN MANHATTAN: 52nd Street and 1st Avenue. Dental practice’s good will for sale. Gross $400K-430K. NO location/ premise/ or equipment involved. Please contact only if interested in buying good will. 1,700 active patients. Mostly all insurances: PPO, Unions, DHMO (approximately 240 DHMO patients), approximately 275 patients FFS. Purchase Patients’ List only or buy the list and hire dentist to work for 9-12 months at your office. Negotiable depending on which way you wish to buy. Please email: [email protected]; or call (646) 263-2980. CATSKILLS: Are you ready for your own practice? Tired of urban commute? Longstanding general practice for sale. 90 miles north of NYC. Doctor retiring. Priced to sell. Contact: cala75@verizon. net. CAPITAL DISTRICT/LATHAM: Attractive office/building for sale. Formerly periodontal office. 3-4 operatories with partially finished basement of 1,200 square feet for storage and staff. Low maintenance and prime location, just 1/2 mile from highway. Contact (518) 469-3170; or email: [email protected]. ROCHESTER REGION: Successful general practice. 27 years at newly revitalized, central location. Primed for growth. New X-ray, Panorex, 3 ops, waiting area, private office and dental lab. 1,000 square feet, plus parking attached. Seasoned staff willing to stay. Retiring doctor. Contact: [email protected]. WESTCHESTER COUNTY: Yorktown Heights. One hour from NYC. Home/office. 40-year-old part-time practice providing fantastic opportunity in growing community to develop full-time practice. Attached but separate practice entrance. 2 operatories, one fully operational, and private office. Truly unlimited potential with nearly all specialist referrals. Separate residence has 6 bedrooms. See MLS listing: 4440802. Email inquiries to: homeoffice4sale@ gmail.com. PUTNAM COUNTY: NY border/southern CT. Well-established, successful Perio practice with 35 new patients/month from NY and CT. 3 operatories, fully digital; 1,000 square feet. Gross receipts $772K. Practice drives 9 hygiene days/week via PPO and FFS. Real estate also available for purchase, along with additional, connected, 450-square-foot office. Doctor ready to retire. Contact Mike Apalucci at (718) 213-9386; or email: michael.apalucci@ henryschein.com. #CT108. OTSEGO COUNTY: 13-operatory practice with room to grow. Gross revenues exceed $1.3M. Selling doctor owns building. Real estate also available. Near colleges. Digital X-rays, computers in operatories and modern software. Contact Henry Schein Professional Practice Transitions representative E. Scott Weinberger by email: [email protected]; or call: (518)5129988. #NY105. NORTHERN NY: Profitable FFS practice. Close to recreation. Recent remodeling. Easy Dental, Dexis, soft tissue laser. Low overhead. Ideal for satellite practice. Grossing $366K. Contact Henry Schein Professional Practice Transition representative Marty Hare by email: Marty.Hare@HenrySchein. com; or call (315) 263-1313. #NY117. SYRACUSE – WESTERN SUBURBS: FFS general practice. 1,470-square-foot office; 4 operatories on lower level and full home rental with income of $775 month. Growing community village with waterway. Main highways and major shopping close by. Dedicated staff supporting well-known retiring doctor. Contact Henry Schein Professional Practice Transitions representative Donna Bambrick at (315) 430-0643; or email: [email protected]. #NY148. SYRACUSE – WESTERN SUBURB: 4-operatory general practice. 2,000 square feet of leased space in professional building in busy shopping center. 3.5 working days. Eaglesoft. Net income from $179K - $242K over last 4 years. Contact Henry Schein Professional Practice Transitions representative Donna Bambrick at (315) 4300643; or email: donna.bambrick@henryschein. com. #NY143. QUEENS: 2,000-square-foot, street-level office with 4 ops and strong patient base. Insurancedriven practice. Fully digital with pan. Doctor 8 NYSDA NEWS / FEBRUARY 2015 relocating to NC and prepared to close quickly. Contact Henry Schein Professional Practice representative Mike Apalucci by email: [email protected]; or call (718) 213-9386. #NY119. $500K+ FFS practice. Fully digital; 4 ops; additional op ready for expansion. Contact Henry Schein Professional Practice Transitions representative Marty at (315) 263-1313; or email: marty.hare@ henryschein.com. #NY102. COLUMBIA COUNTY: Small, part-time practice in beautiful country setting. After decades, doctor seeks successor. Seller extremely motivated. Gross just under $200K. 3 equipped operatories, 3 additional plumbed. Mix of FFS and insurance. Real estate also available. Contact Henry Schein Professional Practice Transitions representative E. Scott Weinberger by email: escott. [email protected]; or call (518)512-9988. #NY114. SUFFOLK COUNTY: FFS practice on North Shore of town of Brookhaven. 