Digital Commons Network^™

News You Need July 2025

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

News You Need for July 2025 includes a listing of MDA members who have completed service on committees; a link to recent MDA Board actions; news about two dental journalism awards won by the MDA Journal; how younger patients are negatively influenced by social media; a letter to the editor regarding dental insurance; information about MDA Foundation scholarships; members receiving awards; a calendar of events; a patient fact sheet; and more.

J Mich Dent Assoc July 2025

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each 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 5,800 members. It stands as the primary publication reaching Michigan dentists. The all-digital July issue features Dr. Michele Tulak-Gorecki’s "It’s Time to Dare Greatly at the ADA," where she outlines her vision for ADA president-elect, focusing on financial integrity, strengthened advocacy, and fostering unity amidst challenges like declining membership and issues with the association management system.

Supporting articles highlight the MDA’s endorsement of MEDVA, offering cost-effective, HIPAA-compliant virtual assistant solutions for dental practices to …

The New Professional: Reimagining Rapport: Innovative Ways Dental Teams Connect With Patients, Amrita Patel Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This article explores innovative communication strategies for dental practices to enhance patient interaction. It highlights the importance of digital onboarding for streamlined intake, two-way text messaging for efficient appointments, and personalized video messages to foster connection. Practices are adopting multilingual communication and AI tools like chatbots for 24/7 inquiry handling, integrating them with patient records for tailored responses. Interactive platforms with 3D visuals and video tutorials are used for patient education, empowering them in oral health decisions. The article also emphasizes leveraging social media for engagement, capturing real-time patient feedback, and maintaining empathy-driven human interaction despite technological advancements

Mda Foundation: $10k Grant To Utica Clinic Makes Quality Dental Care Possible, Anne Berquist

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The MDA Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant to the Trinity Community Care Clinic in Utica, enabling them to replace an aging panoramic X-ray machine. Founded in 2011 by Dr. Robert Antolak and volunteers, this faith-based 501(c)(3) non-profit provides free or reduced-cost medical and dental care to uninsured or underinsured patients whose incomes are at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. The clinic relies on grants and donations, with dentists, hygienists, and University of Detroit Mercy dental students volunteering. Trinity Community Care offers various services, including extractions, dentures, restorations, and oral hygiene, consistently seeking more volunteers to expand its …

Mda At Your Service: Does The Mda Have A Source For Free Labor Law Posters?, Rachel Sinacola Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This "Q&A" section addresses common MDA member inquiries. It confirms that MDA members receive free labor law posters and automatic updates directly from the association. The MDA also offers affiliate memberships for dentists moving out-of-state but retaining Michigan ties, preserving benefits like discounted CE. Information is provided on the Certified Dental Business Professional (CDBP) program, which offers affordable staff certification over three years. The next Mission of Mercy is scheduled for June 11-14, 2026, in Kalamazoo. Finally, the article notes the discontinuation of the MDA Fee Survey due to antitrust changes, and directs members to the ADA/MDA Code of Ethics …

Dentistry And The Law: What Ever Happened To The Ban On Covenants Not To Compete?, Daniel Schulte Jd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) rule banning most employee non-competition agreements remains held up, despite a scheduled September 2024 effective date, due to ongoing court challenges with conflicting decisions. Recent changes at the FTC, including the appointment of a new chair (Andrew Ferguson) who previously opposed the ban, suggest a potential reversal or non-enforcement by the current Trump administration. While motions have been filed to hold appeals in abeyance, the FTC's formation of a new Joint Labor Task Force complicates the outlook, indicating continued focus on antitrust issues in the labor market. A clear outcome or timeline for the ban …

Mda Services: Cut Costs, Not Care: Solving Your Staffing Challenges With Medva, Reva Darling

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The MDA has endorsed MEDVA, a virtual assistant staffing solution, to help members improve operational efficiency and reduce administrative burdens in dental practices. MEDVA provides experienced, HIPAA-compliant, non-clinical human professionals for tasks such as appointment scheduling, insurance verification, and billing. This partnership aims to address high turnover and rising overhead by offering cost-effective staffing solutions. MDA members receive special benefits, including a discounted hourly rate of $9.75, which is significantly lower than average Michigan rates for similar in-person roles. MEDVA’s service includes access to trained virtual assistants, proprietary technology, and a client success team

