LETTERS Hello Dr. Nail,

I applaud your article in the recent issue of Focus (I’m a Guinea Pig, Sep/Oct 2016). I have been perplexed, troubled and worried over the years at issues such as the one you have described with the fractured abutment. I think, “Did I do something to the porcelain when I adjusted the occlusion? Did the lab mill the abutment too small? Were the occlusal forces too great? Where was the failure? Why was there failure?” Thank you for writing about this relevant topic with humor and down-to-earth language.

Lauren Carr, DDS

General Practitioner, Independence University of Maryland Dental School, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery (1986)

We’ve completed the Team Spotlight of the MDA staff and now will spend the next several issues featuring the staff of Missouri Dental Insurance Services!

MDIS Adds Associate in Kansas City

MDIS is pleased to announce that it has add- ed an additional resource for dentists in the Greater Kansas City area. Doug Huls, CLU, RHU, ChFC is an established and professional insurance advisor based in Overland Park, Kan. He has worked in the insurance industry for many years with various companies and in different positions encompassing all facets of insurance. He is a published author, has held leadership positions, and excels in risk identification and management, intelligent solution recommenda- tions and customer-focused service. His specialty is life insurance, and MDIS is pleased to have him as a business associate! Born and raised in Nebraska, he attended the University of Nebraska and pursued his professional credentials with the American College. His wife has many years of experience in dental office manage- ment which gives him some insight into your profession and the challenges that dentists must contend with. Welcome aboard Doug! You may contact Doug through MDIS at 800-944-7550.

Overtime Rules … Are You Ready?

Does your practice employ salaried staff earning less than $47,476 per year? If so, new federal Department of Labor rules will require you to pay overtime to those employees for any hours worked over 40 per week. The new rules take effect December 1, 2016. The ADA Center for Professional Success answers several frequently asked questions regarding this pending rule. Go to modental.org/hr for links to ADA resources and to access a recent Focus article on the topic.

Jerri Wildhaber, CISR, is the MDIS Professional Liability Manager. As such, Jerri assists dentists with Malpractice, Corporate Malpractice, Cafeteria Plan, Health Reimbursement Arrangements and Personal Umbrella needs. She spends a great deal of her time out of the office and on the road visiting the students at both UMKC and ATSU, as well as dropping in to visit with clients along the way.

MDIS PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY MGR Jerri Wildhaber

Jerri is the second longest-serving MDIS team member, having joined the agency in June 1998. She came to MDIS right after college with her accounting degree and has worked in many capacities in her tenure.

Jerri resides in Loose Creek with her husband Jacob. They were high school sweethearts and will celebrate their 16-year anniversary in January. They have three children Aiden (13), Eva (10) and Brie (6). Jerri is very active her community, church and children’s school. She volunteers as much as she can to fundraise for the church and the school, and even finds time to coach both of her girls’ softball teams. Jerri also organizes an event each year, in memory of her deceased sister, to raise money for her family to give scholarships to students who need financial support. Here’s a bit more to get to know Jerri better! Contact her at jerri@mdis4dds.com.

Last good book you read: I read the electric bill when I paid it! Finding time to read a good book has escaped me in the last 13 years! Maybe I will find the time someday …

How you like to spend your Sunday: If it is warm enough, on the Osage River with my family and friends! We love spending time at our place on the river! When we are not on the river, it is usually at a family event of some sort … soaking up the time we have with them is important to us.

Music currently on your playlist: I will listen to about anything, but it is usually what my kids want to hear, lots of country or pop music. Lately, I’m loving some Little Big Town, Carrie Underwood, Adele and John Legend.

Favorite wellness activity: Walking or hiking somewhere new. When my family visits a state park (our favorite is Elephant Rock) we love to walk the trails and see all the wonderful sights Missouri has to offer! And, of course, softball!

Food you refuse to eat: Liver and onions! Yuck!

Most awesome place you’ve visited: There are so many, but driving up the west coast of California was absolutely magnificent!

ISSUE 6 | NOV/DEC 2016 | focus 7