Message from the President

What’s been going on in the KDA? Here is your update. The biggest event for this quarter was 2024 Smilecon meeting in New Orleans. Highlights include Give Veterans A Smile program launch to address the oral health care needs of veterans, the official launch event took place on October 19th at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans. The third annual ADA Dental Olympics took place on October 18th and 19th with the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry winning that competition. The keynote speaker Shawn Kanungo, a bestselling author and organizational expert, shared tips on how to stay competitive in today’s market, including how the dental profession can use artificial intelligence. The ADA Member Advantage booth offered free professionally photographed headshots for dentists, discounts on student loan refinancing and a free 30 minute student loan consultation. After SmileCon the ADA House of Delegates met where our very own Kansas dentist, Dr. Allen Reavis led the 12th district as the 12th district trustee. Also during the meeting elections were held and Dr. Tamara Berg from Oklahoma was elected second vice president of the ADA which was exciting to see coming from the 12th district as well. Dr. Richard Rosato, a dentist from New Hampshire, was elected as the new ADA president-elect, bringing extensive experience in dental ethics and advocacy to the role. Big issues that had a recurring theme at the house were insurance reform and workforce. It is always reassuring to see so many dentists in one room passionately fighting for this profession and advocating for our patient’s well-being. Also our 2nd annual Dine and Discover took place on November 7th, we shuttled thirty, third and fourth year UMKC dental students to three dental practices in the Kansas City area. It was a very successful event where the students got professional head shots taken, explored different office styles, networked and learned about organized dentistry all while eating, drinking and having a great time! Hope everyone has relaxing holidays! May your eggnog be spiked and your holiday stress-free!

Your KDA President,

Quote of the Quarter

“If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” — Henry Ford

From the Office Dec. 2024

As we approach the end of 2024 the KDA is busy closing out this past year’s business and looking to an exciting 2025! First up is the Kansas Legislative Session which convenes on Monday, January 13! The KDA Board of Trustees has approved a robust legislative agenda which will guide the KDA through legislative session. The is pursuing initiatives with regard to dental insurance reform and the dental practice act. The KDA will also be working to improve access to care through increased KanCare reimbursement rates and monitoring possible anti-fluoride legislation, among others. You can see the KDA’s Legislative Priorities in the related article.

KDA Board Sets 2025 Legislative Priorities

DENTAL WORKFORCE

The KDA OPPOSES dental therapy as it believes all Kansans, regardless of location or socio-economic status, deserves the services of a fully trained and licensed dentist. As such, the KDA OPPOSES all legislation designed to create a lesser trained non-dentist technician/therapist.

Join Us in Transforming Smiles and Lives: Volunteer for the Kansas Mission of Mercy (KMOM)

The holiday season is a time of joy, togetherness, and reflection. As lights twinkle on streets and homes fill with the aroma of festive meals, it’s also a profound reminder of the importance of gratitude. In a world often consumed by hustle and material pursuits, the holidays give us an opportunity to pause, appreciate, and give thanks for the blessings we have—both big and small.

Member Spotlight on Dr. Trevor Harris

Get to know your trustee and fellow KDA member! We asked him a few questions and he answered!

1. What was your experience graduating during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic?

I had been keeping up with the news headlines and WHO data during the early months of 2020 and I had a feeling that our school year might be impacted. Obviously much more than school was impacted when it was all said and done. My wife and I had our first child who was just over a year old when UMKC shut down for the semester. I stayed at home with him at our house in Kansas City and we got to spend a lot of time together. I saw this as a silver lining amidst the chaos. Meanwhile my wife, Molly, was working as a nurse practitioner at the St. Lukes pulmonary clinic. She was involved with many of the early testing sites and helped setup the isolation units at several hospitals. I was fortunate enough to graduate on time while several other classmates had to return in the fall due to the shutdown.

2. What do you want KDA members to know about you?

I am a father of two girls and one boy. My wife and I chose to move back to our hometown in rural Kansas after graduating dental school. We love to spend our free time outdoors either at the lake or on the golf course.

3. Why dentistry? In another life what would be your profession?

I chose dentistry after going through some dental complications as an adolescent. This sparked my interest, and I began shadowing offices in my hometown. I worked for a great dentist in Frontenac, KS while attending Pittsburg State University which reinforced that I was making the right decision. If I had to choose another profession I would have gone to law school. I have several attorneys in my family and the law has always been an interest of mine.

4. What was your journey like starting or acquiring your private practice.

As I mentioned before, we moved back to our hometown following graduation. I was working a locum job in Newton, KS three to four days a week when my dentist called me about purchasing his practice. It was an office I was very familiar with as I had been a patient for many years. In November of 2020 I began working at his office when I wasn’t in Newton. Our family attorney helped me navigate the purchase which was completed June 1, 2021.

5. What about your practice brings it to the 21^st century?

There is always new technology in every field and dentistry is no exception. When it comes to new tech for the office, I consider whether it will make the office more efficient and provide a better experience for patients. There is a lot out there that isn’t necessary for most offices. One of the first major hurdles was transitioning the practice away from paper charts to all electronic. We also use a 3D scanner for most of our fixed cases and a 3D printer for models.

Strategies to Improve Practice Workflow

When we discuss improving healthcare and improving the patient experience, we often focus on treatments, emerging research, and ensuring quality interactions between patient and provider. Evaluating healthcare workflows for efficiency and productivity is usually relegated to discussions around revenue more than patient care. However, healthcare workflow efficiency has a profound impact on the overall patient experience. Of course, it does also have an impact on revenue, resource utilization, and so much more. So, here are some strategies to improve workflow at your practice.

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