Dentistry Commons^™

A Comparison Of Temporary Threshold Shifts In Dentists, Hygienists, And Dental Assistants, Sabina E. Ciaccio

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Objective: The purpose of this study is to compare the temporary threshold shifts (TTS) in dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants. The specific aim of this study is to compare the differences in temporary shifts caused by the different dental equipment and the proximity to the equipment. The current literature does not compare the change in hearing thresholds of dental personnel.

Methods: Dentists, dental assistants, and hygienists from Hermann Dental Associates will be given a case history form to determine inclusion status for this study. Exclusion criteria will include known hearing loss and significant noise exposure the day prior. …

Early Intervention Within Orthodontics: The Sociological Aspects, Trenton Hammond

Honors Theses

Orthodontic treatment is one of the final phases of dental treatment. Its use is to provide aesthetics in some cases, yet the quality-of-life aspect that it can provide is greatly underestimated. Orthodontic care can provide proper function of teeth, improve facial structure, avoid tooth decay/loss, and improve gum health (AAO, 2024). Within this research the overarching goal is to understand the sociological aspects of families looking to start orthodontic care, what the reasons behind starting or not starting are, and providing information to the public about orthodontics that may be misunderstood or might push people away from searching for orthodontic …

Increasing Oral Health In A Midwest Elementary School: Quality Improvement Project, Dee Young

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Marginalized communities experience barriers to accessing oral healthcare in the United States (US). Due to this, many children are left to use the emergency department (ED) for dental care. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to improve oral health services access in children at one suburban Midwest elementary school. The objectives of this project were: a) to improve the efficiency of students registering in Fall 2023 to access available oral health exam services, b) to increase the number of students who receive an oral health exam compared to the number in the previous school year. …

Auriculotemporal Nerve Block For Tmj: A Systematic Review, Hasan Zia, Usmaan Al-Shehab, Ahmed Gawash, Anthony Dipalma, Dale Johnson, Musa Dolley, David F. Lo, Ryan St. John, Zain Hassam, Don D. Shamilov

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate auriculotemporal nerve blocks for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder management. 583 articles reviewed from five databases, selected four studies for pooled analysis on visual analog scale (VAS) and maximum mouth opening (MMO) outcomes. Pooled analysis showed significant improvement in VAS (-2.27, p < 0.001) and MMO (0.94, p = 0.03) post-auriculotemporal nerve blocks for TMJ disorder. Auriculotemporal nerve blocks demonstrate potential effectiveness in TMJ disorder treatment, warranting further research on long-term effects and side effects.

The Raci Matrix And Its Use In The Office, Michelle C. Dziurgot Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The RACI Matrix, crucial in office management, delegates tasks efficiently: Responsible individuals, like lead assistants, handle specific duties; Accountable, typically the manager, ensures smooth operations; Consulted, such as patients, provide input; Informed parties, like lab technicians, contribute expertise. By adhering to RACI, dental offices optimize workflow, enhance patient care, and address challenges effectively, ensuring a harmonious and efficient practice.

Advocacy Spotlight: Sen. Sam Singh, Mda Legislator Of The Year, Neema Katibai Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Sen. Sam Singh, Michigan Senate Majority Floor Leader and MDA Legislative Achievement Award recipient, discusses oral health priorities and legislative successes. In an interview, Singh highlights the passage of SB 280, which ensures oral health assessments for kindergarteners, and SB 281, which enhances network leasing transparency. Singh emphasizes the importance of oral health in overall well-being and bipartisan support for these initiatives. He credits the Michigan Dental Association for its advocacy and advises dentists to engage in advocacy through associations and direct communication with elected officials.

Mda At Your Service: How Can I Choose The Right Associate Position?, Kristin Johnson Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

MDA Staff, with input from Membership Chair Kristin Johnson, DDS, advise dentists on various concerns: reviewing employment contracts with legal counsel, updating personal/practice info, obtaining MDA logo for websites, and enhancing visibility on Find a Dentist platforms. Legal and ethical considerations are highlighted when terminating difficult patient relationships. Membership benefits include contract reviews and promotional resources.

