what's inside - New York State Dental Association

F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 0
Volume 23 ● Issue 1
what’s inside
Taking the Pulse of your Practice
How healthy is your dental practice? Now would be
a good time to perform a legal checkup .................4
Healthy Whites
NYSDA secures state-imposed guidelines aimed at
curbing unlicensed teeth-whitening vendors ..........9
The Tax Man Cometh
The news needn’t be all bad. There are a surprising
number of practice-related items that are deductible ....10
Conversing at Board of Trustees meeting in January are, from left: Larry Volland, chair, EDPAC; Jeffrey Baumler, trustee, Eighth District; Bill Calnon, ADA
Trustee; Richard Andolina, treasurer.
NYSDA Charts New Course in Governance
Having officially embraced a Board of Trustees/House of Delegates model,
NYSDA gets ready to test its preparedness for the unfamiliar territory ahead.
Robert M. Peskin, D.D.S.
Speaker, NYSDA House of Delegates
Orthodontist’s nightmare, this great barracuda has “agreed” not to
make lunch out of its diligent neon goby hygienist.
Everyone Needs
a Good Hygienist
Even fish need a good cleaning once in a while.
Jeffrey Galler, D.D.S.
“Until a majority has spoken, nothing has changed.”
— AThomas Jefferson
n article in the February 2009
NYSDA News provided background
on the new governance proposal then
being considered by the general
membership, including the history of
how it came to pass. By the end of May, a majority of
members had spoken and, as a result, the New York State
Dental Association is now navigating unfamiliar waters.
Ratification of a new Constitution and Bylaws put the
Association on a course to eliminate its long-established
Board of Governors and Executive Committee structure by
the end of 2009. When the governors adjourned for the last
time, in November, the Association had turned a page and
begun a new chapter of a story that is still being written. As
details continue to emerge, some members have expressed
trepidation and uncertainty regarding the way NYSDA will
be governed. I am hopeful that the explanation that follows
will allay some anxiety about what lies ahead.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES SET SAIL
The new Board of Trustees met for the first time in
November immediately after the gavel sounded, ending
forever the business of the Board of Governors. Thirteen
representatives, each chosen by his or her respective component
society, were joined by the officers and an unfamiliar
presence, a speaker of the House of Delegates. At its
inaugural meeting, the new Board of Trustees adopted
its Organization and Rules and approved assignments to
three new committees, charged with oversight of audit,
compensation and strategic planning functions.
Clearly, the trustees were engaged, but they were
also aware that their commitment to organized dentistry
would come at a higher price of time and effort to
better their profession. Nevertheless, optimism and
excitement seemed to permeate the meeting as the
board began its maiden voyage.
In January, the Board of Trustees met again as the
transition to our new governance structure continued
in earnest. In anticipation of board committee meetings,
agendas were developed and background materials
distributed to individual members. When the board
met immediately afterward, evidence of the new governance
structure was evident. A number of innovations
were introduced at that meeting, among them, a
method for recording votes electronically that maintained
anonymity during the balloting. As a result, even
though some of the issues considered may have been
contentious, the outcome was clear and determined,
without intimidation or fear of reprisal.
The consensus of both veteran and novice trustees
was extremely positive. And in the eyes of this “guest” of
the board, it was obvious the discussion and debate were
open and frank. In general, there was a sense of accom-
WHEN PATIENTS DECIDE to visit us for a timely
prophylaxis, they generally have no trouble
finding our dental offices. Street signs, maps,
written directions, GPS and discreetly displayed
professional signs help guide them to
the right location.
What does a fish in need of a cleaning do?
Although it’s hard to imagine that fish,
swimming in water 24 hours a day, can get
dirty, they too, surprisingly, need regular cleanings,
almost daily.
In their underwater environment, fish attract
a variety of parasites that grow on their outer
skin, scales, gills and inside their mouths. Left
unchecked, these parasites multiply, thrive and
harm their host. This is a perfect example of a
one-sided type of symbiotic relationship, where
the parasites benefit from their relationship with
the fish, but where the hosts suffer.
Fortunately for the fish, they, like our conscientious
dental recall patients, are able to get routine
cleanings. Recreational scuba divers are
familiar with the phenomenon; in some unknown
fashion and for some mysterious reason, certain
spots on the reef become designated as “cleaning
stations.” There, fish actually line up patiently
continued on page 2 continued on page 3

EDITOR
Kevin J. Hanley, D.D.S.
MANAGING EDITOR
Mary Grates Stoll
ADVERTISING MANAGER
Jeanne Deguire
ART DIRECTORS
Kathryn Sikule/Ed Stevens
NYSDA OFFICERS
Michael R. Breault, D.D.S., President
Robert Doherty, D.D.S., President Elect
Chad P. Gehani, D.D.S., Vice President
Richard F. Andolina, D.D.S., Secretary-Treasurer
Robert M. Peskin, D.D.S., Speaker of the House
Stephen B. Gold, D.D.S., Immediate Past President
Mark J. Feldman, Executive Director
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 info@nysdental.org.
Web site www.nysdental.org.
On Lookout for
Patients Who Use
Denture Cleanser
THE FOOD AND DRUG Administration is asking dentists
and other healthcare professionals to be alert to
patients who use denture cleansers and may suffer
allergic reactions or may misuse the products.
According to a notice from the FDA, two serious
safety problems have occurred in patients who use
denture cleansers. The first is the risk of allergic reactions
to these products. These reactions can arise soon
after the initial use, or after years of exposure.
Symptoms include gum tenderness, rash, urticaria,
respiratory distress and hypotension.
The second safety problem is misuse. Patients
may be confused by the mention of “mouthwash” as
an ingredient in denture cleansers and may mistakenly
rinse their mouths with the product, gargle with it or
swallow it. That can cause bleaching of tissue, gum
damage, vomiting, seizures and hypotension.
The FDA has asked manufacturers of denture
cleansers to warn in their labeling about allergic reactions
and to consider using alternative ingredients.
Governance Change continued from page 1
plishment for what had been done and an energy and
enthusiasm for what lie ahead.
LAYING THE GROUNDWORK
In preparation for the first House of Delegates meeting in
June in Chicago, there is a tremendous amount of activity
currently ongoing. Component societies have begun identifying
their delegates and alternate delegates. Preparation
of the Manual of the House of Delegates is nearing completion—a
preliminary draft is available upon request
from NYSDA and the final draft will be posted on the
Association Web site, www.nysdental.org, once all component
societies have submitted their delegations.
While the House of Delegates has yet to meet, a
number of amendments to the new Constitution and
Bylaws have already been drafted. Although the document
was thoroughly scrutinized during its development,
a few inconsistencies got by the reviewers. Our
framers can take solace, however, in knowing that
even the United States Constitution had to be supplemented
by a Bill of Rights shortly after it was ratified.
In the next few months, all of NYSDA’s councils will
meet as usual to consider the issues before them. Once
their reports have been developed, they, too, will be posted
on the Association Web site, where members will be
able to access them. In May, the Board of Trustees will
meet again to consider all of the resolutions being sent to
the House. For the first time, the board’s opinions will be
published, along with the recorded votes of each voting
member. By the time we get to Chicago, component societies
and their delegations will have had ample time to
learn about the issues at hand and to read the opinions of
those holding leadership positions. And on Thursday,
June 10, 101 delegates from around New York State will
gather to discuss and debate these important matters.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN CHICAGO
Consider this: Of the 35 members who comprised the
previous Board of Governors, approximately one-half of
them now sit on the new Board of Trustees. Even if all of
those who remained were designated by their component
societies as delegates, it is nearly certain that the majority
of the House of Delegates will be new to governance at the
state level. It will be this amalgam of locally selected leaders
who will decide what “business as usual” means for
NYSDA in the years ahead—a clear departure from the
“old boys club” critics charge existed for so many years.
The one thing that may be familiar to some participants
and observers will be the similarity between
the operation of the NYSDA House of Delegates and
that of the ADA House of Delegates.
Before arriving in Chicago, members of the
House will be asked to review a large amount of material.
This will include the draft Manual of the House
of Delegates, as well as a series of reports from the
Board of Trustees and from the Association’s councils.
They will also have had the chance to read the resolutions
that will be on the agenda, as well as any proposed
amendments to those resolutions submitted by
the Board of Trustees, component societies or individual
members. The learning curve will, undoubtedly,
be especially steep for newcomers to the process.
Once in Chicago, members of the House will
quickly be immersed in an orientation to familiarize
them with the logistics of how the House will function.
A number of new conventions, based on the
ADA model, will be introduced. When contentious
issues are considered, voting will be done electronically.
This will give delegates an accurate and anonymous
accounting of how issues are decided. Reference committees
will again be implemented as the forum where
all NYSDA members can express their opinions. And
the rules of decorum in the House will be thoroughly
explained. By the time the House officially convenes
on Thursday afternoon, members should have a clear
understanding of how its business will be conducted.
Shortly after the first meeting is called to order, the
House will consider two very important items of business.
The first will be adoption of its Manual, which
will codify the rules under which the House will function.
The second item will be a resolution to amend the
Constitution to clarify that it is the delegates who will
be electing the officers of the Association. This important
resolution, aimed at conforming the Constitution
and Bylaws with the Governing Statute, will require a
unanimous vote just to get it on the agenda of the second
meeting of the House, scheduled for Friday afternoon.
Should it be adopted, the process of electing the
officers of the Association by the House can proceed.
Speaking of reference committees, those meetings will
take place later on Thursday. Afterwards, when most of the
delegates and alternates are relaxing at a welcome cocktail
reception at Neiman Marcus, members of the reference
committees will be busy completing their reports so that
they can be distributed first thing Friday morning—just in
time for the component societies to begin their caucusing.
By the time the House convenes on Friday afternoon,
delegates should have a clearer understanding
of the issues they will be considering. Should there be
any contested elections, House members will have
had the opportunity to get to know the candidates
better. Once the constitutional amendment is adopted,
the election can begin.
Because the House of Delegates will meet just
once a year, all of its business must be concentrated
in the three days allotted for this meeting. For anyone
who attended the semi-annual meetings of the
Board of Governors, this meeting will seem quite different.
It clearly will be more business, with less
down time, so if golf or fishing was on your agenda,
you may want to think twice about volunteering.
However, what this meeting will provide is an
opportunity to make a difference for your profession;
to establish long-term relationships with colleagues
from around the state; and to allow a diversified, and
more representative leadership make important decisions
about the path the dental profession should pursue
in New York State and beyond in the years ahead.
MORE INCLUSIVE PROCESS
There are a great many important issues organized dentistry
will be considering in coming months and years,
among them, health care reform, mid-level providers,
licensure and third-party intervention. It’s often been
said, if you’re not part of the solution, you may be part
of the problem. One of the reasons I got involved in
organized dentistry so many years ago was because I
wanted to make a difference, to give something back to
this profession that has given so much to me.
Now, as Speaker of the House, it is time to take on
a new role. Yes, I will by necessity have to be familiar with
all of the issues discussed. But my main responsibility is
to direct traffic; to protect the rights of the minority, of
individual members and of the majority, in the manner
prescribed by parliamentary law; to ensure that proper
parliamentary procedure has been observed; and that the
will of the majority has prevailed. As I’ve said many times
since the Board of Governors met in November, I will no
longer have an opinion. My role as Speaker is to be a
facilitator, to enable the members of the House accomplish
what a majority of them want to accomplish.
In the end, the actions of the House of Delegates
will no longer reflect the opinions, wishes, suggestions
or recommendations of any individual, committee
or officer. Rather, they will be the result of
deliberations by the entire House of Delegates. And,
as the House of Delegates is authorized to act for the
entire Association, its actions will be those of the
entire membership of the New York State Dental
Association. Heady thoughts. And you thought you
were going to Chicago just to see what this new governance
thing was all about!
NYSDA NEWS / FEBRUARY 2010
2