A Preview Of Upcoming In-Person Ce Courses, David Foe

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The MDA has announced its Fall 2025 schedule for in-person continuing education (CE) courses, available on their website, with many including breakfast and lunch at affordable prices. Upcoming courses cover diverse topics such as endodontics (Aug 15), lip and tongue ties (Sept 5), sleep medicine and TMD (Sept 12), and dental professional liability risk management (Sept 19). Other sessions will address artificial intelligence in dentistry (Oct 10), esthetic dentistry and restorative materials (Oct 24), integrating sleep apnea therapy into practice (Nov 7), and a hands-on HR handbook workshop (Dec 5). The MDA encourages members to utilize these and on-demand resources …

Moving Drives You Crazy, Michelle C. Dziurgot

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The Editor-in-Chief shares her frustrating experience moving a dental office. Key challenges included dental insurances dropping the practice from networks during recredentialing, causing denied claims for 30-60 days despite no changes to tax ID or NPI. State regulations also required new payments for radiation tubes, rather than crediting previous payments, despite a reduction in equipment. Furthermore, dental supply companies and movers did not take responsibility for broken equipment during the move. Despite these "insane and archaic" hurdles, most patients transitioned, and the article concludes with a comprehensive resource list for practice address changes

It’S Time To Dare Greatly At The Ada, Michele Tulak-Gorecki Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Dr. Michele Tulak-Gorecki, a candidate for ADA president-elect, outlines her platform, emphasizing the urgency for bold, collaborative leadership within the ADA. She addresses member concerns following the executive director's resignation, focusing on rebuilding trust and enhancing oversight. Her vision confronts declining membership, financial issues, and the flawed association management system (AMS) rollout, advocating for increased transparency and financial literacy. Tulak-Gorecki stresses the ADA's vital role in advocacy and unity across the tripartite model to protect the profession's standing. She calls for collective action to create a transparent, inclusive, innovative, and unified ADA

Buy-Now-Pay-Later And Alternative-Financial-Service Use Among Low-Wage Workers, Somalis Chy, Haotian Zheng, Stephen Roll, Mathieu Despard

Center for Social Development Research

Buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) services offer consumers the option of short-term interest-free loans for retail purchases, but the rapid growth of such services has raised concerns about indebtedness and impacts on household financial security. This brief draws upon data from the nationally representative Workforce Economic Inclusion and Mobility survey to examine the use of BNPL offerings, the demographics of users, the use of alternative credit products, and differences in BNPL product use by employment status.

Group Therapy Proposal: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (Cbt) Group For Anxiety And Depression Management, Maddy Buss

Distinguished Student Scholarship Collection

This group therapy proposal outlines an eight-week Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) program designed for adults experiencing anxiety and depression. The group aims to provide a structured, evidence-based environment where participants develop coping skills, enhance emotional regulation, and improve interpersonal effectiveness through CBT interventions. Sessions focus on cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and mindfulness, with progress monitored via validated assessment tools and participant feedback. The plan emphasizes peer support, skill-building, and resilience within a safe group setting. [Abstract generated by AI.]

Group Therapy Plan Proposal, Enleigh Dobyns-Schuetter

Distinguished Student Scholarship Collection

This group therapy plan proposes a 16-week, closed-group program for female survivors of sexual assault, integrating psychodynamic therapy and brief eclectic psychotherapy. The plan aims to foster healing, empowerment, and resilience through structured sessions focused on emotional support, trauma processing, self-awareness, and coping strategies. Theoretical frameworks guide the group’s objectives, structure, and evaluation methods, with progress monitored via intake assessments and ongoing feedback. The program emphasizes safety, trust, and the development of adaptive skills in a supportive environment. [Abstract generated by AI.]

Journal 2, Russell Anderson

Distinguished Student Scholarship Collection

This journal documents an exercise science field experience in a multidisciplinary sports management workplace, highlighting observations across chiropractic medicine, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. The author reflects on professional behaviors, therapeutic interventions, and the impact of healthcare policies—particularly insurance constraints—on patient care. The journal also outlines personal goals for improving medical terminology and interdisciplinary communication, emphasizing the importance of precise language for clinical proficiency and professional development. [Abstract generated by AI.]