1,100-square-foot office equipped with three operatories and additional plumbed room. Located in medical office building. Long-established practice with some specialty work referred out. Asking $325K. Contact [email protected]; or call (516) 459-9258. CAPITAL REGION: Well-established periodontal practice near highways and major university. Strong hygiene numbers. Solid, transferrable referral base. 6-7 operatories and digital X-rays. Mix of FFS and insurance. New software and computers. Gross receipts $800K +. Discounted for quick transition. Real estate also available. Contact Henry Schein Professional Practice Transitions representative E. Scott Weinberger by email: escott.weinberger@ henryschein.com; or call (518)512-9988. #NY107. CAPITAL REGION: 3-operatory practice boasts digital pan, digital X-rays and Eaglesoft. Gross over $500K on limited work schedule. No insurance providers. 9 hygiene days/week. Impressive net. Contact Henry Schein Professional Practice Transitions representative E. Scott Weinberger at (518) 512-9988; or email: escott. [email protected]. #NY137. SYRACUSE: Excellent practice, owner-operated since 1977. Strong active patient base. Gross $784K/adjusted net $282K on 3.5 days. Dedicated staff in professional building 5 minutes from downtown. Contact Donna Bambrick at (315) 430-0643; or email: [email protected]. #NY112. ORANGE COUNTY: Successful 3-day, part-time oral surgery practice. 3 operatories and 4th available for expansion. 2,000 square feet; digital; located on main street. Real estate also available. Doctor ready to retire. Contact Henry Schein Professional Practice representative Mike Apalucci at (718) 213-9386; or email: [email protected]. #NY138. CAPITAL REGION: 100% FFS family practice with healthy finances. 4-operatory practice equipped with digital X-rays and practice management software. Real estate for lease or purchase. Uniquely located in affluent town with little dental competition. Doctor willing to stay for transition or immediate sale. Contact Henry Schein Professional Practice Transitions representative E. Scott Weinberger at (518) 512-9988; or email: [email protected]. #NY144. SOUTHERN FINGER LAKES: Steuben County. Well-established FFS general practice. 1,200 square feet, 3 operatories, 5 employees. Services include diagnostic and restorative oral care. Dentrix practice management software and panographic X-ray. Over 2,500 active patients and gross receipts of $908K. Doctor to retire. Please contact Henry Schein Professional Practice Transitions representative Christina Palma at (585) 370-5301; or email: christina.palma@ henryschein.com. #NY141. HUDSON VALLEY: Ulster County. Digital, 3-operatory practice running Eagelsoft. Access to NYC. Grossing over $400K on limited work schedule. Operatories with soft tissue laser, computer stations and intraoral cameras. 100% FFS. Contact E. Scott Weinberger at (518) 5129988; or email: [email protected]. #NY139. HAMPTONS: Magnificently stylish 4-operatory periodontal office (2 equipped) in medical complex. 1,200 square feet in exclusive zip code. Paperless; Dentrix with Panorex; 3D capable. FFS with some PPO. Great for solo practitioner or multiple specialties. Call Henry Schein Professional Practice Transitions representative Mike Apalucci at (718) 213-9386; or email: [email protected]. #NY134. CENTRAL NEW YORK: College town. Married with children? Home/office offering big city benefits in small town atmosphere. 9 NYSDA NEWS / FEBRUARY 2015 SYRACUSE: Eastern suburbs. Beautiful and highly visible office with 6 ops. Digital X-ray/ pan, Eaglesoft. $300K part time (1.5 days/week). Incredible potential. New owner can expand to 5 days. Dentist wishes to retire. Building also for sale or lease. Inquiries via email: [email protected];(315) 251-4324. KINGSTON: General practice for sale. Retiring after 30 years. Private; FFS; no insurance. High-quality, low volume. Emphasis C&B, reconstruction, implant, cosmetic. 