Everyone Needs a Good Hygienist
continued from page 1
Photo by Stephen Frink
Photo by Nick Bartol
Cleaner wrasse approaches mouth of large cod.
Although this coral grouper with mouth wide open looks
surprised, its body language signals its readiness to be
cleaned by approaching blue streak cleaner wrasse.
Cleaner shrimp assiduously removes parasites from blue tang’s gills.
to get dead skin, parasites and intraoral
food debris cleaned off by smaller
fish or by tiny shrimp.
In this form of symbiosis, known
as mutalism, both creatures benefit
without harming one another: The
host fish gets a free cleaning and rids
itself of parasites and meal remnants;
and the cleaning fish gets a free
meal. Implicit in this relationship is
the inherent “agreement” that the
larger fish will not eat the cleaner
during the prophylaxis.
For a visiting scuba diver,
observing this wonder of nature is a
treat. While some divers will often
swim right past an underwater
cleaning station without even realizing
it, sharp-eyed, attentive divers
will find their vigilance rewarded.
There, divers can observe large,
motionless fish, such as groupers,
floating stock still with their mouths
and gills wide open, while tiny
shrimp crawl around and pick up
and remove dead skin, parasites
and food debris.
Usually, reef fish will scoot away
when a diver approaches. At a cleaning
station, however, with underwater
denizens lined up patiently, a diver
can come quite close to a fish.
Dentists wish their patients would
be as placid and uncomplaining as
these fish.
When I discussed this phenomenon
with one of my hygienists, she
remarked, “I would be a terrific
underwater hygienist. In high school,
all my grades were below c-level.”
Dr. Galler, a general dentist from Brooklyn
and frequent contributor to the NYSDA
News and New York State Dental Journal, is
certified as a master diver by the Professional
Association of Diving Instructors. Dr. Galler’s
inspiration for this article came from diving
vacations in the Carribbean, the Red Sea
and on the Great Barrier Reef of Australia.
3
NYSDA NEWS / FEBRUARY 2010

Get Your House (Practice) in Order
The dawn of a new decade is a good time to take stock of your practice to see if it can pass legal muster.
Andrew Feldman, J.D.
BUSY PRACTITIONERS who are dedicated to the care
of their patients often neglect their own professional
needs. This can result in financial loss to their practices
and, possibly, exposure to liability. By taking the time
to perform a “legal checkup” of your practice, you may
be able to avoid these problems and protect your interests,
without jeopardizing patient care. As you enter
the new decade, now is a good time to review important
aspects of your practice.
ORGANIZATION
Is your practice structured to minimize legal exposure
to you individually and to maximize the tax benefits
available to you?
Do you have the proper agreements in place with
your partners to protect you and them? Have they been
updated to reflect changes in the law or changes in
your practice?
Do you have the proper agreements in place with your
professional employees to protect your practice?
Practitioners seldom pay attention to the corporate
structure of their practice. Depending on your circumstances,
a sole proprietorship, professional corporation,
general partnership, limited liability partnership,
or limited liability company may not be right for
you. Close attention should be paid to the details of
your relationship with your patients as well as that
between you and your partners or
members. For example, agreements
among partners or members need to
thoroughly address divisions of profits
and losses, withdrawal of partners or
members, death or disability, loss of
professional license, responsibility for
payment of debts to third-party creditors
and lending institutions, and the
retirement of a partner or member,
among other matters.
Additionally, a careful review of
all agreements with the practice should
be conducted. Many practices employ
other practitioners to meet patient
demand without admitting them as
partners to the practice. Agreements
should be put into place addressing
not only employment issues like compensation,
but also post-employment
issues that might arise in the form of
competition by the departed employee
and similar concerns.
FINANCING
Have you taken advantage of the
record low interest rates available to
your practice?
Unfortunately, many practitioners
are too busy to investigate what interest
rates may be available to a professional
practice for working capital
loans to cover office remodeling
financing, equipment financing, practice
acquisition financing, or real
estate financing. In reviewing client
loan documents, we often find ways
to save practitioners substantial sums
in interest, debt service and other
payments.
REAL ESTATE
Are you thinking of buying a building?
Are you thinking of leasing new
space or renewing your existing
lease?
Are you sharing space with other
practitioners?
The purchase of real estate to
house a dental practice presents peculiar
issues that need to be adequately
addressed and reduced to writing.
Particular care needs to be applied to
NYSDA NEWS / FEBRUARY 2010
4

issues associated with zoning and the lawful ability to
use the building for the particular practice it is intended
to house, as well as other issues concerning the
need to protect real estate assets from potential liabilities
arising from the practice.
Many dentists currently lease office space. Dental
practices need to be careful of lease clauses that pass
through building expenses on top of the base rent and
other provisions, which, if not carefully drafted or
administered, could have the effect of being potential
profit centers for landlords. Also, particular care needs
to be paid to lease provisions that define the allowable
use of the space, to make certain they accommodate
the scope of the practice, as well as other provisions
which if not properly addressed could have a materially
adverse impact on your practice.
Space-sharing arrangements among practitioners
are not uncommon, but they do present potential issues
that should be addressed in writing. Space-sharing
agreements help diffuse potential disputes
concerning the right to use and
occupy space, responsibility for
office expenses, responsibility and
exposure to landlords, and other
issues arising from these informal
arrangements.
aggressively fight fraud and abuse in the health care
industry. The billing of services has come under scrutiny
by these entities, resulting in retrospective audits,
demands for refunds and offsets to reimbursement.
Along with audits, the dentist must be aware of
federal and state regulations that prevent certain types
of financial arrangements. A violation of any one of
these laws may result in severe civil or criminal liability.
By establishing a compliance program and conducting
self-audits on a regular basis, a dental practice can
prevent these problems.
PRACTICE TRANSACTIONS
Are you thinking of buying a practice?
Are you thinking of selling your practice?
Are you taking the necessary steps now to maximize
the value of your practice?
continued on page 20
REVIEW OF MANAGED
CARE CONTRACTS
Are you planning to renew or enter
into a contract with a managed care
organization (MCO)?
Has this contract been drafted to
balance the rights and obligations of
both you and the MCO, while protecting
the patient/ dentist relationship?
Many managed care organizations
have prepared “standard provider
agreements” which contain contractual
provisions that favor the MCO.
These agreements are presented to
dentists on a “take-it-or-leave-it” basis.
Because many providers are dependent
upon the MCO for patients, they
will often enter into these contracts
without fully considering the consequences
of doing so. A dentist should
carefully review and understand any
managed care contract he or she is
considering signing. Provisions in the
contract are often glossed over at the
time of signing. It is these same terms
that become troublesome for the dentist
when a controversy arises that
requires interpretation or clarification.
CORPORATE COMPLIANCE
Have you or your practice been
audited by Medicare or a private
insurance company?
Have you noticed an increasing
number of your claims for reimbursement
are being denied or down
coded?
Have you recently entered into
an agreement with a vendor, supplier
or lessor?
Medicare, Medicaid and private
insurance companies have begun to
5
NYSDA NEWS / FEBRUARY 2010