Using Fables To Enhance Social Emotional Learning, Eric Albers

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

The research question guiding this project is: How can we use fables to strengthen SEL connections with our students and families while enhancing the relationship between character development and life skills? The project addresses growing concerns about student anxiety, depression, and social disconnection while recognizing schools' expanding role in mental health. This work builds upon literature on home-school partnerships, bibliotherapy, and culturally responsive pedagogy, including research on fable comprehension, CASEL's SEL framework, and "funds of knowledge" that honor diverse cultural perspectives.The methodology involved developing a curriculum unit that integrates fables into the existing CharacterStrong SEL program through a Universal Design …

Supporting Dual-Identified Learners, Emilie Scott

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Research shows the importance of collaborative teaching, advocacy, and differentiated approaches to support students with disabilities as well as English learners. This project is a professional development series that has three sessions, each covering a different topic relating to dual identified students. Session one will focus on collaboration and how ELD teachers can organize communication with different adults in the building. Knowing that ELD teachers have to communicate and collaborate with general education teachers, special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators, this session will help give guidance into why it is important to be clear and included in communication. Session two …

What Approaches Can A Preschool Teacher Use To Support Their Students’ Emotional Regulation Skills?, Lydia Caldwell

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Emotional regulation is a foundational skill in early childhood, closely linked to social skill development, mental well-being, and long-term academic success. Throughout this paper, researcher Lydia Caldwell explores the following question: what approaches can a preschool teacher use to support their students’ emotional regulation skills? Drawing from both literature and personal classroom experiences, this project was created with the author’s profession in mind. As a special educator who works with preschool students, Caldwell sees firsthand the amount of children struggling with emotional regulation, also referred to as self-regulation. The project will result in a series of flyers which serve as …

Promoting Environmental Literacy And Stewardship Through Interdisciplinary Teaching, Eric Wadnal

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Some of the most pressing issues the current generation is experiencing are related to the environment. Teachers, regardless of discipline, must be prepared to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to solve these issues. Environmental education (EE) is critical for promoting environmental literacy and stewardship. Therefore, this paper explores the research question: How can environmental education be applied to interdisciplinary learning that emphasizes community and builds meaningful connections to the local environment? The impact of connecting students to local environments and communities demonstrates the need for EE approaches that are contextually relevant, participatory, and interdisciplinary. To support …

Solid Waste Education For Fourth Grade Students In Washington County, Minnesota, Jessica Hall

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

The topic of environmental education has grown in recent years, but this study discovered that there is a lack of education focused on solid waste. Four key themes were explored in the current literature: climate anxiety, place-based education, social-emotional learning, and behavior change. This paper is not a research study, but rather a summary of previous research with a discussion of the current situation supporting the need for, and process of, this project’s development. The guiding questions for developing this project are: How can 4th-grade students and teachers in Washington County, Minnesota, perceive the impact of solid waste education lessons …

Adult English As A Second Or Other Language Peer Oral Interaction In Online Breakout Rooms, Kathleen Moriarty

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Peer interaction is essential for adult English as a Second or Other Language (ESOL) students' oral skills development. However, it is more challenging to offer peer interaction in online synchronous classes. To support new teachers who begin online teaching, the author reviewed research on peer learning and online classroom interactional competencies. Based on a foundation of second language acquisition theories and communicative teaching practices, oral skills are developed more with specific types of activities in online breakout rooms: task-based, cooperative, and collaborative activities. These activities are inherently social and motivate learners to engage in negotiation for meaning and a focus …

Fostering Resilience Through Near Peer Mentorship In Elementary School, Bway Paw

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Near-peer mentoring involves pairing students with peers who are close in age but slightly more advanced in experience ensures the students' needs are met in ways that feel supportive and accessible. This capstone project explores how peer mentoring fosters social-emotional resilience in elementary students. The project is designed for a ten-week curriculum using the Minnesota SEL standard, which uses CASEL’s five competencies to be integrated into the classroom. Frameworks that carry this project include Bandura's social learning theory and self-efficacy, Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), Identity-Based Motivation (IBM), along with Masten’s ordinary magic. Research on resilience highlights that resilience …

Immersing Historical And Contemporary Indigenous Literature Into Middle School Reading And Writing Workshops, Connor Lynch

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

This paper examines literacy and Indigenous literature through the guiding question ; What are the merits of infusing and integrating Indigenous literature in middle school reading and writing workshops in order to address state standards in representing perspectives and identities of historical and contemporary Dakota and Anishinaabe people? Through review of research literature and curriculum development methodology, this capstone concludes that Indigenous literature integration has positive impacts on student critical thinking development, cultural competence, analytical skills, and educational justice while successfully meeting legislative compliance requirements. By re-emphasizing Dakota and Anishinaabe perspectives in curriculum, students engaging with authentic Indigenous literature can …

