Leadership Commons^™

Quality And Transparency, Christopher J. Smiley Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In a recent JDR Clinical & Translational Research report, the American Dental Association's clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) were determined to offer high-quality guidance for the dental profession. The study employed the AGREE II tool to validate the ADA's guidelines’ methodological rigor and transparency, ensuring their quality. This external review is promising for the profession, as it indicates that the ADA has developed reliable CPGs that support advocacy and implementation. However, the article raises questions about consumer-targeted quality scores for dentist providers, such as DentaQual by P&R Dental Strategies LLC. It suggests that for such scoring systems to be credible, they …

Dentistry And The Law: Risk Of Employment Discrimination In Job Advertisements, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Employment discrimination in job advertisements that include religious references, such as statements like "faith-based practice" or symbols like crosses, is a legal concern. Federal and Michigan state laws, particularly the Elliot Larson Civil Rights Act (ELCRA), prohibit discrimination in employment, encompassing various protected classes. ELCRA applies to all employers in Michigan, regardless of their size. Violating ELCRA can lead to legal consequences, including injunctive relief and compensatory damages. Including such references or symbols in job ads can be used as evidence against employers in discrimination claims, even if rejected candidates have lesser qualifications. Publishers of these ads are also at …

Red Flags And Risks: Unpleasant Surprises When An Office Manager Suddenly Leaves, David Harris Cpa

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Losing an office manager can pose significant challenges for dental practices. This article delves into the red flags and potential risks that may accompany an office manager's sudden departure, shedding light on the importance of understanding the circumstances surrounding their exit. The article highlights how embezzlement can be a reason behind unexplained departures and emphasizes the need to assess the situation more deeply. It explores account ownership issues that can hinder practice owners from accessing crucial business information, particularly in embezzlement investigations. The article recommends proactive measures for practice owners to secure access to vital accounts to prevent potential issues …

Advocacy Spotlight: Are You An Advocate?, Vincent Benivegna Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Advocacy is crucial for dentists in Michigan, as they face a unique opportunity to impact Medicaid dental benefits positively. Governor Gretchen Whitmer's budget proposal for 2023 includes a substantial $240 million investment to revamp dental Medicaid benefits, a historic move for the state. The Michigan Dental Association (MDA) has actively engaged with government offices and legislators to ensure this opportunity is not missed. However, despite the MDA's efforts to mobilize members through action alerts, response rates have disappointed. The article emphasizes the importance of consistent advocacy, as it has the power to influence dental practices and the well-being of patients …

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 …

Staff Matters: Independent Contractor Or Temporary Employee?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Determining whether temporary hygienists should be classified as independent contractors or employees requires careful consideration. While treating them as independent contractors offers advantages, such as avoiding payroll taxes and paperwork, it must align with specific IRS criteria. The classification hinges on the degree of control the practice exerts over their work, encompassing behavioral and financial control. If the practice significantly controls aspects like duties, hours, and business aspects, it may be wiser to classify them as employees. The IRS provides a form (SS-8) to assess the relationship in-depth. Additionally, if hygienists request employee status and you cannot definitively prove otherwise, …

10-Minute Ebd: Stimulant Medications, Rampant Caries, And Prevention, Madison Thomas Bs, Nancy Poznick Dds, Melanie E. Mayberry Dds, Ms-Hcm

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 of a connection between stimulant medications, rampant caries, and prevention, with a focus on the impact of ADHD medication on oral health. The term "meth mouth" often associated with dental decay is discussed in the context of xerostomia (dry mouth), a common side effect of stimulant medications. The article uses the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) system to formulate a research …

10-Minute Ebd: Are Neoplasms A Risk Factor For Peri-Implantitis?, Farah Safieddine Bs, Naama Sleiman Ms, Phd, Melanie E. Mayberry Dds, Ms-Hcm

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This 10-Minute EBD column explores the potential association between neoplasms and the risk of peri-implantitis in patients with dental implants. A case study involving a patient with a history of an ossifying fibroma raises questions about the impact of neoplasms on implant success. The literature search, conducted on PubMed, reveals relevant insights. The evidence suggests that ossifying fibromas, particularly with augmentation, may pose a risk for peri-implantitis. However, the direct causative relationship between neoplasms and peri-implant pathology remains unclear. Other risk factors such as periodontitis, foreign bodies, and augmentation procedures are also discussed in the context of implant complications.

Headquarters Report: Without Mda Advocacy, Michigan Dentistry Would Look Very Different, Karen Burgess Cae

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This Headquarters Report reflects on the impactful advocacy efforts of the Michigan Dental Association (MDA) over the past three years. Highlighting various scenarios, the report envisions a different landscape for dentistry in Michigan without MDA advocacy. The article emphasizes the critical role played by MDA in addressing issues related to COVID-19, regulations, funding, public protection, and dental policies. The advocacy initiatives have not only protected dental professionals but have also ensured the best interests of the public, contributing to a resilient and thriving dental community in Michigan.

The Mda Public Education Campaign: An X-Ray View, James Pond, Matt Maguy

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The MDA Public Education Campaign has achieved significant engagement, surpassing previous milestones in video views and Find-a-Dentist searches. The article delves into the campaign's success, emphasizing its educational focus and strategic use of digital platforms. It explores the campaign's structure, target audience, and the integration of the Find-a-Dentist tool. With a shift from traditional TV commercials to digital advertising, the campaign's adaptability and real-time metrics are highlighted. The piece concludes by providing insights into the campaign's funding, oversight, and the content of the 2022 initiatives.