Dentistry And The Law: Taking Records When Leaving A Practice, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

MDA Legal Counsel Dan Schulte advises on departing partner issues: without contracts, disputes arise regarding records, patient ownership, and practice buyout. Employment and shareholder agreements ensure orderly transitions and protect practice interests. Patient records legally belong to the practice, and transferring them without consent violates laws. Patients can request records, but fees apply. Schulte stresses the importance of agreements to avoid costly disputes and ensure continuity of care.

The New Professional: Navigating The Journey: Finding Your Practice Philosophy As A New Dentist, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Amrita Patel highlights the importance of defining a practice philosophy as a new dentist. Self-reflection, mentorship, patient-centered care, continuous learning, and adaptability are crucial elements in this journey. Embracing personal values and ethics ensures authenticity and guides decision-making. The evolving nature of this philosophy underscores the need for flexibility and openness to change. Dentists can shape their professional identity and approach to patient care through introspection and experiential learning.

J Mich Dent Assoc May 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 May 2024 issue, the Journal focuses on the landscape of practicing in rural settings. Original content includes:

• A cover story interview introducing MDA President Todd Christy

• A feature clinical case report on Proliferative Verrucous Leukoplakia Progressing to Squamous Cell Carcinoma

• Profiles of the 2024 MDA Awards Recipients

• A New Professional Column: “Navigating the Journey: Finding Your Practice Philosophy as a New …

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Staff Matters: Utilizing ‘Unretired’ Workers To Address Hiring Challenges, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Jodi Schafer suggests targeting "unretired" workers to address front office staffing challenges in dental practices. These retirees bring valuable experience, reliability, and a commitment to customer service. Strategies include offering flexible schedules and competitive benefits and targeting recruitment efforts through networks frequented by retirees. Utilizing this demographic can supplement and support full-time staff, alleviating hiring difficulties.

Mda Foundation: Mda Foundation Grant Helps Huda Clinic Celebrate 20 Years Of Service, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

MDA Foundation Director discusses the 20th anniversary of HUDA Clinic, Detroit's largest free clinic, providing crucial medical, dental, and mental health services to the uninsured. Supported by a $10,000 grant from the MDA Foundation, HUDA plans to expand dental services due to overwhelming demand, aiming to provide daily care. They seek volunteers and donations to meet the significant need, especially for dentures. Expansion plans include collaboration with local dental schools and community colleges.

The Back Page Commentary: Mda Leaders And Students Attend Ada Student Lobby Day In Washington, D.C., Christopher J. Smiley Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

A group of MDA leaders and students from the University of Detroit Mercy and University of Michigan dental schools traveled to the nation’s capital city April 7-9 to participate in the American Dental Association’s 2024 Student Lobby Day activities.

Dr. Todd Christy: Meet Your 2024-25 Mda President, David Foe Ma, Cde

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Todd Christy, DDS, inaugurated as Michigan Dental Association (MDA) president, brings extensive experience within MDA leadership. Practicing in southwest Michigan, he aims to address workforce shortage, practice profitability, and practice sales difficulties. His tenure prioritizes advocating for effective legislation, fostering dental equity, and enhancing workforce diversity. Christy champions member involvement, emphasizing local engagement and MDA mentoring programs. Committed to improving communication and member services, he highlights MDA's strengths in education, advocacy, and insurance services. Beyond dentistry, Christy enjoys outdoor activities with his family and looks forward to statewide community engagement during his presidency.