2 chairs with room for expansion. Grossing $250K on 2-3 days; 16 hours/week. No hygienist. Leased beautiful space. Staff will stay on. Inquiries to: NYSDJ Box #F-201. Via email to: [email protected]. Include box number in subject line. WESTERN NASSAU: Well-established home/office with 3 operatories. PPO with FFS. 50% overhead. All specialties currently referred out. Zoned residential with special use. Perfect for new dentist’s first home and practice. Priced to sell. Contact: dr.scott. [email protected]; or call (516) 459-9258. BAYSIDE, QUEENS: Home/office in lovely, 2-family building in great area. Three well-equipped operatories on street level and second floor rental. Ideal for young dentist with small children. Gross $350K part time. Contact: [email protected]. FOR RENT MIDTOWN MANHATTAN: Beautiful new, large-windowed dental operatories for rent. Pelton Crane equipment, massage chairs, private office, front desk space and staff available. Doorman; warm environment. Best location – 46th Street and Madison Avenue. Please call (212) 371-1999; or email: karenjtj@ aol.com. MIDTOWN EAST: Spacious, fully digital 1-2 operatories with/ without staff available for GP or specialist. Private elevator; office; Panorex and lab on premises. Full- or part-time arrangement available. Please contact: [email protected]. WHITE PLAINS: Modern state-of-the-art operatories available in duplex office with reception. Available FT/PT. Turnkey. Rent includes digital radiology with Pan, equipment, Nitrous, all disposables. Start-up or phase down. Need a satellite or more space? Upgrade and down size. Please call (914) 290-6545; or email: [email protected]. MANHATTAN: Brand new dental operatory available FT/PT in upscale specialty office. 2 blocks from Grand Central Station. New equipment; CBCT available. Elegant office with windowed operatory in 24/7 building with M-F concierge. Front desk space included with rental. Separate patient (handicap-accessible) and staff lavatories included. Congenial environment. Only dental specialists need apply. Reasonable rent. Must see to appreciate. Contact: [email protected]; or call (212) 685-8200. MANHATTAN: Dental operatory for rent in our newly renovated office located in Midtown at Madison Avenue and 52nd Street. Please call (212) 688-2820; or email: [email protected]. HASTINGS ON HUDSON: Ideal rental opportunity for GP or specialist. Dental office in beautiful professional building. 1,785 square feet. Full hookups for 4 operatories and wired for computers. Previously occupied for over 40 years of extremely successful dental practice. 2 private bathrooms, lab, large reception/business office, sterilization area, private office, break room, spare room. Handicap accessible. Ample parking. Just install equipment and ready to go. Call (845) 358-4537 for more info. MANHATTAN: Space available in established dental practice recently renovated with modern facilities. First floor of luxury doorman building in desirable Murray Hill location. Daily rates also available. Minimum 2 days/week. Please contact Camille at: [email protected]; or (212) 532-0690. NEW YORK: 750 square feet on ground floor of classic art deco building at 103rd Street and Riverside Drive. Two blocks from #1 train. Ownership will do work for right tenant. Could be divided into three or 4 operatories. $4,668/month; negotiable according to amount of work required by landlord. Please contact James Marquand, Charles Rutenberg Realty, at (718) 864-8144; or email: [email protected]. MIDTOWN MANHATTAN: Available immediately. Up to four brand new treatment rooms ranging in size from greater than 8x10, >9x12 to >12x18, along with front desk space and use of sterilization and staff room areas. Rooms can be divided or combined. Owner willing to customize treatment rooms for your needs. Optional private entrance and optional private waiting area. Competitive market price based on number of rooms leased and length of commitment. See pictures: www.AENYCproperties.com. Call (212) 752-3636 or email: [email protected]. MANHATTAN: Beautiful dental office with 5 Pelton Crane chairs, ICAT scanner, digital radiographs, etc. Looking for 2 excellent general dentists to set up shop with us. We will be bringing in specialists and as a group will have low fixed expenses. Located between 5th and 6th Avenues on 54th Street. If you are a great dentist and would like more information, please contact: [email protected]. ISLIP: 2 operatories available 2-3 days/week for general dentist or specialist. New equipment, digital X-ray. Reasonable rent. Please contact Erick at (631) 581-0216. MANHATTAN – CHELSEA: Busy large office as 2 ops available PT or FT. New equipment in huge rooms with tons of light. Amazing Chelsea/West Village location accessible by many subways and PATH. Far less competition then Midtown. PPO/FFS practice with 2 GPs and 2 hygienists. Office space available for staff. Specialists preferred but GPs welcome. Reply to: [email protected]. LONG ISLAND CITY, QUEENS: 5,000 square feet. Prime office space in great location at Jackson and 47th Avenues. 