The Teacher, Yoga, And The Third Eye, Christopher J. Smiley Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This editorial discusses a dental assistant's concern about a teacher promoting unfounded claims about fluoride and the "third eye" concept, impacting students' choices. The author explores the dubious origins of the third eye idea, referencing a yoga article, and emphasizes the importance of evidence-based approaches in dental care. Drawing from historical examples and challenges in patient beliefs, the editorial stresses the need for clinicians to blend scientific evidence, expertise, and patient preferences in a patient-centered approach. The author advocates presenting valid, reliable information in plain language to empower patients in making informed decisions and highlights the obligation to provide care …

Yes, The Mda Stands For Something, Michael G. Maihofer Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In the President's address, Dr. Maihofer responds to concerns about the MDA's relevance, outlining four key points that emphasize its commitment to ethical dentistry, continuous education, advocacy, and adapting to changing professional needs. He highlights the MDA's role in opposing dental therapy, advocating for tax repeals, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Dr. Maihofer encourages member participation, emphasizing the collective strength of the MDA community. The address expresses gratitude to various contributors, including predecessor Dr. Steve Meraw, President-elect Dr. Vince Benivegna, the Board of Trustees, MDA staff, volunteers, and his wife, Denise.

Dentistry And The Law: Purchase Price Allocation When Selling Your Practice, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This Dentistry & the Law column advises a dentist on the importance of carefully considering the purchase price allocation when selling a dental practice. While the initial letter of intent may contain such terms, the author emphasizes that they are not binding, and negotiations on the purchase agreement will determine the final allocation. The article highlights the significance of tax implications for both the seller and the buyer, urging involvement of an attorney and accountant in the process. The Internal Revenue Code's requirements for purchase price allocation and potential tension in negotiations are discussed, emphasizing the need for informed decision-making.

Staff Matters: More Tips For Hiring And Developing A Great Staff, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Addressing the challenge of hiring staff in the current job market, this Staff Matters column provides insights for dental practices. With a focus on creating an attractive work culture, the article suggests developing partnerships with educational institutions and emphasizes the importance of continuous learning opportunities. The author encourages practices to define key skills, establish clear expectations, and implement training processes for effective communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork. Emphasizing the role of ongoing coaching and mentoring, the column outlines the necessity of investing in training and development to build a skilled and cohesive dental team.

J Mich Dent Assoc June 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 June 2022 issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A cover feature on the MDA Public Education Campaign
• A 10-Minute EBD, "Are Neoplasms a Risk for Peri-Implantitis?"
• A feature on "The President’s Address to the House of Delegates"
• News you need: an Editorial, a Headquarters Report, Facts about MDA Peer Review, and regular department articles, Dentistry and the Law, Staff Matters, Advocacy, and component news …

The Significance Of Sonic Branding To Strategically Stimulate Consumer Behavior: Content Analysis Of Four Interviews From Jeanna Isham’S “Sound In Marketing” Podcast, Ina Beilina

Student Theses and Dissertations

Purpose:
Sonic branding is not just about composing jingles like McDonald’s “I’m Lovin’ It.” Sonic branding is an industry that strategically designs a cohesive auditory component of a brand’s corporate identity. This paper examines the psychological impact of music and sound on consumer behavior reviewing studies from the past 40 years and investigates the significance of stimulating auditory perception by infusing sound in consumer experience in the modern 2020s.

Design/methodology/approach:
Qualitative content analysis of audio media was used to test two hypotheses. Four archival oral interview recordings from Jeanna Isham’s podcast “Sound in Marketing” featuring the sonic branding experts …

How Has Effectuations Into Bankruptcy Reform Act Of 1978 Provide Equity And Consensus For All-Inclusion? The Bankruptcy Code In Action Among Bankruptcy & Fraud Targeting, Brian Bolden

Student Presentations

In this research paper, I quantify the extent to which risk amid bankruptcy and fraud targeting has quintupled while enacting bankruptcy code limited scope of activity of business and non-business, influence of Department of Justice United States Trustee Program, and Bankruptcy Court systemic and peak survival. Executing bankruptcy codes, acts, initiatives, and risk interventions soften the blow of disproportionately effected cases. The recent decline of bankruptcy cases from 2020 to 2022 results in a robust recovery efforts. All-inclusively, the resolve demonstrates the critical vantage point of judgeships, trustees, attorney, and bankruptcy court systems consensus dependence on the Bankruptcy Reform Act …

Dentistry And The Law: What Is Illegal About Disclosing Fee Schedules?, Dan Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This Dentistry and the Law column addresses the question of disclosing fee schedules by dental plans. The author clarifies that dental plans often withhold fee schedule information, citing potential antitrust violations or illegality. However, the column asserts that this is an excuse rather than a legal constraint. The author explains that disclosing fee schedules does not violate antitrust laws; violations occur through agreements that unreasonably restrain competition. The reluctance of dental plans to disclose fee information is attributed to business objectives, not legal concerns. Dentists are encouraged to request fee schedules to make informed decisions about network participation, with a …

10-Minute Ebd: Charcoal Toothpastes Pose Risks With Few Benefits, Kelly Lemke Dds, Ms

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The rising popularity of charcoal toothpaste, fueled by social media influencers and claims of teeth-whitening benefits, prompts an investigation into its effectiveness and potential risks. The article explores the evidence through a PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) question focused on patients seeking whiter teeth. A literature review reveals limited scientific validation for the cosmetic or health benefits of charcoal-containing oral products. The abrasiveness of charcoal toothpaste poses risks, potentially leading to enamel loss, dentin exposure, and hypersensitivity. Lack of fluoride in many charcoal toothpaste formulations raises concerns about caries risk. The article emphasizes the importance of dental providers conducting due …

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.