Advertising Opportunities Available for Sponsorships, Advertising, and Tabling

 Advertising and Sponsorships are available for Vendors, Specialists, Dental Groups, and Dental Offices can now advertise with CCDS. Contact nissa@ccdentistsociety.com for more information. We can find the right option for you!

Sponsorship Opportunities

Due to space restrictions, mailer advertisements are limited to sponsors listed below. Business Associates and other CCDS Partners may purchase E-News Ads.

Continuing Education Sponsors: Includes business listing on website, classified postings, Logo on all mailers & flyers for events, Comp Access and opportunity to table at any CE Events, and unlimited access to socials and meetups.

Platinum CE Sponsorship: $10,000, Guaranteed 12 large monthly mailer ad to minimum of 300 on CCDS mailing list. Large Ad on Website.

Gold CE Sponsorship: $6,000, Guaranteed 8 medium mailer ads to a minimum of 300 on CCDS List. Medium Ad on Website.

Silver CE Sponsorship: $4,000, Guaranteed 4 medium mailer ads to a minimum of 300 on CCDS mailing List. Small ad on Website.

       CCDS News Sponsor: $6,000. Guaranteed 12 large ads in 12 monthly mailers. Table at           February Event. Can table at any event for an additional $120. 

Advertising Opportunities

A La Carte E News Advertisement $175 (emailed 1st of the month). Link to E-Newsletters. Email list goes out to over 700 addresses.

Postcard Sponsor $500: Mailed to over 300 recipients, features back-half of postcard, with event announcement on the front side of postcard. Limited to one time a month.

Business Associate Member Pricing

Business Associate Membership $250/Year. Includes listing on webpage. $50 admission rate to any CCDS Continuing Education (CE) Events (up to two attendees). 20% discount on E-News Advertising and Tables.  Business Associate Members are invited to attend all CCDS socials and is welcome to bring raffle prizes to CE Events and Socials. 

12 Ads in E Newsletter                $2,100

Business Associate Membership  $250

Have A Table at a CE EVENT!

February CE Event Opportunity: $250. This will be for our business luncheon and required CE Classes. There will be a one-hour business luncheon and will allow enough time for everyone with a table to give an introduction.

All other CE Event Tables are $150. Tables will be outside of the room. During the CE, those tabling are invited to attend the class.

All Sponsors (Platinum, Gold, and Silver) can have a table at any of our Continuing Education (CE) Events.

Business Associated Members ($250 annual membership) receive a 20% discount on tables. 

Current Table Opportunities

May 9th - Green Dentistry 2.0, with Brittany Cox, MA, RDH, Oregon Coast Aquarium (Newport) with luncheon and aquarium admission. 12:00 luncheon, class 1:00 - 3:00 pm. May 28th - Sleep Apnea - Time to Wake Up! (intro) with Erin Elliot, Phoenix Inn, Albany, 5:30 - 7:30 pm

May 29th - Sleep Apnea - Beyond the Basics with Erin Elliot, Lane Community College, Eugene, 9:00 am - 12 pm.

September 9th - 3D Printing CE with Max Thomas, Eugene

October 16th - Endo CE with Speaker Dr. Alex Fleury sponsored by Brasseler, Lane Community College, 9 am - 12 pm lecture, lunch 12-1 pm, Hands-On Course 1-3 pm.

December 17th - CE Corvallis, TBD (implant topic)

Business Associate Discount        -$420

Total  One Annual Payment        $1,930 

Monthly Payment ($4.20 a month additional): $165

May 2026 E NEWS Message from Executive Director: Nissa Newton

I kicked off the month by joining Dr. Welch's Walk with a Doc. I also had the opportunity to assist with the Oregon Dental Conference. Not only did they put on a great concert, their live band Karaoke party was a massive hit with a lot of people singing and dancing. The same weekend many of our dentists and hygienists assisted Helping Hands Worldwide with a dental clinic in Corvallis. OSU dental students led the charge organizing the event. University of Oregon Dental Students pitched in and volunteered as well. 

Later in the month we had our Zest Kitchen and Bar Social sponsored by Columbia Bank Healthcare. A couple of our society's new mom's brought their babies and OSU and UO dental students participated as well. It was a perfect day for an indoor event, as their was quite a bit of rain. It was great to see everyone that came to the event.