24/7 access. Near subway lines 7, G, M, E; LIRR and Midtown Tunnel. Please call (917) 716-3337; or email: [email protected]. EQUIPMENT FOR SALE FOR SALE: Biolase/Waterlase I–plus. 2 years old. Mint condition. Only used 5 times. Comes with 2 handpieces and burs. Original price: $58K. Asking approximately $30K. Call (201) 788-8918. SERVICES TAXES: Your office, business or personal. Specialty dentists. Personable CPA. Call Stuart A. Sinclair, CPA, at (516) 935-2086. Visit our website: www.dentaxsolutions.com; or email: [email protected]. Offices located at 1120 Old Country Road, Plainview, NY 11803. PRACTICE MANAGEMENT EXPERTISE: Struggling to reach your full potential? Not running your practice at full capacity? As a former dentist with 20 years experience on the business end of dentistry, I have an understanding of profession from both patient aspect and financial side. Learn how to run your practice more efficiently, increase revenues and exponentially grow your practice. Schedule free consultation today. Call Dr. Ronald Nemeroff at (212) 223-2844. OPPORTUNITIES Take advantage of Quality, Discounted Services through AVAILABLE NYSDA Endorsed Services BANKING Bank of America 800-932-2775 800-497-6076 US Bank 888-327-2265 Practice Loans Credit Card FINANCIAL SERVICES CareCredit 800-300-3046 (#5) Altfest Personal Wealth Management 888-525-8337 Patient Financing Financial Planning Best Card 877-739-3952 Credit Card Acceptance SoFi 855-456-7634 Student Loan Refinancing SurePayroll 866-535-3592 Payroll Processing INSURANCE SERVICES MLMIC 800-683-7769 888-263-2729 888-744-6729 Arthur Gallagher 888-869-3535 Liberty Mutual 800-526-1547 Long-term Care 844-355-2596 Professional Liability Insurance Bronx, Manhattan, Staten Island & Westchester Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau & Suffolk Other Counties Other Business Insurance Auto & Home Long-term Care Insurance OTHER Henry Schein 888-988-4804 Electronic Prescribing Prosites 888-511-9467 Website Development Demandforce 800-210-0355 SolmeteX 800-216-5505 Scientific Metals 888-949-0008 Patient Marketing Amalgam Recycling Precious Metals Refining Mercedes 866-628-7232 Luxury Vehicles Land’s End 800-490-6402 Apparel for Staff UPS 800-636-2377 Delivery Services For further information about NYSDA-Endorsed Programs contact Michael Herrmann 800.255.2100 PEDIATRIC DENTIST: Williamsburg. Pediatric dentistry residency program has openings for 2 half-time BC BE pediatric dentists. Brand new, 7-chair facility at Woodhull Medical Center, dedicated to children. Requires patient care in OR and ambulatory care practice, as well as resident education. Bilingual Spanish/English preferred. Salary, 403B pension, plus full benefit package, including malpractice, medical and dental insurance. Facility provides pediatric dental care seven days/week. Email one-page resume to: [email protected]. PORT JERVIS, NY: Periodontist wanted for part-time position in modern practice. Newly remodeled facility with great staff. Please email CV: [email protected]. CAPITAL DISTRICT: First Advantage New York Dental seeking full-time General Dentists to join our dynamic Queensbury, Latham and Saratoga Springs teams. 1st Advantage Dental New York was founded in 1978 and affiliated with American Dental Partners in 2000. Our specialty dentistry includes general restorative, oral surgery, preventative/periodontics and endodontics. We have Common Treatment Philosophy. Offering competitive salary and excellent benefit package, including 401k, health insurance and professional work environment. To learn more about American Dental Partners and 1st Advantage New York please visit: www.amdpi. com and www.1stadvantagedental. com. Apply today by emailing your resume to: [email protected]; or call (781) 213-3318. VESTAL: General dentist needed for private practice. Owner/Dentist retiring. 