Here Are The Mda Award Winners For 2024, David Foe Ma Cde

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Dental Association (MDA) awarded outstanding individuals and organizations in 2024, highlighting dedication to dentistry and community service. Notable winners include Dr. Richard Charlick, honored for decades of teaching and mission work, Dr. Daniel Miller for leadership across dentistry, and Dr. Michael Haddow and Scott Ward for exceptional public service. Educators Dr. Sarah Tomaka and Dr. Gary Bonior were recognized for their contributions to dental education, while Becky Wooters facilitated dental assistant training at tribal colleges. NDX Dental Art Laboratory and Dr. Michael Vilag were commended for their work with Donated Dental Services, alongside rising star Dr. Katherine Cramer. …

Proliferative Verrucous Leukoplakia Progressing To Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report, Magdalena Orlowska Dds, Felipe Nör Dds, Ms, Phd, Robert Eber Dds, Ms, Stepanie Munz Dds, David Tindle Dds, Ms

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) is an uncommon type of oral leukoplakia characterized by white patches featuring verrucoid areas. It is a condition of idiopathic origin, displaying a strong tendency to transform into squamous cell carcinoma, verrucous carcinoma, or the newly described particulate carcinoma. PVL is more commonly found in elderly women who have had leukoplakic lesions for many years. Although PVL may be found virtually anywhere in the oral cavity, the buccal mucosa, gingiva, and tongue are the most common sites. In this case, we describe a lesion of this nature found in an elderly male patient. PVL is difficult …

Clinical Assessment Of Erosive Tooth Wear Objective Outcome Measures, Elizabeth Wewers

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine whether enamel surface texture can be used as objective and quantitative measurements to detect and monitor erosive tooth wear (ETW) as an adjunct to the subjective Basic Erosive Wear Evaluation (BEWE) that is commonly used today. This longitudinal observational clinical study enrolled 32 subjects with a sample of n = 584 teeth. Conventional dental microwear surface texture parameters (surface complexity, roughness, and anisotropy - Asfc, Sa, Str, respectively) (were generated using white-light scanning confocal profilometry) from the buccal surfaces of each tooth accepted to the study. I personally scanned and analyzed n …

Establishing An Objective, Quantifiable Method For Detecting Erosive Tooth Wear, Camille Kita

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study aims to monitor and evaluate erosive tooth wear (ETW) by measurement of enamel surface thickness and texture in a clinical setting. The objective approach is fundamentally different from the standard subjective visual assessment that professionals in the dental field using the Basic Erosive Wear Evaluation (BEWE) method.

Twenty-nine hyposalivation and three control subjects were used in this longitudinal study, for a total of 597 samples (only 577 teeth were eligible for surface texture analysis) evaluated in a longitudinal study including both baseline and 12 month follow up surfaces. Each participant’s buccal surface of the tooth was first analyzed …

A New Approach To Balance Dental Fear And Anxiety By Using Bachtm Flower Therapy, Irina Maria Gheorghiu, Alexandru Andrei Iliescu, Stana Paunica, Marina Giurgiu, Brandusa Mocanu, George Alexandru Popescu, Anca Silvia Dumitriu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Treatments in dentistry currently consist of an interdisciplinary approach, including (but not necessarily limited to) the holistic perspective. The different fields of allopathic and complementary medicine are used together to ensure not only a high-quality restorative treatment, but also to provide patients with psychological and emotional support. This perspective also applies to dental anxiety, which consists of complex (emotional, vegetative and psychomotor) manifestations. One of the most well-known complementary therapies for reducing dental fear and anxiety is BachTM Flower Therapy. Even if the mechanism of action of this therapy is not yet scientifically documented, notable results have been and continue …

Correlation Between Periodontal Status And Parkinson's Disease; A Literature Review, Dragos Nicolae Ciongaru, Anca Silvia Dumitriu, Bogdan Alexandru Dimitriu, Stana Paunica, Marina Cristina Giurgiu, Brandusa Florina Mocanu, George Alexandru Popescu, Silviu Mirel Pituru

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

This systematic review aims to explore the relationship between chronic inflammation of periodontal disease and neurodegenerative disorders (especially Parkinson's disease), focusing primarily on pathophysiological, clinical and immunological aspects. An exhaustive search on this topic was performed in several databases (including PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science) selecting articles published between 2006 and 2023. After reviewing the titles, abstracts and protocols of each study, 13 articles were extracted for detailed assessment. The main indicators in the study included clinical signs of gingival inflammation, bleeding on probing (BoP), bone loss (BL), periodontal probing depth (PPD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL). Additionally, levels …