Leadership Commons^™

Traumatic Ulcerative Granuloma Mimicking Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Oral Lichen Planus, David I. Tindle Dds, Ms, Dabom

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Background: Oral lichen planus is an immune mediated mucosal disorder affecting up to 2% of the population. Dysplasia has been known to develop in 0.1% to 1% of patients with lichen planus. This necessitates close surveillance for the development of atypical lesions.

Case: Described is the case of a 68-year-old female patient with oral lichen planus who developed a non-healing ulceration on her right lateral tongue. Out of concern for neoplasia, a biopsy was performed. Histopathologic report indicated features consistent with traumatic ulcerative granuloma. The lesion did not return.

Conclusions: Oral lichen planus is a common mucosal disease. Although uncommon, …

All You Need Is Time: Leveraging Technology And Training To Reorganize Library Staff, Tiffany Garrett

Library Scholarship

In 2022, the Roseman University of Health Sciences Library went through several major changes. We implemented an RFID self-checkout system, opened the library space for access outside of staffed hours, and reorganized library staff to better serve our campus population. This presentation will cover the justification for the changes, implementation process, and results from the first two months of working with the new model.

Covid-19 Pandemic Impact Report At The University Of New Mexico, Lisa A. Marchiondo, Shannon Sanchez-Youngman, Teagan Mullins, Naila V. Decruz-Dixon, Melanie E. Moses, Julia Fulghum

ADVANCE Reports

This report outlines four overarching issues that the COVID-19 pandemic raised or amplified for faculty, based on a survey of full-time faculty on the main campus of the University of New Mexico in Spring 2022. Some of the issues identified existed before the pandemic, which further exacerbated challenges and inequities. Results based on faculty gender, race/ethnicity, and job title are provided.

The report contains multiple recommendations for each of the four core issues that will assist individual faculty and improve campus climate and culture. Recommendations are often applicable to multiple issues, so we provide an appendix that cross-lists recommendations between …

Staff Matters: When Do Comments About Age Become Discriminatory?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Age-related comments in the workplace can lead to discrimination and legal consequences. The federal Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects employees aged 40 or older, while Michigan law extends protection to all ages. Harassment based on age can create a hostile work environment and result in lawsuits. Employers should address such issues, educate employees about discrimination and bias, and promote a culture that values diversity.

J Mich Dent Assoc November 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:

• A cover story on choosing an educational path for professional enrichment
• A feature story on how a Michigan manufacturer closed during the pandemic repurposes their operations to produce essential PPE, becoming a COVID Hero for Michigan dentists.
• A feature article on how the MDA provides CE for members to comply with Licensure mandates.
• Feature information on practice management …

10-Minute Ebd: Is Oil-Pulling Useful In Treating Periodontal Disease?, Heather Willey Rda

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The 10-Minute Evidence-Based Dentistry Column illustrates how to implement the evidence-based dentistry search process to quickly identify and apply the best literature to answer a clinical question. Through critical appraisal, the author of this article answers the clinical question: Is Oil-Pulling Useful in Treating Periodontal Disease? Examining the potential utility of oil-pulling as a treatment for periodontal disease and comparing it to conventional periodontal therapies. The study conducted an evidence-based search using various databases and keywords related to oil-pulling, periodontal disease, and oral health. The results revealed that oil-pulling is not a substitute for standard oral hygiene practices, and insufficient …

Dentistry And The Law: Ex-Employees Who Solicit Patients Using Stolen Information, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This month’s Dentistry and the Law column discusses actions to take with a former employee who solicits patients. In cases where former employees solicit patients using stolen patient information, dental practices can take legal action. Employment agreements and employee handbooks should include confidentiality clauses. Breach of these clauses allows for lawsuits, seeking damages for business loss. Additional claims like tortious interference, unfair competition, and misappropriation may also apply. Michigan's Uniform Trade Secrets Act can provide injunctive relief and damages if the patient information is deemed a "trade secret." Seeking legal advice from an experienced attorney is essential.