Photos: © City of Chicago / GRC
Chicago will be NYSDA’s kind of town in June. City skyline rises above shores of Lake Michigan. Bottom left, Ritz-Carlton hotel, meeting headquarters.
At left, landmark Chicago Theater.
House of Delegates First Annual Session
Set for June in Chicago
NYSDA chooses “Chi-Town,” the “Windy City,” for its inaugural meeting.
Ahistoric meeting requires an
extraordinary setting. The inaugural
meeting of the NYSDA House
of Delegates will take place in
Chicago, IL, national stage for
organized dentistry. Headquarters
for the meeting on Thursday June 10 through
Saturday June 12 is the Ritz-Carlton Chicago, a luxurious
hotel at Water Tower Place, an upscale mall in
the heart of the city, overlooking North Michigan
Avenue.
The House of Delegates will be preceded to
town by the NYSDA Board of Trustees, which will
meet on Wednesday June 9 at American Dental
Association Headquarters, a short walk from the
Ritz-Carlton.
Over the course of the meeting, the House of
Delegates will be in session three times: from noon to
3 p.m., Thursday; from 1 to 5 p.m., Friday; and from
8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The Thursday meeting
will include an orientation for the 101 delegates, all
whom will be attending their first NYSDA House.
For all its newness, the June meeting will feature a
reminder of past NYSDA meetings. All matters to be
placed before the House will be aired first before reference
committees. Two committees will be convened
on Thursday afternoon to hear testimony on proposals
and to prepare their recommendations for the delegates,
who will reconvene on Friday afternoon.
Other significant items on the House agenda are
the election of NYSDA 2010-2011 officers and presentations
by the candidates for the 2011 ADA
President-Elect. One of the candidates is New York
State’s own William Calnon.
While the agenda for the House of Delegates
session is lengthy and full, members and their guests
can plan on some free time to relax and enjoy the
sights of Chicago. NYSDA has arranged for planned
activities, including a trip to famed Millennium
Park, a 24-acre artists showcase; a tour of the modern
wing of the Art Institute of Chicago; and a cruise
on the Chicago River.
A welcoming cocktail party will take place on
Thursday evening, sponsored by the host group, the
Ninth District Dental Association. The party will
take place at the Neiman Marcus department store.
And the President’s Dinner Dance on Friday night at
the Ritz-Carlton will honor incoming President
Robert Doherty and his wife, Linda, along with the
other officers of NYSDA.
Registrations for the House of Delegates Annual
Session are due at NYSDA by May 3. For further
information, call Beth Wanek at NYSDA, (800)
255-2100.
NYSDA NEWS / FEBRUARY 2010
6

Full Page
Officite

Starting a New Practice?
Among the many decisions a beginning dentist needs to make, how to handle patient payments
should be at the top of the list. A credit card primer.
Starting a new practice is a complex
process. Office space, equipment,
filing systems, staffing—all are
painstaking decisions that have to
be made. Opening your own
practice is no different than starting any other type of
business. Whether you have been an associate, or are
just out of dental school, the challenges will be great.
Among the many questions you will need to
answer early on is “how will you accept payments
from your new patients?” Card acceptance is becoming
a necessary part of doing business. More and
more people are choosing to pay with credit or debit
cards. A processing program can be your competitive
advantage when it is a customized payment processing
program specifically designed to fit the needs of
your practice. But you will need more than just credit
card processing; you will also need a comprehensive
suite of products and services, things like:
●
Card Processing—Process all major credit cards
(VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American
Express, Diner’s Club and JCB), debit, commercial/corporate
and purchasing cards.
●
Check Conversion—Convert paper checks into
safe, efficient electronic transactions with
Electronic Check Service.
●
Gift Cards—Expand your market, increase revenue
and build customer loyalty – all with electronic
efficiency.
●
Processing Options—Choose from PC, Internet
and terminal applications.
●
Customer Support—24/7 customer service, via
telephone or Internet.
●
Free Online Reporting—Securely monitor your
account from any Web browser.
●
Risk Management & Fraud Control—A network
with built-in fraud monitoring and control
features to protect your business and your customers’
card data.
●
PCI Compliance—Boost customer confidence and
trust through a higher level of data security.
When starting a new practice, you may not be
familiar with what goes into setting up a processing
account. Below you will find basic information about
opening a payment processing account that will
make the process easier.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To set up a new account, you will need to complete
an application for services. Since credit card processing
is considered a financial product and carries some
financial risk, your information will go through an
underwriting process. Once it has been determined
that you have met underwriting criteria, you should
be approved for a processing account.
TERMINALS OR SOFTWARE
First, you will need to determine how you want to
process your transactions. Are you using PC’s for
scheduling and accounting? You may be able to use
the same system to process credit cards—or you can
use a stand-alone terminal using either dial or
Internet technology to process. Either way, it is
important that you consider ease of use for your staff,
as well as overall cost.
RATES AND FEES
Besides the initial installation of software or equipment,
there are the ongoing fees a dental practice has
to pay on every credit card transaction it processes.
Interchange fees are paid by the credit card processor
to the credit card issuer for transactions that are
processed through the interchange. Card associations
(MasterCard and Visa) set the interchange fees.
Interchange rates vary depending on the type of card
presented, how it is processed and the type of business
accepting the credit card. Credit card processors
also pay the card associations an assessment fee for
each transaction. Typically, each card association
reviews its interchange fee structure twice a year, at
which time either or both card associations may
make adjustments to the fee structure.
In order to qualify for the lowest processing fee
for a particular transaction, make sure you swipe the
card (that is, the cardholder is present) and deposit
and settle daily. The processing rate will be higher for
a transaction manually keyed or not deposited and
not settled through the terminal until the next day.
Along with interchange fees, most processors
charge a per-transaction fee. This is a flat fee charged
for each transaction, usually ranging from 15 cents to
25 cents. Other miscellaneous fees that may be
assessed include monthly minimum, statement,
authorization and chargeback, and retrieval.
TRAINING AND SUPPORT
Once approved for a payment processing account,
you will receive your equipment or software. A training
team should contact you to set up a convenient
time to train you and your staff. The comprehensive
training ensures you are able to begin accepting
credit and debit cards for services. If you have issues
with your service, your processor should provide
ongoing support.
PCI COMPLIANCE
Data security has become a primary consideration for
every business that accepts credit and debit cards for
the payment of goods or services. To promote the
security of the credit and debit card payment systems,
the major card brands established the Payment
Card Industry Council (PCI) to oversee its data security
standards (DSS).
Businesses of all sizes must ensure that cardholder
data is protected from a security breach. A typical
breach costs a small business $25,000 to $50,000,
but can run much higher, depending on the number
of cards compromised. To protect cardholder data
and mitigate financial exposure, it is imperative that
all businesses validate and demonstrate PCI-DSS
compliance.
NYSDA NEWS / FEBRUARY 2010
8

Consumers Receive Guidance on
Teeth Whitening
The New York State Board for
Dentistry, responding to a persistent,
year-long campaign by the New
York State Dental Association to
rein in unlicensed teeth-whitening
vendors, has issued guidelines for the public. The
most significant of these guidelines makes it clear
that anyone participating in whitening
activities who is not a licensed dentist
or dental hygienist may be engaged in
the illegal practice of dentistry. (While
not stated, it should be noted that certified
dental assistants who are licensed
by the State Education Department
can also perform teeth-whitening services
under the direct personal supervision
of a dentist.)
NYSDA Executive Director Mark
Feldman says he welcomes the guidelines
and believes they are a good first
step in helping the Association and its
components respond to a recent proliferation
of teeth-whitening kiosks in retail
malls. Nevertheless, he believes the
guidelines could be even stronger and
hopes to compile additional recommendations
for components to share with
their members.
The statement and guidelines
from the State Board for Dentistry are
reproduced below.
for Dentistry office will refer any allegations of
the illegal practice of dentistry to the Office of
Professional Discipline for investigation.
Individuals should consult with a licensed dental
health professional and have their overall dental
health evaluated before making decisions regarding
teeth whitening products and services.
GUIDANCE FROM THE NEW YORK
STATE BOARD FOR DENTISTRY:
TEETH WHITENING
Recently, consumers in New York State
have been exposed to a significant
number of products involving teeth
whitening. While certain over-thecounter
products may be safe, other
products available for self application
or though retail outlets have the potential
to cause harm.
●
Underlying dental health conditions
may make a patient a poor candidate
for certain teeth whitening
processes. These processes may not
be effective, and may actually do
harm to a patient’s teeth and gums.
●
The application of teeth whitening
products in a retail outlet, not
subject to the infection control
requirements of a dental office, creates
a risk of disease transmission
for the consumer and individuals
working in such an establishment.
●
The application of teeth whitening
products by or with the assistance
of someone who is not a
licensed dentist or dental hygienist
may constitute the illegal practice
of the profession of dentistry,
which is a crime. The State Board
9
NYSDA NEWS / FEBRUARY 2010