Developing Growth Mindsets In The Math Classroom, James Logan

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

This capstone seeks to answer the question, How can students develop growth mindsets while learning math? The research was inspired by the belief that learning mathematics could help students develop a growth mindset, which could have a positive impact on both their academic achievement and their overall well-being outside of school. A literature review was conducted focusing on the value of a growth mindset, specific strategies for its development, and the effects of a growth mindset on underrepresented populations. The research confirmed the importance of growth mindsets, identifying both academic and social-emotional benefits. Additionally, multiple strategies for developing growth mindsets …

The Influence Of Supported Mainstream Classes On High School Special Education Students' Social And Emotional Learning, Clare Murr

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

This study investigated how participation in supported mainstream classes influences social and emotional learning outcomes of high school special education students. The project was a result of the research done to answer the question: When high school special education students participate in supported mainstream classes, how are their social and emotional learning outcomes influenced? A comprehensive literature review revealed that integration of special education students into the mainstream classroom benefits their social and emotional development; however, unsupported inclusion often results in isolation and peer rejection. Effective co-teaching partnerships, that use the combined expertise of general and special education teachers, can …

The Integration Of Movement And Technology In Elementary Schools: Enhancing Student Learning, Emily Hillis

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of technology has increased within elementary classrooms. Research shows that there are many advantages and disadvantages to students having these technology tools during the school day. Movement-based learning has since taken a decline in elementary classrooms since the pandemic. Research suggests that movement is impactful to students retention, engagement, and mood. This encouraged the idea of How can educators combine technology and movement activities to enhance learning outcomes for elementary students? The literature review explores the different sides of technology and movement-based learning. It examines the advantages and disadvantages, challenges, and the impact that …

Incorporating Cooperative Learning And Active Listening Skills In Secondary-Level Science Classrooms, Kaveri Kamatgi

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Middle school students are in a key stage of developing their social and emotional skills. Research emphasizes the importance of focusing on effective instructional strategies to support and enhance that development. In science classrooms, this means providing opportunities for cooperative learning and active listening skills, enabling students to interact and consider diverse perspectives while working in lab investigations, problem-based activities, or research projects. According to the NGSS framework for K-12 science education, students are expected to engage in scientific practices that foster scientific thinking skills. To support the development of these skills, this capstone project explored the question: How can …

What Are The Most Effective Social-Emotional Behavioral Management Strategies For Creating A Culturally Affirming Classroom Environment?, Bill Cook

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Classroom management often emphasizes teacher control and a top-down approach. But what if we built a classroom culture with students, one rooted in relationships, identity, culture, and the social-emotional skills they need to succeed? This Capstone explores how integrating SEL into academic and classroom settings can shape classroom culture and transform our approach to management. It answers the question, What are the most effective social-emotional behavioral management strategies for creating a culturally affirming classroom environment? How can creating a binder of social-emotional strategies help teachers create a culturally affirming classroom? This project highlights the five core SEL competencies—self-awareness, self-management, social …

From Classrooms To Jail Cells: Reimagining Accountability In Public Education, Lennin Cruz Rojas

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

Exclusionary discipline practices in the United States continue to funnel vulnerable students into the criminal justice system, reinforcing the school-to-prison pipeline. This capstone explores the methods and punishments students receive by asking: How do zero tolerance policies and exclusionary discipline practices in schools contribute to and play a role in the school-to-prison pipeline, particularly students of color? Through a mix methodology combining literature research, participant interviews, and narrative podcasting, the work examines how restorative frameworks can foster accountability, empathy, and community healing. The podcast weaves personal stories with data to shed light on the cost of zero tolerance discipline. The …

Centering Adult Basic Education Students As Learners And Creators With Class Websites, Kristy Cannon

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

An adult basic education (ABE) class website can integrate educational theories and technology to center students as learners and creators. This research explored educational theories that include andragogy, other adult-specific learning theories, heutagogy, constructivism, culturally relevant theories, and traditional teacher-centered learning models and methods. This project integrated those learning theories with the online modality of a tool-rich class website to promote digital literacy and center students as learners and creators actively participating in their own learning. The project is a Google Sites class website that can be used as a model or template for ABE teachers to copy, modify, and …

Combating Burnout: Science Curriculum That Decreases Teacher Workload, Christopher Yauch

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects

This project produced five days of lesson plans, a document to help assess lessons, and a reminder list which all promote the successful adoption of inquiry-based learning (IBL) into a classroom. The adoption of IBL ideally functions to allow teachers to decrease the overall “workload” or amount of prep time needed to teach traditionally content-heavy courses by way of empowering students to become the center of the learning process. Current research indicates there are noted barriers to widespread IBL adoption, such as lack of administrative support, lack of appropriate teacher training, and commonplace reliance on traditional learning styles. When implemented …