Dentistry Commons^™

Everyone Deserves A Dental Home, Loren C. Baim Dds

The New York State Dental Journal

With knowledge and preparation, dental practices should be able to accommodate the growing population of people on the autism spectrum.

Mda Foundation: Supporting Your Foundation Helps Those With The Greatest Need!, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

MDA Foundation aids the underserved through grants, scholarships, and events like Mission of Mercy (MOM). Mirlo Real Estate Partners, inspired by MOM's impact and aligned with the Foundation's mission, became its largest corporate donor. Mirlo's Nick Zagar and Remy Isdaner recognized dentists' needs and pledged substantial support. Their commitment mirrors the Foundation's ethos: helping those in need. Dental community support, volunteering, donations, and charitable distributions are vital for the Foundation's success in serving the community.

What You Should Know About Michigan’S Revised Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment Law, Michele Kawabe Mph, Rd, Cdces

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Starting from the 2024-25 academic year, Michigan mandates a pre-school oral health assessment for all incoming kindergarten students. Michele Kawabe, MPH, RD, CDCES, explains the legislative change, its implementation through the Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment (KOHA) program, and its potential impact on dental offices. This feature provides insights into frequently asked questions, covering assessment protocols, forms, patient records, reimbursement, and data tracking by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

Dentistry And The Law: Why Dentists Must Pay Attend To Antitrust Law, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this month’s Dentistry and the Law column, Dan Schulte, JD, MDA Legal Counsel, emphasizes the importance of understanding antitrust laws for dentists. He explains that agreements between competitors that restrain trade are illegal and highlights the risks of price-fixing and group boycotts. Dentists should avoid any activities that may be construed as anticompetitive. Enforcement of antitrust laws can lead to criminal or civil actions, making awareness crucial.

News You Need, David Foe Ma

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The upcoming Annual Session in Lansing, from April 17-20, offers opportunities for dental professionals to access quality continuing education, explore the expansive exhibit hall, and engage in special events like the Sparkling Smiles Celebration. The MDA Board of Trustees discussed the proposed new ADA Tripartite Membership Model, aiming to enhance engagement and offer targeted benefits. Additionally, volunteers are still needed for the Mission of Mercy program, and the MDA emphasizes the importance of dentists as mandated reporters for child abuse or neglect.

The Mda’S Michigan Donated Dental Services (Dds) Program: How To Serve The Elderly And Disabled In Your Community And Build Your Team (Without Leaving Your Office!), April Stopczynski

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

April Stopczynski, MDA Manager of Access and Prevention, sheds light on the Michigan Donated Dental Services (DDS) program, elucidating its impact on individuals through poignant patient narratives and dentist testimonials. The article illustrates how DDS bridges the gap in dental care for the elderly, disabled, and financially compromised individuals in Michigan. The program not only restores smiles but also transforms lives by providing much-needed dental treatment through volunteer dentists and labs. This article presents the value of DDS for patients, providers, dental team members and the greater community. Information is provided on how to participate in this transformative program.

Staff Matters: Implementing A Painless Performance Evaluation Process, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Jodi Schafer, HRM Services expert, addresses the common struggle of conducting employee evaluations. She emphasizes the importance of frequent, timely feedback and suggests breaking the review process into smaller, more manageable sessions to combat the "Recency Effect." Schafer also advises updating job descriptions, incorporating self-reviews, and simplifying evaluation forms for a more effective process.

Ada Report: Ada Board Discusses New Services, Ce Changes, And Dental School Issues, Michele Tulak-Gorecki Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Michele Gulak-Gorecki, DDS, 9th District Trustee for the ADA, highlights discussions from the winter ADA Board meeting. Key points include the emphasis on ADA values, expansion of member services such as financial offerings, updates on revenue and membership models, collaboration with new dentists, improvements in continuing education programs, and insights from dental school deans on reducing education costs.

The Back Page Commentary: Care For Special Needs Patients: We Must Do Better, Craig C. Spangler Dds, Fscda

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Despite strides in providing resources for neurodivergent and geriatric patients, access to suitable dental care remains a challenge. A survey revealed finding capable dentists as the primary barrier to care for special needs individuals. Transitioning from pediatric to adult care lacks continuity, highlighting gaps in predoctoral dental education. Challenges include inadequate training, limited opportunities for continuing education, and reimbursement issues. Collaboration between medical and dental leaders is crucial for addressing these pressing issues and ensuring equitable access to care.

Governmental Affairs Update: Dental Medicaid, Neema Katibai Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The MDA spearheads an initiative to enhance Medicaid anesthesia services reimbursement, aiming to address the disparity between current rates and commercial standards. Despite recent improvements in Medicaid dental benefits, access to care remains hindered by low anesthesia reimbursement rates. The MDA advocates for a substantial investment to increase reimbursement to 85% of commercial rates, garnering support from various medical associations. This collaborative effort marks a significant stride towards achieving equitable Medicaid reimbursement. Grassroots advocacy is pivotal in influencing state budget decisions, urging constituents to engage with legislators via MDA text alerts.