Be Bullish About Dentistry — Stop Doom Scrolling!, Christopher J. Smiley Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial encourages readers to stop focusing on negative news feeds and provides a positive outlook on the profession of dentistry, emphasizing the potential for growth and improvement. It highlights the impact of emerging technology, increased public awareness of oral health, and the enthusiasm of new professionals. The author also stresses the need for continuous adaptation and collaboration within the dental community.

How To Budget Better For Dental Supplies, Theodore C. Schumann Ii Mba, Msf, Cfp, Aif

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Managing costs effectively is essential for dental practices in an era of rising inflation. One area where overspending can occur is clinical supplies. Over time, complacency among practice owners or staff in charge of ordering supplies can lead to repeated, uninformed purchases. Setting a budget and utilizing technology for supply-sourcing decisions can help control costs. Group purchasing organizations like The Dentists Supply Company (TDSC) can offer significant savings compared to traditional dental distributors. Additionally, practice owners need to strike a balance between bargain shopping for supplies and productive dentistry. Using inferior, cheaper products can lead to complications and costly rework, …

Covid-19 Heroes: From Skis To Face Shields, Christopher J. Smiley Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Shaggy's Skis in Boyne City, Michigan, repurposed its ski manufacturing operations to create essential personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. After their Facebook post asking how they could aid pandemic efforts, McLaren Hospital approached them with a request to manufacture protective face shields. Shaggy's responded by producing over 150,000 disposable shields for McLaren Health System hospitals, keeping their team employed during the shutdown. They also created shields for dental professionals, accommodating optical loops and light. The company's history of repurposing operations and Jeff Thompson's mechanical engineering background helped them adapt to manufacturing PPE. This effort …

How The Mda Meets Your Need For Quality, Affordable Ce, Kevin Sloan Dds, Ms

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Dental Association (MDA) is a prominent provider of continuing dental education (CE) in Michigan. This article includes a guide to State of Michigan Dental Licensure CE requirements and the mandated distribution of subject topics. To aid members in complying with these requirements, the MDA offers diverse educational sessions, live webinars, in-person seminars, and on-demand webinars tailored for dental professionals, including dentists, hygienists, assistants, and office staff. The MDA's CE program is shaped by its Committee on Continuing Education, comprised of diverse member dentists. The MDA collaborates with various committees, organizations, and dental societies to curate a comprehensive lineup …

The Effects Of Authentic Leadership On Individual Occupational Well-Being, Tedd A. Wheeler

All Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Leaders play a critical role in an organization, and their presence and behavior significantly affect nonmanagement employee work performance, behavior, and well-being. Authentic leadership has a positive effect on an organization. The problem was nonmanagement employees spend so much time at work and desire meaningful experiences and relationships during the workday to counter feelings of uncertainty and a lack of job satisfaction. The purpose of this transcendental phenomenological study was to identify and report the lived experiences of nonmanagerial employees of the architect, engineer, and construction (AEC) industry located in the Northeastern United States about work-related well-being defined as people’s …

Choosing Your Next Educational Adventure: Postgraduate Programs And Creating Your Path, Partha Mukherji Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article discusses the importance of choosing the right educational path after dental school, including post-graduate programs and self-directed learning. The author reflects on their experience in opting for a General Practice Residency (GPR) program and the advantages it offered regarding skill development and career advancement. The article emphasizes the value of lifelong learning, mentorship, and the variety of continuing education options available to dentists. It encourages new dentists to take charge of their professional development and create their unique educational track.

Eye Safety In Dentistry, Marie T. Fluent Dds, Cdipc

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In this article, Dr. Fluent underscores the importance of eye safety from vision loss that ended her clinical dental career. The article emphasizes the prevalence of ocular injuries in occupational settings, with about 2,000 U.S. workers suffering job-related eye injuries daily. Dental professionals face multiple eye hazards, including flying debris, chemicals, and infectious materials. Protective eyewear is crucial, with the CDC and OSHA recommending its use.