Get Ready for the Tax Man
What’s deductible? What’s not? A checklist for dentists.
Stuart A. Sinclair, C.P.A.
1. Dental Supplies. Almost all dental supplies are
tax deductible. If the item is equipment, rather than a
consumed item, you will have to depreciate it.
9. Alarm and Other Security Expenses. This
would include security guards, watchdogs, alarm servicing
and security cameras.
17. Equipment Rental. Rental of equipment is
deductible. People sometimes forget to pay sales tax on
rental items.
2. Dental Lab. All lab bills are deductible.
3. Payroll/Payroll Taxes. Your staff’s gross payroll
and the employer’s share of payroll taxes are
deductible. This would include FICA expense, state and
federal unemployment taxes and the new New York
State MTA payroll tax.
4. Outside Dentists/Temps. Outside dentists are people
who are not your employees but who do contract work
for you on a form 1099 basis. The IRS sometimes challenges
this classification and is able to collect payroll taxes
if it can show an employer/employee relationship exists.
5. Malpractice Insurance. This very major expense
is currently deductible.
6. Other Insurance. Workers’ compensation, some
disability insurance, liability insurance and general
business insurance premiums are currently deductible.
7. Uniforms. The rule on clothing is, if it is something
that cannot be properly worn somewhere other than in
the person’s business office, then it is deductible.
8. Cleaning of Uniforms and Office. Expenses
incurred in cleaning uniforms and your office are tax
deductible.
10. Education Courses. All education that improves your
current professional skills is deductible. If the education qualifies
you for a different profession, then it is not deductible.
11. Professional Dues and Subscriptions. The
costs of joining professional societies and magazine
subscriptions and books for your office are deductible.
12. Travel and Convention Expenses. The cost
of business-related travel and conventions is deductible.
This includes meals (50%); lodging; and train, plane,
car or taxi fares. Your spouse’s expenses may also be
deducted if the spouse works for you.
13. Licenses. The costs of your various professional
licenses are tax deductible.
14. Entertaining. Half the cost of wining and dining
business associates is deductible. You must save your
dated receipts and keep a record of who you entertained
and how they are business related.
15. Business Gifts. Gifts are deductible up to $25
each. Keep a list of the names of recipients and how
they are business related.
16. Office Rent. Know where your lease is. The IRS
sometimes asks to see it when it does an audit.
18. Depreciation of Dental Equipment. Depreciation
is an accounting concept that recognizes the fact
that equipment or buildings get older each year and,
therefore, the taxpayer should get a deduction for this.
The rules are complex, but depreciation can be a major
deduction for dentists, since they use a lot of equipment.
19. Depreciation of Office Building. Depreciation
on an office building is also allowed, though you must
depreciate buildings over a higher number of years than
what is allowed for depreciation of equipment.
20. Depreciation of Business Vehicles. You are
allowed to depreciate qualified business vehicles
according to complex IRS depreciation schedules.
21. Amortization of Goodwill. The goodwill you
paid for when you purchased your practice can be written
off over 15 years.
22. Office Expenses. Office expenses, which might
include ink cartridges, pads, pens and pencils, and
many other items, are deductible.
23. Stationery and Printing. The costs of printing
business cards, stationery and bills are deductible.
Printing flyers and brochures would also be deductible.
24. State and Local Income
Taxes. The general rule is that state
and local income taxes are
deductible on federal tax returns.
They are not deductible on state and
local tax returns.
25. Repairs. The costs of repairing
your dental equipment, office or
business car are deductible. Save
your receipts and pay by check
rather than by cash.
26. Pension Expenses. Pension
plans have evolved into a very complex
area. I advise dentists to use a
pension specialist. There is usually a
pension plan that is right for you,
although you must cover your
employees as well. The IRS has been
known to audit dentists’ pension
plans on occasion.
27. Employee Benefits. Some of
the benefits you give your employees,
such as health insurance or
meals on premises, are deductible.
continued on page 12
NYSDA NEWS / FEBRUARY 2010
10

Full Page
Officite

NYSDA Executive Director Mark Feldman with guest presenters at January Board of Trustees meeting, Robert Menotti, M.D., left, president,
MLMIC, and Sen. Neil Breslin, Democrat, Albany.
Sen. Breslin with NYSDA President Mike Breault. Sen. Breslin chairs Insurance Committee.
Get Ready for the Tax Man
continued from page 10
28. Waste Removal. The costs of disposing
of hazardous waste material are
deductible. Save your invoices.
29. Telephone. When they broke up Ma
Bell, they said our lives would get easier. I
don’t think they anticipated cell phone
bills, Internet bills, long-distance bills and
local carrier bills. As long as your phone
costs are business related, they are
deductible. Save the logs of your calls to
show they were to business associates.
30. Utilities. Dentists use a lot of water.
The cost is deductible, as are charges for
gas, electric and phone.
31. Patient Refunds. Keep a record of
all refunds to patients, giving their name,
date and the reason payment was made
to them.
32. Business Promotion. Expenses of
promoting your business are deductible.
These include parties, signs and community
projects you sponsored.
33. Advertising. The costs of advertising
are deductible, including set-up and
artwork. The costs of printing your
brochures and flyers are deductible.
34. Professional Fees. The costs of
lawyers, accountants, personnel people
and architects are deductible if their work
pertains directly to your business. Some
personal legal fees are not deductible,
such as the legal costs to contest a will.
35. Interest Expense. Interest on business
indebtedness is deductible. Interest
paid on business taxes is deductible.
Personal credit card interest is generally
not deductible.
NYSDA NEWS / FEBRUARY 2010
12

Board of Trustees in session. From left: William Karp, trustee, Fifth District; Scott Farrell, trustee, Sixth District; Mike Herrmann, NYSDA Assistant Executive Director Finance and Administration; Robert Peskin, speaker, NYSDA House of Delegates.
36. Bank Charges. Bank charges on
your business accounts are deductible.
37. Computer Expenses. The costs of
your hardware, software and consultants
are deductible, subject to some complex
IRS limitations.
38. Christmas Gratuities. The costs of
a holiday party and gratuities would be
deductible. Keep a list of who attended
and how they are business related.
39. Auto Expenses—But not Commuting.
It has been my experience that the IRS
audits dentists about their auto expenses
more than any other item. Commuting is
not deductible. Commuting is just going to
and from work. When you go from your
office to a second office, or from your
office to a hospital where you work, that
mileage is deductible. You should keep a
log of your odometer readings and a
record of the stops you make. Save your
auto logs for at least three years. Auto
logs are readily available from commercial
stationers. For 2009 returns, you can
take a flat 55 cents a mile rather than
keeping detailed records of your car
expenses. The details usually work out
higher.
Mr. Sinclair is a certified public accountant who
has spent the last 20 years specializing in accounting
for dentists in the New York Metropolitan
area. He is located in Plainview, NY, and can be
reached by phone at (516) 935-2086, or by
e-mail at stusinclair@yahoo.com.
13
NYSDA NEWS / FEBRUARY 2010