Mda At Your Service: What Is The Beneficial Ownership Information Report?, Kristin Johnson Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

MDA Staff, with input from Kristin Johnson, DDS, explains the Beneficial Ownership Information Report required by the Corporate Transparency Act. Dental practices with fewer than 20 full-time employees and <$5M in annual sales must file by Jan. 1, 2025. They also address MIOSHA regulations, dental assistant duties, and access to MDA resources like the Delegation of Duties Chart and educational videos on infant oral health.

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.

Dentistry’S Cdt Code: Its Origins, Use And Future, Frank J. Pokorny Ii, Mba, Facd(Hon)

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Today’s version of the Code on Dental Procedures and Nomenclature – commonly referred to as CDT 2024 -- is the latest iteration of the code set first published in 1969. The CDT Code is ADA intellectual property that serves dentists and the dental community at large as the HIPAA standard for documenting and reporting services delivered to patients. CDT supports multiple needs: e.g., documentation; billing and reimbursement; revenue; data analytics. The code set’s maintenance is an open process overseen by the ADA Council on Dental Benefit Programs’ Code Maintenance Committee. Any dentist or interested party may submit a maintenance request. …

Agents Of Change: Which One Are You?, Michelle C. Dziurgot Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In her editorial, Michelle C. Dziurgot, DDS, explores various roles dentists play as agents of change, including catalysts for urgency, collaborators with specialists, diligent workers for accuracy, risk-taking entrepreneurs, charismatic leaders, and peacemakers who resolve conflicts within their practices.

J Mich Dent Assoc April 2024

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association provides news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. It stands as the primary publication reaching Michigan dentists.

In the April 2024 issue, the Journal focuses on the landscape of practicing in rural settings. Original content includes:

• A cover story highlighting Michigan’s Donated Dental Service Program
• A feature on Michigan’s Revised Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment Law
• A feature article on the origins, future, and use of the CDT Code
• Profiles of the 2024-25 MDA Officer, Trustee and ADA Delegation candidate
• An …

Risk Factors Of Dental Anxiety And Exploration Of Interventions, Katelin A. Hancock

University Honors Theses

Within this literature review, the root causes of dental anxiety, current intervention methods, and possible preventative interventions are discussed. Dental anxiety affects millions of individuals across diverse backgrounds and can be detrimental to oral health. This issue can arise from various sources, however, different socioeconomic and sociodemographic factors can contribute to an individual’s risk of developing dental anxiety. Understanding what predisposes certain populations to become more likely to develop dental anxiety is imperative to holistically address the concern. Investigating the relationship between lack of access, oral health, and anxiety levels allows for an understanding of the root causes of anxiety. …

Governmental Affairs Update, Neema Katibai Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The article presents the American Dental Association's federal advocacy achievements during the first half of the 118th Congress. The ADA has made significant strides in influencing policy and regulations across various categories, including workforce issues, dental insurance reform, access to care, student loan debt, Medicaid, practice management, veterans' affairs, health information technology, and public health. Their efforts span from urging legislative action to collaborating with federal agencies and Congress members. These accomplishments showcase the ADA's commitment to advancing dental profession interests nationally.

J Mich Dent Assoc March 2024

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association provides news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. It stands as the primary publication reaching Michigan dentists.

In the March 2024 issue, the Journal focuses on the landscape of practicing in rural settings. Original content includes:

• A cover story discussing "Market Realities for Rural and Small-Town Practices"

• A feature commentary from a new dentist in the Upper Peninsula on "Why I Chose to Practice in Rural Michigan"

• A feature article highlighting a dental education initiative, "Washington’s RIDE Program: A Model …

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Washington’S Ride Program: A Model Providing Rural Practitioners, Mary K. Smith Dds, Mba

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The University of Washington School of Dentistry Regional Initiatives in Dental Education (RIDE) program is an award-winning dental education model that trains dentists to practice in rural and underserved areas. Its first cohort of students graduated in 2012. To date, there have been 96 graduates. More than 80% of RIDE graduates in practice are in rural and underserved areas, including those seeking specialty training. RIDE is successful because it collaborates with multiple universities, community health centers, local dental associations, and community leaders in the area where the students are located.