In May we have three classes. On May 9th we have our special event at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. We have a special speaker Brittany Cox, RDH, MA coming to speak on Green Dentistry. The event includes luncheon, admission, and 2 CE credits. The event is free for members of Coastal Cascades Dentist Society dentists. The price is $50 for nonmembers and staff. You can also bring family for $30 and they can join us for the luncheon and enjoy aquarium admission. Since this event is on May 9th please RSVP as soon as possible so I can have the right amount of food ordered and put your name on the admissions list. Later in the month we have Erin Elliot speaking on Sleep Apnea. Her first course on Thursday evening (May 28th) is in Albany at the Phoenix Inn and online. This class is more of an introduction to Sleep Apnea. The Friday morning class on the 29th at Lane Community College is "Beyond the Basics" which will dive deeper into the subject.

We have a new council member, Tyson Curtis!  If you are also interested in joining the council reach out to me and you can attend our next council meeting to find out more.

Corvallis Dental Clinic Photos

 

Zest Kitchen and Bar Dentist Social Photos

OR-OSHA Requirements or Temporary Workers in Dental Practices by Healthcare Compliance Associates - May 2026 E News

OR-OSHA Requirements or Temporary Workers in Dental Practices

What Oregon Dental Practices Should Know When Bringing in Temporary or Student Workers

Staffing shortages continue to impact dental practices across Oregon.

When someone calls out sick, takes leave, or a position remains unfilled, many practices rely on temporary hygienists, assistants, students, or interns to keep patient care running smoothly.

While this is operationally necessary, it also raises an important compliance question: Are Temporary Workers Covered Under Oregon OSHA?

Yes. Under Oregon OSHA regulations, any worker exposed to workplace hazards — including temporary staff and students — must receive proper safety training.

Your practice is responsible for their safety.

Below is a clear breakdown of what your dental practice must do to remain compliant, safe, and inspection ready.

1. Safety Training for Temporary Workers

Before performing any clinical tasks, workers must be trained in:

• Bloodborne pathogens
• Hazard communication (chemical safety)
• PPE usage
• Infection control
• Emergency procedures

Agencies may provide general training, but site-specific training is still required.

Training should be properly documented and readily accessible in the event of an inspection or if documentation is requested following a complaint against your practice.

2. Bloodborne Pathogens Compliance

Dental settings involve frequent exposure risks.

Because of this, students or temporary workers assisting with procedures must be included under the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030).

Temporary workers must understand:

• Your Exposure Control Plan
• Sharps handling procedures
• What to do after exposure incidents

Not only does this keep you compliant, it also minimizes safety incidents within your practice.

3. Exposure Control Plan Must Include Temporary Staff

Every dental practice should maintain a written Exposure Control Plan that outlines:

• Job roles with potential exposure
• Engineering controls and PPE
• Procedures for exposure incidents

A common compliance issue occurs when the plan only addresses permanent employees.

If students or temporary workers may encounter exposure risks, they should also be considered within the plan.

4. Chemical Safety Training

Under the Hazard Communication Standard, anyone exposed to chemicals must understand:

• What chemicals are used in the office
• Where Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are located
• Labeling and hazard warnings
• Safe handling procedures

This is frequently overlooked when students assist with disinfecting instruments or cleaning surfaces.

5. PPE Use in Dental Practices

Employers are responsible for ensuring all workers know:

• Know what PPE is required for specific tasks
• Understand how to properly wear and remove PPE
• Know where PPE is located within the office
• Consistently follow required PPE procedures

Beyond training, employers are required to actively enforce proper PPE use.

It can be tempting to overlook improper PPE use when someone is only working in the office temporarily. However, this creates unnecessary risk by assuming they will not experience an exposure or injury.

Failure to enforce PPE requirements can also undermine your safety culture. When expectations are applied inconsistently, it can lead to confusion and reduced compliance across the practice.

Consistent enforcement of PPE standards for all workers—regardless of role or duration—is essential to maintaining a safe and compliant environment.

6. Clear Injury Reporting Process

Workers must clearly understand (before a potential incident):

• Who to report incidents to
• Immediate steps after exposure
• Follow-up procedures

Delays or confusion can increase liability.

7. Safety Orientation for Short-Term Workers

Even short-term workers should know the fundamentals of your office’s safety procedures.