4th Quarter 2009 New Members
DIST NAME CITY DENTAL SCHOOL YR GRAD
NYC Amir Ahmadi New York New York Univ College of Dentistry 2003
NYC Christos Angelopulos New York Univ of Missouri at KC Sch of Dent 2002
NYC Sandy Chang New York Univ of Pennsylvania Sch of Dent Med 2005
NYC In Han Lee New York Univ of Pennsylvania Sch of Dent Med 1997
NYC Barbara Jurim New York New York Univ College of Dentistry 2005
NYC Brian Klein New York New Jersey Univ of Med & Dentistry 2005
NYC Urszula Korol New York New York Univ College of Dentistry 1999
NYC Courtney Linenberg New York New York Univ College of Dentistry 2006
NYC Alina Lukashevsky New York New York Univ College of Dentistry 2007
NYC Ian Mapes New York SUNY Buffalo Schl of Dental Medicine 2007
NYC Charles Marks New York New York Univ College of Dentistry 1984
NYC Ibelka Vargas New York New York Univ College of Dentistry 2002
NYC Jenny Zhu New York New York Univ College of Dentistry 2004
02 Ashi Adamjee Brooklyn Columbia Univ College of Dental Med 2006
02 Mordehai Ahdut Brooklyn New York Univ College of Dentistry 1996
02 Mitz-Ann Alexis Mt Vernon Univ of Pennsylvania Sch of Dent Med 2007
02 Mazhar Al-Hadid Brooklyn Ohio State Univ Coll of Dentistry 2004
02 Miriam Bonet Brooklyn New York Univ College of Dentistry 1989
02 Kai-Chiao Chang Brooklyn Univ of Detroit Mercy 2008
02 Charlie Chen Sunnyside SUNY Stony Brook Schl of Dental Med 2008
DIST NAME CITY DENTAL SCHOOL YR GRAD
02 Kent Davies Staten Island Marquette Univ School of Dentistry 2006
02 Marina Fainberg Brooklyn New York Univ College of Dentistry 2008
02 Edward Gregrory Jr Brooklyn Fairleigh Dickinson Univ Sch of Dent 1989
02 Olga Gurevich Brooklyn New York Univ College of Dentistry 2004
02 Valerie Klein Brooklyn Columbia Univ College of Dental Med 2003
02 Gennadiy Kravets Brooklyn Tufts Univ School of Dental Medicine 2005
02 Lisa Nguyen New York New York Univ College of Dentistry 2008
02 Thuan Nguyen Brooklyn Meharry Med College School of Dent 2008
02 Mita Parikh Brooklyn Univ of Pennsylvania Sch of Dent Med 2006
02 David Sandler Staten Island New York Univ College of Dentistry 2005
02 Elsie Sierra New York Univ of Puerto Rico Sch of Dentistry 2007
02 William Sorvino Chatham New Jersey Univ of Med & Dentistry 1995
02 Fiona Yeung Brooklyn Univ of Detroit Mercy 2006
03 Joseph Muscatiello Lake Katrine Tufts Univ School of Dental Medicine 2006
04 Steven Huffaker Glens Falls Case Western Reserve Sch of Dent 2006
04 Jennifer Plotnick Plattsburgh McGill Univ Canada 2008
04 Brian Shaughnessy Clifton Park Univ of Connecticut Sch of Dent Med 2006
05 Natashya Fraser Carthage Meharry Med College School of Dent 2007
05 Nawandeep Kalra Watertown New York Univ College of Dentistry 2007
05 Jamal Kussad Potsdam Univ of Texas Dental Branch 2002
05 Emily Peters Carthage SUNY Buffalo Schl of Dental Medicine 2008
05 Michael Teluk Syracuse SUNY Buffalo Schl of Dental Medicine 2002
06 Inderpeet Atwal Cortland New York Univ College of Dentistry 2003
06 Asanti Braxton Ithaca Meharry Med College School of Dent 2008
06 Constantine Christie Norwich Indiana Univ School of Dentistry 2004
07 Brian Karasic Hornell Tufts Univ School of Dental Medicine 1982
07 Lindsey Keck Rochester SUNY Buffalo Schl of Dental Medicine 2007
07 Kristi Soash Brockport Univ of Michigan 2008
07 Lindsey Stein Geneseo SUNY Buffalo Schl of Dental Medicine 2008
08 Barry Boyd Buffalo Univ of Pittsburg Sch of Dental Med 1988
08 Caroline Salib Jamestown Case Western Reserve Sch of Dent 2008
08 Yvonne Tsay Amherst SUNY Buffalo Schl of Dental Medicine 2008
09 Madhulika Advani Rye Brook Univ of Mississippi 1986
09 Neha Dave Sleepy Hollow New York Univ College of Dentistry 1995
09 Philip Kaiser New City Univ of the Pacific Sch of Dent 2005
09 Nava Mootabar Brewster New York Univ College of Dentistry 2001
09 Claire Paik Poughkeepsie SUNY Stony Brook Schl of Dental Med 2008
09 Mitesh Patel Mahopac New York Univ College of Dentistry 2001
NAS Petros Panagos Garden City New York Univ College of Dentistry 2005
NAS Navid Rahmani Great Neck SUNY Stony Brook Schl of Dental Med 2006
QUE Sharon Shamoiel Forest Hills Boston University Sch of Grad Dent 2003
SUF Kathleen Englehardt Commack SUNY Stony Brook Schl of Dental Med 2006
SUF Jeffrey Etess Smithtown Univ of Pennsylvania Sch of Dent Med 1997
SUF Christos Ioannou Holtsville SUNY Stony Brook Schl of Dental Med 2006
SUF Manish Soral W Babylon SUNY Buffalo Schl of Dental Medicine 2006
BRX Olufadekemi Adewetan Bronx Howard Univ College of Dentistry 2008
Laura Leon
to Head
Association
Foundation
Executives
NEW YORK STATE Dental Foundation
Executive Director Laura Leon has been
elected interim president of the American
Society of Dental Foundation Executives.
The ASDFE, which is headquartered in
Chicago, is the national association of dental
fund-raising professionals and foundation
officers. Its 88 members are dedicated
to building a culture of philanthropy to
improve oral health.
Ms. Leon will serve through 2010.
NYSDA NEWS / FEBRUARY 2010
14

Ed Department Looking to Fill
State Board Position
THE NEW YORK STATE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
has begun a search to fill the position of Executive
Secretary for the State Boards for Dentistry and
Optometry. The position has been unfilled since the
retirement three years ago of the previous secretary,
Milton Lawney.
Candidates must be dentists licensed to practice in
New York State, with five years of progressively
responsible administrative leadership experience preferred,
including lead responsibility for program
and/or policy matters. They are expected to possess
“superior” skills in oral and written communications
and be able to communicate effectively with applicants
for professional licenses, licensees and the public.
Public speaking skills would be considered a plus, as
well as an understanding of the legislative process,
knowledge of current practice and research in the professions,
and general research and survey skills.
Experience dealing with governmental, educational or
regulatory boards are said to be an asset.
The position is listed at $91,096. Applications and
resumes are being accepted by Ms. Gayle Bowden,
director, Human Resources Management, Box OPE-
595, 89 Washington Ave., Room 528 EB, Albany, NY
12234. Fax materials to (518) 486-5631, or e-mail
bbutler@mail.nysed.gov. To view the posting online,
visit www.oms.nysed.gov/hr/flyers/OPE595.htm
Take Advantage of Quality,
Discounted Services through
NYSDA
Endorsed Programs
INSURANCE
Professional Liability
MLMIC 800.683.7769
Auto & Home
Liberty Mutual 800.526.1547
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Practice Loans
Banc of America
Practice Solutions 800.497.6076
Accepting Credit Cards
Elavon 888.545.2207 ext 2
Patient Financing
CareCredit 866.246.9227
Bad Debt Collection
NCSPLUS 800.363.7215 ext 6400
Payroll Processing
Paychex 800.729.2439
Code 5686
Financial Planning
Mercer Global Advisors
888.642.2329
BANKING
WorldPoints Rewards Credit Card
Bank of America 866.438.6262
Business Credit Card
Bank of America 800.900.6703
CDs & Money Markets
Bank of America 800.414.4668
OTHER
Amalgam Recycling
Solmetex 800.216.5505
Dental Forms
Sycom 800.356.8141
Code 27092
Office Supplies
Staples 800.693.9900 ext 432
Electricity
Energy Plus 877.320.0356
For further information about
NYSDA-Endorsed Programs
contact Michael Herrmann
800.255.2100
15
NYSDA NEWS / FEBRUARY 2010

Fourth District Announces
Two-Day Dental Conference
THE 14TH ANNUAL Saratoga Dental Congress will
take place Thursday, April 29, and Friday, April 30,
at the Saratoga City Center in Saratoga Springs.
This two-day conference is sponsored by the Fourth
District Dental Society.
The program on Thursday offers nationally known
speaker Howard Strassler, who will present “Shift
Happens! New Directions with Adhesive Restorative
Materials.” For the hygienists, Colleen Rutledge will
speak on “Introduction to Periodontal Therapeutics:
Exceed Today’s Standard of Care While Increasing
Office Revenue.” Presenting for the staff in the morning
will be Mark Hillman: “How I Solved My Imaginary
Problems”; and in the afternoon, Jeffrey Seiver will
deliver “The Code: Your Gateway to Accuracy.”
In addition to the lectures, there will be a handson
dental hygiene technique course titled “A Practical
Guide to Dental Hygiene Treatment.” It will be presented
by Hudson Valley Community College. There will
also be CPR/AED certification courses offered in the
morning and afternoon sessions.
The program on Friday will offer Neil Gottehrer
presenting “Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment-
Successful and Painless Treatment of Gum Disease.”
This course is offered for both dentists and hygienists.
Presenting for staff members is Char Sweeney. The
title of her morning presentation is “Organization, the
Key to Efficiency.” She will return in the afternoon to
delivery “Saying It Right the First Time.”
CPR/AED certification will again be offered in
the morning.
Attendance at the Congress is expected to
exceed 1,000 people. There will be over 60 vendors,
many offering conference specials. This year’s
raffle will feature two grand prizes; both will be
drawn on Friday from all entries.
Register early to take advantage of reduced fees.
Fees for member dentists are $225 for one day or $325
for both days. Fees for hygienists and staff are $90 for
each day. The course fee includes a buffet lunch.
The chairman for this year’s Saratoga Dental
Congress is Fourth District President David Parsons.
Dr. Parsons can be reached at (518) 793-2881, or
drdavedmd@albany.twcbc.com. For registration
information, visit the district Web site, www.4thdds.org,
or phone the district office at (518) 371-1114. For
exhibitor registration information, phone Nancy
Hess at (518) 371-1114.
Dentists May be Asked to
Respond to Legal Settlement
Asettlement reached earlier this
year between New York
Attorney General Andrew
Cuomo and Univera Healthcare,
Inc., is expected to benefit some
Univera subscribers who received out-of-network
health care services, including dental treatment.
Under terms of the agreement, eligible subscribers
will be reimbursed fully by Univera for
claims that were previously denied on the basis
that the bill exceeded the “usual and customary
rate.” The attorney general found that insurers
were underpaying for out-of-network provider
services based on an inadequate fee schedule.
While dentists cannot recover money under
this settlement, they should be aware of it because
they may be approached by affected patients seeking
records to back up their claims that they were
underpaid and are entitled to more money from
the insurers.
Promotion
for Muñoz
FRANK MUÑOZ has been appointed
deputy commissioner for the professions
by the New York State
Board of Regents. Mr. Muñoz, who
has been with the Office of
Professions since 1990, has been
serving as associate commissioner
for the professions since 2007.
NYSDA NEWS / FEBRUARY 2010
16