9-operatory office with 3 hygienists. Office standards and friendly staff provide excellent care. Opportunity to own practice. Please visit our website: www. parkwaydentalpracticepc.com. Contact Brenda Carter at (607) 798-7188; or email: [email protected]. Fax resume to (607) 797-8435. ROCHESTER: Pediatric dentist. For over 40 years, Western New York Dental Group has been committed to providing quality oral health care for our patients in Buffalo and Rochester areas. We offer our patients full range of general dentistry and specialty care, including pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics and periodontics. We are interested in speaking with Pediatric Dentists who would like to join our team full time in Rochester area. Send CV and cover letter to: kateanderson@ amdpi.com. MERRICK, NY: Established, 43-year-old practice in Merrick, NY seeks board-eligible or board-certified, hardworking oral surgeon for PT position leading to possible partnership for right individual. Email CV and cover letter to: [email protected]. ALBANY: Restorative dentist wanted for growing group practice established over 25 years. Modern office equipment, digital X-rays and pleasant staff. Office focus is on preventive/restorative dentistry with emphasis on fixed restorative. Must have strong communication and clinical skills. Email resume to: Santoro.robert@ gmail.com. ROCHESTER: Endodontist. For over 40 years, Western New York Dental Group has been committed to providing quality oral health care for our patients in Buffalo and Rochester areas. We offer our patients full range of general dentistry and specialty care, including pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics and periodontics. We are interested in speaking with Endodontists who would like to join our team full time in Rochester area. Interested candidates send CV and cover letter to: [email protected]. SOUTHERN WESTCHESTER: PEDO/ORTHO group seeks clinically skillful, ambitious pediatric dentist who has interest in ownership opportunity. Contact: [email protected]. WEBSTER: General dentist position. For over 40 years, Western New York Dental Group has been committed to providing quality oral health care for our patients in Buffalo and Rochester areas. We offer our patients full range of general dentistry and specialty care, including pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics and periodontics. We are interested in speaking with Endodontists who would like to join our team full time in Rochester area. Interested candidates send CV and cover letter to: [email protected]. OPPORTUNITIES WANTED MANHATTAN: Seeking rental for 1-2 days/week. Greenwich Village area preferred. With or without staff. All arrangements considered. Email: [email protected]. QUEENS: Fresh Meadows general dentist with full-time practice and 11 months remaining on lease wishes to explore possible office sharing arrangements for future in order to reduce overhead. Respond to PO Box 146, Plainview, NY 11803. ASSOCIATESHIPS AVAILABLE CENTRAL NEW YORK: General dentist needed for busy practice. One, two or more days per week. Unlimited growth in 40-year-old practice. Located midway between Utica and Albany near NYS Thruway. Good salary and working conditions. Email: [email protected]. WESTERN SUFFOLK: High-quality, hi-tech, well-established office seeks associate to work part time. All phases of general dentistry. Any additional training a plus. Seeking enthusiastic individual with good communication skills. Exciting opportunity in great area. Recent graduates with residency training welcome. Email resume to: [email protected]. ITHACA: Associateship leading to partnership in well-established, lucrative, FFS practice. 3-partner practice with one partner retiring. Seeking individual with GP residency, military or general practice experience. Beautiful Finger Lakes wine district. Home to Cornell University and Ithaca College. Economically stable community offering many advantages of large city in rural setting. Excellent schools, parks, hiking trails, nearby ski slopes, theater, music and art. Contact: [email protected]. Visit: www.ddsithaca.com. PORT JERVIS: Associate dentist needed for immediately available position. General dentist with 27-year-old practice has FT or PT opportunity available. Please send resumes to: sujapj141@ gmail.com. 10 NYSDA NEWS / FEBRUARY 2015 ROCHESTER: Pediatric associate FT/PT for our happy non-insurance-based pediatric practice with potential for future advancement. No evenings or weekends. Does this sound appealing to you? If so, please email resume to: [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you. SYRACUSE: Seeking dentist competent in molar endo to work on Fridays. Office uses rotary files. Please contact Dr. Laura by email: [email protected]. MANHATTAN – CHELSEA: General dentist sought for PT associate position in FFS/PPO digitized