This includes:

• Emergency exits and evacuation routes
• Location of eyewash stations or emergency equipment
• Where PPE is stored
• How to report hazards or injuries

A simple safety orientation checklist can make this process quick and consistent.

Free Resource: Temporary Worker/Student Safety Orientation Checklist

Providing a standardized onboarding process helps ensure consistency, documentation, and compliance.

Click to Download: Temporary Worker/Student Safety Orientation Checklist

Need help ensuring your practice is fully OSHA-compliant? Book your FREE Compliance Risk review today!

Best Practices for Oregon Dental Practices

To maintain compliance:

• Document all training
• Provide site-specific onboarding
• Include all applicable worker types in safety plans
• Enforce PPE consistently
• Review procedures regularly

Dental practice owners already manage patient care, staffing challenges, scheduling, and regulatory requirements.

The goal is not to add complexity, but to implement simple, repeatable systems.

With a structured onboarding process, you can:

• Stay compliant with Oregon OSHA
• Reduce liability risk
• Protect your team and patient care

 

Healthcare COMPLIANCE Associates provides OSHA, Infection Control, and HIPAA compliance support for dental practices across Oregon.

 

If you have questions or would like to learn more about OSHA compliance requirements for your practice, Healthcare Compliance Associates is available as a resource. You can reach our team at 541-345-3875 ext. 1 or Support@OshaHipaaTraining.com.

Member Spotlight: Walk with A Doc Comes to Eugene BY TIM WELCH, DDS, MD NORTHWEST ORAL & IMPLANT SURGERY- May 2026 CCDS E News

As a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, I consult with patients daily in preparation for outpatient surgery and sedation. While the majority of my focus is on the oral region, I must assess the whole body to see if patients are good candidates for surgery. 

This led me (a self-admitted continuing education addict) to attend the American College of Lifestyle Medicine annual meeting in Dallas last fall. The College was founded in 2003 by a group of physicians who concentrated their efforts on six pillars of patient health: healthy eating, physical activity, sleep, stress management, social connection, and avoiding risky substances. 

As luck would have it, I met Dr. David Sabgir, who started Walk with a Doc (WWAD) in 2005, and he encouraged me to start a program in Eugene. WWAD satisfies two of the pillars: exercise and social connection.

Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist in Columbus, OH, was frustrated with his inability to affect behavior change in the clinical setting, so he invited his patients to go for a walk with him in a local park on a spring Saturday morning. To his surprise, many patients and community members showed up, energized and ready to move. 

He has now walked with patients and community members nearly every weekend since. WWAD is an international nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire communities through movement and conversation with walking groups led by healthcare providers. 

WWAD was started to “encourage physical activity and reduce the effects of a sedentary lifestyle.” While that is still 100% true, we have found that the simple act of taking a walk together has the power to transform lives and communities. 

There is no question that increasing exercise, even moderately, reduces the risk of many diseases, including coronary heart disease, breast and colon cancer, and type 2 diabetes. Since 2005, WWAD has received exceedingly positive feedback from its participants. 

The organization has substantially grown from its initial base in Columbus, Ohio, to become an established practice in 48 states across the US and 40 countries worldwide, hosting over 8,000 walks annually. Community feedback has highlighted that 90% of participants reported feeling more educated since starting WWAD, 71% have increased their weekly level of physical activity, and 93% of participants feel more inspired to prioritize healthier lifestyle habits. 

It doesn’t matter if you can only walk 100 feet or the whole hour; all are welcome and encouraged to join a group effort to improve health. People come for different reasons, but the fresh air and connection with others are hard to beat. 

Dr. Lexi Mitchell Sanchez, DO, attended the first walk last month and sees a real advantage for patients. “I’m thrilled to see Dr. Welch launching a chapter in Eugene. It’s so important that we stay connected to our community and encourage patients to simply step outside and WALK. Spending time outdoors supports both mental and physical health, and I hope patients discover that wellness can be as simple as moving their bodies and connecting with others.” 

The group meets at 9 AM on the first Saturday of each month at the Greenway Bridge at Valley River Mall, just down from the movie theaters and behind the DMV. I’m hopeful that other physicians will join in the fun. Wouldn’t it be great if every Saturday morning of the month a physician were hosting a walk? Eugene now joins a growing list of communities worldwide that have started local Walk with a Doc programs.