CLASSIFIEDS
FOR SALE
ROCHESTER AREA: Completely refurbished building in historic
Bushnell’s Basin (eastern suburb of Rochester), immediately off
Interstate 490. 6 rooms, 3 operatories with all utilities in place.
Second floor has income-producing apartment; always occupied.
Prestigious location. Price negotiable. Please contact (585) 924-
2528.
MARYLAND/WASHINGTON, DC/NORTHERN VIRGINIA:
Practice Sales. No buyer’s fees. Call for listings. Example:
Maryland - Perio specialty group grossing $500K. Clinton—5 ops
satellite located in shopping center. Polcari Associates, Ltd., (800)
544-1297.
BUFFALO: South Towns area. 30+ year practice. 3-day week;
$500K +. Computerized; digital and digital pan. 4 ops with room
for 6. Building also available. Rental area upstairs. Fax inquiries
to: (716) 688-2984.
LAKE PLACID AREA: Full computerized, 6-operatory practice.
Digital X-rays, 7 days of hygiene. $700K on 3.5 days/week.
Excellent staff. Turn-key operation. Please call (518) 524-6186.
SYRACUSE, NY: Practice for sale. 4 ops in 1,800 sq. ft.
Located in highly desirable area south of Syracuse. 2007 gross
receipts were over $700K. Please contact Marty Hare at Henry
Schein Professional Practice Transitions at (315) 263-1313 or
(800) 730-8883 and reference listing #41107.
FOREST HILLS, NY: 29-year established dental practice for sale.
3 operatories. Real estate also available. Good location. Please
call (516) 320-5645.
PARAGON Practice Opportunities
“We Put the SUCCESS in SUCCESSion”
Western Suffolk County - dream home/office in upscale
community! 1,700 FFS patients; $670K gross and much more.
Staten Island - 2 ops, $475k/year
Queens - Rego Park, $650K/year, 3 ops.
Rochester - Northern Wayne County - $500k/year, 4 ops.
Real estate also available.
Manhattan (Chinatown) - 1 op, low overhead,
unique opportunity.
Rochester - $775K/year, 5 ops. SALE PENDING.
Rochester - western suburb, high tech modern 5 ops,
$675k/year.
Syracuse - 9 op, $2.1 mil/year, fully computerized,
40% overhead !!! SOLD.
Manhattan (Upper West Side) - 5 ops, $600k/year. SALE
PENDING.
Manhattan (Prostho) - $675k/year, 2 ops. Midtown East.
SALE PENDING.
Visit our Web site at www.paragon.us.com to learn more about
all our opportunities, or contact us today!!!
Dr. Jonathan S. Carey (Upstate NY)
Dr. Anthony Stefanou (NYC)
Dr. Berdj & Katherine Feredjian (Westchester, Long Island).
(866)898-1867 info@paragon.us.com www.paragon.us.com
MANHATTAN: 2-day practice for sale. High fees, high quality.
Good gross. Highly proficient Prosthodontist only. Please call
(201) 923-1254; or e-mail: pkdds11541@aol.com.
RIDGEWOOD, QUEENS: Small dental office space for sale at
busy corner store front location in Ridgewood. Close to subway
stations and bus stops. Newly renovated with new plumbing. Fully
equipped 2-op dental office available immediately; no patients.
Seller is relocating and will consider any offer. Great location for
new satellite office or start-ups. Please e-mail: drgeorgiafe@
gmail.com; or call (917) 584-4175 to view office.
QUEENS: General practice for sale by owner. Well established for
over 10 years. 4 plumbed operatories; 3 equipped; 2 with new
chairs. Panoramic X-ray. Busy area. Please call (347) 452-1169.
FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CT: Dental practice sale. 3 ops, 1,300
active pts. Family and cosmetic dental practice in leased 1,100
s/f space. Digital, intraoral cameras. Wonderful opportunity in
great area. Revenue $400k. Call Donna (800) 988-5674.
ERIE COUNTY, NY: General family practice, beautifully appointed,
4+ ops, 1,600 s/f, digital, Cerec. Revenue $550K on 3
days/26hrs/wk. Call Donna (800) 988-5674.
BRONX COUNTY, NY: Pediatric practice for sale. Spacious,
beautifully appointed pediatric practice 8 years young. Located in
stable growing area of the Bronx. 3 + 1 ops, 1,300 s/f leased
space, low rent. Revenue $370K. Call Donna (800) 988-5674.
ROCKLAND COUNTY: Dental practice sale. Dr. willing to stay.
Leased space, busy area, 3 chairs, nicely appointed. Fee-for-service
general dentistry. Revenue $500k. Donna (800) 988-5674.
DUTCHESS COUNTY: Wonderful, 4-op, digital, general practice
with 2,000 active patients. Revenue $825K. Call Donna (800)
988-5674.
CAPE CODE, MA: Mid-Cape. Well-established, FFS, adult restorative
practice. Revenue $665K. Call Donna (800) 988-5674.
EAST BROOKLYN: Large, 10-operatory, multi-specialty, insurance/Medicaid
practice operating since 1977. Owner retiring.
Excellent location in East Brooklyn. $2+ million gross. Principles only.
Fax inquiries to (718) 942-1425 and include daytime phone number.
BUYERS/ASSOCIATES: Practice opportunities for sale and to
associate. No fees charged to buyer. For details, call National
Practice Transition Network at (877) 265-6786 (NPTN); or register
online: www.nptnetwork.com.
FOR RENT
MANHATTAN: Beautiful, new, large-windowed dental operatory
for rent. Pelton Crane equipment, massage chairs, private office,
front desk space, doorman, warm environment. Best location -
46th Street and Madison Avenue. Please call (212) 371-1999; e-
mail: Karenjtj@aol.com.
MANHATTAN: 1 or 2 operatories for rent at 17th Street and 3rd
Avenue. Modern equipment, 2 baths, street-level entrance, 24-
hour doorman building. Entire office (1,100 sq. ft.) available to
share long term. Please call (212) 228-1450; or e-mail:
gweitzer@gmail.com.
MANHATTAN: Two operatories and private office. Available FT
in modern, Midtown office. 40th Street and Madison Ave. near
Grand Central. Must see. Please call (212) 692-9250; or e-mail:
gsaland@yahoo.com.
MIDTOWN: E. 52nd Street. Open, friendly ambiance in modern
attractive office. Monthly rental for new or transitional practice. 3-
6 days available in 2 operatories. E-mail: drkokdmd@yahoo.com;
or call (212) 752-3056.
STANDARD CLASSIFIED AD: $35 for the first 30
words or less, 75 cents each additional word. All prices are
per ad, per issue.
ASSOCIATESHIP POSITIONS AVAILABLE: NYSDA
members pay $30 for 3 consecutive issues plus web posting—please
limit ad to 30 words or less. Nonmembers
pay $45.
ASSOCIATESHIP POSITIONS WANTED: Three consecutive
issues plus web posting, free of charge. Please limit
ad to 30 words or less.
NYSDJ BOX NUMBER: $10 per ad, per issue. The NYSDJ
will assign a box number to your ad and will send all
responses to you when they are received.
NYSDA WEB SITE: For an additional $10 per insertion
we will run your standard classified ad on our Web site.
Web only listings, $25 for 30 days.
PAYMENT: Payment via check, money order, or credit card
must accompany ad copy. American Express, Visa,
MasterCard and Discover accepted. All ads must be submitted
in writing. Send ad copy and payment to NYSDA, 20
Corporate Woods Boulevard, Suite 602, Albany, NY 12211
SPECIALTY OFFICES: Available FT or PT. Endo, Perio, Oral
Surgeon. Great locations, state-of-the-art office décor and equipment.
Handicap access; near all public transportation. Ideal for
retired, beginner or practitioner looking to move. Two locations:
Manhattan on Central Park South overlooking park or Queens in
Forest Hills/Rego Park area. For viewing and pricing, contact
(917) 679-6013; or fax (718) 459-2520.
CHRYSLER TOWER DENTAL SUITES: The best there is, from
$2,000/month. Looking to relocate? Start a second office? Fully
equipped dental suites. FT/PT. We will send photos. Call (212)
370-1921; e-mail: TowerDentalSuites@gmail.com.
MIDTOWN MANHATTAN: Operatories for rent in modern,
clean friendly office on 57th & 5th Avenue. One or two ops available.
Dentrix computer system. Also ideal for retirement-minded
dentist. Please call (212) 838-2900; or e-mail: drk@krochak.com.
MANHATTAN - WALL STREET: State-of-the-art, new dental
office with 2 operatories for rent. Private practice with fee for service
only. Specialists welcome and/or general dentist with their
own patient base. Please call (212) 344-9317; or e-mail: drchillura@aol.com.
MANHATTAN EAST SIDE: Fully equipped, 3-chair office has
dental operatory for rent part time. Technician on premises. Please
call (212) 421-8238.
HUNTINGTON: Dental or dental surgeon space available. All
connections in place; located in prestigious professional building.
Ideal for general or dental specialist. Please call (631) 549-4844;
or e-mail: irisah@aol.com.
GRAND CENTRAL: Right- or left-handed dental op for rent.
Everything brand new, upscale, modern. Handicap access, separate
lavatories for patients and staff, front desk, staff room. Each
op with individually controlled central air. 24/7 medical/dental
building with concierge. Only Periodontists or Endodontists considered.
Call (212) 685-8200.
BALLSTON SPA: 7-room plumbed dental suite available in professional
building. 880 sq. ft., 3 exam rooms, additional 380 sq.
ft. also available. Ample parking, onsite maintenance personnel.
Offered at $995 per month, plus utilities. Other medical tenants
include Saratoga Care and Capital Care. For more info, contact
Alan Oppenheim at (518) 584-9578.
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS: 6-operatory fully equipped modern dental
office with space for rent in beautiful Brooklyn Heights. Great
for general dentist or specialist. Per diem rate negotiable.
Conveniently located near all major subway lines. Digital X-rays
and digital impressions available. Call Dr. Trotter (718) 625-
2116; or e-mail: heightsdds@hotmail.com.
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NYSDA NEWS / FEBRUARY 2010