A significant concern is the "bottom gap" in protective eyewear, which exposes dental personnel to risks. The article introduces a new ANSI standard, ANSI/ISEA Z87.62-2021, to standardize eye and face protection against bloodborne pathogens …

Dentistry And The Law: Dealing With Patients Who Have Been Using Marijuana, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

When dealing with patients who emit a strong marijuana odor, it's crucial to focus on their capacity to provide informed consent and the ability to deliver treatment up to the standard of care. Judging their level of intoxication solely by appearance and smell can be unreliable, so it's best to avoid making such judgments. Instead, inform patients that you may refuse treatment if their odor or other factors hinder your ability to provide care. To prevent last-minute issues, communicate this policy in advance, particularly to patients with a history of marijuana odor. Dismissing such patients from your practice may also …

Protect Yourself From Occupational Risks, Christopher J. Smiley Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This month’s editorial underscores the importance of safeguarding against occupational risks in dentistry. Dr. Smiley shares personal experiences, highlighting potential hazards to oral health care workers' eyes and hearing, including intense lights, noisy equipment, and exposure to infectious pathogens. He emphasizes the need for protective eyewear, light shields, and equipment calibration to reduce eye-related risks and the use of custom musician earplugs to reduce the risk of job-related hearing damage. The overall message stresses that taking steps to protect oneself from occupational risks can preserve the quality of life and a professional career.

Bell’S Palsy: My Journey With A Mysterious Nerve Disorder, Sneha Shah Bds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article chronicles the personal journey of a dentist facing Bell's Palsy while pursuing licensure in the United States. Bell's Palsy, an idiopathic unilateral facial paralysis, is explored in detail, including its clinical presentation and differential diagnosis. The author shares their experiences, challenges, and treatments, shedding light on the impact of this mysterious nerve disorder on their daily life, work, and mental well-being. The article highlights the importance of early diagnosis, comprehensive evaluation, and treatment strategies for Bell's Palsy. The author's story serves as a poignant reminder for healthcare professionals to approach patients with empathy and compassion and recognize the …

J Mich Dent Assoc October 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:

• A cover story on eye safety to reduce occupational risk of eye injury in clinical dentistry.
• A feature story on a dentist’s journey with Bell’s Palsy.
• A department reports on legal issues caring for patients suspected of being under the influence of marijuana.
• Department article on workforce and employees quietly quitting.
• Articles on MDA Public Relations Grant Recipients …

Mda At Your Service: What Is The Recommendation Regarding Prescribing Clindamycin?, Eric Tye Dds, Angela Kanazeh Ms, Cmp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The MDA at Your Service Column addresses member resources available from the MDA. This month presents guidance in prescribing practices, particularly regarding clindamycin. Clindamycin’s association with an increased risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, including Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection, has increased. The report highlights how to access an ADA clinical guideline, its preference for azithromycin over clindamycin, and the warning associated with prescribing clindamycin. Further reference is available in the August 2020 MDA Journal article "Antibiotic Guidelines for Dentistry: Who, When, What, Why and How to Prescribe,” by Elaine Bailey, PharmD, and Marie Fluent, DDS. Additional member resources discussed in this …

10-Minute Ebd: Should Chipped Or Worn Dental Sealants Be Observed, Touched Up, Or Restored?, Elliot Abt Dds, Ms, Msc

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This column discusses the management of chipped or worn dental sealants in a 22-year-old patient seeking a second opinion. The author explores the need for occlusal restorations, sealant repair, or no treatment for such cases. A literature search, guided by a PICO question, reveals strong evidence supporting sealant effectiveness in preventing caries. The Cochrane review found an 88% reduction in caries odds with sealants. Clinical guidelines and systematic reviews from organizations like the American Dental Association (ADA) further endorse sealant use. The column emphasizes the importance of universal sealant application and highlights challenges in their adoption, such as concerns over …