Providing Refunds and Releases to Patients: A Risk Management Perspective by Julie Goldberg, DDS from Pharmacists Mutual - May 2026 E NEWS

Providing Refunds and Releases to Patients: A Risk Management Perspective

Issuing refunds and obtaining releases from patients are common strategies used in dental practices to resolve conflicts, maintain goodwill, and mitigate potential claims. Aligning the use of these tools with legal, ethical and risk management best practices to ensure effectiveness can be challenging. This article will explore when and why a practice might consider a refund, the value and limitations of a release, NPDB reporting considerations, when to involve your insurance carrier, litigation risks and considerations for patient dismissal.

When and Why to Consider a Refund

Refunds are typically issued when a patient is dissatisfied with treatment, when the dentist recognizes a service may not meet expectations or standards, or when a patient relationship has deteriorated. Offering a refund is not an admission of guilt; instead, it is often viewed as a customer‑service gesture intended to defuse tension and avoid escalation. Prior to offering a refund, a provider will want to consider the following:

·         Avoid impulsive refunds. Consider when and why to offer a refund and include these details in your office policies and procedures.

·         Evaluate clinical circumstances to assess whether they meet office policies and procedures.

·         Document the rationale for the refund.

·         Ensure the refund does not violate payer or insurance rules.

Obtaining a Release: Value and Limitations

A release, also known as a release of liability or settlement agreement, is a signed document in which the patient agrees not to pursue future claims related to the treatment in exchange for consideration. Releases can be valuable tools, but they are not without challenges. Prior to offering a release, a provider will want to consider the following:

• Understand that a release is voluntary for both the provider and the patient.
• Ensure the release clearly states what the patient is releasing the dentist from.
• Identify the offer of valid consideration.
• Comply with state‑specific laws.
• Avoid any language that attempts to prevent a patient from filing board complaints, which may be prohibited in specific jurisdictions.
• Consult your business attorney.

Even with a well‑drafted release, a patient may still file a complaint with the dental board or pursue litigation. Releases can reduce liability exposure, but they cannot eliminate it entirely. And importantly, no release can block state dental board oversight; regulatory bodies retain the right to investigate concerns regardless of contractual agreements.

NPDB Reporting Considerations

The National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) requires reporting of certain “medical malpractice payments,” including settlements made on behalf of licensed practitioners. Whether a refund triggers NPDB reporting depends on structure and intent:

• Ordinary refunds-refunds that simply return fees paid for services, without any allegation of harm or negligence are not typically reportable.
• Payments made to resolve allegations of malpractice, even if no lawsuit has been filed, may be reportable and this typically dependent on the source of payment. For example, payments made by businesses are typically reportable. Check with your business attorney to ensure you have accurate information related to reporting in your state of practice.
• Any payment made by a malpractice insurer on your behalf is almost always reportable.

To limit potential missteps, consult your business attorney and malpractice carrier before issuing any refund connected to a clinical complaint. Reporting obligations can have significant long‑term implications for credentialing, licensure, and professional reputation.

Involving Your Professional Liability Insurance Carrier

Your carrier should be notified early when a patient expresses dissatisfaction, requests a refund tied to clinical issues, or makes statements that suggest potential legal action. Insurance carriers may be able to:

• Assess whether the circumstances indicate a potential claim.
• Provide template release agreements.
• Document an "incident" date; this date may then determine policy coverage.
• Help mediate communication with the patient.

What insurance carriers typically cannot do:

• Determine whether NPDB reporting is required.
• Ensure the risk of litigation is eliminated altogether.
• Offer legal advice.

Failing to notify your carrier can jeopardize coverage if the situation escalates. Even if you believe the complaint is minor, documentation and carrier involvement protect you.

Risk of Litigation

Many dentists hope that issuing a refund or obtaining a signed release will close the matter for good. While these tools often help, they do not eliminate the possibility of:

• State board complaints
• Malpractice litigation
• Insurance audits
• Negative online reviews
• Requests for additional refunds or compensation

A release may be tested in court, and a patient may still attempt to pursue legal remedies. That’s why documentation, carrier involvement, and careful communication remain essential.

Patient Dismissal Considerations

If trust has deteriorated or a patient becomes abusive, dismissing the patient from a practice may be appropriate. When doing so, a provider will want to:

• Provide written notice.
• Avoid dismissing patients in active pain or during critical treatment phases unless necessary.
• Document behavior that led to dismissal.