MANHATTAN: One operatory available, plus part of another.
Long lease. Great location across from Carnegie Hall. Easy transportation
from East or West Side. Garage 100’ away for
$22/day. 24-hour access in professional section of building. Front
desk space is available. The office has many amenities, including
two lavatories; large staff room; nitrous oxide; two entrances; laboratory;
dark room; panographic X-ray and central air. All reasonable
arrangements considered. Call (212) 956-7777; or e-mail:
xpo93@aol.com.
ENGLEWOOD, NJ/BERGEN COUNTY: Business opportunity.
Rent space/operatories in high end, newly equipped office. 2
miles from GWB. Ideal economic start-up for specialists or general
practice. Call (201) 675-0340.
CROWN HEIGHTS, BROOKLYN: Fully equipped 3-chair office
available for rent 1-2 days in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Accessible
by bus, subway, Dentrix, G4 and Dexis system. All arrangements
considered. Please call (718) 230-0908 or (718) 856-5902.
MIDTOWN MANHATTAN SPECIALISTS: Boarded or Board
Eligible specialists only. Relocate or start second office. FT and PT
from $2,000 per month. Fully equipped; turn key. Ready to go.
The best there is. Call (212) 986-0051. E-mail: royamogh@aol.com.
ROCKLAND COUNTY: New City. Rent space in high-tech beautiful
office. Fully equipped, spacious treatment rooms, large windows.
Suitable for GP, specialist or retirement-minded dentist. Located on
lobby level of busy office building. 17 Squadron Blvd., New City.
Contact: Dr. Bernstein or Dr. Auerbach at (845) 634-0021.
MANHATTAN/ROCKEFELLER CENTER: Prestigious practice
has opportunity for restorative specialist to share newly decorated,
4-operatory office. Eighteenth floor overlooks St. Patrick’s and Fifth
Avenue. One to two rooms and front desk space available for
immediate, flexible occupancy. New equipment and furnishings.
Friendly, comfortable environment in unique professional setting.
Please call (212) 246-1260.
MANHATTAN: Park Avenue and 61st Street. One or two operatories
available in periodontal office 1-2 days per week. Must be
perio or endo specialist. E-mail: a.winter@parkaveperio.com; or
call (212) 838-0940.
MANHATTAN: Dental treatment rooms for rent at 45th & 5th.
Fully equipped, modern office. 1-5 days, 1-4 operatories available
immediately. Rental terms are flexible. Open to potential “p/t
work for rent” arrangements. Please call to discuss, (212) 382-
3782; or e-mail: drgeorgiafe@gmail.com.
MANHATTAN: Prime central location at 61st Street and Park.
One or two fully equipped operatories in new, modern, elegant
office. Available full time or part time. Please call (212) 355-5453.
MANHATTAN: Dental office available full or part time at 29 W.
57th St. State-of-the-art, new equipment and up to 3 treatment rooms
with private office and front desk space. Plus full laboratory with
master technician. Please call (212) 750-8877; or e-mail: marcbenhuri@gmail.com;
or visit our Web site: www.drmarcbenhuri.com.
NORTHERN WESTCHESTER: Multiple operatories with staffing
available in well-established general practice office. Beautiful,
state-of-the-art facility with ample parking and easy access to
major highway. Ideal for pediatric dentist or other specialty.
Phone: (914) 419-7218; e-mail: zuzusps@aol.com.
ROCHESTER, NY: Located in the city. 1,400 sq. ft. office. Three
operatories with X-ray, panoramic machine, digital X-ray equipment,
lab/sterilization rooms, separate office and desk area. E-
mail: rihm608@gmail.com.
MANHATTAN: Park Ave. & 60th Street. Dental operatory(s) for
rent at great location. Excellent opportunity for specialists. Call
(212) 758-2185; or e-mail: slee952@verizon.net.
HEART OF MANHATTAN: Near Central Park and 5th Avenue.
Perfect location. Three or four dental operatories available for dentist
with established practice. In-house ceramic lab; new, ultra modern
and fully digital; CAD/CAM integrated; fantastic staff; gorgeous,
bright and spacious office. Please e-mail: dental.opportunity.now@gmail.com.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
FLORIDA HEALTH SEMINAR: March 30- April 8, 2010. Boca
Raton, FL. AGD, ADA-CERP Continuing Education credits.
Endodontics, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, risk management
(HIV update). Contact Linda Golnick, Coordinator. Phone: (248)
388-1959; Fax: (248) 681-0315.
OPPORTUNITIES WANTED
LONG ISLAND: Well-established general dentist seeks dentist
with own following to share my office in great Sound Shore location
to decrease overhead for you and me. Looking for caring,
quality, motivated practitioner. Please contact me at (516) 594-
9210; or e-mail: jsjam5@aol.com.
SEEKING PRACTICE PURCHASE: Experienced general dentist
looking for practice to buy in Manhattan or lower Westchester.
Minimum 3 ops, PPO or FFS practice. If interested, please e-mail:
lt324@hotmail.com.
OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE
TEAM EXCELLENCE: Announcing formation of Class “A”
Midtown dental practice. Applicants are being screened for interview
leading to immediate acceptance as group full partners.
Minimum half-time required. Boarded or Board-eligible prosthodontists,
periodontists, oral surgeons, endodontists, orthodontists may
e-mail CVs to Executive Director. E-mail: Royamogh@aol.com.
GENERAL DENTISTS: Full or part time to work in long-term care
facilities and community clinics throughout New York State.
Flexible days and hours. Call (914) 738-1144, ext. 29; fax (914)
738-6751; or see us on Web: www.dentserv.net.
ORTHODONTIST: Experienced orthodontist consultant/coach
available for general practitioner providing orthodontic treatment.
For more info. please call (516) 734-1431; or e-mail:
mb35@optonline.net.
MANHATTAN-ROCKEFELLER CENTER: Considering retirement
but wondering what will become of your practice? Would
you like to wind down your professional career free of administrative
concerns and ensure easy transition for your patients into a
high-quality, fee-for-service practice with flexible financial arrangements
to suit your needs? Please call (212) 581-2442; or e-mail:
llmdental@gmail.com.
UTICA: Excellent opportunity to join several general dentists and
oral surgeon at Sitrin Medical Rehabilitation Center, including a
Mobile Dental Van. Negotiable salary. FT benefit package
includes paid health, malpractice, life insurance, continuing education
days, vacation, personal and sick time. PT also available.
Contact James DeYulio, DDS, Director, (315) 737-2466; or e-mail:
jdeyulio@sitrin.com. Faxed resumes also welcome (315) 624-
0429.
NEW HAVEN, CT: General dentist needed for group practice
in New Haven area. Current general dentists are earning
$1,000 per day and greater. You will be provided with a fulltime
dental assistant, plus second assistant if needed. Saturday
and Sunday hours are also a possibility. E-mail resume to: sdentalct@aol.com.
SERVICES
TAXES: Your office, business or personal. Specialty dentists.
Personable CPA. Call Stuart A. Sinclair, CPA, at (516) 935-2086.
Offices located at 1120 Old Country Rd., Plainview, NY 11803.
SELLERS: We customize a transition plan that’s right for you. We
offer free consultations and charge only 6% commissions. Local
rep right in your area. Contact National Practice Transition
Network at (877) 365-6786 (NPTN). For details, visit: www.nptnetwork.com.
Index To Advertisers
All Dental Specialists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
ASAASD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Asher, Robert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Blaustein & Gillen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Clemens Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Common Sense Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Countrywide Practice Brokers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Dental Dreams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Dental Justice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Endorsed Administrators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Epstein Practice Brokerage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
ESACD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Exceldent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Jacobson Goldberg & Kulb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Jaffe, Louis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
MLMIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
National Practice Transition Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
New York Implant Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
NYS Dental Assisting Assoc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Officite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Paragon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Ploumis & Baumwoll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Prosites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Saratoga Dental Congress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
UB Continuing Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
NYSDA NEWS / FEBRUARY 2010
18

