Business Administration, Management, and Operations Commons^™

Look To Your Ada, Mda For Health, And Wellness Help, Michelle C. Dziurgot Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This month, MDA Journal Editor Michelle C. Dziurgot, DDS, highlights dentists' mental health challenges, emphasizing the support available through the ADA and MDA. She references a 2021 survey showing high depression rates among dentists and lists depression symptoms. The ADA provides resources and a confidential health and wellness program. Similarly, the MDA offers the Member Assistance Program with counseling services for dentists and their families. Dziurgot urges dentists to seek help and not ignore their feelings, noting the persistent stress from the pandemic and the importance of utilizing available support.

The New Professional: Prioritize Self-Care To Avoid Burnout, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this inaugural column, “The New Dentist”, Dr. Amrita Patel shares her journey of recognizing and combating burnout in dentistry. She emphasizes the importance of self-care, boundary-setting, delegation, and seeking support. By prioritizing these strategies, professionals can safeguard their well-being, enhance job satisfaction, and deliver quality patient care without falling victim to burnout's detrimental effects.

News You Need, David Foe Ma

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The 2024 MDA Annual Session promises a range of valuable events and courses, including a free keynote by Joe Johnson, PhD, addressing career fulfillment. Additional highlights include the Gordon Christensen session, new dentist track, leadership courses, and an expansive exhibit hall. Meanwhile, the MDA House of Delegates Nominating Committee announced its candidate slate for the upcoming administrative year. The MDA also offers a free webinar on suicide prevention and celebrates communities awarded for water fluoridation quality. Additionally, ADA news covers a clinical guideline on managing dental pain, the ADA Academy's teaching program, and World Oral Health Day initiatives. Lastly, local …

The Mda Member Assistance Program: Real Help When You Need It, Lisa Knowles Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This health and well-being feature focuses on the MDA Member Assistance Program, an invaluable resource for dentists navigating the myriad challenges of professional and personal life. The author shares personal experiences and testimonials, highlighting the diverse benefits offered by the program, from mental health counseling to work-life resources. The article emphasizes the program's accessibility, confidentiality, and the wide range of topics it addresses, making it a crucial tool for dentists seeking support and guidance.

J Mich Dent Assoc February 2024

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

• The February issue previews the 2024 Annual Session in Lansing, highlighting 61 courses, 48 speakers, and Michigan’s largest dental exhibit hall
• A Feature article on The MDA Member Assistance Program: Real Help When You Need It
• News You Need, including The MDA announcement of John Tramontana as the new CEO/executive director
• The MDA Student Debt Resource Center
• Updates on the MDA website refresh
• Celebrating National Children’s …

Staying Focused On A Moving Target: Coping With Change, North Shetter Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Amid rapid changes in dentistry, this commentary addresses strategies to manage stress and maintain professional balance. Drawing parallels to Moore's Law in technology, the author emphasizes the need for a balanced life, integrating work, play, love, and worship. The concept, rooted in the Pankey Philosophy, aligns with principles from Stephen Covey's Seven Habits. Core skills, including patient relationships, foundational dental practices, periodontal health, occlusion, and perpetual learning, are deemed essential. The article underscores the importance of personal dental health and advocates for study clubs to share, learn, and mentor, fostering a positive professional environment amid evolving technologies and information overload.

Navigating The Legal Landscape Of Mental Health In The Workplace: Insights For The Dental Practice, Gary Chamberlin Milr, Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dealing with an employee’s mental health situation poses complex challenges for human resource professionals. Dental practices, typically run by busy dentists or administrative managers, often lack a human resource professional and the legal expertise needed to navigate the intricacies of employment laws pertaining to mental health disabilities. Moreover, mental health issues in the workplace are sensitive, private matters that intersect with disability and leave laws and are still associated with cultural stigmas despite evolving societal attitudes. This article provides specific scenarios that give insights into the legal issues when managing dental office employees with mental health conditions. Readers should address …

J Mich Dent Assoc August 2023

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

In this issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A cover story on new dentist’s perceptions of professionalism.
• A feature on legal considerations when addressing employee wellness.
• A feature on the meaning of wellness by ADA Trustee Dr. Brett Kessler.
• Practice guidance on conducting a HIPAA security risk analysis.
• Commentary “The New Golden Age of Dentistry.”
• Editorial and regular department articles on MDA Foundation …

J Mich Dent Assoc July 2023

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

In this issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A cover story on recognizing mental health concerns in the dental workplace.
• Commentary by a foreign-trained dentist on difficulties in obtaining licensure.
• MDA 2023-04 Continuing Education Course Catalog
• A feature on addressing the current dental assisting workforce shortage.
• News you need, Editorial and regular department articles on MDA Foundation activities, Dentistry and the Law, Staff …

Mental Health In The Dental Workplace: Recognizing Signs, Communicating Concern, And Sharing Resources, Karen M. O'Brien, Karoline J. Trovato

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dentists face numerous concerns in the workplace, including stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression. Mental health concerns affect the workplace in profound ways, including engagement in and quality of work and patient care, the level of productivity, and health care costs. Recognizing mental health concerns is an important first step in assisting dentists and their staff in receiving needed assistance from mental health professionals. Steps that dentists can use to communicate their concerns and share resources are provided. Finally, a prevention model is presented to promote mental health and workplace well-being in the practice of dentistry.