modern, busy office. Must be highly organized, possess superlative clinical and communication skills, be proficient and comfortable in all areas of dentistry. Minimum 3 years experience. Goal is to become FT long-term addition to our team. CV and availability to: [email protected]. WAPPINGERS FALLS: Enthusiastic associate wanted for progressive family practice. Well-established with 8 operatories performing comprehensive dentistry. Upgraded equipment, digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, CAD/CAM CEREC machine and Casey patient education system. Opportunity for advancement. Inquiries to: [email protected]; or call (518) 878-5293. WESTERN NASSAU COUNTY: Seeking associate who is ambitious and hardworking leading to takeover of well-established FFS practice. Will be a win-win situation for recent graduate. Italian speaking a plus. Resume and references to: [email protected]. MIDTOWN MANHATTAN: Seeking highly motivated dental associate with minimum 3 years experience for established dental office. Must possess excellent clinical and communication skills. Proficiency in all aspects of general dentistry, including molar endo and Invisalign certification. Long-term, dedicated professional wanted with established following a plus. Email: [email protected]. ASSOCIATESHIPS WANTED MANHATTAN: Compassionate, competent and motivated general dentist seeks part-time or full-time associateship in private or group practice. Please call (714) 345-4235; or email: [email protected]. Second District: Raymond Flagiello; Edward Jastremski. Fourth District: Timothy Kelling. Suffolk County: Lawrence Absatz; Christopher First. C apitol C lub Second District: Paul Albicocco; John Demas. Eighth District: Frances De Plato; Kelly Truong. Suffolk County: Scott Goldstein; Dimitrios Kilimitzoglou; Arthur Lamia; Lynn Pierri; Howard Schneider. Bronx County: David Stevens. Taking the Risk out of Business continued from page 3 NYSDA NEWS / FEBRUARY 2015 Blaustein & Gillen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Clemens Consulting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Epstein Practice Brokers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 E-Vac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Jacobson Goldberg & Kulb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Kirschenbaum & Kirschenbaum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 MLMIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 NSS Endorsed Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 & 6 Paragon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 UB Continuing Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 New York County: Aleksander Iofin. 11 Asher, Robert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 RMN Consultants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 H onor R oll such as wrongful termination, discrimination, sexual harassment and retaliation are covered under this policy. Many dentists assume these risks are covered by their professional or general liability policies, only to find out they are not. The second enhancement is cyber liability coverage. With an ever-growing number of cyber breaches, this coverage will help protect key practice data, as well as patients’ personal information and medical records. Typically, after a breach, there are costs associated with monitoring credit, notifying all patients and vendors, and there is the actual monetary loss resulting from the identity theft. These are all covered under the cyber policy. Information for this NYSDA-endorsed program will be accessible through a dedicated website that Aftco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Ploumis, Eric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 NYSDA Salutes its EDPAC Boosters CONTRIBUTIONS from the following EDPAC boosters, all of which were made in December 2014, were received too late to include in the December News. The donors’ names are presented here with the thanks of the Association. Their extra, voluntary contributions have earned them a place on the EDPAC Honor Roll (contribution of $250 or more) and/or in the EDPAC Capitol Club ($100 or more). I n d e x To A d v e r t i s e r s will simplify the enrollment process and offer a variety of risk management solutions. It will include information and other resources on continuity planning and how to prevent and minimize a loss. And, in the unfortunate event of a claim, the website also includes steps for filing a claim and resolving the issue. For more