Digital Commons Network^™

Smile Brighter, Michigan: Inside The Mda Public Education Campaign, Rich Evans

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Dental Association's (MDA) Public Education Campaign, active for over three decades, aims to improve oral health and encourage visits to MDA-member dentists across Michigan. Funded by member dues, the campaign uses digital advertising and the smilemichigan.com website to educate the public. Key initiatives include the Find-A-Dentist tool, the "Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body" program, and various community outreach efforts. Upcoming features include the "Story Behind Every Smile" campaign, highlighting personal stories about the impact of dental health. By promoting proactive oral care, the MDA supports better overall health for Michigan residents.

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 Mda Forensic Dental Team Needs More Volunteers, Patrick Houlihan Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Michigan Dental Association Forensic Dental Identification Team (MDA-FDIT) urgently needs more volunteers. In this article, learn of their impressive record of service to the public and the profession, which has been widely recognized for the important role it plays in the identification of both individual victims and those of mass disasters. Formed in the early 1980s, MDA-FDIT plays a crucial role in identifying disaster victims using dental records. The team has been instrumental in identifying victims from incidents like the 1987 Northwest Flight 255 crash and has assisted in various mass-casualty situations, including 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. MDA-FDIT works …

Mda At Your Service: How Can I Protect My Practice From Cybercrime?, Kristin Johnson Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Cybercrime poses a significant threat to dental practices. To safeguard against attacks, the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency recommends educating employees on phishing, enforcing strong passwords, requiring multifactor authentication, and updating software regularly. Additional resources include Complete Dental IT for security assessments and MDA Insurance for cyber liability policies. Further support for dental practices includes the transferability of MDA Radiography Training vouchers, using specialized CPA firms for better financial insights, and guidance on insurance network decisions for hiring associates.

The New Professional: The Important Role Of Organized Dentistry In Early Career Success, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

As a new dentist, navigating the professional world requires more than clinical skills; involvement in organized dentistry is crucial. It fosters personal and professional growth, provides continuous learning through seminars and workshops, and offers networking and mentorship opportunities. Additionally, it serves as a collective voice advocating for the profession’s interests, influencing policies, and fostering leadership development. Membership grants access to practice resources and support services, helping new dentists navigate challenges and build successful careers. Ultimately, organized dentistry creates a supportive community, essential for early career success.

Staff Matters: Supporting Working Parents As A Recruitment And Retention Strategy, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Supporting employees who are parents is essential. Harvard data shows 73% of employees have caregiving responsibilities, highlighting the need for proactive strategies. First, communicate with employees to understand their needs for flexibility. Consider offering flexible schedules, part-time roles, and on-call staff to manage absences. Partnering with local childcare providers for sick coverage and allowing children at work occasionally can also help. Clear communication and defined parameters for flexibility are crucial. Implementing these strategies can build a supportive culture, enhancing employee retention and commitment.

J Mich Dent Assoc July 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 is the primary publication reaching Michigan dentists.

The July issue of the Michigan Dental Association (MDA) journal focuses on the member and public value of the association's Public Education Campaign through a cover story "Smile Brighter Michigan!". It also features articles on:

• How to get value from your MDA membership

• Joining the MDA Forensic Dental Team

• A new professional column, News you need, an editorial and regular department articles covering MDA …

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Mda Services: Five Tips To Recruit, Retain Good Employees, Reva Darling

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In a competitive labor market, retaining and recruiting dental staff is challenging. Key strategies include offering health insurance, pre-tax benefit options, and retirement plans, which attract long-term employees. Providing vision insurance and discounts on auto and home insurance can further enhance employee satisfaction. Updating pay scales and utilizing temporary services like Stynt can also aid in filling staff positions.

Dentistry And The Law: Unpaid Internships In Your Office: What You Should Know, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

A reprint of a previous Journal column, Mr. Schulte discusses how unpaid internships require careful legal consideration. Interns must primarily benefit educationally from their tasks to avoid being classified as employees, necessitating compensation. Office work typically performed by employees must not be assigned to interns. Patient consent is required to observe dental procedures, and interns must receive HIPAA training. Exposure to hazardous materials should be avoided, adhering to laws like Michigan’s Occupational Safety and Health Act. Proper training and task limitations ensure compliance and a beneficial internship experience.