ASSOCIATESHIPS AVAILABLE
PERIODONTIST: Seeking associate for Park Avenue periodontal/
implant practice. Opportunity to become partner in long-time, established
practice. E-mail resume to: a.winter@parkaveperio.com.
HUDSON VALLEY - COLUMBIA COUNTY: Seeking full-time
associate leading to buy-in and eventual buy-out. Busy six-operatory,
two-doctor practice with one doctor retiring soon. Proficiency
in oral surgery and endo big plus. Located in beautiful Hudson
Valley, minutes from Hudson River and Amtrak; 30 minutes to
Albany, the Catskills, ski resorts; and 2 hours to NYC. E-mail
inquiries to: paradox@mhcable.com.
UPSTATE-QUEENSBURY: Group practice seeking general dentists
and specialists. Full- and part-time positions available in newly
constructed, state-of-the-art, well-established group practice.
Excellent earning potential with buy-in possibility. Located in
Adirondack Mountains near Saratoga and Lake George. Fax
resume to (518) 792-5110.
HARRIS, NY: Associate wanted for friendly, well-established,
quality-oriented dental practice focused on comprehensive care. 4-
season resort area, 2 hours from Manhattan. Contact (845) 794-
4545; or fax to (845) 791-7925.
LOWER MANHATTAN: GP associate position available for
quality practice. Part time leading to full time. Pedo a plus. Fax
resume to: (212) 627-8413.
ALBANY/PERIODONTIST: PT at quality, preventive practice.
Individually owned, 30-year-old group with 6 general dentists.
Large, fixed prosthetic practice; growing need for implant procedures.
Periodontist would not participate with insurance. Contact
Dr. Santoro, (518) 456-7673; e-mail: santoro.robert@gmail.com.
Web: www.rosedentalassociates.com.
ROCHESTER: Full-time/part-time associateship leading to partnership.
Excellent opportunity at well-established practice with multiple
locations. Please call Dr. Sam Khalil (585) 530-7036; e-mail:
khalil@parkwooddental.com.
PEDODONTIST WANTED: Practice in Stamford, CT, seeks caring
committed professional to joint our team. Fairfied County, CT, just one
hour from New York City. Equity possible. Reply to gregmaur@optonline.net;
visit our Web site: www.DentalCareStamford.com.
ORANGE COUNTY: Looking for associate to join well-established
office with caring and friendly environment. We see both
children and adults. Nice recreational area in Orange County.
Recent graduates OK. Please call (845) 856-4002.
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS: PT dental associate wanted for modern,
fully equipped established FFS office. Must be proficient in all
aspects of dentistry, including molar endo. Great opportunity for
right individual. Most major PPO plans accepted. 6-op office in
beautiful Brooklyn Heights; accessible to all major subway lines.
Digital X-rays/digital impressions (Itero). Minimum 2 years experience.
E-mail resume: heightsdds@hotmail.com.
FINGER LAKES AREA: Rushville, Lyons, Mt. Morris, Utica.
Looking for enthusiastic, caring dentists (FT/PT) in growing nonprofit
organization. Graduates welcome. Benefits and loan repayment
opportunities available. Contact: tskalyo@hotmail.com.
CAPITAL DISTRICT: GP or specialist need to join modern, growing,
full-service dental group. Potential for partnership. FT and PT
positions available. Excellent salary and benefits. Office has been
doubled in size and renovated. Call (518) 526-0177; e-mail:
dr.backer.sgdc@gmail.com.
BINGHAMTON, NY: Practice owner ready to add part-time
associate dentist. Candidate must be comfortable performing
extractions and working in high-volume environment. No nights or
weekends; practice open Monday through Friday. Part-time dentist
will receive guaranteed daily rate. Call Mike for more information.
Practice visit and working interview available. Mike.james@affordablecare.com;
(800)313-3863 ext. 2276.
ONEONTA: Established dental practice in Oneonta, with second
practice location in Davenport, NY, seeking associate to join our
team. Position is FT or PT. Please contact Dr. Bonzi or Denise at
(607) 433-1472.
FINGER LAKES: Immediate opening for associate dentist in wellestablished,
quality general practice. Excellent compensation with
buy-in potential. Call (607) 776-2116; or fax resume to (607)
776-2265.
GRAND CENTRAL AREA: Associate position for quality GP
practice. PT leading to FT. Prefer candidate with 3-5 years experience.
Please e-mail resume to: drsofficeofdentistry @yahoo.com.
SCHENECTADY COUNTY: General practice seeks associate.
Future buy-in or potential for purchase. Please fax resume to (518)
357-2710; or e-mail: cardoc2@gmail.com.
ASSOCIATESHIPS WANTED
PERIODONTIST: 33 years experience in high-volume, union-oriented
NYC offices, seeks PT associateship with general or specialty
practice in Manhattan. Excellent references. Very productive
with insurance plans; good results. Please call (212) 679-2472 or
(212) 580-4790.
SEEKING ENDODONTIST POSITION: Very personable, quality-minded
endodontist seeking associateship, partnership, start-up
or buy-out opportunity in greater NYC area. Several years’ microscopic
surgical and nonsurgical experience. Please call (773)
820-2179; or e-mail: miltondavenport@gmail.com.
CLASSIFIED
I N F O R M A T I O N
RATES: $35 for 30 words or less; 75 cents each
additional word; $10 additional for Journal box
number; $10 additional for ad to appear on NYSDA
Web site. Box display: 1 column wide by 1 inch
deep (min.), $60; each additional 1/2 inch $25.
Payment must accompany all ads. Copy due 1st of
month, two months prior to date of publication. All
ads are subject to editing by The Journal. Box
replies to: NYS Dental Journal, 20 Corporate
Woods Boulevard, Suite 602, Albany, NY 12211.
Please use complete box number with replies.
19
NYSDA NEWS / FEBRUARY 2010

Get Your House (Practice) in Order continued from page 5
The purchase of a professional dental practice requires
a significant amount of investigation into the quality of
the practice, as well as appropriate agreements to
maximize the profitability of the acquisition and minimize
exposure to existing liability associated with the
practice. Among the issues that need to be addressed
are the potential for “run-off” of existing patients, the
ability of the seller to compete with you after the sale
and exposure to the seller’s liabilities.
In our experience, the number-one concern of sellers
of professional practices is getting paid on notes
given by the purchaser of the practice to the seller to
finance the purchase. Often there are no “hard assets,”
such as real estate, used to secure the note. While the
absence of hard assets makes it more difficult, we have
found a number of other ways to secure those obligations
for the benefit of sellers, and proper planning in
anticipation of a sale usually pays off.
There may come a day when you choose to discontinue
your practice. The steps you take before that
day will determine whether your practice will be a valuable
asset for sale, or a darkened room to which you
simply lock the door on your way out. Non-assignable
office space, non-transferable equipment financing or
leases, financing requiring hefty pre-payment penalties
and other agreements with third parties all present substantial
obstacles to realizing maximum value for your
practice. By carefully avoiding or removing those
obstacles now, the dentist can increase the likelihood of
receiving maximum value for his or her practice later.
PARTNERSHIP ISSUES
When considering teaming up with another practitioner,
the place to start is the end—that is, consider the ways
your partnership could conclude and plan accordingly.
The three most likely—if unpleasant—ways a partnership
ends are death, retirement and misconduct. To be prepared
for all contingencies, it is best to have paperwork
in place that secures the parties’ rights and duties.
Death of a Partner
The death of someone as close as your business partner
can be highly emotional. It isn’t a good time to be asking
and answering tough questions, such as, to whom does the
partner’s ownership interest belong? And, if the family of
the deceased expects a buy out, what will be the amount
and source of the funds? Your partnership agreement
should define these issues. It is also a good idea to have a
life insurance policy in place to take care of the buy out.
Retirement of a Partner
Though a less emotional occurrence, turmoil will nevertheless
result. The retirement of a partner could result in setbacks
for you if you choose to continue
the practice. Develop a financial plan
that allows partners to retire comfortably.
Address the question of buying out
your partner in advance. Also, consider
such legal issues as the maintenance of
the retiring partner’s patient records.
Misconduct of a Partner
It may be difficult to conceive of your
trusted partner having an ethical or
legal issue that forces him or her to
withdraw from practice; however, it is
best to be prepared even for this difficult
possibility. Does your partnership
have a strategy for continuing to function
in the unpleasant legal and regulatory
environment likely to ensue?
Again, the outgoing partner’s value to
the business must be accounted for
and meted out accordingly. Your partnership
agreement should delineate
the way your partnership will handle
such trouble. You and your partner
should familiarize yourselves with the
applicable law in such situations so
you are aware of what is at stake
before any problems occur.
ESTATE
Have you prepared a will?
Does your will need to be updated
to address changes in your business
and personal life?
Is your will drafted to minimize
your exposure to estate taxes?
Having a will means that you
sought to conserve your estate.
Changes in your personal or professional
life will require that your will be
updated. You can reduce taxes and
probate costs by designating what
things will go where and who will be
responsible for handling the details.
The cost savings that result from a
carefully constructed estate plan
means that more of your estate can go
to family members and other beneficiaries,
and not to the government.
Mr. Feldman is the founder and senior partner
at Feldman Kieffer, LLP, Buffalo, NY. He
is a member of the NYSDA Legal Services
Panel. He can be reached at (716) 852-5875
or afeldman@fkhattys.com.
NYSDA NEWS / FEBRUARY 2010
20