information on this program, call Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. at (888) 869-3535, or go to www.gallagheraffinity.com/nysda. If you haven’t reviewed your business policies in a while, or if you’ve been hit with large premium increases, now may be the time to get a quote for these new NYSDA policies. z Asset Protection continued from page 7 surrounding circumstances in order to decide not to enforce the restriction. In that case, the defendant planned to set up a practice targeting a different patient population than her former employer. She also expressly promised not to target any potential patients in the immediate area of her former office, and planned to set up her own practice in an area that did not, at that time, have a pediatrician nearby. Considering all of those factors, the Court decided that to prevent her from opening her new office was not reasonable, and so the defendant prevailed. So, to answer our first question, whether restrictive covenants are enforceable, the answer is “yes,” depending upon the scope and duration of the restriction, as well as the attenuating circumstances. We can now address the practicalities of entering into a restrictive covenant. Based in Contract For many of us, presenting terms of employment and expressing our expectations is not always a simple task; however, my recommendation is to be upfront and transparent with expectations and terms. The restrictions accompanying the job benefits should be presented early on in your discussions, whether conveyed verbally or documented in a letter of intent, offer letter, email of job terms or the first draft of the employee’s contract. While potentially uncomfortable for the employer, restrictions limiting another person’s ability to practice are expected by new hires and are enforceable by New York State courts in order to protect the employer from a recognized and unacceptable threat to his or her livelihood. Our standing precedent also steers us in our drafting of such restrictions and guides us to keep such provisions within reason. That being said, the initial iteration of the proposed restriction can be on the broader side, with the employee responsible for negotiating, upholding or challenging enforceability. As the employer with the patient base, ask for what you think is reasonable and work with your counsel on a middle ground or compromise if challenged. You may be surprised to find the individual you are considering for hire understands and appreciates your years of patient development and will agree to the range or, alternatively, be willing to negotiate an acceptable modification, possibly the contractual right to notify patients treated exclusively by them by agreed-upon notice of any change in location or employment (which may or may not be acceptable to you). Of course a contractual provision may not actually serve to stop an employee from leaving and trying to open up across the street, but it will give you the right, if drafted properly, to enjoin the employee from doing so and will entitle you to damages upon such attempt. Most employees do abide by agreed-upon restrictions because they fear they will be enforced and know the potentially massive expense of defense. In that regard, a restrictive covenant is an extremely successful tool to dissuade such activity. As an owner, electing to hire and not avail yourself of contractual protections against patient theft and competition could be the equivalent of my brushing my teeth with a pure sugar paste. Sure, I’m trying to help myself, but I’m really just setting the stage for potential trouble in the future. The most common reason why many dental professionals elect to proceed with a restriction or, for that matter, a proper contract, is they do not want to pay a lawyer for assistance. Well, being pennywise and pound foolish in this scenario may just cost you your autonomy and freedom (because you may elect not to hire) or your patient base (hiring without properly worded restrictions). Creating a properly worded employment agreement is a basic task for an experienced healthcare attorney, for which the cost is minimal compared to the alternative. z Jennifer Kirschenbaum, J.D., is the managing partner of Kirschenbaum & Kirschenbaum’s healthcare department and a member of the NYSDA Legal Services Panel. She and her team can be reached at (516) 747-6700, x 302, or at [email protected] to discuss restrictive covenants or other practice-related legal issues. 12 NYSDA NEWS / FEBRUARY 2015