Mitigating Workplace Burnout Through Transformational Leadership And Employee Participation In Recovery Experiences, John Pladdys

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Burnout is a complex organizational phenomenon that diminishes employee well-being and overall organizational productivity. Researchers propose that leadership style contributes to employees’ well-being, which impacts employee productivity. Organizations and leaders must address the causes of burnout and promote techniques employees can use to mitigate burnout, such as employee participation in recovery experiences. Recovery experiences are non-work activities that create positive outlooks and restore the energy needed to focus on one’s work.

This literature review examines current research in employee recovery experiences, conservation of resource theory (COR), burnout, and transformational leadership theory. Studying burnout through the lens of COR shows how …

Embracing Change With Power And Love: Shifting Organizational Paradigms Leveraging Systems Thinking, Brandi R. Muñoz

Tapestry: Journal of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in Education

This article delves into the complexities of organizational change, emphasizing the critical roles of power and love in facilitating successful transitions. It distinguishes between the generative and degenerative effects of power and love within organizational contexts and underscores the importance of balancing these elements to foster collaboration, innovation, and sustainable change. Furthermore, the principles of systems thinking are highlighted, advocating for a holistic approach to understanding and analyzing organizational systems. The interconnectedness of system components and the necessity of feedback loops for informed decision-making and strategic planning are examined. Additionally, the article discusses the detrimental impact of overconfidence bias on …

The Nexus Of Passive-Avoidant Leadership And Deviancy: Exploring Job Embeddedness, Anthony Maurice Da Silva

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, employers have experienced unprecedented changes in the workforce, including labor shortages and new legislation. As a result, many organizations, known as second-chance employers, proactively seek alternative talent sources to mitigate staffing shortages, including hiring candidates with criminal backgrounds, either voluntarily or as mandated by law. However, this approach has challenges; individuals with criminal records often lack essential support upon reentry and experience an increased risk of reoffending. Although existing literature indicates that the appropriate leadership style is crucial for behavior correction, there is a gap in the literature addressing employees who work for …

Enhancing Community Policing: Exploring Formal Learning Experiences Among Urban Police Officers, Kyle Znamenak

Adult Education Research Conference

This ground theory study investigated the formal learning experiences that enable police officers to acquire knowledge and skills related to community relations in an urban environment.

Well-Being In Gen Y Employee Retention: A Critically Appraised Topic, Janine Smith

Engaged Management ReView

Retention continues to be a top business concern. Retention is the ability to keep employees from voluntarily leaving. Without a workforce, companies cannot execute their mission, which results in a loss of revenue. Companies focused on the retention of their workforce use the total rewards package to retain employees. One component of the rewards package is well-being. Well-being comprises multiple components, some of which have been identified as reasons for the wave of recent resignations. Well-being is when employees “have the psychological, social, and physical resources they need to meet a particular psychological, social, and/or physical challenge” (Dodge et al., …

Staff Matters: How Will The New Federal Earnings Threshold Impact Our Practice?, Jodi Schafer Sphr, Shrm-Scp

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article addresses impending changes to overtime rules under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and their implications for dental practices. The Department of Labor's recent updates on the minimum earning threshold for exempt employees necessitate adjustments in employment classifications. Starting July 1, 2024, the threshold will increase to $844 per week and subsequently rise every three years. Dental practices, including salaried employees like dental hygienists and management staff, must reassess classifications to ensure compliance. For affected employees, reclassification as non-exempt may be necessary, entailing eligibility for overtime pay. However, a hybrid approach—paying non-exempt employees a weekly salary while …

Mda Foundation: $110,000 Raised At Sparkling Smiles Event; Mini-Grant Awarded, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The 2024 MDA Foundation’s Sparkling Smiles event raised a record-breaking $110,000, surpassing last year's total by $30,000. The Holland Free Dental Clinic received a $2,500 mini-grant. Keynote speaker Todd J. Duckett's address inspired generosity. The Foundation awarded $110,000 in grants this past year, including 12 scholarships totaling $31,000. The event featured a successful Wine Lotto and was supported by numerous sponsors.

Outgoing Mda President Knudsen: ‘I Strongly Believe In The Mda!’, Eric Knudsen Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

In his outgoing address, MDA President Knudsen expressed excitement about the association’s future and highlighted key achievements and challenges. He thanked his wife, staff, and interim executive director Bill Sullivan for their support, particularly after the sudden passing of Karen Burgess. Knudsen emphasized initiatives to improve rural dental care, restructure the finance department, and address insurance reimbursement issues. He praised the MDA’s advocacy efforts, including expanding Medicaid and legislative accomplishments. Knudsen concluded by welcoming new executive director John Tramontana and expressing confidence in MDA's continued success.