J Mich Dent Assoc September 2022

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Monthly, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and feature articles to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists! In this issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• Annual reports to our readers from each of our state dental schools.
• A 10-Minute EBD column on the use of Articaine local anesthetic.
• News you need, an Editorial and regular department articles, Dentistry and the Law, Staff Matters, Advocacy, Headquarters Report and component news.

This issue also includes one article reprinted with permission.

• Student A by ADA Trustee …

J Mich Dent Assoc July 2022

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Monthly, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and feature articles to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists! In this July 2022 issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A cover feature on negotiating reimbursement rates with PPO contracts.
• A cover feature on guarding against employee embezzlement.
• A 10-Minute EBD on rampant caries management and prevention with ADHD patients taking stimulant medications.
• A Back Page look at the 2022 MDA award winners.
• News you need: an Editorial, guidance on dental practice cybersecurity, and regular department …

Meet New Mda President Vince Benivegna, David Foe Ma

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In an interview with the Journal, Dr. Vince Benivegna, incoming Michigan Dental Association (MDA) President, shares insights into his goals, challenges facing Michigan dentists, and the value of organized dentistry. As an oral surgeon and seasoned MDA volunteer, Dr. Benivegna addresses issues such as staffing shortages, dental supplies, and the evolving practice environment. He emphasizes the MDA's role in advocacy, mentorship, and supporting diverse dental professionals. Discussing the opioid crisis, Dr. Benivegna highlights dentistry's contributions while acknowledging the need for ongoing efforts. The interview provides a comprehensive view of leadership, professional growth, and work-life balance in organized dentistry.

Protect Your Patients And Yourself: The Complete And Honest Medical History, Mitchell Gardiner Dmd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This feature article emphasizes the critical role of obtaining a complete and honest medical history in dental practice. Reflecting on the evolution of clinicians' diligence since dental school, the article underscores the potential risks associated with inadequate medical histories. The legal and ethical responsibilities in gathering comprehensive patient information are highlighted, emphasizing the impact on patient well-being and the dentist's vulnerability to legal challenges. The complexities of patients' truthfulness, especially regarding sensitive topics, are discussed, urging clinicians to establish trust for accurate disclosures. The article concludes with practical recommendations, stressing the ongoing need for thorough medical history reviews and the …

The Foundation For Dental Care: The Patient Interview And Dental/Medical Health History, Richard W. Panek Dds, George Georgiev Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This feature article emphasizes the pivotal role of patient interviews and medical history assessments in establishing the foundation for dental care. Delving into the essential components of a patient's medical history, the article underscores the significance of gathering comprehensive information, including medications, allergies, and lifestyle factors. The patient interview is explored as a dynamic process aimed at building rapport, understanding the chief complaint, and addressing potential health risks. The article navigates through various scenarios, from adapting questions for specific patient situations to handling challenging topics such as substance abuse and behavioral health issues. Ultimately, the integration of total medical assessment …

Eating Disorders In Adolescents: Facts And Recommendations For The Oral Health Care Team, Catherine A. Miller Md, James R. Boynton Dds, Ms, Terrill Bravender Md, Mph

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Eating disorders typically begin during the adolescent years. These disorders are a spectrum of thoughts and behaviors related to food, weight and exercise that lead to significant psychological and physical morbidity. Medical complications of eating disorders are common and can be life-threatening. Dental providers can play an important role in care by recognizing oral signs and symptoms associated with eating disorders, giving advice on mitigating these issues, and helping patients and families connect with appropriate care. In this article, we provide key information about eating disorders, the complications including oral health issues, and advice for dental providers regarding care and …

Psychosocial Factors Of Covid-19 Impact Oral Health, Neeru Ramaswami Bds, Ms, Mph

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The impact of psychosocial factors on oral health during the COVID-19 pandemic necessitates an interdisciplinary approach to patient care. This article, part of National Children’s Dental Health Month, focuses on adolescent oral health and eating disorders, authored by experts from the University of Michigan. With a dramatic increase in eating disorders among Michigan adolescents during the pandemic, especially affecting transgender and diverse youth, identifying such issues is crucial. General dentists, in an ideal position for interaction, can play a vital role in addressing these challenges, emphasizing the need for continued education and collaboration.