Dismissal situations are best handled on a case by case basis; providers will want to consider each scenario in the context of legal and ethical guidelines to avoid potential abandonment claims. 

Navigating refunds, releases, NPDB considerations, and potential patient dismissal requires a careful balance of clinical judgment, legal awareness, and proactive risk management. While these tools can help resolve conflicts and protect the practice, none offer absolute immunity from complaints or litigation. By thoughtfully evaluating each situation, maintaining clear documentation, and involving legal counsel or your malpractice carrier when appropriate, dental providers can address patient concerns effectively while safeguarding both their patients’ well‑being and the long‑term stability of their practice.

 

This article is intended to provide general information only on certain risk management topics and is not intended to provide any coverage determinations or coverage positions, nor is it to be construed as providing legal, medical, or professional advice of any form.

The Power of Google Ads for Dental Practices (Without Wasting Budget) - May 2026 CCDS E NEWS

 

The Digital Chairside

Marketing insights, explained like you’d explain treatment to a patient.

The Power of Google Ads for Dental Practices (Without Wasting Budget)

By Kayla Mauldin, Founder, Firelight Marketing
Former dental professional with 23+ years of industry experience

When dental practices consider advertising online, Google Ads is often one of the first platforms that comes to mind. It promises quick visibility and the ability to reach patients actively searching for care.

But there’s also hesitation—and for good reason. Many practices have tried Google Ads before and felt like they spent money without seeing meaningful results.

The truth is, Google Ads can be incredibly effective for dental practices—but only when it’s approached with the right strategy and expectations.

Why Google Ads Works for Dentistry

Unlike social media, where patients are casually scrolling, Google Ads targets people who are actively searching for a solution.

These are high-intent searches like:

• “Emergency dentist near me”
• “Invisalign consultation”
• “Tooth pain relief dentist today”

This means your practice is showing up at the exact moment a patient is ready to take action.

For dental offices, that level of intent is powerful. It shortens the decision-making process and often leads to higher-quality inquiries.

Where Most Campaigns Go Wrong

The biggest mistake practices make with Google Ads is treating it like a set-it-and-forget-it solution.

Common issues include:

• Targeting too broad of an audience
• Sending traffic to a generic homepage instead of a focused landing page
• Not tracking calls, forms, or conversions
• Running ads without clear messaging or intent

Without proper structure, even a well-funded campaign can produce poor results.

Google Ads is not just about being seen—it’s about being relevant.

The Importance of Targeting the Right Services

Not every service needs to be advertised equally.

High-performing dental campaigns often focus on:

• Emergency dentistry
• High-value procedures (implants, crowns, Invisalign)
• New patient exams or offers

These services align with both patient urgency and practice growth goals.

By narrowing the focus, practices can allocate budget more effectively and avoid spreading resources too thin.

Landing Pages Matter More Than the Ad

Getting a patient to click on your ad is only the first step. What happens next determines whether they convert.

A strong landing page should:

• Clearly match the intent of the search
• Explain the service in simple, patient-friendly language
• Build trust with reviews, visuals, and transparency
• Make it easy to call or request an appointment

If a patient clicks on an ad for “emergency dentist” and lands on a general homepage, there’s a disconnect—and often, a lost opportunity.

Tracking Is What Turns Ads Into Strategy

One of the biggest advantages of Google Ads is the ability to track performance.

Practices can see:

• How many people clicked on an ad
• How many called or filled out a form
• Which services are generating the most interest

This data allows for continuous improvement. Campaigns can be adjusted over time to focus on what’s working and eliminate what’s not.

Without tracking, advertising becomes guesswork. With tracking, it becomes a system.

Google Ads Should Support—Not Replace—Your Marketing

Google Ads works best when it’s part of a larger strategy.

Practices that combine ads with strong SEO, positive reviews, and a well-built website tend to see the best results. Ads can drive immediate traffic, while other efforts build long-term visibility and trust.

Think of Google Ads as a way to fill short-term gaps while your broader digital presence continues to grow.

The Takeaway

Google Ads can be a powerful tool for dental practices—but success comes from clarity, focus, and ongoing refinement.

When campaigns are built around patient intent, supported by strong landing pages, and guided by real data, they can consistently bring in high-quality new patient opportunities—without wasting budget.