Building A Unified Dental Team, Michelle C. Dziurgot Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Unity is essential for dental teams to function cohesively, especially post-COVID-19. Effective unity involves clear communication, shared goals, and trust among team members. Embracing diversity and respecting all cultures are crucial. Regular team meetings and activities, both on-site and off-site, help foster unity. Utilizing resources like DiSC® training can also enhance team cohesion.

Mda Insurance: Weave A Financial Safety Net To Protect Your Income Stream, Future, And Family, Craig Start

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

It's crucial to have a financial safety net, especially for small-business owners and parents, to protect against career-ending injury or illness. Key insurance policies include life insurance, disability income insurance, and business overhead expense insurance. Life insurance ensures financial support for your family, while disability insurance provides income if you cannot work. Business overhead insurance covers business expenses during your disability. Contact MDA Insurance for a consultation on these essential protections.

A Phenomenological Study On The Perceived Impact Of Bass's Four I'S Of Transformational Leadership, Yarissa Marn

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this phenomenological study was to identify and describe World of Warcraft game leaders’ perceptions of the impact on their guilds regarding Bass’s 4 I’s of transformational leadership.

Methodology: This qualitative study interviewed 13 World of Warcraft game leaders who have led their guild members for at least one year. The main source of data collection was semi-structured open-ended interview questions with other resources to include artifacts. The researcher coded and analyzed data for themes and patterns.

Findings: Several domains of Bass’s Four I’s Transformational Leadership framework were found to have an impact on World of Warcraft …

2023 Community Bank Case Study Competition, Joseph Kelly

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

We studied a community bank in Danville, Arkansas named Chambers Bank. This was part of a 2023 Community Bank Case Study Competition, which illustrated the financial analysis, staffing, and training of the bank. We learned about technology implemented into the bank, and how the bank works with customers locally to ensure the best quality care.

2023 Community Bank Case Study Competition, Alivia Brewer

Finance Undergraduate Honors Theses

Study of Chambers Bank, located in Danville, Arkansas for the 2023 Community Bank Case Study Competition. This paper covers financial analysis, training and technology, as well as staffing.

Examining The Career Path Of Certified Public Accountants In Audit And Tax Services: Perceptions Of Accounting Graduates' Competencies, Steven Mulhollen

Dissertations

Accounting professionals claim there is a deficiency of individuals with the appropriate competencies to enter the accounting workforce (Pasewark, 2021; Richardson, 2020; Sandifer, 2018; Thomson, 2017). Also, recent trends indicate a need to increase the number of qualified accounting professionals who can pass the Certified Public Accounting Exam (CPA Exam) and enter the public accounting workforce (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants [AICPA], 2021a; Dawkins, 2023). This quantitative, causal-comparative study expands existing studies by analyzing the impact of CPA's chosen career path of audit or tax on their perception of the required and attained accounting competencies. This study contributes to …

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.

Financial Self-Efficacy Among Puerto Rican Women In The United States: An Ethnographic Action-Based Research Study, Melinda Jimenez Perez

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this ethnographic action research study was to better understand the financial self-efficacy of Puerto Rican women in the United States. There is a gap in the literature in identifying the relationship between middle-class Puerto Rican women and financial literacy. In a pilot study, four major findings emerged from the survey about Puerto Rican women and their relationship with finances: (a) as children, mothers taught them to save, and as adults, they rely on the male figures in their families; (b) the traditional education systems did not provide financial education; (c) the childhood culture of poverty and scarcity …

The Phygital Design Process: Using Emerging Technologies To Create A Phygital Fashion Brand Rooted In Nostalgia, Madeline M. Mcdaniel

Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects

This Master's Project is a comprehensive exploration of the intersection of digital fashion design, nostalgia, and sustainable practices. Its primary objective is to create 'project CYBERBAE,' a phygital fashion collection that draws inspiration from early 2000s video game characters, trends, and aesthetics. The project utilizes advanced digital tools like Clo3D to demonstrate a comprehensive digital fashion design process that emphasizes inclusivity and sustainability. It also pioneers the development of a 3D virtual world, providing users with an immersive environment to interact with and experience digital fashion. This virtual space serves as a platform for a community of fashion, technology, and …

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.

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.

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.

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.