Uda To Rda: A Pathway To Greater Success, Margaret Gingrich Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

UDA to RDA: A Pathway to Greater Success" by Margaret Gingrich, DDS, explores the advantages of transitioning unlicensed dental auxiliaries (UDAs) to registered dental assistants (RDAs). The article emphasizes the benefits for both practitioners and staff, citing increased efficiency, improved patient care, and expanded practice capabilities. Dr. Gingrich shares personal experiences from her rural practice, highlighting the challenges of workforce shortages and the strategic adoption of RDAs to address these issues. She outlines a pathway for UDAs to attain RDA status through targeted training programs and contractual agreements, enhancing career satisfaction and practice productivity. The article underscores the importance of …

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 …

Market Realities For Rural And Small-Town Practices, W. E. Rupprecht Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article explores the challenges rural dental practitioners face in Michigan, highlighting the struggle to find successors for practice continuity and the impact on patient care. Examining sales data and demographic trends reveals disparities in successful practice transitions, emphasizing the difficulty in attracting buyers to rural areas. The reluctance of potential buyers, influenced by family and professional considerations, underscores the need for strategic solutions. Initiatives by the Michigan Dental Association and innovative approaches such as mentorship and financial incentives aim to address these challenges. The article concludes by urging practitioners to act as stewards and plan for successful transitions in …

Special Insert: Guideline For Delegation Of Duties For Allied Dental Personnel In Michigan, David Foe Ma

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dental assistants, registered dental assistants, and registered dental hygienists have specific duties they can perform for patients as outlined by the Michigan Public Health Code and the Michigan Board of Dentistry General Rules. Permitted delegated services vary based on a team member’s level of training, licensure, and available supervision by a licensed dentist.

The Journal of Michigan Dental Association provides this pullout insert to guide the dental team. This easy-to-read chart quickly identifies recent changes to the duties each dental auxiliary can legally perform.

Mda Foundation: Mission Of Mercy Volunteer Registration Is Open!, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The MDA Foundation announces the reopening of volunteer registration for the Mission of Mercy free dental clinic in Flint, Michigan, from June 13-17. The clinic seeks dental professionals and laypeople alike to provide essential dental care to around 2,000 needy individuals. Volunteers can contribute clinical or non-clinical assistance, with opportunities for short-term or extended commitments. COVID-19 precautions are in place, and volunteers receive continuing education credits while profoundly impacting patients' lives.

Team Ce Will Make Your Practice Soar, Michelle C. Dziurgot Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In "Team CE Will Make Your Practice Soar," Michelle C. Dziurgot, DDS, emphasizes the crucial role of education and support in dental practice success. Drawing on personal experiences, Dziurgot underscores the significance of ongoing learning for both new hires and existing team members. She highlights opportunities for continuing education, such as the Michigan Dental Association Annual Session, and encourages investment in training for the entire dental team. By providing education and support akin to her own upbringing, Dziurgot asserts that practices can thrive and overcome challenges, ultimately achieving greater heights of success.

Staff Matters: How To Address Derogatory Comments Among Staff Members, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Addressing derogatory comments among staff members requires a systematic approach. Document the incident, meet individually with each employee, and assess their reactions. Responses may vary from denial to remorse. Tailor disciplinary action based on their accountability and alignment with office values. Consider potential legal ramifications and seek HR or legal guidance if needed. Regardless, swift action is essential to maintain a respectful workplace environment.

Dentistry And The Law: Charges For Missed Appointments And Interest On Past-Due Accounts, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This month’s Dentistry and the Law column explores the legal considerations surrounding charges for missed appointments and interest on past-due accounts in dental practices. Dan Schulte, JD, provides insights on implementing policies for collecting patient deposits for missed appointments and the legality of charging interest on overdue accounts. The article emphasizes the importance of complying with participation agreements, obtaining patient consent, and setting reasonable terms. Practical guidelines for policy implementation are provided, ensuring dental practitioners navigate legal complexities while managing practice finances effectively.

Why I Chose To Practice In Rural Michigan, Lisenia M. Collazo Dmd, Mph

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article explores the motivations behind dentists choosing rural practice, focusing on personal experiences and factors influencing career decisions. The narrative outlines the author’s journey from Pennsylvania to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, emphasizing a commitment to addressing oral health disparities in underserved communities. The discussion covers training experiences, financial considerations, community engagement, and the challenges of rural health care. The author also highlights the role of mentorship and advocates for building relationships with mentors in the profession, especially in rural settings. The essay underscores rural practice’s unique advantages, including professional growth, lower living costs, and a supportive community.

Tobacco And Covid-19, Palak Srivastava, Palak Srivastava

Annual Research Symposium

The relationship between tobacco use and COVID-19 has been a subject of ongoing research. Evidence suggests that tobacco may contribute to an increased susceptibility to respiratory infections, potentially exacerbating the severity of COVID-19 symptoms.

Development Of A Portable And Rapid Decalcification Device For Oral Hard Tissue Specimens, Upasana Das, Vijayalakshmi Bhat, Taniya Feroz, Sowmya Sv, Dominic Augustine

Annual Research Symposium

Decalcification is a routinely carried out procedure by oral pathologists, as the lesions involving the pulp can only be seen and identified through decalcified sections. The present methods involve usage of chemical agents, either with inorganic acids which dissolves the calcium to form soluble calcium salts or with chelating agents. Even though the chelating agents preserve the tissue morphology and show excellent microscopic picture, it has less diagnostic efficacy, as the time taken for it to decalcify the specimens is considerably high. It becomes important for us to develop a decalcification technique which will be faster and will maintain the …